Senate Resolution No. 2788

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMENDING Henry M. Foster upon the occasion of
his retirement after 17 years of distinguished
service to the Flushing Meadows Soap Box Derby

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Henry M. Foster upon the occasion of his retirement after 17
years of distinguished service to the Flushing Meadows Soap Box Derby;
he will officially retire on Saturday, June 24, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Henry M. Foster, son of Henry and Frances Foster, was born
on March 19, 1949, in Spartanburg, South Carolina; currently, he and his
family reside in Queens, New York; and

WHEREAS, Henry M. Foster founded the Flushing Meadows Soap Box Derby
in 2000, and since then has helped countless children build original
soapboxes; for 17 years, he gave these boys and girls a valuable
hands-on experience in real-world science and technology; and

WHEREAS, Every year, the children show up on Derby Day and proudly
race their self-made soapboxes, with the anticipation of who will take
home first prize; and

WHEREAS, Henry M. Foster created this organization to educate the
youth on constructing soapboxes to teach the local children how to
figure out the aerodynamics of a car and learn how weight and gravity
can affect its speed; these problem-solving tasks can introduce kids to
the principles of elementary physics; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Henry M. Foster has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Henry M. Foster has truly given of his time and energy to
build self-esteem in the youth; in the past, he volunteered with
numerous organizations including the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 198th
Street Block Association and the Roy Wilkins Basketball Team; in
addition, he is a Deacon at the Antioch Baptist Church in Corona, New
York; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Henry M. Foster was instrumental in stopping
the closing of PA1, which provided a safe haven for the community's
youth; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Claudette, and
their six children, all of whom have shown him love and support and
rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Henry M. Foster upon the occasion of his retirement after 17
years of distinguished service to the Flushing Meadows Soap Box Derby;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Henry M. Foster.