Senate Resolution No. 982

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING the Capital Area Rods upon the occasion
of celebrating its 40th Anniversary on August 4,
2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
of life of the citizens of New York State is greatly enriched by its
exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Capital Area Rods upon the occasion of celebrating its 40th
Anniversary on Friday, August 4, 2017; and

WHEREAS, In 1977, the Capital Area Rods was established by 10
founding members, four of whom are still active, who wanted a close-knit
club consisting of 25 or less members to help promote street rodding,
assist members in building and maintain their street rods, and promote
rodding as a family activity; and

WHEREAS, The four remaining founding members, Dave Moyer, Ron
Hofaker, Jack Farry and Bob "Ozzie" Long, have all contributed to the
club in their own unique way, and continue to serve as leaders and
mentors to their fellow street rod enthusiasts; and

WHEREAS, To become a member, candidates must attend a high
percentage of meetings over their initial three months, and then be
voted into the club; after a year of solid participation, members
receive, at club cost, official jackets and other items to wear at club
events; and

WHEREAS, To be classified as a member-in-good-standing, each
individual must maintain at least one registered, inspected street rod;
many Capital Area Rods members have more than one car; and

WHEREAS, In the early days, the Capital Area Rods met at Dave
Moyer's rod shop; today, members meet twice a month; during "cruisin'
season" they rotate among members' homes, and in the cold weather they
gather at Jonathan's in Duanesburg, New York, for a pizza and rod talk;
and

WHEREAS, Originally, the rodders wore T-shirts and denim jackets,
largely to keep costs down; after a tuxedo shop had a huge sale, the
members purchased frilly shirts and tuxedos and had the club name
embroidered on the tails; and

WHEREAS, The Capital Area Rods have always been very family
oriented; the club has organized numerous events including roller
skating parties, sleigh rides, and curling, bowling and ice fishing
outings; the club also sponsored two-to-three day camp-overs at Frosty
Acres in Duanesburg where rodders and their families came from all over
the State of New York and the entire New England area to talk about cars
and spend time together; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to its community, the Capital Area Rods have
generously donated funds to various charity organizations and granted a
scholarship to a student headed into the auto trade; and

WHEREAS, Always eager to promote their love for cars, the Capital
Area Rods has been the official sponsor of the Lebanon Valley Dragway
"nostalgia drags," show and swap meet which meets in both the spring and
fall; many people enter their rods, restos and racers into competition
in hopes of winning show awards, and watch elimination competition among
vintage street and strip cars on the dragway; and

WHEREAS, The Capital Area Rods' old-school drag and show events
draws 300 or more show cars and dozens of vintage, some famous, street
and strip drag cars going back to the 1950s, including vintage race
associations; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Capital Area Rods, past and present, who have labored
so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for the
community it serves; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Capital Area Rods upon the occasion of celebrating its 40th
Anniversary on August 4, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rick Howland, President, Capital Area Rods.