Senate Resolution No. 1117
BY: Senator GRIFFO
COMMEMORATING the 110th Anniversary of the Rotary
Club of Utica, New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
celebrate significant milestones of organizations that contribute to the
well-being of their communities and make a lasting impact on society;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 110th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Utica, New York,
a momentous occasion for this exemplary organization; and
WHEREAS, The Rotary Club of Utica's mission is to provide business,
professional and community-minded individuals an opportunity to make a
positive impact in the lives of people of all ages by serving the local
community and by promoting high ethical standards, fellowship, and
goodwill worldwide; and
WHEREAS, On March 12, 1915, 104 men met at The Hotel Utica and
signed the original charter of the Rotary Club of Utica; the hotel would
serve the club as its home for the next 57 years; and
WHEREAS, At the first meeting of the Rotary Club of Utica, Seymour
Hart was selected as the "Temporary Chairman", later titled "President",
a position that he held for three years; and
WHEREAS, Under President Seymour Hart, the Rotary Club of Utica
funded a much-needed dental clinic, which was soon adopted by the City
of Utica; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Rotary Club of Utica purchased approximately
$330,000 worth of Liberty Bonds War Savings Stamps during the first
World War; and
WHEREAS, In 1919, the Rotary Club of Utica was instrumental in
founding the Utica Kiwanis, Zonta Club, Exchange Club, and the Rotary
Club of Rome which was the first of 13 local Rotary Clubs sponsored by
Utica; in that same year $12,500 was given for the Orthopedic Clinic of
Utica, the forerunner of the present Children's Hospital; and
WHEREAS, The Rotary Club of Utica has made invaluable contributions
to local communities through service projects, fundraising events, and
countless volunteer hours, benefiting all members of the community,
particularly those in need; and
WHEREAS, Past projects include building a pavilion at the Utica Zoo,
collecting and shipping fire gear to fire fighters in Chile, helping
with hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico, creating 'New York Tough'
branded Rotary merchandise to support the Mohawk Valley COVID-19 relief
fund, and planting trees throughout Utica's cityscape; and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of youth exchange students have been sponsored
through the Rotary International Youth Exchange program that the Rotary
Club of Utica offers; this wonderful opportunity connects bridges and
fosters partnerships from Central New York to the rest of the world; and
WHEREAS, Through community outreach, the members of the Rotary Club
of Utica have volunteered countless hours for the Hope House, various
veterans organizations, and Habitat for Humanity; they have also served
Utica City School District as community readers and sponsored Dolly
Parton's Imagination library which mails free, high-quality books to
children from birth to age five; and
WHEREAS, With a membership of 83 and meeting twice a month at the
Mid-York Library in Utica, the Rotary Club of Utica continues to plan
service projects, social events, fundraisers, award ceremonies, and a
slew of events that promote, support, and celebrate the community; and
WHEREAS, For over a century, the Rotary Club of Utica has remained a
steadfast pillar of service, leadership, and fellowship in Central New
York and continues to embody the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self";
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 110th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Utica, New York,
and to commend its members for their remarkable service to the community
and the greater good; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Rotary Club of Utica.
