Assembly Resolution No. 308
BY: M. of A. Kolb
COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Geneva
Rotary Club on April 27, 2019
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Geneva Rotary Club to be
celebrated at a Gala on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Club 86 in Geneva,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The world's first service club, Rotary International was
founded on February 23, 1905, when Paul Harris, a native of Vermont,
found himself a stranger in the city of Chicago; he conceived the idea
of inviting three men of different vocations to join him weekly for
fellowship and to discuss each other's problems and business; and
WHEREAS, Today, Rotary International has grown into an organization
including over 1.2 million members in approximately 29,000 clubs across
163 countries; each club is made up of business and professional leaders
who are dedicated to humanitarian service, encourage high ethical
standards in all vocations, and help to build peace and goodwill
throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Just 14 years after Rotary International was founded, the
Geneva Rotary Club, sponsored by the Elmira Rotary Club, was formed on
May 12, 1919, with 25 charter members meeting at the Hotel Seneca;
altogether, 92 Rotarians from Elmira, Auburn and Canandaigua watched the
installation of the first officers which included Edward Dean,
President; John Farwell, Vice President; and William Gracey, Secretary;
and
WHEREAS, The Geneva Rotary Club has been instrumental in the
evolution of the City and through the years, has supported numerous
worthy organizations and humanitarian programs including Salvation Army
Red Kettles, Geneva General Hospital, Student Loan Fund, Learn to Swim
Campaign, Boy Scout Camp Babcock-Hovey, Boy Scout Troop 9, rheumatic
fever clinics, orthopedic children's clinics, Geneva Public Library,
minority youth support, Junior Rotarian program, Handicapped Children's
Olympics, Community Chest/United Way, DARE, Annual Red Cross Blood
Drive, Adopt-A-Highway Program, Rotaract Club, Happiness House and the
School Backpack program; and
WHEREAS, The Club has also raised funds for various organizations
through projects such as the Rotary Review, public lectures,
travelogues, pancake suppers, Radio Days, Lobster Raffle, Annual
Community Dinner, Annual Rotary Golf Day/Steak Roast, poinsettia sales,
Santa Train Express, Fall Festival Express, and a Radio Auction as well
as a Service Above Self Dinner; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Geneva Rotary Club is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated members, whose involvement
is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, For 100 years, the Geneva Rotary Club has truly strived to
always put service above self; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Geneva Rotary Club; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Geneva Rotary Club.