Assembly Resolution No. 885
BY: M. of A. Buttenschon
COMMENDING the Utica Lions Club upon the occasion
of celebrating its 100th Anniversary on February 8,
2024
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those fraternal 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
commend the Utica Lions Club upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th
Anniversary on February 8, 2024, to be celebrated on Saturday, April 20,
2024, at the Burrstone Inn Grand Ballroom, New Hartford, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Utica Lions Club was chartered on February 8, 1924, and
adheres to the Lions mission to empower volunteers to serve their
communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote
international understanding; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to helping others, the Utica Lions Club supports
the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI),
Freedom Guide Dogs, American Diabetes Association, Resource Center for
Independent Living (RCIL), Lions Hearing Conservation Program, and the
American Red Cross; and
WHEREAS, Encouraging community involvement, the Utica Lions Club
hosts fundraising efforts such as the White Canes Donation Annual
Holiday Raffle, Journey for Sight Walk, Bottle and Can Drive, Special
Interest Dinner, and the Utica Lions Bowl-A-Thon; the Club also
organizes the Christmas Party, Community events for the blind and
visually impaired, providing eye exams and glasses/hearing aids for
those in need, Collection of Eye Glasses and Hearing Aids, and even
yearly scholarship awards to T.R. Proctor High School and Notre Dame
High School top students; and
WHEREAS, The current officers and members of the Utica Lions Club
include: President and Secretary, Antonetta Panuccio; Vice President,
Dr. Peter Yarosz; Treasurer, Dr. Allen Zuck; Membership, Raymond
Collins, Amy Lindsey, William Doble, Carl Gage, Howard Heffron, Frank
Marfone, and Timothy and Jane O'Connor; and
WHEREAS, The Utica Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International,
one of the largest service organizations in the world, and is deeply
committed to meeting the challenges of public service; currently, there
are approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographic
areas around the world; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones, Lions are also recognized
worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired; this
service began when Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become her
"knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the Lions'
1925 International Convention; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Utica Lions Club is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its 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, It is the sense 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
commend the Utica Lions Club upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th
Anniversary, and to honor its members, past and present, who have
labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life in
the community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Utica Lions Club.