Senate Resolution No. 2422

BY: Senator OBERACKER

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary
Club of Monticello, New York

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 Rotary Club of Monticello, 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 Chicago; he conceived of 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 46,000 clubs across
the 220 countries; each club is made up of professionals and business
leaders who are dedicated to humanitarian service, encourage high
ethical standards in all vocations, and to help build peace and goodwill
throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, The Monticello Rotary Club was granted its official charter
on October 3, 1924, joining Region 5, District 7210, with a mission to
provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world
understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship of business,
professional, and community leaders; and

WHEREAS, Together, Rotary sees a world where people unite and take
action to create lasting change - across the globe, in communities, and
in themselves; and

WHEREAS, The Monticello Rotary Club is made up of business,
professional, and civic-minded men and women who want to have a positive
influence, meet new people, network with others, and have fun; its
members generously give, but in return receive camaraderie, business,
and social networking, as well as leadership and personal growth
opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, its members believe they have a shared
responsibility to take action on the world's most persistent issues with
Rotary Clubs working together to: promote peace; fight disease; provide
clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; save mothers and children; support
education; grow local economies; and protect the environment; and

WHEREAS, Monticello Rotary has raised and distributed over 2.5
million dollars to projects in their community and abroad over the past
100 years, supporting organizations such as but not limited to, Sullivan
County Federation for the Homeless, United Way of Sullivan County,

Sullivan County Veteran's Coalition, Garnett Catskills, Wapnick
Pavillion at DeHoyos Park, Boys & Girls Club, Nesin Cultural Arts, DARE,
and the Crawford Library; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Monticello Rotary sponsors and oversees two
Interact Clubs, one at Monticello High School and the other Fallsburg
High School; and

WHEREAS, In keeping with its motto of service above self, the
Monticello Rotary Club has steadfastly supported a diverse array of
programs and continues to provide community opportunities as well as
assistance through many events, including its Annual Monster Run, Food
Drive, Taste of Sullivan, Golf Tournament and Scholarships, Bar-B-Que,
Comfort Closet, Coat Drive, Alzheimer's Walk, Ride 2 Survive, and Blood
Drives; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Monticello Rotary Club is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its 2023-24 Officers: President, William
Tochterman; President-Elect, Lori Orestano-James; Treasurer, Randolf
Katz; Special Accounts Treasurer, Les Kristt; Secretary, Orshii Boldiis;
and Immediate Past President, Brad Rutledge, as well as its Board of
Directors and 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, 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 Rotary Club of Monticello, New
York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Rotary Club of Monticello, New York.