Senate Resolution No. 2711

BY: Senator WEBB

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of The
Discovery Center of the Southern Tier

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of The Discovery Center of the Southern
Tier; and

WHEREAS, Creating the first hands-on children's museum in the
Southern Tier, the Imagination Builders and the Junior League of
Binghamton worked to fill a need in the community; The Discovery Center
of the Southern Tier was chartered by the New York State Education
Department in 1984 and officially opened its doors; and

WHEREAS, Finding great success in the area, The Discovery Center of
the Southern Tier saw 10,000 guests by the end of the first year visit
the museum; growing out of its space, the museum relocated to Ross Park
in Binghamton, New York from an urban school in 1987; and

WHEREAS, Designed to capture the imagination of children, The
Discovery Center of the Southern Tier aims to create playful narratives
with caregivers and build safe spaces for children to play; the museum
plans events, celebrations, field trips, and performances to provide
in-depth opportunities for children to be inspired, enriched, educated,
and to explore their world; and

WHEREAS, Expanding in 2008, The Discovery Center of the Southern
Tier created Story Garden, an award-winning outdoor exhibit space; it
was designed by hundreds of volunteers alongside landscape architects
and features 15 storybook-themed exhibit spaces that are individual
works of art, over 20 sculptures crafted by local and regional artists,
an amphitheater for educational programming and theatrical productions,
and hand-painted cultivated gardens to beautify the space; and

WHEREAS, The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier has many hands-on
exhibits that are tastefully drawn and hand-painted with references to
local objects and educational topics; collections focus on ethnic
materials, childhood memorabilia, and natural specimens; and

WHEREAS, Serving the community and known as the premier location
"where children play," The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier serves
as home to preschool, afterschool, and summer camp programming; the
arts-integrated curriculum focuses on social and emotional health and
allows for the full development of children to build their unique
talents and interests, which often cannot be found in a standard
classroom setting; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 40-year history, The Discovery
Center of the Southern Tier has demonstrated continuous service to the
residents and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier is
in direct correlation to the efforts of its Executive Director, Dr.
Brenda Myers, and its dedicated staff, whose involvement are, and always
have 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 40th Anniversary of The Discovery Center of the Southern
Tier; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier.