Assembly Resolution No. 509

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

COMMEMORATING the 25th Anniversary of the Endicott
Performing Arts Center on September 23, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose
commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and
entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and
cultural enrichment of their communities and the great 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 25th Anniversary of the Endicott Performing Arts Center,
to be celebrated with a Silver Jubilee featuring performers from the
past 25 years, as well as a post-show reception on Saturday, September
23, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The Endicott Performing Arts Center (EPAC) is a non-profit
organization which provides an affordable and high quality venue to
local, regional and touring performing artists, enabling them to
present, develop, and improve their artistic efforts; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, remaining true to its mission, the Endicott
Performing Arts Center provides a means for thousands of community
members to gain education about all aspects of the performing arts,
while presenting a diverse array of performing arts events to its
community; and

WHEREAS, In 1998, the Endicott Performing Arts Center was bought by
three Endicott natives, Bob Corwin, Patty Daglio, and Steve Daglio;
during this time, Pat Foti and Lou Ligouri headed the restoration
project, and later in 2010, the name was changed to the "Robert Eckert
Theatre" in honor of another Endicott native who was active in community
theater; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 25 years, EPAC has renovated and operated out
of the 106-year-old "Lyric Theater" on Washington Avenue in Endicott,
New York; and

WHEREAS, During the COVID Pandemic, which caused EPAC to shut its
doors for the first time in over 20 years, the Endicott Performing Arts
Center was able to reinvent itself by creating a new online platform,
EPAC DIGITAL, which enables EPAC to continue its mission while expanding
its audience; this new video streaming system allows audiences from
around the world to experience EPAC productions from the comfort of
their own homes; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the direction of its President, Andrea
Gregori, this extraordinary cultural institution serves as the premier
entertainment center in Broome County, and a true beacon for the arts
which are so vital to the community and the lives of its residents and
visitors; and

WHEREAS, A vibrant arts community encourages collaboration, instills
local pride, draws people together, and is essential to a community's
vitality; since its inception, EPAC has greatly contributed to the
richness of New York's cultural palette and remains steadfastly
dedicated to ensuring this gem remains in all its glory for decades to
come; and

WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization; they are
central to human expression; they enlighten us and inspire the
imagination; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations
which further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and
appreciation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, As the historic Endicott Performing Arts Center looks back
with great pride to its beginnings, viewing, with just satisfaction, its
successful evolution, it renews both its dedication to supporting
artistic excellence, and its commitment to the community it has served
since 1998, expressing its appreciation to all those who have helped to
sustain and enhance it over the years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Endicott Performing Arts Center
on September 23, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Andrea Gregori, President of the Endicott Performing Arts
Center.