LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Richie Labanowski upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2013 Citizen of the Year Award by
the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Richie Labanowski has given not only of his time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Richie Laba-
nowski upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2013
Citizen of the Year Award by the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce at
their annual social on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at the Polish Legion
Hall, Pine Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, Richie Labanowski served his country as a member of the
United States Marine Corps and worked at West Point Military Academy for
32 years; he is a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post
16 in Pine Island, where he serves as post chaplain and on the board of
directors; and
WHEREAS, A renowned polka dancer, Richie Labanowski was the 1960 cham-
pion at the Harvest Moon Ball, the most famous dance contest in the
world at the time; he appeared on the Ed Sullivan show and, as a dance
champion, rubbed shoulders with such stars as Mickey Rooney, Danny
Thomas, the McGuire Sisters and Patsy Cline; his dancing entertained
many dignitaries, including General Omar Bradley and Senator Edmund
Muskie; and
WHEREAS, Distinctly proud of his Polish heritage, this remarkable man
has contributed his time and energies to numerous events held at the
Hudson Valley Polonaise Society, including giving weekly lessons in the
Polish dancing that made him famous; and
WHEREAS, Richie Labanowski has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; he received the prestigious Ad Altare Dei
Award for his many years of service to the local Boy Scouts of America,
and has also volunteered in the Pine Island Ambulance Corps for 13
years; and
WHEREAS, A man of faith, Richie Labanowski has been an active member
of St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church in Pine Island, serving in their
honor guard for many years; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Richie Labanowski has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Richie Labanowski has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richie Labanowski upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the 2013 Citizen of the Year Award by the Pine Island Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richie Labanowski.