LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Rotary
Club of New Paltz on March 13, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to organizations of high purpose and worthy accomplishment whose
endeavors have a significant impact on the lives of others and the
communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of New Paltz, to be cele-
brated on Friday, March 13, 2015, at Novella's, New Paltz, 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 the city of Chicago; he conceived 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 more than 1.2 million members in 29,000 clubs across 163 coun-
tries; each club is made up of business and professional leaders who are
dedicated to humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in
all vocations, and help to build peace and goodwill throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, On March 19, 1965, the Rotary Club of Highland and New Paltz
was established and held its first meeting at College Lanes in Highland,
New York; the organization split in 1985, as the needs of the area grew;
and
WHEREAS, The Rotary Club of New Paltz is a true asset to the communi-
ty; this vital organization sponsors several scholarships for high
school students and donates its funds, time and energy to local families
in need; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Rotary Club of New Paltz was instrumental in
the establishment of Rotary Park in 2005, as well as the Backpack
Project, filling the backpacks of Middle School students with nutri-
tional foods; and
WHEREAS, The Rotary Club of New Paltz remains dedicated to the devel-
opment of fellowship and understanding among business and professional
leaders, the promotion of community-betterment endeavors and of high
standards in business and professional practices, and the advancement of
international understanding, goodwill and peace; and
WHEREAS, After five decades of service, the Rotary Club of New Paltz
remains true to the principles of Rotary, to the worthy causes it
supports, and to service to its community and its citizens; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Rotary Club of New Paltz, past and present, who have
labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for
the community it serves by perpetuating its motto of Service Above Self;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of New Paltz on
March 13, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Rotary Club of New Paltz, New York.