Senate Resolution No. 2211

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING the Village of Florida Little League
upon the occasion of its 40th season celebrated
Opening Day on April 22, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
enduring organizations which faithfully devote their resources and
purposeful energies to fostering opportunities and contributing to the
quality of life for the youth of the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Village of Florida Little League upon the occasion of its
40th season celebrated Opening Day on April 22, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Four decades ago, the land for the baseball fields on Round
Hill Road was donated to the Village of Florida Little League by former
Lions Club member, Louis H. Sherwin; and

WHEREAS, Since then, thousands of children have participated in our
great nation's favorite pastime; a wholesome sports activity, baseball
involves children, teenagers, coaches, parents, sponsors and other
interested men and women, helping to build character in young
competitors through the lifelong lessons of sportsmanship and
competition learned on the ball field; and

WHEREAS, During the ceremony, the Village of Florida Little League
President, Jay Phillips praised the Florida Lions Club and the members
of the community who have been instrumental in making the little league
program a success; and

WHEREAS, Jay Phillips also thanked Andrea Cushing, a beloved member
of the Florida community who passed away last year; to acknowledge her
steadfast and unremitting commitment to the Village of Florida Little
League, a shade tree was planted to honor her memory and dedication; and

WHEREAS, After the tree dedication, American Legion Post 1250 raised
the American flag, and local resident, Isabella Florentino, proudly sang
"The Star Spangled Banner"; and

WHEREAS, Representative, Paul Ruszkiewicz; Town of Warwick
Supervisor, Michael Sweeton; Mayor, Jim Pawliczek; and board members,
Thomas Fuller, Craig Olejniczak, Brian Slattery and John Barzcak were
all present to participate in the festive opening ceremony; and

WHEREAS, After Vince Poloniak and Mickey Shuback threw out the first
pitches of the season, cries of "play ball" came from the crowd and the
Florida Little League season officially began; and

WHEREAS, A traditional American institution, Little League provides
a structure for the athletic competition which enhances the moral and
physical development of the young people of this State, preparing them
for the future by establishing the value of teamwork, encouraging a

standard of healthy living, instilling an ambition for success, and
developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention
to organizations such as the Village of Florida Little League which
serve to bring people together for a united purpose and serve the
recreational needs of the youth of the community; and

WHEREAS, This milestone anniversary presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay just tribute to the Village of
Florida Little League; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Village of Florida Little League upon the occasion of its
40th season celebrated Opening Day on April 22, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jay Phillips, President, Village of Florida Little
League.