Assembly Resolution No. 439

BY: M. of A. Butler

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the East
Caroga Lake Environmental Association

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the
continuing welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly
enriched and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of
organizations which are committed to the preservation of our natural
environment and the enhancement of the appreciation of the distinctive
features of our surroundings, and to the economic well-being of the
areas in which they exist; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the East Caroga Lake Environmental
Association, and to recognize the important role it plays in its
community; and

WHEREAS, Chartered on November 5, 1917, the East Caroga Lake
Protective Association, now known as the East Caroga Lake Environmental
Association, was formed by a group of residents, in a newly undeveloped
area of Caroga Lake; and

WHEREAS, The East Caroga Lake Protective Association began as an
organization of concerned neighbors looking to find ways to improve the
area which was so new, it had no town services such as garbage pickup or
town roads; and

WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings, the East Caroga Lake Protective
Association has grown into a far reaching organization which has served
the people of New York State for a century by promoting the conservation
and protection of East Caroga Lake and the land adjacent to it; last
season, 205 families, some local full time residents and others who are
summer residents, joined the group; and

WHEREAS, With a goal to better its community and the surrounding
area, the Association erected its first meeting hall, which was also
used as a Sunday school and recreation hall in 1941; almost seven
decades later, a new building was erected by numerous volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Staying true to its mission, the East Caroga Lake
Environmental Association has supported numerous other local
organizations including the Caroga Lake Volunteer Fire Department, the
Caroga Lake Historical Museum, the church food pantry, and Wheelerville
School; and

WHEREAS, Perhaps the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association's
most important function is to protect its lakes; water is a critical

resource that is essential for all forms of life and for a broad range
of economic and social activities; and

WHEREAS, The East Caroga Lake Environmental Association works in
conjunction with the Town of Caroga to keep its lakes clean and vibrant;
in 2001, one of its members secured a State Grant to purchase a weed
harvester, which is used to remove the evasive weeds from Caroga Lake;
and

WHEREAS, The East Caroga Lake Environmental Association also joined
the Federation of Lakes Association (FOLA); every few years,
representatives attend meetings where they learn valuable new ways to
keep the lakes pure and healthy; and

WHEREAS, In addition, volunteers test water samples for contaminants
and keep the lake stocked with fish; on May 27, 2017, the organization
will be releasing approximately 600 brown trout into the lake; and

WHEREAS, The Caroga Lake Weed Committee, established by the East
Caroga Lake Environmental Association, is also dedicated to helping its
community; four years ago, it installed free internet for residents at
its association hall, and continually donates funds to preserving the
lake and other local organizations; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of President, Philip
Addeo, the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association continues to
protect its natural surroundings for the benefit of present and future
generations of its residents and all New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the
continuing welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly
enriched and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of
organizations who are committed to the preservation of our natural
environment and the enhancement of the appreciation of the distinctive
features of our surroundings, and to the economic well-being of the
areas in which they exist; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the East Caroga Lake Environmental
Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Philip Addeo, President, the East Caroga Lake
Environmental Association.