Senate Resolution No. 582 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING the Canastota Lions Club upon the occasion of celebrating its 75th Anniversary on November 10, 2023 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the citizens of the 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 commend the Canastota Lions Club upon the occasion of celebrating its 75th Anniversary, to be celebrated on April 22, 2023, at Theodore's Restaurant in Canastota, New York; and WHEREAS, The Canastota Lions Club was chartered on November 10, 1947, with 31 original members; and WHEREAS, In great service to their community, the Canastota Lions Club supports community service projects, community youth recognition programs, historical projects, and various foundations to help those in need; and WHEREAS, The members of the Canastota Lions Club participate in multiple projects throughout the year, including the construction of eyeglass collection boxes which are located throughout the community to collect glasses for recycling and use in Central America; additionally, the club uses a vision screening camera to screen one to six year old children for amblyopia; and WHEREAS, The Canastota Lions Club also supports a program for free eye examinations and glasses for those in need, as well as GLAS, the public library, the Opportunity Shop, the Canastota Loaves and Fishes program, and those who have suffered disasters in the local community; and WHEREAS, The Canastota Lions Club, helping to provide opportunities for leadership development, community outreach, and overall personal development for their community's children, sponsor the Oneida-Canastota Leo Club, where young people interested in the same goals and efforts as the Lions participate in community service and the Young Leaders in Service Program; and WHEREAS, To recognize youth in the community, the Canastota Lions Club hosts a Student Academic Achievement Night for local honor students, provides multiple scholarships for graduating seniors, hosts a Senior Student Athletes Recognition Dinner, and participates in many other events; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, showing support for the senior citizens in the community, the Canastota Lions Club sponsors an annual dinner for the community's senior citizens program; and WHEREAS, The Lions Club also support both state and international projects such as the Empire State Special Needs Experience Camp, Camp Hickory, the Leader Dog Program, the Upstate University Center for Vision Research, and Lions Club International Foundation to serve mankind both in the local community and throughout the world; and WHEREAS, The success of the Canastota Lions Club is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Canastota Lions Club upon the occasion of celebrating its 75th Anniversary, and to honor its members, past and present, who have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life in the community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Canastota Lions Club.