Senate Resolution No. 1506 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley and the Jewish Community Center of Utica, New York WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social, and educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley and the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Utica, New York; and WHEREAS, The Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley and the Jewish Community Center of Utica strive to enrich the lives of individuals, families, the Jewish community, and all others that enter their doors with their non-profit Community Center which provides cultural, educational, and athletic programming to all those living in the greater Utica area, as well as others who live in central New York; and WHEREAS, The Jewish Community Center of Utica is a place where Jews and all others who live in the area are welcome, no matter where or whether they worship, and regardless of their ages or lifestyles; there is great value and potential in community members associating with each other in a safe, warm, and supportive environment; and WHEREAS, The JCC cultivates and promotes the experience of Jewish traditions, values, and ethics, while fostering meaningful connections between people from all backgrounds, while providing countless opportunities for educational, physical, and cultural enrichment; and WHEREAS, The Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley and the Jewish Community Center of Utica strongly believes in charitable endeavors, providing a diverse array of programs to their community, including: Central New York's largest and most prestigious preschool, reading programs, summer camp, as well as music, basketball, soccer, and other exercise programs; and WHEREAS, They also provide adult programming, such as guest lectures, art programs, trips to nearby music performances, theatre and ballet events, movie showings, book rap meetings, Mahjong, as well as basketball, pickleball, volleyball and exercise programs; and WHEREAS, The Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley and the Jewish Community Center of Utica stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley and the Jewish Community Center of Utica, fully confident that this commemoration reflects the belief in those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley and the Jewish Community Center of Utica, New York.