Honor Florida Little League Anniversary

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.