Honor Henry Foster's Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 2788 BY: Senator COMRIE COMMENDING Henry M. Foster upon the occasion of his retirement after 17 years of distinguished service to the Flushing Meadows Soap Box Derby WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed residents of this noble Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Henry M. Foster upon the occasion of his retirement after 17 years of distinguished service to the Flushing Meadows Soap Box Derby; he will officially retire on Saturday, June 24, 2017; and WHEREAS, Henry M. Foster, son of Henry and Frances Foster, was born on March 19, 1949, in Spartanburg, South Carolina; currently, he and his family reside in Queens, New York; and WHEREAS, Henry M. Foster founded the Flushing Meadows Soap Box Derby in 2000, and since then has helped countless children build original soapboxes; for 17 years, he gave these boys and girls a valuable hands-on experience in real-world science and technology; and WHEREAS, Every year, the children show up on Derby Day and proudly race their self-made soapboxes, with the anticipation of who will take home first prize; and WHEREAS, Henry M. Foster created this organization to educate the youth on constructing soapboxes to teach the local children how to figure out the aerodynamics of a car and learn how weight and gravity can affect its speed; these problem-solving tasks can introduce kids to the principles of elementary physics; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a period of constructive involvement, Henry M. Foster has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Henry M. Foster has truly given of his time and energy to build self-esteem in the youth; in the past, he volunteered with numerous organizations including the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 198th Street Block Association and the Roy Wilkins Basketball Team; in addition, he is a Deacon at the Antioch Baptist Church in Corona, New York; and WHEREAS, In addition, Henry M. Foster was instrumental in stopping the closing of PA1, which provided a safe haven for the community's youth; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Claudette, and their six children, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Henry M. Foster upon the occasion of his retirement after 17 years of distinguished service to the Flushing Meadows Soap Box Derby; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Henry M. Foster.