Honor Bethel Lions Club

Senate Resolution No. 3333 BY: Senator BONACIC COMMENDING the Bethel Lions Club upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary on June 16, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom 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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Bethel Lions Club upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary at a dinner on Friday, June 16, 2017, at the Eagle's Nest in Bloomingburg, New York; and WHEREAS, The Bethel Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International, one of the largest service organizations in the world, and is deeply committed to meeting the challenges of public service; currently, there are approximately 46,000 clubs across the globe; and WHEREAS, The goal of the Bethel Lions Club and the entire Lions organization is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding; and WHEREAS, Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually-impaired; this service began when Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become her "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the Lions' 1925 International Convention; and WHEREAS, Established in 1967, the Bethel Lions Club consists of dedicated men and women who volunteer their time to perform a variety of community service activities; and WHEREAS, The Bethel Lions Club participates in the See Program which provides early intervention and screening for children with eye and sight issues; and WHEREAS, In addition, the Bethel Lions Club has assisted hundreds of area residents to obtain necessary eye care by collecting and dispersing donated eyeglasses and providing financial assistance to those who need eye exams or eyeglasses; and WHEREAS, The Bethel Lions Club also helps those with hearing problems, sponsors various educational scholarships, picks up debris and litter throughout its community, and assists people in need during the holiday season; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when 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 Bethel Lions Club upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and to commend 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 Alfonso Frangipane, President, Bethel Lions Club.