Honor Poppenhusen Institute Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 5483 BY: Senator AVELLA COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the Poppenhusen Institute on June 2, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate the pursuit of excellence in education and service to the community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Poppenhusen Institute to be celebrated with a Dinner and a 21st Century Elevator Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, June 2, 2018, in the Grand Victorian Room of the Poppenhusen Institute in College Point, New York; and WHEREAS, The Poppenhusen Institute was built in 1868, with funds donated by Conrad Poppenhusen, the benefactor of College Point; the original charter specified that it be open to all, irrespective of race, creed or religion, giving people the opportunity to improve their lives either by preparing them for better jobs or improving their leisure time; and WHEREAS, The institute housed the Justice of the Peace, the first home of the College Point Savings Bank, German Singing Societies, the first library in the area, a court room, the Sheriff's Office (2 jail cells remain today), as well as the first free kindergarten in the United States which began on July 1, 1870; over the years many successful local business owners attended various adult education programs; and WHEREAS, Due to its history and impressive architecture, the Poppenhusen Institute was designated a New York City Landmark in 1970, and subsequently, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973; and WHEREAS, In 1980, the Poppenhusen Institute was threatened with sale and demolition; however, through the steadfast efforts of a community group and a Supreme Court case, this action was fortunately prevented; and WHEREAS, The Poppenhusen Institute currently serves College Point as a community cultural center housing a variety of programs including karate for children and adults, group guitar and piano lessons, lectures and slide presentations, special winter and spring break workshops for kids, stress workshops, summer concerts at the Institute and McNeil Park, children's performances and workshops, historic exhibits, school and public tours, hall and garden rentals, and AA meetings, as well as a resident theatre company, E. Phoenix Idealis; and WHEREAS, Today, the Poppenhusen Institute remains true to its mission of offering individuals of the metropolitan area life enhancing cultural, recreational and educational programs, either free or at a nominal fee; it strives to provide a warm, welcoming and encouraging environment to all who enter through "The Doorway of Opportunity"; and WHEREAS, The success of the Poppenhusen Institute is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, 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 institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence 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 commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Poppenhusen Institute on June