Honor Zonta Club Centennial

Assembly Resolution No. 149 BY: M. of A. Palmesano COMMENDING the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls upon the occasion of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Zonta International on March 8, 2019 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those organizations within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals and organizations it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls upon the occasion of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Zonta International on March 8, 2019; many activities have been planned to observe this milestone, including: a tour of the Zonta exhibit, a racecar on display, a Centennial Torch Lighting, a Tea/Wine Tasting Luncheon, and a Lakewood Vineyards Tasting; and WHEREAS, One hundred years ago, a small group of pioneering women came together in Buffalo, New York, with a vision to help all women realize greater equality while using their individual and collective expertise in service to their community; and WHEREAS, Their vision became Zonta International, an organization that has grown to more than 29,000 members in 63 countries, working together to make gender equality a reality for women and girls worldwide; and WHEREAS, In October of 1924, the Zonta Club of Elmira invited 10 business women from Watkins Glen and 10 from Montour Falls as guests at the Jefferson House; from the 20 women, 17 of them went on to organize the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls, and Mary Dunham was elected as the first President; and WHEREAS, The Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls was chartered on May 1, 1925; for the first time, a Zonta Club of two adjoining towns was received into membership; and WHEREAS, This valuable organization is the local affiliate of the world-wide organization of Zonta International; the membership is comprised of vibrant, energetic and civic-minded executives and professionals who serve the community in a wide spectrum of occupations; and WHEREAS, The members of Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls volunteer their time ringing for the Salvation Army; furthermore, they hold raffles and auctions, as well as check coats and sell candy to raise funds for projects such as donating toiletries/supplies to the Elmira Safe House and hats and mittens to Seneca Santa; purchasing Christmas gifts for the Falls Home residents; and giving out scholarships to local graduating women; they also work with Catholic Charities when needed; and WHEREAS, The success of the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, 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 organization and the community it serves; 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 recognized and applauded 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 Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls upon the occasion of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Zonta International on March 8,