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Remarks from the floor of the NYS Assembly recognizing the 140th Anniversary of the Knights of Pythias, February 9, 2004

Assemblyman John "Jack" McEneny (D - Albany) -- The Knights of Pythias are a fraternal brotherhood that does extraordinary work across the state of New York through its many lodges and has been doing so for generations dealing with problems of the disadvantaged, of children, of people in need of health and social services and providing at the same time the networking and the brotherhood that's so necessary for the people to succeed and become all that they can be in a productive society.

To the rear of chamber we have three Pythians who are associated with the Dutchess Lodge, although one of them, and I'll introduce Marc Gronich first, whose the Master-at-Arms and Membership Chairman of the Dutchess Lodge who is also well-known to us here at the Capitol, he has been an Assembly staffer, he is known politically for his skill in redistricting, at one time he was the Executive Secretary (Director) of the Albany County Republican Committee, but no one is perfect. He is also a great supporter of the Jewish community throughout the state and in the Capital District. He's been a member of the Legislative Correspondents (Association) and has had dealing with as many as 50 different radio stations, he's reported for trade publications. He's really one of the people who really makes a difference in getting the proper information out to people, what they need to know in their civic, personal and sometimes religious life.

Marc is accompanied by Bob Goldberg, who's currently the Vice Chancellor of the Dutchess County Lodge 860 and he's been a member of the Knights of Pythias for 48 years starting originally in Brooklyn, which is where Marc Gronich originally hails from.
Bob worked for IBM for 27 years, spent 20 years in the Navy, he is just an outstanding person. He holds a prestigious position also of Past Chancellor and Bob puts down as one of his greatest moments with the Lodge was becoming Chancellor Commander, leading the Lodge and having his father watch him sworn in as a member.

He is accompanied by Alan Reiman, who is an individual who, next week, is celebrating not only the 140th anniversary of the Pythians but his 29th wedding anniversary with his wife Ellen. And they also have a local connection, they were married in Albany and have two lovely children, Robin and Melissa. His greatest moment is working with the Coats for Kids program something I think all of us are familiar with. The Assembly has adopted resolutions naming October 22nd as Coats for Kids Day. This past year, as it's just one project the Knights are in, the Knights statewide gave away more than 8,000 coats and I know that, the Knights on Wheels program, which is a form of Special Olympics, sponsored by the Knights are things that Alan and Marc and Bob are very proud of and if you would extend to these gentlemen and through them, to all Pythians, including myself throughout New York state, your usual warm and cordial welcome to the privileges of the floor, I would appreciate it Mr. Speaker.

Assemblyman Ivan Lafayette (D - Queens) - Certainly, on behalf of Mr. McEneny, the Speaker and all my colleagues I want to welcome all of these Knights of Pythias to the Chamber today, congratulate them for all their efforts and all the years they've put in and that the members please enjoy all the amenities of the House. Welcome to the Chamber. (applause) - Ms. Calhoun.

Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun (R-C, Blooming Grove, Orange County) - Thank you Mr. Speaker - It is also my pleasure to join with my colleague, Jack McEneny in welcoming these fine Knights of Pythias and most especially, a very, very special welcome to Alan Reiman, who, while he is very active in the Dutchess County Lodge is a resident of the Town of Stony Point in Rockland County within the District, I'm very, very proud to have him here and again I would ask everyone to please extend the courtesies of the Chamber to these fine gentlemen who are a little bit younger than the 140 year old Knights of Pythias but every bit as active. Thank you, sir.

Lafayette - On behalf of Ms. Calhoun, the Speaker and my colleagues welcome these gentlemen to the Chamber these much younger than the Knights of Pythias organization. Thank you for visiting. (Applause).

State of New York

Legislative Assembly

Senate No. 3414 BY: Senator Saland
Assembly No. 1548 BY: M. of A. Silver, Farrell and McEneny

COMMEMORATING the 140th Anniversary of the Knights of Pythias on February 19, 2004.

WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-worth, are deserving of the highest praise and recognition: and

WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and organizations to be recognized for the significance of their contributions and efforts to assist others and to enhance life in the commmunity; and

WHEREAS, This occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and commemorate the 140th Anniversary of the Knights of Pythias on February 19, 2004; and

WHEREAS, The Order of Knights of Pythias is an international fraternity which was founded by Justus H. Rathbone on February 19, 1864; each organization adopts an outstanding principle as its objective and the primary goal is to promote friendship among men and to relieve suffering; and

WHEREAS, The distinguishing principles of the Order of Knights of Pythias are: friendship, charity and benevolence; and

WHEREAS, The Knights of Pythias was organized on the basis of the friendship Damon and Pythias and its founder believed that the Order might do much to heal the wounds and allay the hatred of civil conflict that were caused by the Civil War; and

WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln was impressed by this Order and suggested that these great principles should be perpetuated by a charter from the Congress of the United States; the Order of Knights of Pythias was the first American Order ever chartered by an act of Congress of the United States; and

WHEREAS, In the Order of Knights of Pythias' ritualistic work, every sentence has a meaning and every paragraph a beautiful and inspiring lesson; the flag of the country has an honored place at every meeting and the Holy Bible is the supreme Book of Law; the Order is dedicated to the cause of universal peace and is pledged to the promotion of understanding of men of good will as the surest means of attaining it; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 140th Anniversary of the Knights of Pythias on February 19, 2004; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Knights of Pythias Dutchess Lodge No. 860, Wappingers Falls, New York.

ADOPTED IN SENATE ON , February 10, 2004
By order of the Senate,
Steven M. Boggess, Secretary

ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY ON, February 9, 2004
By order of the Assembly,
June Egeland, Clerk