Senator Allen offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 138.

            A resolution to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Northwestern Michigan College Barbecue.

            Whereas, Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) hosts an annual barbecue each May on their beautiful campus, welcoming the community to their college; and

            Whereas, Local grocer Gerald Oleson and his wife Frances started the annual picnic in 1956 by asking the community to help with the event if he donated the food, and over 4,900 people attended that first event; and

            Whereas, Oleson’s Food Stores have donated the food for every barbecue since that first one, serving over 2,000 pounds each of buffalo meat, potato salad, and baked beans at each barbecue; and

            Whereas, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Traverse City has become the second major supporter of the barbecue, providing all beverages for the event; and

            Whereas, Over 500 volunteers donate their energy, time, and enthusiasm to make the annual Northwestern Michigan College Barbecue a success; and

            Whereas, More than 10,000 community members attend the barbecue each year, continuing the tradition in Traverse City that Northwestern Michigan College is a college built by the community for the community; and

            Whereas, The annual NMC Barbecue has raised more than $1.3 million for projects at the college, including facilities like the NMC Dennos Museum Center, the NMC University Center, classroom equipment to enhance learning, and programs that contribute to education for the community; and

            Whereas, Area citizens and Northwestern Michigan College are celebrating 50 years of picnicking together during the annual barbecue each May under the NMC pines; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That a unanimous accolade of tribute be hereby accorded to Northwestern Michigan College and the Traverse City community as they celebrate 50 years of conducting and supporting their annual NMC Barbecue; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Northwestern Michigan College and the Oleson family as evidence of our sincere esteem and congratulations.