Honor Nozomi Williams Award

Senate Resolution No. 1398 BY: Senator HELMING HONORING Nozomi Williams upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Springstead Award by the Geneva Rotary Club on April 27, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities of New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those who distinguish themselves in their profession and in service to their community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Nozomi Williams upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Springstead Award by the Geneva Rotary Club, to be celebrated at its Service Above Self Event on Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Club 86 in Geneva, New York; and WHEREAS, Rotary International is dedicated to the development of fellowship and understanding among business and professional leaders, the promotion of community-betterment endeavors and of high standards in business and professional practices, and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace; and WHEREAS, Each year since 2010, the Rotary Club of Geneva proudly honors individuals who exemplify the noble ideals and principles of the late Ralph Springstead, who was an exemplary member of his community; Nozomi Williams truly merits such recognition; and WHEREAS, For many years, Nozomi Williams has been dedicated to advocating for the children, healthcare, and the arts in her community; and WHEREAS, Nozomi Williams established the Williams Family Foundation in honor of her late husband, Sam, and her two late children, Ichiro "Ichica" and Jiro "Popo"; the charitable organization generously provides numerous grants and gifts to various community groups including Happiness House, the American Red Cross, the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva, Disabled American Veterans, the Finger Lakes Community College Foundation, and the Finger Lakes Visiting Nurse Service; and WHEREAS, The Foundation has also supported the Finger Lakes Health Foundation, the Geneva Center of Concern, the Geneva Community Center, Geneva Concerts, the Geneva Family YMCA, the Geneva Historical Society, the Geneva Lakefront Childcare Center, the Geneva Police Department, the Geneva Post Office, the Geneva Public Library, the Geneva Theatre Guild, the Geneva Volunteer Fire Department, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, as well as the Smith Center for the Arts/Smith Opera House; and WHEREAS, A true philanthropist, Nozomi Williams was named the 2012 Geneva Citizen of the Year for her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her community and the arts, as well as the 2013 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction Award and the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the Happiness House; 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 honor Nozomi Williams upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Springstead Award by the Geneva Rotary Club on April 27, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Nozomi Williams.