Honor Earnestine’s 100th Birthday

Senate Resolution No. 1402 BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO CONGRATULATING Earnestine Williams upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles that they play in today's society; their past contributions and current participation are vital to the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of the Representatives of the State of New York to honor and pay tribute to those outstanding individuals who have helped build and shape this Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Earnestine Williams upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday to be celebrated with a party held in her honor at the Syracuse Senior Companion Program offices at 187 Northern Concourse in Syracuse, New York, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017; and WHEREAS, Earnestine, who was born and raised as Earnestine Michael in Syracuse, married her late husband, Lonzo Williams, in 1938; and WHEREAS, Earnestine Williams had 11 children in all; five boys and four girls are living today; Earnestine also worked at the former Syroco Plant, where she helped design decorative wood products and plastic wall decorations; and WHEREAS, Desiring to help others within her community, Earnestine Williams joined the Senior Companion Program through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) in Syracuse in

1980; and WHEREAS, Since the program's inception on April 21, 1980, Earnestine Williams has dedicated countless volunteer hours to supporting adults with developmental disabilities, especially at the Fair Lakes Day Habilitation Center; Earnestine volunteers from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Monday through Thursday, every week, providing her clients with meals and companionship, as well as regularly reading to them; and WHEREAS, As a Senior Companion, Earnestine Williams has developed long-term friendships with many of those she supports including Danny, Diane, Anna and Tommy; and WHEREAS, The OPWDD describes Earnestine Williams as a volunteer who cares for people as if they were members of her own family, always giving them her undivided, unhurried attention; and WHEREAS, Earnestine Williams has even encouraged her family to get involved in OPWDD's Senior Companion Program; currently, three of her adult children and a daughter-in-law participate in the volunteer program; and WHEREAS, In addition to her dedicated volunteer work, Earnestine Williams, at the young age of 100, continues to attend church every Sunday and plays Bingo every week with her friends and family; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Earnestine Williams upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Earnestine Williams.