Honor Angela Jones Award

Senate Resolution No. 2202 BY: Senator HELMING HONORING Angela Jones upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Ninth Annual Henry C. Welles Award by the Waterloo Library and Historical Society on May 26, 2017 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those 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 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 honor Angela Jones upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Ninth Annual Henry C. Welles Award by the Waterloo Library and Historical Society to be celebrated at an Award Ceremony on Friday, May 26, 2017, in Fatzinger Hall, at the Waterloo Library and Historical Society, in Waterloo, New York; and WHEREAS, The presentation of the 2017 Henry C. Welles Award to Angela Jones by the Waterloo Library and Historical Society will kick off Celebrate Commemorate Memorial Day weekend festivities in the village of Waterloo; and WHEREAS, The Henry C. Welles Award, named after the modest and unassuming druggist who was co-founder of the first Memorial Day celebration in Waterloo in 1866, was established in 2008, by the Waterloo Library and Historical Society to honor a citizen of Waterloo who, through tireless effort and many hours of uncompensated time, has made Waterloo a better place to live, work, worship, understand and enjoy; and WHEREAS, Angela Jones, affectionately known as Angie, moved to Waterloo in 1952, bringing with her a unique vision and style of teaching; she began conversational Spanish courses with six students; when she retired 39 years later, the school needed seven teachers to handle all of the students; and WHEREAS, In addition to her role as Spanish teacher, Angie Jones served as a mentor to new teachers and as the Chair of the language department for many years; and WHEREAS, Angie Jones also shared her love of language and culture with other teachers and residents in the community through workshops at teacher conventions, and the trips she led to Spanish-speaking countries around the world; her tours became so popular that she began a new career as a certified travel agent after she retired from teaching; and WHEREAS, Eager to share her memories and pictures from her 18 years of adventures, Angie Jones published Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life in 2016, based on 18 years of attending the October festival in Oaxaca, Mexico; and WHEREAS, Angie Jones also founded the Snapettes baton twirling corps; in this capacity, she guided young girls and a group of dedicated parents as they learned the sport, marched in parades and competed throughout the Northeast, even winning a national title; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to her community, Angie Jones sponsored Immigration Days dinners, organized Christmas caroling parties, and made cakes for booths at the county fair; even after retirement, she continues to be active in many committees, donating a raffle basket to a worthy cause, filling food bags for Trevor's Backpack Program, worked at St. Mary's Festival, and participated in her first spelling bee to support Literacy Volunteers; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a period of constructive involvement, Angie Jones has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals for the benefit of others which Angie Jones has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Angela Jones upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Ninth Annual Henry C. Welles Award by the Waterloo Library and Historical Society on May 26, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Angela Jones.