Honor Susan Willet's Volunteerism

Senate Resolution No. 2772 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING Susan Willet upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the inaugural Harry Yates Volunteer of the Year Award by the Orchard Park Historical Society on June 12, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to the dedicated efforts of those individuals from across the State of New York who volunteer their time and energies in service to the community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Susan Willet upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the inaugural Harry Yates Volunteer of the Year Award by the Orchard Park Historical Society to be celebrated at its Annual Picnic on Monday, June

12, 2017, at the Hillcrest Fire Company Picnic Grove, Orchard Park, New York; and WHEREAS, The Harry Yates Volunteer of the Year Award is named for one of Orchard Park's most notable residents; Harry Yates was a highly regarded businessman who had numerous commercial interests and was named the Village and Town's First Citizen in 1951; and WHEREAS, Orchard Park native, Susan Willett is receiving this prestigious award for her steadfast and unremitting commitment to the Orchard Park Historical Society and to her beloved community; and WHEREAS, Almost five decades ago, Susan Willett joined the Orchard Park Historical Society; throughout the years, she has served in numerous capacities such as editor for "Orchard Park Before We Remember," John Printy's history of the town; vital member of the Jolls House Restoration Committee; director of the speakers bureau; co-chair of the Village of Orchard Park's 50th Anniversary Celebration and the Erie County Sesquicentennial Committee; and WHEREAS, Susan Willett also organized colorful quilt shows at the Friends Meeting House and historical military and wedding dress exhibits at the Jolls House Museum, where she also set up a display of Jessie Walburg paintings; and WHEREAS, With an eye for detail and a creative mind, Susan Willett was instrumental in many of the Orchard Park Historical Society's award-winning entries in the Erie County Fair Historical Building competitions; and WHEREAS, Proud of her community, Susan Willett helped save the Veterans Memorial Park on West Quaker Street; and WHEREAS, A true patron of the arts, Susan Willett holds the position of Executive Director and Manager of the Ars Nova Musicians, a professional chamber orchestra which performs in various venues throughout Western New York; for her outstanding achievement in the fine and performing arts, she received special recognition by the Advisory Council of the University at Buffalo; and WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and serving can be sustained and strengthened; and WHEREAS, Volunteerism promotes family and community solidarity; most importantly, people who volunteer their time in civic and charitable endeavors inspire others to the call of volunteerism; and WHEREAS, In the faithful performance of her duties and volunteer efforts, Susan Willet's ongoing endeavors and notable achievements have significantly contributed to bettering the quality of life in her community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Susan Willet upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the inaugural Harry Yates Volunteer of the Year Award by the Orchard Park Historical Society on June 12, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Susan Willet.