LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Denise Easterling upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Community Service Award on March 21,
2010

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Denise Easterling has given not only of her time and energies
but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Denise Easterling upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Community Service Award to be celebrated in recognition of Women's
History Month on March 21, 2010, at a ceremony held at the Erie County
Historical Society, Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of Niagara Falls, New York, Denise Easterling,
M.S.Ed. holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism
Management and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership,
both from Niagara University; and
WHEREAS, Denise Easterling is a longtime community volunteer activist
and has sat on several boards and organizations, such as the former
Black Experience Committee, which planned African-American entertainment
for the Summer Experience events; and the Highland Avenue Preservation
Corporations, which built new housing in the Highland Avenue area; and
WHEREAS, Presently, she is a commissioner of the Niagara Falls Under-
ground Railroad Heritage Commission; the Niagara Falls Preservation
Commission and Tourism Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, Denise Easterling is the entrepreneur of Underground Railroad
Tours by Denise, a tour guide and presentation company and has created
the character 'Queenie Rivers' who tells the true stories of Underground
Railroad activity in this area; furthermore, she is also a former
employee of the Buffalo Challenger; and
WHEREAS, Denise Easterling has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Denise Easterling has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Denise Easterling has displayed
throughout her life; 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 Denise Easterling upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of the Community Service Award on March 21, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Denise Easterling.