LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Helen Ann Henkel upon the occasion of
her designation as a 2010 Contemporary Woman of Distinction on May 25,
2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Helen Ann Henkel upon the occasion of her designation as a 2010 Contem-
porary Woman of Distinction on Tuesday, May 25, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Helen Ann Henkel has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and
diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and
consequently has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and
WHEREAS, Helen Ann Henkel is the proud granddaughter of Ukrainian and
Polish immigrants who came to this country at the turn of the 20th
century, and she is the daughter of the late Ann and Otto Rogewitz and
was born and raised in the City of Yonkers, New York, and attended both
Yonkers High School of Commerce, and Westchester Community College,
where she specialized in business administration; and
WHEREAS, Helen Ann Henkel has worked in various positions in Yonkers
City government since 1974 and has served as the Manager of Office
Services for the City of Yonkers since December of 1994, where she is
considered indispensable in accessing city services, and is responsible
for auditing and financial administrative functions, personnel manage-
ment, contract administration and budget preparation for the City's
telecommunications, mailroom, reproduction and graphics and the central
records retention offices; and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining Yonkers City government, Helen Ann Henkel
served as a teller for Yonkers Savings Bank, an Assistant Bookkeeper for
the Yorkville Safelon Corporation, and a Salesperson for W.T. Grant &
Company; and
WHEREAS, Deeply committed to community service, Helen Ann Henkel has
served as a member of the Yonkers Board of Ethics since 1989, as a
member of the Mayor's Community Relations Committee since 1991, as a
member of the Board of Directors of the Exchange Club of Yonkers and as
a Board Member of the newly formed Yonkers Arts Inc. in support of arts
throughout the City of Yonkers; and
WHEREAS, Helen Ann Henkel is a driving force in one of the most influ-
ential civic organizations in her beloved City and her efforts on behalf
of the Exchange Club of Yonkers is considerable and includes her service
as a member of the Board of Directors, as Co-President and as Vice Trea-
surer, as well as her Chairmanship of many events including the Police-
man of the Year Awards and Crime Prevention Dinner, the Firefighter of
the Year Awards and Fire Prevention Dinner, the One Nation Under God and
Outstanding Citizen Recognition Dinner, the Proudly We Hail event, a
Holiday Party for the underprivileged and homeless, the Youth of the
Year Scholarships, a Citywide Fifth Grade Spelling Bee, the Give a Kid A
Flag to Wave event, and many other community programs that celebrate
diversity, promote civic pride and enrich the cultural, educational and
overall quality of life for all the residents of the City of Yonkers;
and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her efforts of in-depth magnitude, Helen
Ann Henkel has been recognized by numerous organizations including, The

Exchange Club of Yonkers, the Parent Teachers Association, Community
Leaders of America, Yonkers Portuguese-American Community Center, Enrico
Fermi Educational Fund, Kahlil Gibran Educational Fund, the Yonkers City
Council and the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Helen Ann Henkel has been married to John T. Henkel for
almost 46 years and is the mother of the late Thomas Henkel, as well as
John Michael and James, and is the proud grandmother of Katie, James,
Joseph, and Nicole, sister to Mary DiMenna, Frank, Joseph and Michael
Rogewitz and also the beloved Aunt of many nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, A true community leader, Helen Ann Henkel is an exceptional
woman whose life serves as a testimony to her devotion to others; she is
truly an inspiration to the people and families she touches and to the
community in which she lives; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Helen
Ann Henkel over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; 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
commend Helen Ann Henkel upon the occasion of her designation as a 2010
Contemporary Woman of Distinction on May 25, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Helen Ann Henkel.