LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Helen Rice upon the occasion of
celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Helen Rice was born on May 2, 1911 in St. Johnsville, New
York; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Little Falls High School, Helen Rice attended
Albany State and Geneseo State for teaching; after filing at a library
in Canajoharie, she returned to Geneseo State to become a licensed
librarian; and
WHEREAS, In 1940, Helen Rice became head librarian of the Irondequoit
school system and retired as assistant superintendent of schools after
many years devoted to education; in July of this year, she will be
receiving an award for Librarianship; and
WHEREAS, Helen Rice is a founding member of the Beta Eta Chapter of
the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a society for women educa-
tors; in addition, she has been a charter member of P.E.O. since 1981;
and
WHEREAS, Moreover, this remarkable senior is an avid bird enthusiast
and has traveled to many countries in all continents to identify and
photograph birds; and
WHEREAS, In her retirement, Helen Rice remains active with her church,
the United Church of Christ, which is also celebrating its 100th Birth-
day this year; she volunteers her time to make school bags, is part of
UCOC outreach, teaches bible study once a week, is in charge of the
church library, and writes a monthly column for bulletins, and works in
the church soup kitchen; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, This beloved woman has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize 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 Helen Rice upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Helen Rice.