LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring William and Ursula C. Niarakis upon the
occasion of being designated for special recognition at the Sixth Annual
Prairie Benefit commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Friends of Hemp-
stead Plains at Nassau Community College

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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
William and Ursula C. Niarakis upon the occasion of being designated for
special recognition at the Sixth Annual Prairie Benefit commemorating
the 10th Anniversary of Friends of Hempstead Plains at Nassau Community
College; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the organiza-
tion's Challenge 2011 event, to be held on Friday, April 29, 2011, at
the Hofstra University Club David S. Mack Hall; and
WHEREAS, The seeds have been sown for the Hempstead Plains Educational
Center to be erected on the plains for future generations; the Center is
a green sustainable building and landscape design that complements and
enhances the historic nineteen acre prairie remnant at Nassau Community
College; and
WHEREAS, Founders and Directors of the Marion O. and Maximilian E.
Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation"), William and Ursula C. Niarakis are
long time residents of Long Island with a keen appreciation of its envi-
ronmental and artistic resources; and
WHEREAS, Among the Foundation's myriad worthy accomplishments are
activities focusing on the environment, historic preservation, animal
rights, architecture, the arts and food for the elderly and house bound;
and
WHEREAS, These activities of the Foundation have included: the estab-
lishment of the Hoffman Center, restoration of the former Brewster
mansion, funding for the Whelping Center at The Guide Dog Foundation,
founding of the Hoffman Chair of Architecture at the American Academy in
Rome, Italy, expansion of the Cinema Arts Theatre in Huntington, and
long term support of the City Meals on Wheels programs in New York City;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Foundation supports many local charities
such as Old Westbury Gardens, the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audu-
bon Center and the Chelsea Mansion in Muttontown; and
WHEREAS, Ursula C. Niarakis has been elected to serve as Chair of The
Incorporated Village of Muttontown's Beautification Committee; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their professional and commu-
nity service, a period of constructive involvement, William and Ursula
C. Niarakis have stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and
have earned the respect and admiration of their colleagues, family and
friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which William and Ursula C. Niarakis have
displayed throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be 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 William and Ursula C. Niarakis upon the occasion of being desig-
nated for special recognition at the Sixth Annual Prairie Benefit
commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Friends of Hempstead Plains at
Nassau Community College; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William and Ursula C. Niarakis.