LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Helen Baran upon the occasion of her
designation as a 2011 New York State Woman of Distinction

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and recognize
those residents of this great Empire State who have made significant
contributions to their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Helen Baran, a dedicated Chautauqua County citizen and admired community
leader, upon the occasion of her designation as a 2011 New York State
Woman of Distinction; and
WHEREAS, Through its Women of Distinction awards, the New York State
Senate takes special note of the contributions women have made through-
out the State and the nation; and
WHEREAS, Widely recognized as one of the finest Concord Grape growers
in the Lake Erie region, Helen Baran and her husband, Steve, own and
operate Baran Vineyards in Westfield, New York; and
WHEREAS, Helen Baran was named President of the Concord Grape Belt
Heritage Association in 2006; Helen continues to help transform the
Concord Grape Belt into a world renowned agri-tourism destination, and
is a founder of the Grape Discovery Center; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated rural health advocate, Helen Baran was one of the
initial members of the New York State Rural Health Council, where she
helped develop policy to promote the health and well-being of rural
people and their communities; and
WHEREAS, Helen Baran serves her community as Chair of the Westfield
Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, a member of the Saint Vincent
Health System, a member and past Chair of the Chautauqua County Health
Network, and a member of the New York State Area Health Education Center
Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, In further service to her neighbors, Helen Baran is the Chair
of Westfield's Board of Assessment Review, Chair of the Rotary Voca-
tional Service Rotary Club and a member and past President of the West-
field Mayville Rotary Club; she has also served on the Chautauqua County
Charter Revision Committee, the Chautauqua County Planning Board, and
was a leader of the 4-H Equestrian Club; and
WHEREAS, Helen Baran is a well-respected Realtor who prides herself on
working with people who grasp the beauty of Western New York's many
rural areas; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have achieved notable success in community service within
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Helen Baran upon the occasion of her designation as a 2011 New
York State Woman of Distinction; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Helen Baran.