LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Karolyn Grimes for special recognition
for her role in the Seneca Falls "It's a Wonderful Life" Annual Cele-
bration to be held December 10-12, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay just
tribute to those individuals whose creative talents have contributed to
the cultural enrichment of the citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accordance with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize Karolyn Grimes for her contributions to the Seneca Falls "It's
a Wonderful Life" Annual Celebration, held December 10-12, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Each year at Christmastime, the Finger Lakes village of Sene-
ca Falls is transformed into Bedford Falls, a sleepy village complete
with white lights and wreaths strung across the main street and where
Karolyn Grimes, the childhood actress who portrayed Zuzu Bailey in the
iconic film, "It's a Wonderful Life," returns for this annual holiday
celebration; and
WHEREAS, Seneca Falls has many similarities to Bedford Falls, includ-
ing the traditional main street, the steel truss bridge where George
Bailey jumped into the water and the many Second Empire Victorian homes
like the large, old Granville house in the movie; and
WHEREAS, The community of Seneca Falls believes it to be the true
inspiration for director Frank Capra's imaginary Bedford Falls and the
setting for the sentimental holiday classic "It's a Wonderful Life"; and
WHEREAS, Karolyn Grimes grew up in Hollywood and was coaxed into
acting by her mother; at the age of six, she landed the heartwarming
role of Zuzu Bailey, the daughter of George and Mary Bailey, and became
famous for her inspirational line in the movie, "Every time a bell rings
an angel gets his wings,"; and
WHEREAS, After acting in "It's a Wonderful Life", Karolyn Grimes
finished school, college, married and raised a family; and
WHEREAS, As a reminder of her role in the movie, Karolyn Grimes kept
all the newspaper clippings and pictures from her role in the film and
they remained there until 1980, when a reporter came to her door asking
her if she was the little girl in the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life";
and
WHEREAS, Karolyn Grimes became an ambassador for the film and embodies
all that Zuzu Bailey represents; Karolyn Grimes inspires many smiles and
lots of joy, truly believing in her mission to spread the word that life
is a wonderful gift; and
WHEREAS, Karolyn Grimes is very much at home in Seneca Falls, with its
snowy sidewalks, decorated windows, old-fashioned street lights and
wreaths hanging overhead; and
WHEREAS, A community is only as great as the individuals, who, through
their unique personal talents and achievements, contribute to the commu-
nity's unique character; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Karolyn Grimes for special recognition for her contributions to
the Seneca Falls "It's a Wonderful Life" Annual Celebration; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Karolyn Grimes.