Assembly Resolution No. 579

BY: M. of A. Simotas

COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of "Astoria
Characters" to be celebrated on September 15, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those illustrious journalistic entities which have diligently and
consistently recorded the history of their communities and brought local
news and news of the larger world to their readers; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of "Astoria Characters" to be
celebrated at its Annual Astoria Characters Day on September 15, 2019;
and

WHEREAS, Nancy A. Ruhling publishes a weekly blog known as "Astoria
Characters"; and

WHEREAS, "Astoria Characters" was founded on the premise that every
individual has a unique and valuable story, and the telling of that
story contributes to the good of a whole community; and

WHEREAS, "Astoria Characters" features profiles and stories of
interesting and accomplished Queens residents from Astoria; and

WHEREAS, Nancy A. Ruhling uses her position as a journalist to call
attention to the untold stories of unrecognized members of the Astoria
community in order to edify and expand the worldview of Astoria
residents; and

WHEREAS, The borough of Queens and, within it the neighborhood of
Astoria, are some of the most racially and ethnically diverse areas in
the country; and

WHEREAS, "Astoria Characters" seeks to amplify these diverse
narratives and give voices to communities that do not traditionally have
one; and

WHEREAS, The stories told in the "Astoria Characters" profiles serve
to strengthen the sense of community in Astoria, overcoming personal and
cultural barriers to draw individuals into conversation with one
another; and

WHEREAS, The annual celebration of Astoria Characters Day honors the
wonderful residents of Astoria and serves as an opportunity for Astoria
residents to connect and learn about one another; and

WHEREAS, The HuffPost ran the column from 2009 to 2018, and the Long
Island City/Astoria Journal has featured the "Astoria Characters"
profiles each week since 2016 due to their importance; and

WHEREAS, As the "Astoria Characters" moves into the future, it
carries with it the legacy of a distinguished journalistic history and
an outstanding record of growth and achievement; now, therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of "Astoria Characters" to be
celebrated at its Annual Astoria Characters Day on September 15, 2019;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nancy A. Ruhling.