Senate Resolution No. 189

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Michael Bosak upon the occasion of his
induction into the 2024 Oneida County Historical
Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame on
October 10, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched
by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have
helped shape the history of their area; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Michael Bosak upon the occasion of his induction into the 2024
Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame
on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Irish Cultural Center in Utica,
New York; and

WHEREAS, The Oneida County Historical Hall of Fame was established
in 1946 and honors individuals from Oneida County who made an impact on
the local community and the world; the Living Legends category was added
in 2001 to celebrate present-day models of people making a difference;
and

WHEREAS, The longest-serving member of the Landmarks Society of
Greater Utica's Board of Trustees, Michael Bosak was President from
2000-03 and 2008-12; he currently serves as Vice President, Education,
and has been an officer for most of his tenure on the Board; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he is a long-time Editor of The
Preservationist, Landmarks' news bulletin, and chairs the Nominating
Committee; and

WHEREAS, Michael Bosak and his wife, Penny, developed and presently
chair several programs and events, including Monday Nite Walks and
Talks, Winter Series of Educational Talks, and Holiday House Tours; the
couple also initiated the paranormal investigative events and the Rutger
Park Mansion Tours, as well as annual bus trips and the Annual Meeting,
Banquet, and Awards Ceremony; and

WHEREAS, Michael Bosak also developed the Old Main Redevelopment
Advisory Committee which helped save and repurpose Old Main (at the
Utica Psychiatric Center) and encouraged the State to provide
public-access tours of this National Historic Landmark; he was able to
provide closure and the successful purchase of the Rutger Park
properties; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Notre Dame High School and Mohawk Valley
Community College, Michael Bosak received his bachelor's degree from
SUNY Geneseo and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of
Buffalo; he received his Architectural License from New York State in
November of 1994; and

WHEREAS, Truly dedicated to his community, Michael Borsak worked for
the City of Utica (Engineering and Planning), as well as several local
architects; he was Lead Architect for Civil Engineering at Griffiss Air
Force Base, State Architect for the USDA Rural Development for 14 years,
and then served as Multi-Family Housing Program Director until his
retirement in 2020; and

WHEREAS, With a tireless and unwavering commitment to Central New
York and beyond, Michael Bosak devoted his entire life to making
communities a better place for its citizens to live, work, and play; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man has lived an immensely beautiful
life built on compassion, kindness, and respect for others; he is one of
the most significant and enduring civic leaders in the County of Oneida,
and his insight and strength will forever inspire the lives of the
countless people he has touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Michael Bosak upon the occasion of his induction into the 2024
Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame
on October 10, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael Bosak.