LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Woman of Distinction Bernice M.
Williams upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition in
celebration of Women's History Month 2009

WHEREAS, Women's History Month, celebrated each year in March, is a time
to reflect upon and pay tribute to the women of our State and Nation for
their contributions to their communities and their professions; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that women of every
economic, ethnic, and religious background have made significant
contributions to their community and to the State of New York, and it is
appropriate to recognize them and to publicly acknowledge their endeav-
ors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Woman of Distinction Bernice M. Williams upon the occasion of her desig-
nation for special recognition in celebration of Women's History Month
2009, at a special ceremony to be held on March 27, 2009, at the Bronx
Library Center, Bronx, New York; and
WHEREAS, Bernice M. Williams graduated from Malcolm King College with
an Associate of Arts degree in Accounting; after graduating, she worked
for Julius Blumberg, Inc., where she started as a receptionist and after
five years was promoted to the Marketing Department as a Representative;
and
WHEREAS, Upon her retirement, Bernice M. Williams made it her life's
passion to make a difference in her community and the lives of others;
and
WHEREAS, Bernice M. Williams has been a dedicated member of Community
Board 5 since 2003; for the past four years, she has served as its 1st
Vice Chairperson as well as Chairperson of the Human Services Committee;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, Bernice M. Williams serves on the Neighborhood
Advisory Board 5, where she is a past Chairman and the current Vice
Chairman; she is also the President of 1985 Webster Avenue Tenant's
Association and a local branch Board Member of the Selective Service
System; and
WHEREAS, Bernice M. Williams graduated from the Citizens Police Acade-
my in 2005, and has been a Citizen Police Academy Alumni member ever
since; she is the Treasurer of the 46th Precinct Council; and
WHEREAS, A breast cancer survivor of seven years, Bernice M. Williams
devotes much of her time and energies to the American Cancer Society
through its Reach to Recovery program; women who are newly diagnosed are
referred to her so that she may share with them her personal journey,
offering them much needed hope and courage; and
WHEREAS, New York State is home to countless women, strong and color-
ful threads vital to the fabric of our rich heritage, who have and
continue to contribute to the advancement of our society; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when women of
such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they
should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great
State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Woman of Distinction Bernice M. Williams upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition in celebration of Women's Histo-
ry Month 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bernice M. Williams.