LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Helen Bonner upon the occasion of
celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Recently, Helen Bonner celebrated her 100th Birthday with her
friends and family, as well as local officials and organizations; and
WHEREAS, Helen Bonner was born on May 21, 1915, in New York City; she
was the ninth of 10 children and was always seen as the baby of the
family; and
WHEREAS, On New Year's Eve of 1941, Helen Bonner married her husband
George; in 1957, the couple bought a plot of land in New Cassel, build-
ing the home where she still resides; and
WHEREAS, Helen Bonner was employed as an inspector for Designs Power
in Westbury, New York, and was involved with the Mercury Project; in
1977, she officially retired at the age of 62; and
WHEREAS, After retiring, Helen Bonner helped take care of her husband
who suffered from Alzheimer's disease until he passed away in 1979; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the last Century, Helen Bonner raised her daugh-
ter, was a devoted wife, traveled extensively, and played an active role
in both the community and her local church; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she has enjoyed spending time at the Westbury
Senior Center, where she took part in exercise and creative writing
classes; she also loved tap dancing, a hobby she participated in until
she was 85 years old; and
WHEREAS, Today, Helen Bonner likes to relax by spending her time
watching tennis (Serena Williams is her favorite), reading, and doing
light exercise; she attends the Town of North Hempstead's Funday Monday
events, and is a longtime member of Bethel AME church; and
WHEREAS, 100 years young, Helen Bonner credits religion and her daugh-
ter Sharon's loving attention for her long and happy life; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, This beloved woman has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Helen Bonner upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Helen Bonner.