LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Gail Hewson upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award by
Happiness House

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Gail
Hewson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016
Volunteer of the Year Award by Happiness House celebrated at its 13th
Annual Gala Dinner and Auction Event, to be held on Friday, February
5th, 2016, at Belhurst Castle, Geneva, New York; and
WHEREAS, Given annually, this auspicious award is presented to indi-
viduals who have dedicated their time and serve as advocates on behalf
of people with developmental disabilities, Gail Hewson's outstanding
contributions and accomplishments are consistent with the mission and
vision of Happiness House; and
WHEREAS, Gail Hewson was born and raised in Palmyra, New York, and
earned her bachelor's degree in Business from Rochester Institute of
Technology in 1972; after graduation, she owned and operated a women's
apparel store for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Gail Hewson returned to RIT and furthered her educa-
tion by obtaining her degree in Educational Interpreting for Deaf and
Hard of Hearing Students; for 21 years, she was employed by the Deaf
Education Department of Monroe BOCES No. 1; and
WHEREAS, Gail Hewson and her husband, David, learned about Happiness
House and the great things that happen there through their friends,
Board Member Roy Beecher and his wife, Nancy; Gail Hewson became
inspired to volunteer her time and energies to this worthy organization;
and
WHEREAS, Three years ago, Gail Hewson began working with the children
in the Head Start program; having spent over two decades in public
education, she truly believes that children who start school with an
early education intervention program benefit greatly from the guidance
of caring adults in a loving environment; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband of 36 years, David,
who feels privileged to be a part of her life and rejoices in her
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Gail Hewson has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the respect
and admiration of her family, friends, and community at large; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Gail Hewson has displayed throughout her
life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Gail Hewson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award by Happiness House; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gail Hewson.