Senate Resolution No. 1398

BY: Senator HELMING

HONORING Nozomi Williams upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Springstead Award by
the Geneva Rotary Club on April 27, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities of New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those who
distinguish themselves in their profession and in service to their
community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Nozomi Williams upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Springstead Award by the Geneva Rotary Club, to be celebrated at its
Service Above Self Event on Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Club 86 in
Geneva, New York; and

WHEREAS, Rotary International is dedicated to the development of
fellowship and understanding among business and professional leaders,
the promotion of community-betterment endeavors and of high standards in
business and professional practices, and the advancement of
international understanding, goodwill and peace; and

WHEREAS, Each year since 2010, the Rotary Club of Geneva proudly
honors individuals who exemplify the noble ideals and principles of the
late Ralph Springstead, who was an exemplary member of his community;
Nozomi Williams truly merits such recognition; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Nozomi Williams has been dedicated to
advocating for the children, healthcare, and the arts in her community;
and

WHEREAS, Nozomi Williams established the Williams Family Foundation
in honor of her late husband, Sam, and her two late children, Ichiro
"Ichica" and Jiro "Popo"; the charitable organization generously
provides numerous grants and gifts to various community groups including
Happiness House, the American Red Cross, the Boys and Girls Club of
Geneva, Disabled American Veterans, the Finger Lakes Community College
Foundation, and the Finger Lakes Visiting Nurse Service; and

WHEREAS, The Foundation has also supported the Finger Lakes Health
Foundation, the Geneva Center of Concern, the Geneva Community Center,
Geneva Concerts, the Geneva Family YMCA, the Geneva Historical Society,
the Geneva Lakefront Childcare Center, the Geneva Police Department, the
Geneva Post Office, the Geneva Public Library, the Geneva Theatre Guild,
the Geneva Volunteer Fire Department, and Hobart and William Smith
Colleges, as well as the Smith Center for the Arts/Smith Opera House;
and

WHEREAS, A true philanthropist, Nozomi Williams was named the 2012
Geneva Citizen of the Year for her steadfast and unremitting commitment
to her community and the arts, as well as the 2013 New York State Senate

Woman of Distinction Award and the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the
Happiness House; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Nozomi Williams upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Springstead Award by the Geneva Rotary Club on April 27, 2017;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nozomi Williams.