Senate Resolution No. 2772

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING Susan Willet upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the inaugural Harry
Yates Volunteer of the Year Award by the Orchard
Park Historical Society on June 12, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention
to the dedicated efforts of those individuals from across the State of
New York who volunteer their time and energies in service to the
community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Susan Willet upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
inaugural Harry Yates Volunteer of the Year Award by the Orchard Park
Historical Society to be celebrated at its Annual Picnic on Monday, June
12, 2017, at the Hillcrest Fire Company Picnic Grove, Orchard Park, New
York; and

WHEREAS, The Harry Yates Volunteer of the Year Award is named for
one of Orchard Park's most notable residents; Harry Yates was a highly
regarded businessman who had numerous commercial interests and was named
the Village and Town's First Citizen in 1951; and

WHEREAS, Orchard Park native, Susan Willett is receiving this
prestigious award for her steadfast and unremitting commitment to the
Orchard Park Historical Society and to her beloved community; and

WHEREAS, Almost five decades ago, Susan Willett joined the Orchard
Park Historical Society; throughout the years, she has served in
numerous capacities such as editor for "Orchard Park Before We
Remember," John Printy's history of the town; vital member of the Jolls
House Restoration Committee; director of the speakers bureau; co-chair
of the Village of Orchard Park's 50th Anniversary Celebration and the
Erie County Sesquicentennial Committee; and

WHEREAS, Susan Willett also organized colorful quilt shows at the
Friends Meeting House and historical military and wedding dress exhibits
at the Jolls House Museum, where she also set up a display of Jessie
Walburg paintings; and

WHEREAS, With an eye for detail and a creative mind, Susan Willett
was instrumental in many of the Orchard Park Historical Society's
award-winning entries in the Erie County Fair Historical Building
competitions; and

WHEREAS, Proud of her community, Susan Willett helped save the
Veterans Memorial Park on West Quaker Street; and

WHEREAS, A true patron of the arts, Susan Willett holds the position
of Executive Director and Manager of the Ars Nova Musicians, a
professional chamber orchestra which performs in various venues
throughout Western New York; for her outstanding achievement in the fine

and performing arts, she received special recognition by the Advisory
Council of the University at Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it
provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and
serving can be sustained and strengthened; and

WHEREAS, Volunteerism promotes family and community solidarity; most
importantly, people who volunteer their time in civic and charitable
endeavors inspire others to the call of volunteerism; and

WHEREAS, In the faithful performance of her duties and volunteer
efforts, Susan Willet's ongoing endeavors and notable achievements have
significantly contributed to bettering the quality of life in her
community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Susan Willet upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the inaugural Harry Yates Volunteer of the Year Award by the Orchard
Park Historical Society on June 12, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Susan Willet.