Assembly Resolution No. 151

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

CONGRATULATING Shirley Barnard Waters 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, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Shirley Barnard Waters upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday; and

WHEREAS, Born in Syracuse, New York, to the late Bradley Cutting
Barnard and Margaret Alberta (Kessinger) Barnard, Shirley Barnard and
her family moved to Rome, New York, when she was just a young teen; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Barnard graduated from Rome Free Academy where she
studied foreign languages; she grew up in a newspaper family where
discussion of community and world issues was commonplace at the dinner
table; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Barnard met George Waters and they would proceed to
graduate from Syracuse University in 1943; she and George were united in
marriage on September 23, of that same year; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Barnard Waters received a degree in Fine Arts in
Painting from Syracuse University; an avid artist, she had a passion for
drawing and painting; in addition, she crafted jewelry and sketched
faces on napkins to the delight of those she met; and

WHEREAS, After World War II, at the age of 25, Shirley Barnard
Waters sailed on a converted troop ship, the E.B. Alexander, to join her
husband as part of the Army of Occupation in Salzburg, Austria; with her
own 18-month old child in tow, she also found herself den mother to some
125 young soldiers of the 42nd Division, 222nd Regiment, Anti-tank
Company that her husband captained; and

WHEREAS, During the 1950s, this loving mother of five children
counseled others around a large kitchen table which proved a gathering
place for neighborhood children, parents, friends, and civic leaders;
never idle, she involved herself with church, schools, and painting
classes with friends, often doing portraits in oil; and

WHEREAS, This courageous woman helped facilitate the B-52 static
display, including the ALCM missile beside it; and

WHEREAS, The majority owner of the family-owned Rome Sentinel
newspaper, Shirley Barnard Waters weighed in heavily during Urban
Renewal to assure the newspaper plant would anchor the new downtown; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Barnard Waters saw potential for Grace Carpenter's
home and, with her husband George, cajoled community leaders to
establish the Rome Community Art Center; 50 years later she would
embrace moving the newspaper office to Griffiss Technology Park; and

WHEREAS, Always an arts advocate, Shirley Barnard Waters earned many
community, art, and journalism awards and accolades throughout her life;
and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian 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, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize 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 Shirley Barnard Waters upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Shirley Barnard Waters.