LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Benita L. Law-Diao, a passionate advo-
cate for the health of the residents of the South End community, upon
the occasion of her designation for special recognition by AVillage,
Inc. on February 21, 2015

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Benita L. Law-Diao has given not only of her time and ener-
gies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and conse-
quently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Benita L.
Law-Diao, a passionate advocate for the health of the residents of the
South End community, upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by AVillage, Inc. celebrated at its 2nd Annual Celebration
of Progress on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at the Downtown Holiday Inn
Express, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, AVillage, Inc.'s mission is to improve the quality of life
for residents of the South End in Albany, New York, and beyond, by
reclaiming our neighborhoods, by encouraging, engaging, and empowering
our communities; and
WHEREAS, Benita L. Law-Diao has been called upon to contribute her
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, For 23 years, Dietitian Benita L. Law-Diao has been employed
at the New York State Department of Health; in this capacity, she has
worked for numerous programs promoting good health and for more than 20
Upstate New York county health departments; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Benita L. Law-Diao has worked for the Hunger
Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), and more than 2,000
New York State emergency food relief organizations; and
WHEREAS, As an active member of AVillage, Inc., Benita L. Law-Diao
helped convert a vacant lot to a beautiful green space called "Our Chil-
dren's Garden"; she also started the South End Farmers' Market, a youth-
entrepreneurial project which helps make farm-fresh produce accessible
to both the South End and Mansion Hill residents; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Benita L. Law-Diao has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Benita L. Law-Diao has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Benita L. Law-Diao, a passionate advocate for the health of the
residents of the South End community, upon the occasion of her desig-
nation for special recognition by AVillage, Inc. on February 21, 2015;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Benita L. Law-Diao.