LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ruth and the late Carl Schoenacker upon
the occasion of their designation as recipients of the 2015 Henry C.
Welles Award by the Waterloo Library and Historical Society

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ruth and the
late Carl Schoenacker upon the occasion of their designation as recipi-
ents of the 2015 Henry C. Welles Award by the Waterloo Library and
Historical Soceity; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a
reception on Friday, May 22, 2015, at the Waterloo Library and Histor-
ical Society, Waterloo, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Henry C. Welles Award was established in 2008 by the
Waterloo Library and Historical Society to honor a citizen of Waterloo
who, through tireless effort and many hours of uncompensated time, has
made Waterloo a better place to live, work, worship, understand and
enjoy; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Schoenacker has consistently contributed her time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
freely of her time and talents; and
WHEREAS, When the Waterloo Library and Historical Society reorganized
its Terwilliger Museum, Ruth and Carl Schoenacker gave tirelessly of
their time and energies to take on this monumental project; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Schoenacker's illustrious career as a Home Economics
teacher in Romulus, New York gave her the expertise necessary to proper-
ly wash, iron, mend and store each of the museum's clothing items; in
addition, she created padded hanger coverings to ensure that delicate
period clothing could be hung without damage; and
WHEREAS, During this time, Carl Schoenacker was instrumental in reor-
ganizing Terwilliger Museum's two floors of exhibit space, where he
created and built new walls and display panels; in addition, while a
member of the Board of Trustees, Carl took over the publication of the
Society's newsletter; and
WHEREAS, As an esteemed veteran of the Second World War, Carl Schoe-
nacker valiantly served in the Mediterranean where his ship, the HMS
Rohna, was torpedoed and he spent several long days and nights in the
water; although this catastrophic event was originally unacknowledged,
thanks to Carl's steadfast and unwavering efforts, a very special exhib-
it detailing the sinking of the HMS Rohna was established at the
National Memorial Day Museum; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Ruth and Carl Schoenacker stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With them throughout their lives have been their three sons,
Irving, Frank and Terry, as well as their five grandchildren, Kevin,
Steven, Adam, Ian and Terry, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
Carl and Ruth's lives and rejoice in their achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Ruth and Carl Schoenacker both displayed
throughout their lives; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ruth and the late Carl Schoenacker upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of the 2015 Henry C. Welles Award by the
Waterloo Library and Historical Society; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ruth Schoenacker.