Senate Resolution No. 2202

BY: Senator HELMING

HONORING Angela Jones upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Ninth Annual Henry
C. Welles Award by the Waterloo Library and
Historical Society on May 26, 2017

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant 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 Angela Jones
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Ninth Annual
Henry C. Welles Award by the Waterloo Library and Historical Society to
be celebrated at an Award Ceremony on Friday, May 26, 2017, in Fatzinger
Hall, at the Waterloo Library and Historical Society, in Waterloo, New
York; and

WHEREAS, The presentation of the 2017 Henry C. Welles Award to
Angela Jones by the Waterloo Library and Historical Society will kick
off Celebrate Commemorate Memorial Day weekend festivities in the
village of Waterloo; and

WHEREAS, The Henry C. Welles Award, named after the modest and
unassuming druggist who was co-founder of the first Memorial Day
celebration in Waterloo in 1866, 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, Angela Jones, affectionately known as Angie, moved to
Waterloo in 1952, bringing with her a unique vision and style of
teaching; she began conversational Spanish courses with six students;
when she retired 39 years later, the school needed seven teachers to
handle all of the students; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her role as Spanish teacher, Angie Jones
served as a mentor to new teachers and as the Chair of the language
department for many years; and

WHEREAS, Angie Jones also shared her love of language and culture
with other teachers and residents in the community through workshops at
teacher conventions, and the trips she led to Spanish-speaking countries
around the world; her tours became so popular that she began a new
career as a certified travel agent after she retired from teaching; and

WHEREAS, Eager to share her memories and pictures from her 18 years
of adventures, Angie Jones published Day of the Dead: A Celebration of

Life in 2016, based on 18 years of attending the October festival in
Oaxaca, Mexico; and

WHEREAS, Angie Jones also founded the Snapettes baton twirling
corps; in this capacity, she guided young girls and a group of dedicated
parents as they learned the sport, marched in parades and competed
throughout the Northeast, even winning a national title; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to her community, Angie Jones sponsored
Immigration Days dinners, organized Christmas caroling parties, and made
cakes for booths at the county fair; even after retirement, she
continues to be active in many committees, donating a raffle basket to a
worthy cause, filling food bags for Trevor's Backpack Program, worked at
St. Mary's Festival, and participated in her first spelling bee to
support Literacy Volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Angie Jones has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Angie Jones has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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 Angela Jones upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Ninth Annual Henry C. Welles Award by the Waterloo Library and
Historical Society on May 26, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Angela Jones.