LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Nozomi Hirayama Williams upon the occa-
sion of her designation as recipient of the 2013 Humanitarian of the
Year Award by Happiness House

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Nozomi Hirayama Williams upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of the 2013 Humanitarian of the Year Award by Happiness House; and
WHEREAS, Given annually, the Humanitarian of the Year Award by Happi-
ness House is presented to an individual who has dedicated their time
and served as an advocate on behalf of people with developmental disa-
bilities; and
WHEREAS, Happiness House is proud to present its 2013 Humanitarian of
the Year award to Nozomi Hirayama Williams, who has made outstanding
contributions and whose accomplishments are consistent with the mission
and vision of Happiness House; and
WHEREAS, Considered an unsung hero in the Finger Lakes region, Nozomi
Hirayama Williams was born in Japan, the seventh of eight children; she
and her family lost their home and all their possessions in the bombing
of Japan on August 1, 1945; and
WHEREAS, In Tokyo, Japan, in 1964, Nozomi Williams met her late
husband, Samuel Burbank Williams II, the then Publisher, President and
Owner of THE FINGER LAKES TIMES; they married in 1965 in Mito, Japan and
after their marriage, she and her husband resided in Geneva, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Through the invaluable assistance of both her late husband's
family, and long time friend Anthony J. Donohoe, Nozomi Williams founded
the Williams Family Foundation in honor of Nozomi's late husband and
their late two sons, Ichiro (Ichica) and Jiro (Popo) Williams; and
WHEREAS, Considered a humble and caring individual, in her own quiet
way, Nozomi Williams has made significant contributions in the arts,
education, healthcare and disabilities areas; she has been instrumental
in enhancing educational opportunities for children and adults, with and
without disabilities at Happiness House; and
WHEREAS, Numerous other organizations in the Geneva, New York, area
have benefited enormously from Nozomi Williams' generous support; those
organizations include: the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club of
Geneva, Disabled American Veterans, Finger Lakes Community College Foun-
dation, Finger Lakes Visiting Nurse Service, Finger Lakes Health Founda-
tion, Geneva Center of Concern, Geneva Community Center, Geneva
Concerts, Geneva Family YMCA, Geneva Historical Society, Geneva Lake-
front Childcare Center, Geneva Police Department, Geneva Post Office,
Geneva Public Library, Geneva Theatre Guild, Geneva Volunteer Fire
Department, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, and the Smith Center for
the Arts/Smith Opera House; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Nozomi Hirayama
Williams has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has
earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends;
and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Nozomi Hirayama Williams has
displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Nozomi Hirayama Williams upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the 2013 Humanitarian of the Year Award by Happiness House;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nozomi Hirayama Williams.