Senate Resolution No. 174 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Bonny Niles upon the occasion of her induction into the 2024 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame on October 10, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have helped shape the history of their areas; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Bonny Niles upon the occasion of her induction into the 2024 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Irish Cultural Center in Utica, New York; and WHEREAS, The Oneida County Historical Hall of Fame was established in 1946 and honors individuals from Oneida County who made an impact on the local community and the world; the Living Legends category was added in 2001 to celebrate present-day models of people making a difference; and WHEREAS, Bonny Niles, a community leader, is the Historian for the Town of Paris Historical Society in Clayville, New York; and WHEREAS, The Society, founded in 1935, is the oldest continually active historical society in Oneida County, New York; this membership-based organization is dedicated to preserving the history of the Town of Paris and its surrounding area; and WHEREAS, The mission of the Town of Paris Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and promote the history, heritage, and culture of the Town of Paris; numerous artifacts, documents, and photographs are housed in a museum in Clayville; a library contains books on local history, genealogy, and other important information; and WHEREAS, With a tireless and unwavering commitment to Central New York and beyond, Bonny Niles devoted her entire life to making communities better places for their citizens to live, work, and play; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has lived an immensely beautiful life built on compassion, kindness, and respect for others; she is one of the most significant and enduring civic leaders in the County of Oneida, and her insight and strength will forever inspire the lives of the countless people she has touched; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Bonny Niles upon the occasion of her induction into the 2024 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame on October 10, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Bonny Niles.