Senate Resolution No. 189 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Michael Bosak upon the occasion of his 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 area; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Michael Bosak upon the occasion of his 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, The longest-serving member of the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica's Board of Trustees, Michael Bosak was President from 2000-03 and 2008-12; he currently serves as Vice President, Education, and has been an officer for most of his tenure on the Board; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he is a long-time Editor of The Preservationist, Landmarks' news bulletin, and chairs the Nominating Committee; and WHEREAS, Michael Bosak and his wife, Penny, developed and presently chair several programs and events, including Monday Nite Walks and Talks, Winter Series of Educational Talks, and Holiday House Tours; the couple also initiated the paranormal investigative events and the Rutger Park Mansion Tours, as well as annual bus trips and the Annual Meeting, Banquet, and Awards Ceremony; and WHEREAS, Michael Bosak also developed the Old Main Redevelopment Advisory Committee which helped save and repurpose Old Main (at the Utica Psychiatric Center) and encouraged the State to provide public-access tours of this National Historic Landmark; he was able to provide closure and the successful purchase of the Rutger Park properties; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Notre Dame High School and Mohawk Valley Community College, Michael Bosak received his bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Buffalo; he received his Architectural License from New York State in November of 1994; and WHEREAS, Truly dedicated to his community, Michael Borsak worked for the City of Utica (Engineering and Planning), as well as several local architects; he was Lead Architect for Civil Engineering at Griffiss Air Force Base, State Architect for the USDA Rural Development for 14 years, and then served as Multi-Family Housing Program Director until his retirement in 2020; and WHEREAS, With a tireless and unwavering commitment to Central New York and beyond, Michael Bosak devoted his entire life to making communities a better place for its citizens to live, work, and play; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary man has lived an immensely beautiful life built on compassion, kindness, and respect for others; he is one of the most significant and enduring civic leaders in the County of Oneida, and his insight and strength will forever inspire the lives of the countless people he has touched; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Michael Bosak upon the occasion of his 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 Michael Bosak.