LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John U. Kelemen upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Everyday Hero Award by Jewish Family
Services of Orange County, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
U. Kelemen upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Everyday Hero Award by Jewish Family Services of Orange County, Inc., to
be celebrated at its Silver Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, November 4,
2009, at Anthony's Pier 9, New Windsor, New York; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Jewish Family Services of Orange County is to
strengthen families and community by providing a wide range of profes-
sional and accessible social services; these services are provided to
the entire community of Orange County within the guidelines of and in
accordance with Jewish ethics and traditions; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; John U. Kelemen has given not only of
his time and energies but also of his competence, intelligence and lead-
ership; and
WHEREAS, A man of great compassion and generosity, John U. Kelemen
grew up and still resides in Central Valley, New York, with his wife,
Charlene; and
WHEREAS, When he was just 16-years-old, John's father died suddenly,
so he had to help his mother and four younger brothers cope without a
bread winner; this experience gave him a lasting understanding of how
life can be a struggle; it also taught him to appreciate the blessings
and strengths of a close family and wonderful friends and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Today, his positive outlook on life is effortless: "Appreci-
ate what you have and every day make sure you give to others"; as the
owner of JBA Fine Imports/John Kelemen Foreign Car Repair, he graciously
offered to repair a Volvo that had been donated by a customer; he
contacted Jewish Family Services and the automobile was given to a
single, hard-working mother living in Newburgh, New York; and
WHEREAS, As an active member of the Woodbury Community Association and
the Lions Club, John U. Kelemen works hard to help his neighbors; he has
sparked collection efforts within the Association to provide assistance
to local families in financial need, including a client of Jewish Family
Service who was at risk for eviction; and
WHEREAS, John U. Kelemen's compassion also extends to animals; if you
visit his business, you will be warmly greeted by his Labrador retriev-
er, Ollie, whom he rescued; 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
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John U. Kelemen upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Everyday Hero Award by Jewish Family Services of Orange County,
Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John U. Kelemen.