LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Walt Handelsman upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by the UJA-Federation of New
York

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; and
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 congratu-
late Walt Handelsman upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the UJA-Federation of New York; this auspicious occasion
will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at the Nassau County
Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor, New York; and
WHEREAS, The UJA-Federation of New York cares for those in need,
rescues those in harm's way, and renews and strengthens the Jewish
people in New York, in Israel, and around the world; and
WHEREAS, At a time when our state and nation face significant economic
uncertainty, the UJA-Federation of New York continues to address the
needs of the poor and near poor living on Long Island and throughout New
York; it provides a safety net of services and continues to reach out to
those who are hurting, to listen and help in any way possible; and
WHEREAS, A self-taught Flash animator, Walt Handelsman is the two-time
Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist for NEWSDAY in New York; his
work is nationally syndicated to 250 newspapers around the country and
internationally; his animated cartoons have been available on NEWSDAY'S
website since 2006; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Walt Handelsman has created nine collections of
his editorial cartoons and a children's book; he has appeared as a guest
on various networks television shows; and
WHEREAS, The winner of countless journalism awards, Walt Handelsman
won Pulitzer Prizes in both 2007 and 1997; he has also been honored with
the Online News Association Best Commentary Award (2007), National Head-
liner Award (1993 and 1989), Society of Professional Journalists Award
(1992), Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award (1996), and Scripps Howard
National Journalism Award (2003); and
WHEREAS, Walt Handelsman is a graduate of the University of Cincinna-
ti; he worked in design and sales for a Baltimore advertising agency
prior to becoming a cartoonist; and
WHEREAS, Walt Handelsman lives with his wife and two sons in Woodbury,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Walt Handelsman has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Walt Handelsman has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Walt Handelsman upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the UJA-Federation of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Walt Handelsman, Woodbury, New York.