LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Klassen upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Hudson Valley Branch of the
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International

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, John Klassen has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John Klassen
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the
Hudson Valley Branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Inter-
national on Saturday, May 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS, John Klassen has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, John Klassen has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Graduating from John Jay Sr. High School in 1983, John Klas-
sen is a 1987 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, with a BA
degree in Economics and also served as a Lieutenant in the United States
Army for five years; he possesses over 15 years of experience in the
mortgage banking, investment, real estate lending and construction
management industry, with the last 12 working as a commercial and resi-
dential mortgage banker; and
WHEREAS, An employee of M and T Bank, John Klassen's experience in
these areas grants him the opportunity to work with construction firms,
realtors and financial companies, not just as a loan officer, but also
as an advisor; he works closely with his business partners to counsel
their clients on the purchase, investment and development of real
estate; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the community, John Klassen has served as a
two-term President of the Mid-Hudson Valley Mortgage Bankers Associ-
ation, four-term President of the Fishkill Chapter of Business Network
International, Coach of the Saugerties Under 16 Girls Soccer Travel
Club, and has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Mid-Hudson Valley
Chapter of American Diabetes Association and Chaired the Tour De Cure
Bicycling Event where he helped raise a significant amount to assist in
the research for the cure for Diabetes; and
WHEREAS, A licensed soccer coach, John Klassen currently coaches the
Saugerties Soccer Club U-17 and U-19 Girls' Travel Teams; in addition,
he is a member of many local trade organizations such as the Orange
County and Tri State Chambers of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which John Klassen has displayed through-
out his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Klassen upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Hudson Valley Branch of the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation International; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Klassen.