LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ted H. Jacobsen upon the occasion of his
election as the 2010 Illustrious Potentate of the Mecca Shriners, New
York, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals and organizations that devote their energy, resources
and thoughtful care to improving the quality and character of life in
their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ted
H. Jacobsen upon the occasion of his election as the 2010 Illustrious
Potentate of the Mecca Shriners, New York, New York, to be celebrated at
a Tribute on Saturday, November 13, 2010; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Fordham University and its ROTC program
in 1955, Ted H. Jacobsen served for six months of active duty as a 1st
Lieutenant of Field Artillery in Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas; he then
returned home to New York City and served 10 years in the National Guard
and the USA Reserve; and
WHEREAS, In 1957, Ted H. Jacobsen started teaching in the Public
School System; he was a supporter of the formation of the United Feder-
ation of Teachers (UFT) and was involved with the first evening school
strike that was a precursor to the creation of the UFT; and
WHEREAS, After UFT was recognized as the bargaining unit by the New
York City Board of Education, Ted H. Jacobsen was instrumental in organ-
izing the doctors at Downstate Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Ted H. Jacobsen was elected Secretary of the New
York City Central Labor Council; he served for more than 15 years on the
Board of the American Red Cross of Greater New York and the United Way
of New York; moreover, he served on the Boards of the Italian Hospital
Society and the Workmen's Circle Multicare Center, and the Benevolent
Order of the Elks Vice Chair Advisory Board for Career Education for
approximately 10 years; and
WHEREAS, Concomitantly serving as Secretary of the New York City
Central Labor Council, Ted H. Jacobsen became a freemason and a Shriner;
the Shriners supervise 22 hospitals for children, 20 of them being in
the United States, one located in Canada, and one in Mexico City; these
22 hospitals are leading research, training and treatment hospitals for
children who suffer from burns and other disabling problems such as:
spinal and neurological disorders, prosthetic needs, Multiple Sclerosis
and Muscular Dystrophy; and
WHEREAS, In addition to holding the esteemed position of 2010 Illus-
trious Potentate for all Mecca Shriners, Ted H. Jacobsen is an associate
member of the Board of Governors for the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital
for Children and continues to serve his community in numerous ways; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ted H. Jacobsen upon the occasion of his election as the 2010
Illustrious Potentate of the Mecca Shriners, New York, New York; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to 2010 Illustrious Potentate Ted H. Jacobsen.