LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sheila Penn for her many civic
contributions as well as her tireless efforts to enhance the lives of
persons with disabilities within the Great Neck community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals that are devoted to the welfare of the community and its citizenry;
and
WHEREAS, Sheila Penn has given not only of her time and energies but
also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Sheila Penn for her many civic contributions as well as her tireless
efforts to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities in her commu-
nity of Great Neck, New York; and
WHEREAS, Sheila Penn, daughter of a London-born tailor, was briefly
separated from her parents, while living in London, and relocated to
avoid the imminent German attack during World War II; one year later, in
1940, after moving back to London with her parents and sister, the
Germans launched an attack on London for 57 straight days; despite the
daunting and dangerous circumstances Sheila and her family survived; and
WHEREAS, Years later, Sheila Penn fulfilled her dream of coming to
America, leaving behind her homeland that had been decimated by the
scars of war, and finding immediate employment in her new country; and
WHEREAS, While in the United States, Sheila Penn felt a call to
action, joining many committees in which she worked tirelessly in an
effort to enhance the lives of the citizens within her community; and
WHEREAS, Sheila Penn eventually married a former Marine who worked as
court clerk in Manhattan, and became the mother of two boys, one in need
of special education; and
WHEREAS, Not forgetting the effects of her own brief separation from
her parents, Sheila Penn remained determined to keep her family
protected; the family eventually settled in Great Neck, New York from
Brooklyn because of the education the village could offer her develop-
mentally disabled son; and
WHEREAS, Years after moving to Great Neck, Sheila Penn became a found-
ing member and President of the Foundation of Community Unified
Services, Inc. (FOCUS), which began in Great Neck in 1988 by a group of
parents of children with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Among its many contributions, FOCUS is responsible for open-
ing a residence which would take individuals with disabilities in the
event their parents were no longer able to take care of them; and
WHEREAS, While FOCUS continues to remain Sheila Penn's passion, she
currently serves on the Great Neck Village Chamber of Commerce as the
only non-profit board member and on the board of directors of the local
senior center; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Sheila Penn has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, and their two
sons, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice
in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
altruistic individuals it wishes to acknowledge for their philanthropic

contributions to our society which enhance the basic humanity among us
all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sheila Penn for her many civic contributions as well as her
tireless efforts to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities in
her community of Great Neck, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sheila Penn, Great Neck, New York.