Senate Resolution No. 1204

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Rena Button upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Two Together,
Inc. on April 30, 2019

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rena Button
upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Two
Together, Inc. at its 18th Annual Cooks for Kids event on Tuesday, April
30, 2019; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, Rena Button founded Two Together, a free
after-school and summer reading and writing program operating a high
need community in the South End of Albany, New York; the organization
strengthens children's social, cultural and intellectual growth through
improved language and literacy skills in a safe environment which
fosters a life-long love and enthusiasm for learning; and

WHEREAS, Rena Button served as this vital organization's first
president and was a longtime board member, as well as a devoted friend
and cheerleader until her retirement in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Rena Button, Two Together
established relationships with local institutions, including the YMCA,
Giffen Memorial Elementary School, and The College of Saint Rose, which
have remained its key partners; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her instrumental role in shaping Two
Together into what it is today, Rena Button enjoyed visiting the after
school program several times a week, often accompanied by her dog Bella,
to read to the children, many of whom she knew by name; and

WHEREAS, A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Rena Button has
devoted her career to building strong communities, improving social
services and advocating for youth programs; and

WHEREAS, After a period living in New York City, Rena Button
returned to Albany, where she worked as a policy adviser in the New York
State Senate and as a legislative lobbyist; during this time, she and
her husband, Dan, founded Button & Button, a public relations firm in
Albany that advised local clients on media campaigns and other projects;
and

WHEREAS, Active in her community for more than 50 years, Rena Button
served on the boards of several local organizations including Senior

Service Centers of Albany, Independent Living in the Capital District,
and the Bethlehem Public Library; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Simmons College in Boston, Rena Button
attended Brown University (Pembroke College) and Albany Law School; she
recently celebrated her 94th birthday and currently lives in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, where two of her three sons reside; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Rena Button has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rena Button upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by Two Together, Inc. on April 30, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rena Button.