Senate Resolution No. 1395

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Jeannie Thomma upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership
Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson
Valley, Inc. on May 14, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Jeannie Thomma upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson
Valley, Inc. to be celebrated at its 25th Annual Dessert Spectacular on
Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy, New York;
and

WHEREAS, The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley (ILCHV)
is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with
disabilities lead happy and fulfilling lives; rooted in a philosophy of
self-determination, the Center offers many services including advocacy,
peer counseling, and facilitates access to housing and employment
opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The Beacon Leadership Award is granted annually to those
individuals and businesses which have demonstrated their commitment to
the rights of persons with disabilities; Jeannie Thomma has truly helped
make her community a more welcoming place for people with disabilities;
and

WHEREAS, Jeannie Thomma earned her Masters of Science degree in
teaching summa cum laude from Pace University; and

WHEREAS, A teacher for more than 20 years, Jeannie Thomma is known
for her ability to re-awaken the spark that lives in the soul of each of
her students; whether through her art workshops, meditation classes,
intuitive readings, or inspirational talks, she has led thousands of
students to gently re-connect with their own deep wisdom and joy; and

WHEREAS, A master teacher for over a decade, Jeannie Thomma has led
numerous workshops and private tutorials in the ancient art of
hand-felted wool, weaving and bead weaving, to thousands of students of
all ages and abilities; this sought after artist-in-residence has
received many grants to support her art making and teaching; and

WHEREAS, Since 2012, Jeannie Thomma has served as the lead coach and
facilitator of Make.Art.Work., a professional practice program for
visual artists in Connecticut; and

WHEREAS, Jeannie Thomma is also the author of several books
including Brave Artist: Getting the Work Done and Meditations for
Artists; and

WHEREAS, For the last five years, Jeannie Thomma has led the Summer
Art Program hosted by the Independent Living Center; under her luminous
leadership, participants have created various quilts, fiber art,
collages, and weaving projects; this summer, she and her students will
create "What Lifts You Up," a larger than life wall mural of wings; and

WHEREAS, Jeannie Thomma's creativity, patience, and warmth creates
an environment in which people feel free to express themselves
artistically; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 Jeannie Thomma upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the
Hudson Valley, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jeannie Thomma.