Senate Resolution No. 47

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Jan Rubenstein upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime
Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on October 10, 2018

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
Jan Rubenstein upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues
Forum to be celebrated at its 19th Annual Senior Lifetime Achievement
Award Ceremony on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Congregation Beth
Emeth in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Capital District Senior Issues Forum is a voluntary
initiative among faith communities, organizations and individuals which
provides support for seniors in the capital district through education
and dialogue; and

WHEREAS, Since 1998, this vital organization has focused on senior
housing issues by bringing together caregivers, faith organizations,
government officials, housing facilities, administrators and seniors
themselves; and

WHEREAS, For the past 19 years, the Capital District Senior Issues
Forum has honored hundreds of senior citizens over the age of 85 for
their lifetime achievements; and

WHEREAS, Jan Rubenstein is being recognized as an extraordinary
senior for her tireless efforts in making a difference in the lives of
others and for giving selflessly in community service; and

WHEREAS, Born on July 7, 1932, in Albany, Jan Rubenstein grew up in
Buffalo, New York; she returned to the Capital District in 1957 when her
husband, Allan, accepted a new job at the Attorney General's office;
together, the couple raised two children, Ellen and Bruce; and

WHEREAS, Jan Rubenstein was employed with Planned Parenthood where
she served the women of her community for many years; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her work with Planned Parenthood, Jan
Rubenstein volunteered with many local agencies and programs
representing a variety of interests such as the arts, music and museum
programs; continuing in her commitment to helping women, she was also
active with the Reach to Recovery and Road to Recovery program through
the American Cancer Society; and

WHEREAS, As a faithful member of Congregation Beth Emeth, Jan
Rubenstein served the Jewish community in a variety of leadership roles
on the local and national level, from board member to Sisterhood
President; for almost three decades, she has coordinated the
Sisterhood's Annual Mah Jongg tournament; and

WHEREAS, Today, Jan Rubenstein continues to bring comfort to those
who are bereaved, with the delivery of a Shabbat bag containing the
comforts of the holiday at a difficult time; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Jan Rubenstein has displayed
throughout her life; she is an involved, caring person, who is always
willing and able to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind
word; 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 Jan Rubenstein upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on October 10, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jan Rubenstein.