Senate Resolution No. 761

BY: Senator RATH

CONGRATULATING Joan Fishburn upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the "Unsung Hero"
SPARK Award by Arts Services Inc.

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; and

WHEREAS, Joan Fishburn 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Joan
Fishburn upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
"Unsung Hero" SPARK Award by Arts Services Inc. to be celebrated on
Wednesday, May 26, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Since 2014, Arts Services Inc. has presented its Annual
SPARK Awards to honor outstanding individuals and organizations from
across Western New York for their dedication, talent and impact on the
arts and cultural sector; and

WHEREAS, This year's esteemed "Unsung Hero" SPARK Award, which
honors an unpaid individual who has made a significant impact on an arts
organization, artistic discipline or the entire sector through their
volunteer service, will be presented to Joan Fishburn for her many years
of dedication to the Amherst Symphony Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, Originally from Philadelphia, Joan Fishburn began playing
violin in third grade; in high school she added the trombone to her
musical life; her passion for music is truly impressive and following
graduation, she went on to Pennsylvania State University to pursue a
degree in music education; and

WHEREAS, In 1959, Joan Fishburn moved to Buffalo with her family and
immediately joined the all-volunteer Amherst Symphony Orchestra (ASO);
there she made several connections and found opportunities for service,
creativity, relationships, and personal growth; and

WHEREAS, While still playing with the ASO, Joan Fishburn served as
President of both its Women's/Friends Committee and the Amherst Symphony
Association's board; under her able leadership, many programs were
initiated and expanded; additionally, she was instrumental in scheduling
ASO members into area schools for educational presentations and for
providing transportation and seating for residents of retirement homes
to attend all ASO concerts; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, through these relationships, Joan Fishburn was
able to bring hundreds of young people to participate in ASO concerts
and be featured in pre-concert productions; and

WHEREAS, Joan Fishburn helped the ASO make meaningful and
long-lasting acquaintances with the county, town, and village leaders to
enhance and improve their community; she was invited to be part of the
Glen Park Committee, where she served for 25 years, and she developed
and maintained consistent relationships with local corporations to
secure concert sponsorships; and

WHEREAS, This talented instrumentalist also developed and prepared
the ASO's concert programs for more than three decades all while
continuously playing in the orchestra; her 60 plus-year tenure with the
ASO has created innumerable memories and friendships, and has truly made
a lasting and impactful impression on the community; and

WHEREAS, Joan Fishburn has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, including the Behind the Scenes Individual Award
from the Town of Amherst in 2016; and

WHEREAS, During the past two decades, Joan Fishburn studied the
effect of music, participation and listening on the brain; so much has
been learned in recent years of the importance of music on our health,
individually and collectively; this information has only added to Joan's
passion concerning the importance of music for all; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Joan Fishburn 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
congratulate Joan Fishburn upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the "Unsung Hero" SPARK Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joan Fishburn.