LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending St. Nicholas Home, Inc. upon the occa-
sion of hosting its 30th Anniversary Gala on Friday, May 4, 2012

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 organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend St. Nicholas
Home, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 30th Anniversary Gala on
Friday, May 4, 2012, at The Vanderbilt in Staten Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, Founded and governed by Arab-Americans, the St. Nicholas
Home, a nonsectarian and not-for-profit organization, provides the
elderly with a dignified living experience in a safe, caring, and pleas-
ant residential environment and in so doing, the organization continues
the vision of its founders to serve their community, and the community
at large; and
WHEREAS, An inter-denominational residence for elderly individuals,
St. Nicholas Home, Inc. opened its doors on October 19, 1982; it was
the dream of Father Gregory Abboud of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox
Cathedral in Brooklyn to build a residence for the elderly people in the
Arab-American community; and
WHEREAS, Father Abboud died in 1978, but before he died, he signed the
contract to purchase the old Bay Ridge Hospital; his close friend, Rich-
ard Zarick along with his wife, Florence, possessed the same dedication
and energy as Father Abboud, completed the mission with the support of
the Arab-American community; and
WHEREAS, The old Bay Ridge Hospital was transformed with the work of
original board member and comptroller Joe Aboushanab, along with many
craftsmen and other dedicated volunteers from the community to renovate
the hospital into a 74-bed facility for the elderly in the community, as
well as the community at large; the original facility was built in 1912
and has plans for new renovations this year; and
WHEREAS, St. Nicholas Home, Inc.'s Board has drawn from the best
people in the Arab-American community in Brooklyn and beyond; in addi-
tion to the honorary directors from the Orthodox, Maronite, Protestant
and Coptic churches, the present Board has two prominent individuals,
who are active and bring strong support to its work, as well as members
with roots in Lebanon, Syria and Palestine; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
commend St. Nicholas Home, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 30th
Anniversary Gala; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to cofounders Richard and Florence Zarick and Comptroller Joe
Aboushanab, St. Nicholas Home, Inc.