LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Benjamin Mendel, Jr. upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the 2014 Third Age Achievement Award
in Volunteerism by Senior Services of Albany

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Mendel, Jr. has given not only of his time and ener-
gies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and conse-
quently has been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Benjamin
Mendel, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2014 Third Age Achievement Award in Volunteerism by Senior Services of
Albany, to be celebrated at its 18th Annual Third Age Achievement Awards
luncheon on Friday, May 2, 2014, at Wolfert's Roost Country Club, Alba-
ny, New York; and
WHEREAS, Architect Benjamin Mendel, Jr. has dedicated his purposeful
life to serving the community; a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy
during the Korean War, and returned to the Capital Region to begin his
architectural career, his roles as husband and father, and his life as a
dedicated volunteer; and
WHEREAS, For 55 years, Benjamin Mendel, Jr. has been called upon to
contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charitable
endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Mendel, Jr. has served on the boards of directors of
Historic Cherry Hill, the Northeast New York Speech Center, B'nai B'rith
Housing Corporation, Albany Roman Catholic Diocese, Catholic/Jewish
Dialogue Committee, Commission on the Restoration of the New York State
Capitol Building, has served as commissioner on the Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Scholarship Committee, and as President and Board member of
Congregation Beth Emeth; he has also worked in Congregation Beth Emeth's
soup kitchen, participated in Albany Rotary clean up days, and has
assisted in the organizing of Girl Scout camping trips; and
WHEREAS, This generous man has received a number of awards for his
commitment, including: Jewish Family Services Volunteer of the Year;
B'nai B'rith Gideon Lodge No. 40 Covenant Award, Jewish War Veterans
Post 105 Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award, the DeWitt Clinton Masonic
Award for Community Service, and Congregation Beth Emeth Sisterhood
Youth, Education & Service Award; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 56 years, Ruth,
their children, Lisa (Ben), and Naomi (Thomas) as well as their grand-
children, Benjamin, Evan, Brianna, Shoshana and Aubrey; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Benjamin Mendel, Jr. has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Benjamin Mendel, Jr. has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals 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
honor Benjamin Mendel, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2014 Third Age Achievement Award in Volunteerism; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Benjamin Mendel, Jr.