LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Claire Sigal upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Susan Shpeen Memorial Award by the
Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center

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, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, family, and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Claire Sigal upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Susan Shpeen Memorial Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community
Center, to be celebrated at its 15th Annual Pillars of the Community
Awards Brunch on Sunday, April 19, 2015, at Congregation Beth Abraham-
Jacob, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Each year, this prestigious awards ceremony recognizes indi-
viduals for their contributions to the Center and the Jewish Community
at large by acting as moral pillars and dispensers of wisdom and advice,
providing continued service and leadership, and acting generously in the
spirit of Tzedakah; Claire Sigal is receiving this auspicious award for
her Jewish leadership in the community; and
WHEREAS, A native of Rochester, New York, Claire Sigal earned a Bach-
elor's degree in Sociology at the University of Hartford, West Hartford,
Connecticut; she furthered her education by obtaining a Master's degree
in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany's School
of Social Welfare; and
WHEREAS, Claire Sigal began her professional career providing coun-
seling and making home visits to seniors at Jewish Family Services of
Northeastern New York; she then left work to raise her family; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, Claire Sigal returned to the workforce, holding the
position of Assistant Director in the Senior Adult Department of the
Albany Jewish Community Center (JCC); five years later, she was promoted
to the esteemed title of Director of the Senior Adult Program; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her 22 years of dedicated service to the Albany
JCC, Claire Sigal has been tirelessly committed to providing exemplary
assistance to the Senior Adult Program; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband of 37 years, Joel,
and their two children, Emily and Jed (Elyse), all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center provides a
nurturing environment where individuals and families can grow and devel-
op in mind, body, and spirit; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization's core values are rooted in Jewish
principles, representing the interest, concerns, and perspectives of the
Jewish community, and the community at large, and welcomes all members
regardless of their faith or background; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Claire Sigal has displayed throughout
her life; 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 Claire Sigal upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Susan Shpeen Memorial Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Claire Sigal.