LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Jeffrey and Michael Buenau of Buenau's
Opticians upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the
Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce

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, Jeffrey Buenau and Michael Buenau have given not only of
their time and energies but also of their competence, intelligence and
leadership and consequently have been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Jeffrey
Buenau and Michael Buenau of Buenau's Opticians upon the occasion of
their designation as recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the
Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated at its 30th Annual Awards
Dinner on Friday, April 17, 2015, at the Cyprus Shrine Center, Glenmont,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1957, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce works
on a local and regional level to advance economic development and foster
a positive business environment; it offers resources for residents,
business, recreation and relocation in Bethlehem and the surrounding
region; and
WHEREAS, Michael Buenau and his son, Jeffrey, are the co-owners of
Buenau's Opticians, a family-owned business located in Delmar, New York,
which has served its community for over 100 years; and
WHEREAS, In May of 1915, J. Peter Buenau opened Buenau's Opticians on
Central Avenue, becoming one of Albany's first optometrists; he raised a
family of five children, four of whom joined the thriving family busi-
ness; and
WHEREAS, For over 80 years, Buenau's Opticians operated in Albany;
four decades ago, the family opened its second location in Delmar, which
recently expanded in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Today, Michael, a third-generation optician, and Jeffrey,
fourth generation, continue the 100-year-old family tradition of serving
the vision needs of their community; they pride themselves on providing
comprehensive family vision care as well as excellent, personalized
customer service; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of their sterling commitment to excellence,
Buenau's Opticians has been awarded METROLAND'S Optical Business of the
Year more than 10 times; and
WHEREAS, Jeffrey and Michael Buenau have been called upon to contrib-
ute their time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors
and has always given of themselves unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Jeffrey Buenau is an active Board member of the Bethlehem
YMCA, and was awarded the "40 Under 40" in 2013 for his contributions to
the excellence of advancement in ophthalmic dispensing; he is one of
only four opticians under 40 years of age in New York State to be
awarded this distinguished honor; and
WHEREAS, Michael Buenau is a past President of the New York State
Society of Opticians and a longtime past Board member of the Northeast
Association of the Blind; he has also received numerous awards in recog-
nition of outstanding service in the field of ophthalmic dispensing; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Buenau family is active in numerous
fundraising activities including the Elsmere School Playground project,
and Aim High, a consumer directed service for persons with disabilities;
they have also supported the Albany Autism Society and the Pride Center
in Albany; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Jeffrey and Michael Buenau have
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Jeffrey and Michael Buenau have
displayed throughout their lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Jeffrey and Michael Buenau of Buenau's Opticians upon the occa-
sion of their designation as recipients of the Lifetime Achievement
Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jeffrey and Michael Buenau.