Senate Resolution No. 2377

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Joan Meister upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Sister Gail Rieth
Volunteer Award by Circles of Mercy on June 14, 2017

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, Joan Meister 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 honor Joan Meister
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Sister Gail
Rieth Volunteer Award by Circles of Mercy, to be celebrated at its
Annual Gala, "A Taste of Mercy," on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at the
Shaker Ridge Country Club in Loudonville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Circles of Mercy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy
Northeast Community, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in
the community by working to end the cycle of poverty, especially among
women and women with children; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization honors the dignity of each person
by offering hospitality and providing services, compassion, stewardship,
leadership and collaboration, which are performed in an effort to
instill hope and empower individuals to reach their full potential; and

WHEREAS, A volunteer at Catherine's Closet - Circle of Mercy since
2004, Joan Meister is considered one of the senior volunteers on its
staff; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to her community, Joan Meister is part of the
Communion Ministry to Hawthorne Ridge and taught religious education for
10 years; in addition, she completed the two year Formation for Ministry
Program (FMP) training; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her four children, 10
grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild,
who have all shown her love and support and rejoice in her many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Joan Meister has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Joan Meister 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
honor Joan Meister upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Sister Gail Rieth Volunteer Award by Circles of Mercy on June 14,
2017; and be it further

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