Senate Resolution No. 3880

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Barbara Zaron upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Pillars of the
Community 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
Barbara Zaron upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center, to be celebrated on Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Temple
Israel, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each year, this prestigious awards ceremony recognizes
individuals 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; and

WHEREAS, Widely known for her extraordinary dedication to Israel and
the local community, Barbara Zaron's philanthropic and leadership
endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky enough to know
her; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Zaron has a long history of Tikkun Olam, repairing
the world; she combines hands on social action with social justice
advocacy to help people in need and to improve the community and the
world; and

WHEREAS, In the early 1980s, Barbara Zaron became actively involved
with the Organization of New York State Management/Confidential
Employees, Inc. (OMCE), the labor organization that represents the
state's management and confidential employees to protect their rights
and ensure they are treated with fairness and equity; and

WHEREAS, In 1983, she was elected to the OMCE Board of Directors and
was immediately elected President; she has been re-elected to the Board
11 times and re-elected as President each year since then; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Zaron has also been active with the State Employees
Federated Appeal (SEFA), where she spent many years as a member of the
annual SEFA Campaign Cabinet and as the statewide SEFA Labor Chair in
2000 and 2005; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this esteemed woman served on the Board of the
United Way of Northeastern New York for six years, and as a member of
the Board for the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society, a
policy and research arm of the State University at Albany; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated member of Congregation Beth Emeth for 44 years,
Barbara Zaron has been an active member of the Social Action Committee;
she also gives tirelessly of herself to its Sunday Soup Kitchen, Health
Fair, Garage Sale, the annual Damien Center dinner, and Mitzvah Days;
and

WHEREAS, As Congregation Beth Emeth's Social Action Chair, Barbara
Zaron oversaw the expansion of social action/social justice activities,
initiated a Social Action speaker series, undertook full sponsorship of
a Habitat for Humanity house, and became the driving force behind the
establishment of the Reform Jewish Voice of New York State in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Zaron is the proud recipient of numerous awards and
accolades including the Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Barbara Zaron has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Barbara Zaron, that future generations may know and appreciate her
admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Barbara Zaron upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Barbara Zaron.