Senate Resolution No. 5389

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Linda Birnby upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Woman of Valor Award
by Congregation Agudat Achim on June 3, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Linda Birnby upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Woman of Valor Award by Congregation Agudat Achim to be feted at its
Shomrei Kehillah Awards Celebration on Sunday, June 3, 2018, in
Schenectady, New York; and

WHEREAS, Congregation Agudat Achim is committed to a traditional
pattern of Jewish worship, while sensitive to the spiritual needs of its
congregates; it provides opportunities for worship and study to members
of all ages; and

WHEREAS, A warm, welcoming conservative, egalitarian synagogue
located in Schenectady, New York, Agudat Achim consists of members of
all ages and levels of observance; and

WHEREAS, Linda Birnby is receiving this prestigious award for her
steadfast and unremitting commitment to her community; and

WHEREAS, Linda Birnby earned her Bachelor of Science degree in
Medical Technology from the University of Vermont; throughout her long
and distinguished career, she has conducted clinical or medical research
work at many hospitals including the New England Baptist Hospital,
Boston, Massachusetts; Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel; NIH in
Bethesda, Maryland; Sunnyview Hospital, Schenectady, New York; and
Albany Medical College, the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, and
Albany College of Pharmacy in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, On his 30th Birthday, Linda Birnby married her late
husband, Marty, and for the next 20 years, she was a stay-at-home mom;
and

WHEREAS, During that 20 year break, Linda Birnby volunteered with
the LWV in Schenectady and the YWCA women's shelter; in the early 1980s,
she began serving Congregation Agudat Achim with the Reyut, which
responds to congregant's requests for help, for things such as funeral
meal preparation, home and hospital visits, rides for medical
appointments, going to services or programs at the synagogue and more;
Linda has arranged for hundreds of rides through the years, quietly
going about her business and doing what needs to be done; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Linda Birnby has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; 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 Linda Birnby upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Woman of Valor Award by Congregation Agudat Achim on June 3, 2018;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Linda Birnby.