Senate Resolution No. 2507

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Marta and Mark Koblenz upon the occasion
of their designation as recipients of the Pillars of
the Community Award by the Sidney Albert Albany
Jewish Community Center

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
Marta and Mark Koblenz upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert
Albany Jewish Community Center to be celebrated on Sunday, May 15, 2022;
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 their extraordinary dedication to Israel
and the local community, Marta and Mark Koblenz's philanthropic and
leadership endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky
enough to know them; and

WHEREAS, Mark and Marta Koblenz grew up in Albany, New York, where
their families have long been synonymous with the building and nurturing
of vibrant institutions in the Jewish and general communities; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Mark Koblenz has been an active member
of the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center (AJCC); as a child
he attended Sunday Funday and was a camper in the AJCC summer day camp,
and in high school, was a member of the ABG fraternity; and

WHEREAS, Mark Koblenz earned his bachelor's degree from Union
College and his law degree from Albany Law School; after graduating, he
was an attorney in private practice for 26 years, and for the past 16
years, he has served as the CEO of Daughters of Sarah Community for
Seniors; and

WHEREAS, Mark Koblenz has been actively involved with the Board of
Directors for the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, Jewish
Family Services, and LeadingAge NY; in addition to his role on the
Board, he has held the title of President for Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy
of the Capital District, Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center, and Temple
Israel; and

WHEREAS, Marta Koblenz was also actively involved with AJCC in her
youth, both as a camper and a member of the sorority Delta Psi; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of the Milne School, State University of New
York at Albany, and The College of Saint Rose, she worked for 30 years
as a speech and language therapist serving children from birth to five
years old with speech and language delays; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman served as co-President of Colonie
Hadassah, Temple Israel Sisterhood, and Daughters of Sarah Auxiliary,
sharing that honor with her mother; she also held the title of President
for the Hebrew Academy of the Capital District and has been a member of
the Board of Directors of Camp Givah, Daughters of Sarah Jewish
Foundation, Hadassah, and Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob; and

WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their two daughters and
their husbands, and six grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be
a part of their lives and rejoice in their achievements: and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Marta and Mark Koblenz have
displayed throughout their lives; 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 Marta and Mark Koblenz upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients 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 Marta and Mark Koblenz.