Honor Thomas Wachunas Award

Senate Resolution No. 1297 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Thomas Wachunas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Susan Shpeen Memorial 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 Thomas Wachunas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Susan Shpeen Memorial Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center, to be celebrated on Sunday, April 30, 2017; 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, Thomas Wachunas began his illustrious career as Fitness Director at the Albany Jewish Community Center (JCC) in 2007; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Thomas Wachunas has been instrumental in the expansion of both the group exercise program and the adult basketball league, which grew from 28 teams per year to more than 40; in addition, a new adult league for volleyball was established and has since grown from six teams to over 20 teams; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Thomas Wachunas, the personal training program at the Albany JCC has grown in trainers, programs and revenue; he also instituted a capital budget for fitness equipment, ensuring the strength and cardio equipment is updated regularly; and WHEREAS, The success of the Albany JCC is in direct correlation to the efforts of Thomas Wachunas, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, Widely known for his extraordinary dedication to Israel and the local community, Thomas Wachunas' philanthropic and leadership endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky enough to know him; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals for the benefit of others which Thomas Wachunas has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 32 years, Mary Fran, and their two children, Ali and Corey, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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 Thomas Wachunas, that future generations may know and appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Thomas Wachunas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Susan Shpeen Memorial 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 Thomas Wachunas.