Honor Barbara Zaron Award

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

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.