Honor John Belanich Award

Senate Resolution No. 4192 BY: Senator PHILLIPS COMMENDING John Belanich upon the occasion of his designation as the 2018 Citizen of the Year by the Community Chest of Port Washington 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 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 commend John Belanich upon the occasion of his designation as the 2018 Citizen of the Year by the Community Chest of Port Washington, to be celebrated on Monday, April 16, 2018, at the Port Washington Public Library in Port Washington, New York; and WHEREAS, Each year since 1969, the Community Chest of Port Washington selects an extraordinary resident or organization as its Citizen of the Year; John Belanich is being recognized with this auspicious award for his lifetime of outstanding volunteer service to the Port Washington community; and WHEREAS, A resident of Port Washington, John Belanich truly epitomizes the Community Chest's motto of "The People of Port Helping the People of Port"; for more than 45 years, he has been devoted to making Port Washington a better place for its residents to live, work, and play; and WHEREAS, Born on April 25, 1930, John Belanich was raised in Hell's Kitchen and Astoria, New York; from 1948-1951, he proudly served his country as a radio mechanic in the United States Air Force during the Korean War; and WHEREAS, In 1953, John Belanich married Barbara, and together, they raised their children in her family home on Prospect Avenue in Port Washington; and WHEREAS, John Belanich attended both Pratt Institute and Hofstra University where he earned his degrees in engineering; after graduating, he founded and ran several engineering/systems/technology businesses, and taught vocational electronics at the Henry Viscardi Center; and WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, John Belanich has been a member of St. Peter of Alcantara conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society since 1972; in this role, he strives to help residents, regardless of their religion, with the basics of life, food, housing, furniture needs, fuel, and scholarships, to sustain them through difficult times; and WHEREAS, John Belanich served on the Board and held the title of Treasurer of the Port Washington Community Action Council for 16 years; he also assisted volunteers with computer and organizational issues at the Twin Pines Consumer Association and Thrift Shop; and WHEREAS, From 1982-2002, John Belanich volunteered his time and energy to Littig House Community Center, holding the leadership positions of Treasurer, Vice President, and President; in this capacity, he has served as a strong advocate for affordable housing in Port Washington; and WHEREAS, In addition, this remarkable man was a highly respected Board member, Chair of the Budget and Allocation Committee and Chair and Treasurer of the Building Committee for Community Chest of Port Washington from 1991-2003; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Barbara, their four children, and four grandchildren, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; 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 commend John Belanich upon the occasion of his designation as the 2018 Citizen of the Year by the Community Chest of Port Washington; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to John Belanich.