Honor Dr. Abbuhl's Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 4464 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING John W. Abbuhl, M.D. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce on April 26, 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 individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John W. Abbuhl, M.D. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated at its Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, April

26, 2018, at Normanside Country Club in Delmar, New York; and WHEREAS, Established in 1957, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce works on a local and regional level to advance economic development and foster a positive business environment; it offers resources for residents, businesses, recreation and relocation in Bethlehem, New York, and the surrounding region; and WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Dr. John W. Abbuhl continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his community and profession and consequently has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and WHEREAS, Dr. John W. Abbuhl proudly served his country as a flight surgeon in the United States Navy during the Korean War; and WHEREAS, In 1966, Dr. John W. Abbuhl moved to Slingerlands, New York, where he helped found Schoolhouse Road Pediatrics; and WHEREAS, When he was not working, Dr. John W. Abbuhl enjoyed collecting and planting tree and woody plant specimens from all over the world; eventually, he acquired property upon which he planted with his treasures and installed 11 ponds; and WHEREAS, In 2007, this hobby horticulturist founded the Pine Hollow Arboretum so he could preserve his impressive collection and share it with the public; from 2007-2018, he held the title of President of this peaceful place; and WHEREAS, Dr. John W. Abbuhl was also a member of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy Board, and a Trustee Emeritus of Historic Cherry Hill in Albany; and WHEREAS, After retiring from Schoolhouse Pediatrics, Dr. John W. Abbuhl continued to serve at Parson's Child and Family Center, now known as Northern Rivers Family Services, well into his 80s; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a period of constructive involvement, Dr. John W. Abbuhl stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Dr. John W. Abbuhl displayed throughout his life; 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 John W. Abbuhl, M.D. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of John W. Abbuhl, M.D.