Honor Safrankos for Community Service

Senate Resolution No. 597 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko upon the occasion of their designation as recipients 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 Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko 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, 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, Widely known for their extraordinary dedication to Israel and the local community, Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko's philanthropic and leadership endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky enough to know them; and WHEREAS, Born in Albany, New York to the late Aaron and Betty Tinkle, Ellie Safranko graduated from Albany High School and the University of Bridgeport before earning her master's degree from Russell Sage College; and WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious career in education, Ellie Safranko taught in the Albany Public Schools, the Ashland, Massachusetts Public Schools, and retired from Rensselaer City Schools in 1997; she currently supervises student teachers at the College of Saint Rose; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the community, Ellie Safranko has been an active member of several community and charitable organizations including CBE Sisterhood, the Rensselaer Teachers Association, the New York State Retired Teachers Association, the City Club of Albany and the St. Peter's Hospital Auxiliary; and WHEREAS, Ellie Safranko was the first elected Secretary of Congregation Beth Emeth and the first woman President of Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home; she currently serves as Secretary of the Board of the Daughter of Sarah Housing Company; and WHEREAS, Judge Stephen Safranko was born in New York City and is the son of the late Abraham and Anne Safranko; he is a graduate of the Albany Academy, Union College and Boston University School of Law; and WHEREAS, Admitted to the bar in the State of New York in 1968, Judge Stephen Safranko remains engaged in the private practice of law in Albany; throughout his career, he has served as assistant public defender for Albany County, was appointed Recorder and Traffic Count Judge by the late Mayor Erastus Corning II, and served as Albany City Court Judge until 1996; and WHEREAS, Judge Stephen Safranko is an active member of Congregation Beth Emeth and has served on its Board of Trustees; furthermore, he was President of both the Albany-Schenectady Magistrates Association and Daughters of Sarah Jewish Foundation; and WHEREAS, Having served on the Executive Committee of the Greater Albany Jewish Federation, Judge Stephen Safranko is also a former Board Member of the Leukemia Society, Home Aide Service of Eastern New York, Chapel House, the New York State Holocaust Commission, the Albany Tercentennial Commission, the Albany Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution and a director of the Arbor Hill Community Center; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals for the benefit of others which Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko have displayed throughout their lives; and WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their children, Abby (Marc) and Andrew (Julie), and three grandchildren, Arielle, Alexis and Chad, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of their lives and rejoice in their 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 Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko, that future generations may know and appreciate their admirable character, their many benevolent deeds, and their respect and esteem in which they are held by their peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko 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 Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko.