Honor Rena Button’s Service

Senate Resolution No. 1204 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Rena Button upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Two Together, Inc. on April 30, 2019 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rena Button upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Two Together, Inc. at its 18th Annual Cooks for Kids event on Tuesday, April

30, 2019; and WHEREAS, In 1997, Rena Button founded Two Together, a free after-school and summer reading and writing program operating a high need community in the South End of Albany, New York; the organization strengthens children's social, cultural and intellectual growth through improved language and literacy skills in a safe environment which fosters a life-long love and enthusiasm for learning; and WHEREAS, Rena Button served as this vital organization's first president and was a longtime board member, as well as a devoted friend and cheerleader until her retirement in 2015; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Rena Button, Two Together established relationships with local institutions, including the YMCA, Giffen Memorial Elementary School, and The College of Saint Rose, which have remained its key partners; and WHEREAS, In addition to her instrumental role in shaping Two Together into what it is today, Rena Button enjoyed visiting the after school program several times a week, often accompanied by her dog Bella, to read to the children, many of whom she knew by name; and WHEREAS, A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Rena Button has devoted her career to building strong communities, improving social services and advocating for youth programs; and WHEREAS, After a period living in New York City, Rena Button returned to Albany, where she worked as a policy adviser in the New York State Senate and as a legislative lobbyist; during this time, she and her husband, Dan, founded Button & Button, a public relations firm in Albany that advised local clients on media campaigns and other projects; and WHEREAS, Active in her community for more than 50 years, Rena Button served on the boards of several local organizations including Senior Service Centers of Albany, Independent Living in the Capital District, and the Bethlehem Public Library; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Simmons College in Boston, Rena Button attended Brown University (Pembroke College) and Albany Law School; she recently celebrated her 94th birthday and currently lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where two of her three sons reside; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Rena Button has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Rena Button upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Two Together, Inc. on April 30, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rena Button.