Honor Jeannie Thomma Award

Senate Resolution No. 1395 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Jeannie Thomma upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc. on May 14, 2019 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 honor Jeannie Thomma upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc. to be celebrated at its 25th Annual Dessert Spectacular on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley (ILCHV) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities lead happy and fulfilling lives; rooted in a philosophy of self-determination, the Center offers many services including advocacy, peer counseling, and facilitates access to housing and employment opportunities; and WHEREAS, The Beacon Leadership Award is granted annually to those individuals and businesses which have demonstrated their commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities; Jeannie Thomma has truly helped make her community a more welcoming place for people with disabilities; and WHEREAS, Jeannie Thomma earned her Masters of Science degree in teaching summa cum laude from Pace University; and WHEREAS, A teacher for more than 20 years, Jeannie Thomma is known for her ability to re-awaken the spark that lives in the soul of each of her students; whether through her art workshops, meditation classes, intuitive readings, or inspirational talks, she has led thousands of students to gently re-connect with their own deep wisdom and joy; and WHEREAS, A master teacher for over a decade, Jeannie Thomma has led numerous workshops and private tutorials in the ancient art of hand-felted wool, weaving and bead weaving, to thousands of students of all ages and abilities; this sought after artist-in-residence has received many grants to support her art making and teaching; and WHEREAS, Since 2012, Jeannie Thomma has served as the lead coach and facilitator of Make.Art.Work., a professional practice program for visual artists in Connecticut; and WHEREAS, Jeannie Thomma is also the author of several books including Brave Artist: Getting the Work Done and Meditations for Artists; and WHEREAS, For the last five years, Jeannie Thomma has led the Summer Art Program hosted by the Independent Living Center; under her luminous leadership, participants have created various quilts, fiber art, collages, and weaving projects; this summer, she and her students will create "What Lifts You Up," a larger than life wall mural of wings; and WHEREAS, Jeannie Thomma's creativity, patience, and warmth creates an environment in which people feel free to express themselves artistically; 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 Jeannie Thomma upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jeannie Thomma.