Honor Jan Rubenstein Award

Senate Resolution No. 47 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Jan Rubenstein upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum on October 10, 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jan Rubenstein upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum to be celebrated at its 19th Annual Senior Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, The Capital District Senior Issues Forum is a voluntary initiative among faith communities, organizations and individuals which provides support for seniors in the capital district through education and dialogue; and WHEREAS, Since 1998, this vital organization has focused on senior housing issues by bringing together caregivers, faith organizations, government officials, housing facilities, administrators and seniors themselves; and WHEREAS, For the past 19 years, the Capital District Senior Issues Forum has honored hundreds of senior citizens over the age of 85 for their lifetime achievements; and WHEREAS, Jan Rubenstein is being recognized as an extraordinary senior for her tireless efforts in making a difference in the lives of others and for giving selflessly in community service; and WHEREAS, Born on July 7, 1932, in Albany, Jan Rubenstein grew up in Buffalo, New York; she returned to the Capital District in 1957 when her husband, Allan, accepted a new job at the Attorney General's office; together, the couple raised two children, Ellen and Bruce; and WHEREAS, Jan Rubenstein was employed with Planned Parenthood where she served the women of her community for many years; and WHEREAS, In addition to her work with Planned Parenthood, Jan Rubenstein volunteered with many local agencies and programs representing a variety of interests such as the arts, music and museum programs; continuing in her commitment to helping women, she was also active with the Reach to Recovery and Road to Recovery program through the American Cancer Society; and WHEREAS, As a faithful member of Congregation Beth Emeth, Jan Rubenstein served the Jewish community in a variety of leadership roles on the local and national level, from board member to Sisterhood President; for almost three decades, she has coordinated the Sisterhood's Annual Mah Jongg tournament; and WHEREAS, Today, Jan Rubenstein continues to bring comfort to those who are bereaved, with the delivery of a Shabbat bag containing the comforts of the holiday at a difficult time; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Jan Rubenstein has displayed throughout her life; she is an involved, caring person, who is always willing and able to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind word; 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 Jan Rubenstein upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum on October 10, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jan Rubenstein.