Honor Yachiyo Fleishman Award

Senate Resolution No. 49 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Yachiyo Fleishman 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 Yachiyo Fleishman 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, Yachiyo Fleishman 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, Yachiyo "Mickey" Fleishman was born on July 1, 1932, in Japan; after a difficult childhood, she decided to strike out on her own and applied for a student visa; upon her acceptance, she came to the United States to study food service management at SUNY Cobleskill; and WHEREAS, After graduating, Yachiyo Fleishman accepted a position in the food service industry at a hospital in Washington, D.C.; always ambitious and seeking greater opportunities, she returned to New York and enrolled in Empire State University to earn her bachelor's degree; and WHEREAS, During this time, Yachiyo Fleishman married Paul Fleishman and together, the couple settled down in Cobleskill, where she began her career as a dietician at the Community Hospital of Schoharie County; and WHEREAS, Yachiyo Fleishman and her husband enjoyed exploring and learning and shared a love for the arts, making annual trips to Glimmerglass, Tanglewood, SPAC and the Clark Art Museum; they liked to cross country ski and participated in summer study programs at Bowdoin College; Yachiyo spent a great deal of time volunteering and helping those less fortunate; and WHEREAS, In 2004, Yachiyo Fleishman and her husband moved to the Avila Retirement Community and quickly became active, participating in numerous activities with their new friends; she joined the staff at St. John's/St. Anne Food Pantry and visits the residents of Teresian House paying special attention to those who seldom had company; she is especially attentive to former residents of Avila and has organized wine and cheese celebrations and other outings for them; and WHEREAS, Yachiyo Fleishman has truly become a one women welcoming committee; she reaches out to new residents at Avila in order to make them feel at home, and loves to entertain and feed her neighbors, particularly around the holidays; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Yachiyo Fleishman 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 Yachiyo Fleishman 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 Yachiyo Fleishman.