Honor Suzanne Hanson's Service

Senate Resolution No. 50 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Suzanne Hanson 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 Suzanne Hanson 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, Suzanne Hanson 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 February 28, 1929, Suzanne (Bottari) Hanson was raised in Albany, New York, where she worshipped at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; while a student at Philip Schulyer High School, she learned to knit and participated in the "Bundles for Britain" war project; and WHEREAS, Suzanne Hanson and her late husband of 53 years Joe, were the proud parents of two daughters and three sons; she was always very involved in the education of her children who attended St. Madeleine Sophie School and Notre Dame/Bishop Gibbons High School; she spearheaded several fundraising events for both schools as well as for her church; and WHEREAS, For many years, Suzanne Hanson has been a faithful congregant of the St. Madeleine Sophie Church where she has served in various capacities; she has been a member of the Building Committee and was instrumental in the success of its Capital Campaign; she was also a trustee and a participant of the school board; and WHEREAS, In addition to her valuable work with her church, Suzanne Hanson was a 4-H leader for 10 years, teaching knitting and other life skills to the young people of her community; and WHEREAS, Today, Suzanne Hanson continues to volunteer her time and energies to St. John/St. Ann Church's soup kitchen, and to the Teresian House Nursing Home; in this capacity, she offers pastoral care, serves as a Eucharistic Minister, and works in the gift shop; and WHEREAS, Suzanne Hanson knits layettes for the Christ Child Society of Albany, works as a docent at The Italian American Heritage Museum and volunteers in their gift shop; this remarkable woman also continues her caring ministry at Avila Retirement Community where she lives; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Suzanne Hanson 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 Suzanne Hanson 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 Suzanne Hanson.