LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mary Jane Smith upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Community Hero Award by
Unity House of Troy, New York

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane Smith has given not only of her time and energies
but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mary Jane
Smith upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016
Community Hero Award to be celebrated on Friday, February 12, 2016, at
the Unity House of Troy Gala at Pat's Barn, Rensselaer Technology Park,
Rensselaer, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Community Hero Award recognizes the achievements, commit-
ment and dedication of individuals who go above and beyond for their
institutions and community performing acts of goodwill and kindness; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane Smith, a former Sister of St. Joseph, co-founded
Unity House in 1971, after teaching in the Catholic school systems for
22 years; and
WHEREAS, As the organization's Executive Director for 20 years, Mary
Jane Smith's leadership was instrumental in developing programs for
people living in poverty, adults living with mental illness, victims of
domestic violence, and children with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman has served on many boards which bene-
fitted not only the disadvantaged people of the Capital District, but
also the community-at-large and the mental health population of the
entire State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane Smith has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane Smith served on the first AIDS Council of Albany
and also served in board capacities for the Regional Food Bank of North-
eastern New York and Hospice of Rensselaer County; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Mary Jane Smith has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor and has earned the respect and admira-
tion of her colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane Smith has exhibited compassion, humility and
unselfish dedication in everything she has done and continues to do for
the disenfranchised members of our community; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Mary Jane Smith has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary Jane Smith upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2016 Community Hero Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Jane Smith.