Senate Resolution No. 1297

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Thomas Wachunas upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Susan Shpeen
Memorial Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center

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, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, family, and community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Thomas Wachunas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Susan Shpeen Memorial Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community
Center, to be celebrated on Sunday, April 30, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Each year, this prestigious awards ceremony recognizes
individuals for their contributions to the Center and the Jewish
community-at-large by acting as moral pillars and dispensers of wisdom
and advice, providing continued service and leadership, and acting
generously in the spirit of Tzedakah; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Wachunas began his illustrious career as Fitness
Director at the Albany Jewish Community Center (JCC) in 2007; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Thomas Wachunas has been instrumental in
the expansion of both the group exercise program and the adult
basketball league, which grew from 28 teams per year to more than 40; in
addition, a new adult league for volleyball was established and has
since grown from six teams to over 20 teams; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Thomas Wachunas, the
personal training program at the Albany JCC has grown in trainers,
programs and revenue; he also instituted a capital budget for fitness
equipment, ensuring the strength and cardio equipment is updated
regularly; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Albany JCC is in direct correlation to
the efforts of Thomas Wachunas, whose involvement is, and always has
been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Widely known for his extraordinary dedication to Israel and
the local community, Thomas Wachunas' philanthropic and leadership
endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky enough to know
him; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Thomas Wachunas has
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 32 years, Mary
Fran, and their two children, Ali and Corey, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Thomas Wachunas, that future generations may know and appreciate his
admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas Wachunas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Susan Shpeen Memorial Award by the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Thomas Wachunas.