Senate Resolution No. 597

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of the
Pillars of the Community 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
Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko upon the occasion of their designation
as recipients of the Pillars of the Community 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, Widely known for their extraordinary dedication to Israel
and the local community, Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko's
philanthropic and leadership endeavors continue to inspire all of those
who are lucky enough to know them; and

WHEREAS, Born in Albany, New York to the late Aaron and Betty
Tinkle, Ellie Safranko graduated from Albany High School and the
University of Bridgeport before earning her master's degree from Russell
Sage College; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious career in education, Ellie
Safranko taught in the Albany Public Schools, the Ashland, Massachusetts
Public Schools, and retired from Rensselaer City Schools in 1997; she
currently supervises student teachers at the College of Saint Rose; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the
community, Ellie Safranko has been an active member of several community
and charitable organizations including CBE Sisterhood, the Rensselaer
Teachers Association, the New York State Retired Teachers Association,
the City Club of Albany and the St. Peter's Hospital Auxiliary; and

WHEREAS, Ellie Safranko was the first elected Secretary of
Congregation Beth Emeth and the first woman President of Daughters of
Sarah Nursing Home; she currently serves as Secretary of the Board of
the Daughter of Sarah Housing Company; and

WHEREAS, Judge Stephen Safranko was born in New York City and is the
son of the late Abraham and Anne Safranko; he is a graduate of the
Albany Academy, Union College and Boston University School of Law; and

WHEREAS, Admitted to the bar in the State of New York in 1968, Judge
Stephen Safranko remains engaged in the private practice of law in
Albany; throughout his career, he has served as assistant public
defender for Albany County, was appointed Recorder and Traffic Count
Judge by the late Mayor Erastus Corning II, and served as Albany City
Court Judge until 1996; and

WHEREAS, Judge Stephen Safranko is an active member of Congregation
Beth Emeth and has served on its Board of Trustees; furthermore, he was
President of both the Albany-Schenectady Magistrates Association and
Daughters of Sarah Jewish Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Having served on the Executive Committee of the Greater
Albany Jewish Federation, Judge Stephen Safranko is also a former Board
Member of the Leukemia Society, Home Aide Service of Eastern New York,
Chapel House, the New York State Holocaust Commission, the Albany
Tercentennial Commission, the Albany Commission on the Bicentennial of
the United States Constitution and a director of the Arbor Hill
Community Center; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Judge Stephen and Ellie
Safranko have displayed throughout their lives; and

WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their children, Abby (Marc)
and Andrew (Julie), and three grandchildren, Arielle, Alexis and Chad,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of their lives and rejoice in
their 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
Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko, that future generations may know and
appreciate their admirable character, their many benevolent deeds, and
their respect and esteem in which they are held by their peers; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of the Pillars of the Community 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 Judge Stephen and Ellie Safranko.