Senate Resolution No. 1325 BY: Senator PARKER COMMENDING the Huntington Lodge upon the occasion of hosting its 2nd Annual Bernard L. Holley Scholarship Award Night on October 7, 2023 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Huntington Lodge upon the occasion of hosting its 2nd Annual Bernard L. Holley Scholarship Award Night on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Verdi's in Westbury, New York; and WHEREAS, The Huntington Lodge was established in 2009, and its community service efforts are targeted within the Town of Babylon, more specifically North Babylon and Wyandanch, New York; and WHEREAS, On The Level Foundation is the vital non-profit arm of the Huntington Lodge which is dedicated to supporting underprivileged children, widows and orphans with education, food, healthcare, clothing, school supplies and tuition assistance; and WHEREAS, Presiding Officer for the Huntington Lodge Don Thomas has also served as an NYPD Police Officer for the past 10 years, working in the 79th Precinct from 2012-14, and the 17th Precinct until 2016; he has been working with the Critical Response Command for the past seven years, with a focus on detecting, deterring, and disrupting terrorism in New York City; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Don Thomas, the Huntington Lodge is steadfastly committed to keeping the community a safe and prosperous place to raise a family and developing a generation of strong leaders and free thinkers; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished history, the Huntington Lodge has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The success of the Huntington Lodge is in direct correlation to the efforts of Presiding Officer Don Thomas and its dedicated members, 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, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Huntington Lodge; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations 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 commend the Huntington Lodge upon the occasion of hosting its 2nd Annual Bernard L. Holley Scholarship Award Night on October 7, 2023; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Don Thomas, Presiding Officer, Huntington Lodge, On The Level Foundation.