Bill Text: NY K00476 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending the Order Sons of Italy in America upon the occasion of hosting its 27th Annual Italian Feast and Festival
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 15-9)
Status: (Passed) 2023-05-16 - adopted [K00476 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-K00476-Introduced.html
Assembly Resolution No. 476 BY: M. of A. Mikulin COMMENDING the Order Sons of Italy in America upon the occasion of hosting its 27th Annual Italian Feast and Festival WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the citizens of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Order Sons of Italy in America of the Columbus Lodge No. 2143 upon the occasion of hosting its 27th Annual Italian Feast and Festival on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in North Massapequa, New York; and WHEREAS, The Sons of Italy in America is a fraternal and charitable organization which was founded on February 16, 1964, by Angelo Roncallo, Dominick Baranello, and Pat Vincent Landi at the Columbus Lodge No. 2143 in Farmingdale, New York, with membership including citizens from Massapequa, Farmingdale, Bethpage, Plainedge, Plainview, and more; and WHEREAS, Under the able and devoted leadership of President Fred Bellise, the organization's efforts focus on the promotion of fraternalism, philanthropy, and supporting others; and WHEREAS, A testament to their dedicated service to others, the Sons of Italy maintain a highly successful Scholarship Awards program, raising funds annually to prove monetary awards to the children and grandchildren of the Lodge members and to students in the surrounding community school districts; and WHEREAS, Philanthropic by nature, the Columbus Lodge has participated in National and State Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) Fund Raising projects for charities such as Cooley's Anemia, Arthritis Foundation, Disaster Relief Funds, The Gift of Sight, and St. Francis Hospital Heart Program; additionally, the organization donated a $10,000 perpetual scholarship to the Grand Lodge Foundation; and WHEREAS, The Columbus Lodge, in cooperation with the Town of Oyster Bay, has sponsored an Annual Italian Feast and Festival where several thousand people attend every year; the Feast and Festival provides additional funds to support the Lodge's many charitable and community donations; and WHEREAS, The Sons of Italy in America host a variety of social and fraternal activities, such as golf, bowling, softball, picnics, fashion shows, holiday parties, and Atlantic City and Broadway show trips; and WHEREAS, Among the members of the Sons of Italy have been two Congressman, two NYS Senators, two Supreme Court Judges, three NYS Assemblymen, a County Legislator, two Town Supervisors, several town Councilmen, and one Nassau County Executive, along with other successful professionals who have helped to create a positive and fraternal spirit; and WHEREAS, Some of this organization's members have also been honored with the esteemed positions of President and State Officers in the Grand Lodge of New York OSIA; and WHEREAS, In June 1999, Nicholas Viglietta followed in the footsteps of Brother P. Vincent Landi and Brother Angelo Roncallo in receiving the Bene Emeritus Award from the Grand Lodge of New York OSIA for outstanding and distinguished service in the Order; the Bene Emeritus Award is the highest award New York State can bestow on a member; in addition, several of the organization's members have received other state accolades such as Lifetime membership, Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, and Family of the Year awards; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend the members of the Order Sons of Italy in America, past and present, who have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for the community it serves; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Order Sons of Italy in America upon the occasion of hosting its 27th Annual Italian Feast and Festival; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Order Sons of Italy in America of Columbus Lodge No. 2143.