LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Ronald and Linda Brigando upon the
occasion of their designation by the St. Mark Parish Community as the
recipients of the Stewardship Award at its Annual Stewardship Recogni-
tion Dinner on February 13, 2010

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State are greatly
enriched by the faithful and generous service of those who devote them-
selves to endeavors of family, faith, and community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals of such magnanimous conduct and bearing who demon-
strate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor
Ronald and Linda Brigando upon the occasion of their designation by the
St. Mark Parish Community as the recipients of the Stewardship Award at
its Annual Stewardship Recognition Dinner, to be held at Brooklyn's
Gargiulo's Restaurant on Saturday, February 13, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Serving the Catholic faithful of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn,
St. Mark Parish is a community of long-standing repute and exemplary
accomplishment; at its Annual Stewardship Recognition Dinner, it proudly
recognizes those who exemplify its ideals and have helped to further its
mission; and
WHEREAS, Beginning nearly 50 years ago with their first date at a
Youth Dance in St. Mark Auditorium, throughout their years as active
parishioners and St. Mark School parents to their current ministry in
several pastoral programs, Ronald and Linda Brigando have always consid-
ered St. Mark's Church to be a "gift" in their lives; the St. Mark
community and parish, in turn, see this special couple as a most welcome
gift to them; and
WHEREAS, Early in their married life Linda Brigando began volunteering
in the St. Mark School library, assisting the reading program, and
spending many days and evenings as a bazaar worker; her presence in the
school life of her children and the parish continues to be warmly
recalled by many parishioners; and
WHEREAS, Even with his responsibilities as a Research and Project
Engineer for the Brooklyn Union Gas Company, those early years often
found Ron Brigando on a ball field coaching Little League, calling
numbers at Friday Night Bingo, or serving as a mission group leader; and
WHEREAS, More recently, his leadership finds special expression as the
Coordinator of the church's Eucharistic Ministry Program; he visits the
parish homebound and those in area nursing homes, prepares a DVD of the
week's liturgy for the residents of nearby nursing homes and rehabili-
tation centers every Sunday, and is working with other St. Mark parish
leaders to develop an enhanced faith based program for the homebound;
and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Ronald and Linda Brigando have also worked
together, sharing the gift of themselves cooking meals for the homeless,
visiting hospitalized parishioners, providing income tax assistance to
seniors, supporting others through the Cancer Hope Network, and leading
a Renew Prayer Group; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Ronald and Linda Brigando have each, for many
years, served as Eucharistic Ministers for St. Mark Church and as
members of the St. Matthew's Guild and continue to share many activities
on behalf of the church and the community, including their work with the
Baron DeKalb Council of the Knights of Columbus; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to extend its highest commen-
dation to Ronald and Linda Brigando for their dedication and service to
their community, faith and heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ronald and Linda Brigando upon the occasion of their designation
by the St. Mark Parish Community as the recipients of the Stewardship
Award at its Annual Stewardship Recognition Dinner on February 13, 2010;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ronald and Linda Brigando.