LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of The Socie-
ty Chersina on June 5, 2010

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate The Society Chersina upon the occasion of its 100th Anniversary;
this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a Gala event, to be held
on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at the Inn at New Hyde Park, 214 Jericho
Turnpike, New Hyde Park, New York; and
WHEREAS, Cherso is the capital city of the island of Cherso, in the
province of Istria, situated in the northern Adriatic Sea; in 1910, when
The Society Chersina was founded, the island was part of the Austrian
Empire; and
WHEREAS, The migration of Chersini to the United States started in the
late 1800s when many residents of Cherso left their native land to look
for a brighter future for them and their families; and
WHEREAS, On March 18, 1910, seven Chersini gathered in Astoria, New
York, with the hope of forming an organization that would provide social
benefits for themselves and other immigrants from Cherso; The Society
Chersina was officially recognized by New York State authorities on June
1, 1910; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, The Society Chersina has lived up to the
original goals of providing social aid; it has provided help to many
Chersini in America as well as to those in Cherso; it has purchased
medical equipment for individuals in need, supplied the town of Cherso
with needed medical supplies, and financed repairs of churches in Cher-
so; and
WHEREAS, The mission and goal of The Society Chersina is to continue
to preserve its culture, maintain its customs, bring together people
from this much-loved island, and educate children about the rich tradi-
tions inherited from their ancestors; the Society is proud to preserve
the most important legacy--its enjoyable dialect - which is used at all
the gatherings so that it is never forgotten; and
WHEREAS, The long life of The Society Chersina would not have been
possible without the good will of the founders, and the tireless work of
the committee of directors and the dedicated members who collaborate
energetically for the progression and the future of The Society Chersi-
na; and
WHEREAS, Standing on the threshold of tomorrow, The Society Chersina
under the leadership of its President, Antonio Coglievina, is prepared
to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining that spir-
itual resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of The Society Chersina, fully confi-
dent that this honor fully reflects the belief in those values which
enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Antonio Coglievina, President, The Society Chersina.