LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the St.
Anthony's Festival in Seneca Falls, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that the quali-
ty of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched
by its exceptional cultural, educational and community programs; these
programs give positive definition to the profile and disposition of the
communities of the State of New York and profoundly strengthen our soci-
ety with their commitment; 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 30th Anniversary of the St. Anthony's Festival in Seneca
Falls, New York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Labor
Day Weekend 2010 in Seneca Falls, New York; and
WHEREAS, On November 23, 1980, a severe earthquake struck southern
Italy; it was centered in Eboli, south of Naples, and caused 3,000
deaths and massive homelessness; it also demolished the 1000 year old
Conza Della Compagna church; and
WHEREAS, Many residents of Italian heritage in Seneca Falls, New York,
had family, friends and ties to the southern Italian region that was
devastated by the earthquake; they wanted to render assistance to the
people and church of their homeland and decided to hold a celebration
festival in honor of St. Anthony on Labor Day weekend and donate the
proceeds to the restoration of the church in Italy and to the victims of
the disaster; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the St. Anthony's Festival in Seneca Falls,
New York, has grown and expanded while remaining true to its original
purpose; the festival is a three day event with rides, games of chance,
Italian specialties, a bocce tournament, 10/5 K race and entertainment;
and
WHEREAS, The St. Anthony's Festival Commission is made up of members
from SMS (Societa Di Mutuo Soccorso), SMS Auxiliary and the Rumseyville
Sportsman Club; it meets the first Sunday of each month throughout the
year; and
WHEREAS, Under the outstanding leadership of its President, Karen
Burlingame, the St. Anthony's Festival Commission supports local endeav-
ors with the proceeds of the Festival, including local non-profit organ-
izations in Seneca Falls and Seneca County, as well as St. Patrick's
Church; it also sends all monies pinned on the statue of St. Anthony to
maintain the church in Italy; and
WHEREAS, The highlight of the St. Anthony's Festival in Seneca Falls,
New York, is the conferring of the Father Beatini Award at Mass on
Sunday; the 2010 recipient of this award, Marc Sinicropi, will be join-
ing the 30 other men, women and a family who have received this coveted
award; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the St.
Anthony's Festival in Seneca Falls, New York, presents a unique opportu-
nity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the
Festival; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought

to our attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the St. Anthony's Festival in Seneca
Falls, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Karen Burlingame, President, The St. Anthony's Festival
Commission, 95 Ovid Street, Seneca Falls, New York 13148.