LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Carmine Santa Maria upon the occa-
sion of celebrating his 35th Anniversary as President of the Bensonhurst
West End Community Council

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Carmine Santa Maria upon the occasion of celebrating his 35th Anni-
versary as President of the Bensonhurst West End Community Council to be
observed at its 54th Anniversary Gala, on Thursday, March 5, 2015, at El
Caribe, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, A community leader in Bensonhurst for the past 55 years,
Carmine Santa Maria is both President of the Bensonhurst West End Commu-
nity Council and President/Founder of the Big Screechers; he is also a
past President of the Harway Terrace Co-op, as well as a member and past
President of Community Education Council District 21; and
WHEREAS, Since 1989, Carmine Santa Maria has been a member of Communi-
ty School Board 21, and has served as its President for the last five
years; he was also the Chairman of the Borough President's Transit Advi-
sory Committee, and as such, served on the Permanent Citizens Advisory
Committee to the MTA and the New York City Transit Riders Advisory Board
for 15 years, representing Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Carmine Santa Maria has been writing a weekly column "Big
Screechers" in the BROOKLYN GRAPHIC since 1988, and is also the publi-
cist for the Brooklyn Columbus Parade Committee; and
WHEREAS, A teacher of ballroom dancing for 55 years, Carmine Santa
Maria spent 11 years at the Federation of Italian American Organizations
of Brooklyn, was trained at the Arthur Murray Dance Studios, and taught
at all the major dance studios, as well as in the Catskill Mountain
resorts, including the Concord Resort and Hotel, Grossinger's Catskill
Resort and Brown's Hotel; he has also taught students at PS 128 and PS
212, and offered a course for teachers at Community School District 21;
and
WHEREAS, Community leader and civic activist, Carmine Santa Maria
raised his family while he attended Kingsborough Community College under
the GI Bill, earning an Associate in Arts degree with honors; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man proudly served as a member of Community
Education Council 21; his civic, public relations, and extended school
board experience was instrumental in the growth and prospering of this
fledging community education council; and
WHEREAS, Carmine Santa Maria founded and instituted Project L.E.A.R.N.
in District 21, which was a premiere showcase teaching youngsters to
"Let's End All Racism Now"; in addition, for the past 22 years, he has
enjoyed dressing up in a Santa Claus suit, visiting local schools and
Boy Scout Troops; and
WHEREAS, The involvement of Carmine Santa Maria with his community and
schools has earned him numerous honors and awards; he proudly was
installed in both the Brooklyn Hall of Fame and the Kingsborough Commu-
nity College Wall of Fame, and was also a Grand Marshal at the Brooklyn
Columbus Day Parade; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife of 48 years,
Sharon, and their two children, Carl (Lori) and Dana (Michael), as well
as their six grandchildren, Alexa, Jake, Michael, Cassandra, Vanessa,

and Dean, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Carmine Santa Maria
has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Carmine Santa Maria upon the occasion of celebrating his
35th Anniversary as President of the Bensonhurst West End Community
Council; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carmine Santa Maria.