Senate Resolution No. 1964

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING Adele Balsamo upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Order
Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, Cellini Lodge
No. 2206, on March 22, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those 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 honor
Adele Balsamo upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, Cellini
Lodge No. 2206, on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Westbury Manor in
Westbury, New York; and

WHEREAS, This year's theme is "La Festa 2024... Celebrating Cellini
56! A Salute to Adele Balsamo, Kathryn Grande, and Anthony Ventiera,
Cellini Lodge No. 2206 Past Deputies, OSDIA! And Special Recognition of
Cellini Lodge Veteran Members"; and

WHEREAS, The mission statement of the Order Sons & Daughters of
Italy in America is "We endeavor to keep alive Italian culture &
heritage by inspiring members to participate in the Italian- American
experience by sharing traditions and stories through lodge and community
events; and to be charitable in both educational and humanitarian causes
for and beyond our members and community"; and

WHEREAS, Adele Balsamo has been selected as an esteemed honoree of
this year's Scholarship/Charitable Benefit Dinner Dance for her
dedicated and valuable service as Past Lodge Deputy of the Order Sons &
Daughters of Italy in America, Aida Lodge No. 2163A; and

WHEREAS, Adele Balsamo was born on October 10, 1939 in Corona,
Queens to Yolanda and Joseph Motola; raised in New York City with her
younger sister, JoAnn, her family lineage is from Naples and Abruzzi,
Italy; and

WHEREAS, Working throughout high school to support her family after
her father's tragic passing, Adele Balsamo attended Flushing High School
and worked part-time during the summers at the same factory as her
mother; upon her graduation, she began a career as a bookkeeper for
Stardust Lingerie on 31st Street and Madison Avenue where she worked for
eight years, while also working part-time at a restaurant as a hostess;
and

WHEREAS, Furthering her career, Adele Balsamo worked for Smith
Corona Typewriters on Fifth Avenue and also worked for Oppenbeim and
Collins Department Store in the jewelry department; for two years, she
worked in Queens for Queensboro Toyota in Long Island City, then went on
to work for Stanley Kilburn Toyota in Bayside for six years as a
bookkeeper, later she worked for Astro Nissan in Flushing for 11 years

as an office manager and for the Helms Brothers, a division of Mercedes
Benz, for four years; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to her community, Adele Balsamo volunteered for
the North Shore Cerebral Palsy Foundation and was involved in their
fundraising committee for three years; in addition, she was involved
with Italian Charities and became a member after two years, getting
involved with the entertainment committee; and

WHEREAS, Moving to Seaford, New York, Adele Balsamo joined the OSIA
Lodge, Aida Lodge No. 2163A in 1996; as a testament to her leadership
capabilities, she became president from 1997 to 1999; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to the mission of the Lodge, Adele Balsamo helped
to organize fundraisers such as fashion shows, dinner dances, celebrity
functions, a football wedding, military bridges, Chinese Auctions,
Atlantic City trips, and many other functions to raise funds for such
charities as Cooley's Anemia, Gift of Sight, CSJ, Garibaldi-Meucci
Museum, St. Francis Heart Fund, Children's Inn, Birthright, and many
other charitable organizations; and

WHEREAS, Serving a two-year term as State Trustee, Adele Balsamo was
Deputy to Cellini Lodge and Enrico Fermi Lodge throughout her term; she
also served on Arbitration for two terms and as District 2 Treasurer for
eight years at the Kings and Queens Pageant; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband, Vincent Balsamo,
her two children, Hayden and Elle, her sister JoAnn, and her niece Lisa,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and

WHEREAS, A testament to their dedicated service to others, the Order
Sons & Daughters of Italy in America maintain a highly successful
scholarship and charity program, raising funds annually to provide
monetary awards to the numerous beneficiaries of the New Hyde Park
community; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Order Sons & Daughters 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
honor Adele Balsamo upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, Cellini
Lodge No. 2206, on March 22, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Adele Balsamo.