Senate Resolution No. 1969

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING Kathryn Grande 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
Kathryn Grande 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 2024àCelebrating Cellini 56!
A Salute to Adele Balsamo, Kathryn Grande, and Anthony Ventiera, Cellini
Lodge No. 2206 Past Deputies, OSDA! 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, Kathryn Grande 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, Cellini Lodge No. 2206; and

WHEREAS, Active in her community, Kathryn Grande was involved in
many organizations and committees, including: the Organization of
Parents and Teachers; North Shore Schools Board of Education; Loggia
Glen Cove No. 10161, where she worked her way up to the role of
president- the fourth woman to serve such role, and chaired the
Scholarship Committee, (where she conducted an annual Scholarship and
Awards Night) Membership Committee, Annual Dinner Dance and Journal
Committee, Nominating Committee, Awards Dinner Dance Committee, Heritage
and Culture Committee Budget Committee and the Memorial Day Committee;
while she was president, she initiated the first St. Joseph's Day
celebration and the money raised was given to St. Rocco's Church to help
the less fortunate; and

WHEREAS, Kathryn Grande had several guest speakers on Italian
Culture at the membership meetings, set up the first Italian Heritage
and Culture displays at the Glen Cove Public Library and brought
prolific speakers to the library during the month of October; and

WHEREAS, Kathryn Grande was chairperson for the District II
Presidents' Council; she was Lodge Deputy to the John Michael Marino
Lodge No. 1389 for four years, then was appointed to the Cellini Lodge
No. 2206 for four years, and again to the John Michael Marino Lodge No.
1389 for another four years; and

WHEREAS, Kathryn Grande sponsored two State Scholarships in memory
of her parents, Rose and Frank Della Ratta; she also sponsors the Dante
Medal for Excellence in Italian; and

WHEREAS, Kathryn Grande is active in the New York State Retired
Teachers' Association; she has been on the Legislative Action Committee
representing North Nassau Retired Teachers' Association, West End
Retired Teachers' Association, and was on the State-level representing
the Long Island Zone; she has served four years as President of the Long
Island Zone and has been a delegate to the Animal Convention since 2002;
and

WHEREAS, Kathryn Grande continued to enjoy working on all the
activities and events she started in 2000, when she returned as
President in 2018; Loggia Glen Cove has been an integral part of her
life for the past 48 years; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband, Angelo; their
children, Ignatius and Angela Rose; her brother, John; and nieces and
nephews, John, Regina, and Andrew, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his 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 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 Kathryn Grande 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 Kathryn Grande.