LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rita Hollenga upon the occasion of
being honored on March 11, 2010, in conjunction with Women's History
Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York is home to countless women who have
contributed to the advancement of our culture through both their tradi-
tional and non-traditional roles in society; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those illustrious women within the Empire State who have made
strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others through
their model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Rita Hollenga upon the occasion of being honored on Thursday, March 11,
2010, in conjunction with Women's History Month in the State of New
York, at a special event to be held at the Bay Ridge Manor, Bay Ridge,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made
historic contributions to the growth and strength of New York State in
countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the State of New York officially sets aside time
to recognize the unique contributions that women have made to this great
Empire State and its society; and
WHEREAS, Rita Hollenga has continually demonstrated extreme compe-
tence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in her unwav-
ering service to her community and profession; and
WHEREAS, Born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Rita Hollenga came to the
United States with her husband in 1956; and
WHEREAS, After her arrival in the United States, Rita Hollenga worked
as a bilingual secretary for the Netherland Line Steamship Company and
then at the Collegiate Church Corporation, from which she retired after
25 years of distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, After her retirement, Rita Hollenga continued to work at
Collegiate Church Corporation as a consultant and archivist, translating
early 17th century Dutch records into English; one of the many results
from her hard work is a newly published book entitled LIBER A, which
covers early Dutch historical records (1628-1701) held by the Collegiate
Church of New York; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Rita Hollenga has been
called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Rita Hollenga has been a devoted member of the New Utrecht
Reformed Church for over 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Rita Hollenga's life at New Utrecht Church has been about
leadership, dedication and service; she has held the title and responsi-
bility of VP of Consistory over the course of nine years and has also
served as the Treasurer of the Church since 2008; moreover, she is the
Treasurer of the New Utrecht Pole Association, a group established in
1908, for the care and upkeep of the last remaining liberty pole; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Rita Hollenga took positions of leadership for
the Women's Group at New Utrecht, as President of Women for Christian
Service and prior to that as Secretary and Vice President; she also
served for 10 years as Treasurer for the Brooklyn Women's Classical, the
Reformed Church Women's organization which is part of the Brooklyn Clas-
sis; and
WHEREAS, Most recently, Rita Hollenga served a two-year term as Presi-
dent of the Brooklyn Classis of the Reformed Church in America; the

Brooklyn Classis enforces the requirement of the Government of the
Reformed Church in America and for all enrolled ministers and elder
delegates who represent the 14 churches in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Currently, the Sanctuary of New Utrecht Reformed Church is
undergoing restoration and renovation; Rita Hollenga is a member of the
committee working closely with the architects and engineers on this
historical effort; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Rita Hollenga has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Albert, and their
three children, Dane, Carla and Marc, as well as their five grandchil-
dren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice
in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Rita Hollenga, and to wish her
continued success in all of her future endeavors; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rita Hollenga upon the occasion of being honored on March 11,
2010, in conjunction with Women's History Month in the State of New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rita Hollenga.