LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the John
Michael Marino Lodge No. 1389, Order Sons of Italy in America

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 90th
Anniversary of the John Michael Marino Lodge No. 1389, Order Sons of
Italy in America, to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2015, at the
Port Washington Senior Center, Port Washington, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) encourages the
maintenance of Italian culture and language, as well as the assimilation
into American social and political life; it has sponsored a wide variety
of programs in furtherance of its mission, as well as countless Italian
heritage events; and
WHEREAS, The Order Sons of Italy in America was established in New
York City on June 22, 1905, by Vincenzo Sellara, M.D., and a small group
of other professionals; for almost 109 years, the Order Sons of Italy
and its many local Lodges have been of service to the Italian American
community throughout New York State and the Nation; and
WHEREAS, The John Michael Marino Lodge was built on the original Order
Sons of Italy in America principles of liberty, equality and fraternity;
it affectionately offers a hand to all and keeps alive the traditions of
its ancestors; and
WHEREAS, James Marino, whose birth name was Giacomo Damita, was born
in Nusco near Naples, and was one of the first Italians to come to Port
Washington in 1885; he, along with his wife and three children, operated
a sand and gravel mining company, grocery store and boarding house; and
WHEREAS, The John Michael Marino Lodge is named after his son, Lieu-
tenant John Michael Marino, first Italian American from Port Washington
to perish serving his country in World War I; and
WHEREAS, By 1925, the Italian population had increased to sustain
several mutual aid societies; the Frappaolo brothers, as well as Eugene
Picone, and Alessandro Volpe recruited members for the Order Sons of
Italy in America; and
WHEREAS, On November 22, 1925, the John Michael Marino Lodge received
its charter with Dr. Eugene Calvelli, Sr. as its first Venerable; during
this time, meetings were held at the Bayview Avenue Synagogue until John
Dettori spearheaded the construction of a communal building at 115 Main
Street in 1949; the "Villa Nova" hosted meetings and social gatherings
until the property was sold in 1990; and
WHEREAS, Today, after 90 years of invaluable service to its community
and under the able leadership of its new President, Marianne Bartone
Prince, the John Michael Marino Lodge continues to celebrate Grande
Festa Italiana, Long Island's oldest and largest feast, the week after
Labor Day at Hempstead Harbor Park; and
WHEREAS, In addition to numerous parades and festivals, the John
Michael Marino Lodge is responsible for initiating the Columbus Day
Parade on Long Island; bocce courts were built at the Human Resource
Center, County Parks and at Manorhaven Beach Park as another way of
supporting the local community; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to the community, this vital organization gives
substantial funds annually to countless community and state charities
along with scholarships; Saint Joseph's Day Masses at local churches
help stock community outreach programs; and

WHEREAS, The success of the John Michael Marino Lodge is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeav-
ors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized 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 90th Anniversary of the John Michael Marino Lodge No.
1389, Order Sons of Italy in America; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the John Michael Marino Lodge No. 1389, Order Sons of Italy
in America, Port Washington, New York.