Senate Resolution No. 3943

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Cellini
Lodge No. 2206, 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
organizations 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
50th Anniversary of Cellini Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons of Italy in
America, to be celebrated at its Annual Scholarship/Charitable Benefit
Dinner Dance on Friday, March 23, 2018, at the Chateau Briand, Westbury,
New York; and

WHEREAS, This singular evening also features Cellini Lodge No. 2206,
Order Sons of Italy's salute to its forebears, "Celebrazione
Cinquantesimo Anniversario" recognizing the Lodge's 50 years of
achievements on behalf of the Italian American community; 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 113 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, Cellini Lodge No. 2206, OSIA was founded in 1968 in New
Hyde Park, New York; 50 years later, with a vibrant membership of 361
individuals, it is one of the largest lodges of OSIA in New York State,
attracting members from other areas because of its demonstrated
commitment to and engagement with the New Hyde Park community, promoting
education, culture, and charitable giving; and

WHEREAS, Through its Cellini Charitable Foundation, this venerable
organization assists the Italian American community in a variety of
ways, supporting many charities, scholarships, and Italian culture and
language school programs; and

WHEREAS, As Cellini Lodge No. 2206, OSIA looks back on its sparkling
history with just pride, it also recalls the founding of the Order Sons
of Italy in America itself, as well as that of the Grand Lodge of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President Mark
Ventimiglia, Cellini Lodge No. 2206 is part of OSIA's rich tradition of
service, advocacy, and cultural pride; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body salutes all of the individuals, past
and present, who have given their time to this worthy organization,
noting their commitment to enhance and improve the quality of life in
their community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Cellini Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons
of Italy in America; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mark Ventimiglia, President, Cellini Lodge No. 2206,
Order Sons of Italy in America.