Senate Resolution No. 4155

BY: Senator GOLDEN

HONORING Maria Castellano upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Joseph Saia Lifetime
Achievement Award by American Legion Kings County
Youth Recreational Facilities, Inc. on April 15,
2018

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Maria Castellano has given not only of her time and
energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Maria
Castellano upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Joseph Saia Lifetime Achievement Award by American Legion Kings County
Youth Recreational Facilities, Inc. to be celebrated at its 24th Annual
Baseball Banquet on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Gargiulo's Restaurant in
Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, American Legion Kings County Youth Recreational Facilities,
Inc. provides and maintains baseball fields for use by neighborhood
youth organizations and schools in Brooklyn, New York, allowing
thousands of children to play baseball in a clean and safe environment
at no cost to them or their families; and

WHEREAS, A prominent business woman, Maria Castellano uses her
superior skills and vast knowledge to promote the local economy and make
her community a better place for individuals to work, live and play; and

WHEREAS, Maria Castellano became interested in learning about the
business world as a teenager; after successfully completing her high
school internship at Paine Webber, she was offered a full-time sales
position, and subsequently, worked on Wall Street for the next 10 years;
and

WHEREAS, After the birth of her daughter, Maria Castellano decided
to change her career path in order to not only be a successful business
woman, but also a devoted single mother; in 2001, she opened The
Children's Party Shop, a center for children's birthday celebrations
located in Bensonhurst, New York; through her exceptional leadership and
enthusiasm, she managed the thriving business until 2009; and

WHEREAS, Today, Maria Castellano is a Licensed Associate Broker and
the Rental and Commercial Manager of Ben Bay Realty Co. of Bay Ridge,
New York; just like everything she has ever done in her life, she worked
hard and became a valuable asset to the company; and

WHEREAS, Maria Castellano 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, Maria Castellano is a vital and important part of her
community; she is a proud member of The Kiwanis Club of West End/Dyker
Heights/Marine Park, and in March of 2017, she received the Ultimate
Fighter Award for her steadfast efforts to raise awareness for Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy in honor of Pietrosfight.org; and

WHEREAS, For her unremitting commitment, and drive, Maria Castellano
was the recipient of the 2016 Power Woman In Business Award along with
certificates of merit, congressional recognition and city counsel
citations for her exemplary service to the community; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Maria Castellano has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Maria Castellano has
displayed throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Maria Castellano upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Joseph Saia Lifetime Achievement Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Maria Castellano.