Honor Rossella Rago

Senate Resolution No. 2802 BY: Senator GOLDEN HONORING Rossella Rago upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata on June 25, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rossella Rago upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata, to be celebrated on Sunday, June 25, 2017, at El Caribe, Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Rossella Rago has continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and profession and consequently has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and WHEREAS, Rossella Rago is the host of the popular online cooking show, "Cooking with Nonna"; on each episode, she invites an Italian-American nonna to cook with her, sharing traditional Italian recipes and fond memories of growing up Italian in America; and WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious career, Rossella Rago has performed cooking demonstrations in various cities across the United States, with local nonne as her partners; and WHEREAS, Rossella Rago spent much of her childhood in the kitchen with her maternal grandmother, Nonna Romana; she became an expert in the rich tradition of Pugliese recipes passed down through countless generations; and WHEREAS, Launching "Cooking with Nonna" has allowed Rossella Rago to expand her culinary expertise to much of the rest of Italy; and WHEREAS, In 2010, Rossella Rago teamed up with her mother, Angela, and her Nonna Romana in the "Italiano Battle" episode of the Food Network's 24 Hour Restaurant Battle; this grueling contest involved conceiving and executing the menu and decor for their very own restaurant, all in the space of one day; Team Nonna emerged victorious; and WHEREAS, Rossella Rago is the author of the number one bestselling cookbook, Cooking with Nonna: Celebrate Food and Family with Over 100 Classic Recipes from Italian Grandmothers, released in March of 2017; and WHEREAS, A native of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Rossella Rago holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Italian Literature from St. John's University; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Rossella Rago has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Rossella Rago, that future generations may know and appreciate her admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Rossella Rago upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata on June 25, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rossella Rago.