Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Cellini Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons of Italy in America

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.