Commending Frances Gillen upon the occasion of her designation as Deputy Marshal of the 2017 Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade

Senate Resolution No. 802 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMENDING Frances Gillen upon the occasion of her designation as Deputy Marshal of the 2017 Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Frances Gillen upon the occasion of her designation as Deputy Marshal of the 2017 Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, to be celebrated with a Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 4, 2017; and WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment, Frances Gillen will march as Deputy Marshal of the 24th Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade down 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday March 26, 2017; and WHEREAS, The Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade is meant to recognize and celebrate Irish culture, heritage and pride, for those who have emigrated here from the Emerald Isle, the Irish-American community, as well as those who are Irish in spirit; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Frances Gillen is an alumnus of Our Lady of Angels, Bishop Kearney, and St. Francis College; and WHEREAS, Frances Gillen serves as the Practice Manager and the Administrator of the Nephrology Fellowship Program at Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Frances Gillen has been an active member of St. Patrick's (STP) parish since 1993, lending a hand and supporting various ministries through the years; she joined the World Youth Day committee in 2006, and became the STP CYO treasurer in 2009; and WHEREAS, In addition, she and her husband were both appointed members of the St. Patrick Pastoral Planning Council; and WHEREAS, Since 1996, Frances Gillen has also played an active role in the various local schools her sons have attended; she has been and continues to be an active part of the Xaverian community, lending a hand, joining committees, and volunteering wherever needed; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, at the 2014 Spirit of Xaverian Gala, Frances Gillen was presented with the St. Francis Xavier Award for her volunteer service to the Xaverian Community; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 33 years, Romeo, and their three sons, Frank, Andrew and Daniel, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an opportunity for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry; and WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Deputy Marshal for the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, Frances Gillen embodies the spirit and the cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Frances Gillen upon the occasion of her designation as Deputy Marshal of the 2017 Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Frances Gillen.