Senate Resolution No. 1325

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the Huntington Lodge upon the occasion
of hosting its 2nd Annual Bernard L. Holley
Scholarship Award Night on October 7, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Huntington Lodge upon the occasion of hosting its 2nd Annual
Bernard L. Holley Scholarship Award Night on Saturday, October 7, 2023,
at Verdi's in Westbury, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Huntington Lodge was established in 2009, and its
community service efforts are targeted within the Town of Babylon, more
specifically North Babylon and Wyandanch, New York; and

WHEREAS, On The Level Foundation is the vital non-profit arm of the
Huntington Lodge which is dedicated to supporting underprivileged
children, widows and orphans with education, food, healthcare, clothing,
school supplies and tuition assistance; and

WHEREAS, Presiding Officer for the Huntington Lodge Don Thomas has
also served as an NYPD Police Officer for the past 10 years, working in
the 79th Precinct from 2012-14, and the 17th Precinct until 2016; he has
been working with the Critical Response Command for the past seven
years, with a focus on detecting, deterring, and disrupting terrorism in
New York City; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Don Thomas, the Huntington
Lodge is steadfastly committed to keeping the community a safe and
prosperous place to raise a family and developing a generation of strong
leaders and free thinkers; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished history, the Huntington Lodge has
demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which
it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Huntington Lodge is in direct
correlation to the efforts of Presiding Officer Don Thomas and its
dedicated members, whose involvement is, and always has been,
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of
the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Huntington Lodge;
and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are

brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Huntington Lodge upon the occasion of hosting its 2nd Annual
Bernard L. Holley Scholarship Award Night on October 7, 2023; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Don Thomas, Presiding Officer, Huntington Lodge, On The
Level Foundation.