Senate Resolution No. 43

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 20th Anniversary of Cafe
Domenico of Utica, New York

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 and businesses that are devoted to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, It is also the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
and commend those who work to better their local community and to keep
local traditions alive; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Cafe Domenico of Utica, New York, to
be celebrated on Friday, July 22, 2022; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Kim and Orin Domenico, who grew up in the Utica
area, established Cafe Domenico in an effort to create a refuge from the
fast paced world while promoting creative expression and the casual joys
of face-to-face conversation; and

WHEREAS, Today, Cafe Domenico is a cozy cafe full of books,
upholstered chairs and lamps you might find in your living room; jazz
songs from its owners' extensive music collection drown out the hissing
noises of the coffee machine and the chatter of its countless customers
who have made this remarkable space a true hub for art and human
connections; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, on display is a 20-year collection of the
cafe's beloved regulars, both human and furry, as well as paintings from
talented customers, family portraits, jazz and blues records, and a
community bulletin; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the local
community, Cafe Domenico continues to support other area small
businesses, serving bagels from Bagel Grove, pastries from Karam's
Bakery, and brewing its coffee from organic producers like Mayorga
Coffee; additionally, together with other agencies, the cafe helps
foster local arts; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, when the space next door to Cafe Domenico became
available, Kim and Orin Domenico created The Other Side, a nonprofit
organization and space to host poetry events, art exhibits and live
music; the couple also started Doubly Mad: Utica's Independent Journal
of Arts and Ideas, a publication to promote literacy and visual arts;
and

WHEREAS, For 20 years, Cafe Domenico has offered its loyal customers
the finest quality coffee, espresso, foods and products, and the highest
standards of service while remaining a gathering place for young and old

alike and retaining the same old-time charm which has so characterized
its past; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Cafe Domenico; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kim and Orin Domenico, Cafe Domenico, Utica, New York.