LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Carmine Santa Maria upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after 36 years of dedicated
service to the Bensonhurst West End Community Council on May 4, 2016

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Carmine Santa Maria upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 36 years of dedicated service to the Bensonhurst West
End Community Council to be celebrated at its 55th Annual Gala, at El
Caribe, Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday, May 4, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Carmine Santa Maria raised his loving family while he
attended Kingsborough Community College under the GI Bill, earning an
Associate in Arts degree with honors; and
WHEREAS, For the past 56 years, Carmine Santa Maria has been an enthu-
siastic and hard-working community leader in Bensonhurst, serving as
both President of the Bensonhurst West End Community Council and
President/Founder of the Big Screechers; in addition, he served as Pres-
ident of the Harway Terrace Co-op, as well as a member and President of
Community Education Council District 21; and
WHEREAS, Since 1989, Carmine Santa Maria has been a member of Communi-
ty School Board 21, and has held the title of President for the last six
years; he was also the Chairman of the Borough President's Transit Advi-
sory Committee, and as such, served on the Permanent Citizens Advisory
Committee to the MTA and the New York City Transit Riders Advisory Board
for 15 years, representing Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Carmine Santa Maria has been writing a weekly column "Big
Screechers" in the Brooklyn Graphic since 1988, and is also the publi-
cist for the Brooklyn Columbus Parade Committee; and
WHEREAS, A teacher of ballroom dancing for 55 years, Carmine Santa
Maria spent 18 years at the Federation of Italian American Organizations
of Brooklyn, was trained at the Arthur Murray Dance Studios, and taught
at all the major dance studios, as well as in the Catskill Mountain
resorts, including the Concord Resort and Hotel, Grossinger's Catskill
Resort and Brown's Hotel; he has also taught students at PS 128 and PS
212, and offered a course for teachers at Community School District 21;
and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man proudly served as a member of Community
Education Council 21; his civic, public relations, and extended school
board experience was instrumental in the growth and prospering of this
fledging community education council; and
WHEREAS, Carmine Santa Maria founded and instituted Project L.E.A.R.N.
in District 21, which was a premiere showcase teaching youngsters to
"Let's End All Racism Now"; in addition, for the past 22 years, he has
enjoyed dressing up in a Santa Claus suit, visiting local schools and
Boy Scout Troops; and
WHEREAS, Carmine Santa Maria's steadfast and unremitting commitment to
his community has earned him numerous honors and awards; he was proudly
installed in both the Brooklyn Hall of Fame and the Kingsborough Commu-
nity College Wall of Fame, and served as a Grand Marshal at the Brooklyn
Columbus Day Parade; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife of 49 years,
Sharon, and their two children, Carl (Lori) and Dana (Michael), as well

as their six grandchildren, Alexa, Jake, Michael, Cassandra, Vanessa,
and Dean, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Carmine Santa Maria has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Carmine Santa Maria upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 36 years of dedicated service to the Benson-
hurst West End Community Council on May 4, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carmine Santa Maria.