Senate Resolution No. 468 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING the Justin F. Kelly Chapter of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick upon the occasion of hosting its 110th Annual Dinner Celebration on March 13, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to individuals and organizations 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 the Justin F. Kelly Chapter of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick upon the occasion of hosting its 110th Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Twin Ponds Golf and Country Club; and WHEREAS, The Justin F. Kelly Chapter of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Oneida County, New York, is a longstanding organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish heritage and culture in the Mohawk Valley Region; and WHEREAS, This vital organization is committed to fostering Irish cultural pride, celebrating Irish heritage, and supporting the local community through charitable efforts; the chapter's hallmark events include sponsorship of the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade and hosting its Annual Dinner Celebration, as well as donating to local charities and supporting community initiatives; and WHEREAS, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, of which the Justin F. Kelly Chapter is a part, has a long and distinguished history dating back to its founding in Philadelphia in 1771; initially established to aid Irish immigrants, the organization has evolved over the centuries to include a wide range of cultural, educational, and charitable activities; and WHEREAS, The society's enduring legacy is rooted in its commitment to fostering ties between Ireland and the United States while supporting those in need; this chapter carries this legacy forward in Oneida County, embodying the spirit of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick through its dedication to Irish heritage, charitable giving, and community engagement; and WHEREAS, The Justin F. Kelly Chapter upholds the values and traditions of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick by celebrating the life and legacy of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland; through its events and charitable work, the chapter cultivates a sense of unity and pride among individuals of Irish descent in the Utica area; and WHEREAS, Incoming President Jeffrey Isherwood is a first-generation American with ancestry traced back to the Cavan region of Ireland; for over 20 years, he has been an active member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Utica; additionally, he actively participates in the Irish Cultural Center activities and marches annually in the St. Patrick's Day Parades in Utica and Camden; and WHEREAS, Jeffrey Isherwood also works with the City of Rome, New York, each year to raise the Irish flag on St. Patrick's Day - a proud celebration of the town's Irish heritage; as the incoming President of the Justin F. Kelly Chapter, Jeffrey brings decades of dedication to preserving and promoting Irish culture, ensuring that the traditions of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick continue to thrive for generations to come; and WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Justin F. Kelly Chapter of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick upon the occasion of hosting its 110th Annual Dinner Celebration on March 13, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Justin F. Kelly Chapter of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and Incoming President Jeffrey Isherwood.