2023-50 2023-50
Resolution declaring April 2023 to be National Arab American Heritage Month in the
Town of Wappinger
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County,
New York, held at Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers Falls, New York, on April 10,
2023.
The meeting was called to order by Richard Thurston, Town Supervisor, and upon roll
being called, the following was recorded:
✓Vote Record-Resolution RES-2023-50
Q Adopted Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent
❑ Adopted as Amended Richard Thurston Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Defeated William H.Beale Mover Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Tabled Angela Bettina Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Withdrawn Christopher Phillips Voter ❑ ❑ ❑ Q
Al Casella Seconder Q ❑ ❑ ❑
The following Resolution was introduced by Councilman Beale and seconded by Casella.
WHEREAS, for over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to
virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, business, education, technology,
government, military serNrice, culture; and
WHEREAS, since migrating to America, men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich
culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, while also setting fine examples of model citizens
and public servants; and
WHEREAS, they brought with them to America their resilient family values, strong work ethic,
dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed that have added strength to our great
democracy; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans have also enriched our society most especially in the Town of
Wappinger, by sharing in the entrepreneurial American spirit that makes our nation free and
prosperous; and
WHEREAS, the history of Arab Americans ni the US remains neglected or defaced by
misconceptions,bigotry, and anti-Arab hate in the forms of crimes and speech; and
WHEREAS, Arab American issues, such as civil rights abuses, harmful stereotyping, and bullying
must be combated in the forms of education and awareness; and
WHEREAS, they join all Americans in the desire to see a peaceful and diverse society, where
every individual is treated equally and feels safe; and
WHEREAS, the incredible contributions and heritage of Arab Americans have helped us build a
better nation and a better Wappinger Community; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger celebrates the
contributions Arab Americans have made to society, and does hereby declare April 2023 to be
National Arab American Heritage Month.
The foregoing was put to a vote which resulted as follows:
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: William H. Beale, Councilman
SECONDER: Al Casella, Councilman
AYES: Richard Thurston, William H. Beale, Angela Bettina, Al Casella
ABSENT: Christopher Phillips
Dated: Wappingers Falls, New York
4/10/2023
The Resolution is hereby duly declared Adopted.
JOSS P P. PAOLONI, TOWN CLERK