Generally Speaking: Brooklyn Cathedral Club installation dinner

The Cathedral Club of Brooklyn, which dates back to the year 1900, held its annual installation dinner at Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island on June 9.

Justice Vincent Del Giudice of the New York State Court of Claims installed Antonio Biondi, chief operating officer of the Total Fire Protection Corporation and the club’s former vice president as the new president. Other officers sworn in were Brian Long as financial secretary, Richard Re as treasurer and Dick Conti as recording secretary.

While not present for the ceremonies due to a prior commitment, Marianne Bertuna, of the law firm of Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins is the organization’s duly elected vice president.

The installation and program were emceed by outgoing President Mark Cipolla.  Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas Di Marzio serves as the club’s spiritual director.

On Saturday, June 24, Brooklyn’s 112th annual American Independence Day Parade, sponsored by the Long Island Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, will take place along Court Street from Bergen to Luquer Streets in Downtown Brooklyn.

Prior to the start of the patriotic march that celebrates the birthday of America, there will be a service and awards ceremony starting at 9:30 a.m.in Saint Paul’s Church at Congress Street.

At the ceremonies, late NYPD Detective Steven McDonald will receive the parade group’s Pro-Patria Award posthumously. It will be presented to his wife Patricia Ann McDonald. Then NYPD Sergeant Conor McDonald, Steve’s son, will lead the parade as the 2017 grand marshal.

This is the same annual parade that was held for many years in Bay Ridge and then along 13th Avenue in Dyker Heights.  It is the oldest Independence Day Parade in New York City and was originally held on the Fourth of July.