LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Christina Chukalas upon the occasion of
her designation as a recipient of the 2011 Woman of Achievement Award by
the STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Christina Chukalas upon the occasion of her designation as a recipient
of the 2011 Woman of Achievement Award by the STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE;
this auspicious occasion was celebrated at the 50th Annual STATEN ISLAND
ADVANCE Women of Achievement Luncheon, held on Thursday, November 17,
2011, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE Women of Achievement
program is to salute women who make extraordinary contributions to
Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, The Annual Women of Achievement Luncheon expresses the appre-
ciation of the STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE to the recipients of its award for
their good works, generous hearts and love of their fellow men and
women; over the past 49 years the ADVANCE has honored 281 Women of
Achievement; and
WHEREAS, For 40 years, Christina Chukalas has been actively involved
as a volunteer in Girl Scouting at Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek
Orthodox Church in Bulls Head, Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, On behalf of girls ranging in age from eight to 18, Christina
Chukalas is currently a leader or assistant leader of four Girl Scout
troops at different levels: Brownies, Juniors, Cadets and Seniors; and
WHEREAS, Christina Chukalas hasn't missed a Girl Scout camping trip in
decades; her trips have taken the Scouts to places as far away as
Greece, and to Disney World in Orlando, as well as to a dude ranch near
Lake George, New York; and
WHEREAS, More than two dozen of the Scouts that Christina Chukalas has
mentored have achieved the Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scout-
ing; she has received the "Thanks" badge, the highest adult award in
Scouting; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her volunteer work for the Girl Scouts,
Christina Chukalas has been singing in her church choir since 1963; she
was on the parish council for more than 25 years, and served both as
adviser to the Holy Trinity Hellenic Dancers and parish youth adviser
for 20 years; in addition, she was an active member of the church's
Ladies Philoptochos Society; and
WHEREAS, Christina Chukalas worked as a supervisor and operator for 38
years for New York Telephone; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of James Monroe High School, Christina Chukalas
also earned an associate's degree in applied science from the College of
Staten Island in 1988; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Grasmere in Staten Island ever since moving
from the Bronx, New York, in 1963, Christina Chukalas and her beloved
late husband, James, raised a son and a daughter together; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Christina Chukalas has

stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Christina Chukalas has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Christina Chukalas upon the occasion of her designation as a
recipient of the 2011 Woman of Achievement Award by the STATEN ISLAND
ADVANCE; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Christina Chukalas.