LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Elizabeth Rooney upon the occasion of
being named a 2011 Woman of Achievement 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
Elizabeth Rooney upon the occasion of being named a 2011 Woman of
Achievement by the STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE at its 50th Annual Women of
Achievement Luncheon which was 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 STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE has honored 281
Women of Achievement; and
WHEREAS, After 20 years of active volunteering for the Staten Island
Council for Animal Welfare (SICAW), in 2001 Elizabeth Rooney, known to
many as Lisa, founded her own animal rescue operation, Pet Lovers United
Together as One (P.L.U.T.O.); and
WHEREAS, Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2011, P.L.U.T.O. has
grown its mailing list to more than 2,000; the organization also main-
tains a website where pet owners and potential owners can access infor-
mation on low-cost spay and neuter services, adoption, and other crit-
ical services; and
WHEREAS, A registered nurse, Elizabeth Rooney worked for more than 20
years at the former St. Vincent's and Bayley Seton hospitals; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Rooney is a native of Staten Island; she grew up in
Port Richmond, attended St. Mary's of the Assumption School and earned a
GED degree through Port Richmond High School; she also received an asso-
ciates degree in applied science from the College of Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Rooney is the proud and loving mother of one child,
Jeffrey Nugent, who feels privileged to be her son and rejoices in her
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Elizabeth Rooney 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 Elizabeth Rooney has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Elizabeth Rooney upon the occasion of being named a 2011 Woman of
Achievement by the STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Elizabeth Rooney.