2025-J1019
      
             
Senate Resolution No. 1019
 
BY: Senator MATTERA
 
        COMMENDING  Maria  Milito upon the occasion of her
        designation as the 2025 Italian American of the Year
        by the New York Conference of Italian American State
        Legislators
 
  WHEREAS, From time to time, this  Legislative  Body  takes  note  of
certain  extraordinary  individuals  it  wishes  to  recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledges their endeavors which  have  enhanced  the  basic  humanity
among us all; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
commend  Maria  Milito  upon the occasion of her designation as the 2025
Italian American of the Year by  the  New  York  Conference  of  Italian
American State Legislators; and
 
  WHEREAS, A native New Yorker, Maria Milito loves all things rock and
has been a presence on the airwaves for more than 25 years; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Maria  Milito  is  the  host of "Maria's Mutts & Stuff," a
podcast where guests chat about animal rescue, animal  welfare,  nature,
and the environment; and
 
  WHEREAS,  In  2011,  Maria Milito published "Clarice and FriendsàHow
They Helped Mend the Hole in My Heart," a collection of emails from  her
listeners  when her beloved dog, Clarice, passed away; a revised edition
was published in 2019; and
 
  WHEREAS, An avid animal advocate, Maria Milito spends time at animal
functions and charity events; and
 
  WHEREAS, Maria Milito lives with her rescue dog,  a  black  lab  mix
named Fredo; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Animal  advocates, such as Maria Milito, deserve honor and
recognition  for  their  tireless  efforts  to  improve  the  lives  and
well-being  of  animals, large and small; it is imperative that innocent
creatures are treated with the care and respect they deserve; and
 
  WHEREAS, It  is  the  sense  of  this  Legislative  Body  that  when
individuals  of  such  noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the  citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
 
  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Maria Milito upon the occasion of her designation  as  the  2025
Italian  American  of  the  Year  by  the New York Conference of Italian
American State Legislators; and be it further
 
  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Maria Milito.