LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Betty Grad-Gross upon the occasion of
her designation for special honor by the New Rochelle Council of Commu-
nity Services on June 4, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Betty Grad-Gross upon the occasion of her designation for special honor
by the New Rochelle Council of Community Services at its Annual Luncheon
on June 4, 2009, at The Davenport Club in New Rochelle, New York; and
WHEREAS, A longtime resident of New Rochelle, New York, Betty Grad-
Gross was born and raised in a small town in Wisconsin and attended the
University of Wisconsin, where she majored in labor economics and gradu-
ated with highest honors; and
WHEREAS, Betty Grad-Gross came to New York City to accept a fellowship
at the Institute of Labor Relations at New York University; after living
abroad for a year, she received a Master's degree in Public Adminis-
tration; and
WHEREAS, In 1953, Betty Grad-Gross moved to New Rochelle, New York,
and became involved on the Board of the Roosevelt School PTA and became
the president of the PTA at Beth El Synagogue when her two children
entered school; and
WHEREAS, For many years, Betty Grad-Gross has been a study group lead-
er for the Brandeis University National Women's Committee and taught
English as a second language at Ursuline Outreach's Adult Learning
Center; and
WHEREAS, Recognized for her innovative leadership, Betty Grad-Gross
was the first woman elected to the Board of Trustees of Beth El Syna-
gogue and remains a member of the Board as an Honorary Trustee; she also
serves on the Ritual Committee and is an Honorary Trustee on the Board
of the Sisterhood; and
WHEREAS, A past President and a lifetime member of the Board of Direc-
tors of the Interreligious Council of New Rochelle, Betty Grad-Gross is
still very much involved with the organization; she served as Co-Chair
of the recent Awards Committee of the Awards Dinner; and
WHEREAS, A true citizen of New Rochelle, New York, Betty Grad-Gross
believes in giving back to the community she loves so much; she is a
Charter member of Meals-On-Wheels of New Rochelle, as well as a past
President, a lifetime member of its Board of Directors and a member of
its Gala and Finance Committees; a member of the Board of the Westches-
ter Phi Beta Kappa Association; and a member of the Board of the New
Rochelle Council for Community Services, where she has served as Treas-
urer and Vice President and is currently Chair of the Scholarship
Committee and a member of the Health Action Committee; and
WHEREAS, The quintessential civic leader, Betty Grad-Gross has been
the recipient of a multitude of awards, honors and certificates of
recognition, acknowledging her efforts of in-depth magnitude; including
the Shofar Award from Beth El Synagogue, the Interreligious Council
Service Award and the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Women of Excel-
lence Award as Woman of Outstanding Achievement; and
WHEREAS, With Betty Grad-Gross throughout have been her husband, Dr.
Harold Grad, and their two children, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of her life and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Betty Grad-Gross and to wish her
continued success in all of her future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Betty Grad-Gross upon the occasion of her designation for
special honor by the New Rochelle Council of Community Services on June
4, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Betty Grad-Gross.