LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Stella Grillo upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition on February 19, 2012

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, Stella Grillo has given not only of her time and energies but
also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Stella Gril-
lo upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition, to be
celebrated at the 32nd Annual Dinner Dance of the Order Sons of Italy in
America, New York State Commission for Social Justice, on Sunday, Febru-
ary 19, 2012 at Russo's on the Bay, Howard Beach, New York; and
WHEREAS, Immediate Past President of the New York State Commission for
Social Justice (CSJ), Stella Grillo received her Bachelor of Arts in
English and Master of Arts in English from Queens College, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Stella Grillo first became associated with the CSJ,
serving as Recording Secretary, a position she held for 15 years; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure as Recording Secretary, Stella Grillo
developed the Italian American Women Today column for Justice; she also
chaired, as well as served on numerous CSJ committees; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Stella was appointed Vice President of the Positive
Image Program, where she was instrumental in developing much positive
image material including the Women's Poster, the Heroes Poster, "9-11"
bookmarks, and Crime Fighters Poster; and
WHEREAS, Stella Grillo was appointed as New York State CSJ President
by former State President Carlo Matteucci at the June 2005, New York
State Convention, and subsequently reappointed by New York Presidents
Nancy Quinn and Salvatore Lanzilotta; and
WHEREAS, In her capacity as President, Stella Grillo addressed many
issues of bias, bigotry and stereotyping of Italian Americans; and
WHEREAS, Since 2007, Stella Grillo has participated in an annual posi-
tive image program, presented by the Italian American Labor Council, and
in 2008, was awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual
dinner; and
WHEREAS, One year later, Stella Grillo was elected as a Vice President
of the Italian American Labor Council; and
WHEREAS, Stella Grillo has been called upon to contribute her time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, A member of Order Sons of Italy in America since 1978, Stella
Grillo has served as President of the Antonio Cutuio and the Marcus
Aurelius Lodges; she is presently a Principal Trustee of the Mario Lanza
Lodge No. 2491; and
WHEREAS, Stella Grillo also teaches various English and English writ-
ing courses at St. Joseph College, Brooklyn Campus; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Stella Grillo has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Stella Grillo has displayed through-
out her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Stella Grillo upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition on February 19, 2012; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Stella Grillo.