LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Frances T. Vella-Marrone upon the
occasion of her designation as the recipient of the IBG Community Lead-
ership Award by the Italian Board of Guardians on May 29, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals who distinguish themselves in their profession and in
service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Frances T. Vella-Marrone, President of Dyker Heights Civic Association,
upon the occasion of her designation as the recipient of the IBG Commu-
nity Leadership Award by the Italian Board of Guardians to be celebrated
at its 78th Annual Bishop's Gala on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Russo's
on the Bay in Howard Beach, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Italian Board of Guardians, located in Bensonhurst,
Brooklyn, New York, is a non-profit social services agency, affiliated
with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, and a
member agency of both United Way of New York City, and the Human
Services Council; and
WHEREAS, Since 1936, its mission is dedicated to addressing the social
needs of communities and individuals throughout the Greater New York
Metropolitan area, regardless of race, gender, age, creed, or ethnic
origin; and
WHEREAS, Each year the Italian Board of Guardians gratefully acknowl-
edges those who support and work on behalf of its worthy endeavors; a
woman of singular distinction, Frances T. Vella-Marrone has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in her unwavering service to her community as well as her
profession; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Dyker Heights/Bay Ridge Community,
Frances T. Vella-Marrone is a graduate of St. Patrick's Elementary
School, Bishop Kearney High School, and received a Bachelor of Science
degree from St. John's University; and
WHEREAS, As a civic and political activist for over 30 years, Frances
T. Vella-Marrone's career reflects experience in both the public and
private sectors; she presently serves as the Brooklyn Director for
Congressman Michael Grimm; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Frances T. Vella-Marrone has served as Special
Assistant to the New York State Senate Majority Leader, Legal Assistant
with Connors and Sullivan Attorneys At Law, PLLC, Deputy Director of the
Empire Zones Program for the Empire State Development Corporation, and
Information Officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey;
and
WHEREAS, Frances T. Vella-Marrone is a Notary Public who has completed
the NYMTC Executive Development Program, successfully meeting the
requirements for WMD Response Training (100) with the Center for Domes-
tic Preparedness, Homeland Security; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Frances T. Vella-Marrone served as the New York
City Department of Parks and Recreation Park Warden, appeared as a Citi-
zen Panelist for a WNYC-TV show, co-hosted a Brooklyn Community Access
Television Program, served as Chairwoman of the Nominating Committee for
the Boy Scouts of America local District Committee, and served as
Co-Chair of the Veterans Appreciation Breakfast Committee; and

WHEREAS, Today, Frances T. Vella-Marrone has the distinction of being
the longest serving President of the Dyker Heights Civic Association,
elected 21 times; and
WHEREAS, Despite her busy professional life, Frances T. Vella-Marrone
has been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless
civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstint-
ingly; and
WHEREAS, Frances T. Vella-Marrone is President of the Dyker Heights
Military Postage Fund, member of the Lutheran Medical Center Institu-
tional Review Board, member of Community Board Ten (CB10), Chairwoman of
the CB10's Police and Public Safety Committee, past Chairwoman of CB10's
Environmental Committee, member of the Cathedral Club, member of the 68
Precinct Council, member of UNICO, Bay Ridge Community Council Delegate,
and past President of the Bay Ridge Business and Professional Women's
Club; and
WHEREAS, Frances T. Vella-Marrone has been the recipient of numerous
awards, some of which include: Bay Ridge Community Council Civic Award,
Good Scout Award from the Brooklyn Council Boy Scouts of America, Jim
Ryan Award, J. Daniel Mahoney Award, Paul Adams Award, City of New York
Parks and Recreation Partner of the Month, Kings County District Attor-
ney Italian Heritage and Culture Month Civic Award, A.M.I.C.O Woman of
the Year Award, Kings County District Attorney's Office "Extraordinary
Woman" Award, Kiwanian Community Service Award, Civic Leadership Award
from Reaching-Out Community Services, Home Reporter News Top Women in
Business Award, and Bay Ridge Breakfast for Scouting Community Achieve-
ment Award; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals who have distinguished themselves in their profession and have
faithfully served the needs of their community with diligence and
compassionate commitment to improving the quality and dignity of life in
the community are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated
and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Frances T. Vella-Marrone upon the occasion of her designation as
the recipient of the IBG Community Leadership Award by the Italian Board
of Guardians on May 29, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Frances T. Vella-Marrone.