LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Arlene Rutuelo upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2015 Civic Award by the Bay Ridge Commu-
nity Council

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in communities across New York State are
reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations
and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the commu-
nity and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Arlene Rutuelo upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
2015 Civic Award by the Bay Ridge Community Council to be celebrated at
its 64th Annual Dinner Dance on Thursday, June 4, 2015, in Brooklyn, New
York; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brook-
lyn, Arlene Rutuelo is an alumnus of PS 170, McKinley Junior High
School, and Fort Hamilton High School; and
WHEREAS, Born of a proud Norwegian heritage, Arlene Rutuelo's parents
instilled in her the values of working hard, always doing your best, and
remembering one's responsibility to his or her family; and
WHEREAS, For almost three decades, Arlene Rutuelo has been an integral
part in the successful Bakke family business, Nordic Deli; recently, her
family made the difficult decision to close the business and retire; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman 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, Much of Arlene Rutuelo's extensive philanthropic work is
related to her Norwegian heritage including her service as the New York
City Coordinator for the Dina Foundation Inc., an organization from
Norway with a mission of preventing Human Trafficking; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Arlene Rutuelo is Vice Chair of the Executive
Board of the Norwegian Christian Home & Health Center, a board member of
the Scandinavian East Coast Museum, and the co-Chair of the Miss Norway
Contest and Norwegian Day Parade; and
WHEREAS, Arlene Rutuelo has also volunteered in numerous community
organizations, including the Guild for Exceptional Children where she
serves as the newly elected President; she is also a member of the 68th
Precinct Community Council, and a dedicated board member of the
Merchants of Third Avenue; and
WHEREAS, A woman of faith, Arlene Rutuelo has attended the First Evan-
gelical Free Church since grade school, and serves as a board member of
both the Trustee Board and General Board; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her three children, Paul
Joseph, Vinny, and Danielle, and her granddaughter, Alexa Marie, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Arlene Rutuelo 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 Arlene Rutuelo has displayed
throughout her life; 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
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Arlene Rutuelo upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2015 Civic Award by the Bay Ridge Community Council; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Arlene Rutuelo.