[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE JUDGE CHARLES J. VALLONE SCHOLARSHIP DINNER DANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay honor to the organizers of 
the Judge Charles J. Vallone Scholarship Dinner, to the dinner's 
honorees and to the students who receive scholarships as a result of 
the generosity of dinner attendees. The scholarship, named for the late 
Charles J. Vallone, has awarded over half a million dollars to 
graduating high school seniors from Astoria, making it possible for 
these bright students to enroll in the colleges of their choice.
  Judge Charles Vallone, father of former City Council Speaker Peter 
Vallone and grandfather of City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., 
founded the Astoria Civic Association with a group of concerned 
neighbors in 1928. The association was incorporated by the state of New 
York in 1933 and Judge Vallone served as its first executive chairman. 
After Judge Vallone died in 1967, his widow, Leah Vallone, founded the 
scholarship fund in his memory. The Vallone Scholarship fund has grown 
to be one of the largest private scholarship funds in New York state.
  This month, the Astoria Civic Association holds its annual Judge 
Charles J. Vallone Scholarship Dinner Dance at the Riccardo's by the 
Bridge in Astoria, Queens. George Alexiou and Gloria DeMarco Aloise, 
two extraordinary people who are truly pillars of the community, will 
be this year's honorees. They each have demonstrated remarkable 
leadership and have been instrumental in supporting the Astoria Civic 
Association's vital mission.
  George Alexiou embodies the American immigrant success story. He was 
born and raised in Greece. Following his service in the Greek Army, he 
went to the Hotel Manager School in Heidelberg, Germany, where he 
studied for two years. He then worked for two years at the Hilton Hotel 
in Dusseldorf, Germany, and also worked in the hotel business in Paris 
and London. In 1972, Mr. Alexiou moved to Astoria, New York. For ten 
years, Mr. Alexiou worked in top restaurants and hotels before leaving 
the hospitality industry to start his own business. He established 
Century 21 Alexiou Realty, which helps Queens residents find housing 
and enables many to begin the American dream of home ownership. Mr. 
Alexiou is honorary President of the Greek American Homeowners 
Association, and is a member of Queens Community Board 1 and the 
Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis Club. He resides in Astoria with his 
lovely wife, Elpida.
  Gloria DeMarco Aloise grew up in a political family and has spent a 
lifetime involved in Queens politics, particularly through the Taminent 
Democratic Club. Ms. Aloise is a Democratic District Leader for 36th 
Assembly District, and has provided organizational skills and guidance 
to every local elected official in Western Queens. Ms. Aloise has also 
been an inspiration to countless community leaders through her tireless 
efforts to improve the quality of life of all the residents of Astoria, 
New York. Ms. Aloise is active in many community organizations, 
including the Martin De Porres School, where she has served as a 
teacher and a caseworker. She is supported by her devoted husband 
Edward, and by her children and grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
all those who have made the Judge Charles J. Vallone Scholarship Dinner 
possible and in recognizing the accomplishments of its sponsor, the 
Astoria Civic Association, and its distinguished 2009 honorees.

                          ____________________