[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 160 (Monday, October 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    HONORING PHYLLIS MARINO FOR HER INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 24, 2011

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today to join 
the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to pay 
tribute to my dear friend, Phyllis Marino, as she is honored by the 
Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee with one of their 2011 
Women's Leadership Awards. Phyllis has been a mainstay of the New Haven 
political arena for as long as I can remember and today her many 
contributions will be recognized with this very special award.
  Each year, in the spirit of the late Governor Ella Grasso, the 
Democratic State Central Committee selects ten women whose 
extraordinary leadership and contributions have made a difference in 
their communities. The annual Women's Leadership Awards celebrate the 
innumerable ways in which women, through their work in the political 
arena, have helped to shape our communities.
  The letter nominating Phyllis for consideration said it best--``In 
life, never mind in politics, you meet very few people who do what they 
do every day because they believe in a cause and not to benefit 
themselves--a person who truly gives of themselves with no expectation 
in return. She is also a person of conviction . . . and her word is her 
bond no matter what the consequences.'' I could not describe Phyllis 
better than that.
  Her involvement in the New Haven community came at a very young age. 
Like so many of us, Phyllis learned the value of community service at 
the feet of her parents. She stuffed envelopes, campaigned door-to-
door, and made thousands of phone calls on behalf of candidates and 
issues. As a young adult, she was charged with managing headquarters 
and political operations throughout the city. Phyllis earned the most 
distinguished of reputations and for many years she has been the one 
that newcomers turn to when they want to get involved. She has guided 
countless young people to success and has served as an inspiration to 
them all.
  Her history with city of New Haven, its residents, and the many 
changes they have witnessed over the years makes Phyllis an invaluable 
resource to anyone who wants to get involved in New Haven's political 
arena. I would be remiss if I did not extend a personal note of thanks 
to Phyllis. I have known Phyllis most of my life--our fathers were good 
friends and worked together in the community. Phyllis has long been one 
that I can always count on for support and encouragement. People often 
invoke the phrase ``I stand on the shoulders of giants''--for me one of 
those giants is Phyllis Marino.
  I am proud to join her son and daughter-in-law, Pat and Pam; her 
daughter, Andrea; grandson, Gennaro; and all of those who have gathered 
today to congratulate Phyllis Marino as she receives this well-deserved 
recognition.

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