Dorothy Griffo was honored by Mayor Juli Costanzo, Vice Mayor Albert Huang, Councilmembers Mario De La Torre, David Gutierrez and Kevin Sawkins, City Clerk Ellie Andrews, City Manager Mike Paules, Fire Chief Joe Nestor, Police Chief Dave Lawton, Civic Auditorium Manager Anna Cross, Administrative Services Manager Cindy Smith, Director of Parks and Recreation Rebecca Perez and Chamber President Dondi Adkins as San Gabriel’s 2009 Outstanding Older American during the city’s 2009 Grapevine Festival on April 25. The City of San Gabriel and the Chamber of Commerce sponsored this event.

Mayor Costanzo welcomed everyone to the city’s 96th year of City Hood. The city was incorporated in 1913. Ms. Adkins thanked all for coming to the party.

Dorothy Griffo has volunteered at San Gabriel Valley Medical Center since 2002 assisting the nursing staff in the Pre-Admission Center. She is a senior volunteer with the San Gabriel Police Inflatable Water Slide Department and for the last five years has assisted the Crime Prevention Office, the Patrol and Traffic Bureaus. She helps to prepare the Neighborhood Watch Newsletter as well as the monthly crime bulletin. She also assists with the various community events.

Mrs. Griffo was praised as a reliable, self-initiating person who handles any task assigned to her. Her tireless contributions and positive interaction with the public, police and hospital personnel has added significantly to the quality of life in San Gabriel.

Dorothy Griffo and Police Chief Dave Lawton enjoyed the moment. She said getting the award was quite a surprise.

Her family, friends and previous winners of this award Al Baker, Marion Brittingham, Carl Bonenberger, Ellie Andrews, Philomena Tobin and Mary Cammarano joined Mrs. Griffo for the celebration.

The party included entertainment provided by the Gabrielino Jazz Band, Mexican Folk dancers, members of the San Gabriel Parks and Recreation dancers, gymnastics teams and orchestra music.

Booths lined the street that offered T-shirts, stuffed animals jewelry, crafts and more for sale.

The event featured a fine art show, food booths, a beer garden and wine tasting.

The Council and audience sang Happy Birthday as the birthday cake was carried in front of the stage. Residents each enjoyed a slice of the cake.

It was a wonderful party that was enjoyed by all.