By IMANI HALL

At the 52nd Precinct’s Community Council meeting June 25, members of the Council paused to recognize long-time member Mary Vallati, who will turn 100 this month. As part of the celebration, Vallati was presented with a proclamation from Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. with her family by her side.

“You have been a great source of wisdom and strength to our family and a loving person to your neighbors and

friends,” Brenda Caldwell, President of the 52nd Precinct Community Council, read. “On the occasion of your 100th birthday, I, Ruben Diaz the Borough President of the Borough of the Bronx, salute you.”

Caldwell paid an ode to Vallati, telling a packed room at Part of the Solution that “as I’ve been in the Five-Two Mary was always there.”

“I see her as this wise, wise woman who has so much to teach us and still teaches us,” said Caldwell, as members of the audience offered a standing ovation to Vallati.

Vallati was also presented with a statue in honor of her years with the Council. She admitted she was at a loss of words, repeating to the crowd, “I don’t know what to say.”

Vallati has remained an ever-present resident at community gatherings. To this day, she’s still active with the Bedford Mosholu Community Association, preparing notices for its monthly meetings.