Honoring an unassuming hero

First Selectman Tim Herbst has honored Ann Marie Tarinelli, whose "Hidden Treasure Bistro" serves thousands over the years. She cooks her own food and has volunteers who join her every other Sunday on John Street.

Herbst presented her with a proclamation recently and offered to help her set up a food drive.

Donations  can be dropped off at Tarinelli's home at 18 Country Lane in Trumbull. Call 203-268-5553 for more information. Also, blankets, toiletries and clothing are always needed.

Tarinelli said she was surprised. She was nominated for the proclamation, which reads as follows: 

WHEREAS, For the last seven years, Anne Marie Tarinelli has touched the lives

                     of many homeless, struggling and hungry people in Bridgeport; and,

WHEREAS, Anne Marie has devoted her Sunday mornings to providing the

  homeless with hot meals as well as blankets in the winter; and,

WHEREAS, She and her small army also provide baked goods, warm clothing,

                     candy and toys to more than 200 people; and,

WHEREAS, Anne Marie personally prepares and serves hot meals with little to

                      no monetary assistance; and, 

WHEREAS, Anne Marie is an amazing and unassuming woman who shows

  selfless acts of kindness and is worthy of recognition for all

  her hard work.  She is an extraordinary woman doing an

  extraordinary thing; and,

NOW THEREFORE I, Timothy M. Herbst, by virtue of the authority vested in me as First Selectman of the Town of Trumbull, Connecticut do hereby proclaim June 11, 2012 as,

ANNE MARIE TARINELLI DAY

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Trumbull to be affixed on the 11thday of June, 2012.