LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Elmina Parris upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Mauby Media Services

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
those esteemed residents of the State of New York who dedicate their
lives to the improvement of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Elmina Parris has given not only of her time and energies but
also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Elmina Parris
upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Mauby
Media Services, celebrated on Saturday August 13, 2011, at The Cultural
Barn in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mauby Media Services hosted the "Salute to Yesterday's Chil-
dren" event, which was a benefit and award ceremony acknowledging commu-
nity elders; and
WHEREAS, Elmina Parris was born on February 5, 1911 in Berbice, Guya-
na, where she made her living by sewing, cooking and baking; her home-
made drinks and pastries were the specialties in her neighborhood shop
known simply as "Miss Elmina's Parlor"; and
WHEREAS, Elmina Parris attended Scott's Presbyterian School and was a
Sunday School Choir member at St. Mary's Anglican Church; and
WHEREAS, Migrating to the United States in 1976, Elmina Parris came
here by ship on a journey that lasted six months; she is honored by the
fact that the first church she was invited to after coming to the United
States carried the same name as her island home church, St. Mary's; and
she has been a member there ever since; and
WHEREAS, Elmina Parris proclaims that the secret to living up to 100
years of age is growing up on a diet of "duff' which has enabled her to
be as strong as she is today; and
WHEREAS, Encountering difficulties throughout her life, Elmina Parris
was raised to have a contented mind, a strong love of God and family,
and to do well; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her three children, 19 grand-
children, 31 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Elmina Parris's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Elmina Parris upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by Mauby Media Services; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Elmina Parris.