LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Avelyn Phillips upon the occasion
of celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Avelyn Phillips was born on November 11, 1911, in the Panama
Canal Zone; to celebrate this most auspicious occasion, a 100th Birthday
Celebration will be held in her honor on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at
Antun's, Queens Village, New York; and
WHEREAS, As a young girl, Avelyn Phillips moved with her family to
Harlem, New York; she was educated in the New York public school system
and graduated from Junior High School 136; and
WHEREAS, Later, Avelyn Phillips' family moved to Brooklyn, New York;
she attended Washington Irving High School and studied dressmaking; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from high school, Avelyn's parents hosted a
party in her honor where she met her future husband, George Phillips;
and
WHEREAS, Avelyn Phillips attended Pratt Institute to study Drafting
and Patternmaking; she began her career in the Garment Industry cutting
appliques; and
WHEREAS, While working at the factory, Avelyn Phillips passed the
examination for the Department of Welfare; she was employed by the
Department of Welfare, and remained there until her retirement; and
WHEREAS, Imbued with a lifelong love of travel, Avelyn Phillips has
toured extensively to locations such as Africa, Europe, the West Indies,
Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, and many parts of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Avelyn Phillips' expansive travels she has seen
countless majestic locations including the Wailing Wall, the Grand
Canyon, the Alaska Pipe Line, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the ruins of
Pompeii, and much more; and
WHEREAS, Avelyn Phillips still worships at St. Philip's Episcopal
Church where she and her late husband, George, were married; over the
years, she has served the parish through her involvement in numerous
organizations and committees, and has become a most beloved member of
the congregation; and
WHERAS, Today, Avelyn Phillips is the loving mother of Dolores and
Clifford, (deceased), Leon and Connie, and the devoted grandmother of
Derrick and Candance, Ronald and Candace, and the great-grandmother of
Sakari, Myles, Ayanna, Amani, Adia and Carter; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, This beloved woman has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Avelyn Phillips upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Avelyn Phillips.