Senate Resolution No. 485

BY: Senator BROOKS

CONGRATULATING Maureen A. Griffin-Damone upon the
occasion of being crowned Ms. New York Senior
America on July 29, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those individuals who have inspired and brought pride to
our majestic Empire State with their character and outstanding
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Maureen A. Griffin-Damone upon the occasion of being
crowned Ms. New York Senior America at the 2018 Pageant held on Sunday,
July 29, 2018, in the Madison Theatre at Molloy College, in Rockville
Centre, New York; and

WHEREAS, Maureen A. Griffin-Damone was also voted Ms. NY
Congeniality Senior America by her fellow contestants; and

WHEREAS, For the talent segment of the Pageant, Maureen A.
Griffin-Damone sang a song she wrote and recorded entitled "Foolish Old
Lady"; and

WHEREAS, After winning the Ms. New York Senior America Pageant,
Maureen A. Griffin-Damone placed in the top 10 of the Ms. Senior America
Pageant, which was held in Atlantic City at Resorts Casino & Hotel; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her reign, Maureen A. Griffin-Damone truly
enjoyed making others happy, accomplished numerous goals and experienced
many life-changing moments such as singing at Radio City Music Hall
before its famous Christmas Spectacular, performing for veterans and
residents of assisted living facilities, and tap dancing with the
Seasoned Steppers; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in the State of New York, Maureen A.
Griffin-Damone has lived on the South Shore of Long Island her entire
life in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties; for many years she worked in
New York City, and during the summers, she and her family spent time at
their cottage in Herkimer County; and

WHEREAS, Maureen A. Griffin-Damone was a high school English teacher
before she earned her master's degree in theatre arts; she apprenticed
to become a member of Actors' Equity Association, and spent many years
performing in Off and Off-Off Broadway productions, most notably with
Light Opera of Manhattan, Abingdon Theatre Company, Wings Theatre
Company, and Love Creek Productions; and

WHEREAS, Later in life, Maureen A. Griffin-Damone married Curtis,
and together, they love to ride their motorcycles side-by-side across
the United States, he on a Harley Road Glide Ultra, and she on a Honda
Shadow Spirit; their 10,000-mile cross-country honeymoon on their bikes
was written about in American Motorcyclist Magazine; and

WHEREAS, Maureen A. Griffin-Damone combined her two passions,
singing and motorcycling, and wrote songs about their travel adventures;
at the age of 59, she started her own music production company, and has
written, produced and recorded three albums of original songs, all true
stories in genres ranging from country to rock to blues; she also
released an album of old-time Gospel favorites; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her role as Ms. New York Senior America,
Maureen A. Griffin-Damone is a vital part of her church, serving as the
leader of song and Director of Clothing Distribution for a Homeless
Ministry; and

WHEREAS, With her zest for life, Maureen A. Griffin-Damone will no
doubt inspire other senior women to pursue their dreams; this
exceptional woman believes people do not have to stop living life when
they reach a certain age, and that it is important to touch lives and be
the positive change we want to see in our world, while paying it forward
in giving back in appreciation; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Maureen A. Griffin-Damone upon the occasion of being
crowned Ms. New York Senior America on July 29, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Maureen A. Griffin-Damone.