Senate Resolution No. 180

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Donald Cantwell, of Barneveld, New
York, upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on July 14, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Donald Cantwell, of Barneveld, New York, upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday on Sunday, July 14, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Donald Cantwell, the beloved former Whitesboro Central
School music director, celebrated this remarkable milestone with
approximately 90 friends, relatives, and former music students who
traveled from their homes as far away as New York City and the states of
Maryland and Texas; the centenarian was honored at Unity Hall in
Barneveld; and

WHEREAS, A star pupil has suggested that Donald Cantwell's former
students from Whitesboro Central School and Hamilton College attribute
their success in life to the music instruction they were fortunate to
receive from such an accomplished musician; however, the instructor
acknowledges that his single greatest accomplishment is retaining his
sense of humor even while facing opposition and adversity; and

WHEREAS, Donald Cantwell views humor and music as equally powerful
forces, forming the basis of his philosophy on life which names these
two dynamics as "weapons of mass instruction"; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Donald Cantwell has played with
renowned jazz musicians, displaying the proof of photos and handwritten
messages on the walls of his studio; and

WHEREAS, Having lived during the Great Depression and World War II,
Donald Cantwell recognizes the difficult times in which we presently
live, and he contends that social divides can be bridged by inspiring
the sensitivity of creativity and philosophy through music; and

WHEREAS, When asked if he had a message for his former students as
they navigate this challenging world, Donald Cantwell replied with the
hope that they are still practicing their diaphragmatic breathing; and

WHEREAS, Donald Cantwell's love for music and instruments is still a
considerable component of his life, and this devoted and talented mentor
can be found giving music lessons to students today; and

WHEREAS, With his zest for life, Donald Cantwell has inspired and
enriched the lives of his family and friends through the profound charm
and wisdom which come only from a fullness of years; this exceptional
centenarian 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, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and
outstanding achievements of this Nation 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 Donald Cantwell, of Barneveld, New York, upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday on July 14, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Donald Cantwell.