LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Thomasina Laidley-Brown upon the
occasion of being named a Woman of Distinction by the New York State
Senate

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and
celebrate Women of Distinction who significantly add inspiration and
encouragement to the people of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Thomasina Laidley-Brown upon the occasion of being named a Woman of
Distinction by the New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Women of Distinction program was
created in 1998 as part of our state celebration of Women's History
Month to honor exemplary women from across New York State whose singular
professional or personal achievements, commitment to excellence and
accomplishments merit special recognition; honorees are selected from
nominations submitted from across the state; and
WHEREAS, A native of Long Island, New York, Thomasina Laidley-Brown
moved to the community of Ossining, New York in the mid-1980s, and has
been an integral part of her community for over three decades; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Thomasina has become known for always being
willing to assist other families in need, and has served at times, as an
emergency babysitter to parents who require childcare; and
WHEREAS, A woman of faith, Thomasina Laidley-Brown has been actively
involved with the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church of Ossining, serving
as a Pastor's Aide, and Soup Kitchen volunteer; and
WHEREAS, As a trustee with The Cooperative Scholarship Fund, Thomasina
has worked diligently to help provide several scholarships per year to
local African American high school graduates who are pursuing their
college degrees; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Thomasina Laidley-Brown has been a determined
advocate for the strengthening of boating safety laws, and has strived
to bring attention to the need for increased training and safety meas-
ures for individuals looking to obtain a boat license in New York State;
and
WHEREAS, As a result of her tireless efforts, New York State signed
into law a bill in 2013 requiring boat operators to complete training
courses and meet boating safety requirements before obtaining a boating
license; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her numerous children, grand-
children and great-grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, From the women's suffrage movement just over 150 years ago to
the present day, women have played and continue to play a crucial role
in adding strength, understanding, and inspiration to the diversity and
quality of life of the people of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, New York State has been, and continues to be, the home to
many distinguished women who have made their mark in history as pioneers
in their field, therefore laying the foundation for women after them to
succeed; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when remarkable
women of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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 Thomasina Laidley-Brown upon the occasion of being named a
Woman of Distinction by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomasina Laidley-Brown.