Senate Resolution No. 118

BY: Senator COMRIE

CONGRATULATING Ann A. Belfield upon the occasion
of celebrating her 100th Birthday

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 Ann A. Belfield upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday to
be celebrated with a party held in her honor on Saturday, December 22,
2018, at Leonard's Palazzo in Great Neck, New York; and

WHEREAS, Ann Alveretta Belfield was born to William J. and Anna
Belfield on December 28, 1918, in Rich Square, North Carolina, where she
attended elementary school and graduated from W. S. Creecy High School;
and

WHEREAS, Along with her loving family, Ann A. Belfield was a
faithful member of the Chapel Hill Baptist Church where she was baptized
at the age of 12; and

WHEREAS, Ann A. Belfield moved to Harlem, New York, in autumn of
1940, and worked as a mother's helper for the next few years; later, she
held various jobs at many iconic stores in Manhattan such as Woolworths
and Macy's; and

WHEREAS, In 1957, Ann A. Belfield earned a certificate from the
Metropolitan School of Infant Care, and successfully completed 100
volunteer hours of training at Beekman Hospital on Williams Street in
Manhattan; for the next seven years, she was employed by Long Island
Jewish Hospital, working in its infant and general intensive care units;
and

WHEREAS, Ann A. Belfield was then employed by Physicians Hospital in
Jackson Heights, Queens where she was unfortunately injured on the job;
for many years after her accident, she served as both a caretaker and
companion for those individuals in need; and

WHEREAS, After decades of working in the health care industry, Ann
A. Belfield returned to school and began a new career as a nail
technician and manicurist in 1980; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Ann A. Belfield truly lived by
example, and diligently worked to ensure her son, Darryl, understands
the importance of a good education; she also helped teachers excel and
succeed through the Learning Leadership program at PS 221, District 26
in Little Neck, New York; and


WHEREAS, In addition to education, family and religion have always
been an important facet of Ann A. Belfield's life; along with her
sisters, she worshipped at the Calvary Baptist Church, where she
received her full membership under the leadership of Reverend Victor
Hall, Sr. on May 8, 1994; and

WHEREAS, Today, Ann A. Belfield serves as a spiritual leader for her
Douglaston community, hosting a weekly Friday morning Bible study; she
continues to attend church as often as possible and enjoys making scarfs
and hats for various community organizations through the senior SNAP
program; and

WHEREAS, Ann A. Belfield proudly registered to vote with the Board
of Elections in the City of New York, Queens County on October 15, 1960;
always mindful of her right to vote and the importance of doing so, she
eagerly cast her vote in this year's elections; and

WHEREAS, Ann A. Belfield, with her zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, 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, Ann A. Belfield 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
recognize 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 Ann A. Belfield upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ann A. Belfield.