Honor Ann Belfield’s 100th Birthday

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,

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.