Honor Ms. New York Senior

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.