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ORDER OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS DESIGNATING THE CORNER OF LILAC AND BUTLER STREET AS “MARY C. GRIFFIN CORNER” IN PERPETUITY, FOR HER LOVE, COMMITMENT, GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS, AND SERVICE TO PEOPLE IN THE NEWHALLVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD.
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WHEREAS: Mrs. Mary Griffin, is a longtime resident and supporter of the Newhallville community, living on Lilac Street, in the Newhallville section of New Haven since 1972, and
WHEREAS: Mary Griffin, a.k.a. the Mayor of Newhallville, is an inspiration to residents in the community, where she has dedicated herself to helping and giving in any capacity to her community; and
WHEREAS: Mary is married to the love of her life of 41 years, Mr. Melvin Griffin, is the proud mother of two sons, and three daughters, and a host of grandchildren; and
WHEREAS: in 1997 Mary and her husband were ordained as Deacons at First Calvery Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS: early in life she realized there was a need to do more for her community, especially the young children, and she became a teacher at Lincoln Bassett School and Troup Academy; and
WHEREAS: still realizing a need to do more to help empower her community, she was inspired to get involved in community work to make a change, by working with her local leaders, knocking on doors, providing information to residents regarding voter registration, volunteering at polling stations; an active participant and member of the Newhallville management team, instrumental in establishing a community block watch, as well as organizing community clean-ups, block-by-block, and much more, and
WHEREAS: for years, Mrs. Griffin has assisted in preparing food for the elderly, sick and shut-in; also organizing, baking and preparing food during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, as well as birthday parties to show seniors residents with few family members or friends feel valued as members in the community. and
WHEREAS: Mrs. Griffin has received several honors, awards and citations for the years for the work that she has done in the community including: honored at First Calvery Baptist Church Banquet awards; Newhallville Annual Reunion Awards Ceremony; Newhallville Basketball as honorary member; Lincoln Bassett School, Title I Program for her great work with children; recognition from local elected leaders for positive community involvement; and many more.
WHEREAS: over the years, Mary has shown great compassion throughout the community, helped countless people, baked, and cooked food for anyone in need; and mentored several young people in the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE ORDERED by the New Haven Board of Alders that in honor of her many contributions and great services to the Newhallville neighborhood and citywide, the corner of Lilac and Butler Street is designated as “Mary C. Griffin Corner” in perpetuity, making her legacy in New Haven stand as an official and permanent reminder of integrity, love, generosity, and dignity.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Department of Transportation, Traffic and Parking is hereby directed and authorized to implement this Order.
BE IT EVEN FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order is hereby forwarded to the City/Town Clerk.