LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Peg Overdorf upon the occasion of her
designation as a 2010 Contemporary Woman of Distinction on May 25, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Peg Overdorf upon the occasion of her designation as a 2010 Contemporary
Woman of Distinction on Tuesday, May 25, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Peg Overdorf has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and dili-
gent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and conse-
quently has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and
WHEREAS, As the Executive Director of the Valley Community Association
(VCA), in the City of Buffalo, New York, Peg Overdorf has dedicated over
30 years to improving the quality of life for those residents living in
a low socio-economic area of the City; and
WHEREAS, Under Peg Overdorf's able leadership, the VCA has grown from
a small storefront to three separate buildings housing two-day care
centers, a senior citizen center and a community center which also oper-
ates a highly acclaimed after-school program; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Peg Overdorf has distinguished herself
as a tireless community advocate and her numerous accomplishments are
well known throughout Buffalo and Western New York; and
WHEREAS, Peg Overdorf works assiduously to ensure programs, services
and opportunities are made available to enable all people to reach their
highest potential, whether it is helping a working mom find affordable
health care for her children; helping students with their homework;
supporting families with a food pantry; providing unemployed residents
with resume services, job referrals and computer training; or offering
socialization and transportation opportunities to senior citizens; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Peg Overdorf devotes countless hours of her time
and talents to promoting community togetherness, neighborhood spirit and
ethnic pride; she is the founder of the renowned "Old Neighborhood" St.
Patrick's Day Parade in Buffalo and is responsible for developing the
Buffalo River Fest, a region-wide event that focuses on the restoration
and beautification of the Buffalo River Front; she also led the effort
to turn what was once a polluted and unusable area into the Valley
Nature Park and Habitat Trail; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her efforts of in-depth magnitude, Peg
Overdorf has received a multitude of awards and accolades including the
Erie County Council on the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Award; the Friends of the Buffalo River Award; the Goin South Civic
Pride Award; the All American Cities Civic Empowerment Award; the Great-
er South Buffalo Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award; and the
Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper Green Key Award; she has also been recog-
nized by the Buffalo Police Department; and
WHEREAS, A true community leader, Peg Overdorf is an exceptional woman
whose life serves as a testimony to her devotion to others; she is truly
an inspiration to the people and families she touches and to the commu-
nity in which she lives; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Peg
Overdorf over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Peg Overdorf upon the occasion of her designation as a 2010
Contemporary Woman of Distinction on May 25, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Peg Overdorf.