LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Linda Overbaugh upon the occasion of
receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Greene County Council
of the Arts on April 4, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Linda Overbaugh upon the occasion of receiving the Distinguished Service
Award from the Greene County Council of the Arts on Saturday, April 4,
2009; and
WHEREAS, As the executive director of the Heart of Catskill
Association/Catskill Chamber of Commerce, Linda Overbaugh has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and
diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and
consequently has been selected for this most prestigious award; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Catskill, New York, Linda Overbaugh gradu-
ated from nursing school; upon graduation she married her husband,
Larry, a second lieutenant in the United States Army; for the next 20
years, they traveled and lived all around the world while Larry proudly
protected our great Nation; and
WHEREAS, Forever holding a special place in her heart for the Cats-
kills, Linda and Larry Overbaugh, along with their two daughters, Kristi
and Karin, returned home in 1985; and
WHEREAS, Linda Overbaugh opened Catskill Mountain Art Glass on Main
Street in Catskill, creating one-of-a-kind stained glass windows for
custom builders in the area; in 1989, she also obtained her real estate
license and began selling homes; and
WHEREAS, A true citizen of Catskill, Linda Overbaugh truly believes in
giving back to the community she loves so much; therefore, she imme-
diately volunteered and was a charter member when the Heart of Catskill
Association was formed, in 1993, to help facilitate the revitalization
of Main Street; and
WHEREAS, From the small steps of establishing littering and loitering
laws to putting flower pots on the street, Linda Overbaugh worked hand
in hand with other concerned residents to make Catskill a better place
for all to live; and
WHEREAS, Beginning in 1994, Linda Overbaugh also worked with Greenway
officials and municipal governments to have the Village and Town of
Catskill adopted as a model community and helped implement a plan for
expenditure of model community funding; in 1995, she joined Greene Coun-
ty's Committee 2000 to plot the path to the future for the region; and
WHEREAS, By 1998, the Heart of Catskill Association had become so
successful it was necessary to hire someone on a part-time basis to
ensure that projects continued to move forward; now, in 2009, Linda
Overbaugh's role as executive director is full time and involves the
coordination of business attraction, retention and expansion initiatives
along with marketing and promotion of the Town and Village of Catskill;
and
WHEREAS, Under Linda Overbaugh's esteemed guidance, the Heart of Cats-
kill Association has gained statewide and national attention for its
efforts in the Main Street revitalization and its very successful Cat'n
Around Catskill Celebration; and

WHEREAS, Over the years Linda Overbaugh has received numerous awards
and accolades and has been a featured speaker at a variety of chamber,
economic development and community revitalization functions; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Linda Overbaugh chaired a version of Greene
County Council of the Arts' ball when she first moved back to the area;
she has also worked with the council on a number of special projects,
including a series of major jazz festivals in the early 2000s; in 2003,
she received the Business Woman of the Year from the Greene County Cham-
ber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Linda
Overbaugh over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those individ-
uals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Linda Overbaugh upon the occasion of receiving the Distinguished
Service Award from the Greene County Council of the Arts on April 4,
2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Linda Overbaugh.