LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Betty Virginia Harty upon the occasion
of her designation as a recipient of the 2011 Woman of Achievement Award
by the STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Betty Virginia Harty upon the occasion of her designation as a recipient
of the 2011 Woman of Achievement Award by the STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE;
this auspicious occasion was celebrated at the 50th Annual STATEN ISLAND
ADVANCE Women of Achievement Luncheon, held on Thursday, November 17,
2011, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE Women of Achievement
program is to salute women who make extraordinary contributions to
Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, The Annual Women of Achievement Luncheon expresses the appre-
ciation of the STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE to the recipients of its award for
their good works, generous hearts and love of their fellow men and
women; over the past 49 years the Advance has honored 281 Women of
Achievement; and
WHEREAS, Betty Virginia Harty is a 45 year veteran of outstanding
service with Boy Scouting on Staten Island; she embodies the true mean-
ing of the word commitment; and
WHEREAS, Benefiting from the commitment, care and tutelage of Betty
Virginia Harty have been numerous Staten Island doctors, lawyers, police
officers, firefighters and others who have given back to the community;
and
WHEREAS, Betty Virginia Harty has held numerous positions in Scouting
over her distinguished Scouting career, including the posts of Unami
District's Cub Roundtable Commissioner and Advancement Chairperson for
the District; she also served as Advancement Chairperson with the Staten
Island Council of Boy Scouts of America, where she has been affiliated
for the past 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Among the many prestigious Scouting honors held by Betty
Virginia Harty are the Silver Beaver Award, Bronze Pelican and District
Award of Merit; in addition, as Vigil member of the exclusive Order of
the Arrow, she received a fitting Indian name, "Wischiki Gischaach-
poahne" meaning "Busy Baker" for her outstanding cooking and baking
skills; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her Scouting activities, Betty Virginia Harty
is a charter member of the Have a Heart Foundation, which helps Staten
Islanders receive treatment, rehabilitation and equipment for heart-re-
lated illnesses; she is also a longtime volunteer with the Staten Island
Children's Campaign; and
WHEREAS, Betty Virginia Olson grew up in Mariners Harbor, Staten
Island, and graduated from Port Richmond High School where she met her
husband, Francis Harty, a well known Scouting leader in his own right;
she also attended the former Baker Business School in St. George; and
WHEREAS, Married in 1955, Betty and Francis Harty are the proud
parents of three children, Melanie, Frank and Craig; they have seven
beloved grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Betty Virginia Harty
has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Betty Virginia Harty has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Betty Virginia Harty upon the occasion of her designation as a
recipient of the 2011 Woman of Achievement Award by the STATEN ISLAND
ADVANCE; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Betty Virginia Harty.