LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joan Gavrilik upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2016 Citizen of the Year Award by the
Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce

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, Joan Gavrilik has given not only of her time and energies but
also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joan Gavrilik
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Citizen of
the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated at
its 31st Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, April 8, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1957, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce works
on a local and regional level to advance economic development and foster
a positive business environment; it offers resources for residents,
business, recreation and relocation in Bethlehem and the surrounding
region; and
WHEREAS, Joan Gavrilik has been called upon to contribute her time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Joan Gavrilik is the current President of Friends of Bethle-
hem Parks and Recreation, as well as a founding member of the organiza-
tion, which was formed in 2013; and
WHEREAS, A retired Attorney for the New York State Department of
Education, this remarkable woman was instrumental in the formation of
this new organization, completing all applications and filings for non-
profit status; Friends of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation aims to improve
Bethlehem parks, add recreational programming and increase participation
by users; and
WHEREAS, Through her leadership, Joan Gavrilik has facilitated the
development of a strategic plan for the organization in conjunction with
its Board of Directors; she was instrumental in the creation of a Comme-
morative Tree and Bench Program; and
WHEREAS, Joan Gavrilik was also involved with developing a public
presence and a marketing plan for the organization, which included
authoring a grant for funding to develop and launch the Friends website;
subsequently, a Facebook page was developed to keep the community
apprised of the group's activities; and
WHEREAS, Friends of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation also outreaches to
the community, through participation in fellow member Mohawk Hudson Land
Conservancy's Summer Solstice event, as well as partnering with the
Glenmont Job Corps in involving kids in the parks programs; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her commitment to the Friends of Bethlehem
Parks and Recreation, Joan serves on the Town Budget Committee, the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan Committee, and the Local Waterfront
Revitalization Program Committee; and
WHEREAS, Further demonstrating her commitment to improving community
life, Joan Gavrilik organized two "I Love My Park Days," coordinating
all volunteers for these events, and participating with other park
programs; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Joan Gavrilik stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Joan Gavrilik has displayed through-
out her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joan Gavrilik upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2016 Citizen of the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joan Gavrilik.