LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Georgia Van Dyke upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Outstanding Service Award by the
Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Georgia Van Dyke upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Outstanding Service Award by the Schoharie County Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated at its Annual Business Celebration Dinner and
Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 1, 2016, at Caverns Place, Howes Cave,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Georgia Van Dyke relocated to Schoharie County from North
Babylon, Long Island in 1986, while working for the New York State Nurs-
es Association; she remained with the association as a nursing represen-
tative and organizer, and after 21 years of dedicated service, she
retired in 2004; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Georgia Van Dyke established The Darryl West Van
Dyke Memorial Fund through the Community Foundation of the Capital
District; this fund supplies portable defibrillators to businesses and
churches throughout Schoharie County; and
WHEREAS, In March of 2005, SUNY Cobleskill recognized Georgia Van Dyke
as one of six "Notable Women of Schoharie County"; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to her community, Georgia Van Dyke is active in
the Town of Wright, Schoharie Valley Lions Club, and St. Mark's Lutheran
Church in Middleburgh; she also serves as co-chair of Schoharie Area
Long Term, Inc. (SALT), as well as chair of Unmet Needs Roundtable; and
WHEREAS, Georgia Van Dyke has been president of Van Dyke Enterprises,
Inc. since 2002, overseeing Gobbler's Knob Family Fun Park which opened
in 2001, with a driving range and clubhouse; by 2006, the family busi-
ness had expanded to an 18-hole lighted miniature golf course featuring
Schoharie County Landmarks; and
WHEREAS, Additionally in 2006, an ice cream parlor and snack bar were
opened, as well as the Muscle Motors Speedway Go-cart Track; three years
later a nine-hole par three course named "D's Tees" was established in
memory of Darryl Van Dyke; 2011 brought a bungee trampoline, which was
replaced by a bounce house in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Georgia Van Dyke continues to support Schoharie County
through her work with community organizations, the Chamber of Commerce
and her business; while serving as Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce
Board president, she stepped up to the role as its executive director
after an unexpected vacancy; and
WHEREAS, At the end of her term as Board President, Georgia Van Dyke
was hired as part-time executive director in 2014, the esteemed position
she continues to hold today; in this capacity she has been instrumental
in the growth of membership, a new and more user friendly website, a
revitalized infrastructure, and the return of tourism to the Chamber;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Georgia Van Dyke has 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 Georgia Van Dyke has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
honor Georgia Van Dyke upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Outstanding Service Award by the Schoharie County Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Georgia Van Dyke.