Senate Resolution No. 464

BY: Senator REICHLIN-MELNICK

HONORING Jim Skelley upon the occasion of his
retirement as owner of Nyack Bicycle Outfitters
after 48 years of distinguished service

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially
contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Jim Skelley upon the occasion of his retirement as owner of Nyack
Bicycle Outfitters after 48 years of distinguished service; and

WHEREAS, Jim Skelley opened Nyack Bicycle Outfitters in downtown
Nyack, New York, in 1972, making this extraordinary establishment the
second-oldest small business in Nyack when he finally closed its doors
in January of 2021; and

WHEREAS, Cycling has always been a part of Jim Skelley's life;
growing up in New York City, he rode a bicycle everywhere; it is almost
unthinkable today to imagine a 13-year old riding a coaster bike up
Route 9 to Tarrytown, over to White Plains and then back to the City,
but this young man did just that; and

WHEREAS, Jim Skelley proudly served his country in the Vietnam War
from 1968 to 1969; he would later overcome a serious illness caused by
the effects of Agent Orange; his competitive spirit, determination and
strength helped this brave man pull through; and

WHEREAS, Like many veterans, Jim Skelley returned to Vietnam four
decades after the war with two friends for a six-week visit, during
which time they rode from Hanoi to Saigon; during his visit, the
Vietnamese people were very welcoming to him, and local children flocked
around his bike; before his departure, he donated his bicycle to a home
for street-dwelling kids in Saigon; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Jim Skelley organized the Rocket Ride, a 50-mile, weekly,
fast-paced bike ride beginning in Nyack, and looping through Rockland
and Bergen Counties; this ride became the longest running weekly bike
ride in Rockland County; and

WHEREAS, Small businesses like Nyack Bicycle Outfitters are the
backbone of local economies across New York State, and a state is only
as great as those organizations and individuals that perform exemplary
service on behalf of their community; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 48-year history, Nyack Bicycle
Outfitters has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it served; and

WHEREAS, The success of Nyack Bicycle Outfitters is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its owner, Jim Skelley, and all its
dedicated staff, whose involvement is, and always has been,
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of
the business and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Small Businesses such as Nyack Bicycle Outfitters exert a
strong, positive influence on the communities they serve and are a
crucial element in the economy of New York State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jim Skelley upon the occasion of his retirement as owner of Nyack
Bicycle Outfitters after 48 years of dedicated service; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jim Skelley.