Senate Resolution No. 2588 BY: Senator STAVISKY CONGRATULATING Marilyn Dyer for 40 years of dedicated service to the New York State Senate WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is privileged this day to recognize and pay tribute to an individual of distinguished purpose and true commitment who has dedicated her professional career to public service and the pursuit of excellence while sustaining the legislative process; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Marilyn Dyer for 40 years of dedicated service to the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, She began her illustrious career with the New York State Senate under Senator Leonard Stavisky on January 4, 1984; Marilyn Dyer remained with his office until his death in 1999, when she began working for his wife, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky; and WHEREAS, Marilyn Dyer currently serves as the Executive Assistant to New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky; and WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, she has served in numerous capacities, including as Secretary, Secretary to the Senator, Legislative Secretary, Legislative Director, and Committee Director; and WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Marilyn Dyer has served the New York State Senate with dependability, honor and integrity, effectively fulfilling the duties of her position and contributing significantly to the legal process of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Marilyn Dyer has always been steadfast and considerate in her dealings with others; her infinite knowledge of every aspect of the Senate is one to be admired, earning her the respect and affection of her colleagues; and WHEREAS, With an unwavering commitment to her community, Marilyn Dyer along with her husband Pastor Lee Dyer, has been active in St. Paul's Center since before its inception in 2006, when the congregation, under the leadership of her late husband, embarked on a journey to utilize the 100-year-old building that was St. Paul's Lutheran Church; and WHEREAS, Realizing the unmet needs of homeless women and children in the capital district, St. Paul's Center was established within the City of Rensselaer; under the able leadership of Marilyn Dyer, its current Board President, this vital organization provides tools which empower independent living for those experiencing housing insecurity, using a model which incorporates empathy and honors self-determination; and WHEREAS, Marilyn Dyer was instrumental in the expansion of St. Paul's Center to include the Lee Dyer Family Apartments, a combination of housing and supportive services which provide local families with an affordable way to move from homelessness to a sustainable future; and WHEREAS, A woman of indomitable faith and dedication, Marilyn Dyer has been part of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) since 1990, serving as President, Vice President, and Secretary of the synodical organization; and WHEREAS, She currently serves as the Co-coordinator of the Hudson Mohawk Conference and the Editor of the women's newsletter, Evangel-Lines, and has helped coordinate a joint Spring and Fall gathering with the Hudson Mohawk and Foothills conferences for the last two years; and WHEREAS, Marilyn Dyer has also given tirelessly of her time and energies as Director of Christian Education/Sunday School at Hope Lutheran Church in North Greenbush, New York, for 34 years, touching the lives of countless children; and WHEREAS, Marilyn Dyer attended SUNY Oneonta and Empire State College, and proudly served her country as a member of the New York Army National Guard from May of 1980 to August of 1987; and WHEREAS, While she is passionate about many things, above all her greatest passion is being a mother to her children, Stephen (Kathleen), the late James, Jennifer, Christina (Jason), and Ben (Margi), as well as a grandmother to her six grandchildren, Caeley, Ryan, Serena, Tate, Emma and Cole; and WHEREAS, Throughout a life and career of purposeful endeavor, Marilyn Dyer has remained true to her commitment, serving family, faith and community; her contributions and accomplishments have brought great benefit and positive influence to bear upon the quality of life for others; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to applaud Marilyn Dyer, whose four decades of outstanding contributions to the New York State Senate have been invaluable; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Marilyn Dyer for 40 years of dedicated service to the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Marilyn Dyer.