NARROWSBURG, NY – The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB) Committee elected its 2021-2022 officers to lead the non-profit organization which promotes and protects the outstanding character, heritage, and beauty of New York State Route 97 and its communities, while encouraging economic development through tourism and recreation.

John Pizzolato (Town of Highland) was re-elected chairperson for a second term. Virginia “Ginny” Dudko (Town of Deerpark) was named as a first-time vice-chairperson, while Larry H. Richardson (Town of Cochecton) continues his long-standing role as secretary-treasurer.

While the election occurred during the UDSB’s annual meeting held virtually on April 26, a reception took place on May 24 at the Narrowsburg Union as the committee resumed in-person meetings following the lifting of many pandemic restrictions.

UDSB Chairperson Pizzolato co-owns the Stickett Inn, a boutique hotel located along the byway in Barryville, which produces its own brand of cider.

The Rockford, IL native with a B.F.A. degree in Theatre Arts from Hofstra University is also director of International Playground, a public relations and consulting agency.

Pizzolato serves on the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Sullivan Catskills Visitor Association (SCVA) board as an at-large member, and is president of the Barryville Farmers’ Market. 

Sparrowbush resident Vice-Chair Dudko became the Town of Deerpark’s UDSB delegate in 2011, the same year she was appointed to serve as an alternate representative to the Upper Delaware Council. She also serves on the Town of Deerpark Board of Assessment Review, belongs to the women’s educational society Delta Kappa Gamma, directs that same group’s Pi State Educational Foundation, is a Bon Secours Hospital Ethics Board member, and is active with Pond Eddy United Methodist Church.

The Minisink Ford, NY native graduated from Eldred Central School, and obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cortland, respectively. She is currently retired from Eldred Central School as an elementary teacher.  

Secretary-Treasurer Richardson has represented the Town of Cochecton since the UDSB inception in 2002. He was elected vice-chair at the first meeting which followed its incorporation on June 2, 2003. Richardson subsequently served as chairperson from 2005-2008, and first assumed the office of Secretary-Treasurer in 2009.

Professionally semi-retired as an executive with the Yaun Company in Liberty, NY, Richardson is a former member of the Cochecton Planning Board (1988-1995), councilman on the Town Board (1995-2015), a four-time past chairperson and ongoing representative of the Upper Delaware Council since 1989, and treasurer of the Cochecton Preservation Society.  He also currently serves as a director on the boards of the Garnet Health Foundation – Catskill, the Fosterdale Cemetery Association, and as treasurer of the Grover Hermann Hospital Auxiliary. 

UDSB, Inc. voting members are the Village of Hancock; the Towns of Delaware, Cochecton, Tusten, Highland Lumberland, and Deerpark; the City of Port Jervis; and Sullivan County. Each participating municipality appoints a representative and alternate(s).

Committee participation also includes invited non-profit organizations; governmental agencies; business, beautification and tourism groups; and historical societies which are active in the Upper Delaware River Valley.

The organization’s purpose is to implement the goals and objectives of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway Enhancement Concept plan, including byway appearance, safety, and relationship to the Delaware River; promotion, preservation and marketing of the byway’s history, recreational and cultural resources, and unique communities; and development of interpretive materials and visitor facilities.

Plans are currently underway to place anti-litter signs in each of the river communities, install combustible trash receptacles as part of a pilot program with the Sullivan County Legislature, and open the first ever visitor welcome center along with the Callicoon Business Association in the hamlet of Callicoon. 

The UDSB Committee regularly meets monthly on the 4th Mondays. For more information, email info@upperdelawarescenicbyway.org or call the 866-511-UDSB toll-free hotline.