Rhinebeck Photographer's The Very Picture Of A 'Good Egg,' Chamber Says

RHINEBECK, N.Y. – Rhinebeck photographer Maureen Gates will be attending an awards ceremony this Thursday. But instead of taking pictures of the event, she will be its focal point.

Rhinebeck photographer Maureen Gates will be receiving a "Good Egg" award from the Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce this week. The accolade goes to folks who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty to help their community.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Carol Reif

01/26/2017 11:00 a.m.

The Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce will be presenting Gates with its “Good Egg” award, its way of recognizing those who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty.

Gates said she was “stunned” when the Chamber contacted her about the award.

“I thought they were asking me to photograph it. I was so surprised and delighted to learn they picked me as their ‘Good Egg,’” she said.

“I guess someone else will have to do the photo privileges this year, I’m very happy to enjoy the evening from a different vantage point. I’m really honored by this,” Gates said.

Gates, who has been clicking away for three decades, is a “celebrated mainstay” in Rhinebeck and beyond, the Chamber said.

She has captured every image from weddings to portraits to product shots. Her expansive portfolio includes “the many faces and businesses “ that make up the region.

But what’s especially nice about Gates, the Chamber said, is that she frequently shoots special events for free.

The “Good Egg” award, a glass sculpture designed by local artist Tom Stoenner, will be presented by Chamber president Jesse Hewitt on Thursday, Jan. 26, at a dinner at the Beekman Arms on Route 9 in Rhinebeck.

Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar are set for 6 p.m. The dinner starts at 7 p.m.

Gates has belonged to numerous professional and community organizations, including: Rhinebeck Rotary Club, Northern Dutchess Hospital Mothers Club and Hudson Valley Professional Photographers Society.

The Chamber will give a brief summary of the current business climate, giving business leaders and the general public the chance to hear about “the state of Rhinebeck” firsthand. There will also be a discussion of issues relevant to the community.

Invited guests include Rhinebeck Village Mayor Heath Tortorella and town Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia.

For more information about the dinner, which is open to Chamber members and non-members, visit http://rhinebeckchamber.com, email info@rhinebeckchamber.com, or call (845) 876-5904.

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