Two Putnam residents will be honored for their contributions to environmental conservation and education during the 44th Anniversary Putnam County Land Trust Dinner on Saturday, April 13th.
For the 12th consecutive year, the land trust will be honoring an individual from PutnamCountywho has contributed to a culture in which respect for the natural landscape is promoted. This year, the honoree will be Victor Grossman who will receive the PCLT Blue Heron Award for his conservation work in Putnam County. Victor is aCarmel attorney specializing in family law, criminal law, litigation and real estate. An involved community member, he has served in the past as President of the Putnam County Bar Association, Deputy Supervisor for the Town ofSoutheast, as a member of the Putnam County Legislature and the Board of Directors of the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Victor has been involved with the Land Trust since 1990 when Past president Michael Ciaiola introduced him to the Land Trust’s work. He has served as Counsel to PCLT since 1994. If you ask him why he has worked so tirelessly for PCLT, he will tell you, “Out of a desire to preserve the natural beauty ofPutnamCounty.” He is particularly proud of his contribution to the land trust’s acquisition of the Ice Pond Preserve.
The Leadership in Giving Award which recognizes an individual, family or company that has been generous to Putnam County Land Trust will be presented to Paul Kupchok. Paul is a licensed Master Falconer, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Raptor Propagator. He is also licensed to use wildlife educationally. He has worked at Green Chimneys for 26 years teaching children about wildlife and the environment. His enthusiasm for what he does is evident within the first seconds of meeting him. Talking about his career, he said, “I have seen firsthand how the kids heal the animals, and in the process the animals heal the kids.” Paul and the Green Chimneys’ Birds of Prey have been a major attraction at PCLT’s annual dinner fundraiser over the years – and they will be at the dinner again this year on April 13th.
Land trust President Judy Terlizzi said, “PCLT is delighted to be able to recognize Victor and Paul for their contributions on behalf of the land trust and its mission. Victor’s counsel when negotiating real estate transactions and property rights has proven priceless to our organization. Paul’s enthusiasm for the natural world and his knowledge – and ability to convey that knowledge to the public – has helped to create an awareness of the need for open space and habitat protection for wildlife, and in particular the Birds of Prey.”
Adding to the celebratory occasion will be the rarely displayed Paul Fitchen collection of butterflies native to this area – some of which are now extinct. The event will be held at the Starr Ridge Banquet and Conference Center at 38 Starr Ridge Road in Brewster on Saturday, April 13th, 2013 at 5:30pm. Seating is limited and reservations are required. The event is BYOB. Take advantage of special dinner pricing of $60 per person if paid by April 4th. To make a reservation, inquire about advertising space or donate goods or services for the auction, call 845-278-2808 or visit the PCLT website at www.pclt.net.