Greenwood Lake resident wins $1,000 first place prize in Winslow Duck Derby

WARWICK — On Monday, June 2, Sue Ferro, executive director of Winslow Therapeutic Center, presented her organization's check for $1,000 to Stephanie Harzewski, a resident of Greenwood Lake.

Harzewski was the first-place winner of the annual Duck Derby sponsored by Winslow Therapeutic Center on May 18.

She had purchased the winning ticket from Boy Scout Troop 477, one of the organizations that participates in the sale of Duck Derby tickets.

Her son Nicholas, who is a member of Troop 477, has autism and had visited Winslow Therapeutic Center, where he plans to take riding lessons.

Warwick's annual Duck Derby is a popular fund-raising event and proceeds are divided equally between Winslow, a not-for-profit organization offering therapeutic horseback riding healing programs for children and adults, and numerous other not-for-profit organizations.

Harzewski had included her mother among others on the ticket she purchased but everyone, including "Grandma," insisted that the prize go to Nicholas to help pay for lessons at Winslow.

"We wish to thank everyone who purchased and sold our Duck Derby tickets," said Ferro. "This annual event is another way for Winslow to help the community. This year we shared the proceeds with many other wonderful organizations and agencies."

On the day of the annual Duck Derby volunteers release the ducks on South St. into Wawayanda Creek in the Village of Warwick. The ducks then quickly float to the finish line on the other side of Main Street.

Most of the valuable prizes for the winners are donated by local businesses. The first place $1,000 prize, however, is traditionally offered by Winslow.

The center has been offering unique and often life-changing horseback riding experiences to children and adults in this community since 1974.

For information about Winslow Therapeutic Center or to participate in next year's Duck Derby call 986-6686.

- Roger Gavan