Seymour Gordon named Warwick ‘Democrat of the Year'

Warwick—The Town of Warwick Democratic Committee presented its George Birnbaum “Democrat of the Year” Award to Seymour Gordon as part of its annual brunch, held July 12 at the Hickory Hill Golf Course. The event was attended by state, county and local officials, candidates for the upcoming mid-term elections and committee members. The festivities began with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance lead by the youngest member in attendance, Sebastian Belfanti, a seventh-grader at the Warwick Valley Middle School. Candidates for this year’s election in attendance included U.S. Congressional candidates John Hall and Jim Martorano; state Senate Nancy Low-Hogan; Orange County Legislator and candidate for New York Assembly Michael Paduch; Village of Warwick Justice and candidate for Orange County Court Richard Farina; and Orange County Surrogate Court Judge and candidate for New York Supreme Court Hon. Elaine Slobod. The guest speaker was Aileen Gunther, a former Warwick resident and currently the New York State assemblywoman from the 98th District in Sullivan County. The George Birnbaum “Democrat of the Year” Award is named for the late member of the Warwick Democratic Committee. In presenting it to Gordon, the committee recognized the distinguished service of the longtime Warwick resident who for many years has provided leadership in the area of conservation and land preservation in Warwick. Jean Bordewich, a representative from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer’s office and a member of the Red Hook Town Council ,presented a certificate of recognition to Gordon. In addition, a letter from the event’s Honorary Chair, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey was presented. In it, Lautenberg noted that like himself, Gordon served his country in World War II, built a business, retired, and then returned to public service where he is still active. With Shirley, his wife of 57 years by his side, Gordon accepted the award and spoke of the importance of a community like Warwick that values its land and natural resources enough to protect them for future generations. The Warwick Town Democratic Committee meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., at the Tuscan Café in the Village of Warwick.