Warwick School District wins Orange Environment award

Goshen — Every year, Orange Environment selects individuals and groups from grassroots organizations, the media, government, the arts, and private enterprise that exemplify ecological stewardship, and whose programs and plans work to ensure Orange County remains a coveted place to live and work. This year’s honorees include: • Warwick Valley School District — Renewable Energy Award for promoting energy conservation and reducing the consumption of diesel fuel on school buses by using waste cooking oil as an additive. • Carol Ash — Responsible Government Official Award for her work with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the Highlands. • Jay Beaumont — Recognizing his contributions as director of the Orange County Water Authority. • Shawn Dell Joyce — Sustainable Art and Communities Award for her work as a sustainable artist and founder of the Wallkill River School, which combines environmental activism with plein air painting. • Pamela Chergotis — Press Award for making environmental issues priority coverage in The Chronicle, a sister publication to The Warwick Advertiser. • Kate Fox and Ed Helbig — Environmental Education Award for sharing their understanding of ecology and respect for nature through the Free Spirit Nature Camp. • Simon Gruber — Ann Botshon Protection Award for his work as a steward to the Wallkill and Moodna watersheds. • Harriman Brotherhood of Electricians/IBEW LU No. 363 — Renewable Energy Award for spreading the technology of solar power through leadership and cooperation. • Sandra Kissam — Tony Award for efforts that protect almost 7,000 acres for public passive recreation and wildlife habitat as Stewart State Forest. • The Rev. William A. Scafidi — Community Agriculture Award for his role as guardian of the “People’s Garden” in the City of Newburgh. • SOS Group — Ben Kissam Activist Award, for working to curb the development of 127 acres of land on the last open space area in the Town of Newburgh. Orange Environment extends its thanks to local merchants for their early auction donations: Steve’s Deli, Linda’s Office Supply, Pro-tool Warehouse, Gale Cohen, L.M.T, Tomas Torres, D.D.S., Howell’s Deli, Emily’s International Cuisine, Ask Tamara, Giclee and Baxter’s Pharmacy. To contribute to the organization’s live or silent auctions, call Debbie Marone at 291-1976 to arrange for pick-up. All sponsors will be featured in the auction brochure, in the next newsletter, and in a press release following the event, and will receive in return a receipt for their donation. This year’s awards dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Wallkill Community Center, Route 211 East, near the Galleria Mall. There will be 11 award recipients, music by Evan and Leslie, an organic and locally grown dinner buffet by Ceil the Caterer, a cash bar and an auction of donated items. Dinner tickets are $50 per person. Mail checks payable to Orange Environment, to P.O. Box 223, Goshen NY 10924, or call 291-1976 to reserve a seat.