October 14, 2011

 

Town of Clarkstown Awards First Environmental Excellence Award

Awards To Be Presented at October 18th Town Board Meeting

 

Supervisor Alex Gromack, Councilwoman Shirley Lasker and the Town Board will present the Town of Clarkstown's first annual Environmental Excellence Award to two recipients, Naomi Camilleri and Laurie Seeman. The two recipients will be recognized at the October 18th Town Board meeting at 8pm. A birdhouse will be dedicated in honor of each recipient and installed at the Congers Trailway at a later date.                       

  

"The Town of Clarkstown is a leader in environmental initiatives from purchasing to policy to public education," said Supervisor Alex Gromack. "This award gives us the opportunity to recognize those in our community, like Naomi and Laurie, who share our dedication to our environment. I congratulate both of them for their hard work and commitment."  

 

The Town sought nominations based on the individuals' contribution to environmental preservation, beautification and improvement within the Town of Clarkstown. Also considered was the nominee's involvement as a volunteer or coordinator in Town environmental programs, and any innovative programs or measures the nominee has taken or developed to better the Town's natural environment. The Town received six applications.   

 

Naomi Camilleri is a Rockland County native, though she spent much of her formative years in rural Massachusetts, where she worked on farms and developed a deep love for gardening and farming. After gaining her BA in Comparative Literature from Brown University and a stint studying and working in Europe, Naomi returned to Rockland and pursued a career in film and online media. A growing dedication to and extensive study of diet, nutrition and local food issues led Naomi to join Rockland Farm Alliance in an effort to work toward a sustainable local food economy. A full-time volunteer for the last year and half, Naomi has devoted herself entirely to furthering the work of Rockland Farm Alliance, including the launch of Cropsey Community Farm, and brings her background and experience in writing, photography, film, online media and project management to bear in her role as Executive Director of the RFA.

 

Laurie Seeman is an earth artist, environmental educator and advocate who has lived and worked in Clarkstown since 1997. Together with her work partner Joanna Dickey she runs Strawtown Art & Garden Studio, a place for environmental nature, art and science programming which runs summer programs and also year-round workshops for schools and communities. At the core of her work is watershed awareness and protection.  She is the founder and coordinator of the Sparkill Watershed Alliance, member of the Rockland Coalition for Sustainable Water, and a Riverkeeper Hudson River watchdog. She is also the Rockland coordinator for the NYS DEC Citizen Science waterway monitoring programs. In 2008 Laurie was nominated for the Hudson River Watershed Alliance, Hudson River Stewardship Award. Laurie graduated from F.I.T. in NYC with a degree in Communications. Her continuing education includes study and training in Biodynamic Agriculture and nature observation study with the Nature Institute. She is listed in the Women Environmental Artists Directory.

 

“I am pleased to recognize both Naomi and Laurie, residents who dedicate and donate their time and expertise to improving the environment in Clarkstown,” said Councilwoman Shirley Lasker. “Both honorees are talented volunteers who work selflessly every day to improve our quality of life. They are the true unsung heroes and role models in our community." 

 

All residents and media are welcome to attend the recognition ceremony.