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BEACH LAKE – The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) will honor those who have enhanced the quality of life or protected the resources of the Upper Delaware River Valley at its 35th Annual Awards Ceremony on Sunday, September 10. Reservations are due by Sept. 1.

The public banquet will take place at Central House Family Resort, located at 81 Milanville Road in Beach Lake, PA. A reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar begins at 3 p.m. A buffet dinner is set for 4 p.m. Tickets are $33 and must be reserved in advance.

U.S. Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19th District) will serve as the keynote speaker.

The UDC will honor the following recipients:

Distinguished Service Award ~ James A. Greier, of Obernburg, NY for his decades of advocacy for the River Management Plan for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River as a Town of Fremont Upper Delaware Council representative, and his public service roles with town government and local organizations.

Robin M. Daniels Memorial Lifesaving Award ~ Nancy Lauby and Tom Zibinski of Beach Lake, PA, for their August 13, 2023 rescue of a father and his nine-year-old son who were in danger of drowning after their canoe capsized on the Upper Delaware River.

Outstanding Community Achievement Award ~ Damascus Township Parks and Recreation Committee, chaired by Dan Rutledge, for their seven-year project to build a multi-faceted recreational facility on township property.

Partnership Award ~ Highland River Access Upgrade, coordinated by Heather Jacksy from the Sullivan County Division of Planning & Community Development, with federal, state, county, town, and grant agency contributors.

Cultural Achievement Award ~ Ramona Jan and the Yarnslingers for her accomplishments as a multi-media artist, musician, writer, Callicoon historian, and 2012 founder of the Yarnslingers regional storytelling group.

Recreation Achievement Award ~ Delaware River Sojourn Steering Committee for heightening stewardship of the Delaware River through an annual paddling excursion with educational programming since 1995.

Community Service Award ~ Richard H. Lowe III of Hancock, NY for his legacy contributions to Hancock’s economic development, beautification, historical and cultural rebranding initiatives.

Community Service Award ~ Tom and Cecilia Coacci of Damascus, PA, for offering their time, talents, labor, materials, and fundraising assistance to quietly support numerous events in the Town of Tusten and beyond.

Volunteer Award ~ Cathy Daboul of Barryville, NY, for providing her helping hand as Town of Highlands Lions Club president, co-founder of the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce, and community volunteer projects.

Special Recognition Award ~ Rosie Starr of WJFF Radio Catskills 90.5FM, for producing and hosting the Farm and Country show about rural life in the Upper Delaware River Valley and her “Why [I] Farm” multi-media exhibit.

Special Recognition Award ~ Nathaniel Pereira-Mendoza of Narrowsburg, NY and Sullivan West High School, for designing and illustrating the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River’s new Junior Ranger book and eagle badge.

Oaken Gavel Award ~ Andy Boyar, Town of Highland representative, for 2022 UDC chairperson leadership.

A downloadable reservation form is available at www.upperdelawarecouncil.org to return to the UDC at P.O. Box 192, Narrowsburg, NY 12764, or drop off at the 211 Bridge St. office.

For more information, call (845) 252-3022 or e-mail Administrative Support Stephanie Driscoll at stephanie@upperdelawarecouncil.org.