OCCA Announces Conservationist of the Year, Annual Dinner

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: October 21, 2014 OCCA announces Conservationist of the Year, Annual Dinner COOPERSTOWN – On Monday, November 17 the Otsego County Conservation Association will present its 2014 “Conservationist of the Year” award to the Canadarago Lake Improvement Association . “CLIA is being recognized for outstanding leadership, teamwork, and dedication,” said OCCA President Vicky M. Lentz, “and for its proactive approach to the protection and preservation of Canadarago Lake’s freshwater heritage for future generations.” CLIA, nominated by former OCCA Board member Pam Lea, is currently in the final stages of completing the Canadarago Lake Watershed Protection Plan – the first of its kind for Canadarago Lake – and began a brand new Lake Steward Program in 2014 to help prevent the spread of invasive species. OCCA will also present a Special Recognition for Lifetime Achievement to Edward Wesnofske for his contributions toward environmentally and economically sound solid waste solutions for Otsego County. Wesnofske was nominated by Otsego County Representatives James Powers and Keith McCarty. The award ceremony is part of OCCA’s Annual Dinner and Meeting, to be held at Holiday Inn Oneonta/Cooperstown, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta. This event includes a silent auction fundraiser as well as a presentation by Allen Nichols, president of the New York Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation, on efforts to save and restore the American chestnut tree. “All Silent Auction proceeds will benefit OCCA’s programs to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment,” said OCCA Executive Director Darla M. Youngs. “Bring your checkbooks, and bid early and often!” Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the Silent Auction preview. Items must be paid for at the end of the evening; cash or check only. Annual Dinner menu choices are roast prime rib of beef au jus, chicken stir fry or eggplant parmesan. All selections include seasonal green salad with house dressing; seasonal vegetables, potatoes, or rice; rolls with butter; apple crisp for dessert; and tea or coffee. There will be a cash bar with gourmet cheese assortment at 6:00 p.m., followed by the dinner and program at 7 p.m. Reservations, $35 per person, are required by Monday, November 10. For more information, e-mail admin@occainfo.org or call (607) 547-4488. OCCA is a private, non-profit environmental membership organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of Otsego County's natural resources through education, advocacy, resource management, research, and planning. For more information on OCCA, or to support programming, call (607) 547-4488 or visit www.occainfo.org. Darla M. Youngs, Executive Director Otsego County Conservation Association Facilitator, Otsego County Water Quality Coordinating Committee 7193 State Highway 80, PO Box 931 Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-4488; (607) 282-4087 www.occainfo.org Like us on Facebook O-C-C-YAY!