RFA News and Updates
ROCKLAND FARM ALLIANCE LEADERS EARN AWARDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Executive Director Naomi Camilleri and Vice President Heshi Gorewitz receive local honors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New City, NY (October 11, 2011)—The Town of Clarkstown and the Clarkstown Democratic Committee have announced the winners of awards to acknowledge local contributions to the environment improvement initiatives. Two local leaders from Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA) are being recognized separately for their contributions in 2011.
On October 18, 2011, Naomi Camilleri, RFA Executive Director, will be formally recognized as the winner of the inaugural 2011 Town of Clarkstown Environmental Excellence Award for her and RFA’s involvement in the “environmental preservation, beautification, and improvement of Clarkstown.” Ms. Camilleri’s award will be announced at the meeting of the Clarkstown Town Board in New City.
On October 23, 2011, Heshi Gorewitz, RFA Vice President, will be honored as the recipient of the Zipporah S. Fleisher Environmental Service Award, presented by the Clarkstown Democratic Committee at an awards celebration at the Paramount Country Club in New City. This award is named for an activist in environmental protection and the prevention of animal cruelty and is given to civic leaders who influence community environmental issues.
Ms. Camilleri said, “We at Rockland Farm Alliance are gratified that our efforts to reintroduce sustainable small-scale farm projects to Rockland County are being recognized by local government. It is a great honor to be selected for Clarkstown’s first Environmental Excellence Award, and I appreciate the light that it will shine on the work of RFA.”
“Being recognized by any community organization is always special,” said Mr. Gorewitz. “The award is recognition of what Rockland Farm Alliance has accomplished in a very short amount of time. I accept this award on behalf of those that made Cropsey Community Farm so successful. Our small but devoted group of people are bringing local food production back to Rockland County.”
“Over the past 5 years, many people have contributed hours of their valuable time to RFA and more recently to Cropsey Community Farm, from volunteers to the RFA board, to the farmers in the field,” said John McDowell, President of Rockland Farm Alliance. “But before there was a new farm, it took a tremendous effort to galvanize the community and get the project off the ground. A good idea can always get people excited, but it takes individuals like Naomi and Heshi to bring it to fruition.”
# # #
A broad-based coalition of farmers, community groups and activists, local and county officials and interested citizens, Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA) was formed in early 2007, with a mission to preserve, create and enhance sustainable food production in Rockland County, NY. This grassroots effort has grown into a powerful community force with over 1000 followers. Rockland Farm Alliance, under a licensing agreement with Rockland County and the Town of Clarkstown, has launched Rockland's first community farm in New City, at the retired Cropsey farm on Little Tor Road. For more information, visit www.rocklandfarm.org.
# # #