On Sunday, September 14, the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) held its 37rd Annual River Valley Awards Ceremony at the Central House Family Resort in Beach Lake, PA. 

UDC Chairperson Jim Rogers began the afternoon celebration with a welcome and opening remarks. “We honor those who have made significant contributions to enhancing, improving, and protecting our beautiful Upper Delaware scenic and recreational river,” he said.

Keynote speaker, New York State Assembly Member, District 100, Paula Elaine Kay, addressed the attendees with her praise of the Upper Delaware Council and its many award recipients for their past efforts and their commitment to future success. Kay reminded the audience of New York’s unfulfilled fiscal obligation to the UDC and promised to work toward remedying that situation. However, she assured everyone that, “This is about more than money. It’s about who we are as a community and about the legacy we want to leave for future generations.” Each award recipient received a Certificate of Merit from the New York State Assembly.

Laurie Ramie, UDC Executive Director, emceed the event, providing detailed descriptions of the work of each award recipient. 

The Oaken Gavel Award was given to Virginia “Ginny” Dudko, Town of Deerpark, NY representative, for her leadership as 2024 Upper Delaware Council chairperson and her many years as an active volunteer in the UDC.

The Upper Delaware Scavenger Hunt earned a Special Recognition Award for creating an engaging activity to explore the history, communities, and beauty of the Upper Delaware region. Sponsored by the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway and developed under the leadership of David Krantz, the hunt includes 34 fun and educational challenges.

The Recreation Achievement Award was presented to Annie D’Arcy for developing new, sustainable recreational birding and fishing programming and partnerships as the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River’s first Fish and Feathers Intern through the Environment for the Americas program.

Two Cultural Achievement Awards were given. The organizational recipient was Farm Arts Collective, based at Willow Wisp Organic Farm in Damascus, PA, led by Tannis Kowalchuk and Jess Beverage. They were recognized for creating a healthy and creative community in the Upper Delaware River Valley through farming, art, food, and ecology.  

The individual Cultural Achievement Award recognized Nancy Wells of Damascus, PA, for her seven-decade career as an acclaimed multi-media visual artist and poet with the Upper Delaware Writers Collective, often donating her work and time.

Avery Ohliger of Honesdale, PA, received the Volunteer Award for his technical advancements to the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River oral history program as a multi-year Cultural Resources intern. The award was accepted by his family on his behalf.

The Community Service Award recipient, Linda Dexter of Damascus, PA, has had active roles in organizations including the Damascus Manor Community Center, Township Parks and Recreation Committee, Woodland Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild, and Northeast PA Maple Producers Association.

Tusten Social received the Partnership Award for its growth as a community-focused nonprofit to fill gaps in local social and civic infrastructure for youth, adults, and seniors. Greta Knutzen and Greg Triggs, founders of Tusten Social, accepted the award.

Robin M. Daniels Memorial Lifesaving Award was given to the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River 2025 Seasonal Interpretive River Roving Team for conducting 62 river rescues and numerous public contacts for water safety education while on National Park Service patrols this summer season. Team members are Sara-Jo Fegley, Cris Forelli, Jeremy Jukus, Jayden Mayer, Timothy O’Neill, Reece Arbizu, Annie D’Arcy, Joe DeMaria, Nick Marcino, and Elizabeth Wasylyk. They shared their mantra: Wear your life jackets!

Larry H. Richardson received the Distinguished Service Award for his 36 years as a dedicated leader, ambassador, and guiding force of the UDC. 

More information about the work of the UDC and award recipients can be found on the UDC website: www.upperdelawarecouncil.org.