#2006-13: July 21, 2006 Woodstock Land Conservancy to Receive Inaugural "Alf Evers Award" The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development announced today that the Woodstock Land Conservancy and its President, Michael DeWan, will be the recipient of the first "Alf Evers Award" for outstanding contribution to the Catskills. The award will be presented at The Catskill Center's Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, July 29th at its offices in Arkville. With Alf Evers passing last year, The Catskill Center decided to rename its annual award in memory of the noted Catskills author and historian, who was also a long time member of its Board of Directors. Through this award, The Catskill Center annually recognizes individuals or organizations who have made outstanding contributions in community development, education, arts & culture or natural resource protection in the Catskills. Tom Alworth, Executive Director, explained that "For centuries, people, with both insight and foresight, have made significant contributions to our past, present and future that should not go unnoticed. Alf Evers was one of those people. We are extremely proud to present this year's award to Michael DeWan and the Woodstock Land Conservancy for their excellent work protecting the landscape that Alf Evers so cherished." In addition to presenting the award, The Catskill Center's Annual Membership Meeting will feature keynote speaker Barbara "Charlie" Murphy, Director of Local Government at the New York State Department of State. In keeping with The Catskill Center's mission of balancing environmental conservation and sustainable community development, Murphy will speak about smart growth and the "quality communities" movement in New York State. The meeting will begin at 11AM and the public is encouraged to attend. Music, light refreshments, a silent auction and presentations by staff will follow at noon. The Catskill Center's offices are located on Route 28 in the hamlet of Arkville, next to the Arkville Fire House. For more information, call (845) 586-2611. The Catskill Center is a non-profit, membership organization working to foster both healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities in the Catskills. For more information please visit their website at www.catskillcenter.org or call (845) 586-2611.