From the Mayor’s Office: A Man for All Seasons

October 31, 2022

The Warwick Valley Rotary annually honors a Citizen of the Year. This year’s recipient was Town Supervisor Mike Sweeton. Michael is usually the Master of Ceremonies at this event, so I was asked to pinch hit when it came time to recognize him. Though not planned ahead, the other two Mayor’s, Jesse Dwyer from Greenwood Lake and Dan Harter from Florida were in the room, so I asked them to join me to give Mike this recognition. I was glad we were able to do it together. We are all friends, more importantly mentors. Many people don’t know about the extent of our communication and connection. As leaders, we are constantly comparing notes, asking each other questions, supporting each other in what makes each of us and the communities we serve unique. It is part of our strength – together we serve the entirety of the Warwick Valley.

Michael though, as Town Supervisor, has the broadest swath of territory and the most events and dinners to attend!  He’s ever present at events in our Villages and Town. Do the math and your head spins but that’s the personal attention that Michael has given to the role of Town Supervisor. His leadership is never boisterous, never judgmental, always fair. He shows true human care, compassion and is a man of conviction. His effectiveness, I believe, is a combination of vision and common sense – these are the qualities of a strong and effective leader. It was through that vision and leadership that the Purchase of Development Rights and the Real Estate Transfer Tax that sustains it were born. Part of this vision touches each of the Villages whether purchasing a valuable piece of Greenwood Lake waterfront for public access, purchasing in tandem with the Village of Florida lands that would protect the important asset of Glenmere Lake or over time, creating a green belt of working farms around the Village of Warwick.

The recent purchase of the former Kutz Camp is an example of recognizing a community need and the perfect opportunity to address it. Mountain Lake Park has all the bells and whistles to satisfy the recreational and cultural aspirations of a growing community. All of the projects I mention are a legacy that will enhance and strengthen our present and ensure an even stronger future.

Both Michael and I as young adults were in the Warwick Jaycees as well as many of our mutual friends. That time was fun, instructive and maybe an incubator for our future roles. As Jaycees we learned the true meaning of service and the extraordinary meaning of community and that out of service, community grows. Those early initiatives and exercises gave us both a framework, possibly a path. I am grateful for that experience I shared with Michael and the men and women who were part of it.

It was a wonderful night at the Landmark Inn with a sumptuous board of savory offerings followed by dessert on the outdoor deck. I am glad we could take the moments from our busy lives to honor a man who has accomplished so much and whose care and love for our Valley is apparent in his every breath and every action. Thank you, Marge Porter, for nominating Michael.  Thank you, Deborah, for unselfishly sharing your husband through this journey. Thank you to the Warwick Valley Rotary for selecting Michael and thank you Michael for your continued efforts to protect this remarkable place on earth. Never easy but well worth it!

The evening was shared with Jenna Price and Barbara Katz, both recipients of the 2022-23 Outstanding Community Service Awards.

Jenna’s work includes the Warwick Valley School District PTA, managing programs such as the Craft Fair, Theater Company and Yearbook Program. Jenna also serves as Director of Backpack Snack Attack, which provides food over the weekend for over 250 children as well as gift cards to families to secure food during the holidays and summers in addition to school supplies in the fall. She is also responsible for the organizing, packing and direct delivery of school meals to qualified children in the School District.

Barbara has been a dedicated Kindergarten teacher for over twenty years. Her volunteer efforts include her work as a Warwick Valley Gardener and personally collecting over 600 pounds of soft plastic contributing to the creation of park benches at no cost. She was responsible for creating a soup kitchen at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, serving over four thousand meals in 2021-22 as well as volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse with a cleanup effort in the Florida Keys following a major hurricane.

Jenna and Barbara’s work is of love and dedication. Thank you for your many efforts of service and contribution to our community and beyond. Your embracing the call of need is a model that we all can aspire