From the Mayor’s Office – This Tender Land

From the Mayor’s Office – June 20, 2023

This Tender Land

Late spring/early summer weekends are filled with events and activities. This past weekend my schedule took me to many places. The one event most touching to me personally was the dedication of the pond at Mountain Lake Park. The beautiful body of water was named in honor of my friend Seymour Gordon and is now called Seymour’s Pond. The ceremony that included many of Seymour’s friends and family was hosted by Supervisor Michael Sweeton and the Town Board. Supervisor Sweeton made opening remarks followed by Seymour’s wife, Shirley, both honoring the thoughtful vision that Seymour had for the Valley he loved. Seymour was an avid fisherman and loved to fish at this lake. The lake dedication is for his work in land conservation and preservation in Warwick Valley. It was Seymour’s efforts that helped develop the Purchase of Development Rights and the Town’s Community Preservation Fund and Transfer Tax. At the time, some twenty years ago, PDR was controversial, and it was through a Town-wide referendum that allowed it to happen. Seymour was not alone in his vision, councilman and sod grower Leonard DeBuck was also an ardent supporter for land preservation as well as the earliest advocate and PDR recipient, Tunis Sweetman. There were many supporters involved and most importantly farmers who saw the long-term wisdom of farmland protection. To date almost 5,000 acres of land has been protected in Warwick Valley. Warwick is considered the pioneer and model for farmland preservation.

We are stewards of the earth and in our case a beautiful fertile Valley. It always catches me by surprise – that moment when I least expect, when I stop myself and am overwhelmed at the beauty that surrounds us. Last evening listening to the New York Wind Symphony on RR Green was transporting in that way and made me reflect about the rich legacy we have created. As I looked around, I felt a deep sense of community and belonging. It made me realize that our power and strength is defined by what we value, our vision and how we treat each other. Land protection has created a stage of rural land and vibrant villages, but it is much deeper. It is also the protection and preservation of human rights, civil rights – although we are sometimes tested, the greater good rises and our success is evident in this tender land.

Congratulations to Thomas Kanz, Paul Fromageot and Aiden Hamilton from Troop 38 who were recently inducted in the Eagle Scout Court of honor.

On behalf of the Village Board congratulations to the graduating Class of 2023. Work well done!  Adventures ahead, life and all its wonder are before you. Warwick High school has been a great learning ground and foundation for a bright future.

The Firemen’s Carnival is in Town! For Carnival related information please go HERE