Event celebrates individuals who make the Village of Walden a better place to live, work, and volunteer
Walden, NY – On Thursday, January 12, the Village of Walden recognized local community leaders at its 7th Annual Leadership Day Awards Ceremony. Over 75 community members gathered at Municipal Hall to celebrate the honorees and their commitment to making the Village of Walden a better place to live, work, and volunteer.
“Leadership Day is an excellent opportunity to thank the individuals and businesses who have had a profound impact on our community,” said Susan M. Rumbold, Village of Walden Mayor. “Each of this year’s honorees is dedicated to the betterment of our community and serves as an outstanding example to our residents.”
“The Wynkoop family has been in the village of Walden for five generations, and I have watched our community grow and transform in a positive direction. I am proud to live and raise my family here,” said the event’s keynote speaker, Derrik Wynkoop, President of Walden Savings Bank and founder of the Walden Community Council. “This would not be possible without the individuals who have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to improving our community.”
The following individuals were honored at the event:
• Cynthia Hunter, Midge Norman Volunteer of the Year
After 14 years of traveling and missing her family, Cynthia left her job and found an opportunity that she wouldn’t let pass her by: community service. Since, she has been a supporter of the Walden Rotary Club, is on the board for Will Spay Pets, and is an Honor Flight Chaperone and sponsor.
• Calista Bond and Katherine Cavallucci, Ronald I. Jacobowitz Youths of the Year
Calista is a senior at Valley Central High School graduating in June 2017, who has taken advanced placement and honors classes, a member of the English, Spanish, and History Honor Societies, as well as others. She was the youngest Flight Guardian for Hudson Valley Honor Flight and a Board Member for Lunch of Honor.
Katherine is a senior at Valley Central High School graduating in June 2017 with a GPA of 101.7, who serves as the Vice President of her senior class and is a Dean for the National Honor Society. She volunteers with Zylofone, a nonprofit group that supports music programs for the special needs community.
• Richard “Dickie” Baxter, Sam Phelps Service Award
Dickie is a strong supporter of many volunteer activities in the Village of Walden, including the Back Pack Give Away and St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which raises money to fight childhood cancer. In continuing his commitment to volunteerism, Dickie recently joined the Walden Rotary Club.
• New York School of Music, Community Business of the Year
Owned and operated by Donna Hall, who encourages her students to achieve musically and build character, the New York School of Music is an active Walden Community Business that participates in many Village events.
Pictured Front row (L to R): Calista Bond, Katherine Cavallucci. Back row (L to R): Richard “Dickie” Baxter, Donna Hall, Cynthia Hunter, Derrik Wynkoop.
For more information on the Village of Walden, please call (845) 778-2177 x1501 or send an email to waldenvc@hvc.rr.com and visit http://www.villageofwalden.org
