Clarkstown Recognizes Residents’ Accomplishments

The Clarkstown Town Board presented its second annual Environmental Excellence Awards on Tuesday for special contributions to the town by an organization and an individual. Councilwoman Shirley Lasker described honoree Peggy Kurtz of Upper Nyack as a tireless advocate for the environment. The Valley Cottage Library, which installed a new parking lot with a rain garden and innovative drainage system, was praised for its forward thinking.

Kurtz is a co-founder of the Rockland Water Coalition and president of the Rockland Sierra Club.

Laurie Seeman, who introduced Kurtz said, “She’s excellent in understanding policy and policy makers. Her knowledge is one of the treasures of how we are going to move our county forward.”

Kurtz praised Clarkstown’s leadership on environmental issues and asked the town to maintain that role by issuing a resolution along with Rockland County town asking the state Department of Environmental Conservation to hold an issues conference on the proposed United Water desalination plant. 

The Valley Cottage Library’s new parking lot incorporate an underground drainage system to minimize the amount of storm water going into the town’s drains and instead directs the water into a rain garden. This system provides nourishing water for the rain garden and other areas where 500 native plants which in turn purify the water for local wildlife. Additionally energy saving lighting was installed in the parking lot.

Library Director Amelia Kalin said the parking lot area is an educational tool to teach school children about the environment. 

Councilman George Hoehmann described the design as a very practical way to get things done sustainably. 

“The Valley Cottage Library is a jewel in our community,” he said.

Councilwoman Stephanie Hausner said she hoped the project would be an example followed by others. 

The town board presented birdhouses to Kurtz and Kalin, which will be installed along the Congers trailway and plaques.

Additionally, the board recognized Stan Pascoo of West Nyack who was recently inducted into the New York State Outdoorsman Hall of Fame.  Town Clerk Justin Sweet noted that Pascoo grew up in the Bronx not upstate New York unlike most of the inductees.  Pascoo is a master hunter education instructor for the state Department of Environmental Conservation and served as president of the United Sportsmen Association of Rockland for 10 years. 

“He does hit on his own time,” said Sweet. “He’s probably qualified thousands of people.”

Pascoo and who won the New York State Hoop Shoot competition, received certificates from the town. The nine year old from Valley Cottage represented Pearl River Elks Lodge #2041.