Sheldrake Celebrates Founder’s 90th Birthday & New Exec’s 1st Fall Festival

by Suzanne C. Frank, Sheldrake President; photos by Eric PS Degenhardt

(October 20, 2005) There was much to celebrate this past Sunday, October 16th, at Sheldrake Environmental Center’s annual Fall Festival. After eight straight days of rain, the sun came out – that in itself was worth a party. Then there was a special birthday, the unveiling of the new bird blind and an introduction of the new executive director, Marie Venezia.

The appearance of the sun helped to turn out an estimated 700 people, who enjoyed bird walks, pond study, animals from the New Canaan Nature Center, pumpkin decorating, music and face painting.

Larchmont Mayor Ken Bialo helps Conservancy founder Jimmy Johnson with his birthday cake.

James G. ("Jimmy") Johnson, "founding father" of the Larchmont Reservoir Conservancy, turned 90 years old. His birthday was marked with cake and a rousing “Happy Birthday,” played by student musicians from the Larchmont Music Academy. His family and many friends joined in to wish him well.

Sheldrake unveiled its new bird blind, located in the renovated Stone Valve Gate House (originally built in 1876). With a new window poked in the side of the building facing Goodliffe Pond, nature observers can hide in the blind and watch birds congregate on the water without disturbing them. The building was renovated with funds donated in memory of Lawrence Lowy (first president of L.I.F.E. many years ago) and Margie Strauss (long-time naturalist with L.I.F.E.). NYS Senator Suzi Oppenheimer’s office donated $5,000 in support of the project.

The new bird blind (above) was unveiled at the Fall Festival. From inside the stone building, bird watchers can observe the pond activity through a new cutout (below) without startling the wildlife.

Sheldrake’s new executive director, Marie Venezia, spent much of her time greeting visitors and helping the day to run smoothly. “We are thrilled to have Marie come on board,” said former Sheldrake president Alison Lowy. “Her breadth of experience in related fields and her years of board and volunteer work with Sheldrake made her a natural choice to lead the organization.” A former Sheldrake board director and treasurer, Ms. Venezia is an accomplished administrator who has worked in the public and private sectors, as a lecturer in Japan, and most recently, as an environmental advocate and volunteer educator in the schools. On this day however, like everyone else who came to the festival, she seemed to be enjoying a beautiful day outdoors.

Sheldrake Environmental Center’s mission is to inspire environmental awareness and action and to preserve, protect and enhance local environmental resources, particularly the Larchmont Reservoir – James G. Johnson Jr. Conservancy. For more: Sheldrake Environmental Center website.

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