Putnam Highlands Audubon Society (PHAS) President Connie Mayer-Bakall (L) presents Garrison School Principal Stephanie Impelliteire with the PHAS Community Award last Saturday evening (March 31.)
Putnam Highlands Audubon Society celebrates her contribution to eco-education
Over 80 people turned out to celebrate including Garrison School Superintendent Gloria Colucci and board members Anita Prentice, Christine Foertsch and Raymond O’Rourke. PHAS Director Peter Salmonsohn (known to many as “Puffin Pete) cited Impelliteire’s contributions as “a leader [in] bringing outdoor education to students.” Impellittiere has a long history of promoting field trips for her students and has supported the parent-driven, Eco-kids program, all-school recycling and the Wildlife Garden. She has been a primary force in inspiring and organizing School Forest Day, in which all GUFS students take a day to celebrate the Garrison School Forest. Eco-mom Cathy Bakker, in her appreciation, said “Stephanie is always there … and understands the value of getting [kids] outside.”
Photo by M.Mell
