Norwalk Seaport Association presents 2010 awards

The Norwalk Seaport Association, a nonprofit environmental, preservation and maritime educational organization, announced its 2010 awards during the organization's annual meeting in December.

Recipients were Jerry Toni -- Outstanding Trustee of the Year; Stephanie Fredericks -- Rookie Trustee of the Year; and Triple S Carpet & Drapery Cleaning -- Outstanding Support Organization.

A special Unsung Heroes Award was presented to Pauline Schlegel, chairperson of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse Committee. Members include co-chairs Tony D'Andrea and Mark Schlegel and John Barber, Peter Bondi, Steve DeMarco Sr., Greg Goomrigian, Shenton King, Patty Kolkmeyer, Urban Mulvehill, Steve Sabol and Rick Tavella.

Award recipients for volunteer service during the 33rd annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival were Andy Garfunkel and Jerry Toni -- Outstanding Festival Volunteers; Barbara Hoffman and Janice Kowatts -- Outstanding Committee Chairs; Anne Bloom -- Rookie Chairman of the Year; the Remson family-- Family of the Year; Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. -- Business Support; and Boy Scout Troop 19 -- Support Organization; and Denise Deluca -- A.B.C.D. (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty). Volunteers who were recognized for their work on individual Oyster Festival committees are Marty and Lucy Brown (Beer Tickets and ID); Missy Conti and Ben Churchill (Beverage Tents); Ed Grant and David Schubert (Green Pavilion); Ashlee Goomrigian (Oyster Pavilion); Angela Kelly (Volunteer Hospitality); Dawn DeMarco Marcarelli (Gates); Kai Raub (Publicity); and Doug Riddell (Golf Carts).

Milestone Awards for service as an Oyster Festival committee chairperson were presented to Lee Weiss -- 25 years; and Donna and Doug Riddell -- 5 years. Founded in 1978, the Norwalk Seaport Association has its headquarters at 132 Water St. The non-profit organization's annual Light Keeper's Gala, which will be held on March 26 at the Dolce Norwalk Center, and Oyster Festival are its primary fund-raising efforts. Both events help support the preservation and restoration of the 1868 Sheffield Island Lighthouse, which the Norwalk Seaport Association has owned since 1986, and environmental education programs. For information call (203) 838-9444 or visit www.seaport.org.