Con Ed Donates $10,000 to Sheldrake Education Training

by Amy Bisignani and Marie Venezia

(January 10, 2007) Con Edison’s Strategic Partnership Program has awarded the Sheldrake Environmental Center $10,000 to underwrite expenses for this year’s Volunteer Environmental Educator Training Program. Every year, Sheldrake offers a free twelve-session course consisting of a combination of ecology and teaching techniques taught by Mary B. Davis, Director of Environmental Programs and guest instructors. Adults taking the course are trained by participating in hands-on activities and outdoor exploration and by observing veteran naturalists in the field. The training sessions are open to anyone who has an interest in the natural world and would like to learn more about it and how to share their enthusiasm with children.

Sheldrake's director, Marie Venezia, explained that “although Sheldrake’s programs are extensive, its funding is modest. Less than a quarter of our budget comes from municipal or school contracts. It is wonderful to know that Con Edison strongly identifies with our mission.”

The announcement of the Con Edison grant was made at Sheldrake's annual membership meeting on December 14, 2006, where the current twenty environmental educators were honored. These volunteers lead discussions and field trips for local elementary students to the Larchmont Reservoir, the Sheldrake River Trail and Dog Beach.

Sheldrake’s staff and environmental educators. Front (from left to right): Mike Merigliano, Yoland Leggette, Jerry Friedman, Alice Model, Rita Calandresa and Jenny Geer. Behind Bench: Amy Bisignani, Margie Edelstein, Barbara Hicks, Lisa Hochman and Lorraine Walsh. Back: Kathy McCarthy, Margaret Merigliano, Jackie Merker, Marie Venezia. Mary B. Davis, Elaine Weiss, Sofia Torres de Chiappetta and Isabel, Dorothy Rainier, Gail Koller, John Auerbacher and Beatrice Weinberger. Not Present: Jane Caro, Margie Cohen, Pat Marin-Moser, Anna Paret, Cindy Polera and Shelley Volk Photo by Bill Wang

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