2002 Preserve Putnam Awards
 Presented at the May 2002 Main Street Conference

Special Recognition Awards

The Special Recognition Awards were given out in 2002 in acknowledgement of individuals who’ve demonstrated leadership in preservation and community planning that welcomed partnerships, seized opportunities - and used creative approaches to securing funding for Main Street efforts.

Three leaders at State, County, and Municipal levels, who worked independently and collaboratively on various projects throughout Putnam County to enhance good community planning and preservation were recognized:

• Senator Vincent L. Leibell for his support of various Main Street efforts across Putnam and especially for his continued support of the Town of Patterson’s efforts to re-build a vibrant “downtown” community.

• County Executive Robert J. Bondi for his pledge of county support to partner with Putnam’s Towns and Villages  to enhance our County’s Main Streets and for his support of preservation efforts that protect the historic fabric – both the physical structures and the landscapes of our communities.

• Patterson Town Supervisor Michael Griffin for managing a vision for revitalization of a ‘downtown’ and civic center; leading a planning process to develop a plan for a town center, for looking outside traditional models, being creative in applying for funds, and working with other agencies to help find the necessary financial resources to make this vision a reality. We know the plans for Patterson continue and we wish to recognize the town’s process in re-building a downtown center. 

Preserve Putnam Awards

For the 2002 Preserve Putnam Award was given to two individuals in acknowledgement of their role in guarding Putnam County’s history and advocating on behalf of protecting, enhancing and promoting the historic fabric of our communities. It is, perhaps, because of their efforts – educating, leading, and encouraging many other supporters – that the increased support for historic tourism and preservation in Putnam have, indeed, been made possible.

Preserve Putnam Award Recipients:

Sallie Sypher

• Sallie was the first Putnam County Historian. It was through her efforts to create further dialog, enhanced collaboration and support for the various small historical societies across Putnam that organized Putnam County Days were organized, celebrating our county’s history and bringing recognition to our wonderful historical institutions.

• It is also her consistent emphasis on scholarship and archival preservation that the Putnam County Archives Center was created – through grant monies that Sallie helped secure.

Richard Muscarella

• Dick Muscarella has lent his own elbow grease to recording and restoring important pieces of Putnam’s history.

He has provided leadership and support for restoring neglected cemeteries, securing means and methods for repairing many of the historical markers that dot the County’s landscape, and advocating for the continued role history can play in our county’s tourism efforts.