UDC Announces Honorees for 37th Annual River Valley Awards

BEACH LAKE, PA – The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) will recognize individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the Upper Delaware River Valley at its 37th Annual Awards Ceremony on Sunday, September 14 at Central House Family Resort in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania.

The public is invited to attend the banquet, which begins with a 3 p.m. hors d’oeuvres and cash bar reception, followed by a 4 p.m. buffet dinner featuring prime rib, baked ham, salmon with maple glaze, side dishes, and dessert. Tickets are $42 by check/cash or $43 through PayPal, and must be reserved by September 2.

2025 UDC River Valley Award Recipients

Distinguished Service Award – Larry H. Richardson of Cochecton, NY, for decades of community leadership and dedication to historic preservation, conservation, and quality of life initiatives.

Robin M. Daniels Memorial Lifesaving Award – Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River 2025 Seasonal Interpretive River Roving Team for their river rescues and expanded public water safety outreach.

Partnership Award – Tusten Social of Narrowsburg, NY, for strengthening community connections and civic life across generations.

Community Service Award – Linda Dexter of Damascus, PA, for her wide-ranging volunteerism with local civic, cultural, and agricultural organizations.

Volunteer Award – Avery Ohliger of Honesdale, PA, for advancing the National Park Service oral history program as a cultural resources intern.

Cultural Achievement Award (Organization) – Farm Arts Collective of Damascus, PA, for integrating farming, ecology, food, and art to build a creative community.

Cultural Achievement Award (Individual) – Nancy Wells of Damascus, PA, for her acclaimed seven-decade career as a multi-media artist and poet.

Recreation Achievement Award – Annie D’Arcy of Flower Mound, TX, for developing sustainable birding and fishing programs as the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River’s first Fish and Feathers Intern.

Special Recognition Award – Upper Delaware Scavenger Hunt, a project of Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc., promoting exploration and repeat visits to the region.

Oaken Gavel Award – Virginia S. Dudko, Town of Deerpark, NY representative, for her leadership as the 2024 UDC chairperson.

More information is available at www.upperdelawarecouncil.org and on the UDC’s Facebook page.