Jocelyn Gavitt wins Robert Webster Preservation Award

By Jason Emerson

Editor

During the past year, local landscape architect and college professor Jocelyn Gavitt has given vast amounts of her time and expertise to help develop ideas for expanding the use of the local recreation trail network through GoCaz and for creating a new park in the Creekside development area behind the library. For all of her work in giving back to the community and embodying a community spirit, last week she received the Robert Webster Award from the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation.

“Jocelyn’s work on the GoCaz project has brought a new level of awareness to CPF’s trails and recreational opportunities, and to our community in general.  Her work to involve the broader community in discussions on the Creekside Development area behind the library also exemplifies the spirit of engagement that makes Cazenovia a vibrant place to be,” said CPF President Carlos Gavilondo. “The Robert C. Webster Award is a fitting recognition of the important community contributions Jocelyn has made over the past few years — work that likely will influence the community’s character in years to come.”

Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler also praised Gavitt, and said, “Jocelyn has been an amazing resource for our whole community over the past couple years. She has given of her time and talents with exceptional generosity — we are lucky to have her in Cazenovia.”

Gavitt, who has worked with the village and town governments, CACDA and CPF on these projects, said it has been impressive for her to see how well so many different organizations have cooperated and coordinated their efforts.

“It’s nice when there is a good idea, a common goal, and so many people are willing to work together and help each other,” she said.

The Webster Award was one of five awards given by the CPF during its annual meeting on May 19. Also recognized for contributions to the natural, cultural and architectural preservation of the village included:

✓The Limestone Creek Hunt Club received the Stewardship Award for its collaboration with the CPF on maintaining 12 miles of CPF trails that the club uses for its activities. “They add a vibrancy to the community that a lot of places don’t have,” said Gavilondo of the LCH.

✓The Golub Family, owns of Our Farm on Peth Road, received the Landscape Award for the beauty they bring to the entranceway to the village as well as for their preservation work in utilizing solar power on the farm, offering education tours to children and holding community fundraising events. The Golubs “really give back to the community,” Gavilondo said.

✓Local developer and businessman Eric Burrell received the Commercial Restoration Award for his restoration of the old Caz Fitness building at 51 Albany St., which he completely renovated inside and outside, and which now houses Twig salon and has commercial space available on the top two floors. “It’s a really fine job he’s done there,” Gavilondo said.

✓Local residents Joan and Bob Difulgentiz received the Residential Restoration Award for the extensive renovations they have done to their house, Notleymere Cottage, on East Lake Road. “We wanted to give an award for this for many years,” Gavilondo said referencing the length of time the renovations took. “But now it’s done, and they painstakingly restored it — it’s the pride of the community.”

Also at the meeting, CPF members elected as their officers for the coming year: Gavilondo as president, David Burch as vice president, John Bowser as secretary and Nicki Donlin as executive secretary.

Elected for three-year terms as CPF directors were: Lynn Hart, Sam Shotzberger, Nicki Donlin and Carl Stearns.

For more information on the CPF, visit cazpreservation.org.