The evening of September 21st in the Catskills was by all accounts marvelous – one of those lit by a light so crisp it seems almost supernatural

Photos by Heather Phelps-Lipton

But for those gathered at the Catskill Center’s 50 Anniversary Fall Gala, Indian Summer was only the icing on the cake. Their evening at the Union Grove Distillery was filled with the fellowship of over 100 attendees, a delicious supper prepared and served by Ate-O-Ate Catering, and a serenade by Arkville’s own Kimberly Hawkey and the Elvanelle Orchestra.

The afternoon began with the an exhibit of outtakes and selections from the Catskill Center’s new publication, “Natural Resources: 50 Stewards of the Catskills”, which opened at the Erpf Gallery to fine reception.

Before dinner service, the Delaware Ulster Railroad scooped up attendees from the Distillery for a special train ride to Halcottsville on the Silver Flyer.

The Catskill Center’s prestigious Alf Evers Award was awarded to NYS DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, and was accepted by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Executive Deputy Commissioner Kelly Turturro in the Commissioner’s absence.

Notable guests included Senator James Seward, Ms.Turturro, and the Catskill Center’s Founding President Sherret S. Chase.

The Gala ended with a truly grand display of fireworks shot from the DURR grounds and visible from the Distillery and throughout Arkville.

Catskill Center Executive Director Jeff Senterman said, “2019 has been a year to celebrate 50 years of the Catskill Center—reflect on the accomplishments of the last 50 years and look forward to the years to come.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to cap off the year-long celebration with all of our friends and partners during the annual Fall Gala right here in Arkville.”