Jason Post CDC Chair (left) and Laura Pisarri present Phil Walton with the Outstanding Service Award for 2016.

Outstanding Service Award Presented to Phil Walton

Each year the board looks around and asks itself what one individual has demonstrated unmatched contributions to the responsibilities of NYFOA at the state and chapter level. A number of dedicated and eligible candidates for the Outstanding Service Award come to mind, but Phil Walton’s name really rose to the top of the list.

His “titled” roles, so to speak, include: Director on NYFOA’s board and as NYFOA’s treasurer, including working through our transition to our new accounting firm a couple of years ago.

At the chapter level, he is a long time active, and contributing member of the Capital District Chapter’s (CDC) steering committee and has served as CDC’s treasurer for many years.

But Phil is far more than just a director, treasurer and committee member. He takes the lead in reservations and implementation for CDC’s annual picnic, and sends out reminders throughout the year to keep members well informed on activities at the local and state level.

Without notice or fanfare he gradually assumed more and more responsibility for CDC’s booth panels and display materials. Phil stores these display panels and materials for NYFOA outreach at his home. When an event, such as the county fair, the annual woodworker show or the NYFOA display at the New York Farm Show rolls around he provides delivery, setup and staffing help.

On a more personal level, Phil works to help others gain the benefits (and the fun) from NYFOA’s teachings. As an example, he purchased a range finder and supply of metal tags for numbering trees so he could help others to participate in the Northeast Timber Growing Contest. And, since another pair of hands makes marking and measuring trees a lot easier, he has willingly helped others develop their sample plots.

Phil is also a Master Forest Owner volunteer, and for his own woodlot and all others, his standard lies with informed management. Have fun, but do it right.

Whether of local or statewide significance, Phil’s input on the topic at hand is always thoughtful, helpful and to the point. He listens while others express pros and cons, and with tact and judgment tends to wait a bit before weighing in with solid suggestions embracing further considerations which likely are key to the outcome of the challenge at hand.

Congratulations to Phil and thanks for many years of outstanding dedicated service.