Main Street Conference 2006
Preserve Putnam Awards

This year, we recognize several individuals with unique vision:

John Spain
Several years ago, John Spain listened to a crazy plan. The proposal was to turn a brown field into a park; to take an abandoned gas station and make it an historic site .  For some reason, he believed in the vision, put his faith in the person who sold him on the idea. He donated the property on which we stand today, creating a wonderful anchor for downtown Carmel and a resource that would benefit all Putnam County residents.

Paul Carmada
Paul is a man of many visions… some may fly in the face of public opinion. However, he has taken a leadership role in the enhancement and preservation of Lake Gleneida, a centerpiece of Carmel history. Its waters provide a calming and serene effect, taking us away from our busy lives. This environmental asset is a key element in Greenway and natural resource planning for Carmel and Putnam County.

Frank Del Campo
Frank has been in the Main Street Revitalization movement for a long time. Over a dozen years ago, his tenacity led to grant funds for Mahopac storefront renovations. As Deputy County Executive he supported the Cornerstone Park project; he was part of Team Brewster, helping to leverage recent grant funds for the revitalization of Brewster Village. And, we could not declare victory for the future of Belden House were it not for Frank Del Campo. It was his leadership and persistence that helped Putnam County secure New York City’s commitment to restore this historic structure. (We are sorry to see him step down from public life, and know that he leaves a unique legacy behind.)

Finally, we acknowledge another visionary… someone who has helped ensure that those of us who came up with crazy schemes could actually fulfill them. She wrote the grants that got us the money to protect our greenways, document our natural and historical resources and to preserve our history.

Throughout her years of service to Putnam County government, the Town of Southeast, and the non-profit community, Michelle Powers, has been a resource, a teacher, a guide, a mentor and a friend.

Eleven years ago she supported the Southeast Museum when its then Director solicited a partner to convene a Main Street Revitalization Conference. She nurtured this project along ever since, bringing heightened awareness of preservation and revitalization to Putnam County communities.

It is our honor to recognize Michelle Powers for her tireless work to protect and preserve our communities.