News

Middlesex County Grades 9-12

Applications available April 22

 Permanent Awards Program to Recognize Green & Growing Students

In addition to its annual environmental certificates of appreciation and honor Rockfall this year will launch a permanent awards program highlighting youth achievement. The Virginia R. Rollefson Youth Environmental Leadership Awards, named for foundation former Executive Director Virginia R. “Ginny” Rollefson, will recognize Middlesex County high school students who are presently involved with significant programs and projects in areas of natural resource preservation, conservation or development.

Rockfall’s Annual Awards Subcommittee, including members Tom Odell (Chair,) Katchen Coley, and Raul deBrigard, has been working with county educators to establish criteria and help develop an application process that is thorough yet will mesh well with the rhythms and deadlines of the high school academic year.

“We are indebted to our Youth Award Advisors for their experience, time and enthusiasm,” says Tom. “They’ve enabled us to establish a process that is fair and manageable, while offering meaningful recognition for those already providing leadership for our next generation of environmental stewards.”

The Youth Award Advisors are:

Rebecca Isaacson, Dept. Head, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Middletown Regional Agricultural Science &Technology Center;

Oliver Barton, Principal, Old Saybrook High School;

Charles Renshaw, retired teacher, Old Saybrook High School. 

The award will include a cash gift for those individuals and/or groups honored, with up to two awards given each year.

This February, a mailing will be sent out to teachers, guidance counselors, principals and other educators announcing and explaining the awards program. The application process will open on Earth Day, April 22, and will close June 1. The winners will be selected and announced in October (in time for early-decision college applications), and the public presentation will be part of Rockfall’s Annual Meeting and Awards ceremony in November.

Application materials will be posted on Rockfall’s website in April. Those interested in Youth Award sponsorship opportunities are invited to contact Claire Rusowicz. 

New faces, familiar places

Board to expand to 15

Introducing Rockfall's Newest Board Members

At the foundation’s quarterly meeting last fall, Rockfall’s Board of Directors approved bylaw revisions that expanded the Board from 12 to 15 members. This will help provide more resources, and a greater diversity of experience and skills to accommodate the growth of the foundation’s education and grants programs. We will be introducing new faces to you with a little more frequency then in the past.

Frank Kuan, Middletown; Executive Director of the Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University.

“Almost 20 years ago, I had my very first community meeting at the large meeting room of the deKoven House. Ever since then, I have had many opportunities to be at wonderful and productive meetings there and thereby deepening my involvement in town. Having been involved on the House Committee for a number of years and more recently with the Development Committee, I look forward to being a part of the Board to continue to give back to the greater Middletown community and nurturing the growth of the Foundation.”  

Frank Kuan of Middletown has worked at Wesleyan University since 1998 and has served in a number of different positions, including director of community relations, interim director of the Green Street Arts Center, and director of community services. Currently he is Executive Director of the Center for Community Partnerships [CCP]. The CCP is seen as a portal for individuals interested in developing community-university initiatives and includes the Green Street Arts Center, the Office of Community Service and Volunteerism, the Office of Community Relations, the Service-Learning Center, and the Upward Bound programs.

At present, Frank volunteers as a board member for the Friends of Long Hill Estate, Middlesex United Way, the North End Action Team, and the Middlesex Area Interagency Council. He also is a member of Rockfall Foundation’s Development Committee, and an active volunteer with the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he is serving as a co-chair of the Volunteering Committee for MiddNight on Main 2012, Middletown’s inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration.

Jo Ann Woickelman, Higganum; retired, Liberty Bank.

"I was born, raised and educated in Middletown, and moved to Higganum when I married my late husband. We raised two sons here and I have always enjoyed giving back to the community, being involved in activities with my sons such as Cub Scouts or in line with my own interests, which includes working outside in my yard. I enjoy my retirement which gives me more the time to give back, and look forward to serving on Rockfall’s Finance Committee.”

Jo Ann Woickelman, of Middletown and Higganum, began her banking career with the original "CBT" and retired from Liberty Bank, where she was branch manager in Higganum. She has served on the Haddam Board of Finance for 26 years, many as chair. Jo Ann has also served on a Charter Revision Committee in 1987, two Wage & Salary Study Groups, and two site committees for a firehouse and town garage. She is currently auditor for the Haddam Scholarship Fund, and treasurer for the East Haddam/ Haddam division of The Salvation Army, the 350th Anniversary of Haddam, Haddam Public Health, Inc.  and the Haddam Land Trust, Inc.

Annual Report Features Donors and Grants Awards

The Rockfall Chronicle Annual Report for 2011

This fall, each member of The Rockfall Foundation was sent a copy of The Rockfall Chronicle Annual Report for 2011.

To read the online pdf version click here.