Mike Hein (photo by Phyllis McCabe)
Woodstock Land Conservancy’s (WLC) ninth annual Vernal Fling, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at the Byrdcliffe Barn, 485 Upper Byrdcliffe Road, Woodstock, honors Mike Hein, former Ulster County Executive, with the William R. Ginsberg Stewardship Award, in recognition of his significant achievements toward the protection and improvement of Ulster County’s environment. Hein was recently appointed Commissioner of the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
The Conservancy, which seeks to preserve and provide public access to some of our most cherished local landscapes and natural resources, cites Hein’s three terms as Ulster County’s first County Executive as having “demonstrated unrivaled leadership in environmental protection among counties statewide.” It points to achievements under Hein’s leadership such as becoming the first NYS county government with 100% of its electricity generated from renewable resources; construction of utility-scale solar generation; and creating a county-wide EV charging network for both County fleet vehicles and the public; and mentions the 2016 recognition in National Geographic Magazine for Ulster’s extraordinary natural landscape and the county’s environmental achievements.
The evening’s festivities include celebratory beverages and signature hors d’oeuvres from Black-Eyed Susie’s. Music will be provided by the Steve Raleigh jazz trio.
A silent auction will offer work from a variety of Woodstock artists, gift cards and merchandise from local restaurants and shops, outdoor experiences, and a week’s vacation rental on Cape Cod.
Tickets are $80 apiece and can be purchased at www.vernalfling.com, where you can also find event details, including local sponsors. For more information on the Woodstock Land Conservancy, see www.woodstocklandconservancy.org.
