Louise Crocco, Winner of the Dave Engelman Volunteer Benchmark Award

The Connecticut Audubon Society presented Louise Crocco, whose warmth has welcomed thousands to the Coastal Center at Milford Point, with its Dave Engelman Volunteer Benchmark Award at its annual meeting on Sunday, Oct. 15 in Sherman.

Louise was one of four recipients of the award, which was established in 1993.

“You’ll always get a smile and welcoming greeting from Louise at the Milford Point Coastal Center,” Patrick M. Comins, executive director of Connecticut Audubon, said at the meeting, which was held at the organization’s Deer Pond Farm preserve. “Since the Coastal Center’s inception nearly 22 years ago, Lou has been more than its ambassador. She has handled every responsibility, from payroll to paper towels with a can-do attitude.

“Lou’s devotion to Connecticut Audubon and its mission, and her respect and passion for the environment and conservation, is unmatched.”

Connecticut Audubon Society’s Volunteer Benchmark Award was established in 1993, and is given annually by its Board of Directors to one or more individuals whose volunteer activity has significantly enhanced the organization’s mission.

Each year, at the annual meeting, recipients are presented with a plaque commemorating their dedication to conservation. Crocco is the office manager at the Coastal Center. This year marks the third time the award has been given to a staff member.

The other 2017 recipients are Richard Telford of Pomfret, Dan Miller of Manchester, and D.G. Warner of Southport.

In 2007, the award was renamed in honor of Dave Engelman, a longtime member, donor, board member, and one-time interim president. Engelman epitomized the characteristics of an extraordinary volunteer by helping Connecticut Audubon Society grow both in spirit and as an organization.

You can see the list of previous winners here.