Local awards promote conservation

By Rebecca Gashinsky | Manor Ink

At the annual Trout Parade on Saturday, June 8, the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers will announce the three recipients of the Joan and Arthur Stoliar Science Award. This $1,000 scholarship is presented to graduates from Roscoe, Livingston Manor and Tri-Valley Central Schools who are interested in pursuing a degree in environmental science. Since 2010, Theodore Gordon Flyfishers has given over $17,000 through the fund.

The award is named for two local residents, Joan and Arthur Stoliar. They were influential local anglers and conservationists, who founded both the Folstaf Company, a manufacturer of inventive fly fishing equipment, and Trout in the Classroom, a nationally known conservation program formerly run by Trout Unlimited. The Stoliars were both former board members of Theodore Gordon Flyfishers.

“The award was the organization’s way of continuing their legacy of involvement with local youth and education,” explained Kelly Buchta, a director of Theodore Gordon Flyfishers.

The Theodore Gordon Flyfishers is a nonprofit organization that was started locally around 60 years ago. “We focus on conservation, education and advocacy,” said Bruce Pollock, president of the group.

The Theodore Gordon Flyfishers was established on the principles of American fly fishing, with the goal of protecting streams, rivers and self-sustaining populations of salmonid or ray-finned fish by means of activism, environmental oversight, conservation, catch-and-release methods and education. The Stoliar Science Award is an example of the group’s involvement in youth education pertaining to the organization’s environmental values.

“At Theodore Gordon, our mission as an organization is to continue promoting land and water stewardship. We advocate for all of the species that are connected to our pastime, our activities and our recreation,” said Buchta.

The award is self-funded by the Flyfishers, and at the Trout Parade, the organization will hold a fundraiser to support the organization, in addition to presenting the Stoliar Award. Information about how to apply for a scholarship may be found at tgf.org.