Frederick says farewell to presidency

As usual, summer on the North Fork seems to be flying by. Already the North Fork Preservation Association has held their annual meeting and elected next year's officers and will be followed by the Landowners' Association this Saturday.

I always enjoy watching the Preservation Association elections. Longtime President John Frederick reads the slate of officers and directors, a member moves the slate be approved, the motion is seconded, a vote is taken and the "election" is over. Takes about 90 seconds.

Big difference this year. President John Frederick announced last year that he would be serving his last year as president. In the last 30-plus years, John has almost always been the president as well as one of the founders of the group. Only other presidents were Ed Heger (one year) and Howard Harrod who I think was president for two or three years and who always said he was a stand in for John.

As a result, it was natural and appropriate that John should be recognized for his years of service.

There were many testimonials read that were sent by supporters who were unable to attend the meeting. These were followed by statements by those at the meeting. A crown was placed on John's head, labeling him a North Fork Hero and the Association presented him with a plaque thanking him for his years of service. As I said, totally natural and very appropriate. John and I have been friends for 30-plus years and he has been unwavering in his love for the North Fork and our unique way of life.

While constant in his views, he has always listened to others and is the perfect example of a person who can disagree without being disagreeable.

We are all lucky that he is still a North Forker and his opinions will still be heard to modify ours and make us all think-even if we don't always agree. Thanks John, for what you have been and what you will continue to be for the North Fork.

Oh yeah, the election. As usual, John read the slate and it was accepted unanimously. New president is Debo Powers, vice president Randy Kenyon, secretary Suzanne Daniels, treasurer Kelly Edwards. Re-elected directors are AnnMarie Harrod, Alan McNeil and Steve Gniadek and they are joined by holdover directors Walter Roberts, Cameron Naficy and Frank Vitale. Holdovers' terms end next summer and new directors will serve for two years.

It will be interesting to see if the NFPA changes or remains much the same. One thing is for sure-John Frederick is still very much alive and will be on the NFPA Board for one year as the past president.