From the Mount Desert Islander, July 16, 2016
By Anne Kozak

Cookie Horner and Jack Russell received the Marianne Edwards award, FOA’s highest award, for their efforts in spearheading the Acadia Centennial task force. In previous years, FOA has given awards for volunteerism, community preservation and conservation, as well as the Marianne Edwards award, but as FOA President David MacDonald noted Horner and Russell embodied the characteristics implicit in all four awards.

“I thank them for the countless hours visioning, executing, meeting, networking and bringing the centennial celebration to fruition. It has exceeded my expectations,” said MacDonald. “The hours they put in are remarkable.”

In accepting the award, Horner and Russell both recognized the help they received from countless partners – 430 who helped to shape the year-long centennial celebration. They singled out a few – former Superintendent Sheridan Steele, MacDonald, Acadia’s Chief of Interpretation Lynne Dominy, FOA Conservation Director Stephanie Clement and FOA Communication Director Aimee Beal Church. Horner acknowledged Beal Church’s savvy media skills and Clement’s patience and diligence in keeping the minutes of countless meetings over four years.

Russell called Horner an extraordinary co-chair and noted the importance of Dominy’s wisdom and passion for Acadia. “All the centennial partners would want the award to be shared by all who love Acadia,” said Russell.

Read the original: http://www.mdislander.com/featured/foa-honors-horner-russell
Reprinted with permission.