2008 Annual

We protect and restore
the environment of eastern Long Island
through education, citizen action and
professional advocacy.
We inspire
P.O. Box 569 • 2405 Main Street, Suite 7 • Bridgehampton, NY 11932 • 631.537.1400
P.O. Box 1792 • 54895 Main Road • Southold, NY 11971 • 631.765.6450
www.eastendenvironment.org
Printed on recycled paper.
Cover Photo by Joel Milton
people to embrace a conservation ethic.
These twenty-five words are the Statement
of Purpose for the Group.They define our
unique approach and strategic focus.We
believe that advocacy efforts are most effective when supported by informed citizens.
In addition, we believe many people are
motivated to act for a lifetime after connecting with nature in classrooms or directly
experiencing the beautiful open spaces and
waters of the East End with our environmental educators.
At the same time, our environmental
advocates seek to persuade people, even
our opponents, to embrace a conservation
ethic.We may not win every battle against
irresponsible development, but we hope
to succeed in the long run based on the
enduring value of our recommendations
to protect and restore the environment.
In the end it is citizen action from all kinds
of people that makes the difference. All of
our outreach efforts, education programs and
professional advocacy initiatives depend on
informed citizens prepared to act in their
communities and daily lives.
Thank you,
William S. McChesney, Jr.
Lisa DeLuca
We protect and restore
the environment of Eastern Long Island
through education, citizen action and
professional advocacy. We inspire people
to embrace a conservation ethic.
In 2008, Group
for the East End
demonstrated
that a focused
commitment to
strategic priorities and a highly responsive approach to financial
management was the right formula to achieve our
environmental goals and prepare for the fiscal and
conservation challenges that lie ahead.
Strategic Expansion:
On the heels of our 35th anniversary, we moved
swiftly to fulfill our commitment to become increasingly active in environmental issues that impact our
entire East End region.
Early in the year, we began to develop a broader
regional environmental constituency and a more
powerful network of community support. We
expanded our membership, increased our visibility,
took action on several significant regional issues, and
broadened the reach of our education programs.
We also secured a new North Fork office to complement our longstanding South Fork presence and
subsequently designed and implemented an extensive
community poll to better understand the key conservation issues that matter most to North Fork residents.
This polling information complements the significant
input that we presently receive from community
members and organizations from all across the South
Fork. By integrating our environmental priorities
with the related priorities of local communities
throughout the region, we find significant common
ground and greatly increase our opportunities for
success and lasting community support.
In light of our new regional focus, we embarked on
a strategic plan to maximize the success of our human
and financial resources in meeting the many environmental needs of our region. The plan includes an
expansion of our outreach efforts to win the support
of as many potential new members as possible.
As part of our outreach agenda, we launched a
monthly radio program on WLIU 88.3 FM that
reached thousands of East End residents who tuned
in and called in to be part of our Friday Forum panel
discussions about the future of Long Island’s environment. By year-end, the program’s content and popularity led to several nominations for broadcast awards,
including one from the Associated Press of New York.
While making a substantial investment in our longterm strategy, we made significant progress “on the
ground” in confronting some of the largest potential
conservation threats to the region, improving the
fiscal management of our region’s land protection
programs, and broadening the reach of our education
and community action initiatives.
Broadwater Liquefied
Gas Terminal:
In April 2008, we celebrated New York State’s
rejection of the Broadwater liquefied natural gas
platform and pipeline, with many of our conservation
partners and elected officials from across the region.
We worked for several years to defeat this ill-advised
proposal that would have industrialized the open
waters of eastern Long Island Sound while introducing unacceptable human and environmental risks to
an estuary of nationwide significance.
Had the project been approved, the East End would
have been exposed to the risks of an untested floating
gas platform designed to convert billions of cubic
feet of highly compressed liquefied gas back into a
gaseous state for transport through a new 21-mile
underwater gas pipeline.
The proposed platform would have been more than
six acres in size and towered nearly 100 feet above
the surface of the water, anchored by a single mooring pier attached to sea floor. In addition to the risks
associated with the gas platform, our local waters
would have become a conveyance for thousands of
massive liquefied natural gas tankers, up to 1,000 feet
long, each carrying several million gallons of highly
compressed and highly flammable natural gas.
Because of maritime safety and the risk of terrorism,
each tanker would have needed to be surrounded
by an encircling armada of security vessels, approximately ¾ of a mile out from the tanker. Several times
each week, all boats in the vicinity would have to be
cleared from the tanker’s path for its entire journey
through our local waters.
Even with these measures in place, there was no
guarantee that these tankers would be safe from
terrorist threats (such as those from rocket-propelled
explosives) that could easily penetrate each tanker’s
floating security zone and set the stage for a potentially
catastrophic explosion. It is important to recognize that
liquefied natural gas facilities have been identified by
the Department of Homeland Security as attractive
targets of terrorist interest since 2003.
The National Bio and
Agro-Defense Facility:
Despite its magnitude, Broadwater wasn’t the only
major issue confronting the region’s environment
in 2008. The Department of Homeland Security
considered whether the Plum Island Animal Disease
Research Facility, at the entrance of the Peconic
Bay Estuary, would be selected as the new site
for a 500,000 square foot National Bio and AgroDefense Facility.
If approved, the new facility would elevate Plum
Island’s present bio-security level (which only allows
for the study of animal diseases that cannot infect humans) to a status that would allow research on a variety
of lethal infectious agents that are known to pose a
severe-to-fatal risk of infection in humans and for
which no vaccines or other treatments are available.
After the Government Accountability Office report
revealed more than a dozen critical safety and security
risks at the facility in 2003, the Group worked to
support many safety and security improvements to
the Plum Island facility. Nonetheless, we staunchly
opposed the facility’s consideration as an appropriate
site for the study of dangerous animal diseases that
could be lethal to humans.
Diane C. Hewett
Letter from the Chairman
Chris London / manhattansociety.com
When people ask me
what the Group for the
East End is all about,
my answer is this:
At the end of 2008, the Plum Island facility was
dropped from further consideration as a possible
location for a new bio-safety level four facility, which
would study lethal animal diseases in the middle of
the Peconic Bay Estuary and the surrounding North
and South Fork communities.
The Group remains involved in the ongoing oversight of the Plum Island facility with the hope of
increasing the safety and security of the laboratory,
and planning for the long-term possibility of a
conservation strategy that would see much of the
island’s natural environment permanently protected.
Despite its success, 2008 also brought to light several
vulnerabilities in the CPF law that unfortunately
allowed some elected officials to utilize portions of
the fund for spending that was not directly related
to CPF land protection and management.
As a member of a state-appointed task force convened
to review the law, the Group worked with several
conservation leaders and stakeholders to develop a
set of legislative amendments. These amendments
included more than a dozen reforms and controls to
improve the fiscal oversight of the CPF in the future.
Thanks to the sustained leadership of our elected state
officials, I am pleased to report that the legislation
was passed in the 2008 Legislative Session.
compliance and enforcement of many of the environmental protections we have spent years working to
defend. The collective impact of all these individual
actions could be a substantial setback for the region.
At times like this, it is critical that environmental
concerns and programs remain a priority for decisionmakers and that the public interest is well stated and
protected. At the Group, we are dedicated to preserving existing commitments to conservation while
working to inform and educate the public about the
environmental risks and opportunities that our current
circumstances present.
In the end, however, our success lies in the generous
support and commitment of our members who provide us with the capacity we need to make sure we
do not lose the environmental ground we have gained
These are just a few of the highlights of our work
over the last year, but I hope they provide you with
useful framework for understanding both the extent
of the challenges that are continuously facing our
region and the Group’s tireless commitment to preventing environmental harm, improving environmental awareness, and developing new environmental
initiatives that will shape a more sustainable future
for our fragile region.
Community Preservation
Reforms:
In 2008 we celebrated the 10-year anniversary of
the Community Preservation Fund (CPF), which has
turned out to be one of the most successful land protection efforts ever achieved. Back in the mid 1990’s,
when those of us at the Group and several other
conservation leaders first advanced the idea of a
voter-approved dedicated regional fund for land protection, we never envisioned a fund that would raise
more than 500 million dollars and be responsible
for the protection of nearly 10,000 acres of natural
habitat and farmland.
The Road Ahead:
As we look ahead, the nation’s financial crisis will
bring many challenges for conservation as well as the
economy. In difficult economic times, some elected
officials will unfortunately retreat from their prior
environmental commitments and adopt the false
notion that environmental protection is at odds with
a healthy economy.
Without question, this program has been one of the
greatest conservation achievements in the region’s
history and it could not have happened without the
Still others will eliminate operating funds for agencies
vested with the responsibility of managing our local
natural resources. Reduced staffing invites reduced
Others will look to redirect dedicated environmental
funding to salvage favored programs or promote more
irresponsible development by working to loosen any
environmental rules seen as an obstacle to growth.
over the last 37 years. We deeply understand the
significant economic challenges facing so many of
our members and we are both humbled and grateful
for the continued support that allows us to remain
a strong and independent voice for environmental
protection.
It remains my great privilege to serve the Group
and to work toward a more verdant and sustainable
East End Environment.
Sincerely,
Robert S. DeLuca
President
Andrea Spilka
I first met Bob
DeLuca when he
was my professor
for a course in
Politics and the
Environment at
Southampton
College. I’d randomly picked a
course that turned
out to change my
life and give it a
very specific direction. After retiring
and moving full
time to the area,
I knew that I wanted to do something to maintain the rural atmosphere of the East End, but
wasn’t quite sure how to do it. Listening to
“professor” Bob DeLuca, I was impressed with
his sensible, yet “out of the box” approach.
Over the next months (and now years) of my
association with the Group, I saw firsthand the
way these few individuals tackled complex local
and regional environmental issues. Their support gave me the technical advice I needed and
provided a style of advocacy that I was able to
emulate. Meeting Bob and working closely with
the incredible staff at the Group has changed
my wish list into a new and incredibly rewarding career as a community activist.
With the support of the Group, I formed a
Coalition of Civics west of the Shinnecock
Canal and have proudly advocated on a variety
of important local issues. Besides offering technical expertise, the knowledgeable staff at the
Group often stands with our civics (sending
alerts to help publicize the issues, writing letters
to the editors of local newspapers, and speaking
at public hearings) to ensure that government
“does the right thing.” Knowing that we
weren’t alone was, and still is, invaluable.
Diane C. Hewett
In testimony before the Department of Homeland
Security I objected to any expansion of the facility
that could increase both the environmental and
human health risks associated with continued operation of the laboratory, and I am pleased to report the
Department of Homeland Security was listening.
support of our members, who have shared our environmental vision for the region for nearly 40 years.
Kate Schertel
Letter from the President
Moreover, our analysis of the project clearly revealed
an array of environmental concerns associated with
increased sewage discharges to surface waters, increased air emissions, unsustainable increases in water
consumption, expanded storage and transportation
of hazardous materials, weather vulnerability, and a
lack of sufficient energy to run the new facility.
In October of 2008, as a result of our success in
developing the fiscal strength and stability of the organization over the last five years, Charity Navigator
(America’s largest independent charity evaluator)
awarded the Group its highest 4-star rating for its
ability to efficiently mange its finances. According
to Charity Navigator, “Group for the East End
executes its mission in a fiscally responsible
way, and outperforms most other charities
in America.”
Our revenues in 2008 were $1,668,000, reflecting
a reduction of $292,000 (15%) in total revenues
from 2007. This decline was anticipated at the outset
of 2008, however, because a substantial portion of
the prior year’s gains resulted from the success of a
35th anniversary high-donor campaign that concluded
in 2007.
In early 2008, with the completion of our fundraising
campaign, we launched a strategic program expansion
throughout the East End. By year-end we expanded
our membership, became actively involved in several
North Fork issues that have major regional environmental consequences, increased our education
programs on both the North and South Forks, and
opened a new North Fork office to complement
our longstanding presence on the South Fork.
Our investment in a major program expansion,
coupled with the implementation of our existing
environmental education and advocacy programs,
brought total operating expenses to $1,404,000,
reflecting an anticipated increase of $240,000 (21%)
over 2007.
Although the launch of our expanded regional
program agenda was highly successful, by midyear
we were sharply focused on the deteriorating state of
the national economy. As forecasts grew increasingly
dire, we capped expenses and set our sights on closing
the year with an operating surplus that would help
us maintain program strength and fiscal stability in
the challenging economic landscape that we would
face in 2009.
Through careful planning and quick reaction, we
achieved our financial goals and closed 2008 with an
operating surplus of $265,000, despite the challenges
posed by one of the most rapid and unprecedented
economic declines in recent history. By year-end, our
cash reserves were just under $800,000 and our net
assets were nearly $1,600,000.
As we look to the future, there is no doubt that the
financial challenges will be significant and protracted
as the nation struggles to recover its economic footing.
However, despite the magnitude of these challenges,
thanks to the generosity of our members, we will be
able to maintain our full-time professional commitment to the protection and restoration of the East
End’s fragile natural resources through education,
professional advocacy and community action — even
in these difficult times.
We are deeply indebted to all those who make it
possible for us to protect the local East End environment and develop the kind of lasting conservation
ethic that is so critical to a sustainable future.
REVENUE AND EXPENSES FOR THE YEARS 2004 – 2008
Sources of Revenue
Contributions
Public Education Programs
Grants
Special Events (net)
Membership Events
Interest and Dividends
Total Revenue
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
$551,063
$43,905
$171,954
$880,925
$4,100
$16,479
$1,668,426
$1,095,399
$55,233
$128,590
$627,069
$15,879
$38,500
$1,960,670
$353,168
$29,570
$106,200
$520,551
$14,663
$12,676
$1,036,828
$316,754
$45,762
$144,500
$402,485
$13,371
$2,628
$925,500
$529,572
$36,754
$82,600
$394,648
$23,215
$340
$1,067,129
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
Categories of Expenses
Conservation Advocacy,
Environmental Education,
and Community Planning
Administrative and General
Membership Development
and Events
Total Expenses
$972,845
$171,694
$921,010
$115,315
$716,487
$88,655
$673,722
$81,964
$670,241
$134,048
$259,007
$1,403,546
$127,625
$1,163,950
$99,397
$904,539
$97,563
$853,249
$89,365
$893,654
Operating Surplus
Net Assets
$264,880
$1,576,439
$796,720
$1,311,559
$132,289
$514,839
$72,251
$382,550
$173,474
$310,299
2008 Sources of Revenue
2008 Categories of Expenses
Administrative and
General 12%
Membership
Development
and Events 19%
Contributions
33%
Special
Events
(net) 52.8%
Grants 10%
Public Education Programs 3%
Interest and Dividends 1%
Conservation Advocacy,
Environmental Education
and Community
Planning 69%
Membership Events .2%
2004-2008 Revenue and Expenses
Joel Milton
2008 Financial Statement
In 2008, Group for the East End met all operating
objectives and successfully completed a five-year
campaign to strengthen the organization’s financial
footing and improve its capacity to meet the growing
environmental challenges that face the entire eastern
end of Long Island.
CHAMPIONS
$10,000 to $24,999
David Arena
Maria and Larry Baum
Sally and Daniel Breen
East Hampton Union Free School District
Goldman Sachs & Co.
Eva and Fred Gradin
Evan Harris and Hiroyuki Hamada
Dorothy S. Hines
Carolyn and Gregory Hoogkamp
James Iorio
Judith and Thomas Iovino
Dorian Goldman and Marvin Israelow
Johnson Family Foundation
Long Island Community Foundation
Denise and Jim Martin
Deni and Bill McChesney
Susan and Louis Meisel
Sandra and Edward Meyer
James P. Riley Jr.
Jacqueline and Peter Schellbach
Harvey Schwartz
Shad Stastney
PARTNERS
$5,000 to $9,999
Helen and Harris Barer
Brett Benza
Claudia Camozzi
Melinda and Brian Carroll
The Concerned Citizens of Montauk
Ellin and Ron Delsener
Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Marie and John Evans
Leslie Feldman
Renata and Gunther Greiner
Amy and John Griffin
Amy Hagedorn
Ruth Ann and William Harnisch
Debra and Jonathan Langer
Margaret and Daniel Loeb
Marie and David Ritter
Kathleen Tait and Tony Rosenthal
Thomas Roush
Sebonack Golf Club
Cynthia and John Shea
Antonia and David Steck
Marco Stoffel
Suffolk County National Bank
Nicole Miller and Kim Taipale
Todd White
CONSERVATORS
$1,000 to $4,999
Harold Abrams
Iris and Richard Abrons
Amagansett Union Free School District
Anonymous Income
Zack H. Bacon III
Joseph Bae
Alec Baldwin
Elizabeth and Louis Bevilacqua
Virginia and William Birch
Anne Black
Gary Bradhering
The Bridgehampton Association
Christie Brinkley
Mona and Simon Brown
Carlotta and Bill Bryan
Rosemarie and Thomas Buehler
Ann and Eugene Burger
Marianne and John Castle
Charles W. Clarke
Bill Clemens
Donna and Greg Clements
Edie and Michael Coles
Nancy Cooley
DLA Piper USA, LLP
Margaret and Peter D’Angelo
Douglas C. Day
Elizabeth de Cuevas
Diandra de Morrell Douglas
Caroline and Tom Dean
Margaret Doyle
Jackie and John Dunne
Earth Share of New York
Lisa and Harry Elson
Susan and John Fallon
Somers and Jonathan Farkas
Nancy and Peter Fenner
Angele and Tim Fischer
Beverley Mountain and Leandro Galban
John Gallo
Lois and Robert Geller
Carol Feinberg and Ken Gilman
Suzanne and John Golden
Lisa Golden
Andrew E. Goldstein
Susan Goldstein
Great South Bay Audubon Society, Inc.
Bette-Ann and Charles Gwathmey
Linda L. Hackett
Georgeann McGuinness and
Beecher Halsey
Deana and Stephen Hanson
Elliotte Harold
Nedina and Ted Hartley
Anita and Peter Heller
Victoria Herbert
Constance E. Herrick
Christiane and Richard Hiegel
Vikki and Steve Hilles
William T. Hillman
Laura and Robert Hoguet
Joan and George Hornig
Bettysue and Jeffrey Hughes
Eileen and John Hulme
Paul Jarrod Frank
David Jasper
Billy Joel
Maggie and Robert Johansen
Claudia Jury
Elaine Peterson and Richard Kahn
Sheldon Kasowitz
Irene and William Kaynor
Lee Kellogg Sadrian
Roseanne and Robert Kennedy
Jeffrey L. Kenner
Cristina and David Kepner
Raya Keis Knight and Clifton Knight
Grace Koo
Daphne and Robert Kricheff
Andrea and John Lakian
Annette and Matt Lauer
Harrison T. LeFrak
Helaine and Sidney Lerner
Jacques Leviant
Dorothy Lichtenstein
Adam Lollos
Hilary and Joe Louchheim
Suse and Peter Lowenstein
Patricia Downey and Robert McAlevy
Peter M. McCracken
Michelle and Colin Macintosh
Carol and Earle Mack
Falisha Mamdani
David Markowitz
Nicole and Donato Maselli
Michael Melnick
Dede Gotthelf and Terry Moan
Montauk Union Free School District
Penelope A. Moore
Caroline and Peter Moore
Mary and Garrett Moran
Anne and Charles Mott
Mary Ann McCaffrey and John Mullen
Nancy Atlas and Thomas Muse
Helen and Jack Nash
Lois and Andre Nasser
Hallie and Larry Nath
Margo McNabb and James Nederlander
Brooke and Daniel Neidich
Stephen Drucker and Frank Newbold
Karen O’Connell
Karen and Sam Oh
Anna Lynn and Stephan Oppenheimer
Rebecca and Michael Pedone
Lisa and Richard Perry
Joan Ganz Cooney and Peter Peterson
Annie and Richard Petrocelli
Tatiana and Campion Platt
Amy Pollock
David Porrelli
Quogue Field Club
Steve Raftopoulos
Sara L. Recktenwald
Dee Dee Ricks
Reed M. Roberts
Siobhan Roche
Elizabeth and Robert Rodgers
Brandon Rose
Susan Waterbury and Jamie Rose
Jane and Alfred Ross
William Ryall
Sag Harbor Union Free School District
Charles V. Salice
Chris Scaring
Min-Myn and Valentine Schaffner
Helene V. Scully
Sarah and Izak Senbahar
Karen and Samuel Seymour
Daniel J. Silber
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Riva Ritvo and Alan Slifka
Tracy and Jay Snyder
Deirdre and Marc Sokol
Katja Goldman and Michael Sonnenfeldt
Annaliese Soros
Southampton Union Free School District
Springs Public School
Nicole and William Squier
C. Richard Stafford
Barbara Steinschneider
Claire Stephenson
Stephanie and Edward Stern
Lauren Stone
Richard Tarlow
Patsy and Jeff Tarr
Tara and Mike Tumolo
Carmen Marc Valvo
John C.Waddell
Jeanette Sarkisian and Paul Wagner
Mary and Ken Walker
Lauren and Jim Watkins
Weber and Grahn Conditioning Corp.
Melina and Marc Wein
Fred White
Marillyn Wilson
Donna Winston
Sally A.Winston
Kim White and Kurt Wolfgruber
GUARDIANS
$500 to $999
Linda Ashcraft and Ward Ackerman
Monika and William Akin
Robert Albertson
Rae and Answorth Allen
Rachel and Maximillian Alves de Lima
Gloria and Lawrence Appel
Anne Aspinall
Atlantic Golf Club
Alixandra and Stuart Baker
Barry Bausano
Jane Bayard
Alan and Nancy Benasuli
Andreana and Scott Biasetti
Jean and Peter Bronstein
Brendan Brownyard
Yvette Campbell
Lydia Carlston
Karen Dubno and Clifford Case
Mary and John Clarke
Ann Colley
Valerie Rubsamen and Cedomir Crnkovic
Lynn and Kevin Crowe
Michael Rendel and Jeffrey Cuje
Dorothy and Lewis Cullman
Wendy Moonan and Duncan Darrow
Richard G. Davis
Anna and Hans Decker
Michelle Delgiorno
Adam Dell
Ellen and Pierre deVegh
Jane and Paul Dietche
Keisha and Troy Dixon
Florence D’Urso
Quince Evans
Sarah Hunnewell and James Ewing
Eric Felder
Joseph Fichera
Constance and F.Woodrow Fischer
Abigail and William Fleming
Candice and John Frawley
Margery Freedman
Marianne and Ronald Galione
The Garden Club of East Hampton
Walter Gezari
Jon Gilman
Pamela and Robert Goergen
Mary and Jay Goldberg
The Golden Pear Café
Alice and Stuart Goldman
Joanna Goldstein
Elizabeth and Mark Gormley
William E. Hamilton
Michael Hansen
Nancy and John Hoffmann
Karen and Jefferson Hughes
Susan Harder and John Imperatore
Ellen and David Jannetti
Robin and Reuben Jeffery
Sheila Johnson Robbins
Jan Joosten
Ann and Arnold Jurdem
Barbara and Harry Kamen
Ed Kass
Nicole LaBarbera and David Kelley
Allegra Kelly
Lynn and Ed King
Beth N. Kite
Laura and Michael Koch
Amy and Rik Kopelan
Christine and Martyn Kosmynka
Delphine and Reed Krakoff
Elaine and Henrik Krogius
John C. Kuhn
John D. Leahy
Cap B. Lesesne
John N. Linder
Mary and Roger Lipton
Terrell and Andrew Marks
Nicole Maselli
Patrick McMahon
Susan Mendik
Claire Mercuri
James G. Millard
Nancy and Kevin Miller
Maryann and Bob Miller
Jane Reilly Mount and Gerald Mount
Dawn and Brian Murphy
Barbara Francis and Robert Musser
Josh Neren
Kimberly Noland
Melinda J. Novak
Liza and John Nugent
The Henry L. O’Brien Foundation
Keri Christ and Justin Ockenden
Christopher O’Donnell
Mark Ollinger
PJ McBride, Inc.
Juliette Peros
Margaret and Thomas Pontani
Deborah and Earl Potter
Mary Lou and Salvatore Ranieri
Carol and Janko Rasic
Carolyn and Stephen Reidy
Sandra and Eric Ripert
William Rodgers
Joel Milton
Contributors
TRUSTEES
$25,000 and above
Dwight Anderson
Arrow Electronics
Gabrielle and Louis Bacon
Katherine and W. Marco Birch
The Estate of Adele Bozio
Michael Daffey
Fiona and Stanley Druckenmiller
Sonia and Paul Tudor Jones
Cynthia and Dan Lufkin
The Moore Charitable Foundation
Michael E. Novogratz
Jocelyn and Michael Pascucci
The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation
Mary and Christopher Pia
Bryan Weadock
STEWARDS
$250 to $499
Robert M. Abrahams
Elaine and Edward Altman
Carol and John Andrews
Mary Ann and Martin Baumrind
Meredith Berkowitz
Amanda and Lewis Berman
Catherine Cahill and William Bernhard
Beviamo
Regina and Steven Biasetti
Andrew Bilzin
Louise Bourgeois
Lillian and Steven Brash
Margaret and Franklin Brehmer
Kristen and Clark Briner
Alice C. Brown
Suzanne and Mark Burchill
Beverley and Randy Cardo
Catherine and Bryan Carey
Edward Carey
Helen Chapman
Andrew Y. Charbin
Judith M. Christrup
Amanda Clark
Anita and Henry Clifford
Hiram S. Cody III
Bob Colacello
Lynda and Ralph Confessore
Arika and Jonathan Couchman
Elizabeth and Charles Crandall
Linda and Denis Cronin
Cunningham Insurance Company
Rachelle and Richard Dattner
Betty and Robert David
Blake Davis
Guy de Chimay
Georgia and Michael de Havenon
Stephanie Delaporte
Lisa and Robert DeLuca
Kenneth Deneau
Maryann Di Simone
Jane Dillon
Vaughn and Michael Dorrian
Dale and John Drake
Rosemarie Ryan and Benjamin Dyett
Elizabeth and Julian Eisenstein
Donna Emma
Rose-Anna and Scott Familant
Katherine and Richard Ferrara
Patti Finn
Jennifer and John Flandina
Karen and James Flynn
Vicki and David Foley
Taube and Stanley Friedman
Stefanie Friedman-Shea
Alison Froehlich
Tricia and Bill Fullam
Susan Herman and Paul Gangsei
Joan and Thomas Geismar
Gayle and Philip George
Kathleen and William Geraghty
Kathleen R. Gerard
Deborah K. Gibb
Peter Gilman
Laura Glanville
Debra and Neal Goldsmith
Sara and Jeremy Gordon
Clorinda and Edward Gorman
Eva Saleh and Andrew Green
Susan Gross
Perry Haberman
The Hampton Bays Civic Association
Maribeth and Thomas Harrington
Lillian and Richard Hendrickson
Shabnam and Tom Henry
Andrew B. Herwitz
Hildreth’s, Inc.
Home Sweet Home Moving
Sandra and John Horvitz
Eileen Imber
Invisible Fence by Canine Control
Gary Ireland
Karen and Peter Jakes
Mary Beth Jester
Jessica Jones
Margrit Kaeser
Robert Kahn
Matthew Kelly
Thomas H. Kennedy, Esq.
Patricia Kett
Kathleen and Michael Kosciusko
Nancy Kotite
Steven Kramer
Maria and David Krivitsky
Heidi and Christian Lange
Penny and Kenneth LaValle
Taryn Lawrence
Pat and Henry Lentz
Kelly Light
Tracy and James Lilly
Pingree and Donald Louchheim
Kenneth Dorph and Stuart Lowrie
Joy and Richard Lupoletti
Amy and Eric McAllister
Colin McCabe
Cara and Edward McCabe
Deborah and Peter McCann
Georgette McConnell
Judith and C. James McDermott
Sharon and Tom McGavin
Donna and Kenneth MacWhinnie
Ann and George Mallouk
Elizabeth and Rohit Manocha
Mary Maran
Marion and Jacques Marchal
Debra Marino
Alexander Matthiessen
Anita and Bruce Mellow
Jillian Merns
Bettina S. Milliken
Shari Misher Stenzler
Joanne and Rene Moncada
Carole and Dominick Mone
Geri Schmitt and Jack Morgani
Chappy Morris
Carol Morrison
Joan R. Mortimer
Susan Moyer
Donald R. Mullen, Jr.
Elinor Bunin and George Munroe
Rosalind and Toby Myerson
Constance and Richard Neel
Christina and George Nemeth
Claire and Peter Odell
Palmer J. O’Sullivan
Sylvia and Steven Overby
Dawn Palo
Tracy Persson
Patricia and Joseph Petri
Gayle and Rick Pickering
Jennifer and James Pike
Louise and Gerald Puschel
Philip Radziwill
David Reiner
Elizabeth and David Ressler
Eileen Rice
Timothy Rice
Martha and Harold Rivkin
Alan J. Robbins
Heather Zachary and Brett Rogoff
The Ross School
Jonathan Russo
J. Brendan Ryan and Jill Kester Ryan
Betsy and Vincent Salandria
Elizabeth and David Saltzman
Kathryn A. Schertel
David Schieldrop
Dafna and Michael Schmerin
Johanna and Bruno Schreck
Frances Schultz
Steven Schutzer
Paula Sessa
Jennifer Shaftel
Lynn and John Sheppard
Madeleine and Elliott Shriftman
Dianne and Arne Skilbred
Aimee Smith
Lavinia and Brian Snyder
Southampton Garden Club
Southold Union Free School District
Roschel and Michael Stearns
Nancy Stearns
Allison Cowles and Arthur Sulzberger
Margaret and John Sweeney
Kate Swezey
Carole and Philip Taylor
Charlot M.Taylor
Felicia Taylor
Liesl A.Taylor
Robert M.Thomas
Vicki and Joseph Trapani
Eamon Tubridy
Dorothy and Gerard Turino
Kim Vernon
Diana and Rafael Vinoly
Silvia and Jeffrey Vogel
Edwina von Gal
Federico Wasserman
Leslie and Mark Weiss
Olga Reindlova and Herb Wetanson
Alice and Wayne Whitmore
Julika Wocial
Daphne Zuniga
GIFTS IN KIND
Eddie Aiduck
Alice B. King Stationery
Amagansett Wine & Spirits
André Balazs Properties
Pamela and Edward Antzer
Arts 4 Bonac Tonic
Audubon New York
AW Chang Corp.
Joyce Baronio
Bay Street Theatre
Bedell Cellars
Bethpage Black Golf Course
Peter Boody
Bridgehampton Gorp
BRITTO Central
Calypso Christiane Celle
Children’s Museum of the East End
Michael Cinque
Deepdale Golf Club
Ellin and Ron Delsener
Dummies.com
East Hampton Golf Club
Eco-Dent
Equinox Fitness Club
Erika Bloom Pilates Plus
Estee Lauder Companies, Inc.
Fourth Wall Restaurants
Friar’s Head Golf Course
Oz Garcia
Gardiner’s Bay Golf Club
Gossip Girl,Warner Bros.TV
Grand Prix New York
Great Seats, LTD
The Greenhouse School
Gucci
Rob Havassy
Havassy Art
H Groome
Sylvia Heisel
Mark Hissey
Ideal Bite
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
JT Personal Fitness
Kevin Maple Salon
Kim Seybert, Inc.
Ronald S. Lauder
Laurel Links Country Club
LEED Pro
Chris London
Lotus Brands, Inc.
Lynch’s Garden Center
Charlie Marder
Marders Nursery
Martin Sidor Farms
Sue and Dan McAllister
Deni and Bill McChesney
Ari Meisel
Elliott Meisel
Susan and Louis Meisel
MetroKane
Nicole Miller
Joel Milton
Dede and Terry Moan
Peter Moore
National Golf Links
Nautica
NBC Studios
News 4 New York
New York Football Giants
Nutritious Life
Ocean Road Foods
Oso Steakhouse
David Page
Park Avenue Summer
Jocelyn and Michael Pascucci
Personal Best, Inc.
Mary and Christopher Pia
Pike Farms
Piranesi
Paul Polizzotto
Preserve
Pronghorn Club
Quogue Field Club
Ralph Lauren Home
Raphael Vineyards
Rare Natural Care, Inc.
Recycline
Reynolds Plantation
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge
Riverhead Building Supply
Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs
Kelly Rutherford
SavATree
Grace Scalzo
Chuck Scarborough
Jean Schweibish
SeaCloth
Searles Graphics
Sebonack Golf
Seventh Generation
Barbara Shinn
Shinn Estate Vineyards
Shoshanna
Dr. Robert Snow
Stop & Shop
Thayer’s Hardware & Patio
Tiffany & Co.
Tory Burch
Tumi
Marcia Tumpowsky
Tutto Il Giorno
VeeV Spirits
Vineyard Vines
Mary and Ken Walker
Warren’s Nursery
John Wiley and Sons
WLNY tv10/55
Wölffer Estate
Woodside Preschool
Joel Milton
Contributors
Susan and David Rosenfeld
Christopher R. Rounick
Ann and Thomas Rozakis
Barbara and Peter Sartorius
Joan S. Sawyer
Ruth and Anthony Schlesinger
Lisa and Michael Schneider
Marianne and Domenico Seddio
Shirley and Jack Silver
Terry Pristin and Ron Silverman
Christine and Paul Smith
Robin Smith
Andrea Spilka
Russell Steele
Brita and Ed Stefflin
Jay Sterling
Robert A.M. Stern
David Stonehill
Charles Strain
Sue and Leonard Sucsy
Toby and Daniel Talbot
Phyllis and Edward Toohey
Nancy and Robert Treuhold
Susan and Preston Tsao
Lisa and Philip Turits
Mona M.Wakim
Rita and Walter Weil
Wildbird Crossing
Christian Wolffer
Linnea and Anthony Woodward
Hilary Zwicky
Board & Staff
SECRETARY
Claudia Camozzi
BOARD MEMBERS
W. Marco Birch
Wilhelmus B. Bryan
Mark A. Burchill
Andrew Goldstein
Richard Kahn
Ronald Lauder
Sandra R. Meyer
Christopher Pia
Peter Schellbach
John Shea
Alan Siegel
Ellen Sosnow
John C. Waddell
Mary Walker
Environmental
Advocacy
Environmental Advocates
Jennifer Hartnagel
Jeremy Samuelson
Jennifer Skilbred
Environmental Intern
Kathryn Magee
2008 ANNUAL
REPORT
Editor
Judy Christrup
Membership Data
Jodi Grindrod
Financial Data
Kate Schertel
Contributors
Group for the East End Staff
Printing
Searles Graphics
Design
DCH Graphics
Now that I’m a full time Southampton resident,
I have more time to work on projects about which
I am passionate.
As a member of the natural resources committee
of The League of Women Voters of the Hamptons,
I worked with the Group to sponsor a forum on
the Riverhead Resorts project. Speakers included
Mitch Pally (representing Riverhead Resorts),
Phil Cardinale (Supervisior of Riverhead), a
representative of the Town of Brookhaven, Kevin
McDonald (The Nature Conservancy), and the
Group’s Bob DeLuca.The forum was a great
success with standing room only attendance. I’ve
been told the Sea TV video of this event is one
of their most requested shows.The information
we received from the Group was instrumental
in The League’s decision to host the forum, and
Bob’s stellar performance at the event spoke to
the reasons why this project was not in keeping
with the assets of eastern Long Island – open
space, farming, vineyards.
Diane C. Hewett
TREASURER
Harris A. Barer
Environmental
Education
Director of Environmental
Education
Steve Biasetti
Environmental Educator
Anita C. Wright
My initial work with the Group (as most of
us call it) was a catalyst for my other volunteer
choices. Let me provide just one example.
Kate Schertel
VICE CHAIRMAN
Ann Colley
I’ve lived on the
East End for more
than 30 years as a
weekender and more
recently as a full-time
resident.The beauty
of this part of Long
Island is legendary –
the beaches, the
woods, the clean air
and water. So, when
I heard about the
Group for the South
Fork (as it was known then) and the work they
did to maintain open space and clean air and
water, I got involved. I donated money and then
volunteered, initially helping out at the annual
fund-raising dinner.
Diane C. Hewett
CHAIRMAN
William S. McChesney, Jr.
Membership Services
and Development
Director of Development
Judy Christrup
Membership Coordinator
Jodi Grindrod
VOLUNTEERS
Bob Adamo
Lillian Ball
Glorian Berk
Ethel Berkowitz
Sue Bieger
Kevin & Margaret Bodkin
Mike Brewer
Barbara Cirami
Maureen Cullinane
Nick Delong
Vicki Farrugia
George Fernandez
Mackie Finnerty
Billy Fullam
Amy Gabrielson
April Gonzales
Alex Gregor
Pat Henegan
Corinne Jones
Richard & Rebecca Kane
Carol & Arthur Kramer
Kathryn Magee
George Moreno
Sean Mulligan
Terry Oloughlin
Tammy Olson
Zachary Palladino
Dylan & Kelly Ratner
Chris Regini
Suzanne Ruggles
Benja Schwartz
Eilleen Schwin
Walter Skretch
Pat Sliwienski
Helen Sorensen
Andrea Spilka
Lorraine Spina
Jennifer Warner
Nate Woiwode
Karin and Sophia Yapalater
Susan Colledge
Joel Milton
2008 BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
2008 STAFF
Administration and
Advocacy
President
Robert S. DeLuca
Special Assistant to
the President
Kate Schertel
Glorian Berk
Lillian Ball
Group for the East
End means a major
improvement in the environmental landscape
on the North Fork and
for me personally. From
the moment I heard the
Group was getting an
office here in Southold,
I was excited about
the prospect of having
advocacy and education
programs here that
Barbaraellen Koch
echoed my own aims. As an artist concerned with
wetland restoration and preservation, I recognized
kindred spirits.When the town was unable to accept
a Long Island Sound Study Fish & Wildlife grant
Bill McChesney, Jackie & Peter Schellbach
Entertainment
West End Revue
Hank Lane Music Productions
Tents
PJ McBride
Rentals
Party Rentals
Host
Christian Wölffer
Chairs
Katherine and Marco Birch
Deni and Bill McChesney
Susan and Louis Meisel
Mary and Chris Pia
Jackie and Peter Schellbach
Nicole Miller and Kim Taipale
Mary and Ken Walker
Generation Green Chairs
Fabiola Beracasa
Arden Wohl
Party Planner
Ellin Delsener, Event Associates
Auction
Carrie Waible, CW& Co.
Eliza Osborne,Vice President,
Sotheby’s
Dinner
Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs
Goody Bags
Kathryn Magee
Security & Parking
Deana M. Wilson
Sanitation
Emil Norsic
& Son, Inc.
Angelica Compagno,
Christian Wölffer,
Susan Somerville
Invitation
John Muscara
Elliot, Ari & Lou Meisel
Journal
Searles Graphics
Katherine &
Marco Birch
Publicity
London Misher
Flowers
Susan Edgar
Lauren Armstrong & Justin Belmont
Eliza Osborne
Debbie Bancroft,
Fabiola Beracasa,
Nicole Miller
Diane C. Hewett
Alex Mathieson, Ann Colley, Kim Taipale
Photos by Chris London / Manhattansociety.com
2008 Annual Benefit
Lighting & Sound
BML Blackbird
for my WATERWASH ™ project at the Mattituck
Inlet, due to economic issues, Bob DeLuca stepped
up to the opportunity right away. Group for the
East End had been involved in this storm-water
remediation and education project from the beginning with a generous offer to contribute plants.
But after taking over the grant’s administration,
they donated surveys and gravel; Anita Wright
organized high school students to cut the invasive
phragmites; and Kate Schertel rallied around the
plantings and offered valuable support when I most
needed it. A major project like WATERWASH ,™
with its community outreach components, requires
the kind of knowledge and enthusiastic commitment
the folks at the Group deliver. I look forward to
supporting their efforts and working together more
in the future.
The Group won grant funding from Suffolk County
that will allow botanical and zoological experts from
the New York State Natural Heritage Program to
conduct a series of field inspections over the coming
C.Wright
s Anita
Jeremy Samuelson
s
Other volunteers donated materials and worked with
staff to build new osprey nesting towers.These artificial
nests provide habitat for ospreys, a species that was in
deep decline during the 1970s and 1980s because of
shell-thinning DDT in the food chain. Since the Group
Kate Schertelt
In 2009, we will add a new project to our Planting
and Restoration program.We will begin work with
the New Suffolk community on a waterfront revitalization project to dismantle hard structures (such as
bulkheads) and build an environmentally-sound system
to catch road runoff to prevent it from polluting Long
Island Sound.
Grace Scalzo
The Group is also working with members of the
Sustainable Southampton Committee to develop
energy requirements for new commercial construction
throughout the town. Once this new standard is
adopted, we will engage other East End communities
to adopt energy-saving requirements for commercial
construction.
Spring Planting, Restoration and
Revitalization
Group staff members – as
well as hundreds of student
and adult volunteers –
gather in a dozen different
East End locations each
spring to beautify and
stabilize fragile ecosystems.
We plant native grasses,
goldenrod, beach pea and
beach plum
along shorelines
of the South
Fork, North
Fork and
Shelter Island.
We also pull invasive plants, such as Japanese knotweed.
In 2008, 179 students from Shelter Island School,
Sag Harbor Elementary School and Hayground School
planted 4,800 plugs of beach grass on local beach dunes
that were in need of re-vegetation.
and other environmentalists began
installing artificial
nests (after the ban of
DDT in 1971), the osprey population has rebounded.
Judy Christrup
Google Maps
growing season. Group staff will then plot trails and
ensure that we have robust protection in place for rare
and protected flora and fauna within the project area.
The Bay-to-Sound Trail Project has provided an
opportunity to strengthen working relationships with
environmental, planning and elected officials in Suffolk
County, Southold Town and Greenport Village, while
providing educational and community-building
opportunities for our members.The initiative will
also provide lasting conservation for one of Southold’s
largest undeveloped woodlands.
The new code also sets a number of new energy
standards for the construction and reconstruction of
pools, which will reduce their overall energy impact.
The new code is being described as the most comprehensive in New York State.With this new legislation
now in place, the Group is building on this success by
working with other East End communities to advance
similar legislation throughout the East End.
Bay-to-Sound
Trail Project
Volunteers are working
with Group staff and
local officials to remove
several tons of illegally
dumped debris from Monsell Trail, near Greenport
Schools, in the heart of historic Greenport Village.
When complete, this severely degraded area will be
a vital connection for hikers and bicyclists – with just
over two miles of new trails linking the shores of Long
Island Sound and the Greenport Village waterfront.
Environmental Advocate Jennifer Skilbred recently built
the Calverton Grasslands website (www.calvertongrasslands.org) to help provide information on the area and
its important resources to a larger audience. She attends
numerous civic and community group meetings, public
hearings, and press conferences in order to spread the
word about our concerns for this enormous project.
The project proposal (called Enterprise Park at Calverton, or EPCAL) includes a 90-acre fake lake surrounded
by eight themed resorts and an indoor ski mountain.
If the project goes ahead, it will have significant negative
impacts on the Long Island Pine Barrens area, the
Peconic Estuary watershed, a Suffolk County groundwater protection area, and the Calverton grasslands.
s
2008 Project Highlights
Energy Conservation
As chairman of the Sustainable Southampton Committee’s “Code Subcommittee,” Group President Bob
DeLuca worked with several community members and
town officials to develop and win approval for a new
energy-efficient building code, which will require
tighter energy-efficiency standards for new residential
construction. Unlike many other energy codes, the
new Southampton Code requires an increasing level
of energy efficiency based on the overall size of the individual residence.Thus, as the size of a dwelling unit
increases, the new building code requires an increasing
level of overall energy efficiency.
Calverton Grasslands
Conservation Initiative
Group for the East End brought
together 30 environmental and
civic organizations for its Calverton
Grasslands Conservation Initiative –
a public education and advocacy
campaign to preserve a significant portion of the
last remaining large native Long Island grassland.
This unique habitat is home to several species that
are listed by New York State as “threatened” or “of
special concern” because of their dwindling numbers
throughout New York State.
Summer Field Ecology
It was a busy and exciting time for
the 38 children who participated
in the Group’s 2008 Summer Field
Ecology Program.The Pondhawks
(children ages 8 to 10) became
particularly skilled at using seine and
dip nets to find and identify all kinds
of interesting marine life in Noyack
Bay, Napeague Harbor, Northwest
Creek and Fresh Pond.The Terrapins
(ages 11 and 12) navigated the twists and turns of
Goose Creek by kayak, toured Barcelona Neck by
bike and competed in “Mission (Almost) Impossible”–
a massive scavenger hunt at Cedar Point County Park.
The eldest group,The Falcons (ages 13 to 15), paddled
both Accabonac Harbor in East Hampton and Sebonac
Environmental Health
and Safety
In a significant win for the Group and many concerned
citizens of the region, the Department of Homeland
Security decided not to locate a new National Bio and
Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) at the
Plum Island animal disease laboratory,
at the entrance to the Peconic Bay.
In testimony and numerous meetings
with our federal representatives, the
Group vigorously opposed the possible construction of a new NBAF at
Plum Island. Citing the facility’s aging
infrastructure, limited water supply,
sewage impacts on surface waters, lack
of suitable energy capacity and
proximity to major population
centers, we have argued that
a bio-safety level 4 facility
(which would study deadly animal diseases that can pass into
the human population) should
not be located at Plum Island.
Anita C.Wright
Kate Schertel
School Education
Programs
In 2008, Group staff conducted
numerous environmental education
programs with 15
schools from the
five towns of eastern Long Island.
Altogether, 75
individual classes
and almost 1,500
students participated in classroom lessons
or field trips.Topics included Long
Island’s geological history, drinking
s
Peconic Estuary Education
The Peconic Estuary Program (PEP) recently designated Group for the East End as its Community Outreach and Public Education Coordinator. After several
years of waning public outreach efforts, the Group
sought and received approval to take the lead in reinvigorating the public education component of PEP’s
Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.
Working with the program’s Citizens Advisory Committee, Group staff will produce a number of community outreach and education programs, as well as media
initiatives to promote the more than 350 environmental
management actions recommended in the plan.The
efforts are designed to re-engage the East End community in the effort to conserve and restore the Peconic
Bay environment. In our new role, we have already
begun programming a series of educational workshops,
outdoor events, and public information meetings
(including a revitalized Citizens Advisory Committee
structure) that will help focus public attention on the
Peconic Bay, its health, and the specific actions individuals can take to protect and manage
this critical resource for the future.
Conservation Radio
Thanks to a collaborative partnership with WlIU Radio (88.3 FM)
and Arrow Electronics in 2008,
the Group launched its first public
radio program, which airs as a
scheduled hour-long call-in show.
Each month, a panel of experts
– ranging from governmental
officials and farmers to educators and student activists –
join co-hosts Bonnie
Grice and Group
President Bob DeLuca
for a wide-ranging
discussion of the
many environmental
challenges facing
Long Island.
The show has covered
numerous environmental
topics, such as energy
conservation, watershed
protection, the nation’s changing attitudes about environmental progress, and the future of the environmental
movement on Long Island.
The program is called The Friday Forum – Long Island’s
Future: Crisis or Opportunity? and has a morning drivetime audience of some 60,000 listeners from eastern
Long Island and the Connecticut coastline.We are
currently seeking funding to help underwrite the
program and assure that the community discussion
of important environmental issues continues.
88.3/WLIU FM
Seven Group staffers combined forces
to make this year’s environmental
education program in our local schools
a success: Steve Biasetti, Jenn Hartnagel,
Luisa Kennefick (intern), Jeremy
Samuelson, Kate Schertel, Jen Skilbred
and Anita Wright.
Brian Smith
Broadwater Defeated
In April of 2008, Governor Paterson made a special
trip down to Long Island to announce the Department
of State’s rejection of Broadwater, the proposed liquefied natural gas import terminal slated for development
in the middle of the Sound.The long battle by environmental groups against this project paid off.The
Department of State’s ruling ensures that Long Island
Sound will be protected from Broadwater’s privatized
development, pollution and
undue safety risks.
Roughly two-thirds of the class contacts involved
our longstanding extended programs.The 2008 – 2009
school year was our seventeenth year teaching the
T.E.R.N. program (“Teaching Environmental Responsibility Now”) at Springs School. It was our twelfth
and eleventh year, respectively, teaching
S.E.A.L.S. (“Science Encompasses
All Life and Systems”) and O.W.L.S.
(“Outdoors While Learning Science”)
at East Hampton Middle School.
Diane C.Hewett
Southold Town Zoning Code
Amendments
Group for the East End supported legislation that
amended residential site plan applications in the Town
of Southold to incorporate open space and reduce
the size of proposed units in the Hamlet Density
Zoning District.These meaningful changes will help
protect groundwater quality and conserve energy.
The legislation became law in January of 2009.
Although the Group strongly supported efforts to
secure nearly $80 million in funding to improve significant safety and security problems identified at the site
in 2003, we have always opposed the idea of adding additional levels of risk to this facility. In a 2008 newsletter
article, “Plum Island Makes Terrorist Wish List,” Group
President Bob DeLuca reviewed the basis of our opposition to the NBAF and pointed out that the federal
government confirmed that the site was indeed on the
mind of a suspected terrorist. Moving forward, the
Group must remain vigilant in monitoring the safety
and security standards
at Plum Island, while
it remains in operation.
At the same time, we
have already met with
Congressman Tim
Bishop to discuss the
possible future of the
site and opportunities
for conservation.
water, animal adaptations, wildlife migration, and
salt-marsh and barrier-island ecology. Some classes
benefitted from multiple learning experiences with
our staff, bringing the number of “class contacts”
up to 131 and the number of students to 2,740.
s
2008 Project Highlights
For more information
about the program or
how to enroll your child, please contact
Steve Biasetti at (631)765-6450, ext. 205, or
sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.
Kate Schertel
Creek in Southampton,
and biked more than
10 miles of trails in
Hither Woods!
Bonnie Grice
E-Action Team
More than 500 people joined Group for the East End’s
e-action team in 2008, and as of this writing our list has
grown to more than 1,300 e-action members. A total
of 87 people sent 91 advocacy messages to local elected
officials to influence policies that affected the environment in 2008.This enhanced technology has allowed us
to quickly and efficiently communicate environmental
issues to our membership and the public, inspiring rapid
action and increasing our collective influence throughout the East End. If you have not already joined our
e-action team, please do so by visiting our web site
(www.eastendenvironment.org, click on “alerts”) or
calling (631) 765-6450, ext. 208.
The recent expansion of the Group’s mission
to include the North Fork is a heartening development – there are precious areas in the region
that are under assault and it is not too late to
save them.The people of the North Fork are very
lucky to have the Group standing by their side.
access to the entire East End community, while
saving thousands of dollars each year in rent
expenses. Please call us at 631-765-6450 if you
would like to visit either of our offices!
activities attracted more than 500 participants, with the
most popular events being the Fauna-thon in May, the
two Sagg Pond Paddles during the summer, the Hallock
Bay Paddle in September, and November’s Quiz Night.
The Group’s explorations program in 2008 was
literally a group effort, as seven staffers contributed:
Steve Biasetti, Jodi Grindrod, Jenn Hartnagel, Jeremy
Samuelson, Kate Schertel, Jen Skilbred, and Anita
Wright. Additionally, one volunteer – former staffer
Mike Bottini – helped out by leading several of the
paddling trips.
Although most Group explorations are free events, a
few do generate funds for the organization. In 2008, the
Fauna-thon, two Sagg Paddles, Hallock Bay Paddle, and
Quiz Night netted about $7,500.
New Office Spaces
Thanks to the generous support of several key founders,
board members and donors, Group for the East End
was able to cap the celebration of its 35th anniversary
by purchasing the historic Captain Benjamin Wells
homestead in Southold and converting it to a new
office space.This North Fork office, located at 54895
Route 25, will complement the Group's South Fork
office, which is now located at 2405 Main Street, Suite
7, in Bridgehampton. Having a presence on both the
North and South Forks will provide us with improved
Diane C. Hewett
2008 Project Highlights
s
Protecting the Gateway
to Sag Harbor
For several years, the future of Sag
Harbor’s southern gateway along the
Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike
has been in question.With an increase
in development applications, rising
traffic volumes and outdated zoning,
the area was in need of a comprehensive review.Working alongside a
diverse group of community members, the Group played a lead role
in organizing and advocating for a
“block study” and zoning assessment
that was subsequently undertaken
by the Town of Southampton. After
significant pubic discussion (and some
contentious hearings), the Town of Southampton
recently agreed to a series of zoning changes that
will significantly reduce the overall commercial density
and development intensity that can be allowed in and
around the Sag Harbor Gateway.
Because I live in Montauk, most of my work with
the Group has been in conjunction with efforts on
the part of Concerned Citizens of Montauk, a
grass roots volunteer organization – formed two
years before the Group – to protect the easternmost section of the peninsula. About two-thirds
of the land in Montauk is now permanently
preserved from development.That would not have
happened without the Group’s strong support and
expertise. At the same time, and largely through
the Group’s patient advocacy, the general public is
gradually recognizing that the economic viability
of our communities depends in the long run on
the preservation of our splendid natural resources.
I have been working with
the Group, in various
capacities and for various
causes, for almost 20 years.
They are, and from the
beginning always have
been, a most admirable
group of people.Their
passionate commitment
to environmental protection
is accompanied by a rare
creativity. Bob DeLuca’s
arsenal ranges from instituting court actions when necessary, to testifying
before town boards and their agencies, to sending
members of his fine team into elementary schools
to explain how Kemp’s ridley sea turtles can
choke on balloons released on ocean beaches.
Judy Christrup
Judy Christrup s
Explorations
Group for the East End conducted 38 activities as part
of our explorations calendar in 2008.The varied schedule included wildlife-themed events, habitat restorations
and cleanups, educational programs about maintaining
healthy homes & yards, paddling adventures, family
explorations, nature walks, and a quiz night.These
Richard Kahn
Giving Today
Ways of Giving
CASH GIFTS
Send a personal check in the mail, give online, or call
us with your VISA, MasterCard or American Express
account number.We can also set up automatic monthly,
quarterly or yearly donations for you. If you itemize
deductions on your federal income tax return, your gifts
of cash are fully deductible up to 50% of your adjusted
gross income.
GIFTS OF STOCK
By making a gift of stock or other security that has
increased in value since its purchase, you avoid paying
capital gains taxes. In addition, the full fair market value
of the security is deductible (as a charitable contribution) up to 30% of your adjusted gross income. Check
with your accountant for the most up-to-date tax
information. Contact us for transfer information.
MATCHING GIFTS
Increase the value of your cash contribution to Group
for the East End with your employer’s matching gift
plan. Please take the time to contact your personnel
office to find out if your company will match your
contribution.
WORKPLACE GIVING
EARTH SHARE
You can contribute to Group for the
East End through Earth Share of New York in your
workplace charity campaign. Earth Share manages
environmental giving campaigns for nearly sixty local,
statewide, national and international organizations.
By contributing to Group for the East End through
Earth Share of New York, you may pledge that a small
amount of each paycheck be automatically deducted
to help the Group.You can also give a single gift that
is distributed among all of its members, covering the
widest variety of environmental and conservation issues.
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
Make a donation to honor a family member, friend or
colleague who passed away. Simply write or call us with
the name of the person(s) you are memorializing, as
well as the name and address of the person(s) who will
be notified about your donation.You can pay for your
gift with a check or credit card.
GIFTS TO OTHERS
Give to Group for the East End to commemorate
someone’s birthday, anniversary or achievement! You
can donate a specific dollar amount or pick a gift from
the gear page on our web site.We will send a personalized gift card to the person you are honoring.We can
also arrange a private kayak tour for your loved one or
place a personalized carved pathway stone in the office
garden for $250.Write or call us with the name and
contact information of the gift recipient.
FREQUENT FLYER MILES
Donate your American Express frequent flyer miles to
us at www.americanexpress.com/give.
GIVE BACK AMERICA
GiveBackAmerica.org is an online shopping mall
created to raise money for local charities. The concept
is simple – each time you make a purchase from your
favorite online retailer (e.g.Target, Expedia, Amazon,
Ebay), a percentage of the sale goes to your favorite
charity. Best of all, there is no additional cost added
to your purchase! Visit www.givebackamerica.org
and search for Group for the East End before you
start shopping.
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
Most major mutual fund companies offer donor advised
funds (sometimes called charitable gift funds) so that
you can streamline your charitable giving. Like regular
mutual funds, your money is invested in stocks, bonds
and/or money markets and managed by a fund professional. Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible.
You can choose amounts to be donated to the Group
for the East End and other charities.
Planned Giving for the Future
LAST WILLS AND TESTAMENTS AND
REVOCABLE LIVING TRUSTS
The easiest way to support Group for the East End
in the future is to name us in your will or revocable
living trust.We recommend that you consider the
following language:
“I hereby give, devise and bequeath _____________
to Group for the East End, a not-for-profit tax-exempt
organization, organized and existing under the laws
of the State of New York, and with principal business
address of 54895 Main Road, P.O. Box 1792, Southold,
NY 11971.”
are premium payments left on the policy, you can claim
an income tax deduction for each payment you make.
Consult your insurance agent and tax professional for
more information.
Donate Assets to Us And Protect Your Heirs With Life
Insurance: After making an outright gift to Group for
the East End, you may wish to set up a life insurance
trust to provide equal financial support for your heirs.
The life insurance provides a specific dollar-amount
payout, and the trust (a separate arrangement) removes
the proceeds from your taxable estate, thereby reducing
estate taxes.You should consult a trusted legal advisor
to set up a life insurance trust.
If you wish to discuss the language of your bequest
with a member of Group for the East End’s staff or
Board of Directors, or if you would like additional
information on planned giving opportunities, please
contact us.
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUSTS
Transfer property to a trust and provide Group for
the East End with payments for a specified period of
time.When the term of the trust ends, the principal is
distributed to one or more non-charitable beneficiaries.
Please consult your estate-planning attorney.
RETIREMENT PLANS
Name Group for the East End as the primary or
contingent beneficiary in your IRA, Keough, 401(k),
403(b) or other qualified pension plan. Distributions
from these plans are not subject to probate or federal
estate taxes.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS
Transfer property to a trust and provide yourself with
payments for a specified period of time.When the
term of the trust ends, the principal is distributed to
Group for the East End. Please consult your estate
planning attorney.
LIFE INSURANCE
Name Us In Your Policy: Name Group for the East End
as the full or partial beneficiary in either a new or
existing life insurance policy.
Information necessary to name us as a beneficiary in
your will, trust, retirement plan, life insurance policy,
or donor-advised fund:
Name:
Group for the East End
Address:
54895 Main Road, P.O. Box 1792
Southold, NY 11971
Tax identification number:
13-6379135
Relationship:
not-for-profit tax-exempt organization
Legal Language:
Group for the East End, a not-for-profit tax-exempt
organization, organized and existing under the laws
of the State of New York, and with principal business
address of 54895 Main Road, P.O. Box 1792,
Southold, NY 11971.
Donate a Paid-Up Policy: Donate a paid-up whole life
insurance policy to Group for the East End by naming
the organization as the sole owner and sole beneficiary.
In this case, you can take a charitable deduction approximately equal to the cash value of the insurance policy
at the time of the gift. Consult your insurance agent
for more information.
Transfer Ownership of a Policy and Continue Payments:
When you transfer ownership of a whole life insurance
policy to Group for the East End, you may instruct us
to keep the policy and allow it to grow in value.This
will make your eventual gift to the organization much
larger than if we cash in the policy immediately. If there
Joel Milton
You can make a meaningful contribution to protect and restore the
environment of eastern Long Island by giving to Group for the East End
in one of the following ways. For more information about any of these
ways of giving, please call, write, or visit us online:
Mailing Address: Group for the East End Development Department
P.O. Box 1792, Southold, NY 11971
(631) 765-6450, ext. 215 or 216
Telephone:
E-Mail Addresses: jchristrup@eastendenvironment.org,
jgrindrod@eastendenvironment.org
www.eastendenvironment.org
Web Site: