Hammonasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Man of the Year Award
RON GRAZIANI
TED GARDZIEL
Each year the chapter is involved with many events and activities. It is no secret that planning and running these activities is done by many volunteers that have dedicated their time. Trout Unlimited is a grassroots organization that relies on volunteers that perform community service work in conservation, natural resources and fishing. During the year we find ourselves interacting with others to achieve successes on and off the water. It's a great pleasure to be a part of this. It takes a lot of motivation, determination and hard work to make things happen. During the year many friendships are formed while programming events and helping others in many activities. As a chapter, we try to set up and plan programs that appeal to everyone. Each of us has a reason for being involved because we all have the same interests in the outdoors and Trout Unlimited.
"The Hammonasset Man of the Year," is a tradition with the chapter. This past year our members have volunteered over one thousand hours on many projects. Every function involves people just like yourself giving a little of their time. We all care about the conservation of coldwater fisheries and the protection of our great natural resources. Trout Unlimited relies on its members and supporters to achieve these goals. Our "Man of the Year Award" goes to a long standing member that has been consistently involved. In the springtime he is busy stocking the rivers. On occasion he has taken time off from work to coordinate the crew with the DEP fisheries staff. He's been a leader giving us all better access to fishing by working with landowners that boarder the waters that we fish. After Opening Day of Trout Season in April, river clean-ups are encouraged. This serves to remind us to be sensitive of environmental impact. Our man of the year has a real passion and an appreciation for our precious resources. He has worked with many towns on conservation issues including Clinton , Killingworth, Madison and Guilford . You might have read about the Unilever Case or the Scott C Carey Trout Trail in the paper. These are only a few of those projects that received a lot of media attention. This person was there through it all. He has taken charge of community awareness, environmental issues, fund raising benefits, stocking, and the new chapter patch. He has taken charge for a president that was not always available. He has donated a great deal of time, resources and materials for those projects too. He has also been an instrumental force in programming activities. He has encouraged us to get out and fish by supporting our River Quest outings and youth programs. Maybe you saw him at the Traditions Golf Course this year as coordinator for our “Catch and Release Golf Benefit Tournament“. He is a man worthy of our special recognition. He is a great friend to all of us. He has served as the newsletter editor, State Council Representative, Fisheries Advisory Committee and as a Director. He cheers us on to let us know that by being involved with Trout Unlimited each of us is a winner. We are all very fortunate for his achievements and contributions. The Department of Environmental Protection and numerous Environmental Groups are also fortunate to have him as a leader.
Congratulations to Ted Gardziel on a wonder job. The chapter is sincerely grateful to have him as a dedicated friend. This year's Hammonasset and Trout Unlimited Certificate of Appreciation goes to Ted for his dedication, leadership and motivation. Thank you for helping out in so many ways. Thank you for all of the time that you have devoted these past few years. Let's keep working together and congratulate Ted Gardziel on a being "The Hammonasset Man of the Year."
KEVIN FULLER
Throughout the year a variety of programs and events are organized. Trout Unlimited volunteers take a lot of their personal time to perform community service work. We interact with other Trout Unlimited members and organizations. Involvement in our regular chapter meetings, working with the Chapters Directors and Connecticut Trout Unlimited Council is a big effort. Just to mention a few of the numerous volunteer efforts that takes place. Having a special award, “ The Man of the Year, “ is for outstanding dedication and recognizes those special efforts.
This past year our members have volunteered countless hours. Everything in the chapter is done by people just like yourself. We all care about conservation, fisheries and our great natural resources. Trout Unlimited is a grassroots organization. This means that it relies on its members and supporters. This years “Man of the Year Award “ goes to a long standing member that has been consistently involved. Each Spring he has helped in stocking the Hammonasset and West Rivers . He has taken time off from work for this.
He's designed and constructed the Trout Carts that has given us all better fishing. After Opening Day of Trout Season he has spent it on the river in clean ups. It's understandable to appreciate his great respect for our precious resources. Our man of the year has worked with many towns on conservation issues that include; Middletown , Madison , Killingworth and Guilford . Other organizations appreciate his involvement too. You might have read about something in the paper, or heard about the dedication of a volunteer. The Scott C Carey Trout Trail was one of those projects and it received a lot of press. It did not mention the rainy days we started to rebuild the bridge. This person was there on our behave through it all. Donated materials for those projects were provided. He's been an instrumental force also in Programming activities. He has encouraged us to get out and fish by supporting and participating in our River Quest outings. Maybe you saw him along the Farmington River this past year coordinating the fishing of the chapters Catch and Release Golf Benefit Tournament. Another personal work day spent getting signs made and a booth set up. Kevin Fuller is a man worthy of special our recognition. His involvement with the chapter is one of very distinguished service. He has been a great friend to all of us. Serving as the man in-charge of the Raffle and as a Director he let us know that each tickets a winner since it supports Trout Unlimited in local community service.
Congratulations to Kevin Fuller on a wonder job. Many members have known you as a very active member with the chapter. The chapter is sincerely grateful to have you as a dedicated friend. The Hammonasset Certificate of Appreciation goes to you Kevin as a man that has helped out in so many areas. We are all very fortunate for the achievements and contributions that's been made. Many people in the chapter and the State Trout Unlimited Council have worked with Kevin including The Dept of Environmental Protection, Fisheries Division, the Boy Scouts and numerous Environmental Groups. Let's all keep working together making the us more successful. Let's all congratulate Kevin Fuller on a being a great fishermen, our friend and “ The Hammonasset Man of the Year . “
