Kozloski to be honored for lifetime of service

Date: 2/17/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



AGAWAM Henry Kozloski hasn't served three decades on the Conservation Commission for the accolades the retired high school biology teacher does it because of his passion to protect the environment.

On Feb. 28, Kozloski's dedication to the town's environment will be recognized when he is given this year's Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) Long Time Service Award. The ceremony will take place at the MACC's Annual Environmental Conference in Worcester.

"Henry's indelible impact can be seen in his work to promote and create parks in Agawam," Tim Purinton, chair of the MACC Nominations Committee, said. "In 2008, the town dedicated the new multi-use School Street Park and he is credited with reviving Agawam's long neglected Pynchon Park by securing a $75,000 state grant.In addition to his longtime service and leadership, he is praised for being a mentor to new commissioners."

Kozloski said he is humbled by his recognition by the MACC.

"It's been an honor to serve the town of Agawam," he said. "I was a biology teacher so I had the knowledge to try to [help the town] protect the environment somebody has to do it."

Deborah Dachos, director of Planning and Community Development, told Reminder Publications she nominated Kozloski for recognition because of his outstanding work as chair of both the Conservation Commission and the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee.

"I've worked with Henry for 25 years now and he is the most dedicated, committed volunteer I've worked with," she said. "He invests a tremendous amount of his own personal time for the town of Agawam, most particularly with the Conservation Commission. I thought it was time he was recognized for how much he's given to this community."

She explained that Kozloski has aided the town to complete numerous projects as a Conservation Commissioner, including the construction of Route 27, the construction of Berkshire Power's gas-fired power plant and the upgrade of the Northeast Utilities and Western Massachusetts Electric Company transmission system.

"Henry has walked every square foot of each of these projects, sometimes more than once," Dachos explained.

"He is a leader," she continued. "He has worked with many Conservation Commission members over the years. He works to build a consensus among his commission members who have a high degree of respect for this dedication and diligence."

Kozloski said he will be attending the award ceremony later this month and will remain steadfast in his work as chair of the Conservation Commission and the CPA Committee.