Community spirit took center stage at the annual Plattekill Day celebration Saturday as the town honored two residents with its highest recognition.

Linda Orth and Esther Coppola were named Citizens of the Year in front of a crowd that gathered under sunny skies at the town park. The award, presented annually, highlights residents who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to Plattekill.

Town Supervisor Dean DePew Sr. opened the ceremony by welcoming the crowd, thanking them for turning out, and sharing a lighthearted moment with Coppola, joking that they had dated in high school. But his tone quickly turned to one of gratitude.

“In the spirit of giving, everybody gives some and some give all,” DePew said. “That’s what makes everything possible here in the Town of Plattekill. Like every community, we need those leaders — the unsung heroes that never really get the recognition.”

Orth recognized for selfless service

This year’s first honoree, Linda Orth, has become a fixture of Plattekill’s senior community. A member of the Plattekill Golden Seniors, she has played a key role in organizing the group’s activities, from the annual picnic at the town park to the Memorial Day parade float honoring military veterans.

But her recognition came not from one grand gesture, organizers said, but from countless small acts of kindness. Orth has been known to drive neighbors to church or doctor’s appointments, visit the sick in hospitals or nursing homes, and lend a hand at church events — whether that means cooking for a breakfast, cleaning the kitchen, or setting up for a reception.

“She is not sorry. It is not one big thing that she does that makes her stand out. It is many little things all rolled up into a gigantic ball,” Murkowski said as she read the committee’s nomination remarks.

Orth, who was crowned Queen of the Ulster County Senior Prom in 2023, is also known for her cheerful personality. “People enjoy being around her because she has such a joyous personality and a gift of life,” Murkowski said.
Taking the podium, Orth was overcome with emotion. “This is a real big honor to me. I love this community,” she said. “I believe in the work of our town, our police, our fire, and everything, and I just thank you so much.”

Coppola honored for decades of leadership
The second Citizen of the Year award went to a familiar name. Coppola, who has chaired the Citizen of the Year Committee since 2010, was recognized not only for her work leading the award process but also for decades of civic involvement. She has previously served as chair of the town Planning Board, as deputy supervisor, and on the Veterans Committee.

DePew presented Coppola with a certificate of appreciation, noting the “painstakingly long journey” she undertakes each year to review nominations and coordinate with the committee. “On behalf of the town board, I proudly present this in recognition of your dedicated leadership,” he said.

Coppola reflected on the importance of the award, urging residents to get involved by submitting nomination forms available at town hall. “We love our community, we love those in it, we want it to be the best,” she said. “We want to recognize those people who do all those little things — and some of them do big things — but the little guy is really important.”

After 15 years at the helm, Coppola announced she is stepping down as committee chair. Longtime volunteer Annette Murkowski will take over the role. “I have very big shoes to fill,” Murkowski said, before outlining the criteria for future nominations.

A tradition of recognition
Coppola reminded the crowd that the award has always been kept a surprise until the annual Plattekill Day ceremony. “It may be one person, it may be two people — you’re never going to know,” she said, drawing laughter from the audience.

DePew closed the event by commending both women for their commitment to the town. “Linda, your shirt says it all — ‘Blessed all day, every day,’” he said. “We thank you for all the things you do in the community, and thank you to everyone who makes Plattekill not only a better place to be, but the envy of Ulster County and the Southern Hudson Valley.”