FRANCES S. REESE
2002 HONOREE
Environmentalist
Ms. Willis L.M. Reese, "Franny" to her friends, is a mighty friend of the magnificent Hudson Valley. Quietly unassuming in her demeanor and style, Franny's accomplishments shout from the rooftops of her tenacity, her conviction, her diligence and her effectiveness.
Franny is quick to point out that she is not a "founder" of Scenic Hudson, the watchdog and advocacy group whose board she chaired for 18 important years. She did, however, help bring Scenic Hudson from its kitchen-table style do-it-yourself protest group beginnings to a world class environmental enterprise with international recognition, saving thousands of acres of threatened viewshed, helping clean the river of pollution, and aiding riverfront communities to develop and grow intelligently.
But her influence doesn't stop with Scenic Hudson. Stints on the boards of environmental groups, museums and educational institutions include Grinnell Library, Marist College, Locust Grove, Maple Grove, Boscobel Restoration, the House of the Redeemer and others. Local citizens would be hard-pressed to name a volunteer organization that has NOT been touched by Franny Reese in some way. She has received awards from Historic Hudson Valley, the NYS Bar Association, the Garden Club of America and the American Conservation Society, to name just a few.
When confronted with the seemingly endless threats to the integrity and beauty of the Hudson River Valley, many a next-generation environmentalist has been heard to chant a mantra: "What would Franny do?"
Franny was once asked how she could keep all her not-for-profit volunteer work sorted out. "Oh," she said, "I use the tote-bag method." Her collection of some 35 canvas carry-all bags is the perfect example of her understated efficiency. "It's easy," she says. "I only think of one at a time!"
Franny knew Russel Wright well and respected his work. She especially appreciated his love of the land, and recognized his clever appreciation of natural forms in his designs.
Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center, is pleased and proud to present a 2002 Russel Wright Award to Frances S. Reese, environmentalist, inspirer and visionary.
Frederick Osborn III
Vice Chair, Scenic Hudson Inc.