OLC OFFICERS

Louis Trombetta, PhD - Chair
A professional toxicologist and member of the Society of Toxicology, Louis
has engaged in extensive research in aquatic pollution. He is past
president of the New York Entomological Society at the American Museum of
Natural History, and his strong conservation interests are focused on land
management, water and land pollution and environmental standards.  

Sibyll M. Gilbert - Vice Chair
A strong background in conservation has made Sibyll a major player in the
field, not only in Pawling but across Dutchess County. For many years she
has served as a member and primary researcher for the Pawling Conservation
Advisory Board. Her strong personal interests in birding, nature study, and
formal training in landscape design and art contribute to her achievements.

Philip van Buren – Secretary
Philip van Buren is a lawyer who specializes in land use and development
related cases, representing small business and community interests. His
experience includes eminent domain and Freedom of Information Law
litigation and appeals, policy analysis of urban planning and economic
development proposals, including economic development and neighborhood
condition studies; environmental review comment and litigation, policy
advocacy, small business building code, zoning, and environmental
compliance and advocacy, and commercial landlord/tenant negotiation and
litigation. He has participated in Clean Water Act regulatory revision and
litigation and advocacy and litigation under the Historic Preservation Act,
and for a short time worked under the commissioner at the DEP as liaison
with environmental organizations in relation to New York City watershed
regulation and planning. 

Brian Smith - Treasurer
Brian Smith is owner/president of Fairway Accounting, Inc. and an “enrolled
agent,” authorized to practice before the Internal Revenue Service, with
over thirty years of experience working in accounting and taxation
services. A resident of Pawling since 2001 he currently serves on the boards of
and the Quaker Hill Burial Ground Association and the Pawling Rotary. 

OLC BOARD of DIRECTORS

Gabriel Avis - Director

Gabriel Avis, who hails from Michigan, graduated from Kenyon College in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in studio art.  Upon graduating from Kenyon, Gabriel spent a month backpacking in Alaska with NOLS, which to this day sparks his passion for conserving the environment. He was a teaching fellow at St. Paul's School in New Hampshire and finished his Masters in Education at The University of Pennsylvania in 2020. He is currently teaching art at Trinity-Pawling School in Pawling, NY. In his free time, Gabe loves to ski, bike, and hike. You can find him exploring public lands with his dog, Wiggins.

Stephen C. Ewing - Director
Growing up under the tutelage of lifelong conservationist and
environmentalist parents, Steve learned at a young age to appreciate, love,
respect and preserve Nature. Since moving to Pawling in 2004, Steve has
become an active board member of the Pawling Nature Reserve restoring over
15 acres of Preserve land from being overrun with invasive plant species
and the Oblong Land Conservancy, where his fundraising skills honed from a
career on Wall Street, are utilized. Steve is also a founding member of the
Pawling Farmers Market, the founding member of a classic soul dance band,
The Hot Damn Band, member of The American Legion, and a member of The
Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

Diane Hardej, Ph.D. – Director Diane is a scientist and educator whose research focuses on toxicity of environmental agents. She is an active member of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) where she has served as an officer of the In Vitro and Alternative Methods and Metals Specialty Sections.  She was also past president of the Mid-Atlantic Society of Toxicology (MASOT), a regional chapter of the SOT.  Diane has a strong interest in environmental safety and educating the public with regard to the effects of chemical exposures.

W.A. Lustig - Director

Lynn M. Martin – Director
With corporate expertise in human resources, operations and business
development, Lynn has worked within a broad spectrum of industries,
including finance, manufacturing & the hospitality industry. A life-long
nature lover and conservationist, Lynn is licensed by New York as a state
wildlife rehabilitator and falconer. Lynn lived on Whaley Lake in Holmes, NY
for over 20 years organizing and leading efforts to preserve the lake and
surrounding area. and now lives on the Ten-Mile River in Dover Plains. 

Robert Reilly – Director As a Boy Scout, growing up in Wappingers Falls, he developed a deep appreciation for nature, especially here in Dutchess County. He is a rabid sailor, having sailed extensively from Norfolk Virginia to Cape Cod, as well as the Bahamas and Virgin Islands. These experiences furthered his respect for the natural beauty which surrounds us all. He has had successful careers in the Defense Industry, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Medical Equipment support, Government, and now is an Educator/IT Support. He is the Historian for the Town of Pawling, and since 1993 has lived in (and restored) a 1750 farmhouse. Bob brings a breadth of experience to the board.

Charles Werner - Director
Chuck's experience as a corporate banker, as founder
and partner of an institutional brokerage firm, brings financial expertise
to Oblong. Mr. Werner is the owner of the local book store The Book Cove which is a landmark Pawling Village magnet. Chuck is also actively involved with other not-for-profits in Pawling as well as in NY City and Palm Beach, FL

Dorian Winslow - Director
Dorian has been a Pawling resident since 1993. She is an active community member, serving also as a board member of the Pawling Farmers Market. Pawling is home to her company Womanswork, which makes gardening products (mostly for women) sold worldwide. She holds a Certificate in Landscape Design from the New York Botanical Garden. Dorian organizes OLC’s annual milkweed giveaway each summer. She likes to bicycle, walk and garden in her spare time. Dorian is ever grateful to OLC and the community spirit that has prevented our corner of the county from succumbing to overdevelopment.

Advisory Board:
Elizabeth Allen
Elizabeth Baker
Thomas Bloom, DDS
F. Gordon Douglas
James Earl Jones

In Memoriam The OLC acknowledges the contributions of the following former Advisory Board members Philip Bonnano, M.D. Kent Johnson