Fall cocktail party celebrates the season

KENT — The Kent Land Trust held its Fall Benefit Cocktail Party on the grounds of Bob Avian and Peter Pileski’s North Kent residence. The event was held Sept. 8.

Honorary chairwoman Nancy Kissinger welcomed a record crowd of more than 200 guests to the lakeside campus, which includes a spacious pool area and lawns.

This year’s event was particularly special, as host Bob Avian spoke passionately about his recent gift to the land trust of more than 130 acres surrounding his home.

Guests admired the beautiful forested hills as Avian described his love and vision for the land – which he noted was at one time under threat of becoming a downhill ski center. Avian’s infectious warmth had the crowd in high spirits as all celebrated the natural beauty of Kent and the land trust’s mission to protect and sustain it.

Board chairwoman Jane Klein, and event chairman Stephen Vaughn provided additional remarks and acknowledgements. Throughout, guests enjoyed locally-sourced food prepared by caterer Anne Gallagher — much of it grown on KLT’s Marble Valley Farm — along with refreshments donated by Kent Wine & Spirit and seasonal arrangements by Kamilla Najdek.

The annual event is KLT’s most important fundraiser of the year and provides funding for its extensive work to conserve wildlife habitat, clean water, farms and unbroken expanses of woods; and to benefit the Kent community and larger public by maintaining walking trails and nature preserves. Record attendance in each of the past several years demonstrates a shared appreciation throughout the community

This year’s event was particularly special, as host Bob Avian spoke passionately about his recent gift to the land trust of more than 130 acres surrounding his home.

for Kent’s beauty and nature, and its work with local partners.

Since its formation in 1989, the Kent Land Trust has conserved over 2500 acres in Kent, including Marble Valley Farm and land along Route 7 forming Kent’s Southern Gateway, land in Kent Hollow, on Skiff Mountain, up above Kent Falls, in the Geer Mountain Panorama, and throughout other iconic landscapes that preserve town character. With the assistance of more than 75 volunteer community members, KLT promotes excellent environmental stewardship through fun and educational programs and scientific research. For further information, contact the Kent Land Trust at 860-488-9185 or info@kentlandtrust.org.

Contributed photos Honorary event chairwoman Nancy Kissinger and Kent Land Trust board chairperson Jane Klein listen as host Bob Avian gives welcoming remarks.

Guests enjoy the pool area at Bob Avian and Peter Pileski’s North Kent home.