10/06/2026
Evelyn Card and Don McFarland, both 99, honored for decades of community service.
Citizen of the Year Celebration Dinner on October 21 at The Landmark Inn Warwick, NY
EVELYN CARD, Lifetime Achievement Award
For nearly six decades, Evelyn has devoted herself to Warwick, serving its schools, civic and charitable organizations, local media, senior programs, church, and community events. At 99, she remains an active and cherished presence in the community she has long called home.
Evelyn joined the Warwick Valley Central School District in 1966 and served as building secretary at Kings Elementary School for nearly 25 years. She became a familiar, trusted presence for generations of students, parents, teachers, and families.
Her dedication to Warwick extended far beyond her professional duties. Beginning in the early 1960s, Evelyn volunteered for nearly a decade with the Queen Village Queens, Warwick’s nationally recognized all-girls drum and bugle corps. Her service took her throughout the Northeast, including appearances in President Richard Nixon’s inaugural parade and the Miss America Parade.
Over the years, Evelyn has also devoted countless hours to her church, charitable causes, senior activities, and community gatherings. She readily helps wherever needed, motivated not by recognition but by a deep concern for her neighbors and community.
Her commitment continues today. For more than 20 years, Evelyn has been a valued member of the Warwick Valley Dispatch, where she serves as postproduction manager. She is also the permanent co-host of WTBQ Radio’s weekly Food for Thought, helping preserve and share the stories, people, memories, and history that make Warwick distinctive.
Evelyn’s service is especially meaningful because of its constancy. Rather than being limited to one period of her life or a single organization, community service has been a continuous thread throughout her life. For nearly 60 years, she has found countless ways, large and small, to make Warwick stronger, kinder, and more connected.
Assemblyman Karl Brabernick said Evelyn Card “represents the finest tradition of public and community service -- freely sharing her time and talents without seeking recognition and enriching the lives of generations of neighbors.”
DONALD McFARLAND, Lifetime Achievement Award
Don McFarland, who will celebrate his 100th birthday this Christmas, has left his imprint in the Town of Warwick for decades. He’s a World War II veteran, NASA Research Engineer retiree, owner of The Burt Farm, historian, conservationist and an active member and officer of Warwick’s American Legion Post 214 for 44 years,
McFarland takes great pride in sharing his love of patriotism and history. Each year he joins other area veterans for classroom talks to elementary, middle school and high school students.
He is a former grand marshal of Warwick’s Memorial Day Parade.
McFarland recently shared his military historical knowledge with Warwick Valley High School history students as they helped develop preliminary exhibits for Warwick’s Patriot Path in Veterans Memorial Park.
His is a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church serving previously on their Vestry, making applebutter for Applefest fundraising, and lead the committee to acquire the “new” organ. He also was a devoted member of the choir and only recently stopped singing after singing in church choirs for 94 years. He also delivered Meals on Wheels for 20 years.
McFarland is a lifetime member of the Warwick Historical Society where he spent many a Summer as a docent at the Shingle House and Sly Barn, including the 4th grade tours.
Don McFarland can trace his roots back to before the American Revolutionary War.
Since 1760, seven generations have called themselves “stewards of The Burt Farm.”
Recently, Don’s desire to preserve The Burt Farm for the future stewards of the homestead was realized when the Town of Warwick acquired property development rights for 61.5 acres ensuring the land remains agricultural and a greenway into the Village of Warwick.
