Certificates of Appreciation - Recipients






CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - 2024

April 14, 2024
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding service and dedication given by Gerald Tolchin to FOSA and the archaeology of Connecticut. Jerry has served on FOSA's newsletter committee for over 10 years, and has been the committee chair since 2016. His excellent publishing skills have ensured that our spring and fall newsletter is published and delivered in a timely fashion. His time, energy, and expertise consistently produces a high-quality newsletter, to be enjoyed by our followers and greatly enhancing FOSA's mission of supporting the Office of State Archaeology.
Glenda Rose, President                   Sarah P. Sportman, Connecticut State Archaeologist

April 14, 2024,
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding service and dedication of Mark Packard to the State Archaeologist and the archaeology of Connecticut. Mark owns the Hollister Site in South Glastonbury, FOSA's premiere archaeological investigation. We thank him for allowing us to excavate for many weeks a year on this large piece of Connecticut River meadows that has proven to be rich in Native American and colonial artifacts. Mark participates in these excavations, and backfills the large open areas with his backhoe and plow at the end of the season, saving us much work. During the winter months he contributes his time to the renovation Of Building 1 at UConn, upgrading it for site artifact storage. We thank him and his family In supporting FOSA and OSA missions, and look forward to working with him in the future.
Glenda Rose, President                   Sarah P. Sportman, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - 2023
March 25, 2023
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding service and dedication given by James Trocchi to FOSA and the archaeology of Connecticut. Jim has served on FOSA's Board of Directors for over twenty years, acting as Recording Secretary for a time, and most recently as Treasurer. He has been a member of the Newsletter Committee for over 15 years, is in charge of printing and distributing the newsletters, and acts as a one-man Welcoming Committee to new FOSA members. Jim also takes a major role in excavations, and assists in the archaeology laboratory. His time, energy, and expertise greatly enhance FOSA's mission of supporting the Office of State Archaeology.
Glenda Rose, President                   Sarah P. Sportman, Connecticut State Archaeologist

March 25, 2023
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding service and dedication of Joan Hill to the State Archaeologist and the archaeology of Connecticut. Joan, an educator, set up and adult field school in Columbia with Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni, organized an interactive archaeology display at the Columbia Historical Society, and is leading efforts to designate the Hop River Mill property as a State Archaeological Preserve. As an active FOSA member, she has provided critical support for field and laboratory programs. Unafraid to get dirty, her work at the Hollister Site in Glastonbury during the brutal 2022 summer was unstoppable. Joan visited Mid-Atlantic and New England collections in support of Hollister Site research on 17th Century ceramics, bricks, and kaolin pipes, becoming especially knowledgeable on pipes. Her lab contributions also included construction of artifact drying racks. We thank her for her inquisitive and strategic efforts supporting FOSA's missions.
Glenda Rose, President                   Sarah P. Sportman, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - 2020
July 7, 2020
The Friends of the Office Of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Richard Hughes. He devotes many hours at most field investigations, and has provided special assistance to the State Archaeologist, especially in recent years at the Hollister Site in South Glastonbury. His contributions continue in the off season with work at the Office of State Archaeology laboratory at the University of Connecticut. Further, he has served on FOSA's Board of Directors for many years, and provided important services organizing volunteers at the Annual Meeting FOSA membership table and at numerous other events. We thank you Richard for the enthusiasm and research skills which provide so much benefit to Connecticut archaeology.
Scott Brady, President                   Sarah P. Sportman, Connecticut State Archaeologist

CERTIFICATE OF HONOR - 2020 (special)

July 7, 2020
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., present this Certificate of Honor to Dreda Hendsey, a founding board member and first Treasurer of FOSA, an office she has held for 22 years. Her careful and diligent work developed the FOSA By-Laws, and her tenacity and influence was critical in gaining non-profit recognition from the IRS, as well as some state funding for the State Archaeologist. Her talent for detail is reflected not only in her attention to FOSA financial records, but in the mapping and drawing of features found at several major Connecticut archaeological sites. Her vigilance has helped FOSA grow into one of the strongest American friends groups supporting state archaeologists.
Scott Brady, President                   Sarah P. Sportman, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - 2019

March 23, 2019
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc, gratefully acknowledge the outstanding service and dedication given by Mandy Ranslow to the archaeology of Connecticut. Mandy became a FOSA member at a young age, and her talents have had a major impact on FOSA's mission to support the Office of State Archaeology. She has assisted in numerous excavations, and served on FOSA's Board of Directors in many capacities including various committees, Vice President, and two terms as FOSA's youngest President -- all while being employed full-time. Mandy has one of the most extensive educational backgrounds of our membership in the fields of Anthropology and Archaeology. We thank her for your service and wish her much success in her new career with the federal government.
Scott Brady, President                   Brian D. Jones, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - 2018

March 24, 2018
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc. gratefully acknowledge the outstanding commitment and leadership of Scott Brady in serving as Volunteer Coordinator. Scott devotes many hours in both field and lab, working with and providing guidance for other volunteers. His expertise and hands-on contributions in managing equipment, excavating, cataloguing, organizing artifacts, performing data entry, and communicating with volunteers greatly benefit the Office of State Archaeology's work in Connecticut. Additionally, as a member of FOSA's Board of Directors, Scott contributes sound advice to Board decisions and tasks, and has provided particular assistance in maintaining the records of the Treasurer.
Mandy Ranslow, President                   Brian D. Jones, Connecticut State Archaeologist

March 24, 2018
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., honors DONALD RANKIN for his long-time dedication of time, effort and funding in support of Connecticut Archaeology. He is a founder of the annual Hammonassett Festival that celebrates Native American heritage and the regional environment. Sharing his extensive knowledge of the creation of the universe and its connection to Native American beliefs, he has demonstrated his genuine respect for others. Based on this knowledge and his extensive experience at Native American archaeological sites, he has informed the public about Connecticut archaeology through his lectures, appearances on radio and television, articles in print media, and leadership in numerous Archaeology Road Shows throughout southeastern Connecticut. Don is a member and a generous supporter of the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., the E. C. Scranton Memorial Library in Madison, and the Meigs Point Nature Center in Hammonasset Beach State Park through his work with the Friends of Hammonasset. His work is an outstanding example of Connecticut Avocational Archaeology.
Mandy Ranslow, President                   Brian D. Jones, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - 2017

March 25, 2017
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge AMELIA "AMY" MARIOTTI for her tireless work in restoring the OSA Town Site Inventory files to their useful purpose. Her attention to detail includes cross referencing information within the files. She has also included the site number of each file and matched each file to the town code of its CRM report. The library has also benefitted from her computer knowledge. FOSA thanks her for the hours, both at home and at Horsebarn Hill, and the detail orientation that she has given to this project.
Mandy Ranslow, President                   Brian D. Jones, Connecticut State Archaeologist

March 25, 2017
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge CAROL WEST for her work in making the OSA Library more user-friendly. Her detailed work enables the user to quickly locate a Journal, book or CRM report. Her notebook compilatino of the Library of Congress cataloging information has meant that books receive an accurate call number and it continues to be used. FOSA thanks her for her attention to detail and the time she has given to this project.
Mandy Ranslow, President                   Brian D. Jones, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - 2016

January 23, 2016
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology gratefully acknowledge the outstanding dedication and scholarship of PAUL SCANNELL, in furthering the goals of this organization.

Paul has conducted the research and been a principal investigator in locating the Newgate Prison Cemetery, the search for the Lt. Bradley crash site and locating the site of the Phelps House. This work has involved extensive interviews, hours of research at the Connecticut State Library and the Windsor Historical Society. He is also co-authoring a book about these investigations. In addition, he has served a number of years on the Board of Directors, and actively participated in fieldwork and cataloging artifacts.

Thank you, Paul, for bringing your enthusiasm for archaeology and your research skills to the benefit of archaeology in Connecticut.
Mandy Ranslow, President                   Brian D. Jones, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - 2015

January 25, 2015
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Cynthia Redman in enhancing the organization's management during three terms as president, and in devoting years of attention to improve the office's library. Her skills as an organizer and leader greatly improved the organization's committee structure, in part through her careful delegation of authority. Cynthia's skills as a teacher engaged children and adults at excavations, and widened the role of volunteers in many other activities. We look forward to many more years of her wisdom and contributions.
Mandy Ranslow, President                   Brian D. Jones, Connecticut State Archaeologist

January 24, 2015
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding service of Joan McCarthy in her work as the organization's corresponding secretary. Joan's skills in turning membership data into letters and membership cards kept up with the organization's growth, and strengthened its management. Her service was particularly selfless, as she refused virtually all reimbursement for correspondence costs. We thank her for her careful work, and look forward to many more years of her assistance to membership efforts.
Mandy Ranslow, President                   Brian D. Jones, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - 2014

January 25, 2014
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology (FOSA) gratefully acknowledges the outstanding contribution of PAULETTE BUCHANAN. Paulette, a FOSA member, has contributed an extensive amount of work in volunteering to catalog the Douglas Jordan Library that the OSA inherited. Paulette looked up the Library of Congress call numbers for each book, typed up the numbers and placed them on the books and completed the project by shelving them in order. When the Gungywamp Society dissolved, their library, papers, slides, pictures and files were transferred to the OSA. Again, Paulette duplicated the effort she had previously done with the OSA Library books. The service provided by Paulette was all done quietly, professionally and behind the scenes.

Thank you Paulette for your total dedication to the support of OSA and FOSA.
Cynthia Redman, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - 2013

January 23, 2013
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Roger Thompson. • Roger served as FOSA President from 2004 - 2007. Yet his support reaches beyond his years of service on the Board, much being accomplished "behind the scenes". In his attempt to procure much needed funding for OSA, he has worked with Connecticut State Legislators. • Roger has volunteered his time in research, preparations and field work for many OSA projects, including but not limited to locating the Old New Gate Prison Cemetery, the Bradley Crash site, the Venture Smith site, the Phelphs House and the Windsor Cemetery site. All these ventures required countless hours of interviewing witnesses, investigating documents and often spending hours at the Connecticut State Library, Town Halls and Historical Societies. • Roger has produced many reports on his projects and has collaborated in the writing of several publications such as "Henry Obookiah and his Delayed Trip Home", documenting the excavation work on the Henry Obookiah project. • Roger demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in bringing about a productive working relationship with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History / Connecticut Archaeology Center. In addition, Roger works in collaboration with many of FOSA's other committees. • Thank you Roger, for your selfless dedication to the support of OSA and FOSA.
Cynthia Redman, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - 2012

January 28, 2012
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of James Hall. Jim created and maintains FOSA's website www.fosa-ct.org. The website is rich in content and professionally presented. This site has enabled people across the country to become aware of FOSA, its purpose and activities, furthering the growth of FOSA's membership. As a member of the Board of Directors, Jim has held the position of Recording Secretary. Jim also contributes his time and efforts to scanning slides for Nick, Lab and Field Work, and as an Outreach volunteer. Thank you Jim for your dedicated and enthusiastic service to FOSA.
Cynthia Redman, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - 2011

January 29, 2011
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contribution that Dreda Hendsey has made through her many years as Treasurer for the organization. Dreda is a founding member of FOSA, serving on the Board since FOSA's beginning. We thank Dreda for her many years of dedicated service and look forward to many more.
Cynthia Redman, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - 2010

January 30, 2010
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc. gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contribution that Bruce Greene has made through his many years in support of the organization's archaeological work. Bruce is a founding member of FOSA, serving on the board for several years. He has spent a great deal of time cataloging and entering the collections into the database, and currently is acting as field director for the digs. We thank Bruce for his many years of dedicated service and look forward to many more.
Cynthia Redman, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist

CERTIFICATE OF HONOR - 2010 (special)

May, 2010
(Specific text is not currently available.)

This past May, a farewell reception was held at the Wood Memorial Library in South Windsor in honor of June Cooke. On behalf of FOSA, Dr. Nick Bellantoni presented June with a Certificate of Honor in appreciation of her "generous contributions of time and energy to preserving Connecticut's archaeological heritage." Nick regaled the guests with a narrative of June's immeasurable accomplishments as well as anecdotes of events from the past. To remember her FOSA friends, she was presented a Silver Trowel charm and necklace.
Cynthia Redman, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - 2009

January, 2009
(Specific text is not currently available.)

This award was presented to Richard LaRose. Dick was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for contributions he's performed in support of FOSA's archaeological work on projects in Connecticut over the past several years.
Cynthia Redman, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - 2008

January, 2008
(Specific text is not currently available.)

This award was jointly presented to Mae Johnson and Kris Keegan. Mae has been a member since the conception of FOSA in January 1997. She was among the first Board Members and held the position of Secretary. Of her present activities, she maintains the FOSA mail list and most important, is a member of the Newsletter Committee.

Kris is a member of the Newsletter Committee.
Cynthia Redman, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - 2007

January 27, 2007
The Friends of The Office Of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Mike Raber through his services as a founding member of the organization along with his role as immediate past President of the organization. Mike is especially recognized for his efforts and leadership directed toward raising the financial support necessary to fulfill the statutory duties and responsibilities of the Office Of State Archaeology. We thank Mike for his many years of past services and look forward to his continued involvement for years to come.
Roger J. Thompson, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist

January 27, 2007
(Specific text is not currently available.)

This award was presented to Gary Nolf. Gary has served in the position as the first President of FOSA, from January, 1997 thru January, 2000, and worked diligently to promote the work of the organization.
Roger J. Thompson, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - 2006

January 28, 2006
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Bonnie Beatrice in promoting the organization's mission at numerous public events, and in undertaking important research projects on Connecticut archaeological sites under land and water. A skilled artist as well as a founding member of the organization, Bonnie has created public displays and donated graceful, archaeologically-themed ornaments. Her unstinting efforts have enhanced our membership. We also thank Bonnie for her service to the Board, and look forward to many more years of her unique contributions.
Roger J. Thompson, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist

January 28, 2006
The Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Kenneth Beatrice through his services as a leader of laboratory operations throughout the organization's history, as our principal researcher in underwater archaeological projects, and as one of our principal promoters of Connecticut archaeology at countless public events. Since our earliest days, his educational work using displays or helping students have introduced the organization's mission to hundreds of people. We also thank Ken for his service to the Board, and look forward to many more enjoyable years to come.
Roger J. Thompson, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - 2005

January 29, 2005
The Friends Of The Office Of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contribution that John Spaulding has made in preservation of the work associated with the archaeological digs. Through his professional quality photographic services, John has provided the office with a record that supplements the written record associated with these activities. His thoroughness and promptness are without equal and we look forward to many more years of his invaluable work.
Roger J. Thompson, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist

January 29, 2005
The Friends of The Office Of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of David Cooke through his services as a founding member of the organization and his continuing role in coordinating the work associated with the archaeological digs. His knowledge, patience and humor in working with the volunteers is greatly appreciated and serve as a shining example of what management skills are all about. We thank Dave for has many years of past services and look forward to many more enjoyable years to come.
Roger J. Thompson, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - 2004

January 24, 2004
The Friends of The Office Of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Leanne Kennedy Harty to the creation of the Connecticut Archaeology Center. As a member of the Friends, and as interim director of the Connecticut Museum of Natural History, her creative management has helped establish a permanent home for some of Connecticut's most important archaeological collections, and has greatly enhanced the Office of State a Archaeology which will direct the center for the museum.
Roger J. Thompson, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist

January 24, 2004
The Friends of The Office Of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of June Cooke in her service as a founding Board member, as treasurer from 2002-2004, and as newsletter coordinator. She is one of the few people of whom it can be said that without her, the Friends would probably not exist. We thank her for her past hard work, and look forward to her continued help and guidance.
Roger J. Thompson, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist







VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE - 2003 (special)

October 5, 2003
The Office of State Archaeology, and the Friends of The Office Of State Archaeology, Inc., gratefully acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Luci Fernandes to the Office's field and laboratory efforts in preserving Connecticut's archaeological heritage.
Mike Raber, President                   Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist