My First Eco-Visionary

A Tribute to Albert Feldman…My First Eco-Visionary

When the world was “Radio Silent” on Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring, my Dad was a “Vocal Ambassador.”

Birth. My Dad, Albert Feldman was born on January 3, 1926. Upon landing on the planet, his first words were “Goo Goo Butterfly!”

Childhood. My Dad catches his first frog at age 7 (eco-guestimate).

Teens. Working at Harry Feldman “Feldman’s Pharmacy.” Many “Mint Chip” ice cream sodas indulged.

My dad majors in Biology, minors in “Butterflies” (got entomology?)

At 18, my dad was drafted into the U.S. Army Medical Division. Goes to California and falls in love with Carmel (the town, not the confection).

Boston University. Meets Irma Feldman at a mixer. Proposes to her 6 weeks later – he gave her a “turtle pin.” Married on June 14,1953.

Ashokan Reservoir. He teaches Me and Barry (my older brother), a love of nature (feeding baby birds with droppers, catching more Butterflies)

Poughkeepsie, NY. Biology Professor for 2 decades at Dutchess Community College plus “Eco-Extra-Curriculars–” Marine Pollution research on the Hudson, Volunteer on Pete Seeger’s Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Environmental Educator for the Girl Scouts and Pawling Nature Reserve.

The Country Gardener @ WEOK & WPDH. Al hosted the “Country Gardener” talk radio show. A listener called in to ask why her cat was eating her plants. His reply . . . “Your cat may be low on iron, give him “Geritol.”

Scottsdale, AZ. 30 years of “It’s a Wonderful Green Life!” in the Desert — growing tomatoes in his green house, stalking wild Prickly Pear Cactus, and teaching Yiddish to the Young & Old.