Cullum Is Person of the Year

The Amagansett Chamber of Commerce has named Dell Cullum, a photographer and wildlife removal specialist, as its first Person of the Year. Mr. Cullum, who was given the award at the chamber’s holiday open house at the 434 on Main guest house last Thursday, was recognized for outstanding service to the community.

This year, Mr. Cullum organized several trash pickups in the hamlet, including those of the shoreline, the Napeague stretch, and the Long Island Rail Road station, as well as the Gansett Trash Bash, a weekly event through the month of August in which volunteers picked up litter from the streets. He also encouraged participation in the Town of East Hampton’s Adopt-a-Road project.

“Through his Hampton Wildlife Removal and Rescue, Dell has humanely rescued many of our four-legged friends,” said Joi Jackson Perle, the chamber’s executive director. “And finally, through his camera and website, Imagination Nature, Dell has captured the natural beauty of our town, our beaches, and all points in between. He has become the recorder of both everyday life and important milestones in the lives of those that make up the fabric of Amagansett and the surrounding towns, quietly photographing ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”

At a celebration of the Gansett Trash Bash volunteers’ accomplishment held on the grounds of the Amagansett Historical Association in September, David Trotta, a musician and the general manager of Jack’s Stir-Brew, gave the gift of a free concert to Mr. Cullum. Mr. Cullum opted to incorporate the gift into a larger event. At the East Hampton Methodist Church on Friday, Mr. Trotta and Mr. Cullum prepared and served a holiday dinner to over 35 guests from Maureen’s Haven, which provides shelter and services to the homeless on eastern Long Island. Mr. Trotta then sat at the piano and delivered a solo performance of Christmas favorites.