Elizabeth "Diz" Callender was passionate about a clean and beautiful Essex, organizing town Clean Up Days, helping with the weeding of the traffic island at the intersection of Routes 154 and 153, and restoring the wilderness along the Falls River, known today as Osage Trail. Upon her passing five years ago, a bequest was made to The Essex Foundation for supporting local land initiatives. Diz was predeceased by her sister Mary who shared the same passion for Essex and its natural beauty. To honor the two sisters' legacy, the Elizabeth Barnes Callender and Mary Francis Barnes Annual Scholarship was established by The Essex Foundation in memory of their commitment to land conservation and preservation. A $3000 scholarship is available each year to one Valley Regional High School graduating senior or graduate, or an Essex resident who is pursuing studies related to land conservation and preservation at a two or four-year college, a technical school, or graduate school, or taking accredited courses. Fields of study may include biology, botany, agronomy, ecology, horticulture, -floriculture, forestry, landscape design, or environmental science. The application deadline is May 20. Information and forms can be found at the school’s counseling office and online at www.theessexfoundation.org.