Greenwood Lake In the famous Russian ballet “Swan Lake,” Odette, the Swan Queen, dies. Despite a recent heroic attempt by the Warwick Valley Humane Society, a swan on a local lake fared no better. On Thursday, Dec. 22, Marty Filipowski and his parents, Adam and Tinie Filipowski were watching a swan sitting on the ice near their home on Greenwood Lake. “When it stood up and attempted to fly,” said Filipowski, “we noticed that it was stuck.” The family called the Greenwood Lake Police, which, in turn, contacted the Warwick Valley Humane Society. Shortly afterwards, Suzyn Barron, president of the Society, and Laura Trezza, both of whom serve as animal control officers, arrived with a blanket, nets, towels and leash. But they were ill equipped for the task ahead. Although the swan was only about 100 feet from the shoreline, walking on the fresh one-half inch thick ice was out of the question. Adam Filipowski loaned the rescue team his aluminum rowboat, life jackets and an ax. After about two hours of chopping and rowing in their makeshift “icebreaker,” Barron and Trezza succeeded in reaching the swan. “It was suffering from ulcerated tumors and its wing was frozen to the ice,” said Barron. “Laura was able to free it and the swan thanked her by biting her hand.” Fortunately, Laura Trezza was wearing heavy gloves and after hauling the swan into the boat and covering it with a blanket, the bird became calm which made for a more tranquil trip to shore. Turning the boat around in the narrow channel that they had just cut, however, was one more challenge. But with a little more chopping, they managed to reverse course and head for shore. “We had frozen fingers, feet and legs and Mr. Filipowski was cheering us on,” recalled Barron. “He was the true rescuer because without his boat, advice and aid, we would never have reached the injured swan.” Adam Filipowski’s son Marty returned the compliment. “The rescuers had guts,” he said. “It was cold and they were tired and wet but they made it. Talk about human courage and strength. These two women were fantastic.” After arriving at the Shelter, Barron decided to take the rescued swan to a veterinary hospital. “Unfortunately,” she said, “the swan died on Christmas Day. I wish this story had a happy ending, but at least the swan was safe, warm and comfortable as opposed to suffering in pain.” The Warwick Valley Humane Society, through its Wildlife Fund, rescues a variety of local birds and animals. All are given a fighting chance and most survive. There is a “Swan Lake” in Shandong Province, China, where swans represent good luck and happiness. Anyone saving an injured swan on that lake is rewarded with 300 yuan, about $36.