Environmental
MERIT AW
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At the first Earth Day 39 years ago,
20 million Americans stood up to protect human health and the environment.
It was a time when many American cities were blanketed with dangerous
pollution and smog ...
A time when in many communities, local waterways were too polluted to swim in,
to fish from, or to drink...
That first Earth Day grew into a movement that reached millions more, and built a
better future for all of us.
We've helped clear harmful toxins from our air, our water, and land.
And what started with those 20 million Americans almost four decades ago will
engage more than a billion people this Earth Day, April 22nd.
People all around the world will join together to say that it is our job to protect and
preserve our planet and the people that live on it.
We've seen how far we can come if individuals take the initiative and get involved.
But we still have a long way to go ...
to protect our most vulnerable communities, especially the children that live in them ...
to remove pollution and toxic chemicals from our air, water, and land ...
and to build a clean energy economy that creates new jobs, clears the air, and
frees us from our dependence on foreign oil.
That way, people 39 years from now will remember that this generation helped to
build a better Future For all of us.
We won't get there without your help.
Visit epa.gov/earthday to find out about events and volunteer opportunities in your
community.
Celebrate Earth Day this year by making April Earth Month.
Then think about stretching that out into an Earth Year.
I look forward to joining you. Thank you very much.
- Lisa P. Jackson
Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Environmental
MERITAvv
^2009
We/come to the 2009
Environmental Merit Awards Ceremony
Happy Earth Day! It is my pleasure to celebrate and honor our community leaders and
heroes who have made a real difference improving New England's environment and
protecting those who live, work and play in it.
There has never been a time in the 39 years since the first Earth Day celebration where
partnerships, innovations, and initiatives have taken on more importance. Our award recipi-
ents exemplify true leadership and provide hope and inspiration for our future.
Whether you are an individual with a solitary achievement, or a person with a lifetime
dedicated to public service; an environmental organization, government worker or busi-
ness entity—we recognize that making our water safe for drinking, swimming and fishing;
our air safe for breathing; and our land free of hazards; takes hard work, teamwork and
strong partnerships.
Congratulations to our Environmental Merit Award winners. You have been great partners,
innovators and initiators and should be proud that you have made a real difference in pro-
tecting public health and New England's environment. Keep up the great work and we look
forward to celebrating your continued achievements with you in the coming years.
With sincere thanks,
Ira W. Leighton
Acting Regional Administrator
EPA New England
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Lifetime Achievement
Environmental
MERITAV\!
H. Meade Cadof
Dr. H. Meade Cadot dedicated a career of 38 years to the Harris Center for Conservation Educa-
tion in Hancock, NH. During his years there, he built the kind of exemplary land trust that blends
land protection with education and stewardship. Ahead of his time, Meade had a vision in the
1970s of a contiguous protected greenway. He understood that protecting habitats is essential
for preserving biodiversity. When Meade began at the Harris Center, it oversaw! 00 acres of
protected land. Through partnerships Meade increased this to more than 12,000 acres, shaping
and influencing the quality of life in the Monadnock region for the present, for the future, for people
and for wildlife. He led people into the woods and wilderness of southern New Hampshire, firm in
his belief that those who experience nature are more interested in protecting it. Whether leading
tracking trips or heading a team for the Christmas Bird Count, Meade has opened the doors of
the natural world to a generation of people. His center has served more than 4,000 students in
25 regional schools. As he retires from the Harris Center, Meade is being recognized for his life
commitment to protecting land for wildlife and connecting people to this land.
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Lifetime Achievement
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Dovid S» Chose (posthumous)
David Chase, who died in November, is being recognized for the extraordinary work he did for
theNH Radon Program over 17 years working for the NH Department of Environmental Services
(NHDES). Under Dave's tenure, he brought the program up to EPA and state standards and
received national recognition for his work. His expertise allowed him to consult with several national
and international organizations, including the World Health Organization. During his tenure in
New Hampshire, Dave collected more than 23,000 test results from homes in the annual radon
survey. This let him map radon occurrence across the state and made the state program one of
the country's leading authorities on the mapping of radon occurrence. It let scientists analyze
radon occurrence in the state in relation to geology and home construction. From the time he
began as an emergency response planner with the state Bureau of Radiological Health in 1991
through 2008, when he was running the Radon Program, Dave was passionate about his work,
and cared deeply about his colleagues and the world around him.
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Lifetime Achievement
Environmental
MERITAWj
Owen Grumbling
Owen Grumbling has a passion for conservation that has come through during his years
of work for the town. He has chaired the town of Wells Conservation Commission since
1982, and has inspired and educated countless students and community members so that
they appreciate and work to protect their surroundings. Owen created the town conserva-
tion committee to champion creation of the Wells Estuarine Research Reserve at Laudholm
Farm to protect the coastal habitat. Under his leadership, the town created a land bank for
land conservation and yearly set aside funds to buy undeveloped property. The town also
started getting gifts of land from families who wanted to preserve the town's rural character.
Owen wrote a town ordinance governing the definition and use of town conservation lands
and giving citizens authority over this land. Owen strongly believes land conservation is most
effective when people in a town take responsibility for their own living space. Today, the town has
two designated Wildlife Commons - large shared spaces - each about 600 acres. The town's
Land Bank has grown to nearly a million dollars. In addition to this land conservation work, Owen
served for 12 years on the board of the National Resources Council of Maine, an environmental
advocacy group. For more than 30 years he has taught university students the value of conserva-
tion. His anthology of nature writing from 1990 remains in print today. Throughout Maine he is
highly regarded and admired for his long-standing efforts to promote conservation.
James R. Milkey
Assistant Attorney General James Milkey was recently nominated to be a judge on the Mas-
sachusetts Appeals Court. He also was nominated by his wife for another honor: this merit
award "for his work over the last 25 years in environmental law." James, who headed the
AG's environmental protection division, is best known for a few specific cases and EPA agrees
his work deserves this lifetime achievement honor. Most notably, in 2007, Jim won a case
challenging the federal government's refusal to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases. EPA
has since reversed its position and embraced the court's ruling. In 1990, Jim also convinced
the state supreme court that Proposition 2-1/2 did not excuse municipalities from complying
with environmental standards. And in 1994, Jim convinced the First Circuit Court of Appeals
to break with the New York court and allow Massachusetts to adopt "the California Motor
vehicles emissions standard." Most importantly, perhaps, Jim built the Environmental Protection
Division of the Mass. Office of the Attorney General into one of the premier environmental
protection organizations in the country.
Robert Paquin
Robert Paquin, a leader in protecting Vermont's environment since 1977, has been Senator
Leahy's "go-to" guy on environmental issues for more than three decades. In this role, he has
shaped environmental policy and brought many parties together for the good of his state's
environment. Bob helped write legislation to form the Lake Champlain Management Confer-
ence. This legislation, which brought together government, university and local partners, was
key to the growth of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. In addition, Bob's support for farmers
was central to farm legislation he drafted, always keeping in mind a balance of politics, policy,
finances and the environment. He has also been a champion of environmental education for
youth, and hired young interns in his office to give them experience with environmental issues.
A great problem-solver with great people skills, Bob reaches out to make sure whatever issue
he is involved in has a successful outcome.
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Lifetime Achievement
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Pamela P. Resor
After 18 years in the Massachusetts legislature and 30 years of dedication to environmental
protection, Pamela Resor recently retired as a state senator and chair of the Senate Committee
on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. Her commitment to strong environmental
laws has earned her this recognition. Pamela played an active role in her town of Acton when
W.R. Grace was linked in 1978 to pollution in the town's water supply. The town sought her
help to address the problem, and after serving on the board of health she became a selectman
in 1981 and continued to work on the water supply crisis. She served as director of the Mass.
Association of Conservation Commissions before setting her sights on a legislative position. Her
legislative record included restructuring the state hazardous waste cleanup law and leading
the fight for Brownfields legislation to ease redevelopment of urban waste sites. She was also
instrumental in legislation protecting rivers, and providing open space, affordable housing and
historic preservation. She has been a tireless advocate for the state park system, protection of
local conservation land and the budgets of state environmental agencies. Most recently, she
was chief sponsor of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative legislation. Pamela leaves a rich
legacy of environmental protection in Massachusetts.
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Lifetime Achievement
Environmental
MERITAV\|
J2009
Mark H. Robinson
As executive director of a coalition of land trusts on Cape Cod, Mark H. Robinson has had a
long-running commitment to the environment. In his role at the Compact of Cape Cod Conserva-
tion Trusts, where he has worked since it was founded in 1986, he has carried out significant land
conservation projects throughout Barnstable County. During this time, the compact has provided
technical help to 24 member land trusts and watershed associations representing 10,000 mem-
bers in 15 towns. With limited dollars and high real estate values, Mark has designed projects
that helped trusts prioritize land acquisitions and make the best land conservation decisions. For
instance, he initiated a project that created maps identifying the locations of the most critical habi-
tat and another project that evaluated the most critical lands around the Cape's 400 freshwater
ponds. His work to educate landowners and raise funds included more than 100 presentations at
conferences, town meetings and in living rooms. The compact has also run a loan fund to provide
land trusts with capital. So far it has given 29 loans for a total of $2.1 million to leverage protec-
tion of more than 345 acres valued at $ 10 million. According to the Harwich Conservation Trust,
Mark has dedicated his life to preserving land, which protects the natural resources that define
the very essence of Cape Cod.
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Lifetime Achievement
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Michael W. Shannon, M.D, (posthumous)
Dr. Michael Shannon, a leader in the field of pediatric environmental health, has been called the
world's pre-eminent pediatric toxicologist. Loved and admired at Children's Hospital, Shannon
reduced the risks of environmental hazards and protected millions of children worldwide through
his work on lead poisoning, drug abuse and clinical pharmacology. Also known as the "dancing
doctor" for his talent in modern dance, Michael devoted himself to protecting children worldwide.
He was a partner to many programs in EPA and other federal agencies, offering medical expertise,
technical skills, vision and compassion. Among the roles he served were: chief and chair of emer-
gency medicine at Children's Hospital, member of the Center for Disease Control workgroup for
childhood lead poisoning, chief of the Center for Preparedness at Children's Hospital and the first
African American full professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. He also made contribu-
tions through his teaching and publications as well as his devoted work with community non-profits.
Michael was a pioneer in children's health and helped establish children's environmental health as
a clinical specialty. His leadership and vision led to creation of the model Pediatric Environmental
Health Specialty Unit at Children's Hospital. Michael, who appeared in Black Nativity and Urban
Nutcracker, died March 10 after a trip to tango with his wife in Argentina.
Robert W, Vamey
As the longest-serving regional administrator and the top environmental official in New England,
Mr. Varney was responsible for taking on high profile initiatives associated with climate change,
energy efficiency and renewables, homeland security and preparedness, clean air and safe drinking
water, Superfund and Brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, environmental justice and healthy
communities, and the restoration of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Bob is nationally recognized for
instituting many innovative approaches and policy initiatives that have served as national models.
Previously, Mr. Varney was one of the nation's longest-serving state environmental commissioners.
As Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), he was
appointed by three governors of both political parties. He also served as Director of the New
Hampshire Office of State Planning, Executive Director of the Nashua Regional Planning Commis-
sion, and Executive Director of the Upper Valley-Lake Sunapee Council. In addition, Mr. Varney
has chaired numerous professional organizations such as the Environmental Council of the States,
NH Energy Facility Evaluation Committee, NH Water Resources Council, Federal Ozone Transport
Commission, Governmental Advisory Committee, and the EPA Superfund Policy Forum.
Lynn Werner
Lynn Werner is executive director of the Housatonic Valley Association, one of the oldest citizen's
watershed protection organizations in the county. Since graduating from the University of Con-
necticut in 1976, Lynn has worked to protect the environment. She began at the Conn. Department
of Environmental Protection conducting creel surveys and monitoring fish populations. In 1983, she
joined the Housatonic Valley Association where she worked with citizens and local governments
to make sure their voices were heard on regional environmental issues, including construction of
gas pipelines, siting of low level nuclear waste sites and construction of a new four-lane highway.
She and her team worked with the National Park Service to protect more than 7,000 acres on the
Housatonic River. She helped grassroots groups and state and local agencies as the EPA began
removing PCBs from the Housatonic. And in 1991 she began a 29-town program to protect open
space and improve public access along both the Housatonic and Naugatuck rivers. In addition
to her work with the Housatonic Valley Association, which has doubled in size and capacity since
she began there, Lynn also serves on several other environmental boards and committees. She is
a founding member of the Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, and a member and former chair of the
Rivers Advisory Committee for the state Department of Environmental Protection.
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Individual
Environmental
J 2009
Patricia L. Barry
Director, Medford, MA Energy & Environment (E&E)
As the Director of the Medford E&E, Patricia Barry has displayed exemplary leadership and
devotion to the Medford Energy Independence Project, successfully constructing the first
community scale wind turbine at a municipal school in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Installed at the McGlynn Elementary/Middle School, the TOO kilowatt wind turbine will pro-
vide 170,000 kilowatt hours of wind power to the school, reducing an estimated $25,000 in
electricity costs and offsetting 133 tons of carbon dioxide each year. Furthermore, the project
will serve as a valuable educational tool, an inspiring monument, a highly visible symbol of
Medford's commitment to renewable energy, and provide leadership for other municipalities.
Among many partnered endeavors Ms. Barry took on, she worked with ICLEI Sustainability
for Local Governments to create a Project Case Study to provide a baseline for other com-
munities to approach similar types of renewable energy projects in the future. Lastly, with the
help from her partners, Ms. Barry successfully integrated a curriculum of renewable energy
into Medford Public Schools, instilling a lasting presence of environmental awareness into the
generations to come.
Mike DiBara and Tom Bienkiewicz
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Scott Durkee
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Mike DiBara, of the Worcester Office of MA DEP, took on the challenge of energy efficiency
in water and wastewater facilities in Massachusetts, recognizing a growing need in cities and
towns who are not in the financial position to make investments needed to realize potential
energy savings from those Facilities. Tom Bienkiewicz was also an important part of this project.
Scott Durkee, of the Department of Energy Resources, provided important support for Energy
Audits. Over a year ago, Mike, Tom, and Scott began an Energy Management Pilot, developing
an innovative partnership with local, state and federal entities and energy utility companies to
reduce energy consumption by 20%, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and develop a model
for strategic use of utility and public funding at fourteen water and waste water facilities. The
results of the project after one year included: the investment of $9 million; annual cost savings
of $1.2 million dollars/yr; annual savings of 9.4 million kilowatts/yr; the reduction of 7,000
tons of carbon dioxide/yr; and a fourteen percent savings in energy use and carbon dioxide
reductions. The reason the pilot got such stunning results was the overall collaborative nature
of the project. Mike was willing to work with the enormous bureaucracies of institutions such
as investor- owned utilities in order to implement the project, while Tom and Scott's expertise in
this area has contributed to the ongoing success and savings in both energy and money for the
participating utilities. A huge amount of time went into meetings and presentations in order to
get all the parties who are part of the energy world in Massachusetts to cooperate and offer
services at low or no cost to municipalities. The project is now taking on Phase II, with another
200 drinking water and 120 wastewater Facilities left to be addressed.
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• I • • I I i ^^ ^^"^^fc^^ United States
InniVlfjIinl 1 ^f^fmW^mA Environmental Protection
ii IMI T iviwrvii | ^^^_| J^mAgency
Cynthia Gianfrancesco
Principal Environmental Scientist in the Office of Waste Management
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Cynthia Gianfrancesco has worked hard to find funding and support for the development
and implementation of a successful targeted brownfields assessment program for the state of
Rhode Island, establishing a successful means of providing assistance to the communities of
the state who have contaminated properties in need of assessment as the first step in plans for
site redevelopment and revitalization. Although Cynthia started out by utilizing some portion
of the 128(a) Brownfields funding annually allotted to Rhode Island, her success in attract-
ing properties to her program quickly outstripped her funding capacity. In an effort to better
respond to the overwhelming needs of the communities in her state for the past two years, she
has applied directly for assessment funding through the very competitive Brownfields annual
competition. She received awards of $200,000 in 2007 and $400,000 in 2008. The addi-
tional Funding has allowed her to expand the number of communities she is serving, including
Woonsocket, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Warwick, West Warwick, Cranston, and Coventry.
Cynthia's success had been both a model and an impetus for other state brownfields programs
to build upon their existing capabilities. Cynthia's dedication, ability to think beyond what she
is given and her relentless effort has helped make many brownfields projects in Rhode Island
to become a reality.
Robert Gogan, Jr.
Recycling and Waste Manager, Harvard University
In his work as Harvard's Recycling and Waste Manager, Rob Gogan has inspired environmental
leaders across campus and led the University to remarkable achievements in sustainability and
waste management. Sustainability is Rob's lifestyle and worldview, and he uses his work to link
environmental and humanitarian objectives. Not only is the existence of Harvard's recycling
program a product of his efforts, but he can also be attributed to the hundreds of thousands of
dollars worth of reusable Harvard excess that have been diverted from the waste stream into
receptive hands. Rob connects Boston-area non-profits with Harvard's discarded furniture and
office supplies through the Surplus Distribution he created and now runs; his annual Valentine's
Day cosmetics drive provides a Cambridge woman's shelter with hundreds of pounds of "gently
used" cosmetics; and the annual Harvard "Stuff Sale" resells to new students in September
what would have otherwise been tons of student move-out waste in May. All proceeds from
this sale (totaling over $60,000 last year) benefit the Harvard chapter of Habitat for Human-
ity. Rob's commitment to his cause has not just benefitted the local community, but inspires and
enlightens the ever-changing campus community as well.
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Individual
Environmental
Jeremy Quay
Bay Path Regional Vocational Technology High School
Jeremy Guay has done an extensive amount of environmental work in various capacities
this year to help educate best practices for autobody work. As a STAR painter and instructor
at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technology High School, Jeremy has helped select and
set up equipment, developed policies and practices at Bay Path High School that provided
students there with a thorough knowledge and training in best practices in autobody shops,
that is "greening" the profession of autobody work. The Bay Path High School shop was
established in a time when many autobody shops and voc tech schools had not adopted
pollution prevention operations that incorporated health and safety practices. He was also
instrumental in securing the Bay Path facilities for student and voc tech instructor workshops,
making a contact list for vocational directors in the MA Association of Vocational Administra-
tors, outreach to autobody shop instructors and instructed and assisted some of the workshops
himself. Always happy to stay extra time to answer questions, travel distances at his own
expense and outstanding marks on evaluation sheets, it is obvious that Jeremy's instruction
was the high point of these workshops. Mr. Guay's ability to convey practically and pas-
sionately the best practices to foster environmental stewardship and protect occupational
health and safety has a lasting affect on his students, peers and other voc tech instructors.
Jeff Hanulec
Director of Engineering, Wesf/n Copley Place
Jeff Hanulec is being recognized for his extraordinary results in the achievement of green-
ing three Boston hotels, and for influencing other hoteliers to green their facilities as well.
Beginning seven years ago when Jurys Hotel Boston opened, he persuaded the owners
to fund an extensive energy efficiency retrofit that eventually led the hotel to receive an
Energy Star label. Jeff then went on to work for the Westin Waltham Hotel as their direc-
tor in engineering, where he again persuaded the owners to invest in energy efficiency
projects. In less then a year he moved the facility's Energy Star score from 26 to 51. Jeff
also initiated a broad scale recycling program and installed equipment that reduced the
hotel's water consumption. In the summer of 2007, Jeff stepped up to his current position
with Westin Copley Place, where he quickly helped secure an EPA Waste Wise grant to start
the facility's recycling program. In 2008, the hotel recycled 114 tons of material, including
27 tons of organic waste. Under his guidance, the annual electricity use was reduced by
1.1 million kilowatts, gas by 125,000 therms and water by 22.5 million gallons. He also
implemented many different kinds of energy efficient technologies in the hotel. Jeff's influ-
ence also extends beyond these three hotels—he has been a presenter on an EPA Energy
Star webinar on benchmarking hotels, helped Keyspan Energy on a study of the efficacy
of ozone laundry equipment, is a member of Starwood's Corporate Sustainability Council,
and has been a key leader within Boston Green Tourism.
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• I • • I I i ^^ ^^"^^fc^^ United States
InniVlfjIinl 1 ^f^fmW^mA Environmental Protection
ii IMI T iviwrvii | ^^^_| J^mAgency
Katherine G. Kennedy, M.D.
C7 Stop the Pipeline
Dr. Kennedy began the bipartisan, grass roots organization "CT Stop the Pipeline" to educate
and promote civic activism to prevent the installation of an interstate gas pipeline by Islander
East across the Long Island Sound. The pipeline would have destroyed hundreds of acres of
protected open space and natural habitats and irrevocably damaged the waters, seabed and
aquatic life of the Long Island Sound. CT Stop the Pipeline and Dr. Kennedy's voice were heard
at all levels of government, including the town, CT DEP, the CT Citing Council, the CT Attorney
General, the CT General Assembly, the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers, the U.S. Department
of Commerce and the FERC, as well as many state and federal courtrooms. Dr. Kennedy's
success means that the current and future generations will be able to enjoy and marvel at the
beauty and the sustenance that Long Island Sound provides to millions of people. Dr. Kennedy
and her organization have left a legacy for other communities to have as a template to forge
partnerships and coalitions, education the public and government, and create a record that
can be effectively applied to protecting our resources and environment.
William Leahy
Chief Executive Director for Operations for the Institute for
Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University
Bill Leahy is responsible for the overall organization and operation management of the Eastern
Connecticut State University, Institute for Sustainable Energy and has been a tireless advocate
for energy efficiency. The Institute was established in 2001 to identify, develop, and implement
the means for achieving a sustainable energy future and works on education, information and
public policy. Focusing on energy education, Bill has created a one-week course to train school
building management staff as well as curriculum for high school students. Through his efforts,
over 60 school systems and 200 schools have been trained to work on energy efficiency
in their schools. This training included the use of the ENERGY STAR portfolio manager tool,
the process of benchmarking municipal buildings and tracking of energy use as a means of
prioritizing the worst energy consuming buildings. Bill also works with other energy organiza-
tions in the State including the CT Energy Fund, the CT legislature and the CT Green Building
champter of the US Green Building council.
Matthew Moore
Director of Rooms and Environmental Programs, Seaport Hotel
In 2005, Matt Moore developed an environmental program for his hotel named Seaport
Saves. This program enabled Seaport Hotel to increase sustainable practices throughout the
organization. Under Matt's leadership, the hotel reduced electricity use by 1.3 million kilowatts,
purchased REC's for their guest room electricity use and achieved a 43 percent recycling rate.
The Seaport's Green Team encourages their guests, team members and vendors to embrace and
practice environmentally-friendly lifestyles as well. Since 2005, the Seaport Saves program has
undertaken two-dozen green initiatives—many of which are groundbreaking for regional and U.S.
hotels—and received numerous awards and recognition. Matt's dedication to the environmental
movement goes beyond being the eco-ambassador for Seaport. He also is an important member
of Boston Green Tourism, serves on the Advisory Board for PhilaGreen Hospitality Association,
and has influenced many hoteliers across the country to green their Facilities.
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Environmental, Community,
Academic, & Non-profit Organizations
Environmental
MERITAW
i2009
Breath of Life Dorchester Teens fB.O.L.D. Teens)
Reverend Bill ioesch, Cynthia Loesch, Nebulla Stephen, Celine O'Connor,
Alexander Chery, Dona/in Cazeau, Tiara Amaranfe, Shanaya Coke, Hyacynth Dixon,
Mellisa Nash, Gera/da Syfvain, Tayfyse Wornum, SeWicfea fiien-Aime,
Ronny DeLeon, Yairo Fernandez Rodney Simmons, Briana Miller, David Mejia
The Breath of Life Dorchester Teens (B.O.LD. Teens) is a youth-led organization concerned
with the health, environment, and safety of their community. Dorchester, Massachusetts is
an economically disadvantaged minority community that confronts environmental injustices
such as illegal dumping, hazardous waste, sewer overflows, and idling diesel buses on a
daily basis. In 2008, the teens began to address air quality and community green space.
They volunteered to work in partnership with EPA New England's Urban Environmental
Program Special Project Coordinator and the Lead Action Collaborative (LAC) to help
with efforts to end childhood lead poisoning in Boston, educating themselves about lead
poisoning and the Community Assessment Tool (CAT) to look at neighborhood conditions
on a house-by-house, street-by-street, lot-by-lot basis to identify areas with potential high
risks. The teens collected CAT data on nearly 1,000 houses that are currently being ana-
lyzed and used to focus lead poisoning prevention efforts. In addition to their lead work,
the teens worked with Roots & Shoots New England on a neighborhood beautification
project, and worked with Codman Square Health Council - Family Inc. in organizing a
Farmer's Market in Codman Square during the summer. The B.O.L.D. teens are a young
and motivated group and have made outstanding contributions on behalf of human
health and our environment.
Citizens for a Green Came/en
Citizens for a Green Camden are a small group of concerned citizens working to make
their community a better and healthier place to live, focusing specifically on the elimination
of poisons being used on lawns in their community. Their first milestone victory was suc-
cessfully passing a pesticide policy to eliminate the use of pesticides on the town's parks
and playing fields, which has since been adopted by the neighboring town, Rockport.
They also compare notes with a citizens group in Castine. The organization continues
to work to educate homeowners about the dangers of using poisons on their lawns,
running programs and providing written educational materials for residents at the town
office. They were able to convince the town Bed and Breakfasts to join their efforts by not
using pesticides on their properties, advertising those partners at the local Chamber of
Commerce for visitors to see. The organization continues its education outreach through
various other community-based methods to eventually eliminate poisons being used on
lawns in the entire Camden community.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
As a responsible provider of healthcare services and research into the causes and preven-
tion of cancer, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to the health of their patients, staff,
communities and environment. In 2008 the Institute proactively sought and implemented
new and better ways to meet its environmental goals through conservation, reduction,
reuse, and recycling programs, and through partnerships with others in the community
to safeguard the environment. Over the course of the year, the Institute collected over
262.65 tons of various materials for recycling or reuse, serving as a leader and great
example to healthcare providers across the nation.
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Environmental, Community, Academic, & Non-profit Organizations
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environment Northeast (ENE)
Environment Northeast is a non-profit organization that researches and advocates innovative
policies that tackle their environmental challenges while promoting sustainable economies.
ENE is a leader of efforts at the state and regional levels combating global warming with
solutions that promote clean energy, clean air, and healthy forests. In 2008, ENE made a
leadership contribution by putting energy efficiency policies to work in multiple New England
states. Working with broad coalitions of stakeholders and policy makers, ENE advanced a new
and innovative model for increasing and institutionalizing investments in energy efficiency that
can be replicated across states, sectors, and at the national level: the Efficiency Procurement
model. The model fundamentally changes the way electric and gas utilities purchase energy
resources to meet their customers' needs by requiring that all cost-efficient energy efficiency
be purchased first by electric and gas utilities before investing in more expensive, traditional
supply side contracts. This translates into huge economic and environmental savings by dou-
bling or tripling efficiency funding. The Procurement model is measurable and replicable, and
has already been adopted by four New England states: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine
and Massachusetts.
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Environmental, Community,
Acodtttiiii, & Non-profit Organizations
Environmental
The Food Project
The Food Project gathers youth and adults from all backgrounds and abilities and gives
them the opportunity to contribute purposefully to society by growing food for the hungry
and caring for the land. The 170 teens, staff and over 3,000 volunteers practice sustain-
able agriculture by employing techniques such as composting, drip irrigation, and limited
pesticide use to leave a smaller footprint on the earth. In 2008 alone, they raised over
200,000 pounds of produce-40 percent going to hunger relief organizations, and 60
percent being sold at reasonable prices through a local cooperative and farmers markets.
The Food Project also focuses on youth development so that teens will learn civic respon-
sibility, environmental appreciation, earning a salary, how to organize in the community,
public speaking and job training. This organization serves as a resource center for other
groups and individuals worldwide, providing capacity building for organizations and
educators to learn their innovative practices through materials, youth training, and profes-
sional development opportunities.
,M^ii 2. «*>->**>•<——~~— ---•• - -: ,
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Environmental, Community, Academia, & Non-profit Organizations | *s*s*l—ti*Ml Environmental Protection
United States
Environ
Agency
Long Creek Restoration Project Team
Long Creek is a small urban stream in Maine that does not meet state water quality standards
due to high density urbanized development over the past several decades, converting the
landscape from forests and farm fields into commercial, light industrial, retail and transportation
uses. The health of Long Creek is also important to the health of downstream water bodies, that
ultimately lead to the Casco Bay estuary. Representatives from the four municipalities located
within the Long Creek watershed—South Portland, Westbrook, Scarborough, and Portland—the
industrial, commercial and non-profit landowners, non-profit organizations in the watershed
and several state entities all came together to form the Steering Committee that led the Long
Creek Restoration Project. Their plan includes three tiers of targeted, practicable and prioritized
structural and non-structural best management practices (BMPs), as well as strategies to restore
in-stream and riparian habitats, and areas with degraded floodplains. The collaborative nature
of this project and the development of its innovative Watershed Management Plan serve as
a model for other rapidly developing urban communities across Maine, New England, and
the rest of the nation.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
The Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) illustrates how an academic institution can
find ways to promote renewable energy sources and energy efficiency while offering students
a concrete example of how to integrate environmentally-friendly energy into everyday life.
MMA has brought renewable energy to its campus with wind and solar technology, while
promoting a host of other energy-efficiency and pollution-reduction efforts. With the help of
partners. Division of Capital Asset Management, the Massachusetts Technology Collabora-
tive and the University of Massachusetts Renewable Energy Research Lab, the MMA erected
a 660 kilowatt wind turbine. MMA has also recently installed roof-top photovoltaic solar
panels that can generate up to 81 kilowatts of electricity. The MMA also runs their campus
in an environmentally-sustainable manner, with a computerized energy management system,
recycling efforts, water conservation, Green Seal purchasing programs, and green landscap-
ing. The MMA also has extensive future plans to continue to bring down energy costs and
reducing harmful emissions.
Mefhuen Idle Reduction Collaboration
A/dan F/ynn, Scoff Round, Sam Ma/ignaggi,
Mefhuen Police Department, Mefhuen C/fy Council
The citizens of Methuen, Massachusetts, have struggled with addressing the chronic, long-
duration idling by trucks and other vehicles patronizing the several commercial and industrial
businesses at 126 Merrimack Street and by long-haul trucks and highway contractor snowplows
using the property as a stopover and staging area, suffering from the resulting fumes and
noise for several years. Working with EPA and local players, the Collaborative learned what
leverage they had over idlings under state and local law, and worked together to monitor the
property and "nip in the bud" any renewed idling. Improved communication and collaboration
on the local level means that EPA input had a wide, constructive and lasting impact, while also
providing valuable feedback on what interventions and recommendations worked and what
did not. All forms of idling onsite are greatly diminished, making the neighbors happy and city
officials more empowered, while still enabling the businesses to continue to function.
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Environmental, Community,
Academia, & Non-profit Organizations
Environmental
MERITA^
J 2009
New England Interstate Water Pollution
Control Commission (NEIWPCC)
Bethany Card, Susannah King
Beth and Susy have developed the Northeast Regional Mercury total maximum daily
load (TMDL) that lays out a plan for the reduction of atmospheric deposition of mercury
in the New England states and New York, which will improve water quality and human
health impacts. Years of mercury deposition has led to widespread fish consumption
advisories throughout the region. Recognizing that little was being done to control out-
of-region upwind sources (such as coal-fired power plants, municipal waste combustors,
etc.), Beth and Susy not only took on and successfully completed the development of a
regional TMDL to address the mercury deposition, they did it in a cost-effective manner.
After the call for reductions have been attained and water quality goals are met, fish tissue
concentrations will be observed. The real results will be fish safe to eat and a significant
risk reduction to human health.
Project 20/20
In Providence, Rhode Island, a Brown University student-run program called Project 20/20
has developed and perfected a replicable model to reduce global warming pollution on a
large scale, while helping communities of modest means cope with fluctuating energy costs.
Their strategy involves the replacement of incandescent lighting in low-income households
with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's) at no charge to the residents. This
simple act generates significant utility bill savings and concomitant greenhouse gas reduc-
tions, empowering the family to take steps to further reduce their bills while protecting the
environment. Since the spring of 2008, student employees of Project 20/20 replaced
36,242 light bulbs in 2,415 Rhode Island low-income residences, saving the families over
$700,000 on their utility bills and offsetting over 4,000 metric tons of carbon emissions
from entering the atmosphere. The success of Project 20/20 has received widespread,
national recognition. Their work will continue into the coming year as it begins its first
seed expansion at low-income neighborhoods, working for the DC Department of the
Environment. Here they will continue their efforts to curb the global climate crisis, while
providing valuable green-collar job vocational skills and educational opportunities in the
field of energy efficiency.
Rhode Island Hospitality Association
Recognizing the responsibility for all industries to employ sustainable and green practices,
Rhode Island's lodging, restaurant and tourism industries are taking a leadership position
in employing green and sustainable business practices. Partnering with the Rhode Island
Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), the Rhode Island Hospitality Asso-
ciation developed the Rhode Island Hospitality Green Certification program, charting a
roadmap for hospitality and tourism business to employ green business practices with a
focus on energy conservation, waste minimization and recycling, and sustainable operat-
ing and business practices. Since the program was announced in January 2008, more
than 35 hotels, restaurants and convention facilities have attained Green certification,
with new companies applying each day.
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Environmental, Community, Academic, & Non-profit Organizations
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Salem Recycles
In early 2008, Mayor Driscoll appointed the recycling committee "Salem Recycles" to start a
green initiative to develop ways to increase recycling throughout the city and promote other
green efforts. During their first year, the committee has distinguished itself by hosting a number
of widely successful events, and was the primary force educating the citizens of Salem in the
form of pamphlets, letters, newspaper columns, personal recognition, as well as information
regarding the regulations for the new trash contract. The committee also continues various
recycling initiatives with various partners throughout the city. Since its inception just one year
ago, recycling rates have improved by over 50 percent, making Salem a leader on the North
Shore regarding recycling efforts.
Wesfporf, Connecticut District 4 RTM Members
Jonathan Cunitz, Liz Milwe, Gene Seidman, Jeffrey Wieser
In early 2008, the four Members of District 4 of the Westport, Connecticut Representative
Town Meeting (RTM) met to discuss the concern of the increasing appearance of plastic bags
on the town's roads, streams, river and beaches. Jonathan Cunitz, Liz Milwe, Gene Seidman,
and Jeffrey Wieser spent the next several months researching the issue of plastic bags in the
environment and the available alternatives to remedy this growing problem. After many meet-
ings with town leaders, merchants, students, residents and other members of the Westport RTM,
they concluded that the appropriate response was to enact an ordinance that encouraged the
use of reusable shopping bags and ban the use of plastic retail checkout bags. In the months
to follow, the ordinance was discussed at various meetings and finally submitted to the proper
committees for approval. It received overwhelming support, and was approved by a vote of
26 to 5. Westport has now become one of the first communities east of California to pass a
ban on retail checkout bags and its ordinances is the most extensive in the country, applying
to all stores and even farmers' markets and sidewalk sales.
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Governmental
Environmental
Town of Boston, Mass.
The citizens of Easton for 40 years have been at the forefront of open space preservation and
environmental protection. The town has more than 3,000 acres under conservation, many of
them the habitat of rare and endangered species. The town has also taken a lead in water
conservation and watershed protection, wetlands protection and environmental advocacy and
planning. More recently, the town has worked to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creat-
ing more walkable communities and a Green Communities Task Force to investigate ways to
reduce municipal consumption of fuel and electricity. Education, like the annual children's poster
contest, continues to be the most important tool for changing the way residents use water and
protecting the drinking water supply. In the past year, the town acquired two more acres of
land specifically for drinking supply protection. Easton has also begun to track energy and fuel
consumption and each department is charged with reducing consumption by 5 percent over
one year. All of this began with land conservation efforts involving a small group of citizens
who recognized the importance of preserving open space and forested areas and guided the
town in acquiring about 250 acres in an area called Wheaton Farm.
Stacy Ladner, Deb Sfah/er and Heather Jackson
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Stacy Ladner, Deb Stahler and Heather Jackson are national leaders in creating safer ways
to address mercury releases from broken compact fluorescent light bulbs. The work of these
employees in the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has changed the advice
EPA and states give to people trying to contain mercury from CFLs. The three state work-
ers discovered that existing protocols for addressing a release were not adequate after an
emergency responder from Maine measured mercury air concentrations in a home where a
light had broken. Levels were well above Maine's level of concern. Research these scientists
conducted with environmental and health agencies found the release from a single CFL was
not insignificant, as experts had thought. They Found small amounts of mercury on carpeted
surfaces could cause emissions For a long time. A well-designed study by Maine DEP and these
scientists provided valuable information that influenced policy and practical guidance for clean-
ing lamps. Before releasing the study results, Maine DEP educated health and environmental
officials so colleagues could have answers for the public ahead of time.
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Team
All New England Partners
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Team has set up innovative measures to control green-
house gases, including the first-in-the-nation auction of CO2 emissions allowances. The six New
England states are among 10 states pioneering this first mandatory cap and trade program
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and states have committed to cap and then reduce the
amount of CO2 emitted by power plants in their region, limiting the total regional contribution
to greenhouse gases. A September auction brought in $28 million For Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Maryland and two more auctions have been held
since. New England states have made more than $80 million in revenues from the auctions,
which can be used for future energy cutting and efficiency programs.
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f* . i ^% ^™^^JV United States
C'J/NVPrnmPntfll ^S^rW^iA. Environmental Protection
WV/VOI I III Id IIUI ( \^tr^AAgency
Solar Boston Program
The Solar Boston Program, founded in 2008 as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar
America Cities Initiative, is dedicated to increasing solar energy in Boston to 25 megawatts
by 2015. In less than a year, the team produced a map of the city's solar resources, planned
a procurement path for municipal solar installations and worked with other agencies to pro-
mote solar power. Its most visible accomplishment is a GIS map that lets residents evaluate
the solar energy production potential of any building in Boston. The map, produced by city
employees, received international attention from other cities looking to replicate it. The team
also found the 10 roofs in the city with the largest solar potential and contacted building
owners. Program staff has connected businesses and residents to installers, utilities and re-
bate programs and has held training sessions to encourage solar growth. Since the program
began, solar capacity in Boston had more than tripled to 1.8 megawatts as of February. The
Solar program has succeeded in large part by bringing together so many different parts of
the Boston community in a single year.
State Electronic Challenge Partners
The state government of Maine; the Department of Environmental Protection in Connecticut;
the City of Keene in New Hampshire; and the school department in the city of Providence,
Rhode Island, are all being recognized for their involvement in a voluntary program that
promotes greener use and disposal of government technology equipment. The challenge is
administered by the Northeast Recycling Council. In its first year, the State Electronics Chal-
lenge signed on 29 partners, including entire state governments as well as small municipal
departments. The four organizations chosen for awards have shown exceptional leadership
in the field. The achievements of this group include purchasing greener or "environmentally
preferable" computers, reducing energy use by computers through software and employee
education, and managing old electronics through reuse, recycling and other methods that
reduce their impact. Altogether, the partners in this program reduced energy by the amount
used by 1662 households a year; avoided greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 1,370
cars off the road for a year; and eliminated 152 metric tons of trash, the amount of waste
generated by 76 households a year.
Volunteer River Assessment Program
NH Department of Environmental Services
Hundreds of volunteers with the NH Volunteer River Assessment Program have for 10 years
provided data to the NH Department of Environmental Services regarding more than 9,500
miles of rivers and streams in New Hampshire. In addition to collecting data, volunteers for
the program have become advocates for clean water and holistic watershed management.
In 1998, this program was created to educate the public on water resources, to improve
water quality monitoring and to encourage long-term stewardship. After 10 years of state
and local partnership and help from 200 volunteers from 30 rivers groups, advisory commit-
tees, watershed associations and individuals, volunteers have made a significant difference
in monitoring local water quality. Over the years, these groups have started taking ownership
of their own sampling and management programs and have served as stewards of state rivers
and streams, providing access to date the state would not have been able to get on its own.
This program gives citizen volunteers technical assistance and equipment, as well as a direct
economic return as they protect their own natural resources.
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Business/ Industry, Trade
or Professional Organizations
Environmental
Lights Out Boston
City of Boston, Mass Audubon Society, CB Richard Ellis
Lights Out Boston is a partnership of the City of Boston, large commercial properties, and the
Mass Audubon Society to reduce energy use, promote energy efficiency and protect migrat-
ing birds during the fall and spring migrations. This is a voluntary program where downtown
skyscrapers of thirty or more floors have their architectural and interior lights turned off from 11pm
to Sam. Over 34 commercial properties in Boston have joined, including iconic towers such as
the John Hancock, the Prudential and International Place. Lights Out Boston protects migrating
birds, which have a difficulty adapting to an urban environment. When a city skyline—especially
buildings over 30 stories high—is brightly lit at night, the lights can confuse the birds, causing
them to fly into the building which can kill them. Also realizing the benefits of shutting off
unnecessary lighting, most building managers have continued to follow the requirements of Lights
Out Boston after the end of the migratory season. They are setting an example that encourages
everyone to use energy more efficiently.
Staples, Inc.
Mike Payette
Staples, Inc. is being recognized as a high-performing partner in EPA's SmartWay Transport
Partnership, and as host and co-organizer of Alt Wheels Fleet Day 2008. Staples chooses fuel-
efficient carriers to ship its office supply products long-distance and productively seeks avenues
to make their fleet of 800 trucks more energy efficient. Their fleet of trucks is equipped with speed
and idling limiting devices, use LED exterior and interior lights on timers, have an extra fuel tank
to reduce frequency of refueling, reduce body weight with aluminum roof panels, pilot hybrid
diesel/electric trucks, and much more. Nationwide, Staples' fleet fuel economy increased from
8.5 to 10.4 mpg, or nearly 19% in the space of one year. This saved about 500,000 gallons
of diesel fuel and offset about 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. At
the Alt Wheels Festival in 2008, Mike Payette shared his experience and success with other fleet
management professionals and demonstrated that business, nonprofits and government can work
together to promote sustainable technology and smart business practices that are good for the
environment and their bottom line. This drew an unprecedented roster of sponsors and speakers,
as well as a large and diverse audience. As if these efforts were not enough, Staples has taken
its environmental ethic beyond transportation, hosting solar arrays at twenty-five locations, a
wind turbine project currently under consideration, and have scheduled a solid oxide fuel cell
to provide power to a distribution facility in early 2009. Staples, Inc. is a true environmental
leader in the business world.
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Business, Industry, Trade or Professional Organizations
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
TO Bonknorth Garden
Delaware North Corporation
During the past couple of years, the Boston Garden has made considerable strides in reduc-
ing their environmental impact. The Delaware North Company, owner and operator of the
TD Banknorth Garden, now provides newspaper and bottle recycling opportunities for the
more than twenty thousand commuters who walk through North Station each week day and
the 3.5 million people who attend concerts, shows and sporting events at the Garden. Behind
the scenes Delaware North has done substantial work reducing their solid waste, increasing
what they recycle and their recycling rate, reducing their energy use, and also participating in
MA DEP and EPA's WasteWise program. The Garden found ways to reduce the amount of
waste they generate through reduced packaging, instituted a composting program for food
waste, changed their outdoor lighting to LED technology, reducing the energy used by more
than 50%, and reduced their electricity usage by 15% to 20% by working through an energy
service company. Just as important as the steps they've taken to reduce their environmental
impacts, they have been interested in evaluating whether they're making the best choices
and how they can improve the implementation of their programs. The facility recently invited
MA DEP and EPA to look at what they're doing and asked what they could do better.
.,,___.,
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Environmental Leaders of the Future
Environmental
Green Your Lives
Gilbert H. Hood Middle School, Derry, New Hampshire
"Green Your Lives" is a student-led initiative dedicated to educating the students and school
community on going green and putting their knowledge into action. The students' goal is to
promote greener lifestyle choices which results in a reduction of energy costs and carbon
emissions. The students began their work within the school focusing on energy conservation,
waste reduction, and recycling. Their work has since expanded to include a community out-
reach program Give and Go in the Town of Bedford, NH, which educated more students and
community members on greening their lives. They have also created an informational website,
produced public service announcements, created educational posters and videos for many
schools across the state and country, and built a model solar car and are experimenting on
creating a hydro prototype. Over the project's history, the team's efforts have reduced paper
output by 30%, promoted using 100% recycled paper, defaulted all printers in the school to
print double-sided, powering down classrooms and computers nearly 100% when not in use,
improved recycling in the cafeteria, and educated students in seven other schools about the
waste output and lifecycles of products they buy and use. Because of this project 1,000 pounds
of waste has been diverted from going into landfills or other waste streams. Green Your Lives
has been a motivating endeavor that has allowed students and staff to think and act beyond
the term of this project and make it a part of their everyday life.
The Green Your Lives feom w/7/ receive the President's Environmental Youth Award
in Washington, O.C. in May.
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Environmental Leaders of the Future
i I Protect!
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natural design*
At Rivanna Natural Designs, Inc. we believe products that express gratitude, reward performance, and celebrate excellence
should harm neither the planet nor the people who create, purchase, or receive them. We provide our clients with unique awards,
plaques, and gifts that are environmentally responsible and made in the U.S. The support of our clients, in turn, enables us to
provide green jobs in our community for recently arrived refugees and others who need them most. A WBENC-certified Women's
Business Enterprise, we provide English language training, encourage environmental stewardship, teach critical job skills, and pay
all coworkers a living wage. We enable our clients to honor our planet as they honor others.
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Our Guesf Vocalist:
Cassandra Griffith
Cassandra Griffith is a singer From Marshfield, Massachusetts and is a
Professional Music major at Boston's Berklee College of Music.
Cassie grew up on Boston's South Shore listening to mostly Pop/R&B
sounds like Aretha Franklin, Whitney, and Mariah. She started perform-
ing at the age of eight and has been studying voice and piano since
age 11. Between ages 9 and 13 Cassie lived in Atlanta, GA where she
developed her talent and performed in various choirs. After returning
to Marshfield, her interest in music styles expanded and Cassie began
writing music and studying Jazz voice at the New England Conserva-
tory. In 2005, Cassie produced and released a self-titled original album
loosely described as a mix of Pop/Rock and Contemporary Christian
songs. Frequently she sings at North River Community Church on the South Shore and is a background
vocalist for a Christian band, The David Coate Group. Cassie can be found on David Coate's new and
previously released albums, "A Million Ways" and "All I Have is Yours" and the latest album, "New
Hymn Project." This past summer she performed on a cruise ship around Alaska and Canada singing
the Top 40 hits and not long after she took a street marketing internship at Echo in Nashville, TN.
Cassie just graduated from Berklee last spring and is now in the process of writing about all her new
experiences. After recently moving back to Boston, she formed a new band, Boston Suite, who can
be found performing around the city.
Ms. Griffith is accompanied today by Mr. Nick Patrillo.
Color Guard
Presentation of Colors by The United States Coast Guard Boston Area Honor Guard Team.
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For Captain Richard Phillips
We join our Environmental Merit Award recipients from the Massachusetts
Maritime Academy- and the rest of America - in celebrating the safe return
home to New England - of Captain Richard Phillips.
"In my mind, his actions showed unbelievable courage and professionalism,"
R. ADM Gurnon said. "He was the good shepherd. He willingly exchanged
his life for the lives of his flock - his crew. In doing that, he was able to stack
the cards in his favor, and ultimately resulted in his safe return. We are truly
thankful that it has turned out this way."
-Rear Admiral Richard G. Gurnon
President, Mass. Maritime Academy
"This institution has been in operation for 118 years, and I cannot imagine
that there is a day in our history that we are more proud of our graduates
than today. We are truly, truly pleased that this drama has ended in the
safe return of Captain Phillips.", R. ADM Gurnon said.
R. ADM Gurnon also spoke toward the international community joining
together to fight the problem of piracy.
"Don't forget the other 200 mariners and their families who are anxiously
awaiting their return this very day," R. ADM Gurnon said.
United States
Environmental Protection
k Agency
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