Honoring Our Local Leaders
Each year at our Annual Meeting, AFFEW honors local leaders who are exceptional in the environmental field and have made a difference in the community. The board of directors takes pride in recognizing these individuals and businesses for sustainable practices, environmental leadership and hours of volunteering.
2022 Awards
Environmentalists of the Year
Dave and Chrissie Hall have supported AFFEW from the beginning. Both have served in the past on the AFFEW board. They support a eco-friendly lifestyle including solar power for their home, native plants and organic fertilizer, composting, among other sustainable practices. The Hall’s also donated the initial funds for AFFEW to start an account with the Foundation for Mason County and has made generous donation towards the annual Household Hazardous Waste event.
Dave and Chrissie Hall have supported AFFEW from the beginning. Both have served in the past on the AFFEW board. They support a eco-friendly lifestyle including solar power for their home, native plants and organic fertilizer, composting, among other sustainable practices. The Hall’s also donated the initial funds for AFFEW to start an account with the Foundation for Mason County and has made generous donation towards the annual Household Hazardous Waste event.
Volunteer of the Year
Local botanist and author Dave Dister has been a active volunteer in our local community for several years. He helps lead the invasive plant species identification and removal at Cartier Park. Dave also provides his expertise with guided hikes and presentations. He writes a monthly column, “The Life of a Naturalist”, for the Ludington Daily News and is the author of The Birds of Mason County, Michigan.
Local botanist and author Dave Dister has been a active volunteer in our local community for several years. He helps lead the invasive plant species identification and removal at Cartier Park. Dave also provides his expertise with guided hikes and presentations. He writes a monthly column, “The Life of a Naturalist”, for the Ludington Daily News and is the author of The Birds of Mason County, Michigan.
Sustainable business of the Year
Ted & Louise Gerta, owners of Ludington Bay Brewing Company, have been using sustainable practices since its inception in 2017. From compostable packaging to turning spent grain into food for animals, Ludington Bay Brewing has been a sustainable leader in our community. In April 2022, electronics were collected during their Earth Month event with proceeds going to AFFEW.
Ted & Louise Gerta, owners of Ludington Bay Brewing Company, have been using sustainable practices since its inception in 2017. From compostable packaging to turning spent grain into food for animals, Ludington Bay Brewing has been a sustainable leader in our community. In April 2022, electronics were collected during their Earth Month event with proceeds going to AFFEW.
Past Awards
| Year | Environmentalist | Volunteer | Sustainable Business |
| 2019 | Alan Haslam | Jim Clark & Brenda Begnoche | Marsha Maluchnik, Evergreen Natural Foods |
| 2018 | Glenn Walquist | Heidi Moloney | Padnos |
| 2017 | Jordan DeVries, Mason-Lake Conservation Dist. | Steve Begnoche, Ludington Daily News | Dave Diephouse, Q Smokehouse |