Sustainability Awards & Board Elections at Annual Annual Meeting

Photo by Steve Begnoche

AFFEW President, Julia Chambers presented the 2022 Sustainability Awards at the annual meeting on October 26.

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.

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.

Sustainable business of the Year 
Ludington Bay Brewing Company has 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, between collecting electronics for recycling during their  Earth Month event and beer sale proceeds, over $900 was donated to AFFEW! Brandy Bentley accepted the award on behalf of owners, Ted & Louise Gedra.
 
AFFEW Board elections also took place at the event. Sharon Edger was re-elected for another two year term. Dawn Stowe and Dan Mahynski were new electees replacing outgoing board members Karla Cain and Ann Gilchrist. Read more about the evenings events at the Ludington Daily News.

AFFEW Board of Directors Annual Meeting

Join the AFFEW board for its annual meeting on October 26 at Jamesport Brewing Company, Reds Room. Members and friends welcome!

Learn about the many amazing programs AFFEW has hosted in 2022. Come celebrate with us! 
  • 6-6:30 pm: Social Time
  • 6:30-7 pm: Eat and drink, Free yummy appetizers, dinner and drinks for purchase
  • 7-7:45 pm: Annual meeting-Committee reports, elections, and environmental awards
Please RSVP by email to makeadifference@affew.org if you plan on attending with your name and how many will be in your party.

AFFEW Annual Meeting & Awards

Join the AFFEW board for its annual meeting on October 26 at Jamesport Brewing Company, Reds Room. Members and friends welcome!

Learn about the many amazing programs AFFEW has hosted in 2022. Come celebrate with us! 
  • 6-6:30 pm: Social Time         
  • 6:30-7 pm: Eat and drink, Free yummy appetizers, dinner and drinks for purchase
  • 7-7:45 pm: Annual meeting-Committee reports, elections, and environmental awards
Please RSVP by email to makeadifference@affew.org if you plan on attending with your name and how many will be in your party.

Virtual Annual Meeting & Presentation

The AFFEW board held its annual meeting via zoom on November 11. Julia Chambers, AFFEW President gave the annual report and board elections were held. Julia Chambers, Cathy Horowski, and Dave Masten are were re-elected for a two year term. Chuck Klopinski was thanked for his year’s as treasurer and Marie Quillan was welcomed as the new treasurer for AFFEW.

Thank you also to Art Hirsch who shared his presentation and knowledge on microplastics. The recorded presentation is below.

Microplastics in the Great Lakes 

Art Hirsch will discuss the sources, impacts, legislation and mitigation actions to address microplastics. Microplastics in the Great Lakes is an emerging water quality issue that has the potential of impacting human health and the aquatic environment. It has been estimated that microplastics are consumed by the US population at a rate of 5 grams per week; this is weight of a credit card. Microplastics are found in our food, water and even beer along the Great Lakes. Fish are ingesting microplastics that causes them to starve. Over 22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes every year and Lake Michigan is the #1 source.

Art Hirsch is a former environmental consultant with over 30 years of experience. He lives in Boulder Colorado and spends his summers in Pentwater, Michigan. He is originally from North Muskegon, Michigan and he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Colorado. His expertise is in the areas of water quality, stormwater management, sustainability and environmental impact assessments. He is a member of the Climate Reality Project founded by former Vice President Gore and the For the Love of Water organization located in Traverse City and the Great Lakes Plastic Pollution Solutions Coalition. He is currently working on the Enbridge Line 5 Shutdown, GHG reductions associated with transportation, oil and gas operations and microplastics.