AFFEW Annual Meeting & Sustainability Awards

Join AFFEW for the annual meeting on November 7 at Jamesport Brewing Company, Reds Room.

This year there are three board positions up for re-election. Learn about the AFFEW board and getting more involved.

AFFEW Sustainability Awards

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. Learn more about past award recipients.

Do you have someone in mind for an AFFEW Sustainability Award? Nominees should be residents within Mason County and forms must be received by October 9, 2023. Fill out the form below to nominate someone from our community.

Sustainability Awards Nomination Form

Annual Meeting Agenda

At the meeting we’ll provide updates on the many amazing programs AFFEW has hosted in 2023. 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
7-8 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. Members and friends welcome!

Join AFFEW

AFFEW VIRTUAL Annual Meeting & Presentation

The AFFEW board will hold its annual meeting via zoom due to the Covid 19 surge. Julia Chambers, AFFEW President will go over the annual report, future events, and conduct board elections. After the business segment of our annual meeting Art Hirsch will share his presentation and knowledge on Microplastics in the Great Lakes. Use this link to learn more about the presentation.

Zoom Link

Topic: Affew Annual Meeting
Time: Nov 11, 2021 @ 7 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86757133992?pwd=VG4xcUxkZ1h1RisyMldzK1pWV2p2UT09

Meeting ID: 867 5713 3992
Passcode: 835624
Phone in to Join
312-626-6799

We will post a recording of the presentation under the Events & Activities tab on our website.

Evening schedule:
7-7:20 PM | Meeting & Elections
7:25-8:15 PM | Presentation by Art Hirsch
8:15-8:30 PM | Question & Answer Session

October 15, 2020February 27, 2022

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.