The Dobbs Ferry Energy Task Force plans to recognize those who have had a positive environmental impact on our community with the first annual Eagle Award for Environmental Leadership, to be awarded at the Ferry Festa on September 29, 2012.
Nominees should be individuals, businesses, or organizations that are located in Dobbs Ferry and have shown environmental leadership in the community in such areas as:
- Education and outreach
- Sustainable practices
- Innovative policy
- Efficient use of resources
Entries should describe why the nominee should be considered for the award; the name, address, phone number, and email address of the person nominating; and the name and any available contact information of the nominee. Honorees will be selected by the Energy Task Force. Each winner will be presented with a plaque at the Ferry Festa and recognized in area news vehicles. Nominations should be sent to hmalekian@aol.com by midnight, June 30, 2012. Members of the Energy Task Force and current elected officials are not eligible for consideration.
The Energy Task Force, established in 2008, is an all-volunteer panel of Dobbs Ferry residents appointed by the Mayor to help the Village government, residents, businesses and institutions save energy, use renewable energy, and take steps to becoming good stewards of the environment. Members include Task Force Chair Nina Orville, Cathy Bobenhausen, Robert Baron, Dobb Ferry High School senior Elizabeth Burg, Holly Malekian, Paddy Steinschneider, Don Vitagliano, and Neil Whitehouse. (Sarah Koenigsburg will be replacing the graduating Burg.). Jeff O’Donnell is the liaison to the school district and has been an active participant in Task Force activities.
“We want to recognize and applaud those who demonstrate a special commitment to improving the sustainability of Dobbs Ferry,” said Orville. “This kind of leadership sets a powerful, positive example for everyone in the community.”
The Energy Task Force celebrated the unveiling of Dobbs Ferry Library’s new solar panels on Earth Day, April 22, when Mayor Hartley Connett presided over a ribbon cutting ceremony. The solar panels were funded through a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority that was secured by the Energy Task Force, with matching funds from the Village. The panels, part of the Village’s goal to reduce municipal greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels 20 percent by 2015, will help reduce Village energy expenditures over time. The Village is also replacing inefficient street lights and traffic signals with LED’s and improving the library’s lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
The Energy Task Force has launched numerous initiatives to reduce waste and encourage recycling, including interactive games at the 2011 Ferry Festa and Aquefest, and distributing its new Curbside Recycling flyer at these events. Complete recycling guidelines are now accessible on the Dobbs Ferry Village website at the Department of Public Works tab. (Click on Curbside Recycling for helpful information and a link to a printable flyer.)
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