Beautify CNMI announced the winners of their annual Environmental Champion and Environmental Steward Awards. The awards were given out to recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses that have proven to be environmental leaders in volunteering and advocating for the environment in the Commonwealth. Awards were presented, April 24th at the Flametree Arts Festival’s main stage at 10 AM.The Environmental Champion award recognizes a person or group that exemplifies the Beautify CNMI spirit. Those qualities include volunteerism, cooperation, innovation, creativity and the ability to infect others with the Beauty Virus. The Environmental Champion is a role model for others to follow. They bring environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness. They make things happen and effect change.
This year Beautify CNMI will recognize CTSI Logistics Team Members and Frank Camacho as the 2010 Environmental Champions.
CTSI Logistics, a Tan Holdings company, adopted Susupe Park in January 2009. Since, then they have been providing clean up and improvement projects every last Saturday of the month. Projects include trash pickup, graffiti removal, restroom restoration and the installation of trash and recycling bins. Employees, often with the participation of management, regularly participate in cleanups, including the recent island wide cleanup. “For CTSI, the Susupe Park Clean Up Project means a pro-active role in saving not only the trees, shrubs and plants in the part as it is also meant to take care of our park facilities by doing our share for this wonderful community,” shared Ariel L. Mariano, volunteer and Tan Holdings employee.
Frank Camacho is being recognized for his role as the Community Block Captain with the DanDan Neighborhood Watch program where aside from patrolling the neighborhood, he initiated a community cleanup effort with a special focus on the DanDan Children’s Park. In July 2009, Camacho initiated the cleanup of the DanDan Children’s Park along with a Team of the Neighborhood Watch volunteers. The group started by cleaning and clearing the surroundings, the parking lot, the basketball court and the benches and tables. Eventually, they were able to clean up the restroom facility and restore power. Camacho continues to enlist village residents and pled with elected leaders to assist in continuing cleaning up efforts across DanDan. “It’s hard to know where to start when you are wondering if anyone else cares or wants to help. Frank demonstrated that it just takes the willingness to unite and to get involved to help our community,” said Laurie Peterka, Beautify CNMI Volunteer PR Coordinator.
The Environmental Steward award recognizes a person or group that leads the community in activities that help protect our environment in a variety of ways. This individual or group has demonstrated the need to take pride in our islands and to take care of the place we all call home. They serve as an example for others, especially the next generation, to follow.
This year Beautify CNMI will recognize Shirley’s Coffee Shop and Angelo O’Connor Villagomez as the 2010 Environmental Stewards.
Shirley’s Coffee Shop is being recognized for their outstanding efforts in setting an example as excellent community partners. Shirley’s exemplifies what an Environmental Steward is all about – adopting a spot, helping clean and beautifying their adopted area every month and inspiring others to care for our beautiful islands. Shirley’s has been a coalition partner of Beautify CNMI! since its inception four (4) years ago. “We appreciate that Shirley’s staff and management continues to participate and spread the Beauty Virus – they helped start the concepts and continue to lead by example,” shared Cinta Kaipat, founder of the Beautify CNMI! coalition.
Angelo O’Connor Villagomez is being recognized for his untiring efforts with numerous environmental volunteer activities, dedication to teaching and encouraging others and leading by example. Since first helping to spearhead Beautify CNMI! in 2006, Villagomez organized and attended literally hundreds of trash cleanups and tree plantings. In 2008, Villagomez helped lead the community outreach and public education effort that lead to the creation of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument. Villagomez is a spirited environmental leader working on issues from his heart. “Angelo’s energy and enthusiasm helped take our efforts in cleaning up Saipan to a whole new level. He is missed, but we try to carry on in the path he helped us get started,” said Joe Kaipat, Department of Environmental Quality and strong Beautify CNMI! member.
Beautify CNMI hands out the Steward and Champion Awards each year in Spring. Nominations are taken from the community at-large and the Beautify CNMI Committee Chairs select winners. Past winners include Aqua Resort Club, Friends of the Mariana Islands, Marites Castillo, Kathy Yuknavage, Captain Carl Brachear, Adam Sablan, Katie Busenkell, Rose Callier, Mike Tripp, Marianas Dive, Nava Khorram, Max Aguon, Paseo de Marianas Promoters, Bree Reynolds, Tan Holdings, Laurie Peterka, Ken Kramer, and Friends of the Marianas Trench Monument.
Beautify CNMI! is a coalition of concerned citizens, private groups, and government entities united to enhance the CNMI's natural beauty and foster community pride in its residents and visitors. The coalition was a recipient of a 2007 EPA Environmental Award and received a Certificate of Commendation from the United States Congress in 2009.
No comments:
Post a Comment