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EPA Administrator Recognizes Vermont Leader With President’s Volunteer Service Award

Release Date: 04/24/2008
Contact Information: Nancy Grantham – (617) 918-1101

(Boston, Mass. – April 24, 2008) EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson honored Beverly Bruhn Major with the President’s Volunteer Service Award on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, at historic Faneuil Hall in Boston.

Mrs. Major has volunteered as Chair of the Vermont Connecticut River Watershed Advisory Commission since 2006 and served since 1991. The Commission has improved the watershed and brought it more recognition. She is chair and current secretary of the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association which has conserved land along the first ridgeline that borders the Connecticut River.

A retired teacher, Mrs. Major has for 17 years led a large and very active 4-H club in her area.

“Today we honor Beverly Major for answering President Bush's call to serve a cause greater than herself,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Dedicated volunteers like Beverly are inspiring others to join them in delivering America a brighter, healthier future."

During his travels across the country, Administrator Johnson meets with individuals like Beverly Major who are answering the call to volunteer service, environmental education and pollution prevention. Next week, April 27 – May 3 is National Volunteer Week.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/ or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit http://www.volunteerkids.gov/ for games and ideas to see how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/.