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EPA Administrator Recognizes Connecticut 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 Fred Grimsey, founder of Save the Rivers/Save the Hills with the President’s Volunteer Service Award on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, at historic Faneuil Hall in Boston. Grimsey has served both as president and inspiration/call to action for the organization.

Grimsey founded Save the Rivers/Save the Hills, a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to water quality improvements in the Niantic River Estuary in Waterford and East Lyme, Conn. For five years he volunteered to run a pumpout facility and is starting, for the second time, a water quality monitoring group. Representatives of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protect describe Fred as someone who “walks the walk.”

“Today we honor Fred Grimsey for answering President Bush's call to serve a cause greater than himself,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Dedicated volunteers like Fred 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 Fred Grimsey 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/.

04/28/08 - edited to correct typographical error