“Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents.
It was loaned to you by your children.
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors;
We borrow it from our children.”
- Native American saying
This past October, I was invited to the Alnoba Leadership Awards at the Lewis Family Foundation’s brand new state of the art facility in Kensington, New Hampshire. On October 17, Phoebe, Bo, Kelly and I walked beneath cloudy skies on a winding dirt path lined with granite pillars inscribed with quotes from famous people. As we entered the building we were amazed by the tall ceilings and beautiful wooden beams supporting the structure. We arrived just in time to listen to the conversation moderated by David Conover, a board member for HICSL, between the President and Forester for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Jane Difley, Executive Director of Shoals Marine Laboratory, Jennifer Seavey, and Founder of Lubicon Solar, Melina Laboucan-Massimo.
After a beautiful farm to table dinner, we were surprised with an impromptu performance and led in group song, which was perhaps the best part of the night. I forgot his name, but he told us his project is called “Make America Sing Again”. After listening to his beat-boxing warm up, he led us in our own rendition of an African song. Then we sang “Lean on Me” in three rounds. If he can get a room of complete strangers to be able to sing with one another, he said, anything is possible.
Then the awards were given out. The CEO Environmental Responsibility Award for $10,000 was given to ReVision Energy Leadership Team including Phil Coupe, Bill Behrens, Fortunat Mueller, and Dan Clapp for their work with solar energy throughout New England. The ReVision leadership team donated $5,000 to the Conservation Law Foundation and $5,000 to Citizens Count. The Emerging Leader Award for $10,000 was given to Alex Freid, Founder and Co-Director for the Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN). The Moral Courage in Leadership Award for $25,000 was given to Jane Difley, President/Forester for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.
At the end of the day, we were thrilled to see the brand new facilities at Alnoba and honored to be a part of this amazing group of environmental leaders.
Written by Marketing & Stewardship Coordinator, Caroline Albertson
Pictures courtesy of Alnoba.org.
