Does this Essex Hero Inspire You?

Do you know anyone who would take a 75 percent pay cut so that he could commit himself to doing a dirty, sweaty job fighting water pollution?

Who do you know who would take that huge cut in pay to follow a dream — a passion — to make a commitment to a make a difference in his community? Meet just such a man.

I've nominated him as my "Essex Hero" in the "America Inspired" contest.

Yes, Essex has such a hero. I feel his story is inspiring.  His story can be found here.

By reading this story you will also help the Back River Restoration Committee vie for a big money prize from the "America Inspired" contest, featured on Examiner.com. 

Writers across the country have nominated local heros they feel will inspire others in many different ways.  On Jan, 16, the 25 finalists will be chosen and promoted throughout the country. 

I feel that Brian and the Back River Restoration Committee deserve to be among those 25 and, of course, to win a prize.

Not too many — none that I have ever met — were willing to go on a really strict family budget for two years... for any reason.  For the chance to work full-time  toward a commitment to clean up a local, very polluted river. seems like an even more unlikely reason to live frugally for two years (one in preparation for the cut in pay and then another year during the actual cut), then work full time writing grants and going on the river in all kinds of weather to get very dirty in the process of cleaning up trash, garbage and other debris in the river. 

How do you feel about Back River? Are you willing to swim and fish there? Do you wish you could still catch crab there? Do you enjoy the sewage smells and overflows?

What do you do or care about our local water pollution problems (all the way to the Bay,)? Can you, or will you, help to make a difference in fighting this battle against pollution?

At this time, to move the story to the final 25, we need hundreds of folks to read the story (thousands would be better).  That's all at this time! 

Just click the link and read the story.  IF you are moved by it, feel free to share it with everyone you know. Post it on Facebook, tweet it, put it on other social media sites like MySpace, LinkedIn, Reddit, or wherever you think others will click and read it.  THANKS.

I'll be back to check responses and answer questions.

On Jan. 17, I'll report the status of the story. When we make the cut, the voting for the final 25 will begin.  People will have the opportunity at that time to vote once a day until the contest closes on Jan. 27.  The final winners: one $50,000; and four $10,000 WINNERS will be announced on Feb. 1. 

Personally, I'd love to see some of that money to come to Essex. I know Brian and the Back River Restoration Committee will do wonderful things with that kind of money infused into their treasury. 

Thanks for your assistance in helping this dream come true.