Joseph Newman of Falmouth honored as Boston Harbor Hero

On Thursday, October 14, 250 corporate and civic leaders, elected officials, and community partners joined Save the Harbor/Save the Bay at the Lawn on D at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center to honor the 2021 Boston Harbor Heroes at the organization's annual Destination Boston Harbor gala.

Among those honored was Joseph Newman of Chatham, National Grid's former Vice President of Government Affairs for Massachusetts, who recently retired as Save the Harbor/Save the Bay's Board Chair.

"Each year, Save the Harbor recognizes men and women as Boston Harbor Heroes for their commitment to Save the Harbor's mission, our community, and the Harbor," said Save the Harbor/Save the Bay's Executive Director Chris Mancini. "We are proud to honor Joe Newman as a 2021 Boston Harbor Hero for his invaluable leadership, wise counsel and deep commitment to Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and especially the kids we serve."

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay honors 2021's Boston Harbor Heroes at their annual fundraising gala, Destination Boston Harbor. (Back row left to right): Lisa Fortenberry, Shavel'le Olivier, Chris Mancini, Jon Cronin, Joseph Newman. (Front row left to right): Aleena Mangham, Fatima Fontes, Albert Deblas, Judith Pederson.

Save the Harbor's Board Chair Michael Leon and Executive Director Chris Mancini also honored:

• Jon Cronin of the Cronin Group for his commitment to connecting and sharing Boston Harbor with all the residents of the city,
• Mark Chrisos, Director of Environment Health and Safety, Con Edison Clean Businesses, for his leadership, generosity and commitment to Save the Harbor's mission and success
• Dr. Judy Pederson, of MIT Sea Grant College Program, for her service and support for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and her unwavering commitment to Boston Harbor and the marine environment.
• Lisa Fortenberry, Executive Director, Camp Harbor View, for her partnership, passion for Boston's kids, and spirit of joy and fun she brings to her work.
• Shavel'le Olivier, Executive Director at Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition, for her vision, community leadership, cycling advocacy and her continued drive to make Mattapan the healthiest community in the Commonwealth,

Leon and Newman also recognized three young members of Save the Harbor's Youth Environmental Education Program staff as well; Albert Deblas of East Boston, Fatima Fontes of Charlestown and Aleena Mangham of Allston, for the important role they played in making Save the Harbor/Save the Bay the Boston Harbor connection for the region's youth and families.
"It was great to be back on the beach together this summer," said Mancini. It was also great to be together again at Destination Boston Harbor to celebrate our Harbor Heroes and thank our partners and supporters for helping us to keep our promise to be here for our community during the pandemic, and to return to the harbor, the beaches and the islands when it was safe to get together in person again. "

This year's event featured a terrific auction with exciting getaways including a luxury Irish vacation at Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, as well as Harpoon private beer tastings, staycations at local hotels with dinner pairings, sports tickets, fishing trips, golf packages and more. Save the Harbor/Save the Bay also premiered a short video at the gala that captures the spirit of the summer.
You can watch it now at: https://www.savetheharbor.org/contribute

According to Save the Harbor's Development Director Patricia Salic, this year's Destination Boston Harbor Gala and Auction raised more than $300,000 to support free events and programs, and the organizations policy and advocacy work. "Thanks to all our sponsors and donors for supporting our work to restore, protect and share Boston Harbor." You can find a complete list of the 2021 Destination Boston Harbor Donors and Sponsors here: https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=dbh2021
For more information about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the work they do, please visit their website at www.savetheharbor.org or follow savetheharbor on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.