Howell Environmental Commission To Award Local Environmental Advocate The Ann G. Ritchey Award

Press release from Howell Township:

Sept. 18, 2020

Howell Environmental Commission to Award Local Environmental Advocate the Ann G. Ritchey Award

The Howell Township Environmental Commission (Commission) is pleased to announce that it has selected Mary Ann Cernak, as its annual Ann G. Ritchey Award recipient. Dr. Cernak, a local resident of Howell Township and a holder of a doctorate in clinical social work, will be honored at the Commission’s annual award dinner to be held on October 8, 2020 at the Howell Pointe Swim Club. The Ann G. Ritchey Environmental Award is presented annually by the members
of the Commission to honor the memory of Ann G. Ritchey, a devoted environmentalist who worked tirelessly to sustain the environment and quality of life in Howell.

The Commission and other Township committees such as the Lake Restoration and Wildlife Management Committee, the Municipal Green Team and the Natural Resources Working Group (which she founded) have had the good fortune to work with Dr. Cernak over the years on various projects, including the expansion of the Howell Organic Community Garden and the Winston Park Roots to Rivers Reforestation project. Dr. Cernak has also been involved in various grant
projects with the Howell Township schools, including assisting students with research on local environmental issues of concern for participation in the National Geographic Nat-Geo Challenge. She has assisted schools in obtaining grant funding for projects including tower gardens for classrooms. She has been an energetic, thoughtful and gracious facilitator to the next generation by sharing her love and concern for the environment, according to Joan Osborne, chairperson of the Howell Township Environmental Commission.

Ms. Osborne also stated that “Mary Ann Cernak is the epitome of the ethic that you do what is right because it is right, not for recognition. She has been quietly getting things done for Howell and its schools and students for years and is so deserving of this award, because she has been so instrumental in helping navigate the process of getting support for and success in implementing environmentally focused initiatives. The township has benefitted from her dedication and perseverance. Doctor Cernak’s service to the township and its schools stands as an example of how one person can make a difference that changes perspectives and practices of others. This made her a natural choice for the Ann G. Ritchey Award. The Environmental Commission hopes to continue to encourage Howell residents to get involved in solving environmental issues, both big and small, and keep Howell a wonderful place to live.”

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This press release was produced by Howell Township. The views expressed here are the author’s own.