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Mapping the Hudson Estuary's submerged lands, JW Ladd et al.
PCBs in the Hudson River: Role of sediments, EA Garvey et al.
Hudson River restoration: Role of natural resources trustees, TM Brosnan et al.
Ecosystem indicators for Lake Ontario, F Luckey et al.
Effect of lower chlorine dosage at Buffalo WWTP, KN Irvine et al.
Livestock waste management and lake rehabilitation, CB Lind
Executive director's message
Plant profiles
Southtowns STP
Big Sisters STP
Lacawana STP
Holland TP
Spring 2002 — Vol. 32, No. 1 |
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Executive director's message: A tribute to volunteers |
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| Patricia Cerro-Reehil |
Have you ever had to call 911? I recently had to, and I hope not to repeat the experience. Fortunately, everything was okay. However, the experience sensitized me to the important role these volunteer medics play in our lives, and in so many communities throughout the world.
It takes a special person to volunteer in that capacity. Paramedics make themselves available 24 hours/day and typically respond to stressful situations. Of course, this is reminiscent of what we have seen as a result of the September 11th tragedy. It is very humbling as we watch the devotion and commitment of these individuals, as they give back to the “world community.”
NYWEA functions as a community as well, a community of environmental professionals. We have volunteers who act like paramedics, an emergency response team for the environment. These people have to quickly respond to situations affecting the water world. We don't typically think of saving the environment in the same terms as saving lives; however, our responsibility to keep the waters clean is paramount to keeping people healthy.
The Government Affairs Committee alerts us when there are pending regulations that will affect our members. Many of our programs cover technical issues that are pertinent and timely for the members. The volunteer leaders of NYWEA constitute the foundation of this organization. As an organization, we are indebted to our volunteers. Without them we simply would not exist.
An example of the tremendous energy behind this volunteer movement is noted, as many of our NYWEA volunteers give freely to other organizations as well. We have members who are also EMTs, volunteer firemen, involved with religious organizations, literacy volunteers, other nonprofits and more. We are not the only organization that benefits. These volunteers live on the appreciation of the people they serve. There is something richly rewarding about volunteering, and it's the ultimate way to “give back.”
A big Thank You to our volunteers, for taking the opportunity to help our water community and our world. It is a privilege to work with all of you!
-- Patricia Cerro-Reehil
