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EPA Administrator Recognizes Massachusetts Leader With President’s Volunteer Service Award

Release Date: 04/24/2008
Contact Information: Nancy Grantham – (617) 918-1101

(Boston, Mass. – April 24, 2008) EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson honored Patrick J. Foley with the President’s Volunteer Service Award on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, at historic Faneuil Hall in Boston.

Foley has shown that change begins when one person stands up to do what is necessary. By cleaning the marshes behind his house, Foley restored the salt marshes in Quincy, Massachusetts, bringing back fish and waterfowl. Thanks to his efforts, Quincy will have better fish stocks, open space, improved tourism, better flood control, trash abatement and pesticide-free mosquito reduction.

“Today we honor P. J. Foley for answering President Bush's call to serve a cause greater than himself,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Dedicated volunteers like P.J.are inspiring others to join them in delivering America a brighter, healthier future."

During his travels across the country, Administrator Johnson meets with individuals like P. J. Foley who are answering the call to volunteer service, environmental education and pollution prevention. Next week, April 27 – May 3 is National Volunteer Week.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/ or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit http://www.volunteerkids.gov/ for games and ideas to see how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit
http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/.