Nancy Fyler Awarded the 2024 Lynn Wolbarst Sustainability Award
On April 21st, 2024, Sustainable Sharon Coalition presented the Lynn Wolbarst Sustainability Award to Nancy Fyler. Ellen Bordman gave the following remarks at the gathering.
It is with great pleasure and honor that we gather here today to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Nancy Fyler. As we bestow upon her the 2024 Lynn Wolbarst Sustainability Award, we not only recognize Nancy's tireless dedication but also acknowledge the profound impact of her work on our community and the environment at large.
Nancy's commitment to environmental stewardship shines brightly through her multifaceted contributions to sustainability, particularly in the realm of water conservation. As Director of Outreach and Communications for the Neponset River Watershed Association, Nancy has been a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, educating hundreds of elementary school students about the importance of protecting our water supply. Through her engaging presentations and outreach efforts, she has instilled a sense of responsibility and care for our precious water resources in the hearts of young minds. Plus, Nancy's innovative initiatives, such as the installation of water conservation signs and the creation of educational materials, have not only raised awareness but also inspired tangible action within our community. Her collaborative spirit has mobilized students, residents, and stakeholders alike, empowering them to become active participants in the journey towards a more sustainable future.
As one nominee wrote: “Nancy has been an instrumental leader, negotiator, and catalyst in Sharon’s award-winning water conservation program, which has reduced Sharon’s water consumption by over 100 million gallons per year. Her efforts educated countless schoolchildren (and their parents) about the need to conserve our vital and finite water resources, and helped keep Sharon homes and businesses supplied with essential water during the PFAS crisis.”
Nancy’s visionary leadership as a founding member of the Sustainable Sharon Coalition has been instrumental in shaping our organization's mission and impact. From designing SSC’s first logo, to creating a robust website and newsletter, to spearheading our inaugural water/energy fair, which lives on as Sharon Green Day, Nancy has been at the forefront of our endeavors, driving positive change and fostering community engagement. Furthermore, Nancy's unwavering commitment to water conservation has yielded remarkable results, evidenced by Sharon's significant reduction in water consumption under her leadership as Water Conservation Coordinator. During challenging times, such as the PFAS crisis, her expertise and advocacy ensured the continued availability of clean and safe water for our homes and businesses.
Today, as we honor Nancy Fyler, we also pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Lynn Wolbarst, another founder of SSC, whose pioneering efforts continue to inspire us all. Through her dedication, innovation, and boundless passion, Nancy embodies the spirit of environmental stewardship and community leadership that defines the essence of this award.
On behalf of SSC, the Sustainable Sharon Coalition extends our heartfelt congratulations to Nancy for her outstanding achievements and profound impact on our town. We are immensely grateful for her contributions, and we stand united in our commitment to preserving and protecting the natural assets of Sharon for generations to come.
Congratulations, Nancy, on this well-deserved honor. May your passion for sustainability continue to inspire us all as we work together to create a brighter, greener future.
A recording of the ceremony is available on the Sharon TV website: https://sharontv.com/schedules/community-events/
