Pictured (L to R): Sandy Golding, Beaches Watch, Inc. President; Mary Emerson-Smith, award recipient; Sharon Yow, award nominator.
Mary was nominated by Sharon Yow and chosen as the 2006 award recipient based on her exemplary contributions to the preservation of the quality of life in our beach communities. Mary’s contributions include: helping to save Howell Park by involving a hydrologist when proposed solutions to drainage issues threatened to negatively impact the nature park; enlisting legal counsel that resulted in a reduction in the amount of development that could take place on Johnston Island; contributing research and education in connection with the proposed Neptune Beach WalMart; and continuing efforts to preserve Atlantic Beach marshlands with the Marsh Preservation Society.
Mary is also recognized as being focused on issues and involving experts to help in efforts to preserve quality of life at our beaches. Sharon Yow said that “Mary doesn’t accomplish these things single-handedly, but the time and attention she gives the issues, plus her unique perspective brings about a more positive outcome. She does not believe in dead-ends and always seems able to find a detour that maybe no one else thought of and, if possible, looks for “win-win” solutions.”
“We want to thank Mary for all her contributions and her continuing involvement in community issues and we encourage others to follow Mary’s example and get involved in helping preserve quality of life at the beaches”, said Beaches Watch President, Sandy Golding during the presentation of the award.
Upon receiving the award, Mary stated that “the profound satisfaction of making a difference in your own community is reward enough.”