Ann Dannenberg gives her students the opportunity to see how a project in her independent field study program can make a big difference in the community. She also serves as advisor to the Newton North Environmental Club which aims to become educated about and act on local, national and international environmental issues. In addition, she is the Faculty Representative on the new high school building committee to insure it will be a high performance building.

Zachary Snow reveals to students how Advanced Placement Biology can be used to serve the community and has inspired his students through their year-long environmental projects. In the first semester, they write a research paper on the subject. In the 2nd semester they have to implement a project that will be sustainable, such as recycling at Newton North, reduction of bus idling at Newton public schools, and educating their fellow Newton North students to promote vegetarianism to the school.

Ann and Zachary's students were among the March 2006 Earth Day speakers about innovative environmental projects in the Newton Schools

Newton Conservators

The Newton Conservators are honored for their key role in acquiring the Angino Family Farm for community farming, education and passive recreation. Among their achievements:

• Built and cultivated relationships with the Angino family.
• Negotiated an initial offer, purchase and sale agreement with appropriate conditions in early 2004.
• Arranged and paid for an independent real estate appraisal to determine property value; identified community farming as the use creating the greatest value to residents.
• Built community support for the concept, including neighbors organizations and a variety of interested individuals.
• Prepared a comprehensive proposal for Community Preservation Act funding, and managed a lengthy amendment process, leading to approvals by the Community Preservation Committee and the Board of Aldermen in late 2004.
• Helped shape the ordinance that enabled the created the Newton Farm Commission, plus a fiscal umbrella and funding to Newton Community Farm, Inc. during the period leading to incorporation.
• Designated (as a land trust organization) to hold a Conservation Restriction on Angino Farm, owned by the City since May 2005

Wainwright Bank

Wainwright Bank's Newton Centre office was conceived as a model of environmentally conscious branch design for the banking industry. Elements include:

• recycled content in flooring, countertops and aluminum window frames
• renewable materials such as bamboo flooring and cornstalk fiberboard in counters and cabinets
• low-emitting materials in paints and carpet
• light-dimming sensors, EnergyStar rated appliances and "sun tubes"
• more than 50% of its electricity received from renewable energy sources

Wainwright Bank has been named one of the 10 Best "Green" Banking Firms in the U.S. by the Community Investing Campaign, and one of the World's Top 20 Sustainable Stocks by SustainableBusiness.com.