Two Pennsylvania volunteers-- Boris Weinstein of Allegheny County and Nicole Chandler of Philadelphia were both honored for the efforts in litter reduction and beautification at the Keep America Beautiful Conference this week.
Boris Weinstein, founder of Citizens Against Litter, volunteer with Allegheny CleanWays, and member of the Clean Pittsburgh Commission, was honored with the 2013 Keep America Beautiful Iron Eyes Cody Award.
Boris, a Shadyside resident, received the award for “exceptional leadership in raising public awareness about litter prevention, roadside and community beautification, solid waste issues, and the need for citizens to participate in activities that preserve and enhance natural resources and public lands,” according to KAB.
Since 1970, Boris has been an anti-litter crusader in Pittsburgh. He frequently speaks out against litter at public meetings and in editorials; orchestrates biannual regional cleanups; and has inspired residents near and far to pick up litter in their community.
Nicole Chandler, coordinator of Keep Royal Gardens Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and partner of Keep Philadelphia Beautiful, was honored with the Keep America Beautiful Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson Award for her lifetime work to lead thousands of volunteers in litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and beautification and greening activities.
Nicole has empowered citizens of Philadelphia to take pride in their community and clean and beautify Morris Park, part of the Fairmount Park System in Philadelphia. Nicole continues to secure significant in-kind donations and forge partnerships with local businesses and global corporations to ensure the work continues.
“We are grateful to Keep America Beautiful for the opportunity and congratulate both Boris and Nicole for receiving this national recognition. I commend Boris and Nicole for their local efforts, many achievements and countless contributions to clean and beautiful communities.” stated Shannon Reiter, president of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
The Iron Eyes Cody and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson awards were both chosen from a national pool of volunteers. Boris and Nicole were present at the Keep America Beautiful National Convention in Charlotte to accept their awards.