The Rockville Mayor and Council, along with the city’s Environment Commission, presented Environmental Excellence Awards in June to honor local contributions to sustainability. Dawn Samen was recognized for her long-term litter cleanup efforts in Twinbrook, while Ingleside at King Farm was honored for its composting program and environmentally friendly dining practices.

Per the City of Rockville: “The Mayor and Council and the city’s Environment Commission honored a community member and a senior living community in June with Environmental Excellence Awards, recognizing contributions to Rockville’s environmental health and sustainability.

The Mayor and Council and members of the city’s Environment Commission presented Environmental Excellence Awards to Dawn Samen (holding plaque at left) and Ingleside at King Farm (represented by David Martinsen, holding plaque at right).

Dawn Samen received the Carl Henn Environmental Excellence Award for Outstanding Individual Environmental Stewardship for her dedication to litter removal and beautifying Twinbrook neighborhood parks for over 18 years. Samen believes if one person from each neighborhood in the city did this work, Rockville would be that much more beautiful.

Ingleside at King Farm received the Outstanding Leadership in Environmental Practices Award for their residential compost program that serves Ingleside residents and collects 300 pounds of food scraps and compostables every week. Ingleside’s dining department also offers only reusable or compostable containers for carryout.”