Writer Kate O’Neill’s 2019 series “Hooked: Stories and Solutions From Vermont’s Opioid Crisis,” published in Seven Days, received this year’s Jack Barry Communications Award from Recovery Vermont. The award presentation took place during the nonprofit advocacy organization’s annual Recovery Day event in Montpelier on February 12.

Renewable Energy Vermont recognizes Representative Sarah Copeland-Hanzas with the 2019 Renewable Energy Legislative Champion award. This award recognizes a government official who has worked hard to further renewable energy in Vermont. Copeland-Hanzas represents the Orange-2 district, co-chairs the Climate Solutions Caucus and Chairs the House Committee on Government Operations.

At a reception in the over-flowing Cedar Creek Room of the Vermont State House, Renewable Energy Vermont presented Leigh Seddon with the 2019 Jim Grundy Award for generosity of spirit and integrity in bringing renewable energy to his community.

In accepting his award, Leigh reflected on lessons he had learned from Jim Grundy himself. “Jim taught me about always being customer-focused, having the passion to do new things and having the patience to get through tough times. It is one customer at a time and one day at a time that we actually change the world,” he said.