Our work is a collaborative effort among many partner organizations and individuals. Each year, our Smarty Pants Awards honor a few of those folks who are helping us build a climate smart community. Check out the latest winners, below!
2020 Smarty Pants Awards
(L - R): Tom Javins, Ethel MacDonald, Andrew Valainis, and Laurie Yung
Read about each below.
Read about each below.
Catalyst for Change: Tom Javins
Some community do-gooders are visibly out in front, while others create positive change behind the scenes, in ways not seen. Tom is one of these latter change-makers, well-deserving of our annual catalyst award. A semi-retired mechanical engineer, two summers ago Tom approached us at a wildfire smoke workshop we were co-hosting with Missoula’s Health Department. He recognized immediately that we needed more options than pricey HEPA portable air cleaners, and we needed to better understand how HVAC systems in homes and commercial spaces work. Tom’s response to seeing the need: “I think I can help”. And help he did. He transformed his basement into a lab and volunteered oodles of time to testing inexpensive DIY fan/filter combinations, ensuring these met safety standards. He tried to catalyze a fire, and when he couldn’t, confirmed these are great to recommend, catalyzing instead a movement for healthy indoor air! Anytime we (Amy at Climate Smart or Sarah Coefield at the Health Department) needed his advice, he was ready to help, even starring in video films and media stories. These efforts have had a ripple effect, as folks seeking clean indoor air throughout the western US have benefited from Tom’s work. And Tom didn’t stop there. Incredibly, as a contractor on a Missoula wildfire smoke air study led by the EPA, he decided to generously donate the income he earned to Climate Smart so we could continue catalyzing change! And finally, it’s not all air for Tom—he and his wife Beverly collected pounds of Arrowleaf Balsamroot seeds to help us restore our surrounding hills, and he’s been busy re-roofing bluebird boxes on these same hills. We’re so thrilled to honor Tom.
Some community do-gooders are visibly out in front, while others create positive change behind the scenes, in ways not seen. Tom is one of these latter change-makers, well-deserving of our annual catalyst award. A semi-retired mechanical engineer, two summers ago Tom approached us at a wildfire smoke workshop we were co-hosting with Missoula’s Health Department. He recognized immediately that we needed more options than pricey HEPA portable air cleaners, and we needed to better understand how HVAC systems in homes and commercial spaces work. Tom’s response to seeing the need: “I think I can help”. And help he did. He transformed his basement into a lab and volunteered oodles of time to testing inexpensive DIY fan/filter combinations, ensuring these met safety standards. He tried to catalyze a fire, and when he couldn’t, confirmed these are great to recommend, catalyzing instead a movement for healthy indoor air! Anytime we (Amy at Climate Smart or Sarah Coefield at the Health Department) needed his advice, he was ready to help, even starring in video films and media stories. These efforts have had a ripple effect, as folks seeking clean indoor air throughout the western US have benefited from Tom’s work. And Tom didn’t stop there. Incredibly, as a contractor on a Missoula wildfire smoke air study led by the EPA, he decided to generously donate the income he earned to Climate Smart so we could continue catalyzing change! And finally, it’s not all air for Tom—he and his wife Beverly collected pounds of Arrowleaf Balsamroot seeds to help us restore our surrounding hills, and he’s been busy re-roofing bluebird boxes on these same hills. We’re so thrilled to honor Tom.
Master in the Fine Art of Community Building and Bicycle Riding: Ethel MacDonald
Ethel, once introduced in a different Missoula Current article as a “gal about town,” is a bicycling icon in Missoula. Did you know that Ethel rides her age every birthday? As Ethel’s odometer ticks up, so does the strength of our community. Her 80th birthday ride along the Bitterroot Trail was a community event with people joining the caravan for however many miles they were up for that day. Ethel is, of course, so much more than biking. She has been a longtime advocate of open space, serving on the open space advisory board for over a decade, and the Bitterroot Trail alliance calls her “one of Missoula’s preeminent advocates for sustainable and active transportation.” Ethel doesn’t just live out her values on a personal level, she works tirelessly to advocate for systemic change as well. We’re not the first people to recognize Ethel for her hard work—in 2005, Ethel was named Peacemaker of the Year by the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center—and we’re sure we won’t be the last. We’re thrilled to present the Masters in the Fine Art of Community Building and Bicycle Riding to Ethel MacDonald.
Ethel, once introduced in a different Missoula Current article as a “gal about town,” is a bicycling icon in Missoula. Did you know that Ethel rides her age every birthday? As Ethel’s odometer ticks up, so does the strength of our community. Her 80th birthday ride along the Bitterroot Trail was a community event with people joining the caravan for however many miles they were up for that day. Ethel is, of course, so much more than biking. She has been a longtime advocate of open space, serving on the open space advisory board for over a decade, and the Bitterroot Trail alliance calls her “one of Missoula’s preeminent advocates for sustainable and active transportation.” Ethel doesn’t just live out her values on a personal level, she works tirelessly to advocate for systemic change as well. We’re not the first people to recognize Ethel for her hard work—in 2005, Ethel was named Peacemaker of the Year by the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center—and we’re sure we won’t be the last. We’re thrilled to present the Masters in the Fine Art of Community Building and Bicycle Riding to Ethel MacDonald.
JD in Solar Savvy and Advocacy: Andrew Valainis
Andrew is currently working on a master’s degree, but we’re awarding him a JD, which in this case stands for Just Do It! That seems to be Andrew’s unofficial personal and professional motto. Andrew has been the executive director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association (MREA) since 2016, working to level the playing field for clean energy across the state through policy advocacy and education. At Climate Smart, we’ve been lucky to collaborate with Andrew on numerous events and efforts. He is not only a self-described energy nerd, able to explain the arcane details of policy and the nuts and bolts of renewable energy generation, but he’s also always ready to jump in on any scheme we come up with for spreading the word about solar. Planning a big Clean Energy Expo in addition to MREA’s annual Clean Energy Fair? Just do it! Last minute change of plans to a virtual solar happy hour at the beginning of a pandemic? Just do it! Donning an alien suit for some silly ad libbing? Sure, why not?! Andrew’s “Just Do It” attitude is exactly what’s needed for growing renewable energy in Montana. And we’re grateful that he’ll be putting on his JD hat in Helena for the upcoming 2021 Montana Legislative Session as he lobbies for clean energy. He’s always ready, always willing, to get the job done.
Andrew is currently working on a master’s degree, but we’re awarding him a JD, which in this case stands for Just Do It! That seems to be Andrew’s unofficial personal and professional motto. Andrew has been the executive director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association (MREA) since 2016, working to level the playing field for clean energy across the state through policy advocacy and education. At Climate Smart, we’ve been lucky to collaborate with Andrew on numerous events and efforts. He is not only a self-described energy nerd, able to explain the arcane details of policy and the nuts and bolts of renewable energy generation, but he’s also always ready to jump in on any scheme we come up with for spreading the word about solar. Planning a big Clean Energy Expo in addition to MREA’s annual Clean Energy Fair? Just do it! Last minute change of plans to a virtual solar happy hour at the beginning of a pandemic? Just do it! Donning an alien suit for some silly ad libbing? Sure, why not?! Andrew’s “Just Do It” attitude is exactly what’s needed for growing renewable energy in Montana. And we’re grateful that he’ll be putting on his JD hat in Helena for the upcoming 2021 Montana Legislative Session as he lobbies for clean energy. He’s always ready, always willing, to get the job done.
Doctorate of Dedication: Laurie Yung
Although Laurie already has a PhD, her dedication to Montana climate efforts has her deserving a second Doctorate, one we are honored to bestow. Her deep knowledge of and approach to the ways we can best build a climate literate and action-oriented society has greatly benefited our community and state. Too often climate advocates and fixers understand well the physics, chemistry and ecological facts of climate change, but less so the social science. Laurie’s day job is Professor of Natural Resource Social Science and Co-Chair of the University of Montana’s Department of Society & Conservation, where she works to understand what moves people to make climate smart decisions, bridging the “hard” and “soft” sciences. She tirelessly teaches, mentors, and leads, at UM and beyond. We are all indebted to Laurie who has volunteered her expertise with two major efforts. First, she was instrumental in developing Climate Ready Missoula—our County and City resiliency plan—providing just the help we needed, from the initial science primer, through facilitating 100+ people workshops, to crafting the final plan. And as an ex officio member of the Governor’s Climate Solutions Council, she worked day and night to ensure Montana’s Climate Action Plan had the right strategies to meet the moment. We could go on and on. A true unsung hero in our community, we are so grateful for Laurie’s dedication!
Although Laurie already has a PhD, her dedication to Montana climate efforts has her deserving a second Doctorate, one we are honored to bestow. Her deep knowledge of and approach to the ways we can best build a climate literate and action-oriented society has greatly benefited our community and state. Too often climate advocates and fixers understand well the physics, chemistry and ecological facts of climate change, but less so the social science. Laurie’s day job is Professor of Natural Resource Social Science and Co-Chair of the University of Montana’s Department of Society & Conservation, where she works to understand what moves people to make climate smart decisions, bridging the “hard” and “soft” sciences. She tirelessly teaches, mentors, and leads, at UM and beyond. We are all indebted to Laurie who has volunteered her expertise with two major efforts. First, she was instrumental in developing Climate Ready Missoula—our County and City resiliency plan—providing just the help we needed, from the initial science primer, through facilitating 100+ people workshops, to crafting the final plan. And as an ex officio member of the Governor’s Climate Solutions Council, she worked day and night to ensure Montana’s Climate Action Plan had the right strategies to meet the moment. We could go on and on. A true unsung hero in our community, we are so grateful for Laurie’s dedication!
2019 Smarty Pants Awards
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Catalyst for Change: Jeff Smith
This Catalyst for Change award to Jeff Smith, a long-time community conservationist who, as the co-leader of 350 Montana, has been laser-focused on keeping fossil fuels in the ground. Jeff is indefatigable in his efforts to push NorthWestern Energy and the Public Service Commission (PSC) to make decisions that move us toward a decarbonized world. We began working with Jeff and his team at 350 to pass Missoula’s 100% clean electricity resolution, and Jeff was invaluable in bringing focus to this effort. Climate Smart and 350 played different roles in this effort, demonstrating how trust is built and how we’re stronger together. Jeff is impressively principled, believing in strong, visible activism that is always strategic and respectful. We’re honored to honor him. |
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Rising Star: Winona Bateman
This award goes to a community member “ALL IN” for climate action. A year ago, Winona had a moment of reckoning about the climate crisis and since then has dived in wholeheartedly to become a full-time advocate. Drawing on over a decade of professional experience in the communications world, and channeling her deep concern for her daughter’s future, she founded Families for a Livable Climate, bringing families of all kinds into the climate movement and helping them find their place and voice. In just one year, Winona has forged connections with groups and people across the state, with her signature wholehearted enthusiasm and passion. Every time someone like Winona decides to go all in—responding to the climate crisis with the urgency it requires—it empowers others to step up and do the same. With all she’s done in just a year, we’re excited to see where she goes and how many others she inspires. Rise star rise! |
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Masters in the Fine Art of Community (and Bicycle) Building: Bob Giordano
Bob is the Executive Director and Founder of the Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Free Cycles, both dedicated to increasing access to and usage of walking, bicycling, and public transit. Through policy, programming, and outreach, their work improves the health and wellbeing of our community and environment. Bob is the key bicycle champion in our community. Since 1996, over 200,000 people have visited the Free Cycles, and at least 20,000 bicycles have been earned and built. Bob ensures that Free Cycles serves as an important community gathering space, hosting a wide range of events. Most importantly, Bob is a kind, generous, creative, and committed force for climate action who is in it for the long haul. He’s a Master! |
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Doctorate of Dedication: Nick Silverman
Nick is a hydro-climatologist by profession, applying state-of-the-art climate models to inform decision-making, working to improve resources for farmers, ranchers, recreationalists and government. He’s an author of the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment and effectively shares climate science in engaging ways. Whenever we need a science explainer, whether it’s for workshops on wildfire smoke or presentations on climate projections, Nick is there. Nick is also a key member of our Climate Resiliency Planning Steering Committee, serving as Technical Advisor and diving in deep to help us understand everything from Missoula’s aquifer to human climate migration. And his efforts stretch beyond Missoula—he’s providing expertise to Montana’s Health and Climate Assessment and is on the Board of a new group: Missoula Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate. Nick is incredibly generous with his time and completely enjoyable to work with, deserving this Doctorate #2. |
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Doctorate of Dedication: Donna Gaukler
Most of us don’t really understand and appreciate the dedication of our City staff, but appreciate them we should. As Director of Missoula’s Parks and Recreation Dept. since 2002, Donna is one of our City’s gems, making a real difference in the lives of all Missoulians. She works tirelessly to lead the City in providing places and programs accessible to everyone and notes that “It is in parks where we meet our neighbors, learn about each other, our community, and become stewards of our environment." Donna has decades of dedication to building a livable future, never shying away from the challenges of climate change. Through her leadership in the development and adoption of land use and management plans, to guiding improvements in neighborhood and regional parks and conservation lands, to serving on our “Climate Ready Missoula” Steering Committee, we all benefit. She also loves our urban forest as much as we do and supports our “Shade Shelter” building efforts. With such dedication, Donna deserves this Doctorate and our deep gratitude. |
2018 Smarty Pants Awards
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Doctorate of Dedication: Ben Schmidt
Ben is stepping down after two decades of service as the chair of the City’s Energy and Climate Team! In this role, Ben helped coordinate the very first City greenhouse gas inventory back in the 1990s, and jump started conversations about climate change and energy before it was cool. Among other things, the ECT also supported Missoula’s joining Cities for Climate Protection, and the Conservation and Climate Action Plan. In addition to chairing the Energy and Climate Team, Ben also designates the proceeds from the annual Pumpkin Run, which he coordinates, to fund solar and clean energy projects. Ben’s deep and abiding dedication to climate issues is why he’s the perfect candidate for this award. Ben may be stepping down from as ECT chair, but we know he will continue to move these issues forward in his characteristically humble yet persistent way. Thank you, Ben! |
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Masters in the Fine Art of Community Building: Nicky Phear
Nicky is also moving on from a position she’s held for the last 10 years - Director of the Climate Change Studies program at the University of Montana. Nicky truly embodies the title of this award. Under her visionary leadership, CCS has become an integral part of the larger Missoula community, offering students invaluable opportunities for internships and connections with many local organizations and nonprofits, including us! Nicky was a member of the original Mayor’s advisory Team that helped push the City into more formal planning around climate change, and she was also a key member of the Adapt group that hosted community summits over several years, the outgrowth of which is Climate Smart Missoula. Although Nicky has decided to move on from UM, community building is in her bones and we can’t wait to see what she does next! |
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Partners for Renewable Energy Possibilities (PREP): Missoula Electric Co-op and KettleHouse Brewing Co.
This year’s wildcard award honored the team efforts of Missoula Electric Co-op and KettleHouse Brewing Co. for their community solar project atop the new KettleHouse taproom in Bonner. This ingenious partnership is well-deserving of this award: not only is it a great example of community solar collaboration, which allows MEC members to buy into the shared solar system and reap the benefits of renewable energy, but anyone who buys a panel gets a free beer whenever they want one. That’s a pretty good deal all around! Thanks to Mark Hayden, General Manager of MEC, and Tim O’Leary, KettleHouse owner, for joining forces, and we hope this project inspires more creative clean energy partnerships like this across our community! |
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Catalyst for Change: Tom Platt
This year's award honors someone whose can-do attitude and zeal for solving challenges continues to inspire us. Tom passed away much too soon from cancer earlier this year. Tom was truly the instigator that this effort to achieve 100% clean electricity needed to get off the ground. He doggedly researched and documented ways to achieve that goal, and was a primary author of the initial 100% Clean Electricity Options Report. Tom was also the brainchild behind the innovative poplar farm adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant, which grows sustainable timber while diverting millions of gallons of treated effluent from our river. As Amy says, as with so many things he did, Tom was “all in” on these projects, and his work is an incredible legacy and gift to our community. We were grateful to be able to give Tom his award earlier this summer. |
2017 Smarty Pants Awards
2016 Smarty Pants Awards
Beth couldn't be there to accept her award in person - thanks for being her stand-in, Chase!
Diana was surprised to find that her award included literal smarty pants - decorated with the Climate Smart logo, of course!
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Doctorate of Dedication: Sarah Coefield, Air Quality Specialist, Missoula City/County Health Department
Sarah is dedicated to clean air - both indoors and out - more than anyone on the planet. Really. She poured herself into helping Missoula County residents stay healthy and safe during the worst wildfire smoke season ever recorded in this area. Her darkly humorous twice daily air quality reports kept us all going this past summer. And she was our primary partner in launching the HEPA air filter distribution program, which provided filters and clean air to vulnerable individuals and schools throughout Missoula County. Years ago, Sarah started thinking of a new, not-yet-tested program to give people clean air, and her dedication to working with us to figure out the pieces was key. She invested so much of herself into helping others, setting the bar for the rest of us. We cannot thank Sarah enough for her energy, smarts, and heart. We have the utmost respect for you Sarah! You can read more from and about Sarah here. Masters in the (Fine) Art of Community Building: Don, Sarah, and Chris of MMW Architects - together with Steve Nelson and Home ReSource
Our Summer Smart initiative has us creating shade for Missoula's hot summer afternoons. Trees are fantastic but why not also build shade? Though we thought this might be a good idea, it took creative and talented partners to make our first shade shelter become a reality, partners who knew how to both design something cool, but also build it. Don, Sarah and Chris with MMW architects were with us every step of the way, designing an architecturally awesome structure, helping us figure out the site, engineering, materials and more. Together, we got the design approved, moved rocks and hung rebar. Their vision of a structure that used recycled scrap wood was a perfect fit to partner directly with Steve and his work crew at Home ReSource who figured out just how to wrangle wood scraps into a shelter and then actually did it! All four of these folks are smart, fun, and generous, just what's needed to build community. And they're even up for shelter #2 in 2018! Photos and more of the story behind this amazing Shade Shelter along the Milwaukee Trail, south side of the Clark Fork River, are here. Catalyst of Change: Jeremy Drake, Home ReSource Community Engagement Manager
Jeremy is honored for his tremendous work to move Missoula toward Zero Waste. Waste has long been something that everyone talks about but few are bold enough to address. Not Jeremy. He and Home ReSource ED Katie Deuel led the discussion on our waste stream at a Climate Smart Community Summit and directed it toward the transformative concept of Zero Waste, which in 2015 became an official City Resolution. Fast forward 2 years and Jeremy is still leading that charge. Working with the City, we have ZERO by FIFTY: Missoula’s Pathway to Zero Waste, a forthcoming plan to reduce landfill waste 90% by 2050. Thanks to Jeremy, there’s a ton of momentum and zero waste ripples – from new compost services to Logjam’s new recycling efforts. Jeremy does this work because it’s truly his passion. He leads the education of hundreds of 5th graders in the Home ReSource ZWAP! Program, and he reminds us all “You can’t recycle your way to Zero Waste.” Jeremy is Missoula’s rock star of reduction, reverend of reuse, wrangler of recycling, catalyst of compost and overall czar of Zero Waste. Certificate of Excellence in Energy Savings: Rose Dickson
From June through November 2017, 100 Missoulians participated in our pilot Energy Smart Challenge. Each week, participants received an email with tips, tools and resources to reduce their energy use at home. Then at the end of the month, they completed a survey telling us what they did and learned, earning points each month for doing so. Rose took the lead early and was our Energy Challenge winner! Her enthusiasm showed it's possible for everyone - renters and homeowners alike - to save energy, in big and small ways. Great job, Rose, and thanks for helping make this initial round of the Challenge a success! Doctorate of Dedication: Beth Schenk, St Patrick Hospital and Climate Smart Executive Team When it comes to commitment, Beth knows what it takes to see things through. She wears many hats in our community. A member of the Climate Smart Executive Team, she is a nurse scientist and sustainability coordinator at St. Pat’s hospital, an active researcher and professor, and has helped transform St. Pat’s with their waste reduction and sustainability plan. Beth has been unwavering in her dedication to Climate Smart Missoula from day 1, offering brilliant strategic guidance and generously giving her time and energy. Thank you, Beth! Masters in the (Fine) Art of Community Building: Fernanda and Robert co-owners of Imagine Nation Brewing Fernanda and Robert had a dream to brew awesome craft beer and use it to create social change – and we’ve seen that dream become reality over the last year! Climate Smart hosts our Monthly Meetups at INB the first Thursday of every month – just one of the many community-building happenings there in any given week. The INB vision is strengthening the social fabric of our city. We are so grateful for Fernanda and Robert’s smiles, encouragement, and support of Climate Smart. Masters in Solar: Diana Maneta, executive director, Montana Renewable Energy Association Diana has been a bright light in our community! As the executive director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association from 2010 until very recently, she led MREA as they advocated for smart policy at the Montana legislature, hosted Clean Energy Fairs around the state, and helped make Solarize Missoula possible. Diana’s quiet leadership helped solar energy shine brighter than ever – and connected Climate Smart Missoula with statewide policy efforts and partners that help make renewable energy more accessible right here in our community. Catalyst of Change Award: Jack Lawson, CEO, Missoula Federal Credit Union Jack has been instrumental in turning good ideas into action! As President and CEO of Missoula Federal Credit Union, he’s made a bold and visible commitment to values-based banking – from supporting Solarize and Summer Smart, to LEED certified and energy efficient MFCU buildings, to encouraging sustainability efforts with staff and MFCU’s 47,000(!) members. We’re grateful for Jack’s creative approach and partnership with Climate Smart, and are excited to see the impact he and MFCU will have in the years to come. |
