News

Seneca Lake Pure Waters 2025 Volunteer Recognition

GENEVA, N.Y. – Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) is proud to honor the dedicated volunteers and supporters who help protect and preserve Seneca Lake. During the 2024- 2025 fiscal year alone, more than 170 volunteers contributed 3,290 hours supporting water quality monitoring, community outreach, and restoration projects across the watershed. Their collective efforts ensure the continued health of Seneca Lake and inspire stewardship for future generations.

At the 2025 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition held on Thursday, September 11 at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, four individuals were celebrated for their extraordinary dedication and service to the lake and the community.

Mary Rose Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award

Recipients: Mimi Gridley and Sue Martin

The Mary Rose Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award honors volunteers who go above and beyond in service to Pure Waters. This year, Mimi Gridley and Sue Martin were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Mimi Gridley has served as a stream monitor for over a decade, carrying on the legacy of Mary Rose herself. As Stream Lead for Big Stream, a HABs monitoring volunteer, Mimi’s dedication and careful attention have made her a trusted and valued leader. Sue Martin has devoted many years of service—often alongside her husband Larry—to stream monitoring, lake water quality, HABs efforts, CSLAP, Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) participant, and Lake Level Committee member. She has consistently supported Pure Waters programs, helping to ensure their success and impact across the community.

Together, Mimi and Sue embody the spirit of volunteer service that sustains Seneca Lake protection efforts.

Friend of Seneca Founders Award

Recipient: Don Kloeber

The Friend of Seneca Founders Award recognizes individuals or organizations whose long-term efforts significantly advance the mission of Pure Waters. Don Kloeber has been a creative thinker, generous benefactor, and tireless advocate for Seneca Lake. He provided leadership for the kiosk project at Sampson State Park, contributed substantial support to the Seneca Lake Nutrient Pollution Reduction (SNPR) program, and recruited volunteers and donors to strengthen Pure Waters’ impact. His efforts have fostered partnerships that further lake stewardship and community engagement.

Rich Adams Memorial President’s Award

Recipient: Jill Ritter

The Rich Adams Memorial President’s Award is given at the discretion of the President to honor extraordinary leadership and contributions. Jill Ritter has been deeply involved with Pure Waters for over a decade. She has held leadership roles including Vice President of Operations, Treasurer, and committee leadership in Events, Membership, Organizational Development, Lake Level, and Finance. Jill has led fundraising events, shared Pure Waters’ mission at community gatherings, and provided hands-on support for accounting and administration. Her institutional knowledge and dedication have strengthened programs and guided board decisions.

Learn more about Pure Waters

To learn more about volunteering: https://senecalake.org/volunteer-opportunities/
To learn more about donating: https://senecalake.org/giving/

Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is a 501(c)3 organization committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting the abundant resources of the largest Finger Lake. Seneca Lake is a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic opportunity for the greater community and its visitors. Our programs and partnerships make it possible to monitor water quality, educate the public, and evaluate threats to ensure the a healthy future for Seneca Lake and those who depend on it.