The Buzzards Bay Coalition invites its members and supporters to celebrate the organization’s past year of accomplishments at its 29th annual meeting on Thursday, May 11 at the Kingman Yacht Center in Cataumet.

The event, which is free and open to all, will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar overlooking Cape Cod’s beautiful Red Brook Harbor. Beginning at 7 p.m., the coalition will present its 2017 Buzzards Bay Guardian Awards and Volunteer of the Year award.

The Buzzards Bay Guardian Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Buzzards Bay Guardians must have demonstrated outstanding service in the cleanup, restoration or protection of Buzzards Bay. Their work may be as a citizen volunteer, an organization, or a public official or employee. Most importantly, a Buzzards Bay Guardian is an unsung hero or heroine who deserves public recognition, not only for what they have achieved but also for inspiring others to make a difference.

This year, the coalition will present a Guardian Award to David Pinkham of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to recognize his leadership in protecting clean water around Buzzards Bay. Pinkham retired this month following a 35-year career at the EPA, where he was a driving force behind wastewater improvements in Buzzards Bay. His work led to dramatic reductions in pollution from the New Bedford and Wareham wastewater treatment plants, and he was a strong advocate for nitrogen reductions in all Bay discharges.

In addition to the Guardian Award, the coalition will honor Wareham resident and retired teacher Gayle Whittle as Volunteer of the Year for her service educating and engaging people of all ages in the coalition’s mission at outdoor events and programs, as well as at the coalition’s learning centers in New Bedford and Woods Hole.

The Chart Room is located at Kingman Yacht Center (1 Shipyard Lane, Cataumet). For boat owners who want to start their summer season early, Kingman Yacht Center is offering free overnight slips to event attendees.

For more information about this event, contact the Buzzards Bay Coalition at (508) 999-6363, or visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/events.