Awarded for their Earth-friendly deeds

The Laguna Beach Environmental Committee presented awards to Cheryl Procaccini and the South Laguna Community Garden on Tuesday night at the City Council meeting.

Procaccini, who was unable to attend the awards, was recognized for her musical performances as Birdsong, in which she teaches her audiences about the world in which they live and how to preserve its wonders. She was nominated for the award by Mary Franz.

A group of folks involved in the Community Garden were at the meeting to accept the environmental award, presented by committee member John Stevens.

“The selection committee was impressed by the grass-roots project that teaches children about the value of growing food locally,” Stevens said.

Charlotte and Alex Masarik, and Anita and Jim Dobbs nominated the garden for the award.

The awards were John Barber’s blown-glass starfish, mounted on blocks of wood recycled from the old Main Beach Boardwalk.

Environmental Committee awards have been presented for four years in recognition of local efforts to preserve, conserve, protect and enhance the environment.

All local residents, businesses, community organizations and schools are eligible for the award. Five nominations for the awards were submitted this year.

— Barbara Diamond