Feb 17, 2024 By Mark Hofmann 4 min read

Two Fayette County recycling activists were recognized with state environmental awards for their efforts to help make Pennsylvania beautiful.

Prior to Thursday’s meeting of the Fayette County Commissioners, former Wharton Township Supervisor Jim Means received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful (KPB), a statewide environmental organization.

For the last 27 years, Means has led a monthly collection and annual hard-to-recycle event in his township, making recycling more accessible to mountain area communities. He also launched a recycling program at the Mountain Area Senior Center, in partnership with Keep Fayette County Green, in 2023.

“Jim has a dedication and passion for recycling,” said Fayette County Recycling Coordinator/Stormwater Manager Sheila Shea, who nominated Means for the award and was later surprised with the KPB Community Pride Award.

“Jim’s leadership style fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging others to go above and beyond,” she said. “His dedication and enthusiasm are contagious, and it’s not uncommon to see others rally behind his recycling initiatives.”

Means, who retired in December after serving 30 years as a township supervisor while intending to remain a regular part of the recycling community, said receiving the award was special.

“I think recycling is a great program that’s come a long way,” Means said. “Up here in Wharton Township, we’re one of the highest collectors in the state every year, and we hope to continue those efforts and keep growing. If a person recycles right, very little goes to the landfill, and we’ve saved an awful lot of stuff from going to the landfill.”

Commissioner Dave Lohr said Means is one of those rare individuals who, when presented with a need, doesn’t just offer a solution.

“He steps right in and gets to work,” Lohr said. “This world would be a better place if more people had the same can-do spirit as Jim.”

Sen. Pat Stefano presented Means with a citation from the state Senate, and Dawn Strosnider, on behalf of Rep. Charity Grimm-Krupa’s office, presented him with a citation from the state House of Representatives.

Stefano then surprised Shea with the Community Pride Award, which recognizes those who exhibit outstanding environmental stewardship and commitment to litter control, recycling or community beautification.

“Sheila has done an outstanding job growing Fayette County’s recycling program over the past years,” Stefano said. “Surrounding counties not only look to her as an example but ask to participate in our recycling program. Sheila is always one to go above and beyond and her accolades are well-deserved.”

Commissioner Scott Dunn said Means and Shea are recycling role models that all citizens should aspire to emulate.

“Jim’s unwavering dedication to our mountain communities is unmatched. For many decades, he went above and beyond as a supervisor, an environmental activist and true leader,” Dunn said. “Sheila has done an incredible job growing and evolving our recycling program, and her award is very fitting. She exemplifies what it means to be a true environmental steward and is the driving force behind keeping Fayette County clean and green.”

Commissioner Vince Vicites said Fayette County has always been respected statewide for its recycling efforts, but Shea has further improved the program.

“She is very deserving of this award,” Vicites said.

Lohr said no one deserves the Community Pride Award more than Shea.

“Her outstanding environmental stewardship has taken Fayette County recycling to a level we never could have foreseen,” Lohr said. “She’s tenacious in her approach, implementing innovative programs to promote recycling; aggressively seeking out every available resource; and working with key agencies to make our communities cleaner, safer and more beautiful.”

Shea said she was both surprised and honored to receive the award.

“Working with all of you is such a privilege, and I’m excited to see what we’ll accomplish in the future,” Shea said. “Thank you to the whole team who works with me to help make our recycling program so successful. It’s truly an honor to be recognized for my work.”