SOUTH PORTLAND – The American Lung Association of Maine held its annual meeting and awards ceremony on Oct. 3 at the Sable Oaks Marriott. Awardees came from all over the state to be honored for their work in fighting for healthy air and protecting lung health.

“We’re here today to honor the leadership and dogged determination of these community leaders. Their dedication to ensuring the air we breathe is healthy is an inspiration to all of us at the lung association and we thank them for their hard work on behalf of Maine people,” said Mark Ishkanian, board chairman of the American Lung Association of Maine.

Local award recipients included Julie Balistreri, a student at Lewiston-Auburn College. Balistreri is a community leader in improving air quality. She is an active member of Lewiston’s “Cool Community” effort that is working to reduce the area’s carbon footprint and is also involved in conducting research in Greenville on how residents plan to change their fuel-burning habits this winter and the impacts of the changes on local air quality.

Also honored was Bates College. Bates has led the nation in its environmentally related policies, practices and academic offerings. It is committed to sustainability and provides staff and students with the tools they need to conserve energy, use renewable energy and alternative transportation options, recycle more and engage in green purchasing.

To learn more about the American Lung Association, visit www.lungme.org.