Couple to receive Diversity Day Peace and Justice Award

Environmentalists and Quaker peace activists Alice and Bill Howenstine will be the co-recipients of the 2007 Peace and Justice Award which will be presented at the Diversity Day festival, scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday on the Square in Woodstock.

It will be the first time in the 11-year history of the award that there will be multiple recipients.

"The Howenstines are regarded by many as the godparents of the environmental movement in McHenry County," according to Patrick Murfin, Diversity Day executive director.

"Each individually, and working together as a team, has helped shape a mature conservation movement. They have also been models of Quaker peace-making -- not only locally, but nationally and internationally."

Alice currently serves on the McHenry County Defenders board. Bill served a term as Defenders co-president, and also served that organization in many other capacities. He has also served 2 terms as a trustee of the McHenry County Conservation District. In addition he helped found what is now known as the Land Conservancy of McHenry County, and has served on the board of directors for Pleasant Valley Outdoor Center and Camp Reinberg, two agencies that serve diverse, often underprivileged camper populations.

The Howenstines will be unable to personally receive the award on Sunday. They will be traveling to continue the work that they do, including a national conference of Quaker Earthcare Witness.

Accepting the award for them will be Lisa Hadrelein, a longtime associate in the environmental movement and executive director of the McHenry County Land Conservancy.

"Diversity Day 2007: Skies Everywhere as Blue as Mine" is free and open to the public. It will feature music, dance, speakers from numerous organizations, information tables and food sales.