2015 Heart & Hands of the Keweenaw Award
HANCOCK—It’s fitting that a man with a passion for promoting alternative energy should be a powerhouse in his own right. Abhilash Kantamneni, or “Abhi” as he is known locally, is this year’s winner of the Heart & Hands of the Keweenaw Award, earned for his outstanding ability to educate the public and bring people from all walks of life together to promote energy conservation and a greener vision for local energy.
A PhD candidate in Michigan Tech’s computer science program, Abhi is also the Founder/Program Director for Houghton County’s (HEET) efforts to win $5,000,000 in a national energy efficiency competition (GUEP).
The Heart and Hands Society gives the award annually to acknowledge Copper Country residents who have “given of their heart and hands in the service of peace, justice, or the environment.” The winner of the award receives a monetary award of $1,000 which is to be donated to the local charity of his or her choice. He has chosen the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter, saying, “I value the strength of people starting over in a place they might not be comfortable with. I can relate to that, in a very, very small way.”
Also nominated for the award were Charles Eshbach for dedicating his adult life (50 + years) to preserving special places in the Keweenaw, Bob Strykowski, for coming out of retirement to serve his community by keeping the water supply plant in Gay operating, serving as a Trustee on the Township Board, and taking on the position as Fire Chief; and Michael and Sylvia Cooper for their devotion and dedication to preserving local history.
For more information, contact Terry Kinzel, originator of the Heart & Hands Award.
CONTACT: Terry Kinzel
PHONE: 906-482-6927
EMAIL: tkinzel@pasty.net
DATE: September 18, 2015