December 1, 2014 – White River Junction, Vt. – Plainfield, N.H., resident Nancy Mogielnicki will be honored as the 2014 Volunteer of the Year this Friday night by local nonprofit Vital Communities.

“Nancy has been a phenomenal volunteer for Vital Communities not only this year but for many,” said Energy Program Manager Sarah Simonds. “As a key volunteer for the Solarize Cornish-Plainfield initiative last spring, Nancy helped more than 20 homeowners go solar in her community. She also represents Plainfield as an active member of our Upper Valley Transportation Management Association Steering Committee, and has been an enthusiastic supporter of many Vital Communities projects.”

Mogielnicki will receive her award at the upcoming Vital Communities Open House, part of December’s First Friday events in White River Junction. The event will be held December 5 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at 195 N. Main Street (upstairs from the Upper Valley Food Co-op). This is the organization’s third annual Volunteer of the Year Award, which last year honored Lyme, N.H., resident Carola Lea and in 2012 recognized Nancy and George Smith of Hartland, Vt.

“Vital Communities projects are appealing for several reasons, including the fact that they are regional in nature and that they address a wide range of ‘sustainability’ issues – the things that make communities vital,” said Mogielnicki, who has lived in the Upper Valley since 1977 and also volunteers for the Plainfield Energy Committee. “There is something for everyone among Vital Communities’ offerings, and they make it really easy to be an effective volunteer.”

The public is invited to attend the Vital Communities Open House, which features refreshments, prizes, and good company in addition to the award presentation. More information is available at VitalCommunities.org or by calling (802) 291-9100.

Vital Communities, a nonprofit organization based in White River Junction, Vt., brings together citizens, organizations, and municipalities to take on issues where an independent voice and regional approach are essential. Working together, we make our region a better place to live, work, and play. Learn more at VitalCommunities.org.