MARTHA WEILLE (PATSY), M.A.
Director of planning
Under her father's tutelage, Patsy
Weille, of Providence Rhode Island,
grew up with a life-long passion for
gardens and plant identification.
Later, in addition to earning her
B.A. in Liberal Arts at Harvard
College, and an M.A. in Counseling
Education at New York University,
she also completed courses toward
a certificate in Botany and
Botanical Illustration at the New York Botanical Gardens. As a
resident of New York City, she began serving on the board of a
large inner-city community garden where she joined in grass- roots
efforts to protect the property from future development. While
managing a home, family, and career, Mrs. Weille developed and
executed a landscaping plan at the Samuel Seabury Playground,
owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
She now serves as president of a local conservancy which raises
funds to help manage and sustain the playground and surrounding
gardens.
Professionally, Mrs. Weille's career has focused on social work and
public health. She served for many years as assistant to the CEO
of Search and Care, a privately funded New York City agency,
helping the frail elderly continue living with dignity in their own
homes. Mrs. Weille helped with many of the agency's fund-raising
events including The Yorkville Ball, a well known New York City
gala. At the same time, she has served the homeless, working as
a volunteer in church shelters, and also as a counselor at the Holy
Apostles Soup Kitchen, the largest of its kind in New York City.
Director of planning
Under her father's tutelage, Patsy
Weille, of Providence Rhode Island,
grew up with a life-long passion for
gardens and plant identification.
Later, in addition to earning her
B.A. in Liberal Arts at Harvard
College, and an M.A. in Counseling
Education at New York University,
she also completed courses toward
a certificate in Botany and
Botanical Illustration at the New York Botanical Gardens. As a
resident of New York City, she began serving on the board of a
large inner-city community garden where she joined in grass- roots
efforts to protect the property from future development. While
managing a home, family, and career, Mrs. Weille developed and
executed a landscaping plan at the Samuel Seabury Playground,
owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
She now serves as president of a local conservancy which raises
funds to help manage and sustain the playground and surrounding
gardens.
Professionally, Mrs. Weille's career has focused on social work and
public health. She served for many years as assistant to the CEO
of Search and Care, a privately funded New York City agency,
helping the frail elderly continue living with dignity in their own
homes. Mrs. Weille helped with many of the agency's fund-raising
events including The Yorkville Ball, a well known New York City
gala. At the same time, she has served the homeless, working as
a volunteer in church shelters, and also as a counselor at the Holy
Apostles Soup Kitchen, the largest of its kind in New York City.
Dr. Zimmerman is an avid birder and frequently travels abroad
with leading ornithologists. She has served as president of a
local Audubon Society, and also as board member with a
long-established bird study club. Professionally, Dr. Zimmerman
is a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology, and a Fellow of the
American Psychological Association. She has authored many
professional publications and papers on child development, and
is the senior author of the widely utilized Preschool Language
Scale.
with leading ornithologists. She has served as president of a
local Audubon Society, and also as board member with a
long-established bird study club. Professionally, Dr. Zimmerman
is a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology, and a Fellow of the
American Psychological Association. She has authored many
professional publications and papers on child development, and
is the senior author of the widely utilized Preschool Language
Scale.
The Environmental Relief Center
Studio City, California 91604
envirorelief@prodigy.net______
http://www.environmentalrelief.net
(818) 762-5852
Studio City, California 91604
envirorelief@prodigy.net______
http://www.environmentalrelief.net
(818) 762-5852
Peggy Forster is a dedicated con-
servationist and advocate for
environmental justice, sustainable
communities, and the regulatory
policies necessary to protect public
health and safety. Over the years,
she has given her support to
numerous environmental causes
and has served with several local
environmental organizations. In
1992, Mrs. Forster filmed the pro-
cess of converting gasoline-powered
vehicles to battery power and
servationist and advocate for
environmental justice, sustainable
communities, and the regulatory
policies necessary to protect public
health and safety. Over the years,
she has given her support to
numerous environmental causes
and has served with several local
environmental organizations. In
1992, Mrs. Forster filmed the pro-
cess of converting gasoline-powered
vehicles to battery power and
produced several videos documenting the emergence of
zero-emission technology.
In her professional life, Mrs. Forster is a licensed Marriage and
Family Therapist with a B.A., and M.A., in Psychology. She
is certified in gerontological studies, holds a lifetime teaching
credential, and has taught communications skills for many years.
She also served for several years as a volunteer counselor with
the Los Angeles Free Clinic.
zero-emission technology.
In her professional life, Mrs. Forster is a licensed Marriage and
Family Therapist with a B.A., and M.A., in Psychology. She
is certified in gerontological studies, holds a lifetime teaching
credential, and has taught communications skills for many years.
She also served for several years as a volunteer counselor with
the Los Angeles Free Clinic.
Wildflowers of the Pribilof Islands
OFFICERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL RELIEF CENTER
conservation and she is presently studying environmental science
in an advanced placement college-level course. Her interest in
the natural world has led to the enjoyment of outdoor sports
where she is active in track and field, and in cross-country
running.
After graduation, Ms. Plat plans to pursue a career in environ-
mental studies at a major university and dedicate as much time
as possible to the conservation of natural resources.
As Outreach Coordinator, Miss Plat will take a leadership role in
the development of our environmental community programs.
in an advanced placement college-level course. Her interest in
the natural world has led to the enjoyment of outdoor sports
where she is active in track and field, and in cross-country
running.
After graduation, Ms. Plat plans to pursue a career in environ-
mental studies at a major university and dedicate as much time
as possible to the conservation of natural resources.
As Outreach Coordinator, Miss Plat will take a leadership role in
the development of our environmental community programs.
peggy forster, m.a.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
JEFFREY S. GROSSBERG, CPA,
Financial consultant
Jeffrey Grossberg is a principal with a large West Los Angeles
accounting firm. He has over twenty years of experience in
accounting, auditing, and providing tax and business advisory
services. He has a diversified clientele and has provided
financial services to numerous corporations within the
not-for-profit sector.
Mr. Grossberg holds a B.A in Accounting and is a member of
the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is an
observant traveler and a sports enthusiast who enjoys
cross-country skiing and hiking in the rugged back-country
wilderness of our national parks and recreational areas.
Financial consultant
Jeffrey Grossberg is a principal with a large West Los Angeles
accounting firm. He has over twenty years of experience in
accounting, auditing, and providing tax and business advisory
services. He has a diversified clientele and has provided
financial services to numerous corporations within the
not-for-profit sector.
Mr. Grossberg holds a B.A in Accounting and is a member of
the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is an
observant traveler and a sports enthusiast who enjoys
cross-country skiing and hiking in the rugged back-country
wilderness of our national parks and recreational areas.
IRLA LEE ZIMMERMAN, PH.D.
Secretary
Dr. Zimmerman has traveled widely
throughout the world -- in Europe,
Central and South America, Africa,
Australia, and the Arctic -- where she
has observed thousands of species of
animals and birds. She has witnessed,
firsthand, environmental degradation in
various geographical zones and is
committed to the global restoration of
habitats and natural resources.
Secretary
Dr. Zimmerman has traveled widely
throughout the world -- in Europe,
Central and South America, Africa,
Australia, and the Arctic -- where she
has observed thousands of species of
animals and birds. She has witnessed,
firsthand, environmental degradation in
various geographical zones and is
committed to the global restoration of
habitats and natural resources.
SARAH PLAT
Outreach Coordinator
We have recently welcomed Sarah Plat
as the newest member of our organization.
Ms. Plat attends North Hollywood High
School where she has been enrolled for a
number of years in a special magnet program
for highly gifted students. Her love of nature
has influenced a strong academic interest in
Outreach Coordinator
We have recently welcomed Sarah Plat
as the newest member of our organization.
Ms. Plat attends North Hollywood High
School where she has been enrolled for a
number of years in a special magnet program
for highly gifted students. Her love of nature
has influenced a strong academic interest in
The Environmental Relief Center is proud to present their Environmental Hero Award for 2009 to David Michaels, Ph.D., M.P.H., for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of public health and environmental protection. In his book, DOUBT IS THEIR PRODUCT: How Industry's Assault on Science Threatens Your Health, Dr. Michaels has disclosed a shocking culture of secrecy which has "increasingly shaped and skewed the technical literature, manufactured and magnified scientific uncertainty, and influenced government policy to the advantage of polluters and the manufacturers of dangerous products." Such efforts by industry have undermined scientific research and dismantled regulatory policies, seriously impacting public health and betraying the public trust. Here, at The Environmental Relief Center, we believe the publication of DOUBT IS THEIR PRODUCT is a watershed event alerting all of us to the shameful back-room dealings which have destroyed scientific truths and resulted in widespread illness, physical disability, and high rates of mortality in large and small communities across the country. In this meticulous study of corporate wrong-doing, Dr. Michaels has demonstrated exceptional insight and personal courage which is earning deep respect and continuing praise from a newly informed public. Dr. Michaels is an epidemiologist and director of the Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy (SKAPP) at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. He served as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environment, Safety, and Health during the Clinton Administration, and was responsible for protecting the health and safety of workers, neighboring communities, and the environment surrounding the nation's nuclear weapons facilities. He was the architect of the historic initiative that "made peace with the past," compensating United States nuclear weapons workers for illnesses developed while making or testing atomic weapons. In 2006, Dr. Michaels received the American Association for the Advancement of Science's Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award. * * * Read more about the work of Dr. Michaels and the Project for Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy. Please visit: www.DefendingScience.org for the unpublished documents that reveal decades of deceptive policies which have undermined environmental protections and shaken public confidence. DOUBT IS THEIR PRODUCT is a publication of Oxford University Press; 2008. (Offices: 198 Madison Avenue, New York City, New York 10016). |
"What a perfect title, 'Industry's Assault on Science.' It's happening. It's real."
--Erin Brockovich
"We live in an age of unprecedented disinformation, misinformation, and outright lying by those in power. This important
book shows who profits by misleading the public -- and who ultimately pays with their health."
--Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation
"This well-researched book by someone who truly knows the system is a must read for anyone who wants to understand
the cozy relationship between industry and regulatory agencies on matters that affect the health and safety of our families
and neighbors. The cited examples illustrate how, with the help of irresponsible members of Congress and other public
officials, corporate greed can trump any sense of ethics, morality, and human compassion."
-- Neal Lane, former White House Science Advisor and
former Director of the National Science Foundation
"This brave, shocking book exposes the abuse of science by government and industry in ways that endanger the work-
place, the home, the water supply, the air quality -- in fact, our planet as a whole. David Michaels speaks authoritatively
from his firsthand experience as a champion of occupational safety and health. He tells a terrific story."
-- Dave Sobel, author of Longitude and Galileo's Daughter
"In Doubt Is Their Product, David Michaels gives a lively and convincing history of how clever public relations has blocked
one public health protection after another. The techniques first used to reassure us about tobacco were adapted to
reassure us about asbestos, lead, vinyl chloride -- and risks to nuclear facilities workers, where Dr. Michaels' experience
as the relevant Assistant Secretary of Energy gave him an inside view. And if you're worried about climate change, keep
worrying, because the same program is underway there."
-- Donald Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief, Science
(* Above quotations from the dust jacket of: DOUBT IS THEIR PRODUCT)
doubt is their product
How Industry's Assault on Science Threatens Your Health
BELOW IS AN EXCERPT FROM: DOUBT IS THEIR PRODUCT: How Industry's Assault on Science Threatens Your Health
BELOW, AUTHOR DAVID MICHAELS OFFERS, "A DOZEN WAYS TO IMPROVE OUR REGULATORY SYSTEM."
CHAPTER 18, SECTION 8,*
REGULATION BY SHAMING
Increase Public Disclosure of Hazards
by David Michaels, Ph.D., M.P.H.
" 'Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman,' wrote Supreme Court
Justice, Louis Brandeis.
Fear of public disclosure of hazards can be a powerful motivation to clean them up. Public disclosure encourages the
responsible parties to control the hazards rather than suffer the public embarrassment and political pressure that often
follows disclosure. No disclosure, no embarrassment, no pressure. Thus the Bush administration's attempt to
dramatically roll back the reporting requirements of the EPA's Toxic Release Inventory, (TRI), as discussed in the
chapter on his administration. The TRI effect is sometimes called regulation by information. I prefer the term given it by
Mary Graham, of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government: "regulation by shaming."
I am a big fan of shaming. I know its power in the regulatory world from personal experience. By an act of Congress, the
Department of Energy's nuclear safety enforcement program could not issue fines to the nonprofit organizations that run
DOE facilities. When safety violations occurred at the Los Alamos nuclear weapons laboratory -- some that were pretty
severe and resulted in dangerous radiation doses to the workers involved -- I of course could not issue fines against the
University of California, which ran the lab. But I could issue a press release, and I did. While big fines are probably
more effective, fear of future public embarrassment helped improve safety performance at Los Alamos and elsewhere in
the weapons system.
I imagine cynics will suggest that a public university in a progressive state is hardly typical and that many corporations
are beyond shaming. There is good reason for this supposition. Certainly the tobacco industry seems immune to
shame, but many of the other industries discussed here may seem beyond shaming only because their actions remain
out of view. That is, they have never been publicly shamed. Throw a spotlight on their behavior, and let's see what
happens. It can only be for the good."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Excerpt: DOUBT is their Product, by David Michaels; Reference: CHAPTER 18, Section 8, Page 257: REGULATION BY SHAMING
PRAISE FOR AUTHOR, DAVID MICHAELS*
DOUBT IS THEIR PRODUCT: how Industry's Assault on Science Threatens Your Health
DOUBT IS THEIR PRODUCT: how Industry's Assault on Science Threatens Your Health
D A V I D M I C H A E L S, PhD, MPH
Recipient
The Environmental Relief Center
The Environmental Relief Center
AUTHOR
R E C I P I E N T
ENVIRONMENTAL HERO AWARD, 2009
ENVIRONMENTAL HERO AWARD, 2009
D A V I D M I C H A E L S
DOUBT IS THEIR PRODUCT
How Industry's Assault on Science
Threatens Your Health
(Please see paragraphs below)
How Industry's Assault on Science
Threatens Your Health
(Please see paragraphs below)
AUTHOR
ENVIRONMENTAL HERO AWARD for 2009
to the very distinguished
DR. DAVID MICHAELS
to the very distinguished
DR. DAVID MICHAELS
Recognition of author David Michaels as our ENVIRONMENTAL HERO for 2009 continues the tradition
of publicly honoring those who have stood firm in defending the truth, and whose professional
commitment and personal energy have helped to reverse tragic patterns of illness and loss of life.
History tells us such heroic efforts have effectively turned the tide of widespread passivity and
hopelessness. Within this tradition, we believe such heroes are ubiquitous within their communities
and frequently serve as primary catalysts in alerting others to reckless planning decisions and the
industrial hazards which are known to impact the environment and destroy lives.
It is with great pleasure that we present our
of publicly honoring those who have stood firm in defending the truth, and whose professional
commitment and personal energy have helped to reverse tragic patterns of illness and loss of life.
History tells us such heroic efforts have effectively turned the tide of widespread passivity and
hopelessness. Within this tradition, we believe such heroes are ubiquitous within their communities
and frequently serve as primary catalysts in alerting others to reckless planning decisions and the
industrial hazards which are known to impact the environment and destroy lives.
It is with great pleasure that we present our
DAVID MICHAELS, Ph.D., M.P.H.
ENVIRONMENTAL HERO, 2009
ENVIRONMENTAL HERO, 2009
Message From THE ENVIRONMENTAL RELIEF CENTER
* * * * * * * * *
FROM ONE HERO TO ANOTHER, February 18, 2009
Upon learning that Dr. David Michaels is the recipient of our ENVIRONMENTAL HERO AWARD for 2009, investigative
journalist, Joy Horowitz, our "Environmental Hero for 2008", sent the following message:
"David Michaels is truly a hero and I'm honored to be in his company. What a great choice! His work has
been - and continues to be - integral in helping people understand the continued attacks by industry on science."
FROM ONE HERO TO ANOTHER, February 18, 2009
Upon learning that Dr. David Michaels is the recipient of our ENVIRONMENTAL HERO AWARD for 2009, investigative
journalist, Joy Horowitz, our "Environmental Hero for 2008", sent the following message:
"David Michaels is truly a hero and I'm honored to be in his company. What a great choice! His work has
been - and continues to be - integral in helping people understand the continued attacks by industry on science."
ENVIRONMENTAL HERO AWARD, 2009
