Meet Our Member of the Month: Mary Fitzgibbons
We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate Mary, a true champion for coastal conservation and a standout member of our Surfrider CT community! Whether she’s kayaking the Sound, pitching in at beach cleanups, or spreading the word about Ocean Friendly Restaurants, Mary brings passion and dedication to everything she does. From making waves in paddle races to enjoying sustainable seafood and family time, Mary reminds us why our members are the heart of what we do. Thank you, Mary, for being part of our Surfrider family!
Tell us a bit about yourself! Where you grew up, favorite hobbies, what keeps you busy these days?
I was born in Massachusetts but moved as a kid. I've lived in 7 different states throughout the years, mostly in NE near the ocean. I relocated to Milford, CT in 2012, bought a house on the Sound, and plan to live out my days here in my beautiful adopted coastal “home town."
When I’m not earning a living in my full time program management role, I’m passionate about spending time with my family (especially my adult twin daughters, their hubbies, and my spectacular 1 year old granddaughter, who owns my heart!).
I also love kayaking and kayak racing (I'm a former paddle board racer), bicycling and cycling fundraisers, hiking, beach cleanups, 5K walking events, beach walks, community events, live music, happy hours, and patronizing great restaurants (including sustainable seafood places like Seamore’s in Darien!)
What is one of your favorite memories of the ocean?
Body surfing with my brother and sister at Pine Point Beach in Maine when we lived there as kids. The water was so cold (even in August!) our frozen little bodies would be purple, but being mesmerized by the huge waves, we rode them with pure joy for hours! Still Iove kayaking the wild surf on the Sound to this day!
How did you get involved with Surfrider?
Surfrider Foundation is a huge part of the paddling races I’ve been competing in over the last 12 years. I’ve met the best tribe of like-minded conservationists through this group. I love the work we all do to promote healthy coastal waterways.
What area of Surfrider's work interests you the most?
I’d like to attend more coastal cleanups and help promote Ocean Friendly restaurants. I'm excited to find more opportunities to participate as the chapter continues to expand.
Anything else you'd like to share with our Surfrider CT community? Words of advice, hopes for the future?
It may be wishful thinking but I truly hope the next presidential administration honors the strides that have been made over the last several years to improve our coastal health. I plan to do all I can to improve and maintain these global ocean visions for us, our children, our beloved grandchildren, and all future generations.
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