2012 Environmental Conservation Heroes
Seated, from left: Robert Luckay, (Honor Roll for Land Conservation), Betsy Shaw, Virginia Shaw, (Sand Hill Stable-Green Business), Gloria Haven, Lisa Clement-Odell, (Community Action Council-Green Building), Melissa Carville-Ziemer (accepting on behalf of Gordon Vars-Environmental Activism).
Standing, from left: Patricia McClain, Stephanie Streem, Jeanne Fisher, (Robinson Memorial Hospital Green Team-Green Building), David Shea, (CAC), William Graham (Stewardship), Roger Graves, (CAC), Ron Etling, (Environmental Education), Thomas Cooperrider, (Lifetime Achievement), Chris Mallin (accepting on behalf of Gordon Vars), Mike Deluke, (CAC).
Contact
Portage Park District
info@portageparkdistrict.org
330-297-7728
For more photos of the event, check out our Facebook Page
14th Annual Portage County Environmental Conservation Awards Celebration
The 14th Annual Portage County Environmental Conservation Awards celebration was a record success, with more than 280 registrants and donors from across Portage County. Held at the American Legion Hall in Kent on April 21st, the evening focused on the 2012 Environmental Conservation Awards, with seven individual and group awards in various categories. The event started with a reception featuring local food appetizers, live music by Portage County local Mitch Reed, and a silent auction with over 60 goods and services donated by local supporters of the parks. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner catered by Special Moments, followed by the awards presentation and guest speaker Gordon Ober, Chair of the Robinson Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, who spoke on the connection between parks, trails and health.
This year’s Environmental Conservation Heroes include:
- Reverend William Graham, Director and Pastor of Asbury Camp and Retreat Center, (Environmental Stewardship)
- Ron Etling, Retired Science Teacher and Naturalist, (Environmental Education)
- Dr. Gordon F. Vars, Founder of Friends of Kent Bog, (Environmental Activism-posthumous)
- Community Action Council of Portage County, Inc., Energy Efficiency & Housing Services Program, (Green Building)
- Robinson Memorial Hospital’s Green Strategies Committee and Initiatives (Green Building)
- Sand Hill Stable’s Green Energy and Sustainable Land Management Projects (Green Business)
- Dr. Thomas S. Cooperrider, Professor Emeritus of Botany and Author, (Lifetime Achievement)
Robert Luckay was recognized on the Honor Roll for Land Conservation for permanently protecting the woods and wetlands on his 25 acres in Aurora.
The event was also a fundraiser sponsored by the Portage Park District Foundation, with record proceeds of over $22,000 going to support ongoing maintenance of parks and trails. The Park District does not have a tax levy to support it, and recent budget cuts make the fundraiser all the more valuable. Special thanks to our Black Walnut Lead Sponsors: The Davey Tree Expert Company, Kent State University, Hiram College, Mayor Lynne and Sally McGill.
Of course, the event ran so smoothly due to the coordination by our wonderful Awards Dinner Planning committee led by Committee Chair Karen Wise: Stephanie and Jay Byrne, Tom Clapper, Christine Craycroft, Stan Fischer, Scott McKinney, George Rose, Jane Preston Rose, Kurt Ruehr, Marilyn Sessions, Jim Tucker, Barbara Watson
The Portage Park District Foundation was formed in 2010 with the sole purpose of supporting Portage Parks. Foundation Trustees include Charlie Beckwith, David Bogner, Tom Chema, Tom Clapper, Mark Frisone, Helen Gregory, Jeff Hunt, Scott McKinney, Kurt Ruehr, Marilyn Sessions, Rick Strebler, Barb Watson, Stephen Zabor
Descriptions of the awardees can be found here, and a complete list of the contributors to this year’s event can be found here, or call (330) 297-7728 for more information.
