The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) celebrated its 73rd year at the annual dinner meeting held Nov. 2 at the Geauga County Fairgrounds School Building. With 95 people in attendance, the meeting began with the re-election of Robert (Bob) Rogish Jr. to the Geauga SWCD Board of Supervisors for a three-year term.
The conservation awards began with Ron Rzeszotarski being recognized as the 2017 Best of Show winner in the Geauga County Fair Hay & Grain Show.
The District also honored the Geauga County BIG Tree Contest winner, George Lanesky, of Auburn Township, for nominating the champion Northern red oak tree. This tree stands on the property of the late Mike Munn and was nominated in his honor.
In addition, the following 2017 poster contest winners were also acknowledged: Grades 2-3: first place – Natalie George, second place – Natalie Gerstenberger, both of St. Anselm School; Grades 4-6: first place – Caitlin Ford, second place – Jamie Graham, both of St. Mary’s School; Grades 7-9: first place – Isabella Cerimele, second place – Faith Tomsick, both of St. Mary’s School; and Grades 10-11: first place – Sarah Spector, of Gaitway High School.
The evening concluded with a Chinese auction raffle of various themed baskets. Thanks to a generous donation from Western Reserve Land Conservancy, all attendees also received a reusable plastic water bottle.
The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District thanks all of its supporters.