SWCD’s annual election, ice cream social a real treat

Because ice cream pairs well with almost every celebration, the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) hosted an Ice Cream Social at its annual election to celebrate the District’s 77th year.

Held outdoors at the Patterson Center on the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton Township, about 65 attendees stopped by to support the county’s commitment to conservation.

Participants voted in the election of two members to the Geauga SWCD five-member Board of Supervisors. Dee Belew of Auburn Township, Melissa Davis of Hambden Township, and Mary Slingluff of Chardon were this year’s candidates.

Belew and Slingluff were re-elected to serve three-year terms as Board Supervisors and will continue charting the course for natural resources management in Geauga County, according to a release from SWCD.

Throughout the evening, conservation award winners and painted rain barrels were showcased. Free native plant calendars, milkweed seeds, resources, raffle tickets for a prize basket, and (of course!) ice cream cones and sundaes were distributed.

The conservation awards began with Martin Javorek of Chester being recognized for his champion Black Cherry Tree on private land. Also recognized was the Big Tree Champion Black Cherry on public land, owned by the city of Akron and nominated by Mark Bennett. The district also honored Bainbridge Christian Preschool as the Conservation Educator of the Year, and Director Pam Reisinger accepted the award on behalf of the preschool.

A special recognition was given to Yvonne Delgado Thomas of Chardon for painting 10 rain barrels for the District’s Rain Barrel Yard Art Campaign. Thomas Kartley was also recognized as the 2021 “Best of Show” winner in the Geauga County Fair Hay & Grain Show.

In addition, the following 2021 Poster Contest winners were also acknowledged:

Grades 2-3:1st Place — Amelia Shively; 2nd Place — Henry Evans

Grades 4-6: 1st Place — Janna Winningham; 2nd Place — Caroline Yeager

Grades 7-9: 1st Place — Sarah Shively; 2nd Place — Kate Brooks.

SUBMITTED Geauga SWCD District Director/Engineer Carmella Shale, left, shares a laugh with Associate Board Supervisor Nancy Speck at the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District’s Annual Election and Ice Cream Social.

SUBMITTED Bainbridge Christian Preschool was recognized as the Conservation Educator of the Year. Director Pam Reisinger, left, accepts the award from Geauga SWCD Education Specialist Gail Prunty.