Sewickley Creek Watershed Association was very pleased to present Community Environmental Service Awards at its annual fundraiser banquet held March 8 at Giannilli’s II Restaurant in Greensburg. 

Each year the Association recognizes local individuals, businesses, and groups for their leadership in conserving natural resources and improving the quality of life in our communities.

Award recipients this year included: The City of Greensburg, Westmoreland County Community College, West Newton Sportsmen’s Association, Kathy Hamilton, Landscape Architect/Stormwater Technician with the Westmoreland County Conservation District, and Eagle Scout, Nicholas Wolfe. 

Dorothy Bibby, an employee of Hepler’s Hardware, was also recognized for her ongoing fundraising efforts for the Association.

(Photo - Award recipients L to R: John Sterdis and John Detisch (WCCC), Kathy Hamilton, Sue Trout and Frank Lehman (City of Greensburg), Nicholas Wolfe and Dorothy Bibby.)

Guest speaker for the event was Rep. Mike Reese who provided a detailed history of how many of our local communities originated from coal mining and coking operations.  His presentation revealed how some of those activities resulted in the abandoned mine discharges we are dealing with today. 

Rep. Reese credited local nonprofit organizations, like SCWA, for their commitment and leadership in remediating many those pollution and landscape blight issues. 

Executive Director, Thomas Keller, provided a brief “Who We Are and What We Do” presentation explaining how the organization was founded in 1991 and the types of projects and services it’s involved in. 

Nicholas Wolfe, Troop 465, presented his Eagle Scout project which was completed at SCWA’s Brinkerton abandoned mine treatment facility.  The project included construction and installation of wood duck boxes, a purple martin house and new sign posts for the site entrance.  

The Association expresses its sincere appreciation to all who attended and supported their 2014 fundraiser banquet. 

Event sponsors included: University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg; Hepler’s Hardware; The PT Group/Kraisinger Family Dentistry; Rachel Hoza, CPA; Westmoreland Conservation District; West Newton Sportsmen’s Association; T. P. Electric; American Recovery Specialists; Adam Eidemiller, Inc.; and, Gibson-Thomas Engineering Co. 

For more information, visit the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association website for a complete listing of sponsors, prize donors and photographs from the event.    

3/17/2014