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Jackson County Conservation District 58th Annual Meeting Minutes
The Jackson County Conservation district held its 58th annual meeting at the Blackman Township Offices on Thursday, January 18th, 2007 with 53 people in attendance. The evening began at 5:30 p.m. with registration and a social hour. At approximately 6:00 p.m. Dick Ekins, Chairman, started by welcoming everyone to the meeting and mentioned the photo slideshow that would be playing during dinner. Dick then introduced Mr. Howard Haven, who gave the invocation. Dinner was served. Following the meal, Cecilia Govrik thanked all the sponsors and explained the process for door prize winners. Dick Ekins gave a brief acknowledgment of all honored guests; Commissioners Cliff Herl, Dave Lutchka, Earl Poleski and Jim Videto. Natural Resource Conservation Service State Conservationist Jack Bricker, District Conservationist Julius Pigott and Acting District Conservationist Andrew Gust. Representative Martin Griffin had been present for the social hour but had a prior commitment to attend; Representative Mike Simpson; former board member Leo Ehnis; Phil Tocco of the MSU Extension office; District staff and board members with a special thanks to Gene Davis & Sons Catering. Representative Mike Simpson took an opportunity to let everyone know that he keeps an open door policy. He stated this was his home town and he will always be available. A heartfelt thanks was given to the District for inviting him to attend. Dick Ekins took this time to give an overview of the Michigan Association of Conservation District, as he is also a board member there. He spoke of needing consistent and adequate funding for all Conservation Districts with the hope that soon every office will have funding for a full time Executive Director, Technician and Secretarial staff. District Administrator Sharon Parker then highlighted several 2006 district accomplishments stating that we are the “Gateway to Conservation”, thanking all involved for their dedication. Some District statistics included receiving over 800 calls throughout the course of the year as well as reaching approximately 5900 students and adults with programs such as Project Red and Farmfest. Sharon then introduced district staff to give their program highlights; UGRIP Coordinator Cecilia Govrik, Jackson and Calhoun County Groundwater Technician Adam DeShano, Americorp personnel Blair Spence, Conservation Technical Assistant Zac Smith and Administrative Assistant Amy Doxtader. Board Secretary Jerri Munn asked for a motion to approve last years’ minutes and if there were any changes or additions. All were in favor with none opposed. Motion carried. In the absence of Board Treasurer Lathe Claflin, Jerri also reviewed the treasurer’s report and asked for a motion to accept this report pending an audit. All were in favor with none opposed. Motion carried. There were no elections this year. At this time, Jerri introduced our entertainment for the evening; The Marsh Mallow Man! Mr. Wil Reding of the Rent a Rambling Naturalist Organization took the audience through a humorous and educational tour of a Michigan wetland. As he wove about the room in full wetland costume his environmental enthusiasm brought a fun twist to a subject often bogged down. Awards were then presented to the following: 2006 Conservation Educator of the Year - Tom Hodgson (accepted by Brad Whaley) Presented by Cecilia Govrik |
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Jackson County Conservation District |
