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Sustainability awards honor those putting 'the green' in Greencastle
Keeping the green in Greencastle is one thing, putting the green in it is certainly another.
While "Keep the Green in Greencastle" has been a rallying cry for local business owners for years, putting the green in Greencastle and Putnam County is a relatively new concept fostered by the Sustainability Commission and concerned local citizens.
Wednesday evening city officials again turned their attention to the green -- as in the environment -- honoring a handful of faithful local stewards of land, water and air who are helping put a different green spin on Greencastle.
Two individuals, a thriving new local business and a farm operation were honored with 2014 Greencastle Sustainability Awards in a brief ceremony at the outset of the monthly City Council meeting at City Hall.
The 2014 Sustainability Award winners are:
-- Myers' Market, 302 E. Washington St., as the Business of the Year.
-- The Evans Farm in Madison Township, west of Greencastle, honored for Best Practices of the Year.
-- Cathryn Ensley, Greencastle, honored as Outstanding Citizen of the Year.
-- Thomas Miller, a DePauw University student, cited as Young Leader of the Year.
Myers' Market, owned by Mitch Myers of Greencastle, was recognized as Business of the Year for "his determination to bring local meat, poultry, vegetables and food commodities to his customers."
"He truly is the epitome of the 'buy local' campaign," praised Anthony Baratta, president of the Greencastle Sustainability Committee and DePauw University sustainability coordinator, who introduced the winners.
This past September Myers' Market celebrated its first anniversary with a fundraiser benefiting Putnam County United Way, another factor praised by Baratta.
"I like to be able to buy my meat and other products from somebody I know and trust," Myers said of his efforts recently. "I've met most of the owners of the products I sell in the store."
Meanwhile, the Evans Farm and owner Phyllis Evans, who was not present to receive the award, were cited by Baratta as a "local example of sustainable practices."
The farm operation along West Walnut Street Road in Madison Township has 600-800 acres of managed classified forest and uses grass waterways while practicing completely no-till farming techniques.
As Outstanding Citizen of the Year, Cathryn Ensley of Greencastle was honored for her involvement with local efforts like the Greencastle Farmers Market, as well as helping create the Greencastle Sustainability Commission itself.
"Cathryn has set an example for us all," Mayor Sue Murray praised, while noting that the honor for Ensley was long overdue but could only come now that she has stepped down from the Sustainability Committee. Members of the committee are not otherwise eligible for the Sustainability Awards.
Ensley's accolades also come just one year after her mother, Gwen Morris, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sustainability Committee, in part for writing the grant that resulted in Greencastle's curbside recycling effort.
Also honored Wednesday evening was DePauw student Thomas Miller, who was recognized as Young Leader of the Year for his service as president of the DePauw Environmental Club, his work as a sustainability intern, his support of the campus bike program and his volunteer efforts at the DePauw campus farm.