The Carbon County Conservation District held its annual banquet recently in conjunction with the Carbon County Environmental Education Center, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Penn State Extension of Carbon County and the USDA Farm Service Agency.

The dinner, held at Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association, recognized a number of community leaders and students.

The Rachel W. Hoffmeier 4-H Scholarship was presented to two 4-H’ers. The $250 scholarship was established as a memorial to Rachel W. Hoffmeier, a former Extension home economist, by voluntary contributions from friends, family and co-workers. The scholarship is available to eligible 4-H members for the purpose of self-improvement.

This year, recipients were:

• Ryanne Hoffman, the daughter of Ryan and Diane Hoffman of Lehighton. She is a 2018 graduate of Carbon Career & Technical Institute, where she was enrolled in the cosmetology program. She is currently a licensed cosmetologist when she is not doing livestock or making holiday wreaths or raising fall mums. She plans to use the money to reinvest in her mum business.

• Ashley Mosier, the daughter of Scott Mosier and Joyce Borger of Palmerton. She is currently a senior at Palmerton Area High School. This July she attended Pennsylvania School of Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences at Penn State. She plans to further her education in agriculture. Ashley hopes to maybe work for Farm Credit and help farmers having financial issues.

4-H leaders were also recognized for years of service:

• Kristin Simmons of Lehighton was recognized for her 30th year of service.

• Tony Boyle of Andreas was recognized for his 20th year of service.

• John Kennedy of Summit Hill for his 15th year.

• Recognized for their fifth year of service were Ann Fogel, Sarah Graver and Dan Myers, all of Lehighton.

• John Gowin of Lehighton and Doris Zellers of Palmerton marked their first year of service.

4-H also recognized other people for the ongoing support to the 4-H Carbon County Clubs and programs:

• Fred Reinhard for his continuous support of livestock program.

• Houser Auctioneers for their support of the livestock auction and their support of the Mahoning Valley auction this past spring.

• Mahoning Valley Lions for their support of the Mahoning Valley 4-H Community Club.

The following Master Gardeners were recognized for their hours of service: Ellen Cauthen, 76.5; Joseph Cotton, 247; Eileen East, 1,513.25; Philip Eroh, 112; Delores Ford, 173; Diane Giffels, 1,229.5; Marlene Green, 413; Bob Hipp, 179.95; Edwin Knittle, 1,600; John Kupek, 1,584.75; Janet Minnich, 424.5; Ronald Nimblett, 236.1; Debra Ranck, 141.5; Roberta Lee Robbins, 254; Maryann Serafini, 1,454.25; and Carol Stefanik, 146.75

The Carbon County Conservation District honored Josiah Behrens, board chairman for 15 years of service, and Merle Hunsicker, vice chairman, for five years of service.

The Carbon County Environmental Center recognized Jennifer Purcell as a “Friend of CCEEC.” She started at the center as an intern and continued to volunteer and contribute to the center. Her daughter, Gina Cavallaro, 10, is also a helper.

Marta Gouger, editor of the Times News, received the media award for the year for helping people to understand and appreciate their environment.