What a beautiful celebration of the enduring and growing legacy of the Scott family, multigenerational farmers who have secured their acreage in perpetual preservation. In accepting the Royce Hanson Award on behalf of his family, David Scott Jr. noted the need to work together to ensure that we meet the challenges that face the Reserve. The strength of family farms was underscored by MCA President Gene Kingsbury, who shared the moving moment when his mother realized that Gene would continue the legacy of their family orchard, not out of a sense of obligation but because of a deep and abiding affection for the land and the craft. The joyful knowledge came through reading Gene's Mother's Day gift, his poem which she found waiting for her upon her return home from mowing that day:
|
This Peach
I put my hand to the land, Seems I was chosen as the one, To plant the trees and raise the fruit And do the work that’s never done. Others put their hands to this land, Building legacies that outlast time, Each with a vision for a way of life That I proudly say today is mine. This peach carries my heritage Of my father and those who came before. This peach has the taste of generations Who loved this land and dreamed of more. |
|
|
Proclamations were given by Senator Brian Feldman and Kevin Mack on behalf of Congressman Delaney's office. Council members Roger Berliner and Marc Elrich spoke in recognition of the accomplishments of the Scott Family and the need to be vigilant in protecting Montgomery County's remarkable Agricultural Reserve.
|
The 2017 Volunteer of the year award was presented by MCA's Event and Volunteer Coordinator, Ellen Letourneau to Van Mertz and his merry band of folksters for their generous and talented sound engineering for several years in making music come alive at MCA's events, notably Field & Fiddle.
|
Event goers were treated to an incredible artisan's exhibit in Blackrock Center's Kay Gallery featuring Countryside Artisan's works. We are deeply grateful for BlackRock Center for the Arts hosting us and for the delicious and abundant feast provided by MCA board members and wonderful Geppetto Catering.
|
Board Member Carole Bergmann and Mikie Holdahl in the Kay Gallery
|
See the presentation that preceded the award - including a clip of our film Ag Reserve film "Growing Legacy" in which Dave Scott Jr. stars.
