Tom Schweiger received the Adopt-the-Shoreline’s Outstanding Volunteer Award at the annual member recognition dinner, Tuesday, March 12. The annual dinner serves as the official kickoff for the Spring Shoreline Cleanup. More than 120 people attended the event, which was sponsored by Ameren Missouri and held at the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Mo.
The upcoming cleanup, which marks its 22nd consecutive year, will be held March 16 through April 14.
Schweiger received the award for his commitment to the program and 21 years of dedicated service. He has participated in the shoreline cleanup since 1992 and spearheaded the Gravois Fire Protection District annual cleanup since 1996. Overall, Schweiger and his team of volunteers have removed more than 56 tons of trash and debris from the Gravois Arm.
“A truly great accomplishment and one worthy of special recognition,” said Johnie Ray, zone 2 coordinator, who nominated Schweiger for the award.
In addition, the Adopt-the-Shoreline Service Award was presented to volunteers who haven’t adopted sections of shoreline, but instead participate annually with an adopting group. In zone 6, Matt Whaley was recognized for his support of Creel Resort’s cleanup. In zone 9, Steve Bentley was recognized for his hard work in supporting the Fawn Valley 46ers. In zone 10, Bernie Moore was recognized for making long trips from Kansas each spring to participate with the Fowlers Point Homeowners.
“Hundreds of volunteers work annually to protect the Lake of the Ozarks shoreline, and they all deserve to be recognized,” said Bryan Vance, coordinator of the Adopt-the-Shoreline program. “Our annual recognition dinner enables us to do that, as well as kick off the annual Spring Shoreline Cleanup by showing appreciation to our volunteers.”
The Adopt-the-Shoreline program is sponsored by Ameren Missouri, which provides administrative support, supplies trash bag and pays for disposal. The cleanups are performed entirely by volunteers. It began in 1994 with nine civic clubs adopting 89 miles of shoreline. Today, it includes more than 90 businesses, organizations and individual property owners who have adopted more than 650 miles of shoreline between Bagnell Dam and Truman Dam.
Vance expects more than 800 volunteers, representing the majority of the Adopt-the-Shoreline member groups, to participate in this year’s event. He said additional participation and help is always welcomed.
If you would to participate in the cleanup, call the Adopt-the-Shoreline office at 1.573.365.9252.
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Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than a century, and our electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. We serve 1.2 million electric and 127,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. Our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers 57 counties and 500 towns, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit AmerenMissouri.com.
CONTACT: Missouri Communications, 314.554.2182, missouricommunications@ameren.com