The second annual Blue Circle Awards were presented by President Dick Labich during the Highland Lake Watershed Association annual meeting on July 11, 2009. As you may recall, the purpose of the Blue Circle Award is to heighten awareness, among all watershed property owners, of our opportunity and responsibility to be stewards of Highland Lake. After reviewing the application, the selection committee decided to honor two members.

Perhaps you have passed Fred Ibitz walking along the roadside on East Wakefield Boulevard. Fred walks this route every day and collects aluminum cans discarded by littering drivers. He usually retrieves 20 or more cans on his daily excursions; his task removes considerable debris from the Boulevard. Fred then donates his collection of cans to his church. The deposit money is used for charitable causes. Fred is such a fine example of what any one of us can do to make a difference in the quality of life for others. He and his son are pictured below.

Another Blue Circle Award was presented to Doug and Lisa Traub who live on the east side of the lake. Several years ago, they demolished an aged summer cottage and replaced it with a year-round home. Anyone who has built a home knows how many decisions need to be made. One important decision, particularly for watershed property owners, is the landscaping of the property; what trees and shrubs will be saved or removed? Doug and Lisa did an exemplary job in retaining most of the natural landscape on their property. This is frequently more difficult and costly than clear-cutting the land. We honor them for their stewardship in protecting the natural environment and being “lake friendly” watershed property owners.