Mary Alice Reporting – Three individuals were presented at a Tuesday gathering hosted by the Tuscarawas County Historical Society.
This year’s Founders Day Banquet and Zeisberger Heckewelder Awards represented the 43rd annual event.
The awards are given to individuals and an organization who have made significant contributions to Tuscarawas County by exemplifying the ideals of humanity, peace, God, and love.
The 2023 winner were Brad Hillyer, George “Kas” Kaswinkle, Sherrel Rieger, and the Port Washington-Salem Historical Society.
Hillyer received the award based upon his position as a long standing judge and his involvement with many groups and activities within the Twin Cities.
Kaswinkle was recognized for starting the Dennison Depot Museum and being on it’s board of directors for 15 years. He has also been involved in the Twin City Chamber of Commerce, the Miss Clayland Pageant, volunteers at Schoenbrunn Village, and is a 43-year member of the Tuscarawas County Heritage Home Association.
As for Rieger, she has served as a cultural broker for 34-years by providing help and service to the people in the Hispanic community. She is also the unofficial historian and chronicler of their story in the Tuscarawas Valley. Outside of that, she has assisted with translations at police departments, hospitals, realtors, the library, funeral homes, Share-a-Christmas and other organizations.
The organizational medal was awarded to the Port Washington-Salem Historical Society for the restoration of the 1879 built Union Hall building, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Building.
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