Norm Richards relaxes on his renovated patio in South Strabane Township. The backyard project was selected as the best residential beautification project by a county committee.

The Washington County Beautification Committee honored county groups, businesses and individuals last week for enhancing their corner of the world last year. The committee, formed by Washington County J. Bracken Burns in 1997, first presented awards in 1998 as a way to recognize those who completed beautification projects in the county.

This year, a panel of seven judges rated the projects and determined the winners. The ceremony was held May 28 at Washington & Jefferson College. Award winners were:

Groups and nonprofit agencies: Martha Washington Garden Club of Washington, first place; Bellmead Garden Society of Washington, second, and Blaine-Buffalo Elementary, Claysville, third.

Business and industry: Monongahela Valley Hospital, first place; Black Box Network Services in Lawrence, second, and Washington County Tourist Promotion Agency, third.

Renovations and restorations: Washington Country Council on Economic Development for the B&O Railroad Station in Washington, first place, Gospel Alliance Church in Charleroi, second, and Anthony Patragas of Canonsburg, third.

Agricultrural: Iannetti’s Garden Center in Paris, first place; Robert and Phyllis Hamilton of West Finley Township, second, and West Finley Grange, third.

Municipal: Borough of Donora, first place; Hickory Park in Mr. Pleasant Township, and Borough of Canonsburg, tied for second, and Westland in Mt. Pleasant, third.

Individuals: John Secrist of Finleyville, first place; Alex Paris of Atlasburg, second and George Prevuznik of Washington, third.

Residential: Norm and Robin Richards of South Strabane Township, first place; Cecelia Olinger and Joe Korberly of South Strabane Township, second, and Debbie Moriarty of Washington, and Robert and Linda Beck of Washington, tied for third.

OBSERVER-REPORTER – © 2002