l-r) Guest speaker, James Tillman Sr., with 14 year service award recipients, Harden Allen, Billy W. Roland, Fred Oliver, Luther Clearman and Martin Pugh Tuesday night, October 28, five current and former officers and members of the Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. were honored with a plaque for their 14 years of service to the organization.

The annual meeting was held at LAPD (formerly New Enterprise) in Colquitt.

A reception for the guests began at 6:00 p.m. with a wine tasting provided by Charles and Susan Cowart of Still Pond Vineyard & Winery in Arlington.

At 7:00 p.m. President Billy W. Roland opened the meeting and Vice President Luther Clearman welcomed all of the guests. President Roland then gave the invocation and blessed the food.

After a delicious dinner, prepared by President and master cook, Billy Roland, he introduced the guest speaker, James Tillman Sr., State Conservationist with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

State Conservationist James E. Tillman Sr, of Athens, was guest speaker State Conservationist Tillman thanked the Golden Triangle officers and volunteers for helping to build bridges in the past, present and plans for the future in all of these counties and communities in them. He commended the Golden Triangle council and employees for their good works.

RC&D project reports were presented by Rich Hosmer, Program Manager of the Spring Creek Watershed Partnership, Frank Yancey, Golden Triangle RC&D Coordinator, and Julianne Hudson of the Southern Artists Cooperative. Reports were also given on progress to extend the Council's area from nine counties to 10, including Terrell County and the City of Dawson.

Frank Yancey, coordinator of Golden Triangle RC&D gave reflections on what had gone on under the organizations umbrella, and what can be expected. He told that Baker, Calhoun, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Miller, Mitchell and Seminole counties are members of the Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council. Coordinator Yancey stated that Terrell County may soon join the council.

Mr. James Tillman Sr was presented with a plaque for his assistance with Golden Triangle RC&D. Then five past and present council members were presented with plaques for 14 years of volunteering their time, giving outstanding and dedicated service and their many talents to the organization. They were Harden Allen, Newton; Billy W. Roland, Colquitt; Fred Oliver, Mayor of Morgan; Luther Clearman, Colquitt and Martin Pugh of Donalsonville.

President Roland thank everyone for attending the meeting and declared it over.