Cheverly, MD, March 10, 2011: Dave Kniepp, a member of Cheverly Garden Club, received the District I Award of Honor, and the National Capital Area Garden Clubs' Award of Recognition, for his stellar service to his club, community and Prince George's County.
The District I award was presented by District I Awards Chairman Danielle Brabazon and District I Director David Healy (left); and the NCA Garden Club award was presented by NCAGC Awards Chairman Babs McClendon:
Kneipp’s involvement in civic development began in childhood. As a Boy Scout, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was involved in scouting for 25 years. Dave served as Assistant Scout Master for Troop 716, Boy Scouts of America, as Unit Commissioner for the Patuxent District, and as Skipper of Sea Scout Ship 716.
In Chevelry Garden Club, he has held the offices of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. While president, he led the effort to install the first Blue Star Memorial in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He is a life member of National Capital Area Garden Clubs, Inc.
Following his retirement, Dave became a Master Gardener. He is a member of Prince George’s Master Gardeners and serves on its Executive Council. Dave is active in Grow It Eat It, a collaboration between the Maryland Cooperative Extension and master gardeners, “to help more Marylander's grow more food.” He serves as the Grow It Eat It contact person for Prince George’s County and gives gardening programs to public and student groups. In 2009, Dave was named Master Gardener of the Year in Prince George’s County. He recently qualified as a Master Composter.
Dave has been very active with community groups in the Town of Cheverly.
* As a member of the environmental committee of Progressive Cheverly, Dave was instrumental in the creation of the Cheverly Community Vegetable Gardens, which provides residents with the opportunity to learn how to enjoy growing their own food close to home.
* As a member of Cheverly Conservation Alliance, Dave created a Cheverly Green Home Certification Program, which allows neighbors to calculate how green their home is and make improvements to help reduce their carbon footprint.
* Dave serves as a board member of The Friends of Lower Beaverdam Creek, which seeks to restore the health of this Anacostia River tributary through hands-on work.
* As the President of the Cheverly History Club, he has led the effort to bring the history of this early Washington suburban community out of dusty boxes and into the lives of its current residents by locating historic materials and putting them online.
Because of his community involvement, Dave Kneipp has received the Jack L. Wheat Award for contributing to the town’s quality of life and, in 2008, the Mayor’s Award for extraordinary services.
Dave Kneipp is an inspiration to gardening, landscaping, civic involvement, youth involvement and the environment.
Students from the Cheverly Weekday Nursery School were present for Kneipp's award. He worked with the students in planting, caring for and harvesting a salad box.
--Photos by Oliver Smith
--Photos by Oliver Smith
