Richard Green, Syracuse, was the latest resident to receive the Wawasee Property Owners Association’s Chief Award presented at its annual meeting. The meeting was held Saturday evening, Aug. 8, at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s Educational Center, Syracuse.Green, who was present with his wife, Sandy and son and daughter-in-law Rob and Cindy, was attentively listening to Kay Young, WPOA president, read information about the recipient. It wasn’t until Young stated “during his school years both high school and college, basketball was a big part of his life, even going to the NCAA sweet 16,” did Green’s eyes get big, realizing he was the recipient.Green, a graduate of law school from Indiana University, has been a practicing attorney since 1970, moving his Marion practice to Syracuse in 1987.He was instrumental in creating the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District, still serving with that board, and served two terms on the WACF board. He received its Cattail Award in 2005.He has been on the Flotilla Committee, organized the clean up of the Chinese Garden area, assisted Harry Appenzeller in organizing the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.Green served on the Kosciusko Community Foundation board, Cancer Care Fund of Kosciusko County and assisted Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County. He has also been a supporter of the Center for Lakes & Streams, WPOA and Butler University. “Our chief is a very big guy, not only in stature but in his giving to his community and family,” said Young.“It’s all been a labor of love,” said Green, later adding “This means a lot to me.”The Chief Award has been given since 2006 to honor someone in the community who has given his/her time and talents to the community and helps preserve Wawasee and showing their love and support of the lake.Another presentation of the evening was a $10,000 check to the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Foundation. Megan McClellan, executive director, accepted the check on behalf of the foundation. Young stated one-half of the funds were from proceeds from sales of the Natti Crow Sunset prints, from the Mike and Sue Wells personal collection and one-half from the semi-annual home tour.The only order of business for the evening was the election of one member to the WPOA board of directors. While four positions were up for re-election, Jim Tranter, Jim Silcox and Carolyn Anderson agreed to serve another three-year term. The seat held by Sally Gindling, who opted not to continue on the board, will be filled by Chris Campbell.Young also announced membership will be receiving a mailing explaining activities WPOA is involved in: lake patrol, street lights in some areas, dry hydrants, severe weather warning system, family breakfast, Fourth of July fireworks, provide funding for educational projects, scholarships, dump and pump and quarterly newsletters.