New Martin Schweig Award Recognizes Volunteers

(January 2020)

Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society has established a new award to recognize volunteers who freely give their time and energy to support the club. Named in honor of a long-time member who worked for HSCSS on many levels until his passing in 2017, the Martin Schweig Appreciation Award will be presented periodically at club events.

Schweig was a former HSCSS president, board member and garden liason, whom many considered a true Renaissance man. He was a prominent professional photographer, Missouri Botanical Garden trustee and board member of the Audubon Society, Humane Society and St. Louis Zoo. He was a lover of plants and animals, and a friend to many.

The first recipient of the Martin Schweig Appreciation Award was Jerry Beckerman. Don Lesmeister presented the award to Beckerman at the 2019 Winter Gala, calling it “a fine award for a fine person.”

In his January newsletter column, HSCSS President Ralph Olliges noted that Beckerman “works tirelessly behind the scenes without much recognition. He is always lending a hand in making our events flow smoothly.”

Among other volunteer efforts, Beckerman is key to the operation of the annual HSCSS Show and Sale. He helps guide the setup process and oversees plant pricing and organization. For several years he has also helped promote the event through appearances on radio and television.

Members like Beckerman are indeed special. “These important members are the symbolic glue that helps keep this successful club together,” Lesmeister said. “This special award is for them.”