Community leaders are recognized at annual chamber banquet

Member of the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors for 2010 are: (front row, l-r) Michelle Wilson, Sherry McKellar, Cody Davis, Brian Campbell, David Kelly, Joy Bussey, (back row) Rita Hussey, Clay Turner, Michelle Bradley, Debra Poland, Elizabeth Arthur, and Melissa Burgess. Approximately l75 people gathered at The Lincoln Center on Tuesday, January 26, for the 2009 Lincolnton- Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

The guest speaker for the occasion was author, teacher, and comedian Darrell Huckaby of Conyers.

A proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Huckaby is the author of six books including “Grits is Groceries,” “Southern Is as Southern Does,” and “Dinner on the Grounds.”

In addition, Huckaby’s syndicated columns appear in a number of newspapers across the state and his special brand of commentary can be heard on the “Moby in the Morning” radio show every Wednesday at 7:35 a.m.

Scholarships were presented to Brittany Perkins (l), Junior Miss Freshwater Coast, and Quanesha Sims, Miss Freshwater Coast, at the chamber of commerce’s annual banquet. Following an introduction by David Kelly, a member of the chamber’s board of directors, Huckaby entertained the audience with anecdotes about his family; thoughts on life as a born and bred UGA bulldog fan; observations about his career as an AP history and driver’s ed teacher; and his experiences growing up as a “lint head” in the cotton mill village of Porterdale, Georgia.

“As a kid, we had free reign over the village – we had freedom. I had a much better childhood than my children did. We weren’t poor; we just didn’t have any money.”

In closing, Huckaby said, “Our freedom of speech wasn’t won by newspaper editors, and our freedom of religion wasn’t won by ministers. Our freedoms were won with the blood of our servicemen and servicewomen.”

He then recited the lyrics to the song “That Ragged, Old Flag,” written by Johnny Cash, as a tribute to servicemen past and present.

The speaker was rewarded with a round of applause and a standing ovation from an appreciative audience.

In addition to Huckaby’s remarks, the program also featured the presentation of community service awards to Wanda Duncan, “Public Safety Officer of the Year;” Roger Begley, Midway “Firefighter of the Year;” Jeff Bolton, Loco Firefighter of the Year; Alan Ivey, Lincolnton Firefighter of the Year; Wally Chadwick, Martin’s Crossroads Firefighter of the Year; LuAnn Beale, Lincoln County “Teacher of the Year;” and Ernie Guthrie, “Businessman of the Year.”

Presenting plaques to these deserving individuals were Brian Campbell, vice president elect of the chamber of commerce, and Melissa Burgess, past president.

During the awards ceremony, Campbell shared the following information about each honoree with the audience:

.. Wanda Duncan, Public Safety Officer of the Year. Duncan’s nomination for the award was written by Casey Broom, director of the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services (OES).

“Wanda lived in Atlanta for most of her childhood but spent many of her summers here in Lincolnton at her grandmother’s. While visiting, she learned the finer ‘country’ arts like cow tipping and how to care for poultry. Eventually, she moved to Lincolnton and graduated from LCHS.

“Lincolnton became her permanent place of residence about four years ago. In April of 2006, Wanda began working part time as a clerk for the department of public safety. In July of that same year, she was hired full time.

“Wanda has served as both interim director and deputy director of the EMA (Emergency Medical Agency). She is immensely talented, flexible, and willing to get the job done.

“Currently, she serves as executive secretary, office manager, and billing clerk for the OES. She is a joy to work with.”

.. Roger Begley, Midway Firefighter of the Year. Begley’s nomination was written by Chief Bobby Burgess.

“Roger Begley joined the Midway VFD in 1988 and is the kind of fireman that any department would love to have. We are certainly proud to have him at Midway.

“He has been active in all departmental activities since he joined. We have seen numerous changes and much growth, and he has been at the center of it all.

“Mr. Begley is currently the oldest active fireman in Lincoln County at the young age of 74.

“He has been and continues to be the type of man and friend we at the fire department both love and respect.”

.. Jeff Bolton, Loco Firefighter of the Year.

“Jeff Bolton joined the Loco VFD in 2003 and currently serves as its training officer.

“He is also employed by Quarles Saw Shop.

“Jeff and his wife, Renee, have two children.”

.. Alan Ivey, Lincolnton Firefighter of the Year. Ivey’s nomination was written by Chief Michael Wengrow.

“Alan Ivey began firefighting in 1987. In 1990, he joined the City Fire Department and received his firefighter certification in 1993. He is also certified in hazardous materials, extrication, and rescue and is an EMT.

“Mr. Ivey is committed to his fellow firefighters, his church, his family, and his community. He and his wife, Sandra, have two children and four grandchildren.

“Mr. Ivey is currently employed by the City of Lincolnton.”

.. Wally Chadwick, Martin’s Crossroads Firefighter of the Year.

“Wally Chadwick joined the Martin’s Crossroads VFD in 2002 and currently serves as its training officer. He is both Mod 1 and CPR certified.

“He and his wife, Angela, have two sons, Dustin and Trevor.”

.. LuAnn Beale, Lincoln County Teacher of the Year.

“Born and reared in Lincoln County, LuAnn Beale has 26 years of experience in the classroom, one-and-a-half years in the Jenkins County School System, with the remainder at LCMS and LCHS.

“Throughout her career, the countywide Teacher of the Year has taught a variety of subjects including world history, middle school science, Georgia history, English, and P.E. She also helped coach softball, track, and basketball.

“Currently, she is teaching economics and civics.

“In addition to her professional career, Mrs. Beale is a member of Lincolnton Baptist Church, where she attends the Homer Legg Sunday School Class.

“She also enjoys traveling to Walt Disney World, her favorite destination.

“The Teacher of the Year and her husband, Billy, have two sons, Scott and Tyler.

“Mrs. Beale is the daughter of Helen and Bob Parks of Lincolnton.”

.. Ernie Guthrie, Businessman of the Year. The letter nominating Guthrie for this award was written by Richard Brown.

“When you say Lincoln County, most people think about the Lincoln County Red Devils. However, we all should think about Ernie Guthrie.

“Ernie is a very caring and giving person, not to mention a great businessman. Stop and think about Lincolnton close to 30 years ago. We didn’t have Cullars Inn, Fast Times Convenience Store, NAPA Auto Parts, Radio Shack of Lincolnton, or the Sparkle Wash and Laundromat.

“I can remember when that corner was not as attractive as it is now. Ernie has brought all of these businesses to Lincolnton, and look at the jobs and opportunities. If that’s not a great businessman, show me one!

“Ernie is always giving to all types of fund-raisers and will help anyone if he can. He’s always thinking about someone else.

“At Halloween, Ernie and his family open the ‘Eerie Guts House’ to the community, with all of the fun that anybody can have.

“I have known Ernie for a very long time and have always looked up to him for the ability he has as a businessman. I consider him a friend as well as a business associate. I highly recommend Ernie Guthrie as the Businessman of the Year.”

After expressing his appreciation to Brown and the chamber board of directors, Guthrie said he could not have done it without his friends, family, customers, and employees. He went on to single out his bookkeeper of 24 years, Kay Johnson, and Willie Murray, his “right hand and left hand,” for special recognition.

In closing, Guthrie encouraged everybody to shop at home.

He received a round of applause and a standing ovation from the audience.

Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of Jerry Stone as the grand marshal of the 2009 Lincolnton Christmas Parade. The letter nominating Stone for the award was written by Flo Pursley and Mickie Norman on behalf of the Lincoln County Historical Society.

Stone was presented with a plague by Becky Goldman, chairman of the chamber’s Grand Marshal Committee.

Also during the program, Quanesha Sims, Miss Freshwater Coast, and Brittany Perkins, Junior Miss Freshwater Coast, were each presented with a $100 scholarship by Susan Banks, executive director of the chamber.

Banks likewise named Melissa Burgess as the “Director of the Year” for 2009. The purpose of the award is to recognize a member of the chamber’s board of directors, who has gone the extra mile to serve the community.

Burgess received a plaque of appreciation from Banks.

Looking forward, the executive director introduced the chamber directors for 2010. They are Michelle Wilson, president; Brian Campbell, vice president; Michelle Bradley, secretary; Rita W. Hussey, treasurer; Melissa Burgess, past president; Sherry McKellar; Debra Poland; Elizabeth Arthur; Clay Turner; Joy Bussey; Stella Crosby; David Kelly; and Cody Davis.

Closing remarks were delivered by Michelle Wilson, the new president, who listed some of the chamber’s plans for the upcoming year.

The meal was catered by Claire Walker and Bountiful Baskets.