Two sets of volunteer couples, a board which oversees children in need and a business which is always ready to assist the community were top award winners as the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center held its annual banquet Thursday at the KC Hall.
Bob and Geri Burnett were citizens of the year, Charlie and Pat Watson were named outstanding citizens for longtime service.
Brookshire Bros. was business of the year and Kim Jeter was named ambassador of the year.
Theme was Wranglers and Rhinestones and the hall was packed with attendees sporting western themed finery.
AWARDS—The Bur-netts volunteer in a number of capacities with Bob as the driving force behind the Communities in Concert Band and chair of the Kay Theatre Foundation. Geri is active in several organizations and is a member of the Milam County Historical Commission.
Child Protective Services assists Milam children who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect and oversees investigations and foster care.
Brookshire Bros. was praised for being a part of numerous community activities.
Jeter was honored as the top volunteer in 2018 from the ambassador group which assists at Chamber activities.
The family of the late Matt Lehmkuhl was presented an award for this service over the years.
Presenters included Rebecca Vasquez, chair-elect Terri Sandoval and secretary Julia Cardona and associate director Britina Pesak.
Ann King is Chamber treasurer.
Vasquez represents Lone Star Guns & Goods; Sandoval, A Touch of Elegance; King, the MARC Center; Cardona, Workforce Solutions and Pesak, the Rock-dale ISD,
Other Chamber directors are: Trevor Cashmere, Aaron’s Sales & Leases; Joe Mahan, Citizens National Bank; Russell Fischer, The Ranch.
John Dean, TX Rec Land; Mike Zapata, World Ventures; Jocelyn Lewis, Rockdale Signs & Photography; and Tricia Jones, individual.
Associate directors are: Hollinger, Rockdale Ministerial Alliance; Janice King, Chamber Ambassadors; Nicole Hirsch, City of Rock-dale.
Denise Brock, offi ce manager, is an executive director.
UNITED WAY—Paul Dixon, South Milam County United Way president presented that organization’s annual awards as follows:
• W. H. Cooke Memorial Award—Gaye Bland.
• Outstanding business—Perry & Perry Builders.
• Special supporters—Abiding Choice, Lee’s Landing.
• Continuous support—Mine Services.
FOOD, PROGRAM— Dinner was catered by A Touch of Elegance and Knights of Columbus Council 2014.
A reception before the banquet was catered by Corona’s and A Touch of Elegance.
Colors were presented by Boy Scout Troop 790. Ta’Shon Chamblee sang the national anthem. Hollinger gave the invocation and benediction.
GAGS—There were also a number of special awards as follows:
City Manager Chris Whittaker, whose head wear have become legendary, picked up the Minnie Pearl Award.
Auto dealer Allan Miller received the self-explanatory Always First in Line to Eat Award.
The Howdy Doody Award “for being happy and welcoming to all” went to Jeanie Weed.
And Rev. Adam Straznicky was recipient of the Cow Pie Award for “being full of bull.”
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