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Lincoln honors outstanding pair 2001 Man and Woman of the Year By JACQUELINE CASEY, LTN Staff Writer Nov. 30 - He’s a Lincolnton business owner, known as a man of faith who overcomes obstacles with dignity and courage, serves youngsters through Boy Scout leadership, and dedicates his own life to bettering the lives of others. She’s a retired east Lincoln business president whose life is one of ministry, a woman who monthly organizes a community meal, is leading a campaign to build a senior center, and welcomes Denver newcomers with gift baskets. Thursday evening the community said thank you, naming George Brookins and Celia Deese 2001 Man and Woman of the Year during the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet. Presenting the Woman of the Year Award on behalf of the sponsoring Lincolnton Business and Professional Women’s Organization, Hazel Andrews cited Deese’s commitment to First Friday Feast, a monthly event she co-founded with her brother. “This is a valuable ministry for the senior community, which provides meals and entertainment for our local seniors,” Andrews told more than 240 chamber members and their guests at the Citizens Center. “This has been so successful that many churches do not have space to accommodate the large number of participants. Therefore, this busy lady is currently spearheading efforts to construct a community center for seniors in the east Lincoln area.” Since the award’s inception in 1958, Woman of the Year nominees have been judged for their contributions in four areas: church, civic and community, family, and professional, said Andrews. Deese, retired president and co-owner of Lakeside TV, is accomplished in all of these areas, said Andrews, who also noted her service to Lincoln County Habitat for Humanity, the East Lincoln Betterment Association, East Lincoln Christian Ministries, and her extensive volunteer work at St. Peter by-the-Lake Episcopal Church, where she is a member. “I don’t know what to say,” said Deese, who seemed astounded by the honor. “I do want to thank my husband, my church, my community — and my seniors.” George Brookins’ life, said Rotary president Pete Acker, exemplifies the ideals of the club’s Man of the Year Award: contribution to the community through “outstanding service, leadership and personal example, character and dedication.” Acker cited Brookins’ Rotary and chamber membership, his service as District Chairman of the Heartland District of the Boy Scouts of America, volunteer work with numerous organizations, including Hospice of Lincoln County and the March of Dimes and support of his church, First United Methodist. “He has invested his time in improving the quality of life in our community in so many ways,” said Acker. Brookins, owner of The Drug Store, thanked the community, the chamber and his family for the honor. “One of the things that I have been happy about as a small business owner is that I have now been able to give back to the community,” the 42nd recipient of the annual award said. “This community has done so much for me and my family.” Also honored at the banquet was the chamber’s 2001 Small Business Person of the Year, Jody Rhyne, owner of the Lincolnton office of the Hinrichs Financial Group. Stephen Starnes, chairman of the chamber’s Small Business Council, commended Rhyne for his professional achievements and volunteer service on the board of directors of numerous organizations including the chamber, the Lincoln Medical Center Foundation, the United Way, and Communities in Schools. “He’s shown remarkable commitment to our community in Lincoln County,” said Starnes. The chamber also recognized several members for outstanding support of its programs during the past year and installed new officers. Tina Tindall, Charter Communications, was named Volunteer of the Year; Lou Ann Cain, Mail Boxes Etc., was recognized as New Member of the year, and Sandra Burris, Peoples Bank, received the President’s Club Award as the top membership recruiter. Outgoing board chair Jim Mauney swore in Martin Eaddy as 2002 chairman. Also installed as chamber officers were: Billye Roland, Rosalind Welder, Juergen Buch, Jerry Lackey, Scott Mullen, Renee Moody, and Stephen Starnes. |
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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