Recognition goes to those who serve

After the recognition of old officers and the introduction of new officers, 2003 president Carolyn Deach offered a few words to the 80-plus members in attendance. Then, it was presenter Pam Morneault's turn to steal the show.

Morneault first offered certificates of appreciation to those individuals nominated for awards and named the winners of the Christmas Lighting Awards (first place to The Creamery, second place to Petal Pushers and third to H&R Block).

Outstanding Youth Recognition awards were given to Columbia High School seniors Michelle Blackmer and Aharon LaGrander. Michelle is a member of the school's associated student body, helped plan and organize homecoming, was named Homecoming Queen, is a varsity cheerleader, has served as student representative for Community Pride, and coached girls softball. Aharon has worked school food drives, blood drives and toy drives; and is a member of Future Business Leaders of American, National Honor Society, Natural Helpers and the associated student body, holding offices in all.

The 2002 Citizen of the Year award was presented to two individuals this year -- the husband and wife team of Brad and Caroline Roberts. Brad has been actively involved in Community Pride Week, putting money, time, equipment and energy into the project. He also helps the schools by building and donating what is needed and is an active member and former president of Rotary. Caroline is busy at Whitson Elementary and Henkle Middle schools, and with Girl Scouts. She donates untold hours to the PTO Ice Cream Social and Santa's Breakfast, and dedicates her interests and abilities through Girl Scouts both locally and regionally.

White Salmon dentist Curt Mathisen was the recipient of the 2002 Business Person of the Year honor. Curt has donated time and materials to help not only those in the Gorge but in the world, including his mission trips India, Mexico and Fiji. He is actively involved in Rotary and his church, where he was presented the Seventh Day Adventist Church for Sharing Christ in the Marketplace award.

The final presentation of the evening by Morneault went to the 2002 Lifetime Service Award winner -- Maria Shultz. Maria's service is often in the early morning hours as she waters the hanging flower baskets in downtown White Salmon, on Sundays as she cleans the bathrooms at the Little League ballfield, on her day off as she helps children read at Whitson Elementary School, or on days that she teaches children in church. She has devoted many springs and summers to the community youth program, and she and her husband ordered fireworks, worked shifts and handled the money for the Fireworks Stand for years.