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Ted Debbs named Citizen of the Year
A husband-wife team, Roy and Penny Reynolds, was named businessman and businesswoman of the year. Those awards were presented by Ike Frazer and Wendy Wiley. Outgoing President Angela Raiborn presented the President's Award to Connie Brown, chamber office manager. Ms. Brown was recognized for her going beyond the call of duty in serving the Rusk chamber. She is an ambassador for the chamber. Whatever the need she is there in promoting the community and putting the chamber festivities together. A Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service and dedication above and beyond the expected was presented to Howard King. The volunteer award was given to him in appreciation of his dedication to the community and his working behind the scenes in making things happen in Rusk.
Richard Sanders of U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling's Athens office brought greetings from the congressman. The congressman was unable to speak at the banquet because of Washington obligations. Tedd Debbs recognized Mr. Debbs in receiving the award said "Without the citizens of Rusk, the hints of closure of the hospital might have become a reality. Thank you for this honor and for all you do to help the hospital in taking care of the needs of our residents." He has served at Rusk State Hospital since May 2002. He and his wife of 18 years, Sheilah, are parents of a daughter, Moira. He was born in Southeast Texas. He is an avid tennis player, enjoys softball, is a sports motorcycle enthusiast and enjoys working on automobiles. He is a member of the Jacksonville Tennis League and USTA and was a part of the Men's 3.0 team that took the state title in 2005. However, he did not get to play in the national championship game because patients and families from Hurricane Rita were housed at Rusk State Hospital.
Mr. Debbs has served as a counselor at the "Help Possible" clinic in Dallas; a psychologist at MHMR of Southeast Texas, director of mental health services for the Denton County MHMR Center, director of MHMR services for Polk and San Jacinto counties while working for the Deep East Texas MHMR Center in Lufkin, executive director for the Jim Taliaferro (Toliver) Community Mental Health Center in Lawton, Okla., acting executive director of the Bill Willis Community Mental Health Center in Tahlequah, Okla. Among his other accomplishments while at Taliaferro, he worked with Creative Socio- Medics to develop the first Windows based fully, integrated information management bill system for mental health centers in the nation. Since coming to Rusk State Hospital, he has seen a decrease in staffing and patient services until 2006, when a forensic unit was added to the hospital. Patient beds have increased. An additional 167 employees have been added and now employment at the facility totals almost 1,000.
Mr. Reynolds grew up in the north and Mrs. Reynolds on a farm in Texas. He has been involved with the media his entire professional life, starting when he was in his early teens. He branched out into advertising with his own agency in 1980 and has customers and commercials throughout East Texas. He was a Marine for four years. He is a member of the Rotary Club. Mrs. Reynolds was in banking progressing from teller to collections officer then loan supervisor. She has worked at several different types of occupations and has owned or co-owned businesses from cosmetics to a travel agency. She moved from the banking industry in 1980 to work for an advertising agency as an accountant. She then got involved in the travel business and was a travel agent manager. She is still an accountant and travel agent.
In accepting the award she said through tears, "I love this town." Mr. Reynolds who received his award following her, said, "I agree with Penny, I really love this town." In her outgoing president's speech Mrs. Raiborn thanked those who have made the chamber year successful. Bob Goldsberry, executive director, stressed shopping at home. "We have a great variety of goods. Sales tax revenue has increased 5.9 percent over last year. The Texas State Railroad provides a challenge for us all to keep it alive." Mrs. Reynolds said, "We moved here to retire. Then Sarah Welch introduced me to the chamber and Connie Brown. I would like for you to see Rusk through my eyes. The hotels are filled. There are Friday night ball games and family reunions and problems solved over lunch. Thank you for allowing me to be who I am and for putting your trust in me." She introduced the new board, new officers and outgoing board members and officers.
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