LET'S GO TO THE HOP
Lewie Byers named Citizen of the Year
BY LELAND ACKER

Ian Chandler added to the festivities by impersonating Elvis during the Rusk Chamber of Commerce Banquet Saturday. For his performance, Mr. Chandler was honored with the "Most-Talented" award and given the chance to escort Kay "Baby" Epperson off stage. PHOTOS: TARA CROSBY

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce was "Lost in the 50s" during its annual banquet Saturday.

"We're going right back to high school," said emcee Kay "Baby" Epperson, explaining how the members were divided out in classes, ranging from freshmen to seniors. Following the high school theme, class favorites were selected from each class.

Kenneth Welch was chosen as the most popular senior, Flossie Nixon was the most popular junior, Judy Faye Garner was the most popular sophomore and Charlie Burfoot was the most popular freshman.

Ian Chandler was given the "Most Talented" award for his impersonation of Elvis.

Terry Guinn and Jan Hardy were named banquet king and queen.

Following class awards, Judges Bascom W. Bentley III and Chris Davis entertained the crowd by introducing the public officials who were present.

Lewie Byers Citizen of the Year

"I didn't know I was doing this until I picked up a copy of The Cherokeean Herald to see if Chris slandered me in his column," said Judge Bentley.

Judge Bentley teased Judge Davis about the prowess of Alto High School football.

"We won a state championship, don't worry about the sewer," Judge Davis responded.

Outgoing President Penny Reynolds honored Gary Epperson and LaRetta Britton with the President's Award before introducing 2008 President Teresa Langley.

"Thank you for believing in me and my ability to lead," Ms. Langley said. "I will be open to any suggestions."

The Platinum members for 2008 were introduced: Citizens First Bank, Lexington Place, Texas National Bank and Harry's Building Materials. Monte Ethington, owner of Chapman's Pharmacy, was honored as Businessman of the Year.

"This is surprising, because I thought the winner knew he would win before the banquet," Mr. Ethington said. "I would like to thank the chamber for this honor."

Monte Ethington Businessman of the Year

As owner of Chapman's Pharmacy, Mr. Ethington has expanded the operation into the next building, adding two other businesses. Toni Meador was named Business Woman of the Year.

"God has blessed my life in so many ways and I thank you all for being a part of my life," she said.

Ted Debbs, Rusk State Hospital superintendent and 2006 Citizen of the Year, introduced Lewie Byers as the 2007 Citizen of the Year, but not before he corrected a few things.

"Last year, when I was awarded the Citizen of the Year award, I thanked everyone under the sun except my wife, Sheilah," Mr. Debbs said. "I would like to correct that in front of everyone tonight. Without her, I probably would not be in Rusk."

Mr. Byers spoke concerning a number of turning points that have taken place since he has been involved with the Rusk Chamber of Commerce, including efforts to save Memorial Hospital, the Texas State Railroad and efforts to expand Rusk State Hospital. The Rusk Chamber of Commerce Banquet is held every January to recognize the Citizen of the Year, Businessman and woman of the year, and to introduce incoming chamber officers. This year's banquet attracted a full house in the Rusk Junior High Cafetorium.

Toni Meador Businesswoman of the Year