Tony Johnson Named Citizen of the Year
It was a cold, rainy night but inside the Allen School Cafeteria the atmosphere was one of warmth and fellowship as area residents gathered for the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Tuesday night, February 19th . Patriotic decorations of red, white and blue graced the tables thanks to the efforts of Pam Price.
Following the welcome, Charles Speir led those attending in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by an invocation given by Mark Legg and a delicious pork loin dinner which had been prepared by the Allen School cooks and was served by the Allen Cheerleaders. Dinner entertainment was provided by R.T. Valine.
The evening continued with the presentation of a 1st Dollar Award to Glenda Howard for her new business All Washed Up.
Each year the Chamber selects one local resident to honor as Citizen of the Year. This year’s award went to Tony Johnson for the many services he provides to the town. From answering fire and medical calls, rescuing people with car problems, sponsoring a summer movie in the park, to wrapping and passing out gifts as Santa’s elf at Christmas, Tony is always willing and helpful.
As always, the evening ended with the presentation of door prizes. Lucky winners taking home prizes from various merchants were Larry Howard, winning a copy of Beginning at Cold Spring: The History of Allen book and subscription to The Allen Advocate; a certificate for steaks from the Allen Food Center went to Robyn Legg; Flossie Sims and Joy Anderson each received $25 gift certificates from the Allen Quick Pic; Stevi Caldwell and Glendene Griffin each won LED lights from Allen Surplus & Hardware; gift baskets from All Washed Up went to Mildred Burke and Maycee Howard; Bailey & Associates donated three prizes which were won by Eric Pierce, Terry Riddle and Amanda Tollett;
Jeff Hiatt and Sarah Troup won certificates for haircuts from Carolyn’s Beauty Shop; from Farmers Insurance, Larry Howard agent, a double burner hot plate went Blake Campbell and a rechargeable screwdriver to Charlie Hodo; $50 and a cap from Farmers State Bank went to Deanna Russell and Earl Ingram; a gift basket from Idle Time Campers went to Kristie Hiatt; haircuts from Mary’s Beauty Shop went to Hoot Hoskin and Jessica Troup; crock pots from Prairie Notions Fabric Shop went to Heather Prentice and Maloree Howard; a gift basket from Sanders Car Wash was won by Diane Hodo; an Instant Pot from Sto & Go Storage went to Danny McDougal;
That Extra Touch donated coasters, won by Dianna Brannan, and jewelry which went home with Amber Ford; a tire rotation was won by Purvey Knighten and tire repair went to Kathie Ashby, both donated by Tony’s Auto; a Bath & Body Works candle from Allen Health Clinic went to Don Sims; a certificate for a wreath from the Allen Community Pharmacy went to Lauren Hatton; and Whitehead’s Meat Market donated a basket of marinades, won by Janice Stinson, and a basket of Bedre chocolates won by Sandra Ingram.