Home Breaking News Mount Ida Area Chamber volunteer of the year winners announced

Mount Ida Area Chamber volunteer of the year winners announced

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DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY

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This year’s Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet proved to be a true community event with winners of the volunteer awards coming from all around Montgomery County.

Last year’s Woman of the Year winner Dr. Mary Ann Shaw (right) presents this year’s winner, Mary Beth Lysoby (left) with her award.

Woman of the Year this year was awarded to Mary Beth Lysoby of Norman. She has given countless hours to Greta Lane Food Bank and Thrift Store, the Norman Library, the Montgomery Council for the Performing Arts (MCCPA), the Norman Historical Preservation Program among other needs in the community.

Presenter Pat Smith quoted Lysoby’s nominator, “If there are emergencies in Norman she is there to assist no matter what hour of the day or night.”

Last year’s Man of the Year winner Kenn Greene (left) presents this year’s winner, Barry Craw (right) with his award.

Barry Craw of Mount Ida was presented with the Man of the Year award. He serves as Fire Chief for the Mount Ida Volunteer Fire Department, is an EMT and is a certified fire fighter instructor who provides training for local firefighters. Presenter Pat Smith added that he can often be seen finding funding for needs in the community, building or repairing buildings, mowing, or taking down trees for those in need.

Warm Hearts Humane Society of Montgomery County was named the Non-Profit of the Year. Pictured left to right: Maxine Wornick and Anita Watson.

Warm Hearts Humane Society of Montgomery County was named the Non-Profit Organization of the Year.

Warm Hearts was founded in 1986 by Earlene “Tots” Summit. They are a shelterless organization with volunteers who foster animals in their home. They are funded through donations, grants and adoption fees. They re-home between 50-100 animals a year nd work with multiple resue groups across the country to find homes for the wayward pets. They have also underwritten the cost of low cost spay and neutering for over 1,000 animals. They also provide animal oxygen masks to local volunteer fire departments. They have also donated cat food and dog food to families in need.

McCarter Mart in Norman was awarded the Business of the Year award.

During her presentation Smith stated “A business is in the business to make money, of course, and that can be a challenge in our rural areas. But some business owners are very special, successful in making a business work while still contributing enormously to the community at large.”

McCarter Mart was named the Business of the Year. Pictured left to right: Samantha Smith, David “Budger” McCarter, Teresa McCarter and Tammy McCarter.

McCarter Mart is family owned and is very involved in community support. They have hosted numerous benefits and have donated to those sponsored by others. While providing a wide range of services at their store they work diligently to provide for those in need. They are also sponsor the annual Norman Fall Fest and Pageant.