Community Clubs from Lawrence, Liberty and Conehatta came together at the East Central Community College Mabry Cafeteria Gold Room Dec. 3 to laugh, fellowship and see which on one of the clubs would take home first place in the Outstanding Club award at the 67th annual Award’s Program hosted by the Newton County Rural Development Association.
The program, which included a meal of roast beef, chicken and pecan pie, was part of a yearly celebration of community service throughout Newton County. Mark Buntyn, president of the Newton County Rural Development association, said the impact Community Club projects have on their neighborhoods is immeasurable. He said the attitude selfless service shown by Lawrence, Liberty and Conehatta club members should be honored more often than once a year.
“You just do it, and you do it without the pause because it needs to be done,” he said to the gathered clubs. “Thank you for all you do.”
Throughout the evening, Buntyn and members of the Rural Development Association Board, presented awards for Yearly Participation, Program Attendance, Club Member of the Year and Citizen of the Year, punctuating each award with a round of door prizes ranging from Boston Butts to umbrellas donated by local businesses.
This year, Liberty Community Club took home first place in the Outstanding Club Award, Conehatta took second and Lawrence Community Club took home third place.
The Farm Bureau Awards went to Liberty in first place, Lawrence in second and Conehatta in third. Liberty Community Club also took home the Yearly Participation Award, while Lawrence Community Club edged out the competition for the 2017 Program Attendance Award.
Club Secretary Awards went to Liberty Community Club in first place, Conehatta in second and Lawrence in third.
The Club Member of the Year was Ray Batwell, and the Citizen of the Year was Bobbye Cook.
“She is always willing to help out,” Buntyn said of Cook. “She serves as the secretary for the Conehatta Community Club.”
Although competition for the awards was fierce, the 67th annual Awards Program was a time to get together, have fun and enjoy a good meal with other likeminded people. Cheering and applause for award winners echoed from all corners of the room as members of all clubs celebrated another year of hard work and service making Newton County a little bit better for everyone.
