Golden Chapter No. 16 hosts awards banquet
RUSSELLVILLE — Golden Chapter No. 16 Order of the Eastern Star honored members last week for service and involvement in the community.
Steve McGuire honored for outstanding community service.
The banquet also helped fund district scholarships.
Bettie Hillman, Worthy Matron of Golden Chapter No. 16 Order of the Eastern Star, said organizers considered the event successful.
Howard Hillman Jr. Honored for outstanding community service.
“I think it went great, and we accomplished our purpose,” Hillman said. “Our mission was to raise funds for scholarships for the district, and we were successful in doing that.”
Mayor David Grissom honored for outstanding community service.
Hillman said high school seniors directly related to an Eastern Star member can apply for scholarships through District 16, which includes Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Lawrence counties.
“Sometimes we have difficulty getting students to submit applications on time, and this is free money for them,” she said.
The Rev. Mario McCulloch honored for outstanding community service.
Hillman said scholarship amounts vary depending on fundraising totals and the number of applicants.
“If a Franklin County student is the only one from this district who applies for the scholarship, they will get it,” she said.
Tammy Emerson honored for outstanding community service.
The organization will award scholarships during the Grand Chapter meeting in July in Birmingham.
The program recognized Rev. B.J. Barner, Steve McGuire, Howard Hillman Sr., Russellville Mayor David Grissom, the Rev. Mario McCullough, Tammy Emerson, Katernia Cole Coffey, and Cheryl Hamilton for service and involvement.
Katernia Cole Coffey honored for outstanding community service.
Organizers also recognized volunteers and committee members who helped plan the banquet and decorations, including Martha McGuire, Betty West, Cheryl Hamilton and Sarah Simpson, who helped coordinate planning efforts from Florence.
Bruce Hamilton performed gospel music before attendees shared a meal together.
Sheryl Hamilton honored for outstanding community service.
Howard Hillman delivered the blessing before the meal and referenced the biblical story of Jesus feeding the multitudes.
Bettie Hillman honored for outstanding community service as the Worthy Matron.
Christy Gill Strong delivered the keynote address. Strong encouraged attendees to remain active in service and community work.
Guest speaker Christy Gill Strong gets a certificate of appreciation.
“I want you to remember your why,” Strong said, adding leadership is not always tied to public recognition or visible positions.
Martha McGuire receives a certificate of appreciation.
“Being a leader is not always about being out front but sometimes being in the background and helping those whenever the time is needed,” she said. “Service doesn’t always require grand gestures,” Strong referenced outreach efforts including meal deliveries, fruit baskets and distribution of sanitary items for people in need.
Betty West receives a certificate of appreciation.
Strong encouraged members not to become discouraged in their work.
“This is not a season of quitting, but again a season of renewal and recommitment,” she said.
During closing remarks, Hillman discussed the planning process behind the banquet and the committee members who organized the event.
Harvey
“We had a dream about this banquet, and when the idea came to me, I said, ‘Go with it,’” Hillman said.
