County Sheriff Jeremy Shipley presents the award for Civic Organization of the Year to Curator Patricia Pratt and Board members of Freestone County Historical Museum.
“An encourager.”
“A hidden gem.”
“Doing whatever the community needs.”
These were just a few of the depictions given by presenters of this year’s community award winners during the annual Fairfield Chamber of Commerce banquet, held Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Twisted Vines Event Center in Fairfield, Texas.
The décor was straight out of the 1970’s, with lots of tie-dye, peace signs, and psychedelic flowers.
Many of the attendees dressed for the occasion, sporting fringe vests, go-go boots, and hippie head bands.
Best Dressed award went to the Chamber’s newest Ambassador, Lisa Nichols and her husband, Bobby, who traded hair care tips with several attendees.
Dinner was served in metal “TV trays,” featuring home style meatloaf and a banana pudding desert in mason jars.
Entertainment was provided by Love Show, featuring the groovy singing talents of Rita Joye Gray and Kristian Craig. These two also donned stilts while posing for pictures with local celebrities.
The evening’s program opened with a rendition of the National Anthem by Mr. Cool Daddy, Andrew Weirtner, pastor of New Life Assembly of God.
Small Business of the Year was presented by Jerry Don Sanders to “my favorite daughter,” Amy Ralstin of Kennedy’s Korner.
Ralstin has worked in retail for twenty-seven years, beginning with her first job at a gift shop in Mexia. She has owned and operated Kennedy’s Korner for thirteen of those years.
Described as an encourager and a supporter, Ralstin was commended for mentoring several individuals who desired to start their own businesses, many of whom made their first entrepreneur foray inside her shop in downtown Fairfield.
Currently, Ralstin is partnering with three small businesses: Kilman Comfort, a luxury mattress company; East Pine Designs, which creates the popular FreeCo brand of clothing and accessories; and Hart to Table, that delivers shelf stable food items that are sugar-free, grain-free, and keto-friendly.
“Sheriff Billings, you might want to look into that,” teased Sanders during his presentation.
Additionally, almost a year ago, Ralstin took on the task of bringing the Fairfield Fest – Downtown Market to the courthouse square on the third Saturday of each month. This one-day event brings a variety of vendors, and shoppers, to the area.
Finally, Ralstin gives “honor and praise to the Lord for the success of her business,” according to her proud father, and thanks all her loyal customers, and her family.
Community Spirit Award was presented by Amy Freeman to Fairfield’s hidden gem, Fairfield Lake State Park.
The facility has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, she said. “This summer, they had a swimming area so full of visitors, they had to shut the park to be able to accommodate everyone.”
The entire campground has been remodeled, and the staff has added programs and events to enhance the experience of park visitors, as well as the community.
Freeman goes on to say that the Park reached out to the Chamber of Commerce and partnered with several organizations in the community, including the museum, library, school district, area business, media, local law enforcement, fire department, and EMS.
They have added nature programs, hiking, fishing, archery and a fan favorite: Dutch Oven cooking by Uncle Mike’s Kitchen. Events include the annual Fish Derby and Christmas in the Park.
According to Freeman, these additional activities, along with a passionate staff, have helped the park reach a record number of visitors, “and the interest continues to grow.”
Ranger Kate Sherman and Officer Kyle Ware accepted the award on behalf of Fairfield Lake State Park.
Civic Organization of the Year (at top) was presented to the Freestone County Historical Museum by County Sheriff Jeremy Shipley.
“We have a fantastic museum,” said Sheriff Shipley. “If you reside in this county, and you have not been to our museum, shame on you.”
The Freestone County Historical Museum was created on May 2, 1957 and was originally housed in the old county jail, which operated from 1881 to 1913.
Museum artifacts were moved to the newly constructed Barbara & H. Neil Bass Wing, and work began on the jail restoration project, which will eventually serve as a tribute to local law enforcement in Freestone County.
Currently, proceeds from book sales of the famous news column of late late J.R. “Sonny” Sessions, Jr. are earmarked for this restoration effort.
Museum curator, Patricia Pratt, and members of the museum board were commended for the great work they have accomplished.
Business of the Year was presented to Sonic of Fairfield by Gina Martin, who says their commitment to community is obvious.
“2018 has been a year of true team work, dedication, and understanding that giving back to the community is a way of life,” says Martin, who commends Supervisor Bill Freeman and his staff.
Among those that Sonic was worked with include AirEvac, Fairfield EMS, Fairfield Lake State Park, Fairfield Police Association, Fairfield Fire Department, Fairfield ISD, Fairfield Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, nursing homes, cheer teams, basketball teams, and more.
Citizen of the Year was presented by former sheriff Ralph Billings to Tammy Gawryszewski, or Tammy G., as many call her.
Gawryszewski has been a significant contributor to every program she has been involved in.
As an educator, she has built up a video program that allows students to learn news broadcasting, as well as branching out to assist the local hospital with video services.
As a member of the Fairfield Library Association, Gawryszewski was an integral force in the recent modernization of the facilities.
She also assisted the museum in securing a grant to preserve local history by digitizing newspaper archives.
“You’ve done a super job,” said Billings. “We appreciate you!”
“That’s me!” said a surprised Barney Leach to his wife, as presenter Mary Small listed the accomplishments of this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Leach worked as an Aerospace Technologist and Mathematician with NASA, building computers from the ground up and began programming in code. He created space flight software for the Gemini space program and for the Lunar program.
“He gave a big ‘thumbs up’ to the Apollo 13 movie,” said Small.
Leach was also awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by then President Richard Nixon.
He worked many years with the National Weather Service, and in his retirement, still provides monthly rainfall reports for Freestone County.
Leach has been active in the Fairfield Rotary Club, served twenty-five years as a greeter at First Baptist Church, and still delivers Meals On Wheels. He counts one of his biggest accomplishments as surviving a double-knee replacement at the age of eighty-five years.
“From the cotton fields of Mississippi to Mission Control, he has proved that you can do anything you want,” said Small with a catch in her voice.
“Let me tell you some things you might not know about our dad,” said the proud daughters of Tony Price, recipient of the well-earned Legacy Award.
With a passion for service, Price has worked in the Fairfield community the past thirty-three years in several capacities, including Fairfield ISD, Main Street Program, City Council, County Fair Board, and the Fairfield Hospital Board.
“My dad is incredibly proud of the small part he played in keeping the local hospital available to service this community.”
Price participates in a personal Random Acts of Kindness campaign, inspired by the novel, Pay It Forward by Catherin Ryan Hyde.
He sends personal birthday cards to each teacher in the district.
He keeps stamps in his truck for every military branch of service, and gives them to any veteran he may meet.
And, he makes a point to eat last, no matter where he goes.
“It may be a small thing,” said his daughters, but it points to a life dedicated to take serving others.
After hugs from his wife and daughters, Acting Superintendent Price switched gears to recognize the ‘bridge builders” at Fairfield ISD who earned Teacher of the Year awards from each campus.
–High School: Nanceen Perry Hoskins – English Teacher
“She teaches English to Freshmen, and if any of you think that’s easy, come try it for half an hour,” said Price.
–Junior High School: Annisa Curtis –
“She takes kids with very limited skills and has them do extraordinary things. We are blessed to have her,” says Price.
–Intermediate School: Lizzie Daniel – Physical Education Teacher
Principal Shetonia Scires shares that “[Daniel’s] enthusiasm and passion has made a huge impact on our students and faculty.”
–Elementary School: Penny Meredith – Reading Interventionist
Principal Sheila Ransom shared that “[Meredith] cares deeply for the whole child and works tirelessly to build a bond with parents to bridge between home and school.”
Assistant Superintendent Melissa Cox presented the Student of the Year award to FHS Senior, Anna Kay Williams.
One of this year’s top two seniors in Fairfield High School’s Class of 2019, Anna Kay has been an active in several organizations.
She has served as Drum Major for the Grand Band from Eagle Land and has qualified each year for the State Solo and Ensemble Contests, playing the tenor saxophone.
Anna Kay is Senior Editor for the Eagle Beat and has competed in journalism at both regional and state levels.
And, she has participated in the Drama program, taking on the lead role for the last two years.
“Thank you for being an exemplary example,” said Cox.
“We do what we do because we love where we live,” stated incoming Chamber Chair, Gail Farish. She recognized each of the Chamber’s volunteer ambassadors before presenting the Ambassador of the Year award to Karen Leidy, describing this year’s recipient as going above and beyond to “make sure the Chamber always shines so brightly.”
Ambassadors for 2019 include Amy Freeman, Bettye Trask, Landis Bayless, Mary Small, Karen Leidy, Daniel Stauffer, Kris Simmons, Lea Anne Somerville, Rachel Glander, Tammy Moore, Julee Emmons, Ronnie Miller, Sid & WA Davis, Kim Bishop, Debbie Wilson, Keith Daniels, Elizabeth Waters, Rachel Middlebrook, Nichole and Josh Belile, Jason Pate, Russell Gilbreath, Randy Martin, Carol Moller, Nichole Fry and Lisa Nichols.
The 2019 Board of Directors include Chair – Gail Farish, Vice-Chair – Josh Bayless, Treasurer – Gina Martin, Secretary – Brenda Finley, and Directors: Averie Grant, Libby Harris, and Eli Pratt.
Former Director, Patty Pratt, was thanked for her service.
Brenda Pate serves Fairfield Chamber of Commerce as Executive Director.
Administrative Assistant will be Ashley DeVillier, with Lisa Schick leaving for a full-time position at the end of January.
The Fairfield Chamber would like to thank the following for their support:
Special Sponsors: Fuel Maxx, Community National Bank & Trust, Freestone Medical Center, Wells Fargo Bank, Oneok, CETA, Texas Central, Adrenaline Fitness, and Love’s Travel Stop.
Door Prizes Donors: Accessories, Etc., Armadillo Emporium, Bayless NAPA Auto Parts, Brenda’s Closet, Creations Flowers & Gifts, Theresa Kimball / Hair Trends, East Pine Designs, Freestone Cancer Support Group, G-Bar Western Flair & Peridot Salon, Juls by Jul, Kennedy’s Korner, Virginia’s Hospice, K. Leidy Designs, Premiere Realty, Robinson’s Trading Post, Texas Farm Credit, Texas Outfitters & Emporium, Sonic of Fairfield, and Willow Basket Bakery.
Cake Auction Donors: Josh & Nichole Belile of AirEvac Lifeteam, Armadillo Emporium, Bayless NAPA Auto Parts, Brenda and Jason Pate, Brenda’s Closet, Centex Credit Union, Freestone Cancer Support Group, Fairfield Nursing & Rehabilitation, Freestone County Times, Freestone County Historical Museum, Freestone Medical Center, G-Bar Western Flair / Peridot Salon, Incommons Bank, Juls by Jul, Momma Cakes, Odd Ducks Candy Company, Gina Martin of Origami Owl, ONCOR, Sonic of Fairfield, Wells Fargo Bank, and Willow Basket Bakery.
Cake Auction was conducted with the assistance of James Grant of Grant & Minchew Auction Services.
Special thanks to Jennifer and Sonny Daniel for donating Twisted Vines Event Center, to Jimmy Lee at L&M Trophies, and to Gail Farish with Creations for her fabulous expertise and assistance with décor. Balloon flowers were fashioned by Tommy Lynch.
Photography by Megan Hempel.
Purchasing the “Secret Recipe Pound Cake” for the news staff to enjoy, valued this year at $350, is Office Manager, Natalia Marsters.
Thanks to all for a wonderful awards banquet!
