This is a continuation on the discussion about the recent chamber of commerce banquet. It was not a boring evening as it was much fun with great food. The food bars were located in different locations and as a result, there was never a long serving line. With the silent auction and the casino games, it was a fun night.

Jason Claspill, Evergreen Memorial Chapel, said that it was the best event he had ever attended -- by far the best. That is an example of how those attending viewed the well organized event.

At the designated time, the games and conversation stopped for the presentation of the awards which was hosted by Myles Miller, 2005 chamber president; and Kelly Ast, 2006 chamber president.

In addition to the pride awards, other honors were presented. This included the Wayne Neal Impact Award and the 2005 Community Pride Award.

The Impact Award is presented in the memory of the late Wayne Neal, city manager. He made a tremendous impact on our community the few years he was here.

It became appropriate to have a chamber award named after Wayne, recognizing the impact he made.

When the award was established it was set up to recognize an individual, a business, or an organization that have made an outstanding impact. When it was established, it was with the realization that it is possible to have a year when there is no individual, business or organization. Still, each year since its inception, the award has been presented to well deserving recipients.

The selection for this award was made by the board. Making a selection for this honor is difficult as there is a good pool of deserving recipients for this award. I tried to think of who should get it, but I had not come up with a suggestion. However, when it was announced that it was being presented to Dr. Warren Lovinger it certainly seemed appropriate that he should be honored with this special recognition.

It was neat that the recognition took him by surprise. His wife, Marilyn, accompanied him when the award was presented by Russ and Joy Kemm, Champion Diamonds, last year's recipient.

There have been many people who have handed down a heritage from which we all benefit. Many of the things that Dr. Lovinger has done will be handed down as a heritage to future generations for the years to come.

He has been described as a pillar of the community. He has a high level commitment to the community.

When he takes on something, it will be successful. He is energetic and puts in much effort into the things that he does. This community receives great rewards from his efforts.

He has been involved with the Neptunes and now my grandchildren are in the program which he has helped to develop. He has been on the Nevada R-5 school board for several years. He gave leadership to the building campaign for the YMCA which was successful. He has served in leadership positions in the Rotary Club. Dr. Lovinger is an active leader in the Presbyterian Church.

It doesn't stop there -- he also has a new clinic expansion. He is active in professional recruitment.

Congratulations, Dr. Lovinger, for being awarded the Wayne Neal Impact Award. You certainly are making a major impact on Nevada and Vernon County.

The 2005 Community Pride Award was presented to the Quilted Hugs project -- an original quilt project recognizing our military personnel. The Quilted Hugs project was represented by Dr. Ron Hatch and family, quilting enthusiasts, wife Kerin, daughters Joni and Ann. They say that there are many others involved in the project. It is for sure that this family has put their heart into the program.

Many people have forgotten about Sept. 11. Not them. They have taken steps to support our troops. It means much to the troops to have someone supporting them in a special project of this kind.

Those involved with the program began a movement that has affected countless persons with their outreach. They have spread patriotism, kindness and love to our troops away from home. This demonstrated how a single thought can spread from a small town and drew a community cause.

This is a tremendous way to promote Nevada and Vernon County. The community is proud of what they have accomplished.

After providing quilts for the troops from this region, they have become involved with Quilt of Valor, which is a national effort. Last week I had an opportunity to visit with Kerin. She and the Hatch family are excited that the project received the special recognition which includes scholarships are being awarded this spring to honor the project.

She is excited about making quilts for the soldiers. She expressed that she enjoys it and personally gain from it. She plans top continue making the quilts.

The quilts are given anonymously to the soldiers will not feel any obligations in having to write a thank you, which might be difficult to do.

Kerin showed me some of the quilts she has done and others she is in the process of making. She is active in QOV and has gone to conferences and has met the person that organized the national group. What QOV is doing is a story of its own ˆ including giving quilts to the wounded in hospitals.

It is a touching story. Information about QOV may be obtained by going to www.quiltsforsoldiers.com .

Congratulations go to all those involved with the Quilted Hugs Project and thank you for what you have done and are doing.

The other finalist included Nevada Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Nevada Parks and Recreation. Both have demonstrated great Community Pride.