he colors for the chamber awards banquet held on Saturday night at the recreation center were silver, black and yellow.

Colors wouldn’t normally be an important part of the wrap-up story about the event, but in this case I think they actually tell the story of the evening.

Nearly 300 people gathered to celebrate the organizations, businesses and individuals that work so very hard to make the community and our chamber winners.

None of this was planned, but to me the yellow represented the celebration – so much accomplished during this year. The National Anthem, sung by Jeff Brister, inspired even those of us that can’t carry a tune to sing along in full voice.  Mayor Mark Bunte introduced the city council and city manager and pledged the continued partnership with the City of Smithville.

The Academy Jazz Players and the wonderful food provided by Catering by Chabot set a yellow, upbeat tone for the evening. Paul Martz of the Boys and Girls Club, but more importantly, an inspired volunteer, echoed the message of the importance of the volunteer. He stressed the teaching of volunteerism to all generations.

Sallie Blalock, outgoing chairman of the board, gave a recap of a year’s accomplishments that reflected the success of the amazing volunteers and partners in the chamber’s work.

Long serving and dedicated retiring board members Larry Lynn, Troy Streuer and Sallie Blalock were given recognition for their efforts on behalf of the community.

Incoming chairman of the board Richard Latham introduced the 2010 board of directors. These volunteers are challenged with the leadership of the committees that will be responsible for continuing the success of the chamber.

So this is the yellow part of the evening.

The black part of the evening came when Elizabeth Rinker told the story of her day just one year before.

Elizabeth’s home was spared in the Wilderness Ridge fire, but only spared because of the incredible work of the firefighters and emergency response teams – many of whom are volunteers that risk their own lives to protect the lives and property of others. To Mark and Jennifer Gwin, the wonderful girls of Wildfire Cafe and Bill McGlaun, who lost homes and businesses, the pain of the losses was very sharp.

To Lenel Tamez and Mark Gwin, the heat, sound and smell of the fire they fought beside others as firefighters was still very real. The memories and pain felt by all those affected was told beautifully by Elizabeth.

So the event and loss of one year ago was represented by the black.

But then came silver’s time to shine. The awards were presented to three very deserving recipients. As the special chamber section included in this edition of The Smithville Times will convey, the selections for this year were very deserving.

Congratulations to the Organization of the Year – Smithville Community Gardens. This group has developed from the concept created by judges Culberson and Jones to become an exciting addition to our community.

Congratulations to the Business/Employer of the Year – LiveAir Networks. This company has developed from a classroom project into a leading force in supplying global connectivity to the rural community.

And congratulations indeed to Citizen of Year – Carol Snyder for her devotion to Smithville – our heritage, our present and our future.

Thanks to the table sponsors that made this event possible – Brian Riewe, P.C., City of Smithville, First National Bank, First State Bank, LiveAir Networks, Lost Pines Artisans Alliance, Marrs Jones Funeral Home, Prosperity Bank, Smithville Regional Hospital, The Smithville Times, Aqua Water, Texas Associates Insurors and Smithville Community Gardens.

Thanks also to beverage sponsors First National Bank and La Cabana Restaurant. Thanks to Prosperity Bank for sponsoring a table for our hardworking Community Hosts and to Fran Hunter and G&C for our banquet program design and printing.

So yellow, black and silver were indeed the correct colors for the banquet this year.

Another event on the annual calendar has passed. We will need to wait until February 2011 to see what colors and what winners emerge from the year that is ahead.

The challenge is on for all of us to be the best that we can be in our roles as volunteers, civic leaders, organizations and businesses in the community.