By Georgia Osten
It was a packed house on Tuesday night, April 29th, at Stingaree! Chef Abear put on a feast like you wouldn’t believe! It was the Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Annual Award Banquet, sponsored by Samson Energy. Thanks to Samson Energy for sponsoring our event again this year! Mac McDonald and Anne Willis got the party going by announcing the guest speaker, Conrad Cooper, ‎Business Consultant at Lamar State College Port Arthur. Mr. Cooper spoke on pertinent values of a Chamber of Commerce in an upbeat tribute on all of the advantages of belonging to your local Chamber of Commerce. Anne Willis said, “if I wasn’t already a member of the Chamber, I’d join in a heartbeat!”

The evening moved on to the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award. Leigh Carnell, presented to her father, Tom Osten; what a tribute to her Dad from Little Miss Shrimp (1976). Tom is not only the face behind the camera for just about everything that happens on the Peninsula, not to mention the Daily Picture on CrystalBeach.com, following the work of his father, Earl Osten. Tom is the Chairman of the Texas Crab Festival, and recently led the site committee for The Frog Festival. His organizational skills are impeccable and his heart is as big as Texas.

The Educators of the Year, Kathy Smith, High Island High School and Annette Dailey, Crenshaw Elementary and Middle School, were presented by Gwen Edgar and Catherine Jackson, respectively. Our community is rich because of the devotion of these educators. We value their contributions to our children!

The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Eve Bradford by Anne Willis. Eve is the President of Bolivar Peninsula Community Outreach, a non-profit organization, providing clothing and a food pantry for the people of Bolivar. Eve is on the board of directors for Texas Crab Festival Charities, is a member of the Cultural Foundation and the Bolivar Peninsula Lions Club. (see related article, Eve was just presented with a much needed monetary award from a recent Charity Gumbo Cook Off. Prayers answered …)

Business of the Year award, given to Kites and Flagpoles Unlimited, was presented by George Strong. Kate and Gunner Newberry have been in business over 2-1/2 years on Bolivar Peninsula in Crystal Beach. Probably the youngest business couple on the Peninsula – “A Breath of Fresh Air!” The Kite Store is one of the most lively places in Crystal Beach, you can’t miss the 70 foot kite flying outside outside their store. Gunner is busy throughout the community raising flag poles, he’s the guy to call! Kate is a Board Member on the Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Emergency Services District and Sponsor Chairman on the Texas Crab Festival.

Honorary Citizen of the Year, Tim Byrom, was introduced by his son, Clint Byrom, in a very moving presentation. Tim is a former Business of the Year recipient. He is a prominent businessman in the community, owner of Brint Construction. He is currently very involved in the Lone Survivor Foundation and their effort to construct a retreat home for wounded veterans. Tim and his sons, Brian and Clint, organized The Texas Frog Festival, held over Spring Break, to raise funds for the facility. The whole community has come forth to participate and donate to this effort.

We are a proud community – we’ve made such strides to continue to thrive throughout all obstacles. Bolivar Proud We Are!

No gathering is complete without giving away door prizes. Georgia Osten and Sherry Morgan calling out the winning numbers.

Camber Osten is all smiles after winning a gift certificate.