The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce threw itself a party to celebrate its 40th birthday.
The party Thursday night at Embassy Suites Greensboro was also one of recognition.
The chamber gave its Citizen of the Year Award to John Wolfe, in recognition of his work to bring the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens to fruition and for playing a major role in securing the new Kernersville Medical Center.
"Even when the hospital seemed in jeopardy, John led the charge to get it here," said Bob Reed, the 2007 award winner who presented Wolfe with his award.
Wolfe, the town attorney, has served in many volunteer capacities.
"I have the belief that you give back to the community that you love,'' he said. "There are many people in this room who love our community."
As Citizen of the Year, Wolfe will serve as grand marshal in the annual Christmas parade, which will be Dec. 7.
The presentation of the 2008 Community Distinguished Service Award was made by Heather Camp, last year's winner and the former executive director of the Kernersville Shepherd's Center.
The principal of Kernersville Elementary School, David Fitzpatrick, and home-school coordinator Becky Lewis shared the 2008 service award. They were recognized for their commitment to the children, many of whom come from needy families.
On the day of the banquet, Fitzpatrick and Lewis had worked to obtain new furnishings, clothing and other household goods for a school custodian whose house had burned the day before.
Lewis helped to found Next Step Ministries, one of the two domestic-violence shelters in Forsyth County.
She volunteers for the Shepherd's Center and puts together a summer camp for needy children at the elementary school.
Each year she coordinates a big effort to provide holiday assistance for families in need.
Fitzpatrick followed his father's footsteps as principal at Kernersville Elementary.
Fitzpatrick, a beloved figure on campus, is known for pursuing creative solutions to educating students.
"I am a product of Kernersville, born and bred. The list of the people who received this before me were the ones who built this town and were a big influence on me,'' he said. "To receive it with Becky is very special. She is the Mother Teresa of Kernersville."
Chris Brady, the assistant executive director of the YMCA, won the chamber's Key Volunteer Award for her work with the chamber and within the community.
Danny Jefferson received the Chairman's Award from board Chairman Duane Long, and East Forsyth High School senior Nikki Little received the Kernersville Connections Award.
Kernersville Connections is a chamber ambassador program for high-school sophomores and juniors.
■ Monica Young can be reached at cyoung9@triad.rr.com.
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