Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Krazy Kudzu Follies 2012

Are you ready for that yearly event that makes you laugh so hard your stomach hurts for days?

The Krazy Kudzu Follies is scheduled for March 1, 2, & 3rd at the DeKalb Theatre. Tickets go on sale February 6th. Cost is $15 each or 2 for $20.

Beth McKeehan will return as the producer this year. All new skits are being created. I have laughed so hard just listening to Beth describes what she has imagined for the songs.

The cast began practice this week. I want to extend my personal thank you to each of the participants. I realize the commitment of time that it takes to insure the success of the Follies.

Call the Chamber office 256-845-2741 for more information about the Krazy Kudzu Follies. Get your tickets early for the sellout performances.

The DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center play, “Guess Who’s Coming to Supper?” will begin on February 9th at the First Methodist Church Family Life Center.

Eddie McPherson has created another hilarious 2 act comedy play. Returning actors include Brian Baine, Tony Dobbs, and Ronnie Osborn.

Director Elizabeth Wheatly encourages everyone to get tickets early. If you want to volunteer as a waiter for the event, call the Center at 256-997-9700.

A memorial to the victims of the April 27th tornadoes will be constructed at the DeKalb County Coliseum. Ground breaking was held last Saturday. The anticipated date for the dedication and unveiling ceremony is April 27, 2012.

Donations for the memorial may be sent to The DeKalb County Tornado Monument/Memorial, P.O. Box 396, Rainsville, AL 35986.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Chamber Banquet 2011 Award Recipients

The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the Business of the Year – Plasman Corp, LLC; and the Citizen of the Year – Cara Hoffman.

Even before the ribbon cutting was held to announce the opening of Plasman Corp, LLC, the automotive supplier became a viable community partner.

Within hours after the devastation of the April 27th tornadoes, Plasman Corp, LLC began their efforts to relieve some of the hurt of not only their employees but the community as a whole.

Basic essentials along with hundreds of man hours were provided by management and employees.

More than $100,000 was raised to help benefit DeKalb County residents impacted by the tornadoes. The funds were raised by the employees, Plasman’s corporate office and their vendors and suppliers.

The Citizen of the Year, Cara Hoffman, is being recognized for her efforts to improve the lives of many of our school children. The Back to School Fair has insured that these deserving children have a positive school year beginning with needed supplies.

Last year over 700 children received back to school supplies. Over 1300 meals were also provided to families during this program.

Cara is also very active in other aspects of our community. She served as the “Hair Stylist” for the Altrusa Club during the Boom Days children area. I have never seen so many kids looking like the characters from Whoville.

Cara recently celebrated her 45th birthday by completing 45 random acts of kindness. Her life is a true representation of a dedicated citizen of Fort Payne. She pays it forward on a daily basis.

Join others as the Fort Payne Chamber recognizes our 2011 award recipients at the annual banquet on January 19th at 6 PM at the DeKalb Theatre. Three on a Sting will provide a night of music and laughter. Tickets are $25 each. Call 256-845-2741 for more information.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Walter Weatherly -V.I. Prewett Lifetime Achievement Award winner

January 11, 2012
Carol Beddingfield
Executive Director

Chamber Chatter

This year marks the 60th year that Walter Weatherly has given his time and efforts to improving the community in which he lives.

Except for a short time frame of living in Scottsboro and Huntsville, Walter’s community service has been dedicated to Fort Payne.

After joining the Fort Payne Jaycees in 1952, he rose to the position of President in 1956. The state association awarded him the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award. In 1961, he served as an Alabama International Director. During his service as President of the 89 chapters of the Alabama Jaycees, Walter established many of the goals and objectives that are still followed today.

Recognizing his community involvement, Walter was named as one of the “Four Outstanding Young Men of Alabama.”

Walter’s professional career includes 21 years with State National Bank. He was named the “Outstanding Young Banker of Alabama” by the Alabama Bankers Association.

Two projects that are dear to Walter are the renovation of the Opera House and buildings and the DeKalb County Public Library.

Through his guidance and fund raising skills, the citizens of DeKalb County have the advantage of a first class library facility. Even today, Walter is fund raising to continue the Book Mobile program.

His 11 years of service as the Landmarks of DeKalb County House Manager for the Opera House has insured the preservation of this 1889 building. The Community Reception Hall and the Hosiery Museum will continue to play a part in the education of the history of Fort Payne.

The DeKalb County United Givers Fund was established in 1959 by an organizational committee with Walter serving as its first treasurer. Later that year, he became the president and fund drive chairman.

It is hard to say no to Walter during fund raising campaigns. The improvements to our city as well as the enhancements to the quality of life for our citizens can be seen in every project that he undertakes.

Walter continues to be involved in civic organizations today. He is a current member of the Fort Payne Kiwanis Club, director of the Mary C Weatherly Memorial Foundation, and member of Landmarks of DeKalb County.

Walter’s greatest commitment and service however is to his beautiful wife, LuAnn. The choices are easy when you love your life partner.

One of my heroes, V.I. Prewett, would be extremely proud that the Chamber is recognizing Walter Weatherly as this year’s recipient of an award that is given in his honor. Our community is better place because of the unselfishness of these two individuals.

Congratulations Walter Weatherly for being named the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce V.I. Prewett Lifetime Achievement Award winner.