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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Mt. Pleasant community embraces joy at Annual Chamber Banquet
MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant community found a moment for celebration as they gathered for the Annual Chamber Banquet at the Airport Road Vineyard and Winery, Thursday evening.
As the chamber welcomed the attendees to the event and encouraged the celebration despite heavy hearts in the community due to Iowa Wesleyan’s announcement of their closing.
So, in a room filled with intricately decorated tables, of which, Addington Place claimed the rights to best decorations, the community did just that.
Smiles spread across faces, the roar of conversation filled the room, and the community connected as they thanked one another for their commitment to Mt. Pleasant.
After expressing gratitude to the community, chamber members, city and county officials, and various sponsors, Chamber Executive Vice President Rachel Lindeen invited Dr. Djonggi Situmeang from Family Medicine to share some thoughts with the gathering.
Situmeang shared gratitude for the community that he loves and supports which also supports him.
“My wife, Jean, and I have been living in this wonderful community since 1996,” Situmeang said. “In addition, all of the doctors and most of the physician assistants we employ live right here in our community.”
“Thank all of you for feeding us,” he said.
Situmeang took the opportunity to thank many others including the foundation of his faith, Jesus.
Lindeen then announced the winners of the Ambassador, Volunteer, and Citizen of the Year Awards.
“Our ambassadors take their job very seriously and always do with a great job,” Lindeen said as she then announced Tom and Marilynn Young as the Ambassadors of the year.
“Often arriving with chocolate and coffee, this volunteer was always quick to say yes,” Lindeen described the Volunteer of the Year. “This person is often a welcoming face in our office … and volunteers in a million different ways. Please help me to welcome this year’s Volunteer of the Year Bob Griffiths.”
When Lindeen announced the Citizen of the Year Award winners, the whole room stood to their feet with a roar of applause.
“These community members have given their time, expertise, talent and compassion as relentless service leaders,” Lindeen said.
With gratitude for their service throughout the community, Lindeen announced Tim and Sally Olson as this year’s recipients of the Citizen of the Year Award.
The evening ended with dinner and a competitive, but friendly live auction consisting of items to “explore the sights, sounds, and tastes of Mt. Pleasant.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
Mike Heaton wears a smile as he participates in a friendly bidding war for a dinner at The Grange at the Chamber Banquet. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Guests gathered around uniquely decorated tables that hosted center pieces of palm trees, lights, and even a fountain with running water. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Community members enjoyed one another’s company as they had a dinner and honored Chamber Ambassador, Volunteer and Citizens of the Year. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Djonggi Situmeang of Family Medicine thanked many members of the community alongside the cornerstone of his faith, Jesus, at the banquet. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Tom and Sally Olson wear large smiles as they accept their honor as Ambassadors of the Year. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Sally Olson excitedly spots family that came in from out of town to witness her and her husband receiving Citizen of the Year. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Sally Olson stands with husband Tim Olson as they express gratitude for the honor. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Addington Place won bragging rights of best table decorations with this Golden Girls theme. (Photo Submitted)
Chamber Executive Vice President Rachel Lindeen presents the Volunteer of the Year Award to Bob Griffith. (Photo Submitted)
