Honorees of the Distinguished Service and First Citizen awards received a standing ovation Saturday night during the Chamber of Commerce’s awards banquet held at the Boys and Girls Club.
The banquet, emceed by Don Knight, featured the theme, “Gateway to the Santiam Playground.”
Charlene Adams was recognized for the Distinguished Service Award, Freddy Bratton was named First Citizen and Colton Emmert was named Junior First Citizen.
Business of the Year was Julegård: The Christmas Farm, owned by Tony and Shelly Larson, and the Curb Appeal Award went to The Rusty Bucket Tap House.
The Mona Waibel Hero Awards, presented by the Presidents Club, were not conferred this year due to a couple of speed bumps.
Ogden and Thorstad delivered the Mayor’s Award to Kevin Makinson and Michael Hall for their pride and ownership in Sweet Home. Mayor Susan Coleman was out of town.
The evening included a photo booth and silent auctions. Items up for bid included a Coleman cooler packed with fishing goodies, dog goodie basket, wellness basket, Cold Springs resort voucher, Sanmuzuo knife set, wine and picnic packs, Raptor binoculars and baking accessories.
Desserts auctioned off included a colorful almond poppyseed cake with raspberry, homemade brownies and cookies, Crumbl cookies, “Grandma’s apple pie” from Jolene Mullenix, and other cakes and goodies. The highest bid by Marty Cahill went for a tiramisu cheesecake for $150.
Dinner was catered by Cheffry’s Gourmet Grub. Owner Jeff Gainer served a white wine and mushroom chicken dish, a spicy penne arrabbiata and fresh sliced pork loin with gravy.
Dignitaries recognized at the banquet included Linn County Commissioner Sherrie Sprenger; city councilors Chelsea Augsburger, Aaron Hegge, Dylan Richards, Angelita Sanchez, Ken Bronson and Josh Thorstad; Police Chief Jason Ogden; Public Works Director Greg Springman; and Interim City Manager Cecily Pretty.
Also acknowledged were the Sportsman’s Holiday Princess Court, the Lebanon Strawberry Court princesses, Chamber Board of Directors, Chamber Partners and sponsors of the awards banquet.
People’s Choice Awards
The Curb Appeal Award was given to The Rusty Bucket Tap House for its pleasant and outstanding exterior appearance.
Knight described the business as having “created an inviting and visually captivating space in the community…(that) has gone above and beyond in transforming their property into a lovely space.”
He noted Rusty Bucket’s “ample” parking for recreational vehicles, green outdoor area and family-friendly environment.
“These enhancements have elevated the look of their location and contributed to Sweet Home’s charm and functionality,” Knight said.
Julegård: The Christmas Farm was named Business of the Year for the owners’ commitment to being “an active force for good in Sweet Home.”
Knight noted that owners Tony and Shelly Larson step in without hesitation when a need arises and give freely without expecting recognition.
“At the heart of this business are two of the most genuine, generous and community-driven individuals you’ll ever meet,” he said. “They don’t just talk about making Sweet Home better; they put their work in to make it happen.”
Junior First Citizen Colton Emmert
The Junior First Citizen award was presented to Colton Emmert, pastor at River of Life Fellowship, for devoting himself to the strengthening of the community through service, mentorship and faith.
Knight described Emmert as a leader who desires to connect people within the church as well as throughout the community. He serves as the head coach of the high school boys basketball junior varsity team, “instilling values of teamwork, discipline and perseverance.” On Fridays, Emmert opens his church doors for his “Huskie Huddle” program, providing free lunch for high school students, as well as a place where they can feel valued
First Citizen Freddy Bratton
Longtime resident and volunteer Freddy Bratton earned the First Citizen Award for investing his heart and energy into making Sweet Home a better place for everyone.
Knight’s eyes teared up as he cited ways Bratton in which has served with joy and passion.
Bratton volunteers his time at school sporting events, “ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed.” He makes himself available to help set up, clean up, work concession stands, “or simply be an encouraging presence.” And it’s always with a smile.
He also volunteers at Pop Warner games, Boys and Girls Club events, and community events. Knight described Bratton as a person who steps up without hesitation “simply because he loves Sweet Home.”
What truly sets him apart, Knight added, is Bratton’s personal touch with every interaction. He learns people’s names, greets them personally, “ensures that every individual he meets feels seen and valued,” and is a true role model to everyone.
“He has faced challenges with grace, perseverance and an attitude that inspires us to give a little more, care a little deeper and serve with an open heart,” King said. “His impact is immeasurable, his spirit unmatched and his love for our community – and especially for our Sweet Home Huskies – unwavering.”
After a round of standing applause, the final award was announced.
Distinguished Service Charlene Adams
Charlene Adams was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for her community service.
Again, Knight, who’s known “Mrs. Adams” since his childhood, became teary-eyed while describing her service to Sweet Home.
Adams began serving Sweet Home at a young age. As a teenager, she was editor of the high school’s annual Timber Echo, and was among the first Sportsman’s Holiday Princess Court in 1959.
As a small business owner, she contributed to the economy and fellow businesses as a small. Adams helped families navigate their financial future while she worked at a bank, and contributed to the development of the town while working at the City of Sweet Home.
Adams has served on the East Linn Museum Board, Sweet Home School Board, Sweet Home Library Board, Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District, and the Sweet Home School District and Linn-Benton Community College budget committees. She has also volunteered at the Oregon Jamboree for several years.
Knight ad-libbed a side note about how Adams would pack an extra box of Duplex creme cookies in her son’s lunch so that he could share them with Knight (“so I wouldn’t take Mark’s every day,” he admitted).
“Her impact is woven into the very fabric of this community,” he said. “She leads with compassion, integrity and true love for Sweet Home. She does the work not for recognition but because she believes in making a difference.”