The event took place on Saturday, March 3.

Each year, the chamber honors citizens whose perseverance and dedication have enriched their community. This year, the chamber honored Hal Dufford as Citizen of the Year, and American Waste owners, Vida, Michael and Edward Ascione as Business of the Year. Dan Doherty received the Golden Achievement Award.

The theme for 2007 was ÒIt matters ÉÓ based on a story of a man who threw starfish back into the ocean when they washed ashore. When a small boy said throwing the starfish back into the water did not matter because they only wash ashore again, the old man threw another starfish into the ocean and said, ÒIt mattered for that one.Ó

Following a welcome by chamber president, Diana Needham and invocation by Calvary Baptist Church Pastor Matt Moser, chamber members, friends and guests enjoyed a buffet dinner prepared by Trout Town Country CafŽ.

Diners enjoyed a special treat as Marissa Ingersoll sang ÒThe Rose,Ó followed by Catherine Belcher, who sang, ÒThatÕs Who I Am.Ó Following dinner, there was a short meeting for matters of business. NeedhamÕs brief ÒState of the ChamberÓ address celebrated the merger that is in progress between KalkaskaÕs chamber and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.

ÒIt matters to the chamber board,Ó she said, noting that merging with the Traverse City chamber brings added benefits and economic opportunity for Kalkaska businesses.

Needham introduced guests from Lansing. Representative Howard Walker attended briefly, but left due to a schedule conflict. Sharon Wise attended on behalf of Congressman Dave Camp, and Dave Walker was present on behalf of Senator Michelle McManus. She named and thanked the chamber ambassadors and volunteers who worked diligently on behalf of the chamber and its business members. Next on the program was the presentation of awards.

Hal Dufford was recognized for his long-standing volunteerism and dedication to helping youth, support of his community, his contribution as a Kiwanian, and his achievement raising huskies and as a musher. Dufford, a charter member of Kiwanis, was recognized for his perfect attendance record over his 26 years and his leadership. He has served as board member and president and represented Kalkaska Kiwanis as district Lt. Governor. Dufford has worked with youth through KiwanisÕ Key Club at Kalkaska High School and has served as a Key Club organizer at the district level. He organized the Builders Club at Kalkaska Middle School.

Dufford, at 82 years old, is the oldest competing musher in the 48 states, and, according to his son, the oldest living musher in Michigan. He has been a key supporter of the Kalkaska Winterfest for more than a decade. Needham read a letter from General Jerry Cannon, who described Dufford as Òan epitome of volunteerism.Ó

ÒYour contribution is to be admired. Thank you,Ó wrote Kalkaska County Commissioner, George Shetler.

DuffordÕs son, Todd described growing up with the strong personal values his father role-modeled.

ÒWith people like my dad ... these values are not lost. My father taught me to do it right or not at all. IÕm proud of you, dad,Ó his son said. Bill Cousins, Kiwanis president and Kalkaska Village manager, hailed DuffordÕs attendance at Kiwanis meetings every week for 26 years, his leadership at every Kiwanis function, and his dedication to working with KalkaskaÕs youth.

ÒThey truly are HalÕs kids,Ó Cousins said. Wise presented Dufford with a letter signed by Congressman Dave Camp. Walker read a letter signed by Senator Michelle McManus, Representative Howard Walker, and Governor Jennifer Granholm. Needham presented Dufford with an inscribed plaque on behalf of the Kalkaska Chamber.

ÒHal merits our highest praise.Ó ÒNo task is too small,Ó the legislatorsÕ letters stated.

ÒItÕs the kids who keep me young. I couldnÕt do what I do without my lovely wife,Ó said Dufford as he accepted his plaque from Needham. Needham next presented the Golden Achievement Award in absentia to Dan Doherty, owner of JackÕs Sport Shop. Doherty, who was on vacation in St. Thomas with his family, sent a letter thanking the chamber for the award, and conveyed his regret for being unable to attend the ceremony.

Doherty, a Kalkaska High School graduate, who took over JackÕs Sport Shop from his father, has expanded the business and his staff. Doherty was recognized for his volunteerism, including his strong support of the National Trout Festival fishing contest each year, and numerous donations to community events such as Winterfest, Kaliseum fund-raisers, pageants and school events. Doherty holds the annual Buck Pole contest, which brings hundreds of people to Kalkaska during hunting season.

Wise read a letter signed by Congressman Dave Camp. Walker read a letter signed by Senator Michelle McManus, Representative Howard Walker, and Governor Jennifer Granholm. Needham read the inscription on the plaque from the chamber.

ÒHe works hard to enrich Kalkaska,Ó the letter stated. Michael Ascione accepted the award for Business of the Year on behalf of his brother, Edward and mother, Vita. The Ascione family has contributed in many ways to KalkaskaÕs growth and enrichment, by adding business and jobs. Since Ascione and his brother bought A & K Sanitation about six years ago, with only one truck, they have expanded their business to more than 10 trucks. With acquisition of Walloon Lake Disposal, American Waste serves Kalkaska, Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet Counties, and is building a transfer station and recycling center in Traverse City.

ÒMike (and his brother) work hard. He never says ÔnoÕ when asked for help. He is truly part of the community,Ó said Needham.

Wise presented Ascione with a letter signed by Congressman Dave Camp. Walker read a letter signed by Senator Michelle McManus, Representative Howard Walker, and Governor Jennifer Granholm. Needham presented a plaque from the chamber.

ÒI canÕt say enough about this community,Ó said Ascione. ÒI am truly blessed by this community. My company is blessed by our customers and our employees,Ó Ascione said.

Following the presentation of awards, Needham thanked Kalkaska County Commission on Aging for use of the Senior Center, Trout Town Country CafŽ for preparing the meal, Advanced Office Supply (folders and certificates), Dewey Insurance (pins for volunteers), and the many people who helped make the evening a success.

The evening ended with drawings for centerpieces and packages that were part of the creative and unique table decorations contributed by Advance Office Supply, Kalkaska Kiwanis & Winterfest Committee, DingmanÕs Bar, Huntington Bank, Kalkaska Public Schools, Forest Area Schools, CornellÕs Crossing, and the County Fair Board.