By Pauline Masson –
Everybody who is anybody, as they say, was present at the Dec. 14 Chamber of Commerce annual Cooperative Christmas Social and Communty Awards celebation at the Pacific Eagles, where dedicated and devoted community boosters were asked to step to the front of the room for a round of applause.
In all, 13 citizens were asked to make the walk through the crowd of tables in the Pacific Eagles small hall and accept plaques of appreciation for their contribution to the community. Dedicated to the City, Generous Beyond Measure, Eager to Help Others, Fun to Be Around, Always Smiling. All of these were offered as reasons the Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Partnership and Pauline Masson Outstanding Achievement Awards program recognized the most popular people in Pacific in 2022.
The Pacific jazz ensemble treated the crowd to an hour of holiday music as they enjoyed the prepared repast. Working the room like a seasoned pro, Ron Kurtz the new Pacific Chamber of Commerce executive director visited each table to introduce himself.
All recipients made their particular contributions to the programs, public events and safety of the community this past year. One after the other, as they made their way forward, the crowd rose in standing ovations to share in the moment of community adulation for services rendered.
Kay LeClaire, Citizen of the Year – In an unusual surprise to the recipient and the audience, Kay LeClaire, fourth person in the Chamber of Commerce list of honorees was caught completely by surprise when her name was announced as citizen of the year. Kay, a local real estate agent for 41 years, was singled out for the top honor because, Chamber president Sarah Summers said. “She is the best example of a good citizen, supports every community event and organization and is always full of love and laughter.
Kim Barfield, Pacific city clerk and 21 year member of the Chamber of Commerce board of directors was handed the Chamber Lifetime Service Award. Barfield, Summers said, “Has loyally served the Chamber of Commerce and city business comunity for two decades, always present and always supporting the community.”
B&H Market, was named Business of the Year, largely, Summers noted to recognize the “new age, full service, grocery store,” for its ever present donations of drinks for Chamber events, food for Eagles Thanksgiving dinner, candy canes for downtown Christmas – and funds for the Agape Help House, MVR-3 school lunch program, Freedom 13 and the Jeff White momorial skate park. B&H has become a Pacific mainstay and landmark.
Pat Dubuqe, a 21-year local banking executive, was singled out as Pioneer of the Year – the unique honor that introduced the annual Chamber of Commerce recognition program 21 years ago. “She lives and breathes Pacific, is a big supporter of the Chamber and a huge supporter of every business in town,” Summers said, “When you need support for an event, you go to Pat.”
Dr. Ketina Armstrong, assistant superintendent of the MVR-3 school district was named Chamber Member of the Year. An award winning educator, “Dr. Armstrong is a pillar of our community – always willing to help for Chamber events and committee responsibilities,” Summers said.
Linn Vogt, was the recipient of the Pacific Partnership Dedication Award. Amanda Nemeth, Partnership president noted that among the Partnerships outdoor events – St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Pacific Car Show, Sunset on the Rails, Monsterfest and Downtown Christmas – Vogt is always a familiar face.
Bob & Ann Trent, were presented the Partnership Visionary Award. Managers of Bigfoot 4×4 Monster Truck, which put Pacific on the map as home of the icon of Americana, which attracts thousands to our city each year, and showing its presence in the community by staging Bigfoot trucks at B&H Market and the miniature visitor park opposite City Hall. Partnership president Amanda Nemeth noted that the Trents are also generous contributors to other events and organizations that showcase Pacific as a place to visit. Ann Trent serves on the Pacific Tourism Commission..
Mayor Heather Filley, received the Partnership Public Servce Award. Nemeth noted that Filley earned the award by using her huge organizational skills to make managing the Partnership and it public events easy.
Christine Slusser was named Partnership Member of the Year. The Star Scentsy Consultant, and legendary cook was recognized for her presence and support of Partnership activities.
Assistant Pacific Fire Chief Gary Graf, was given the Pauline Masson Outstanding Achievement Award. This award formerly sponsored the The Missourian newspaper, is now sponsored by Brad Reed and Dennis Oliver. Chief Graf has a legacy from a long heritage of family members who dedicated their lives to serving the community, Oliver noted. “He is a premier fire educator, who works with other districts coordinating, planning and implementing fire training opportunities.”
Pacific Police Sgt. Rodney Backues, a 15-year veteran of the Pacific Police Department, was also an Ourstanding Achievement Award recipient. Sgt. Backues, always positive about changes, took on many new roles these past two years,” Reed said. An example of community policing Sgt. Backues can often be seen in the community, lending a hand and talking with citizens.
Boles Fire District Captain Rich Long, veteran firefighter was handed an Outstanding Achievement Award – The 28 year veteran firefighter and 1999 Metro West Firefighter of the Year, was among the first to be hired when Boles Fire Protection District transitioned to a combination volunteer and paid personnel district. Also a wildland firefighter, Captain Long has served as engine boss and crew boss on the fire line in wildland fires in Montana, Alaska, Oregon, California, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado, Utah and Texas.
Meramec Ambulance Dstrict Captain Cody Torgerson, named an Outstanding Achievement Award recipient was recognized as a leader and educator who excelled in his role as captain by taking new hires and students under his wing. He spent many hours in training and furthering his own education and theirs.
