The Bristow Chamber, local businesses and community groups really outdid themselves last night. The tables were beautiful, the outfits were beautiful, and the sentiments and honors were beautiful. A packed room of 300 were there to catch up with neighbors and friends and celebrate their community.

These beautiful ladies caught the spirit.

 

The theme of the 90th Annual Chamber Banquet was Gatsby – and that spirit of the Roaring 20s was on full display at the tables and sartorially.

Jake Manus kicked off the evening with its focus on honoring the best of Bristow – its great citizens that distinguish themselves with their ‘gifts’ to Bristow – their service. First up were the Teachers of the Year: Edison Elementary – Deann Jones, NBCT, Collins Elementary – Kilby Legg, Bristow Middle School – David Axe and Bristow High School – David Imwalle.

The Citizen of the Year Award went to a very surprised Frank Groom. Among Frank’s accomplishments and good works shared was the pivotal role he played in realizing the dream of a new home for Bristow Social Services (see related story HERE). Patrick McClendon (Rick Vyper) also received honorable mention for his many contributions to Bristow.

Bristow Citizen of the Year Frank Groom with wife Shirley.

Next up was The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, our resident educator, Bristow historian, and extraordinary lady about town (seems she is always everywhere), Letha Caudle. It almost required Jake another evening to list her many community activities and service resume.

Letha Caudle accepting The Lifetime Achievement Award

John Tidwell then took the podium on both a somber and celebratory note as the Chamber honored and remembered several extraordinary Bristow citizens that passed this year. Honored posthumously were: Bob Chadderdon, Nancy Spencer, Jerry Varner and Dr. and Mrs. Edna Mitchell.

Gotta love seeing the smiling FFA faces – future Citizens of the Year?

The evening was glorious and the Bristow Chamber Board, Executive Director Tonya Schwartz and volunteers should all be proud. The dinner served up by Freddie’s Steakhouse was mouth watering as usual and the Gatsby themed music performed by the Justin Pierce Jazz Band was perfect. I am sure lots of nice thank-you’s are going out from the Chamber to Spirit Bank for hosting the reception, all the table sponsors, and the many individuals and businesses who donated the items for the Silent and Live Auction. It was indeed a night of the whole community coming together and showing what Bristow is all about – service, sacrifice, fellowship.

More Photos from the banquet…

The Justin Pierce Jazz Band setting the mood.

The highly spirited Vertical Aerospace crew.

Catching up with friends and neighbors.

Bristow Medical Center crew with Letha Caudle and CEO Jan Winter.

The Rainbow Healthcare table centerpiece was extraordinary!

THANK YOU BRISTOW CHAMBER FOR A BEAUTIFUL EVENING!

Thank You! Mr. Gatsby would be proud!