Mary Voyles named 2006 Citizen of the Year

Wanda Nichols Photo CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2006 -- Mrs. Mary Voyles, of Brownsboro received the honor of Citizen of the Year 2006 during the Chandler Brownsboro Area Chamber of Commerce's annual awards banquet held Thursday, Feb. 8, in the Chandler Community Center. Presenting Mrs. Voyles with her plaque is 2007 CBACC Board Chairman Jeff Smiley.

Loving, compassionate, understanding, unstoppable, always there, and remarkable were just a few words used to describe this year's Citizen of the Year, Mary Voyles, of Brownsboro, during the Chandler Brownsboro Area Chamber of Commerce's annual awards banquet held Thursday, Feb. 8, in the Chandler Community Center.

"For her entire adult life, this lady has had an unstoppable drive to help others," said 2007 CBACC Chairman of the Board Jeff Smiley. "From the time she married her husband, Ronnie, in November 1977, they worked side by side, building a life, raising their children and always giving a helping hand to their neighbors."

Mr. and Mrs. Voyles became an anchor of stability and integrity in the farming and ranching community and devoted members of their church. Many looked up to them, and many looked to them when they needed help.

Lenny Nichols Photo BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2006 -- The Chandler Brownsboro Statesman received the award for Business of the Year for their dedication to serving the community. Pictured: (LR) CBACC Vice Chair Dana Becton presents a plaque to Statesman editor Wanda Nichols, office manager Bette Jones, and sports editor, page layout and ad designer Chad Wilson.

Following Mr. Voyles' death in December 2004, Mrs. Voyles continued to carry on the same standards and beliefs and took over the reins of running the farm. She became both mother and father to their two sons Kendall and Kyle while continuing to face the day-today problems of running the business, determined to abide by the principles the family had built their lives on.

"Somehow she always found time to do for others," Smiley said. "Whether she's sitting up at the hospital, cooking a meal or baking something special for someone, she's always there to do whatever is needed."

In her spare time Mrs. Voyles crochets and gives away afghans that not only warmed the flesh, but the soul as well. When grass fires plagued the community, she was there with her equipment manned by her sons ready to fight the fires. Her happy, spunky presence at the nursing home has lightened the hearts of many during her visits.

Wanda Nichols Photo ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR 2006 -- Hometown Heroes-Brownsboro was awarded Organization of the Year 2006 for their dedication to serving the area needy during the Christmas holidays. Pictured: CBACC Vice Chair Dana Becton presents a plaque to Brownsboro Municipal Judge Susan Carver and Brownsboro Chief of Police Ron Shields.

"At every volunteer project that comes along, you'll find Mary there working tirelessly," Smiley said. "Every fundraiser, you'll find her there helping out. Mary is an active member of Union Hill Baptist Church where she is always involved, always one that can be counted on. Her strong faith has carried her through much, and, as a result, she is a remarkable, loving, compassionate and understanding friend to us all, as she goes about making one life at a time much better because she truly cares."

Wanda Nichols Photo ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR 2006 -- Hometown Heroes-Chandler was awarded Organization of the Year 2006 for their dedication to serving the area needy during the Christmas holidays. Pictured: CBACC Chairman of the Board Jeff Smiley presents a plaque to Chandler Chief of Police Ron Reeves and Chandler Assistant Chief of Police James P. Lehman.

One hundred seventeen children had a better Christmas this year, thanks to the Hometown Heroes organization that spanned both the Brownsboro and Chandler communities. Receiving a plaque for Organization of the Year for their efforts in the project were Brownsboro Municipal Judge Susan Carver and Brownsboro Chief of Police Ron Shields. Also, Chandler Chief of Police Ron Reeves, and Chandler Assistant Chief of Police James Lehman. Last November the Hometown Heroes got busy collecting toys and cash to help those families who would have otherwise gone without at Christmas.

"This award goes to the merchants and citizens who made it all possible," Shields said.

Fireman of the Year went to Chandler Volunteer Firefighter Sean McSpedden. McSpedden joined CVFD August 23, 2005. He recently completed his required certification with the State Fireman's and Fire Marshal's Association with his Basic Firefighters certification.

Wanda Nichols Photo FIREMAN OF THE YEAR 2006 -- Chandler Volunteer Firefighter Sean McSpedden (R) was awarded Fireman of the Year by 2007 CBACC Chairman of the Board Jeff Smiley.

"Like all of the firemen with Chandler, Sean spends many hours working at the station and keeping the trucks clean and in top running condition," said CVFD Fire Chief Robert York. "Sean is always eager to learn new things and is always willing to lend a helping hand to his family, fellow firefighters, and the entire community."

McSpedden is also known for his involvement in the past couple of years making sure, along with the other local organizations, that needy kids have a plentiful Christmas.

York said McSpedden had also been voted by his fellow firefighters as fireman of the year for 2006.

Chandler Assistant Chief of Police James P. Lehman was awarded the honor of

Wanda Nichols Photo POLICEMAN OF THE YEAR 2006 -- Chandler Assistant Chief of Police James P. Lehman (R) was awarded Policeman of the Year 2006 by Chandler Chief of Police Ron Reeves.

Policeman of the Year.

"Early in his new career he had several experiences that would have caused a less dedicated person to give up the law enforcement profession, " CPD Chief Ron Reeves said. "One of which when he and other officers were shot at and him ultimately being shot by the deranged person. He survived that to carry on and continue in the field of law enforcement and was hired April 22, 2002, as a patrol officer with the Chandler Police Department. "

Officer Lehman proved his dedication and willingness to accept responsibilities, and was promoted in rank. He has taken the responsibilities given him and has performed his duties without hesitation or complaint.

"He has served the citizens of Chandler, as well as those just passing through," Reeves said. "He has stood with and assisted the hurt, the victimized, and those who have been involved in accidents."

Although Lehman, like most police officers, has experienced troubled times throughout his law enforcement career he has continued to perform his job with pride and dedication.

"I admire Assistant Chief Lehman for holding on when there seemed to be no answers, " Reeves said. "For persevering when there seemed to be no real reason to continue, and for being the man he is."

It was The Chandler Brownsboro Statesman that received the award of Business of the Year.

The Statesman recorded its first edition on February 16, 1976 by previous owner Roger Perry. Over the years the newspaper has grown and became a large part of the surrounding communities and won newspaper awards in the process. In September 2005, Perry sold The Statesman to Bill Woodall, owner of Bluebonnet Publishing, in Kilgore.

"As Mr. Perry ended his relationship with the paper, Editor Wanda Nichols was given complete control of the content of The Statesman and many of the day-to-day operations," Smiley said.

In the time The Statesman has been owned by Bluebonnet Publishing color has been added to both the front and back pages and circulation has increased by more than thirty percent.

"You can always count on several local news stories not reported anywhere else," Smiley said.

Mrs. Nichols is also editor of the monthly tabloid The Lake View News, also owned by Bluebonnet Publishing, that covers the Lake Palestine area.

"The Statesman is published weekly on Thursdays, but hits stores on Wednesday afternoon for those who can't wait to get their hands on a copy," Smiley said. "Just about every time you turn around, Mrs. Nichols or a member of her staff is covering a local event that is important to you."

Mrs. Bette Jones was the first employee hired to work for The Statesman 30 years ago, and is still employed there to this day typesetting press releases, serving as receptionist, and performing many other duties necessary to make the paper a success.

Completing the staff is Sports Editor Chad Wilson, who is also page layout and ad designer for the paper. Wilson, who was hired in the spring of 2004, is an exceptionally talented asset to The Statesman.

Many others were recognized during the banquet.

Mr. Fred Stauber, who took over the reins as Chamber director last year, was instrumental in making the 2006 Pow Wow a success.

Special certificates of appreciation were given to Texas Pecan Nursery, Sonic Drive-in, Y's Hometown Foods, Brookshire Grocery, The Statesman, Bee-Line Promotions, the Chandler PD Explorers, Barbara Proctor for decorating for the Chamber banquet, Chandler City Hall ladies - Shirley Parmer, Tracy McNatt, and Patti Clayton; and Smiley Insurance secretary Starr Slider for assisting Chamber Chairman Jeff Smiley.

Chairman of the Board Jeff Smiley reports the nomination process for the awards was a huge success, thanks in part to the publishing of ballots in The Statesman.

Also receiving nominations for Citizen, Organization, Business, Fireman and Policeman of the Year were:

Citizen of the Year: Don Copeland, Bob & Cecile Nelson, Nancy Bertholf, Wanda Nichols, Jim Moffeit, Sue Starnes, Dana Becton, Robert York, Pat Martin, Thomas Howard, Dr. Sam Raborn, David Travis, Julene Edwards, Debora McCallister, Joye Rains,Tommy Speake, and Ann Hall.

Organization/Association of the Year: God's Open Hands, Chandler Explorers, Chandler Lions Club, Kickapoo Creek Kiwanis, Chandler Brownsboro YFCA, Keep Chandler Beautiful, Chandler Library, Brownsboro Fire Dept., United Methodist Church, St. Boniface Church, Chandler Elementary, Faith Baptist Church, and Brownsboro High School football team.

Business of the Year: Copeland Drug, Y's Hometown Foods, Brookshire Grocery, Food Fast #69, Sonic, Bee-Line Promotions, Citizens State Bank, Smiley Insurance & Financial Services, Splawn Sales, Ellis Automotive, Maw's Kitchen, and Cade Appliance.

Fireman of the Year: Troy Davis, Leroy Chambers, Wes Johnston, Robert York, Bryan "Smokey" McAteer, Rusty & Amanda Quattlebaum, Tom Rushing, and Ben Bowman.

Policeman of the Year: Ron Reeves, Dawn Cunningham, Ron Shields, and Powell Floyd.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Reverend Bobby Proctor of Greater Life Church, in Chandler.

Keynote speaker, David Luckert, of Chandler 1st UMC, reminded everyone it's not the "what" but the "who" that is most important in one's journey through life.

The event was catered by San Pedro's Mexican Restaurant.