By Monica Green/features@trcle.com
— The first event at the Cleburne Conference Center went off hitch-free, according to Cleburne Chamber of Commerce leaders.
“Considering we were the first ones there it was a pretty good test run,”said Jason Cech, the 2009 chairman of the board.
Illusionist Billy Riggs entertained the crowd with magic tricks such as making a banana disappear, though it appeared to the audience that he had placed it in a woman’s purse.
He also involved audience members in some tricks, including one in which he had two women sit on sealed envelopes with cards in them. He moved some cards from one envelope to the other without either of the women moving.
“I think that the event was wonderful,” said Chamber President Cathy Marchel. “We have had phone calls and e-mails that everyone loved the illusionist and thought he was sensational.
“The whole evening was fantastic. Just to have it in the new facility and have the opportunity to showcase it, we feel very, very blessed that everyone had a good time. The entertainment was great, and the food was fantastic.”
Awards were presented throughout the evening to 2009 honorees.
Diane Choate with Heritage Trails Nursing and Rehabilitation was awarded the Wall of Fame recognition for her work in the community and through the chamber. Last year’s winner, Jackie Pinkerton, presented her with the award.
Citizen of the Year was presented to Gloria Jones by Frances Hafford, last year’s winner. Jones was chosen because of her involvement with the community and her creation of Operation Blessing 30 years ago.
Frances Hafford also presented the Athena Award to Julie Roberts, who has been involved in getting the construction of the Smith History Center under way, amongst other things.
Court Appointed Special Advocates received the 2009 Community Service Award for the organization’s involvement in finding homes for abused and neglected children involved in court cases. Executive Director Cheryl Price accepted the award for the nonprofit.
Ambassador James Moore was presented the Ambassador of the Year award, and his team was recognized as the team of the year.
New board members were recognized. The 2010 board of directors includes Jason Cech, Blake Kretz, Landy Bennett, Dianne Packwood, Nicolynn Cook, Danny Griffith, Ginger Linville, Jackie Pinkerton, Jim Manasco, Greg Wilmore, Sandie Taylor, David Murdoch, Tim Cooper, Erik Dumas, Dena Bartlett, Angela Allen, Bobby De la Garza and Ron Lindsey.
“I’ve had several people comment that this was the best annual banquet we’ve ever had,” Cech said. “I think that’s saying a lot considering it’s our 91st time.”
Events are already scheduled in the conference center, which officially opens in April.
“I’m just excited about all the opportunities that the Cleburne community and people from the outside will be able to use that building,” Marchel said. “It is a first class place.”
