Chamber names 2014 man and woman of the year, hall of fame inductee

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, 11:45 p.m. — More than 100 people packed into the Great Hall at My Old Kentucky Home State Park for the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner.

FRANK HALL

After a catered meal featuring prime rib and fried chicken, chamber members turned their attention to celebrating the contributions of local men and women who make a difference in Nelson County.

MAN OF THE YEAR. In his usual humble style, Frank Hall walked up to the microphone after a lengthy introduction by Dr. Joe Lanzillo to accept the 2014 Man of the Year award.

Standing at the podium, Hall paused for a moment before he smiled and said, “First of all, I’m not really sure that was me that he was talking about.”

Hall, who recently wrapped up 36 years as a member of the Nelson County Board of Education, told the audience “I’m just a guy from New Haven whose been so blessed to be in a community like this.”

Throughout his career in the Air Force and Air National Guard, his years as a firefighter and chief of the Rolling Fork Fire Department and his service on the school board and in many other organizations, Hall shared credit for the things those groups accomplished with those who helped support his work and that of the organizations.

“I have had a lot of good team members that helped me make all those things happen.” he said.

Hall said volunteers are crucial to getting things done in a community, and he thanked all those in attendance who volunteer or support those who do.

CARA BLACKMON

WOMAN OF THE YEAR. Sally Long, the 2013 recipient of Woman of the Year, introduced Cara Blackmon as the recipient of the 2014 Woman of the Year.

Blackmon served a principal of Bardstown High School for four years, and is currently the K-12 supervisor of instruction for the city school district. She has helped implement STEM program in grades 4-12 for gifted and talented students, updated the district wellness policies to improve the health of staff and students.and she has helped the district’s In her role with the city school district,

Among her contributions to the community, Blackmon’s contributions as a member of the Work Ready Certification Committee were crucial to Nelson County receiving the work-ready community designation including her enthusiasm and experience.

Blackmon expressed her gratitude for being presented with the award. She credited the influence of her great-grandmother, grandmother and her mother — women who were educated and hard working. “They are the strong women in my life,” she said.

Kenny Fogle presents Scott Cedarholm with Chamber Hall of Fame award.

Blackmon said she also thrives on hard work and will continue to do so. “I’m going to continue to work to make our special community even better.”

CHAMBER HALL OF FAME. Kenny Fogle read the introduction to the chamber’s 2014 Hall of Fame inductee, Scott Cedarholm.

In addition to a job at Heaven Hill, Cedarholm spent many years working in broadcast radio and journalism, most recently with Standard Communications and PLG-TV, and served a mentor to many. Most recently he has worked as a volunteer with Kynect, the state health insurance program.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR. Gary Clifton, president of Kentucky Home Bank, was named the recipient of the 2014 Ron Filkins Volunteer of the Year award.

GARY CLIFTON

Jamie Sizemore, publisher of Standard Communications, read a long list of the organizations with which Clifton has volunteered or devoted his time.

After receiving the award, Clifton smiled and said Sizemore’s introduction didn’t sound like it was him. “It sounded like a crazy person who can’t say no,” he said with a smile.

Clifton praised the many people who take time to become volunteers in our community. He told the audience he accepted the award on behalf of all volunteers and the organizations they support in the county because their contributions help make our community one of the most beautiful in the country.

“We have so many citizens here who are willing to give their time, treasure and talent to make this a better place to live,” he said. “The generous spirit of the community is exemplified by the quality of life we have here,” Clifton said.

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