Chamber banquet award draws emotion
Moses Holm gives the answer of an "old girlfriend" as things a man shouldn't bring on his honeymoon during the Family Feud game at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck presented the Lincoln County Employee of the Year Award to County Administrator Darren Coldwell by Skype at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. Coldwell was In Minnesota receiving medical treatment at the Mayo Clinic, and his mother Karren (center) and sister Allison Lundin received the plaque on his behalf. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
Lincoln County Administrator Darren Coldwell was presented with the Lincoln County Employee of the Year Award Friday over Skype during the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
Libby Public Schools Curriculum/Special Services Director Scott Beagle and Superintendent Craig Barringer sell raffle tickets at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
Attendees check out the various raffle prizes at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
Justin Williams gets Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" during Name That Tune at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
Jeff Best was presented with the City of Libby Outstanding Employee award by Mayor Brent Teske at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
Renee Rose was presented the Libby Schools Educator of the Year award by Superintendent Craig Barringer at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
JB's Tire Inc. Les Schwab Tire Center receive the Customer Service Excellence award at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
Dr. Brad Black, CEO, accepted the Nonprofit of the Year award on behalf of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
Mother and daughter Shannon Edwards Myslicki and Cassandra Baney accept the award for their business, Libby Floral & Gifts, for Family Owned Business of the Year at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
Kate and Gary Huntsberger jointly received the Volunteer of the Year award at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. Pictured: Kate Huntsberger, Alyssa Ramirez, Gary Huntsberger and Chamber Vice Preseident Kim Peck. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News).
Tina Oliphant won the Libby Leadership award at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday, which was presented to her by board member Amber Pecheco-Holm. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
The Kootenai County Chainsaw Carving Championship won the Event of the Year award at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. Accepting the award from Chamber Secretary Liz Whalen were Troy Douthit and Melissa Cady. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
High Spirits Liquor and Wine won the Business of the Year award at the Libby Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser and awards banquet Friday. Pictured are Chamber President Scott Beagle Penny and Frank Kyes and Vice President Kim Peck. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
The Libby Chamber of Commerce held their annual fundraiser and awards banquet at the Libby Memorial Events Center Friday, honoring area organizations, businesses and individuals, including an emotional presentation for Lincoln County Employee of the Year.
Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck did the honors of presenting the County Employee of the Year award to County Administrator Darren Coldwell.
However, Coldwell was not present at the dinner, and joined via video from Minnesota, where he was receiving medical treatment at the Mayo Clinic.
Peck, who was joined on stage by Coldwell’s mother, Karren, and sister, Allison Lundin, choked up more than once during the presentation.
“I know I might come off as a big, tough guy, but…” Peck said, trailing off for a moment as the video call was being set up.
“This is going to be a total surprise for him, and I’m going to mess with him a little bit too,” Peck said. “Because if you know Darren, he’s got just a fantastic sense of humor, as does his wonderful mother.”
During the call, Peck joked that he was dating Coldwell’s mother, which Coldwell took in humerous stride.
Coldwell, whose wife, Barb, had colluded with Peck to keep her husband in the dark as to what was coming, was no less emotional than Peck when he was told the reason for the video call.
“I’m very humbled,” Coldwell said. He added that he had only done his job, and was amazed he would get an award for that.
“To say I appreciate it is an understatement, and I will raise my toast” he said. “Thank you so much. I mean, I appreciate it. And Peck, if you touch my mom…”
The conversation between the two friends and colleagues broke for the laughter from the audience, but when they resumed, Peck made clear some of his reasons for feeling Coldwell deserved the award.
“I just want you to know what a difference you’ve made in Lincoln County,” he told Coldwell. “When you say that’s expected of you — I think when you’re going into an MRI tube, calling me, reminding me of something I’m supposed to do, is a little bit above and beyond the call of duty.”
Peck complimented Coldwell for the attitude he has had in the face of challenges both professional and personal.
“All the good things that are going on, we couldn’t do them without you,” he said.
Coldwell responded that the County Commissioners “make it easy,” and repeated that he was thankful and honored.
“Thank you so much. Thank you for the phone call,” he said.
After the call, Peck read from the plaque that was received by Karren Coldwell on behalf of her son.
In addition to calling out Coldwell’s leadership, dedication, professionalism and steadfast service, the inscription also noted the challenges through which Coldwell has carried on.
“You’ve been an example of strength, compassion, humor and undaunted dedication,” Peck read out, adding, “And always an appropriate tie.”
“Lincoln County is a much better place as a result of your service and friendship,” Peck read.
Prior to the presentation, Peck also spoke to county employees as a whole.
“I want to recognize all the county employees. It’s amazing what these folks do every year. We cut, ask them to do more with less, and they keep getting the job done,” he said.
Night of awards
Among the awards presented Friday, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease was recognized as Nonprofit of the year, an award that was received by CEO Dr. Brad Black.
Black said that seeing so many people from the community at the event reminded him of CARD’s mission to serve the community, and of how many others serve the community in other ways.
“We’re part of a bigger network of the community, and so we feel really honored to think that we’re part of that network, and that’s very special,” he said.
High Spirits Liquor & Wine was recognized as Business of the Year.
Libby Floral and Gifts received Family Owned Business of the Year.
Tina Oliphant received the Libby Leadership Award.
Gary and Kate Huntsberger jointly received Volunteer of the Year.
JB’s Tire Inc. Les Schwab Tire Center received the Customer Service Excellence award.
The Kootenai Country Chainsaw Carving Championship was recognized as Event of the Year.
Renee Rose was awarded Libby Schools Educator of the Year.
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