Joe Cook received the Teacher of the Year Award from Principal Robert McIntosh. Each year the Colquitt- Miller County Chamber of Commerce banquets just keep getting better and more fun for all those who participate.

The 22nd annual banquet was held at the Miller County High School Cafeteria on Thursday, January 22, with a near full house. If you missed the 22nd annual Colquitt- Miller County Chamber of Commerce Dinner Meeting, you missed a real treat.

Normally, a meeting of this type can be more of a duty than an enjoyable evening but not so for this event. An evening of good fellowship, great food, entertainment par excellence was enjoyed by all who attended.

Debra Atkinson called the meeting to order and asked Cory Thomas to open the meeting with prayer and a blessing on the food.

Serving the delicious meal were members of the Beta Club and FBLA.

The large crowd was invited to enjoy the dinner prepared by the lunchroom staff. By the looks of some of the plates, the dinner was enjoyed by all.

Debra Atkinson then gave the official welcome to all COC members and their guests. She recognized elected officials from the city and county, BOE, RDC and the 2008-2009 Mayhaw queens. The queens are Tiny Miss, Ellaina Phillips; Little Miss, Harley Shiver; Young Junior Miss, Amber Watson; Junior Miss, McKenna Locke; Teen Miss, Megan McNab; and Miss, Hannah Manry.

Braves Coach Bobby Dews returns for 50th season. Chairman Atkinson then asked MCHS Principal Robert McIntosh to start the coveted awards part of the program. Mr. McIntosh started by naming some of the attributes for a teacher and why the one receiving the award was so deserving. He then called Mr. Joe Cook to the stage to receive the coveted award. "Mr. Joe has earned respect from the students and the faculty and is very deserving of this award," stated McIntosh. He then presented the Teacher of the Year Award to Joe Cook.

Mrs. Monica Posey, the 2007 Community Volunteer, then presented the Community Volunteers of the Year 2008 Award to Donald and Tina Brooks for their many volunteer efforts in our community.

Martiele Pickle presented the Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award to Russ Henley. The Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award was presented by Martiele Pickle. The 2008 Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award went to Russ Henley for his many hours of volunteer work for the Chamber.

Debra Atkinson then presented the Chairman's Award to Elaine Chafin.

Joy Jinks was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by Chairman Atkinson.

The new 2009 officers are Anthony Cobb, chair.; Joe Sloan, first vice chair.; Martiele Pickle, secretary; Tracy Pickle, treasurer; and Debra Atkinson, past chair.

Chairman Atkinson then presented the gavel to the incoming president, Anthony Cobb.

After giving the annual report, the new chairman, went over some of the 2009 Program of Work. He urged all members to volunteer for as many of the chamber projects as possible, but especially for the National Mayhaw Festival. "It takes all of our help and support to make these projects that benefit our county and the people that are served by the COC."

Debra Atkinson presented the chairman's award to Elaine Chafin. The program for the evening was retired Atlanta Braves bull pen coach, Bobby Dews.

Dews grew up just a bit north of us in the small town of Edison with his grandparents. He graduated from Edison High School (now Calhoun County High School). He later played baseball and basketball for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Dews played and managed in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system before joining the Atlanta Braves organization in 1974. The 2008 season marked Dews' 35th consecutive season with the Braves, including 14 years spent as a coach on the major league level. He managed at multiple minor league levels and served as field coordinator of instruction in the Braves' Farm System. His career as an Atlanta coach occurred during three different terms (1979-81; 1985, 1997-2006.) After the 2006 season, he retired as the Braves' bull pen coach to become a roving coach. He works with the Braves at home games and works with the minor league teams while the major league club is on the road.

Debra Atkinson presented the Lifetime Volunteer Award of the Year to Joy Jinks. Dews told the packed lunchroom that he will report February 8 for his 50th spring training session.

After an enjoyable evening of great food and great fellowship. Chairperson Cobb thanked COC president, Veryl Cockey for her help, along with her administrative assistant, Donna Weeks.

With no other business, the meeting was adjourned with fond memories of people who strive to make Colquitt and Miller County a better place to work, live and rear our children and all those who appreciate them.

Monica Richardson presented the volunteer awards to Donald and Tina Brooks.