Tag Archive for: #occoneechecouncil

TownTalk: Burgess Named Citizen Of The Year By Occoneechee Council

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Michele Burgess, this year’s recipient of the George Watkins Citizen of the Year award, said she was “very, very honored” to be in the company of previous award winners who have given so much to the community.

Watkins received the first award in 2014, and Burgess, newly retired from her role as president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, said on Tuesday’s TownTalk that the fundraiser dinner on May 18 was a fun evening that involved many from the community, all to benefit Boy Scouts.

Emie Clevenger is vice president of resource development for the Eno River District of the Scouts’ Occoneechee Council, which includes Vance County. This year’s event exceeded its goal and netted close to $80,000.

“It’s something we’re proud of – to be able to give back to the community through Scouting,” Clevenger said.

The funds promote “Scoutreach,” whose mission is to recruit strong adult leaders and bring Scouting to youth in underserved areas.

Burgess recounted the event’s speakers for the evening, including Brandon Lawrence, who grew up in the area and was a Boy Scout. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and also ended up earning every badge that a Boy Scout can earn – more than 140, Clevenger confirmed.

Lawrence spoke on the importance of scouting, Burgess said.

But she said Lawrence represents so much more for the community – he’s part of the younger generation who will need to step up to provide leadership.

“Scouting is such a great leadership building program,” Burgess said.

Individuals interested in learning more about Scouting programs can visit www.ocscouts.org or contact Clevenger at Emie.clevenger@scouting.org.

 

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Thomas C. Church Jr. Boy Scouts Citizen of Year

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— by Susan Rose

Thomas C. (Tom) Church Jr. was awarded the 2017 Citizen of the Year Award through the Awahili District, Occoneechee Council, of the Boy Scouts of America Thursday night at the Henderson Country Club.  The award is named after George Rose Watkins Sr.  Dinner was served and three testimonials followed.

Rev. Donald Lowery, rector of The Church of the Holy Innocents, told about Mr. Church’s dedication and faithful leadership.

Mr. Church has been very active in The Church of the Holy Innocents and in the Henderson-Vance community.  He now serves as chair of the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Board.

John Akerman, scout executive of the Occoneechee Council, said Mr. Church has created a legacy for saying “yes” to all aspects of scouting.

Cliff Rogers, local businessman and past scout council president, reiterated about Church’s service in the U.S. Air Force, to the church, to the local schools, to the hospital and to the Rotary Club.  Rogers presented the award.

Church thanked the council and all his scout friends.

Church moved to Henderson in 1970.  He has been involved with scouting for many years, beginning as an assistant leader for his son’s Webelos Den.  Other contributions to scouting include: district chair of Awahili District; member of the Occoneechee Council executive board for nearly 40 years; vice president of administration of the council; and chairman of the capital development committee that oversaw the reconstruction and remodeling of Camp Durant and Camp Campbell.

Church presently serves on the audit committee.  He received the District Award of Merit in 1981 and the Silver Beaver award in 2005.

The Occoneechee Council now has 13,000 youth and 6,000 volunteers.