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Friday, November 21, 2008
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Banquet honors leaders
Staff Writer BAXTER - It was a night to honor those who made a difference in the Brainerd lakes area.
Eleven residents were put in the spotlight Thursday at the 2008 Distinguished Service Awards banquet at The Lodge in Baxter. The banquet was sponsored by the Brainerd Jaycees, Brainerd Community Action and the Brainerd Dispatch.
Those recognized for their service were Kara Rud, Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year; Chris Close, Outstanding Young Citizen; Joe and Elsie Melby, Outstanding Senior Citizens; Sheila Gibson, Outstanding Child Care Provider; Bruce and Rosanne Caughey and family, Outstanding Agribusiness Persons; Rachel Cross, Outstanding Emergency Care Giver; Steve Shepherd, Outstanding Firefighter; Brainerd Police officer John Davis, Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer; and Chip Borkenhagen, Outstanding Citizen.
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Chip Borkenhagen (right), who was honored Thursday night as Outstanding Citizen of the Year during the 2008 Distinguished Service Awards banquet, and others at his table, son Luke, mother Lucille, and wife Jean, applauded the accomplishments of 11 who made a difference in the area. The banquet was held at The Lodge in Baxter. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
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The hour-long program gave each of the honorees a chance to speak and many of the thank-you speeches were short, but sweet.
Elsie Melby said, "When you reach our age you wonder 'What will I do?' But there is always something to do."
After thanking everyone of the honor, Close, a commercial real estate broker of Close-Converse, talked about the economy. Close said there are three things that people can do to help the country get out of the recession: To trust God, not the government or the 401K plans; give 100 percent no matter what; and to have a positive outlook of life.
Bruce and Rosanne Caughey were unable to attend the banquet. Their daughter, Rebecca, accepted the award. Caughey said she has learned a lot from being raised on a farm. She said her parents have taught her a good work ethic and how to take care of the animals.
Shepherd said, "Wow, this means a lot to me. My life changed a lot because of the fire department."
Davis said over the past couple weeks, every time he thought about the award he thought of all the other officers who are so deserving of this award.
"They took me by the hand and directed me, " Davis said. "They're responsible for this award. There's a lot of deserving officers here."
Ending the program, Borkenhagen was given a standing ovation twice, before his speech and afterwards. Since Borkenhagen was introduced by Brainerd Mayor James Wallin, Nisswa Mayor Brian Lehman and Baxter Mayor Darrel Olson, he began his speech with a joke: He asked, "How many mayors does it take to change a light bulb?"
The answer was he wouldn't know until next week because of discussions and a pending resolution.
Seriously, Borkenhagen said seeing all those in attendance who make the community a better place was amazing.
"This is a great honor," said Borkenhagen. "I'm humbled. I'm still trying to figure out why they chose me."
Borkenhagen, like many of the others, thanked their family. Borkenhagen said his wife, Jean, should be honored with him for the award because all of his accomplishments were possible because of her.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.
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