By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The Montevallo Chamber of Commerce named its Citizen of the Year and other award recipients at its annual Community BBQ Picnic on June 27.

“Everything about tonight is positive,” Montevallo resident and emcee Bill Lawson said to a large audience at the University of Montevallo���s Stewart Student Retreat Center. “It’s a special night.”

Montevallo Civitan Club President Billy Tyler presented the Civitan of the Year award to Hilda and Roscoe Hicks, active members of the club since 1997.

Montevallo Boys and Girls Club Board Member Joe Williams presented the Partner of the Year award to University of Montevallo Athletics. UM Assistant Athletic Director Dawn Makofski accepted the award on behalf of the teams.

Makofski presented the University of Montevallo Good Neighbor Award to Jerry Fulmer, a 1969 graduate of UM.

Shelby Emergency Assistance Director Karen Pendleton presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Jim Quakenbush, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran known for his musical talent and frequent playing as a military bugler.

As president of the Montevallo Kiwanis Club, Lawson presented Tim Alexander and Maurice Valentine with a $700 check to benefit a new program they have formed for teenage males called Young Lads of Promise.

Montevallo Chamber Director Steve Gilbert announced the Business Hall of Fame Class of 2019 inductees: Moore Brothers Automotive (Jim and Obie Moore – Joe Compton accepting), The Flower Shop (Elizabeth Studdard) and Central Industrial Supply (Tim Bragg).

Gilbert presented the Civic Leader of the Year award to the Montevallo Civitan Club, citing the organization’s “impact on the community by striving to make Montevallo a better place to live and work.”

Gilbert presented the Citizen of the Year award to Karen Pendleton, SEA director.

Gilbert said nomination letters poured in for Pendleton, whom he described as a “clear thinker, problem solver, team builder, true mentor and leader.”

Pendleton praised her board of directors, and said she was grateful to have a job she enjoys.

“I appreciate it,” she said, holding her award plaque. “Thank you so much.”