The Buzz: Chamber banquet is a ritzy success

By Marlene Bohr

The Hughes Springs Chamber of Commerce really did ‘Put on the Ritz’ with its newest setting for the annual chamber banquet at The Legacy, an Event Center on First Street in downtown Hughes Springs. It was not my first visit to The Legacy, but for many attendees, it was. It was interesting to hear the comments made of the grandeur of the center with the wide staircase and the balcony surrounding the second floor. Absolutely gorgeous paintings adorn the walls of The Legacy, on both floors.
And the chandeliers are so breathtaking with intricate designs and color.  It was truly a wonderful setting for the chamber banquet. Old pictures on one corner wall downstairs lend charm to the interior.
The meal, catered by Tammy Mashaw, was delicious and served in a timely fashion, as was the dessert. The students of Hughes Springs High School who are members of the Student Council served the meal, picked up plates and served the desserts. They were absolute professionals at the job, not rushing anyone, but waiting to be helpful. They were also attentive when someone’s drink glass was getting low and they speedily took care of the problem.
Marilyn Lee was a super hit of the evening playing music before the dinner and during the dinner also. She was located in the top center balcony so everyone would be able to lend an ear to her upbeat music. Many partygoers could be heard complimenting Marilyn on her skill at the keyboard.
Rhonda Pitts represented the Chamber of Commerce superbly as she read the information about the nominees before the Crystal Globe presentations. Never was there a stumble or hesitation on any word as she very deftly listed the accomplishments, family and general information about why the person nominated was in fact, receiving the Crystal Globe. She truly was a professional in every capacity.
I was especially happy to see Virginia Rainwater receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.  I met her a few years ago and asked her if she would be a hometown person for The Bee. She readily agreed and when I went to take her picture, she excused herself from a ladies’ group she was with at church. We walked out to the sanctuary of the church where she took her usual place that she does on Sunday mornings, at the organ. My impression of this lady has always been one of a very gracious person, one who is always ready to lend a hand to any task that is asked of her, whether it be for her church or members of her community. I always have admired the work she does, and am sure there are a lot of things she does that many of us do not know about. I can only imagine the adoration her family and friends hold for her. That Lifetime Achievement Award went to an extremely deserving lady.
If you did not attend the chamber banquet, you missed a great event. A lot of planning goes into it by the chamber members. They were on the scene and were busy during the whole function to be sure things went well. I can imagine many meetings were conducted during the past year to make sure this event of honoring citizens went off as it was planned. It was flawless on all their parts.  If you haven’t thanked Rhonda and the chamber members for a great event, let them know you appreciate their hard work and dedication to the community.  I think the event was a fantastic success.