Parvino and Doss share Community Service awards at Avinger banquet

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
This year two Community Service awards were given at the seventh annual Avinger Area Chamber of Commerce banquet held Feb. 23 at the McDaniel Building at Avinger School.
Chamber President Spike Salmon presented a Community Service award to former Mayor Marvin “PeeWee” Parvino who at 99 years of age is Avinger’s oldest living mayor.  He could not attend the banquet, so the award was accepted on his behalf by his son and Avinger’s current mayor, Marvin Earl Parvino.
Philip Doss was presented a Community Service award by chamber member Jeff Patterson.
“Philip joined the Navy right out of high school and served from 1967 through 1971,” Mr. Patterson said. He went to Vietnam in 1968 and 1969 and moved to Avinger in 1983. He is a member of the Avinger Volunteer Fire Department, serving as fire chief in 1987 through 1990.
“He began placing flags on military graves in the Avinger area cemeteries in 1984 and continues to do so on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. He does this rain or shine, even when he has had some health issues.  Sometimes he has help, but most of the time he does this by himself.”
Brad’s Factory Direct (formerly Avinger Farm & Ranch) was the Business of the Year. Brad Collins is the owner of the business.
The Outstanding Firefighter of the Year Award was presented by Lane Young to his friend and fellow firefighter, Jimmie “Stinky” Alford, for his exemplary service as a firefighter.
Avinger art teacher Lane Loyd had the honor of presenting the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award to his father, Ken Loyd, who after officially retiring, has been called back to teach in Avinger once again on a part-time basis. 
With a theme of “A Polynesian Evening Out,” the attendees dined on a meal provided by the Eagle Landing Event Volunteers and served with the help of student volunteers from the Avinger High School. Amy Haid Spence of Winnsboro provided vocal entertainment, while Kathy Patrick, owner of Beauty and the Book, gave a talk on her love of reading and how she helps to promote literacy.