A gang of superheroes and their fans crowded into the Elks Lodge last Saturday for the annual Polson Chamber Community Awards Banquet.

“Superheroes” was this year’s theme, and costumes ranged from masks and capes to more subtle signs of heroic tendencies.

Brian Miskimins of Anderson Broadcasting presided over the awards portion, with help from chamber president Carol Lynn Lapotka. The duo first sought donations for the annual Polson fireworks display on July 3.

“It takes $35,000 to make that big kaboom happen,” Lapotka said, adding that contributions of all sizes finance the extravaganza. Alpine Design offered to match up to $750, an amount that was easily reached with the evening’s auction-like approach.

Karen and Neal Lewing of the Port Polson Players received the Polson Leadership Award. The couple has previously earned the Governor’s Arts Award and just celebrated the theatre company’s 50th season in Polson. They’ve also been “the driving force” behind the restoration of the historic John Dowdall Theatre on the Polson golf course.

Karen enumerated the many community supporters – including the Mission Valley Friends of the Arts – who have helped the company thrive, noting that “the theater is not just a building, it's people. And people have made this community what it is all along. And we just are so glad to be a part of this whole thing.”

Neal noted that after wrapping up the company’s first half century last August, “some people said, ‘well what are you gonna do now that you've finished your 50th season?’ And we said, ‘well, what else? We're gonna start on the 51st season.’”

Larry Ashcraft, a member of the Greater Polson Community Foundation who currently chairs the Local Government Study Review Commission and has spearheaded many local initiatives, was also a candidate. He was praised for “his collaborative leadership style that brings people together, encourages thoughtful dialogue, and helps move meaningful community efforts forward.”

Charlie Fudge and former Polson Mayor Eric Huffine were candidates for Citizen of the Year, with Fudge earning the award. He’s “helped shape Polson’s creative and cultural identity” with his involvement in the Sandpiper Gallery’s Art4Polson Initiative, which has spawned several public art projects throughout the community.

In his comments, the perennially upbeat Fudge told the crowd he was “blown away” by the award, especially since it arrived in close proximity to his 92nd birthday.

“I believe in volunteering,” he said, noting that it lifts people out of their daily routine. “Something can happen there that wouldn't normally happen in your normal everyday life.”

Huffine, who coaches Polson Wrestling and owns Riverside Recreation, was recognized for his efforts to “to create opportunities for young people to stay active, build confidence, and develop important life skills through sports and outdoor activities.”

The Andy Anderson Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award went to Tricia Campbell, with Linda Kittle, a volunteer with Polson Loaves and Fish Food Pantry, as runner-up. Campbell was honored for her work with Mission Valley Live, and the “countless volunteer hours” she spends organizing the annual concert series, as well as “supporting local initiatives and strengthening community connections.”

The Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation was named Nonprofit of the Year and honored for their herculean efforts to raise scholarship funds that benefit students and teachers in Polson. Three of the four founding members were on hand, including Chris Strom, Paddy Trussler and Pat DeVries. George Mahoney, who died in 2019, was represented by his wife, Ramona.

Strom outlined the history of the organization, which was launched in 2002 with just two $500 scholarships. It’s grown to offer around $50,000 annually, with scholarships of $1,000 to qualified high school grads and $2,000 to college students, plus educator grants of up to $1,000.

Over the years, Strom says many scholarship recipients have flourished. “We have some that are doctors, lawyers, teachers, auto mechanics, diesel mechanics – so it covers all areas and without our help some of those students may not ever go to college.”

President Mandy Patterson reminded the audience that “college keeps getting more and more expensive … So always keep that in mind and spread the word that we are always taking donations for scholarships.”

The Mission Valley Youth Foundation was also nominated for offering programs and mentorship and forging partnerships that “empower youth.”

Polson Stone and Home Floor Covering – which was celebrating its 50th anniversary March 7 – was named Business of the Year. Owned by the same family for two generations, the business has expanded under the leadership of Gary and Amy Green.

The chamber cited the company’s “quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service,” and continued investment in its employees.

The runner-up for the award was Gage Accounting, also a family-owned business that originated with Ryan Gage’s grandfather in Cut Bank. From its first one-room office in 2011, the Polson company has recently expanded into the former Fisher Law Office and now employs seven people full time plus a seasonal worker.

Dr. Amber Dailey of Ronan Dental Clinic was named Chamber Ambassador of the Year for the ways in which “her love of the Christmas season shines” during the Polson tree-lighting and Parade of Lights. She also volunteers with the Mission Valley Children’s Choir and Mission Valley Christian Academy and supports youth programs at New Life Church.

Runner-up was Don Carberry, a local artist who welcomes visitors and assists with traffic coordination during the Fourth of July celebration and the Parade of Lights.

City and PSD employees also honored

As usual, the awards banquet also recognized city and school district employees.

Linderman principal Kristin Wilson introduced school secretary Brook Ingram as Classified Employee of the Year.

“I treat all 361 students like they are my own, whether they want me to or not,” said Ingram. “But the true superheroes tonight, honestly, are every single person that walks in that door and helps the future generation.”

High school principal Betsy Wade introduced English teacher Melissa Bahr as Teacher of the Year. “She believes in students so fiercely that they start to believe in themselves and that's really all we can ask for from teachers,” Wade said.

Cherry Valley principal Jon Gustafson honored Karen Huffine as Volunteer of the Year, and presented her with a special plaque, reading “Grandma Karen, from tiny seeds to mighty trees, thank you for helping us grow.”

“Karen has a special gift for connecting with children and helping them discover the joy of learning,” he said.

"I enjoy every single minute," Huffine replied. "And I get much more out of it than I give."

City manager Ed Meece congratulated Brandon Parker, who heads the wastewater treatment facility, and city clerk Cora Pritt for their dedication to their jobs. He described Parker as akin to Iron Man in his duties as the city’s “municipal scientist.”

“He does an excellent job spinning dials and keeping the bugs happy” at the wastewater treatment plant “so that what goes in is not what comes out.”

Meece proclaimed Pritt as “the Wonder Woman at City Hall.” In a tenure spanning 20 years, she’s covered a variety of tasks, and is “our queen of empathy,” Meece said. “She's the one that keeps us all going back to our offices and getting the job done.”

    Polson City Manager Ed Meece presents city clerk Cora Pritt with Staff of the Year Award at last Saturday's Polson Chamber Banquet, describing the long-serving employee as the "Wonder Woman at City Hall." (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Karen and Neal Lewing of the Port Polson Players received the Polson Leadership Award for their unstinting devotion to theater and the community. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Cherry Valley principal Jon Gustafson honors "Grandma" Karen Huffine with the Polson School District Volunteer of the Year award. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Charlie Fudge was named Citizen of the Year at the annual Polson Chamber Banquet for his involvement with the Art4Polson public art projects. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)