Olton Chamber of Commerce hosts 2023 banquet

The Home Place event venue, formerly known as The Walnut Tree, owned and operated by Robin and Jacquie Spain hosted this year’s Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Banquet on Saturday, March 5, 2023. The theme for the banquet was “A Family Jubilee in 2023”. The event was also live streamed on the Olton Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Links to YouTube videos of the event will be added to the Facebook page through the next week.

Chamber President Brice Redwine welcomed guests and members with a brief statement about the special qualities of the Olton community. He then introduced Mr. Robin Spain who led the attendees in the Lord’s Prayer. Following the invocation, Mr. Redwine introduced Robin Stevenson who led everyone in the singing of the national anthem.

Kori LaDuke, OCCA Board Secretary, then offered a brief overview of the work and projects of the OCCA such as the Sandhills Celebration and the Olton Hometown Christmas. She also shared membership information.

She explained that the drawing of door prizes in the form of Olton Bucks would be held during the banquet. She then mentioned upcoming projects including video productions of local businesses and events which would be presented on social media such as Facebook to further promote the community.

Mr. Redwine returned to the podium and expressed the Chambers desire to showcase Olton’s students at the event to promote the talented youth in their community and to encourage them to participation in civic activities. He then introduced the Masters of Ceremony for the evening Eddie Ramirez and Diana Arriola from Olton High School. Eddie Ramirez, is a junior at Olton High School. Mr. Ramirez participates in football and tennis, FFA, welding and stock shows. He is a member of Student Council and the National Honor Society. After graduation from High School, he plans to attend college and obtain a degree in engineering. Diana Arriola, is also a junior at Olton High School. Miss Arriola is currently the first runner up and Miss Congeniality of the 2022 Sandhills Pageant. She is involved in Band, National Honor Society, and One Act Play UIL competition. She was distinguished as Best Actress at the District Competition. Her future plans are to attend Texas Woman’s University to pursue a degree in Speech and Language Pathology.

Mr. Ramirez then drew the names for $25 in Olton Bucks. The four winners were Elias and Theresa Perez, T&M Heating, AC, and Electric, Rejino Barbeque, and Laura’s Restaurant. Later in the evening, $50 Olton Bucks were won by Blake and Jayde Nienast, Steel Grace, and Western Equipment. $100 Olton Bucks were drawn by Skyland Grain and Ramage Funeral Directors.

Miss Arriola then introduced two students of HP Webb Elementary School Evelyn Alvarado and Alaina McGrew. Evelyn Alvarado presented an Oral Reading she had prepared for UIL competition, and violinist, Alaina McGrew played two lively selections entitled “Cuckoos Nest”, and “Bear Creek Hop”.

The introduction of special guests by Diana Arriola followed. She recognized Debbie Long, the Lamb County District Clerk; Rickie Redman, the Lamb County District Attorney; and Lamb County Judge Mike DeLoach. She then acknowledged Olton’s mayor, Mike McFadden, and the Olton City Counsel members in attendance Alan Williams, Blake Neinast, Tracy DeBerry, Steven Rodriguez, and Derek Roberson.

Eddie Ramirez then recognized the returning Olton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Board of Directors for this year including Brice Redwine, President; Stacie Ramage, Vice President; Kori LaDuke, Secretary; Chelsi Allen, Carla Canchola, and Kyle Stevenson. Laurey Riney, Jessica Falcon, and Josue Pedroz have been selected to join the Chamber Board this year.

Diana Arriola acknowledged the efforts of Wes Quigley, the Olton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Office Manager who does everything he can to carry out the wishes of the Board of Directors.

The Olton High School Brass Choir organized and directed by Mr. McCullough performed the 3rd Movement from Brass Quartet Number One by Maurice Whitney. Members of the choir are Michael Matute, Rene Gomez, Jesus Ceballos, Brennen Meredith, Javan Bueno, Josiah McCullough, Elijah Perez and Katy Wilson. Kami Nafzger, a Senior at OHS performed her UIL multi percussion solo titled “Engine Room” by James Campbell. The Trombone Trio featuring Sr. Javan Bueno, Soph. Elijah Perez, and eighth grader, Josiah McCullough, performed their 1st Division UIL rated performance of Percy Hall’s “Old Tyme Songs”.

The Outstanding Citizen Awards were presented by the recipients of the award in 2022.

Elias Perez presented the Educator of the Year Award to Shelli Rose. Stacie alnd Michael Ramage from Ramage Funeral Directors presented the Business of the Year Award to Chris and Katy Ruiz of West Texas Tire Works. Laura Alcaraz presented the award for Support Staff of the Year to Denise Hasha. Jayde Neinast presented the Woman of the Year Award to Brittney Redwine. Jerry Lopez presented the Man of the Year Award to Blake Neinast. Alan Williams presented the Citizen Through the Years Award to Barbara McFadden citing her many and varied accomplishments and contributions to the Olton community over the years including her efforts to update the Olton Cemetery and it’s records system, Her participation in the creation of The Wild Plum Bed and Breakfast, hosting numerous wedding and baby showers in her home, and perhaps dearest to the heart of Olton citizens— her cooking. Wes Quigley expressed appreciation to the OCCA Ambassadors and their liaison Mrs. Nikki Smith for serving the guests and generally helping out where needed, Jacquie and Robin Spain for the use of their facilities, Nikki Boedeker for the delicious food, and to Mr. McCullough, Nikki Smith and Stacie Ramage for organizing the entertainment.

Diana Arriola closed the event by leading the assembly in a benediction.