Winners of this year's 2009 Rockbridge Community People's Choice Awards pose with their plaques after having breakfast together with all the nominees at Evans Hall on the morning of Wednesday, November 4th. Pictured are (l-r front) Citizen of the Year Ronnie Coffey, Volunteer of the Year Glory Knick, Group Health Care Provider of the Year Rockbridge Free Clinic Board Member Jane Horton (back l-r) Public Employee of the Year Dan Lyons, Small Employer of the Year RATS Director Tim Root and Group Entertainer of the Year Gary Ruley & Mule Train. Not pictured are Large Employer of the Year Rockbridge County Schools, Individual Health Care Provider of the Year David Ellington, M.D., and Individual Arts/Entertainer of the Year Jeff Mason. (Photo by Patte Wood)

Ronnie Coffey People's Choice For Citizen Of The Year Glory Knick Wins Volunteer Of The Year By Patte Wood Staff Reporter   It was a warm gathering of area super achievers as the Chamber honored the nominees and announced the winners of the 2009 Rockbridge Community People's Choice Awards. "Everyone here is a winner," remarked MC Jim Bennett. "This is my favorite job each year because I get to rub elbows with you and get to know you. No where is there such a gathering of kind, caring, and selfless people." Bennett introduced each nominee in each category and then announced the one that "got the most votes." Volunteer of the Year went to Rockbridge County Library's Children's Activities Coordinator and Lexington Lion's Club Member Glory Knick (her husband Dean Knick received the award last year). Large Employer of the Year went to Rockbridge County Schools with the other two school districts, Buena Vista and Lexington also nominated. Small Employer of the Year went to the Rockbridge Regional Transportation Service with Director Tim Root accepting the award. He explained that RATS began with one vehicle and operated out of Joan Manley's bedroom and now has a fleet of vehicles and real employees. Public Employee of the Year was received by Lexington Schools Superintendent Dan Lyons who has overseen the renovation of Lylburn Downing Middle School and Community Center. Individual Health Care Provider of the Year was David Ellington, MD in part for his work with the Rockbridge Free Clinic that received the Group Health Care Provider of the Year accepted by Jane Horton. Individual Arts/Entertainment Award of the Year went to marching band director Jeff Mason and the Group award went to Gary Ruley & Mule Train. Last, but certainly not least, Buena Vista resident and Parks and Recreation Director Ronnie Coffer received Citizen of the Year. Those who attended the breakfast for the first time remarked that they were surprised by the breadth of talent in the room and by the intimacy of the award breakfast. "This is a wonderful occasion," commented Buena Vista Schools Superintendent Rebecca Gates.

* * * * *