by Merle Monahan/Contributing Writer
merlemonah@aol.com

WINDSOR
Two Community Builders Awards and two scholarships were presented to Windsor and Ivor residents for outstanding community service on Thursday when the Purdie and Ivor Masonic lodges joined for their annual awards banquet.

The first presentation, Ivor’s Community Builders Award, was presented to Charles Stallard by Ivor Lodge Treasurer Bob Felts and Senior Warden Merrell Carr.

Felts explained that this was the highest honor given by the lodge to a non-Mason, and was always awarded to someone who had served the community by his participation in various civic organizations, local government, church activities and, above all, being a good neighbor to those in need.

“Charles has done these things and we honor him for 50 years of community service,” Felts said, adding that he started by serving his country as a U.S. Army soldier during the Cuban Missile Crises.

Since he moved to Ivor from Coeburn in 1965, he has spent 43 years with the Ivor Fire Department. He served eight years a chief, three as president and 10 as treasurer. He is so dedicated that he received a plaque from the department for 10 years of perfect attendance, the only one ever given, Felts said.

Other activities include service on the Ivor Town Council for 13 years, the B&B Hunt Club for 48 years, the Ivor Rescue Squad for 46 years, where he serves as vice president of the board and the Ivor Athletic Association for 23 years.

The Purdie Lodge’s Community Builder’s award went to Rebecca H. Duck, who helped establish her father’s business, DeWitt’s Automotive, in 1995. Serving as the business’ secretary, she still found time to lead the Windsor Cub Scout Pack 41 for five years and continued for three more years as the Committee Chair. She serves as a deaconess at Windsor Christian Church and participates in several other church activities. Duck’s award was presented by Purdie Lodge Past Master Marion Neighbours.

The two scholarships were given to an Ivor and Windsor student who both are involved community activites.

Andrew Stegman of Wakefield was awarded $1,100 from the Ivor Lodge by Lodge Secretary Richard Simms and Worshipful Master Laine Magee. The Windsor $500 scholarship went to Anna DeMatteo, and was presented by Windsor lodge member Durwood Scott. Segman plans to attend Paul D Camp College and DeMatteo has chosen West Virginia University.