Friday, May 30, 1997
'Quiet hero' honored for work in community
By GREG JAKLEWICZ / Abilene Reporter-News
On a night when the guest speaker encouraged guests at the
Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner to "do
your dance," a woman was honored for dancing into the lives
of many Abilenians.
Carrie B. Simon was named Citizen of the Year to highlight
Thursday night's event at the Abilene Country Club.
"She does a lot of things within the community as far
as helping people," said Neomia Banks, installed as Black
Chamber president. A native Texan and the second of 12 children,
Simon she said has "a wonderful heart" and is a "positive
mentor who encourages young people."
Formerly employed by Sears Heritage Place, Simon remains active
at Emmanuel Church of God In Christ.
"She is a quiet hero," said Banks. "Sometimes
the best heroes in the community are those who very quietly go
about doing the work."
"And," Banks added, "she makes a peach cobbler
so good it makes you want to slap somebody."
Guest speaker was Greg Solomon, who for the past six weeks
has served as president of the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce.
An honor graduate of Abilene High School and Hardin-Simmons University,
he served on the city manager's staff in Lubbock for nine years
and just completed four years service as head of the Gainesville
chamber.
Solomon's speech was both inspirational and informative. He
challenged his audience to take advantage of the many opportunities
today in business and education, to volunteer their time and skills
and not "fight and challenge the B.T. Wadies."
Those, he explained, are the people who resist change by complaining,
"But that's the way we've always done it."
"We're a very traditional country," Solomon said.
"But it's important to know when to challenge tradition.
"Do your dance."
Solomon said he's offended when people set goals for him.
"Define your own standards," he countered. "Then
you'll exceed the goals they have for you."
As for volunteerism, Solomon said people must have "the
desire and willingness to make a difference in someone's life."
And on a nuts and bolts level, Solomon encouraged small business
participation, learning about programs that help businesses grow
and to "stay on the cutting edge" of technology.
"Be all that you can be," the Army Reserve officer
said, joking, "Being in the Army, I had to get that in."
He closed by bringing up the name of one of today's greatest
success stories, golfer Tiger Woods.
"Play the course, not the person," Solomon said.
Solomon was introduced by his father, Realtor L.G. Solomon.
The elder Solomon was one of five officers installed at the dinner,
sworn in by Judge Sam Matta as first vice president. Others were
Trent Edwards as second vice president, Billy King as treasurer
and Beverly Ferguson as secretary.
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Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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