Over 170 people gathered in Geiser Hall at Keuka College on Jan. 30 for the annual Yates County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Dance and to celebrate honors with some local business people and supporters.
Each year, the Chamber of Commerce presents three awards in recognition of contributions to the chamber and the Yates County community.
Donald and Corrine Stork received the Norman Snow Jr. Memorial Spirit Award, which recognizes contributions to the community at large.
Michael Linehan, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said he was surprised that in all the years this award has been given that the Storks had not received it before.
The list of organizations that the Storks have supported over the years includes: St. Michael's Church and School, Penn Yan Central School, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital and Foundation, Yates County Industrial Development Agency, the Chamber of Commerce, Lakeside Country Club, Penn Yan Rotary, Clinton Crest Manor, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Yates County Branch of the American Association of University Women , Benton Town Planning Board, Yates County Republican Committee. The Storks are now leading the effort to bring a community center to the area with their support of Yates Cultural and Recreational Resources, Inc.
Other awards the Storks have received include the Keuka College Community Award, which is now named in their honor. Addressing the standing ovation, Corrine Stork said it's easy to be involved in a community with the spirit that exists here.
Robert Multer, former chairman of the Yates County Legislature, received the Emily Seager Memorial Award, given in honor of Seager, the former director of the Chamber of Commerce. The award is intended to recognize the pride that Seager took in representing the Yates County area of the Finger Lakes region.
Linehan said that although he knew Multer would say he doesn't like these kinds of things, he was truly deserving, especially after some of the recent challenges the county faced.
Multer, who is still serving on the legislature representing District I, commented that the award was very special and meaningful, and that working with the other legislators has been fulfilling.
Chamber Director Earl Makatura, owner of Spring Wagon Orchards, received the Robert Maxwell Memorial Director of the Year Award. Linehan said that Makatura has set an example as someone who moves into a community and understands what it means to live and work, and to give back to that community.
The evening's events also included a silent auction fundraising event.
