Starting off with some good natured fun at the expense of those in the audience he knew best, Thompson took the opportunity to thank Plymouth for its help during Nappanee’s tragedy last fall, calling Plymouth a good neighbor.
He announced that October 18, the anniversary of the touchdowns, will be “…a celebration day in Nappanee. It will be the end of the tornado.”
The city has rebuilt from the devastation without any federal government help. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied all claims for help from the victims of the storm. The city has privately raised nearly $700,000 to help with the clean up.
Meanwhile it was a night to celebrate Plymouth with the annual George Towle Awards for those making a great contribution to the city through improvements to the community, and special Chamber awards for outstanding citizens.
Also in attendance were Plymouth High School’s two state champions; the Lady Pilgrims winners of the class 3A IHSAA girls state basketball championship, and the Plymouth Speech and Debate team, the Indiana High School Forensic Association state champions.
Certificates for the George Towle Awards were given to Aker Composites and Plymouth Tire. Receiving the Honor Award were Vanco LLC for its construction of the Pine Creek Commercial Center and the Schricker family for the renovations they’ve performed on their building in the downtown district.
The Chamber also gave out personal awards to citizens who contributed above and beyond the call of duty to make Plymouth a better place to live.
The award for Outstanding Youth Service went to Gina Young. The award for Outstanding Volunteer went to Alice Ruiz. The Public Servant Award went to Mike Mercer, and the Chamber’s award for Distinguished Citizen was given posthumously to Dr. Kent Guild. Guild’s wife Judy and son John accepted the award.