Over 150 people were ready to "Get in the Game" at the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce banquet Monday night.
Mixed in a lot of laughs and games of questionable skill and knowledge was the challenge to make Henryetta a better place in 2016.
Outgoing chamber president Lyle Stogner "Have you ever thought, 'What if', and followed it through to completion? What is your game?" He recounted when he was involved in Special Olympics in 1985 and the impact it had on his life since then.
IMG 6206He pointed out the Henryetta chamber is one of the strongest in the state and credited executive director Roy Madden for his contribution to it. Madden was unable to be present due to some health issues. He pointed out Madden contributes knowledge of horses to help people at Tiger Mountain Ranch. "He uses that knowledge to help people who are struggling. Roy gets into the game."
"We will be challenging others to get into the game of life. Grab a partner and take home something new. Anything to make this community better than what it is," he added.
Stogner urged everyone o participate in Rotary, Lions or something new.
One of those major accomplishments was recognized by Lions officers Billie Been and Jeanda Spurlock.
The two told the audience that Ron McAfee has several accomplishments celebrated this year. His business, RMA Communications, is 60 years old. In addition, McAfee has been a member of the Lions Club for the same amount of time and tallied a perfect attendance record for club meetings during that time. He also received the "Get In The Game award from the chamber.

In accepting the award, McAfee said his perfect attendance started with a bet between him and business partner Bud Gaither. "Bud came to me about 20 years ago when he retired and paid me the dollar that was bet. I decided since I got that far I would continue." He said he has loved being in the Lions Club. "They have done a lot, they have done a lot for me."
His granddaughter, MaKayla Baxter, took advantage of the special occasion serenading, "my biggest fan."
IMG 6259The other highlight award of the evening was selection of Jennifer Clason as, "Henryettan of the Year." Clason, who is the first female mayor of the town, is administrator at Fountain View Manor. The award, presented by the Henryetta Free Lance, recognized Clason for her efforts in numerous projects. It was pointed out she was nominated 40 times by 40 different people. The award was a double present for Clason since Monday was also her birthday.
Several "Get In the Game" plaques were presented during the evening.
They included Eddie Thomas for her work in painting the Jim Hall lake spillway, the overpass on the Lake road and future projects; Henryetta Tennis Association for the massive renovation work at the Main Street tennis courts; city of Henryetta for cleanup efforts on East Main, Frsco overpass and Nichols park; and Bruce Jones, publisher of Thehenryettan.com, for involvement in community efforts.
The outgoing chamber president's plaque was presented to Stogner by incoming president Jeremy Roberts.
Outgoing board membets Sue Richmond, Tammie  Hiatt, Jill Francis and Mark Hiatt received plaques recognizing them for their service to the community.
A Henryetta take on game shows provided amusement and lots of laughter during the evening. Audience members were invited to guess the names of some popular game show musical themes while specially-selected contestants tried to prove they were smarter than a fifth grader, tested their artistic skills, put themselves in the place of newlyweds and even spent a minute to win it.

 

Photos from the evening:

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Video from the evening: