Stewart Indian School hosts Carson Chamber

The Carson City Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting at the historic Stewart Indian School Monday.

About 100 people attended the outdoor event, which featured food catered by Black Bear Diner, tours of the school, a performance by the Eagle Wings Pageant Dance Troop, community awards and a changing of the guard on the chamber’s board.

Best of the Best Awards were given out to individuals and organizations, including Mark Turner with Black Pine Construction for economic development; the Carson Animal Services Initiative, which raised funds for the new animal shelter, for non-profit of the year; the Nevada Rural Counties RSVP for event of the year, the Fourth of July fireworks; and Advocates for Domestic Violence, which puts on the Taste of Downtown, for best annual event.

“Carson City is in the midst of a growth opportunity, a once in a generation opportunity,” said Turner.

Volunteer of the year went to Deb Ottinger, who revamped the Kit Carson Trail Blue Line map, and a special recognition award was given to Penny Reynolds, a food service teacher who grew the culinary arts program at Carson High School, who is moving to Georgia.

“Carson is in my heart, but I have the opportunity to start the program somewhere else,” said Reynolds.

Also receiving special recognition awards were Terrie McNutt and Assemblyman P.K. O’Neill.

“I’ll say just a very few words,” said O’Neill. “It’s been a real privilege and honor to serve.”

Carson McFadden accepted the Dream Big award for the McFadden Family. The pedestrian plaza now under construction at Carson and 3rd streets will be named for her father, Bob.

“My father loved this city. He’d be thrilled with all with improvements going on,” said McFadden.

Carol Swanson, past chair, handed the gavel over to the chamber board’s new chair, Joyce Whitney-Silva.

Two new board members — Rob Joiner, Nevada Premier Commercial, and Sandra Nagel, Hampton Inn & Suites — replace outgoing members, Terrie McNutt and Jim Smolenski.

Before the awards, the Eagle Wings Pageant Dance Troop performed several traditional dances of the Great Basin tribes, and invited a dozen or so attendees to join them in friendship dance.