PARSONS – The City of Parsons is well-known as a wonderful place to live and raise a family and visitors often remark how everyone in the town is so friendly and welcoming.

On Sunday, folks gathered at the First Baptist Church in Parsons to thank those who go the extra mile to make Parsons a great place. The  annual Celebrate Parsons event is hosted each year by PRO On Trac. The event also serves as a kick-off to the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department Homecoming Fair which runs through Saturday, May 13.

This year Debbie Stevens served as emcee and Parsons Mayor Dorothy Judy welcomed those gathered. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cynthia Kolsun and Jimmy Judy said the blessing.

New businesses in Parsons were recognized and included Picture This, Awesome Auto, Parsons Pizza, Dixie Dave’s, Iron Bridge Bistro, the Dug Out, Parsons Service Station, Pap Lothes BBQ and Surock Monuments.

Dr. Cynthia Kolsun was recognized for all of her help with PRO On Trac. Stevens said the group treasures Kolsun and all of her contributions to help PRO On Trac.

Carol Hebb received the Employee of the Year Award. Stevens said Hebb’s nomination describes her as an unsung hero who helps offices move smoothly. “She is a great example of a hard-working woman,” Stevens said.

Nancy Dotson received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Stevens said Dotson’s work with Kiwanis is amazing as she heads up the county stand two weeks out of the year. “She serves the Tucker County Foundation and Tucker County Chamber of Commerce. She works as volunteer coordinator and in marketing at Hospice Care Corporation now named West Virginia Caring.

The award for Business Person of the Year went to Jon Bush, owner of Tuscan Grill, Parsons Hospitality. Bush purchased Big John’s and opened Big John’s in Parsons and Elkins. He opened the Tuscan Grill, Parsons Hospitality and Piccolo Paula’s with his wife. Jon has worked in food service for more than 47 years.

The Public Safety Person of the Year was Tucker County Deputy Sheriff Chris Teter.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Tucker County,” Teter said. “We have great interaction with the people here. I was very lucky nine years ago when I came here. Thank you, very much.”

The Distinguished Senior Citizen of the Year went to Evelyn Moore. Moore offered advice to the younger set.

“Thank you. That was awesome. I tell people when they retire to stay busy and keep their minds working,” Moore said. “Work hard for each other and love your family.”

The Celebrate Parsons Person of the Year is Lowell Moore. Stevens said Moore’s nomination said he can be found in a suit and tie or dressed in farm clothes while making hay. She said the nomination said he can often be found in church teaching Sunday School.

Moore said it was an honor to be at Celebrate Parsons and to serve the residents of Tucker County.

“Staying active keeps you healthy,” Moore said. “Tucker County is such a great county to work for.”

Those honored as the Most Courageous Citizens of Tucker County include World War II Veterans Carl Schoonover, David Strahin, Richard Mauzy, Paul Mauzy Sr. and Fred Puderbaugh.

Sound for Celebrate Parsons was provided by Danny Barkley and entertainment included Joyful Noise and Rocky Hebb. Supporting sponsors include Hansford Insurance and Gifts to Go. Silent auction donors were Parsons Shop ‘n Save, Performance Chevrolet, Bonnie Swyter, McClain Printing, Cynthia and Bruce Kolsun, the City of Parsons, Piccolo Paula’s, CJ’s, LaFontaine Bakery, Kingsford, Belva Dilly, Donna Stiles, PRO On Trac, Gifts to Go, Citizens Bank, Stevens Realty, Mountain State Honey, Parsons Pizza and Hattie Janes.