Keynote speaker and author of Paralyzed But Not Powerless Kate Adamson gave a first-hand account of how she prevailed after a double brain stem stoke at the age of 33. HERALD PHOTO/Becky Crum

Evanston Business Leadership Network and MentorAbility held the 11th annual Symon Awards luncheon at the Evanston Machine Shop.

October is also recognized as National Disabilty Employment Awareness Month.

Mark Madia of KEVA, Magic 99 and Grouchy Mark Productions emceed the awards ceremony and reminisced about how much the program has grown over the years.

He said that through the years more people are taking part and getting the message that it is all about celebrating everyone with abilities in the community.



Awards

Outstanding employer of the year 2009 was presented to Walmart.

Two recipients shared the spotlight this year for employees of the year.

Bonnie York of the Front Street Maverik was presented an award by last year’s employee of the year, Rick Lee (Walmart).

The second employee of the year was David Smith who is employed by two businesses — Porter’s Fireworks and Smith’s Food and Drug Store.

John Porter, owner of Porter’s Fireworks, presented Smith with his award.

Roger Vanlieshout, President of the Wyoming Business Leadership Network presented the United States Business Leadership Network “Affiliate of the Year Award” to the Evanston Business Leadership Network.

The BLN was recognized for the outstanding service they provide to Evanston and the example they have shown around the country in promoting people with disabilities in the business leadership network.

“You are all a part of this award. The Uinta County School District No. 1, the folks at the Chamber of Commerce, the businesses, community partners, vocational rehabilitation, and all the many organizations that participate in the Business Leadership Network have made your BLN the best across the state of Wyoming. Communities large and small across this great country recognize you as one of the best Business Leadership Networks in America and one of the best in the world,” Vanlieshout said.

Mayor Will Davis said Evanston has made tremendous strides under the leadership of Debbie Terech and Wanda Rogers for the Business Leadership Network and MentorAbility programs.

Davis said the community has done a lot, but there is always room to do more.

He said in today’s world of struggling economies, job losses and benefits, there are many people who wonder if someone will help solve our problems.

“This is our battle, our challenge and it is for us to get out of. By working with one another, standing close by each other and helping take care of the needs of our friends and neighbors Evanston will overcome this downturn or recession. We will rise together from the dust and be a strong and vibrant community,” Davis said.

Davis said his hat was off to all those who participated as mentors and those who have taken an active role in seeing that those with disabilities are hired and given opportunities. He said he appreciates that everyone is given the chance to expand their horizons, be a productive member of the community, build self-esteem and find self worth.

“Everyone has worth. We all have to work together to draw that out of each other and lift each other up. For that I thank you and appreciate each of you being here for such a prestigious event as this in our community,” Davis said.

Angel Lanham of Youth Opportunities Unlimited entertained the crowd with a special song, “Time for Letting Go.”

Debbie Terech, director of EBLN, and Wanda Rogers, MentorAbility coordinator, gave special thanks to all the businesses and mentors who gave time, expertise and knowledge to mentor a young person for National Disability Mentoring Day.

“I would like to give a very special thank you to the Uinta County School District No. 1, the Special Education department. It is a pleasure to work with you. Everything that you do for the students at the high school is very commendable. Lynn Conaway put it very well when she said she works with a dream team. I would like to agree,” Terech said.

Dawn Darby, director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, gave a special recognition to Sonja Wild, Mrs. Wheelchair Wyoming, for the invaluable volunteer work she does throughout the community.

Letters were read from U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis and U.S. Senator John Barrasso commending Evanston for a great job in the field of Business Leadership and MentorAbility in the community.



Never give up

Keynote speaker and author of Paralyzed But Not Powerless Kate Adamson gave a first-hand account of how she prevailed after a double brain stem stoke at the age of 33. Adamson was a mother of two small children who was preparing to become a fitness trainer when she was completely paralyzed due to the stroke.

Adamson encouraged everyone to listen to his or her bodies and take notice when warning signs appear. Something might be wrong.

She said she had signs, but she was too busy and she thought it would go away.

Adamson brought humor and a deep realization of the challenges she encountered as she asked for audience participation in peeling bananas and getting dressed one handed.

Adamson said she has enjoyed Wyoming and the hospitality that Evanston has shown her, but one of the highlights of being here is to see the nominees and the award recipients.

“One of the greatest joys and greatest highlights of my week has been to see my fellow disabled people come up here and receive well-deserved recognition. That to me is something else. We all know the traits that it takes to be disabled. The persistence, the determination, the never-give-up attitude — the people helping people is what makes it so meaningful. If you ask me if everything I went through to survive was worth it, my answer is YES, Absolutely, without a doubt. My life is as important as anyone else’s,” Adamson said.