Mayor presents 13 with pride award

From: Marion Chronicle Tribune, IN
Nov. 2, 2002

Henry thanks people in community

By PAUL MCKIBBEN
mckibben@marion.gannett.com
Evelyn Meyer has had limited sight since birth.

Still, that didn't stop her from being involved in her community. Meyer, 71, retired in January after serving as the executive director of Services for the Visually and Hearing Impaired.

Meyer was one of 13 people who received Pride of Marion awards Friday from Mayor Bill Henry during a ceremony in City Hall.

"I'm just proud to have been considered for such an honor," Meyer said.

The event concluded Marion Pride Week, which began Oct. 23 and highlighted some of the city's institutions and well-known citizens. Last week, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce named Marion its 2002 Community of the Year.

While presenting the awards, Henry became emotional.

"Here are some incredibly important people in the life of our beloved community. ... We have not taken the time in the past to say thank you."

The award is a walnut plaque upon which a is mounted a pewter arch.

Pearl Bassett, 91, said the award was one of the most beautiful that she ever received.

"It's the way it's designed," she said.

Bassett said she was the first African-American secretary of the Grant County Democratic Central Committee. Currently she is the second vice president of the Marion chapter of the NAACP. She said she's always worked in the community.

"It's something that was everyday life," she said about her involvement.

Ruthann Sumpter, 61, moved here in 1961. Sumpter also received an award for her participation in community organizations. She's currently the president of the Quarry Triangle Neighborhood Association and has been active in organizations such as the Mississinewa Arts Council.

"I do the things I do to enhance the cultural life and the quality of life in Marion," she said.

13 Recipients:

Jim Barnes, president of Indiana Wesleyan University

Pearl Bassett, human rights activist

The Rev. Ed McDowell, pastor at Grace Missionary Baptist Church, and educator and head of NAACP

Frank Maidenberg, entrepreneur

Evelyn Meyer, director of Services for the Visually and Hearing Impaired.

Don Millspaugh, businessman

Bill Morrison, entrepreneur

Scott Pitcher, developer

Ruthann Sumpter, leader in arts and humanities

Roger Smith, human rights activist

J.D. Williams, pastor, educator at Greater Second Baptist Church

Wilbur and Ardelia Williams, professors at Indiana Wesleyan University.

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