North Webster Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year Karilyn Metcalf accepted her award with the advice, “Give where you live.”

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce celebrated community activists at its annual awards dinner Monday evening, March 7. It was held in the North Webster Community Center Banquet Hall.

Long time community volunteer Karilyn Metcalf was honored as Person of the Year. The Cake Lady received the Small Business of the Year nod while Large Business of the Year went to North Webster Ace Hardware.

Metcalf has been one of the driving forces in establishing the Dixie boat as a destination for tourism, bringing more than 13,000 riders to North Webster during the three-month summer season. She is president of the Dixie Sternwheeler Inc., as well as a board member of the chamber of commerce. Before retirement, Metcalf taught music for 38 years at North Webster Elementary School.

In accepting the award she cited her father as bestowing the advice and setting the example of give where you live, a precept she has tried to follow. She expressed gratitude to her Dixie crew, the chamber board and her teaching family at the school.

Because he is out of the country, Phil Metcalf sent a touching letter and a bouquet of a dozen roses to his wife to honor the occasion.

Both businesses honored are well known for community involvement and support of many non-profit organizations.

The Cake Lady owner Peggy Roulo accepted the award for her team. The company has been in business at the North Webster Community Center for six years where it will continue to operate. The Cake Lady is also expanding into Warsaw opening an Italian restaurant in the former Bennigan’s location. Bella Vitale Italian Eatery is expected to open later this week.

North Webster Ace Hardware is owned by Dennis Wagoner and is committed to supporting the North Webster community in any way possible. North Webster Ace Hardware could be called the largest small town hardware, with 15,000 square feet of selling area, 35,000 items and more than 65,000 special order items. Employee Nicole Helman accepted the honor.

Chamber President Sue Ward, Sue’s Creations, served as master of ceremonies for the event. Cochairmen were chamber board members David Colquitt, Eastlund Funeral Home, and Susan Stump, The Papers Inc. The blessing was given by Richard Owen, Owen Family Funeral Homes.

The program was highlights of the PBS station WNIT’s show “Our Hometown-North Webster.” Wawasee High School television students edited the presentation. Martha Stoelting, The Papers Inc., introduced the video.

The space was provided by the North Webster Community Center while the cash bar was provided by The Sleepy Owl Supper Club. The Cake Lady catered the Italian dinner. Tables were decorated by Stump with wine bottles and candles.

Many enjoyed the gifts provided by chamber member businesses for the silent auction.