At its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on June 15, the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce presented a community service award and honored members that had reached significant milestones.

Barbara Lerner, Chamber executive director (left) with David Dyson. Photo credit: Ira Nozik

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce hosted more than 135 people Monday night at its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at the Pond House, recognizing long-time members as well as naming the recipient of this year’s Noah Webster Award for Community Service.

David Dyson, who along with his mother has organized and run the Tabor House Giant Tag Sale to raise money for homeless people with AIDS, was presented with the Noah Webster Award. In the 21 years that Dyson has run the tag sale to benefit Tabor House, a mission of West Hartford’s Sisters of St. Joseph, he has helped raise more than $200,000.

Mayor Scott Slifka presented Dyson with the Noah Webster Award plaque.

The event’s theme was “Member Milestones,” and the Chamber recognized businesses and organizations that have been members for 50-plus, 35-plus, and 25-plus years.

Craig Bond from Abbot Ball received a 50+ year membership award from the Chamber. Bond (third from left) is pictured with the Chamber’s executive committee (from left) Brett Bushnell, Stephanie Dumont, Peter Lisi, Dave Calibey, Mike Kijak and Chairman Cindy Cicchetti. Photo credit: Ira Nozik

Fifty-year plus members honored Monday include: AAA, Abbot Ball, Bank of America, Bouvier Insurance, Connecticut Home Interiors, CNG, Lux Bond & Green, Pfau’s Hardware, Sinatro Brothers, The Hartford Courant and the Toy Chest.

The Chamber also honored its Volunteer of the Year, Tony Leesha.

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