by Alexis Ann
photos by Larry St. Pierre

(l-r) Herb Cummings, Chair, Executive Board of Directors, presents Lulu Kiley, Owner, Captain Daniel Packer Inne with the 2009 Employer of the Year Award.

(l-r) Neil Kluepfel is presented the 2009 Community Service Award by Lisa Carberg, NBC Connecticut News Anchor. “We should return the fruits of our gifts to the community.”-Neil Kluepfel.

David Silvia with his mother, Carol Silvia of N. Stonington, and his granddaughter, Sydney George of Norwich, after receiving the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award.

It was another festive occasion for all those who attended the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala at the Mystic Marriott & Spa on December 10th.  Friends and family members honored David Silvia as the Volunteer of the Year Award recipient.

If you know David, you know the meaning of having a positive attitude.  He worked at Pfizer for more than 30 years while running additional businesses, ranging from snow and tree removal to appliance repair.  David owns Patriotic Waves, which carries flag products.

When asked, “What do you like best about receiving this award?” David answered, “Sharing it with my granddaughter, Sydney.”  Sydney George is a sophomore at Norwich Free Academy.  Her granddad introduced her to community service in a big way!  When called to the podium to accept the award, David invited his Sydney to join him.

LuLu Kiley, owner, Captain Daniel Packer Inne, holds the honor of being awarded the Employer of the Year.   Accepting the award, LuLu commended her team:  Allison Kiley Nasin, Judy Hartley and Chaz Paull and said,  “It certainly helps having a daughter, Ali, serving as general manager.”

Community Service Award recipients are Neil Kluepfel and TheWashington Trust Company.  Neil received a standing ovation for the best speech of the evening.

“We should return the fruits of our gifts to the community.”-Neil Kluepfel.