By Vanesa Brashier, editor@bluebonnetnews.com
The Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce took a walk through history for its annual membership gala on Jan. 25 at the Cleveland Civic Center. For one of the guests at the gala, Joann Young, it was a celebration of the work of her late husband, Moon Young.
Moon Young was a well-respected photographer who captured moments in Cleveland’s history. Many of his photos are on display in residents’ homes and businesses, and at the Cleveland Historical Museum.
“He photographed weddings, engagements and funerals. He also worked for the Cleveland Advocate as a photographer during the early 60s,” Joann said.
The Youngs married in 1952 and were together nearly 52 years until his death in 2003 at the age of 75.
Joann said it brought back memories to see Moon’s photos on display.
“I started not to come tonight because I wasn’t feeling up to it. I am glad I did. It was really nice,” she said. “I don’t know if he realized the impact he made on the town.”
The chamber gala was also a time to recognize some of the organization’s most dedicated members, some of whom were honored with top awards.
The awards were given to Kari Dugger for Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Jeff McClain for Alfred G. Anderson Citizen of the Year, Hart’s RV and Boat Storage for Business of the Year, and Victoria Good for the Jean Noble McAdams Citizen of the Year.
This was the first year for the Alfred G. Anderson Citizen of the Year award named for the late Alfred G. Anderson, owner of Anderson Ford. Anderson, known as a servant-leader in the community, was devoted to the success of the chamber and economic prosperity of Cleveland until his death on Nov. 5, 2018.
Melissa Lanier, the outgoing board chairman, handed over the leadership of the board to her successor, incoming board chairman Charlie Rice. Plaques were also presented to Assistant City Manager Bobby Pennington, Jean McAdams and the Rev. Carl Williamson who completed their terms on the board.
Melissa Lanier receives a plaque from the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce for her term as chamber board president. She also was given a honorary gavel by State Rep. Ernest Bailes. Pictured with her are Chamber CEO Jim Carson (left) and incoming board president Charlie Rice. 
Incoming Board Chairman Charlie Rice announces the creation of a new award for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. During the chamber’s annual membership gala on Friday, Jan. 25, Rice announced that he selected Timothy McGee as the recipient of this new award for McGee’s willingness to lead chamber luncheons each month. 
Jean Nobel McAdams (right) accepts a plaque for her years of service on the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce board. For the last several years, the chamber has given out an award for volunteerism to the chamber in honor of McAdams, who is a devoted and beloved chamber volunteer. Pictured with her is Chamber CEO Jim Carson. 
Rev. Carl Williamson channeled his inner Fonzie for his costume at the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership gala. Williamson accepted an award for completing his term on the chamber board of directors. Pictured with Williamson are Chamber CEO Jim Carson (left) and outgoing board chairman Melissa Lanier. 
Jeff McClain, director of the Cleveland-based radio station, KORG, accepts a trophy for the Alfred G. Anderson Citizen of the Year award. The award is named for the late Alfred G. Anderson of Anderson Ford who was devoted to the chamber and the economic prosperity of Cleveland. Pictured with McClain is Chamber CEO Jim Carson. 
Bobby Pennington, finance director and assistant city manager for the City of Cleveland, receives a plaque for completing his term on the board of directors for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Pictured with him is Chamber CEO Jim Carson (left). 
Victoria Good, who heads the Education Committee for the Greater Cleveland Chamber, sits on the chamber board and helps the chamber with publicity, was named the Jean Noble McAdams Volunteer of the Year. Pictured with Good is Chamber CEO Jim Carson. 
Hart’s RV and Boat Storage was named Business of the Year for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce during the chamber’s annual membership gala on Friday, Jan. 25, at the Cleveland Civic Center. Pictured with the company’s owners, John Hart and Tammy Hart, is Chamber CEO Jim Carson. 
Mayor Otis Cohn reminded people that if they know something good to report about Cleveland to crow about it. 
Keri Dugger, an Edward Jones agent in Cleveland, is the ambassador of the year for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. She was surprised by the award during the Jan. 25 membership gala for the chamber at the Cleveland Civic Center. Pictured with her are Chamber CEO Jim Carson and board member LaNora Purvis. 
Joann Young stands alongside a photo of her late husband, Moon Young, at the annual membership gala for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Jan. 25. Moon Young was a celebrated photographer for the Cleveland area and his photos are a beloved part of the town’s history and artifacts. His photos were used during the Chamber’s “A Walk Through Cleveland’s History,” which was the theme of the banquet. 
Joann Young, wife of the late Moon Young, was a celebrated guest at the annual membership gala for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Jan. 25. Moon Young was a photographer in the Cleveland area and took many of the photos that were on display at the banquet, which featured the history of Cleveland. Pictured with Young is Chamber CEO Jim Carson. 
Gary Ladner (right) stands next to a photo of his old barber shop in Cleveland at the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce annual membership gala on Friday, Jan. 25, at the Cleveland Civic Center. Ladner is pictured with his daughter, Kelli Ladner Semar. 
Wanda Meza with the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and local realtor Elizabeth Robertson (right) sign in people at the front desk for the chamber’s annual membership gala on Friday, Jan. 25. 
Will Cox walks along a display of old photographs at the annual membership gala for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Jan. 25, at the Cleveland Civic Center. 
Kem Kirkham-Arnold (seated left), Courtney Bailes (right) and Susan Bailes visit during the annual membership gala for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 25 at the Cleveland Civic Center. 
Kem Kirkham-Arnold with Texas Elite Hospice and Will Carter with U.S. Rep. Brian Babin’s office look groovy at the annual membership gala for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Jan. 25, at the Cleveland Civic Center. 
Cadets with the Cleveland ISD JROTC present the United States and U.S. flags during the annual membership gala for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Jan. 25, at the Cleveland Civic Center. 
Shalanda Burks performs the Star-Spangled Banner during the annual membership gala for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Jan. 25. 
Terrie Manners with Green Bank greets a crowd of 250-plus people during the annual membership gala for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Jan. 25, at the Cleveland Civic Center. 
Mayor Otis Cohn and Mary Merrill Cohn were happy to be a part of the festivities for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership gala on Friday, Jan. 25, at the Cleveland Civic Center. 
Graduates of Cleveland High School gathered for a group photo during the Jan. 25 annual membership gala for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. 
Annie Croley inspects a photo of an old fire truck that was used by the early Cleveland Fire Department. 
Randy Peery, also known as Roadhouse Randy, was the DJ for the annual membership gala for Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Jan. 25, at the Cleveland Civic Center. Pictured with Peery is Chamber CEO Jim Carson (right). 
Jim Carson, chief executive officer for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, donned a newsboy costume for the annual membership gala on Jan. 25 at the Cleveland Civic Center.