POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce honored two women for their contributions to the community at the organization’s annual dinner Nov. 14 at SUNY Potsdam.

The chamber presented the Pride in Potsdam Community Award to Amy Murphy on behalf of the Dick Murphy/Dalton Guyette Memorial Youth Project, and the Commitment to the Community award to Lou Ann Lange for sharing her love of flowers and plants.

With 110 in attendance, executive director Maggie McKenna and board president Janice Adderley also discussed progress the chamber has made this year including the transitions of new executive directors and their successful Summerfest, Fright Fest and new networking mixer events.

Potsdam Food Co-op General Manager Lee VandeWater and Potsdam Village Administrator Greg Thompson spoke about their enthusiasm for Potsdam and the positive changes and growth they are seeing in the community.

The Dick Murphy/Dalton Guyette Memorial Youth Project has been coordinated by Potsdam Central School teacher’s assistant Amy Murphy since 2003. The project searches for children with families in financial need and awards scholarships that enable these children to participate in various activities throughout the community.

Originating in Potsdam, it has grown to serve children in 11 surrounding communities with the hope of expanding throughout St. Lawrence County. Scholarships are awarded now to 140 children a year.

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From left, Chamber board president Janice Adderley, Commitment to the Community Award recipient Lou Ann Lange, Brenda Gravander (the friend of Lange who nominated her for the award), Chamber Board Vice President Sarah Sachs, Chamber executive director Maggie McKenna

Potsdam Central School Superintendent Joann Chambers nominated the organization for the work they do for families in Potsdam and the surrounding community. She presented the award to Amy Murphy at the dinner with over a dozen of her school colleagues in attendance.

“This award is on behalf of a lot of people. It is a group effort. It has been the whole community that has helped with this scholarship program. I have walked into businesses for 14 years and they give me a check and a smile and say what a wonderful program it is,” said Murphy.

“The scholarship program helps students all over St. Lawrence County,” said Murphy. “Teachers have often pitched in to help with a donation when the money had already been spent”, she said.

The scholarship program started with Cynthia Talcott, Helping Hands director, and Murphy. When Amy Murphy’s father-in-law Dick Murphy died, son Kevin Murphy and Amy began learning about many kind things Dick Murphy had done to help others, including handing out hats and mittens to children who did not have them as they walked by his business. Amy Murphy said she and her husband later decided they wanted to pay it forward.

Lou Ann Lange received the Commitment to the Community award. For many years she has planted flowers downtown by the Civic Center and other places around the village. This year she purchased many of the plants, planted them and cared for them all summer.

Her friend Brenda Gravander, who nominated Lou Ann, said “it was a very time-consuming and eagerly-consuming job but she did it because she wanted to beautify our village... She did this without help from any other person. I hope people enjoyed the flowers. I am proud of the work she has done.”

Gravender noted Lange "made sure the plants were watered every day during those very hot days we had in the summer." Lange has also served on the Library Board and can be seen each Saturday at the book sale. "Lou Ann is always lending a hand to someone or some organization. A more giving person you will not find,” said Gravender.

Potsdam Public Library Manager and Chamber Board 1st VP Sarah Sachs presented the award to Lange at the dinner.

The annual dinner gives the Board of Directors and staff of the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce the opportunity to thank everyone for their contributions to the success of the organization this year, especially each of its 220 members.

The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce, 24 Market St., is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to promoting the general welfare and prosperity of the membership and the greater Potsdam community. For more information, visit potsdamchamber.com or email director@potsdamchamber.com.