Advertisement

Ambassadors Celebrate 30 Years: Honor Montgomery

Ambassadors Celebrate 30 Years: Honor Montgomery
Advertisement
By Ro Morse, West Kentucky Star Staff
Aug. 21, 2018 | PADUCAH
By Ro Morse, West Kentucky Star Staff Aug. 21, 2018 | 12:40 PM | PADUCAH
For 30 years, Paducah Ambassadors have been meeting and greeting visitors in this river city. Monday night they gathered for their annual meeting to honor their founder, former Mayor Gerry Montgomery. 

Organizers took Montgomery down memory lane with three decades of photos, quotes, music and notes. All dressed in red, the all-volunteer group filled Walker Hall, shared a delicious meal, listened to Dr. Ted Borodofsky play clarinet, and celebrated their founder and beloved friend Gerry Montgomery. 

Mayor Brandi Harless addressed the group and shared how much she admired and respected her predecessor. "I went down to the basement of city hall, found her old chair, cleaned it up and now I have it in my office. I sit in Mayor Montgomery's chair." We hope to continue her legacy, making Paducah the best it can be. 

City Manager Jim Arndt expressed his gratitude to the Paducah Ambassadors and said he'd heard bout the organization but after the evening, had an even greater appreciation. 

Ambassador President Robert Worden read names of Ambassadors who had each volunteered over 100 hours in the past year. There were some who had served almost 300 hours. As he listed the different meetings, reunions, conventions, ribbon cuttings, riverboat dockings, downtown events, festivals, etc., it was obvious the group stays amazingly involved. He emphasized the organization's continuing goal to make visitors know they are welcome and share Paducah's history and hospitality. 

Montgomery was asked to speak. She expressed her appreciation to the group for their dedication to Paducah and how much she admires their tireless efforts and their devotion for the past three decades. She talked about how important it is to always make Paducah the best it can be. She told of how some people, even those who have lived here for a long time, found out how terrific Paducah was from an Ambassador's point of view. A specific example was given. Montgomery shared her past and present interest in preserving, maintaining and manicuring places like Noble Park, where all citizens can utilize and enjoy city property. She was presented multiple awards and one will be made official at Tuesday night's City Commission Meeting.

Roy Hensel narrated a creative skit where Ambassadors wore lots of different "hats". He told about the many different professions and talents Paducah Ambassadors bring to the organization and share with the community. "We wear many hats," he said and one by one the Ambassadors lined up and put on a different hat for each profession they represented. It was clever and entertaining.

An Ambassador Fashion Show showcased different styles worn by Ambassadors during the past three decades. From red kilts and ties, red blazers and polos, red hats and scarves, red shoes and socks, to the formal black pants and red jackets, it was all RED. After all modeled their attire, Worden reminded the group, "Red is the international tourism color representing hospitality". 

All in all, it was an evening where all things Paducah were celebrated. Gerry Montgomery, surrounded by family and friends, was surprised and humbled by all the accolades.   
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement


Latest McCracken County
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest McCracken County

Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT