Linda Payne

lpayne@newstopic.net

The annual Hudson Man and Woman of the Year festivities Thursday honored two individuals who take great pride in their town.

The Hudson Community Development Association named J.B. Cloer as the Man of the Year and Sylvia Kirby as the Woman of the Year. Both individuals share a passion to serve their town and were speechless to hear the news.

"When I called and told J.B. that he had won, his first reaction was a pause of silence and then he gave me a typical answer," said last year's recipient Joel Carroll, who presented the award. "He said 'Surely there is someone more deserving of this than me.'"

Cloer is a Hudson native who worked more than 25 years as a postal carrier. He not only faithfully delivered the mail to residents on his route each day, but he also watched out for them. He served as a handyman, a confidant and made arrangements for people who didn't have rides.

Though he no longer works for the postal service, Cloer's giving nature still is part of his daily life. He spends his days tutoring at Hudson Middle School and visiting area nursing homes. He said he is proud to be part of the town and feels blessed to receive the honor.

"I love you all, and I want you to know that Hudson is a wonderful place," Cloer said. "I have lived here more than 80 years, and I thank you for letting me be part of it. For this, I am grateful."

Kirby may not have lived in Hudson all her life, but she is proud to call it home. She is an active community member who volunteers whenever she can. She has shared her passion for music by playing or singing at community events, funerals and on Sundays at Hudson United Methodist Church. She has been a member of the Hudson Garden Club and said she loves to sew.

Dressed in her very own creation, Kirby said she couldn't believe she was picked.

"What an honor it is to be selected," she said. "I thank you very much. This town has become very important to me. From the moment I arrived, I saw beauty in everyone's faces and the pride each one of you has in this town. Thank you again."

In addition, Chemical Coatings Inc., and Hudson Fire and Rescue were recognized as the 2009 Business and Civic Club of the Year. Both have been steadfast members of the community for several decades and do their best each day to make Hudson proud. Chemical Coatings employs nearly 300 people and has strived to make a difference both locally and globally. In addition, members of Hudson Fire and Rescue were recognized for placing service before themselves each day to keep residents safe.