The Priest family, from left, Norris, Nibby and Mary Elizabeth were given the Downtown Henderson Project’s “Heart of Henderson” award. Photo by Mike Lawrence
By RON JENKINS, Gleaner correspondent
Friday, January 26, 2007
A family that lives and works in downtown Henderson was honored Thursday as recipient of the Downtown Henderson Project’s "Heart of Henderson" award, marking the first time in in the award’s 13-year history that it has gone to a family.
Norris Priest, his wife Mary Elizabeth and their son Nibby were lauded by presenter Bill Rideout as a family involved in a wide range of "in-depth opportunities" that promote Henderson and its downtown.
The Priest family owns the Vaughn Insurance Agency at 315 N. Main St. and the L&N Bed and Breakfast at 327 N. Main as well as downtown rental property.
"We always like to say we’ve come a long way," Mrs. Priest said, smiling. "Our first home was across the street from where we are now." In a more serious vein, Mrs. Priest told the audience, "You don’t know what a delight it has been" to manage the bed and breakfast, which has attracted visitors to Henderson from afar.
Rideout described the bed and breakfast as "a great public relations vehicle" for Henderson and outlined several civic endeavors by the family, including Nibby Priest’s organizational efforts for the Pickin’ n Pedalin’ biking event related to Bluegrass in the Park, Mrs. Priest’s volunteer role as a swimming instructor for young schoolchildren and Norris Priest’s entertainment contribution as an amateur magician.
"This is a great community to be from," Norris Priest said. "It’s really been good to us. We love you and may God bless you in a special way."
