Delegate John Overington presented a "Winners Award" to the Morris Young Retired Men's Chorus on Friday, October 29 at the Senior Center in Martinsburg. The award is given to a person or group committed to helping others; giving something back to help make this world, this community a better place, getting someone to smile or get through a rough time.

In the 22 years that the Men's Chorus has been organized they have spent much time and energy providing entertainment, encouragement, joy and cheer. They have been to the Senior Citizen's center, nursing homes, retirement homes, churches and hospitals and a variety of places in the area.

Twenty-two years ago a group of men started singing at the Retired Men's Retreat. The year was 1977 and out of this was born the Retired Men's Chorus They were renamed the Morris Young Retired Men's Chorus in the mid 1980's upon the death of Morris Young. Two of the charter members are active today, Bruce Brenner and Shirley Keller.

They moved to the John Street School and operated from the basement until 1990 where they moved to Ramer School. The dedication of this group is shown by the fact they have not missed a single meeting in the last 20 years. The group does not charge a fee and at the same time has donated much back to the community, including donating more than a third of the cost of the piano at the Senior Center.

The creed of the group is from Psalm 104 Verse 33 and is most appropriate: "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." Their motto is to serve others.

Since being elected to public office, Delegate Overington has established and awarded the Winners/Volunteer Award every year or two to a volunteer or group that has shown exceptional volunteer effort and community service. The selection criterion is that those involved look at things on the bright side and are ready to lend a hand to provide assistance. They show positive leadership in dealing with problems, find solutions in ways to help people and improve the community. This year's group was nominated by Falling Waters resident Sherry Dockeney. Overington welcomes nominations from the public.

In the past individuals and groups including volunteer firefighters, Crimesolvers, those helping with litter cleanup, animal welfare, road improvement efforts, community beautification have been nominated and awarded the Winners Award. The last Winners Award was presented last year to the Martinsburg Senior Kitchen Band for the musical cheer and entertainment they have provided for more than two decades.