Lots of fun, food and prizes were enjoyed at the Chester County Camera Club’s end-of-year party and awards celebration held Tuesday, June 12.   Members and guests marveled at the creativity of Kayann Cassidy’s themed decorations celebrating summer with “Life is Better in Flip Flops”.  Lots of flip flops decorated the room and made colorful centerpieces.  And everyone enjoyed the display of all the award-winning images printed out and displayed by Kayann.  Thanks to Kayann and her helpers for creating a fun and festive atmosphere!

A picnic of a festive variety of appetizers, dinner dishes and delectable deserts were provided by members and enjoyed by all.  At the appropriate time, President Bob Kelly got everyone’s attention and started the Awards Ceremony.  Bob reviewed the highlights of the year and what a year it has been!  Record membership, fantastic speakers, a robust outings program and the addition of workshops and mentor meetings provided numerous learning and fun opportunities for all members.  Quite a few door prizes were awarded, so many party goers went home with some photo bling! Bob announced the list of Competition Assigned Categories for next year, and then recognized the efforts of the many volunteers who have given their time and expertise to make the CCCC such a wonderful experience for members.   

Special Awards: 

The People’s Choice Awards is a high honor to receive as it goes to those images voted as favorites of the year by other CCCC members.  The First Place award went to Fiona Keyes for her stunning image “Ballerina”.  There was a three-way tie for Second Place, with the honors going to Ginia Apostolacus for “Foggy Tracks”, Eric Loken for “Powerful – Lancaster County” and to Betsy Wilson for “Shadow the Chef”. 

Then Bob displayed images by the next award recipient, the Photographer of the Year.  This top award is based on points earned during the year awarded to ribbon-winning images.  As the audience witnessed the display of very creative and mostly abstract images, there was not a doubt in the room as to who was receiving the award – Arvid Bloom.  Arvid’s images are unique and capture the intrigue and imagination of the viewer – always in a dramatic and pleasing composition.  Arvid was presented quite a few prizes donated by sponsors in addition to a plaque. And he shared some humble and heartfelt thoughts with the group, and made a point to thank member Anita Bower for challenging everyone to pick an area of focus for the year and concentrate on it.  Arvid shared that he took that challenge and focused on creating artistic abstract images,  Clearly the judges agreed that his personal challenge was quite successful!

Bob asked Howard Sundwall to come up to the front for the “passing of the key”.  Howard is the new president of the Chester County Camera Club.  The members gave Howard a loud round of applause as he accepted the key and his new position.  Well known for leading a fantastic outings program, Howard will no doubt be an excellent leader for the club. Howard gave a few remarks and said he was excited to work with everyone for the upcoming year.

Then Membership Coordinators Valerie Dunn and Paula Miller approached the front to present a thank you gift to outgoing president Bob Kelly from the members.  Bob was honored and will no doubt enjoy his gift of engraved beer pint glasses and a variety of specialty beers.

The celebration was a fantastic way to wrap up another strong year for the Chester County Camera Club.  A big thank you to everyone who helped during the year – this club has very active volunteers who contribute all year-long in so many ways.  Happy summer and keep shooting!  See you in September!