Tarpon Chamber Holds Luau, Presents Awards

For fun tonight, I decided to do an internet search for "Frances Paulk" just to see what I might find. I honestly wasn't expecting anything, but among other things, I found this delightful article! I remember hearing that Nana had won a "Courtesy Award" at some point, but I just thought it was no big deal. Truthfully, it doesn't surprise me to discover that Nana actually did win this award (and was the overall winner, no less!) because she was truly one of the kindest, politest, most sincere people I've ever known. She always says please and thank you, yes ma'am or sir and no ma'am or sir. She lives the proverb "a soft answer turneth away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1).

Be sure to click on the title of the article below and scroll up to see a picture of Nana at the awards banquet.

Tarpon Chamber Holds Luau, Presents Awards
St. Petersburg Times - October 11, 1969
Times Correspondent

TARPON SPRINGS - More than 250 persons clad in bright Polynesian costumes attended a luau at Tahitian Gardens Thursday night, staged by the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce.

The evening's entertainment included Polynesian music and dancing girls and the presentation of several awards.

Special recognition and plaques went to Karen Feltz and Spero Mailles for their heroism in saving lives in two accidents during the past year.

Miss Feltz, a resident of New Port Richey, pulled two men from the Anclote River December 17, 1968 when their car plunged into the water as the U.S. 19 bridge collapsed.

Mailles was able to revive one of two children he pulled from the water at Hudson Beach last summer.

The Chamber's annual "Courtesy Contest" awards went to Frances Paulk, assistant cashier at First National Bank of Tarpon Springs; Ronnie Hausen, Assistant Manager at Publix Super Market at Tarpon Mall; and Ann C. Smith, clerk at the Pick Quick Store in Buena Vista.

Mrs. Paulk was the overall winner. Hausen took the top spot in citywide competition and Mrs. Smith was the out-of-city winner.

Awards for the most colorful costumes went to Police Chief L.J. Buchanan and Jenny Williamson for their green and red Hawaiian attire.

1980 Woman of the Year

American Business Women's Association

Tarpon Springs Charter Chapter

Names Its Woman of the Year for 1980

Frances S. Paulk

Mr. A.L. Ellis hired me twenty-four years ago to open and manage an Exchange Teller position. I have full responsibility of all corresponding bank drafts, including the sale and report of all Cashier's Checks, sale and report of all Government EE & HH Bonds, all travelers cheques sold and also refund and make report of lost travelers cheques. I issue all foreign drafts in the county's exchange rate currency, order all foreign currency for customers. Handle all incoming and outgoing collections. Remit and make reports for all Federal Deposity receipts. Send funds to foreign countries when customers need immediate cash. Handle and report all insufficient items and all stop payments.

I am Assistant Vice Presiden in the bank, receiving this recognition after serving as Assistant Cashier for fifteen years. My position does not warrant direct supervision of other employees only in a general way, to help when the time arises.

In my heart, my greatest responsibility, (and also a joy), was watching the accomplishments my children made, having reaared them from an early age, as their father died suddenly, and seeing them receive their degrees from college with honors, and I am sure they make a contribution to life in their own way.

Member of Crystal Beach Community Church having served as Financial Secretary and a Sunday School teacher for fifteen years. Member of the Community Club. Each year I respond to the calls collecting for Heart Association, Arthritis Foundation, Lukemia Society and others that arise. Member of the Tarpon Springs Hospital Auxiliary. Member of the National ASsociation of Bank Women, Inc., having served as TReasurer of the Gulf Coast Group N.A.B.W. Nominated for listing in Who's Who of American Women. Was the first recipient of the Courtesy Award given by the Greater Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce.