Recognition awards presented at Lincoln Reagan dinner
Published 12:09 am Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Henry Alexander, husband of the late Karen Alexander, center, and her son Daniel Almazan, far right,accept her award for the Republican of the Year from Tony Yon, at left. – Submitted
The Republican Volunteer Award was presented to Mike Frazier, right from Tony Yon, chairman of the Rowan Republican Party, left. — Submitted
Jim Deal, 102, and Alice Swanson, 101, chat as they wait for the dinner and program to begin. – Karen Kistler
North Carolina Auditor Dave Bollek served as one of the keynote speakers. —Submitted
6th District Congressman Addison McDowell was one of the keynote speakers. – Submitted
A special place setting was on one of the tables in memory of Karen Alexannder.
Terry Osborne, left, talks with Cindy and Michael Adkins, superior court judge, prior to the program. – Karen Kistler
Linda Lee sings the national anthem as Republican Chair Tony Yon, second from left, Pastor Charles Snow and District 83 Representative Grant Campbell, stand at attention. – Karen Kistler
Troy Horton, left, and Mike Catus, president of the veteran’s council, go through the buffet line. – Karen Kistler
Karen Kistler
karen.kistler@salisburypost.com
The Rowan Community Center, formerly the West End Plaza, was the site for the 2025 Rowan County Republican Party Lincoln Reagan Dinner.
Held on Saturday, a large number of people gathered for the annual event where they had the opportunity to visit with each other prior to the start of the program and be able to bid on the wide variety of raffle items.
The program began with Tony Yon, chairman of the Rowan Republican Party, giving a welcome to everyone and thanking all those who worked to make the event successful, followed by the invocation by Pastor Charles Snow of Chapel Street Baptist Church in Landis.
Officers from the Rowan County Sheriff’s department presented the colors with District 83 Representative Grant Campbell leading in the Pledge of Allegiance and Linda Lee singing the national anthem.
Yon recognized a number of elected officials and honored guests including all veterans who were in attendance. A special recognition was given to 102-year-old veteran Jim Deal, who was there. Following the announcements, everyone was invited to enjoy the catered meal provided by Debbie Suggs Catering.
After the dinner, N.C. Auditor Dave Boliek and U.S. Rep. Addison McDowell served as the keynote speakers.
Two special awards were presented by Yon during the evening including the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award Republican of the Year Award.
The Republican Volunteer Award was presented to Election Integrity Chair Mike Frazier. It was noted in an email from Erica Vedeikis that this award went to Frazier “for his dedication and leadership to our poll observers and the election process.”
The Republican of the Year was awarded posthumously to Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander. Her award was accepted by her husband Henry Alexander and son Daniel Almazan. A special place was reserved at one of the tables for her and included pearls draping a photo of her and in the place setting.
The evening concluded with the announcement of raffle winners and closing remarks by Yon.
