On Saturday, April 21, Don Pullyblank was officially recognized by the Lions Club as Citizen of the Year. He was nominated by Mary Catherine Hamilton, who cited many of Pully's contributions to the Cal-Mum community, including his participation in Kelley's Heroes. When those in attendance were encouraged to comment, Kathy "encouraged" me to say a few words about Pully and Kelley's Heroes.

I met Pully in the spring of 1977 when I joined the Variety Show. I was on stage that year, and Pully was in the pit, but it didn't take long to start a friendship that has lasted 35 years. Since then we have performed together for many Variety Shows, church events, school events, Just Playin' Folks and LeRoy Town Band. As Pully likes to say, he and I have been playing around for 35 years and haven't had an affair yet.

Pully is a valuable member of Kelley's Heroes. He has an energy and unique sense of humor that is infectious in a group setting. Some of the things he says are outrageous, especially in view of the fact that he doesn't drink. Just imagine what he might say if that filter were removed!

Many Heroes were among the 150 people in attendance at the dinner. One of the highlights of the evening was when Pully's three daughters - Marie, Marcia (also a Hero) and Brenda - danced with Pully's three elderly aunts to Y.M.C.A. We were all out of our seats, dancing and clapping, when Pully performed his signature move of dancing on a chair - a folding chair, at that. Just another reason why it's a good thing he doesn't drink.

Always ready to make music, Pully brought both his trumpet and valve trombone to dinner. Unfortunately, no one else was thinking that way, so there was no live music except for the singing of God Bless America. However, Pully will have another opportunity to be recognized as Citizen of the Year this Monday at the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Legion when he plays the trumpet to lead the singing of The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

If you haven't already done so, take the time to congratulate Pully for this recognition.