Mayor Bob Massengill was surprised Tuesday to discover he hasbeen named the 2008 honoree at the Ole Brook VIP Banquet and GalaDec. 8 at the Lincoln County Multi-Purpose Building.

O Foundation board members Rose Powell, Edward Lenoir and EthelMerle Henderson, 2007 honoree Brookhaven Police Chief Pap Hendersonand Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Executive VicePresident Cliff Brumfield surprised the mayor in his office withthe announcement.

“I greatly appreciate this. This is a real honor, especiallyfollowing the chief,” Massengill said.

The mayor was also surprised to learn his wife, Carol, was awareof the nomination and helped arrange to have him available at theappointed time of the announcement.

“I can’t believe she knew and managed to keep this from me,”Massengill said. “She did a good job.”

Henderson understood the mayor’s situation. Henderson’s wife,Ella, helped the O Foundation arrange his surprise announcementlast year.

“I find it amazing what they can keep from you,” Henderson saidand laughed.

Powell said Massengill was a unanimous decision by the board,but it was not an easy one.

“There are so many deserving it would take more than a 100 yearsto get to everyone,” she said.

Massengill also had the Henderson’s recommendation. It is Galatradition to ask the year’s nominee to suggest his successor.

The mayor, however, stood above the other nominees because ofhis humbleness, commitment to God and community service.

“We chose the mayor because he’s done so much to bring thecommunity together,” Powell said. “Whenever someone calls him healways shows up at an event, whether it’s on the east side or thewest side. His office is always open.”

The gala is the O Foundation’s only fundraiser. Money raisedduring the event funds the organization’s daily operations, ascholarship, Venturing group and donations to youth programs forthe needy and the Widows and Orphans Home.