Former Calvert County Commissioner Wilson H. Parran received one of the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce’s most prestigious awards Wednesday, Oct. 26. The Calvert County native accepted the John C. Smith Public Service Award from Chamber officials at the local organization’s 2011 Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. The event was held at the Holiday Inn Solomons Conference Center and Marina.

While Parran’s two consecutive four-year terms on the Board of County Commissioners might arguably be what most county residents know him for, his resume contains several other county and state leadership positions.

“He is the only person in the State of Maryland who has served as president of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, the president of the Maryland State Board of Education and president of the Maryland Association of Counties,” noted Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chair Gladys Jones,

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service to others,” said Parran, who thanked his wife of 37 years, Deborah. “She has inspired me for four decades.”

Jax Photography of Chesapeake Beach, owned by Jacqueline Malonson, was recognized as Chamber Member of the Year. While her wedding photography keeps her busy, it was noted Malonson has donated a substantial amount of time to taking pictures at some of the Calvert Chamber’s major events.

The Chamber’s Home Based Business of the Year Award was presented to David Lysinger, owner of DJ Dave Karaoke & Entertaining Services.

“Thanks to all of my employees,” said Lysinger, who is a member of the Broadcast Institute of Maryland’s Hall of Fame. The Lusby resident established the first ever scholarship in the trade school’s history.

Chesapeake Pharmacy earned the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award. Calvert County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Carolyn McHugh noted Chesapeake Pharmacy and its parent company, Chesapeake Drug Inc., has 25 full-and part-time employees. The local business has frequently earned the praise of the national pharmaceutical industry for their high standards. Owner Leo Mallard expressed pride in the fact that Chesapeake Pharmacy has been a member of the local Chamber since opening in 1986.

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