By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
A Yukon chiropractor has earned one of the most distinguished honors presented to a Yukon medical professional.
Dr. Teresa Vestal accepted the T.J. Lowery Humanitarian Award at the Yukon Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Gala & Auction inside the Palace Event Center, 2310 N Banner Road in El Reno.
As a licensed chiropractor, Dr. Vestal provides her patients with overall health and wellness strategies.
She treats patients alongside her husband Jonathan, clinic owner of Family Wellness Chiropractic in Yukon.
Named after the longtime Yukon physician, the T.J. Lowery Humanitarian Award is presented annually to a medical professional whose character displays dedication to their patients and the medical profession and a commitment to the community.
“Dr. Teresa Vestal exemplifies these traits,” said award presenter Terry Martin, who was named “Best Solo Artist” as Marilyn Monroe in the gala lip sync contest.
“She’s dedicated to her patients and to her profession. She’s active in her community and she supports chamber and city functions.”
Other annual Yukon Chamber award recipients announced at the April 21st gala were:
• Large Business of the Year – Spanish Cove Retirement Village
Spanish Cove’s mission is to provide high-quality senior living experiences that promote a purposeful innovative and secure lifestyle.
Founded in 1974 by the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association, Spanish Cove was the first not-for-profit public trust continuing care retirement community in Oklahoma.
“As Spanish Cove approaches its 50th anniversary in 2024, it continues to be known as a premier continuing lifecare community, instrumental in setting the standards by which other retirement communities are measured,” Yukon Chamber board member Homer Cobb said.
• Medium Business of the Year – R&B Trees
Owner Ben Martin and his crew provide professional tree services to the Canadian County community “with skills and abilities, state-of-the-art equipment and a willingness to help others when there may be danger involving trees and no funds to complete the work,” Yukon Chamber Vice President Missy King said.
Martin is exemplary when dealing with customers and ensures his workers follow strict safety guidelines, King added.
• Small Business of the Year – True North Agency
Owner Lynn North operates “one of the most giving businesses of time and donations in the chamber,” Yukon Chamber board member Ken Wilkins said.
True North Agency is very involved in the Chamber Ambassador program, buying lunch for most of the monthly meetings.
North allows employees to participate in non-profit activities and was integral to the success of the new Yukonopoly board game.
• Nonprofit of the Year – Yukon Sharing
Yukon Sharing is serving more people than ever, according to Yukon Chamber President-elect Mike Gray.
“They provided $30,000 for 52 families to pay their utility bills,” Gray told the audience.
“They served over 8,000 people last year provided 318 backpacks for Yukon children pre-K to high school and partnered with the Yukon Chamber Ambassadors to distribute 230 Christmas food baskets to families in the Yukon area.”
Yukon Sharing Ministry has served Yukon for more than 40 years, providing food, clothing, and rent and utility assistance to those in need.
The Nonprofit of the Year award – first presented in 2021 – is “given to the person or organization who has invested significant time and energy to the betterment of the community on a volunteer basis.”
• Volunteer of the Year – Andrea Griffin
Yukon Chamber board member Shelli Selby, Yukon’s mayor, presented this award to her friend.
She called Griffin an “ultimate volunteer for all things Yukon” and an “all-around promoter of Yukon.”
Griffin, who is Yukon Main Street’s office coordinator, volunteers for the Yukon Chamber annd the Beautiful Day Foundation.
She is a member of the Yukon Rotary Club and Canadian County Power of 100, and serves as secretary of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association.
• Ambassador of the Year – Maddison Spikes
This year’s award winner is “never afraid to try anything new – or hard,” Yukon Chamber Board Member Lynn North said.
“Like a woman putting brakes on her own vehicle.”
