The Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2026 recipients of its Fourth Annual Community Awards, sponsored by CNB Bank, Inc.
Six individuals and organizations have been selected for their outstanding contributions to Morgan County, with one final honor still to come.
The highly anticipated Morganite Award will be revealed live during the Chamber Awards Banquet on Thursday, September 17. All seven honorees will also serve as Grand Marshals of the 51st Annual Apple Butter Festival Parade on Saturday, October 10. 
Nominations were open throughout July, giving community members the opportunity to recognize the people and organizations whose hard work, generosity, service, and dedication make a difference in Morgan County.
After nominations closed, an anonymous committee carefully reviewed every submission and selected this year’s honorees.
“One of the best things about Morgan County is the number of people who genuinely care about this community and are willing to put that caring into action,” said Happy Rone, Executive Director of the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. “The Morganite Awards are a chance to recognize some of those remarkable people, to celebrate what they’ve accomplished, and, maybe most importantly, to make sure they know that their efforts are seen and appreciated.”
Business of the Year – Roy’s Service Center
More than a business, Roy’s Service Center has become a Morgan County institution, built on the hard work and commitment to community of the late Roy Hovermale and his family. Today, Betty “Nan” Hovermale, Cindy Hovermale, Jimmy Farris, Buffy Farris, and the entire Roy’s crew continue that tradition, earning a reputation for taking care of their neighbors just as well as they take care of their cars. They pump gas through the hottest summer days and coldest winter weather, support local nonprofits, schools, youth organizations, first responders, fundraisers, and community events, and have even been known to waive the fee for a notarization and suggest the customer give the money to an organization in need instead. And when Morgan County has someone worth celebrating, there’s a good chance you’ll find them getting a ride through town on a Roy’s rollback. As one nominator summed it up, “This business is a blessing to our community.”
Apple Butter Festival Volunteer of the Year – Rob Ford
For years, Rob Ford has been one of the people quietly working behind the scenes to make the Apple Butter Festival look effortless. As the driving force behind the busy Food Court behind Truist Bank, Rob spends countless hours planning vendor placement, coordinating utilities and logistics, helping vendors through setup, troubleshooting problems throughout the weekend, and staying long after the crowds have gone home to make sure everything is safely broken down. Remarkably, he does all of this while also operating Bob’s Big Beef, his family’s longtime business, which has been serving up its slow-smoked barbecue since 1985. Rob and the entire Ford family have given countless hours to the festival over the years, creating a tradition of service every bit as meaningful as the food they serve.
As Chamber Executive Director Happy Rone put it, “Rob is the first person I call when I need help, and somehow, no matter how busy he already is, his answer is always yes. Simply put, I could not do this festival without him, and I wouldn’t want to.”
Employee of the Year – Mark Winiarski, Morgan Arts Council
“Facilities Coordinator” may be Mark Winiarski’s title at the Morgan Arts Council, but his nominators agree it hardly begins to describe everything he does. Mark knows virtually every inch of the 40,000-square-foot Ice House, from its temperamental elevator and finicky HVAC systems to the sound and lighting equipment that helps bring its many performances and events to life. He is constantly on the move, setting up tables and chairs, building risers, preparing galleries and performance spaces, fixing equipment, running sound, and somehow anticipating what people need before they know they need it.
Whether supporting an exhibition, workshop, theater production, concert, or community event, Mark brings what one nominator described as “MacGyver-level inventiveness” along with an unflappable personality and tireless work ethic. As another put it, “The only thing Mark isn’t so great at is saying, ‘Sorry, can’t help, too busy, not my problem.’”
Community Hero – Dave Fink, Morgan County Deputy Reserves
The Community Hero Award recognizes those in law enforcement, fire and rescue, and other service roles who demonstrate dedication, courage, and a commitment to protecting our community. Dave Fink has demonstrated each of those qualities through thousands of hours of service to Morgan County. A veteran of the United States Navy, Dave has continued his commitment to serving others as a member of the Morgan County Deputy Reserves since 2019. He leads the Reserves in volunteer hours, giving up countless nights and weekends to be there when his community needs him and asking nothing in return. His nominator described Dave as the embodiment of a true Community Hero, citing his “selflessness, resilience, and steadfast commitment to making Morgan County a better place for all.” Whether serving his country or his neighbors here at home, Dave has demonstrated a remarkable sense of duty and a willingness to put others first.
Community Service Award – Matt Pennington
Awarded to a person who strives to make Morgan County a better place through volunteer service to the community, the Community Service Award seems especially fitting for someone whose nominators repeatedly said, “Matt is everywhere!” As manager of the Morgan County Wellness Center, Matt Pennington has helped transform The Well into a growing hub for health, recreation, and community, but his commitment to Morgan County extends far beyond his day job.
He gives his time to Morgan Arts Council concerts, local sports and recreation, environmental and watershed projects, Berkeley Springs Pride events, and seemingly anywhere else an extra set of hands is needed. His nominators described someone who works without ego, listens to what the community needs, and isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the heavy lifting to turn good ideas into action. Perhaps one nominator summed up Matt best with the question he asks time and again: “How can I help?”
Nonprofit of the Year – Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (EPEC)
New this year, the Nonprofit of the Year Award recognizes an organization that works tirelessly behind the scenes, and often out front, too, to serve our community. The Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center is a truly fitting inaugural recipient. For more than three decades, EPEC has been a steadfast source of support, advocacy, and hope for survivors throughout the Eastern Panhandle, including here in Morgan County, providing critical services to those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other forms of victimization.
In Morgan County, their impact reaches well beyond the individuals and families they directly serve, with EPEC’s expertise and advocacy supporting law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, social service agencies, and the court system throughout our community. Their advocates bring knowledge, professionalism, and compassion to people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, helping survivors find safety, support, and a path forward. As one nominator put it, “They are all dedicated heart and soul and give endlessly of their time and effort.”
The Community Awards Banquet will be held at The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs, and tickets are available through the Chamber office and website: www.BerkeleySpringsChamber.com. The event will feature dinner, recognition of the winners, and the presentation of the Morganite Award.
For more information about the Community Awards Banquet or the Apple Butter Festival, call the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce at 304-258-3738 or find them on Facebook.
