LEBANON — Lebanon's 2008 Man of the Year was on vacation and not able to give an acceptance speech at the 60th Lebanon Community Distinguished Awards.

The 2008 Woman of the Year was on hand for Tuesday's ceremony, held by the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce, but so surprised she was nearly equally speechless.

"I did not expect this, and I'm so appreciative," said Ginger Allen, assistant to the city manager for the city of Lebanon. "You're not alone when you receive something like this. I work with great people and I live with great people, and I have a great God in my life who makes things possible for me. And I'm so proud to live in Lebanon."

Allen received her award for her work on a variety of community endeavors, including being the city's liaison for Partners for Progress, supporting and contributing to Lebanon High School athletic programs, and chairing the annual Holidays in the Park.

Dave Robinson of City & Suburban Electric, Lebanon's Man of the Year, was taking a well-deserved break after a holiday season spent looking after every aspect of the city's Christmas lights, from equipment to transport to storage, said presenter Rod Sell.

"When new bulbs are needed, they just kind of magically appear, and there's never a request for a reimbursement," Sell said.

Mary Meader of the Chamber accepted the award on Robinson's behalf. "Dave's just awesome, and I'll be happy to present this to him," she said.