Billy Allen and Pauline Rushing were named the Lauderdale County Community Development Clubs’ 2005 Man and Woman of the Year Tuesday night at the organization’s annual awards program.

Communities from all over Lauderdale County were represented at the dinner/awards ceremony at Howard Johnson Convention Center. Clubs were recognized for their attendance records, and mini-grants were distributed. The highlight of the evening came with the recognition of Allen and Rushing for their participation in their respective clubs and their service to the community.

Allen, 66, is a member of the Collinsville Community Development Club. He said he is honored to receive the recognition but cannot take full credit for it.

“I accept this award for the club. It belongs to them just as much as me,” Allen said.

Allen has resided in Collinsville for 54 years and is heavily involved in volunteer work both independently and with the club. This has included volunteering at LOVE’s Kitchen, helping to organize Collinsville Day and sponsoring a yearly scholarship at Meridian Community College.

Rushing, 83, is a member of the Suqualena Community Development Club. She said she had heard rumors she would receive the award but was no less surprised when she got it.

“It was really an honor,” Rushing said. “I don’t do this for the recognition; I do it because it makes me feel good.”

Rushing has lived in the Suqualena community for 15 years, and her involvement has ranged from landscaping around the community to delivering meals to shut-ins to organizing church events.