Those attending Cambridge City Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner had two mysteries to solve.
Who committed a murder during the 1940s movie and train themed dinner theater performance?
Who won the Small Town Big Heart award?
The second puzzle might have been easier to figure out.
The winners, Arnold and Ann Boyd, are active in many Cambridge City organizations. Based on the hugs and handshakes they received, they’re also well-known to many who attended the March 13 banquet at Hartley Hills Country Club in Hagerstown.
Chamber leaders say they feel it’s important to recognize Western Wayne residents who help make the community a great place to live.
When board member Silvia Bowman-Hamilton notified the Boyds that they’d won the award, they said they were shocked because they hadn’t done anything outstanding to earn that honor.
Arnold said many people are active in the community and really deserve the award.
“If we represent some of them, that’s what counts,” he said.
However, selectors were impressed with their lengthy list of community activities.
“Arnold and Ann are truly a team,” Bowman-Hamilton said. “Usually when you see one, you see both.”
They’re active with Western Wayne Senior Center, frequently driving those without transportation for medical appointments, groceries or other needs. Arnold’s also on the center’s board.
Ann said the center really needs more volunteer drivers, and the Boyds make themselves available as often as possible for that role.
“I’ve met some of the nicest people ever by driving,” said Ann, a Preble County, Ohio, native who moved to Wayne County after attending business college.
She worked for Richmond’s mall when it was owned by Simon Property Group, becoming office manager and then mall manager. She held dual management roles of Richmond and Anderson malls, and then oversaw just the Anderson mall after Simon sold Richmond’s mall, before retirement.
In addition, Arnold is president of Cambridge City Crime Watch, and Ann is its secretary.
They’ve been part of the watch group since it started, which in recent years has offered various prevention and safety programs on topics such as health emergencies, financial crimes and gun safety. CCCW has fundraised to provide the town’s police department with two K-9 officers and their ongoing maintenance, along with stop sticks and body cameras.
The Boyds have volunteered at chamber projects such as making interior upgrades to the fire station and painting a senior’s home. They also volunteer at Cambridge City Main Street’s two annual town-wide cleanup days.
“All you have to do is call them and they show up with a big smile,” said Rebecca Powell, noting the Boyds were a “fantastic” choice for the chamber.
Arnold, who was in the first Milton/Lincoln consolidation graduating class of 1964, said he’s enjoyed having more time to give back to his hometown area after retiring from management at Hoffco/Comet Industries. Some of his earlier activities include serving on Milton’s town board for more than 20 years and as president of Western Wayne Jaycees.
Updated March 17, 2025 at 2:11 p.m. to correct the quote attribution in the second to last paragraph.
A version of this article appeared in the March 19 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.