Over 70 members of the Butler County Civic League met on Sept. 27 at Dunbar Recreation Center for their annual fall banquet.

The keynote speaker for the event was Col. Lorenza Bedgood, a Greenville native who graduated from Alabama State and spent 26 years in the Air Force before retiring in 2006.

Now Bedgood is a motivational speaker, and he spoke about “Present and Accounted For — A Dream We Can Achieve.”

He said voting, especially in the Nov. 4 election, is how change can happen.

Bedgood said that change can happen if we are present and accounted for, but just showing up wasn’t enough — neighbors needed to show up too.

“This is our duty. This is our job. This is our responsibility. This is our community service,” he said. “This is how we will make a difference. This is how we will make the American dream come true. This is how we will help gas prices come down and stay down.”

He also spoke about how we can educate the children of America, care for the old, and secure good jobs.

Bedgood also recited a poem called “Rise Beyond Challenges” from his book of the same name.

“It was a dynamic program, and I think everyone enjoyed it,” said Yvonne Bedgood Gulley. “Lorenza has always been a dreamer. He’s achieved much in his life and motivated others to follow in his footsteps.”

Following the speech, awards were presented.

Hilda Ross, Emmett Ross, Carolyn Sarblah, E.R. Hudson, Tammie Rice and Beulah Cook were honored for their accomplishments as members of the Civic League.

Acting commissioner Mary Robinson received a special presentation in honor of her late husband, commissioner Daniel Robinson.

Chairperson Thelma Bedgood Mixon was also presented a plaque for outstanding achievement.

“We want to thank everyone that came out and supported us, especially members and the community,” Mixon said. “We are also thankful to the businesses for donating door prizes. Overall, the event was excellent.”