BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Monitor Editor
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS— The city council recognized the community’s state champion weightlifting team and gave a key to the city to the owner of Johnny’s Barbecue during its Aug. 1 meeting.
Mayor Karen Lake reminded weightlifting team members that the municipality posted signs at its city limits proclaiming their championship from last year. She then presented the team with a sign commemorating this year’s championship.
“Anything that happens at the high school that is fantastic, we as a city try to acknowledge your accomplishments,” she said.
“These guys work hard,” Weightlifting Coach Lance Lowery told the audience. “A lot of what we do is probably child abuse. These guys put in the effort year-round. We don’t take breaks.”
He added that team members, who also play football, lift during the football season. He said they take one week off for Thanksgiving and one week off following the state championship meet.
“It’s what we do,” he said. “It’s in their blood.”
Lowery said that weightlifting is one of the few high school sports participants can continue throughout their lifetimes.
“I’ll never play football again,” he said. “You can always do this.”
Johnny Mason given key to the city
Lake said she launched an initiative to recognize city residents that have impacted Keystone Heights, taking nominations from council members. She said the first person recognized under the new program is Johnny Mason, whose family owns Johnny’s Barbecue.
“When I think of Johnny’s,” Lake said, “I think of sweet tea, and it’s funny because I don’t even drink sweet tea.”
The mayor added that the restaurant’s sweet tea is well known throughout the Lake Region, not only for its taste but that it represents the restaurant owners’ community spirit.
“I can only imagine the thousands of gallons of sweet tea Johnny has donated to Little League, Pop Warner, softball, band, soccer and all of the organizations he has generously provided to over the years.”
Lake said Mason uses his food and hospitality knowledge to help community groups raise money through fundraising drives at his restaurant.
