By J SWGYART

In recognition of their numerous religious, civic, educational and philanthropic endeavors throughout the Berne and southern Adams County community, Art and Gloria Muselman were posthumously awarded the Berne Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement Award during the organization's annual membership banquet on Tuesday evening.

The couple was killed in a traffic accident in Wells County in August of 2007.

Tuesday's chamber banquet was held at the Swiss Village retirement facility in Berne, which proved to be an appropriate backdrop for the emotional evening.

Daryl Martin, Swiss Village executive director, presented a tribute to the Muselman couple, both of whom played significant roles in the development of the retirement community during its formative years. Art Muselman was a longtime member of the Swiss Village board of directors and served as its president for eight years.

Martin said both Art and Gloria Muselman gave of the time, talents and financial support "not for the attention they might receive, but because they were grateful people. They invested love in this community with their generosity, with no expectation of recognition. They epitomized the true spirit of giving."

Martin then made a surprise announcement to the chamber membership when he said a long-discussed Wellness Center at Swiss Village will become a reality, thanks in great part to the Muselman's contributions.

"The Wellness Center will happen because of the support Art and Gloria have given," said Martin. "Art's birthday was February 1, and this year on that day Swiss Village will make public the details of a Wellness Center that will be available not only to Swiss Village residents but to the South Adams community."

The couple's children, Roger Muselman and Karen Thomas, accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their parents.

Roger Muselman said Swiss Village "was a huge passion for our parents, and that was due to the leadership of Daryl Martin."

Struggling to keep his emotions in check, Muselman added, "Our parents loved Berne and it's people. They were so proud to live here. They loved people, and when you love God and you love people, people love you."