Congratulations to Harry J

[Thumbs]

Congratulations to Harry Jilson for receiving the Opticians Association of Massachusetts Lifetime Achievement Award today at the Annual Fall Conference. As most of you have got to know Harry only through his many posts, Harrry is one of the most dedicated optical professionals that I have met in my many years as an optician in Massachusetts. His tireless hours and efforts to improving Opticianry in our state is why Harry is very deserving of this prestigious award.
Congratulations Harry! :cheers:

[bob_f_aboc]

Congratulations!!!! Big time achievement! Way to go!!

[wmcdonald]

I am pleased to hear of this very well-deserved recognition, Harry. I am thrilled for you and know how proud you must be. If only some here could know you personally as I do. You are one of the very best, my friend.

Warren

[mshimp]

congratulations!!!

[For-Life]

congrats

[Johns]

Way to go Harry! I don't think that all the young opticians realize the effort that has gone into making the profession what it is today. It wouldn't have happened w/out dedicated folks like you.

Congratulations!:cheers:

[Jacqui]

Congratulations !!

[Chris Ryser]

Congratulations Harry

[optical24/7]

Congratulations Harry. Thank you for all you do!



:cheers::cheers::cheers:

[Sean]

To one of the best i know personally and professionally......Congrats Harry!!!

[Fezz]

Awesome!

Way to go Harry! Thank you for the hard work and dedication to our craft!

[obxeyeguy]

Congratulations Harry!!

[hcjilson]

Without a doubt it was a great honor.They even mentioned Optiboard a couple of times and gave it one good plug! I was informed on Fri afternoon that I was to receive it. Blair probably wanted to give my some time to prepare some remarks.(He had received an award earlier and was quite articulate in his acceptance)So I had thought about it and pretty much knew what I wanted to say. Public speaking has never been a problem for me regardless of the size of the group so I was not nervous at all. Please keep in mind that this is a lifetime achievement award. I got up to be introduced, and on my way to the podium I started thinking about all the people who have helped shape my career by teaching me, guiding me, giving me direction and covering up my deficiencies which are a lot more than just a few. Many have passed on, but just as many were in the room. I began to get emotional (quite unlike me) and when it came my turn to speak I really got too choked up to continue! That's an awful feeling to have in front of 300 people. My wife Sue, daughter, and granddaughter were there which heightend my emotional state- Put plainly, I was a mess! Somehow I got through it but have no idea what I said.

I am very honored to receive this award but honest enough to know I was in the company of all the people who had made it possible. It was a feeling I will never forget.

I just want those who read this to know they are included in this group and their good wishes are treasured by me.

harry

[FullCircle]

Wow! That's impressive! Good for you! Congratulations!
:cheers::cheers::cheers:

[eyeguy123]

Being in an unliscensed state sometimes its hard to remember that Opticianary is a respected profession in others. Congrats Mr. Jilson.

[Barry Santini]

Congrats, Harry!

Now that you've "risen to the top", please don'y allow yourself to be *skimmed off!"

Way to go!

Barry

[DragonLensmanWV]

Harry, that must have been quite the show! It's nice to see someone with a lifetime's supply of knowledge and experience get the recognition they deserve.
Kudos!
:cheers::cheers::cheers:

[Framebender]

You've helped me overcome some hurdles. I appreciate your knowledge and your humanity!!

:cheers::cheers:

[edKENdance]

Way to go, Harry!

[spazz]

WAY TO GO!!
:bbg:

[GAgal]

Congrats Harry! That's Wonderful!

[harry a saake]

Harry, you deserve it and all the best:cheers:

[Now I See]

Congratulations, Harry!
:cheers:

[sharpstick777]

Great Job! Let the celebration begin!

[ioconnell]

Harry's selection for this award comes as no surprise to me. I am absolutely overjoyed, aswell as being family, he has been one of my best friends (his daughter calls me man's best friend because of our relationship!) and mentor's over the past 10 years. His knowledge of general Business practices have helped me as I progressed through college and into my career in recent years, and while I do not work in the optical profession I can only imagine what a privilege it is to have interacted with someone with so influential. Quite the humorous man also :bbg:

Well Done Harry.