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'Eureka's Best' honors those who labor for us all
Awards for hard work and winning attitudes were made to "Eureka's Best" Friday evening as nearly two dozen names were called from a variety of job categories. Sponsored by the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, the annual awards banquet honors local employees, and occasionally, bosses, who represent the community with good attitude and a willingness to help. Randy Wolfinbarger, general manager of the Inn of the Ozarks, and local historian June Westphal were named Man and Woman of the Year for 2004. Georgette Garner was named Volunteer of the Year for her efforts in the beautification of area roadsides through the wildflower program. Wolfinbarger was at home recuperating from recent gall bladder surgery and had not planned to attend the banquet. Mike Dandurand, a longtime friend, went to Wolfinbarger's house and brought him to the dinner to get the award. Wolfinbarger brought his sons, Langley and Linzy, with him to the podium. Westphal was so surprised she was almost unable to speak, but she overcame her shock and said a few words. "Sometimes, with awards, the award doesn't matter, it is who gives it," she said with emotion, "and that certainly is the case with this one." There awards were watercolor portraits in the style of Time magazine man of the year covers. The portraits were done by Larry Mansker with typesetting by Cande Doty. Magician Robert Kalina put on a show of his own as master of ceremonies. He started with a couple of magic tricks which won applause as he talked about the evening's theme "Magic of the Arts." Several times during the evening, he attempted to give himself an award, but was stopped each time by Joe Gunnells, chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors. For all of the fun of the evening, hearts were touched and tears flowed as John Two Hawks memorialized his "musical comrade" Charles Hammer (See related story on Page 3) who had won "Best Musician." Hammer passed away Wednesday evening in a Rogers hospital where he had been under treatment for a lung tumor. Others named "Eureka's Best" included: Becky Smith - waitress Ken Scully - waiter Nate Huff - bartender Paula Wilson - desk clerk Tim Hilty - retail/sales clerk Denette Hyatt - bank teller Harold Drayer - attractions employee Carol Brown - masseur, for the third year in a row Julie Kahn-Valentine - artist Michael Manley - photographer Diane Murphy - municipal employee Rob Miner - postal worker David Stoppel - fireman Jeremy Arndt - police officer Jim Spears - trolley driver Jimmy Kelley - EMT/Paramedic Proceeds from the silent auction were divided among local art organizations. 'Eureka's Best' honors those who labor for us all Awards for hard work and winning attitudes were made to "Eureka's Best" Friday evening as nearly two dozen names were called from a variety of job categories. Trash pickup rate hike discussed with city council A proposal to raise Eureka Springs trash pickup rates 8 percent was given to the city council Monday night where it met immediate opposition. 'Sir Charles' gave his music and love Arrangements for memorial services for Charles Christian Hammer, 51, longtime Eureka Springs resident, are pending. After a long and complex discussion Monday, the Holiday Island Suburban Improvement District (HISID) Board of Commissioners approved amendments to golf amenity fees listed in Reg. 26-2002 on first reading by title only. |