Citizen of the Week (10/08/08)

Citizen of the Week (10/01/08) The latest example of our community coming together to help out those who need a hand? The Ozark Mountain Hoedown, which put on a special benefit Sept. 12 for guest of honor Ronnie Henderson, who continues to improve following a traffic accident in Eureka Springs Aug. ...

Citizen of the Week (09/24/08) Generous, kind and unassuming are just a few words to describe Creek Wenger, this week's COW. His nominator say, "Creek has been an active member of the Eureka Springs Outdoor Alliance for the past year, helping with many projects around town, most notably the kiosk at the Leatherwood Ball Fields which he led from design to completion. ...

Citizen of the Week (09/10/08) "We were visting your city this past weekend, enjoying all its wonderful sights. When we got ready to head back to our hotel, low and behold our vehicle wouldn't start. Many people stopped to help us, but Fred Halper went above and beyond. After several failed attempts at jumping the van, he went back to his shop to get a new battery. ...

Citizen of the Week (09/03/08) Kathryn Lucariello wears many hats. Not only is she the Editor and writer of the Holiday Island News, she covers news in Beaver, Eureka Springs and Berryville for Carroll County News and the Citizen. Now she has taken on the heroic task of Online Editor for both papers. ...

Citizen of the Week (08/20/08) Not all dogcatchers are like the cartoon stereotype, scooping up your precious pooch with a big butterfly net when your back is turned. In fact, Jan DeLozier is the opposite. In the three months since she became Eureka Springs' Animal Control Officer, DeLozier has gone far beyond the limitations of her job -- supplied only with food and space for a few animals at the police station, she has opened a private kennel in her own home and has worked diligently to raise funding on her own to provide for the many needs of her four-legged dependents. ...

Citizen of the Week (08/13/08) If you play it, they will come. Ace photographer Chip Ford's last minute donation of a $400 electric guitar and amp to help the Main Stage Creative Community Center in its efforts to make musical instruments available to local children is just one example of Ford's tireless support of local causes. ...

Citizen of the Week (08/06/08) Connie Doss has helped bring the theatre to life for dozens of local children. She has organized the local week-long traveling summer workshop of the Missoula Children's Theatre for the past two years and participated in it for years before as a parent. ...

Citizen of the Week (07/30/08) Our dual nominees for this week's COW, Steve Shell and Gerry Ganong, have blessed our community over the years with their involvement in a staggering array of community projects, including PaperMoon productions, the Ozark Chorale, the Robert Burns Festival, reviews at the old Caribe, productions through the Eureka Theatre Company, and in their romantic hideaway, The Garden of Dreams. ...

Citizen of the Week (07/23/08) "Chuck Onofrio had been rebuilding his life from a terrible fire in 2003, but recently came home to watch another fire ravish the remains of his new house. Chuck has always been there to help others in their time of need, whether with his time, his talent, or reconstructing a slightly charred mandolin for the benefit of survivors of another house fire last year. ...

Citizen of the Week (07/16/08) Eleanor Lux is a busy woman. In addition to running Lux Weaving Studio and teaching through the Eureka Springs School of the Arts, Lux cultivates and maintains the lovely flower beds up and down White Street, the busiest stretch of road for both two- and four-footed pedestrians on the Historic Loop. ...

Citizen of the Week (07/09/08) This week 17 nominators picked Vicki Rose as COW. "As program director and art teacher for Lane House and Main Stage she's enriched the lives of all the children who come through the doors. She has also taken on City Hall on behalf of all of Eureka's musicians and artists. ...

Citizen of the Week (07/02/08)   This week's Citizen of the Week is Cynthia Safarik, aka Cynthia Re Robbins, Eureka Springs' 2007 Artist of the Year. Her nominator says she recently did a big favor for the city's tourism industry by organizing a McDonald family reunion which brought 67 people to town for three days. ...

Citizen of the Week (06/25/08)   Eureka's visual splendor and diverse recreational opportunities are magnets for tourism, but it's the heartfelt hospitality offered visitors by those who work here which generates repeat visits and priceless word-of-mouth advertising. According to the nominator of this week's COW, Sue Reese could give us all some valuable pointers on the art of Eureka Springs hospitality. ...

Citizen of the Week (06/18/08)   "If you want something done ... ask Alvin Byrd to do it." The personification of a "busy" man, he runs two successful downtown businesses that have helped revitalize the North Main Street area and serves as a CAPC commissioner. A self-described "downtown wrangler," he is part of the Design Committee of the Eureka Springs Downtown Network which beautified downtown with flower baskets. ...

CITIZEN of the WEEK (06/11/08) Dan Bennett is not your ordinary COW. According to his nominator, he's more like a SEA COW. "As a sailor and a skipper, he's done as much to grow the sport of sailing in Eureka as anyone. Blessed with patience and enthusiasm, he's encouraged beginners and challenged the...

Citizen of the Week (06/04/08)   Of Eureka Springs Blues Weekend Event Organizer Charles "Rags" Ragsdale, his nominator said, "Rags is active in the current Blues world and an expert regarding the history of the Blues. He knows all the big names on a personal level. He's the best!"...

Citizen of the Week (05/28/08)   When this week's COW, Bill "Blitz" Humphrey was asked to stage a skateboard competition during Memorial Day weekend he went into action quickly and the result was a thrill-a-minute event that filled the Eureka Skateboard Park at Harmon Park -- designed by internationally prominent skateboard facility designers and builders Dreamworks -- and brought 15 local competitors and eight top-ranked demonstrators from Texas who wowed the crowd with hand-plants and 360-degree flips. ...

Citizen of the Week (05/21/08) Dawayne and Randall George's nomination as joint COW is long overdue. "These fellows are well known to locals and tourists as performers and they accomplish charitable works behind the scenes. The George brothers are kind to locals, tourists and neighbors near and far. ...

Citizen of the Week (05/14/08)   This week's Citizen of the Week is Mark Mattmiller. His nominator noted, "Mark is the chair of the design committee of the newly formed Main Street Organization of Eureka Springs. He and his committee are responsible for the fabulous flower baskets all over downtown. ...

Citizen of the Week (05/07/08)   For those of you who missed it, this week is the 39th annual "Municipal Clerk's Week." The nominator of Eureka Springs City Clerk Mary Jean Sell had this to say: "M.J. is a dedicated member of the city administration who is a treasure-trove of information about this city. ...

Citizen of the Week (04/30/08)   Tammy Bullock is this week's Citizen of the Week. Her nominator praised her as an example of "the servant leader that all of us strive to be. Tammy loves to help others whether it is a customer, a fellow coworker, family member or stranger. ...

Citizen of the Week (04/23/08)   "I remember the first time I saw Ralph Wilson's shrines," said this week's COW nominator. "I was walking through the Sunday Market. I looked up and there were all these amazing pieces of art, all lined up in the back of a pick-up truck. ...

Citizen of the Week (04/16/08)   This week's COW is Debbie Weiland. Her nominator praised her as an "animal lover." An employee of the Berryville Veterinary Clinic for the past decade, she and two co-workers used their air miles and supporter contributions to travel as Carroll County Veterinarians Without Borders for a one-week stay in the tiny village of Hopkins, Belize, last February, where they spayed and neutered more than 50 pets and performed other surgical procedures. ...

Citizen of the Week (04/09/08)   Some people have to be dragged kicking and screaming into having fun. When Don Lee was approached by the nominator about volunteering his beat-up, sagging, dented, graffiti'd 1994 Buick Century as an Art Car project for Ralph "Mr. Shrine" Wilson's Eureka Springs High School art class, he seemed reluctant. ...

Citizen of the Week (04/02/08)   Chris "Shorty" Abbot is this week's COW. According to his nominator, "I was floating the Kings River last week with my boys when we capsized at Trigger Gap. The water was churning and boiling pretty hard when a stiff breeze hit us and the current flipped our canoe over. ...

Citizen of the Week (03/26/08) This week's Citizens of the Week are identically different twins, Erin (left) and Elissa Goldsmith, 3rd graders at the middle school, recent transplants from Florida. They're animal lovers. On the way to Berryville last Friday they spotted a small, lost dog walking beside the highway. ...

Citizen of the Week (03/19/08) Roger Johnson has a lot in common with the Post Office -- "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Roger too. He has devotedly played music in town daily for years, often from his station in front of the New Orleans Hotel or in Basin Spring Park. ...

Citizen of the Week (03/12/08)   In 1995, Archie Ryan and George Christman launched the first "official" Eureka Springs St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Army National Guard led the parade, followed by high school bands, floats, trolleys, horses and walking groups. Through the years, Ryan's enthusiasm and blarney have continued to fuel the fun of parading. ...

Citizen of the Week (03/05/08)   Jack Moyer is this week's COW. His nominator cited his contributions to Eureka over the past decade, including: "The leadership he has shown in the growth of the two hotels he manages; the creation of the Community Development Partnership; his work with the Downtown Development Initiative; his years on the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce; and his contributions to the Eureka Springs Tourism Co-Op and the Mayor's Tourism Task Force. ...

Citizen of the Week (02/27/08) Nurse Paula Crabtree illustrates the Christian principle of not letting one hand know what the other is doing, charity-wise. Her nominator for Citizen of the Week says, "I got very sick last week and had to be hospitalized. We were moving and short on cash, but there was medication I absolutely had to have and no way to get it. ...

Citizen of the Week (02/20/08)   When Carroll and Anne Johnson left Louisiana to open ESkate roller-skating rink last Labor Day, they took a chance on Eureka Springs, and in so doing created a much needed attraction for locals and visitors. Their nominator for COW said they are some of the nicest people he has met, and the rink is the kind of place that had helped keep him out of trouble and off the streets. ...

Citizen of the Week (02/13/08) Other people downtown may make the headlines a lot more often, but here is the real power behind city hall! Citizen of the Week Gail Taul's sweet face is the first thing you see when you walk in the door at the courthouse and the first voice you hear when you dial 253-9703. As her nominator put it, "No matter what your business is down there, seeing Gail when you walk in just makes the day a little brighter." We second that emotion!...

Citizen of the Week (02/06/08) Dorothy "Dottie" Hill is the Citizen of the Week. According to her nominator, "Hill was recently awarded the Abendschone Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution's 'Community Service Award.' Dottie helps people 'one-on-one.' She is a mainstay of the Holiday Island Fire Department, where, under her leadership, the Auxiliary's White Elephant Sale earned $30,789. ...

Citizen of the Week (01/30/08) It is said, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." If so, we all got a nice shower last week at the Crystal Bridges reception at the Bank of Eureka Springs. Thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of Steve Schmidt whose on-line Artists Registry is dedicated to increasing opportunities for the visual artists of Arkansas, Eureka Springs has formed an alliance with the Crystal Bridges Museum of Modern Art, set to open in 2010. ...

Citizen of the Week (01/23/08)   This week's Citizen of the Week is Nick Cross. His nominator said, "Nick should be COW for his tireless efforts to promote the outdoors and foster an outdoor community among locals. He is the driving force behind the successful Xterra Eureka Springs off-road triathlon, now in its 3rd year, and the recently formed Eureka Springs Outdoor Alliance, which focuses on getting locals together for outdoor adventures and service projects like the recent Cold Spring and Lake Leatherwood clean-ups. ...

Citizen of the Week (01/16/08) Dee Bright is this week's COW. Her nominator credits her for the success of this year's 25th annual Candlelight Home tour. "Dee worked tirelessly to make it a memorable tour by getting many homes and businesses to participate. I bet Dee even had something to do with Ma Nature's cooperation as well. ...

Citizen of the Week (01/09/08)   This week's COW is Jerritt Burk, the music teacher at the elementary school. His nominator says, "I know how important it is for little children to build their self-esteem; to be confident in their singing and performances. All children have it hidden away within their hearts. ...

Citizen of the Week (01/02/08) This week's COW is Kirsten Torgerson. Her nominator said, "The past few weeks she has been helping Angel Atkins and Robert Edwards get back on their feet after losing everything in a house fire. She was on Geekfest rallying support, getting clothes and donations and finding them a place to stay. ...

Citizen of the Week (12/26/07) Acra Turner is the final Citizen of the Week this year. His nominator lauded him as "a volunteer coach who has worked hundreds of hours assisting the Eureka Springs girls basketball and peewee basketball programs. He also plays the piano and sings most beautifully as was in evidence at the latest locals' Home for the Holidays free concert at the Aud a couple of weeks ago. ...

Citizen of the Week (12/19/07) Teresa Pharris is this week's Citizen of the Week. She was nominated by one of her neighbors, who said "Teresa is an outstanding example of kindness, empathy, generosity and good will during this holiday season and all year long. She moves furniture, donates household goods and visits her tenants when they are hospitalized or just under the weather. ...

Citizen of the Week (12/12/07) This week's COW is Pat Kasner, president of the Flint Street Food Bank. Her nominee said, "Pat is completely dedicated to seeing the Food Bank serves the people of Eureka Springs and Western Carroll County who are in need. She takes it upon herself to personally keep the place clean and she knows most, if not all, the clients by name thereby giving them dignity and a sense of self-worth." She was recently honored as the Eureka Springs Rotary Club's 2007 Vocation Person of the Year. ...

Citizen of the Week (12/05/07)   This week's nominee for COW was submitted anonymously for Vicki Brown, a.k.a. "Sticks", of Chelsea's Corner Cafe. Sticks is a living example of what it means to be a vital and enthusiastic member of our community. In addition to organizing the annual Thanksgiving Day feast and gathering, she is always there to organize benefits for anyone in need as witnessed by this Sunday's Julie Ballance benefit auction. ...

Citizen of the Week (11/28/07)   This week's nominee for COW was submitted anonymously for local artist Nancy Paddock.          "Dear Editor, In representing a number of grateful artists who participated in the Eureka Springs Artists Registry Fall Art Show, this letter is submitted with a deep bow for the nomination for Nancy Paddock. ...

Citizen of the Week (11/21/07)   This week's nominee for COW is local musician Jerry Jones. His nomination was submitted anonymously by a person who appreciates Jerry's dedication to music including his tireless efforts to make "Open Mics," which he hosts around town, successful events for musicians and music lovers alike. ...

Citizen of the Week (11/14/07) The nominee this week for C.O.W. is Paramedic Scott Howie. Scott was one of many firefighters who responded to the structure fire on Hwy. 23 S. on Sunday, Nov. 4th. Scott reappeared outside just moments after entering the smoky structure carrying out the the resident's white cat Jinx and handed him over for safe keeping until the owner could be located. ...

* CITIZEN of the WEEK * (11/07/07)   The fall season might be a challenge for a parks and springs gardener with the waning color and sparseness of foliage. That is not the case for this week's Citizen of the Week, and our city gardener DonE. Allen. "DonE. gathers or grows everything that he includes in those beautiful and colorful arrangement that show up around town this time of year," said his nominator. ...

Citizen of the Week (10/31/07) Having house guests can be a challenge; having house guests War Eagle weekend without running water is a nightmare. Those were the circumstances facing the Prospect resident and nominator of this week, Citizen of the Week, the City of Eureka Springs Public Works Department. ...

Citizen of the Week (10/24/07)   It is an honor to share our little burg with John Two-Hawks and recognize him as Citizen of the Week. He emanates an undeniable knowing and peace about the world around him. Not only is he an amazing award-winning musician and storyteller, he is a gigantic advocate for the environment. ...

Citizen of the Week (10/17/07)   Sometimes people do extraordinary things during the pace of everyday life. Ben "the bus driver" Rivett has been safely toting our children to and from school and school events for many years, and is also the Citizen of the Week. "I don't worry about my child on school field trips when I know Ben is driving the bus," said his nominator. ...

Citizen of the Week (10/10/07)   "A sincere artist is not one who makes a faithful attempt to put on to canvas what is in front of him, but one who tries to create something which is, in itself, a living thing." - William Dobell. Citizen of the Week Peggy Kjelgaard - executive director of Eureka Springs School of the Arts, does just that. ...

* CITIZEN of the WEEK * (10/03/07)   "Antler Dan" Allen has served as our faithful, annual bank robbery undertaker until retiring this year and is now Citizen of the Week. "Dan is one of the most caring men in the world," said his nominator. "He has a studio in the Art Colony, and I truly believe he gives away much more than he sells. ...

* CITIZEN of the WEEK * (09/26/07) What a delight to honor Good Shepherd volunteer and ambassador Bella as this week Citizen of the Week. Bella is a rescued great dane from the shelter. "She is at the Doggie Shop Thrift Store every Monday and puts in a full day greeting the customers and entertaining the kids while their parents shop," said her nominator. ...

* CITIZEN of the WEEK * (09/19/07) Mother Edie Bird, Vicar of St. James Episcopal church and The Citizen of the Week, is not only a blessing to her congregation, but to the community at large. "She has such a joyful and loving heart," said one nominator, "and she is a wonderful listener." In addition to the tireless work Mother Edie does in Eureka, she has a wonderful outreach program in Berryville for pre-school children. ...

Citizen of the Week (09/12/07)   Dale McCurry's affiliation with the Citizen began in the summer of 2000 with the first of his "Letters From the Pen." published under the pseudonym, Curly MacRed. In January, 2005, he hired on as a Citizen reporter, and in August of 2006, he stepped in behind founding editor Bill King -- a daunting task he never took lightly...

Citizen of the Week (09/05/07)   It is a privilege to honor former Fire Chief David Stoppel as this week's Citizen of the Week. Stoppel retired last week after 22 years of service to Eureka Springs. "Dave was always willing to come in on his days off if we required extra help," said one nominator. ...

* CITIZEN of the WEEK * (08/29/07) It is an honor to acknowledge Assistant Fire Chief and Educational Officer Bob Pettus, as Citizen of the Week. "Bob is a truly dedicated servant of Eureka Springs and the out-lying area," said one nominator. "We have the best department for fire and emergency medical service in the region. ...

* CITIZEN of the WEEK * (08/22/07)   We are delighted to have both Shirley Meggenberg and her daughter Carolyn as this week's Citizens of the Week. They are an inspiration to everyone they meet. Shirley is a long-time substitute teacher in the Eureka Springs school district. ...

Citizen of the Week (08/15/07)   Seeing the expressions of joy and accomplishment on 62 children's faces at last weekend's Missoula Children's Theatre performance of Robin Hood is why Connie Doss is Citizen of the Week. Connie single handedly organized the effort to bring the program to Carroll County. ...

Citizen of the Week -- Mark Wetzel aka "Sparky" (08/08/07)   Mark Wetzel aka "Sparky" of Eureka Pride distinction, made a wonderful showing of friendship and love at Basin Spring Park last Saturday. Sparky was there at high noon for the PDA photo opportunity, handing out tiara-decorated, pink cowboy hats to everyone who came. ...

Citizen of the Week Stan Stevens (08/01/07)   When we heard the story of Stan Stevens' selfless act of kindness, we knew he was a natural for the Citizen of the Week. Two weeks ago, Stan took time out of his day to help two visitors whose motorcycle battery had died. Not only did he give them a jump, and then lead them to the Napa Auto parts store, he stuck around and helped them change the battery. ...

Citizen of the Week, J.K. Rowling (07/25/07)   J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series has earned her the nomination as Citizen of the Week. "Her Harry Potter series has brought young people back into the library, many who have not visited a library before," said nominator Jean Elderwind, director of Carroll County Libraries...

Citizen of the Week (07/18/07)   David Renko's decade-long twin passions for mountain biking and good mountain trails have been instrumental in putting Eureka Springs on the mountain biking map -- literally.   Miles of trails have been added to Lake Leatherwood City Park, largely due to the volunteer efforts of Renko and the Ozark Off Road Cyclists club, of which Renko is founder. Terrific emissaries for our area, they also build and maintain trails across the state...

Citizen of the Week Angelo Yao (07/11/07)   It was a no-brainer to make Angelo Yao this week's COW after last week's Africa in the Ozarks. This has been the third year in a row Angelo has orchestrated the colorful, passionate and cultural event which literally gave us a taste of Africa. (Angelo and his lovely wife Jenny provided the food for Thursday night's African feast at the GEM)...

Citizen of the Week, Jim Swiggart (07/05/07)   With opera season in full swing, we'd like to honor Jim Swiggart as Citizen of the Week. He has served as General Director at Inspiration Point since 1989.   Opera in the Ozarks, "Where the students are the stars," provides a valuable experience in performance for a group of artists, and it also makes opera accessible to people who might not otherwise attend this classic art form.   Jim brings passion, energy, and an old-school emphasis on hard work to everything he does.   While we're on the subject of opera, be sure to read Rachel Thomas's review of The Marriage of Figaro on page 7.

Citizen of the Week: Homer (05/02/07) Homer's first appearance in this newspaper was more than seven years ago with a picture of him reading the Citizen on the back page. His adorable mug, since then, has occasionally appeared in the middle pages over the years. "Homer is one of the sweetest, most gentle, and definitely the biggest Doberman's I've ever known. He has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love -- a life lesson I may never have experienced if he had not come into my world," said his nominator...

Philip Wilson (04/25/07) We wanted to nominate Philip Wilson Citizen of the Week for shedding light and opening up a much needed discussion about homophobia and intolerance among some of those who are part of our town's unique and diverse make-up.

Citizen of the Week: Corporal Andrew S. Daulton (04/18/07) No matter what side of the war in Iraq you are on, most everyone agrees that our troops fighting over there deserve our support and respect. Corporal Andrew S. Daulton was raised in Eureka Springs and graduated from Huntsville High School in 2003 where he immediately joined the USMC...

Citizen of the Week: Deborah Rose (04/11/07) "Deborah Rose is all about acceptance," said her nominator. "She loves to bring all kinds of people from different back grounds and walks of life together. She really loves diversity." ??Deborah is one of the major forces and promoters behind this week's Diversity Weekend, a celebratory event put on four times a year in Eureka Springs that largely caters to the GLBT community...

Robbie Freiburger (04/04/07) "Robbie is one of the kindest, most genuine, gregarious flirts I know," said his nominator. "I've never seen him without a big ol' smile on his face. He lights up a room with every entrance."

Tasha Boehn (03/28/07) Tasha Boehn was the main force behind the grassroots, patriotic act of pointing out the insanity still going on by our government. The tiny girl with the big dreadlocks spoke for a lot of us here in Lovely County, who are very tired of war and demanding peace.

Dan Ellis (03/21/07) Dan, who was also responsible for last month's fun-filled Eureka Gras Parade, came in at the last minute to take over the annual St. Paddy's parade that was dropped by the city.

Gladys Hanson (03/14/07) Gladys Hanson turned 100 March 12, and approximately 150 friends and family came out to celebrate her milestone birthday last Saturday at the Holiday Island Club House.

Alton Faulkner (03/07/07) Alton Faulkner, who has lived in Eureka Springs for most of his life, turned 99 on March 4.

Doug Powell (02/28/07) "Doug Powell should be Citizen of the Week because he volunteered two weeks of his time to teach Eureka Springs students how to make glass beads. Doug provided all his own materials and equipment for us. Each student made and took home several beads. Thank you Doug, we really enjoyed the experience."

Mike FitzPatrick (02/21/07) As a volunteer fireman, Mike shows up at almost every call, according to his nominator, who added, "He's got the energy to put younger guys to shame!"

Jay Galyen (02/14/07) "I'm really grateful to Jay who went out of his way to help my child who was suffering from a 104 fever during our recent snow storm," said his nominator.

Jamie Archibald (02/07/07) Jamie Archibald is this week's Cow?because of her simple, random act of kindness.

Judy Jones (01/31/07) "When a long-time employee of hers took ill with a terminal condition, Judy took her and her son in like family. She helped with doctor visits, medications and healthy home cooked meals."

Melanie Linker (01/24/07) Most of Melanie Linker's biggest fans are under the age of twelve. Melanie is the program director and dance instructor for Main Stage's after-school arts program for kids.

Ruth Goodwin-Hager (01/17/07) The saying that if you want to get something done, ask a very busy person, could not be more true for this week's COW, Ruth Goodwin-Hager.