published Wednesday, September 26, 2007

8:00 p.m. CDT

Elysian works because so many of its residents do. Volunteerism is the cornerstone of small town life and Wednesday evening, the community celebrated.

The events put on in Elysian over the course of a year are made possible through the efforts of hunderds of volunteers who give of their time and talents to the 4th of July celebration, fishing contests, fundraisers, triathlon, and tourism activities that draw people to town.

"The success of our town, the quality of our town is created by all of our volunteers," said Mayor Mack Evans. "We're able to have the nicest town in the area because everyone gives of themself to the community."

Volunteers are celebrated each fall with a cook-out and gathering at the American Legion which is co-sponsored by the Elysian Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Elysian.

The event also serves as the backdrop for an annual award presentation by Mayor Evans. This marks the fifth year that Evans has handed out his "Mayor's Medals." The 2007 recipients include:

Charles Roessler for his work at St. Andrews Catholic Church, one of the first places visitors see when entering Elysian. Roessler has made it a beautfiul site that sets a good first impression of the whole town.

Chuck Jamerson for his dedicated work in the community which has included serving as a city council member, providing leadership with Chamber events, and promoting Elysian through the annual Family Bike Ride.

Kathy Burns for her work on promoting Elysian through events such as the Town Toast and WCCO Good Neighbor award and for producing the community's web site which provides a snapshot of Elysian life to the world.

Ronnie Greenwald for his many volunteer hours during the 4th of July running the beer garden and for establishing his nursery and greenhouse business which draws people to the community.

Jeanette Crawmer for heading up the silent auction held at the recent Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans belgian waffle fundraiser and for her work with the Legion Auxiliary and Chamber.

Jeff Stephens for being a new member of the community who stepped up and became involved by serving as a judge for the Miss Elysian pageant and greeting people at the National Night Out event.

Tara Lee Wehr for being the ultimate volunteer. Wehr, who was the first Miss Elysian, arrived home in August from her deployment in Iraq with the National Guard where her work involved building schools and water purification systems.

In a touching moment, Mayor Evans awarded the last medal of the evening to his wife, Jan Evans.

"I may be the Mayor, but she's right there doing everything for this city with me," said Evans. "We're

a team and have been for 40 years."

Acknowledgements were also given to Dick Conroy for voluntarily keeping the town clean and beautiful, Ken Blake received a WCCO t-shirt for making promotional buttons for the 4th of July, Jim Hansen received a miniature version of his roadster and Bob Childs received Elysian dollars for their work as chefs at the annual volunteer event.

To see photos from Elysian events during the 2007 season, visit the community scrapbook pages.

Left to right:  Dick Conroy, the crowd gathered for the annual appreciation, and Jim Hansen

Left to right:  Charles Roessler, Jeanette Crawmer, and Ronnie Greenwald

Left to right:  Jeff Stephens, Tara Lee Wehr, and Jan Evans

Photos by K. Burns for Elysian EDA.