4th Annual Elysian Mayor's Medals of Honor awarded

 Published Oct. 5, 2006    

 The Elysian Enterprise

 by Jay Schneider, Editor LIFE/Enterprise

ELYSIAN - For the fourth consecutive year, Elysian Mayor Mack Evans honored community people for various reasons during the Elysian Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Appreciation Event held Wednesday at the American Legion Club Rooms.

     Mayor Evans awarded his Mayor's Medals to nine individuals who have volunteered their services throughout the year.

     He also awarded Honorary Grand Marshal Father Syl Brown and Grand Marshal Sonia Ziemer with plaques for heading the Elysian 4th of July parade.

     Evans started this recognition with 15 medals in 2003, 20 more in 2004, 12 in 2005 and nine in 2006.

     Each person recognized for their outstanding volunteer service to the community was selected for a different reason.

     "Everyone chosen does something different throughout the year," Mayor Evans said. "Some of the people that were recognized work in the concession stands, some participate in numerous fundraisers in the community, and some were selected for different reasons."

     Evans said he now gets frequent phone calls from locals who give him suggestions on who to honor. He contends that his awards are completely decided by himself.

     Those chosen this year include:

     Chuck Taylor: Taylor is a longtime employee with the City of Elysian who puts in countless hours getting the community ready for the 4th of July celebration. Evans said Taylor also is very active in the church and represents the city well.

     Tom Crawmer: Relatively new to the community, Evans said Crawmer has been an excellent Chamber member since moving to Elysian. He was the top seller of Elysian 4th of July tickets this year.

     Joanne Hansen: Evans cited Hansen for taking a run down garage and making it into an outstanding  business...Alley Scoops. He is also impressed by her work in hiring local individuals at her business.

     Helen Hrdlicka: Hrdlicka has done wonders for the Elysian Legion and Auxiliary, attending many meetings each month, promoting the Legion. She is also a very active member in the Methodist Church. "We are glad you live in Elysian," Evans said. 

     Marti Zimprich: "She doesn't want this but I just have to give it to her," Evans said in good humor. Zimprich has taught music to individuals for 40 years in the Elysian area and is always willing to play music for funerals, weddings and of course, the Miss Elysian Pageant.

     Cy Hager: The man who many people call, "Coach," Hager has coached athletes for more than 40 years. He has been a tremendously active member of the Legion and despite battling some health problems, Evans said he still sees Hager out moving the lawn.

     Gene Edwards: He has been working many donated hours towards improving the Elysian Legion, with the current expansion which is nearly completed. He is a past Legion Commander who is an excellent Legion member.

     Pam and Rich Fischer (Corner Bar): This business has been around for 21 years and during that time, they have sold 40,180 of their world renown hot beef sandwiches and 9,785 birthdays have been celebrated there, Evans said tongue in cheek. Evans commended the family-run operation, citing the efforts of college honor students Anna (MSU) and Audie (Drake) and soon-to-be All Conference lineman, Nick.

Reprinted with permission

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