Chamber dinner honors ice storm volunteers

"Pearline" serenades city staff members Todd Watson (left) and Matt Vaughn

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While the Chamber's annual banquet traditionally has focused on achievements in business and industry, this year's event was a celebration of those who helped the community pull together to make sure everyone was well and provided for during Mother Nature's wrath. Approximately 250 people attended the event, held at the Rector Community Center.

Mayor Ron Kemp noted the overwhelming effort put forth by so many in the area during the ice storm.

"In the 32 years I've been here, I've never been as proud of Rector as I was a few months ago," Kemp said. "I thought the response from our volunteers and local organizations was absolutely incredible."

The attendees agreed, as a surging round of applause congratulated and thanked the volunteers, city employees and organizers who were in attendance.

Receiving special recognition for their efforts during the ice storm were Teresa Roofe, who served as director of the city's emergency shelter at the Community Center, and Sarah Burdin, who assisted her in that effort. Roofe was unable to attend the event, but was warmly applauded along with other volunteers.

Also recognized was city staff member Kim Romine, who has spent hours and hours compiling the huge amount of information necessary for the city to receive assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Kemp also gave a special thanks to community development director Cyndi Corkran, who soon will be moving to Eureka Springs, and to Vicki Keykendall of Black River Technical College, whose efforts have made possible the establishment of the Northeast Arkansas Innovative Training Center (NEAITC) in Rector.

All of the women recognized received from the city a specially-made gift basket and a framed print featuring the Rector city logo.

The banquet included a delicious fish dinner prepared by Bowden Family Restaurant in Rector. The meal featured breaded and fried catfish, French fries, hush puppies, slaw and delicious desserts.

Mistress of Ceremonies for the event was new community development director Jacinda Welch, who introduced the night's first entertainment, Rick Walls and the T-N-T Express. The group began its country music set with a patriotic favorite, Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American."

Mayor Kemp recognized several special guests in attendance, including State Representative Mike Patterson, Senator Robert Thompson, Corning mayor Dwayne Phelan, county treasurer Carolyn Morrisett, county clerk Pat Poole, district judge David Copelin, the Rector City Council and city attorney Kimberly Dale, among others.

Throughout the evening, a silent auction was held for 11 quilts made and donated by a caring group of Minnesota ladies. The quilts were transported to Rector during the ice storm's aftermath by Minnesota trucker Larry Kautz.

Kautz, who owns and operates his own trucking company, has traveled through Rector numerous times as part of his regular route through this area. As he drove through Rector from Paragould immediately after the ice storm hit the area, he said he barely recognized the small town he had come to enjoy traveling through as he made his run. Overcome by the devastation suffered, Kautz immediately stopped at the emergency shelter set up at the community center to ask how he could help. Two weeks later, Kautz returned with his truck loaded down with supplies, including the beautiful quilts.

Rector First United Methodist Church pastor Velda Bell summed up the belief of many in attendance when she noted Kautz was sent to Rector via "where angels come from."

The quilts had a high level of interest all night. Winners of the quilts were Crystal Carter, Becky Lindsey, Shirley Simmons, Dr. Bryan Blackshare, Sherri Douglas, Sherry Dills and Virginia Reid. Kelly Waldron and Jane Pruett were especially fond of the timeless crafts, each claiming two winning bids. Jerry Mansfield also took home one of the quilts, with his name being drawn in one of the many door prizes announced.

A long list of local businesses and organizations contributed items for door prizes. Winners and items included: Emily Vangilder, Ice Storm Booklet from the Clay County Democrat; Sandra DeMent, silk flower arrangement from Rector Flowers By Becky; Bailey Haney, hair cut from Classy Cuts; Stephen DeMent, gift basket prepared by Rector Saddle Club; Christy Ford, patriotic Beanie Baby basket by Now & Then; Tina Stacy, cut and style from the Rector Barber Shop; Tony Lockhart, Friday night fish buffet from Bowden Family Restaurant; Leland Blackshare, folding patio chair from the Wise Company; Richard Simmons, two movie passes from Paragould Cinema 8; Eric Emery, haircut from Classy Cuts; Paula Benton, live plant from Rector Flowers and Gifts; Vickie Gipson, standing sun visor from United Country Rector Realty; Lark Sigsby, decorative cross from Hills Accents and Rector Downtown Drug; Michael Hollis, ice storm presentation DVD from the Rector Area Chamber of Commerce; Dwight Vangilder, dinner for two from the Grecian Steakhouse in Paragould; Ardell Polk, gift bag from BRTC; Eva Clardy, gift basket from NAPA; Sherry Cate, two month fitness club membership from the NEAITC, and Sarah Burdin, two month aerobics class membership from the NEAITC.

The evening concluded with a special comedic presentation by Tracy Cobbs, who appeared as the flamboyant Pearline Banks. Banks began her show with her own personal reflections of the ice storm. Clad in bright, colorful pants and a neon orange BRTC top, the "famous" Banks shared her appreciation of those who offered their aid during the storm. She paid special attention to Rector city superintendent Todd Watson and city worker Matt Vaughn, bringing both on stage to serenade them with her own unique rendition of "Feelings." Both Vaughn and Watson found it difficult to stifle their appreciation of the recognition, as laughter spread from the stage to the crowd.

Banks also shared her approach to fitness, bringing Kemp and Welch to the stage to share in her exercise routine as part of an announcement regarding the opening of the NEAITC's fitness club. The routine especially worked with the crowd, as those in attendance burned many calories from the shared laughter.

In all, the event more than served its purpose, as a community once united by devastation was able to gather instead to share in its triumph.