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Mayor and commissioners recognize employees, volunteers and local institutions; veterans week schedule detailed
Summary
The Enid City Commission used its presentations segment to spotlight a Railroad Museum centennial locomotive, honor an animal welfare officer for bravery, recognize Lowe’s volunteers who renovated a community center and preview Veterans Week events including a Nov. 8 parade and Nov. 11 commemorations.
The Enid City Commission on Oct. 21 devoted part of its meeting to presentations and proclamations, honoring local volunteers, employees and organizations and previewing the city’s Veterans Week schedule.
Mayor David M. Mason recognized the Railroad Museum of Oklahoma and highlighted locomotive 1519, which the museum plans to repaint. The mayor encouraged residents to visit the museum and said admission was about $6.
The commission recognized JC Keller (animal-welfare staff) as the city’s October employee of the month after staff described her response to a violent dog attack. Supervisors said Keller arrived first on the scene, secured the dog and allowed first responders to reach and transport injured people; staff described multiple victims who required transport to Oklahoma City for treatment. The mayor and supervisors presented Keller with a plaque and a city coin and praised her actions as “true bravery,” saying she likely saved lives that day.
Commissioner Norwood and representatives from Lowe’s and the Southern Heights Community Organization were recognized for a volunteer renovation project at the Southern Heights Community Center. Merle Cordray, identified as a Lowe’s manager, described a multi-faceted volunteer effort that power-washed, painted, installed lighting and ceiling tiles, repaired toilets, added railings and refurbished signage. Commissioners said the work was worth an estimated $12,000 in labor and materials and presented Lowe’s volunteers with a city “friend of the city” coin and “What’s my part?” buttons to thank them.
The mayor read proclamations recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Code Enforcement Appreciation Month. He also gave an extensive preview of Veterans Week activities running in November, including: - Nov. 1: “Bridle to Remember” 100-mile ride ending with a ham-and-bean fundraiser at the American Military Heritage Museum. - Nov. 4: Tree planting at Vance Air Force Base, including a POW/MIA recognition; invited guest RD Lawrence (described as a resident POW) and others to attend. - Nov. 5–6: Veterans events including a free meal at First Baptist Church and a 350-member gospel choir concert at the Stride Bank Center with patriotic programming, JROTC participation and invited performers. - Nov. 8: Veterans Day Parade downtown starting at 10 a.m., with three grand marshals representing the Army, Navy and Marines and additional Expo Center activities and an evening USO-style show at Stride Bank Center. - Nov. 11: Veterans Day ceremonies with a cake-cutting and legacy awards; several details were described as “surprises” and not disclosed.
Mayor Mason and others acknowledged Elaine Johns for long-term leadership organizing the city’s extended Veterans Week events; the commission presented the Wall of Honor and Veterans Park Inc. with a commendation recognizing 25 years of service to veterans.
Most recognitions were ceremonial and did not require commission action beyond proclamations and presentations.
