Congratulations to these Eurekans for 2022
As 2022 waves goodbye in the rear-view mirror, this is a good time to recognize some Eurekans who racked up impressive milestones this year.
Congratulations to Melissa Carper for Rolling Stone magazine choosing her “Ramblin’ Soul” as one of “The 25 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2022.”
Congratulations to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Sanctuary for boosting public support for the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which was signed into law on December 20. After much consideration, society has finally decided, “No tigers for you if you don’t know what the heck you’re doing.”
Congratulations to Steve Beacham, Glenn Crenshaw, Lucilla Garrett, Jim Magee, Jim Nelson, Elise Roenigk, and Doug Stowe for forming the Museum of Eureka Springs Art this year, and obtaining a great space at the Community Center. I am sure it will earn a prestigious reputation.
Congratulations to my Oddball Hollow neighbors Ken Rundel and M.J. for the first anniversary of their syndicated classic rock show “The Flower Power Hour with Ken & M.J.,” now streaming on more than 120 radio stations in 18 countries, not to mention scoring interviews with the likes of Judy Collins, Woodstock co-creator Artie Kornfeld, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, and Big Brother & The Holding Company’s Dave Getz.
Congratulations to Opal Agafia for spearheading the first Ozark Mountain Soul Fest, destined to become a beloved annual event. The two-day music festival highlights how this area’s sound deserves wider attention.
Congratulations to Butch Berry for winning a third term as mayor in the most popcorn-worthy election since Eureka elected a dead person to city council. (Intentionally.)
Congratulations to Zeek Taylor for having his memoirs published as an anthology by Atlanta-based Sandy Springs Press. His storytelling brings the warmth of a different era to life.
Congratulations to Three Sisters Cafe at Dogwood Boutique and Hillside Eats & Sweets at Gaskins Switch for opening this year, and to Three Bird Cafe on celebrating their first anniversary. All create the feeling of having stumbled on something special.
Congratulations to producer Lorna Trigg for sold-out performances of Vaudeville at the Main Stage. It was yet another example of how Eureka punches above its weight class.
I’m sure I’m forgetting a lot, but that says more about how bad my memory is these days than what happened. Not to mention, some of the best achievements go unnoticed. So, just congratulations to all of you out there, on whatever you did this year that mattered most, and best wishes for 2023.
