St. Patty’s Parade Rolls through downtown
Photos on Page 4
The Jungle Book Kids ESES students perform Page 5
Visit us online: www.lovelycitizen.com
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
VOLUME 20 NUMBER 39
MARCH 21, 2018
Retirement reception Community honors Flint Street Fellowship director, treasurer By Samantha Jones
Pat Kasner is stepping down as director and board president of Flint Street Fellowship, but that doesn't mean her work is done. Kasner will still be volunteering at the food bank as often as she can. At a retirement reception for Kasner and two other volunteers on Monday night, Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry said he's grateful for Kasner's hard work over the years. Berry read a proclamation honoring the work Kasner has done, saying she has been a dedicated servant to Eureka Springs and all of Carroll County. Berry then proclaimed April 18, 2019 "Pat Kasner Day." "It's my honor to recognize Pat for her legacy of caring and the imprint she leaves on our community," Berry said. "We wish to encourage all the citizens to thank her for her friendship and dedicated service to our community." Kasner thanked everyone for attending the reception, breaking into tears as she recounted her experience as director of the food bank. "So many of you have supported us in so many ways," Kasner said. "I'm definitely going to come back and work at the pantry really soon. I can't imagine not seeing the volunteers. You have all been wonderful friends." She continued, "It has been huge blessing to me. It's been a lot of work at times … but it's been the most amazing experience, and I'm so grateful. Thank you, all of you." New board president Nile Carrothers took the podium to talk about Kasner's work and the contributions of retiring treasurer Ray Johnson and volunteer Gerry Johnson, who has handled insurance for the pantry for eight years.
Photo by David Bell
The running joke at Pat Kasner’s retirement reception was about her and her mop, so she was given a brand-new mop by Paula Koch, Charlotte Vail and Donna Artzer. Pictured from left are Koch, Kasner, Vail and Artzer
"Not only has Ray been keeping the books for the pantry and for the board, but he's been hauling food back and forth for the pantry for over 16 years," Carrothers said. "Thanks to everybody who works at the food bank for all the hard work they've done," Ray Johnson said. "As for Pat, I cannot believe what she's done. A week ago, I went to the food bank after we both retired … and guess who was mopping the floors? It was Pat." Carrothers said it would be hard to find someone as dedicated as Kasner to take over the food pantry. "When Pat first talked to us about retiring … we said, ‘Pat, you can't leave until you find someone to take your place,’ " Carroth-
ers said. "Well, she's found someone to take her place." Carrothers introduced Donna Artzer, the new director of Flint Street. Artzer said she'll be working with two other women to run the food bank. "Now the fun begins," Artzer said. "Pat is Pat, and those are big shoes, so we decided we needed a team to replace her. Pat, we love you, we miss you and you're officially retired." In an interview with the Citizen on March 8, Kasner spoke in-depth on her experience at the food pantry. Kasner said she started volunteering there when she moved to Holiday Island in 2002. That was when she accepted the Lord into her heart, Kasner said. See Retirement, page 3
Harts employee diagnosed with breast cancer Well-known Harts employee Maria Girard has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will likely need a double mastectomy. Her husband said she only has Medicare and the trips and medical bills will be overwhelming. If you’d like to help, donate at https://www.gofundme.com/wife-has-breastcancer-and-we-need-help.