Esther Walker Given, Is 'Key To City

Esther Walker was surprised at last year's annual Home Products Dinner when she realized the person being talked about for Citizen of the Year, was her.

"It's such a humbling experience," Walker said. "That's the main thing I thought was how humble I felt getting an award like that."

She was humbled again during last week's Chamber of Commerce Coffee at City Hall when Ulysses City Mayor Tim McCauley presented her with another honor - the key to the city.

Walker and her late husband, Marshall, are well known in the community for all their involvement to make it better. Marshall was named Citizen of the Year in 1976.

Walker grew up in Wichita County and moved to Ulysses in 1964.

"I came here to teach first grade," Walker said. "Later on I got married and thought I would retire, but then I started teaching fifth grade in Johnson. I taught 29 years of kindergarten - I loved kindergarten."

After the passing of her husband in 2002, Walker got her oldest great grandson to raise.

"Teaching kindergarten, I felt I knew what had to be done to raise a 6-year-old," Walker said.

Walker has been involved in 4-H, teaching, church, raising four children and getting involved in other organizations such as the local Lions Club, which she is still actively involved with today. Most recently, Walker volunteered at the Lions Club booth at Grant County Fair.

Walker continues to be involved in the community and said in an interview last year, "I have time to do things, so I try to do whatever I feel the Lord is putting in front of me to do. What a blessing that He gives me the strength and energy to get out and do things."

As for how long she will continue to be "busy" Walker said it's not in her control. She had originally thought she would continue teaching as a substitute until she turned 80; however, when she turned 77, her body said "no".

"I'm amazed at the good health the good Lord has granted me," she said. "I realize some people younger than me are not in as good of health as I am.  I think staying busy helps your mental state a lot, but it's all up to the good Lord. I've been blessed so many times in  so many ways and I still am of course."

Announcements made at the coffee last week by the Chamber were:

νDream First Bank is hosting the third annual #RiseUp4Families Golf Tournament September 13. There will be a shotgun start at 9 a.m. It is a four-person scramble. The cost is $100 per person. A burger and brat lunch is included. Those participating will receive two drink tickets with their registration and two mulligans are included. There is a hole in one chance to win $10,000 sponsored by Western Shelter Insurance.

νGrant County Home Products Dinner Committee will have a sweet corn workday on Monday, August 25, to put up the corn for the dinner in September. We will be seeking volunteers to help pick, shuck and cut the corn off the cob. Volunteers willing to help pick the corn need to be at the Civic Center west parking lot, ready to leave at 6:30 a.m. Volunteers to help shuck and clean the corn should be in the west parking lot of the Civic Center at 8 a.m. Volunteers to help cut the corn off the cob should bring a knife to the Civic Center kitchen at 9 a.m. All help will be greatly appreciated.

νGrant County Tourism is hosting a night out at Good Dogs. We will be having concert with three  Nashville recording artists, Kyle Austin, Leah Crose, and Baker Grissom, August 30, at Good Dogs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Concert starts at 7 p.m. There will be a $10 cover charge. Come out and enjoy music, good food, and drinks.

νGrant County Health Department and Grant County Extension is hosting A Matter of Balance class twice a week. The program is free and will be at the Civic Center. Contact Monica Walker at the Extension office for more information or to sign up.

νUlysses News is hosting a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, Seasons of Change from September 22-26, from 9 a.m. - 6 pm. Cost is $5 per entry. Cash and Prizes will be awarded. There are five different age groups. Contact Ulysses News for an entry form or for more information.

νUlysses News will be hosting their Treasure Hunt again this fall. Be watching the paper or their Facebook page for more information or contact them at their office.

νCore Community has job openings for a Community Liaison, a Site Coach and a Childcare Lead. Please contact Sheila Koop if you are interested in any of these positions.

νCore Community is hosting award winning singer, comedian and motivational speaker on Saturday, September 20, at 6 p.m., at Kepley Middle School Auditorium. Cost is $20 for an individual, $50 for a family of three and $60 for a family of four or more. Check their Facebook page to find a link to purchase tickets.

νLHEAT and the Kansas Food Bank will have a Fresh Produce Distribution on Thursday, August 21, at 2:30 p.m., while supplies last. It will be at the corner of Glenn and Central at the Senior Center Bus Barn. You can call the Kansas Food Bank with any questions.

νThere will be a Free Car Seat Check Up at the Grant County Fire Department on Friday, September 19, from 1-4 p.m. When you arrive, please know the weight and height of your child. National Child Passenger Safety Certified Technicians will perform the check ups. For more information, contact Monica Walker at the Extension office. This is brought to you by the Extension office, Kansas Children’s Service League, Grant County Health Department and Women of Purpose.

νGrant County Health Department will be the location for the Help Hub on September 11, from 9 a.m. until noon. It is your one stop support station where families can receive personal assistance with applying for SNAP, MEDICAID benefits, and Marketplace Health Coverage. Their team will be on hand to answer questions, guide you through applications, and ensure you’re connected to the resources you need all in one place, at your own pace.

νGrant County Health Department reminds you to schedule your mammogram today because early detection saves lives.

νDon’t forget to get your button for Grant County Home Products Dinner. It is our 62nd annual dinner. Buttons are $12 each, the entertainment will be Dennis Gaxiola, one of America’s funniest clean comedians. Dinner starts at 7 p.m., September 16.

νFall Fest will be October 4. Kicking off with Safety fest at 9 a.m., and lasting the entire day into the evening. We will be having Jimmy Dee and The Fabulous Destinations back again for the evening concert. We are looking for non-profit groups and businesses to be vendors. If you are interested please call the chamber.

Next week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Corporate East Hotel.