Gruber receives coveted Milroy Award
By Debbie Lowe

Chamber recognizes accomplishments Three awards were presented to community members for their outstanding contributions to the Delphi area in 2006. Award recipients are, left to right, DCSC board president Robert Resler, community volunteer Ed Gruber, and property owners Jim and Mary Ellen Shaffer. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe

Delphi Chamber of Commerce presented annual recognition awards Monday night to a full house of well-wishers and supporters of the chamber's community efforts.

The event was held at chamber member Bresnahan's Restaurant in Pittsburg. After the invocation by Pastor Todd Ladd of the Delphi United Methodist Church, the chamber recognized artist Harry Idle for paintings of community subjects he donated to the chamber in gratitude for what the organization offers to community members.

Before the awards ceremony, Delphi Mayor Lee Hoard gave a state of the city address. He noted new curbs and sidewalks, a signal light on Hamilton St. near the ball diamond, receiving an Urban Forestry grant, the revitalization of the Main Street Association, and the cleaning of 13,000 feet of sewer lines as some of the many accomplishments of the past year.

"I'm very proud of our department heads, the city council and the efforts of the clerk's office," Hoard said.

Hoard said that at the end of 2006 the city was enjoying more than $2 million in the reserve account.

Representatives from The Andersons, Indiana Packers Corporation and Peters Revington provided 2006 information about their respective businesses.

Delphi Municipal Airport Manager Brian Stirm gave a sketch of transportation in and around Delphi from the past to the present, along with a vision for the future. Stirm said transportation was a key element of economic development in the past. He urged attendees to consider expanding the current historical perspective of transportation to attract tourists in the future.

Delphi School Corporation Superintendent Ralph Walker kicked off the awards ceremony by presenting the "Making A Difference Award" to school board president Robert Resler.

According to the program, "The award is presented annually to someone in the community who has been dedicated to their work and donated time to some form of education. The award goes to someone who unselfishly gave personal time to the betterment of DCSC."

City council member Randy Strasser presented the "Community Appearance Award" to Mary Ellen and James Shaffer, owners of Shaffer's Standard on Main Street in Delphi.

The award is given to the owner of a business, entity or entrepreneur who put forth effort to restore, beautify or increase the appearance of a structure or location in the city. The Shaffers were recognized specifically for the improvements and upgrades made to the former gas station property.

Chamber administrative assistant Teresa Maxwell and board of director and member, Belinda Weatherwax, presented the "Samuel Milroy Award" to Everett "Ed" Gruber for his many volunteer activities and projects throughout the community.

The "Samuel Milroy Award" is presented in recognition of entrepreneurial or philanthropic contributions to the city of Delphi.

"He is always willing to donate his time," Watson remarked. "He is very deserving of this award."

The chamber meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the office located at 113 N. Washington St. Those interested in becoming members can call (765) 564-3034 for more information.