Mayor Gerald Hamms presented its annual “Hammy Award” to Jane Purser during a special presentation at its Oct. 10 meeting.
“This award is meant to recognize special citizens who care about the City of Winnfield,” the mayor said. “Our recipient is most deserving. Anyone who know Jane Purser will hear the statement ‘I love Winnfield’ in every conversation.” He cited her ongoing work with First Presbyterian Church, Huey P. Long Technical College, literacy and the Food Pantry, to name a few.
Hamms said he was delighted to learn that the committee had selected Mrs. Purser for the award. “I’ve know this young lady for a long time. I know she puts herself behind all that she does for the city, putting others first. I am honored to present this award.”
Given the opportunity, Mrs. Purser had a few words in response. She had been presented not only with the Hammy Award but also with a decorative cupcake marking the eve of her 90th birthday. She attributed her longevity to “love.” She added that a former mayor once said that she and late husband Don “hung our hats here. That’s what we did. You don’t know what this means to me.”
In other business, the council approved an amendment to Civil Service Ordinance 7.23, pending approval by the city’s CPA, a pay raise of $2 per hour for starting police and fire department personnel.
Mayor Hamms finally noted that server in the room were wearing pink as the city recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He said it is also a month in which Domestic Violence is recognized to which he commented it is sad to realize that this is a problem, even here in Winnfield, larger than many realize.
