City employees treated to party

Merry Christmas from under the mistletoe

Pea Ridge city employees and their families were treated to a Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 16.

Several employees were recognized for years of service.

“The concept I really wanted to convey was this is a day I can serve you and let’s make it a day that your family realizes that we appreciate you and your value to the community,” Mayor Nathan See said of his reasons for hosting the party.

All aspects of the party were provided locally, See said, emphasizing, “we stress support local … we want to be that example for the community to follow.

“This is the first one I’ve ever attended where the employees’ families could come, hear stories about their accomplishments and see them recognized,” See said. “I hope everyone had a good time and hope the families realize the importance their person who works for us is to our community.”

See said there were about 130 people there.

There were several organizations that donated including the school district which provided the space, Ronald Ragon Homes, Walmart, McClellan Consulting Engineers, the Pea Ridge Water Utilities, F.L. Davis Ace Hardware, Broken Window Boutique, Signs Here and There, Bobcat Northwest Arkansas and several vendors from the holiday market.

“We had gifts to give away and a chain saw donated by Bobcat NWA was the big grand prize,” See said.

Music was provided by Simply Seger. The food was provided by The Chef’s Garage. Flowers were from the Cottage Flower Shop.

“The employees didn’t have to do anything — just come, sit and enjoy the evening,” See said. He and his family as well as Keith Martin, school superintendent, and Kevin Ramey, assistant school superintendent, set up the room.

“I really appreciate the partnership we have with the school district,” See said. “In the big scope of things, many cities don’t have that. It’s a blessing for both of us to be able to work together on projects. It’s vital for the community to know how close knit we are as a community.”

Annette Beard/Pea Ridge TIMES The seventh-grade band performed “Name that Christmas Carol” and “Toboggan Run” during the Pea Ridge bands Christmas Concert Friday, Dec. 15, under the direction of Zach Brown, who said many of the students had only been playing their instruments for four months. See next week’s TIMES for more from the band concerts. Christmas carols resound

Courtesy photograph The Pea Ridge High School Concert choir performed “Mistletoe” with instrumentalist Annabeth Larsen and guitarist Natalie Burnett Thursday, Dec. 14, during the Christmas concert under the direction of Sara Beth Eubanks. See next week’s TIMES for more from the concert.

Courtesy photograph City employees were treated to a Christmas dinner Saturday, Dec. 16, and several employees were recognized for their years of service, according to Mayor Nathan See.