As a letter from the Callaway Chamber of Commerce Board states, “Very few communities are blessed with the attributes that make Callaway, Nebraska, such a wonderful place to live, work, play and retire. It has been said about Callaway, you may visit once but you’ll return for the rest of your life.”

As we all know, the key to any successful and thriving community is its people. Sunday evening, Feb. 26, the local Chamber took an opportunity to thank the businesses and individuals who not only support the Chamber, but who make Callaway such a great community.

One thing the Chamber does at the annual Celebrate Callaway event is recognize all of those who have moved to Callaway within the past year. Between February of 2022 and February 2023, Callaway has gained 19 new residents. “We just want this to be an opportunity for you to feel welcomed to our community. Those of us who live here feel very blessed, and we are really grateful for all of the people,” said Pitkin.

The Chamber also has decided to begin recognizing businesses for years in business in 5-year increments, so at the event those whose years in business end with a five or zero were honored. The first of those recognized for five years of service to Callaway was Custom Metal Creations, owned by Greg Spanel, who was not present.

Trumbull Repair and Auto, owned by Dan Trumbull, was recognized for 10 years in business. Trumbull’s daughter, Kelsey Wyckoff, accepted the certificate on behalf of the business.

Honored for 15 years in business in Callaway was Agri-Best Feeds. Shanna Haidle accepted the certificate on behalf of her family. Sew Crazy Sewing, owned by Jill Pitkin, was honored for 25 years in business.

Dave and Jo Chesley were presented a certificate for 35 years of business with Chesley Lodge, a short-term rental property. Judy Meredith has been operating the J&J Accounting office in Callaway for 40 years, and was recognized for that Sunday.

For the past 50 years Callaway has received the benefit of having a physical therapy facility right in the community. Two of the three current owners of TEAM Physical Therapy reside in Callaway, and one of them - Mary Ross - accepted the certificate on behalf of the business. The other two owners are Richard Still of Callaway and Jeff Denson of Broken Bow.

The Callaway Courier was honored for 55 years of serving the Callaway community. Though this “modern day” version of the paper was started by Doc and Rhoda Chalupka, the Callaway Courier was actually one of four or five newspapers serving the community back in the 1800s. Accepting the certificate was Callaway Courier/ Syndicate Publishing Editor Ellen Mortensen and long-time owner/publisher of the paper, Michael Wendorff.

Being honored for 60 years of serving Callaway was the generational business of Meyer Insurance Agency. The business was started by J.R. Meyer, then passed down to his son Randy, and now the third generation - Zach Meyer - has ownership in the business.

The final recognition of the night is the annual Citizen of the Year award. This year that person is Christie Pitkin. She has been a dependable volunteer throughout the community for many years, including the Kite Flight for the past 30 years. She has also served on various boards and committees, and serves as worship leader at her church.

“She has done many good things for organizations and individuals that never even get seen,” said Ken Pitkin. “Callaway is a richer and better place because of Christie

Pitkin.”