As City Manager Barack Matite nears the end of his job in Eudora, the Senior Foundation honored him at its Friday Fun Fellowship.
Senior Foundation member Pam Schmeck spoke about the plethora of help Matite has provided to the senior community.
Schmeck, who also previously worked as city clerk, said his help in facilitating funding for the foundation led to its continued success. She is grateful to have worked with Matite during the duration of his time with the city, she said.
In her speech, Schmeck was emotional about Matite’s resignation and hopes the next city manager will continue to connect and care for the senior community.
“It’s really, really difficult to put into words,” Schmeck said. “People just enjoyed being around him. He’s got a joy that you just don’t see often. I can’t say enough about what he’s done for the city and the senior community.”
Ruth Hughs agreed Matite was an asset to the community. As former vice mayor, Hughs worked closely with him.
“You did mighty work here, and you are appreciated. Thank you so much,” Hughs said.
Matite followed with a speech thanking the community for a great experience in Eudora and said he hopes to visit after he leaves.
“Pam has been my work mom ever since I started, and I’ve learned a lot from her, as much as I’ve learned from everyone else who works at the city,” Matite said. “From that time, we have had a lot of discussion about senior housing, Senior Wheels, what can we do to be able to expand Eudora to become what Ruth [Hughs] calls the ‘mecca for seniors.’”
Also during the gathering, Superintendent Stu Moeckel delivered an update on a senior bus tour scheduled for Thursday. The tour will give seniors insight into what students are doing on a day-to-day basis.
“So often once your student graduates, you may hear about the school or people talking about the score of the game, but school looks so much different than when I went to school as a high schooler,” Moeckel said.
He hopes seniors will bring their friends and spread news about the event. The bus will arrive at the Community Center at 9:15 a.m. and depart at 9:30 a.m. No sign-up is necessary. Seniors are welcome to ride a bus or drive themselves.
The first stop will be at 9:35 a.m. at Eudora Middle School, followed by a stop at 10:25 a.m. at the high school and 11:05 a.m. at the elementary school.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected]
