Despite freezing weather last week, for one night it was Derby Night for the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner on Jan. 29. The annual dinner celebrates “those who make a …
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Despite freezing weather last week, for one night it was Derby Night for the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner on Jan. 29.
The annual dinner celebrates “those who make a meaningful impact in the Hastings Community,” according to the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau website.
This year, Christy Baum was recognized as educator of the year, Karin Grossman was recognized as volunteer of the year, and Precision Landscaping was recognized as business of the year.
Educator
The chamber recognized Christy Baum as educator of the year. Baum has been teaching for 35 years, 26 of which have been in Hastings.
“She’s a person who makes all of us better because she is so giving with her time,” said Kari Jaeger, high school literature teacher.
The award comes during Baum’s final year before retirement from the district, a prospect Baum had considered putting off because of how much she still enjoys teaching.
She called the current school year “probably one of the best years I’ve ever had,” said Baum. “I love it as much now as I did when I started out.”
“It’s glorious to leave with my heart so full because that’s how I came into teaching in 1991,” said Baum.
Volunteer
The Chamber recognized Karin Grossman as the volunteer of the year last week.
Grossman’s smile can be seen around town across a number of organizations and programs including Hastings Family Service and the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
“She does a lot of things that other people just don’t choose to do,” said Audry Anderson, Hastings AAUW member.
Grossman works with Meals on Wheels and Just Friends Transportation with Hastings Family Service.
“I’ve always enjoying doing something for other people. It’s just neighbor helping neighbor and it doesn’t take looking around to see somebody needing help,” said Grossman.
Business
The chamber recognized Precision Landscaping as business of the year. Founded in 1981 by John Fox, for 40 years Prevision Landscaping has been working in lawncare, snow removal, irrigation, and landscaping.
