getting home until 6 or 7 p.m. We never hear a grumble out of Ken, who takes it all in stride. The incident that caught everyone’s eye was when he made a special trip on his day off in order to take a senior who needed a handicapped-adapted van to church. He knew the senior’s days were numbered and that it was important to that senior to be in church that Sunday. The senior died the following Tuesday.
     When Ken doesn’t have a transport, he fixes something around the center or works in the yard. In the winter, the sidewalks are shoveled before the other employees come to work and the seniors have a chance to arrive. In the summer, he takes care of the lawn, keeping it green. The vehicles show his pride in his work as they are always washed inside and out. One Christmas he made a “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree” out of a dying spruce tree.
     Whatever it takes to get the job done or give someone a smile—Ken is always willing to go that extra mile.

Nominee: Dennis Zoller
Agency: Riverton Senior Citizens’ Center
Nomination by: Linda Burt and Kathy Callaway

     We would like to nominate all the drivers at the Riverton Senior Center, but since only one can be nominated, please consider Dennis Zoller for the WYTRANS Driver of the Year. He exemplifies the position, attitude, and safety awareness that conveys the message, “We care about your transportation needs.”
     Dennis is well liked by his co-workers. He is very courteous to riders and peers, always meeting them with a “good morning,” a salute, or a smile. He always goes the “extra mile” for his community and everyone around him. Whether Dennis is calming a crying child or helping the elderly with their groceries, he is there for them. His smile is contagious, which brings a smile on the faces of others.
     A well-rounded member of the transportation team, Dennis not only drives the vehicles but he helps to maintain them also. He fills in to dispatch when needed. Dennis tries to do whatever he is asked to do and helps other drivers when they need his help. Although he is challenged with limited use of his right arm, he never lets that interfere with his job in any way. Dennis makes sure every rider is warm, comfortable, and made to feel extra special.

around the senior center. His monthly reports are always on time and accurate. He is also our all-around handyman at the center. In the winter he removes snow and ice; in the summer he sprays and pulls weeds.
     Jim’s dependability is a constant that we can rely on. In so many ways he has enhanced the programs at the senior center. The entire staff and council of senior citizens who participate at our center would be honored if you would consider our bus driver—Jim Krubeck—for the WYTRANS Driver of the Year.

Nominee: Ken Wattier
Agency: Crook County Senior Services
Nomination by: Marge Myers, Director

     Ken Wattier came to work for Crook County Senior Services in October 2001. Since then, many of our seniors have grown to love and respect him. Crook County is one of the smaller counties in Wyoming. Ken covers it all when it comes to transporting seniors for special needs. Like most of the other senior transportation agencies, many seniors rely on the center’s transportation for services they require. Many Crook County seniors travel as far east as Rapid City, South Dakota, or as far west as Gillette for medical specialists: eye, ear, dental care, as well as MRIs and CAT scans. Veterans have appointments at the VA hospitals in Sturgis and Hot Springs, South Dakota. Once in a while there is a need for a ride to or from the Rapid City Airport.
     Because of the travel distance, Ken often has to wait for individuals, but he helps clients set up follow-up medical appointments, logging them in his pocket calendar. He also assists seniors with shopping, watches that they don’t get lost in Wal-Mart, looks for good buys for those on tight budgets, and carries their packages to the van. Most of all, he is always concerned about their health and welfare. Ken is an intelligent gentleman, always willing to listen, has a gift of gab, and a terrific sense of humor. He captivates many elderly ladies because he always offers them his arm or holds their arms so they don’t slip and fall.
     Ken is most willing to accommodate the seniors and get them to their appointments on schedule while allowing them some shopping time while in the big city. If that means leaving Sundance at 6 a.m., he is willing and ready to go, even though it may mean not