Flora was an easy choice. Easy! Flora -- with her friendly smile and twinkling eyes! Flora, of course! Who better to receive the Echo Park Chamber of Commerce's annual award? The "Soaring Eagle" plaque recognizes a person who's made a positive difference in Echo Park's com- munity life. It's one of the ways we honor those who dig in and accomplish something in this often-contentious neighborhood. A senior citizen with steel behind her charm, Flora has been a number one booster where it counts -- getting people to buy tickets, buy newsletter ads, buy books, buy into neighborhood safety, tree planting, parade decorating, whatever's going on! If it’s happening in Echo Park, Flora’s bringing home-baked goodies and moral support for all. That infectious enthusiasm for Echo Park has never wavered, even through serious illness and surgery that would have kept many another volunteer back in the tidy little house next to Elysian Park that Flora shares with husband Kurt. Yes, the Chamber's executive board had an easy time voting for Flora Kerp for its 2000 award. Perhaps too easy. They were ill-prepared for the much harder task they then faced of keeping the nomination of the popular Flora confidential. Like the winner of Sweden's Nobel prize, the year's "Soaring Eagle" is secret until announced with fanfare to the community. No-one's supposed to know in advance. And, just like the Nobel, the waiting is tough. People crack. They talk. They whisper. They say, "You didn't hear it from me." This year others as well as board members were involved. A bad knee had been keeping Flora from driving; a friend had to be found to make sure she got to the November 6 ceremony. So another person was told. It wouldn't do to have busy Flora schedule some- thing else that night. So Kurt Kerp was in on the secret. Some of the neighbors found out -- no-one's admitted how. They phoned with mystifying congratulations. Would Flora guess what was going on? On the evening of Monday, November 6 everything appeared to be going smoothly. Business people and residents attending the Chamber's Mixer were eating and greeting in the Champagne Room at Taix French Restaurant. Notable visitors and elected officials were being calmly introduced by Chamber President Bonnie Scanlan. Then the presentation of the "Soaring Eagle" award was announced. The room fell quiet. Knowing looks were exchanged. Listeners heard the honoree praised for non-stop local volunteer work and finally named as -- Flora Kerp! Enthusiastic applause erupted as Flora protested, smiled and gracefully accepted her well-deserved honor. Who knew and when did they know it? We'll probably never know for sure. All we're really sure of is -- Flora was an easy choice! Congratulations, Flora, from your admirers in the Echo Park Improvement Association. (Flora will also be Echo Park Improvement Association Meets at 7 p.m. the 1st Thursday of each Month in Williams Hall at Barlow Hospital 2000 Stadium Way in Elysian Park Flora Kerp Recognized for Community Service by Susan Borden After receiving her ―Soaring Eagle‖ plaque, Flora is also presented a L.A. City Certificate of Appreciation by Tom Soong of Councilman Mike Hernandez’s office.