‘Tilt-a-Whirl Joe’ named ‘Someone You Should Know’

Derrick Miller
The Duncan Banner

May 16, 2008 11:42 am

— During the last Duncan Chamber of Commerce breakfast until September, a man known for his work at Kiddieland Park received some much deserved recognition.
Joe Rogers, better known as “Tilt-a-Whirl Joe,” is this month’s Someone You Should Know.” Rogers was given this title during the breakfast Thursday in the Simmons Center.
The award, which was presented by Kiwanis Club member Don Howland, was a surprise to Rogers, who said he knew something was going on because he was invited to the breakfast, but didn’t know what.
“I didn’t know anything,” he said.
Joining Rogers was his children: daughter Denise Arnold and son Joey. Rogers was recognized for his years of service with the Kiwanis Club and work at Kiddieland Park.
He has worked at Kiddieland Park for 21 years and, in 1999, he was made an honorary lifetime Kiwanis member because of his dedication to the job. Rogers said he has enjoyed his position at the Tilt-a-Whirl because of the kids.
“I just like helping the kids,” he said.
He said he enjoys getting to watch children grow up. During this process, a trend emerges, he said.
Children stop going to Kiddieland Park when they turn 14 because they think they’re too old, but usually come back in their early 20s, he said.
This job has made his a recognizable face for generations of Duncan residents, he said. Working at the park has given him a chance to see children grow and bring their own children.
For Rogers, the job is all about the kids. He said they know the rules and usually abide by them, which makes the job even more successful.
“I enjoy it so much,” he said. “They’re a bunch of good kids.”
Other items:
n James Miller, Christian Center pastor, spoke about the sixth annual Car and Motorcycle Show.
This event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Christian Center.
Miller said about 1,500 people attended last year’s event.
n Dawn Hendriex, who was in charge of the breakfast’s Healthy Minute, gave those dining a way to increase efficiency and production in the work-place.
Hendriex said employees should have five-minute breaks every hour to keep them functioning at their maximum.
She said they should be doing something active, like walking or taking stairs, during those breaks.

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