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Jan. 22, 2002 Four local citizens were honored for their contributions to the community at the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet Saturday evening. Retired nurse and community volunteer Ellen Melsness was named Cortez Journal Citizen of the Year. Carl and Nancy Jones received the Jack Hawkins Community Service Award. Joan Luhman received the Past Presidents’ Community Service Award. Business of the Year, an award sponsored by Muscanell Woodworks, was Nu-Way Western Wear. CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Melsness served as a public-health nurse at Towaoc for 23 years and was nominated for the Nightingale nursing award during her career. She shared her nursing education with the community by lecturing to school children and staff. She was honored by the Ute Mountain Ute tribal staff and the Indian Health Service for dedicated service upon her retirement. Melsness was very proactive about vaccinations as she saw much whooping cough and polio among children. She also supervised patients to be sure they took their tuberculosis medication properly, and educated people about fetal alcohol syndrome. She helps with Power Lunch for high-school students and works with the Salvation Army at Christmas. She serves on the church board of the First Baptist Church and holds Bible study in her home, and is an active member of the Christian Women’s Club. She is also involved with Partners and is known as the "Tootsie Roll Pop lady" as she always has a supply when they are cross-country skiing or trail-building. "She is a kind person who has made it her life’s work to give back to the community through her generosity, education and devotion," her nomination form said. JACK HAWKINS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
The Joneses are known to many through his work at Montgomery Ward, their years managing 7-2-11, his business installing fences, and their varied community service. They were nominated as people who "quietly, day in and day out, made the town a happier, better place." "Regular customers were friends whose names were remembered, their health and families inquired after," his nomination form said. "Many came to the store just for the camaraderie, to share a joke, or to brag about their kids or accomplishments, knowing Carl and Nancy would celebrate with them. They came for comfort in sad times." Many area children first met Carl Jones in his role as Santa Claus and were surprised later that he knew their names. He was involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for many years, encouraging young men by word and example. Both were active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. "The friendless or down-and-outers knew they had friends in Carl and Nancy, who each saw the value in others, regardless of their station in life. Nancy was never too busy to visit the sick, take in a meal or attend a wedding, graduation, bridal or baby shower, most times bringing a handmade gift along with her." Jones’ recent illness has forced him to seek treatment in Salt Lake City, and although he was in Cortez last weekend to attend the Empire Electric board of directors’ meeting, He was unable to attend the Chamber banquet. PAST PRESIDENTS’ COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Luhman’s service to the Chamber and the community is also widely known. A graduate of the Leadership Aurora program in the Denver area, she was instrumental in establishing Leadership Montezuma locally. While in Aurora, she organized "The Sting," a city-wide fund-raising run for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, and help established Public Service Company’s mentoring program within the Aurora school system. After moving to Cortez, she joined the hospital foundation and became a Pink Lady and advisor to the Candy Stripers. She volunteered at the Chamber, subsequently becoming a director and officer, and served as both vice-president and president. She is founding board member of the Child Advocacy Center. Currently serving her second term as a director of Southwest Health System, she also started a leadership program for hospital staff as part of the ongoing effort to improve the hospital’s service to the community. She has served in various official capacities for her sorority alumni association, her ladies’ philanthropic organization and the Cortez Ladies Golf Association, and continues to donate her time to various causes and fund-raising activities around the community. BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Nu-Way Western Wear, the 2002 Business of the Year, has been an institution in Cortez, first with Bob Banks and now with his daughter, Marti Spitzer, said the person who nominated Nu-Way. "Nu-Way provides excellent customer service and if they don’t have the item you want, they’ll order it for you. As a business, they provide customer service to all cultures in the area." Nu-Way has long supported area youth, sponsoring the junior rodeo and helping out with any youth events that need sponsorship or assistance. "Their staff is friendly and competent," the nomination said. "A person always feels welcome when you enter the store." Also nominated were Dolores State Bank, for its attractive new Cortez branch and its tradition of support of local businesses, civic and youth activities; Cortez Camera, for the contributions of Dan and Lynn Avery, including service on the Chamber board and in spearheading School to Career; Slavens True Value, for years of good service and community involvement; and Citizens State Bank, for "heartfelt concern for the area and the people." |
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Copyright © 2002 the Cortez
Journal. All rights reserved. |
