Unsung heroes Volunteerism makes a community feel like hometown

Unsung heroes
Volunteerism makes a community feel like hometown

Jan. 19, 2002

This week, the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cortez Journal collaborated to review nominations for the Chamber’s "Citizen of the Year" Award. One of the most fascinating aspects of the task was the number of unsung heroes who live, work and volunteer in Cortez.

These aren’t all people who chair organizations and frequently get their pictures in the paper. They’re not necessarily those who raise tremendous amounts of money, or who receive awards at conventions in far-off places. Some of their names aren’t familiar, as is often the case with unsung heroes. Their accomplishments often aren’t widely known either. They’re people who labor quietly, day in and day out, to make this an even better place for all who live here, and without them, Cortez would be far poorer.

A close examination of the anatomy of any community reveals that such people are its heart, hidden but vital, providing energy and motion. Regardless of what happens with the weather, the economy or the war on terrorism, they maintain their steady efforts. They do whats need to be done, even — or especially — when it isn’t glamorous or popular.

And right behind them are others, even less well known, whose names didn’t even make it into the nominations because few people notice their contributions. That, too, is the way the world works. If volunteers suddenly disappeared, we’d notice, but we manage, for years on end, to take their work for granted..

We shouldn’t. This winter, resolve to thank the people you know who make a profound difference to Cortez. Pay attention to who does what, and then show your appreciation to those who lead youth groups, coach sports, teach Sunday school, volunteer at schools, museums, the library, the hospital and the Welcome Center, pick up trash along the highway, assist senior citizens and new parents, give directions to visitors, open doors for those laden with packages or occupied with children.

A phenomenal amount of such work is required to keep a community feeling like a hometown. We should be grateful, and we should let those unsung heroes know.