For the second year in a row, the Citizen of the Year Award couldn’t be bestowed on just one person.
At a ceremony on Thursday, the fire chief presented The Mancos Valley Lions Club with the Citizen of Year Award.
“We are here to serve, it’s very easy to stand up and lend a hand because when we’re in straights the community comes to our aid,” said Howard Thomas, the vice president.
The Lions Club was chosen for their work on the annual community health fair, which serves around 500 people, the scholarships and other charity work, said Fire Chief Tony Aspromonte.
“It was a tough decision,” said Fire Chief Tony Aspromonte. The entire fire department won last year for their work on the Weber fire, and Aspromonte had the honor of presenting the award. The other nominees were not announced.
The Lions Club has organized a public health fair in Mancos for 30 years, and it draws people from the Four Corners region.
“It’s a great way to check your health care,” Thomas said.
The fair provides tests including cholesterol, blood sugar, weight and iron levels. Southwest Memorial Hospital staff contact fair attendees by phone, mail or email with the results.
It’s a great resource for those who can’t afford health insurance and is very well organized, said Rena Wilson the president of the Chamber of Commerce.
The club starts planning for the April fair in October, said Linda Mount club secretary.
The club also gives away two $500 scholarships to Mancos high school seniors. Vision is also a priority of the club, which collects old glasses for distribution overseas.
Thomas said that the club was happy and excited.
“We’re mostly humble hard-working people that want to give back to the community,” Thomas said.
mshinn@cortezjournal.com
