What is a Citizen of the Year?
First you have to be a good person - one that exhibits values, principles, ethics adn lives y the Golden Rule. One who helps people and actively participates in our community.
Every year the Commerce City Business & Professional Association chooses one person or couple who exemplifies these qualities.
2011: Trudy Smith
2010: Bob and Bev Benzel
He was raised in Florida; she was raised in Iowa.
After serving in the Navy during the Korean conflict as crew member of a LST
(landing craft troop transport of Korean prisoners) Bob took a plumbing ticket
in Des Moines, Iowa for a hospital where Bev was working as a nurse. The
two migrated to Colorado and married in 1972 at the Mother Cabrini Shrine.
She stopped nursing in 1961. The two found a newly refurbished trailer on
Highway 2 in Commerce City in 1972 and after three years were able to
move to their home on Niagara Street where they still live today.
They raised two children - Brian and Beah so this led them to volunteer for Cub Scouts through Eagle Scouts and Daisy through Cadets. They coached little league teams and always volunteered in the Church and then Knights of Columbus for about 15 years. They have volunteered at the VFW Post 4444. Bob retired in 1992 from the Plumbers Local 3 Union. They helped form the Commerce City Citizens for Recycling, helped with Northeast Emergency Assistance Center and now the Food Bank at Our Lady Mother of the Church. The Food Bank at Our Lady Mother of the Church. The Food Bank of the Rockies helps this program but bob and Bev pick up the food stock and distribute one day a week. They help with Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets.
"They are committed to strengthening this community and they certainly show it through the many, many activities they spearhead and belong to in the community.
While individuals, they are truly a team and I am so happy for them to receive acknowledgment for their dedication. they represent the silent volunteers that do these things for a better community, not for hte credit, which, ultimately makes them that much more deserving.
Since 2001, Commerce City Citizens for Recycling has
been working to raise awareness and increase recycling here in Commerce
City. Throughout the years this group has been meeting regularly to
ensure residents have a free place to recycle. Both Bob and Bev are
very committed to recycling. They are always there to volunteer. Each
of them sits on the planning committee and they were instrumental in
assisting to get free curbside recycling in the area. They are very active in securing donations from the community to make sure all families receive decorations with their Christmas tree at the Derby Winter Festival. They are involved with all aspects of this event.
In the last three years they have become very involved in their immediate neighborhood Kemp. They are actively involved in the development of a neighborhood plan to create a wonderful place for their granddaughter Emma to grow up in. They attended a conference in Virginia where they learned and shared how residents across the country strengthen their communities.
They also spend their time thinking about how to improve the aesthetics of Commerce City. They belong to the Imagine! Coalition which is working to improve neighborhoods identity, identify standing water issues and create links between students and seniors for yard work and snow shoveling. This group, with Community Enterprise will be launching a program for Commerce City residents to actively engage in that identification.
I wonder sometimes if Bob and Bev understand what retirement means. But, like the many citizens that have won this award before them - that work, luckily for us in Commerce City, does not exist. At Community Enterprise we have known for a longtime that Bob and Bev are exemplary citizens and we are so happy you all know now too!" Submitted by Cristie Jophlin Martin
2009: Charlene Jaramillo
We have in Commerce City just that person. One who was raised in Mankado, Kansas, went to school in Lincoln, Nebraska and became a beautician in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Charlene and Lou Jaramillo eloped to Raton, New Mexico in April 1954 and moved to
their new home in Commerce City in 1955. They raised six children - one girl and five
boys, two of whom were twins, all educated in the Adams-14 education system. They
currently have 16 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Charlene Jaramillo is seen in and around the community all the time. She started the
Commerce City Library as a volunteer in the old City Hall Building in April 1970 with the
help of Casey Hayes. Shortly after that Commerce City decided to put it into the Adams County Library System where she became paid. She learned how to be a librarian through the Adams County Library System, drove the County bookmobile around the rural part of the county and was head librarian in Commerce City for six years before retirement in 1991.
After retirement, she started to volunteer. When the Commerce City Cultural Council was formed in approximately 1997, she volunteered and became chair and kept that position til two years ago when she resigned to be a member of the Adams County Cultural Council. She has served on the City Liquor Commission as a member and is now chairman. She is an active member of Our Lady Mother of the Church. She does the books and offertory envelopes for the Church.
Charlene has be ability to personally inspire people to do things creatively and lead them as well, said former Mayor Casey Hayes.
2008: Dr. John Lange
This individual was born on March 3rd, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan, one of 7 brothers and
sisters, and lived in Allen Park, Michigan.
During his school years he was active in the Boy Scouts of America, and served as an
Altar Boy at St. Francis Cabrini Church, serving even during his college years. He was
Quarterback of the Allen Park High School football team for 4 years. was named to the All
Metro Detroit Area Team and All State Team.
Attending Eastern Michigan on a Football Scholarship, he majored in Business
Administration with a double major of Marketing and Finance. During his sophomore year he sustained a shoulder injury and lost his scholarship. That same year he married his wife, Diane, and they had their first baby girl, Kyle. Their second daughter, Courtney, came along later. Determined that he and his wife would finish college, he went to school during the day, and worked nights as a janitor at Ford Motor Company.
Upon graduation he was offered a job in management training at the General Motors Corporation, U. S. Division, he later worked for Purex Corporation. He also owned two businesses, a Sporting Goods business, and an Investment Finance business, specializing in municipal finance.
While working on his Masters Degree in Business Administration, he also acquired a Teaching Certificate and pursued a career as a Teacher. He has taught at both the High School and College levels. After 4 years of teaching, he was promoted to Principal of a large Area Vocational School. During that time, he enrolled in a Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Campus. The school he was in charge of soon became a National Model School and he was offered and accepted the position of Deputy Commissioner of Education for the State of Arizona.
He finished and obtained his Doctorate Degree, in Education Leadership and Supervision, at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
Pursuing a lifelong desire to live in Colorado, he applied for and was selected as Superintendent of Schools for Eagle County, Colorado.
In an attempt to apply his Doctoral Research about reforming schools, he applied for an was selected as Principal of Adams City High School, in Commerce City, Colorado. he became 'attached' to the students, staff and community, serving as principal for 4 years. He was then named Superintendent of Schools for Adams 14, serving for 10.5 years in the position.
There have been many accomplishments, and many awards and honors bestowed upon this man throughout his business and education careers, but if asked, he would say as he has before:
I am most rewarded as the father of two beautiful, caring, and loving daughters, who are in education related businesses, and as the grandfather to five wonderful grandchildren, and as husband to my wife Diane, my friend, confidant, a teacher, who shares many visions that have enriched my life. As far as my business and education life is concerned, I am most proud of helping the students and families of Commerce City grow to their highest potential, and helping to build a legacy that will breed success for generations to come. The schools are the community and the community is the schools. I am most honored to have served is such a wonderful community, without the community support nothing would have been accomplished.
2007: Joyce Waldroop
2006: Roger Shakely
This individual grew up in a small town called Beaver, Pennsylvania. In high school he
would become famous as a trombonist in the acclaimed Beaver Bobcats Band. He left
the Beaver Bobcats to become a Nittany Lion. While at Penn State University, he
received his Bachelors in Engineering in 1974, and his Masters in Engineering in 1979.
After college, he was recruited by a Colorado company. He passed up the Rocky
Mountains for, of all things, Red Beans and Rice in New Orleans, and a position with
Shell Oil Company in 1980. He also lucked out and found his Southern Belle, Alison,
and together started their family as he also started his career.
This young Engineer has held a number of project management assignments in Shell’s
Head Office Engineering and Construction Group constructing facilities such as the
SHAC Catalyst Facility in Norco, LA, the ALKY and MtBE Plants in Deer Park, TX, and the reconstruction of the Kraton K-1 Unit in Belpre, OH.
In 1996, he was named Remediation Project Manager for Shell Oil Company at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. He thought it was Divine Providence finally bringing him to Colorado, a wonderful place to raise a family in the wide open outdoors, with actual seasons. In 2002, he was appointed Denver Site Project Manager at the Arsenal where he is responsible for all of Shell’s activities related to the remediation of the site.
As busy as this fellow is at work, he is able to support personally; E.L.K. - Environmental Learning for Kids, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Adams 14 Foundation, Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Society, Commerce City Business and Professional Association, past VP, and board member, and current Website builder and Webmaster.
On behalf of Shell Oil Company, he donates to the following charities:
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Audobon Society
- Various local charity Golf tournaments
- Funds community picnics for Commerce City Community Outreach
- Adams County Historical Society
- Commerce City Community Health Services
- Colorado Wildlife Federation
- The Senior Hub
His biggest passion he shares with Alison, their four kids: Kyle, Ross, Kelly, Michael Quinn. He golfs, tries to fly fish, is a master Flytier, is active in Boy Scouts, and recently he’s gotten BSA trained to teach his Scout Troop ROCK CLIMBING.
This man is best described as trustworthy, loyal, helpful,friendly, courteous, kind,obedient, cheerful,
thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
2005: Reba Drotar
2004: Mac McFarlin
2003: Derell Younger
2002: Sean Ford
Ken Woods
2001: Lois Kimmes
2000: Lois Litsey
1999: Betty Pepin
1998: None
1997: Beth Gallegos
1996: Ted Kimmes, Jr.
1995: Jim Deden
1994: Lester Arnold
1993: Larry Ford
1992: Al & Jean Klein
1991: Shirley Leeper
1990: Joe Reilly
1989: Pastor Joe Fritch
1988: Kenneth Gahagen
2011:
2010: Del's Liquor
2009: La Casa del Rey
Familiarity breeds content. It is hard to take for granted this family-owned business that has integrated itself so well into the community that it has become an icon of humble success.
La Casa Del Rey Restaurant, Home of the Award Winning
X-tra Hot, Hot Medium & Mild Chili, since 1986 is that business. We accept that they have award winning food. We are aware of all that they do for our community. Feeding volunteers for CASA, running burritos out to stranded DIA travelers during a horrendous period of snow and ice in our state, contributing their space, their resources and their smiles to many of our community’s groups, associations and non-profits are all a
part of their philosophy.
No one is a stranger inside their domain. Ask the Chili Addicts like DOG the Bounty Hunter and Ward Lucas of Channel 9. Starting from a tiny take-out kitchen space to sectionalized dining areas including a hacienda room proves the adage that what goes around, comes around.
This is a home grown business in that the Atencio’s have lived in Commerce City for many years. Nancy and Ernie Atencio and brother and General Manager Gill Atencio founded the business with home made recipes from Mama Atencio.
2008: McDonald's Restaurant #5562 - Commerce City
2007: AB&T Body Shop
2006: Gala Gardens
2005: Commerce City Beacon/Norm's Printing
2004: South Adams County Volunteer Fire District
2003: Foster Wheeler
2002: South Adams County Water and Sanitation District
2001: Valley Bank & Trust
2000: E & G Terminal
1999: Waste Management
1998: Ace Surplus
Dr. Blanchard
HiLo Market
1997:
2011: David Pocs, LPL Financial
2010: Dale Algrim, Colorado Business Bank
2009: Jimmy Burds, Colographics and Dale Algrim, Colorado Business Bank
2008: Rhonda Hathaway, Werth Manor Event Center
2007: Rhonda Hathaway, Gala Gardens
2006: Jack Hagaman, Concrete Washout Systems
2005: Kevin Phillips, SACVFD
2004: Janet Union, Norm's Printing
2003: Janet Union, Norm's Printing
2002: Kevin Phillips, SACVFD
2001: Chuck Jensen, Valley Bank & Trust
2000: Chuck Jensen, Valley Bank & Trust
1999: Marvin Pugh, Marvin Pugh, CPA
1998: Marvin Pugh, Marvin Pugh, CPA
1997: Rob Thames, City of Commerce City
1996: Lois Litsey, Mile High Roofing
1995: Lois Litsey, Mile High Roofing
1994: Joe Reilly, Triple J Appliance
1993: Joe Reilly, Triple J Appliance
1992: Joe Reilly, Triple J Appliance
1991: Charlie Johnson, Mile High Kennel Club
1990
1989
1988