The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Haxtun Chamber of Commerce Interim Director Kelcie Yockey hosted the organization's annual banquet last Monday, March 14 at the Haxtun Community Center. Two dozen community members attended the event designed to honor those who serve the Haxtun community and celebrate the year's accomplishments.

The evening began with a social hour followed by dinner and dessert provided by Red Willow Catering. John Chapdelaine gave the invocation before attendees were treated to a fajita buffet. Following dinner, Yockey gave a special presentation on behalf of the Chamber while also honoring award winners.

According to Yockey, the Haxtun Chamber of Commerce sponsors several events throughout the year including Old-Fashioned Saturday Night, County Christmas, the annual banquet, Feed Haxtun, school supply drive and Trunk or Treat Main Street. A portion of 2021 Chamber goals included adding community outreach projects and several of those were included in last year's events; specially the Truck or Treat Main Street, school supply drive and Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue 4th of July celebration.

Growth throughout the year, Yockey said, includes a total of 75 investment statements and implementing the additional community outreach projects as well as work with Ogallala Commons and Commonwealth Academy, a partnership with Phillips County Economic Development.

Four community members were honored during the awards portion of the annual banquet including Youth of the Year Aly Lock.

Her nomination reads: Aly has demonstrated excellence in leadership, academics, character and community service. Given these attributes, I believe Aly would make a great recipient for this award. Aly is not only involved in every organization Haxtun High School has to offer, but she has also held numerous leadership roles from being an officer in 4-H, she has held multiple class offices (currently serving as the Junior Class President at Haxtun High School), has been a positive leader in all sports and Student Council and most notably has held offices in FBLA. Aly has not only held offices in her local FBLA chapter, but also at the District level and is currently serving at the state level as a Colorado State FBLA Officer. Aly holds these leadership roles all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and while taking college level courses. Being a positive leader and excelling in academics are just some of the great attributes that Aly possesses. The attribute that sets Aly apart, in my opinion is her amazing character. You can always count on her to help and volunteer whenever needed. She is truly kind, cares about others and her community. On top of volunteering with the Food Bank of the Rockies and volunteering with all the organizations she is involved in, she has also been known to volunteer to help her community on her own. When the terrible fire went through Haxtun in 2017, Aly at 13 years old wanted to help in any way she could. She made breakfast burritos and served them to the firemen that were helping fight the fire. She helped clean up the town by picking up tree branches and debris when the derecho came through town in 2020. When COVID struck she wanted to help the nurses and doctors that were working long shifts. Many were complaining how having to wear masks constantly were giving them sores on the back of their ears. Aly and her sister decided to make headbands that they could hook their masks on to, that would help alleviate the pain from wearing masks. Aly ended up sending the headbands to multiple states and hospitals around the country. I feel like I could go on and on about her character and kindness. Overall, I believe Aly would be a great recipient for Youth of the Year!

Three individuals received Volunteer of the Year Awards, including Don Foster, Rose Jaramillo and Vickie Fuesz. Their nominations are as follows:

Foster: Don goes above and beyond to show his patriotism and sense of community. Don will go throughout the community and raise or lower every flag to full or half-staff depending on the holiday. Because of his patriotism and love for community he will not let weather deter him and ensures every flag is at the proper height no matter, rain or shine. He is an example that we should all strive to emulate because of his passion.

Jaramillo: She has volunteered her time with Retread Threads for multiple years and is always the first person to pitch in. She has an incredible relationships with our community in which is built on love, respect and kindness. Rose is someone that can be counted on to not only give her time through Retread Threads but is also known to assist others with transportation and meals. She has recently been caring for her husband following a stroke but still finds the time to lend a hand at Retread Threads. Our wonderful store would not be what it is if it weren't for amazing volunteers like Rose!

Fuesz: I've never met anyone like this lady. She gives her heart and soul into volunteering and doing her best to make life easy for everyone and it makes her very happy. Even if she's ill, she will offer her help. I'm proud of you Vicki! I call her the lady with a big heart.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR award recipient Don Foster with Haxtun Chamber Interim Director Kelcie Yockey.

Vicki spends countless volunteer hours at Retread Threads. She is kind, selfless, passionate, creative and above all, humble. Thanks to her steadfast support and teamwork, Retread Threads is a huge success and an asset to our community.

According to Yockey, all Haxtun businesses receive this year's Business of the Year Awards. "The past few years have been challenging, so we are honored to presented our 2021 Business of the Year award to all of our Chamber members and their employee," she said.

The Haxtun Chamber of Commerce Board includes President Jim Helfer, Treasurer Gay McDaniel, Secretary Kindra Plumb, Yockey, Debby McBride and Don Foster.

The Chamber of Commerce mission statement is to be a progressive and aggressive chamber, helping our community make prudent economic growth decisions while assuring that we maintain the lifestyle and atmosphere that we cherish.