DEL NORTE— Rio Grande County Commissioners had a full room on Wednesday, March 29 with a crowd of employees who were there to help congratulate some of the county’s longest standing employees. The crowd was in good spirits as more and more people came piling into the room and staff worked to move in as many chairs as they could fit into the space. Commissioners welcomed everyone to the celebration and started off with a short speech made by Chairwoman Karla Shriver.
Shriver began by stating that she is happy to be able to see the day that an employee receives a certificate for their service. She commented that the work world is like a wheel and that if one spoke on the wheel is removed, the rest of the wheel will falter. “Being able to do this tells me that this county is a great place to work,” finished Shriver. Next the commissioner stepped up to the front of the room with certificates in hand and proceeded to honor three 30-year employees and one special employee that was celebrating an astounding 50 years of service.
Two employees with the road and bridge department were honored for their service with the county, given a certificate marking their years of service and a pin. Tim Black has been with the department as an equipment operator for 35 years. While receiving his certificate, Black joked about his many nick names given to him by staff throughout his time with the county and the fact that he has known Shriver from an early age. The other employee and department supervisor, Patrick Sullivan was unable to attend the ceremony, but had a fellow worker accept his award on his behalf. Sullivan has been with the county for 30 years.
Shriver continued the momentum of the ceremony by calling Matilda Quintana, a motor vehicle clerk that has been with the county for 30 years, to the front of the room for a hug and to accept her certificate. The attending crowd clapped and cheered for the longtime employee who joked about needing to retire, to which Shriver responded that there was not to be any such talk with a smile on her face.
Last but by far not least, Shriver announced that they would next be honoring the longest Rio Grande County employee, who has been with the county for an amazing 50 years. Department of Social Services (DSS) Child Support Enforcement Manager Helen Martinez walked into the room and was surprised to see how many people had shown up for the celebration. “I was a little confused when my husband was getting up so early this morning; I said, ‘what in the world could be going on?’” joked Martinez.
DSS Director Jody Kern took a moment and thanked Martinez for her many years of service and stated that she looked forward to many more to come. Co-workers of Martinez had taken some time earlier in the week to create a collage depicting the 50 years of service provided by Martinez. After the awards were presented, friends and family gathered in the outer room of the meeting space to enjoy the pictures, laugh and have cupcakes provided by the county.