The Dolores Chamber has announced The Outpost Motel as business of the year and Jerry Whited as citizen of the year for their outstanding efforts in 2019. Nominations were taken from the public and voted on by the board based on criteria representing that role.
Both the Outpost Motel and Jerry Whited will receive commemorative plaques and vinyl stickers they can display. The chamber thanked them for their continued service to the town and community.
Here are some of the things said by the people who nominated them:
“Ginger and Kirk at the Outpost Motel do way more than anyone even knows, and I think they like it that way. They help with events, and they really want the town to grow. Kirk stands up for the town when others remain silent, and Ginger is involved with multiple boards and helps guide others. Great people. Amazing business. A huge asset to the town.”
“Jerry is one of those people who is trying to build community through his actions. He often stops at businesses to check in and see how they’re doing. He’ll go by Town Hall to talk to the town manager and town employees. People seek him out for advice and help, which he does willingly.
Most people don’t realize all the things Jerry is a part of around here. He volunteers his time to coach football for Dolores, completely unpaid. He has helped various organizations do service projects and fund raise. He helped coordinate the Christmas food baskets to needy families and students. He helped Rotary with securing the Christmas lights in Flanders Park last December. When it snows, Jerry is out there plowing driveways for businesses and elderly. He helps neighbors collect firewood to prep for the winter.
He does this because he wants a community where we help each other without the expectation of a reward and build that bond that makes us a stronger town. When people talk about being a bridge instead of a barrier, Jerry is definitely one of the bridge builders and should be considered for citizen of the tear.”
The Dolores Chamber will give out a $1,000 scholarship to a Dolores High School senior even though the fundraiser has been moved to October. The application is available at visitdolores.com and is open to Dolores seniors who are applying for secondary education. Applications are due by May 1 and will be voted by the board May 5.