News Release

Palo Verde Valley Recognizes Community Leaders, Volunteers

 For the 6^th year running, the Blythe Area Chamber of Commerce hosted “Community Recognition Day” at Todd Park, and this year’s “Citizen of the Year” is Frank Kelly.

Kelly is former Division Chief and Fire Marshall at the Huntington Beach Fire Department, who has been instrumental—in a volunteer role—in developing fire facilities and services in the region.  He’s also the former Fire Chief of the Ehrenberg, AZ, fire department, and was instrumental in securing funding for a new fire station in the Colorado Riverfront community. 

Volunteer of the Year is Richard Phipps, who has spent countless hours working at the Palo Verde Cemetery District.  His duties there?  Pretty much “you name it.”  Mowing, weeding, picking up trash, removing old flowers, cleaning windows, catching gophers—he’s at it virtually every day.  While we’re on the subject of the Palo Verde Cemetery District, the current board members Richard Phipps, Doris Morgan, Quitty Pinon and former member Max Schoenrock were all honored for their “above and beyond the call” service to the Cemetery.  Cemetery volunteer workers Geri Allen, Dee Coats, Betty Covel, Susie Forrest, Tina Garcia, Debbie Summers, Caroll Swaner and Kathy Van Fleet were also recognized.

Erin Freeman was honored as “Chamber Director of the Year,” while the Blythe landmark Courtesy Coffee Shop was recognized as “Business of the Year.”  Chamber of Commerce “Member of the Year” is Palo Verde College. 

The Blythe Rotary Club each year honors teachers in the community for excellence, and this year’s educator honorees included: LaHoma Randall, Early Childhood Development Center; Emily Chute, Appleby Elementary School; Chrystal Lester, Margaret White Elementary School; and Debra Triart, Ruth Brown Elementary School.

 Also honored were Dennis Bugtai of Blythe Middle School and Terra Hickox of Palo Verde High School.

Mayor Robert Crain inducted new Chamber President Debbie Hoel.  Tim Maley and Joey Deconinck, perennial and “pillar of the community” volunteers were also honored. 

Outgoing Chamber President Sam Patel gave his outgoing comments, and picked up an “attaboy” plaque for a job well done, and Stephanie Kelly was recognized for her California Women for Agriculture work.

 Joe Logan received the “Good Samaritan” award for his intervention at an accident scene—and effort which had already earned him a “Medal of Valor” from the State Department of Corrections.   

 The list goes on.   And on and on and on. Because Blythe is a community which relies heavily on volunteers and community spirit, because of its remoteness.