Extended article added: Senior Olympics Recognition Banquet 081719

[Editor's Note: Apologies to Fred Baca for not posting his article with this photo essay. It is included below.]

Photos by Sandra Michaud

The Copper Country Senior Olympics participants got together Saturday night to celebrate their successes in the National Senior Olympics held this year in Albuquerque and to recognize the people behind the scenes who made it all possible.

A welcome from board president Fred Baca was followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Vietnam Veterans Post 358; the National Anthem, sung by Lorraine Anglin; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alfred Ogas; and the Invocation by Deacon Bill Holguin.

After a welcome from Mayor Ken Ladner, the Senior Olympians enjoyed a buffet dinner of pulled pork with all the fixings, and were entertained by songs from Angelica Padilla. The meal was followed by recognition awards, a raffle drawing and a dance with music by the Illusion Band.

Copper Country Senior Olympics recognizes Elva Quimby

By Fred Baca

The Copper Country Senior Olympics held its annual Recognition and Awards Banquet on Saturday, August 17, at the Grant County Veterans’ Memorial Building Business and Conference Center. The event celebrated the many participants for actively taking part in the local and national senior Olympic Games. Several attending participated and placed in various local and national Events. All participants had to qualify prior in order to take part in the National games. Beverly Woods, Preston Harper and Fidel Quintana as well as the local softball teams place in the highly competitive national games held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Phillip Salazar, Chris Trujillo ,Gene Bates, Ray Lenderman, Jimmy Head, Catherine Tanner and Kyle Brown all placed in the top ten in their respective events.

Master of ceremonies for the evening event was vice president Alfred Ogas. The colors were presented by the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 358. Mayor Ken Ladner, Alfred Ogas and Fred Baca welcomed the guests. The Copper Country Mission statement was read by Leona Ogas. Deacon Bill Holguin provided the opening prayer. A list of special guests were recognized from the audience. Guests were then feted with a meal that included barbeque meat, salads, salsa, beans and peach cobbler for dessert. Local Coordinator, Mario Quintana who chaired the banquet committee, thanked everyone who helped and made the banquet a great success. Members of the committee included; Rachel Valencia, Anna Hill, Ela Gonzales, Jan Huartson, Lupe Carbajal, Lynn Baca and Delfina Naranjo. Over 125 people attended and were entertained by well know local musicians such as Lorraine Anglin, the Illusions Band, Angelica Padilla as well as Tony Morones who DJ’d the dinner music program.

Several long time participants in the senior Olympics related their experiences as Olympic game participants including Melvin Gelb, Preston Harper, Vicky Johnson, Fidel Quintana, Leona Ogas, Beverly Woods and Elva Quimby.

The highlight of the evening were special awards presented by Mario Quintana. The Courage Awards were presented to Tommy Morrish; an air gun competitor and Andy Gomez, a bowler and competitor in several other events. Both have participated in the Senior Olympics for many years.Event managers were presented with plaques for their outstanding contributions to the various events throughout the year. They included; Ron and Katherine Henderson, air gun competition; Gerald and Frances Ruggiero, table tennis ; Jerry Giedd in the Bridge competition; Lew Huartson in softball.

All board members received awards for their contributions to the board.They included; Fred Baca, president, Alfred Ogas, vice president, FidelQuintana, treasurer, Maria Elena Galindo, secretary and historian Leona Ogas. Rounding out the board were members Preston Harper, Ron Reed and David Valles. Quintana praised all board members for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Each board member was presented with a plaque for their service to the organization.

A special award was presented to long time dedicated senior Olympic competitor and contributor, Elva Quimby. Quimby was introduced and praised highly for her many years of serving the local Olympic games in many capacities. Her exceptional work behind the scenes has been a cornerstone of the Copper Country Senior Olympics, a 501© 3 nonprofit. Making the presentation of the award were Tony Trujillo, Mario Quintana and Fred Baca. Elva prepared the evening meal which was described by many as delicious and outstanding.

In closing, Mario and Alfred again thanked everyone for coming and supporting the Copper Country Senior Olympics. He especially wanted to thank all the sponsors and donors to the organization. They encouraged everyone present to consider becoming a participant if they were not. This was the first year the national senior Olympic games were held in New Mexico. The state also brought in the most medals of all the states participating. Copper Country was honored to have been selected as the site for the beginning of the Olympic Torch Run which ended in the beginning of the national games in Albuquerque.

Mario was given the honor of carrying the New Mexico flag in the opening ceremonies. Copper Country was presented with a torch replica for their outstanding participation in the National games.
Table decorations were created by Leona Ogas. A fundraising raffle included a propane grill, a fire pit and a metal bench. Funds will contributeto the expenses necessary in purchasing medals, t-shirts and covering banquet costs
A dance followed the closing with the Illusions Band providing the music.