Cyndy Sell Named Citizen Of The Year
Lifelong Glenwood resident Cyndy Sell has been namd the Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Citizen of the Year.
Sell will be recognized along with several other community betterment award winners at the chamber’s annual Betterment and Beautification Dinner and Awards program March 5 at Bodega Victoriana.
Other major award winners to be recognized at the program are Brad Rasmussen, Educator of the Year; Sherry Ford, Community Connection Award; Angie Winquist, Customer Service of the Year Award, Miranda Ruth, Junior Citizen of the Year; Trowbridge Beef Farm Class, Club/Organization of the Year; JWren Boutique, Business Transformation Award; Hilltop Animal Hospital, Start-up Business of the Year; Larry Winum, Mills County Outstanding Leader Award; and Anne Steele, chamber Past President Award.
Brick and Mortar Awards will be presented to Bomgaars, Iowa Storage, the Mills County Law Enforcement Center and Bodega Victoriana.
Citizen of the Year
Sell, a retired elementary school teacher is being recognized for her years of volunteerism throughout the Glenwood community, most notably with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life and at Grace United Methodist Church.
Her involvement with Relay For Life has helped make the annual event one of the most successful relays in Iowa. She has served as chair of both the Team Recruitment and Sponsorship Committees and co-chaired the entire event at one time with her husband, Roger.
At church, Sell leads a team in food ministry, providing meals for parishioners in need and checks in with parishioners in hospitals and care facilities on a regular basis. She teaches vacation Bible School and assists with preparing food for funeral luncheons.
Over the years, she’s also volunteered at the Mills County Storehouse, Hospice With Heart and the Mentoring With Heart program.
She continues to find time to substitute teach when needed and has developed a science and laboratory program at Northeast Elementary School.
Sell said she’s humbled by the chamber award.
“It’s really an honor. There are so many people that volunteer for things and so many people that are deserving,” Sell said. “I think it’s just what you’re supposed to do.”
Sell said she was involved in volunteerism as a child and her children are now active volunteers.
Educator of the Year
Brad Rasmussen is being recognized for his years of contribution to the education of children in the Glenwood Community School District, as both a science teacher and girls cross country and track coach.
Community Connection
Sherry Ford has long been known as “the Face of Mills County Extension.”
She’s being recognized for her years of dedicated service on behalf of Mills County 4-Hers and children through her roles at the extension office.
Ford also coordinates educational programs, classes and training seminars for both children and adults.
Customer Service
Glenwood city clerk Angie Winquist has brought positive energy to City Hall and serves the community with a personable and helpful demeanor. She’s always willing to go out of her way to assist citizens in need of service from city staff.
Junior Citizen of the Year
Miranda Ruth is the junior class president at Glenwood Community High School and involved in a variety of activities, including Reach/SADD and student council. She serves as a student liaison between the high school and Glenwood Alumni Association.
Outside of school, Ruth has been an active member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, taking part in choir and other youth-related activities.
Outstanding Leader
Larry Winum is receiving the chamber’s special Outstanding Leader Award for his years of dedicated work for the construction and completion of the U.S. Highway 34-Missouri River bridge project and his tireless work for community betterment.