Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The Tucumcari chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution organization presented its annual awards to residents during its regular meeting Friday at the Pow Wow Restaurant.
Connie Loveland, executive director of Tucumcari MainStreet, received the DAR chapter’s Community Service Award.
Presenters Ann Hall and Janet Garcia read a lengthy list of Loveland’s accomplishments since she took over the city’s MainStreet program in mid-2019, including finding a buyer for the vacant Kmart building that soon will be converted into a Fast TV Network studio, Route 66 visitors center and museum and the headquarters of the New Mexico Route 66 Association.
Loveland also organized the annual Fired Up Festival and other events.
“That definitely was not all me,” Loveland said of the list. “There’s a lot of partnerships there.”
Sue Morgan, who was not present, received the Woman in American History Award presented to those who contributed to the growth of the region.
Morgan was a longtime teacher in Tucumcari. When DAR officer Gigi Parker asked for a show of hands from about 30 in attendance who had been taught by Morgan, about half the hands rose.
“She taught half of Tucumcari,” Parker said.
Morgan also was an avid collector of dollhouses and miniatures.
Gar Engman of Tee Pee Curios, who was not present, earned the Flag Display Award given to a business that displays the American flag properly and keeps the flag in good condition.
Vic and Andi Baum won the residential Flag Display Award.
Linda Gonzales, director of the Tucumcari Public Library, received the DAR chapter’s Librarian Award. Gonzalez has overseen many new offerings and programs at the library, including a 3-D copier, an expanded music and reading program and virtual goggles for children.
Tom and Mimi Sidwell, owners of JX Ranch south of Tucumcari, received the Conservation Award for their efforts to restore grasslands at the ranch.