Veteran Gardnerville board members say good-bye

There's no doubt the Town of Gardnerville has changed over the last 15 years, and outgoing board members Tom Cook and Jerry Smith weren't about to leave Tuesday night, their last public meeting, without being reminded of that fact by numerous individuals.

"I just want to thank you so much for the dedicated work you've done on behalf of Gardnerville," said incoming board member Linda Slater. "I'll be calling you."

Slater said Cook, who's served since 1995, and Smith, who's served since 1999, are the last two board members from a pivotal time in the town's history.

In the first decade of the new millennium, the town positioned itself for the future, experiencing both extraordinary growth and economic decline. With the help of former Manager Jim Park, both Cook and Smith helped spearhead the establishment of Heritage Park and the Martin Slough trail area. They oversaw several downtown improvement projects and the creation of the Main Street Gardnerville program.

Main Street Manager Paula Lochridge and Main Street Board Chair Margaret Pross presented the two members with certificates of recognition, thanking them for creating and supporting the nonprofit revitalization program.

"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts," Pross said. "It wouldn't have been possible without you."

Gardnerville Manager Tom Dallaire had two more plaques to present on behalf of the town. He also read into the record two resolutions commemorating the contributions of each member.

"I want to say thank you to everyone on the board," Smith said after receiving the plaque. "It wouldn't have been possible without all the people engaged in the work. I can't say enough. I came here 12 years ago, and, like Tom, had a vision for the town."

Smith described the board as a solid ship carrying forth that vision.

"I'm very proud of the town and what we've accomplished," he said.

Cook said 16 years is a long time, and that he couldn't walk away without saying thank you.

"Not just to the board, but to the citizens," he said.

Cook said he's confident the new board will continue on the path he and Smith and others have set.

"I'll be around. I'll come back to check on you," he said. "I promise not to get up and rant and rave about the flood plain."