PRESS HOSTS WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARDS
For the second year, the Montrose Daily Press hosted the Women of Distinction awards, under the leadership of publisher Tonya Maddox, assistance from News Editor Monica Garcia, photojournalist Sydney Warner (who is now serving an internship in Australia), the advertising department and the newsroom. A portion of staff writer Andrew Kiser’s Aug. 5 story follows: There was a notable person absent from this year’s Women of Distinction event for Eva Veitch: her late husband, James. Her husband of 16 years passed away back in March. But even though he wasn’t physically there Veitch felt his presence throughout the night and when she was named the 2018 Woman of the Year.
The 2018 Woman of the Year Eva Veitch hugs the 2017 honoree, Dr. Mary Vader, Aug. 2.
“I wish my husband was here with me, but I know he is. He’s right here,” Veitch said, putting her hand over her heart. “He’s here with my friends and family and celebrating all of us.” Those same people have also helped her through this trying period of her life, she said. “It’s been a really difficult few months — difficult year-and-a-half before he passed because he was sick,” Veitch said. “But friends and family have just rallied to support me in such an amazing way and helped me move forward every day. This is just another step of moving forward.” The mixed emotions could be heard in Veitch’s voice during her acceptance speech. “I’ve been saying for weeks, ‘Wow. Wow. Wow,’” Veitch said. “Wowed that I’m even a part of this amazing group of beautiful, talented, giving, wonderful women. And I get to stand in front of my friends and family and my own special tribe who have gotten me through a really tough few couple of months. I’m so, so honored to be here.” “Life happens to us all and it is unfortunate what she has gone through,” said Montrose Daily Press Publisher Tonya Maddox, who initiated the event. “But to see her shine tonight, hopefully, it eases some of that pain.” The second annual Women of Distinction ceremony honored Veitch and 24 other incredible local women as well as lifetime achievement winner Patricia Dickinson during Thursday’s ceremony at the Montrose Pavilion. Tears were flowing but laughter was also had. Women of Distinction honorees had a little of both for Veitch and her role as the community living services director for Region 10. “I have chills up and down my spine,” said 2017 Women of Distinction hon-
Women of Distinction and guests pose for a group photo at the Aug. 2 celebration. Photo credit: Sydney Warner
oree Debby Harrison-Zarkis who introduced Veitch during the presentation. “She deserved it.”
Veitch’s job helping older residents is “nothing short of heroic,” Dr. Mary Vader said.
She added she’s happy to see an unsung, humble hero in the community get her dues.
“(Her role) isn’t easy,” said Vader, the 2017 Women of of Year. “And not only when you are dealing with an aging population but then all the criteria, rules, insurance and Medicare and social security. So to navigate that and to still bring those programs, it’s impressive.”
“She’s one of those people who doesn’t necessarily toot her own horn,” Harrison-Zarkis said. “She’s always done her work silently. She’s one of those silent servants who worked in the background.” Outside of her work at Region 10, Veitch volunteers with Altrusa and is a member of the Women’s Giving Club and the Suicide Prevention Coalition. Harrison-Zarkis credited Veitch as also being a mentor for her when she first started as the manager at PACE — a role Veitch held before her. “She taught me so much about being a manager, about being firm yet kind,” Harrison-Zarkis said. “She really cares about people and her community. She’s contributed so much to the community especially to the elders of the community. I think that’s where her heart really lies is taking care of the seniors.”
New to this year’s ceremony was the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2018 honoree, Tricia Dickinson, has been “a true Montrose matriarch” since moving to the area in the early 1970s, said Maddox. “That’s who I aspire to be,” Maddox said of Dickinson. “I believe the least we could do was to recognize her lifetime achievement. I feel as if I was standing in a room of giants, that means so much to me.” Dickinson had several roles throughout the years as she was a nurse, owner of a private home health care agency, a board member of several entities ranging from healthcare to education, a WINTER 2018
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