Council Member Chet Effler selected realtor Jacque Gouge Mentink as September's Citizen of the Month.
Council Member Effler stated that it was a pleasure to select people to be recognized as Citizen of the Month. He stated that the hardest part was selecting just one person for the honor, because Marion and McDowell County had so many citizens with servant hearts.
Council Member Effler stated that the individuals he had chosen for Citizen of the Month had a passion for what they did and their community. He said that’s why he chose Jacque Gouge Mentink as September’s Citizen of the Month.
Mr. Effler shared that Ms. Mentink had a passion for real estate. He stated that Ms. Mentink’s business not only helped connect families with homes but also helped market Marion and McDowell County to potential homeowners and investors.
Mr. Effler stated that Ms. Mentink was not only a realtor, but also a mother to two lovely daughters, Kiersten and Chelsea. He stated that she had been a longtime volunteer with the Guardian Ad Litem Program and served as a member of the City’s ABC Board.
Mr. Effler shared that Ms. Mentink was a member of Grace Community Church. He stated that she had also served on the CareNet Counseling Board of Directors. He stated that Ms. Mentink’s heart for serving truly showed, because of her dedication to the programs she had volunteered for over the years.
Mayor Little then shared that it was an honor to recognize Ms. Mentink. He stated that he had known her for a long time and that their daughters had gone to school together.
Mayor Little praised Ms. Mentink for her dedication to her profession and her community. He stated that she was a vital part of Marion and McDowell County.
Council Member Harkey congratulated Ms. Mentink on her recognition. She stated that Ms. Mentink had helped many people achieve their dream of owning a home.
Council Member Harkey stated that she had known Ms. Mentink for a long time. She stated that she was thankful for her friendship and the many times their children had spent time together.
City Manager Bob Boyette stated that the recognition was long overdue for Ms. Mentink. He stated that she had a passion for real estate and her community.
Mr. Boyette said her passion and drive made her a true all-star in McDowell County.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayers stated that he had the privilege of seeing Ms. Mentink almost every day because of where their offices were located. He stated that her passion, energy, and drive had made her a great mentor for other realtors, like his partner, Megan.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayers stated that when he worked for the Department of Social Services he saw the impact Guardian Ad Litem volunteers made on the life of a child. He thanked Ms. Mentink for her dedication to the program.
Council Member Martin stated that he had been friends with Ms. Mentink for a long time. He stated that she had worked hard and made her community proud. He thanked her for her friendship and continued dedication to the City.
Council Member Ramsey stated that Ms. Mentink had turned the job of a realtor from a profession into an art. He stated that she helped families find homes and that was important.
Tami Newman, a colleague of Ms. Mentink’s, stated that Ms. Mentink was an inspiration. She stated that working with her was a pleasure.
Chelsi Poteat, Ms. Mentink’s Daughter, stated that her mom was not only an inspiration career-wise, but was also a wonderful role model. She stated that she valued the time her mother had spent working with the Guardian Ad Litem Program and her work with children in DSS care.
Ms. Mentink thanked everyone for their kind words.