CHRISTINA EICHELKRAUT / PVT Manon Rodriguez addresses Pahrump Elks Lodge No. 2796 after being named Citizen of the Year for her continuous community service. At right, Exalted Ruler Dennis London. Advertisement

Manon Rodriguez was named Pahrump Citizen of the Year by local Elks Lodge 2796 Friday, Feb. 29.

Rodriguez is known to most residents for her active involvement in the annual American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, having been the event's chairman in 2006 and 2007, the entertainment chairman in 2004 and 2005, and more recently the regional council leader.

Rodriguez was recognized also for her continuing contributions to the community through her participation in various local organizations.

She served as the Rotary Club's president-elect in 2004 through 2005, becoming the organization's president from then to 2006.

Rodriguez is also an active supporter of the Nathan Adelson Hospice and a member of the Pahrump Cultural Arts steering committee.

At the same time, she has found time to be co-owner of McDonald's as well as Martinizing Dry Cleaners while simultaneously being a foster parent since 2005.

"I feel at home here in the Elks because you all share the values of giving back to the community that I have," Rodriguez said, accepting the plaque given to her by Exalted Ruler Dennis London.

The Citizen of the Year Award was just one of many given at Friday night's dinner and award ceremony, at which the National Elks State Association President Doug Tucker and his wife Colleen were present.

The evening's ceremonies were dedicated to the memory of Denny Weaver, an Elk who recently passed away.

Weaver was the chairman of the lodge's drug awareness committee and received a posthumous certificate of appreciation.

London explained that prior to Weaver's involvement, the drug awareness committee was little more than a line item on the Elks monthly bulletin.

Thanks to Weaver's involvement, the program grew.

Accepting the award on behalf of her husband, Secretary Carol Weaver said, "(Denny) believed as a pharmacist and a human being that we should control drugs.

"He devoted his time and his heart to families that were touched by drug unawareness, his goal was a drug-free America."

London, an avid fan of professional sports, bid farewell as the lodge's exalted ruler (he will be secretary next year) by giving an MVP award to all the Elks volunteers "with gratitude and appreciation."

"Thank you all so much," London said, getting a little choked up and later receiving a standing ovation.

That wasn't the only award the lodge as a whole received.

The lodge and two members were recognized by the Elks national organization, or the Grand Exalted Lodge, with outstanding service commendations.

Lodge No. 2796 received the award for exceeding the national organization's criteria for holding programs and it's Making a Difference program for 2007-08.

George Colton, the local lodge's kitchen operator, received the award for his contributions to the Pahrump lodge, which in addition to consistently good service included coming in on short notice to cook dinner even when he was sick.

Dick Wilson received his commendation for his bookkeeping and accounting work done on behalf of the lodge.

The Pahrump lodge issued its own versions of outstanding service commendations, which were given to Sherry Beeman, kitchen manager, Ralph Coley, the club manager, and Roger Long, bar manager, for their time and dedication to the lodge.

Other awards included the Elk of the Year award, given to Fred Beeman, who London said consistently went above and beyond his duties, and Donna Fugo as Volunteer of the Year.