County Nutrition Center Director Elizama Rodriguez retires after 36 Years

By: Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2015, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

Maverick County Nutrition Center Director Elizama “Chama” Rodriguez retired after a successful 36 year public service career serving the senior and elderly citizens of Maverick County.

Maverick County Commissioners Court honored Elizama “Chama” Rodriguez for her outstanding 36 years of public service, devotion, and commitment to the senior citizens of Maverick County during their regular monthly meeting held on Monday, February 9, 2015, presenting her with a plaque of recognition.

During the presentation to Rodriguez, Judge David R. Saucedo heartedly thanked and recognized Rodriguez’s role in developing the Nutrition Center Program in Maverick County and growing it to its present capacity. “It’s an honor for me to be here today as a member of Commissioners Court to make this presentation,” said County Judge Saucedo.

Commissioner Roberto Ruiz commended Rodriguez for all that she has done and meant to the the elderly residents of Maverick County.   “Employees for the County of Maverick are so important… We are here temporarily but employees such as Mrs. Rodriguez are who make the county what it is. We have so many employees who are dedicated to their employment….The dedicated and important employees are the ones that remain and stay for the people of their community. For Mrs. Rodriguez,…I feel great emotions and I hold my heart in my hands because she has been dedicated to her work. What you have done we all recognize. You have always been there for your community and we thank you and appreciate you for all the years of service.” Said Commissioner Ruiz.

Mrs. Elizama “Chama” Rodriguez also addressed Commissioners Court during the presentation and stated: “I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to the County of Maverick for allowing me to serve them for the past 36 years under the supervision of six (6) County Judges. My career started with Judge Ramon Saucedo in 1979 and now it’s ending with his son, County Judge David R. Saucedo. I’m truly going to miss every one of you who I have worked with and the many, many friendships that have developed over the years. But most of all, I’m going to miss working with and serving the elderly of Maverick County. They have become my family as well as my passion and purpose for choosing to dedicate my life working for public service.”

Judge Saucedo thanked Mrs. Rodriguez and presented her with the plaque of recognition. Judge Saucedo noted that Mrs. Rodriguez’s retirement was very sentimental for him since his father and former County Judge Ramon Saucedo had appointed Mrs. Rodriguez as the County Nutrition Center Director in 1979, confirming his father’s appointment of her was very good and an excellent choice. “I would like to share a story that “Chama” told me, you said things were done differently back then. You said that back then Judge Ramon Saucedo called you in to his office and his secretary asked you if you were Chama, and you answered yes. She then said you are the new Nutrition Center Director and for you to start filling out the paper work. I thought that was the greatest thing because it eradiated that he knew what he was doing when he put you in there. For you to serve for so long is a testament to the community and him knowing that you were going to do for the people. I’m very proud of the fact that you have stuck around for so long and that you made a commitment to the county and the work that you have done,” said Judge Saucedo.

Over 30 community citizens joined Mrs. Rodriguez to witness Commissioners Court recognition and plaque presentation upon her retirement. “The fact that all of these people are here today to see you means a lot. I think the community knows that. They know that your heart has always been in it and it’s hard to see you go,” said Judge Saucedo to Mrs. Rodriguez.

The full five members of Maverick County Commissioners Court joined Mrs. Rodriguez and took a group photo for the history books to record the occasion.