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Martina Burnam
Celebrate our Heritage is the theme this year and following the tradition set by the Town on Kearny in 1969 when they recognized Ray Hughes as the Man of the Year, the Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce announces the nomination of Martina Burnam as Citizen of the Year for 2014. Several letters of nomination were received for Martina and they say it all. Quoting from the letters of nomination we find out the following:
In the 70s, 80s and 90s there was a great deal of rivalry between the towns of Hayden-Winkelman and Kearny. But as people moved or passed away, the residents who remained realized that they had to depend on one another from the other communities. A person who helps bring the Tri communities together is Martina Burnam. Martina does not care about rivalries or keeping the towns separate. She strives to help in activities that benefit all of our communities.
Martina is vice-resident of the Copper Community Action Board (CCAB). This group has participated in different activities, from Breakfast on the Bridge and painting a house, both in Winkelman , to Haunted Night at Pinitos Park in Hayden, to Kearny cleanup day, ice cream social in Kearny, picking up trash in Winkelman, Hayden and Dudleyville. CCAB has also hosted community concerts, produced by Martina at the two local schools. These concerts have encouraged residents to show off their singing abilities. These were fundraisers for CCAB to obtain their non-profit status. Thanks to the hard work of Martina and the CCAB members their paperwork is underway.
Martina is an avid hiker and likes exploring our beautiful area. She has been the president of the Aravaipa Hiking Club since 2004. Martina has been a member of the Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce for many years and has spearheaded Winter Wonderland and helped with Pioneer Days. She has advocated through the chamber for activities in the Hayden, Winkelman and Dudleyville areas. She started the Copper Basin Idol in 2005 and has brought the Women’s Expo to Winkelman. This year the event will be on Feb. 28.
Other letters state that she is a loyal friend and has helped host fundraisers for those in need. She has served as a mentor, is a good citizen and has a passion for the Copper Basin area. She volunteers countless hours of her time to lead or help with functions or events with no hidden agenda. Her mission is very transparent to those who work with her and it motivates us to follow her and help her to accomplish her vision. Her humbleness does not let her recognize the gift she has to inspire and move people but that is what makes her unique.
Another project dear to Martina’s heart has to do with celebrating her heritage. Her father Jerry was working on a project to recognize his father, Martina’s grandfather, Lon Burnam for the work he did for Hayden in its early days of incorporation. This was after Kennecott gave up the town to what is now the Town of Hayden. Jerry died before he could get the project underway and Martina in her spare time has tried to organize a campaign to recognize her grandfather.
In 1952 a group of PTA members wanted to start a circulating library but Lon thought, “why borrow books from the schools for a circulating library when we could buy our own books and start our own library.” Due to his work and dedication the Hayden Library was built. His community resume almost sounds like Martina’s. This was Lon Burnam as a PTA member working with others to make his town a better place to live. But the tall, soft spoken metallurgical accountant, is active in many other community activities, of which there were many, and all civic in nature which included Knights of Pythias especially scholarships for students, scouting, Campfire Girls board, Hayden-Winkelman Recreation Board, Gila River Sharpshooters, and Hayden Methodist Church. These only name a few of many.
Just like her grandfather, Martina had certainly contributed more than is required of a citizen.
Please join us in recognizing Martina for the work she has done for the Copper Basin Area, Monday, Feb. 23, at West End Banquet room. Please RSVP at the chamber office with your menu choice (1) BBQ beef (2) chicken breast marinated in bell pepper and onion; served with a small salad, rice, beans, beverage and dessert for $15. Dinner will be served promptly at 7 p.m.
Show your appreciation to Martina for all the work she has done. See you for dinner on the 23rd.
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