Two retiring members of the Coles Together board of directors have been honored for their service. John Dively of Charleston and Wayne Smith of Mattoon each received plaques of appreciation from Bob Luther, president of the Coles Together board. Dively has served on the Coles Together board since 1992, and has been active in community and economic development for many years. "When you think of someone giving to the community, you think of John Dively," Luther said. Dively, a retired school principal, said it was ironic that the Coles Together meeting was being held at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center because he was president of the old Charleston Hospital board when the discussion was made to build a hospital between Charleston and Mattoon. "I'm very proud of this facility," Dively said of SBLHC. "All of my community service experience has been great because there have been a lot of great people I have served with."

Smith has been with Consolidated Communications Directories since 1994 and has more than 18 years experience in telecommunications. He has served on Coles Together since April 1996 and chaired the search committee that hired Executive Director Jeanne Gustafson. "When people talk about Wayne Smith, they say he is a classy gentleman, he cares about people, unselfish," Luther said. "Wayne has a special ability to be able to communicate with everyone." Smith said part of Consolidated Communications' mission statement is to build lasting relationships, and he feels he has done that. "With volunteerism, the more you invest, the more you will get back," Smith said. Gustafson said Ralph Foley of McDonald's has been appointed to replace Dively on the Coles Together board. A replacement for Smith has not yet been named.

Wayne Smith, Bob Luther & John Dively
From left, Wayne Smith, Bob Luther and John Dively.
Photo by Bill Lair

Used with permission from Mid-Illinois Newspapers
Publishers of the Mattoon Journal Gazette and the Charleston Times-Courier

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Coles Together
400 Airport Road
Mattoon, Illinois 61938
(217) 258-5627 FAX (217) 235-9492