Five Minutes with … A Bell Ringer

Name: Cindy RymanResidence: Glenwood SpringsAge: 60Place of birth: IndianaOccupation: Retired nurseWhen did you move to Garfield County? I moved here in 1959 with my folks, as a child. I’m glad I did.
First thing you’d do or buy after winning the lottery? I think I’d take a trip to Australia.First or best job ever? I’d say working at the A&W (a former Glenwood Springs restaurant) as a carhop. I got to see all my friends coming by after school.Favorite fashion designer brand? Obermeyer. That’s where all my ski clothes come from.Best vacation ever? To EuropeWhat do you do in your spare time? I bike, lift weights, hike and ski.Greatest accomplishment? Hiking fourteeners. I’ve done 15.Best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or a cliché to live by? Don’t take yourself too seriously.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to study bugs. I liked to collect them … I just liked to see them.If you only had three TV channels, what would you watch? My husband’s going to say (she likes) HGTV. Also, CNN and probably Channel 9.
Any tattoos? No.What’s the greatest invention of all time? Running water. A pump, something so you’d have water in your house. We’re on a well so whenever the power is off we have no water.How long have you been a bell-ringer for Salvation Army? About four or five years. … I just think it’s a good organization and the money stays local.How do you stay warm while bell-ringing? Layers.Time the sun sets over the ridge when you’re tending the City Market kettle: 3:09 p.m. Youngest person to donate money to the kettle: Probably about 1-12 to 2 years old.Most you’ve collected in one shift: Probably about $150.Biggest amount you’ve seen donated: A $50 bill last week. … People are pretty generous. They see me and start digging in their pocket. They know me from being here so long and that helps, too.Pitch for Salvation Army: Ryman said more bell-ringers are badly needed. “Anyone that wants to volunteer can call the Salvation Army,” she said. The number is 945-6976.
FavoritesMovie: “To Kill a Mockingbird.”Breakfast cereal: Grape-NutsSong: “Old Time Rock & Roll.”Singer: Diana KrallAthlete: I think Lance ArmstrongFood: MexicanWeb site: http://www.google.comPlace in Garfield County: Anyplace with a view of Mount SoprisSport to watch: Tennis

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