Annual Meeting and Awards Went Well

Attendees gathering for our annual open meeting. Courtesy Carolyn Collins Petersen.

Many thanks to all who came over to the Community Center last night for our open meeting and awards ceremony. We welcomed the county commissioners, county manager, VFW members, board members, and many others. We talked to everyone about our last year’s activities, our 2025 plans, and our present grants, including one from the Denver Broncos Foundation to help us sponsor Flag Football for mountain kids (starting next Monday). We also enjoyed a dessert bar and social time before and after the main events.

FGCCC Officers Carolyn Collins Petersen, John Bryan, and Susan Yeck. Courtesy Gilpin County Parks & Recreation.
FGCCC Officers Carolyn Collins Petersen, John Bryan, and Susan Yeck. Courtesy Gilpin County Parks & Recreation.

Our member Karen Eye, who is our volunteer chairperson, awarded volunteer pins to all who have been helping with such events as the Fair, the grounds cleanup, and other events. Our long-time awardees include Carolyn Collins Petersen (FGCCC president), Steven Schwettman (FGCCC past vice president, founding member, and web master), Marilyn Ashmore (in absentia) for her role in volunteer management for the County Fair and organizing last year’s “We’re Still Dancin'” dance event, and other activities, Harry Nimrod, for his very popular flyrod building classes as well as managing parking at the fair the past few years, and Kelly Ragland for her volunteer and teaching activities.

Awardees of the First Heart of the Community Volunteer Awards, with presenter and volunteer chair Karen Eye. L-R: Steve Schwettman, Carolyn Collins Petersen, Kelly Ragland, and Harry Nimrod. Courtesy Gilpin County Parks & Recreation.
Awardees of the First Heart of the Community Volunteer Awards, with presenter and volunteer chair Karen Eye. L-R: Steve Schwettman, Carolyn Collins Petersen, Kelly Ragland, and Harry Nimrod. Courtesy Gilpin County Parks & Recreation.

Karen also presented a call to volunteers to participate in events. We are grateful to her for her work, as well.

County manager Ray Rears and Parks & Recreation director Gabrielle Chisholm talked about the past and upcoming capital expenses for the Community Center. Jake Rippy presented an in-depth report on the teen programs and camp for Gilpin’s young ones.

It was a very enjoyable evening and we thank everyone who attended and expressed interest in our volunteer program.

Attendees gathering for our annual open meeting. Courtesy Carolyn Collins Petersen.
Attendees gathering and enjoying the dessert bar at our annual open meeting. Courtesy Carolyn Collins Petersen.