Now in its 24th year, the purpose of the program is to honor individuals and groups for their outstanding service, leadership, and civic involvement
The recipient of the 2024 Greg Mace Award and 12 other local volunteers will be recognized by Pitkin County Commissioners today during the annual Pitkin County Cares Volunteer Service awards ceremony and reception.
Award recipients were chosen from nominations received from a cross-section of community organizations, non-profits, and individuals during a summer-long nomination process. Now in its 24th year, the purpose of the program is to honor individuals and groups for their outstanding service, leadership, and civic involvement.
Among the award categories is the Greg Mace Award established in 1986 in memory of Greg Mace, a dedicated Mountain Rescue Aspen volunteer, who died in a climbing accident on North Maroon in July of the same year. He was President of Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) at the time and had volunteered for MRA for 15 years.
2024 Honorees:
Greg Mace Award: Michael Behrendt
Michael Behrendt moved to Aspen in the late 1960s, bought a ramshackle motel called the St. Moritz, and immediately immersed himself in causes that protected his cherished community and helped the underdog. Over his long tenure in Aspen, Behrendt has served on the Aspen City Council, advocated for growth control, supported and served on numerous non-profit boards including the Historic Preservation Task Force, opened Aspen’s first mental health clinic and championed early groomed cross country skiing in Aspen.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Barbara Bloemsma
Barbara Bloemsma has worked tirelessly to include people of all abilities in her choir called 'Aspen Noise' - a multi-generational singing group, that ranges in age from five to over 90. Her Aspen noise choir sings at the Sardy House holiday season opening every year and they are regulars at the Aspen Chapel and other venues around town. Some of the singers that Barbara leads in her choir use a wheelchair and are disabled, including local superstars Max Grange and Danielle Coulter, who help to create the group’s unique harmonic diversity.
Civics - John Emerick
John Emerick has been a volunteer member and leader on the Pitkin County Telecommunications Advisory Board (TAB), formerly called the Translator Advisory Board, since 2008. In his 16 years in that capacity, and as its current Chair, John recognizes the importance of maintaining reliable communications systems in our mountainous community. His dedicated participation on the TAB Board is even more important because he is a resident of the Crystal River Valley where reliable access to radio, television, emergency communications, and broadband internet are critically important to the more remote regions of Pitkin County.
Civics - Bill Lamont and David Myler
Several years ago, the late Bill Lamont, a Carbondale resident and planner, and local attorney David Myler sparked a conversation that ignited a regional housing movement. Their efforts inspired leaders across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys to address the affordable housing crisis, leading to the formation of the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition in 2022. The coalition now includes nine governmental agencies and Colorado Mountain College, working together to tackle this issue. One of their key achievements is the creation of an affordable housing “buydown” program, helping locals secure homes with long-term deed restrictions. Their vision and dedication have had a lasting impact on our mountain communities, and for this, Pitkin County honors them with the "Civics" award.
Education - Jeffie Butler
For over a decade, Jeffie Butler has served on the Compass board, which supports our valley’s public charter schools, the Aspen Community School and the Carbondale Community School. She works to welcome and engage every parent she encounters to become partners in their children’s education and has helped to secure needed fundraising dollars during budget shortfalls. Her volunteer work has helped the schools to keep their doors open and retain teachers.
Environment - Delia Malone
Ecologist Delia Malone works tirelessly to protect local native plants and animals and the habitats they require. She has served as Co-chair of the local chapter of the Sierra Club and Vice Chair of the Roaring Fork Audubon Society. Over the years she has been involved with the North Star Nature Preserve, the Stream Initiative for Pitkin County, the Index of Biological Integrity of the Aspen Global Change Foundation, Independence Pass Foundation, and the Crystal River Wild and Scenic Coalition, among other causes including advocating for the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado.
Health - Linda Vieira
As a certified nurse midwife, Linda Vieira has been supporting reproductive health access for women and their families in Aspen and Pitkin County for over 40 years. She is a board member for Pitkin County Public Health and her expertise as a bilingual and bicultural certified nurse midwife is not only an asset to the mission of the Pitkin County Public Health board, she also helps Community Health Services in its mission to lead family planning, access and health equity. Linda has given more than her fair share of flu and COVID vaccinations at volunteer immunization clinics over the years and she has presented to high school classrooms about birth control, reproductive anatomy and the importance of preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
Good Samaritan - Dee Dee Brinkman
Dede Brinkman has been volunteering with Pathfinder Angels, a local psychosocial support program for cancer and chronically-ill patients, for over 20 years. She not only makes and delivers meals but she provides comfort for Pathfinder clients in the form of her hand-made gift baskets helping clients focus on emotional and spiritual issues they often face with a diagnosis or loss of a loved one.
Rising Star Award - Madison Nelson, Clare Williams and Mila Vonderhaar
Rising seniors Madison Nelson, Clare Williams and Mila Vonderhaar help lead the Aspen High School Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club and they participate with Gender and Sexuality Alliance Valley Wide Leaders. They have helped to create valley-wide opportunities for connection and support with a youth event during Aspen Gay Ski Week, and they launched the "Read the Rainbow" book club for valley youth aged 14-18, promoting inclusivity and a love for literature.They also planned the Inclusive Prom.
Rising Star Award - Robert Helsing
Moving to Aspen in 2021 from California, Robert Helsing quickly embraced everything the Roaring Fork Valley had to offer, especially skiing. While talking with friends, Robert realized not all students in the valley had easy access to the mountains. Determined to remove financial barriers and give more kids a chance to ski and snowboard, Robert founded the non-profit Aspen Inclusion Project (AIP) whose goal is to reduce inequality by providing students from under-resourced communities with educational and athletic enrichment opportunities. AIP pairs middle and high school students with tutors, and after completing tutoring sessions, participants receive up to seven free ski or snowboard lessons.
Rising Star Award - Lindsay Waldeck
Lindsay Waldeck is a rising senior at Aspen High School and has been an active and committed participant in the Buddy Program’s Peer to Peer program. Since her sophomore year Lindsay has used her lunch hours at school to be a leader and role model for both of her Little Buddies.
Rising Star Award - Greta Holton
Recognizing the decline in literacy in our nation, rising Aspen High School senior Greta Holton has dedicated herself to helping struggling readers in the Roaring Fork Valley. In 2023, she founded the nonprofit Aspen Little Library to provide the community with more books and more significant opportunities for reading. Strategically placing book boxes in high-traffic locations, such as RFTA bus stops, has proven an excellent way to engage people and spark an interest in reading.
Full descriptions of the recipients’ accomplishments are available in proclamations that will be made a part of Pitkin County’s permanent historical record that can be found at www.pitkincounty.com/pitkincountycares.
Pitkin County Commissioners will honor the recipients at a ceremony and reception during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 10th at 10:30 a.m in the Pitkin County Library Dunaway Community Meeting room. The public is invited to watch the ceremony online at www.pitkincounty.com/watchmeetings. The ceremony will also be televised on CGTV Channel 11. Call 970-920-5210 for more information.
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Anuncio de los destinatarios del Premio Greg Mace 2024 y del Servicio de Voluntariado Pitkin County Cares
Ahora en su 24º año, el propósito del programa es honrar a individuos y grupos por su destacado servicio, liderazgo y participación cívica
El destinatario del Premio Greg Mace 2024 y otros 12 voluntarios locales serán reconocidos por los Comisionados del Condado de Pitkin hoy durante la ceremonia de premiación y recepción anual del servicio de voluntariado Pitkin County Cares.
Los galardonados fueron seleccionados de entre las nominaciones recibidas de una variedad de organizaciones comunitarias, organizaciones sin fines de lucro e individuos durante un proceso de nominación que duró todo el verano. Ahora en su 24º año, el propósito del programa es honrar a individuos y grupos por su destacado servicio, liderazgo y participación cívica.
Entre las categorías de premios se encuentra el Premio Greg Mace, establecido en 1986 en memoria de Greg Mace, un dedicado voluntario de Mountain Rescue Aspen, quien falleció en un accidente de escalada en North Maroon en julio del mismo año. En ese momento, era presidente de Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) y había sido voluntario de MRA durante 15 años.
Galardonados 2024:
Premio Greg Mace: Michael Behrendt
Michael Behrendt se mudó a Aspen a finales de la década de 1960, compró un motel en mal estado llamado St. Moritz y de inmediato se sumergió en causas que protegían su querida comunidad y ayudaban a los más desfavorecidos. A lo largo de su larga trayectoria en Aspen, Behrendt ha servido en el Concejo Municipal de Aspen, ha abogado por el control del crecimiento, ha apoyado y formado parte de numerosas juntas de organizaciones sin fines de lucro, incluyendo el Grupo de Trabajo de Preservación Histórica, abrió la primera clínica de salud mental de Aspen y promovió el esquí de fondo preparado desde sus inicios en Aspen.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Barbara Bloemsma
Barbara Bloemsma has worked tirelessly to include people of all abilities in her choir called 'Aspen Noise' - a multi-generational singing group, that ranges in age from five to over 90. Her Aspen noise choir sings at the Sardy House holiday season opening every year and they are regulars at the Aspen Chapel and other venues around town. Some of the singers that Barbara leads in her choir use a wheelchair and are disabled, including local superstars Max Grange and Danielle Coulter, who help to create the group’s unique harmonic diversity.
Civics - John Emerick
John Emerick has been a volunteer member and leader on the Pitkin County Telecommunications Advisory Board (TAB), formerly called the Translator Advisory Board, since 2008. In his 16 years in that capacity, and as its current Chair, John recognizes the importance of maintaining reliable communications systems in our mountainous community. His dedicated participation on the TAB Board is even more important because he is a resident of the Crystal River Valley where reliable access to radio, television, emergency communications, and broadband internet are critically important to the more remote regions of Pitkin County.
Civics - Bill Lamont and David Myler
Several years ago, the late Bill Lamont, a Carbondale resident and planner, and local attorney David Myler sparked a conversation that ignited a regional housing movement. Their efforts inspired leaders across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys to address the affordable housing crisis, leading to the formation of the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition in 2022. The coalition now includes nine governmental agencies and Colorado Mountain College, working together to tackle this issue. One of their key achievements is the creation of an affordable housing “buydown” program, helping locals secure homes with long-term deed restrictions. Their vision and dedication have had a lasting impact on our mountain communities, and for this, Pitkin County honors them with the "Civics" award.
Education - Jeffie Butler
For over a decade, Jeffie Butler has served on the Compass board, which supports our valley’s public charter schools, the Aspen Community School and the Carbondale Community School. She works to welcome and engage every parent she encounters to become partners in their children’s education and has helped to secure needed fundraising dollars during budget shortfalls. Her volunteer work has helped the schools to keep their doors open and retain teachers.
Environment - Delia Malone
Ecologist Delia Malone works tirelessly to protect local native plants and animals and the habitats they require. She has served as Co-chair of the local chapter of the Sierra Club and Vice Chair of the Roaring Fork Audubon Society. Over the years she has been involved with the North Star Nature Preserve, the Stream Initiative for Pitkin County, the Index of Biological Integrity of the Aspen Global Change Foundation, Independence Pass Foundation, and the Crystal River Wild and Scenic Coalition, among other causes including advocating for the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado.
Health - Linda Vieira
As a certified nurse midwife, Linda Vieira has been supporting reproductive health access for women and their families in Aspen and Pitkin County for over 40 years. She is a board member for Pitkin County Public Health and her expertise as a bilingual and bicultural certified nurse midwife is not only an asset to the mission of the Pitkin County Public Health board, she also helps Community Health Services in its mission to lead family planning, access and health equity. Linda has given more than her fair share of flu and COVID vaccinations at volunteer immunization clinics over the years and she has presented to high school classrooms about birth control, reproductive anatomy and the importance of preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
Good Samaritan - Dee Dee Brinkman
Dede Brinkman has been volunteering with Pathfinder Angels, a local psychosocial support program for cancer and chronically-ill patients, for over 20 years. She not only makes and delivers meals but she provides comfort for Pathfinder clients in the form of her hand-made gift baskets helping clients focus on emotional and spiritual issues they often face with a diagnosis or loss of a loved one.
Rising Star Award - Madison Nelson, Clare Williams and Mila Vonderhaar
Rising seniors Madison Nelson, Clare Williams and Mila Vonderhaar help lead the Aspen High School Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club and they participate with Gender and Sexuality Alliance Valley Wide Leaders. They have helped to create valley-wide opportunities for connection and support with a youth event during Aspen Gay Ski Week, and they launched the "Read the Rainbow" book club for valley youth aged 14-18, promoting inclusivity and a love for literature.They also planned the Inclusive Prom.
Rising Star Award - Robert Helsing
Moving to Aspen in 2021 from California, Robert Helsing quickly embraced everything the Roaring Fork Valley had to offer, especially skiing. While talking with friends, Robert realized not all students in the valley had easy access to the mountains. Determined to remove financial barriers and give more kids a chance to ski and snowboard, Robert founded the non-profit Aspen Inclusion Project (AIP) whose goal is to reduce inequality by providing students from under-resourced communities with educational and athletic enrichment opportunities. AIP pairs middle and high school students with tutors, and after completing tutoring sessions, participants receive up to seven free ski or snowboard lessons.
Rising Star Award - Lindsay Waldeck
Lindsay Waldeck is a rising senior at Aspen High School and has been an active and committed participant in the Buddy Program’s Peer to Peer program. Since her sophomore year Lindsay has used her lunch hours at school to be a leader and role model for both of her Little Buddies.
Rising Star Award - Greta Holton
Recognizing the decline in literacy in our nation, rising Aspen High School senior Greta Holton has dedicated herself to helping struggling readers in the Roaring Fork Valley. In 2023, she founded the nonprofit Aspen Little Library to provide the community with more books and more significant opportunities for reading. Strategically placing book boxes in high-traffic locations, such as RFTA bus stops, has proven an excellent way to engage people and spark an interest in reading.
Full descriptions of the recipients’ accomplishments are available in proclamations that will be made a part of Pitkin County’s permanent historical record that can be found at www.pitkincounty.com/pitkincountycares.
Pitkin County Commissioners will honor the recipients at a ceremony and reception during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 10th at 10:30 a.m in the Pitkin County Library Dunaway Community Meeting room. The public is invited to watch the ceremony online at www.pitkincounty.com/watchmeetings. The ceremony will also be televised on CGTV Channel 11. Call 970-920-5210 for more information.