On a warm and hazy Thursday afternoon a group of dedicated, loyal employees gathered to share a yummy lunch and share stories of survival, determination and successes emerging from the dark winter of an unprecedented pandemic. I was one of them.

As I wandered from table to table, group to group, I kept hearing the same thing over and over. “We’ve never experienced anything like this!” “I’ve never had to work so hard!” “I’m so grateful for my fellow coworkers who helped me get through this!”

This unwavering commitment and determination was recognized and rewarded with a simple gesture. The Gilpin County Commissioners declared that it was time for an employee picnic. Time to share stories of triumph, heartbreak and failures, successes and joys. Time to acknowledge the hard work that poured from the hearts of those who love this county and were determined to guide the broken ship safely back to the harbor. Time for laughter and a bit of respite from the grueling daily challenges every single one of us face.

There were many faces at this gathering. I saw old, familiar faces with lines and gray hair resulting from too many days, weeks and months of stress peppered with sadness and fear of what the future would hold. I saw new, fresh faces, bright with the gleam of excitement as they ventured into a challenge filled with many twists and turns. I watched the camaraderie between so many being rehashed and rebuilt. I saw lots of smiles, hugs and, um, yes, kidding peppered with a few smirks too, as we all were reminded that we are part of a big team that works tirelessly to keep this county rolling along.

One thing that tugged at my heart was the sense of family I felt, and saw, over and over. The unabashed acknowledgement that each of us, in so many ways, looks out for each of us. Whether it was Sharon Cate, being a solid rock no matter what the situation was, or Ashley Martin who steps up to try and help every single resident whose shadow graced the door, or Joline Logan, who not only felt the sting of being told “sorry your job is gone” but was willing and ready to come back and pick right up where she left off when the clear message was sent that this county wants and needs our beloved community center. It was so obvious to me that this group of amazing folks, this family, was not going to just slip into the shadows and bow down to the forces that at times seemed so far out of our control.

Then, there were the “Gilpinees.” Nathan Whittington and Gabrielle Chisholm put so much into these awards! From the serious to the silly, each one was so carefully thought out, and truly represented what we all felt! From Dave Rich getting the Ecosystem Creator award (all in fun) to Linda Isenhart getting the Maverick award (which sure summed it up!), it was so apparent that each of the 23 awards were meant to remind us that we each show up every single day with one common goal – to keep this little county running and to overcome adversity that isn’t of our making! The air was full of laughter and applause as the recipients each made their way to center stage to graciously and humbly accept their trophies.

As Commissioner Isenhart put it, “We are turning the page towards good times.” She noted that without our employees we can’t offer any services for our county, and that it’s good to be able to celebrate our employees. Her sentiments were echoed by both Commissioners Hollingsworth and Sill, and it was so good to see each one of them pushing up their sleeves by helping serve food and even clean up! The appreciation they all showed to everyone in attendance was clear, and so refreshing to see.

So, thank you. I offer my sincere, humble and heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you – of “us.” As a public servant deep in the trenches, every day I see the stress and overwhelming pressure of our jobs first hand. And every day, I see the satisfaction of a job well done – whether it’s a huge win at the end of a long-fought battle, or just something as simple as having a resident smile and offer thanks when you help them with whatever problem they bring to you. And every day, as a proud Gilpinite, I am reminded that there is a family out there making sure that living in this paradise is as good as it gets!

Gilpinee Awards

Some are serious, some are in jest, but ALL were in good fun!!

Sandy Hollingworth: Reading Rainbow. Sandy is the reader in the county. There is not a document that she doesn’t read thoroughly.

Dave Rich: Eco-System Creator. With all the pot holes at the justice center I was able to fish in one of them after a heavy rain-didn’t catch anything but it takes time for an eco-system to evolve

Jennifer Cook: 419. Jennifer is always out pulling, trimming, pruning weeds just not the ones good enough for 420 so she gets the 419 award

Bonnie Allbrecht: Mrs. Reliable. Bonnie is always there and over the last 536 days of COVID she has been reliable.

Stephen Strohminger: Milk Carton Award. No one has been missing/missed longer in Gilpin County than Stephen so he has been put on every milk carton to find him.

Sahari McCormick: Tweeter, Most Social Media posts even out pacing Gilpin OEM and other county employees.

Linda Isenhart: Maverick. After losing two of her wingmen/women in the last election Linda has been flying like a Maverick rebuilding the aces in the sky “Top Gun.”

Web Sill: Bob the Builder. We all know that Webb built the Rec Center so he gets this award.

Human Services: Annie. Just like little orphan Annie Human Services has been without a home for over a year now, and to this date are still orphans in Gilpin County – it truly is a Hard Knock Life

Mary Lorenz: 1% Award. For every dollar that OEM brings into the county Mary takes 1% of it so its only fitting she gets this award.

Dirk Mathews: Sneaky Sneaky Award. He just appears behind you and without warning. You never really need to call Dirk you just turn around and BAM!!!! He’s there.

Jessica Kays: BatGirl Award. Jess has more tools in her toll belt and she doesn’t even wear a tool belt, if something in IT is broken then she has the stuff to get it fixed.

Shannon Arrington: Political Correctness Award. Shannon is the person that we go to when we need something to be written just right, she is a very valuable asset to make sure you are politically correct.

Tonia Kapke: Momma Bear. Nobody messes with a momma bear and we all know that if push comes to shove Tonia will be there to have your back and protect you and the GCSO.

Brad Benning: Han Solo. Brad has been flying Solo in Gilpin County and as of this award still cannot find a paralegal that wants to take on the adventure and copilot with him.

Tabitha Oline: Burrito Bowl. Due to her dislike of tortillas and multiple meetings with breakfast burritos being served.

Steve Koehler: 213rr Master. Placed the most orders through the EOC for COVID supplies than any other person/department in Gilpin County

Amanda Prior: Pine-Sol. The county buildings have never been cleaner thanks to this lady, so this award and the registered trademark logo goes to

Dave Kurronen: Hot Wheels. Dave manages a SH&* ton of cars and the records for all of them in Gilpin County so he gets the award for being a Hot Wheels Master.

Sharon Cate: Keystone. Not like the beer but rather the critical block in an arch way, Sharon is the center of Gilpin County and without her we would all crumble.

Jeff Heng: Finish CM. With the Mortal Kombat theme of “Finish HIM!!!!” Jeff is the local hero that will Finish Content Manager.

Jeff Smallman: 2.83*. After Jeff finished hanging my white board it was off by 2.83* and ever since then his attention to detail has never been surpassed.

Ryan Keenan: Wheels on the Bus. Ryan had no idea what this job actually was until he started and the wheels on the bus ran him over. With tread marks on his back he is still getting back up and getting things done!