Dear Editor,

Friends of the Gilpin County Community Center will present its first-annual “Heart of the Community” Volunteer Awards at the Gilpin County Community Center on May 15, 2025, during the FGCCC annual meeting. The five awardees are Marilyn Ashmore, Harry Nimrod, Carolyn Collins Petersen, Kelly Ragland, and Steve Schwettman. 

"These awardees have donated hundreds of hours of time to the Community Center and to our organization," said FGCCC Awards Chair Karen Eye. "Their work and dedication is invaluable to us and benefits many Gilpin residents. The meeting is open to the public and we invite everyone to attend and honor these outstanding volunteers.” 

Marilyn Ashmore has been a member of Friends for several years and is also part of the Gilpin County Fair Committee. She was the main organizer of "We're Still Dancing", an FGCCC fundraiser dance at the center last year.

Harry Nimrod taught the ever-popular flyrod building classes at the center for the past three years. He was also instrumental in organizing the Blue Knights to help with Fair parking.

Carolyn Collins Petersen has been president of the Friends group since its inception. She is a member of the Fair Committee and has offered star parties each summer at the fairgrounds or at Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

For the past five years, Kelly Ragland has volunteered as a coach for baseball and basketball. She has been an amazing asset to the Gilpin County Parks and Recreation team and a staple in youth sports over the years.

Steve Schwettman was instrumental in the formation of FGCCC and served on the Board of Directors for three years. He designed and continues to host and maintain the group’s Website.

“Many other individuals volunteer their time and talents to support FGCCC and to work at many of the activities and events organized by Gilpin County Parks and Recreation,” continued Karen Eye. “Their contributions are valued and will also be recognized at our annual meeting.” 

The meeting will run from 6 to 8 p.m. starting with a dessert bar and social time, followed by a short recap of FGCCC activities, award presentations, and volunteer recognition. The program will also include a summary by county officials of capital projects completed and future improvements planned for the Community Center. Gabrielle Chisholm, Parks and Recreation Director, will highlight some new activities offered in 2024 and planned for the coming year. The program will close with social time and optional tours of the facility.

Friends of the Gilpin County Community Center is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the Community Center and its activities. It regularly sponsors activities at the Center, using donations from local organizations and individuals. The group operates the Heart of the Community Fund, which helps Gilpinites who need help affording center activities and access.

Karen Eye

Gilpin County