Barbara Hardt, Peak to Peak. On Saturday, January 16, 2021, the Peak to Peak Healthy Communities Project (PPHCP) board met to discuss the idea of bringing back the Community Champions Awards. This time-honored tradition was cancelled after community interest waned in 2015. Coupled with several entities holding their own awards, PPHCP put off future Community Champion events. Until now.

 In 1995, PPHCP began with a group of community members that wanted to make a difference in the region. Over 25 years ago, at a board meeting, they decided that there were people in the region who should be recognized for their extraordinary efforts toward making our mountain home an excellent place to live.

This was to be a recognition of those that planted gardens, built paths, created services and assistance for those in need. People who went to their jobs and then came home to work for others. Our community champions spend endless hours in meetings, offering their expertise to bring visions to reality. They clean up when the celebration is over. They bring people together to get a job done and jump right in with a shovel or hammer or blueprints. They donate funds to help non-profits stay in business. They dedicate their talent, their time and their passion for the community to make it as great as it is. Sometimes the community does not even know what these people do until they stop doing it. They are often anonymous and work behind the scenes. Some are volunteers and some are employees who go way beyond what is expected of them.

Our community depends on these people to keep us moving forward. It needs its teachers to do the best they can to help the students do the best they can. It needs the business owners who partner with the non-profits, the employees who do their job to the best of their abilities, with a smile.

The Peak to Peak region has more than its share of exemplary community members. We hope from behind your screen, or with a word of kindness or gratitude, you will help us to recognize and honor these people. Give a virtual standing ovation and let them know you appreciate their work.

Community Champions have been nominated by other members of the community. The nominations below are your thoughts of who to recognize. 

The event was sponsored by the Peak to Peak Healthy Communities Project and The Mountain-Ear newspaper.

 Name of nominee: Jim Reis

Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year

Nominated by: Jeff and Margie Yansura

The reason we think this person deserves this award: Jim Reis is the very definition of a volunteer who goes above and beyond to help others. We have seen this firsthand as members with him at the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church and also as a neighbor in Nederland.  

For the past six years, Jim has served as the Missions Chair for the Session (administrative body) of the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church.  In this capacity he has developed and led several community outreach efforts that have directly benefited hundreds of community residents.  He is the work coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Mission project (until COVID hit).  He contacts local residents in need to line up projects for the youth participating in these mission trips to complete during their week in Nederland.  These have included building accessibility ramps to homes, improvements to the pedestrian path next to Boulder Creek making it ADA compliant for easy use by those in wheelchairs, etc., installing park benches along the path and in Chipeta Park, pulling weeds and landscaping upkeep throughout the downtown area, installed a concrete path at the home of a couple in need, and many other projects for community members. 

He also coordinates other projects, marshaling church and community volunteers to clean up the town cemetery annually; cleaning out storage sheds and disposal of the items for several elderly residents; delivery of a pellet stove and hundreds of bags of pellets and coordination of installation of the stove for an elderly couple in need; and painted and roofed the town electrical storage shed next to Barker Reservoir.

In addition, he coordinates the church firewood “bank” each year, collecting, splitting, stacking and delivering free firewood to dozens of families in need each winter.  He also purchases food to keep the NCPC food closet stocked. He helps to maintain the beautiful and peaceful Geyer garden in the rear of the NCPC church which is enjoyed by many in the community. He also volunteers on the Town of Nederland Planning Board.

He is, as well, very generous to his neighbors.  He actually got upset with us one time when he found we had rented a truck to pick up some furniture we had purchased.  “Listen, we’re friends and I have a truck and trailer so you call me if you need help,” he told us and we know he meant it because he has helped us in this regard countless times.

He is one of many wonderful and caring volunteers that make Nederland the amazing community that it is.  We would love to see him publicly honored for all he does quietly and humbly to help so many.

Name of nominee: Jaye Brotherton

Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year

Nominated by: Kirk C. Watkins

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Jaye Brotherton has been a tremendous asset to the Jamestown community for many years. In 2020, when the  CalWood fire blew up, she responded by repeatedly driving the firetruck to the fire, and with other firefighters, spent long difficult days and nights on the front line fighting the fire.

During Covid-19, Jaye organized the food giveaway for the greater Jamestown area, helping to feed the community. She is the first to step up and do the dirty work, and by doing so, leads through her example.  From as far back as  2013, during the Jamestown flood, she has provided tremendous support to the community.

She has also been the organizer for the Jamestown Fourth of July fundraiser for the local fire department and its representative for the Black Lives Matter movement. Jaye is also an active volunteer in JAM (Jamestown Artists and Musicians).

Name of nominee: Jessie Ansari

Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year

Nominated by: Eric Coombs Esmail

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Jessie Ansari has demonstrated stellar leadership, awe-inspiring work ethic, and an endless capacity for compassion over this difficult time.

As President of the Mountain Forum for Peace, she ensured that thousands of dollars were redirected into critical services (like Nederland Area Seniors, the Food Bank, Clothing Closet, and others) for our community during the pandemic, she was also instrumental in providing thousands of masks to people in our community during the national PPE shortage through MFP’s partnership with the Mountain Mask Project, and she was the driving force behind last summer’s extended Community Yard Sale, providing people with a chance to get what they need while also promoting reuse and sustainability, all in the most challenging of circumstances. 

As Chair of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board for the Town of Nederland she has revitalized critical conversations relating to our commons, written large-scale grant proposals on behalf of our Town and our community, and shifted priorities toward important questions of access, sustainability, and stewardship.

Jess has approached these challenges head-on, without pay, while making many personal sacrifices along the way. In her ongoing work, she continues to demonstrate her importance to our organization, our Town, and the broader community.

Name of nominee: Claudia Schauffler

Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year

Nominated by: Eleanor Yeager

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Tireless hours working with homeless and people in need

Especially with coordinating volunteers during the pandemic.

Name of nominee: Nicole Cavalino

Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year

Nominated by: Monica LaSalle

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Because she went above and beyond to modify the senior program to meet the crisis of feeding homebound people during the pandemic crisis, donating many hours each week beyond normal working hours to ensure the program survived by doing the cooking at times, delivering meals each week, at the same time she found grant funding to accommodate the huge increase in need to the tune of thousands of dollars for the community.

Nicole was also nominated by Karen Gerrity, Nederland Town Administrator. Karen says, “Nicole led the transformation of the Nederland Area Seniors congregate meal program to a home delivery program during the pandemic. She secured additional funding to cover the added expenses of meal deliveries and expanded the program to include people with disabilities and others in the Peak to Peak region who have difficulty securing food. Nicole worked well beyond her normal full time schedule and even delivered meals herself when needed. It is my honor to nominate her for this well-deserved recognition.”

Name of nominee: Jonathan Baumhover

Nominated for: Government Volunteer

Nominated by: Summer Nicole Knight

The reason I think this person deserves this award: I am nominating Jonathan Baumhover for this award for excellence and dedication. Recognition for the commitment of this volunteer for his work during his time as a member of the Nederland Board of Trustees is of great significance due to the time he has taken and assiduous efforts he has put in, in order to strive to enrich a sense of purpose in our community. As Mayor Pro Tem on the Board of Trustees and as a member of our community, Jonathan has helped to support our town’s environment of family engagement with an enthusiasm for future progression.

Name of nominee: Kurt Abendroth

Nominated for: Government Paid Employee

Nominated by: Jenifer Martin

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Kurt is the manager at the Community Center.  He treats every individual that walks through the door with dignity and respect.  He does so much work behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly.  From the Covid screening to planning for the vaccine distribution to managing disputes in the weight room.

The unseen work he does could be an endless list.  He is **always** cheerful and ready to assist any individual.  It is one of those roles where if he wasn’t there, THEN we would know how much he does.  He is encouraging and kind to every demographic and expects nothing in return, it is just part of who he is.  

We, as a community, are so lucky to have him in the role of Manager at the Community Center.

Name of nominee: Miranda Fisher, Deputy Town Administrator/Town Clerk

Nominated for: Government Paid Employee

Nominated by: Karen Gerrity, Town Administrator

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Miranda Fisher has worked steadfastly with the Town businesses so they can more easily navigate through the ever-changing public health orders due to the pandemic.

She has built positive relationships with business owners, managers and employees and has been a huge asset to them during this difficult time. She is available, approachable and always ready to assist in any way. She can remain professional and calm despite the tricky times.

Because of the work she has done, businesses have continued to operate in a safe way during the pandemic which has stabilized the Town’s economy without seeing an increase in Covid cases. For these reasons and more, Nederland businesses have her phone number on speed dial!

Name of nominee: Rick Elertson

Nominated for: Educational Excellence

Nominated by: Janet Turnburke

Reason I think this person deserves this award: Mr. Elertson had a vision and established the CTEC program at Nederland High School. 

Name of nominee: Brenda Theodorakos and Tammy Forrest

Nominated for: Educational Excellence

Nominated by: Sara Sandstrom

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Brenda and Tammy go together as a teaching team like peas and carrots. They are a teaching time in every sense of the word.

They have both been teaching at Nederland Elementary School for over 30 years. Together Tammy and Brenda have given over 60 years to educating Nederland’s children. They have taught a variety of grades, but in the last several years they have taught 5th grade. This is their last year teaching and the hole they leave at NES is profound. 

They are a model of professionalism, teamwork, and teaching excellence. I personally have been in their classrooms (as another teacher) and seen the expertise and positive energy and how much they care for each student. They have taught generations of Nederland families. Students look forward to being in their classes.

They were part of the transition from the old elementary school (now community center) to the current school (which is 30 years old this year). Tammy even taught Kindergarten one year at the old Black Forest restaurant. They are both career NES teachers. 

They have inspired 100s of children and have inspired me as a colleague. They will be sorely missed and the legacy they leave is irreplaceable. Their absence in the hallways, classrooms and staff meetings will be deeply felt. Individually they are phenomenal educators. Together they are the best of the best. 

They have made NES a better place as well as our community with their patience toward our children and encouraging creative spirits. They will be profoundly missed. They deserve community recognition and thanks for all the days and all the years dedicated to our children. 

Name of nominee: TEENS, Inc.

Nominated for: Best Non-profit

Nominated by: Leonard Berman

The reason I think they deserve this award: TEENS, Inc. is the premier youth serving organization in the Peak to Peak region. Its varied programs include education, youth employment, restorative justice, social emotional learning/parenting programs, the Drop-In Center, and Community That Cares.

In the last year during the pandemic, TEENS, Inc. has adjusted all its programs so that it can continue to serve youth in a safe and responsible way. Foremost among these programs has been the New Explorers Learning Center, an early child development program serving children between the ages of 2-6 years old. New Explorers was established in late 2019 following the closure of the Aspen Grove Community  and Little Bear preschools, which would have left Nederland with no independent early childhood/preschool programs.

In addition, TEENS, Inc. staff have been meeting the emergency needs of Peak to Peak residents for food and financial assistance since the beginning of the pandemic.

Name of nominee: Ignite Adaptive Sports

Nominated for: Best Non-profit

Nominated by: Amber MacPherson

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Ignite may have a mailing address in Boulder, but they operate out of Eldora in Nederland. Through their efforts many people, including many locals, have been able to participate in snowsports who otherwise would never have been able. They strive to increase accessibility on the mountain, something I can attest that they have achieved. 

As a volunteer snowsports instructor at Ignite, I worked with a lot of great people and saw their success first hand.  Just a great organization that improves lives.

Name of nominee: Peak to Peak Players, Mark Ragan

Nominated for: Best Non-profit

Nominated by: Charles Smith

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Mark Ragan has founded and donated freely to the Peak To Peak Players. This non profit theatre company has served hundreds of Gilpin and Boulder County students through summer theatre camps, producing over a dozen musical theatre and theatre productions, provided opportunities for dance, singing, and acting classes, as well as providing numerous community entertainment.

His generosity has been simply remarkable.

Name of nominee: Orion Bruno

Nominated for: Outstanding Youth

Nominated by: Thomas Holmquist, ChinookWest High School

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Orion is a very hardworking young man who has faced tremendous difficulty in his life.  He is a strong member of our community and is driven to succeed.  He has overcome adversity and his hard work is paying off in regards to his dreams and ambitions.

Name of nominee: Olivia Medina

Nominated for: Outstanding Youth

Nominated by: Melissa Elbert, TEENS, Inc.

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Olivia is a resilient, kind and outstanding young person in the Nederland community. She has overcome NUMEROUS obstacles over the course of her life, and never stops taking them on with a good attitude and a smile on her face. She does not let challenges bring her down. Instead she uses them to learn more about herself, her strengths and what it is that she wants in life. 

After moving to Nederland a little over two years ago with very few credits toward graduating high school, Olivia has put her heart and soul into working to get her high school diploma. She has gone the extra mile at Chinook doing independent classes and extra activities in order to graduate. Very few times in my 10 year career working with teenagers have I seen a young person so enthusiastic, hard working and dedicated to discovering her passions and making the world a better place.

I could not more highly recommend a young person for this award!!

Name of nominee: Tabitha Lamb

Nominated for: Outstanding Youth

Nominated by: Collin Olson, TEENS, Inc.

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Tabi joined the Chinook West community this school year and has already made an incredible impact on those around her.  Throughout numerous challenges and hardships presented to her, she has shown outstanding resilience and determination to excel and achieve her goals. Whether it is pushing herself in her independent courses, helping to build a school garden and compost system, or leading by example as a Peer Supervisor, Tabi shows up ready to work hard with a smile on her face. Beyond her own drive, she encourages and supports others in the community to achieve the same successes.  Tabi is growing as a leader in this community and her desire to succeed and help others do the same will continue to make her an influential leader in the broader Nederland community, as well.

Name of nominee: Chris Current

Nominated for: Lifetime Achievement

Nominated by: Dennis Whalen

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Chris is the Executive Director for the Nederland Food Pantry. She has led the Food Pantry for more than 30 years, most recently through one of the most difficult times it’s had to endure with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Food Pantry for the past year has been providing food for 3+ the normally expected number of households, distributing food from the Community Center parking lot regardless of the weather. Her work has helped our community survive Covid.

Chris Current was also nominated by Sonia Breche, because “She is the best”.

And nominated by Joseph Davalt for her tireless work helping others.

Name of nominee: Hansen Wendlandt

Nominated for: Lifetime Achievement

Nominated by: Sara Sandstrom

The reason I think this person deserves this award: Hansen Wendlandt has been the pastor at Nederland Community Presbyterian Church (NCPC) for over 7.5 years. In that time he has served his church, his congregation and the community tirelessly.

When we came to Nederland he immediately searched out what the needs in the community were. He joined committees and nonprofits to help solve the issues surrounding drug use, homelessness and lack of affordable housing. He jumped in with both feet ready to educate and improve the community. 

He was instrumental in communicating with the county that brought Tungsten Village to Nederland. Despite the opposition, he carried on and helped make it a reality... a place many people now call home.

At NCPC he along with church members started an outreach to the homeless called Socks and Sandwiches. This provided a lunch once a week and socks and other necessities to homeless folks. It turned into a time of education and connection to these folks. Education about  waste, wildlife, wildfires, and weather in the mountains. It has created positive connections with the Forest Service and law enforcement. It brought people together who are often at odds with each other. There is now more understanding on all sides. And that is no easy task.

Out of Socks and Sandwiches came NICHE (Nederland Interagency Council on Homeless Encampments). This group has become a model around the country on how to handle homelessness like the Nederland community deals with.

He also started Rocky Mountain Mission at NCPC. Teenagers from around the country have come to Nederland on a mission trip. When here they serve the community by helping the elderly, helping at the Community Closet and Food Pantry, helping the Town of Nederland with clean up at the cemetery and in the parks, making trails, and the list goes on and on.

Hansen has gone above and beyond being a pastor of a small town church. He has given his time way beyond expectation for the community. Pastors are often in the category of unsung heroes. Hansen, in my opinion, tops that list. His bringing people together has brought controversy. I don’t know of many solid community improvements that do not bring controversy. For him it has always been done with the vision of wanting to help our neighbors and improve the community as a whole. Hansen has done more for this community in 7.5 years than most do in decades of time. He deserves to be recognized and remembered by the Nederland community for his service and vision of a better Nederland.

Hansen Wendlandt was also nominated by Ressa Lively-Smith. The nomination is for “For all his good work with the homeless in our community. For setting up “socks and sandwiches to join the community and the homeless with goals and guidelines to make a more humane, cohesive and informed community.”

Thank you to everyone that nominated and all of the amazing champions we have in our Peak to Peak Community. 

If you were nominated and your name and information are listed above, please email publisher1977@gmail.com. We will send your gift certificate and printed certificate by mail, or arrange for pickup in Nederland or Gilpin.