Arvada Chamber Awards
Nominate Outstanding Businesses and Community Leaders Today!
The Arvada Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that we are now accepting nominations for a variety of local awards that recognize businesses and community members for their efforts to make Arvada an incredible place to live, work, play, and learn. The winners will be recognized at the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner or Annual Awards Luncheon.
Nominations – Annual Dinner
1
Business of the Year
The Business of the Year award recognizes a business that has established a reputation for providing a superior level of customer service while using ingenuity and innovation to overcome challenges. Not only does this business excel internally, but it continues to support the community by participating in local activities and partnering with non-profit organizations. All nominations MUST be returned to the Arvada Chamber of Commerce by December 13, 2024 at 5 pm to be eligible! The winner will be recognized at the Annual Dinner on February 28, 2025.
2
Entrepreneur of the Year
The Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes an individual or team’s commitment, investment, and innovation as a business owner in Arvada. All nominations MUST be returned to the Arvada Chamber of Commerce by December 13, 2024 at 5 pm to be eligible! The winner will be recognized at the Annual Dinner on February 28, 2025.
3
Non-Profit of the Year
The Non-Profit of the Year is recognized for exceptional support of Arvada and its citizens through impactful 2022 programs, services and overall involvement within the community. Nominees will also be evaluated on local partnerships and collaboration. All nominations MUST be returned to the Arvada Chamber of Commerce by December 13, 2024 at 5 pm to be eligible! The winner will be recognized at the Annual Dinner on February 28, 2025.
Nominations – Annual Awards Luncheon
1
Man and Woman of the Year Awards
The Man and Woman of the Year Awards are a long-standing tradition in Arvada recognizing outstanding men and women in the community for their involvement, generosity and overall impact on Arvada. Nominations for this award are reviewed by a selection committee made up of previous winners.
2
Young Professional Leadership Award
The Young Professional Leadership Award recognizes an Arvada young professional under the age of 40 whose leadership and dedication has impacted the world around them.
3
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes High School students who live or attend school in Arvada who have exemplified extraordinary skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, community impact and leadership. A $500 scholarship will be awarded to the winning recipient to be applied toward education or an entrepreneurial endeavor.
4
Image Award
This award recognizes individuals who are the epitome of a POSITIVE IMAGE in our community. These individuals have gone above and beyond to make the lives of others and our community a better place.
Previous Winners
2023 Echter’s Nursery & Garden Center
2022 All-Secure
2021 Barber-Nichols
2020 Flatirons Dance
2019 Jack’s Bar and Grill and Steamers Coffeehouse
2018 Steuben’s
2017 Sportline
2016 La Patisserie Francaise
2015 Shadowlight Theater
2014 The Egg and I @ 80th and Sheridan
2013 Alphagraphics
2012 Coors Credit Union
2011 Custom Environmental Services
2010 Mahnke Auto Body
2009 Sooper Credit Union
2008 First Bank
2007 Personal Benefit Services Wealth Management
2006 Creative Advertising
2005 Eggshell
2004 Colorado Central Credit Union
2003 Goodberry’s Restaurant
2002 Pridemark Paramedic Services
2001 Piper Electric
2000 1st National Bank of Arvada
1999 Sportline
1998 Arvada Rent-Alls
1997 Marshall Liquors
1996 Denver Postal Credit Union
1995 Rheinlander Bakery
1994 Great Harvest Bread
1993 Barone Inc
1992 Hi Country Wire & Telephone
1991 Arvada Rubbish Removal
1990 State Farm | Parmenter
1989 Goodberry’s Restaurant
1988 Sonheim, Helm & Less
1987 Laddy’s
1986 L & L Glass
1985 Arvada Rent-Alls
1984 Sullivan’s TV and Appliance
1983 Carson’s Apparel
2023 Foothills Regional Housing and CASA of Jefferson/Gilpin Counties
2022 Hope Connection and Community
2021 Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado (AATPC)
2020 Epic Experience
2019 Beyond Home
2018 Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation
2017 Hope House of Colorado
2016 Jefferson Center for Mental Health
2015 Arvada Community Food Bank
2023 Nick and Amie Costanzo
2022 Nicole Bendig-Lamb
2021 Mike Huggins and Lenka Juchelkova
2023 Keith Sorci
Keith has been involved in bettering the community for over 20 years as president of the Arvada Gardeners, a volunteer with the Arvada Historical Society, working with the local schools, and distributing food. In addition to his volunteer work, Keith Keith works for the Jefferson County Justice System, training crews to be polite and helpful, as they do volunteer work around the community. He is very dedicated to the community of Arvada and wants to help get the jobs done in the best way possible.
2022 Randy Michaelis
Randy and Christi Michaelis have been pillars in the Arvada community for many years and have given back in a multitude of ways. Randy and Christi work with the Elevado Mobile Home Community in Arvada to ensure they get the food and resources they need to properly take care of their families. They advocated to obtain culturally appropriate foods that families in the Elevado community would be able to prepare for their family. This required purchasing such foods instead of relying on community donations to provide. When the Elevado Community was without water due to contamination, they worked with Community Table to provide over 100 cases of water.
2021 Jeff Cannon
A 5th generation Arvadan, Jeff has volunteered in the city for over 40 years. Most notably, Jeff has made a lasting impact with the Arvada Harvest Festival, Sister Cities International, and the Arvada Jaycees.
2020 Ed Rothschild
Edward is the business owner of AlphaGraphics, a business advocate and a dedicated servant and volunteer for his community. He has also volunteered his time with many worthy organizations such as the Arvada Planning Commission, Foothills Animal Shelter Foundation and MS Society of CO/WY.
2019 Ed Tomlinson
Ed Tomlinson has served on numerous committees, supported our local schools and volunteered for many organizations such as the Arvada Festivals Commission, Adopt a Street and the Arvada Harvest Festival.
2018 Jerry Marks
A native of Arvada and has served the community as a volunteer firefighter, board members of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Arvada Vitality Alliance and Arvada Economic Development Association.
2017 John Beattie
Longtime and tireless volunteer at the Arvada Community Food Bank making multiple food pickups per week. Coordinated 9 News Cares and Postal Food Drives. A Boy Scout Master who oversaw several Boy Scout groups in Arvada and guided many of them towards their Eagle Scout Award. Received Channel 7 Hero Award.
2016 Bill Orchard
Devoted many hours to the Arvada Parks Advisory Committee, Arvada Harvest Festival, Arvada Community Gardens and Arvada Centennial Celebration. Organized a community biking group.
2015 Jim Scharfenberg
Involved with Majestic View Nature Center. Coordinator and founder of Trees across Arvada. Volunteered with Arvada Food Bank and Meals on Wheels program. Helped provide free books for Arvada Food Bank Backpack Program.
2014 Chris Michalik
Arvada Food Bank board member. Coordinator of Feeding the Future Backpack Program. Organizer of The Shrine of St. Anne’s annual melodrama to benefit the Food Bank. Reader for the blind. Volunteered music and audio equipment for many Arvada events.
2013 Mike Litzau
President and board of directors of Arvada Community Food Bank. Helped develop capital campaign for their Bridges to Opportunity program. Served on Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) Board of Directors. Through his business, Sooper Credit Union, donated time and money to many Arvada events and organizations.
2012 Luke Heesacker
Through his business, Arvada Rent-Alls, donated time, money and equipment to local organizations. Served on Apex/North Jeffco Parks and Recreation District Foundation Board and Sooper Credit Union Community Foundation Board.
2011 Brad Rupert
Volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. President and board of directors of Arvada Community Food Bank. Chairman of Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Member of Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis Club.
2010 Tom Jacobsen
Through his business, Sportline, provided time, money and equipment to many charitable endeavors including Ralston House. Past president Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis Club. Served on Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) Retention Committee.
2009 Homer Anderson
Over 27 years helped Arvada Kiwanis Club maintain the Ginny’s Kids Foundation, which he served as president, sending children with life-threating illnesses and their families to Disneyland. Charter member of Arvada Elks.
2008 Frank Barone
Community-minded business owner who provided leadership as president of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, co-chair of capital campaign for Arvada Community Food Bank, Jefferson County Open Space Advisory Board and vice president of Arvada Economic Development Association Board (AEDA). Member of Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis Club.
2007 Dick Tucker (d)
Starting in 1980, volunteered over 16,000 hours during his lifetime at the Arvada Center, primarily in hospitality.
2006 Dave Giddings
Served the community as volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Arvada Parks Advisory Committee, Arvada Harvest Festival, and Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Past president of Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis Club.
2005 Mark McGoff
Volunteered with Child Advocacy Center, Ralston House, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Arvada Historical Society, Jefferson County Historical Commission and Jefferson County Cultural Commission. Past president of Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis Club.
2004 Carl Almquist
Legacy of giving and helping others from youth programs to senior assistance. Had leadership roles with Optimist Club.
2004 Maro Dimmer
Strong Olde Town activist as owner of Rheinlander Bakery. Board member and first president of Historic Olde Town Arvada (HOTA). Contributed to redesign plan of Olde Town.
2003 Jack Raven
Chaired Lions Club Eye Glass Program. Volunteered for Arvada Historical Society, Jefferson County Historical Commission, Arvada Cemetery board and Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities.
2002 Bill Johnson (d)
Co-founder of AWRSAY (Arvada/Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth) and Santa House. Purchased books to circulate through the schools to promote reading. Strong supporter of students and families in need in the schools.
2001 Manley Gray (d)
Arvada’s most effective promoter of business and community for two decades. Served on city council when Arvada became a Charter City (1963).
2000 Clarence Lederhos
Through his business, Ace Hardware, his generosity benefited countless youth and charitable organizations.
1999 Frank Gacnik
A founder of Arvada Community Food Bank. Served eight years on the board of directors of Inter-Church ARMS (Arvada Resource for Ministry and Service), a program which provided for the needy including help with rent, food, utilities and medical bills. His outreach included social justice and peace outreach.
1998 W. L. Whaley
Pomona High School marching band director achieving numerous state honors. Through the band, represented Arvada throughout the United States and Europe.
1997 Al Meiklejohn (d)
Devoted to public education. Served on the R-1 Jeffco School Board. Instrumental in bringing Red Rocks Community College to Arvada. State Senator who championed education.
1996 Steve Camins
Founding chair of Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) focusing on the revitalizing of Olde Town. Assumed the presidency of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce when the Chamber needed financial stability.
1995 Rev. Jim Koob
Instrumental in getting the Mountain United Church housing project off the ground. He lived and believed that “Faith without work is dead.” A founder of the Arvada Community Food Bank and Inter-Church ARMS (Arvada Resource for Ministry and Service), a program which provided for the needy including help with rent, food, utilities and medical bills.
1994 Bill Ashton
Chair of Olde town Business Improvement District. Charter member of Arvada Historical Society. Steering committee for the development of Gold Strike Park. Long-time Arvada Rotary Club member. Arvada West educator and foundation member.
1993 Harry Parmenter (d)
Member of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and the Optimist Club. Served on campaign committee to locate Red Rocks Community College in Arvada.
1992 Gerry Rowley
Director of Ginny’s Kids Foundation.
1991 Jim Randall (d)
Community banker, 1st National Bank of Arvada, who went above and beyond to help generations of families and organizations. Member of Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis Club.
1990 Dr. Eldon Laidig (d)
Arvada Center advocate. Chair of Arvada Center Arts Council. Responsible for bringing the Cowboy Poetry Gathering to the Arvada Center including hosting of participants. Founding director of Arvada Sister Cities International. Jeffco educator and principal. Member of Arvada Rotary Club
1989 Ben Mullany (d)
Fifty years of volunteer service to a variety of Arvada organizations using his special talents, enthusiasm and ingenuity. Built more than 100 projects for children with developmental disabilities at the Margaret Walters School. These gadgets helped disabled children perform tasks they couldn’t do without them.
1988 Duane Youse
Owner of Duane’s Men’s Clothier. Past president of Arvada Chamber of Commerce. North Jeffco Foundation Board. Numerous positions with Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis Club. Red Rocks Community College steering committee. Arvada Community Food Bank director and board member.
1987 Duane Beninga
Active member and president of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Worked on the development of the I-70/I-76 interchange while on the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority (AURA).
1986 Jim Lytle (d)
Former Arvada City Council member. Fundraiser for many local organizations, his work for the Women in Crisis Shelter being especially important. Arvada Harvest Festival coordinator.
1985 Marv Rowley (d)
Founder and director of Ginny’s Kids, sending children with life threating illnesses and their families to Disneyland. Rotary Club. Sponsor of Little League teams.
1984 Pat Gacnik
Champion of the poor. Helped migrant farm workers in Denver area. Counseled families.
1983 Max Haug (d)
Founded Arvada Community Resources Association (ACRA) helping the needy find resources such as clothing and food. Board member of Arvada Historical Society, Jefferson County Historical Commission and Arvada Kiwanis Club.
1982 Bruce Buell
Founded Meals on Wheels for homebound elderly. Founding member of Arvada Historical Society. Member of North Jeffco Parks and Recreation District Board and served as their attorney.
1981 Bernard Haug (d)
Established a restaurant, Bernard’s, where he always provided space for community events. After his first restaurant burned, he went to extraordinary lengths to rebuild in Arvada and paid his employees during the restoration process. His famous cinnamon rolls graced many community events.
1980 Bob Close (d)
Charter member of Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis Club. Prominent owner of Gambles, a gathering spot for community movers and shakers. Helped chair events for the Arvada Harvest Festival and Arvada Chamber of Commerce.
1979 Rev. George Kempsell (d)
Beloved pastor of Christ the King Episcopal Church. Involved with the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Along with an ecumenical group of pastors, began the annual ecumenical Thanksgiving services.
1978 Tim Montgomery (d)
Key figure in the Arvada Harvest Festival including chairing the parade for 11 years. Worked with the Jaycees to promote the establishment of the Arvada Center.
1977 Don Vecchio
Set up a drug awareness program for the students of the Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Church. Using slides and movies, also worked with the Jeffco Schools to help develop their original drug awareness educational program.
1976 Lee Stone (d)
Advocate for economic education and speakers bureau in Jeffco Schools. Served on Arvada Chamber of Commerce board. President of Industries for Jefferson County.
1975 Dick Tuers
Helped with the development of the Stenger Soccer Fields; Past president of Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Encouraged the early growth of Olde Town business development. Co-chaired Arvada Centennial/Bicentennial committee.
1974 Ed McCarthy (d)
Started first school crossing guard program. Known for his “Love Bug”, a Volkswagen police car. Volunteer fire fighter. Taught safety classes. Helped children in need.
1973 Harold Holliway (d)
Served on the Arvada Charter Commission. Active with the Jaycees and other civic groups. Instrumental in helping Arvada become a finalist for the All-American City award.
1972 H.C. “Doc” Webber (d)
Served in various capacities in city administration including city manager and city treasurer where he organized the city’s financial records.
1971 Don Matson (d)
As sponsor of an Arvada semi-professional baseball team, became a driving force behind the building of a new baseball park on five acres at 6255 West 56th Avenue.
1967-1970 NO AWARDS GIVEN
1966 Frank Tiller (d)
Former city council member. Served on fire board, Arvada Cemetery Association and Denver Water Board. Donated Arvada Flour Mill to the Arvada Historical Society.
1965 H. C. “Doc” Webber (d)
Honored for his many years of service to the city in various positions including assistant city manager.
1964 Sid Koon (d)
Recognized for his many years as Arvada’s outstanding postmaster.
1963 Dr. Harland Paschal (d)
Very involved in school, community and church projects.
1962 Harold Lutz (d)
Served as a county judge, the attorney for the R-1 School District and North Jeffco Parks and Recreation District. President of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. The baseball complex, Lutz Fields, is named in his honor.
1961 Kenneth Gorrell (d)
Worked on the city budget and co-chaired the Home Rule Committee.
1960 Jack Tomlinson (d)
City mayor and president of North Jeffco Parks and Recreation District Board of Directors.
1959 Rubin Craig (d)
As owner of Craig Chevrolet, developed an outstanding business model emphasizing customer service. Served on Arvada Chamber of Commerce board. Big supporter of Arvada community events.
1958 Fred Sedlmayr (d)
Chief of the Arvada Volunteer Fire Department for ten years, serving another eight years after this award.
1957 Harold Carver (d)
Provided leadership on the Community Hungarian Relief Committee. Active participant in planning the Arvada Center.
1956 Lloyd Gorrell (d)
Publisher of the Arvada Enterprise newspaper sharing thought and opinion since 1923. Fair and accurate reporting made the paper an integral part of the community.
1955 Dr. Gail Gilbert (d)
Elected Arvada’s representative to the Jeffco R-1 Board of Education when the district was formed in 1951. Served as president for two years. Helped strengthen the concept of a consolidated school district. President of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and parliamentarian for many years. As mayor, signed a contract with Denver Water Board ensuring Arvada would be supplied with water for the future.
1954 Ed Williams (d)
As owner of Arvada Iron Works, he was a two-term president of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and was active in several local civic organizations.
1953 Dr. Edwin L. Foster (d)
Provided medical care for hundreds of local citizens. Active in school and civic affairs. Charter member of the Arvada Community Club, forerunner to the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Played a major role in bringing tramway service to Arvada. Served on Arvada school board, town council and, during WWI, the civil defense council.
1952 Ralph Ashton (d)
Business leader who led much of Olde Town construction; Obtained a private loan in gold coins to build the Gold Coin Building that still stands on Olde Wadsworth today. Charter member of Arvada Chamber of Commerce.
1951 Chet Hoskinson (d)
A contractor who led post-war building boom in Arvada, building 97 percent of all the homes constructed in Arvada from the end of World War II until 1952. Served on town board, Arvada library board and Citizens Water Committee.
2023 Karen Miller
Karen is a dedicated and longtime volunteer, especially in Olde Town Arvada. She served on the HOTA Board for many years and was instrumental in the creation of the Business Improvement District for Olde Town in 2014. Karen has volunteered countless hours at events including the Harvest Festival, St. Patrick’s Day, Festival of Scarecrows, A Chocolate Affair and Flicks in the Square. Karen currently serves on the Arvada Historical Society Board and manages the Arvada Flour Mill. Karen is an outstanding leader, has been a huge asset to our Arvada community and is known for her passionate and dedicated contributions.
2022 Christi Michaelis
Randy and Christi Michaelis have been pillars in the Arvada community for many years and have given back in a multitude of ways. Randy and Christi work with the Elevado Mobile Home Community in Arvada to ensure they get the food and resources they need to properly take care of their families. They advocated to obtain culturally appropriate foods that families in the Elevado community would be able to prepare for their family. This required purchasing such foods instead of relying on community donations to provide. When the Elevado Community was without water due to contamination, they worked with Community Table to provide over 100 cases of water.
2021 Gillian McCarron
Gillian is the Chairperson of the Arvada/Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth’s board, serves on the Arvada Economic Development Association Board of Directors, volunteers with the Arvada Vitality Alliance and is Vice President at Lakeside Insurance Center.
2020 Marie Beeler
Marie is a local hero that advocates for our neighbors and their children and that enriches all of Arvada. Through her work with HOPE (Help Our People Eat), Arvada High School, the Severe Weather Network, migrant ministry, Hope House and a variety of other causes and organizations, she has helped feed thousands of Coloradans in need.
2019 Renee Nelson
Renee became the youngest Chairman of the Arvada Harvest Festival Committee and just 9 years old! And she never stopped giving back.
2018 Patsy Pfaff
A longtime volunteer, became one of the first 25 donors at the Mothers’ Milk Bank, and is heavily involved in her church, First United Church of Arvada and at local schools.
2017 Anita Marcussen
Eminent volunteer for the Arvada Historical Society. Worked at the McIlvoy House two to three days a week, coordinated the quarterly teas, co-chaired the annual cemetery tour, planned the Society’s Harvest Festival float, and maintained the gardens at the McIlvoy House and the Arvada Flour Mill. Volunteered at Arvada K-8 and helped with events for Arvada West Foundation.
2016 Rebel Rodriguez
Worked with the homeless in Olde Town by helping to provide them a food and clothing bank and a safe place to sleep at the Rising Church.
2015 Jean Scharfenberg
Coordinator and founder of Trees across Arvada. Volunteered with Arvada Community Food Bank, Majestic View Nature Center, Meals on Wheels and Arvada Parks Advisory Committee. Helped provide free books for Arvada Food Bank Backpack Program.
2014 Doris Stipech
Board of Directors Arvada Food Bank. Coordinated Backpack Program at Thomson Elementary School. Served on Red Rocks Foundation Board and Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. Past president of Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis Club.
2013 Lisa Steven
Founder and director of Hope House Colorado, a nonprofit serving teenage mothers from Arvada and the Front Range during and after pregnancy.
2012 Connie Zimmerman
Founder and director of Colorado Homeless Families helping homeless families reach self-sufficiency.
2011 Megara Pullen
Volunteer event organizer benefiting many organizations including Arvada Chamber of Commerce.
2010 Ereka O’Hara
Helped strengthen the Arvada Chamber of Commerce outreach program. Served on Arvada Center Arts Council. Served as chair of Arvada Charity Ball for three years, raising funds for Arvada Child Advocacy Center and the Arvada Center Accessibility Program.
2009 Lorraine Anderson
Legacy of community and public service: Arvada City Council, Arvada Mayor Pro Tem, Chair of Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). Went on to serve on RTD Board.
2008 Mary Ross
Neighborhood activism led to years of community service. Grant writer for Foster Elementary School. Coordinator of the Arvada Community Food Bank’s Feeding the Future Backpack program.
2007 Nancy Bentzen
Long-time volunteer with Arvada Jaycees, Arvada Festivals Commission, Arvada Harvest Festival, Arvada Sister Cities International and the Arvada Center. Served on Arvada Center Arts Council.
2006 Pam Easton
Arvada Charity Ball founder and chair for 13 years raising over $430,000 for Arvada Child Advocacy Center and the Arvada Center Accessibility Program.
2005 Gayle Laidig (d)
As first chair of Arvada Festivals Commission helped launch several new community events. Home hosted Cowboy Poetry participants. Co-chaired Arvada Harvest Festival. Board member of Arvada Sister Cities International.
2004 Maro Dimmer
Strong Olde Town activist as owner of Rheinlander Bakery. Board member and first president of Historic Olde Town Arvada (HOTA). Contributed to redesign plan of Olde Town.
2003 Shelley Cook
Dedicated community leader. Founded and coordinated Arvada Provide, the Arvada A-Line airport shuttle service. Served on Arvada Planning Commission and Arvada City Council.
2002 Ann Roach
Legacy of endless deeds and giver of hope and faith to people in need.
2001 Mary Klene
Enhanced the lives of people of all ages through activities at Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Church.
2000 Lyna Weltzer (d)
Her guidance and volunteering with Inter-Church ARMS (Arvada Resource for Ministry and Service), helped provide programs for the needy including help with rent, food, utilities and medical bills. Original owner of Sportline.
1999 Mary Jo Giddings
Long-time Arvada Center volunteer. Served as Arvada Center Arts Council president. Volunteered with North Jeffco Foundation Board, Arvada Harvest Festival Committee, Arvada Historical Society Board and Arvada Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Worked on Olde Town Arvada History Walk Committee.
1998 Pat Tucker (d)
Hospitality volunteer extraordinaire at the Arvada Center purchasing and preparing food and providing her service for receptions and the theater until 1992 when banquet services were provided. Provided over 16,000 volunteer hours to the Center.
1997 Retha Grieb
Devoted 700 volunteer hours to Lutheran Hospital including coordinating their blood drive. Arvada Community Food Bank volunteer.
1996 Emma Curtis
First woman president of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Later served a second term. Involved in countless causes.
1995 Ramona Richers
President of Child Advocacy Center Board. Active volunteer with the American Legion. Holder of numerous offices with Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis. Worked SHARES, a Colorado food distribution program.
1994 Betty Buelter
Coordinated all efforts for Jeffco Action Center Santa House for ten years.
1993 Marge Mueller (d)
Volunteer for Bonfils Blood Bank, Arvada Center, 9 Health Fair and SHARES Colorado, a Colorado food distribution program.
1992 Bini Abbott
Driving force behind success of Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge. Environmentalist and animal activist. Worked with the Horse Rescue League. Appointed to Rocky Flats Health Advisory Panel by Governor Roy Romer.
1991 Mary Kay Connor-Spieler (d)
As editor of Arvada Sentinel, spokesperson for Arvada for years with her writing, touching all facets and human elements.
1990 Ranya Kelly
Known as the “Shoe Lady.” When Rayna noticed that local stores were throwing unsold shoes into dumpsters, she made it her mission to retrieve them and donate them to Denver area shelters. She also worked with area restaurants to donate unused food to shelters.
1989 Jane Gardner (d)
Long-time Arvada historian noted for her avid storytelling and hundreds of walking tours. As part of the library staff at the McIlvoy House, helped to successfully lead the push for a new and bigger library. Charter member of Arvada Historical Society and Jefferson County Historical Commission.
1988 Candy Frie
Co-founder of the Arvada Community Food Bank. Served many years as president of Arvada Community Food Bank Board of Directors. Arvada Center volunteer.
1987 Marcetta Lutz (d)
Charter member of Arvada Historical Society. Chronicled the city’s history in four books published by the Society.
1986 Vesta Miller
Chaired the Arvada Goals Task Force in the early 1970s leading to the establishment of the Arvada Comprehensive Plan. Former Arvada mayor instrumental in the effort to create an urban renewal authority. Charter member of Arvada Historical Society. Served on Arvada Cultural Master Plan Committee.
1985 Gabrielle High
As a volunteer, coordinated the City of Arvada’s volunteer program.
1984 Pat Gacnik
Champion of the poor. Helped migrant farm workers in Denver area. Counseled families.
1983 Rita Schnidt
Instrumental in raising awareness of mental health issues in our community and worked with women alcoholics in recovery. Served on Arvada City Council.
1982 Florence Vinquist (d)
Director of the Volunteers of America senior citizens meal site at the Lions Club.
1981 Anne Campbell (d)
Community activist interested in issues dealing with the establishment of an Arvada flood plain. Worked towards the development of an improved Arvada arterial street plan.
1980 Ilene Larson (d)
Tireless advocate for the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Chair of the Arvada Center Advisory Board. City Council member.
1979 Lea Bowles (d)
Tireless community activist. Director of Arvada Community Resources Association (ACRA) clothing center.
1978 Lucy Roth (d)
President of Arvada Garden Club, Arvada Women’s Club and Friends of the Library. Early Arvada historian. Educator at Fremont and Ralston Schools.
1977 Irene Vance
Co-chaired the Arvada Centennial/Bicentennial committee 1974-1976. Active with Girl Scouts, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, and the Arvada Chamber of Commerce.
1976 Marge Roberts (d)
Blood drive chair for Lutheran Hospital. Active with Arvada Youth Action Commission, Christian Rural Overseas Program (CROP) and Inter-Church ARMS (Arvada Resource for Ministry and Service), a program which provided for the needy including help with rent, food, utilities and medical bills.
1975 Lonnie Kelsay
Involved in establishing drug awareness programs in Arvada.
1974 Judge Aurel Maxey Kelly (d)
Honored for being an accomplished attorney and judge on the Colorado Court of Appeals.
1973 Jean Berger (d)
Worked with the Arvada Youth Advisory Committee, the Hire-A-Youth program, the Adult Safety Club and other community projects.
1972 Lois Lindstrom Kennedy
The force behind the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities and Arvada Gold Strike Park. First president and founder of Arvada Historical Society. Helped restore the Arvada Flour Mill. Author of numerous Arvada and Jefferson County history books. Dedicated many hours giving Arvada history presentations to school children.
1971 Lilla Engdahl (d)
Instrumental in the development of the Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood. Active in several Arvada organizations supporting women and girls.
1967-1970 NO AWARDS GIVEN
1966 Evelyn Johnson (d)
Very involved with numerous Arvada Garden Club projects including landscaping the grounds of the new Arvada Public Library at 57th and Dover and the median strips along Wadsworth By-Pass.
1965 Eva Turnquist (d)
Worked with the Girl Scouts and other youth groups.
1964 Elaine Morris (d)
Gave exceptional service to Arvada as the city clerk.
1963 Isabel Hanna
Recognized for her work with local Cuban refugee families.
1962 Betty Brown
Worked as co-chair of the Home Rule Committee and on many school and civic projects.
1961 Geneva Craig (d)
Active with the PTA, the girls at Ridge Home and the Garden Club’s landscaping at the new library at 57th and Dover.
1960 Ann Jackson (d)
Led the fight against urban renewal project slated for the Olde Town area. Elected Arvada’s first woman mayor.
1959 Elizabeth Schroeder (d)
As chair of the library board, involved in the founding of the new Arvada library at 57th and Dover.
1958 Mary Ann Mather (Clark)
Worked as the Welcome Wagon hostess for Arvada, greeting newcomers to the area with information about local businesses and events.
1957 Edna McCormack (d)
As a physical education teacher, became a driving force behind establishing the North Jeffco Parks and Recreation District. Elected to the board numerous terms. Later helped to establish the North Jeffco Senior Center.
1956 Olive Vetting (d)
President of the Arvada Garden Club. Served on the Arvada Parks Commission. Donated trees for numerous projects in Arvada. A member in a floral arts study club and a lifetime member of the State Federation of Garden Clubs.
1955 Florence Miller (d)
Recognized for her dedication to the children of Arvada through her 33 years of teaching at Lawrence Elementary School.
1954 Murrell Gill (d)
Arvada librarian in the old McIlvoy House who dedicated many long hours to developing reading programs for local youth. Began collecting and organizing books for children in a library catering mainly to adults. Named Arvada’s first Woman of the Year.