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, 1^st 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 56^th 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 57^th 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 57^th 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 57^th 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.