Steve and Barb Coles

Over the past two decades, Steve and Barb have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving others and enhancing our community in countless ways. Without a doubt, they embody the qualities of the Dan Crane Community Excellence Award. Their dedication and selflessness have touched the lives of numerous individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of our society. Barb, until her recent passing, served as the treasurer for The Hilltop Guild for an impressive number of years. Her involvement extended beyond her administrative duties, as she enthusiastically volunteered her time during the Hilltop Guild Festival, working at the Jelly Hut and supporting various activities at The Old Gallery. Steve has exemplified true community spirit through his longstanding service on the Fire Board. For an extensive period, Steve has tirelessly dedicated himself to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. During the devastating flood of 2013, Steve’s heroism shone brightly as he went above and beyond to rescue children stranded at the Methodist camp, helping them reunite with their worried parents. In addition to their roles with The Hilltop Guild and the Fire Board, Steve and Barb extended their helping hands to numerous other community initiatives, including ANEN, a community-based effort to provide organized assistance to area residents in preparing for emergency events that may arise. They also played vital roles in the Allenspark Area Club providing assistance to neighbors in need.

Mark and Yvonne Jacobs

Congratulations to 2022 Dan Crane Award Winners, Mark and Yvonne Jacobs! Mark and Yvonne were instrumental in providing winter firewood to many households in the area. We are grateful for such wonderful neighbors.

Betty Anne Newton

The Old Gallery is proud to announce Betty Anne Newton as the 2021 recipient of the Dan Crane Community Excellence Award. For nearly 30 years, Betty Anne was the Allenspark Wind’s volunteer business manager, only recently retiring at age 94! She kept the Wind on a steady course and performed her job at the local journal seamlessly. She did it all with humor and good grace, with no pay. Betty Anne is an unsung hero of our community and so deserving of this honor. Congratulations!

Linda and Trigg White

Awarded the 2020 Dan Crane Community Excellence Award here at TOG

Edie DeWeese

Edie served on The Wind board and staff in many varied capacities, including editor and board president during various periods, eighteen years as president for her last stint ending in 2018.  She started working on the Wind in 1975 as a typist and production assistant, then copy editor and proofer.  She has been part of the all-volunteer staff, getting the paper out month after month.  Edie recently retired in 2019 after 43 years, that in itself an amazing career in Allenspark.  But that’s not all, Edie is the unofficial Allenspark historian after working on the Wind for 43 years.  She organized the Allenspark Collection in the Carnegie History Library in Boulder.  It was a mess until Edie sorted it all out and identified photos and documents, sometimes even comparing photos to Google Maps until she was certain of a location.  Edie has also edited several books on Allenspark history that capture periods that would otherwise have been lost.  Her great grandparents came to Allenspark in 1904, her grandparents met and married here, her grandfather built some of the buildings in town.

Janet and David Robertson

In 2017, Janet and David Robertson, of Boulder and Meeker Park, offered a matching challenge grant up to $350,000 to retire The Old Gallery’s $670,000 construction loan. The challenge proved successful with so many wonderful people and families contributing to the cause. The Old Gallery is forever grateful to the Robertsons who made this possible.

Cathy Benjamin & Dave Pinkow

Cathy Benjamin and Dave Pinkow were both honored for exemplary efforts.

Cathy Benjamin has focused on community relations, meeting with the neighbors and dozens of residents; listening to their concerns and suggestions. Dave Pinkow has been extremely involved with TOG from the beginning. He has provided leadership with human service programs such as the Community Cupboard, senior programs and soup night as well as bringing the Takacs String Quartet to The Old Gallery. Cathy and Dave spearheaded the successful campaign to retire the $660,000 construction loan.

Vicki and Bill Dyas

Vicki and Bill Dyas have donated thousands of hours to making The Old Gallery what it is today. Vicki has served as head of The Old Gallery Artists, served on the board and numerous committees and is always there to lend a helping hand. Bill has lent his construction skills and knowledge to TOG, including building the greeters desk, helping with day-to-day renovation supervision and more.

Don Shalibo

Don Shalibo, a retired construction professional from Michigan, donated more than $100,000 of his time to supervise the $1.3 million renovation of The Old Gallery.

Dan Crane

Dan Crane was recognized for his efforts during the flood of 2013, his pro bono work on the site for The Old Gallery, and his generous spirit that touched so many lives in our community. After his untimely death in 2015, the Community Excellence Award was renamed in his honor.