Mayor's Award Categories/Nominees

The Commission on Disability is pleased to announce nominees and winners for the the 2011 Mayor's Awards.

Dorothy Lasley Memorial Award

The Dorothy Lasley Memorial award recognizes an individual with a disability who is actively working toward increasing awareness of the rights of those with disabilities and improving their quality of life. Consideration is given to the nominee's contribution to the community through volunteering, organizational membership and/or community leadership.

The award is named for Dorothy Lasley, who was diagnosed at the age of two as having juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which necessitated the use of a wheelchair for mobility and later caused the loss of her eyesight. Ms. Lasley worked tirelessly throughout her lifetime towards removing both architectural and attitudinal barriers for citizens with disabilities. She was an advocate for people with disabilities, donating countless volunteer hours until her death in 1983. She worked for equal opportunities in employment, transportation, housing, education and independent living.

2011 Dorothy Lasley Memorial Award Winner
Sara Allmon

Sara was nominated by Marcia Fitzhorn and Mike Devereaux who wrote the following:

'We'd like to give an example of Sara's diligence for the disabled in our community. This summer Sara noticed hanging plants at a local shopping center that were located in such a way as to be a hazard to a visually impaired person. She took it upon herself to speak with the management of the shopping center. They not only listened, but moved the hanging plant to a better location. To realize the significance of her accomplishment, imagine yourself walking into a solid object unexpectedly. Now imagine the increased vulnerability that would result for a person who was visually impaired. This action on Sara's part was not of small consequence.'

In addition to this kind of daily commitment and compassion, Sara also volunteers with the Poudre Valley Health System and Barrier Buster-Public Transit Action Group. Sara is the 'go-to' person for hands on information for Transfort Routes.

Other Nominees
Conner Kelly

Employee of the Year

This award recognizes an individual associated with providing services to persons with disabilities, who works to increase community awareness of disability concerns, and to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

2011 Employee of the Year Award Winner
Amy Carter and Mary Coupe, Poudre School District Early Childhood Program

The nomination was submitted by Hettie Hueber (Mother of one of their students) who wrote the following about this dynamic teaching team:

'They are both amazing educators, striving to provide the best classroom experience each day, but as Cora's mom what I see is that they are also amazing people who look at our Cora and see first a little girl. They see her strengths, her sense of humor, her determination. They see that she is a whole person with a bright future. Amy & Mary give our family the tools and confidence not so that we can make a way for Cora, but so that we can help her make a way for herself.'

Together these two create a learning environment that invites 3 and 4 year olds to explore just about everything. At circle time, in activity centers and on the playground, children with special needs learn side-by-side with typically developing peers and if you looked inside the classroom, you'd never know who is who.

Employer of the Year

This award recognizes a business or organization for providing or increasing accessibility to their facility and/or providing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

2011 Employer of the Year Award Winner
Silver Grill Cafe

The Silver Grill was nominated by John Primsky, Jr. and his father:

'Owner John Arnolfo, GM Heather Beckman, and the entire staff have contributed to my son's employment success. From the moment we inquired, they were positive from the start, providing training, coaching. The Silver Grill continues to stand out as a great employer here in Fort Collins - especially supporting persons with a developmental disability.'

Service Provider of the Year

This award recognizes an individual and/or agency, associated with providing services to people with disabilities, who work to increase community awareness of and participation for people with disabilities.

2011 Service Provider of the Year Award Winner
Respite Care

Respite Care was nominated by Patrick Brady of First Bank and Cheryl Sutherland (Mother of Jessica)

Patrick Brady wrote the following: 'Respite Care provides critical support that allows families to function better, enjoy greater satisfaction with life, cope with stress, and raise their children with developmental disabilities at home rather than placing them in a group setting. They care about the most vulnerable in our society and helps them and their families live happy, more productive lives.'

Cheryl Sutherland submitted the following comments: 'The staff at Respite Care have become friends to Jessica. She loves Respite Care because she feels respected and important with the staff. They laugh with her, assist her in community activities, help her with her personal needs and treat her like an equal.'

Other Nominees
Martie Hill

Spirit of Fort Collins

This award recognizes an individual, business, or organization who exemplifies the spirit of assisting persons with disabilities in our community.

2011 Spirit of Fort Collins Award Winner
Athletes in Tandem, a local non-profit created by Dennis Vanderheiden

Athletes in Tandem was nominated by Hettie Hueber:

'I've never met Mr. Vanderheiden or any of his volunteers or any of the challenged athletes who participate in his program. What I have seen is the excitement and pride on the faces of everyone involved when Athlete In Tandem teams cross the finish line, along with the respect and excitement they inspire in race spectators.'

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognizes an individual who contributes his/her time and efforts to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

2011 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner
Phyllis Zimmerman (President of the Autism Society of Larimer County) and
Tom Rock (Respite Care Volunteer)

Donna Dundon wrote the following about Phyllis: 'a much needed voice and comfort to many here in Northern Colorado.' In the past five years, she has not only increased public awareness of the issues surrounding autism. She has also created programs to support educators and service providers, developed a pool of dedicated volunteers, and spearheaded community events to enhance the lives of individuals living with autism. Among those events are Help Beat Autism, an awareness event that highlights drumming, dance, and alternative therapies, Art on the Spectrum, Pump It Up birthday parties, monthly support meetings with free child care, and an Autism Risk and Management Conference. Her accomplishments are outstanding.

LeAnn Massey submitted the following comments about Tom: 'Nathan and Lily are not Tom's only buddies at Respite Care. All of the children literally wait at the door for his arrival. Whether he is playing basketball in the gym or involved in a game of UNO with six kids of varying abilities, Tom is our champion. His passion for life is unquestionably one of his greatest assets and it affects everyone around him.'

Tom also has a tremendous and positive impact on the Respite Care staff. Natalia Perea, Childcare Coordinator, shared the following: 'When Tom arrives at Respite for his volunteer shift, he greets every child and staff, whether with a hug, a high five, or a pat on the back. He always checks in with each kiddo to say hello and to see how their day went. Tom makes each one of us feel special!'

Other Nominees
Lois Douhit
Hettie Hueber

Partnership Award

Recognition goes to a local duo that has altered the course for many individuals with development disabilities through a partnership with Foothills Gateway Supported Employment.

2011 Parnership Award
Paul and Nenita Pellegrino and Nita Crisp Crackers

Stacey Hill of Foothills Gateway submitted the following: 'Paul and Nenita have demonstrated how good business can be combined with good works'

Since 2005, the Pellegrino's have not just employed Foothills Gateway clients in their cracker packaging facilities, they have helped them develop important skills while showing them the respect they have earned by doing a job and doing it well.