Commissioner’s Dinner

The annual PLAN Jeffco -Open Space- Commissioners Dinner, usually held in the fall, was delayed until March because after the November election we would have new Commissioners. All three commissioners, - Kevin McCasky, Jim Congrove, and Dave Auburn were present along with County Administrator Patrick Thompson, Asst. Administrator Nanette Neelan, County Attorney Frank Hutfless. Director Ralph Schell and key members of his staff as well as most members of OSAC.

Excitement ran high in the crowded banquet room due to the recent important purchase of 737 acres of South Table Mountain from Coors, aided by the Trust for Public Lands.

Held at the Mount Vernon Country Club, the pre-dinner Social Hour gave those attending a chance to talk informally as well as to continue to their discussions during dinner.

Following the lavish buffet, PJ President Margot Zallen extended greetings and briefly presented PLAN Jeffco’s activities of the past year. She warmly expressed her strong approval of the Open Space acquisition actions during the year. She closed by encouraging the new commissioners to work toward finding ways to improve communications with the citizens of the county.

Dave Auburn, speaking for all of the Commissioners, assured the guests that they are all appreciative of the Open Space program and will ask for continuing accountability and supportive information on future acquisitions and trail development.

Plan Jeffco presented awards to representatives from Coors, Neil Jaquet, Sam Walker, Don Mac Donald, and Rob Witwer, and to The Trust for Public Lands, represented by, Woody Beardsley and Doug Robotham for their efforts toward preserving South Table Mountain. Table Mountains Conservation Fund, and Save the Mesas also were honored for their work over many years to have the land preserved as part of the Jeffco Open Space Program The unique awards were created by PJ board member Wanda Blackburn.

This event always generates a special kind of energy and people stay afterward, talking with unusual animation in many clusters, seemingly reluctant to go home.

By Marilyn Mueller