Acts of caring that involve commun-ity volunteers, improve lives, and shine as models for other American counties are recognized annually by the National Association of Counties (NACO), an organization that links county governments nationwide.

In a Capitol Hill ceremony in Washington, D.C., April 21, repre-sentatives of our own homegrown Community of Caring Foundation were honored by NACO for putting together a model social services program that benefits children, families and the wider community.

Sharing the honor was Teller County’s government, which works in partnership with the grassroots foundation. This year, 27 Acts of Caring Awards were given in 14 categories ranging from Arts & Culture to Emergency Management. The Community of Caring project, based at the Aspen Mine Center in Cripple Creek, won in the Social Services category.

New community coordinators reaching out to youth and seniors

By Mary Barron

Senior members of the southern Teller County community have a new resource person within reach, and youth of the Victor/Goldfield area have a new advocate as well. Serena Bielz is the new Senior Outreach Coordinator for the Community of Caring Foundation, and Jody Turner has taken on the challenge of enriching opportunities for youngsters in and around Victor.

Both long-term residents have been active in the community and in local public service, but now they’re filling newly created positions based out of the Aspen Mine Center.