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Becky & Aaron Studen receiving the Susie Stephen's award at our 2012 holiday party in the Winthrop Barn. |
- 2012 - Becky & Aaron Studen of the Twisp River Pub
- 2011 - Sue Roberts
- 2010 - Chris Hartwig
- 2009 - Carole and Brian Reid
- 2008 - Laurelle Walsh
- 2007 - Dotti and Bob Wilson
- 2006 - Joyce Bergen
- 2005 - Suzanne Follis
2012 Award Winners - Becky & Aaron Studen of the Twisp River Pub
Sarah presented the 2012 Susie Stephens award, reading from the certificate: “To Becky and Aaron Studen of the Twisp River Pub for always welcoming Methow Conservancy and other community events into your home and providing a real gathering place for people to come together and make a difference.” Noting that the Twisp River Pub has hosted literally hundreds of events for many nonprofits in the Methow Valley, Sarah thanked Becky and Aaron for providing a welcome, inviting space for people to help create Wallace Stegner’s vision of a “society to match the scenery.”
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| Ken White |
Ken White Award - For those who carry on Ken White’s love for the Methow Valley.
- Background: Known by many as the Methow’s Naturalist, Ken was a self-taught conservationist who shared his deep passion for appreciating this beautiful valley with all who were interested.
- Criteria for Award Nominees: Individuals or organizations with a long-standing history of inspiring conservation efforts in the Methow Valley. These efforts may be in conjunction with the work of the Methow Conservancy or as separate projects.
- Current & Past Winners:
- 2012 - Vicky Welch and John Hayes
- 2011 - Denny O'Callaghan
- 2010 - Kent Woodruff
- 2009 - Roxie and Carl Miller
- 2008 - Dave Sabold
- 2007 - Katharine Bill
- 2006 - Ron Judd
- 2005 - John Sunderland
2012 Award Winners – John Hayes and Vicky Welch
At the awards ceremony Jason noted that this year’s winners represent the “yin and yang” of conservation – the impatience and patience that are both required to make conservation happen. He first presented the award to John Hayes, who is known for his ability to “get things done.” John has been instrumental in creating the Community Ski Trail from Winthrop to Mazama and has been an advocate for non-regulatory, incentive-based land use tools as well as good local planning. Jason read from the Ken White Award plaque that stated: “To John Hayes, for having the vision of a western mountain valley getting it right and the courage, passion, and energy to make that vision a reality.”
Jason then awarded Vicky Welch a Ken White award for 2012, noting that she is the most patient person he has ever met. Jason acknowledged that Vicky has probably spent more time at local public meetings than everyone there that night combined. She is a tireless believer in conservation as a public process. Jason read from her award, stating “To Vicky Welch, who has used her powerful voice and infinite patience on behalf of the Methow Valley for decades and who has taught us all the importance of speaking for a place we love.”
