Some Teller County “Breit” stars were recognized Oct. 12 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center.

The Teller Historic and Environmental Coalition (T.H.E. Coalition) held its 8th annual Breit Awards Banquet. The Breit Awards banquet honors Teller County people and places and is dedicated to the memory of founding member Doris “Dee” Breitenfeld whose passion for preserving local heritage continues to inspire.

Dave Martinek, chair of T.H.E. Coalition and emcee of the banquet, began by welcoming everyone and stated the theme for the evening was “Symbols of the Past.”

“Symbols of the past are not dead, they are simply waiting to be read in a new light,” he said.

He recited a tribute to Doris Breitenfeld of the song “I’ll be Seeing You” while in the background, the song was sung by Teller County Commissioner Erik Stone.

Stone also did the next reading, which was a story about an old soldier, Carl Mangurt, who was lost during a snowstorm and saved by a small group of deer.

The first award presentation was given to The Friends of the Fossil Beds for the support they give to the Florissant Fossil Beds with fundraising efforts, housing of interns, publishing needs, the Jr. Ranger Program, and other items that benefit the Fossil Beds. Jean Rodeck, past superintendent of the Fossil Beds made the presentation to representatives Patty Glatfelter, Sally Martens and Jerry McLain.

The program was paused so the dinner of chicken and/or brisket was served from Peak View BBQ along with salad, rolls and choice deserts.

The next award was given to Friends of Muller State Park by Erik Stone. Friends of Muller State Park is a public charity that raises money to fund youth programs, park improvements and interpretive exhibits. Joe Mendygral, president of the organization, accepted the award and noted that in the 1900s the park was a farm that produced lettuce and ice to keep the lettuce fresh was brought in from Lake George.

Merry Jo Larsen, owner of The Cowhand, was the next recipient of the award. Larsen grew up here and now owns and operates the store her parents began over 60 years ago. Mel McFarland presented the award saying Larsen loves Woodland Park and knows quite a bit of the history. He mentioned a video on Google where she referred to Woodland Park as the best kept secret of the Front Range. In the video, she stated the area was “rich in history and the history was our identity.” McFarland quoted her saying “Woodland Park used to be a straight-up cowboy town.” 

Martinek closed the program with another story regarding Carl Mangurt, called Brave Spirit Rising. Before thanking everyone for attending and re-congratulating the award recipients, and he spoke of the renovations going on with the Midland Depot at Divide and Midland Days, a non-profit organization focused on preserving the history of the Colorado Midland Railway and other related railroads.