2015:  Congratulations to DEC Connection Member Helen and Don Von Gunden of Elbert CO, who were honored for extraordinary dedication to community service at the April Black Forest AARP meeting. They were presented the national AARP Chapter and REA Unit Community Service Award and a commemorative pin for their exceptional hard work and dedication to community service. The prestigious award, co-signed by AARP President, Jeannine English and AARP CEO Jo Ann C. Jenkins, reads in part, "Your efforts have enriched the lives of friends and neighbors and made your community a better place to live."

During the past year Helen and Don both volunteered many hours working Chapter and AARP Colorado information tables and health fairs. Don also served as the Chapter 1100 web site developer and as an AARP Foundation Tax Aide volunteer. Helen skillfully edits, publishes and distributes a professional monthly Chapter Newsletter to all Chapter members and selected members in the community. She is also the Chairperson of the Chapter Catering Committee that planned several very successful catered Chapter events during the past year. See award presentation photo below. Congrats may be emailed to Helen at helenv5@msn.com. (Note from Editor: Thanks to the Colorado Springs Group for publicizing this, since we suspect Helen is too modest to send this in herself!)

Award Photo: Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 President Chuck Karlstrum (L) and Chapter Award Chairman Ted Lunacek (Far Right), present the 2015 AARP Chapter and REA Unit Community Service Award to Don and Helen Von Gunden.