COW Awards return: A moo-ving celebration of Edgewood volunteers

By Andrea Vasquez 

The town of Edgewood recognized the remarkable efforts of a select group of individuals through the annual COW (Community On the Way) Awards on March 13 at the Estancia Valley Classical Academy. 

Mayor Ken Brennan and Town Manager Nina McCracken hosted the event amidst a field of cow-print tablecloths and sunflower centerpieces. It featured endless cow-themed humor and warm recognition of the selected volunteers.

On the other hoof, Commissioners Patrick Milligan, Stephen Murillo and Mike Rariden presented a dozen awards to community organizations who share their time and talents to benefit the Edgewood community.

The COW Awards were founded in 2001 by the Edgewood Parks & Recreation Committee and continued until 2013. This year, they were revived through the efforts of the town of Edgewood and the public “to strengthen community bonds” and begin “a new era of community connection and small-town spirit.”

The goal is to celebrate Edgewood’s volunteers in a town of 6,300 that values and celebrates its rural appeal, social unity and community spirit. 

The ceremony returned with nearly 100 attendees cheering for each award announcement, with cowbells and applause. 

“After a multi-year hiatus, this wonderful town tradition is back,” said Linda Burke, Community Liaison. “The COW Awards are a uniquely Edgewood event where we simultaneously recognize Edgewood’s ‘udderly amazing’ volunteers and our town’s heritage.”

The event opened with previous MCs Jo White and Chuck Ring passing the mic to Brennan and McCracken. 

White and Ring also received the night’s first awards in the “Never Out to Pasture” category for their years of dedicated service. 

The ceremony also included businesses, organizations and individuals awarded for their contributions to business initiatives, community service, animal welfare and youth programs. 

The other award categories and recipients were as follows: 

• Friends of Estancia Valley Animals (“Udderly Amazing” for Woofstock support and animal welfare service)

• Nathan Dauphin (“Udderly Amazing” for completing the complex mathematical calculation of Edgewood’s land mass area – 62.4666 square miles)
• Tenleigh Smith (“Up & Coming Leader” teen service for Edgewood Parks & Recreation)
• Brian McMurtry (“Champion for Youth” for support of multiple youth activities)
• Bruce Hansche (“Furry Friends Angel” for service to Edgewood Animal Shelter)
• Mighty Dumpsterz (“Commerce & Caring” for business for service to Edgewood veterans with yard clean ups)
• Edgewood Lions Club (“Hearts of Gold” for their multitude of services and events)
• Ann Marie Beall (“Above & Beyond” for regular and consistent service to Town)
• Edgewood Community Library Volunteers (“Community Pillar” for exceptional service to community
• Karen Mosier (“Local Legend” for decades of service to Edgewood’s animal community).