Bill O'Donnell and Jerry & Marsha Slepicka honored with Golden Hammer Award

One of the highlights of the annual Great Pumpkin Party in Niwot is the presentation of the Curtis Lizakowski Golden Hammer Award.

This year, event organizer Pat Murphy made the presentation on Oct. 28, just before the Halloween parade down 2nd Avenue, to long-time Scoutmaster Bill O'Donnell, and Niwot Nifties 4-H leaders Jerry and Marsha Slepicka.

Murphy explained that the award is designed to recognize volunteers who devote countless hours to the betterment of the community, and often receive minimal recognition. The award was established in honor of Curtis Lizakowski, a Niwot contractor who built the bandstand at Whistle Stop Park, donating his services back in 2005. Lizakowski died unexpectedly in 2009 at age 40.

Niwot resident Johnny Barrett took time off from his road crew duties for the Niwot Community Association to introduce O'Donnell, describing the countless hours over many years that O'Donnell devoted to Scout Troop 161 in Niwot. O'Donnell, a contractor, is now retired and lives west of Niwot. Barrett said, "Bill, congratulations again on this award. You have done much for scouting and our community."

O'Donnell responded to Barrett in an email, "Obviously it comes as a complete surprise. I have no idea who were the motivators for it but I can't say enough about how much I appreciate it. As I've said many times,...it's me who gained from my time in scouts and what we accomplished for every kid, and what we got done for the community. One long lasting thing I hope we, with the adults like you who were active in the group, is what good will scouts can show and how it can contribute to a community and our country."

Murphy followed with the presentation to Jerry and Marsha Slepicka, who have been leaders of the Niwot Nifties 4-H Club for many years, continuing beyond the time when their children participated in the club. The Slepickas live on 79th Street in Niwot, and are also known for an annual tractor show in June.

A plaque listing the names of previous Golden Hammer Award winners hangs at Niwot Market. Selections each year are made by Pat Murphy in consultation with previous award winners.