Steve Bach is the Mayor of Colorado Springs
Just click on the link to go to the video page or watch the program below. You can read highlights from the meeting and see pictures taken at the event here.
Mayor Bach and other dignitaries including the Secretary of the Army attended the U.S. Army’s Community Covenant Signing Ceremony, a public display of support by community leaders for military (Active, Guard and Reserve Army) and family members to raise awareness of their sacrifices. It is designed to foster and sustain effective state and community partnerships and improve the quality of life for soldiers and families, both at their current duty stations and as they transfer to other states.
Other special guests included the Secretary of the Army, The Honorable John M. McHugh; Major General Joseph Anderson, Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson; Fort Carson Garrison Commander Colonel Robert F. McLaughlin, Mr. William J. Hybl, Civilian Aide Emeritus to the Secretary of the Army; City Council President Scott Hente and Terrence McWilliams, Director of Military Support, El Pomar Foundation among many others.
Terrence McWilliams stressed that the program is an Army program but also extends to other military services. He then introduced Mr. Hybl who said, “How proud we are to be here today to recognize so many including Annie Oatman Gardner, Dennis Hisey, the Colorado Springs Police and Fire Departments, former Mayor Lionel Rivera and others.”
The Secretary of the Army, Honorable John M. McHugh started in public service in a small town in Upstate NY and said there is always a chance to start partnerships and engender new friendships. “Our partnership with Fort Carson goes back 70 years. It is the hard work of freedom and they’re not just wanted – they’re loved. Thank you for all you’ve done!”
General Anderson said, “We continue to foster programs and there are so many. I’m truly humbled by this support. After 31 years of service, the support here is unparalleled. We’re extremely grateful for everything you do. Steadfast and Loyal, Army Strong! Hooah!”
Mayor Bach said his service in the U.S. Army at Fort Carson was a personal experience that mentored and prepared him for the rest of his career and community service. “I want to express how much we respect the Army. Your fellow citizens love you very much,” he said.
The Mayor then described Fort Carson’s “Adopt a School” Program, launched by Colonel McLaughlin. He joked, “General Anderson is in my foursome, so we’d better warn those who follow us that we’ll be heavily armed!”
Hundreds of public safety volunteers were honored for their public safety service, including the surprise announcement and presentation of our Community Advancing Public Safety {CAPS} Volunteer of the Year award.
“We need more people like you. I thank you for all you do! God bless you,” said Mayor Bach.
“The workforce is extraordinary,” said Police Chief Pete Carey. Carey went on to explain how volunteer work in the Violent Crimes unit alone saved “$30,000 in non-compensated service. There is nothing more satisfying than that.”
CAPS Administrator Jean Kraus said, “[This is a] dynamic year of new ideas. You are the rock solid foundations CAPS is built on.” CAPS Volunteers logged 49,000 total hours in 2011. Using a national figure of $21.62 per hour, these volunteers had an impact of over $1,000,000 in volunteer service to the city.
But let’s talk IMPACT for a minute…what do those 49,000 hours mean for our community?
It means…
And the list goes on. Thank you, thank you to each and every one of you.
CAPS Volunteer of the Year Dennis Moore
Congratulations to CAPS Volunteer of the Year, Dennis Moore. For leadership, impact and service going above and beyond, Dennis has demonstrated in his role of block captain (since 1991) that he is a most worthy recipient. Thanks to Mr. Moore for his dedicated service.
Visit the CAPS site if you would like to learn more about CAPS, or if you would like to volunteer, you may submit an online application.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Laura Benjamin
Communications Specialist
(719) 385-5484
NEWS RELEASE
April 30, 2012
Mayor Steve Bach’s second town hall Meeting on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 will be streaming live from the Southeast YMCA beginning at 6:30 pm. You can see the live stream on www.bachsoffice.com. Questions will be submitted on cards during the meeting. Citizens can also submit questions before or during the meeting via email to: PublicComm@SpringsGov.com or via social media sites including https://twitter.com/mayorstevebach and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stephengbach .
Topics of discussion will be priorities for the Southeast section of Colorado Springs including:
The Southeast Family Center/Armed Services YMCA is located at 2190 Jetwing Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80916. For directions, please visit http://southeast.ppymca.org/locations. All questions about the meeting can be directed to the City Communications Office at 719-385-5906.
Colorado Springs charter school leaders swept the 2012 Charter School Awards, announced recently by the Colorado League of Charter Schools. The winners were honored during the 18th Annual Colorado Charter Schools Conference Feb. 24 in Broomfield.
Three of the five “Charter Friend” Award winners work at Colorado Springs charter schools. Mayor Steve Bach presented each local award winner with a Spirit of the Springs “Celebration” Award.
Charter Friend Award Winners Receive Spirit of the Springs "Celebration" Award. (L to R) Colin T. Mullaney, Mayor Steve Bach, Eileen Johnston, Donna Nelson from the City of Colorado Springs, Councilman Tim Leigh, and Teresa Brown.
The Charter School Policy Award, given annually to a charter friendly elected official, was renamed the Keith King Award for Public Policy in honor of charter school advocate, supporter and leader Colorado Springs Senator Keith King.
Charter Schools are public schools that do not accept tuition and are contracted by school districts (“chartered”) to use alternative and innovative methods to provide excellent education. They are free from most restrictions made by school districts or curriculum, methodology, or administration, yet are required to demonstrate academic excellence through State outcome measurements. Currently there are 19 charter schools in the City of Colorado Springs, and 170 charter schools throughout the State of Colorado.
