MILLBROOK — The recently-formed Millbrook Listens Project recognized five community members for their contributions to the community’s social fabric at a first-ever awards ceremony at Millbrook High School's auditorium on Jan. 31.
Millbrook Listens is an effort led by Chris Wilson and a band of 20 volunteers with the goal of identifying projects that would enhance life in the village.
The inaugural Millbrook Spirit Awards is an effort to bring greater recognition and appreciation to the community’s greatest contributors, Wilson said in a speech before the awards ceremony.
“They have given their lives to something greater than their own,” Wilson said. “And shown us that we are more alike than different, and that we are here to serve and love each other.”
Wilson identified five virtues the award planning committee identified as centrally important — stewardship, charity, entrepreneurship, public service, and arts and culture.
One person was selected to win an award in each of those five categories. The award winners for the inaugural year were:
For stewardship, Matt Hurst;
For arts and culture, Stephen Kaye;
For business and entrepreneurship, Pam Smith;
For faith and charity, Pat Alexander;
And for public service, Kelly Tomasulo.
Project Idea submissions can be submitted through the Millbrook Library Website until Sunday, Feb. 15. All residents of the Town of Washington and Village of Millbrook will be receiving a mail-out ballot in March to vote on their top three priorities.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
A ceramic vase by Kathleen Heidemann.Provided 
Joy Brown’s delightful ceramic sculptures.Provided 
