2025 Gratitude Awards

On November 11, 2025, the Truckee Town Council presented their annual Gratitude Awards at a special council meeting. This cherished tradition, now in its fourth year, honors individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the community. Although Councilmember Henderson was unable to attend in person, she shared a heartfelt video message, joining the rest of the council in celebrating the honorees. This year, Town of Truckee staff also selected a recipient they felt deserved special recognition.

Mayor Jan Zabriskie opened the evening by reflecting on gratitude as both a feeling and a mindset; one that reminds us to appreciate what we have, to honor the people who lift us up, and to recognize the beauty and generosity that surround us each day. He emphasized that, “we are fortunate to live in a community full of people who give, volunteers, organizations, neighbors, all working together to make this town what it is today.”

Below are the six award recipients and the remarkable contributions that earned them this recognition:

Truckee Chamber of Commerce

Honored by Councilmember David Polivy, the Truckee Chamber of Commerce was recognized for its exceptional leadership in supporting Truckee’s business community and strengthening the town’s long-term economic health. With more than 500 members, the Chamber has advanced data-driven economic resilience through its Business Listening Tour and the Placer.ai platform to track visitation and foot-traffic trends. The Chamber also continues to invest in education and workforce development through programs such as the Monthly Lunch & Learn Series, Town Talks, TNT Tech Teens, and the FuturePreneurs Pitch Showcase.

Beyond economic empowerment, the Chamber plays a vital role in fostering connection and community spirit. In the past year, they managed the Core Values Fund to help finance 24 unique events, welcomed nearly 150,000 visitors through the Truckee Welcome Center, and served as a major workforce convener through the Truckee Jobs Collective and annual job fair. Councilmember Polivy extended heartfelt thanks to President & CEO Jessica Penman, along with Ruth, Melissa, Amber, the Board of Directors, and the entire Chamber team, for their partnership, service, and enduring commitment to Truckee.

Truckee Little League & Truckee American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)

Honored by Councilmember Lindsay Romack, Truckee Little League and Truckee American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) were recognized for their long-standing commitment to connection, inclusivity, and youth development. Both organizations welcome every child who wants to play. They are creating opportunities not just to learn baseball, softball, or soccer, but to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. As a proud Little League and AYSO parent, Councilmember Romack shared her personal appreciation for the powerful impact these programs have on young people and for the hundreds of volunteers who make each practice and game possible.

Together, these two organizations represent more than a century of service to Truckee’s youth. Truckee Little League, founded in 1958, now supports over 540 players ages 4–13 and recently expanded to include softball, ensuring all kids can participate. The program is powered by more than 190 volunteers who contribute roughly 5,000 hours each year. Truckee AYSO, a 45-year community institution, welcomes players ages 4–15 with no tryouts or cuts. 744 kids participated in this fall season, supported by over 160 volunteers. Combined, nearly 400 volunteers contribute close to 10,000 hours annually, helping to shape not only young athletes but future leaders and community members

Truckee Donner Land Trust

Honored by Vice Mayor Anna Klovstad, the Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT) was recognized for its enduring leadership in protecting Truckee’s natural landscapes and ensuring public access to open space. As a nearly 30-year Truckee resident and avid trail user, Vice Mayor Klovstad highlighted the organization’s deep alignment with the community’s values to “Protect & Enjoy.” She also shared a personal reflection on their work, noting, “I had the honor of serving on the committee to raise funds for the Truckee Springs purchase, and I know the relentless effort TDLT puts into ensuring the lands they purchase are secured for public benefit.”

The recent campaign to save Jackass Ridge demonstrates the strength of the Land Trust’s mission and the community’s commitment to conservation. Beyond major acquisitions, TDLT continues to steward treasured public amenities, from the Frog Lake backcountry huts to camping at Webber Lake, ensuring these spaces remain both preserved and accessible. Vice Mayor Klovstad thanked the organization for its transparent, responsible leadership and for safeguarding the beauty and character of the region for generations to come.

Craig Rowe & La Fuerza Latina

Honored through a video message from Councilmember Courtney Henderson, Craig Rowe and La Fuerza Latina were recognized for transforming what is possible for young people in the Truckee community. When Craig founded La Fuerza Latina, he saw brilliance and drive in local first-generation students whose potential was limitless, but whose pathways were often unclear. La Fuerza Latina has built a model of rare and deeply personal commitment, supporting students from 9th grade through undergraduate studies, gap years, graduate school, and beyond. Today, the program supports more than 100 local scholars, all graduates of the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District, with students currently earning degrees at institutions including Stanford, Harvard, Tufts, Williams, the University of Michigan, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and numerous CSU campuses.

Councilmember Henderson shared a personal message of gratitude directly to La Fuerza Latina students, saying, “Thank you for your courage in pursuing dreams that may have at times seemed impossible. Thank you for the late nights studying, for believing in yourselves when doubts crept in, and for showing younger students what's possible. You are living proof that talent and determination exist everywhere, and you are our community's future leaders.” She also thanked Craig Rowe for seeing what others may have overlooked and for building a program whose impact will ripple across families, generations, and the future of the Truckee community.

Jone Joans

Mayor Jan Zabriskie recognized Joan Jones for her extraordinary and selfless contributions to the Truckee community. He shared his appreciation for her leadership on the River Revitalization Steering Committee, noting how she brought together a spirited group of strong-willed members with humility, empathy, and endless patience. Joan has also spent countless volunteer hours lending her construction and finance expertise to help shape the vision for Truckee’s new library, all while quietly showing up wherever her community needs her.

Her dedication to Truckee is woven through every chapter of her life. Joan continues to run two thriving businesses, Jones Corda Construction and the Truckee River Winery, while also giving back through an impressive list of community roles. She served eight years on the Truckee Town Council, including two terms as Mayor, volunteered with the Far West Nordic Ski Education Association and the Truckee River Watershed Council, and championed women in construction through the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe. Mayor Zabriskie noted that her service extends far beyond what can be listed here and reflects a lifetime spent lifting up the community she loves.

Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California

Selected by Town of Truckee staff, the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California were honored for their meaningful partnership and lasting contributions to the community. Although representatives were unable to attend, Mayor Jan Zabriskie shared the recognition on their behalf and expressed deep gratitude for the Tribe’s generosity in gifting the Washoe name for the new downtown park, DEWBEYÚMUWEɁ. He noted how powerful it is for Truckee to have a public space that carries a name in the Washoe language, a living reminder of the deep history of this land and of the Tribe’s enduring connection to it. The mayor also reflected on the unforgettable ribbon cutting, where the Tribe’s Culture and Language Resource Director, Herman Fillmore, led the celebration with patience, joy, and excitement, creating a moment that left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.

The Town is equally grateful for the Tribe’s guidance in shaping the land acknowledgment, which is now included in the newly adopted Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Action Plan and was read at the beginning of the special council meeting that night. This acknowledgment reflects collaboration, respect, and shared learning. Through their participation in community events such as Good Morning Truckee and Nevada County’s Sustainability Summit, the Washoe Tribe has helped deepen community understanding of, and connection to, the history and stewardship of this region. Mayor Zabriskie extended heartfelt thanks to the entire Tribe for their leadership, wisdom, and continued partnership, noting how truly grateful the Town is for their presence and contributions.

To each of the 2025 Gratitude Award recipients, congratulations and thank you. Your contributions enrich our community in countless ways, and Truckee is better because of your dedication, passion, and partnership.