Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Broomfield resident Mary Juszynski knitted hats and placed them on the statues outside the Broomfield Library.
They were there for residents who needed a hat, and she would replace the hats once someone took one. For years, Juszynski has been finding ways to give hats to people who need them, alongside her regular volunteer work with the library and Broomfield senior services.
The city and county last week recognized Juszynski for her almost 20 years of volunteering along with 19 other longtime volunteers in honor of Broomfield’s 20th anniversary of becoming a county.
“It’s very humbling, it really is,” Juszynski said Tuesday. “There are so many deserving people in this amazing city and county we live in. I am humbled because I know so many deserving people here.”
Through her tenure, Juszynski estimates she’s knitted more than 700 hats. She’s hosted fundraisers and drawings to raise money for various Broomfield organizations. At 77 and through the pandemic, she’s unable to volunteer in person as much, but she’s still knitting hats on her loom.
When City and County Manager Jennifer Hoffman showed up at Juszynski’s house to tell her she was one of the 20 volunteers being recognized, Juszynski gave both Hoffman and Broomfield’s photographer hats that she had on hand.
“If we can all do one little thing, this is what makes Broomfield Broomfield,” Juszynski said. “Do we argue? Yes. Do we disagree? Yes. But we care. We care about each other. … This is the best place I’ve ever lived.”
Volunteer Kerry Pettis was also recognized by Broomfield. She said she’s enjoyed working at both the Broomfield Library and the Senior Center throughout the years.
“The staff in both places are welcoming, helpful and represent the best of Broomfield,” Pettis said. “I consider it a privilege to volunteer in a community like Broomfield, and I want to thank those who nominated me.”
The 20 volunteers “have served countless hours volunteering for a variety of (city and county of Broomfield) programs and services,” the city’s webpage reads. “From education the public about wildlife to tutoring teens to supporting victims of crime, each volunteer has contributed their own unique passions and talents. Whether they’ve been volunteering for CCOB for one year or for decades, each of them has made a difference in their community.”
After recognizing the volunteers, Hoffman said volunteerism is a key part of Broomfield.
“Whether supporting the City and County operations, or partner organizations like FISH and a Precious Child, our community comes together to make Broomfield a better place,” Hoffman wrote in an email. “There is no better example of that than in these 20 volunteers. I hope this small gesture communicates how valued, appreciated and admired they are within the City and County and greater Broomfield Community. I love the Broomfield residents; if everyone could be that kind, thoughtful, generous, and caring — what a wonderful world it would be.”
Police Chief Gary Creager, after presenting to some of the recipients, wrote “All residents were thrilled to be recognized for their service!”
Director of Library Services and Cultural Affairs Kathryn Lynip wrote, “It was really meaningful to deliver the recognition to these amazing individuals.”
For more information on volunteer opportunities in Broomfield, visit Broomfield.org/Volunteering.
The 20 Volunteers
- Becca MacAskill — Police Department, Victim Services
- Ed and Judith Friedman — The Broomfield Library
- Will Fulton — The Broomfield Library
- Jen Gornstein — The Broomfield Library
- Kris Harris — Public Health
- Sheri Hoffman — Wildlife Masters, Open Space
- Mary Juszynski — Senior Services and the Broomfield Library
- Lee Kemp — Police Department, Victim Services
- Betsy Klein — Therapeutic Recreation
- Duane Kuhn — Police Department, in memoriam
- Mike McNulty — CSU Extension
- Ilene Niehoff — Recreation and Senior Services
- Kerry Pettis — The Broomfield Library and Senior Services
- Dr. David Price — Public Health
- Denise Price — Open Space
- Colleen Sawyer — The Broomfield Library
- Barb Sloan — Police Department, Victim Services
- Jim Sparks — The Woodshop (Broomfield Community Center)
- Tina Thomas — Public Health
- Billie Zuccaro — Senior Services
