By Amanda Horn
Ever wonder how the Golden Pinecone Awards came to be? Some of you may be surprised to learn they started as a spoof. About 24 years ago, three guys– Glenn Miller, Tod Bedrosian, and Bob Fulkerson– tooled around the garage discussing their life’s work and passionate commitment to our beautiful environment here in northern Nevada. They cut a piece of plywood into the shape of a pinecone and decided to create a “prestigious and coveted” award for the best among their friends and colleagues in the local environmental community.
At the time, the eco-community in the Truckee Meadows was small and anything but mainstream. Most people weren’t thinking in terms of sustainability, but slowly the work of a committed few became the passion of many. Over the years as environmental awareness has grown, the awards that were once a fun happening among enviro-nerds have truly become an honorable recognition.
Now in their 24th year, the Golden Pinecone Awards serve as northern Nevada’s environmental benchmark. They are the only environmental awards presented across a wide spectrum of the community. And the best thing is we get to hand them out at a party.
The 2011 Pinecones will be the biggest party to date. We have a great musical act in the evening’s lineup, the Jazz Guys. They are a quartet comprised of members from Carson City’s famous Mile High Jazz Band. A little ragtime, swing, and big band style jazz sounds like a fantastic way to celebrate environmental stewardship to me!
This year’s Golden Pinecone Celebration is at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino. They provided us with a very generous sponsorship so we’ll even have a fancy banquet-style meal. And they are going to give a keynote presentation on their geothermal heating. What a great fit they make with Nevada EcoNet and greenUp!
The big event takes place Wednesday, November 16. Doors open at 6 p.m. Remember to get your tickets before November 9 while they’re only $35. After that they go up to $50. If you show up at the event without a ticket, you won’t be able to get in because we’re not selling tickets at the door. We have to give the Peppermill a head count for the dinner. Buy your tickets at our website, www.nevadaeconet.org.
I’m a proud Green Renoite and I’ll be there. Will you?
