Winners are Ernest Saeger and Raenette Johnson - Simple Supper. 
B. Grimmer, Parrish, Bodenhemier, Kerst, Turnipseed, Foral, Sunday; F. Saeger & Johnson
Ernest Saeger - Through Ernest's work with the VVMTA he has proven to be a tremendous asset to our community. He has a unique ability to strike a balance between recreation and wildlife as evidenced by his commitment to sustainable trails and his Respect the Wild Campaign. He is a true steward of our public lands.
Also, his ambitious fundraising has helped make the Eagle Bike Park a reality. This Bike Park will be used for many years and will be a great addition to our outdoor amenities in Eagle. Plain and simple, the Bike Park would not have happened without Ernest.
Ernest is fair, reasonable, humble, and extremely hardworking. The perfect candidate for the Community Impact Award. His work will be appreciated and used for generations to come.
Ernest came to the Vail Valley in 2014 to work as the Director of Operations for a local nonprofit organization. He currently resides in Eagle with his adventure partner Hailee. Ernest believes that like the reward of a downhill after a long climb or setting a skin track, trail work provides that same “earn your turns” satisfaction. When
you can’t find him on a bike or skis, you’ll most likely still find him outdoors, and if not there then he’s in an ice rink. Ernest is also a member of Vail Mountain Rescue Group. He serves on many coalitions and committees in the Vail Valley including the Eagle County Community Wildlife Roundtable, Chair of the Town of Eagle Open Space & Trails Advisory Committee, Eagle Valley Outdoor Stewardship Coalition, and more. He is truly excited to help bring new and improved trails to our community for all to enjoy for many years to come.
2023 Vail Daily stories about Ernest Saeger
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/construction-kicks-off-at-the-eagle-bike-park-with-9-jump-lines-taking-shape/
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-valley-mountain-trails-alliance-fundraiser-brings-in-105000/
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-valley-mountain-trails-alliance-plans-trails-for-all-trails-forever-fundraiser/
https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/vail-valley-mountain-trails-alliance-what-is-a-sustainable-trail/
https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/sustainable-vail-time-to-brush-up-on-trail-etiquette-2/
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagles-haymaker-trail-at-heart-of-towns-open-space-maintenance-projects/
Raenette Johnson from the United Methodist Church of Eagle Valley was nominated by Aaron Strietzel for her efforts with the Monday evening Simple Supper.
Every Monday, from 4:30-6pm, Raenette helps coordinate a group of volunteers who serve a free community dinner. This dinner serves an average of 50-75 people each week. Before COVID-19 this was strictly an in-person dinner, but during COVID-19 this moved to a “to go” service. Currently they allow both in person or to go options to help serve the community’s needs.
This is not just a solo church effort but is a joint effort from a number of different churches and organizations in the Eagle Valley area. Raenette helps recruit, organize, plan, prepare and serve these Simple Supper meals every week. She is supported by a wonderful team, but she has been an amazing leader in this important endeavor, and I know many in our community have benefited from her work!
