By David Hite
On November 10, one hundred members of the Shining Mountains Group gathered in Estes
Park for their annual dinner and to give a special tribute to their chairwoman,
Madeline Framson. The evening’s first event, a celebration of Madeline’s 85th
birthday, was highlighted by the presentation of a pulaski to Madeline. The new
trail tool fit the hands of the experienced trail-maker like a glove. It was
love at first sight.
The evening’s next presentation was again in recognition of
Madeline’s efforts and influence. She was given the Colorado Mountain Club’s
Carl Blaurock Award—the Silver Piton. The award is given annually to one
CMC member, and it is the highest honor the club awards.
In making the presentation, Al Ossinger, Denver Group and
CMC Foundation member, said, “Madeline Framson joined the CMC in 1980 and soon
became instrumental in the establishment of the Shining Mountains Group, which
encompasses Estes Park and surrounding towns. As the matriarch of the group for
many years, Madeline has developed a strong relationship between Rocky Mountain
Nation Park and the Colorado Mountain Club, with continuing projects of trail
maintenance; fighting invasive, alien weeds; assistance with health maintenance
of herds of Big Horn Sheep; collection of barbed wire left from old homesteads;
providing winter crews for the Wild Basin warming cabin; and other projects
where CMC members are made available for volunteer assistance to the park.
These efforts make the CMC a viable partner to RMNP and serve as a strong
example of the CMC in conservation and service. Over the years, Madeline has
received many awards locally and nationally as the leader in these activities.
For her steadfast leadership over may years, Madeline is presented with the
Carl Blaurock Silver Piton Award for 2007.”