Saving Lives…One Pint at a Time!

For the second time this year, Breckenridge Grand Vacations employees, along with a few community members, stepped up to support Vitalant by donating 32 units of blood from 28 volunteers in October, including four first-time donors.  And four people not only donated whole blood but also donated red cells.  On average, every unit of blood can save up to three lives.

Every day in the United States, patients in hospitals, surgical center and emergency treatment facilities need approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells, 5,000 units of platelets and 6,500 units of plasma.

The BGV Blood Drive dates have already been selected for 2022.  Mark your calendars now for April 27 and October 4.  More detailed information and the link to sign up for an appointment will be sent about a month before each donation day.  Hope to see you there.

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Recycling Beverage Cartons Made Easy

“It’s no secret that people struggle with recycling correctly. As responsible consumers, we find ourselves trying to do the right thing but sometimes, this leads to “wish-cycling.” Unfortunately, wish-cycling can contaminate entire recycling loads that are otherwise clean. It’s very important that you check local regulations where you live and any time you travel and wish to recycle or compost. Each town has a unique set of requirements for items that are accepted in various waste streams. Here in Summit County and in many vacation destinations, recycling and composting loads become contaminated more easily. Think about it – you have people from all over the world with different waste diversion efforts and requirements coming to a place with a totally different set of rules. It’s extremely important to make sure our signage and other education efforts are up to date and residents and visitors alike are staying informed of changes. Recently, our list of accepted items in the single stream recycling has changed and we are no longer able to put cartons in the single stream collection.  

 

This does not mean egg cartons; but instead, juice and milk cartons. These items are made with paper but have a unique plastic lining inside. Some even contain a layer of aluminum. Because of these two linings, it raises unique challenges for traditional recycling. However, these cartons are still recyclable! They are now collected separately at our recycling drop sites around the county. Be sure to look for the “Cartons” sign on the dumpster! They are then sold to businesses that can properly give them a new life. In fact, once these cartons are sold and pressed together in a machine like a large panini press, they become ceiling tiles or a drywall alternative. The High Country Conservation Center reports that 30 cartons can make a 2-foot square ceiling tile!  

 

When recycling cartons, it’s important to know exactly which types of cartons can be recycled. Cartons with slanted tops like milk, creamers or egg substitutes are recyclable. Cartons that have a flat top like broths, soups or wine are also recyclable. These cartons typically have a straw or plastic cap. Cartons that are not recyclable are oatmeal containers, ice cream tubs or coffee cups. Before disposing of cartons into the proper dumpster, be sure to take off all caps and remove straws as these can get tangled in the recycling equipment. You should also be sure to rinse cartons before recycling.  

 

Should you have any questions on what is and is not accepted in the Single Stream at all BGV properties or at the drop sites around the county, you can visit HighCountryConservation.org or send our team an email at Sustainability@breckgv.com.

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Eleven Heart & Mind Healthy Holiday Tips

♥ Don’t skip meals to save up for a feast. It will be harder to manage your blood sugar and you’ll be really hungry and more likely to overeat.

♥ Schedule some “me” time every day – a nap, dog walk, reading, or just relaxing.

♥ Break up physical activity into smaller chunks so it’s easier to schedule. For example, walk 10 minutes several times a day.

♥ Visit the people, not the food. Move socializing away from the food table to prevent overeating. Put your focus on family and friends, laughter and cheer.

♥ If you have a sweat tooth, cut back on other carbs (like potatoes and bread) during the meal.

♥ Enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie instead of pecan pie. Even with a dollop of whipped cream, you’ll cut calories and sugar by at least a third.

♥ Choose your splurges wisely. Stick to calorie-free drinks. Alcoholic beverages contribute empty calories and can cause you to make poor judgements with food. Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water.

♥ Savor seasonal treats. Having treats once a year will not make or break your weight. Eat slowly and check your fullness levels while you are eating. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you are full.

♥ Don’t feel guilty. If you did overindulge, don’t beat yourself up. Just make sure your next meal is healthy and be sure to incorporate exercise into your routine.

♥ Get your ZZZ’s. When you are sleep deprived you tend to eat more and prefer high-fat, high-sugar foods. Aim for 7 to 8 hours per night to guard against mindless eating.

♥ Mind your mind! Find moments throughout the season to practice gratitude, meditate and relish your time. Managing stress is good for your head and heart.

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Summit County Rescue Group Provides Life Saving Services

What do most Summit County residents and visitors have in common? A passion for outdoor recreation. As the county becomes busier every year, both with residents and travelers, the Summit County Rescue Group (SCRG) gets busier too. Despite everyone’s best efforts to be prepared, accidents can and do happen in the backcountry and SCRG’s work begins where the pavement ends.

Established in 1973, the folks at SCRG are 100% volunteers – the rescuers, the mission coordinators, the board members and the fundraisers! In fact, the fundraisers and board members are also the rescuers. The organization counts 63 current active volunteer members. This is a group that shares the same passion for the backcountry that often leads recreationists to become lost hikers, injured mountain bikers, buried backcountry skiers, capsized kayakers, crashed dirt bikers, fallen climbers and wounded hunters. Summit County Rescue Group members are out there because they love the outdoors, and they understand you love it too. In addition to their ongoing training and rescue skills, they must also provide all the time it takes to manage a nonprofit organization. They spend a significant amount of time educating the public on backcountry safety in the hope that everyone becomes better at avoiding accidents, but they know sometimes things happen even to the best prepared and educated back-country enthusiast.

SCRG averaged 88 calls for service between 2014 and 2018. Then, in 2019, that number increased by 164% and rose to 144. In 2020, the Rescue Group responded to 195 calls taking 3,347 mission hours. In both 2020 and 2021, more than 2,400 hours of training time has been spent by SCRG team members. Since mid-October of this year, SCRG has been called out 192 times providing 2,945 volunteer mission hours, making it clear they will easily exceed 200 calls in 2021. This makes SCRG one of the three busiest backcountry rescue teams in Colorado.

Because of the rising need for their services, SCRG launched their first official fundraising campaign in late 2020. Their need for new equipment, maintenance for current equipment, and training for current and new team members is ongoing. The Rescue Group needs your support. Along with many other local nonprofit organizations, SCRG will be participating in the Colorado Gives program this December for the first time. Every dollar raised on December 7th through Colorado Gives Day will be matched, up to $50,000, by The Summit Foundation.

There is never a charge to an individual for rescue services or expenses. All funding is provided from grants and donations. Anyone can donate directly to Summit County Rescue Group on their website at scrg.org/donate. You never know when YOU might need their help one day!

 

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Breckenridge Grand Vacations Donates Land to Summit County Habitat for Humanity

BGV’s Development Team led by CEO, Mike Dudick, donated three parcels of developable land to Summit County Habitat for Humanity. According to Habitat’s Executive Director, April-Dawn Knudsen, the new homes will likely become higher density units for multiple families. All three lots are located within the town limits of Alma, Colorado, a bedroom community for Summit County’s workforce.

The decision to donate the land was a “no-brainer” according to Dudick who also stated, “Housing is the number one request we hear from our employees, and as the largest year-round employer in Summit County, we have to listen and take action. We hope that by donating this land it may inspire others who are in a position to do so, to consider this as well.” Dudick assures that BGV and his team are fervently searching for solutions in addressing the pervasive issue in the community around the affordable employee housing shortage.

Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program is for local income-qualified families (<80% AMI) who can apply and be coached from the initial application process through to the loan qualification. Homeowners are selected by; 1) need for quality, safe housing, 2) ability to pay an affordable mortgage, 3) willingness to partner with Habitat. “With the increased scarcity of land and the price of real estate continually rising, ” stated Knudsen, “we don’t typically see land donations like this anymore.” Historically Summit Habitat has built single-family homes but as they have recognized the need to increase density are now exploring multi-family housing options. “We hope to be able to house more teachers, law enforcement, and first-responders – the very people who make our communities thrive.”

Programs like Habitat, which use a deed-restriction method, keep homes affordable for working families over time. “BGV sees this land donation as a faster route to placing families into homes,” says Dudick.

Summit Habitat for Humanity believes that no one lives in dignity until everyone can live in dignity; and when the broader community is engaged in addressing the urgent need for adequate, affordable housing, everyone becomes less vulnerable and more resilient. Knudsen shared, “We are grateful for Breckenridge Grand Vacations’s generous donation. BGV is a shining example of philanthropy and is so generous in supporting every aspect of our community, ultimately making so many lives better.”

To learn more about Summit County Habitat for Humanity or to be added to the list for upcoming housing notifications, please contact April at executivedirector@summithabitat.org or visit http://www.SummitHabitat.org to make a donation and join BGV in expanding local homeownership opportunities.

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2020 BGV Leader Awards

The Lead from the Bottom Award Honors the BGV non-Executive leader who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to our bottom-up vs. top-down leadership philosophy. “At BGV, leaders are not on a pedestal – they are the pedestal!” 

Jazmin has been a rock in the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 Housekeeping Department since she was first hired in 2016. Her compassionate leadership style is characterized by thoughtful organization and dedication. Once stand out situation includes how she developed and prepared her team, especially her assistant managers and RQs, to operate successfully and seamlessly during her maternity leave. Jazmin challenges her team appropriately as she strives to constantly develop those around her. She is always there to lend a helping hand, and her work ethic inspires others daily. 

The Lead from the Bottom Award is presented to Jazmin Pimental. 

The Superior Service Leader of the Year Award Honors the BGV non-Executive leader who led his or her team to deliver superior service, whether it be internally or externally and did an outstanding job of listening to customer feedback, identifying a recurring challenge, and taking meaningful steps to eliminate the problem. This is someone who knows that at BGV we do not send “bug letters.” We kill bugs! 

Over the past year our Guest Services leadership team has been through a lot, however, they have proven time and time again that they were the best people to lead our properties through this unexpected storm. These leaders worked efficiently across departments to develop innovative protocols in response to ever-changing COVID restrictions to ensure safe and Grand vacations for our owners and guests. Some examples include developing a curbside check-in process at each property, utilizing a new CRM system to virtually communicate with on-property owners and guests and creating To Go Activities. These leaders managed the wide spectrum of owner and guests’ expectations with poise, grit, and patience on the frontlines. Their problem-solving and cooperation on a day-to-day basis has been nothing short of inspiring. 

The Superior Service Leader of the Year Award is presented to Guest Services Leadership Team: Guest Services Leadership Team: Amie Yoder, Julianna Nopson, Jason Eaton, Janna Polger, Brit Listak, Emma Bollinger, and Lauren Garver.

The Stormy Seas Award Honors the BGV non-Executive leader who overcame a significant challenge in the past year. This is someone who knows “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” 

The Marketing Guest Services Leadership Team, Brittany Holloman and Laurel Coffman, has shown tremendous resilience throughout the past year in their leadership of the MGS Department. This driven, passionate, and dedicated duo stayed positive through the challenges their team faced due to COVID-19 impacts on the department. With the support and guidance from their leaders, the MGS team carried out the fulfillment of several successful marketing initiatives which played a significant role in helping BGV recoup from the impacts of the pandemic. Brittany and Laurel work hard to improve and streamline inter-departmental processes and truly embody the OneBGV spirit. 

The Stormy Seas Award goes to Brittany Holloman and Laurel Coffman as the MGS Leadership Team.

The Most Grandest Achievement Award Honors the BGV non-Executive leader who led her or his team to meet or exceed a significant goal or to achieve a significant accomplishment. “Achievement results from work realizing ambition.” 

The ARM Leadership Team, Joseph Clark-Fulcher and Jonathan Moore, exemplify what it means to be team players. These leaders show incredible dedication to their team, helping their employees develop and grow both professionally and personally. Joe and Jonathan supported the department successfully implementing a deferral program, producing record setting mortgage delinquency numbers, surviving the HOA season, and becoming one of the most efficient departments in the company throughout the pandemic. This tenacious leadership pair leads by example, remaining level-headed and approachable through difficult customer interactions, pushing their team to follow in their footsteps, and be the best in customer service. Last year produced record setting numbers, reinforcing the Grand customer service and leadership of the ARM department. 

The Most Grandest Achievement Award is presented to Joseph Clark-Fulcher and Jonathan Moore as the ARM Leadership Team. 

The Rookie of the Year Award Honors the BGV non-Executive leader who has been in a BGV leadership position for less than 18 months, for demonstrating a strong commitment to BGV’s culture and core values. 

Gama had huge shoes to fill when he stepped in as the Grand Timber Lodge Assistant Housekeeping Manager. It is an understatement to say that he filled them. Gama hit the ground running as he learned existing housekeeping processes, and quickly implemented new ones. Sometimes changing leadership can be scary and challenging, in this case, Gama seamlessly integrated into the GTL team. He has been at the forefront of developing and implementing new procedures and embracing the increased workload for housekeeping that came with the BGV Shines program and other COVID-19 impacts. Gama truly embraces the “coaching-up” culture of BGV and makes a noticeably positive impact on those around him. 

The Rookie of the Year Award is presented to Gama Hernandez.
 

The Coach of the Year Award Honors the BGV non-Executive leader who has excelled in the past year at developing others. “Good leaders don’t create followers. They create more leaders. 

Two character-defining characteristics of Shaubie are compassionate and supportive. The Sales Team seeks her guidance daily as an experienced member of the team, they know she is always available and approachable. Shaubie is an incredible coach, patiently pushing every team member towards success.  

She goes above and beyond in every interaction – whether it is a customer or member of the BGV family.  

 The Coach of the Year Award is presented to Shaubie Faia.  

New this year is The Resilience Award. The Resilience Award honors the BGV leader who most effectively faced and overcame a professional of personal challenge.

Dan Roth has been an amazing force of stability during an incredibly turbulent time. His unending confidence and knowledge keep the Vacation Rentals Department moving forward, and his relentless pursuit of quality service is contagious among all his employees. Dan’s leadership is characterized by patience, compassion, and grit, which is reflected in the company’s increased occupancy rates across properties since re-opening last June. VRD works daily collaboratively across departments and properties and he is always willing to work hard and support others, no matter the challenges that may present themselves. Dan’s ability to bring out the best in others by example is a trademark of a Grand leader. 

The Resilience Award is presented to Dan Roth.  

 

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