Dee Williams poses for a portrait with her beloved dog, Ziva, at her Ouray home. The Telluride Foundation is honoring Williams with its 2026 Volunteer of the Year award. Williams, who moved to Ouray in 1975, is a longtime volunteer and former Ouray city councilor. Her experience includes everything from helping to spearhead the Ouray County Nordic Council to establishing the Friends of the Wright Opera House in 2008 to starting the Friends of the Cedar Hill Cemetery last year. The friends' groups exist to support these historic entities and ensure their long-term sustainability. Williams is also a volunteer and former board member with the Home Trust of Ouray County, which nominated her for the award and will receive a $5,000 award from the Telluride Foundation. Her advice on volunteering? "Just pick something that you're interested in, and do it," she said. A community celebration for Williams is scheduled from 5-6:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Wright Opera House. All community members are invited to help recognize her and celebrate with refreshments. Photo by Erin McIntyre | Ouray County Plaindealer