On Sunday night, January 7th, the chill in the evening air did nothing to cool the warm feelings inside the tent erected at McCarthy’s Marina lot for the Captiva Island Historical Society's Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award ceremony and reception dinner.  This year the Captiva Island Historical Society honored Kristie Anders for her “lifetime achievement in interpreting and sharing history of the Islands.”

The CIHS had arranged for Kristie, her husband Red, and a few close friends to arrive at the event in the Captiva Island fire truck, a reminder of their work as volunteer firemen on Upper Captiva.

Board of Directors member Brian Holoway welcomed the large crowd, then turned the meeting over to CIHS Documentarian Ken Sneeden, the Master of Ceremonies.  Ken had assembled a video highlighting Kristie’s lifelong interest in animals, plants, water quality, and the preservation of the environment.  The attendees enjoyed meeting, in photographs, Kristie’s childhood pets, including raccoons, monkeys, and other adoptees that she and her three brothers nurtured and loved.

Kriste is greeted by CIHS President Emeritus Jim Pigott

The video also traced Kristie’s career as a U.S. National Park Ranger and Educator, her 30 plus years the Education Director of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, Realtors’ Educator, and faculty member of the Rauschenberg Residency on Captiva, for artists and scholars.

Kristie receives the Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award
from the awards namesake and CIHS Director Betty Anholt
and CIHS Director Captain Brian Holaway

The video and the praise from multiple attendees made it abundantly clear that Kristie is an accomplished story teller, teacher, and role model, much loved and respected by all who encounter her.  Phrases like, “She’s an environmental hero,” a “guardian of humanity,” one who, along with her husband, “lives and teaches by power of example.”

Betty Anholt, also a Director of CIHS and namesake of the award, presented Kristie with the etched glass symbol of the honor.

Kristie with long-time friend Gaye Pigott

On behalf of the CIHS, Ken Sneeden thanked Jenny and Bob Rando, and Brad and Leslie Junghans for providing the venue and for their help in coordinating and set up.  Nathalie Pyle then cued everyone to belt out 2 verses of “This Land Is Your Land,” as they prepared to leave the warmth of the memorable event for their friend Kristie Anders.

CIHS Directors and program organizers Betty Anholt, Blair Wyatt Berry and Mary Jane Vinson

The Captiva Island Historical Society is grateful for the support of the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company as the presenting sponsor for this season’s programs.

The CIHS is indebted to the owners of Captiva Cruises/McCarthy's Marina,
pictured here: Jenny Rando, Brad Junghans and Bob Rando 

Photos courtesy of CIHS Director Nancy Riley
and Jenny Rando of McCarthy's Marina

Watch the video of the award ceremony and reception.