Please join us in congratulating Jay and Connie Grabow on receiving the Community Builder Award for their decades of service and dedication to Rawlins and Carbon County.
Together, the Grabows have devoted more than 50 years to making our community stronger and more connected. Their service has touched nearly every corner of Rawlins — from city planning and business development to music, education, and faith.
Jay’s civic leadership began in the late 1970s when he served on the Rawlins City Council and as a founding member of the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation, where he went on to serve as both President and Executive Director. Over the years, he has served on both the City and County Planning Commissions, been an active member of the Rawlins Rotary, and helped found the Carbon Mercantile. Jay has also served in many leadership roles at the Christ Lutheran Church. In his many roles, Jay led numerous community projects. One of particular importance to him is the 2019 “Sound the Alarm” partnership between the Rawlins Fire Department and the American Red Cross, which installed more than 200 smoke alarms in local homes to keep families safe.
Connie has shared her talents and heart through music, education, and community service. A lifelong Rawlins resident, she has served as a pianist and accompanist for schools, churches, and local performances, enriching countless community events with her music. She has also served in many roles on the Library Foundation Board and in P.E.O. She loves making music with the community and has been a member of both the choir and handbell groups in Jubilante Ensembles. Her dedication and warmth have inspired generations of students and neighbors alike.
After reflecting, the Grabows decided to spend some time in Florida this winter and assess if the reasons they are considering moving are worth leaving their Carbon County home. Jay shared: “We bought a home in Florida last April with a plan to return to Rawlins and sell what we have here. Upon returning, we looked at Rawlins and Carbon County in a completely different light. We were all at once more clearly seeing the WONDERFUL THINGS that we would be missing: the wonderful summer weather, the wide-open spaces, the mountain backdrop, the freedom, the safety and security and MOST OF ALL… THE PEOPLE!
We were NOT focusing on Rawlins’ and Carbon County’s challenges. As residents, we cannot lose sight of all the wonderful things that we have here in Carbon County. We all need to pitch in and make our county an even better place!”
After reflecting, the Grabows decided not to leave permanently — instead becoming snowbirds so they can enjoy Florida’s warmth while keeping their roots right here in Rawlins. Connie added: “Rawlins has been my home for my entire life… All my wonderful memories of growing up here — graduating from Rawlins High, the family, the friends, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Realtors, the musical opportunities with my family singing together, being in Jubilante Ensembles, accompanying high school concerts and musicals, church choirs, and musical groups — will be in my mind ALWAYS! The people are the best. Rawlins is small enough that you can know people at the post office, the grocery store, on the street… and YOU ALL will be missed.”
The City of Rawlins thanks Jay and Connie Grabow for their many years of service, leadership, and love for our community. Through their dedication to planning, economic development, and community engagement, they have helped shape the Rawlins we know today — a community that continues to grow, collaborate, and care for its people. Their kindness, commitment, and “can-do” spirit have made a lasting difference — and will continue to inspire us all to see the good, step up to serve, and celebrate the people who make Rawlins special.
For more information, please contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations/PIO at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022. Interested in receiving news from the City? Sign up for news via email or text at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme under “City of Rawlins News.”
