The Imagine Downtown committee extends its appreciation to residents, business owners, town council members, town staff, county commissioners, representatives of nonprofit groups and all who attended focus groups and the draft presentation during the Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) community assessment on Nov. 13 and 14. Your input will assist the DCI team in preparing a plan tailored to our community to make our downtown more vibrant.

We extend our gratitude to Alley House, Farrago, Backroom Wine Bar and Pagosa Baking Company for providing meals, and to Healing Waters Resort and Spa and The Springs Resort and Spa for graciously providing accommodations for the assessment team from DCI.

We invite everyone to stay involved in efforts to advance our community. The committee is currently exploring ways to move this initiative forward, and will be sending an invitation to all who signed in at a focus group with an e-mail address.

The power point presentation from the Wednesday meeting is available on the PSCDC website at http://www.pagosaspringscdc.org/downtown-colorado-inc/

I would like to thank our county clerk, June Madrid, her office staff and all the election judges and other volunteers for the excellent job they did during the recent election.  It was a several month task to verify registrations, get out the mail-in ballots, test all the equipment, provide training for all the volunteers, run early voting, receive and record the mail-in and e-mail ballots, set up the Vote Centers, run the election, collect the ballots, count and recount everything, and provide the results in a timely manner. 

June’s office staff and the large group of volunteers (a collection of registered Unaffiliated, Democrat, and Republican voters) worked many long days to ensure that we were able to enjoy a well organized, efficiently run, fair, honest and open election here in Archuleta County — as opposed to the way the election was run in many places that we are now hearing about.

The following activities were conducted by the citizens of Archuleta to whom we owe our collective thanks for this well-run election: Staff Operations — June Madrid, Nana Bishop, Gabe Cersonsky (IT for County); Early Voting Board — Angel Stahr, Mary Lou Sprowle, Rebecca Herman; Mail-In Ballot Board — Jan Clinkenbeard, Denice Stacey, Margaret Pickett, Annette Uehling, Denyce McPeek; Vote Center 1 — Mary Ryals, Josiane Gonzalve-Hummel, John Hummel, John Bozek, Doris Lattin, Pat Everett; Vote Center 2 — Irene Muller, J.R. Ford, Debra Roddy, Robert Formwalt, Loretta Church, Natalie Woodruff (close and balance);  Vote Center 3 — Marilyn Harris, Pam Levonius, Ron Levonius, Dorothy George, Suzanne Gates: Counting Board — Marsha Preuit, Peggy Cotton, Noreen Griego; Miscellaneous other boards — Eleanor Shelton, Cheree Henderson, Annette DeGraaf, Melanie Kristy Arzu, Sally Alling, Robert Alling (set up and took down DRE’s and laptops); and Canvass Board — June Madrid, Noreen Griego, Nana Bishop, Rebecca Herman, David Butcher, Marsha Preuit, and Marilyn Harris.

This is the first time I have observed, or been involved in, the actual mechanics of running an election, and I have been impressed by the dedication and sustained efforts of all involved to make this election successful.

Jim Huffman

W.H.O.

Many heartfelt thanks to all who attended, volunteered and sponsored our second Fashion Weekend kick-off event, Fashion’s Night Out, on Thursday, Nov. 1. We hope everyone enjoyed the Happy Trails show and weekend event as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. Recipients of this year’s event proceeds, Community United Methodist Church, John Paul II Catholic Church and St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, will each receive a check for $2,694.28 to assist them with our local food pantry programs. “Women Helping Others” (W.H.O.) is a local committee set up to bring this fun event to your fall calendar every year in order to help support those who contribute to the well being of others.

Maria MacNamee, LaQuita Johnson, Sharee Grazda and Siri Schuchardt, W.H.O.

Green

Thanks so much to everyone who came to the Holiday Shopping Affaire this weekend. We had a great crowd of customers, both locals and visitors, who turned out to shop at our craft show. On a weekend that promotes online and box store shopping, we really appreciate that so many people came out to support people who create their own products.

Big thanks also to the artists who made this event possible, and who even provided hors d’ouevres for the shoppers.  Pagosa is very lucky to have such a deep well of talent in this area.

Nancy Green

Pavilion

Thank you to the many Pagosans that contributed their time, talents and our needed seed money for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Friends of Pagosa Skate Pavilion is now officially under the non-profit umbrella of the Community Foundation of Southwest Colorado in Durango. Our future corporation is recognized in the state of Colorado.

The final Business Plan is being honed to perfection and then off we go to some big corporations for funding. Also, because of our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, we are now eligible to apply for grants.

The Friends of Pagosa Pavilion will be represented by a tree in the Festival of Trees, so come out and enjoy a wonderful evening Friday and cast your vote for our tree to make the live auction.

Kristal Fortune

Book Fair

Thank you to all of the students, teachers, parents, relatives and friends who shopped at the Book Fair and for all the excitement about the event. The Spring Book Fair “All-Star Book Fair-Every Reader is a Star!” held at Pagosa Springs Elementary School in November was an outstanding success. Gross sales were over $9,300 that will translate into approximately $2,700 of profit. Additionally, the school library received $320 worth of new books.

It would be impossible to put on this two-week event without all of our willing and able volunteers.  Huge gratitude goes to 29 individuals who decorated, unpacked and packed boxes, sorted books, staffed the cash register: Monica Archuleta, Lavendar Booth, Dusty Broyles, Nicole Cotts, Carla Elliott, Jean Garcia, Lauri Heraty, Chelsea Hill, Carmen Hubbs, Chanlor Humphries, Debbie Jennings, Lara Khung,  Kimberly Laverty, Aubrie Limebrook, Kim Ludlow, Lindsay Mackey, Debbie Mackey, Robin Metz, Carole Nasralla,  Sanya Peterson,  Dawn Robel, Kim Sanders, Lisa Scott, Rosanna Slingerland, Don Smith, Cory Warden, Keely Whittington, Jess Wilton and Lesha Zander. We’d also like to thank the school custodians, Jim Sellers and Jack Constant, and office secretary Jackie Hart-Trujillo for their assistance outside of their regular duties. Thanks to everyone for making this school event so successful!

Sincerely,

Lisa Scott, parent chairman

Debbie Mackey, school media specialist

ACVAP

Thank you to the Shear Talk crew for once again beautifying Pagosa with purple hair and raising some extra money for our work to end domestic violence. You guys are true allies to the cause. Thank you.

Sincerely,

The Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program Team

Seniors

On behalf of the seniors of the Silver Foxes Den, a big thank you to Dr. Nick Kurz for his continued wealth of knowledge and presentations regarding health topics. They particularly enjoyed the “Why do I bruise easily” presentation and found it very informative. They’re looking forward to next month’s topic: the importance of routine medical tests and the different types of test.

Musetta Wollenweber

Rotary

The Pagosa Springs Rotary Club would like to thank the Bank of Colorado, Citizens Bank, Bank of the San Juans, Granton Bartz, John Duvall, Jackie Welsh and Nick Tallent for their financial support with our organization’s annual Third Grade Dictionary Giveaway. We also thank the McKeehans, of Old West Press, for their donated services.

This past week, many Rotarians presented a dictionary to every third-grade student, taught them how to use their new book and saw the joy and excitement on over 100 little faces. Talk about fun!

As one of Rotary’s many community contributions and holding true to our motto of “Service Above Self,” this event is among the most rewarding projects for us. We once again witnessed how this beautifully illustrated book encourages educational growth through reading.

Pagosa Springs Rotary Club is honored to be able to provide this assistance to our school system along with the partnership of these community minded businesses.

JoAnn Laird

Pagosa Springs Rotary Club Dictionary Project coordinator

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run would like to thank all of the amazing girls, parents and coaches who made the Fall 2012 season such a success! Third through sixth grade girls learned about healthy life choices and ran a 5K together — all while having lots of fun and girl power!

Thank you to all of the coaches: Stacey Lewis, Carmen Hubbs, Shane Lucero, Joanne Irons, Mara Koch, Tish Smith, Joyce Hines, Cara Hagman, Anita Bowles, Alicia O’Brien and Melissa Garduno. We couldn’t have done this without your dedication. Thank you to Pagosa Springs elementary and middle schools for supporting this great after-school program. A special thank you to Pagosa Lakes Porpoises for allowing our girls and coaches to run in the 2012 Turkey Trot.

Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program brings Girls on the Run to Pagosa Springs as part of their violence prevention efforts in our community. Thank you ACVAP for providing such a positive activity for our young girls.

PPSC

The Pagosa Pregnancy Support Center is thankful to Subway East for providing meals for the children and baby sitters at the October 2012 banquet; Centerpoint Church for the use of their facility, along with the expertise and assistance of their staff; LaQuita Johnson for donating table, chair and room decorations; the many underwriters and banquet guests for their financial generosity; and the volunteers who gave of their time and talent to make the 2012 fund-raising banquet a success.

Festival of Trees 

The staff at the Ross Aragon Community Center would like to give a special thanks to all of volunteers at this year’s Festival of Trees: Mona Gonzalez, Yolanda Campuzano, Lorrie Church, Stan Church, Gloria Smith, Tracy Kirschstein, Sarah Kirschstein, Janet Tjelmeland, Ron Beckman, Brad Shutler, Cindy Shutler, Jim Santee, Bill Rockensock, Michelle Jamison, Drew Fullwood, Siri Schuchardt, Matt Bowdridge, Heidi Martinez, Michelle Martin, Tristen Bennett, Kathie Lattin and Jean Bechtold. We would also like to thank all the sponsors who helped donate items to this wonderful event: Plaza Grille, Boss Hogg’s, Smoking Moes BBQ, Coyote Moon, Pagosa Baking Company, Old Town Market, Sweets-N-Such, Alley House/Farragos, Shang Hai, Cafe Colorado, Lee Riley, Next Door Decor, Pagosa Mountain Coffee Roasting, Ace Hardware, Pagosa Springs Music Department, Natures Art and Alternative Home Builders. This event wouldn’t have been as successful without all of your help. Thank you to everyone who came to the event and we hope to see you all next year.

Hospice

A special thank you to the Visiting Angels for donating and decorating a beautiful tree for Hospice of Mercy’s Tree of Lights memorial event in Pagosa Springs. Thank you to this generous group and for giving back to the community.

With sincere appreciation,

Tina Gallegos

Director, Hospice of Mercy and Mercy Home Health

Elementary school

The students of Pagosa Elementary offer a big thank you to the 40-plus community volunteers who helped us shop for gifts for our families last week at the Penguin Holiday Shoppe.  Volunteers helped us shop and wrap our gifts so we in turn can say “thank you” to the special people in our lives who are helping us grow up to be responsible people in our community.  From the Partners in Education (P.I.E.) group at the school, we also want you to know your help was an amazing reminder of what a wonderful community Pagosa Springs is.  Volunteers from Rotary, the Realtor Association and local churches kicked in to fill 110 volunteer time slots.  A special shout out to Cindy Gustafson and the WHIPS ladies, as well as Archuleta County Fair organizer Linda Molten, who told everyone they know to show up and help.  We could not have done this without you.

Angel Tree

Sharing and Caring Angel Tree Project.

A big thank you to Debbie Jennings and Carla Elliot, and for everyone involved, for an unbelievable project gone so well.

These ladies undertake the daunting task of making a difference in the life of 160-plus families in Pagosa Springs, by spearheading and implementing the Angel Tree Project.

As families drove up on a snowy and icy Saturday afternoon, boxes of food were handed out, frozen turkeys for a nice Christmas dinner and bags of gifts for the whole family.

You can imagine the organization, planning and preparation this must have taken.

To find the time doing all this while having full-time jobs, families, grandkids, thanksgiving season, etc., truly does demonstrate a kind heart and giving spirit. Thank you for all that you do.

Chantal Ralston

CDC

Thank you, Pagosa Springs Women’s Club.

On behalf of the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation (PSCDC), I’d like to express our sincere appreciation for the generous donation to support our efforts to better the economic health of our small community. Thanks for all you do.

Muriel Eason

Gray Wolves

On Dec. 11, the Gray Wolves Ski Club had their annual Christmas party at Quality Inn and Suites. I contacted Joanne Irons at the Youth Center to hire three of her young ladies to help serve food, coffee and desserts to individuals that wanted to just sit and visit. These young ladies exceeded our expectations. They were very professional, delightful, charming and tackled any task I asked of them. McKenna Parsons, Karianne Weigant and Courtney Bishop, we thank you so much. Their advisor for the night was a lady named Lezlie White. She was so helpful. She alerted me to snafus or little items that I thought were being taken care of but were not. Nancy Rea from Justice Ministries decorated all the serving tables and also served. She was my guardian angel in this endeavor. If you want a fabulous event, please call the Youth Center and make a donation to use these wonderful girls. And everyone get an angel in your life.

Lassie Olin

BBBS

Last Saturday, Big Brothers Big Sisters hosted our holiday party for the kids in the program. The kids enjoyed decorating Frisbees, hacki sack balls, stand up gingerbread houses and Christmas trees. They got to partake in great sandwiches from Subway, thanks to their generous donation of two sandwich platters. We also shared homemade cookies and presents. Thank you to Diane McInnis at Centerpoint Church for providing us a place to have this party. They have always been supportive of BBBS. A special thanks to Siri Schuchart for the donation of the Happy Factory Cars for the kids in need. Thank you to Kim VanWormer for her donation of food from Subway Downtown for our party. It is wonderful to be part of this generous community. Happy Holidays to all.

Maggie Ives

I would like to thank the many people who made our first annual Spaghetti Dinner a huge success. It was held on Dec. 4 and, first of all, a very special thank you to Daniela Carr, the owner of Nello’s, for making this event possible. She and her staff were amazing. They were kind, helpful, organized and professional. It was a wonderful place to host an event. Lisa and Joe LaMastra, along with Maryann Robles at Jim Smith Realty, helped sell tickets for us. Maria MacNamee from Happy Trails donated a door prize and Brandy Richardson, along with her little, made another door prize for us. Several moms, families, bigs and littles made and donated cookies for sale. A big thanks to all of you for your time and energies supporting BBBS.

This event was extra special due to the fact that Blue Grass Cadillac donated their time to entertain all those that attended. Special thanks go out to Ron, Melinda, Randall and Clay for supporting us in this fund-raiser. It was so wonderful to have live music for this evening.

Kathleen Baca and her children volunteered at the event to sell tickets and cookies.

Also, I would like to thank KWUF and Thad McCain for their support and airtime, and The Pagosa Springs SUN for its support with articles that let the public know of this event. Like they say, it takes a village to raise a child and it takes a community to make an event wonderful, so thanks to all of you amazing Pagosans who made this an awesome event.

Maggie Ives

Archuleta County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputy Randy Yoder came to my door on a cold night last week with a smile on his face and an offer to pull my car out of the snowbank I’d plowed into in Aspen Springs. He took the keys, pulled out my car, drove it to my house and walked back to his vehicle. This officer and a gentleman asked nothing in return. Thank you again, Randy! I’ve always trusted in the kindness of deputy sheriffs. Randy is among the kindest.

Jean Kilczer

What a great community you are, Pagosa Springs — 950 pounds of dog and cat food have been collected over the holidays.  The food drive started before Thanksgiving and ended Dec. 18.  The food will be donated by the John Paul II Catholic Church on their Wednesday Food Bank day. We’ve been told that those who received the food over Thanksgiving were very appreciative.

A big thank you to Dennis Schick and the John Paul II Catholic Church and all 12 drop-off locations: Ace Hardware, Alco, Boot Hill, Critter Outfitter, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Eagle Mountain Mercantile, Pagosa Feed, Pagosa Springs Medical Center, Town of Pagosa Springs,  Parelli corporate offices, the Ross Aragon Community Center. We hope that City Market and the Archuleta County offices will reconsider and join the food drive next year.

We would also like to thank The Pagosa Springs SUN and KSUT radio for publicizing our first annual effort to feed dogs and cats that are in need.  Doing so not only helps these pets but their owners as well.

Thank you from everyone at Elk Park Animal Hospital.

Angel Tree

The Angel Tree/Christmas Meal Box project would like to thank the Pagosa Springs community for making this program a huge success.  Approximately 180 families were served and 370 gifts were given to children and seniors. A special thanks to City Market for housing the gift tree at their location and assisting with the meal food; the ladies at Ross Aragon Community Center assisting with registrations; Our Savior Lutheran Church for use of their facility for storage and distribution; Wyndham Vacation Ownership for adopting families providing over 50 gifts; Dollar General for hosting a Toy Drive; Pagosa Springs Middle School Leadership Team for donating funds from special events they held; Bank of the San Juans, Rio Grande Savings and Loan, Citizens Bank and First Southwest Bank for receiving the gifts; San Juan Mounted Patrol assisting with traffic; Subway East for providing sandwiches for the volunteers on distribution day.  Thank you to the many volunteers who gave of their time and energy assembling the food boxes and to those who came out in the cold snowy weather to help on distribution day.  Thanks to everyone who took a gift tag and generously returned a gift.  This program could not succeed without the big heart and generosity of businesses, residents and visitors of Pagosa Springs.

Education Center

The Archuleta County Education Center Board of Directors and staff would like to thank all the generous people who participated in our New Year’s Eve Fund-raiser. Thank you to LaQuita Johnson, Mike Hayward, Pete Dach, David Smith, Jeff Laydon, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Elk Park Animal Hospital, Old Town Market, Lou Jean Espinosa, Pagosa Brewing Co., Elizabeth Baldwin, Ted Denmark, Ken Morrison, Dick Bond, Deb Aspen and Paul Thompson, Les Linton and Jennifer Matcham, Gerry Potticary and everyone who contributed their time, effort and donations to this event.

Your contribution will help to fund our vital after-school programs for at-risk kids in grades K-8 and to support our other unduplicated programs, such as GED and English as a Second Language, which serve our community.

Thanks from all of us. We wish you all the best for the new year.

Community Center

The staff at the Ross Aragon Community Center would like to thank all of the volunteers that helped make the Classic Christmas concert a huge success. Vicki Quezada, Kira Ellsmore, Margaret Reeves, John Cox, Claudia Park, Dennis Crull, Penny Crull, Heidi Martinez and Robin May. We would also like to thank everyone for bringing a yummy snack to share during the event and all of the amazing performers.

Vickerstaff

We experienced a wonderful community-coming-together event that some may not be aware of, for which I would like to acknowledge some local businesses and caring individuals. The project was to decorate our vacant downtown buildings, light up our community and express the joys of Pagosa. The main project was conducted by Imagine Downtown, spearheaded by Udgar Parsons, the CDC, the Chamber of Commerce and many supportive, hardworking people in town that created the vision for the Art Walk. Our local school children, elementary through high school, were encouraged to create beautiful posters about Pagosa which were then framed and hung in current dark, vacant business structures. Their pictures expressed the joys of living in Pagosa and truly added a bit of Christmas magic for everyone to enjoy. If you haven’t done the “walk,” I encourage it; we have some great local talent.

Additionally, we had our first Kidz Cowboy Christmas; this idea was a spur-of-the-moment event (pardon the pun) that made me glad to be in our community. I want to specifically thank Aurora at Mud Savers for use of her horse trailer. Financial support for lights and decorations was provided by Citizens Bank, City Market, Elk Trace Bed and Breakfast, Family Dollar, Ponderosa Lumber and Terry’s Ace Hardware. Signs were donated by Design A Sign and Old West Press; hot chocolate and spiced cider were provided by Old Town Market. I also want to thank all of my wonderful friends for baking the cookies to hand out to everyone that came, too many of you to name, that’s a blessing for me. And finally, no Christmas event would be complete without Santa, Tim Cutter, and the best elf anyone could ever have, Andra Byrnes, for her coordination and enthusiasm.

Thank you all for your commitment, creativity and setting the example of simple things we can do by coming together to make our town better for those of us who live here and welcoming our visiting out-of-town guests.

Lynne Vickerstaff

Friends

The Friends of Reservoir Hill would like to thank all the folks who helped make the first Reservoir Hill Light Up festival a success — over 100 people were in attendance.

Seeds

Seeds of Learning/Invest in Kids would like to thank CK Patel and the Quality Inn staff for their hospitality and generosity during a three-day training that was held at the Quality Inn last week. You made us all feel so comfortable and welcomed, thank you.

We would also like to thank Val, Flynn and Celeste at Old Town Market; you went above and beyond our expectations in providing us with wonderful meals and great services. We look forward to working with you in the future.

Finally, we would like to thank Carmen at Victims Assistance for letting us borrow their LCD projector. We appreciate your kindness.

Hummel

I am overwhelmed and so very grateful for all the love, support and prayers from Pagosa friends after Jack’s tragic accident at Wolf Creek on Jan. 9. Heartfelt thanks to everyone at the ski area — Ski Patrol, EMTs, the Alamosa doctor whose name I did not get, the Pitcher family and Forest Service — and to our friends Jim Gregory and Bob Howenstine who were skiing with us that sad day. I am also greatly appreciative of the cards, notes, visits, phone calls, tributes, flowers and donations from golfing, water aerobics, Audubon, tai chi, yoga and Gray Wolf Ski Club friends, as well as from neighbors, local Democrats, Pagosa Fire District chaplain Lee Vorhies, and so many other dear friends in this very special community. I never could have made it through this tragedy without you.

Thanks to all of you, in time I will be able to smile and ski again for Jack. Joan Didion wrote: “Life changes in the instant, the ordinary instant.” Jack taught us to live our lives to the fullest, and he would want us all to fill every day with laughter and joy.

Josie Hummel

High school 

A big thank you to Lisa and Bill Stine from Quest Aerospace for donating model rockets and a launch pad to Pagosa Springs High School’s Senior Problem Solving Class.

Another big thank you to Briliam Engineering for creating the University of Colorado Women in Engineering Scholarship. This pays for female students in Pagosa to travel to CU, meet the engineering department and work with professors on engineering projects at CU.

ASI

Archuleta Seniors, Inc. are grateful to those nominating our organization for the Chamber’s 2012 Non-Profit Organization of the Year.  We were in the top five (there are over 50 non-profit groups in our area) and we received a Certificate of Appreciation.  We would not be as successful as we are without the enthusiastic cooperation of the media, donations in funds and food for our fundraising events and all of the wonderful people of our community that come to our events and help to support our assistance to seniors in Archuleta County with their medical bills.  We had 1,056 members last year, and assisted 43 people with outstanding medical expenses which totalled $15,500.  Thank you for your support.  Congratulations to Joan Ward (Volunteer of 2012) and the Chimney Rock Interpretive Assn. for being chosen the Number One Non-Profit in 2012.

CRIA

The members of the board of trustees of the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) would like to thank the members of the Pagosa Area Chamber of Commerce for naming CRIA the Non-Profit Organization of the Year, 2012.

The effectiveness of any non-profit organization depends on the support and involvement of the local community. CRIA has been very fortunate to have the participation of over 100 volunteers and a small core of extremely dedicated part-time staff members. The funding we receive comes from the tour and event fees, grants and donations. These funds allow us to provide a variety of activities for visitors to experience at Chimney Rock National Monument.

CRIA appreciates the support of the Chamber and all those in the community who have volunteered. We further extend an invitation to anyone who would like to get involved. There is a wide range of volunteer opportunities and all are welcome. This involvement will sustain CRIA to continue as a successful non-profit organization.

United Way

United Way of Southwest Colorado in Archuleta County thanks Wolf Creek Ski Area for their generous support with Ski & Save Day.  Thank you to Rosanne and Davey Pitcher, and Wolf Creek Ski Area.

Lujan

I would like to thank my husband Santana for all the sacrifices he made in my absence. To all of my family and friends for their love, support, visits, food and prayers for my recovery after my fall in late November 2012.

To all the staff at Pine Ridge nursing home who made me feel so comfortable and cared for while I was recovering there until early January 2013. Without the staff, I would have not made my recovery to be able to go home to my family. Last, but not least, thank you to American Home Health for all your help when I got home to make it easier to get back on my feet. God bless you all!

Emma Lujan

Valdez

First of all, I want to thank my Lord and savior — then thank all my family and friends. To Fathers Don Malin, Doug Neel, Hector and Noemi Briseno for all the prayers, phone calls, cards, visits, food and flowers during my time in the hospital and after I came home.

To the doctors and all the staff at Pagosa Mountain Hospital, you were all so wonderful.

Again, thank you and God bless all of you.

Carmen Valdez

GOAL

GOAL Academy would like to thank the Pagosa Springs Medical Center and Emergency Medical Services for hosting GOAL Academy on a career exploration field trip. A special thank you to Brad Cochennet, CEO, Elizabeth Howey, Norm Niesen, Nicole LaGioia and Carrie Trumble for offering their time and expertise. Our students were able to learn about the new professions and jobs available in the health field, as well as learn about our valuable community resources. Many students were immediately inspired to explore careers that they previously had not considered. We anticipate that the collaboration between GOAL Academy and the Upper San Juan Health Service District will open doors for internship opportunities for our students. Again, we sincerely thank you for supporting our school.

Waldorf

The Pagosa Waldorf Initiative (PWI) and the friends and families of Merry Meadows Kinder-Garden would like to thank everyone who purchased a Christmas tree from the annual sale at Jann Pitcher Real Estate. Nearly 100 locally harvested trees found homes for the holidays and the proceeds from the sale will be used to further Waldorf inspired educational opportunities in our community.

Nordic Club

The Pagosa Nordic Club would like to thank all the generous volunteers that made our weekend Nordic Fest X-C Ski Races a success, and braved the winter weather setting up and conducting the race event, especially Dan and Gwen Bartley, Jennifer Martin, Doug Call, Bryan Sickbert, Nancy and Michael Ray, Richard Compton, Derek Farrah, Betsey Cotton, Larry Lynch, Dana Stone, Lindsey Kurt Mason, Norm French, Vallerie Moller and everyone else. Also, a big thank you to the Pagosa Springs Golf Course for allowing the use of the golf course for this year’s race events.

All the event participating racers had a wonderful experience and encouraged the Pagosa Nordic Club to continue this and all of our additional race events during the winter season.  All of your hard work and dedication is very much appreciated.

McCrudden

Epiphany pictures shot the feature film “Cowboys and Indians” during two weeks in Pagosa. Not only did the town itself provide the movie with beautiful mountains and idyllic spring views — the people of Pagosa did, too.

Producer Athena Lobit and director Ian McCrudden couldn’t have done it without the following people:  CJ and Neil at Quality Inn (the Quality Inn breakfast team of Angel and Margarita made each morning a glorious one), Stephanie Jones, Matt Poma, Matt Jones, Coy and Terry, Father Doug and Sally (wonderful times and dinners, both at church and elsewhere, provided by Jeff, Susan, Michaela, Diamond Dave and Animal), Laura at the Pagosa Center for the Arts, Upscale Resale and Dale Morris.

There were two children that came along with the movie and without the help of Lynne and Michael McCrudden we wouldn’t have been able to pull it off. And maybe Pagosa elementary saved you a little by allowing the boys to go to school for a bit while they were there?  Ms. Mayo and Ms. Moore — thank you! If we have forgotten to mention someone here, please forgive us. Better to forget on paper than in heart.

Who knows where the next adventure and movie will take place — but I do know that if the script calls for wonderful people and a beautiful town — Pagosa will get the call again.

Annica McCrudden

Halstead

The thunderous crash of the snow sliding off the roof of Casa de Los Arcos last week reminded me of the Housing Authority’s good fortune of having a new great roof. We are grateful for our shelter.

Thank you to our Colorado Division of Housing for the grant that provided the funding for the entire project. Thank you to Tracy Reynolds and Brad Ash of Reynolds and Associates for their pro bono engineering work. Thank you to Larry Walton, the Archuleta County procurement officer, who plodded through mountains of tedious regulations, to Robert Kern, the deputy county attorney who did the same. Yes, it is their job, but it was done in their evenings and weekends. Thank you to Durango Roofing for swiftly and efficiently building our excellent roof.

Lastly, thank you to Mark Young of At Your Disposal. Not only did he donate the two roll offs (huge refuse containers), he moved them many times at our convenience sometimes at 4 in the morning. Throughout the project, he fielded resident complaints and assisted them in non-related tasks, all with neverending patience and humor.

Jodi Halstead

PPSC

The Pagosa Pregnancy Support Center thanks its favorite local Penguin, Kevin Muirhead, and all of his generous sponsors for over $2,000 raised through Kevin’s participation in the Penguin Plunge.  It is because of you that we can continue to accomplish our mission to strengthen individuals and families by providing pregnancy testing and support, life-skills training, ultrasound, and abortion recovery, all in a caring and safe environment.

Turner

Pagosa Springs, a small town where you can dream big.

Last summer at cheerleading camp, Savanna Madden and I were chosen from 200 cheerleaders from Colorado and New Mexico. We had no idea there were scouts in the camp, so we were surprised when we were handed invitations to go to Orlando, Fla., to be at a Cottage Bowl game with 300 other lucky girls from over 40 states, all performing to a country superstar in the halftime show. Sounded too good to be true at the time, but a seed was planted and five months later with some guidance and lots of love and encouragement, we were there in Orlando — Disney World, Universal Studios and best of all, a star-studded halftime show. As promised, all our hard work had paid off. Dare to dream big, make a plan, stick to it, believe in yourself and the extended Pagosa family and you, too, can realize a dream. Both our mothers will never be the same (thanks, moms). An account at a local bank was set up by Ron and Valarie who love me dearly and Orlando was no longer a dream but a destination.

We would like to thank all the friends and extended family who helped us get to our 2013 goal. Bless you all. The Capital One College Bowl was nationally televised and there had to be 60 or 70 zillion people there. “Go Pagosa Pirates, we are Pagosa.” Thanks to all the businessmen and women in our town who shared our dream. We love you so much! Thanks to Jim, Jeff, Jim Smith and Co., Cindy and the ladies at both Rotary clubs, Brian Smith, FolkWest, Jester and so many other loving friends too numerous to list. All were right there in our hearts. Special thanks to Ron and Valarie who have always believed in me, and our moms, of course. Pagosa you rock!

Larissa Turner

Johnson

For the past month, I have been fortunate to be part of an extraordinary collection of people as I was cast and performed with The Vagina Monologues at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts. I was graced in being surrounded by Darcy, Sariah, Jenny, PJ, Sharina, Mara, Kendra and Laura. Thanks, Thingamajig, for producing the show. Thanks, Laura, for your direct and inspiring direction. Thanks, Kendra, for your sweetness and skills. Thanks, ladies, for your courage, heart, awe and love. Thanks, Pagosa, for your wonderful audiences, filled with laughter, tears and compassion. I will always remember.

Dale Johnson

The Den

Brrr and a special thank you to Eric Russell, assistant cook at the Silver Foxes Den-Cafe Fox.  Eric took the plunge into the ice cold San Juan River, raising $95 for Senior Services.  The money he raised will be used in support of the congregate meal program at Cafe Fox.  Perhaps next year we’ll have a single $1,000 donation that will make me jump in that river.  Thank you again, you rock.

Musetta Wollenweber

Heart Beat Ball

Many thanks to all who helped make the third annual Heartbeat Ball, a fund-raiser for the Pagosa Springs Medical Center, such a great success.  The crowds feasted on “foods from around the town” provided by 20 area restaurants and caterers, while being entertained by Tim Sullivan on acoustic guitar and Bob Hemenger on sax.  The auction had well over 100 items donated by our local retailers, restaurants and individuals.  These events cannot happen without the incredibile efforts of many.  Special thanks to our event chairs: Gloria Smith, decorations; Tracy Kirschstein, auction; Sue Seemann, volunteers; and Claire Bradshaw, marketing. Proceeds this year will support a new digital mammography machine.

Donations are ongoing and can be mailed payable to the Dr. Mary Foundation at the Pagosa Springs Medical Center at 95 S. Pagosa Blvd., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

Tari Woods

Buckley

Now that the dust we kicked up at Outlaw Snowdown Part Deux has settled, I wanted to say thanks to all of the people who helped make the event possible. This is a long list, and I’m sure I forgot important people, so apologies in advance.

My boyfriend, Chris Moeller. My mother, Muriel Buckley. My sister and brother-in-law, Nicole and Pete Macomber. My stellar site crew/support system, Annie Collins, Tony Demille, Eric Spors, Jessica Bartle, Clint Alley, Bob Buckley, Chris Pitcher, Barry the Blade, Ryan Price, Ty, Hal at A-1 and Don Ford at U Can Afford Landscaping, plus Katherine and Lincoln Frye, Mary Helen and Dave Cammack and Derek Lamoreaux.

A huge shout out to Ryan Malarsie, John Betka and the rest of A&L Coors, Litch Polich and his team at Breckenridge Distillery and Deep Eddy Vodka — thanks for the continued support.

Many thanks to Rosanne Haidorfer-Pitcher and Wolf Creek Ski Area, The Springs Resort, Joe Maloney, Becky Deitemeyer and Julie Fox from Kip’s Grill and Cantina, Todd and Kelly Stevens and Cameron Thompson from The Alley House/Farragos/The Backroom Wine Bar, Jeannie at Mountain Landing Guest Quarters, as well as Matt Yoksh from Pagosa Ski and Snowboard.

A big thank you goes out to Brooks Lindner, Chris Haas and Chris Rapp and Robin Davis

Thank you also to Joanne Irons and the Youth Center staff, the Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Pagosa Springs, the TTC, Healing Waters Resort and Spa and the Quality Resort.

I couldn’t have done it without volunteer help from Cathne Holt, Jacque Aragon and Jeremy Black, Steve and Ohea Graham, Melissa and Justin Brown, Mary and Lindsey Kurt-Mason, LeeAnn Skoglund, Alan and Kim Meinhausen, Lynne Zaremba and Doug Newald, Heidi Marcum and Christina Marquart, Lisa Oney, Diane Brown, Brittany Fisher, Joeseph Read, Ruth Read, Corey Coughlin, Matthew More, Thad Miller, Robert Bedtke, Sylvia Gallegos, Chris Hicklin, Jamie Saaranen and Carrie Kern.

And, finally, and most importantly, I’d like to thank my father, Jerry Buckley, who taught me at a young age that anything worth doing, is worth doing well.

Melissa Buckley

ACVAP

Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program (ACVAP) would like to thank Pagosa Springs for supporting and participating in our V-Day events. The One Billion Rising flash mob was a great success! About 100 people rose up in front of City Market and nearly 40 brave souls danced! Thank you to City Market for being such a good sport. We would also like to thank all who supported ACVAP through their ticket purchase to “The Vagina Monologues” and/or direct donation. The Survivors Art Exhibit will continue to run through February. Thank you to all of the artists and their courage in speaking out against violence.

We would also like to thank the people and businesses whose support made our V-Day events possible: Laura Moore and the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, Pagosa Springs Youth Center, Shane Lucero of San Juan Basin Health, DSP Pizza, Act II Dance Studio, Old West Press, A Window Between Worlds, The Pagosa SUN, Kari Eden, Jana Gill, Tanya Quinn, Christa Laos, the Ellsmore family, Pagosa Peaks Volleyball, PSHS cheerleaders, and Dee McPeek for making the signs and handouts.

ACVAP

Buckley

Thank you for all the beautiful flowers, thoughtful cards, e-mails and phone calls you sent us recently. And thank you for helping to create such a touching farewell to Jerry at Keyah Grande.  There are no words to express the love and support we are feeling and are so grateful for all our friends and family who lightened our load by all your acts of kindness this last weekend. Our family will always continue to hold Pagosa deep in our hearts no matter where we are.

Muriel, Melissa and Nikki

Bill and Barney Storm

Bob Buckley and family

Nurturing Center

The Pagosa Springs Nurturing Center is a proud recipient of a $5,000 grant that has been awarded to us by the El Pomar Foundation, based on the recommendations of its Southwest Regional Council. The grant is in recognition of the Pagosa Springs Nurturing Center’s continuing service to the people of Southwest Colorado. Thank you, El Pomar Foundation, and all of you who by supporting us, support the families and individuals whom we serve.

Liz Alley, director

Pagosa Springs Nurturing Center

Pierce

We were the luckiest people in Pagosa Springs on Feb. 10 and continue to be.

We extend our gratitude to Al Conyers who called and notified us that our home was on fire. He and Deb Bolhouse gave assistance during those first minutes — we are fortunate to have such caring neighbors. Detective Scott Maxwell was on the scene in moments, made sure we were safe and helped move vehicles away from the home. The Pagosa Springs Fire Department responded so quickly and we are grateful for their efforts, especially for all the volunteers who came to help us on a Sunday afternoon. Other law enforcement and emergency services personnel responded to the scene.

Natalie Woodruff thoughtfully notified our family members. We appreciate support from Mike Pierce, Jedidiah and Randi Everett, Ann Oldham and Terri House.

We are grateful to SourceGas, LPEA and PAWSD employees for responding to take care of utilities for us.

Thanks to Mary and Brad Pierce for a place to stay that night and to Bill Whittington and Carla Shaw of the Springs Resort, Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant and David Guilliams. Chris Hachenberg and Laura Daniels from Team Pagosa found us a house to move into quickly.

We are grateful to Linda Morrison and Debbie Lucero of Pagosa Insurance for providing assistance.

We know just how lucky we are to live where we do and appreciate all of the good wishes and support we have received from community members.

Buck and Shari Pierce

Rome

Thanks to everyone for the cards, flowers and gifts I received for my retirement from Rio Grande Savings and Loan Association. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness in making my transition to retirement easier. My thanks to Rio Grande Savings Association, my co-workers and customers for the past 27-plus years. It has been awesome!

Dee Rome

DeWitt

Thank you for your recent donation to the Vallecito Conservation and Sporting Association annual fund-raiser: True Value Store, Ski and Bow Rack and The Outfitter.

Don DeWitt

Empty Bowls

Team Empty Bowls would like to thank everyone that helped in this year’s Empty Bowls event:   Students, parents, family and community members in making ceramic bowls and mugs; businesses, teachers and families that made our soups and desserts; volunteers that helped set up, take down and clean up; auction items donated from local businesses and local potters. Thank you to the Pagosa Springs Elementary School for letting us host this year’s event and the support of the school district. Thank you to The SUN for putting our articles in, as well as pictures. Lastly, to everyone who came to the event to buy the bowls and to eat soup. The bowl is a reminder of all the “empty bowls” in our community. The money raised will go to our local food banks. We raised $5,000 this year. It was bigger and better this year.

Tessie Garcia, Karen Siclair and Joanne Irons