Gustafson

“Pippin” was a beautifully acted story and so much fun, with several actors back from their first year of college. It is amazing what happens when a certain type of person appears on a stage in front of an audience.

Thanks to everyone involved for bringing such pleasure to us.

Cindy Gustafson

Ives

I would like to send out a huge thank you to the Pagosa Mountain Morning Rotary Club and Citizens Bank for making the BBBS car wash a reality. Many members from the Rotary Club showed up and helped wash cars for hours. It was a very successful event for Jeffery and BBBS. This gave Jeffery a big boost towards raising money for his 2014 Europe Trip. Rotary members were amazing and very hard working. It is appreciated so much. Thank you.

Thank you to Kyle Cox for supporting BBBS with allowing us to use the parking lot of Citizens Bank uptown. You are both great supporters of BBBS and it is so greatly appreciated.

Maggie Ives

BBBS

David and Sam Cordray from Saddle Up Outfitters were kind enough to offer horseback riding to Big Brothers Big Sisters once again this year. This is the third year they have been generous with offering beautiful rides in the forest to the kids in the program. Bigs and littles alike really enjoy this activity and we are grateful to David and Sam for offering this amazing opportunity to go into the woods on horseback. Thank you so much Saddle Up Outfitters for giving back to the community.

Janowsky

On behalf of our wrestling club, I would like everyone who participated in the outdoor concert in Town Park with the High Rollers on June 29 to know how much we appreciate their contributions. I wish I could thank personally all the people who came out, bought concessions and baked goods, and many who made donations and just enjoyed being there. On a personal note, it was fun seeing old friends, people I have taught or coached and their parents, as well meeting new people, some who came out just to support the sport they participated in their youth. I wish I could have gotten around and thank everyone personally.

There are some people who should be recognized for their work in making it possible. They include Kip Strohecker for the use of his stage/trailer, Chris Gallegos and the town crew for many things, in particular helping us get light to the field, Jim Miller for his assistance and encouragement. Mike Alley’s help with electrical equipment was essential. It would not be possible without Mike Branch’s concessions or the High Rollers entertainment. The Pagosa SUN, KWUF, Pagosa Mountain Rotary, Tracy Schenk, the Chamber of Commerce, Alpine Portable Toilets, Boot Hill, Doors and More and Red Ryder Rodeo all contributed essential services. All donors, large and small are appreciated and I hope we can find a way to thank you. Apologies for any omissions on this list; there were many donors in many ways and it’s difficult to list you all.

This was actually the tenth year we have held this event, and some people come to mind who participated in the very first one, which was held at the Fairgrounds. They have helped get it started and should be thanked. They include Jody and Barbara Martinez, Dale and Deanna Hockett, Gene and Shonna Snow, Lanette and Terri Smith, Pat and Debbie Candelaria from Boot Hill, Bunk and Marsha Pruett from the Spa, and Andy Janowsky and Mike Canterbury, the original members of the High Rollers who have played at every event.

We are thankful to you all and hope you were rewarded for your participation with a good time.

Dan Janowsky

Rotary parade

It is with great pleasure that the Pagosa Springs Rotary Club thanks so many people for helping to make the Fourth of July Parade the success that it was.

Along with Rotarians, it takes a village to accomplish the parade. The Chamber of Commerce and The Pagosa SUN did an outstanding job of getting application forms to entrants. Our appreciation also goes to Will Speers and KWUF for obtaining the sound equipment and providing public service announcements prior to and coverage during the parade.

Safety is a major concern. Chief Rockensock and the Town of Pagosa Springs Police Department and the Mounted Rangers did a great job of redirecting traffic and manning crucial spots in and around the parade route. The Town Parks and Rec Department made sure traffic cones were in place, traffic information was given to businesses that would be affected and making available Port-A-Potties.

It was a pleasure to honor Warren Grams as the Grand Marshal for our 2013 parade. It seemed fitting that a retired fire chief was this year’s Grand Marshal, as three fires continue to cloud our skies. However, of the 20-plus nominations that were purposed to the Rotary membership, Warren was selected because of the difference he has made in our community and his devoted volunteerism. A special thank you goes to the Pagosa Springs Fire District for lending their vintage fire engine to escort Warren in the parade.

Our judges, who were visitors at Elk Meadows Campground and RV Park, did an outstanding job of judging entrants from six states. Lovely gift baskets for those judges were supplied by Brenda Eaves of Rainbow Gifts.

Karl Isberg and Mike Branch once again acted as the best announcers this side of the Rockies. Their humor and community insight is always priceless.

Day Lumber donated the use of the flatbed for the announcers’ and judge’s stand. Archuleta School District 50 Joint allowed us to use the high school parking lot as a staging area.

The ever-popular and gifted pilots of the San Juan Squadron, aka Pagosa Angels, wowed everyone on the ground with the two flyovers they did to start the parade. Please thank Jim Lane, Michael Arbuthnot, Dave Peart, Mike Entz, Tim Gallagher and Craig Taylor when you next see them.

Thank you all for helping us celebrate this year’s theme, “One Nation-Many Peoples: A Celebration of Diversity.” We thank you for taking the time to enter the parade on this very busy time of year and we thank all those who came out to applaud, cheer and otherwise encourage all the entries. What a small town celebration! See you next year.

JoAnn Laird

CUP

The executive board of Curtains Up Pagosa! offers heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers who gave hundreds of hours to assure our town of six outstanding performances of “Pippin” over the past two weeks. The cast, pit orchestra, tech workers, set designers, costumers, and many behind-the-scenes workers combined to bring audiences the best of Pagosa Springs artistic talent. We especially appreciate the support of The SUN, Old Town Market, our program advertisers and patrons, and our generous and faithful audiences. We are truly and humbly grateful.

Rivas

On June 22, I was honored with a birthday celebration I could not have anticipated.

I want to thank my seven children for all their work and efforts to make this event happen. I am honored and grateful for their efforts.

It was a joyous and happy night. To be blessed with the presence of 200-plus old and new friends and relations, some who traveled from far and wide to celebrate my 75th birthday with me.

Thank you for the numerous gifts and honors.

I want to thank our “family band,” Variety Express, for providing music that had the “youngest” to “oldest” dancing the night away.

I am a “blessed woman.”

Thank you, all.

Josie Rivas

Taylor

Dear Editor:

I write this letter sitting from a corner desk in the back office of Ponderosa Lumber. I have to leave this great and sweet town now; it is time for a new chapter in my and my kids’ lives. With that being said, I write this letter to all the  amazing contractors of Pagosa, aka “My Guys” (as well as the customers of whom I have grown so fond of). As I have sat here throughout the last few weeks and months, I have nothing but the greatest memories. You guys (and gals) have made every single day of coming to work an absolute blast. I have loved the fact that I got paid to come hang out with friends every day.  You are some of the greatest guys I have ever known.  I wish you all the absolute very best; I hope to keep in touch.  I have each of your numbers (memorized by heart), I just might call on occasion just to give you a hard time. Thank you again for all the great years and memories.

I love you all, My Guys!

Dolly Taylor

PPSC

Many thanks to all who made our second annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast a success.  Special appreciation goes to Immaculate Heart of Mary for the use of the Parish Hall and to the Knights of Columbus for their help in so many ways.  To the PPSC staff, volunteers and others who helped set up, sold tickets, cooked, served and helped with clean-up, we just say, “You can’t hire help this good!”  Thanks for all that you did to ensure a great time for the 300-plus folks who enjoyed a great breakfast.  You know who you are, and we want you to know how very much you are appreciated.

Board of directors, Pagosa Pregnancy Support Center

Peterson

I wish to sincerely express my heartfelt gratitude to the Pagosa Springs EMS, Pagosa Fire, Upper San Juan Health Services, Colorado State Patrol and all the wonderful folks who were there for me when I was involved in an unfortunate vehicle accident on July 10. Hands to hold and caring faces made all the difference. Neighbors and friends have been so generous checking on me. I will never forget this beautiful kindness.

Safe travels to everyone.

Lisa Peterson

Laos

I would love to thank my neighbor, Dolly Martin. She has taught me unconditional love and patience. She was always willing to help and to speak her truth. She loved her family, her extended family and her friends with conviction. My life has been changed since knowing her, and she will be missed by many. She has become a legacy of kindness and strength in my mind.

Christa Laos

Saaranen

So much more than socks …

I just wanted to take a few moments to express gratitude to a local business owner/supporter of our community. Karen Hoch, owner of The Outfitter, along with her husband, Bruce Hoch, decided to bless firefighters with socks, yes, socks! Such a simple gift, and yet this meant so much to our wildland firefighters who were working on all of the local fires this summer. Karen purposed to her customers via e-mail and through a sign for her customers in her store that for only $5 you could buy a quality pair of socks for one of the wildland firefighters. Not only was it a huge blessing to get a new pair of socks, but the gesture of kindness and thoughtfulness is something that this household will not soon forget. From a wife of one of those wildland firefighters, thank you.

Jamie Saaranen

Janowsky

I have the habit of leaving the latest issue of The SUN open to a picture or article I don’t want my family to miss. Last week, it was the editorial honoring Dr. Jim Pruitt for his thirty years of true “service” to this community. Phil and I are in complete agreement. Dr. Pruitt has been our physician since we moved here in 1993, and has earned our respect and trust. We especially appreciated his care of Phil’s father, who lived with us until his death at age 94, when he died while watching his beloved New York Yankees when we were at choir practice.

The care of a family has so many facets, and is a specialty like no other.  Our family wishes our doctor a happy retirement.

Mary Jo and Phil Janowsky

HSPS

The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs would like to extend a very big thank you to everyone who attended our animal shelter open house and the Bark Park dog park. We had a great time sharing food and pet stories and meeting the many dogs who brought their people to a truly fun event. Photos will be posted on the HSPS website and Facebook page, so watch for pictures of all the shelter and rescue alumni and their families. Thanks, too, to the many volunteers who helped our staff with the prep work, hot dog grilling, photo taking, shelter tours, and dog demonstrations that were all a part of the event.

We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to our local sponsors — Pagosa Feed and Nursery, Waggin’ Tails and Chow Down — who provided the wonderful prizes that were given away to our lucky drawing winners. A special thank you, too, to Pagosa Feed and Nursery for their donations of labor and product to help make the Bark Park a more pleasing place for dogs and people to play together.

Gustafson

I am still coming down from the high I felt while I enjoyed the Renaissance Festival. I felt that 2013 was the best yet and the success depended on the vendors, the many volunteers, and the unbelievably long hours and hard work of the Chamber warriors.

I would like to thank Janet of Sweets-N-Such (a whip) for making it work when 55 of the whips women were there for lunch. At their June get together, she did all of the cooking. Bill of On The Rocks has hosted recently, also what a great place.

I would also like to thank the people at Sunetha, Mark at the 911 center and USA Communications for letting us use the space in front of their businesses to set up tables, etc. and let all of us have such a good time.

Cindy Gustafson

Auxiliary

A heartfelt thank you on behalf of the Pagosa Fire Auxiliary and all the firefighters who will benefit from the donations that we have received in our current fund-raising drives.  Special thanks go to Pagosa churches: St. Patrick’s Episcopal, Centerpoint, United Community Methodist, Pagosa Bible, John Paul II Catholic, Restoration Fellowship, Our Savior Lutheran, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and First Assembly of God. Pagosa Businesses: City Market, The Rose Restaurant, Goodman’s, Old Country Store and The Malt Shoppe.

Please notice our “donation firefighter boots” at other churches and business in the following weeks.

We apologize for the movie fund-raiser cancellation due to an unfortunate failure of theater equipment.  This resulted in inconvenience and disappointment for many of you who were looking forward to two wonderful movies.

All proceeds will be used to pay for and equip the Rehab 1 response vehicle that will contain MREs, food, water, Gatorade, dry gloves and caps for firefighters during long deployments.  They will also provide a “Thank You” dinner for all the firefighters later in the year.

Bowshoot

Once again, the Mike Valdez Memorial Scholarship Bowshoot held July 20 was a wonderful success. We are so blessed to live in such a generous community. With the donations of merchants in this community and the surrounding area, all the volunteers who worked very hard, we will be able to continue helping students who want to go to college. Education was important to Mike, and we are happy we can help students in his name. We believe he is well pleased with the event. We appreciate the participants who continue to come and support us every year and all the newcomers as well. We consider them all family.

We would like to express our gratitude to all, and with special thanks to Dale and Deanna Hockett and family for donating their time and land to make this event possible.

Valdez, House and Garcia families

Seeds/GECKO

The Seeds Gone Wild With GECKO project and nature hike could not have been a success without the assistance and generosity of a few key groups: the Southwest Land Alliance, the Hershey Family and Alan Farrow at the Hershey Ranch. Also Brad and his team from downtown Subway. Finally, the parents, teachers and board of Seeds of Learning and the Seeds/GECKO organizing committee. Thank you.

Gustafson

We are forced to have many fund-raisers this year because funding has been removed in many cases. Thus, there are all sorts of auctions, silent and live.

And, guess who the heroes are — the wonderful businesses in our little town. It never ceases to amaze me how generous these people are and I know many organizations are so appreciative.

The auctions are the biggest money raisers in most cases.

Thanks to the generous businesses — it seems they are there when most needed.

Cindy Gustafson

GGP

While the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership raises the money to build a botanic greenhouse park for Pagosa, we’ve embraced our educational mission and produced the inaugural Colorado Environmental Film Festival Caravan. The Film Fest brought quality documentary films to our community and we appreciate the support of all who volunteered, viewed films and joined our discussions. Thank you to the following Pagosa merchants who helped us welcome film fans:

Liberty Theatre, Colorado Environmental Film Festival, Town of Pagosa Springs Tourism Committee, Back Room Wine Bar, Riff Raff Brewery, Lantern Dancer, Red Humpy Design, 2B Jewelry, Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, Pagosa Verde LLC, Southern Rockies Fire Science Network, Pagosa Ranger District–San Juan National Forest, Home Again, Overlook Hot Springs, Pagosa Outside, Hodge Podge, Rocky Mountain Knives, Satori, Memory Lane, Ski and Bow Rack, French Made Bakery, Goodman’s, Next Door Décor, Humane Society, Old Town Market, Wildflower, Joy’s Natural Foods, Plaza Grill, Pagosa Brewing Company, Two Chicks and a Hippie, Boss Hogg’s and Pagosa Peak Deli.

We appreciate your support.

Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership

Smith/High

To the Pagosa Springs Community:

The 2013 Pagosa Verde Symposium, “Colorado’s Moment,” focused on explaining the Pagosa Verde Model of non-consumptive, small-scale geothermal development in Colorado. Pagosa community members joined presenters from the World Bank, DOE, NREL and more to learn about the potential for sustainable economic growth. The symposium would not have been possible without support from the Pagosa community.

Thank you to the Town of Pagosa Springs, Region 9 Economic Development District, Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, Alley House Restaurant, Pagosa Baking Company, Nello’s Bistro, Growing Spaces, Springs Resort, Healing Waters, Quality Resort, Colorado State University Extension, Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership, Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation and the DJ Dude.

Thank you to all who contributed ideas, questions, experiences and good will. See you next time.

Jerry Smith and Sally High

I would like to thank publically Jann Pitcher for the beautiful obituary she wrote on Jack.  

The Pitchers and DeLanges have been friends for 30 years and had many happy times together.

Thank you again, my dear friend.

Lyn

Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County would like to give a very special thanks to the Care-A-Vanners who have been volunteering with us since June 3. We are so grateful for your time and talents, your caring hearts and your gentle hands. During the past two weeks, we have completed three Neighbors Helping Neighbors Home Repair projects for three low-income partners. We would also like to thank the Mountain View Homemakers and Pope John Paul II Catholic Church for providing the delicious lunches for all of the volunteers during the past two weeks. If you would like to learn more about Habitat, call us at 264-6960.

Friends

The Friends of the Library wants to thank so many people in our community for helping make our annual book sale a success. Centerpoint Church was a wonderful location for our sale and we look forward to having our 2014 sale there. Pat Buckley drove the truck, generously loaned by Lee Riley. The volunteer firefighters loaded and unloaded all the books for the sale. Volunteers from the Friends group, and two local book clubs helped with the potluck supper and with setting up hundreds of boxes of books and packing up at the end of the sale. Rotary Club members and the Humane Society folks took the remaining books away for us. Centerpoint Church members were there to help with putting the sale area back in order. The SUN, as always, was a generous supporter of our event. And, finally, thanks to all who attended the sale and helped us raise over $5,000 for our Ruby Sisson Library.

Wilson

I would like to thank the Big Brothers Big Sisters for the wonderful, enchanted evening last Wednesday night. The Gourmet Jubilee was held at Nello’s Restaurant with four chefs giving their time and expertise in preparing a five-course gourmet dinner. The four chefs are from Durango, Chama and Pagosa. Each chef would exit the kitchen when his particular dish was being served and would explain his special way of preparing it with different herbs and spices that would enhance each bite. Besides the chefs, there were different wines that would complement each dish and everything in between. The wine sommelier would introduce each bottle of wine that was being poured and tell its history from where the grapes were grown, the wine made and bottled, etc. We were told from the beginning that most of the food, produce and a lot of the herbs were all purchased from local farms and that all the money that was exchanged would stay here in Archuleta County. The gourmet dinner was very elegant, to say the very least, and I hope this will be an annual event. My husband, Wayne, and I truly enjoyed the evening.

Donna Wilson

Medina 

We would like to send out a big thank you to everyone who called, sent cards, sent flowers and brought food in our time of sorrow. We especially want to say thank you for all the love and support you gave to the family — that’s what gave us strength and hope.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

The Medina family

PSES

Thank you to all of the local merchants and churches who joined the Community United Methodist Church, Rio Grande Savings and Loan, and Pagosa Human Services in gathering much needed school supplies. We feel so fortunate to live in a community where our children are so well supported.

Pagosa Springs Elementary School

Schuchardt 

Pagosa Springs has an amazing group of girls — the Pirate cheerleaders.  For six years now, Pirate JV and varsity cheerleaders, along with their wonderful sponsor Mable Barber, have volunteered their time at the Humane Society’s Auction for the Animals.  Each year, they serve as silent auction monitors and do a fantastic job of roaming the crowd serving hors d’oeuvres to over 300 auction attendees.  This year, they went above and beyond the call of duty and stayed for the entire auction, volunteering their time on a Friday night to also serve as live auction runners and item distributors in the back room.  We truly could not have done our checkout system without them.  For the first time, the live auction had a Pirate Spirit Basket thanks to the Sports Booster Club for spirit items and Sean O’Donnell, PSHS Athletic Director, for the donation of a family season pass to all home games.  To honor the six years of service from the cheerleaders, the audience was told that the Pirate cheerleaders would receive half of what that basket sold for, and the girls then did a spirit-filled cheer to get the momentum started.  The basket sold for a whopping $1,250, so the Pirate cheer program will receive $625 from the Humane Society to be used, as needed, to support the program.  Thanks again, girls, you did a great job.

Siri Schuchardt

Aragon

Sending many thanks and appreciation to all that came out to support the sixth annual Patty Aragon Green Chile Classic. This event would not be possible without the numerous volunteers, sponsors, and friends and family.

A special thanks to: Manzanares, Faculty X, Los Mitotitos, Cory Warden and family, Stacey Lewis and family, Cafe Colorado, Farrago Market, The Overlook Hot Springs, Healing Waters Resort and Spa, The Pagosa Springs Dining Guide, The Springs Resort and Spa, Pagosa.com, Kip’s, Pagosa Outside, Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures, Mountain Eye Care, Sugar High, KWUF, The Pagosa Springs SUN, The Loft at the Metropolitan Hotel, Jeremy and Patty Black, Jeff Laydon, Danny and Nettie Wood, Kirsten Le Roux, Nicki Alley, Morgan Murri, Gecko, Don and Linda Pederson, The Pagosa Springs Youth Center and Riff Raff. And all the numerous friends and family that served chile. Thank you to all the green chile chefs for entering the contest. Muchas Gracias to our judges Matt Yoksh, Jim Pederson and Karen White-Pargin. Please forgive me if I forgot anyone.

Jacque Aragon

Leist

I would like to thank our parishioners from all the churches involved for their kind donations, gifts and works that contributed to the success in our annual Back to School Supplies Drive for our kids. Thank you all for giving our Pagosa kids a wonderful head start for a successful 2013-2014 school year.

We also sincerely thank the following churches and businesses: Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Centerpoint Church, Church of Christ, Restoration Fellowship, Grace Evangelical Free Church, Community United Methodist Church, Pagosa Bible Church, First Assembly of God Free Church, Amazing Grace, Alco Discount Store, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Rainbow Gifts, City Market, Women Helping in Pagosa Springs (WHIPS) and the Human Services organization.

Mercedes Leist

Lomasny

Surely, we are just one of a multitude who have experienced the life-saving techniques of our Pagosa Springs Medical Center. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the personnel of the emergency room there for not allowing my husband to slip away this week.

Special thanks to Drs. Galloway and Gruver for their heroic efforts and to all the team there for their T.L.C.

Kudos to Brad Cochennet for putting together such a team.

Jane Lomasny

GECKO

Thank you to the many fantastic volunteers that so generously gave up their time to assist GECKO in presenting the Mountain Chile Cha Cha on Saturday. So much effort and collaboration went into making it a success. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the local businesses who supported the event with in-kind and sponsorship donations, including Coors, Kip’s Grill, Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures, Chavolo’s, KWUF, Southwest Land Alliance, Pagosa Baking Company, Riff Raff Brewing Co., Farrago’s, Healing Waters, Colorado Cafe, Re.Sport, Overlook Hot Springs, Quality Resort, Mountain Landing, Mountain Home Sound & Security, The Hub Bike Shop, Higher Grounds, Pagosa Chamber of Commerce, Parelli’s, City Market and many more. To the extraordinary Green Chile Cookoff and Margarita Contest coordinators Jacque Aragon and Karin Kohake — much appreciated, ladies, you are wonderful. Finally, to the Reservoir River Ranch, the Levine property, for allowing us access to their land for our trail run. We are so grateful to each and every one for their assistance.

Kirsten Le Roux

Bivens

Upper San Juan Search and Rescue would like to thank all our sponsors for their support of our second annual Orienteering/Rogaine fund-raising event that was held Aug. 17.

Search and Rescue in Archuleta County is an all-volunteer organization that does not receive funding from any source, other than donations, grants and our fund-raiser. Sponsorship of our annual fund-raiser is one of the few ways we receive money to purchase rescue equipment and train our members. This benefits the whole community, not only locals, but also the many hunters and tourists that come to our area. Without these sponsors, our capabilities to find and rescue those who are lost, injured or sick in the backcountry would be greatly diminished.

A big thank you to all these sponsors for your support of Search and Rescue in Archuleta County. We hope that the whole community will support these businesses as they are supporting our community: Silverpick Contracting, A Body of Art, Backcountry Experience, Gardenswartz Outdoors, Spectrum Construction, San Juan Dental Hygiene, Ponderosa Lumber, Stockton Gas, Citizens Bank of Pagosa Springs, Devo Capital, Couture Financial Inc., Colorado Wood Werks, The Hub, Terry’s Ace Hardware, Wyndham, Chow Down Pet Supplies, The Outfitter, and Gary and Kathleen Economy.

Les Bivens

Kohake

This past weekend, the Mountain Chili Cha Cha Festival was held in Town Park. One piece of the festival was a Margarita Contest to benefit the GECKO Scholarship fund. On behalf of the entire GECKO organization, we would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the businesses and volunteers who made this contest possible — we raised almost $1,000 and could not have done it without you. Thank you to the local vendors who supplied their special blend of margaritas: Boss Hogg’s, Chavolo’s, DSP Pizzeria, Kip’s Grill, Nello’s, On the Rocks, Pagosa Brewing Company and The View. Thank you to the volunteers who provided many hours of their time as well as their smiles: Sandy Kobrock, Mark Mueller, Andrew Kohake, Lana Jorgenson and Juanalee Park. A smashing success!

Karin Kohake

In a Card of Thanks printed in the Aug. 29 issue of The SUN, the Pagosa Unitarian Universalist Church was inadvertently omitted as a contributor to the Back to School Supplies Drive.

Martinez

Hi everyone:

My family and I are grateful for the support and well wishes during the time of my accident and recovery. We are overwhelmed by all the prayers, messages, donations and gifts I have received.

A very special thank you to all.

Michael Martinez

Shootists

The San Juan Shootists Cowboy Fast Draw club held the 2013 Cowboy Fast Draw Colorado State Championship during this year’s Archuleta County Fair for the second consecutive year. We want to thank everyone who came out and visited the fair and watched our event as well as our competitors and our out of town visitors. It was a rousing success!

We are already planning a bigger and betted event for next year which will include the Cowboy Fast Draw Four Corners Territorial Championship. It will be the first time this championship event has been held in Colorado.

We want to say a big thank you to our local partners. Without them our event would not have happened: the Archuleta County Fair Board, the Town Tourism Committee, Eagle Mountain Mercantile, Goodman’s Department Store, Bank of Colorado and RE/Max Eagle’s Nest Realtors

And thanks to all of the San Juan Shootists club members and others who volunteered their talents and time to make the 2013 State Championship a huge success.

Jacobson

It takes many people to put the fair rodeo together and we cannot express how thankful we are for all of those who sponsor, donate and volunteer. A huge thanks to those who donated: Twine Regester (cattle); JR Ford (sheep); Rio Blanco Backflows (feed for livestock). To the Scott family, Shahan family, Lucero family and Rosenbaum family for use of various rodeo equipment. Bringing back a long standing tradition, Donnie Shahan passed out dollar bills to our young rough stock riders and we are very appreciative of his time. Big thanks to our sponsors: Healing Waters Resort and Spa, Bruce Spruce Ranch, Rocking 3 DB Ranch, McGuire Insurance Group, Kip’s Grill and Cantina, Dr. King Campbell and Scott Strategic Investments. Our volunteers make all the difference: Bobby Bliss, Ryan Montroy, Rex Foust, Braxton Regester, Larkin DeYapp, Cassidy DeYapp, Cody Snow, Travis Stahr, Alvin Schaaf, Diane Condon, Todd and Janice Condon, and Lea Leggitt. Thank you to Keira Torrez, Fair Junior Princess, for awarding our sheep riders, and to her lovely assistant, Fair Board President Sarah Martin. If there are any of you whom we missed, you are not forgotten; we value everyone’s help and thank you as well. See ya’ll next year!

Becky and Keith Jacobson

Milioto

A big thank you to our neighbors on Escobar Avenue that helped us look for our precious pet for almost two hours Thursday night, Aug. 29.

We knew that we had wonderful neighbors, but you really do find out how true it is when all are out with flashlights looking for a black cat on a dark night.

You know who you are and we will never forget this.

P.S. Spooky was found.

Greg, Trish, Jordyn and Spooky Milioto

FolkWest 

The board of directors of FolkWest would like to thank each and every one of the volunteers, musicians, sponsors, donors, vendors, patrons and contractors who helped make the 18th annual Four Corners Folk Festival such a huge success. Additionally, we couldn’t have done the event without support from the Town of Pagosa Springs, Pagosa Springs Medical Center and the Upper San Juan Health Services District, the Pagosa Springs SUN, The Pagosa Springs Parks and Recreation Department, Archuleta County, the Pagosa Springs Police Department and the Pagosa Fire Protection District. On behalf of festival participants, which this year represented 37 states and four countries, thank you!

Bolos

The Bolos Family would like to extend thier feelings of gratitude to our friends and community for your thoughts, prayers, your gifts and support. All of these kind gestures made it easier to get through this difficult time. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Triathlon

A sincere thank you from the GECKO team to everyone that made Sunday’s inaugural off-road triathlon in Pagosa Springs possible. Special mention to the management and staff at PLPOA and PAWSD as well as the Forest Service for their cooperation and assistance throughout. Also, our many loyal and tireless GECKO volunteers who helped in planning, organizing and managing the event, and for being great ambassadors for Pagosa Springs to so many out-of-town athletes. In addition, our thanks to Tre Metzler of American West Fabrication for the Transition Bike Racks, Scott Slind of Re.Sport for donating and making the winner trophies, and to Tessie Garcia, Pagosa Springs Elementary School, for the Adobe finisher and age grouper medallions. Lastly, our local sponsors whom we couldn’t do these events without: The Hub Bike Shop, Quality Resort, Mountain Home Sound and Security, Southwest Land Alliance, Pagosa Baking Company, KWUF, The Pagosa Springs SUN, Coors, Higher Grounds Coffee and Re.Sport.

CUP

Curtains Up Pagosa! would like to thank Bill Stine for his service and guidance to our board, volunteers, performers, musicians, students and everyone else he met along the way.  Bill worked as CUP president and chief volunteer for most of the past two years, helping us take our biggest “next steps” in the growth of the almost 25-year community theater/performing arts education/mentoring group. Bill helped the group focus with understanding our mission statement:  “Strengthening Pagosa’s youth through the performing arts and volunteer adult mentorship.”  He also encouraged a name change from “Pagosa Springs Music Boosters” to “Curtains Up Pagosa!” in order to more accurately reflect the broad expanse of services we offer and the changes we have made over the years.  We will miss you, Bill, applaud you on your new adventure, and wait to welcome you back on your return.

The Board of Directors of the Pagosa Pregnancy Support Center would like to thank everyone who made the 2013 annual fund-raising banquet “Seeds of Life” a success. A special thanks to the Guardians and Defenders of Life Underwriters: Roger and Kathy Betts, Kelly Miller with Area Best Heating and Air, Pat and Nancy Artis with Performance Associates, Mike and Lauri Heraty with The Source.

In addition, a thank you to the Supporters and Friends of Life: Nathan Thomas and Tara Hughes with Cornerstone Accounting, Dr. Gerlinde Ehni, DDS, Darren Ellsmore with Fastwax.com, Harold Kelley with Highland West Investments, Jim and Nancy Sanders, Ray and Nancy Bush with RMB Commercial Cleaning, Beverly Haynes, Paul and Carla Bauer with Bauer Electric, Connie Ford, Scott and Gennette Erickson with Ears 2 U, Gordon and Cathy Graves, Rusty and Teresa Hector, Daniel and Tyra Rocca with Making Things New, Our Savior Lutheran Church, George Muirhead with Weminuche Drafting, numerous anonymous donors and Wayne Wilson with Wilson, Rea, Beckel and Associates.

The Pagosa Pregnancy Support Center is also thankful to: Subway East for providing meals for the children and babysitters; Centerpoint Church for the use of their facility, along with the expertise and assistance of their staff; Patsy Adkisson and LaQuita Johnson for donating the evening’s wonderful decor, Heather Rose and Jessica Carr for videography, Katie Vining for creating the evening’s programs, and the volunteers who gave of their time and talent to make the banquet a success. In particular, Summit Ministries provided many college-age students to serve as wait staff.

Thank you to all who attended to help make this evening a wonderful success.

United Way of Southwest Colorado in Archuleta County thanks FolkWest for your generous contribution to our 2013 campaign. Thank you to all of you music lovers who donated tips at the Four Corners Folk Festival beer garden this year. Your generosity directly impacts people here in Archuleta County. On behalf of United Way’s non-profit partner agencies, thank you.

This past Saturday, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado held a miniature golf tournament at Bogey’s Golf, BBQ and Blues. John was very kind to allow us to play for free and enjoy a nice afternoon of healthy competition. The staff was very nice and helpful. We truly appreciate the support from the community. Many of the children in the program attended. It was a great way to spend a Saturday. Thank you, Bogey’s.

A big thank you to all who braved the chilly early mornings to assist GECKO in presenting Devil Mountain Ultra and Demons of Dust Race series over the weekend. We have received wonderful feedback for all our volunteers who made the weekend fun and safe for our visiting runners. We appreciate your time and your friendliness. Thanks go to other service organizations that collaborated with us including the Kiwanis Club of Pagosa Springs cooking our delicious meals, SARS for their safety team on course, Pagosa Trails Council (PATC) and Pagosa Trail Riders (ATV) who manned aid stations, San Juan Back Country Horsemen for on-course support and the U.S. Forest Service for their coordination with us out on the trails. Also a heartfelt thank you to the local businesses who gave us in-kind support, including Coors, Southwest Land Alliance, Pagosa Baking Company, Nello’s Bistro, The Pagosa Springs SUN, Re.Sport, Quality Resort, Mountain Landing, Mountain Home Sound and Security, KWUF, The Hub Bike Shop, Higher Grounds Coffee and many more.  We are so grateful to each and every one for their assistance. 

Team GECKO

The Skaters Coalition for Concrete would like to thank the volunteers that came out for last Saturday’s work day at the skate park — Chris and Janzen Rapp; Jon, Ivy, Ryder and Bodhi King; Derek, Bradley and Logan Lamoreaux; Tom Carosello, Brian Rey, Chandler Humphrey, Jerry Hilsabeck, Joe Weber, Alyson Guimond, Brian and Alec Fulbright.

Dance

The Ross Aragon Community Center would like to thank all the nonprofits that helped sell tickets to the Dance to Make a Difference: Veterans for Veterans, Archuleta County Seniors, Justice Ministries, Pagosa Springs Head Start Program, Archuleta County Crime Stoppers and Hospice of Mercy. Also, thanks to KWUF radio for the sponsorship for advertising. Thanks to everyone who helped set up and take down this event: Jack and Diana Litt, Ed and Beverly Chester, Heidi Martinez, April and Mason Hessman, Sherryl Egy and Mike Hayward. What a great event you all made happen.

4-H

Members of Archuleta County 4-H celebrated their success at the 2013 Achievement Night on Sept.14 . We were fortunate enough to celebrate at The Springs Resort, which sponsored the event and provided a space to hold the ceremony. A huge thank you to the staff at The Springs Resort; their courteousness and smiling faces made something ordinary, for the kids, become extraordinary. We had a great time. Thank you to Donnie and Fern Shahan for sponsoring the Daily Rate of Gain awards. We would also like to thank all the parents, grandparents and family members who support these kids year round and help them with their success. These kids put in many hours of hard work and determination, so a big thank you goes to to them.

PSHS science

The Pagosa Springs High School science department would like express our gratitude for a generous donation from the board of directors of the Archuleta County Education Center on behalf of an anonymous donor who specified supporting the STEM initiatives. The money was used to purchase scientific equipment and labware to update and improve our laboratory capabilities.  A special thanks to David and Jean Smith for helping inventory and identify equipment needs.

Young

Feel the love, Pagosa.

My name is Bruce Young, a native resident of Colorado. I moved to Pagosa in 2001 from Buena Vista, Colo. In 2006, I started Four Corners Backflow Testers Company (testing and repairing valves that protect our drinking water).

The love and respect that I received from the community was overwhelming and exhilarating.

In January 2011, I was diagnosed with cancer and had to close my business to concentrate on my health. As I start battle No. 3, I would like everyone to know how appreciative I am.

The Lord God blessed me by allowing me to move to Pagosa Springs and be part of your community (family). From day one, you have shown me love in some kind of way or another (a smile, laugh, job, ride, hugs, conversation and prayer) and the list goes on.

I especially want to thank you, Pagosa, for the love you have given to me during this fight for life.

I feel the love!

Bruce Young

Greco

The American Red Cross has served the people of Colorado for nearly 100 years. Our tradition of service has been driven by outstanding volunteers and employees who have always put the needs of the community first.

I have been privileged to work with many of those disaster responders and have seen firsthand their compassion and dedication. While the faces change over the years, the service provided by your American Red Cross has remained solid and secure.

One face that has been part of southwest Colorado for many years will be leaving the community to start a new chapter in her life in Wyoming. Cindi Shank has been the face of the Red Cross in southwest Colorado since 2007. She first served as the Chapter Disaster Coordinator and then, in 2008, became the Executive Director for the Southwest Colorado Chapter. Cindi has rallied volunteers in support of the community and rallied the community in support of the Red Cross. She will leave behind a legacy of service and compassion.

As the chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Colorado, I want to personally thank Cindi for all that she has done for the Southwest Colorado Chapter and for the people of southwest Colorado. The search for a replacement has already begun and, while it may take some time to find the right person for this important position, know that your Southwest Colorado Chapter will continue to provide the high level of service you have come to expect.

Thank you, Cindi, for all the things you have done for the Red Cross and for southwest Colorado. We wish you the best in all your new adventures.

Gino Greco

Walker

I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all my friends and the helpful strangers who assisted in the search for my German Shepherd, Harrah. Thank you to the Humane Society, the San Juan Veterinary staff, KWUF, and all those who put the word out and contacted me with tips. And to Miles, a very special thank you, as I know it was as hard for you to call me about her fate as it was for me to receive the call. But please know how much I appreciate the effort you made. Thanks also to Mike Pierce and The Pagosa Springs SUN staff who went above and beyond with their assistance, as well as to Terri House, whose compassion and generosity moved me to tears. I will always appreciate and never forget the care and concern this community can demonstrate.

Sandra Walker

PACP

The Pagosa Arts and Culture Project board of directors would like to thank the generous sponsors who helped make the first Pagosa MAKERS Expo and Tour such a roaring success: Ross and Sonya Aragon, Mike and Leslie Bernard, Marti Bledsoe, Bob and Robin Brobst, Dick and Judy Robbins, SandAppleArt, Keely Whittington, Paula Miller and Lowell Wiles, 1st Southwest Bank, Art and Framing Center, Citizens Bank of Pagosa Springs, Blue Frog Commercial Arts, Riff Raff Brewing Co., Bank of Colorado, DSP Pizzeria, Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, Pagosa Brewing, SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts, The Lindblad Group, Karl Isberg, Leanne Goebel, Red Dog Ridge, The Pagosa Springs SUN, A Body of Art, Alley House Grille, Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, Pagosa Springs Town Tourism Committee, Mark Weiler and Parelli Natural Horsemanship and King Campbell, DDS. Your generosity helped us shine a light on the creative entrepreneurs and innovative businesses and individuals who make things in Pagosa Springs. To our advertisers, thank you for helping us present a gorgeous, full-color program to the world: Growing Spaces, Kathleen and Anthony Steventon, Sandy Applegate, Red Dog Ridge, A Body of Art, Pagosa Brewing and Grill, Parelli, Belvedere Art Tile, Stag King Art, Pagosa Baking Company, Making Things New, Carol Cooke and The Goodnight Trail Gallery, Making Sense of Websites, Art and Framing Center, Cherry Cement Salon, Marti Bledsoe, I Want Jewelry, The Hub, Andie’s Undies, White Rabbit Studio, Incredible Pagosa Vacation Rentals, King Campbell, DDS and Anne Campbell Studio.

We are also grateful to our volunteers: Dick and Judy Robbins, Janice and Todd Condon, Polly and Bob McLaughlin, Megan Riddle, Lisa Kelly, Sandy and John Applegate, Susan Martin Serra, Bonnie Masters, Phyl Daleske, Annie Jacobi, Sherry Phillips, Robin Brobst, King and Anne Campbell, Bernard Reinhardt, Christa Laos, Gary Friedrich, Teresa Foster, Susanne Russell, Ann Bubb, Jeanne Sinkey, Natalie Carpenter, Ana Garcia, Kristen LeRoux, Charlie Jacobi, Clay Vyzralek, Mary Walls, Michele White, Teresa Foster, Gail Hershey, Carolle Hunt, Patsy Lindblad and anyone else who may have helped and we happened to forget.

School district

Archuleta School District would like to thank the Quality Inn and Resorts for donating meeting space for our Community Advisory Council to explore the possibility of a School Based Health Center. Also to The View for catering the delicious lunch.

Queen family

In appreciation of all your prayers, concerns, love and support.

The family of Tanya Queen wishes you life, laughter, surprise, the ability to smile in the face of adversity and the capacity to love without reason, fear or anger, but with the faith of one who truly believes. May you be blessed and thank you.