Youth ranch

All of us at Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the generous sponsors who helped make our first Wild West and Pumpkin Patch a success: Pagosa Feed and Nursery, Alley House, Farrago’s, Earth Sense, 2 Chicks and a Hippie, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Lantern Dancer, Royal Academy, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Terry’s Ace Hardware, Ponderosa, Mel Bartel, The Buck Stops Here, Smokin’ Blue BBQ, Southwest Ag, Phyllis Clarke, Something 4U2 online, Cold Springs Ice and Water Co., Martie’s Mercantile, North Pagosa Shell Station, Centerpoint Church, Pagosa Office Supply, Don and Vickie Fahrenkrug, Steve Schmiesing, Shane and Ellen Tuller, Brian Smith, Ron Sutcliffe, Micki Kalloran, Charlie Brannon, Lincoln Fry, Skip Thomas, Dennis Kleckner, Nancy Smith, Cathy McIver and Kim Hartfiel.

We also send a big thank you to our volunteers: Steve Schmiesing and Nancy Williams, Kim Hartfiel, Don and Vickie Fahrenkrug, Wendy Bramble, Jack Searle, Jerry Van Stroh, Adam Reill, Jacques and Elaine Grant, Ken Bowles, Lezlie White, Kassy Cundiff, Meg Dunn, Thomas and Marie Pacheco, Josh Maez, Joaquin Maez, William Mevis, Drew Feinhals, Jennifer Graeber, Leslie Peterson, Benjamin Shiflett, Catfish Guthrie, Bailey Bliss and Isabella Guthrie.

The day would not have been complete without our young outlaws and pioneer girls: DeAngelo Guthrie, Levi Guthrie, Yasmine Guthrie, Elijah Guthrie, Stephanie Bramble, Samaya Dunn de Pulido, River, Lexi Schmiesing, Sophia Raymond and Skyler McIver.

A huge thank you to all who participated, donated or supported us in this endeavor, including any who may have been accidentally forgotten in this list. You are much appreciated.

Schnell

I personally would like to thank all my helpers and cheerleaders for their support and hard work at the bake sale on Saturday, Nov. 2: Mary Webb, Peggy Case, Kelly Chiado, Mercedes Leist, Sandra Behr, Pam Schwicker, Gwen Bartley, Debby Newman, Cheryl Moor, Maxine Everaert. We sold all the goodies.

And, also, a big thank you to all the ladies who baked all the cakes, bread and the many different cookies. Without you, there would not have been a bake sale.

Thank you to the many customers for purchasing everything.

Elspeth “Liz” Schnell

Center

The Ross Aragon Community Center staff would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers at this year’s Halloween Carnival: Jackie Schick, Kathy Landsdale, Stan Church, Lorrie Church, Heidi Moller, Diana Baird, Melanie Morgan, Ernie Garcia, Dennis Ford, Cindy Gustafson, Clair Skaggs, Linda Kushner, Diana Milan, Josie Hummel, Stephanie Gutierrez, Rosa Gutierrez, Alondra Hernandez, Kyrah Salas, Brigitta Gyorti, Bobby Chubboy, Greta Chubboy, Juan Chavez, Jim Plant, Maureen Munro, Dave Pettus, Barbara Asprey, Jack Harker, Austin Harker, Daniell Decker, Kaylee Su, Kiera Su, Karl Hujus, Bradly Ward, Theresa Lucero, Mona Gonzalez, Masion Hessman, Kori Mogensen, Cheryle Parsons, Denise Reberson, Nicholas Reberson, Robert Reberson, Kelley Robertson, April Rivas and Courtney Swan.

We would also like to thank everyone who donated candy for this year’s event: Bank of Colorado, Citizens Bank, Bank of the San Juans, Rio Grande Savings and Loan, Candace Dzielak, Bill Rockensock, Pat Vermilyea, Brigitta Gyorti, Bobby and Greta Chubboy, Jynn Groshans, Jim’s Lock and Key, Mary Tretter, Stan and Lorrie Church, Duplicate Bridge Group, Scrapbooking Group, Steve and Anja Potter, Centurylink, Cathy Locio, Gary and Kathy Landsdale, Alco, Goodman’s, Abba Eye Care, Kim Moore, Charlene Smith, Fran Brown, Jack and Claudia Rosenbaum, Cheryl Moore, Claire Skaggs, Janis Davis, Nancy Sheppard, Kaden Haris, Alley House, David Mitchem, Kurt Raymond and all the anonymous donators. Without the help and donations, this event wouldn’t have been possible.

Expo & Tour

Regretfully, the Pagosa Arts and Culture Project forgot to thank Mountain Eye Care for the advertising support of the Pagosa MAKERS Expo & Tour. Thank you.

Rec center friends

Harry Roth, this is a heartfelt thank you note for all the smiles, kindness and help you gave us throughout your many years of service at the Pagosa Lakes Recreation Center. We have now named an exercise in your honor called the “Harry Hug.”

You are missed.

Water aerobic crew

Gallegos

The Gallegos family would like to thank family, friends and neighbors for their support during our time of loss, Father Don and Father Leo, the Guadalupanas, Knights of Columbus, and the Penitente Brothers for their service at vigils and funerals, and the staff at Pine Ridge Nursing Home for the care and comfort they provided Ben and Gertrude late in their lives.

Ben and Lupita Gallegos

Gustafson

Thank you SUN for introducing us to some of the many veterans we have in this area. I have given Ron a small reminder of what takes place when these veterans do their thing — it says, “Land of the free, because of the brave.”

DJ Dusty was so proud of his father who had served in the military. I was wondering how many of you know Tammy, Ronnie or Heather? In record time, they planned a fund-raiser to help Dusty’s family with travel expenses, etc. Thanks to those who provided music (Jack Ellis, Variety Express and the High Rollers who came from Durango, and there were others) who brought food and who bid on the silent auction items. The fund-raiser was a success.

BBBS

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado would like to thank Happy Trails and the ladies of WHO, Maria MacNamee, LaQuita Johnson and Sharee Grazda, for hosting Fashion’s Night Out. They chose BBBS as one of the charities that was benefitted by this event and it was a great success. LaQuita did an amazing job transforming the community center into a beautiful setting for the gorgeous clothes that Maria showcased at the event. It was a wonderful night for all ladies who attended. BBBS appreciates the generosity and hard work of Maria, Sharee and LaQuita. The children of BBBS greatly appreciate all your efforts.

Americana Project

The Americana Project would like to thank the following people for helping us make the KJ Denhert concert a success: High Country Lodge, Riff Raff Brewing Company, The SUN, Kip’s, Farrago’s, The Springs Resort and Christine Funk. A special thanks goes out to Mr. David Hamilton and the school board for all their support.

Zellner

The wife and I were treated to a wonderful evening while attending Pagosa Springs High School’s annual fall concert. We enjoyed the wonderful sounds that came from these students. A 12-piece jazz band was followed by a beautiful choir, and then a 30-plus-piece orchestra. The talent was abundant and very entertaining.  Some jazz, a little Broadway and some great classical pieces charmed our ears for the evening.  We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and left impressed with the future of music in Pagosa. Kudos to Dan Burch, who has done a marvelous job with these young people. His arrangements and the obviously inspired students are a credit to his efforts. I understand there will be another program for the holidays. We’ll be looking forward to it. Thank you, students and Mr. Burch.

Frank Zellner

Veterans for Veterans

The Veterans for Veterans of Archuleta County would like to thank all those who stopped by The Buck Stops Here to talk with our members, learn what we do and how we help/assist veterans in need. We would like to thank all the generous people who gave us donations to continue to help veterans in need. We are coming into the winter months, where our help/support requests increase significantly and these donations will make a difference. We would like to give a big thank you to Bernie Schuchart, owner of The Buck Stops Here, for letting us use his parking area for this effort. It was a huge success, mainly due to the great exposure this location provides. In addition to all those who gave generous donations, we were able to connect with a number of veterans in the area, who were not aware of our group and the support/help that we provide. Some of these veterans became members and have expressed a desire to help other veterans in need.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention all those businesses that so graciously display one of our stickers in their windows, offering discounts to our veterans. This is greatly appreciated and we encourage our veterans to use/visit the businesses that support veterans.

The Veterans for Veterans of Archuleta County meet weekly at the Quality Resort on the west end of town every Tuesday at 10 a.m. We are a local non-profit organization developed to meet the needs of local veterans, including financial assistance, help during a move, transportation to a medical appointment, help in filing VA claims or dealing with the VA, providing firewood or water, help paying rent and utilities, finding housing/assistance for homeless veterans, computer/technical assistance, help during emotional distress, visiting shut-in veterans and those in the nursing home, plus much more.

With winter months coming very soon, demand for help will increase significantly, thus putting a strain on our available funds. If you would like to make a donation to help our local veterans, you can mail a check made out to Veterans for Veterans of Archuleta County to Veterans for Veterans of Archuleta County, P.O. Box 5331, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

It is only through the generosity of our compassionate donors that the Veterans for Veterans of Archuleta County can offer its support to Archuleta County veterans and their families in times of great stress.

WHO

A sold-out event, the beautifully decorated “Third Annual Fashion Weekend” kickoff fashion show brought 200 ladies out for an evening of style and friendship on Thursday, Nov. 7. The organizing and sponsoring group, Women Helping Others (WHO), expresses deep gratitude to our volunteers, sponsors, donors and attendees for their contribution to this success. We are pleased to announce that Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Rotary Club Feed the Children Backpack Program will each receive a donation of almost $4,700 to continue and enhance their current programs benefitting the children of our community.

Rotary

The members of the Pagosa Springs Rotary Clubs would like to thank the wonderful ladies of Women Helping Others (WHO) and Happy Trails Boutique. Together, you produced an amazing fashion event that greatly helped the Rotary Feed Our Children program and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The children of Pagosa are well served by your energy, personal generosity and creativity. The evening was a terrific success because of all your efforts, the many volunteers in this community, the supportive ladies at the community center, and all the wonderful people who supported the event by coming out and having a great time. WHO and Happy Trails have a solid history of helping worthy nonprofits in this community and we are honored to have our project included in this year’s event. Thank you so much.

Reynolds

Thanks to all the people of the Pagosa school system that made the veterans breakfast possible. The food was great, and the boys and girls were so nice and respectful. Being a WW II vet, it made me proud to have had a part in preserving the freedom of a country that produces young people such as you are.

Thanks again.

Tom Reynolds Jr.

Justice Ministries

Justice Ministries of Pagosa, Inc. would like to recognize and thank the volunteers and organizations in our community for their participation in a mission to provide firewood for deserving individuals and families in Archuleta County. Mark and Phyllis Young, thank you for your vision, your donation of hundreds of timber rounds from Born Lake, and for allowing access to your property to obtain this valuable resource. To Mike Moore, Ken Smith and Kevin Neal — thank you for your ongoing assistance in this wood distribution project. Your companies never failed to lend a helping hand. Also, a special thank you to “Big John” and “Thor.”

Lenny Baker, you are a wood angel. For the past several months, you donated your time, energy, truck, trailer and fuel to orchestrate and lead every wood retrieval trip. Your unselfish acts of kindness made this mission a reality.

This project would not have been possible without the help of our local churches, organizations and volunteers. Thank you to Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, Centerpoint Church, Grace Evangelical Free Church, Amazing Grace Church, Restoration Fellowship, Justice Ministries and all of the volunteers. Everyone, you caught the vision and embraced this mission.

Deserving people in our community have received the donation of much-needed firewood. Folks otherwise unable to obtain wood to keep themselves warm throughout the winter have been helped. Pagosa Springs has been blessed by the generosity and kindness of others. Justice Ministries is honored to have been a part of this project and we pray that God continues to pour out His abundant blessings on our community. Again, thank you to everyone involved who helped make this mission a reality.

Millan

A big thank you to The View for allowing us to have Keagan Smith’s fund-raiser and providing the fantastic appetizers.

As most of you know, Keagan was injured in an accident on Oct. 30 and was airlifted to Denver, where he remains today.

Thank you to Dave Mensch for the great music. To all the merchants in town who so graciously donated so many wonderful items for the silent auction and raffle drawing. I cannot say enough for our wonderful town of Pagosa Springs.

Thank you to my granddaughter Selena Touchstone for putting it all together in a week’s time, to her boyfriend Travis Jones for working alongside of her, and to all the people who attended and everyone who gave from their hearts.

I know Keagan will get stronger with each passing day, with his wife, Cheyenne (my granddaughter) and my little great-grandson, 3-month-old baby Kai at his side.

All his family and friends thank you and may God bless you all.

So many people have called; there is a donation fund for Keagan Smith at Wells Fargo.

Thank you all for the love and continued prayers.

Diana Millan

Shaw

I would like to thank Mudshaver Car Wash for being so incredibly generous. On Saturday, Nov. 9, they allowed eight GOAL Academy students to wash cars and have a bake sale. They donated 100 percent of the funds raised toward their trip to Costa Rica this coming May.

The car wash was a huge success, raising the second highest amount in Mudshaver fund-raising history.

Aurora, you are the best. We appreciate your willingness to contribute to our community and our hard-working students. We will never wash our cars anywhere else.

Missy Shaw

UU

We want to thank the community for the robust attendance to the documentary entitled “The House I Live In” that presented a profile of America’s longest conflict, our War-on-Drugs. We especially want to thank the four panelists Wyn Hooper, Michelle Jamison, Carl Smith and Sam Conti who donated their time to participate in the open forum discussion. Many valuable ideas and concerns were brought forth and expertly discussed by our panelists. Please visit The House I Live In website http://www.thehouseilivein.org/ for information on how to become more involved.

Pagosa Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

CUP

Curtains Up Pagosa would like to express their thanks to John Graves for his generous donation to us from the proceeds of his recent Tribute Show held at The Center For The Arts.  John’s donation will go towards supporting and mentoring our young people as they pursue their studies in the field of the performing arts.  John has been involved with CUP (formerly Music Boosters) for many years; we appreciate his gift as well as the time he has spent mentoring and teaching all of us.

Mercy

Mercy Health Foundation and Hospice of Mercy in Pagosa Springs greatly thank the Mountain View Homemakers Club for their continued support of the hospice program. Their generous contribution this year will help in continuing quality, compassionate end of life care for friends, families and neighbors in the community receiving hospice care.

Mesa Heights

Halloween is over and the residents of Mesa Heights would like to extend a big thank you to the Alley House, Farrago’s, the Back Room Wine Bar and First Crush Olive Oil Room for donating the candy left on our doorsteps for trick-or-treaters. This year, we treated over 860 children and appreciated your thoughtfulness. It was so sweet of you! Thanks a bunch.

Post 108

Thank you, Yerton Plumbing, for your generous donation of labor and materials to correct a serious plumbing problem in our building.

Team GECKO

A festive “Cheers” to all the friends of GECKO who assisted this past week with two December fund-raisers: the Last Child in the Woods Christmas tree at the Festival of Trees and the inaugural Sweaty Santa Fun Run. Thanks to all our sensational volunteers and sponsors, with a special mention for Stewart Bellina, Kathy Sloan, Lvonne Wilson (Home Again), Michael Whiting, Dee and Steve McPeek, Karin Kohake, Ace Hardware, Alco, City Market, Mike Hayward, Muriel Eason, Ross Aragon Community Center, Mark Weiler, Tess and Jade Garcia, Archuleta County sheriff’s department and Marco Rodriguez.

Team GECKO

Burke

My heart rejoiced at the end of Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. The people of our community truly opened their hearts to give packed shoeboxes full of gifts to children who live in impoverished situations. Through these shoeboxes, kids receive toys, school supplies, and simple hygiene items, but they also hear and read about God’s love for them. In 2012, Pagosa collected 674 boxes from churches and individuals. This year, we received 832 boxes from our churches and individuals. That’s a 30-percent increase in giving by Pagosa. I want to give special thanks to everyone who gave so generously, particularly to those who were involved for the first time. It’s exciting to know that your boxes are on their way to bring blessings, hope and joy to children in Togo on the west coast of Africa, Guyana on the northeast coast of South America, or Mexico.

Nancy Burke

Gustafson

We recently came back from a short Thanksgiving trip to find our roads in Aspen Springs graded and smoothly drivable. Once again, I would like to thank the heroes, Carrey and Roy, plus the others who come and help, for the wonderful job they do on the miles of roads in Aspen Springs. This has been going on for some of the 16 years since we moved here.

And, speaking of heroes, I can’t thank Ronnie Zaday and her mother, Pauline Murphy, enough for decorating the Christmas tree for WHIPS (Women Helping in Pagosa Springs) at the Festival of Trees. Then, there were the members of the sheriff’s department who met Jack Rosenbaum’s challenge along with other generous biddings so that together we raised $3,000 toward the purchase of Peyton’s dog.

Cindy Gustafson

ASI

Archuleta Seniors, Inc. (ASI), assumes management of the Senior Center on Jan. 1. Developing the proposal for this venture, a daunting task, involved numerous individuals and organizations. Therefore, the 2014 ASI board would like to thank those who assisted in the effort.

The 2013 Archuleta Seniors, Inc. board members were gracious in giving us the leeway to do necessary tasks as we applied for funding and prepared for our new responsibilities.

Cheryl Bowdridge, facility director of the community center, has been extremely helpful in making it possible for the Senior Center to remain where it is. We are also very appreciative to Mayor Ross Aragón and town manager David Mitchem for their support and their monetary contribution from the town.

ASI also thanks Musetta Wollenweber for her years of service to seniors.

Christina Knoell, executive director of the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging, has been our go-to person, ready to answer all our questions, advise and encourage us throughout the process. Some funding for senior services is provided by the SBJAAA, which funnels federal and state money to a group of five Colorado counties including Archuleta, in order that meals, transportation and other services are available to seniors. Thanks also to the RACOA (Regional Area Council on Aging), which is an SJBAAA advisory group.

Finally, we thank the county commissioners, whose unanimous decision to terminate their contract with the SJBAAA allowed ASI to officially begin efforts to put in place our own contract with the SJBAAA. Throughout the meetings and work sessions, the BoCC reassured us that their intentions were and are to provide a framework within which an equal or better program can be provided to Archuleta County’s seniors. We thank them for their monetary contribution to the program, without which none of this would be happening.

Other Archuleta County people have been available to provide advice: county attorney Todd Starr’s guidance provided an overview of the steps necessary for success. Contract and procurement officer Larry Walton helped with budgetary and contractual questions. Special thanks to finance director Larry Augsbury, whose invaluable advice led us through some transition phase difficulties.

The 2014 ASI Board of Directors

Mayo

Christmas came early this year for my third-grade class.  Lynne and Rick Stinchfield came to our school during the recent Scholastic Book Fair and generously donated a filled container of coins with a note attached that included this message: “We read about the book sale in the Pagosa Sun.  And about the Classroom Wish List Program.  Please use these coins to fill your wishes for classroom books.”  Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Stinchfield, for your bigheartedness, kindness, and thoughtfulness.  My students and I are grateful and will be reading even more because of you.

Mary Kaye Mayo

Festival

The Ross Aragon Community Center would like to give a huge thank you to everyone for coming to the eighth annual Festival of Trees. We would also like to thank all the wonderful volunteers that helped out with this event: Kathie Lattin, Tracy Kirschstein, Heidi Martinez, Janet Tjelmeland, Heather McCauley, Tom Carosello, Lorrie Church, Darren Lewis, Michelle Clark, Matt Bowdridge, Tristen Bennett, Ana Pina, Mona Gonzalez, Emily Gaston, Juan Chavez, Blake Irons, Miah Pitcher, Addie Tompson, Brooke Bowdridge and David Leach. We would also like to thank Jason Rose, Denise Chaney, Truett Forest and Kate Kelley for the wonderful music played. Thanks to all the wonderful sponsors of the event: Chow Down Pet Supplies, Boss Hogg’s, Pagosa Baking Company, Lisl Keuning, Two Chicks and a Hippie, Lorrie Church, Musetta Wollenweber, Mike Hayward, William Rockensock, Jeff and Cory Dysinger, LaQuita Johnson, Sweets-N-Such, AJ Sew Cute, KWUF, LaBella, Sheron Meyers and Matt Bowdridge. Thank you so much to all the wonderful sponsors of the trees: Chow Down Pet Supplies, Archuleta County 4-H, Archuleta County Seniors Inc., Laura Rome, Friends of the Library, Sky View Motel, Joanne Irons, Pagosa Peaks Volleyball Club, Women Helping in Pagosa Springs, Gecko, Archuleta County Ruritan Club, Outback Mountain ATV Rentals, Boy Scout Troop 807, Red Hats, Christy Gotchall, Sheri Smith, Southwest Organization for Sustainability, Melissa Snarr and parents from the Lutheran School, JPII/IHM Youth Ministry and Pagosa Springs High School Music Department. Thank you to the 22 nonprofits that participated in helping sell tickets to this event: Humane Society of Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County 4H, Archuleta County Seniors Inc., Darin Rome Music Memorial Fund, Friends of the Library, Pagosa Springs Morning Rotary, Pagosa Springs Youth Center, Pagosa Peak Volleyball Club, Seeds of Learning, Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers for Peyton Frank, GECKO, Archuleta County Ruritan Club, Pagosa Springs Elementary School Partners in Education, Boy Scout Troop 807, Archuleta County Red Hats, Pagosa Springs Head Start, Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program, Southwest Organization for Sustainability, Our Savior Lutheran School, JPII/IHM Youth Ministry, and Pagosa Springs High School Music Department.

Flihan

Thanks for making Keagan Smith’s Fun-Raiser a success: Coyote Moon Bar and Grill, Faculty X, Elder Grown, Raymond Rent-A-Nerd Inc., Astraddle A Saddle, The Tile Store, The Back Door, Ellen Charnley, The Rose, Buffalo Inn, Ski & Bow Rack, Goodman’s Department Store, The Choke Cherry Tree, Monograms Plus, Body of Art, Rainbow Gifts, Plaza Liquors, Peak Deli, J&M Photography, Made in Colorado Shoppe, Tobi’s Housecleaning, Kray Kray, Jayne Marie Photography, Hillside Inn, Econo Lodge, Studio 160, Angie Jenkins Housecleaning, Barbarian Pizza Works, Katie’s Housecleaning, Ooh La La, The Outftter, Superior Interiors, Old Towne Market, Piedra Automotive, Navajo Rentals, and Scott Anderson, chiropractor.

Also, a special thank you to everyone that gave monetary donations.

We have left messages for the balance of silent auction winners that left before the auction ended.

We are so appreciative to all of you who helped us do this for Keagan.

Thank you,

The Flihans

Loaves and Fishes

Many thanks to the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado for a very generous check to support weekly lunches, at no charge, to Loaves and Fishes of Archuleta County. Donors are essential to this non-profit organization and our ability to continue providing meals. During 2013, almost 15,000 meals were served. There are many people in Archuleta County who cannot afford hot meals every day, some who do not have even a means of cooking a hot meal. This is an integral community service.

Thank you, Community Foundation, Durango, for serving Loaves and Fishes of Archuleta County with your gift.

Loaves and Fishes of Archuleta County Board of Directors

Search and rescue

A big thank you to all the search and rescue teams of Archuleta and Mineral counties, as well as the Wolf Creek Ski Area team and Wolf Creek Trailblazers, and Flight for Life team. On Jan. 3, a cold, dark moonless night, the teams mentioned above assembled and skillfully worked their way on a search for a marooned backcountry skier. I cannot explain how well these teams worked together; it is beyond words.

The search ended on a happy note.

Support your search and rescue teams.

Pam Morrow and

Jerry Ethelbah

Fix it Free Day

There was a great turnout for Computer Fix it Free Day. Nine local technicians repaired over 25 computers for individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford to get their computers running.

Thanks to Raymond Rent-A-Nerd for providing advertising and coordinating the entire event.

Thank you to Linda Stuckwish and Heidi Martinez with The Training Advantage for handling eligibility and scheduling.

Thanks to Mike Stoll with the Humane Society for donating computer parts, donuts, juice and hot coffee.

Thank you to Betty and Dale Schwicker, Jim Bodoh and others who donated computers and parts that were less than 5 years old. We really appreciate all the people and organizations that helped get the word out.

Thanks to Rolly Jackson with Papa Murphy’s Pizza who donated pizzas and sodas to feed our hungry technicians.

Thank you to the community center for donating the conference room — special thanks to Cheryl Bowdridge for her patience and assistance.

And a very special thank you to the technicians who selflessly gave their time, talents, and expertise: Jim Bodoh, Allan Bunch, Gabe Cersonski, Jarrett Chaney, Eric Hittle, Jasmine Lee, Kurt Raymond, Frank Simbeck and Bob Walan.

Thanks to all those who make this event possible.

Pavilion

The Pagosa Multi-Purpose Pavilion wishes to thank the very generous merchants and individuals for their donations at our recent silent auction held at our Cocktail Party Fundraiser Recipe Contest. Special thanks to the Quality Resort for donating their facility, and many thanks to the donors for their auction items: Bogey’s BBQ, OK Nails, Chow Down Pet Supply, Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, Kathy Woodward, Chivalrous Shark, Tim Collins, Tari Woods, All About You Day Spa, Kristal Fortune and Mountain Gal Spa.

A great time was had by all. Awards were given for appetizers and beverages with barely a morsel left. Smiles around the room were proof that great food was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to those who entered their recipes.

We enjoyed the wonderful music from Curtains Up Pagosa with Kathy Wadenpfuhl and Kathy Neel. Special thanks to our judges, our celebrity judge was fire chief Diane Bower, also judging were Mandy Barber of Boss Hogg’s, Chef Matt Baum of The View Restaurant, Kenneth of JJ’s Chillin’ and Grillin’ in the Fabulous 50s and Linda Multon of Marconi’s Italian Restaurant.

Cheadle

In addition to the Methodist and Catholic churches contributing to the annual turkey dinner giveaway, the following groups also contributed in a major way: Salvation Army, Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, CrossRoad Christian Fellowship, Restoration Fellowship and Seventh Day Adventist Church, as well as several generous individuals giving their time and dollars.

Rose Cheadle

Janowsky

The family of Mary Jo Janowsky would like to express their deep appreciation for the outpouring of support through the difficult weeks that have passed since her passing. So many people were there to support us in so many ways that we are concerned we may not be able to thank you all directly. In some cases a name or an address was lost, or a gesture or gift was made anonymously. We wish we could thank you all in person or with a letter.

Suffice it to say we are deeply grateful for love and support given through your calls, cards, flowers and prayers. A large number of people provided food for the home, and for the reception following the memorial service. Many contributed to the memorial fund. In addition, several churches and their pastors reached out with support in very practical and heartfelt ways.

We want all of you to know it made a difference and we hope that your kindness is returned many times over. Truly we have been embraced in our sorrow by a wonderful, loving community. Our family appreciates your continued thoughts and prayers. As we are grateful for your support, we remain ever grateful to our Lord for the time we had with Mary Jo on this earth. Truly we felt His love through each of you during this time.

The Janowsky Family

Salvation Army

Many thanks to each and every person in our community who supported Salvation Army in 2013. You rallied in full force and dropped your donations in the red kettle, you gave of your time and rang a bell during the giving season, you mailed checks or maybe you pulled a tag from the Angel Tree and purchased a corresponding gift for someone in need. You volunteered and helped in many, many ways. Because of your generosity, Salvation Army makes a difference in our community. May you be blessed now and always. Thank you.

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Buck

I started Big Brothers Big Sisters a month ago. I go with my Big Sister every Sunday. She has three horses; their names are Lily, Smart Seven and Rosie. Lily is a miniature horse. Rosie is a paint and has been with us for almost two weeks. She has four dogs and I love giving them their treats.

Every Sunday we play with the horses and take care of them. When they behave we take them on walks. My Big also lets me play on her computer. I love spending time with my Big. I can’t wait for Sundays to come so I can spend time with my Big and her horses.

Rose Buck

Sutherland

The Sutherland family would like to thank each and every one of our wonderful friends and family for the outpouring of love, kindness and support we received from all of you during our time of need. Everyone has been generous in so many ways and we feel so very fortunate to know you are here for us. God bless you all.

Darcie, Wyatt, and Wade Sutherland

Jim and Vanessa Sutherland

Travis, Jennifer, Janae and Clayton Sutherland

Lloyd, Pam and Zach Thompson

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Rushing-Martinez

I would like to thank Lucy Gonzales, Connie Chavez, Betty Read and all my friends that helped Lucy with the benefit dinner for travel expenses for my emergency surgery to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Ariz.

Mary L. Rushing-Martinez

Keagan Smith

Grateful hearts. After three months up in Denver at St. Anthony Hospital’s Trauma Center and Craig Hospital for Rehab, Keagan, Cheyenne and Kai Smith are headed home.

The entire Smith family, and especially Keagan, would like to express their extreme gratitude to every member of “Team Keagan.” Thank you most sincerely for all the encouragement, prayers, cards, gifts, donations and support received since the car accident on Oct. 30, 2013.  Everyone is invited to a “Night of Gratitude” on Feb. 16 at Centerpoint Church from 7-8 p.m.  There will be a slideshow recapping Keagan’s recovery, as well as a time of sharing with a dessert reception following so Keagan and family can have a chance to thank everyone in person.

Hockey Classic

The Inaugural Pagosa Pond Hockey Classic was a great success.

Many thanks go out to all the players and volunteers who helped make this event happen on such short notice, as well as those who donated prizes for our players.

The town of Pagosa Springs, especially Jim Miller and his ice crew, Riff Raff Brewing Company, Ponderosa Lumber, Old West Liquor, Ski and Bow Rack, The Springs Resort, Wolf Creek Ski Area, The Hockey Shop at Mild to Wild, Bob & France Kudelski at the High Country Lodge, Kristal Fortune and the Friends of the Multi Purpose Pavilion, Chapman Hill Ice Rink, Ken Morrison at Pagosa Insurance, The Roller Girls in Pagosa, The Overlook Hot Springs, A Body of Art Tattoo, Eric Spors, Jeff and Tanya Quinn, and especially my wife Sara Collabolletta, for having to listen to me talk about, and/or watch hockey, just about every day.

Brian Collabolletta

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Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) would like to thank Jo Bridges for 300 volunteer hours and congratulate her on being named one of the “Volunteers of the Year” in Pagosa Springs.

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4-H Sportsfishing

Archuleta County 4-H Sportsfishing program would like to express its gratitude to the gentleman in the Arboles area that donated a bag full of feathers and other materials. The sportsfishing program focuses on teaching fly tying and without this generous donation, would have had to purchase materials. We greatly appreciate this anonymous gesture and hope this reaches you, wherever you may be.

Cowan

I would like to say thank you to all our volunteers that helped run the clocks and do the books through our middle school basketball season. We appreciate you all so much. Our games could not happen without the help of volunteers. Thank you to Virginia Manzanares, Sue Jones, Bill Fair, Denise McCabe, Davilyn Valdez, Butch Madrid, Wendy Bramble, Melanie Cowan, Stacey Lewis and Ed Simpson. Thank you for giving so generously of your time.

Justin S. Cowan

Assistant Principal/

Athletic Director

Pearson

Thank you to the ballooners who traveled to Pagosa, bought food and lodging and put on such a great show for everyone.

We know that cost a lot of money.

It is so nice that you have come back to be part of our Winterfest.

Thank you again and hope to see you in more winter festivals.

Lili Pearson

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Muirhead

Thanks to all who sponsored our “Native Sons” team of Kevin Muirhead and Eli Stephens in the Penguin Plunge. Over $2,000 was raised in support of the Pagosa Pregnancy Support Center and its mission to strengthen individuals and families in our community.

Thank you, Kevin and Eli, for taking the plunge.

Linda Muirhead

Ski team

The Wolf Creek Invitational Ski Race was sponsored by Terry’s Ace Hardware, Riff Raff Brewing Company and the Ski and Bow Rack.

The Wolf Creek Ski Team would especially like to thank their team sponsors: Crossfit Pagosa, the Ski and Bow Rack, The Springs Resort and Citizens Bank. Additionally, we would like to thank all the people who made this ski race a success. They are: the skiers’ parents, race volunteers, the Wolf Creek Ski Patrol, the race timing crew at Wolf Creek and Davey and Rosanne Pitcher, owners of Wolf Creek Ski Area. The Wolf Creek Ski Team hopes to make this an annual event.

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Archuleta family

I want to thank everyone for the prayers and for making Freddy Archuleta a great benefit. It is greatly appreciated.

From the family: Thank you, thank you.

Grandma Juanita Archuleta and Pete Archuleta

United Way

United Way thanks Wolf Creek Ski Area for their generous donation of $2,700 raised on this year’s Ski and Save Day. Thank you to all skiers, snowboarders and Wolf Creek Ski Area for your support of nonprofits in Archuleta County.

Lisa Jensen

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The Pagosa Multi-Purpose Pavilion’s Board would like to thank the very generous merchants, individual donors and volunteers for their wonderful efforts at our recent recipe contest, “Soups, Salads and Breads.” June Marquez, Eric Wade and Chris Borne entertained us with their great musical talents. The Quality Resort donated The Ponderosa Room and our judges worked hard in awarding medals to the entrants. Our celebrity judge was Archuleta County Commissioner Steve Wadley. Also judging were Daniela Carr, Josh Pastrama, Michele Butz and Andy Stern.

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The family of James A. Smith would like to thank the community of Pagosa Springs and especially the congregation of Community United Methodist Church for the outpouring of love, concern and support you have given our family during the time of Jim’s passing.

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I would like to formally thank key members of the community for going above and beyond to welcome me back to Pagosa Springs.

Tessie Garcia (local teacher), Mary Helen Cammack (local teacher), Michael/Denise Coffee (Shy Rabbit Contemporary Arts), Tina Torrez (Cafe Colorado), Meg Wempe/Trina Rivera (Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library), Lieutenant TJ Fitzwater (Pagosa Springs Police Department), David Hamilton (Vice Superintendent), NaCole Martinez (Wyndham Pagosa), Gale Weber/Betsy Chavez (Parelli Natural Horsemanship), Kenny Young/John Paul Rivera (Buckskin Towing and Repair), King Campbell (local dentist), Sean Downing (local teacher) and Nancy Stahnecker (community member).

Everyone listed has families, coworkers, and employers who have allowed them to take time out of their busy days to help me with at least one thing throughout the last week. Because of these people, I’m proud to call Pagosa home once again. Many thanks.

Garrett Trey Gholson

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