Legal challenge fails, three in sheriff's race

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

Archuleta County candidate for sheriff Steve Wadley's challenge to opponent Pete Gonzalez's residency status failed in district court Tuesday, leaving three men still vying for the Republican nomination on the August primary ballot.

The ruling to deny Wadley's request that Gonzalez be removed from the primary ballot came from District Court Judge Gregory Lyman after nearly two hours of testimony.

Speaking in front of a packed courtroom, Lyman said Gonzalez had established residency in Archuleta County within the one-year time frame required by election statute; had demonstrated clear intent to make Archuleta County his residence and had met the necessary residency and candidacy requirements.

"The petition is denied. The ruling of the Archuleta County Clerk is sustained," Lyman said.

During the proceedings, Wadley's attorney, William Zimsky, argued Gonzalez was not a bonafide resident of Archuleta County, and therefore was ineligible for candidacy status. As part of the petition, Zimsky asked Lyman to overturn Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder June Madrid's certification of Gonzalez and to remove Gonzalez from the primary ballot.

During witness questioning, Zimsky attempted to establish that although Gonzalez had gone through the motions of becoming a resident of Archuleta County by registering to vote, registering a vehicle and renting furnished accommodations, his intention of fully establishing permanent residency were questionable, and establishing residency was contingent upon his election as sheriff.

To support his argument, Zimsky established that Gonzalez owns a home in Durango where Gonzalez's wife lives, and is listed in the phone book with a Durango address. Zimsky argued that because Gonzalez's marital home was in La Plata county, his primary residence and principal place of abode is in Durango, and therefore he is not a resident of Archuleta County and is ineligible to run as a sheriff's candidate.

Questions regarding Gonzalez's telephone number and directory listings formed the basis for much of Zimsky's attack, and Zimsky called Wadley to the witness stand.

During his testimony, Wadley said he called local directory assistance seeking a phone number for Gonzalez, but that they had no listing. He said he then called Durango directory assistance who did, in fact, have a Durango listing for Gonzalez.

During a scathing cross examination, Todd Risberg, one of two Gonzalez attorneys, called Wadley's investigative skills into question.

During the inquiry, after Risberg established that Wadley had 20 years in law enforcement and police work, Risberg said, "The extent of your investigation today was a call to information?"

Later in the proceedings, Risberg hammered another Zimsky witness, Wadley's campaign manager, Joanne Irons, who testified by telephone.

In her testimony, Irons said during a discussion regarding the outcome of the sheriff's race, Gonzalez told her he would not move to a county where current Archuleta County Undersheriff Bob Grandchamp is sheriff.

Risberg seized Irons' quote like a pitbull, and locked his cross examination tight around an argument based on inconsistencies between what Irons stated in the courtroom and what she had provided as testimony in a witness statement to Zimsky. Zimsky objected to Risberg's line of questioning.

In a second blitzkrieg of questioning, Risberg attempted to discredit Irons when he asked her if she was in fact Wadley's campaign manager and if she was working hard to get him elected.

She answered yes to both questions.

During Lyman's explanation of findings leading up to his decision, he shot down Iron's testimony, questioning whether a private conversation should have made its way into open court and that Gonzalez's comments did not demonstrate "mal intent."

Following Irons' testimony, Gonzalez's lead attorney, Joel Fry, made a motion for directed verdict, stating the plaintiff had not provided compelling evidence that proved Gonzalez was not a resident of Archuleta County, and he asked the judge to render a decision.

Lyman denied Fry's request and asked that Fry's witnesses be called to the stand.

Pagosa Springs Police Springs Police Chief Don Volger testified, as did Pagosa Fire Protection Chief Warren Grams, Carl Smith, whom Gonzalez rented from, and John Weiss. All testified Gonzalez had long-term intentions to retire in Pagosa Springs and had lived in town since April 2005.

Election statute requires candidates to reside for at least one year prior to the election in the county they are seeking office.

During closing arguments Fry said, "Intent is a critical factor. Everything he (Gonzalez) has done, his contact with people, has demonstrated intent."

And Fry argued the evidence shows in April 2005 Gonzalez acted on his intent and registered to vote, registered a vehicle in Archuleta County and, since then, voted in two elections.

Following Lyman's decision, the mood in the courtroom was jubilant, and Gonzalez supporters wound their way in a long line snaking between the audience benches to shake hands with the candidate before leaving the courtroom.

"Justice is rendered," Gonzalez said. "Am I relieved, am I happy? Absolutely. But I am angry and disappointed that they, Wadley and his campaign manager, stooped to the level they did. But this is a race about qualifications. See you at the polls."

Following the ruling, Wadley maintained his stance that questions regarding Gonzalez's residency were sufficient to call for judicial examination and that he was operating within the realm, and within his rights, as written in state statute.

"The election code provided us with the opportunity for judicial review. We felt the facts and the law were on our side and the judge decided differently," Wadley said.

Wadley said he felt he had a fair hearing and it was time to get back to the campaign.

"We felt it was a question worth addressing. I wanted my day in court, I had it, and now it's time to move on," Wadley said.

Wadley said he has no plans to appeal Lyman's decision.

Gonzalez, Grandchamp and Wadley will appear on the August Republican primary ballot.

Early voting in primary election begins soon

By June Madrid

Special to The SUN

Early voting for the upcoming primary election is about to begin.

The polling place will be the Archuleta County Clerk's office, downstairs in the Elections Office. The office is easily accessed from the back of the courthouse.

Those who will be unable to vote Aug. 8 at a Vote Center (combined polling precincts) will have the option, as always, to early or absentee vote. Voting early is done in the Archuleta County Clerk's Elections Office where you will be allowed to vote and drop your ballot into a ballot box.

Absentee voting is done by picking up your ballot, carrying it out or voting in the Elections Office, then dropping the competed ballot in a ballot box. Regardless of how you absentee vote, you must seal the ballot in an absentee envelope.

Early and absentee voting office hours will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, July 10-Aug. 4.

Remember to bring your ID. You will have to vote a provisional ballot if you do not have a valid ID with you.

The office is located at 449 San Juan St., in downtown Pagosa Springs. You can drive to the back of the courthouse. If you prefer to park at the front of the courthouse, you will need to go downstairs, out the back door, then in the door marked "Elections."

If you have questions, call 264-8350.

Corps offers town conditions for river restoration permit

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

In an effort to break the stalemate between the town and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, town staff, town council members, project engineer Gary Lacy and Kara Hellige of the Corps met on the banks of the San Juan River Thursday to hammer out details that might move phase two of the town's river restoration project closer to fruition.

Under the original plan, the town had anticipated obtaining a permit from the Corps last fall, with river work scheduled for December 2005. However, the two agencies clashed over the use of grout for building in-stream structures and bank stabilization, and the project and permitting process ground to a halt.

During the meeting, Hellige reiterated the Corps' position that grouted structures block fish and sediment passage and are likely to increase the river's flood stage, and that the project, as proposed, would not be permitted, although she did offer alternatives.

As proposed, the town's project would modify the San Juan River between the Hot Springs Boulevard Bridge and the Apache Street Bridge. The upper portion of the project area would focus primarily on increasing white water recreation opportunities through the installation of five grout-stabilized, U-drop structures. The lower portion of the project area, from the McCabe Creek inlet to the Apache Street Bridge, would involve placing riparian vegetation along the riverbank, bank stabilization along Sixth Street, random in-stream boulder clusters and current deflectors. Plans indicate no grout for the structures below McCabe Creek

As an alternative to grout-based structures in the upper project area, Hellige suggested building arch-shaped structures where only the arch's keystone is cemented to bedrock at the river's lowest point in a given cross section. Beyond the keystone, grout would be kept to a minimum, and Hellige said a grout-minimized design would earn the town a permit for their project.

Lacy said, in his experience, where whitewater features were built without grout, "All but one has had a dramatic failure." But he added, "Anchoring the structure to bedrock with grout is a good compromise. It can be done, it's not that hard, if you take the time and care to do it."

Lacy's colleague, Mike Harvey, concurred and said keyed and grouted structures had been used with success on a river project in the Buena Vista-Salida area.

With Lacy's agreement that a less grout-intensive design could be successfully engineered and the town willing to modify their plans, the next step is for Hellige to issue a permit for the river work with a number of conditions.

Lacy said being issued a permit with conditions is standard procedure, and once the conditions are outlined, he can produce detailed plans showing the location and design of individual structures.

"I've never been issued a permit without conditions," Lacy said.

Once Lacy's plans are complete and they meet the Corps criteria with cross-sectional surveys showing locations of grout, bedrock and individual boulders, Hellige said she could then issue final approval authorizing work to proceed.

"Final approval will be based on final design," she said.

Although she was not willing to speculate on the full scope of the permit conditions or the timeline, she said a significant reduction in grout would be mandatory for receiving final approval. Secondly, she said a monitoring and maintenance schedule would probably be required to ensure the project is not adversely affecting the flood stage, fish habitat, or the river corridor.

And Lacy agreed and encouraged the town to budget for monitoring and maintenance beyond the project's completion.

Hellige's third condition was linked to the Corps assertion that the town operated outside the realm of its 2005 maintenance permit when last March, it removed a W-structure from the river near the chamber of commerce building and replaced it with cement-bonded U-structure. The Corps contends the installation was unauthorized and beyond the scope of the 2005 permit, and has caused sediment and gravel buildup upstream from the structure, essentially flattening the channel and making the river more prone to flooding. Hellige said the Corps is also concerned about structure's impact to the fishery and whether it inhibits fish passage, but at this time, those impacts, if any, are unclear.

Because the Corps asserts the river work completed in March 2005 was beyond the scope of the maintenance permit, Hellige considers the U-structure to be part of the most recent permit application. Therefore, unless Lacy can prove the structure meets the design criteria discussed with Hellige during Thursday's meeting, Hellige said the structure will have to be removed and rebuilt, and the river, in the section where work occurred last spring, returned to pre-March 2005 conditions.

She said although it seems destructive to get back into the river and dismantle what is already done, she encouraged those in attendance to think about temporary versus long-term impact.

"It's a great project, it's going to be great for the community, but we have to make sure what is done is the least environmentally damaging," Hellige said.

Questions remain whether Lacy has the data to confirm his assertion that the previously installed U-structure does meet the design criteria discussed during the meeting, yet he is confident he can prove it does.

In addition, Town Manager Mark Garcia said the town and the Colorado Division of Wildlife are working toward a solution to the "Fishing is Fun" grant issue, which is connected to the alleged elimination of fish habitat that was created with the grant money, but was compromised during the March 2005 construction period.

If all goes well, Hellige estimated a conditional permit could be issued in two to three months, with final approval granted in winter.

Garcia said the meeting was beneficial, and hopes the town can meet the conditions and obtain final approval.

Project engineer Lacy was optimistic; "I think we're 99 percent there, I just hope another agency doesn't jump out and say, 'You need to do these three things.'"

Hellige said the Corps has the final word on the project, and the only agency that might trump the Corps is the Environmental Protection Agency, although Hellige said their intervention unlikely.

Challenge established to raise matching funds for hospital

By Chuck McGuire

Staff Writer

Members of the Upper San Juan Health Service District Board of Directors don't doubt that Pagosa Springs will have a new Critical Access Hospital (CAH) by late next year.

But then, why would they?

Since current members assumed board positions in May 2004, or after, their collective resolve has allowed them to realize what many consider remarkable progress in not only putting the once struggling district back on its financial feet, but building its strength enough to pursue such an ambitious undertaking.

Though the creation of a rural hospital is now more achievable with the establishment of new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services policy and funding initiatives in recent years, the district was still faced with determining its viability, then selling the idea to district voters.

And, sell it they did. Following the release of a detailed feasibility study in February and a successful campaign leading up to a special election May 2, electors overwhelmingly endorsed the plan, with 93 percent voting in favor of increasing USJHSD debt to build and equip the facility.

Of course, the need for public support didn't begin or end there.

In mid-March, the district announced its Summit Leadership Challenge, encouraging citizens and businesses to pledge donations needed to match those recently promised by four benevolent area families. As part of the district's Our Mountain Hospital Campaign, the goal was, and still is, to raise another $500,000 in matching funds, for a total of at least $1 million in contributions.

Since then, members of the board and fund-raising committee have personally given a total of $102,000 to the crusade, while dozens of other community members and businesses have also contributed. Another $10,000 was donated by former resident and district board member Dr. Dick Blide, who, after moving out of the district, maintained his belief in the importance of the project. Blide is credited with birthing the hospital idea.

Though voters approved an increase in district debt to $12 million and contributions continue, the estimated costs of building the hospital include $8 million for construction (with an added 5-percent contingency), $750,000 in medical equipment (with additional equipment already pledged by Mercy Medical Center), $600,000 in architectural and engineering fees, and $1.8 million in working capital. The district believes another $1 million is needed to operate the facility until anticipated revenues take over.

To date, the campaign has succeeded in raising substantial sums of money, but with a late-July deadline looming, it is still short of its goal. Therefore, the Dr. Mary Fisher Medical Foundation is requesting additional public donations.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, contributions to the foundation are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by federal law, and cash donations of $1,000 or more are also eligible for a 25 percent Colorado state tax credit through the Enterprise Zone designation. Securities gifts are considered in-kind contributions under the Enterprise Zone, and are eligible for a 12.5 percent state tax credit.

Library director heading to Egypt, acting director appointed

By Carole Howard

Special to The SUN

Ruby Sisson Library director Christine Anderson has announced her resignation and the appointment of an acting director to replace her, effective July 22.

Jackie Welch will assume the head position on an interim basis while the library board conducts a search for a permanent director. Welch has worked in the Pagosa Springs library for four years and is currently head of technical services, in charge of ordering and processing new books as well as supervising computer services.

Anderson is leaving her Pagosa Springs job to accept a prestigious assignment in Cairo, Egypt. She will become a professor and the law librarian in the law department at the American University, running the law library and teaching international water law.

She has held her Pagosa post for one year almost to the day.

"When I accepted this job in Pagosa, I was delighted with the opportunity. But I told the board I would be available for only a year or two. This Egypt opening came a little earlier than I expected, but it is one of those extraordinary opportunities that you can't let go by," Anderson said.

"Jackie's experience makes her well qualified to carry on as acting director. She is totally dedicated to making the Sisson Library a center of learning and life-long self-education for the entire county, a resource for every citizen from babies to seniors, students to retirees."

Welch is a former project manager and quality assurance analyst for Siemens Communications in California. She and her husband, Peter, moved to Pagosa Springs from San Jose five years ago after hearing rave reviews about our town from his sister. Interestingly, Peter comes from a family dedicated to libraries, as his father, mother and sister all were librarians.

"I am happy to help out during this transitional period," Welch said. "Our patrons can be assured that the staff and volunteers will continue to provide them with the services they have come to expect. We know that in a small community like ours, the library is extremely important as a key source of continuing education for adults and primary education for children."

Scottie Gibson, treasurer of the Sisson Library board and president of the Women's Civic Club, which helps raise funds for the library's operation, expressed her pleasure at this unique opportunity for Anderson and her satisfaction with Welch's appointment.

"We hate to lose Christine, but we certainly understand that a job like this one in Egypt is exceptional," Gibson said. "The good news for Pagosa is that we continue to have a friendly, knowledgeable staff to serve our library patrons after she leaves."

Among the innovative programs Anderson introduced during her tenure at the Sisson Library was "Pagosa Reads." It is based on a nationwide effort that was founded on the principle of a community reading and discussing the same books in a given time period in order to focus on a specific theme. Anderson chose the subject of water in the Southwest for our first "Pagosa Reads" program this spring.

From April to June it involved not only reading four books but also speakers, videos, discussion groups, a Children's Earth Day event, a radio play, an interactive children's program with Pagosa Pretenders, a communitywide art contest and several field trips.

As well, reviews by community readers of books available at the Sisson library appear each week in The Sun under the banner "Pagosa Reads," a service to local readers that Anderson hopes will continue long after she is in Cairo.

Starship Archuletaprise crashes on first flight

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

The scene looked remarkably high tech.

With a computer monitor and camera, and plans for Archuleta County Commissioner Ronnie Zaday to chair Tuesday's meeting via video conference from China, all systems appeared to be "go." But soon into the meeting, the video link between Archuleta County and Asia disintegrated into a howl reminiscent of screeching barn cats.

If Mr. Scott had been aboard the Starship Archuletaprise he would have said, "I don't think we can hold her much longer, Captain." But Mr. Scott was absent, so was Sulu, and despite everyone's best intentions, the link crashed.

Zaday returned via cell phone, Commissioner Robin Schiro chaired the meeting, and so went John Egan's first day at his new post as Archuleta County Commissioner.

During the meeting the board approved:

- fire restrictions in the unincorporated areas of Archuleta County. The restrictions mirror stage one restrictions currently in effect on public lands in Archuleta County and ban all uncontained fires, fireworks and brush burning. For complete restrictions, call Archuleta County Dispatch at 264-2131, or visit the county on the Web at archuletacounty.org. Click on "sheriff's department," then "EOD Sit Report."

- two full time positions for the assessor's office. The new staff will conduct field inspections, appraisal, property valuation, data management and data collection and entry.

- drafting an economic development agreement that would provide a $30,000 incentive for model rocket developer and Internet publishing company Quest Kay to move their headquarters to Pagosa Springs.

- allocation of $15,000 from the county's Construction Trust Fund to contract with an architectural company to create a conceptual design of potential park sites. The move is part of an effort to expand recreational opportunities in the county.

Bob and Jessie Formwalt named parade marshals

By Rod Preston

Special to The SUN

Ask what Bob and Jessie have done in Pagosa Country and they will say "been there, done that."

The Pagosa Rotary club is pleased to name the pair as this year's parade marshals.

Bob's story in Archuleta County began on the Formwalt Ranch east of Pagosa Springs when he was 10 years old. This ranch was homesteaded by Welch Nossaman in the late 1800s and was owned by A.L. Decker before Bob's parents purchased the ranch in 1951.

Attending Pagosa Springs High School, Bob lettered in football, basketball and baseball. The teacher Bob remembers most is Frank Oppenheimer, brother of the famous nuclear scientist, J. Robert Oppenheimer. Bob said Frank was a true teacher, teaching biology, math and physics. Following graduation in 1959, Bob attended Fort Lewis College majoring in business and graduating in 1964.

Jessie was born in Durango when her parents lived in Tacoma, between Rockwood and Silverton, where her Dad was a hydroelectric power plant operator. When she was 4, her parents moved to Durango where she lived in the same house until she graduated from Durango High School in 1962 and while she attended Fort Lewis College, majoring in administrative arts.

Jessie said her great-grandmother came over what is now Wolf Creek Pass in a wagon as a child. Following a fight in which William Wolf was killed, Wolf's remains were transported in a "pine box" made from the wood of Jessie's great-grandmother's wagon. This event is said to be the origin for the name, "Wolf Creek."

Bob and Jessie met in 1962 while attending Fort Lewis College and were married in 1964. Their honeymoon was spent traveling to Belgrade, Mont., where Bob had accepted a job at the Belgrade State Bank.

After five years, the Formwalts returned to Durango where Bob accepted a job as Agricultural Loan Officer at the Burns National Bank. They returned to Archuleta County in 1973 when Bob and his brother came back to the ranch to help their dad with the expanding ranching operation, grazing up to 1,000 head of cattle. Their present ranching operation is a summer grazing program with up to 400 yearling cattle.

The Formwalts have three daughters: Stacey Barker, Robyn Bennett and Rebekka Schneider. Stacey and Robyn live in Archuleta County and Rebekka lives near Milwaukee, Wisc. They have three granddaughters and two grandsons. Jessie said that family is the center of her life.

Bob obviously has an itch for political involvement. He served on both the State Abandoned Mine and the Mined Land Reclamation boards. Bob said these were terrific training experiences for making judgmental decisions. He has a strong interest in natural resources and has served on the San Juan Soil Conservation District and the Colorado State Conservation District. In concert with his conservation interests, Bob works for the Colorado Division of Water Resources with responsibilities for the upper watershed areas in Archuleta, Hinsdale and Mineral counties.

Applying his talents and interests locally, Bob served as Archuleta County Commissioner from 1986 to 1998, and was on the airport board and the Upper San Juan Planning Commission. He currently is a district director for the La Plata Electric Association.

While Jessie has family as her central interest, she also has been involved in community affairs. Upon moving to Pagosa Springs, she worked as administrative assistant to the Archuleta County Commissioners for 11 years. She then went to work for Appraisal Services, Inc. As Jessie gained experience in making appraisals and after taking appropriate course work, she purchased the company from Larry Ashcraft in 1996.

Because of her business interests, she joined the Pagosa Rotary Club in 1995 and was named president in 2000-2001. She went on to serve as Assistant Rotary District Governor in 2001-2003. Through Rotary's many community service projects, she has worked on the Scholarship Selection Committee, Relay for Life, school dictionary project, highway trash pickup and Casino Royale. Jessie served for eight years on the Archuleta County School District's Accountability Committee and is currently president of the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

We are sure everyone will agree that Bob and Jessie Formwalt are an excellent choice for the 2006 Rotary Independence Day Parade Marshals.

Radio controlled jet will fly at airport event

By Chuck McGuire

Staff Writer

George Jones is into model airplanes in a big way, and will share his enthusiasm at a June 28 open house at Stevens Field from 2-5 p.m.

Jones has flown radio-controlled aircraft across the country for more than 20 years, and will have two models on display during the public portion of Wednesday's open house and airport rededication.

The first, called a Bobcat, is considered a "sport plane," and has a single-stage jet engine with approximately 20 pounds of thrust. It weighs 22 pounds, is 72 inches long and has a 72-inch wingspan. To takeoff and land, it requires a 250- to 300 foot runway roll. Jones will fly the small jet over the airport in a public demonstration flight at 2:30 p.m., and again during a later Chamber of Commerce Sundowner at 5:30.

Both planes burn kerosene or Jet A fuel, and according to Jones, "are always crowd pleasers at air shows."

The open house is one of a trio of events scheduled at the airport that Wednesday, all in celebration of a two-year, multimillion-dollar renovation completed earlier this year. The finished improvements include runway expansion, a new midfield FBO building, a new fuel depot and hangers, full perimeter fencing and landscaping. The Archuleta County Airport Advisory Commission and the airport fixed base operator, Avjet Corporation, will co-host the event.

To attend the airport "grand reopening" Wednesday, drive north on Piedra Road, past the airport to Cloman Boulevard, and turn right. Travel one mile to 61 Aviation Court and the airport entrance on the right. Public activities are from 2-5 p.m., and the ACAAC and Avjet promise an enjoyable afternoon.

Pagosa's Ross alerts trucker, extinguishes fire

By Sarah O. Smith

Staff Writer

After spotting a blazing semitrailer late Tuesday night, Pagosan Cody Ross alerted the truck driver sleeping inside, possibly saving his life.

Ross said he was driving home a little after 11 p.m. when he passed the Junction Restaurant and saw the parked truck with flames and sparks issuing from the engine. Ross immediately pulled over to see if anyone was in the truck. He found the driver, Allan Yazzie, of Dolores, Colo., asleep inside, with the engine of the truck running.

After awakening Yazzie, Ross found a fire extinguisher in the truck and put out the fire. He and Yazzie then disconnected the battery cables to prevent the fire from starting again. Yazzie, who had parked his truck to sleep for the night, had been completely unaware of the fire.

Pagosa Springs Police Chief Don Volger said that any number of things may have gone wrong had Ross not arrived and acted quickly, and said Yazzie would have suffered smoke inhalation or other injuries if he'd remained in the vehicle.

"Who knows if he would have been able to get out," said Volger. "He (Ross) probably saved his life."

Ross said the fire began with an electrical problem with the starter, which quickly burned into the fuel filter.

"It got to rolling pretty good," he said.

Luck was certainly on Yazzie's side, as Ross said he would not normally be driving home at that late hour.

"It was lucky that I was there that late," said Ross.

Ross, who owns Buckskin Towing, had stayed at the shop to finish up some work for a client who arrived late.

"It is my opinion that the actions of Mr. Ross prevented serious damage to the vehicle and possibly saved the life of Mr. Yazzie," stated Officer T.J. Fitzwater, who responded to the scene.

"We think that Cody Ross is somewhat of a hero," said Volger.

But Ross maintained that he was just doing what anyone would have done in his situation.

"Anybody who lives in this community would have done the same," said Ross. "It was just really fortunate."

School district creates Gifted and Talented program

By Sarah O. Smith

Staff Writer

With approval of the new budget secured, the Archuleta County School District 50 Joint will implement a new program for "gifted and talented" students in the fall.

The Gifted and Talented program (GT) will be an expansion of an existing program at the elementary school.

Gail Hershey will take the reins as the full-time coordinator for the program, available to students in the K-6 grade levels. Bill Esterbrook, assistant superintendent, said a grade level will be added to the program each year, and eventually new staff will be hired as the program grows.

"It's for students who are performing above average, who need challenges that cannot be met in the classroom," said Hershey.

She said about 7 percent of the school population has been identified as "gifted," about the same percentage of students in special education classes. Hershey said that each classroom has, on average, two or three gifted students, and that she will work closely with individual teachers and write advanced learning plans for those students. She will also monitor sixth-grade students advancing into seventh grade, essentially creating a K-7 program.

The students, who must be referred by a teacher or parent, can choose to take part in pullout enrichment programs and on-line classes, or may be assigned mentors. They also may be accelerated in a certain content area or a whole grade level.

This differentiated instruction provides materials the student may not receive in a normal classroom, said Esterbrook. He also said that plans to expand the Gifted and Talented program were not in response to the recent elimination of the School Within a School program.

New Mercy Regional Medical Center to open June 27

Southwest Colorado's newest, largest, and most technologically advanced medical facility, Mercy Regional Medical Center, celebrated the dedication of the new 82-bed, $76 million facility Saturday at 1010 Three Springs Blvd. in Durango.

The hospital will replace the facility located at 375 E. Park Ave. in Durango.

Several dignitaries cut the ribbon at the hospital's main entrance. Following the historic dedication, the hospital opened to the public for a sneak preview tour. Hospital representatives estimated that more than 1,000 people toured the facility.

The new hospital's emergency room will officially open at 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, when the process of moving hospitalized patients from the old hospital to the new facility begins. Upon the departure of the last patient, the old hospital will officially close, ending 124 consecutive years of patient care at the 375. E. Park Ave. hospital site.

"Mercy's legacy of care will continue in a new building that provides a better healing environment and can grow with the region's health care needs," said Kirk Dignum, Mercy's chief executive officer. "Our primary focus always has been - and continues to be - our patients."

Mercy Regional Medical Center was designed as a "healing environment" and features all private patient rooms, a healing garden with a waterfall, and advanced medical technology including electronic medical records and all digital diagnostic imaging. Mercy will be the only facility in Durango with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU); designated as a Level III trauma center; with a helicopter air ambulance on site; and with medical and interventional cardiologists on staff.

Construction of the 212,000-square-foot hospital and attached 153,000 square-foot medical office building began in March of 2004.

Mercy Regional Medical Center is a member of the Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) health system. CHI is a national non-profit health organization and based in Denver, Colo. and includes 70 hospitals; 43 long-term care, assisted and independent living and residential facilities; and two community-based health organizations located in 19 states.

Builders association to host public meeting

The Builders Association of Pagosa Springs is hosting a public meeting Thursday, June 29, to consider the past, present and future of local building departments.

Representatives of Town of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County building departments will be at the meeting to discuss recent and expected future changes.

The town has implemented the 2006 IR Codes and the county is considering mechanical inspections.

This open forum meeting will give participants an opportunity to learn about these changes and their impacts. Anyone involved in construction or a related industry is encouraged to attend.

The meeting will be held 6-8 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds.

For additional information, call the Builders Association of Pagosa Springs at 731-3939.

Regional Red Cross chapter to hold annual meeting

The annual meeting of the Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross will be held 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, in the first-floor conference room at 1911 Main Ave. in Durango.

Volunteers and supporters will be recognized for their generous contributions of time, energy and funding to the chapter. Light refreshments will be served.

This meeting is open to everyone in the five-county service area. R.S.V.P. to 259-5383.

Post-News Community awards $5,000 to education center

Post-News Community presented a $5,000 grant to Archuleta County Education Center Tuesday, June 20, as part of the Ride The Rockies bicycle tour. The grant presentation took place at the Archuleta County Education Center, located at 4th and Lewis streets in Pagosa Springs.

Agencies from each of the seven host towns on the 2006 Ride The Rockies route were invited to apply for funding through the Post-News Community grant program. The host towns provide valuable resources in order to make the tour run smoothly. They offer lodging, food, transportation, entertainment and volunteers to support the riders during the event. The grant program allows Post-News Community to thank the host towns by providing financial support that will impact the community long after the last cyclist departs from the town.

Since its inception in 2001, the grant program has distributed nearly $285,000. This year, Post-News Community will present grants totaling $35,000 during the bicycle tour. These grants are being given to non-profit organizations that serve disadvantaged children and youth through recreation, education and the arts, or have direct-service literacy programs.

Archuleta County Education Center is receiving the Pagosa Springs grant in support of its adult education and youth development programs. The adult education program offers literacy, GED and English as a Second Language instruction. The youth development program provides a variety of alternative and after-school programs targeting youth issues.

The mission of Post-News Community is to improve the quality of life through support of programs that benefit children, the arts, literacy and education and the provision of basic human services. For more information, visit www.post-newscommunity.com.

Benefit to assist Mike Baker Saturday

Pagosan Mike Baker was seriously injured in a 4-wheeler accident during the Memorial Day weekend. His femur was shattered and specialists in Denver and Pueblo have successfully reconstructed it by using a titanium plate and four screws. Mike has more than 100 stitches and 30 staples; he has undergone many hours of therapy and there will be many more. He will not be able to put any weight on his injured leg for two to three months.

With no insurance, many thousands of dollars in medical bills and household expenses, friends are asking the residents of Pagosa Springs to contribute in any way possible to aid Mike and his family.

Monetary donations can be made at Restoration Fellowship, with a note on the check or envelope indicating the donation is for Mike Baker.

A bake sale will be held 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Paint Connection Plus, with all proceeds going to Mike and his family.

Sale organizers are soliciting contributions of baked items and assistance in running the sale.

Call Kim Hamilton at 731-2722 (home), or Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 731-5564 (work). Bring baked goods to the sale location by 8 a.m. or call Hamilton the day before the sale to arrange pick-up of items.

Care-A-Vanners assist with local Habitat project

By David Smith

Special to The SUN

From far and wide, Habitat for Humanity International's RV Care-A-Vanners have come to Pagosa Springs to lend a hand to local families in need of a simple, decent place to live.

In partnership with the Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County, 11 Care-A-Vanners were here recently for two weeks, helping construct a Habitat home located at 60 Flintlock Place.

A second group of Care-A-Vanners will follow and work for another two weeks.

The RV Care-A-Vanners program, which is coordinated through HFHI headquarters in Americus, Ga., matches volunteers who travel in recreational vehicles to assist local Habitat affiliates in need of volunteer support.

The Care-A-Vanners camp in their RVs while working shoulder-to-shoulder with local Habitat staff and future Habitat homeowners.

Care-A-Vanners come from all over North America and from all walks of life - doctors, lawyers, engineers, corporate managers, mechanics, truck drivers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc. The majority being near or at retirement age, their construction skills range from professional to first-time builder. The Care-A-Vanners, who typically stay for two weeks, pay their own expenses to travel to these organized Habitat building projects.

Drawing from a pool of more than 6,000 volunteers, this year's teams of RV Care-a-Vanners are participating in more than 175 building projects from Canada to Florida and California to Maine.

For information about the RV Care-A-Vanners program, visit www.habitat.org/rv.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County, call 264 6964 or visit the Web site at www.habitatcolorado.org/Archuleta/index.htm.

Somewhere beyond the flames ... there is a river

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

The wind flays the land. The gale has lifted the central desert into the sky. Feisty tendrils of red sand rip across the highway. Along the arroyo, the tamarisk bend under the force of the storm, their slender leaves fly helter-skelter. Vast clouds of New Mexican dust obscure the setting sun. The wind shrieks of finality, the land pleads for mercy, but the tempest does not relent.

To the east, beyond the Sandia Mountains, a grass fire rages. Whipped by the wind, the flames consume all in their path - pinon, cedar, Indian rice grass and cholla. It is all fodder for the flame. Thin wispy smoke creeps like sea fog over the mountain's flanks. The smoke is perfumed by the seared flesh of the desert.

To the west, the cottonwood bosque along the Rio Grande is ablaze. Flames lick the emerald canopy, clawing and tearing their way to the sky. The fire is voracious and feeds on Russian olive, salt cedar and old growth cottonwood - it is said, once gone, the bosque will not return.

As the bosque burns, smoke pours out from beneath the trees along the river. The plumes are thick and heavy; they are the varicose thighs of Polish farmwomen. They lumber in coils of whitish, blue-black. They move low across the ground then billow into the sky. The smoke is acrid; it reeks of havoc and despair. As it moves, it whispers stories of things as they once were, but after the flames, will never be again.

The land is parched. But the sky brings fire instead of rain, and flames cannot satisfy the land's incomprehensible thirst. The scene is apocalyptic. I close my eyes. I see water.

I see water moving in rivers. I see foam lines and eddies, undercurrents and back currents. I see tongues of whitewater. I see pour-offs and plunge pools. I see boulders sculpted by their time amidst the current. And I see willows drinking freely along the banks.

I see deep into the river. And I watch the four seasons tumble past. I see autumn's brightly hued detritus drifting lazily on the top current. I watch as winter takes hold and the river turns viscous with its burden of ice, and I watch as the ice grows thick, covering the river in a gelid mausoleum. And I listen to the silence when the river goes mute for the season.

I see spring arrive, and when the ice relents, I watch the river bounding in youthful exuberance, tumbling over boulders and through canyons in raucous celebration.

I see summer water slithering like liquid crystal. I see summer evenings with insects hovering in thick clouds above the river. I see salmonid shadows darting in the depths amongst the cobbles, and the slow boil of a cutthroat taking a dry fly.

I see water moving through me and around me. I see water wrap around my legs clad in waders. My limbs feel the vibration of its movement. With my own body, sunk hip-deep in the current, I take the pulse of the mountain. The slow throb and steady vibration synchronizes with the rhythm of my own heart, with the rhythm of the cast, and it is clear we are connected.

The human body is more than 50 percent water - blood is 83 percent water, bone 22 percent and muscle 75. My body is like all others. It is water, and the connection between me and rivers, no matter how hard I fight, is fixed. I was born under the sign of the fish, and my fate, theirs, and their aquatic home is inextricably linked. Our fates are connected. Our orbits are locked.

I have wrestled with the implications of my fate. It is a curse. It is a blessing. It is baggage I cannot deny; and I lug it with me, resolute, like a Sherpa hauling cargo up a mountain. But when I cast, I shirk the baggage. I feel whole, connected, connected to something beyond my comprehension. There is a fusion that takes place between the fly rod, the river and me, and there is something profound at work - something that makes me see water when I close my eyes, even in the desert.

For years, I sought solace in arid places. But after more than a decade, I came to understand that in the desert, the azure sky does not shelter us. The heat and glare cut like a razor and flay us bare. There is no forgiveness, nor redemption. There is only heat. And sometimes there is fire.

But somewhere beyond the heat, the smoke, the dust and the flames, there is a river. And all I must do is close my eyes and I go there. Because when I close my eyes I see water. I see water moving in eddies, undercurrents and back currents. And I touch the water. I feel the water. I take the pulse of the mountain, and with just one cast I am connected. Our fates our linked, and the connection I cannot deny.

Volunteer to deliver senior meals

Are you looking for a way to volunteer some time to your community and make an immediate impact on someone's life?

The Silver Foxes Den Senior Center has an opportunity for you to make new friends while you donate one lunch hour per week to the home delivery meal program for our senior citizens.

Applications are currently being accepted from individuals as well as businesses, churches and other organizations that would like to make a difference. All applicants must provide their own vehicles and be available in one-hour increments once a week. The Den is also accepting applications for substitute drivers. A background check will be completed on all applicants.

Adopt a home delivery route today and brighten the lives of a few senior citizens.

For more information, contact Musetta at 264-2167.

PSHS Class of '96 to gather July 1-2

By Traci Stickler

Special to The SUN

Attention: Class of '96 graduates.

Join us July 1-2 for fun socializing and good eating.

Please R.S.V.P. to Traci Stickler by Monday, June 26, for both events.

An adults only Summer Patio Potluck will be held in Pagosa July 1. Good times begin at 5 p.m. Bring a simple side and drink of choice to share. A $5 donation per party is requested as a thank you gift to the homeowner during this busy season. See Traci for directions to location.

A Picnic in South Park 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. July 2 will be catered by Boss Hogg's: $12 for adults, $8 for children.

Send money order or check to: Traci Stickler, 2130 Stetson Creek Drive No. E, Fort Collins, CO 80528. R.S.V.P. as soon as possible by phone to (970) 581-1529.

You can also visit Classmates.com for more information.

Can't wait to see you all!

Marketing workshop for small business leaders

The Small Business Development Center at Fort Lewis College presents "Marketing for Smarties Challenge," a workshop for small business leaders who need a step-by-step guide to essential marketing.

Sessions are 2-6 p.m. June 28, July 26 and Aug. 23 in Room 118 in the Education Business Building at the college.

Cost is $99 and participants must register by Friday, June 23.

Call 247-7009, e-mail sbdc@fortlewis.edu or visit http://soba.fortlewis.edu/sbdc/seminar.htm.

Don't handle young wildlife

By Joe Lewandowski

Special to The SUN

This is the time of year when wild animals are giving birth to their young. The Colorado Division of Wildlife advises people not to approach, touch or handle young animals.

Young animals that are handled by humans are often abandoned by their mothers. In most cases, the young animal then will die.

"We know that people are trying to be helpful, but the young animals are best cared for by their own parents," said Stephanie Schuler, a district wildlife manager in the Durango area. "The best thing people can do is to leave young wildlife alone."

During spring and early summer, people often see young animals that appear to be alone in the forest, in backyards or along the sides of roads. The animals have not been abandoned. Young animals are often left alone to allow the mother to feed, to help them avoid predators and to learn how to live in the wild.

Deer provide a good example of how wildlife adapts behaviors to help them survive. Young fawns have no scent and are born with speckled coats that provide a natural camouflage. These two factors help them avoid being found by predators. When the doe senses a predator might be close by, it moves away. Many other animals use similar techniques.

Young birds often fall out of their nests or are pushed out of nests by parents to encourage them to fly.

People also need to keep their pets under control. In the woods, dogs - acting on their natural instincts - can find animals and attack them. The stress of being attacked often is fatal for young animals unable to defend themselves.

In neighborhoods and backyards cats are adept at finding eggs and young birds. Cats are pets - but they're also predators.

Except for what's put in birdfeeders, people should not provide any type of food for wildlife. Providing food causes animals to bunch up in small areas and that makes them vulnerable to diseases and predation.

People also need to know that not all newborn animals will survive.

"In the case of all wildlife, we have to understand that there is a natural mortality that occurs," explained Ron Harthan, district wildlife manager in Montrose.

If you see a young animal, admire its beauty from a distance, and then move on quietly.

Shooting Day at Keyah Grande

The Four Corners Family Shooting Day, presented by Safari Club International and Cervid Research and Recovery Institute, will be held at Keyah Grande 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 24.

Try your hand at archery, rifle and shotgun shooting, women's pistol instruction, fly-fishing instruction, and catch-and-release fishing. Admission is $5 for adults (18 and over) and $3 for youth.

Tickets are available at the Ski and Bow Rack in Pagosa Springs.

For more information, call (970) 749-4647 or (970) 749-9772.

Wildfire is related to weather elements

Colorado Lightning and Wildfire Preparedness Week concludes today.

Although wildfires are not an actual weather phenomenon, wildfires are directly related to lightning and other weather elements.

The wildfire threat in Colorado normally increases significantly after the middle of June. This threat usually peaks in early July and remains high through August and early September. Depending on climatic conditions, the time of year for the peak wildfire threat can be about a month earlier or later than normal. Colorado averages about 2500 wildfires each year.

About half of all forest fires in Colorado are ignited by lightning. Additionally, many rangeland and wheatfield fires are caused by lightning. Many of these lightning caused wildfires occur in the absence of rain. When this occurs, the lightning is commonly referred to as "dry lightning."

Gusty winds often accompany thunderstorms which produce "dry lightning." These gusty winds accelerate the spread of fires. These thunderstorm winds can quickly turn smoldering organic material into a raging fire. Thunderstorm winds tend to be erratic in direction and speed, posing one of the greatest dangers for firefighters.

Lightning which strikes the ground is usually divided into two categories; negative and positive strikes, depending on the ionic source region of the thunderstorm. The negative strikes are far more common than positive strikes. The positive strikes are more intense and have a longer duration than the negative strikes and are more likely to ignite a fire. Lightning detection technology provides land managers, firefighters, and weather forecasters with the ability to identify the general location and charge category of each lightning strike within the continental United States.

National Weather Service forecasters help land managers and firefighters by producing fire weather forecasts on a daily basis during the warm season. "Spot" fire weather forecasts are also provided for those who work on prescribed burns or specific wildfires. Forecasters also issue red flag warnings for use by land managers when the combination of dry vegetation and critical weather conditions will result in a high potential for the development and spread of wildfires. Land managers, in turn, typically inform the general public of the fire danger in national parks, forests, and other public lands.

During periods of extreme fire danger in forests and rangelands:

- you should avoid being in areas where you might become trapped by a wildfire;

- you should avoid the use of matches or anything else which could ignite a fire;

- make sure that hot parts of motorized equipment, such as mufflers, are not allowed to come in contact with dry grasses or other potentially flammable material.

If you become trapped or cut off by a wildfire, seek shelter in areas with little or no fuel, such as rock slide areas or lakes.

Apply now for Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program funds

The Colorado Division of Wildlife, in conjunction with the Colorado Habitat Stamp Committee and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), has announced a request for applications for funding habitat protection in Colorado.

This new initiative will be known as the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program.

The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program provides an avenue for private landowners, land trusts or other conservation organizations to conserve critical habitat throughout the state. Open enrollment for all program applications will end July 31, 2006.

Up to $20 million will be made available through DOW funds, Colorado Habitat Stamp funds, GOCO and some federal grant money for the best applications received. The emphasis will be placed on the purchase of easements to ensure that all reasonable avenues are pursued prior to fee simple acquisition. However, fee title purchases are allowed.

The main priorities for the program are important habitat for sage dependent species including critical winter range and migration corridors for big game species, Gunnison and greater sage grouse habitat, Front Range riparian communities, important access for wildlife recreation opportunities, critical wetlands, shortgrass prairie species and lesser prairie chicken habitat.

Habitat loss can be a factor in the decline of wildlife species in Colorado. The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program will work to conserve remaining habitat.

"This program is a tremendous step forward for conservation in Colorado," said Bruce McCloskey, director of the DOW. "Partnering with other conservation organizations and landowners to multiply our resources will help Colorado conserve wildlife habitat. Both the residents and the wildlife of this state will benefit from this new program."

The monies raised to date by the new Colorado Habitat Stamp Program provided the catalyst to initiate this comprehensive effort to protect habitat and wildlife.

Through the combination of these funding programs, the DOW is able to bring together an array of species protection and land conservation tools and incentives not otherwise available.

For more information on how to apply, visit http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/PrivateLandProgram/WildlifeHabitatProtectionProgram.

Somewhere beyond the flames ... there is a river

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

The wind flays the land. The gale has lifted the central desert into the sky. Feisty tendrils of red sand rip across the highway. Along the arroyo, the tamarisk bend under the force of the storm, their slender leaves fly helter-skelter. Vast clouds of New Mexican dust obscure the setting sun. The wind shrieks of finality, the land pleads for mercy, but the tempest does not relent.

To the east, beyond the Sandia Mountains, a grass fire rages. Whipped by the wind, the flames consume all in their path - pinon, cedar, Indian rice grass and cholla. It is all fodder for the flame. Thin wispy smoke creeps like sea fog over the mountain's flanks. The smoke is perfumed by the seared flesh of the desert.

To the west, the cottonwood bosque along the Rio Grande is ablaze. Flames lick the emerald canopy, clawing and tearing their way to the sky. The fire is voracious and feeds on Russian olive, salt cedar and old growth cottonwood - it is said, once gone, the bosque will not return.

As the bosque burns, smoke pours out from beneath the trees along the river. The plumes are thick and heavy; they are the varicose thighs of Polish farmwomen. They lumber in coils of whitish, blue-black. They move low across the ground then billow into the sky. The smoke is acrid; it reeks of havoc and despair. As it moves, it whispers stories of things as they once were, but after the flames, will never be again.

The land is parched. But the sky brings fire instead of rain, and flames cannot satisfy the land's incomprehensible thirst. The scene is apocalyptic. I close my eyes. I see water.

I see water moving in rivers. I see foam lines and eddies, undercurrents and back currents. I see tongues of whitewater. I see pour-offs and plunge pools. I see boulders sculpted by their time amidst the current. And I see willows drinking freely along the banks.

I see deep into the river. And I watch the four seasons tumble past. I see autumn's brightly hued detritus drifting lazily on the top current. I watch as winter takes hold and the river turns viscous with its burden of ice, and I watch as the ice grows thick, covering the river in a gelid mausoleum. And I listen to the silence when the river goes mute for the season.

I see spring arrive, and when the ice relents, I watch the river bounding in youthful exuberance, tumbling over boulders and through canyons in raucous celebration.

I see summer water slithering like liquid crystal. I see summer evenings with insects hovering in thick clouds above the river. I see salmonid shadows darting in the depths amongst the cobbles, and the slow boil of a cutthroat taking a dry fly.

I see water moving through me and around me. I see water wrap around my legs clad in waders. My limbs feel the vibration of its movement. With my own body, sunk hip-deep in the current, I take the pulse of the mountain. The slow throb and steady vibration synchronizes with the rhythm of my own heart, with the rhythm of the cast, and it is clear we are connected.

The human body is more than 50 percent water - blood is 83 percent water, bone 22 percent and muscle 75. My body is like all others. It is water, and the connection between me and rivers, no matter how hard I fight, is fixed. I was born under the sign of the fish, and my fate, theirs, and their aquatic home is inextricably linked. Our fates are connected. Our orbits are locked.

I have wrestled with the implications of my fate. It is a curse. It is a blessing. It is baggage I cannot deny; and I lug it with me, resolute, like a Sherpa hauling cargo up a mountain. But when I cast, I shirk the baggage. I feel whole, connected, connected to something beyond my comprehension. There is a fusion that takes place between the fly rod, the river and me, and there is something profound at work - something that makes me see water when I close my eyes, even in the desert.

For years, I sought solace in arid places. But after more than a decade, I came to understand that in the desert, the azure sky does not shelter us. The heat and glare cut like a razor and flay us bare. There is no forgiveness, nor redemption. There is only heat. And sometimes there is fire.

But somewhere beyond the heat, the smoke, the dust and the flames, there is a river. And all I must do is close my eyes and I go there. Because when I close my eyes I see water. I see water moving in eddies, undercurrents and back currents. And I touch the water. I feel the water. I take the pulse of the mountain, and with just one cast I am connected. Our fates our linked, and the connection I cannot deny.

By Chuck McGuire

SUN Columnist

No column this week.

Third party

Dear Editor:

Mrs. Doolittle's Trust Fund or just another case of "kind hearted malice?"

Rep. John Doolittle, a powerful California Republican, may try another day with his plan to block the flow of taxpayers' voluntary contributions from the government treasury. Mr. Doolittle has such faith in private money raising that he boosted his family income by setting up his wife, Julie, as a consultant being paid a 15 percent commission on every dollar his campaign raises (a mere $180,000 so far).

Where or when can we find some evidence that the Republican Party hasn't become totally corrupt? There seems no end to it, or even, a measured attempt to pilfer the U.S. Treasury; let alone, some glimmer of intelligence regarding global warming other than the purposeful ignoring of Federal study committee's findings. Dare we even hope that there exists a cognizance of the need to stop funding terrorists by developing U.S. based alternative fuels?

Why, even the evangelicals are recognizing the need to commence measured reductions in CO2 emissions to reduce a "worst case scenario" of the warming earth cycle. Surely there exists within the Republican ranks something other than mudslinging never-served-in-the-military "armchair warriors" whose main sacrifice/contribution to the U.S. is being a "nagging negative nabob" sporting a support-the-troops bumper sticker.

Oh well, lets admit it Š it's truly time for a third political party. One that seeks a balanced budget, utilization of taxes for a military designed for today's demands/alternative fuels/education/health care/immigration demands/Social Security needs. That recognizes the global preeminence, responsibilities and demand sought and placed on America while balancing our economic capability and need to ratchet up our competitiveness in the globalization of all things business/social/political. What shall we call this new third political party?

Dave Blake

What happened?

Dear Editor:

I've been a full-time resident of Archuleta County for only a few months, but have had property up Mill Creek Road for much longer. I've attended several meetings regarding what has happened to that road since the county stopped maintaining it. Now we see that the county will stop maintaining all its secondary roads, and I'm surprised that this has received so little comment. Not to be alarmist, but if you haven't been up Mill Creek in a while, wait for some really wet weather and give it a try. Then picture the many miles of other roads getting that bad during the next wet winter. Without regular grading in the summer and plowing in the winter, all these roads are potential mud bogs.

The county offers to help form a public improvement district (PID) for each neighborhood to do its own maintenance, but forming a PID in an existing neighborhood is more complicated than it sounds. There's a long string of requirements to get through, and at the end of the story only those who want to participate will do so. The rest can drive the roads for free. That's right, in a new PID, a few of you can pay all the costs, with no way to charge the rest of your neighbors. I know we all want to trust our neighbors to do what's right; but let's face it, unless you've got some pretty deep pockets, your road may be in serious jeopardy.

Some neighborhoods already do their own road maintenance, and those residents may not be overly concerned. But if the remaining county roads deteriorate significantly, we're all going to be affected. Imagine trying to sell real estate on the resulting mud bogs. Or imagine selling groceries, movie tickets, or anything else to the people who used to live on those roads but had to move out, as some who lived up Mill Creek have had to do. This could happen all over the county if those PIDs aren't formed quickly enough, and it would impact all of us. Do we really want to do this?

What's driving this change? My apologies for getting personal, but do any of our county commissioners live where a new PID would be needed?

Why doesn't the county continue maintaining its roads the way it has for years, but give a tax break to those neighborhoods that do their own maintenance? Have we considered the added costs and red tape resulting from the need to develop and keep track of many more PIDs?

Raise our taxes if really necessary, but it's hard to imagine that the administration of many new PIDs would offer any real cost savings over maintaining a unified county operation.

While I'm asking questions, what happened to the county's finances that it has to drop such a large part of its operations? If the county drops this road maintenance, do we have a big reduction in property taxes coming?

I hope there will be some big turnouts at the upcoming presentations on our road options.

Al Bouchier

Moratorium?

Dear Editor:

If you would couple Michael Greene's letter in The SUN last week spurring the town planners to initiate some kind of action for setting objectives and goals with the article that appeared the week before regarding the dire water condition in the state, it might set you on edge. Then attend a county planning commission meeting where building permits are being issued for scores of new residential units, and a little panic might ensue because you realize the folks in those new residences might use water!

PAWS for years has assured us there is plenty of water.

This assurance has been based on the volume of our reservoirs and the capacity for treating and pumping it. Straight line simple reasoning would say that with the new reservoir they propose to build, there would be even more water. Except that reservoirs don't make water. Snow does, and all you have to do is look at the mountains to see that the snow isn't there. And the water won't be, either.

Still, the planning commission keeps grinding out the building permits so that more people can live here and use water that isn't here.

Town and county planners and PAWS all need to put their heads together and heed Mr. Greene's urging to think beyond their noses. It might be a good idea to place a moratorium on building permits until these things have been ascertained, before it's time to find and buy the expensive Band Aid to slap on an actual crisis. If not this approach, then perhaps at least limit the number of approved dwelling units per year and annually base that figure on the available snow/water.

Too drastic? Last year the farmers between Brighton and Fort Morgan were limited to drawing only 50 percent of their allotment from irrigation wells. This year, the state reduced that to zero.

Will the day come when we flush our toilets with Evian?

This might be a good question to ask your favorite county commissioner candidate.

Henry Buslepp

Hang 'em high

Dear Editor:

Mr. Jim Sawicki will be surprised to learn that neither Ms. Schiro nor King George consult with the Arboles Troglodyte. If they did, the county and country would be far better places. I'm sure Ms. Schiro and King George have stopped by my cave, but they no doubt were discouraged from entering after reading the following inscription on the entry rock: "Politicians - Hang 'em High."

Bob Dungan

Arboles

Strange craft

Dear Editor:

What was it?

Did anybody get a photo or a video of the craft that was flying south between Pagosa and the Divide, at a 15,000-foot elevation about three weeks ago?

Bob Moore

Crosswalks

Dear Editor:

What is it going to take for people to start paying attention to those wishing to cross the street in designated crosswalks? When someone gets killed or perhaps seriously maimed? Don't go blaming this all on non-locals: the majority of those blowing pedestrians off are locals. Hello! You are driving through a town. People need to cross the road. How long have you lived in Pagosa? You know where there are crosswalks. If a pedestrian is in the crosswalk, stop. Fellow residents, you aren't dummies; but, I am beginning to wonder.

Motorists, when someone is trying to walk across, don't do your best to outrace the pedestrian and make it past the crosswalk before they get to your lane. We all have our spacey moments, but I cross on a daily basis. I have discussed this problem with others, and the story is the same: No one will stop. The lighted crosswalks have helped but trying to cross in any of the other marked crosswalks is crazy. The majority of you motorists are aware of someone trying to cross, you just don't care.

Pedestrians have a responsibility to analyze whether a vehicle is too close to the crosswalk to make a safe stop. If the vehicle is too close, don't expect it to stop (especially a multi-ton semi). Don't go waltzing up to the crosswalk and step out without being aware of traffic. Pedestrians can be stupid, too.

Chief Volger, upon my complaint to the police department, said it is difficult to patrol crosswalk areas. He did say that, if able, get the license plate number and the description of the driver. If they are local, they could receive a citation. Please, people, pay attention - this is serious, someone could be killed. I know I'm not the only one out there with this problem.

Melynda Parker

Karma

Dear Editor:

To whom it may concern:

My name is Mike Thompson. You may know me as Pyrate Mike. Over the last 10 years my family and I have hosted over 30 free concerts, and fed everyone who showed up - to date over 15,000 of you - and never asked anyone to pay a dime.

Last Saturday evening we hosted a birthday party for people born in June. The music and food and friendship were excellent, and I want to thank all who helped.

I also want to say something. This is to whoever stole the jet ski off my property: You have just ruined it for all the rest. There will be no more free concerts, dinners or any other parties at my place. Thanks to you, the string of nine consecutive Jerry Garcia Picnics is over. You may think you pulled a fast one, but all you did was ruin it for the rest of the people who have made the last nine years fun. So enjoy yourself. I hope you break your neck on it. Karma will get you.

Pyrate Mike Thompson

Arboles

No jurisdiction

Dear Editor:

The town council gave their stamp of approval to the "affordable" Rock Ridge housing development. This is still in the county and not in the town limits. The town has no jurisdiction and really cannot do anything without an intergovernmental agreement, which there is none that I know of as of yet. How do they "approve" and give the go-ahead?

There were several stipulations made that the developers must meet. Can the town follow through? This remains to be seen, as the town has not enforced the "stipulations" on Rock Ridge commercial from several years ago. The lack of all that gorgeous landscaping we saw in drawings? We hoped that the few trees that were planted would live and that the weeds would be mowed. The accumulation of junk vehicles (ground pollution?), tires, barrels of "stuff" at one site was not supposed to happen. These have been placed at the end of the building. We sat at the council meeting and listened to people promise that none of this would take place on this property. Do they remember their words? Does the town remember? Tamra was not here. Mark Garcia, Mayor Aragon and few others still sitting on the council were there. Calls have been made over the past years and nothing has happened.

Among a few of the stipulations the developers are to be responsible for are improvements to Baldwin Court and a trail to the grade school area. There is great concern about this trail. How will it be accomplished when private land lies between the two points? This could be very interesting. Be sure to take good notes and pictures now. It could become priceless when the town tries to accomplish future bypass roads and trails through private property. How will that be done? Does a brick need to fall on our heads? Could it someday devalue your property or increase the value? Could it increase the traffic in front of your home that would make it devalue? Is the traffic going to create noise pollution where there was barely any before? Let your opinions be known.

Janet Valdez

Editor's note: The town council has approved a preliminary plan for the proposed development, in line with its recently created Comprehensive Plan. Final approval of the project by the town is contingent on the developer meeting four criteria outlined in a SUN article two weeks ago.

Today

Blood drive

Blood drive, Community United Methodist Church, 434 Lewis St., 1-6 p.m. ID required.

Today

Gardening workshop

ECA Garden Club workshop series, "Three Season Color," is a do-it-yourself landscaping primer that can guide you through the steps of successful landscape design from start to colorful finish. From 9 to 11 a.m. Newcomers welcome. Call 731-3117 to sign up. Cost is $10 per session.

June 23

Dinner and dance

Old Glory Dinner and Dance at the community center. Dinner is 6-7 p.m. and dance starts at 7 p.m. with music by the High Rollers from Durango. Tickets are available at WolfTracks and at the center. Call 264-4152 for more information.

June 27-Aug. 4

Summer reading

"Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales." Summer Reading Program at Sisson Library, Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. Stop in and register at any time.

June 30

Patriotic Night

Patriotic Night at the community center, 7-9 p.m. An evening of patriotic singing with John Graves, the Sounds of Assurance and the Mountain Harmony Ladies Barbershop Chorus. Listen to inspirational talks from our veterans and watch a DVD presentation about our local heroes and those currently serving in the military. Bring a dessert to share and the Red Hats will take care of the refreshment table. The Chamber of Commerce will provide free flags, to be distributed by the 4-H Royalty. Start your July 4 celebrations early. Everyone is invited. Call 264-4152 for more information.

July 4

San Juan Outdoor Club

There will be no general monthly meeting the first Thursday of July. In celebration of the Fourth of July, there will be a potluck at noon and later. Please bring a dish for 8-12 people, and a chair. Signups for activities this month include hiking, biking, backpacking and highway cleanup. For information, call Fred Reese at 731-0612.

July 5

Quilt show

Quilt Fest 2006 will be held July 1- 4 in the Mamie Lynch Gymnasium at the corner of Lewis and Fourth streets. On July 1, the show will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Hours July 2 and 3 are noon to 6 p.m. and on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the show will be via the doors on Fourth Street. Admission to the show is $2 for adults and $1 for youth ages 10-18. Children 9 and under will be admitted at no charge. A multiple entry pass will be available for an additional $1. Over 100 quilts will be on display, there will be vendor booths, one quilt will be raffled off and there will be a silent auction on another quilt.

July 5

Wildflower hike

Wildflower hike led by Dick Mosely on Cimarrona Trail, 9 a.m.-noon. Meet at the Teal Boat Ramp. Call 731-5918.

July 6, 7, 8, 14, 15

Boosters' musical

Pagosa Springs Music Boosters' "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," 7:30 p.m. each evening. Matinee July 15 at 2 p.m. Pagosa Springs High School auditorium. Tickets at Plaid Pony or at the door.

July 8 and 15

Quilt workshop

The Pagosa Piecemakers will meet at 10 a.m. for a general meeting July 8 at the Methodist Church on Lewis Street. At 11, after the meeting, this month's program will feature Lone Star Quilts by Kay Wilson. Her workshop, Lone Star, takes place 1-4 p.m. July 8 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Cost is only $40. The workshop is a skill building class using strip piecing. This is an opportunity to strengthen your quilt making skills. Contact Fran Jenkins 264-9312 for more information

July 9

Home and garden tour

Pagosa Springs Arts Council Home and Garden Tour, noon to 5 p.m., featuring homes and ranches near U.S. 84. Tickets are $10 for PSAC members and $12 for nonmembers; available now at the PSAC gallery, Lantern Dancer Gallery, Chamber of Commerce, Moonlight Books and WolfTracks.

July 10

Full moon program

Watch the full moon rise at the Great House Pueblo site at Chimney Rock, learn about the Ancestral Puebloans, archaeoastronomy theories, area geology, and enjoy Native American flute melodies by Charles Martinez. Gate open from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. Program begins at 8:15 p.m. Moonrise at approximately 8:47 p.m. This moonrise will not occur between the twin spires. Allow approximately two to three hours for the entire program, which is not recommended for children under 12. Reservations required; tickets are $15. Add $5 for an early tour of the lower area (Great Kiva Trail Loop), which starts at 6:15 p.m. This event is sponsored by Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest, Pagosa Ranger District. For tickets, call the visitor cabin at 883-5359, from 9-4:30 daily.

July 11

Wildflower hike

Wildflower hike led by Dick Mosely, Poison Park Trail, 9 a.m.-noon. Meet at Teal Boat Ramp. Call 731-5918.

July 13

Newcomer's club

The Newcomer's Club meeting will be held at Hunan's Chinese Restaurant, 6-8 p.m. Men and women are cordially invited. Cost is $10 per person. Reservations are not necessary. For more information, call Lyn DeLange at 731-2398.

July 19

Music in the Mountains

Violinists Vadim Gluzman and Philippe Quint, accompanied by Gluzman's wife Angela Yoffe on piano, perform a selection of works by composers including Leclair, Beethoven, Prokofiev, Frolov, Ravel and Sarasate. The concert starts at 7 p.m. at BootJack Ranch on U.S. 160 east of Pagosa Springs. A selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase before the concert and during intermission. Tickets are $40 at the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce. Pay by cash, check or credit card (MasterCard or Visa). Tickets also are available on line at www.tix.com or through the Music in the Mountains Web site at www.musicinthemountains.com. Please leave your animals at home.

July 21

Music in the Mountains

One of America's most talented classical music families will be showcased at 7 p.m. when the Adkins String Ensemble performs on strings and piano at BootJack Ranch on U.S. 160 east of Pagosa Springs. On the program are Mozart's "Piano Quartet in E-flat major," Briley's "Quintet for a Healing Nation" and Frank's "Piano Quintet in F minor." A selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase before the concert and during intermission. Tickets are $40 at the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce. Pay by cash, check or credit card (MasterCard or Visa). Tickets also are available on line at www.tix.com or through the Music in the Mountains Web site at www.musicinthemountains.com. Please leave your animals at home.

July 22

Lunar event

Major Lunar Standstill Viewing at Chimney Rock &emdash; sold out, waiting list only. Tickets still available for Sept. 13, Oct. 13 and Nov. 7. Details at www.chimneyrockco.org. For tickets call 264-2287; if you get voice mail, leave a message, as tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

July 22-23

Cultural gathering

Native American Cultural Gathering and dances at Chimney Rock Archaeological Area. Traditional singers, storytellers, and dancers from Hopi, Acoma, Laguna, San Juan, Santa Clara and Picuris Pueblos. Southern Ute Heritage Performers at lower parking lot at 11 a.m. Traditional Puebloan Social Dancers in Great Kiva at 1 and 4 p.m. No reservations required. Entry $10; Native American arts and crafts available. There are no guided tours of the archaeological site during these two days. Sponsored by Friends of Native Cultures (731-4248) in cooperation with Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, Inc., and the USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest, Pagosa Ranger District.

July 24-26

Portrait workshop

Pierre Mion watercolor portrait workshop 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $240 for Pagosa Springs Arts Council members, $265 for nonmembers. An additional day may be scheduled.

Aug. 5-6

Crafts and culture festival

Life at Chimney Rock &emdash; a festival of crafts and culture. Interactive demonstrations of crafts and skills of ancestral Puebloan culture and regional Native American cultures. Free demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. include use of the atlatl, basket-making, flint knapping, flute making and playing, grinding grain, pottery making, fiber spinning, and yucca pounding to make rope. Festival will be held at the lower cabin parking area this year. Regular guided site tours are also offered: $8 for adults; $2 for ages 5-11 (free for children under 5). Tours are at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m. No reservations required. Details at www.chimneyrockco.org.

Aug. 9

Full Moon program

Full Moon Program at Chimney Rock Watch the full moon rise at the Great House Pueblo site, learn about the Ancestral Puebloans, archaeoastronomy theories, area geology, and enjoy Native American flute melodies by Charles Martinez. Gate open from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. Program begins at 8:15 p.m. Moonrise at approximately 8:41 p.m. This moonrise will not occur between the twin spires. Allow two to three hours for entire program, which is not recommended for children under 12. Reservations required &emdash; tickets are $15. Add $5 for an early tour of the lower area (Great Kiva Trail Loop), which starts at 6:15 p.m. For tickets, call the visitor cabin at 883-5359, from 9-4:30 daily. Details at www.chimneyrockco.org.

Aug. 17

Lunar standstill

Major Lunar Standstill Viewing at Chimney Rock &emdash; sold out, waiting list only. Tickets still available for Sept. 13, Oct. 13 Nov. 7. Details at www.chimneyrockco.org. For tickets call 264-2287; if you get voice mail, leave a message, as tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sept. 5-8

Watercolor workshop

Joye Moon Watercolor Workshop 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $250 for Pagosa Springs Arts Council members, $275 for nonmembers.

 Sept. 11-13

Plein Aire painting

Tom Lockhart Plein Aire Oil Painting Workshop. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $300 for Pagosa Springs Arts Council members, $325 for nonmembers. An additional day may be scheduled.

See Grandmother Mary's work at Quilt Fest 2006

By Shari Pierce

Special to The PREVIEW

Grandmother Mary was a quilter. She was a very talented quilter whose range of talents included appliqué, piecing, embroidery and crazy quilts among others. She was born in Indiana in 1881 and later lived in Oklahoma. She passed away in 1973.

Throughout her life, Grandmother Mary quilted and quilted. She gave her quilts to family members and sold some of them. Her grandson and his wife have amassed a collection of her quilts.

A special exhibit of Grandmother Mary's quilts will be on display at Quilt Fest 2006 because of the generosity of her family, which now resides in Pagosa Springs.

This is a special opportunity for Quilt Fest viewers to see the progression and growth of this quilter through her life. The earliest quilt is from the late 1800s and the dates continue through the 1960s. There are a delightful variety of patterns and techniques. This is sure to be a special part of Quilt Fest.

Education

Each Quilt Fest includes an educational opportunity for youth. This year, Robbye Ready, education corner organizer, has coordinated with the local 4-H youth who are working on quilting. These youngsters will be sharing their projects with Quilt Fest viewers. In addition, there will be other opportunities to learn a bit more about quilting at the education corner.

Silent auction

A silent auction will be offered on a beautiful quilt. The fabrics in the top are dated from the 1940s to early 1950s. The top was finished by guild members and this beautiful vintage quilt will be auctioned off to raise funds for guild projects. Bids on the quilt may be placed throughout the four-day show with the successful bidder being announced at 4 p.m. July 4.

Raffle quilt

Featured on the cover of this week's PREVIEW is the raffle quilt made by Pagosa Piecemaker board members. The quilt is king size and will be raffled off at the Pagosa Piecemaker Quilt Guild's Quilt Fest 2006.

Raffle tickets for this quilt will be available at Quilt Fest. In addition, tickets may be purchased in advance of the show by contacting Linda Bennett at 731-9141.

Challenge quilts

Two challenges were issued to quilters for this year's show. The themes of the challenges are "Over the Mountain and Through the Woods to Grandmother's House We Go" and "Anything Goes." Quilters must create a quilt to fit the theme of the challenge. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the quilt that is their favorite in each of these challenges.

Vendors

After you've viewed all the delightful quilts at the show, you may be of a mind to make a quilt yourself. Be sure to stop by the vendors' booths to see the latest in quilt patterns, fabrics and notions.

Some of the artisans have chosen to sell their quilts at the show this year. These quilts will be clearly marked with prices and instructions for purchase. This is your opportunity to own a beautiful piece of art.

Guild members have also created tote bags and needle cases to sell.

Quilts, quilts, quilts

As of press time, show organizers anticipate there will be 120 quilts on display. And there will be other quilted items to view such as vests, jackets, coasters and more. Quilts range from antiques that have been collected through the years to new quilts that have been created by members of the Pagosa Piecemaker's Quilt Guild.

Show hours

Quilt Fest 2006 will be held July 1-4 in the Mamie Lynch Gymnasium at the corner of Lewis and Fourth streets. On July 1, the show will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Hours July 2 and 3 are noon to 6 p.m. and on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the show will be via the doors on Fourth Street. Admission to the show is $2 for adults and $1 for youth ages 10-18. Children 9 and under will be admitted at no charge. A multiple entry pass will be available for an additional $1.

Quilt Fest is only held every two years. You won't want to miss this opportunity to see what local quilters have been up to.

Quilting legacy begins at 4-H

A group of young ladies have been meeting weekly since February to learn a new craft or to increase their knowledge of the craft some of them began last year.

Led by Nancy Smith, 4-H Quilting Project Leader, six young ladies between the ages of 9 and 16 have completed small quilts that will be displayed in the Education Section of Quilt Fest 2006. The youngsters are Jennifer Smith, Charlene Tuller, Quanisha Tuller, Shaylah Lucero, Amber Onelo and Maiah Bennett. 4-Hers take their assignments very seriously, yet still have time to laugh and "hope that the pieces all fit together."

Just like their adult counterparts in the Piecemakers Quilt Guild, these young quilters have set goals, attended instructional sessions, accepted assistance from an experienced quilter, and completed their projects for personal satisfaction and to display for the pleasure of family and friends.

Last year, under the direction of project leader Alta Kimble, some of the youngsters had their first quilting instruction. This year, their projects required them to piece and quilt on a sewing machine. Upon completion of these projects, it can be said of each of them, "She can sew a straight line." Along with their small quilt project, they prepared a special reminder notebook to guide them when they begin a new project on their own. Many of the skills they are developing will carry over to other areas of their lives.

Be sure to stop by the Education Corner at Quilt Fest 2006 to admire the work of the young quilters who will carry our quilting legacy into the future.

'Young at Heart' UU service Sunday

On Sunday, June 25, The Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will hold a special celebration of childhood, entitled "Young at Heart."

The service will be led by Sky Gabel and will feature the "Chalice Children."

Sky and the kids will teach everyone the process songs, and even a craft project from the "Chalice Children" curriculum, which explores the relationship between music and movement. The children also will share what being a UU means to them.

"Chalice Children" religious education for preschoolers, as well as "big sister" mentoring for youngsters 8-12 years old, will be available for children the first and third Sundays of June, July and August. There will be no childcare on the second, fourth and fifth Sundays.

Sunday services start at 10:30 a.m. in the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, Unit 15-B, Greenbriar Plaza. Turn east on Greenbrier Drive off of North Pagosa by the fire station, then left into the back parking lot and look for the big sign. All are welcome.

Photographer Reichert to exhibit work in Pagosa Springs

Photographer Don Reichert will show his work in Pagosa Springs, with an exhibit set to open June 30 at Pagosa Photography.

Reichert, a native of Fort Collins, first became interested in photography as a teenager. While in college, he participated in numerous photo classes and outdoor photo workshops and seminars and soon found an interest in outdoor photography. He quickly developed the fundamental skills and keen eyesight to capture unique photographic images, particularly landscapes.

Reichert spent a 37-year career in the federal government. Many of those years were spent functioning in wildlife biology and forest ecology research positions with the U.S. Forest Service. During his career, he worked extensively throughout the central Rocky Mountains and other adjacent habitats, further enhancing his photographic skills.

His extensive travels throughout the rocky Mountains and other habitat zones allowed him innumerable opportunities to photograph wildlife species, mountain and nature landscapes and wildflowers throughout all seasons of the year. After retiring from the federal government, Reichert took his hobby and photographic passion to the next level and started his own photography business with his wife.

Now, as a professional photographer with over 40 years of photographic experience, Reichert focuses on outdoor landscapes, floral, nature and wildlife photography, including mountain, desert and plains scenery, native wildflowers, birds, mammals, plus a variety of domestic and tropical flowers including lilies, daisies, roses, orchids and hibiscus.

Reichert's photographic work has taken him throughout the United States, capturing the beauty of the Rocky Mountains; the east coast, including Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maryland; the Midwest; the desert Southwest; coastal areas, the west coast and Pacific Northwest, plus Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and the Caribbean Islands.

He is well respected for his abilities to capture scenic views of interest throughout the four seasons. He also partners in a business that provides aerial photographic commercial services and/or photographic landscape images for clients. Reichert's images have drawn praise for their quality, creativity and presentation, and are displayed in several galleries, as well as at businesses, government, medical and educational facilities. His work has been accepted in several juried art shows and he is a participant in a number of these well-recognized art shows throughout the year.

Opening night is 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 30, at Pagosa Photography, 480 San Juan St. There will be entertainment by "Small Town Giants," Dan Appenzeller and Suzanna Ninichuk.

For more information, call 264-3686.

Ron Gustafson will deliver welcome at Patriotic Night

By Mercy Korsgren

Special to The PREVIEW

Ron Gustafson, a veteran and a very active member of our community, will deliver the welcome address at the Patriotic Night event, 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 30.

Ron and his wife, Cindy, have been very helpful and supportive of the community center and the senior center and Ron is the right person to welcome everyone to Patriotic Night.

Ron entered the United States Air Force Jan. 1, 1954, at the age of 19. He attended basic military training at Sampson Air Force Base, New York. After attending electronic school at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Miss., Ron was transferred to Winterberg, Germany, at a small radar site.

After spending 3 1/2 years in Germany, Ron was transferred to West Palm Beach, Fla., where he continued his electronics career. He attended advanced electronics school at Biloxi and later taught mathematics and different electronics courses. Then, he was transferred to an island off the coast of Greece where he was deputy commander of a microwave station.

Wanting to get back to Germany, he lucked out and got stationed at Wiesbaden along the Rhine River. After three years at Air Force European Headquarters, Ron was selected to attend a 50-week course for electronics superintendents at Biloxi. Ron's last overseas tour of duty was at Ismir, Turkey, where he was a microwave station commander. After two years in Turkey he was transferred to Air Force Communication Headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., where he was account manager for all lease line communication for all the Air Force bases in the United States. This was his last military duty. While at Kansas City he married his wife, Cindy, and obtained his B.A. in business administration at Park University. Ron retired as a master sergeant with 21 1/2 years of continued military service.

So, mark your calendars: what a fabulous way to start the celebration of freedom and patriotism.

Be sure to attend this memorable event, a communitywide prelude to our local Fourth of July celebrations that guarantees an evening of patriotism and fun for everyone.

The main purpose, of course, is to honor local veterans and active duty personnel. Andy Fautheree, our local veterans service officer will be the emcee, and he will acknowledge the presence of all veterans and those on active duty.

In addition, the program will include the American Legion's parade of the colors. John Graves and the Sounds of Assurance will fire up the audience for the patriotic sing-a-long. We will hear from he Mountain Harmony Ladies Barbershop Chorus, and experience a DVD presentation of our veterans and those currently serving our country, and inspirational talks. Free flags from the Chamber of Commerce will be distributed by the 4-H Royalty and the Red Hats will serve refreshments and dessert. Please bring a dessert to share.

Call 264-4152 for further information.

Film society to view, discuss 'All of Me'

The Pagosa Springs Film Society will screen and discuss Carl Reiner's audacious comedy, "All of Me," starring Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 27.

In this 1984 classic, Roger is called in to change the will of an aging millionairess. She has made arrangements for her soul to be "captured" and transferred into the body of a younger girl. After an argument about the will, the millionairess dies, but her spirit somehow lands in Roger's body.

The meeting will be held in the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, Unit 15-B, Greenbriar Plaza. Turn east on Greenbrier Drive off of North Pagosa by the fire station, then left into the back parking lot and look for the big sign. A suggested $3 donation will benefit the Friends of the Library.

'Select Works' opens July 1

"Select Works" opens July 1 at Shy Rabbit with artists Susan Andersen (Marsan), mixed media; D. Michael Coffee, ceramics and monoprints; Sarah Comerford, painting; Ron Fundingsland, intaglio printmaking; Deborah Gorton, mixed media; Shaun Martin, painting; Al Olson, photography; Lisa Pedolsky, ceramics; and Kate Petley, resin on acrylic panels.

A reception for the artists will be held 5-8 p.m. Regular gallery hours beginning July 1 are 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with extended hours on the second Thursday of the month from 1-6:30 p.m.

As a figurative painter, Sarah Comerford looks to the body as a metaphor that can reveal intangible things about the human experience of embodiment. "I am inspired by events that have shaped culture and by lives that have been misshaped by culture," Comerford writes in her artist statement.

Comerford's work uses a language of dichotomy in an attempt to point out the inherent contradictions in life such as the appreciation of beauty despite cruelty, or the realization of joy despite degeneration of the spirit and mind. She often pulls in historical reference to other artists who have explored similar concepts.

Ron Fundingsland is a member of the Society of American Graphic Artists and the International Print Triennial Society. His traditional intaglio and aquatint prints were recently exhibited in New York, Cairo, Egypt, and Lincoln, Neb. It is his voice that we recognize more readily in southwest Colorado, as Fundingsland is a radio announcer at KSUT.

Fundingsland says in his artist statement that he is affected by a number of social, political and personal issues that are frequently seen in his work. "More often than not, I think of it as commentary," he writes.

Yet, his most recent work is a direct reaction to the force of social and political issues. It is a response to the overwhelming intensity of our world situation and a way to create something beautiful in an ugly time.

Al Olson enjoys making in-camera images to create a vision that oftentimes contrasts with our normal experience by creating abstract elements or using unusual lighting effects, camera angles, film media, and subject matter that permit the viewer to use their own imagination to interpret the composition.

Olson uses extended exposures under low light conditions, infrared media (both black and white, and color), slow shutter effects, and multiple exposures on a single frame.

"My purpose is to create critical photographs that meet standards for fine art photography," Olson writes in his artist statement. The integrity of the image is important to Olson. He achieves all of his effects using the camera and standard darkroom procedures.

Shy Rabbit - a Contemporary Art Space and Gallery - is gaining widespread recognition for its cutting edge exhibitions and professional workshops. Shy Rabbit appeals to discerning art lovers and area visitors alike, with its contemporary appearance and welcoming atmosphere.

"Select Works" will be on display through Aug. 12. Shy Rabbit is located at 333 Bastille Drive, Units B-1, B-4, west of downtown. Take U.S. 160 to North Pagosa Boulevard. Turn left on Bastille Drive and stay on Bastille past Hopi. Shy Rabbit is located next to Pine Valley Rental. For more information: log on to http://shyrabbit.blogspot.com or call 731-2766.

Let's Explore series begins at Shy Rabbit

By Leanne Goebel

Special to The PREVIEW

Alfred Stieglitz played a pivotal role in carving out a niche for photography in the art world during the early 1900s. His role as a key figure in the introduction of modern art to America has, until recently, been less understood.

Shy Rabbit brings Marilee Jantzer-White to Pagosa Springs to explore Stieglitz' influence on art in America. White will analyze his exhibitions of the works of artists such as Picasso, Rodin and Cezanne, as well as that of several photographers whose works Stieglitz exhibited in his galleries.

Marilee Jantzer-White received her Ph. D. from University of California, Los Angeles in 1998 with a specialization in Native American Art History. She currently teaches courses on Art History of the Southwest, Native American, Meso-American, Feminist and World Survey Art History courses at Ft. Lewis College in Durango. Her publications include articles on Pueblo and Plains art history.

The Let's Explore series is a new program at Shy Rabbit - a contemporary art space and gallery. The "Let's Explore" series will bring in guest speakers, slide presentations, films and experts to discuss the many facets of art and art history. In August,

Let's Explore will feature a film on Andy Goldsworthy and, in September, a second film on Isamu Noguchi.

"The Let's Explore series is an opportunity to bring in experts in their field to Pagosa and for those of us actively involved in the creation of Shy Rabbit to do what we love - explore art in all it's many forms and facets, sit around and talk about it and share in the experience," said Michael Coffee

"Let's Explore - Alfred Steiglitz" is one night only, July 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10.

"Let's Explore - Goldsworthy" is one night only, Aug. 10, and "Let's Explore - Noguchi" is Sept. 15. The suggested donation for both films is $5.

Shy Rabbit is located at 333 Bastille Drive, Units B-1, B-4, west of downtown, and just south of the Pagosa Lakes area. Take U.S. 160 to North Pagosa Boulevard, turn left on Bastille Drive and stay on Bastille past Hopi. Shy Rabbit is located directly next to Pine Valley Rental. For more information: log on to http://shyrabbit.blogspot.com or call 731-2766.

Newcomers drawn to cast of 'Joseph'

By Dale Morris

Special to The PREVIEW

For a town its size, Pagosa is home to an unusually large number of talented musicians, actors, singers, dancers and other performing artists.

And it appears as though they just keep coming.

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has drawn several of these newcomers to the cast.

Matthew Brunson shines in his portrayal of Joseph, and through his vocal interpretations explores the sometimes comedic, sometimes tragic tale of his journey from Canaan to Egypt.

Tiffany Brunson playfully expresses the lure of Mrs. Potifar, with the support of a chorus of tempting women.

Johanna Patterson performs as Napthali's Wife, singing and dancing her way through the desert sands of Canaan.

Toni Tuller, as Levi's Wife, shares her strong melodic style through various musical numbers of stage jazz, country, and classical.

Quanisha Tuller, an exceptional dancer and singer, performs on our stage as Zebulon's young wife.

Two of Toni's other children, Jessie and Bobby, are singing in the show with the children's choir; another son, Shane, is playing the fiddle.

Ricky Peterson makes his debut on the Pagosa stage as Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son. Dave Armbrecht shakes, rattles and rolls through his performance as the Pharoah in Egypt, who transforms into a character who looks and sounds a lot like Elvis.

"Joseph" opens July 6 and plays July 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pagosa Springs High School auditorium. There will be a matinee at 2 p.m. July 15.

Tickets ($15, $12 and $6) are available at the Plaid Pony or at the door.

Tickets available for Music in the Mountains concerts

By Carole Howard

Special to The PREVIEW

With the opening of the fifth season of Music in the Mountains in Pagosa Springs less than a month away, you will want to check your calendars and buy your tickets very soon to be sure you don't miss out on your favorite classical music concerts.

Among the world-class musicians performing here this summer are a pair of outstanding violinists and the Adkins String Ensemble.

Pagosa will experience a unique event when two of the world's top young virtuosos "duel" on the concert stage in a can-you-top-this performance Wednesday, July 19.

On the program are violinists Vadim Gluzman and Philippe Quint, who will be accompanied by Gluzman's wife Angela Yoffe on piano performing a selection of works by composers including Leclair, Beethoven, Prokofiev, Frolov, Ravel and Sarasate. An inspirational friendship with Isaac Stern helped launch Gluzman's career in 1991. Hailed as one of the most dynamic artists of his generation, the 32-year-old Ukranian-born artist has performed on four continents in recent years.

Quint, born in St. Petersburg, Russia and now an American citizen, has built his reputation as a consummate violin soloist with audiences and critics alike. This rising young New Yorker has established himself as one of the most brilliant and charismatic artists of his generation.

Hard as it is to top these musicians' impressive resumes, the instruments that the two violists will play for our Pagosa audience also are exceptional. Gluzman plays the outstanding 1690 "ex-Leopold Auer" Antonio Stradivari violin, on extended loan from the Stradivari Society of Chicago. Quint performs on a rare 17th century Paolo Maggini violin on loan from Machold Rare Violins.

This concert is presented by Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship and sponsored in part by BootJack Ranch.

Adkins String Ensemble

One of America's most talented classical music families will be showcased Friday, July 21, when the Adkins String Ensemble performs on strings and piano. On the program are Mozart's "Piano Quartet in E-flat major," Briley's "Quintet for a Healing Nation" and Frank's "Piano Quintet in F minor."

In keeping with the informality of festival chamber music concerts, the artists will offer commentary from the stage about these pieces.

All the Adkins family musicians are famous in their own right as leaders in major orchestras, popular soloists and ensemble players extraordinaraire. So when five members of the family take to our stage together, the audience will see a remarkable powerhouse of musical talent.

"Few families boast as many accomplished musicians as the distinguished Adkins clan," said Jan Clinkenbeard, chair of the steering committee in charge of Music in the Mountains in Pagosa. "Having an ensemble of their stature play for us is indeed a very special treat for our town."

This special concert is presented by Coleman Vision and sponsored in part by Prudential Triple S Realty and BootJack Ranch.

Food and beverages available

A selection of food from sandwiches to dessert and beverages from champagne to coffee will be available for purchase before the concert and during intermission.

The concerts start at 7 p.m. Tickets for both these events are $40. When you purchase tickets for this or any of this summer's Music in the Mountains concerts at the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, you can pay by cash, check or credit card (MasterCard or Visa). Tickets also are available on line at www.tix.com or through the Music in the Mountains Web site at www.musicinthemountains.com.

All the concerts take place in a spectacular mountain setting at BootJack Ranch on U.S. 160 east of Pagosa Springs, thanks to the generosity of David and Carol Brown, owners of the ranch and founders of the Music in the Mountains festival in Pagosa.

RobinElla makes first-ever appearance at

Four Corners Folk Festival

By Crista Munro

Special to The PREVIEW

If it feels as if the dust has just recently settled from Indiefest, it's because it has. But the next show must go on, and with 15 bands featured in this year's outstanding Four Corners Folk Festival lineup, it's time to get started extolling their many and diverse talents.

The 11th annual Four Corners Folk Festival will take place Sept. 1-3 on Reservoir Hill Park right here in Pagosa Springs. Often touted by critics as one of the premier music festivals in the Western United States, the Four Corners Folk Festival showcases a wide variety of roots-based musical genres including folk rock, bluegrass, newgrass, blues, Celtic, jazz, Cajun and hybridized mixtures of all the previous categories.

One of the nine newcomers to the lineup this year is the dazzling RobinElla, who makes beguiling music that has no name. The acclaimed singer/songwriter has had folks struggling with descriptions as long as she has been making music. She has slipped in and out of genres ranging from bluegrass to jazz, always dodging labels.

Her new CD "Solace for the Lonely" is no exception. The tragic "Whippin' Wind" could pass for a mountain folk tune. "Press On" is a lovely spiritual, while "Solace for the Lonely" adds a hot jazz fiddle to its spiritual text. "All I've Given" and "Waiting" could be pages from Billie Holiday's songbook.

"One thing I can say about my music is that I write all different types of songs," said RobinElla. "It's not like I'm stuck in one mode or anything. And our band was like this from the beginning." RobinElla's sound has taken a leap forward on this collection. "Solace for the Lonely" adds new electronic, keyboard and percussion layers to her acoustic musical base. But RobinElla hasn't changed that drastically; the charm of her music remains intact. Her style has more depth because of her evolution.

On stage, she has an undeniable charisma. Perhaps that's because she has been singing in public her whole life. "As a kid, I was always very outgoing," she said. "I guess I might have been a bit of a ham. My dad has nine brothers and sisters, and they all play and sing. He was also the song leader at our church, so I grew up singing there."

Born Robin Ella Tipton, she was raised in the mountains of East Tennessee. Her highly musical family enjoyed the sounds of Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, among many others. The singer-guitarist stayed close to home when she went off to college, enrolling in Knoxville's University of Tennessee as an art major.

"I wrote my first songs when I was in my freshman or sophomore year in college. But I didn't know if they were any good or not: I only played them for myself."

Multi-instrumentalist Cruz Contreras grew up near Nashville, so he had also developed a love of country music. But at the University of Tennessee, he became a jazz piano major. After he and RobinElla met at school, they formed the bluegrass band, Stringbeans, with some fellow students in 1997. Metro Pulse, Knoxville's alternative weekly, honored Stringbeans as Best Bluegrass Group in its 1999 Readers Poll, but by then, the group had dissolved. When various members graduated from UT, they drifted apart. But Cruz and RobinElla married in 1998 and a year later formed RobinElla and the CCstringband ("CC" for bandleader Cruz Contreras).

By this time, RobinElla had discovered jazz vocalists Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone. So, as it evolved, the new band began incorporating jazz elements into its country sound. Her winsome Appalachian accent coupled with jazz vocal phrasing, plus the group's acoustic instrumental prowess, soon set it far apart from others.

"When Cruz and I first started playing music, we'd often just play jazz," RobinElla recalled. "We used to practice jazz standards and began incorporating them in our gigs. We would move from a bluegrass standard, to a jazz standard and back to something classic country."

The group recorded its first album, "RobinElla and the CCstringband," in 2000. A second CD called "No Saint, No Prize" followed in 2001. Both were on the independent label Big Gulley Records. Although the sound was increasingly eclectic, Metro Pulse gave three Best Bluegrass Band awards to the group and added two for RobinElla as Best Female Vocalist in 2001 and 2002.

The group's reputation rapidly spread beyond Knoxville. Columbia Records liked what it heard and signed RobinElla in 2002. The label took seven songs from the band's two prior albums and released them as the CD "Blanket for My Soul" that year. Next came 2003's "RobinElla and the CCstringband," which resulted in their first truly national exposure.

"RobinElla emotes like a melancholy angel, with one wing in a jazz club and the other in a honky-tonk," raved The Atlanta Journal & Constitution. "She sings country influenced jazz that is positively silky," added The Boston Globe. "RobinElla Contreras Š draws comparisons to Dolly Parton and Billie Holiday," marveled No Depression. "It's a country-swing-bluegrass-jazz-fusion taste treat," said Billboard.

Reviewers agreed that this was music that was unquestionably genre bending, but undeniably wonderful. RobinElla sang on NPR's Mountain Stage, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and performed on PBS's SoundStage. CMT aired RobinElla's video of "Man Over." Conan O'Brien featured her on his NBC show. The group toured nationally, opening for Bob Dylan, Kasey Chambers, Willie Nelson, Earl Scruggs, Nickel Creek, Robert Earl Keen, Del McCoury and Rodney Crowell, among others. RobinElla also performed at the Bonnaroo music festival in 2003.

RobinElla and her band will play Saturday, Sept. 2 at the Four Corners Folk Festival. Tickets are available downtown at Moonlight Books or in the Pagosa Country Center at WolfTracks Coffee & Books.

For additional information, or to purchase tickets with a credit card, call (970) 731-5582 or visit the Web site, www.folkwest.com.

Brown Bag Writers meet Thursdays at Shy Rabbit

Writer's write. They sit down in front of a computer, a typewriter, or with pen and paper and put down their observations, their thoughts, the stories filling their head.

Practice can be fun, especially when done in a group with other writers.

Every Thursday, between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Brown Bag Writers meet at Shy Rabbit to listen to the muse, tap into the creative river, and learn to not take themselves so seriously.

Facilitated by freelance writer Leanne Goebel, the group is informal and fun. Goebel provides writing prompts in the form of phrases, music or visual stimuli and writers are free to spend 20-30 minutes writing. Then writers share their work (don't worry, if you don't feel comfortable, you can pass).

This is a gathering for writers of all levels and abilities. It is an opportunity to practice writing, to prime the pump. Bring your writing tools (pens, paper, notebooks, laptop) and a sack lunch if you would like. The cost if $5 per session and drop-ins are welcome.

Shy Rabbit is located at 333 Bastille Drive, Units B-1, B-4, west of downtown, and just south of the Pagosa Lakes area. Take U.S. 160 to North Pagosa Boulevard, turn left on Bastille Drive and stay on Bastille past Hopi. Shy Rabbit is located directly next to Pine Valley Rental. For more information: log on to http://shyrabbit.blogspot.com or call 731-2766.

Saunders' photos to be part of Greeley Stampede art show

By Tracie Showalter

Special to The PREVIEW

The seventh annual Stampede Western Art Show at The Greeley Stampede has something for everyone. Since it's inception in 1999, the Stampede Western Invitational Art Exhibit and Sale has brought some of the finest western art in the country to Greeley for our western celebration.

This year, for the first time, photography will be featured in the show. Three photographers will be represented this year.

The photographers whose work was selected to appear in the show include Pagosa photojournalist Wendy Saunders, who will be showing black and white images photographed during rodeo events. Saunders has photographed the Greeley Stampede for three years. She has also photographed at the National Western Stock Show (Denver) and National Rodeo Finals (Las Vegas, Nev.). With a stockpile of over 7,000 images, Saunders has variety in her images. Saunders approached the Greeley Stampede in 2002 with the idea of adding photography to the fine art show. "Even though the art show committee was not ready for change at that time," said Saunders, "I knew the authenticity of black and white photography would find its way into the western art arena."

Taking students as far as they can go: Roberto Garcia Jr.

By Leanne Goebel

Special to The PREVIEW

Roberto Garcia, Jr. has wanted to teach a sculpting class in Pagosa since he moved here with his family in 1997. He finally got the opportunity at Shy Rabbit - a contemporary art space and gallery.

"The whole set up was great," Garcia says. "And I worked well with Michael and Denise [Coffee]." The Coffees are the power couple behind Shy Rabbit.

"Our goal is to provide master level artisans who can teach professional workshops at all levels," Michael Coffee says. "It's great when you can find these people in your own back yard."

Garcia is a rare sculptor who not only models his own work, but also creates his own molds and pours bronze at his foundry in Aspen Springs. As a young sculptor, Garcia was forced to learn the multi-layered process of lost-wax casting because he couldn't afford to pay anyone to turn his clay models into bronze. So, he took his B.F.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and went to Princeton, N.J. to study at the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture. Then, he worked commercially as a foundry assistant at Shidoni in Santa Fe, N.M.

As a young artist, Garcia apprenticed with Charles Umlauf in Austin, an internationally-known and well-respected sculptor. Garcia even cast some of Umlauf's later work. He also taught a similar beginning sculpture class at the Johnson Atelier.

"Some things cannot be learned from books," Garcia says. "You have to do them. It is trial and error."

Garcia speaks English with a lilting accent. He is clearly a happy man who smiles often and laughs regularly. His brown eyes twinkle and his charcoal-black hair is beginning to gray. We are sitting across from one another, a black metal desk with a laminated wood top between us, at his Crucible Gallery in downtown Pagosa Springs. The space is long and narrow and crammed with bronze sculptures along both sides. A huge plaster piece hangs in the window-a female form in a circle. She is called "La Luna" and is finished with a patina that makes her look like a bronze.

Much of the work on the left side of the gallery is by Garcia's wife, Anna. He taught her to sculpt several years ago and she is now quite prolific. He shows me an elephant she completed recently and I am enthralled with the texture on a clay model of a buffalo head that sits at the end of the long wall. In an alcove, Garcia keeps examples of the process - the silicone mold supported by plaster, the hollow wax copy, the ceramic shell, and the completed bronze with patina - to share with his customers. Behind Garcia is a large frame with images of him and his monumental work. An unfinished oil painting sits on an easel. His paints and brushes rest on the desktop.

"It's overdone," he says of the painting. "I'm just so inspired by this place - the beauty, the sun, the light. I want to capture it somehow."

Garcia built his first foundry in Texas and created several large monumental installations throughout South Texas before leaving his limited artistic fame to live in Colorado. "I am a modern day pioneer," he says explaining that he built his house from the trees he cut down on his property, that he still hauls water in the back of his truck. Yet, he's not about to leave. He turned down an offer to teach sculpture at a university in Texas because he didn't want to leave Pagosa.

"One of the things I really miss is having apprentices from a college. I could pay them minimum wage and they helped out in the foundry," Garcia adds. He realizes that, someday, he will not be able to do it by himself; that he is getting older and he wants to share what he knows with those equally as passionate about the complicated journey known as sculpting.

"I'll meet every student and take them as far as they can go," he says. "If they surpass me then good for them."

Garcia is pleased with his first workshop in Pagosa. He feels he learned a lot and that he worked out some bugs and the next time he offers the workshop it will run even more smoothly. He is hoping to work with Shy Rabbit and offer another six-week beginning workshop in the fall and possible a shorter mold-making workshop.

"What I was looking for, Shy Rabbit provided it - that avenue. I had been planning to do (the workshop) at my own studio, but this worked out better. We are both happy with the results and want to continue," Garcia says.

As for Shy Rabbit, he says he admires the Coffees for their vision and their incredible plans. "They have a more contemporary approach to helping artists make a living."

Garcia has been making a living as an artist for 30 years.

"I don't know what the secrets are. I feel I'm as good as many who are more famous or more successful than me. I just don't have the advertising campaign or the marketing machine. It's the story of my life. I'm a simple person. I always knew I didn't have the wealth or the resources to make it in New York," Garcia says.

He admits that living as an artist is like a roller coaster ride wondering how to pay the bills until a commission or a sale happens.

"I miss the security of having a stable job," he says. "But it's too late. I would never be happy.

"I admire the artists in my field who are successful because they've suffered," Garcia continues. "They've asked the same question I do - how does bronze translate into bread?"

He pauses and explains the metaphor in case I didn't understand, then continues: "I don't do enough PR."

His most recent commission to create a life-size sculpture of a congresswoman came via a friend who helped put the pieces together. All of his public art projects have come from networking and relationships. "I'm limited to my persuasion abilities," Garcia says.

"Roberto is just one of those guys you want to help," Michael Coffee says. "I don't know why, but I want to help him. And I don't feel that way about a lot of people."

"I don't feel I'm underprivileged," Garcia adds. "I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me."

When you meet Garcia you know you are meeting a committed artist. You know you are meeting someone who is living life on his own terms. You know you are meeting someone passionate about his work and you can't help but honor that spirit and do what you can to help him succeed. If you work as an artist, you understand how hard it is to survive doing only your art and you admire him for his choices.

"To be an artist you have to be prepared, not only for rejection, but failure. You are going to stumble. You have to be able to turn it around. You may fail three times and finally, on the fourth try, something will click," Garcia says. Then, he adds: "You may have a masterpiece and people will look at it and no one will recognize that it is a masterpiece until some famous critic or some famous person says it is a masterpiece. Deep down we have to listen to our little souls. That is something you can't teach in art. We all have the power to make our own decisions, but it requires originality."

The students in his sculpting workshop echo this idea. They reacted to the initial project, which was sculpting a woman's head, copying a sculpture Garcia did years ago from a live model. Many struggled with learning how to sculpt, the mundane copying, measuring the dimensions, creating the armature. But once they were allowed to create a sculpture from their imagination, the work flourished.

"I didn't think I was going to get to sculpt something I wanted to sculpt," Miki Harder says. Harder never completed her female head, but when given the freedom to explore her imagination, a sculpture of a raven took flight.

"Everybody's head looks like a beginner," Coffee says. "Everyone's other sculpture doesn't."

"If you missed out on the recent sculpture workshop conducted by Roberto Garcia (at Shy Rabbit), you missed some great times," sculptor Lucy Wiley wrote recently on ArtsNetwork, a Yahoo group for artists. Wiley, a Houston-based artist, is represented by Wild Spirit Gallery in Pagosa Springs and spends her summers in the San Juan Mountains with her husband, Gale, and their dog.

Wiley continued writing in her message: "I'm not one to gush but Roberto really knows his stuff and his teaching methods are positive yet challenging. Roberto brought out the best in every one of us. Even people who had never before sculpted, created works that made them justifiably proud."

Local artist brings international CowParade to Pagosa Springs

By John Graves

Special to The PREVIEW

CowParade is the largest and most popular public art event in the world. More than 100 million people worldwide have seen the Cows. CowParade events have been staged in more than 20 cities worldwide since 1999 including Chicago (1999), New York City (2000), London (2002), Tokyo (2003), Brussels (2003), Dublin (2003), Prague (2004) and Stockholm (2004). In 2005, Barcelona, Monaco, Moscow, Bucharest and Sao Paulo hosted events.

The 2006 host cities include Lisbon, Portugal, Boston, Buenos Aires and Denver.

Having seen the original CowParade while working in New York, Pagosa artist Sabine Baeckmann-Elge responded to the call to artists for the Denver CowParade earlier this year.

Last year, Elge was selected as one of the artists to decorate and adorn a Puma for the San Juan Mountains Association "Pumas on Parade" public art awareness project. She painted Colorado wildflowers on her puma, which was subsequently purchased by a private collector from Albuquerque, NM.

Elge sent in three designs to the 2006 Denver CowParade organizers at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, hoping to hear back that a sponsor came forward for one of her designs. On May 26, the good news came: her Colorado Wildflowers "Alpine Explosion" design had a sponsor. This time, it was the CowParade organization itself that commissioned her cow.

Said Tara Brickell, Cherry Creek Arts Festival coordinator, "CowParade has decided that they want it made - sponsored or not. It's quite an honor."

Why Cows?

The cow is a universally beloved animal, which also happens to make a great canvas for all forms of art. The cow represents many things to many different people around the world - she's sacred, she's historical, she connects us to our past. But the common feeling is one of affection. There is something magical about the cow that transcends throughout the world, and that magic brings smiles to people's faces.

Each host city starts with a herd of blank cow sculptures. The cow sculptures are made of flame-retardant fiberglass and have within them steel rebar for reinforcement. The Cows weigh approximately 125 pounds before application by the artist. For public display, the Cows are mounted to cement bases weighing approximately 400 pounds.

The painted cows are created by local artists and are sold at the conclusion of each event for the benefit of local non-profit organizations. More than 3,000 Cows have been created since 1999 and more than 5,000 artists worldwide have participated in CowParade.

The herd of cows will be displayed on Denver streets, and in parks and public places July 22 &endash;Oct. 20, by "Pasture Hosts." The Downtown herd will be located along the 16th Street Mall, with special "watering holes" in Larimer Square, The Tabor Center and Denver Pavilions. Another herd will graze through Cherry Creek at both the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North Shopping District. Herds may also be spotted in other more remote locations around town.

In early November 2006, at the conclusion of the public display, the cows will be auctioned at a live and an online auction for the benefit of local non-profits. Principal nonprofit partners include the Denver Children's Museum, Cherry Creek Arts Festival the Denver Zoo, and The Eagle Fund of the Denver Foundation. The Denver Foundation will also provide an administrative role with the auction.

Additionally, each cow sponsor will designate a non-profit beneficiary of their choice to receive a portion of the auction proceeds. CowParade organizers hope to raise an $500,000 area non-profits.

CowParade opens its events to all artists and craftsmen in the host city and region. Painters, mixed-media artists, sculptures, craftsmen, architects, and a variety of other creative individuals have all participated. While the cow sculptures remain the same, each city's artists are challenged by the creations from past events, inspired by the cultural influences and history of their city, and moved by their own interpretation of the cow as an object of art, making each event unique.

A cow may also become a collectible figurine. CowParade's line of figurines is among the top adult collectibles in the U.S. and Europe. Each figurine is an exact replica of an authentic Cow created as part of a CowParade event. There are about 200 figurines in the collection, which means less than 10 percent of the cows become figurines. Approximately eight to 12 cows from each event are reproduced and become part of the collection. Sometimes it's the most whimsical and popular cows, sometimes it's the offbeat cows that no one expects to be reproduced. There is no system for selecting cows for reproduction.

"This is just such an incredible honor, especially since I witnessed the CowParade's first public art event in New York so long ago," said Elge. "And I'm thrilled and grateful that the CowParade itself has requested my cow to be done. I'm hoping that "Alpine Explosion" becomes a collectible figurine, but more so, it would be wonderful if there were a local buyer for her, so that she would ultimately graze here after the auction in November. It's a great opportunity for international exposure for the arts community here in Pagosa Springs."

CowParade is a small, privately owned company based in West Hartford, Connecticut. CowParade's office in Sussex, England organizes its European events. For more information and to view other cow designs, log onto www.cowparade.com.

For more pictures of Elge's cow and others in the Denver Cow Parade, visit www.pagosafinearts.com.

Simpson home to be part of PSAC tour

By Marti Capling

Special to the PREVIEW

An exclusive Colorado Mountain Estate will be one of the featured homes on the Pagosa Springs Arts Council Home and Garden Tour Sunday, July 9.

This log-sided, post-and-beam hilltop home offers a master bedroom suite with a gas fireplace, three additional bedrooms each with walk-in closets and baths, two powder rooms, an office/library, two kitchens, a family room and a bonus hobby room above the four car garage.

The interior is graced by two woodburning river rock fireplaces, specially selected furnishings with family antiques and memorabilia, extensive art work, and too many custom details to mention.

Trex decks, a stamped concrete patio off the main kitchen and large windows throughout provide opportunities for enjoying the mountain views and the grandchild-friendly playground area.

For the horse enthusiast, there is a 4,500 square-foot barn with four stalls, hay storage and workshop. The lower pasture also has a two-stall barn with water and electricity.

This home has it all and the Simpsons have graciously offered to open it for the tour.

Entries due for state fair art exhibit

The Colorado State Fair, Pueblo Community College and the Sangre De Cristo Arts and Conference Center are again collaborating to present the 2006 Colorado State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition.

Two divisions for artwork submission are being offered: Emerging Artist/Student and Professional.

The Emerging Artist/Student division will be hung "salon style" for everyone to enjoy.

The Professional division will be judged selectively, with the goal being excellence.

"This is a portion of the Colorado State Fair that all Colorado artists can participate in," said State Fair General Manager Chris Wiseman. "Every year. I'm amazed at the level of talent the fine arts exhibition brings in."

Art will be on display in the Fine Arts Pavilion during the entire length of the fair.

Enter between now and July 29. General entry office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The 2006 Colorado State Fair runs Aug. 25-Sept. 4.

For more information, log on to www.coloradostatefair.com or call (719) 404-2080.

Free Summer Concert Series at Fort Lewis College

Midnight Backhand kicks off the Free Summer Concert Series tonight at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

The band's concert will be the first of seven events in the series, which showcases local talent.

The Free Summer Concert Series schedule is as follows:

- June 22 and July 27, 6:30 &endash; 8:30 p.m., Midnight Backhand.

Midnight Backhand walks the line between rock and country, creating an upbeat sound reminiscent of Red Dirt and Texas Rock. This local five-piece plays country on their own terms, riding the edge of country rock as it's known. Opening for Texas rockers like Full Throttle and Cooter Graw, and an opening for Blackhawk, have set Backhand in forward motion.

Playing the scene for a year in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, Backhand has gained a rep of being a party band, singing good-timing songs, and buffing up their catalogue with original tunes of love, loss and all the good and bad times in between. Coming off a sophomore recording stint in Texas, Midnight Backhand is dialed in to rock the house.

Opening act: Company (5-6:30 p.m. in the portico). Company is an auditioned group of students from San Juan College. This summer, Company has a high energy set that is mostly classic pop and rock such as "Footloose," "Shop Around," "Your Mama Don't Dance," "Walk This Way," "I Got the Music in Me" and about 15 others, with a touch of country like Keith Urban's "Better Life" and the SheDaisy tune, "Good Lovin'."

- June 29 and July 20, 6:30 &endash; 8:30 p.m., The Hot Strings

The Hot Strings are a young, acoustic band based here in southwest Colorado. From an early age Jared and Josiah (brothers) and Carson (cousin) began playing music together in Pagosa Springs. Soon, they began to win various awards both on their individual instruments respectively and as a group collectively, gaining a reputation as a group dedicated to creating their own unique sound which stems from bluegrass and incorporates elements of rock, reggae, Celtic and jazz. With the release of their newest CD, "Uncharted," they are sure to deliver a powerful performance.

- July 6, 6:30 &endash; 8:30 p.m., Rock & Rye.

Local Durango bluegrass band Rock & Rye is a quintet made up of longtime Durango musicians and longtime friends. Rob Lawrence and David Smith, who were neighbors back in Virginia growing up, are the main vocalists for the group and also play the Martin guitars. Chris Becker is on mandolin, playing powerful, bluesy leads and steadfast rhythm. David, Rob and Chris are honored to have two staples of the Four Corners music scene rounding out the group. Bruce Allsopp on the banjo and Steve Williams on the bass have been playing country and bluegrass music in the area for many years now and bring their good-time ways and surefire notes to Rock & Rye. The group can best be described as a traditional bluegrass band but they also enjoy delving into some great country classics by the likes of Merle Haggard and Gram Parsons, among others.

- July 13 and August 3, 6:30 &endash; 8:30 p.m., The Badly Bent.

The Badly Bent is a high energy traditional bluegrass band based in Durango. The band prides itself on tight harmony vocals, award winning pickin' and a warm, friendly stage presence. The Badly Bent has performed at many of the more prominent Colorado and New Mexico festivals and is frequently playing in and around Durango.

All concerts take place at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. For more information, call 247-7657.

'Hot time in the Old Town' at this year's county fair

By Jim Super

Special to The PREVIEW

It is hard to believe the Archuleta County Fair is just around the corner.

In order to provide the best entertainment to the community, the fair board has been working for months with meetings, idea exchanges and a lot of legwork. With great pride, we are pleased to announce the opening day event of the Archuleta County Fair.

The theme for this year's fair is "Hot Time in the Old Town."

The opening will be a fun-filled evening during which we can raise the roof and kick up our heels for a night. This is a celebration of community and of family; everyone can enjoy the beauty of Pagosa in an environment that is kid friendly.

This year's celebration will take place Thursday, Aug. 4. Highlighted below are the primary events for the extravaganza.

- Fourth annual Lee Sterling Chile Cook-off. Experience the best chili and salsa in the county, with unlimited tasting while supplies last. First- through third-place prizes will be awarded for the best green and red chiles, as well as for salsa. The Grand Prize winner will receive a trip to Winter Park to participate in the Rocky Mountain Chili Cookoff. There are many great cooks in the county, so pull out your best recipe for this event. The event will also feature a jalapeno eating contest.

- Live rock and blues featuring The Swingrays. Get your dancing shoes on, folks, because this group is sure to stir up the jive in all age groups.

- Learn the rhythmic and sensual dance of Salsa - with free dance lessons. Enter the Salsa contest and sport your best moves. It will be muy caliente! Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

- Fire juggling. This will be performed by a professional with every precaution taken during this amazing spectacle. Please forewarn the youngsters that this is not an activity they should try to duplicate.

I will be your master of ceremonies for the event. Fair board members and staff will be on hand to help make the evening as pleasant as possible for all our guests, and to assist you in any way possible.

Gate admission is $10, student admission is $5. Children under five are free. There are no advanced ticket sales for this event. Gates will open at 4 p.m. Contestants for the Chili Contest get into the fair free of charge, and must enter by 4.

Upcoming articles will feature further information regarding the fair. For the most up-to-date information, go to our Web site at www.archuletacountyfair.com.

Life mission in service to others

By John Gwin

Special to The PREVIEW

Seven men from Archuleta County recently completed the two-day New Warrior Training Adventure and are now beginning their Primary Integration Training (PIT).

They are members of Southwest Colorado MKP Community's 50 New Warriors dedicated to empowering men to live their life's mission in service to others. New Warriors take responsibility for their own thoughts and actions and hold themselves accountable to others. The motto of MKP is "Changing the world one man at a time." MKP is a secular, non-profit international men's organization.

An open men's circle is continuing to meet in Archuleta County bi-weekly. For more information about New Warriors/MKP call John Gwin, 731-9666, or go to www.mkp.org.

Congregation Har Shalom schedules summer activities

Following is the summer schedule of activities at Congregation har Shalom.

Saturday, June 24 - Bar Mitzvah and Kiddush, 10 a.m. Join Judy and Rick Williams for Shabbat morning services as their son Aaron is called to the Torah to become Bar Mitzvah. To R.S.V.P., call Judith at 247-3855.

Wednesday, July 5 - Jewish Meditation Group at Har Shalom, 7 p.m. Call Judith at 247-3292 or judithv@frontier.net.

Friday, July 7 - Shabbat Service, 7 p.m. Led by members of Congregation Har Shalom.

Friday, July 14 - Torah Study at Har Shalom, 7 p.m. Call Harold shure at 385-6793 for details.

Wednesday, July 19 - Jewish Meditation Group at Har Shalom, 7 p.m. Call Judith at 247-3292 or judithv@frontier.net.

Friday-Sunday, July 21-23 - Weekend Shabbaton with Rabbi Baskin. Please watch your mailbox for details to follow.

Wednesday, August 2 - Jewish Meditation Group at Har Shalom, 7 p.m. Call Judith at 247-3292 or judithv@frontier.net.

Friday, August 4 - Shabbat Service, 7 p.m. Led by members of Congregation Har Shalom.

Friday, August 11 - Torah Study at Har Shalom, 7 p.m. Call Harold Shure at 385-6793 for details.

Wednesday, August 16 - Jewish Meditation Group at Har Shalom, 7 p.m. Call Judith at 247-3292 or judithv@frontier.net.

Friday-Sunday, August 18-20 - Weekend Shabbaton with Rabbi Baskin. Please watch your mailbox for details to follow.

Wednesday, August 30 - Jewish Meditation Group at Har Shalom. Call Judith at 247-3292 or judithv@frontier.net.

Call the information line, 375-0613, for last-minute changes or additional activities and programs.

'Cars' a good family movie

By Charles Streetman

This year's summer releases seem to be one lackluster product after another, consisting mostly of sequels to tiresome franchises, dopey remakes, asinine comedies and brain-dead action films.

Now that I think about it, that's about all that's ever been released during the summer.

Luckily, for family film buffs, Disney and Pixar's latest animated film, "Cars," has been thrown into the summer mix to break up the sameness of its competitors, and in Disney's case, it's a desperate act of redemption for their earlier animated disaster "The Wild."

Over the last three years, Pixar gained much success with two stand-out classics "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles." But, with "Cars," they take a small step back and present us with a more traditional animated film.

That doesn't make it any less of a good family movie.

At a recent screening, before seeing the film, the audience was treated to a sneak peak at Pixar's next animated film, "Ratatouille," which focuses on rats living in France in search for greater food than simply what's lying around in the sewer. It is due out in summer 2007. They were also treated to another one of Pixar's new, quirky animated shorts, "One Man Band." The short tells the story of two one-man band acts performing in a quaint town square, competing with one another to earn the charity of a little girl. Their acts eventually get out of control, costing them the girl's donation.

But, then, there's "Cars."

Imagine if you will a world that is solely populated with talking, animated cars and other assorted vehicles. No humans, no animals, only cars exist.

Just go with it; for heaven's sake, it's a kids' movie!

The movie is about Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson, "The Wedding Crashers"), a cocky, ego-tripping, up-and-coming rookie racecar competing for the Piston Cup against two veteran racecars.

During the big race, the three race cars tie for first place, and a special race is arranged for the three champions to determine an official winner. For McQueen, this race means more than just the Piston Cup; he wants the fame of being the first rookie to win it and, in turn, to earn a more desirable sponsorship.

While en route to this race, McQueen has a streak of bad luck on the road, losing his way and landing in an impound lot in Radiator Springs, a small backwater town forgotten to the rest of the world. He is sentenced to community service, fixing the mess he made upon his arrival - basically re-paving the main road. Not a difficult task, but McQueen has only a week to get to the race or he's disqualified and re-paving the road could take just as long to finish.

As for the key locals of Radiator Springs, they're led by Doc Hudson (voiced by Paul Newman), a 1951 Hudson Hornet who knows more about racing than he lets on at first. Then there's Mater (Voiced by Larry the Cable Guy), a beat-up old rusty tow truck who befriends McQueen shortly after he arrives. And there's Sally (voiced by Bonnie Hunt, "Cheaper by the Dozen" remake), a Porsche trying to help return Radiator Springs to its former glory, and the future love interest for McQueen.

As McQueen reluctantly carries out his service to the town, he begins to see the state the town is in and learns how it used to be back in the good old days. Slowly, Lightning learns there is more to life than just winning.

The car-related humor is typical - such as when an 18-wheeler begins to veeroff on the highway, or when a couple of touring suburban minivans turn up lost and argue about asking for directions in Radiator Springs. Though it's typical, it's still good and funny.

It's because the story of "Cars" is so simple that I think it's a step back from Pixar's past films. It's not as clever or as original as "The Incredibles," or "Finding Nemo," (although "tractor tipping" is the most hilariously clever thing I have seen so far this year) and it doesn't have as much meaning to it as the previous two.

Perhaps, though, this is not as severe as I make it out to be; by comparison to the other animated films that have come out this year, it is still more meaningful and clever than any of them.

Animation-wise "Cars" lives up to Pixar's reputation of being the best at computer animation. Their attention to detail in this movie dominates, exceeding everything they've done in the past, and sets the bar higher for computer animated films - with the exception of the windshield eyes and front bumper mouths, of course. The two racing sequences and the country drive that McQueen takes with Sally are standout examples.

I was expecting the animation to be first rate in the movie - as well as the story - but my biggest concern was whether or not comedian Larry the Cable Guy could still be funny in a G-rated film. Much to my relief, the answer is yes. His character, Mater, is one of the funniest characters I have seen all year, and practically steals the show in "Cars."

"Cars" marks the directoral return of Pixar's John Lasseter. Lasseter has not directed a Pixar film since the 1999 hit "Toy Story 2," but he has not lost his touch. Where"Cars" might not exhibit anything near the inventive genius shown by its two predecessors, it is another Pixar Studios classic - and the best animated film I have seen so far all year. Expect to see "Cars" again when the Oscars announces nominees for Best Animated Feature early next year.

No column this week.

Tried and true in a potluck world

By Kate Terry

PREVIEW Columnist

It's a potluck world!

Here are tried and true recipes, sure to please at a potluck. They are all simple to make, and all are submitted by locals.

Potato Salad

2 cups mashed potatoes (milk and butter added)

2 hard-boiled eggs

1/3 cup chopped onions

1/3 cup mayonnaise

Deviled Eggs

6 hard-boiled eggs, cut in half, remove and mash yolks to make a paste

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon mustard, pimento, salt, pepper, cayenne to the paste. Fill the eggs

Deviled Eggs 2

6 hard-boiled eggs, cut in half, yolks removed and mashed

Add salt, pepper, mustard, dust with paprika

Lemon Jell-O

1 pack lemon Jell-O

1 can crushed pineapple

1 can cranberry sauce

1 cup pecans

Kentucky Bean Salad

2 cans French cut green beans

1 can small peas

1 small onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 small jar pimento

Mix and add to:

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon water

Chill

Baked Beans and Sausage

(Men particularly like this)

1 large can baked beans

1 package hot pork sausage

1 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon Creole seasoning

1 Polish sausage, cut into small pieces

Minced onion, celery and bell pepper

Salt

Pepper

Cook sausage and all other ingredients.

Pimento Cheese Sandwich Spread

1 package shredded sharp cheese

Small jar chopped pimento, drained

1 tablespoon margarine.

Around town ...

Harvey Schwartz submitted this appreciation of the Music, Mirth and Muses production. Thanks to him.

"The Elation Center for the Arts presented a John Graves production Saturday at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse titled "Music, Mirth and Muses."

"Starring Professor Graves, Sally Yates and Larry Elginer, this was one class act of a show.

"First, Shanti Johnson danced spirit-like around us, to the cascading harp of Natalie Tyson. Matthew and Tiffany Brunson sang "Where or When" just right.

"Drummer Alex Baum tastefully assisted Prof. Graves on accompaniments.

"Deb Aspen and Charles Jackson jitterbugged like they did when that dance was a new craze (you do the math).

"The show's writer, John Graves, sang "Life in the Middle Ages," an hilarious look at those times. Then Larry Elginer comically trumpeted in a courtly procession and put his horn down to be the jester, juggling included. The king, Jarrell Tyson, ordered off his head.

"Bob Nordman played a courtly, anachronistic (but so sweet) alto sax solo. Carla Roberts and Peter Coe further delighted the court with a dance. No further heads were demanded!

"Sally Yates portrayed an early British sot, tying one on. Joy Redmon's following flute solo did not help sober her up. Jarrel Tyson waxed poetic about "snow." Shanti held Sally up during this fine recitation.

"Doc Elginer displayed his virtuosity, playing "Portrait of a Trumpet," by Sammy Nestico, accompanied by the drummer's mom, Melinda Baum, who we will miss very much.

"Then, Sally became a more modern ditz ... Babsy. This fabulous actress is a match for Lucille Ball!

"Then came an elegant fusion of sight, sound, flute and interpretive dance. Deb Aspen danced to Joy Redmon's performance of Debussy's "Les Sylphides." Remarkable!

"June Marquez sang "Blue Moon," very jazzy, fifties and fine. Matthew and Tiffany sang an a capella duet of "Shenandoah." Chilling!

Paul Roberts (coproducer with his wife, Carla) led the big singalong with "I'm Gonna Let it Shine," before the big finish dance frenzy featuring Sally and Deb in a full flapper attired Charleston.

A huge thanks goes out to Paul and Carla Roberts for their Elation Center for the Arts concerts.

Rural Philanthropy Days a productive experience

By Becky Herman

PREVIEW Columnist

Rural Philanthropy Days proved to be a wonderful experience - we met both funders and representatives of other non-profit organizations from the southwest corner of Colorado.

Yes, of course we had fun, but even more, we learned about the tools available to us, about determining which of the funders might be interested in helping, and about the grant process in general. There were workshops for fighting burnout, evaluating a program's success, building successful boards, collaboration among non-profits and more.

Maybe the most important outcome was that busloads of funders visited different areas of southwest Colorado, learning about what makes our part of the state so special.

Close on the heels of RPD in Durango, we had the privilege of participating in the Relay for Life on the Town of Pagosa Springs and community center team. It was a time for me to remember my sister, my grandmother and six good friends who died from cancer, and to remember and be thankful for my husband's recovery from prostate cancer eight years ago.

Mercy, Michelle, and I thank Soledad Estrada-Leo, Diana Baird and her granddaughter, Katee, Dennis and Dana Ford, Melissa Bailey and her family, Ruben and Erma Mesa, Bill Korsgren, and my husband, John Porco, for being on our team. We collected a total of $1,600 once all monies are in. Thanks for those milkshakes, Katee, they were a lovely surprise.

Old Glory dinner and dance

Tomorrow night, June 23, the High Rollers from Durango will be playing some great music for you and yours to dance to. The dance begins at 7 p.m. and will last until 11.

For those coming for dinner, Eddie B. Cookin' will serve from 6 to 7 p.m. A cash bar with an assortment of beers and wines will be available. A pre-paid ticket, available at WolfTracks and the center, is $12 per person, and a ticket at the door is $15. This is an adult event; those under 21 are not allowed to attend. Please come prepared for an I.D. check.

Patriotic Night

Plans for Patriotic Night are coming along nicely.

There will be a patriotic sing-along, an inspirational talk and a DVD presentation featuring some of our local veterans and men and women currently serving in the military.

Andy Fautheree, our local veteran's officer, will be our emcee this year, John Graves and the Sounds of Assurance will lead the crowd in the sing-along, and Mercy's friend and community center volunteer, Gene Tautges, will do the DVD presentation. Gene has been taking photos of our local heroes. The Mountain Harmony Ladies Barbershop Chorus will entertain us, too.

After the singing and the presentation, a dessert potluck will follow. Mark your calendar for Friday, June 30, from 7-9 p.m. The Chamber of Commerce will again provide flags and the 4-H Royalty will distribute them to all in attendance. Be nice to the Red Hat ladies, since they will be in charge of the dessert table and other refreshments. Call Mercy at 264-4152 or Andy at 731-3837 for more information.

Diabetes support group

We are very pleased to announce that the community center is about to start a Diabetes support group. The first meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 6. We hope those of you with jobs will be able to make it at that time.

Call the center at 264-4152 if you would be interested in joining. The group will be whatever you want it to be. Please participate and help at this early, decision-making time. Everything is open for discussion and decision.

One thing we thought might be of use to members is a software program to help us figure out nutritional information for our recipes. Let's plan to discuss this possible purchase at the first meeting.

Self-help for health

Come join in this new program at the center; it is free.

This series of classes starts June 19, 5:30-8 p.m.

Medora Bass, Ph. D., our new volunteer, will be the facilitator. She has been using expressive therapy to help others since the mid 1960s, and has taught the same at J.F. Kennedy University in Orinda, Calif., and Southwestern College in Santa Fe. She has 20 years experience dealing with health challenges.

Also, Medora has painted for 10 years and has a M.F.A. In this class, she will introduce tools such as art, imagery, dreams, writing, observation and dialogue, which may help one become aware of possibly detrimental patterns, so one can then choose to change the habits. Insight gained from using the tools presented may help a person in making health care decisions and evaluate the helpfulness of a particular form of treatment.

These classes are not meant to diagnose or treat any illness. The goal of this free program is to help participants be aware of factors that may affect their health and help them better realize their goals.

Register in advance by calling the community center at 264-4152 and bring the following supplies to the first class: a notebook for keeping a journal and a drawing pad - newsprint is OK; if you buy one, buy the size you will use. A large pad, 18x24, may help one be freer in one's expression. Paper will be provided at the first class. Bring Cray Pas (oil pastels); crayons and markers can be difficult to use.

For more information, or if you are interested in the class but class day or time does not work for you, call Medora at 264-5564.

Summer Art/Spanish Camp

Throughout June, July and August, Soledad Estrada-Leo is presenting an arts and crafts camp for children at the community center.

The kids are doing art projects Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and learning Spanish at the same time. On Thursdays, the goal is to work on a skit to be presented the last Thursday of each month. Call Soledad at 731-1314 for information.

eBay Club

Three new people attended the last eBay Club gathering. Ben took them into the computer lab and they had an opportunity for some hands-on experience using eBay. The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. July 20. Call Ben Bailey at 264-0293 for more information.

Line dancing update

Gerry Potticary says continued thanks go to Peggy Carrai and Elaine Lundergan for their contributions to making the line dancing experience so much fun 10-11 a.m. every Monday. Newcomers are encouraged to come early at 10 a.m. for an introduction. No previous knowledge is necessary. Last week, Deb Aspen stopped by and wowed everyone with her expertise.

Gerry wants everyone to know that there will be line dancing Monday, July 3.

This fun program is offered free at the community center. For more information, call the center at 264-4152, or call Gerry at 731-9734.

Computer lab news

Thanks to those who have been patient while we worked the bugs out of our new equipment.

With the new equipment comes a procedure for logging in to the Internet. Please open Firefox in order to log in to the Internet. You will then see a login window where you can enter the user name and password - both are the word "public." Login instructions are posted in the lab. Let us know if you experience any problems with the new network setup.

It's time to put your name on the list for the next beginning classes; these will start in August and run for eight weeks. Call me at 264-4152 or e-mail me at rhp@zworg.com with questions.

Center hours

The community center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 8-5:30 Tuesday through Friday; and 10-4 Saturday.

Activities this week:

Today - Over-the-Hill-Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; watercolor workshop, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; yoga, 11 a.m.-noon; Computer Q&A session with Becky, 1-4 p.m.; Teen Center open, 4-8 p.m.; Chimney Rock Training/Forest Service, 5-9 p.m.; arthritis class, 6-8 p.m.

June 23 - Senior walking program, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; watercolor workshop, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; senior bridge, 12:30-4 p.m.; Teen Center open, 2-8 p.m.; dinner and dance for adults, 6-11 p.m.

June 24 - Sewing class, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Teen center open, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 25 - Church of Christ Sunday service, 10 a.m.-noon; Grace Evangelical Free Church service, 10 a.m.-noon; High Roads Baptist church, 2-4 p.m.

June 26 - Line dancing, 9:30 -11:30 a.m.; senior walking program, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; Spanish arts and crafts summer camp, 12:30-3:30 and 3:30-6:30 p.m.; senior Bridge, 12:30-4 p.m.; Teen Center open, 4-8 p.m.; Self-help health class, 5:30-8 p.m.

June 27 - Over-the-Hill Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; beginning computing skills, 10 a.m.-noon; seniors' walking program, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; arts exhibit judging, 12-4 p.m.; Teen Center open, 4-8 p.m.; arts council board Meeting, 5-7 p.m.

June 28 - Beginning computing skills for seniors, 10 a.m.-noon; Wednesday bridge, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Spanish arts and crafts summer camp, 12:30-3:30 and 3:30-6:30 p.m.; Teen Center open, 4-8 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 4:45-6:45 p.m.; Church of Christ Bible study, 7-8 p.m.

June 29 - Over-the-Hill-Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; yoga, 11 a.m.-noon; Computer Q&A session with Becky, 1-4 p.m.; Teen Center open, 4-8 p.m.; TOPS tourism meeting, 4:30-6 p.m.

Need a place to have a party or meeting? We have very affordable rooms for small, mid-size and large groups. A catering kitchen is also available. Tables, chairs, a portable stage, a dance floor and audiovisual equipment are available, too. The center is located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Call 264-4152.

The body listens to the 'sunshine vitamin'

By Jeni Wiskofske

SUN Columnist

Vitamin D: the "sunshine vitamin."

As D's benefits become clearer, we're urged to get more, much more, of it. Vitamin D has in recent years gained recognition as a major force that acts throughout the body. It improves absorption of calcium, controls the growth of cells (both healthy and cancerous), strengthens the immune system and seems to rein in overzealous immune system cells that cause diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

As excitement about vitamin D grows, so does the concern that many people may not be getting enough. Vitamin D is the only vitamin that the human body can make on its own, with a little help from rays of ultraviolet B light. Vitamin D is also available in fatty fishes such as salmon and mackerel and in fortified foods such as milk, orange juice and cereals.

The vitamin was discovered about 80 years ago, when doctors realized that both cod liver oil and sunlight could cure the rickets plaguing many poor children in northern cities. The race was on to find the common thread. The German organic chemist Adolf Windaus won that race and the Nobel Prize by isolating the vitamin in 1926.

Scientists have found receptors that respond to it in just about every type of human cell, from brain to bones. For decades, nobody suspected that vitamin D could do anything other than strengthen bones. But today, it's clear that D is a powerful agent with wide-ranging effects. Whatever messages vitamin D carries, the whole body seems to listen.

Mouth and body connection

What goes on in your mouth affects the rest of your body, so that is why dental hygiene is so important.

If you have found that manual brushing is not getting the job done as well as you would like it to, The Den may be able to help. Not only can we assist those who can't afford proper dental care due to their financial situation, but we have been able to secure some great discounts on oral irrigators and electric toothbrushes (each under $30).

Oral irrigators pump water out in a slim steady or pulsating stream. They are very effective at flushing out food and bacteria byproducts between teeth and other areas of the mouth. Irrigators should be used in addition to brushing and flossing, not as an alternative.

Electric toothbrushes are a good alternative to manual brushes. They are especially useful for people who are less than thorough when it comes to brushing their teeth or for people with physical limitations that make brushing difficult. The basics are the same for either toothbrush: choose a brush with soft bristles, brush for at least two minutes and don't press too hard or you'll damage your gums.

For more information on these products and how to make a purchase through The Den, contact Musetta at 264-2167.

Picnic in the park

It is time to celebrate summer with the first of our summertime, monthly picnics in the park.

Let's bring back the memories. Remember the wonderful food, like barbecue chicken and corn on the cob ... remember playing horseshoes by the river and making bubbles ... remember the pets that came along to enjoy the picnic and the squirt guns that surprisingly cooled you down Š and remember the music and the sing-a-longs.

Well let's bring back all those fun times into the present at noon Friday, June 30, as we enjoy a wonderful picnic in the Town Park by the arts council building. Bring relatives, bring a friend (two- or four-legged) or just bring yourself and a smile to this special event.

We will also be celebrating all the June babies (age 60 and over), recognizing their birthdays at the picnic. This gives us even more reason to celebrate.

And if that's not enough fun, put on your most colorful shorts or skirt for the picnic because it is Show Off Your Legs Day. We'll be judging the whitest and brightest versus the tannest legs.

It is time to enjoy the sunshine, the food, the camaraderie, the laughs and Pagosa's beautiful outdoors with a picnic in the park.

Monthly Mystery Trip

The Den's Monthly Mystery Trip is scheduled to leave at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, June 22.

This month's clue is: Jump aboard, if it is culture you seek.

It is a late-night outing, not for the meek. Dinner is included, although you must have a taste for spicier foods. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather (you will be outside part of the evening). The trip is full and the waiting list is growing with those who want to experience the fun and discover the secret of where they will be going this month.

Free monthly movie

Our free monthly movie at The Den at 1 p.m. Friday, June 23, is "Sweet Home Alabama," rated PG-13.

Beautiful, ambitious Melanie (Reese Witherspoon) leaves her rural Alabama background and high school-sweetheart husband (Josh Lucas) behind in favor of Manhattan's glamorous fashion and social circles. When her Park Avenue boyfriend proposes, it's time to head south and finally get those divorce papers signed.

But will it really be that easy to forget her past?

Join us for free popcorn in the lounge as we watch this heartwarming romantic comedy.

Fishing trip

Grab your rod, reel and a worm or two, and come fish with us at Williams Lake Thursday, June 29. Be at The Den by 8 a.m. If you're a Colorado resident age 65 and older, you can obtain a free annual fishing license by visiting a local sporting goods store. The fishing license includes coverage under the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue program.

You will need to bring your own fishing gear, bait, lawn chair, sunscreen and hat on our trip. A sack lunch will be provided. Transportation will be by carpool. Sign up with The Den by Friday, June 23, if you would like to go fishing.

Thank you

The Silver Foxes Den Senior Center would like to thank Rick and Cheryl Uhl and Steve Wadley for their generous contributions in support of continuing programs at The Den. Many thanks from all of us.

Birthday celebration

If you are age 60 or older, and your birthday is in June, come to Town Park Friday, June 30, for lunch, and celebrate your birthday. Not only will we sing to you, but Seniors, Inc. has graciously agreed to pay for a portion of your birthday meal, so it will cost only $1 for a great picnic lunch and lots of fun.

Senior discounts

Join hundreds of other seniors in our community taking advantage of the many discounts available through local merchants by joining Archuleta Seniors, Inc.

Memberships are available for folks age 55 and older and can be purchased at The Den for $5 Mondays and Fridays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 9-11 Tuesdays and Wednesdays. No memberships are sold Thursdays.

Not only will you receive generous discounts from local businesses, but you'll be eligible for our Mystery Trip program and other trips in addition to discounts at such senior activities as Oktoberfest. Membership also entitles those who meet annual income guidelines to scholarships for eye glasses, hearing aids, dental, prescription drugs and medical equipment. Your membership also gives you a great discount on the purchase of a dental water jet and electric toothbrush. Archuleta Seniors, Inc. even offers financial assistance for medical shuttles to Durango handled by The Den.

This is the best discount program in town, and a great way to help our senior community. Sign up now and acquire the benefits for 2006.

Transportation services

Are you age 60-plus and new to the community? Do you need help getting around town?

We have the answer for you. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday we'll pick you up at your door, and you can hop on our air-conditioned 18 passenger bus and get your errands accomplished. All this for a suggested donation of $2. For further details and route information, call Musetta at 264-2167.

Home delivery meals

The Den provides home delivered meals to qualifying homebound individuals who want the benefits of a nutritional lunch. The Den's caring volunteers deliver the meals to homes Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays while taking the time to check in with the individuals. The appetizing lunches are served hot and ready to eat.

Whether you want a meal delivered one or four times a week, we can accommodate your needs. For more information, call Musetta at 264-2167.

Duplicate bridge

A new bridge group, Duplicate Bridge is forming under the Bridge 4 Fun group. The group will play 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays in The Den's lounge.

For this to happen, there must be a minimum of two tables (four teams). You will need to have a partner, and be signed up in advance. We are anticipating play will begin around the first week of July.

If you are interested in joining this group, call Stan Church at 731-2217 for more information.

Senior of the Week

We congratulate Les Steele as Senior of the Week. Les will enjoy free lunches all week. We also congratulate Carol Cash in Arboles. She will enjoy free lunches at Arboles Meal Day for the month of June.

Activities at a glance

Friday, June 23 - Qi Gong, 10 a.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; Bridge 4 Fun, 12:30 p.m.; free movie with popcorn, "Sweet Home Alabama", 1 p.m.; final day to sign up for fishing trip.

Monday, June 26 - Gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; Bridge 4 Fun, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 27 - Gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; blood pressure checks, 11:30 a.m.; canasta, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, June 28 - Basic computer class, 10 a.m.

Thursday, June 29 - Fishing trip (reservations required); The Den is closed.

Friday, June 30 - Qi Gong, 10 a.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; picnic in the park (lunch served in Town Park) and $1 birthday lunch celebrations, noon; Bridge 4 Fun, 12:30 p.m.

Menu

Suggested donation $3 for ages 60-plus and kids 12 and under. All others $5.

Salad bar available every day at The Den beginning at 11:30 a.m. Menu subject to change.

Friday, June 23 - Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, California vegetable medley, pineapple tidbits and whole wheat roll.

Monday, June 26 - Tuna stuffed tomato, snap pea salad, wheat crackers, plums, cranberry juice and peanut butter cookie.

Tuesday, June 27 - Ham and lima beans, rice, broccoli cuts, parslied carrots, orange wedge and cornbread.

Wednesday, June 28 - Chicken cacciatore, spaghetti, Harvard beets, peaches and onion roll.

Thursday, June 22 - No meal served.

Friday, June 23 - Picnic in the park (lunch served in Town Park). Barbecue pork ribs, potato salad, coleslaw, mini corn cobbettes and watermelon.

Patriotic Night in Pagosa Springs

By Andy Fautheree

SUN Columnist

The annual Pagosa Springs Community Center "Patriotic Night" will be held 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 30.

Everyone in the community is invited to attend this fun evening event, particularly all you veterans, friends and family of veterans, and especially any active duty military persons who may be at home or in the area.

If you are on active duty in the military and have been stationed in the Middle East, we would like to call upon you to share your experiences with the community. If you have any pictures or information you can share, bring it to the Patriotic Night or drop by the Veteran Service Office and I can digitalize it for presentation in our PowerPoint program.

Archuleta County prides itself in its strong support of our military persons and veterans in this area.

VSO emcee

I have been tapped by my old friend Mercy Korsgren, community center director, to be the emcee for the evening. But, I plan on keeping a low profile and letting those with talent and fun programs take the spotlight. That is, until I hear "Anchor's Aweigh" played, being an old "salt" of the Navy many years ago.

In fact, I challenge all of you former Navy vets to show up in force to outnumber the Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard veterans.

A full program

John Graves, our local Broadway and Hollywood connection, will play patriotic music to start things off. I recall his "Boom, Bust and Battle" radio program a few years back with remembrances of the "Greatest Generation" in World War II. He knows all the stories and music, and played music with some of the great names of the era.

Susie Long is on the program to fire up the crowd for the patriotic sing-along part of the program. The Mountain Harmony Ladies Barbershop chorus will also lend their vocal talents, providing appropriate patriotic music.

Gene Tautges, whose son Christopher is, I believe, currently deployed in the Middle East conflict, will make a presentation honoring our veterans and those currently serving in the military.

Donald Bartlett is scheduled to give a talk along with several other veterans about their experiences and inspirations.

Then and now

As part of this portion of the program, we would like to get as many "then and now" pictures of our veterans as we can.

If you have old photograph of yourself in the military, from any period, please stop by the VSO office and I will scan and digitalize it, and take a current picture of you for this fun part of our Patriotic Night. It only takes a few minutes to scan the photo while you wait, then return it to you. We're hoping to get a good collection of these photos to share with everyone.

Potluck dessert

After all the singing, pictures and talks are complete, there will be a dessert potluck for everyone to share. Be sure and bring plenty of your favorite dessert. I'm sure after warming up our tonsils and singing, we'll need some dessert and refreshments to soothe our dry throats.

Durango VA Clinic

The Durango VA Outpatient Clinic is located at 400 South Camino Del Rio, Suite G, (next to Big 5 Sports). Phone number is 247-2214. Albuquerque VAMC phone number is (800) 465-8262.

Further information

For information on these and other veteran's benefits, call or stop by the Archuleta County Veterans Service Office located at 46 Eaton Drive, Suite 7 (behind City Market). The office number is 731-3837.

Books, books and more books

By Christine Eleanor Anderson

PREVIEW Columnist

Start your own summer reading program with a few murders!

"Silent Witness," by Richard North Patterson, is an American classic in its own genre: small town high school athletic hero, Tony Lord, is suspected of the murder of his girlfriend. The town turns against him and he leaves in bitterness. Many years later, he is a trial lawyer. Sam, the man who was his best friend, now a high school principal, is suspected of the murder of one of his students. Sam's wife, Tony's secret love memory, asks him to come back and defend Sam. It's a good read despite the dead women littering the pages.

Gary Shteyngart's "Absurdistan" is a stitch. Imagine yourself Misha Vainberg, son of the 1238th richest man in Russia. But Misha's late beloved Papa got Misha exiled from the U.S. and from his south Bronx Latina lover when he went and whacked an Oklahoma businessman of prominence. So, our creative hero gets himself to the tiny, oil-rich nation of Absurdistand, where a crooked consular officer will sell Misha a Belgian passport. But, when a local warlord installs the hapless Misha as Minister of Multicultural affairs, our hero is face to face with an American oil company whose name rhymes with Malliburton, a bevy of curvaceous beauties, and the task of trying to figure out if it will ever be possible to have a normal life Š or, for that matter, what a normal life is, in the 21st century.

I was interested and touched by "A Friend of Kissenger", David Milofsky's new novel about a boy's coming of age in Wisconsin. The narrator is Danny Meyer, a talented young man whose father becomes ill, has to give up his life as a concert pianist and his professorship, the family livelihood. Danny, the teenager, struggles as teenagers do, befriends the son of a gangsters, brushes with crime, has to grow up faster than he would have. The book ripples through matters of fathers and mothers, of heartland Main Street, music, crime, trips to Guatemala and some of Colorado and Milwaukee. I'm surprised by how much I want to stop everything and read it.

"Stravinsky in 2 volumes: A creative Spring: Russia and France, 1882-1934" and "The second exile: France and America, 1934-1971."

These biographies got rave reviews in the New York Times and they are a wonderful addition to our quite sparse 20th century musical offerings. Writing about the life of this genius, who gave us so much music we love, was made very difficult by Stravinsky himself. According to the introduction, Stravinsky destroyed most of his own papers, and reinvented much " of his own past in that wonderful series of conversation books which form such a bright flashing mirror in the eyes of anyone trying to glimpse the realities behind them." This work therefore is a mystery: it tries to unearth what the musician himself either buried, or destroyed. In short, to the archivists and historians among us, Stravinsky was a censor whom we must circumvent. Settle in for a real trip through Russia and France and America from 1882 to 1971. This is great stuff: "Firebirds" and diamond tiaras and costume designers and sets and a fabulous time with the musical elite, who are all too human.

Gospels, transformations and grails

With all the articles in the news this spring about Dan Brown, the new gospel reinterpreting Judas and religious wars, we thought you might enjoy some books on these topics.

Although it was published in 1982, "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" by Baigent (who instituted the recent, failed, lawsuit against Dan Brown, claiming that he plagiarized from this book for his famous "Da Vinci Code") seems too topical to not have in the library. The introduction to the paperback edition is great reading all by itself. "Our book (the bishop) declared, was a shameless exploitation of sex and sensationalism . . . We gaped at one another in stupefication, half-wondering whether a deranged printer had bound a few pages of the "Kama Sutra" into our text or replace one of our illustrations with a picture of a nude Templar." And on it goes Š and that's before the book starts.

"The Lost Gospel: the Quest for the Gospel of Judas Iscariot," by Herbert Krosney documents the fascinating background of the discovery of the papyrus "Gospel of Judas," preserved in the dry desert heat for 1,600 years. The papyrus was accidentally discovered in the mid-to late 1970s. Restoration didn't begin until 2001. It took five painstaking years to reassemble the document. The vivid photographs of the papyrus are fascinating. Scientists, archeologists, archivists, and anyone interested in religious history will find this book fascinating.

Karen Armstrong, who also wrote "The History of God", is the author of "The Great Transformation: the Beginning of our Religious Traditions."

In the ninth century BCE, the peoples of four distinct regions of the civilized world created the religious and philosophical traditions that have continued to nourish humanity to the present day: Confucianism and Daoism in China, Hinduism and Buddhism in India, monotheism in Israel, and philosophical rationalism in Greece. Armstrong traces the development of the Axial Age chronologically, examining the contributions of such figures as the Buddha, Socrates, Confucius, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the mystics of the Upanishads, Mencius and Euripides. "All of the Axial Ages faiths began in principled and visceral recoil from the unprecedented violence of their time." The author urges that we consider how these spiritualities challenge the way we are religious today.

These are all very different and fascinating reading for your summer learning and pleasure. Enjoy.

Contributions

And, thanks once again for the continuing flow of contributions such as paperbacks, hardbacks, books-on-tape, magazines and a charming doll donated by Larry Blue, Windsor Chacey, Richard Clare, Dana Delmore, the Finney family, Jean Fox, Brock Gorman, Hannah Kuhn, Peter Marritt, Harold Morrison, Lois Reinton, Kate Terry and Anonymous.

Conquered by curry

By Fran Jenkins

Special to The PREVIEW

"Curry: a Tale of Cooks and Conquerors," by Lizzie Cunningham. NY, Oxford University Press, 2006.

Little thought is given today as to the source of black pepper, once the king of spices. We sprinkle black pepper over salad, add a few grinds over stews, soups, grilled meats or in marinades, to add a bit of a bite and enhance the taste of the dish. Black pepper is a staple in almost all households worldwide. Everyday ingredients such as sugar, ginger, grains and spices are common on every supermarket shelf in our world today. But the medieval Europeans relied on a chain of traders for their supply of spices. Chinese and Malaysian merchants toured the Spice Islands of the Pacific, an area encompassing more than 13,000 islands and 3,800 miles. This archipelago was also referred to as the East Indies.

These early traders filled their cargo holds with exotic goods. They then traveled across land from China and Malaya and again loaded into ships to cross the Indian Ocean to the ports of India, and then over the Arabian Sea to the African continent. From there Arab traders transported the goods across Africa and the Mediterranean to the ports of Genoa and Venice. Prices became exorbitant and thus the saga of Christopher Columbus and his quest for an alternative route to India.

This dispersion of goods by traders, travelers, sailors, soldiers and even India's conquerors shaped the cuisine of India. The flow went both ways with Indian cooks taking what they fancied from their visitors and what their conquerors demanded: incorporating into their repertoire the Persian's love of fruit, the Portuguese love of port and the British love of roast meat. Some of these ingredients were alien and taboo to the Indian's ancient customs and religious beliefs, yet they have been incorporated into what the world perceives as Indian cuisine. Imported ingredients like rice, melons, potatoes and chile pepper shape what we know today as classic Indian cuisine.

Collingham goes into great explanation of the origin of the word curry, most likely a British and Portuguese corruption of the word "kari" (kari plant, Murraya koenigii). And the further corruption by the English of the dishes made in India using packaged curry powder, a blend of spices of their own invention. In India, even today, spices are ground daily. Special grindstones are used to grind onions, garlic, chillies and fresh herbs. Combined with the freshly-ground spices and using specific cooking techniques, the food of India today differs vastly from what the British and Americans consider Indian cuisine.

Lizzie Collingham, a Cambridge educated historian, has produced an exhaustively researched book with a 22-page bibliography revealing the long history of invasion and the fusion of different food traditions and their effect on Indian cuisine. There are 20 updated recipes in this book, plus numerous antique recipes. They are representative of what is today commonly known as Indian food. From chicken tikka (cutlet) masala (spice mixture), kebabs, chicken biryani (casserole), lamb korma (braised) and vindaloo (hot curry from Goa), there is something to tempt every palate. Whether you are familiar or unacquainted with Indian cuisine and want an exotic taste extravaganza and a delightful repast in history, take a journey into this book.

Fran Jenkins is a certified culinary professional with the International Association of Culinary Professionals. She is a cooking teacher and food writer and served two years as a judge for the IACP Cookbook Awards.

Pagosa Reads features book reviews of all kinds of books from the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, reviewed by local readers Š just like you. If you would like to review a book and share it with all of us in this PREVIEW column, contact Christine Anderson, library director, at 264-2208.

Ju Juried show entries due this week

By Wen Saunders

PREVIEW Columnist

The annual Pagosa Juried Painting and Drawing Fine Art Exhibit will be held at the gallery in Town Park, June 29-July 17.

Entries will be accepted June 24-26, noon to 4 p.m. at the arts and crafts room located in the Pagosa Springs Community Center. All work must be original in concept and created without the assistance of an instructor.

An artist may enter up to two entries - watermedia, oil, pastels or drawings (a juried photography show will be held in October).

Framing is required on all work submitted, except those works specifically intended to be unframed. Entry size is limited to 40x40, including mat and frame. All entries must be for sale and PSAC will retain a 30-percent commission on all sales.

Entry fees are $20 PSAC members and $25 general; $30 PSAC members (for two entries) and $35 general.

Cash and item prizes will be presented for first, second and third and People's Choice awards.

Artists should pick up work not accepted into the show on June 28 (noon-5:30p.m.) at the community center. Accepted work may be picked up after the show, July 18 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Judges for the show are Wayne Justus and Pat Erickson. Justus has won numerous awards throughout the country since making his art a full-time occupation in 1972. Erickson is primarily known for her detailed portrayal of horses, wildlife and people of the West in Prismacolor pencil and watercolor.

The opening reception for the show is 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the Town Park gallery at 315 Hermosa St.

Entry applications may be obtained at the gallery and online at www.pagosa-arts.com. For more information, contact PSAC at 264-5020.

Tour tickets

Following its successful silent auction and annual meeting, the Pagosa Springs Art Council is now gearing up for the sixth annual Home and Garden Tour, scheduled noon-5 p.m. Sunday, July 9.

This year's event will take participants down U.S. 84 for a scenic tour of lovely homes, ranches and a bed and breakfast.

Each of the four properties has incredible views, with most located on large acreage parcels.

As always, homes are selected in a variety of sizes and styles, with furnishings that reflect the special interests of the owners.

The tour will end at the Town Park gallery with a special viewing of the annual Juried Painting and Drawing Fine Arts Show. Tickets are $10 for PSAC members and $12 general, and are available at the PSAC gallery, Chamber of Commerce, Moonlight Books, Lantern Dancer and WolfTracks.

For more information, call PSAC at 264-5020.

Tour volunteers needed

Several volunteers will be needed to serve as hostesses at the homes on the Home and Garden Tour Sunday, July 9. All of the homes are located in the vicinity of U.S. 84 between U.S. 160 and Alpine Lakes.

Volunteer hostesses and homeowners will be invited to attend a special private tour Monday, July 10. Call Marti Capling at 731-9770 for more information if you are interested in volunteering.

Summer camp for kids

Pagosa Springs Arts Council is sponsoring a Children's Summer Art/Spanish Camp, taught by Soledad Estrada-Leo. Classes began June 5 and continue through the end of August. Classes are held at the community center and are open to children between the ages of 4 and 13. Ages 4-7 meet from 12:30-3:30 p.m. and ages 8-13 meet from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Classes are $150 for two weeks or $275 month. Classes are filling up quickly so call PSAC, 264-5020, to register and for more information. If you prefer to speak directly with Soledad, you can reach her at 731-1314.

Figure, portrait workshop

Pierre Mion will teach a watercolor workshop 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 24-26. Classes will be held in the arts and crafts room at the Pagosa Springs Community Center. An optional fifth day may be added.

The subject matter and instruction for this special class is figure and character portraits. PSAC has received many requests for this subject, and here is an opportunity to learn from one of the country's finest artists. Mion will provide photographs of subjects for participants to paint. Participants are also encouraged to bring a special photograph for a portrait watercolor.

The workshop atmosphere is relaxed and open to all levels of students who will learn Mion's step-by-step watercolor techniques. For artists' convenience, watercolor kits are available at an additional cost, or students may supply their own materials from Mion's minimal supply list. Students should bring a bag lunch. The price of the three-day workshop is $240 for PSAC members and $265 for nonmembers. An extra $25 will automatically give you a one-year PSAC membership.

Joye Moon workshop

PSAC will sponsor a watercolor workshop with Joye Moon 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 5-8. Cost for the workshop is $250 for PSAC members and $275 for nonmembers.

Call 264-5020 for advanced registration. For more information, visit www.pagosa-arts.com, or call PSAC.

 Tom Lockhart workshop

A Plein aire oil painting workshop with Tom Lockhart will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 11-13. Cost is $300 for PSAC members, $325 general. An additional day may be scheduled. Call 264-5020 for advanced registration. For more information, visit www.pagosa-arts.com, or call PSAC.

Watercolor club show

The Pagosa Springs Watercolor Club Exhibit and Sale is continuing at the Town Park gallery through June 27.

The show features 11 artists with more than 40 framed works of art, with pricing ranges from $75.

The watercolorists meet monthly and all levels are represented in the show. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 264-5020.

Marketing for the artist

PSAC offers local businesses and artists a unique opportunity to learn how to market their art in two sessions - 9:30 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m. - July 14 at the Pagosa Springs Community Center.

THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS: Marketing Your Biz with Print Media, will be held 9:30 a.m.-noon. When was the last time you broadened your print marketing habits? This session will help businesses fine-tune their marketing activities and target their customers more efficiently. During this two-hour session, learn marketing failures and successes for large and small, new and established businesses. Learn more about how to grow your business. As a special bonus, resource vendors will be offering special marketing discounts to participants allowing them to not only focus their marketing dollars but to also gain more marketing dollars to spend! Topics include: Print media (post cards, PR PACS, brochures), Press Releases, Coupons, Artist/Company Bio, Web Site Marketing, PR Images for Your Business and Self Printing Verses Professional Printing. Each Participant will receive a free sample packet of successful marketing materials.

The second session, THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS: Different Perspective Marketing Mix takes place 1:30-4:30 p.m. When it comes to spending marketing dollars, everyone is looking for the magic formula. This three-hour marketing session is not about what is right or wrong; it's about a different perspective. Lining up your work passion with a keen marketing strategy will breed that "magic formula" for the marketing dollar. You may not be particularly good at coming up with marketing options on your own. This afternoon session focuses on the "perspective marketing mix" for businesses. Highlights of the session include: Creating Print Marketing (Professional Design and Software Options), Implementing a Web Site, Media Resource List, Newspaper, Direct Mail, E-mail Marketing, Networking, Client Follow-up and Company Branding.

Each session is $45 for PSAC members, $55 general. Full-day sessions are $85 PSAC, $95 general. For advance registration and further information, call Wen Saunders 264-4486 or visit pagosa-arts.com and www.wendysaunders.com. Space is limited; call now to reserve your space.

Watercolor club meeting

The PSAC Watercolor Club, has changed its meeting day from Wednesday to Thursday. The club now meets at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of each month in the arts and craft space at the community center. However, for the next meeting, the club will meet the second Thursday, July 13.

Watercolorists of all levels are provided the opportunity to use the room for the day. Each attending member contributes $5 for use of the space. The goals for the day vary with watercolorists getting together to draw, paint and experience technique demonstrations from professional watercolorists or framers. Participants are encouraged to bring still lives or photos to paint and draw, or a project to complete. Attendees should bring a bag lunch, their supplies and a willingness to have a fun creative day. For more information, contact PSAC at 264-5020.

Perspective: All drawing

This workshop will be held Aug. 3-5 at the Pagosa Springs Community Center for artists and those who hope someday to be an artist. Cost is $150 for three days for PSAC members and $175 for nonmembers, (the extra $25 goes for an annual membership to the arts council. A per day fee of $60 for members or $75 for nonmembers is also available. Hours are 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day.

Perspective is a non-painting class that is open to all - whether or not you paint. It covers drawing man-made structures, landscapes and still-life setups. The class includes aerial perspective, one-, two- and three-point perspective, and multiple-point perspective for roads and rivers. Shadows in perspective and more will be covered.

No need for your buildings to fall forward; your vases can be round; backgrounds will recede!

Class size is limited. Take your check by the Arts Center in Town Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, or call 264-5020 to sign up with a credit card. If you need art supplies, try to have them well before the class.

If you have questions, call Denny, 946-0696, or Ginnie, 731-2489.

October Mion workshop

Pierre Mion will teach a fall watercolor workshop 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 9-11. Classes will be held in the arts and crafts room at the Pagosa Springs Community Center. Students can sign up for an optional fourth day Thursday, Oct. 12. Register today for this session by calling PCAC at 264-5020.

The price of the three-day workshop is $240 for PSAC members and $265 for nonmembers. The optional fourth day is available for $60, with a minimum four students needed for the session.

This workshop is limited to 10 students. Sign up early by calling PSAC at 264-5020. For further workshop and supplies information, call Mion at 731-9781 or visit www.pagosa-arts.com.

Judges needed for show

Two judges are needed for PSAC's annual Juried Photo Show (Oct. 12-Nov. 1). Judges should be available two days prior to the show opening for judging. Prospective judges should submit a resume, and three samples of their work. Past judging experience is helpful.

Persons interested in judging these shows (or future shows) should contact Wen Saunders at 264-4486 for more information. The Pagosa Springs Art Council will feature 10 shows at the Town Park Gallery during the 2006 season. The shows include artworks from students, professional artists and aspiring artists. Media represented in the show include oil, watercolor, photography, wood working, and other various art media. Visit www.pagosa-arts.com for a complete schedule of upcoming shows.

PSAC Calendar

All PSAC classes and workshops are held in the arts and craft space at the community center, unless otherwise noted. All exhibits are shown at the PSAC Gallery in Town Park. For more information contact PSAC at 264-5020, unless otherwise noted.

Through June 27 -Pagosa Springs Watercolor Club Exhibit and Sale.

June 24-25 - Entries accepted for PSAC Annual Juried Painting and Drawing Show, community center, noon-4 p.m.

June 28 - Pick up non-accepted entries for Annual Juried Painting and Drawing Show, community center, noon-5:50 p.m .

June 29 - Annual Juried Fine Art Show and Sale. Opening reception, 5-7 p.m.

June 29-July 18 - Annual Juried Fine Art Show and Sale.

July 9 - Home and Garden Tour, noon-5 p.m.

July 13 &endash; Pagosa Springs Watercolor Club, 10 a.m.

July 14 - Marketing Your Biz with Print Media, 9:30 a.m.-noon.

July 14 _ Different Perspective Marketing Mix, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

July 20 - Ginnie, Denny and the Gang Fine Art Show and Sale. Opening reception, 5-7 p.m.

July 20-Aug. 8 - Ginnie, Denny and the Gang Fine Art Show and Sale.

July 24-26 - Figure and portrait watercolor workshop with Pierre Mion, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Artsline is a communication vehicle of the Pagosa Springs Arts Council. For inclusion in Artsline, send information to PSAC by e-mail (psac@centurytel.net).We would love to hear from you regarding suggestions for Artsline. Events in surrounding areas will be included when deemed of interest to our readers.

Super sippable solstice selections

By Laura Winzeler

PREVIES Columnist

Summer arrived in Pagosa this week and with that, my ability to enjoy red wines departed.

I have what's called a Pitta constitution in the Ayurvedic tradition of medicine: I run hot. ("Pitta people do not tolerate sunlight, heat or hard work well. Pitta constitutions will be upset by alcohol and cigarettes, as well as by overwork, overexertion and overheating. When under stress, Pittas become irritated and angry." Moi?)

While chatting about wines last winter with fellow grape heads Karl and James, I tried to keep the incredulity out of my voice when asking: "Do you guys drink reds all summer long?" The fastest way for me to overheat in the warm months is to drink red wine and it is certainly the most enjoyable way to warm up in the winter.

I disclose this metabolic, constitutional flaw to prepare you for a four-month-long primary focus on the anti-reds; pinks and whites. It's the time of year to actively seek value-driven and acidicly refreshing white wines and rosés. (You will probably not find mention of oaky/buttery Chardonnays very often in this column. If ever.)

Here's a starter four-pack to kick off the season. Surely at least a couple of my Take-to-the-Lake-and-Flake Wines will please:

Yellow Tail Riesling 2005 ($8) - I am not making this up. Last month I walked into a liquor store and noticed, in my peripheral vision, a Yellow Tail label in a color that I did not recognize. How irritating that I can spot this new release way down the aisle atop a shelf from the doorway, yet have to grab my reading glasses to deduce the alcohol level (12.5 percent). I was thrilled to see one of my favorite value Australian producers take on a Riesling since their quality is consistently high. The wine presented dusty, musty, citrus aromas followed by a burst of lemondrop up front with a lime peel finish. Don't overchill this one - let it warm and open up a bit in the glass before you pass any "it's too simple" judgements. The wine was not as sweet as I expected but was light and refreshing - a pleasantly uncomplicated lemondrop for the money.

Far more interesting and complex is the Hogue Riesling 2005 from Washington's Columbia Valley ($9.50). The nose was so quiet that the explosive flavors took me by surprise. Fizzy candy fruit, and I mean that in the best way. The crisp acids perfectly framed the slightly sweet (but not a bit cloying) fruits: candied lime peel, lemon zest, tangerine. I found neither petroleum nor sweet stone fruits like apricot jam or peach, characteristics typical of Rieslings from other regions. Mineral notes kick in as it leaves the throat with far more body and a richer mouthfeel than the Yellow Tail. The alcohol is perfect at 12.7 percent. Hard to believe it could get any better than this for under $10. This is the wine for a summer Sunday afternoon offering up an ultra-refreshing, tightly-wound acid structure with abundant sweet fruit flavors.

Francis Coppola's Bianco Pinot Grigio 2004 ($10) - Coppola turns out some great value wines and this was my first experience with his Pinot Grigio. A burst of exuberant, crackling fruit acids whacked me across the lips followed quickly by honeydew melon flavors and subdued earth tones. Extremely crisp with a zippy 13 percent alcohol level. A great picnic/barbecue wine for all manner of fish, poultry and pork offerings and would pair nicely with sushi and teriyaki chicken. The remaining wine lost all flavor and signs of life after a night in the fridge so drink up soon after opening.

One of the most beautifully balanced white wines for my money and palate is the Montevina Pinot Grigio 2004 ($11). What an amazing delight. The nose is chock-full of sharp lime and tropical fruits offering one of the most promising sniffs and swirls in a long time. The wine bursts into the mouth with all the promise of the aromas. There is so much going on in this multi-layered gem, and all in the right places. Think warm tropics: mango, papaya and guava with sleek citrus flavors that stand up and take charge, peeling through layer after layer of fruit salad. The alcohol level is relatively high at 13.5 percent but it just works here; the wine never comes across as hot. A perfectly crafted wine!

People who love wine enjoy the evaluating and naming of components nearly as much as the drinking. It's not out of a pretentious effort to appear snobbish or smarter than anyone. Quite the opposite, in fact. It's a learning and discovering experience as the wine unfolds and reveals itself to you, sip by sip, layer by layer. How and where a wine grape is grown (and then processed) have much to do with the end product but each wine grape will display distinctly identifiable components specific to the variety.

When enjoying a Riesling, you can expect to smell and taste: apricot, peach and pear; lemon, lime and orange peel; green apple, pineapple and tropical fruits; florals, minerals, honey, toast and kerosene - what I call petroleum.

Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) grapes are very similar in flavor profile but skew more toward acidic fruits than the sweet stone fruits so abundant in Rieslings. Look for: lemon, lime, grapefruit, pineapple, pear, minerals, hay and honeysuckle. Inherent in appreciating wine is acknowledging and honoring the art forms of winemaking and grape growing. Heck yeah the buzz is great, but so is taking a moment to cozy up to the wine - an ever-transforming, living creature that many hands helped birth. To quote Jancis Robinson: "Every glass of wine we drink represents a whole year of vineyard cultivation and perhaps several years of effort in the winery ... Yet most of us throw it away, straight down our throats, without even trying to 'read' it." Go grab one of these bottles and have yourself a good read!

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

No column this week.

Need a rub? Make it wet

By Karl Isberg

Staff Writer

Wet rubs.

Specifically, oil-based, wet rubs.

It's all I can think about.

Probably because I am face down on a massage table, with the best masseuse in the universe, Becky, working me over.

Mercilessly.

I'm like a bunny in a wolverine den.

I've been tense lately, working too many hours, listening to way too many people express what, to them, are the most pressing problems ever experienced by our species. I've been going to the gym, lifting entirely too many heavy objects and putting them down again Š surely too heavy for a bozo my age. Blame that last, little dribble of testosterone wending its way through brainland.

It's sad.

Things are crumbling, psychically and physically.

So, I flee to Becky. She is expert at kneading, pulling, stretching and pounding the stress right outta ya. She's got an armbar on me, and she's making me sweat.

I can't help but compare myself to a huge slab of well marbled (and yes, extremely hairy) meat, being tenderized, prepared for the grill.

Mmmm. Meat.

I visualize a bone-in ribeye at Mastro's in Beverly Hills, consumed while seated in a plush banquette in the space once occupied by Chasen's. I remember the hanger steak, with frites, at Mon Ami Gabi. I Š

Becky shatters my reverie with a sinister, deep-tissue move. I wince. She likes it; she laughs.

I am better for it.

I have a second reason for thinking about wet rubs: It is late in the afternoon, and I need to make dinner for She Who Issues Decrees - the Queen of Twincreek Village.

There won't be much time to do the work and I won't have a huge amount of energy to expend after Becky finishes with me.

In other words, no time for marinades. A decent marinade takes, at the least, several hours to work its magic. If not more. An overnight bath is best for nearly all grillable flesh, except that from the denizens of the deep.

No, I need to ready the flesh quickly and put it on the heat. I need to prep it with something that will provide flavor, and also aid in the cooking - in terms of taste, texture and appearance.

A wet, oil-based rub.( Some call it a "mop." I don't; to me, a mop is slathered on the flesh as it cooks).

Becky does something to my rear end that reminds me I am human, all too human.

She gets a charge out of things like this; she loves her work.

I am better for it.

Finally, I've been stretched, kneaded and pounded to a pulp. I am oiled, I am scented with some kind of goofy mix of peppermint and star anise, I am ready.

I think about a wet rub all the way to the grocery store, where I stagger up and down the aisles in a blissful, post-Becky fog. I feel entirely too well to be shopping, but duty calls.

I noodle my way to the flesh section and check out the goods.

Beef?

Nope, though a nice slab with tons of cracked black pepper smashed into its sides and slicked pregrill with olive oil would do quite nicely. Paired with my last bottle of Cahors.

If I want to hazard a bout of gout.

Maybe some time, but not tonight.

Pork?

Ah, the beast with cloven hooves that can't chew the cud - the curse of two major religions. Quite the calling card for the swine, don't you think?.

The Queen of Twincreek Village would have my head. She is on a no-pork kick.

Fish?

I tilt a package of "cod loin" (a "loin?" are they kidding me?) and a small pool of gray water collects at the corner of the tray. The salmon (which, incidentally, has been injected with red coloring - that's comforting, isn't it?) looks as if it last saw water at the fish farm a week or more ago. No way I'm tying into that sorry, soggy mutant matter.

That leaves chicken. A couple boneless breasts - from a bird raised with no hormones, no artificial nastiness in its feed, with background music played 20 hours per day in an air-conditioned coop.

I've got some leftover French potato salad at home (red potato, red onion, green beans, egg, vinaigrette, all the better after a day in the fridge) and I can whip up a quick green salad.

When I get home, I fire up the grill to the temperature of the core of the sun in order to burn off the icky gunk left from the night before.

While I wait, I treat the bird to a wet rub. It's shame the chicken is dead, the rub would feel mighty nice.

I take a giant bowl and put about a quarter cup of extra-virgin olive oil in, with some Kosher salt, cracked black pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, ground cumin and a wad of Espanola ground red. I toss in the washed, dried and trimmed chicken breasts and swirl them around. They take on a delightful red tint. I let them sit while the grill continues to heat.

This is too easy.

I wire brush the grill racks, wait for the toxic dust to settle, take the breasts from the bowl with tongs and put them on the super hot grill. I let them cook for three minutes or so then give them a quarter turn and cook for another two minutes. I turn them, admiring the snazzy, crossed grill marks and the subtle char. I repeat for the other sides of the breasts. Then, I turn the grill to low, close the lid, zip inside and put together a simple salad.

I pop the top on a Spanish red (yes, a red wine with chicken) hustle to the grill and remove the breasts to a plate where they rest for a couple minutes. I poke them with the tip of my finger to ensure they are done. With a steak, or a major chop, I would also do the poke test, seeking a feel similar to what I experience when I close a fist and poke the flesh next to the thumb. (On Becky's pressure point chart that hangs on the wall of the massage room, this point appears to have something to do with the kidneys and liver. No wonder it hurts when I touch it.)

The chicken is wonderful: moist and, best of all, enclosed in a smoky, hot, flavorful jacket.

The triumph of the wet rub.

Almost anything can work in this quick fix: any mix of herbs, spices that suits the particular flesh and the sides produced for the meal. I fret about tarragon - I find it gets bitter when it burns - but thyme, rosemary, basil? Just peachy, thank you. The oil carries the flavors and hastens the surface treatment of the flesh on the heat, aiding in the crisp-it department.

This proves out the next night.

My daughter Ivy comes over for a Father's Day dinner. To cook Father's Day dinner (or that part of it I don't elbow in and do myself). She's a great cook and she makes pork tenderloin, in grilled pitas, with a yogurt sauce. Since it's a special occasion, The Queen must remain silent on the topic of pig.

Ivy grills some slices of eggplant and tops them with a mix of Romano, Parmesan and feta cheeses, with sun-dried tomato, egg binder, dill and thyme. She uses a wet rub on the tenderloins: olive oil, garlic, marjoram, oregano, red wine, black pepper. The meat sits in the mix a mere half hour before it hits the grill to char on both sides, then it's left to finish off over low heat while the eggplant is completed. A roasted red pepper is skinned and sliced. Tomatoes are cut into hunks, and red onion is sliced.

The tenderloin is poked. A yogurt sauce is prepared.

Oh, my, it's tasty.

Has to be.

We're talking a wet rub.

It's best when things are wet rubbed.

Some of them with peppermint and star anise.

Not many remedies for 'no-see-ums'

By Bill Nobles

PREVIEW Columnist

June 26 - 4:30 p.m., Dog Obedience Project meeting.

June 28 - 4 p.m., Sportsfishing meeting.

June 28 - 7 p.m., Red Ryder meeting.

June 28- 12:30 p.m., Entomology meeting.

Fun in the Sun

The Archuleta County Cooperative Extension and 4-H Office are sponsoring the Fun in the Sun Summer Day Camp.

The camp will be held at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds July 17-21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

This camp is for youngsters ages 8 to 13 . The camp will feature many "fun-shops," including: Archery, Kids Cooking, Cake decorating, GPS 101, Dance Class, Fly Fishing, Outdoor Cooking, Aquatic Insects, Gum Do and more.

Cost for the summer day camp is $100 and includes lunch, crafts, two "fun-shops" per day, and more. Registration needs to be in to the Extension Office by July 7.

Volunteers are still needed. If you would like to help out, call the Archuleta County Extension Office at 264-5931. For more information or to request a registration form stop in or call the office.

Biting midges

Biting midges are minute insects, often called "no-see-ums" because they are so small (usually less than 1/8 inch) that they can pass through typical porch screening.

However, despite their size, they can be painful biters and highly annoying.

Two common biting midges that cause problems in Colorado are Leptoconops species and Culicoides species. Each has different habits.

Within Colorado, problems with Leptoconops midges are restricted to the Western Slope. Historically, areas around the Colorado National Monument have reported problems most frequently. They are also common in some southwestern counties.

Adults bite during the day, particularly during midmorning and near dusk. Although peak biting usually occurs during a single period of the year, it typically lasts about two to three weeks, during which time outdoor activities can be greatly curtailed. Biting may also be more severe in years following periods of drought.

Although the exact habitats where Leptoconops midges breed are unknown, it is suspected they develop in seepage areas of crevices along canyon washes. Emergence of the adult insects usually follows late spring or early summer rains. Emergence may be delayed by drought.

Because the breeding sites are widely dispersed and often inaccessible, control of larvae is impractical. Effectiveness of adult control through areawide insecticide sprays has never been successfully demonstrated and likely would produce poor results because the adult insects may fly considerable distances from breeding areas.

The insect repellent DEET is effective against these insects.

Triathletes - it's time to get serious about July event

By Ming Steen

SUN Columnist

We're gearing up for the 14th annual Pagosa Lakes Triathlon, Saturday, July 29.

The last day for the early registration discount is July 24. After that, the entry fee increases by $5, so don't delay your registration.

It's also definitely time to get off the couch and hit the asphalt, if you haven't already. Get your competitive edge sharpened. When was the last time you practiced a transition or felt the burn of a good ride? Been awhile? If you have questions about equipment, race preparation or want to talk to a fellow triathlete, just come by the recreation center.

For those of you wishing to try it with a team, you'll need to round up the athletes for the three different legs of the triathlon. It's also possible to participate as a team of two - with one person doing one leg and the other doing two legs. If you must split up a leg, for example both persons running or biking only one-half of the full distance, your team will not be eligible for ranking. Every year, we have teams that are more comfortable splitting up each leg between two people.

Garage sale

This past Saturday's garage sale, sponsored by the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association, was a crowded affair. There were 35 families that participated as sellers and more buyers than ever looking for a great deal. It was packed, with the parking lot of Mountain Heights Baptist Church filled to capacity and overflow parking on either side of Park Avenue stretching for three blocks.

Thanks to Gloria from PLPOA for organizing the event, and special recognition to Larry Lynch and his crew for getting the place set up. The action was hot, the weather was great and everyone went home happy. PLPOA organizes this garage sale as a service to its association members. The venue and booths are all provided at no charge.

Blood drive

Another equally successful blood drive took place on Monday at Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse. All the times were booked solid with blood donors. Thank you so much for helping with the drive and Gloria is trying to set up the next drive without having to turn away any donors.

Fishing derby

The Pagosa Lakes Annual Kids Fishing Derby on June 9 was another successful and fun event.

Fifty-seven youngsters turned out on a warm sunny morning at Hatcher Lake and spent their time catching fish, enjoying the weather and a hot dog lunch. Kids were spread all around the lake looking for the right combination of skill, bait selection and a little bit of luck in a friendly competition for prizes and awards - although everyone received a prize.

Winners in the age 6 and under group were Tiara Downing, Diego Rivas, Brianna Downing and Chris Rindquist. The largest fish caught in the group was a 17-inch rainbow trout, caught by Chris Cortez.

In the 7 to 9 age group, winners were Anthony Moore, Chris Bramwell, Chas Rivas and Trevor Bryant. The largest fish was a 16 inch brown trout caught by Mitchell Riccard.

Winners in the 10-12 group were Tyler Moore, Hayden Ricard, Reyes Mcinnis and Aaron Yazzie. Reyes Mcinnis caught the largest fish, a 13-inch rainbow trout.

Chad Moore, Shoshane Tom and Jeremy Weseman were the winners in the 13-16 category. Jeremy Weseman caught the largest fish in the age group - a 15-inch rainbow trout.

The event was jointly sponsored by the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association and Ponderosa Do-It-Best. We would like to thank Ponderosa Do-It-Best for giving us a huge break on the cost of the prizes. This is the 14th year for this event.

No births this week.

Donna Andreson

Donna M. Andreson, 48, of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, died on June 19, 2006, at home after a brief illness due to a brain tumor. She was the wife of Christian A. Andreson.

Born on January 11, 1958, she grew up in Easton, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Oliver Ames High School. She was a graduate of Bates College in Maine and received a master's degree in psychology from the University of Idaho.

Upon graduating from Bates, Donna traveled west and worked at the Colorado Christian Home in Denver, Colorado. Following graduation from the University of Idaho, she was employed as a child and family therapist at Washington County Mental Health Services in Montpelier, Vermont, where she met her future husband, Chris.

Attracted to the west, Donna settled in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and worked at Steamboat Springs Mental Health. After being married and living in Steamboat Springs for four years, Donna and Chris moved to Washington State. There she worked at the Children's Home Society in Wenatchee before opening her own counseling service, Upper Valley Counseling and Consulting, in Cashmere, Washington. After moving to Pagosa Springs more than six years ago, she opened Mountain View Counseling and Consulting.

Donna was an active member of her community. She was director of the Sunday School at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, and chaired the selection committee for Habitat for Humanity. She also was a member of the Elementary School Accountability Committee and a classroom volunteer. Donna was the regional parent support for Cure JM.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons, Kyle and Colby, of Pagosa Springs; her parents, Donald and Phyllis Andreson, of Easton, Massachusetts; a brother, Bruce Andreson, of Taunton, Massachusetts; two nephews, Christopher and Scott Andreson, of Easton, Massachusetts; and an aunt, Lorraine Andreson, of Easton, Massachusetts.

A funeral service will be held at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church 10 a.m., June 24, with Pastor John Knutson, of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Durango, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cure JM Foundation, www.CureJM.com.

Get ready for second bike tour

By Mary Jo Coulehan

SUN Columnist

We experienced a successful bicycle tour with Ride The Rockies coming through town Monday, June 19.

More than 2,500 cyclists, with support teams and friends descended on Pagosa for a fun day of activities in Town Park.

Thank yous to the various non-profit groups who fed the masses and all the volunteers who helped out at this event: the San Juan Outdoor Club for bicycle security, the Mounted Rangers, the high school, the Town of Pagosa Springs, the Chamber board of directors and our Diplomats, and all the individual residents who gave of their time.

This event would not have been possible without everyone's help.

However, don't sit back, because the Bicycle Tour of Colorado is only days away!

The big news for us is that one of Indiefest's most popular bands, Public Property, will return to Pagosa to play a free concert in Town Park June 24.

The entertainment will start at 4:30 p.m. with Grupo Espinosa Spanish Dancers with Jessica Espinosa on vocals. After a break, we expect Public Property to perform starting 6-6:30 p.m.

This nine-member reggae band loved Pagosa and agreed to come back and play for our community as we celebrate the Bicycle Tour of Colorado. If you didn't hear them at Indiefest, now is your opportunity, and for free!

While in the park, enjoy the wide variety of food sponsored by a number of our non-profit organizations and the beer garden with Tommyknockers Brewing. The Ride The Rockies participants loved the food and prices. They thought there was a huge variety with reasonable prices. There will also be fun for the kids, and it's a Saturday!

Remember, festivities in Town Park are open to everyone. Come out, have a good time, bring your family and visiting friends, and enjoy this party the Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Pagosa Springs is throwing for the Bike Tour of Colorado. It only happens every four to five years, and now is our time.

Great Race

We've been talking for weeks about Pagosa Springs being a pit stop location for the antique car race, The Great Race. This 4,100 mile cross-country race starts in Philadelphia, and ends in San Raphael, Calif.

Antique cars will be coming into Pagosa Sunday, July 2, at around 3:15 p.m.

The first-place prize for this year's race has been raised to $100,000, the first change to the championship purse since 1987, so there are plenty of competitors.

You can be the pit stall sponsor for a team. Sponsorships are coming in and we are thrilled to have pit crews available for racers.

In order to sponsor a pit stop, sponsorships are $125 and this includes a sign with your business name and logo, or personal name. The Chamber provides the beverages and snacks. If you would like to give out a keepsake from your business, you can do so. You will be guaranteed to host three antique race cars.

The cars will come into Pagosa in waves of about 30 cars, and they will stay for about 30 minutes each wave. We have only 30 pit stalls available. The only requirement is a pit crew to meet and greet our visitors as they break after having endured the drive over Wolf Creek Pass.

We are also very excited that former race care driver, ESPN announcer and Pagosa resident Tommy Nell will conduct a live broadcast from Lewis Street as the cars come through town. Starting around 4 p.m., Tommy and KWUF radio will give us a rundown of the cars. Oh yes, this means we will be talking about the sponsors for those cars as well - more coverage for you as a sponsor!

To register, call the Chamber at 264-2360 by Wednesday, June 28.

The Great Race has not been to Pagosa since 1993 and just as with the bike tours, this is your opportunity to have even more fun and celebrate an awesome tourism year in Pagosa Springs.

Tickets, and more tickets

With all the events coming up, here are the tickets for events we have at the Chamber.

We have tickets to the Western Heritage Benefit Dance Saturday, July 1. The dance will feature Tim Sullivan and Narrow Gauge as the entertainment. Tickets are $25 per couple, $15 per person, and children under 12 with a paying adult are only $5. The dance will be held at the Extension Building at the fairgrounds.

Also on July 1, just prior to the Western Heritage Dance at the fairgrounds, there is a benefit barbecue for our local competitors in the National High School Rodeo Finals in Springfield, Ill. - Charmaine Talbot, Kory Bramwell and Ryan Montroy. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and the dinner is free for children 5 years old and younger. Why not make it an evening of dinner and dancing for the whole family as we support the Western Heritage Event Center?

If western isn't your gig, then head out to St. Patrick's Episcopal Church for an evening of classical guitar, as Toccata performs on July 1. Starting at 7 p.m. these renowned guitarists will enthrall you with their repertoire of original compositions and a mélange of musical selections from around the world. Presale tickets are $12 for adults, and $7 for students and they are available here at the Chamber.

With the big Fourth of July festivities in the works, tickets for the annual three-day Red Ryder Rodeo are now available. The rodeo will be held Sunday and Monday, July 2 and 3 at 6 p.m. and July 4 at 2 p.m. If you are interested in box seating, contact J.R. Ford, 264-5000; otherwise, stop by the Chamber and pick up your rodeo event tickets. Some nice improvements have been made at the fairgrounds. Go out for the rodeo and see what has been done at the Red Ryder Arena.

Although it is still a few weeks off, you can pick up your tickets for the much anticipated Pagosa Springs Arts Council Home and Garden Tour to be held Sunday, July 9. The tour this year will focus on homes south of Pagosa, along U.S. 84. See four beautiful homes from Alpine Lakes subdivision to Continental Estates. Tickets are $10 for PSAC members and $12 for others. You can also purchase tickets at Moonlight Books, Lantern Dancer, WolfTracks and the PSAC gallery.

Airport open house

Archuleta County will celebrate the rebuilding of Stevens Field with an open house Wednesday, June 28.

The public is invited to tour the new facility starting at 2 p.m. Enjoy a radio controlled aircraft flight at 2:30, be wowed by a fly-by of private aircraft at 3, and view a static display of aircraft. Some of the aircraft that will be in the parade of flight will be a Beechcraft D17 Staggerwing, the epitome of business and personal flight in the late '30s; a Cessna 172, the most popular four-place private airplane ever built; a Swiss Pilatus, a-state-of-the-art, single-engine turboprop executive transport, and many more models.

In the static display, you'll find a Westwind corporate jet, a North American T6 (WW II advanced trainer), a helicopter air ambulance and a Pitts biplane (a very popular acrobatic airplane).

Bring the whole family out to this wonderful show. You'll have a chance to win some great prizes including a leather jacket, and enjoy the live broadcast by KWUF radio. At 5 p.m., we switch gears by moving into the Chamber SunDowner sponsored by Avjet Corporation. Chamber members and their guests can continue to enjoy the flight festivities. Admission is $5, with the SunDowner held in a hangar. For more information, contact Avjet at 731-2127.

Members are busy

We have lots of new members and renewals this week, so plenty of name to mention.

First is Russia House Collection with Jill Phillips. Jill carries exclusive designs in Russian linen, women's sleepwear, children's clothes, tablecloths, runners, napkins, tea towels, sachets, pillow, and curtains. Her products specialize in custom design work in linen. European linens are known for their attention to detail and fine quality, and we now have that specialty available here in Pagosa. Russian House Collection can be contacted by calling Jill at 264-2283.

We also have Royal Pines Ranch coming on board this week, with current member Dr. Leo Milner. Donna and Leo Milner specialize in horse boarding with either pasture boarding or barn stalls with run and pasture exposure. They have a 60-foot round pen and large covered arena for those inclement days. Royal Pines Ranch specializes in the love and care of your horses. They brought out their horses for our St. Patrick's Day Parade last year. For information about their boarding facilities winter or summer, call 264-0203.

We also welcome new member Melanie DuChateau with Cervid Research and Recovery Institute. Cervid works with the control and eradication of chronic wasting disease (CWD). They conduct research, establish affiliations with other CWD experts, and collect and disseminate information about the disease to protect people, animals and the environment. They also offer summer tours of the elk preserve in Hesperus. If you need information or have questions concerning this deadly disease, please call the Institute at 749-4647.

Welcome to all three new members as we continue to build our business base. Also contributing to this business base are our existing members.

Welcome back to Coldwell Banker The Pagosa Group now under the ownership of Les Mundall.

What once was just Sierra Pagosa, is now back under a new name - Sierra Pagosa Publishing.

We welcome Rick Taylor and AAA Propane.

Moving over to the lodging industry, we welcome back Julia and Ron Jones with Pagosa Riverside Campground.

We have Adventures at Serendipity renewing this week.

Aspenwinds Condo Reservations with Marilyn Hutchins is back with us.

We welcome back Galles Properties.

Spencer Snell and Spencer for Hire Drafting Services return as a member.

We welcome back Leo Milner, as chiropractor at the Touch of the Tropics.

New name and new owners but still same location - welcome Steve Kuhlman and Boss Hoggs Restaurant and Saloon, formerly the Hogs Breath.

Crazy Horse Outfitter with Willie Swanda renews this week.

Mountain Waters Rafting of the Durango is back as a member.

We welcome the marketing and consulting experience of the Cassio Group.

Located at The Springs Resort, Healing Waters Spa renews a membership.

Kathie Lattin at First Southwest Mortgage renews this week.

As we wind down our renewals for this week, we welcome back our non-profit and associate members. With a two-fer, we are very grateful to the Community United Methodist Church and Thrift Store.

There are many in our community who thank this next renewing organization - Colorado Housing.

Mark Moore at Citizens Bank renews as an associate member.

We welcome back 20-plus year diplomat and Chamber supporter Joan Cortwright, and her husband Gene. Joan not only is involved with our Chamber, but you will see her and her husband giving of their time at numerous other events.

Don't forget to give yourself and your family an early Fourth of July present by attending the next Party in the Park Saturday, June 24.

Thank you Pagosa, you have made the bicycle tour riders and visitors feel very welcome in our community.

Remember to staff up - summer business is here!

Dr. Joe Schmidt, center, owner of Aspen Tree Veterinary Clinic, brings over 25 years experience in companion animal medicine to Pagosa Springs. A 1980 graduate of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Schmidt managed and later owned a multidoctor practice in northeast Ohio from 1983 through May of 2005. Schmidt is seen here with staff members Doug Trowbridge and Dailyn Count, and office cats Daisy and Rowdy.

In his practice, Dr. Schmidt places an emphasis on wellness and preventive medicine in order to provide his patients with the greatest opportunity for a long and healthy life. "Pets have different needs depending on the species, breed, age, environment and other risk factors," said Schmidt. "I like to spend time talking with an owner and then tailor a wellness plan to meet the specific requirements of the individual patient."

Located in the Pagosa Country Center near City Market, Aspen Tree Veterinary Clinic provides comprehensive medical, surgical and dental services to companion animals in the Pagosa Springs area. Dr. Schmidt and his team enjoy offering personalized care and attention to patients and their human families.

Aspen Tree is open Mondays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9-5. Dr. Schmidt is available for emergencies. Call Aspen Tree at 731-5001.

4-H Council

We would like to thank some very generous people for helping us with our community service project. We have finished the updating of the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall walls and floors.

The following people took time out of their busy schedules to help us lay the wood laminate flooring in the exhibit hall: Tim and Sabra Miller, Tom and Julie Greenley, Cindy Nobles, Claudia Matzdorf, Marianne DeVooght, Tom and Enza Bomkamp, Michael Ross, Michelle Ross, Gabe Lister and Casey Caves.

We appreciate your help and support of this 4-H community service project.

The Archuleta County 4- H Council

No weddings this week.

No engagements this week.

No anniversaries this week.

Neal

Rada and Chip Neal of Pagosa Springs are proud to announce the graduation of their daughter, Sasha, from San Diego State University, with a degree in business marketing. Sasha is presently training in Winston-Salem, N.C., with Cook, Inc., a privately-held medical manufacturer.

Schultz

Dean, Lisa and Sarah Schultz hosted their parents, Don and Pat Schultz, of Bay City, Mich., celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on June 30. Also visiting were brother Dale Schultz and sister Mary and husband Roger Machan from Michigan.

Bicycle Tour of Colorado arrives Saturday, returns in a week

By Mary Jo Coulehan

Special to The SUN

One bicycle tour leaves and another arrives.

The Bicycle Tour of Colorado participants start the tour in our community, so the pattern of their arrival will differ from that of Ride the Rockies.

There should be less of a crunch than when tour cyclists arrive en masse from their previous destination. What will not be different, though, is the flurry of activity in Town Park as we present another Party in the Park for the bike tour participants and for local residents and visitors.

As with Ride the Rockies, there will be food provided by non-profit organizations, at reasonable prices. Indiefest performers, Public Property, will be at Town Park for a free concert Saturday, starting around 7 p.m.

Come to the park and partake of the fare at a fajita station, a pasta station with several kinds of sauces, and a baked potato bar, and from vendors offering grilled chicken breast salads and sandwiches, barbecue chicken and ribs, and those famous Knights of Columbus French fries. Plus, don't forget the desserts and sno-cones. There will also be a beer garden operated by Tommyknockers Brewery.

Concessions open at 3 p.m. and entertainment starts at about 4:30 with Grupo Espinosa Spanish Dancers and vocalist Jessica Espinosa.

Here are details for the Bicycle Tour of Colorado:

- The tour starts here in Pagosa Springs, goes to Creede, Gunnison, Montrose, Telluride and Mancos, then returns to Pagosa Springs July 1.

- Headquarters for the group will be at the high school. There will be indoor and outdoor camping available at the school.

- Registration will take place at the high school, 2-6 p.m. The Chamber of Commerce will have an information booth at the site.

- Shuttle bus service will be limited, since many riders will have transportation upon their arrival. The shuttle bus will run every half hour and will make stops at the high school, the Hot Springs area, Town Park, the westside City Market, Pedal and Powder, and several major hotel sites.

- The Party in the Park will run 3-9 p.m. We expect the riders to be early to bed, since they leave early the next morning.

- The following restaurants have been generous enough to open their doors early, at 5:30 a.m.: The Rose, Victoria's Parlor and Pagosa Baking Co. Efforts are being made to secure a westside dining establishment as well.

- Riders will depart 5-8 a.m. Sunday.

It will be a busy day when the tour returns July 1, since the day marks the start of a long, Fourth of July holiday.

Riders are expected to arrive in Pagosa starting at 11 a.m. The tour will hold a private Chuckwagon barbecue and awards ceremony at the high school from 1 to 5:30 p.m. The Chamber will serve beer to riders at South Pagosa Park.

The shuttle will run every half hour from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stops will include the high school, Pedal and Powder, and the Hot Springs area.

If you have questions, call the Chamber at 264-2360.

Three Pagosans qualify for National High School Finals Rodeo

Pagosa high school students Charmaine Talbot, Ryan Montroy and Kory Bramwell have earned positions on the New Mexico High School rodeo team and will travel with teammates to Springfield, Ill., to compete at the 58th annual National High School Finals Rodeo July 24-30.

High School students are permitted to compete in the state of their choosing. The three Pagosa students and several other Four Corners students competed in New Mexico due to the close proximity to the New Mexico High School rodeo circuit.

Talbot qualified in pole bending, Bramwell in calf roping and team roping, and Montroy in saddle bronc riding.

Talbot finished her senior year as the state champion pole bender and ranked seventh in barrel racing.

Montroy finished his junior year ranked second in saddle bronc, seventh in bull riding and seventh in team roping with partner Ariel Roberts.

Bramwell finished his senior year second in team roping with partner Johnny Salvo, and secured fourth in calf roping as a two-event qualifier.

Featuring over 1,500 contestants from 40 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia, the National High School Rodeo Finals is the world's largest rodeo. In addition to competing for over $175,000 in college scholarships, competitors have the chance to be named National High School Rodeo National Champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 after two go-rounds of intense competition before advancing to Sunday's final championship performance.

You can catch all of the NHSFR action live via Horsecity.com on their audio Web cast. Check www.nhsa.com for schedules.

A barbecue will be held Saturday, July 1, to raise funds to assist the competitors with expenses. The barbecue will take place at the fairgrounds, 5:30-7:30 p.m., prior to the Western Heritage Dance.

A fund-raiser yard sale will also be held at the fairgrounds 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 1.

Women's golf team competes in league play at Cortez

By Lynne Allison

Special to The SUN

The Pagosa Women's Golf Association played a "Pick your Nine" format for its league day, June 13.

Prior to commencing play, each player picked two par 3s, two par 5s, and five par 4s from the 18 holes they played - from Pinon Ponderosa courses.

At the end of play, they tallied their gross scores from the nine holes they chose, and deducted half of the handicap for the total aggregate score.

Winners in the first flight were Jane Stewart and Jane Day who tied for first, each with a 30.5. Bonnie Hoover and Cherry O'Donnell were third and fourth with a 31 and 34 respectively.

In the second flight, Audrey Johnson and Lynda Gillespie tied for first, each with a 32.5. Nikki Buckley and Sue Martin were third and fourth with a 34.5 and 35.5 respectively.

Karen Carpenter captured first place in the third flight with a 31.5. Toosje LaMoreaux was second with a 32, and Betty Nason and Carole Howard were third and fourth with a 33.5 and 36.5 respectively.

The association sent eight of its low handicap players to Cortez Conquistador Golf Club June 15 for team play. The Pagosa team garnered 37 points against Pinon Hills Golf Club in some very closely contested matches.

Representing Pagosa were Kay Crumpton, Marilyn Smart, Julie Pressley, Cherry O'Donnell, Jane Day, Carrie Weisz, Josie Hummel and Loretta Campuzano.

Team Captain Barbara Sanborn said, "The team is playing really well, yet because the competition is so keen this year, we're just not scoring as many points as we did last year at this time."

The team is currently in eighth place, and plays host to the July 29 league event at the Pagosa Springs Golf Club.

Bow club to host 3D competition

The Pagosa Springs Bow Club will host a 3D competition at 9 a.m. June 25 at 9 a.m. at the Laverty range, across from the Riverside Campground on East U.S. 160.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. All members and nonmembers are welcome.

Entry fees will be $20 per shooter, with half of each entry going to cash prizes for each class.

Juniors and cubs will compete for prizes, not cash.

10th annual MLS soccer camp to be held The Pagosa Sting Soccer Club will conduct its 10th annual Major League Soccer Camp Aug. 7-11 at Pagosa Springs High School.

MLS camps cater to players of all ages and soccer abilities through the application of Kidriculum, a child-appropriate curriculum. Program themes include: Play S.A.F.E. (Play, Soccer, Awareness, Fun, Education) for ages 5-11, and A.T.T.A.C.K. (Attitude, Training, Techniques, Awareness, Competition, Knowledge) for ages 12-18.

Campers will receive an evaluation, an MLS gift and a free companion ticket to an MLS game, in addition to an MLS camp shirt and ball.

The Recreational Program, for 5- and 6-year-olds, will run from 9 to 10:30 each morning.

The Intermediate Program, for players 7-11 years of age, runs from 9 to noon.

The Competitive Program is for 12- to 18-year-old players and will run from 5-8 p.m.

The Extended Team Training Program takes place from 9-noon and 5-8 p.m.

Costs are $75 for the Recreational Program, $115 for the Intermediate and Competitive Programs and $160 for the Team Training. Any camper enrolled by June 15 will receive a $10 discount.

The parents of any camper, or adults intending to coach soccer in the fall, are eligible to attend a free coaching clinic during the week.

Registration forms are available at the parks and recreation department in Town Hall.

For more information about the camp, contact Lindsey Kurt-Mason at 731-2458.

Town parks system gets heavy workout

By Julie Jessen

SUN Columnist

Ride the Rockies rolled out Tuesday morning from Pagosa Springs heading toward Chama on its 419-mile trek around Colorado.

The Pagosa Springs community and 2,000 cyclists from all over the United States and four foreign countries enjoyed Town Park, the beer tent, music and food served.

The event was a success and the parks crew was happy to wave the cyclists out of town while busily preparing for the next event, Bicycle Tour of Colorado.

The dry and hot summer and continuous events scheduled are beginning to show their effects in our Town Park. Town Park is watered with raw-water irrigation from the river, but maintenance can only occur when the park is unoccupied.

The weeks following these upcoming events will leave the park with dry spots, but the parks crew is working hard to ensure that we will have green grass again to walk on.

Adult softball

Schedules for this year's adult men's and coed leagues are available at the recreation office and have been posted online at www.townofpagosasprings.com. Schedules are also updated regularly on the sports hotline, 264-6658.

The men's league schedule for the coming week includes the following:

- Tonight - Ben Johnson/D.E.S. vs. American Legion at 5:30 p.m. on Field 1, Pagosa Falcons vs. Boss Hogg's at 5:30 p.m. on Field 2 and MBM Electronics vs. Four Corners Electronics at 6:50 p.m. on Field 1.

- June 29 - Ben Johnson/D.E.S. vs. Boss Hogg's at 5:30 p.m. on Field 1 and Four Corners Electronics vs. American Legion at 6:50 p.m. on Field 1.

The coed schedule for June 27 includes:

- Snowy River Construction vs. Grass Roots at 5:30 p.m. on Field 1, Galles Properties vs. Old School at 5:30 p.m. on Field 2, Aaron's Fitness vs. Priority One Jayhawks at 6:50 p.m. on Field 1 and Radio Shack vs. Dionigi's at 8 p.m. on Field 1.

All players should bring their $25 registration to their next scheduled games if they have not yet paid for participation in this year's league. Likewise, all managers should bring their $250 team registration fee as required unless they have already turned the fee in to the recreation office.

Players and/or teams failing to provide participation fees before the start of their next games will not be permitted to play.

Youth baseball

The Mustang division (9- and 10-year-old) schedule for the coming week at Pagosa Springs High School baseball complex, Field 1, includes the following:

- Monday, June 26 - White Sox vs. Rockies at 5:30 p.m. and Angels vs. Yankees at 7:10 p.m.

- Wednesday, June 28 - The opening round of games in the double-elimination tournament will be played at 5:30 p.m. and 7:10 p.m.; coaches will be notified of their team's seed and game time immediately after Monday night's games.

The Pinto division (6-8) schedule for the coming week includes:

- Monday, June 26 - Rockies vs. White Sox at 5:30 p.m. on Field 2, Orioles vs. Angels at 5:30 p.m. on Field 3, Dodgers vs. A's at 6:35 p.m. on Field 2 and Reds vs. Yankees at 6:35 p.m. on Field 3.

- Wednesday, June 28 (final games of the season) - Yankees vs. Rockies at 5:30 p.m. on Field 2, White Sox vs. Orioles at 5:30 p.m. on Field 3, A's vs. Reds at 6:35 p.m. on Field 2 and Angels vs. Dodgers at 6:35 p.m. on Field 3.

Pinto and Mustang division schedules are available at town hall and are posted weekly on the town Web site, in The SUN and recorded on the sports hotline, 264-6658.

Horseshoes

Horseshoe pitching at South Pagosa Park will continue each Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. through September.

From beginners to experts, everyone is welcome to play and improve. Now is a good time to come out and sharpen your eye for this year's County Fair tournament. If there's enough interest, we'll hold a town tournament in October.

So remember to attend Tuesday evening practice and pick-up games at South Pagosa Park's horseshoe courts, just north of the basketball courts. Participate when you can.

Sports hotline

General information concerning the Pagosa Springs Recreation Department can be obtained by calling the Pagosa Springs Sports Hotline at 264-6658 or logging on to townofpagosasprings.com and going to the parks and recreation link.

All schedules and upcoming events are updated on a weekly basis.

If you have questions or concerns, or need additional information about any of the Pagosa Springs Recreation Department adult or youth sports programs, call 264-4151 Ext. 232.

Loss of control

Several items relating to the local school district lead us to consider public education. The first item is comment about state and fed-eral impacts on curriculum. The second, the demise of the local School Within a School program and creation of a "Gifted and Talented" program. The third, notes about foreign language instruction at the high school. We are led by these to consider the sorry effects of increasing federal and state legislation on local control of education.

No Child Left Behind and Colorado's CSAP program have nearly administered a coup de grace to local control. Superintendent Duane Noggle described one effect of No Child Left Behind and CSAP as a "narrowing of the curriculum." Former superintendent Terry Alley remarked that No child Left Behind, "places very high demands on the school for accountability and test results." School board president Mike Haynes lamented the erosion of local control as districts labor to meet demands.

Here is our thought about CSAP: Each Colorado legislator should take the highest level CSAP tests prior to the start of any new session. If he or she fails, they cannot serve. If he or she passes, their score the following year must improve, or they cannot serve. Same with our governor. You baked it, you eat it.

Our legislators - some for plausible reasons, some for cynical political reasons - created this monster. Let them be victims, too. Or change it. We need state and federal legislators who work to return control to local school boards.

The demise of the School Within a School program illuminates the loss of local control. While the program was, in our opinion, created to appease a group of parents intent on starting a charter school, it was also an example of flexibility. A flexibility that could be used now to better ends Š if it still existed.

The new Gifted and Talented program is, in part, another example of government interference, and of the use of an unfortunate name. It rests on the assumption that 7 percent of the student population is "gifted" - a percentage similar to the 7 or so percent in special education programs. It is nonsense; "gifted and talented" is Mozart. We have few, if any Mozarts. Few mathematical prodigies. Further, "gifted" students can be identified by their parents.

Enough said.

What is commendable about the program is the notion that exceptional students can be linked to mentors, take an accelerated track in subjects and grades, go to online instruction.

And the change in foreign language curriculum at the high school?

With the retirement of a multilingual instructor, the curriculum will consist solely of Spanish. "Spanish is one of the fastest spreading foreign languages," states a note in a school board packet. Perhaps in Phoenix or Los Angeles. But, in science and technology? Those who keep abreast of global trends in politics, economics, industry and technology know instruction in Chinese or Arabic is what our youngsters probably need most. And we can't give it to them.

Why?

For one thing, they are too busy being taught to pass tests mandated by the nation's and state's political leaders - not taught the language, scientific and engineering skills needed to keep them ahead of the curve in terms of business and technological innovation.

Public education is in trouble. Perhaps one answer is - unlike years ago - charter schools, alternative forms of education. Not programs shaped by naive "let the kids set their own curriculum" gibberish - but schools with demanding studies that reflect the political and economic future, that utilize expert resources and escape the grip of legislators. Something our regular public schools find harder to do all the time.

We need to do something. Or we ensure our children and grandchildren lose a very important race.

Karl Isberg

Shari Pierce

90 years ago

Taken from SUN files of June 23, 1916

A fire that burned over about 300 acres of land belonging to the Pagosa Lumber Co. between town and camp, was extinguished Wednesday.

Secretary Catchpole of the Wolf Creek highway sent a man over the road this week who reports the road clear on this side and heavy drifts of snow on the other.

Grandma Cade, looking as nice and lovely as any young lady of 86 ought to look, was among those present at the Hoosier picnic Sunday.

Chas. Hazelwood has just completed the Blanco High Line ditch, which was started by others 13 years ago. The total cost is $2,800.

Bob Henry is building an adobe house, the best kind for this country.

75 years ago

Taken from SUN files of June 26, 1931

George Morrison's famous colored band provided excellent dance music and entertainment in this city last evening. The aggregation is being presented in the Basin by Eddie Mack, the popular lightweight of Alamosa who is quite well known in Pagosa, where he fought his first important battle several years ago, his opponent being Kid Belt.

Mrs. Lenna Catchpole of Durango has just recently added the Supercurline Steam permanent wave to her shop. This curl is proving itself wonderfully to the ladies.

This section was favored with a delightful shower Wednesday afternoon, which is no doubt a forerunner of what is coming.

50 years ago

Taken from SUN files of June 28, 1956

The biggest single reclamation project ever approved by Congress got off to a good financial start last week when a House-Senate conference committee okayed a $13 million appropriation for the Upper Colorado River Development Project. The appropriation for fiscal 1957 calls for $9,320,000 for Glen Canyon dam; $1,300,000 for Flaming Gorge dam; $800,000 for Navajo dam; and $1,575,000 for advance planning.

An advertisement will be found elsewhere in this issue of The SUN announcing the opening of a beauty parlor in the basement of the Reed 5 & 10 Store. The new establishment will be know as the Pagosa Beauty Nook and is to be operated by Misses Doris and Betty Kohler.

25 years ago

Taken from SUN files of June 25, 1981

Construction plans for the town geothermal system were temporarily delayed when the town board decided not to allow construction of the heat exchanger building on the proposed Fifth Street site. In other business, the board approved, and authorized the mayor to sign a land exchange with Billy Lynn thus obtaining ownership of the land in which the geothermal wells are drilled.

Temperatures reached a season high 92 degrees this past week. Water level in the river is falling. Town water system usage is climbing. People are taking to the outdoors; hiking, fishing, playing ball and in general enjoying some of the finest summer weather available anywhere.

Where all the magic happens

By Sarah O. Smith

Staff Writer

Type the words "folk festival" into an Internet search engine and Pagosa's own Four Corners Folk Festival will come up at about No. 250 on the list.

But, search for "independent music festival," and last week's inaugural FolkWest Independent Music Festival on Reservoir Hill comes up at No. 4 - a testament to its inherent uniqueness.

While the indie music scene is becoming more familiar in larger cities with several music venues, it's virtually nonexistent in small towns like Pagosa. But the Independent Music Festival, or Indiefest, on Reservoir Hill, organized by Dan Appenzeller and Crista Munro, is now poised to change the face of music in Pagosa.

As the founders of FolkWest, Appenzeller and Munro have already put Pagosa on the musical map with The Four Corners Folk Festival, which they've hosted every Labor Day weekend for the past 11 years. Now, by bringing independent music to Pagosa, they're ushering in a new era of music.

"There's not that many people doing it yet. But I think there will be a new wave," said Munro. "I don't know if people are aware of the whole indie music movement."

Indie music (short for independent music) is a broad number of musical genres characterized by independence from major labels and commercial pop music, allowing the artists more creativity with the music they produce.

"It's the best thing that's happened to music," said Munro. "You don't have to listen to what major labels throw at you, most of which is bubble gum crap."

"Corporate music is just giving you what's safe," said Appenzeller.

All of the bands featured at the festival belong to small, independently-run labels. Some musicians, like Eileen Ivers and Terri Hendrix, run their own music labels - an autonomous approach that gives artists control over their careers and is common in the indie music scene.

As an alternative to the folk festival, Appenzeller and Munro jokingly refer to the Indiefest as their "alter-ego fest."

"People assume the folk festival is solely bluegrass; it's not, and if you go, you can see that," said Munro. "The next misconception is that bluegrass is our favorite music - it's not. We're bringing in different music that people aren't familiar with."

"There's such good music out there, new music," said Appenzeller. "We called it indie because it's such a broad genre, it's not going to nail us down into one music. There's so much music, you hate to get pegged."

In the broad indie lineup of the festival, Appenzeller and Munro decided to mix in some folk festival favorites, like Ivers and Ruthie Foster.

Munro said Foster is "tried and true" and they know fans love her. "So we cheated," she said. "We threw them (Foster and Ivers) in there because people are familiar with them, and we wanted to get some crossover."

Yet Munro estimated about half of the ticket sales came from people who'd never even been to the folk festival - a perk not only for the festival's business, but also for the tourism in town.

"I think at least fifty percent of ticket buyers were new," said Munro. "You get people here, you get them on Reservoir Hill, in Pagosa, and they say, 'Wow, I'm coming back.'"

The folk festival has always been an enticing attraction for tourists during the busy vacation time of the Labor Day weekend, and now the Indiefest will offer a unique draw during the "shoulder season" of summer, when tourism tends to lag.

"It gives another focus to their trip," said Munro.

Alongside the familiar folk festival performers were many relatively unknown bands playing a variety of music uncommon to Pagosa, including reggae, world beat and rock. Appenzeller and Munro agreed that the festival favorite was Brave Combo - arguably the most unique band featured.

"They (Brave Combo) are about as indie as you get," said Munro.

"That name just fits them so amazingly," said Appenzeller.

He also said Brave Combo was the "absolute hardest to promote. Everyone else had a genre, a description." He and Munro found trouble attempting to describe a band that plays Mozart pieces followed by a cover of The Doors' "People are Strange."

"They played at David Byrne's (of the band Talking Heads) wedding, and they've been on The Simpsons twice," said Appenzeller. "But how do you sell that?"

However, despite their obscurity, Brave Combo provided one of the most talked-about performances at the festival and completely won over the audience, and Appenzeller and Munro have already received numerous requests to bring them back for next year's festival. They said this pattern is common at the folk festival as well - people attend for the headlining band, but end up discovering someone new.

In fact, said Appenzeller, there's only been one year in Four Corners Folk Festival history when the headlining act was the most highly-reviewed act - when Béla Fleck & the Flecktones headlined in 2000. Every other year, an unexpected underdog has always wowed the crowd.

"People always fall in love with someone they've never heard before," said Appenzeller. He said they've also seen many lesser-known bands evolve to star status; for example, Nickel Creek, who went from opening act to closing act at the festival in a matter of years, and are now internationally recognized within the popular music scene.

This exposure to new music is at the heart of the purpose behind the Indiefest; however, it's also one of the difficulties Appenzeller and Munro found when organizing the lineup. Munro said that since festivals are "all about tradition," it can be hard to strike a balance between the familiar and unfamiliar.

"It's such a mix - people who want something new, and people who only want what they know they love," said Appenzeller. "If any band comes back it will be Brave Combo - but we want to keep it fresh every year."

Along with the new bands next year, Munro said the festival may also see a big growth in attendance. Saturday, the biggest day at the Indiefest, saw a crowd of 974. This is less than one-third of the folk festival's average attendance of 3,500. She estimated around 700 people per day attended the first folk festival in 1996.

"If the growth pattern is the same as it is for the folk fest ... the biggest growth will be from year one to year two. We doubled in attendance that year," she said.

However, despite this projected growth, Appenzeller and Munro still work arduously every day to sell tickets to the festivals and get the word out. Appenzeller said with rising gas prices, more people are staying home this summer.

"It's still a fight to get people to come," he said.

"Even after eleven years, you can't count on a certain amount of ticket sales," said Munro.

As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, FolkWest relies on grants and donations for funding. Of course, this doesn't always come easily.

"If you look at events like Music in the Mountains or the Aspen Music Festival, half of their budget is from endowments and charitable gifts because of the type of people who patronize those events," said Munro. She said the Aspen Music Festival received over $40,000 in donations from only 100 people.

"We just don't get that," she said.

"Like our festival, we are very much independent," added Appenzeller.

And as a nonprofit organization, FolkWest loses money when ticket sales are low.

"That's what didn't work - we didn't sell as many tickets as we'd projected," said Munro.

But despite the monetary setbacks experienced by the new festival, Appenzeller and Munro said as an event, the Indiefest went smoothly. They worried they might hear from people who thought the Indiefest was not what they expected, but they have not received a single complaint.

One man approached Munro at the festival, and she thought to herself, "Oh no, here's my first complaint." Rather, the man wanted to tell her he and his wife attend the folk festival every year, but they found the Indiefest to be even better.

"He told me, 'My wife's out there dancing. She never dances,'" Munro said.

If the energetic, happy crowds of the first Indiefest are an indication of what the future holds for this festival, then it promises to become another favorite Pagosa tradition. But, more importantly, it promises to continue to bring new and standout music to Pagosa, something few have the opportunity to experience.

"Hopefully it's not a dying art, music," said Appenzeller. "Live (music) is just the best - that's where all the magic happens."

All-out war declared against Jicarilla Apache

By John Motter

We've been discussing conflict between the Jicarilla Apaches and Anglos starting in about 1846.

Today, the Jicarilla live as neighbors on a reservation located some 40 miles south of Pagosa Springs in New Mexico.

Many sources of information exist documenting the early conflicts between Jicarilla and Anglo. We are using a book titled "The Jicarilla Apache Tribe A History, 1846-1970," first published in 1984 by Veronica E. Velarde Tiller, herself a Jicarilla Apache.

When she first published her book, Dr. Tiller had taught at the University of Utah and was running her own firm in Washington D.C. specializing in research on Indian affairs. Tiller's research includes all of the usual government sources, plus a number of first-person interviews with tribal members, some of them relatives, who retain an oral, if well-guarded, history of many of the events documented.

I am quoting extensively from Tiller's work. The second edition of her book remains available in Dulce and perhaps in other places.

By 1854, despite attempts to negotiate differences, tension between Anglo and Apache threatened to erupt into open warfare. Because of a March 30, 1854, conflict near Taos in which 22 dragoons were killed and another 36 wounded, all military forces in northern New Mexico, commanded by Gen. Garland, were mobilized.

The civilian population was terrified. Acting Territorial Governor William S. Messervy decided that he would listen to no more proposals for peace from the Apaches until "they receive that chastisement which they have so long perpetrated upon our citizens." Messervy advocated total punishment for the Apaches as an example to other tribes. Peace, he argued, should not be concluded until the Jicarilla had been made to feel the strength of the government and had suffered the full penalty. Although he believed that "the best interests of this territory and the highest dictates of humanity demanded their extinction," he also considered settling them near the Pueblos. On April 10, he issued a declaration of war against the entire Jicarilla Apache. Serious preparations for war began.

Starting in April, a vigorous campaign was conducted by Lt. Col. Philip St. George Cooke commanding 200 men plus a 32-man spy company led by James H. Quinn, hired to track the Apaches through the broken and unknown wilderness where they sought refuge.

Kit Carson volunteered to accompany Cooke, even though he felt some sympathy toward the Apaches, according to Tiller. He later wrote that they (the Indians) were driven to war by the actions of the troops when they were vigorously pursued. Thinking there would be no mercy shown them, they resorted to desperate means to escape. If an effort had been made to establish a fair and just peace, Carson felt quite sure the Apaches would have surrendered all government property taken in the Davidson incident.

Tiller adds her opinion that there might have been some chance for this peace, especially because Chacón, the Jicarilla chief who commanded the largest number of lodges, had previously made overtures for peace. At the same time, Chacón had no control over the Llaneros, who wanted a showdown. At the same time, New Mexicans were eager for all-out war.

At that time and until today, the Jicarilla were divided into two major bands, the Llaneros and the Olleros, the Plains and the Mountains bands. Of course, the two large bands were further subdivided into many family groups.

Of the war effort, Tiller informs us, "On April 4, Cook began to march south and west of Taos from Arroyo Hondo, crossing exceedingly precipitous country west of the Rio Grande. His pursuit of the Jicarilla was hampered by violent wind and snow storms. The Apaches led their pursuer over the most rugged terrain in which they had ever campaigned. The mountain ranges, which often rose over 7,000 feet, were covered with three feet of snow.

"On April 8, after a long hard march and the loss of some stragglers, the soldiers discovered an Apache camp in the rocky and rugged ravine of Rio Caliente, a tributary of the Chama River which was almost impassable."

More next week on conflict between Anglo and Jicarilla Apache.

The Pleiades - a joy to observe

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

The following sun and moon data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory.

Sunrise: 5:48 a.m.

Sunset: 8:32 p.m.

Moonrise: 3:03 a.m.

Moonset: 6:03 p.m.

Moon phase: The moon is waning crescent with 10 percent of the visible disk illuminated. The new moon is June 25 at 10:05 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time.

For early birds, Friday marks an opportunity to enjoy views of a slender crescent moon, our sister planet Venus and the heralded Pleiades, as the three celestial bodies form a relatively close, triangular-shaped grouping in the pre-dawn sky.

Facing east-northeast, the first and easiest object to locate among Friday's triad is the crescent moon. The moon will be visible in the sky at a point nearly midway between the horizon and directly overhead.

Once stargazers have located the moon, the next stop is Venus. Venus can be found a few degrees almost directly below the moon at about the midpoint between the moon and the horizon. Aside from the sun and second to the moon, Venus is the brightest object in the sky, and on Friday, it will be easy to locate - look for the brightest object below the waning crescent moon.

Although Venus is noteworthy for its brilliance, the planet's claim to fame goes beyond simply being one of the brightest objects in the sky; and in fact, the planet claims numerous astronomical superlatives.

To begin, Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system. With a surface temperature hovering around 900 degrees, lead would melt and run like water across the planet's surface. The intense heat on Venus is caused by the planet's dense, carbon dioxide-based atmosphere, which, at 96 times the pressure of Earth would crush a space craft like a beer can.

Venus' atmospheric composition and pressure make the planet one of the most toxic and inhospitable places in the solar system - imagine the greenhouse effect gone wildly out of control.

If a human landed on Venus, and once the atmospheric pressure crushed your spacecraft and snapped your bones like toothpicks, the carbon dioxide would suffocate you, sulphuric acid clouds would strip the flesh off your bones and the heat would vaporize whatever remained to cosmic dust - all in a matter of seconds.

In terms of superlative planetary behavior, Venus is the only planet in the solar system with a retrograde, or backward, rotation. On Venus, the sun rises in the west and sets in the east. Astronomers hypothesize the planet's unusual rotation may have been caused by a spectacular planetary collision. And they speculate whether the same collision could be the cause of Venus' extremely slow rotational period.

Astronomers have calculated Venus rotates on its axis just once every 243 days which is longer than the 224.7-day venusian year. This slow rotational period makes Venus the only planet whose rotation takes longer than its journey around the sun. In addition, Venus has an almost perfectly circular orbit - most planetary orbits are elliptical - making its passage across the sky particularly regular and predictable. And in fact, Venus' movement is so predictable, the Mayans developed a 584-day, Venus-based calendar which many have argued, was more accurate than European calendars used during the same era.

But it was more than the Mayans that took note of Venus' spectacular brilliance and astonishing regularity. For more contemporary astronomers, Venus proved both fascinating and vexing, and the development of the telescope opened Venus to a whole new level of astronomic scrutiny.

With more sophisticated viewing equipment, astronomers learned Venus is roughly the same size as Earth and its proximity to the sun caused many to hypothesize that Venus made a strong candidate for intelligent extraterrestrial life. Many perceived Venus as Earth as it was in its most primordial past, and stories of a planet covered in steamy jungles and teeming with creatures proliferated throughout the astronomical community. Speculation peaked during the early nineteenth century, when astronomers noticed that during Venus' crescent phase, the shadowed portion of the planet appeared faintly illuminated - a phenomenon called "ashen light." Franz von Paula Gruithuisen, head of the Munich Observatory suggested the ashen light might be caused by Venusian bonfires or perhaps a massive fireworks display - telltale signs, according to Gruithuisen, of an advanced civilization.

But Venus' thick clouds prohibited even the most advanced observer from drawing firm conclusions, and not until the Soviet missions of the 1960s and 70s and spectral analysis, was Venus' true nature revealed.

While Venus is clearly not a potential home for humans, a recent theory postulates that bacteria-like creatures may exist in some levels of the venusian atmosphere. Astronomers and scientists are exploring the implications of life on Venus and it's relationship to our own situation with increases in greenhouse gasses and the potential effects of global warming. Perhaps Venus can provide astronomers with clues to our own planet's future.

Moving from Venus to complete the triangle at the Pleiades, or M45, stargazers will need to look above, and a few degrees diagonally to the left of our sister planet. The Pleiades will appear nearly equidistant from Venus as they do the moon.

For even the most advanced, well equipped skywatcher, ground views of Venus will produce little more than a bright point of light, however, the Pleiades, true to the mythology, is one of the prettiest stellar groupings in the sky.

The Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters are named for the seven beautiful daughters of Atlas and Pleione. Although stories of the seven maidens are varied and seemingly innumerable, their names are widely agreed upon: Alcyone or Halcyone, Asterope or Sterope, Celaeno, Electra or Eleckra, Maia, Merope and Taygete or Taygeta.

According to the mythology, the great hunter Orion spied the Pleiades as they were walking in the forest, and the hunter was immediately taken by their stunning beauty. Once smitten, Orion pursued them, to no avail, for seven years.

Exasperated with being hunted like game, the sisters begged Zeus to deliver them from the hunter's incessant chase. Zeus acknowledged their plea and turned them into doves then placed them in the sky. Ironically, after the hunter himself was hunted and killed by his own tormentor, the scorpion, he too was placed in the sky behind the Pleiades, and the three play out their respective chases forever in the heavens.

Although the mythological story of the Pleiades as a whole is fairly clear, the separate stories linked to the individual maidens read as veritable "who's who" in Greek mythology, with tales of tragedy, intrigue, romance, murder and heroism - unfortunately, the tales are convoluted at best.

The same holds true for the story of the missing Pleiad. For many naked eye viewers, the seven sisters actually appear as six points of light. The lost Pleiad or missing Pleiad is, depending on the source, either Electra, Merope or Celaeno. According to the mythology, Electra is said to have gone missing after she veiled her face during the burning of Troy, and for the act appeared afterward to mortals as a comet. Merope disappeared after she married a mortal, and Celaeno was struck by a thunderbolt.

Whatever the case, and whichever sister you believe is missing, there are actually more than just six or seven stars.

Those with keen eyes, might see as many as 18 stars, while binoculars will reveal 40 or 50. Professional astronomers have counted more than 200 stars in the grouping.

For those willing to make the effort, the Pleiades are truly a joy to observe. The asterism resembles a tiny dipper wrapped in a veil of mist, and it is both stunning to the naked eye and through binoculars.

Date High Low PrecipitationType Depth Moisture

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, PAGOSA SPRINGS GROUP. 802 Rosita St., NW corner of 8th St. and Hwy. 160. Sunday 10a.m. (AM); Monday 5:30p.m. (BB); Tuesday 12p.m. (D), 5:30p.m. (M); Wednesday 5:30p.m. (W); Thursday 12p.m. (D), 5:30p.m. (BG); Friday 7p.m. (D); Saturday 7:30a.m. (AM), 5:30p.m. (SS). (Last Friday of the month, 6p.m. potluck, 7p.m. birthday speaker meeting.) If you have questions, contact (970)245-9649, www.aa-westerncolorado.org or www.aadistrict18.org or call: Ed K. 946-2606; Val V. 264-2685; Mike W. 264-5200; Ben B. 264-0293; Kathi W. 264-2939; Melanie 264-6812; Ralph H. 731-2673 or 946-1377; Chris N. 264-0728.

AUTOS

1994 3/4 TON 4WD CHEVY Suburban, $3,700. 731-4181 or 946-3720.

1997 DODGE INTREPID 4 door sedan. 69,000 miles, excellent condition, well maintained, new Pioneer CD/ MP3/ WMA player with AM/FM tuner and new speakers. 29 MPG highway, power windows, door locks, cruise, strong A/C, new headlamp lenses. Asking $4,300. Call Roy, 264-4321 or 759-5865.

M-35 2-1/2 TON MILITARY truck. Very good condition. Call for details. $3,900. 946-5200 or 731-4266.

2003 DODGE RAM 1500 SLT. Sunroof, Tonneau cover. Extended warranty. $21,000. 731-9119.

2004 SUBARU FORESTER XT. New tires, Yakima ski rack, GREAT SHAPE, 57K. $17,450. 946-2339.

1971 FORD F250 4X4, "Highboy." Professionally rebuilt 390 engine, powerful truck, strong runner. Asking $3,895 OBO. Call Buck, 946-0996.

1988 CHEVY 3/4 TON. 2WD, runs good. First $800 gets it. Call 731-2345.

1980 JEEP CJ7. 93,500 original miles, automatic, 257 V6, P/S, bikini and hard top, winch, interior Rhino lined. Very good condition, $4,800. 264-4530.

1985 CJ-7 6 CYLINDER, 5 speed, air conditioning, winch, hardtop, almost everything new. Clean, must sell, license 134-I22. (970)946-0226, (970)731-3638.

2003 TOYOTA RAV 4, like new condition, 57K, blue book $15,360, negotiable. New tires and windshield. 264-5382 or 946-0338.

COMMERCIAL RENTAL

COMMERCIAL OFFICE SUITE. Reception area plus 3 rooms, kitchen and bath. Located above Victoria's Parlor at 274 Pagosa St. $950 per month plus deposit. Includes all utilities. For more information, call 264-6656.

1,300 SQ. FT. SHOP/ OFFICE/ retail. Pavement, natural gas, good location next to Carpet One. $625/ month plus last month plus deposit. 731-5153, 946-2590.

BEST DEAL IN TOWN: 99 cents a foot for lease. No CAM fees, no triple net. Central core area, high visibility, paved parking, central heat and air, wireless internet, security system, close to everything. 700 sq. ft., 1,400 sq. ft. or 2,100 sq. ft. spaces. 264-1036.

1,200 SQ. FT. SHOP/OFFICE. Natural gas, additional outside storage available on Piedra Rd. $575/ month, 264-9349 or 731-2449.

DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL BUILDING AVAILABLE. Located within the historic district. 1,800 sq. ft. building with private parking lot. Call (757)619-1594.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

3,000 SQ. FT. COMMERCIAL SPACE in Greenbriar Plaza. Very busy business plaza with easy access, incredible mountain views, can sell separately in 1,000 sq. ft. spaces. Fully rented until September, tenant building own shop. Great location! The best commercial user value in Pagosa Springs. $300,000. Call Harold Kelley at Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830.

OWN YOUR OWN SHOP. Great visibility off Hwy. 160. 1,500 sq. ft. plus storage loft. 3 units to choose from. Starting at $145,000. Call owner/ broker Todd D. Shelton, CCIM, at Shelton and Shelton Real Estate at (970)946-2102 cell.

COMMERCIAL LOT IN IGNACIO. Great location. Asking $120,000. Colorado Southwest Properties, 883-5428.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE or trade. Five flat acres (two parcels) with 665 feet of highway frontage. No CDOT problems. 2,000 SF office included in price, but can be moved; leaseback considered. 1.5M Owner/broker will finance. Sierra Pagosa, 731-6633.

COMMERCIAL LOTS AT ROCK RIDGE. 100x200, utilities, highway visibility. (480)373-1448.

LIVESTOCK

BOOTHILL FEED & TACK'S customer appreciation days are June 23rd & 24th, 2006. Please see the large ad in this issue of the Pagosa SUN for details.

1994 S&H TWO HORSE trailer. $1,100. (970)749-4303.

PREMIUM ASPEN SHAVINGS FOR horse bedding. Delivered to Pagosa Springs, $4.65 per 50 lb. bag. (970)882-7109.

LLAMAS FOR SALE. $250 and up. New owner support. 264-6614.

S&H 3-HORSE DELUXE HORSE trailer. Bumper pull, front dressing area, rear saddle storage. All extras plus upgraded. 16" chrome wheels/ tires. EXCELLENT CONDITION, $5,500 OBO. Call 731-3366

PALOMINO MARE. OLDER BUT with loads of go, ex-pickup horse, loves rodeo or trails, smooth gaits. $1,000 OBO. 264-6616.

REGISTERED GATED PALOMINO PONY mare. Jumps, pony club mount, beautiful and smart. $3,000, must see. 264-6616.

16' STOCK TRAILER. Bumper pull, 3 compartments, swing and sliding door dividers. Good shape, $3,500. 264-6616.

LOOKING FOR PASTURE FOR 7-8 head of horses and mules, can provide agricultural tax exemption. 946-4067, 759-8499.

CHOCTOW 3 SLANT HORSE trailer. Bumper pull, front tack area. Maroon color, in GREAT condition. $4,000. Call (970)731-9748 or raindancer@centurytel.net, pictures available.

RIDE THE AUSSIE WAY. Down under Australian saddle, tack, gear 20% off. 264-6720, 946-3987.

3 YEAR OLD BLACK/ white Tobiano filly. APHA Boston Macs Alexis. Broke and gentle, good conformation. $2,000. 264-0060.

HORSESHOEING: $80 PER HORSE, reset $60, trimmed $30. (970)769-3253, leave message.

9 YEAR OLD BLACK bay mare. Well broke, gentle, 13 hands, broad, stocky mare, will work and pack, used on trail rides. Does it all. $1,800. 264-0060.

FOR SALE

5 PANEL FIR SHAKER door slabs, interior bored and martised for hinges, 2 each 2868, 5 each 3068, 4 each 2668. Original cost $275 each. Will sell for 50% off. See at Cutting Edge Glass, 110 Great West Ave.

1989 883 HD SPORTSTER. Excellent condition, must see! $6,500. 749-9249.

VINYL WINDOWS IN BRONZE color now at Cutting Edge Glass, 110 Great West Ave.or call 264-3000.

COUCH. 7 FT. LOW butcher block shelves (for seating plants entertainment center). Wall mirror, 40"x60". Portable dog ramp. (970)731-4029.

1957 FORD 8N TRACTOR, uses propane gas, starts every time, $3,000. Woodstove, has side load and glass front, $300. 264-5404.

HANGAR FOR RENT OR SALE in Pagosa Springs. 65 Aviation Court Hangar B-1. Call (936)855-2168 or (936)348-0073.

FANCY GOLF CART. Top with fringe and rain sides, new batteries. Excellent shape, $4,500 OBO. 264-6616.

1940s RATTAN COUCH, CHAIR, ottoman, table, $100.; computer table, $50; French easel, $50; drafting table, $50. Call Joan, 731-3276.

BLACK ANGUS OR TEXAS longhorn. All natural feed. Sold by the quarter at $2.75/ pound, quarter wt. from 163.5 LH to 187.5 # BA. Call 731-3366 for details.

ORGANIC TOPSOIL. 400-500 YARDS available, $20/ yard. Discount for large purchases. You haul or will deliver for additional fee. 946-5200 or 731-4266.

TREADMILL- LANDICE 8700, COMMERCIAL model, works great, $500 OBO. 731-9577.

CHERRY BEDROOM SET, QUEEN size bed, dresser and nightstand. Good condition, $250. 731-6150.

PONDEROSA PINE, SPLIT and delivered. $115/ cord. Full cord. 259-1853.

CRAFTSMAN VINTAGE 10" RADIAL arm saw, $150. Felker #610 tile saw, $250. 731-2872.

SAMSUNG 46" DLP HD TV with stand, $1,700. Cross bow pistol, $25. Queen bed frame, cordless drill, $10. Framed mirror, $20. 946-3607.

LIKE NEW EXTRA FIRM queen mattress and box springs, $150. 731-1444.

LIKE NEW CHINA CABINET, two antique Hoosier hutches. 731-3999.

TABLE & 4 CHAIRS, white & oak with tile top. $110. Call 731-9592.

CLOTHES WASHERS: KENMORE HEAVY duty 80 series washer, runs great, $75; 2 Kenmore HD commercial washers, work, but need tune-up, $50 each. John, 731-9600.

ONE LIKE NEW 5/8" I BEAM, 10-1/2 ft., and two screw jacks, 6-3/4'. $70 for both, 264-5943.

LIGHT OAK PEDESTAL TABLE with 6 oak chairs. 2 leaves, opens to 76". Excellent condition, $525. 731-4285 or 731-4950.

1978 TRAVEL TRAILER 20' must sell $1,000 OBO. 1991 Nissan pickup, extended cab 4x4, standard. $1,500 OBO. 946-1986.

PREMIUM TOPSOIL AND RIVER Cobble Rock for sale. Loading and hauling available. $30/ yard. 1st quality, screened riverbank topsoil. 264-5991.

1983 HONDA PASSPORT M.C. Great for town or school. New tires, new battery, excellent condition, 2,855 miles. $500. 264-0063.

MOBILE HOMES

A CUT ABOVE. This home is tape and textured, great condition. Pride of ownership. Nice yard. City water and sewer. Must see. $139,000. Call The Real Choice, Briana, (970)946-4656 or Peggy, (970)946-0473.

$99,000 HOME. Mobile with many additions- master bedroom, beautiful sunroom, living room, office and utility room, total 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, detached shop with greenhouse, all on 1.2 acres with private well. Quiet valley setting. Call The REAL Choice, Briana, (970)946-4656 or Peggy, (970)946-0473.

HOUSES FOR SALE

PAGOSA HAS BEEN DISCOVERED. Invest now in your Pagosa Country Dream property before prices go out of sight. 100% financing on primary residence. 95% financing on 2nd homes and investment properties. Colorado Loan Consultants. Your Pagosa area loan specialists. 731-3770 or (888)828-0927.

VINYL WINDOWS IN BRONZE color now at Cutting Edge Glass, 110 Great West Ave.or call 264-3000.

PRICE RECENTLY REDUCED!! THE PERFECT RETREAT ON 35 SECLUDED ACRES! This energy efficient home has a serene attention to space and detail. A detached garage with unfinished studio awaits your vision. This unique sanctuary affords a private beauty that few properties ever attain! Recently reduced $20,000 to $559,000. Call Joy with Prudential Triple S Realty, (970)749-4164.

CUSTOM LOG HOME ON 314 acres. Irrigated pastures, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 5,347 sq. ft of living space. A must see. $1,450,000. Call Todd D. Shelton, CCIM, at Shelton and Shelton Real Estate at (970)731-7777, (970)946-2102 cell.

FULL ROUND LOG HOME in Twin Creek Village. The dramatic look of 10" logs inside and out. Loft looks down onto huge two-story great room. Decks on three sides, corner lot, three sources of heat for energy savings. Three bedrooms, two baths, with loft and exercise room. Just under 3,000 SF for only $495,000. Welcome to your mountain home! Owner/broker, Sierra Pagosa, 731-6633.

IN TOWN: 3 NEW TOWNHOMES available. Each 1,360 sq. ft. plus separate garages with storage. Quality throughout. Big eastern views. Pagosa Peak Realty, 264-4498.

LOVELY SOUTHWEST-STYLE HOME in Meadows 4. Nestled in quiet cul-de-sac on 5 acres. Accents throughout, Saltillo tile, Berber carpet, kiva-style gas fireplace, granite kitchen countertops, aspen ceilings, 2,840 sq. ft., deck off master bedroom with beautiful mountain views. 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath. With rising building costs, this is a beautiful value. Don't bother building until you see this home! $695,000. Call Harold Kelley at Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830.

3,000+ SQ. FT. HOME on 6.5 acres in Meadows 3. Fabulous views, lots of sunlight, cul-de-sac, mother-in-law apartment, 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath, large detached RV garage, horses allowed. Great value! Price reduced! $549,000. Call Harold Kelley at Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830.

$115,000 FOR THIS HOME on one acre in Aspen Springs. Newer manufactured home, 3/2, close to highway. Owner/broker may do lease to own or present your own terms! Sierra Pagosa, 731-6633.

BLANCO BASIN PARADISE. Beautiful 4,200 sq. ft. custom log home on 8 acres bordering San Juan National Forest. Four bedrooms on three levels, four fireplaces and large deck with mountain views make this the ultimate Colorado experience. See pictures at www.riversideproperties.net. $769,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES, (970)264-2168.

RUSTIC CABIN ON 3-1/2 ACRES across from San Juan River, just $225K. PRICE REDUCED: 3 bedroom, 2 bath plus office, just $249K. Call Equus Realty, (970)731-1626.

MOTIVATED SELLER! PRICE REDUCED from $450K to $418K. 15 acre horse property, 2 homes, great well. Call Equus Realty, (970)731-1626.

TRULY A DESIGNER'S DREAM! Beautiful landscaped home located near the lake with unblockable Continental Divide views! Hardwood flooring, aspen ceilings and gorgeous granite countertops are just some of the exquisite upgrades included with this home. This well priced home has value that will last for years! Call Joy with Prudential Triple S Realty, (970)749-4164.

PRIVATE 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH home. Full unfinished basement on 1 acre, borders Piedra River. Only $285,000. 883-5428.

3,500 SQ. FT. SWEDISH COPE LOG HOME with natural flagstone in Meadows One, nestled in quiet cul-de-sac on 5 acres. 3 bedroom, 3 bath, great room, loft, Berber carpet, large front and rear decks, large covered patio with Jacuzzi, large master bedroom suite, fabulous views of Chimney Rock and Pagosa Peak, in-floor heat. Manicured oaks, pines, beautiful yard, garden shed with overhead door, oversized heated garage, beautiful game room with billiard table, full bar with granite top, wine fridge and solid copper sink and fixtures. Realtors welcome at 4%. $735,000. 946-3020.

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, nice 1996 home. Permanent foundation, large trees, first time home. Buyer, owner carry $10K down! $89,000. www.remaxwesternrealty.com. Aaron, (970)759-4454.

WELL MAINTAINED HOME IN Pagosa Lakes. 3/2 with double car garage, bay windows with gorgeous mountain views, wraparound covered deck. Open LR & modern kitchen with neutral colors throughout. $279,000. 44 Lighthouse Dr. 731-9203 or 903-8779.

MOUNTAIN VIEWS ON 3 ACRES. Lots of upgrades on this 3bd/2ba with bonus room. Close to town. $295,000. www.ChadPlum.com. (970)946-6834, Herman Riggs & Associates.

LAKE PAGOSA HOME for sale with garage apartment. Go to www.pagosaspringsfsbo.net for details or call 731-1202.

$1,000,000 VIEWS FOR HALF THE PRICE! Attractive home, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3,516 sq. ft., in Piedra Estates. PRICED TO SELL! Contact Shelley Low, (970)946-0930, www.shelleylow.com.

FIXER-UPPER, 3-1-3/4-2, RANCH-STYLE home in nice neighborhood and close to all amenities. Great mountain views from front porch. This home has great potential. Contact Tom Marin, (970)769-1497, Jim Smith Realty, www.yourpagosa.com.

WHISPERING PINES TOWNHOME. Beautiful 2-2-2, in-floor heat, heated driveway, granite countertops. Close to everything! Contact Tom Marin, (970)769-1497, Jim Smith Realty, www.yourpagosa.com.

MAGNIFICENT HILLTOP RETREAT on 20 acres. 360 degree views, 7,000 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 4 bath home. 2,400 sq. ft. guest house, indoor pool, spa, party house with kitchen. Ponds and lake with fountain, 5 acre horse pasture. Selling under market value. More information at www.privateestatesale.com or call (480)816-1085.

NEAR PAGOSA SPRINGS ON WOODED 3 acres with view. A Park model, furnished 1 bedroom, 1 bath, loft and deck. Exterior log siding. $180,000. (505)564-3224.

FSBO BRIGHT PASSIVE SOLAR 3/2, cedar-sided, 1,206 sq. ft. with 258 sq. ft. heated garage. Radiant heat, tile, unique indoor planters. Paved, core area, 1 block off of beautiful Lake Pagosa. $248,000. No Realtors please. 731-3008.

GREAT 4 BEDROOM HOME on 1.68 acres with mountain views. $175,000. Owner will help with financing. The Real Estate Connection, 759-8308.

RIO BLANCO RIVER FRONTAGE! FSBO: 2 bedroom, 1 bath, greatroom, front and rear decks, central heat, wood burning stove. Great well, large island in river, backs NF on 2.75 acres. 10 miles south on Hwy. 84, 150 Carrico. (970)264-5925.

NEW ON THE MARKET! Best value in Loma Linda! Over 2,500 sq. ft. of living area on a beautiful 5 acre parcel. Mountain views all around, horses allowed. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with a beautiful dining room and den with loft with windows everywhere. $539,900. Call Lynn Shirk at Herman Riggs & Associates at 264-2201 or 759-8450.

$65 PER SQUARE FOOT buys a quality system built (UBC) Bonnavilla home. Why wait? Enjoy your home this building season. Design your own floorplan, no extra charge. Your site, or I will find land. Local model available for viewing. 100% financing possible. Bill Delany, Prudential Triple S Realty, (970)264-0920.

FSBO: 3/2 HOME WITH 3 lots, Lake Forest, 2-car garage, large deck, all appliances, nice, $295,000. Agents welcome. (505)776-2938.

FOR SALE BY OWNER: House/ workshop/ garage on 5 acres. Horses allowed. Located at 1256 Buttress Avenue in the Meadows. Priced right, take advantage of a need to sell only partially through renovation process. $355,000. Contact Bill Steele for an appointment. (970)946-3803.

BEAUTIFUL LOG-SIDED GOLF COURSE home! 3-3-2, two master suites, river rock fireplace, wrap-around decks. Much, much more to this easily accessible home. Contact Tom Marin, (970)769-1497, Jim Smith Realty, www.yourpagosa.com.

CLOSE TO LAKE PAGOSA. 3bd/ 2ba house built in 2001 on .25 acre. $219,000. www.ChadPlum.com, (970)946-6834, Herman Riggs & Associates.

THOUSANDS OF ACRES! Is your back yard. Home in beautiful Loma Linda, 3/2, 3-car garage. Covered front porch. Home sits on 5 acres and backs to national forest. Easy ride for your horses. Has nice grass area for corrals. Aspen interior, hickory cabinets. $579,000. CALL The Real Choice, Briana, (970)946-4656 or Peggy, (970)946-0473.

MOUNTAIN VIEWS! 3/2 one level, new paint, new carpet being installed, central vac, close to amenities, 2-car garage, open, landscaped, sprinkler system. $315,000. Call The Real Choice, Briana, (970)946-4656 or Peggy, (970)946-0473.

HUGE VIEWS- new custom home under construction, Pagosa Lakes, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-car garage. 1,262 SF, $229,000. 731-2714 or 749-4146.

FULLY REMODELED HOUSE DOWNTOWN. 3 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath, new floors, appliances, paint. $199,000 negotiable. Truly a must see! Please call (970)799-3744.

$279,000 FSBO HOME on 1/3 acre. Motivated seller. See listing #20631361 at forsalebyowner.com or call (970)731-0157.

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH rustic home near river, views. Total of 3 lots, $575,000. Other nearby private lots available. Century 21, call Joseph, 946-3369.

PAGOSA LAKES ADOBE. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, solarium atrium. $299,999. Century 21, call Joseph, 946-3369.

STUNNING 8,278 SF RANCH HOME with amazing panoramic mountain views on 46 acres. 4,500 SF barn and workshop. www.ChadPlum.com, (970)946-6834, Herman Riggs & Associates.

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, bonus room, above Lake Pagosa, views, RV parking, aspen woodwork, wood floors, log siding. $300,000. 946-9862.

CUSTOM PASSIVE SOLAR ON 3.72 acres with awesome views. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 living areas, sunroom, office and heated 3-car garage. Greenhouse, hot tub and carport located minutes from town in Continental Estates. $595,000. (970)264-4788.

1/2 ACRE, NICE HOME on two lots. Mountain views! Great rental or first time buyers. Close to national forest. This one won't last. $215,000. CALL NOW! Call The Real Choice, Briana, (970)946-4656 or Peggy, (970)946-0473.

D-LOG COLORADO HOME on wonderful lot backing to canyon. 2/2 with a loft, sunroom that looks to the wilderness. Garage, landscaped, quality neighborhood. $332,000. Call The Real Choice, Briana, (970)946-4656 or Peggy, (970)946-0473.

BRING YOUR HORSE, YOUR DOGS and your FAMILY! Large doublewide on over an acre with adjoining two lots available. Good producing water well. Wood laminate flooring, large master suite. $149,900. Call The Real Choice, Briana, (970)946-4656 or Peggy, (970)946-0473.

CHAMA, NEW MEXICO- GREAT investment, railroad buff/ fly fishing/ vacation/ rental. Quiet street overlooking meadows of Rio Chama, watch Cumbres Toltec RR. 3+ acres, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, large covered deck, workshop, nice modular, subdivided for second home, $149,000. Also- fixer upper, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, .15 acres, territorial style, $69,000. 264-6008/ 903-7720.

OPEN HOUSES

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH Pines Condo, 145 Davis Cup Dr., #4048, Saturday 9-11a.m. 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home, 39 Lighthouse Dr., Saturday 1-3p.m. or call (970)903-8113 for private showing. www.bestofpagosa.com.

PERSONALS

No web ads this week.

PROPERTY

GORGEOUS CABEZON CANYON. Hwy. 160 W., 151 south, CR 917 approximately 2.5 miles on left. Three separate parcels, lots of pines and great views. 39.59 acres, national forest and Ute Indian bordering three sides, $255,000. 39.66 acres, one side national forest, $189,000. 39.86 acres, three sides national forest, $239,000. Come by and pick up a map, walk these properties to see their hidden value, and give me a call. Call Harold Kelley at Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830.

INCREDIBLE LOMA LINDA LOT backing to national forest! There is nothing left like this on 3 acres with extreme views, gorgeous woods and fantastic privacy! This property feels like a lot more acreage! A beautiful home site. Call Joy at Prudential Triple S Realty, (970)749-4164 to view!

4.79 ACRES IN LOMA LINDA. Beautiful wooded lot, bordered by two sides of national forest, lots of trees, very nice building site with wonderful views of east range. Electric and telephone to property, central water, horses allowed. $219,000. Call Harold Kelley, Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830, www.highlandwest.info.

GORGEOUS CABEZON CANYON. Hwy. 160 W., 151 south, CR 917 approximately 2.5 miles on left. Approximately 120 acres, very private. Impressive views of Chimney Rock and San Juan Mountains. Loaded with ponderosa pines and wildlife, national forest boundary, electric and telephone to center of property, excellent gallery well, beautiful building sties. Easy split into three separate parcels. Go hike and discover the beauty and solitude of this property and give me a call. $615,000. Call Harold Kelley at Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830.

OWNER WILL FINANCE! Lots located in Pagosa Highlands, Lake Hatcher, Chris Mountain and Pagosa Vista. Hurry! Call for pricing, terms and maps. Owner/broker, Sierra Pagosa, 731-6633.

TRUJILLO ROAD. Almost 3.4 mile of San Juan River frontage (both sides) and 142 acres, with water rights. Great horse property with pasture, trees and irrigated for hay production. $1,350,000. Herman Riggs, Herman Riggs & Assoc., LLC, 264-2201, www.hermanriggs.com.

NEW DEVELOPMENT: 35 ACRE estate sites. Located between Pagosa and Durango. 5 minutes from groceries, 17 miles from the new hospital, 20 minutes from airport. Private, gated, cell service, with well, trees, meadows, ponds and views. www.EaglesRidgeAtBayfield.com. Christiane Karas, Broker, (970)264-6026.

5 ACRES BIG VIEWS. One mile from town with maintained roads and utilities. Huge views, large ponderosa pines. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES, (970)264-2168.

SPRING ESTATES. Excellent 7 acre lot with trees and meadow. Building site with beautiful views. Wonderful for horses or a quiet retreat. Priced right at $180,000. Herman Riggs, Herman Riggs & Assoc., LLC, 264-2201, www.hermanriggs.com.

STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS from this lakefront homesite for $220,000. Call EQUUS REALTY, (970)731-1626.

7.25 ACRES IN MEADOWS 4. Open and level property for nice building site, hill and trees on back side. Great for horses, lots of grass, very quiet neighborhood. May need special permit from Army Corp Eng. $124,000. Call Harold Kelley at Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830.

COOL SPRINGS RANCH. Three 35 acre parcels contiguous to each other, could be one large holding. Top of the mountain, unstoppable views, with lots of trees and wildlife. $281,500 each. Herman Riggs, Herman Riggs & Assoc., LLC, 264-2201, www.hermanriggs.com.

NAVAJO RIVER RANCH for the "Jeremiah Johnson" in you. Private, hideout valley, 40 acres with huge mountain views, gated community, central water, ponderosa pines. Best value "out there." $247,000. Call Harold Kelley at Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830.

PANORAMIC VIEWS- from 3 acres in Loma Linda. Large trees, utilities, maintained roads. $149,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES (970)264-2168.

RIVERFRONT! GORGEOUS EASY build riverfront lot to build dream home on! This 1+ acre lot affords the river frontage most people dream of. Motivated seller! PRICE REDUCED! $90,000. Call Joy at Prudential Triple S Realty, (970)749-4164.

RIVERFRONT ACREAGE. 18 acres on Conejos River. $230,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES, (970)264-2168.

2 GREAT LOTS WITH A VIEW adjacent to each other in lovely Twin Creek Village. Available together or individually to build your custom home! $55K and $64K, less if you buy both! Call Joy at Prudential Triple S Realty, (970)264-0945.

3/4 ACRE RESIDENTIAL LOT in town of Pagosa Springs for single family or multi family. Owner could possibly divide. $89,900. Call Todd D. Shelton, CCIM, at Shelton and Shelton Real Estate at (970)946-2102 cell.

18 ACRES BORDERING NATIONAL FOREST- very private, huge views, in Loma Linda subdivision. Utilities, maintained roads, 10 minutes to town. $259,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES, (970)264-2168.

BEST PRICED 3 ACRES only $120K in beautiful Teyuakan. Call Equus Realty, (970)731-1626.

35 BEAUTIFUL ACRES. Hilltop buildsite with panoramic mountain views. Meadows for horses, underground utilities, maintained roads. $289,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES, (970)264-2168.

RIVERFRONT LOT on San Juan River. Underground utilities and maintained roads. $95,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES, (970)264-2168.

GREAT CONSTRUCTION LOAN. Automatically converts from construction loan to permanent financing. One closing fee. Call us for details. Colorado Loan Consultants, (970)731-3770, (888)828-0927.

5 ACRE KNOLL TOP. Heavily treed, borders national forest, great views, central water. Association maintained roads in Loma Linda. $250,000. Call owner/ broker Todd D. Shelton, CCIM, at Shelton and Shelton Real Estate at (970)946-2102 cell.

40 ACRES BORDERING NATIONAL FOREST. Yellow Jacket Creek runs through the property. Trees, views, pasture for horses. Located between Pagosa and Durango. $295,000. Call Todd D. Shelton, CCIM, at Shelton and Shelton Real Estate at (970)946-2102 cell.

RIVERFRONT ACREAGE. 21 acres on Conejos River. $250,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES, (970)264-2168.

YOUR OWN (VIEW SITE) on 35 acres. Chimney Rock and La Plata mountain views. Good water, utilities, security gate, secluded, reasonably priced. (970)946-3611, 731-3390.

GOLF COURSE LOT. 1/3 acre, R2 zoning. 292 E. Golf Pl. $64,900. 731-1650.

WANT SOME SPACE to enjoy your mountain views, complete with all utilities and paved roads? A beautiful and easy build lot priced right at $154,900. Check this property out, Lot 37, Powder Horn Dr. Fairfield Pagosa Realty, Eddie Ring, (970)759-8032.

51 DIAMOND CT., PAGOSA HIGHLANDS. Don't miss this national forest lot if you like pine trees as well as mountain and lake views for only $92,900. Eddie Ring, Fairfield Pagosa Realty, (970)759-8032.

KAUAI - Don't settle for less! Bill Facker, RA (808)634-8392. Email- bfack1@msn.com, web site- www.kauaibill.com. RE/MAX Kauai.

PARK AVENUE, FOR SALE. 2 lots, zoned commercial or multi family. Lots 8 and 9, Ridgeview subdivision. $75,000 each OBO. Call (970)759-8249.

35 ACRES WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Water rights for irrigation. Great horse property. Private access to national forest. Community household water system. $289,000. Call The Real Choice, Briana, (970)946-4656 or Peggy, (970)946-0473.

5 ACRES WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Close to all amenities. City water, easy build. $235,000. CALL The Real Choice, Briana, (970)946-4656 or Peggy, (970)946-0473.

ALPINE RANCH! 210 magnificent acres. Mountain brook, aspen groves, lush green meadows, spring-fed pond and snowcapped views. Won't last at only $2,205,000. Private access to trout river fishing. Durango Alpine Realty, Joe, 264-4238, leave message.

WONDERFUL VIEWS OF THE east range, abundant wildlife, nice gentle slope for your new home in Meadows IV. 6.68 acres for under $200,000. Call Jim Hanneman at (970)946-8611, Prudential Triple S Realty.

1.8 ACRES WITH GORGEOUS mountain views. Easy access and build. $25,000. www.ChadPlum.com. (970)946-6834, Herman Riggs & Associates.

TROUT STREAM, ONLY 7 EACH 35 acre parcels available now. Some border national forest, several with year round trout stream. Rio Grande Club membership included. Located east of South Fork, CO. Price $166K to $477K. Call Roy now for more information, (800)944-1620, (719)873-1620, Land Properties, Inc.

CASH! SOLD REAL ESTATE? Carried financing? I buy seller-held Trust deeds, contracts. Any size, location. Pat O'Brien, 1(800)347-9501, (505)823-2877.

ASPEN SPRINGS: 4 bedroom, 3 bath double on 2 lots (2.4 acres), $169,000. 4 bedroom, 3 bath double on 1.7 acres, $159,000. Century 21, call Joseph, 946-3369.

2 LOTS WITH INCREDIBLE mountain views. Ready to build, cul-de-sac, close to Lakeside Dr. $59,500 each. (970)946-9339.

THINK YOU CAN'T AFFORD 40 acres? We'll show you how. Have it all- with sweeping views, utilities, water, security gate, near national forest. By owner. (970)731-2142 or (970)731-2132.

PATENTED MINING CLAIM. 10 acres on Elwood Creek with rustic 11x14 log cabin. Fantastic views of Continental Divide and Montezuma Peak. Seasonal 4X4 access. $195,000, owner financing. 731-1973.

ARBOLES- HIGHWAY FRONTAGE, water rights, near Navajo. 20+ acres, $139,000. 42+ acres, $245,000. Century 21, call Joseph, 946-3369.

NEW LISTING: TWIN CREEK VILLAGE. 2 corner lots adjacent to each other, paved access with greenbelt behind both lots. $68,500 each or less if purchasing both. (970)422-4116.

WILD HORSE PROPERTY. Introducing new 35 acre lots available in Mancos, Colorado. Amazing views. Early bird specials starting at $150,000 per lot. Call (970)565-8035.

PAGOSA LAKES NEW SUBDIVISION, "Grey Hawk" in final approval stage, 3+ acres. Century 21, call Joseph, 946-3369.

LOT IN TWINCREEK VILLAGE, 84 Laurel. $55,000. 946-3408.

RANCHES

UPPER BLANCO RETREAT INCLUDES 40+ acres, big views, aspen groves, huge barn, water rights and borders national forest. $1,250,000. Call EQUUS REALTY, (970)731-1626.

314-ACRE RANCH located between Durango and Pagosa Springs. 5,347 sq. ft. round log home. 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1,400 sq. ft. of redwood deck, 3,000 sq. ft. shop/ garage, guest house, log outbuildings, irrigated meadows, year round stream, borders forest on 3 sides, mineral rights included. Price reduced to $1,450,000. Call Todd D. Shelton, CCIM, at Shelton and Shelton Real Estate at (970)731-7777, (970)946-2102 cell.

94 ACRES IN CHROMO- live creek, water rights, lots of grass, huge views of Continental Divide, can be subdivided. $569,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES, (970)264-2168.

RIVER RANCH FOR SALE- 136 acres with both sides of beautiful Conejos River. With 2.25 CFS high priority water rights. $339,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES (970)264-2168 or www.riversideproperties.net.

BEAUTIFUL HORSE RANCH- on 35 acres bordering San Juan National Forest. Classic 3,500 sq. ft., four bedroom home boasts huge mountain views. Stock ponds, cross fenced pastures, five stall barn and shop enhance this perfect mountain setting. $875,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES (970)264-2168. Pictures at www.riversideproperties.net.

78 ACRES CLOSE TO TOWN- also adjacent to Pat Parelli's. A well built, energy efficient custom home in private setting with ponds. Wildlife abounds in private meadows. Seasonal stream and large ponderosa pines make this close-in ranch a must see. Can be divided. $875,000. RIVERSIDE PROPERTIES, (970)264-2168.

THE CANDELARIA RANCH. 1,565 beautiful acres of pine trees, meadows, springs and wildlife with enormous mountain views. Bordering national forest and Southern Ute land, it is a great opportunity to own a large slice of Pagosa Springs. $5,995,000. Call Eddie Ring, Fairfield Pagosa Realty, (970)759-8032.

BY OWNER: SE OKLAHOMA. 3 bedroom, 2.75 bath, brick, indoor chlorine free pool, 160 fenced acres and all ranch equipment. $546,500. See at www.geocities.com/costalotaranch or call (580)931-7178 for showing. Will consider trade for home or land of similar value in or very near Pagosa Springs.

FSBO: 240 ACRE RANCH in Coyote Park area with well, water rights and beautiful mountain views. Offered at $1,500,000, broker cooperation. For more information please call, (970)769-1018.

CONDOS

TOWNHOME IN GREAT LOCATION. 2,036 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 3 bath, fireplace, oversize garage, lots of oak trees, mountain views. Great vacation home or rental in walking distance to all of core area. Broker owned. Call for appointment. $299,000. Call Harold Kelley at Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830.

VICTORIAN DUPLEX IN PAGOSA Lakes right on the fairway! Mountain views, cul-de-sac, 2,700 sq. ft. Great long-term tenant. A must see! $299,000. Call Harold Kelley at Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830.

TOWNHOME IN GREAT LOCATION. Over 2,000 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 3 bath, fireplace, expansive 2-car garage. Mountain views, close to golf course, lake and shopping. Ideal vacation home or rental. Call for appointment. $310,000. Call Harold Kelley at Highland West Investments, (970)731-1830.

PAGOSA LAKES- CONDO. LAKEFRONT, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, furnished. $199,500. Century 21, call Joseph, 946-3369.

RENTALS

VILLAGE APARTMENTS: 1, 2 & 3 bedroom units available with gas heat. Rent negotiable. Behind City Market in Fairfield. Call Pagosa Central Management, 731-2216.

LOCALS APPRECIATION: Having family or friends come and visit you in Pagosa but need more space? Stay with Access Pagosa Vacation Rental and receive 10% off. We have various homes and townhomes to accommodate any need. Visit www.accesspagosa.com, (970)946-5915 or (970)946-7635.

BRAND NEW WHISPERING PINES condo. 1,850 sq. ft., unfurnished, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, loft, garage, views. No pets or smoking. $1,500/ month. One year lease. 731-4500 or 731-2471.

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH mobile home. $700/ month and $700 security. Rock Ridge, 264-6148.

STOP THROWING MONEY AWAY on rent. Buy a home and save a bundle. No down payment, questionable credit, no credit, just moved to Pagosa ... WE CAN HELP. Apply online at www.genesis-mortgage.com, or call 731-1717 for an answer TODAY.

PRIVATE 4 BEDROOM EXECUTIVE home. 3 streams and national forest on exclusive Snowball Road. Long term or short term. (970)264-2882, (970)946-6274.

IS A LACK OF DOWN PAYMENT or less-than-perfect credit keeping you from home ownership? We offer 100% financing for owner-occupied homes. Let us help you get into the home you want. Call Colorado Loan Consultants for helpful loan advice. (970)731-3770, (888)828-0927.

3 BEDROOM, 3 BATH, 2,400 sq. ft. brand new Whispering Pines townhome for rent. Granite counters, gas fireplace, 2-car garage. Furnished $1,500/ month; unfurnished $1,200/ month. www.accesspagosa.com, (970)946-5915.

PAGOSA CENTRAL MANAGEMENT can meet all your long-term rental needs. Condos, homes, starting at $525. Please stop by our office, 140 Solomon Dr., visit our website, www.pagosaaccommodations.com or call 731-2215.

COMFY LONG-TERM RENTAL: Clean, very good condition, available now to well-qualified non-smoker(s): UNFURNISHED (except appliances) 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH DUPLEX UNIT, garage, gas heat and A/C, quiet area, 1 year lease: $715/ month plus utilities; 6 month lease: $750/ month plus utilities. Kerry Dermody, Broker. 731-5217, dermody@skywerx.com.

BRAND NEW APARTMENTS in Pagosa! Just built and ready to go. Beautiful 1 and 2 bedroom units, convenient Fairfield location. 946-9187.

BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT CUSTOM 3 bedroom, 2 bath with large lot, covered decks and patios. Available mid July. $2,500/ month plus utilities, 1 year lease minimum with deposit, no pets. Contact owner, Brian Riggs, at (970)946-4963.

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH DUPLEX. Laundry room, single-car garage, sodded yard, on paved street. $775/ month. Tim Brown Properties, 759-5593.

FOR RENT: 3 BEDROOM, 1-1/2 bath, great location right off main street, 946-0348, 759-0310.

COZY, WARM 3 BEDROOM, 1-3/4 bath family home, 2-car oversized garage located at Lake Hatcher. Ready July 15 for rent or lease with option to buy. Non-smokers, small pet considered, $900 month plus security deposit. (505)860-5856, (505)327-4142.

2+ BEDROOM, 1 BATH in Allison. Washer/ dryer, trash pickup included. Very cute and clean. $750/ month. 883-5453.

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH NEWER HOME. One block off Lake Pagosa. Water, sewer, and trash included. $900/ month plus deposit. 946-0252.

HOUSE DOWNTOWN, GREAT LOCATION. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 office. Walk to all amenities. Close to park and river. $950/ month plus deposit. 264-9252.

LIFE ON THE LAKE. 3 bedroom, 2 bath single family home on the lake in Lake Forest Estates. 2-car garage, washer/ dryer, close to City Market and restaurants. $1,000/ month, year lease. 731-3351.

DRAMATIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS. 3 bedroom, 2 bath single family home. Excellent floor plan, large deck, garage, open space next door. Walk to City Market and recreation center. $1,300/ month, year lease. 731-3351.

UNIT A, 2/1, 930 SQ. FT., new tile, carpet, 1-car garage and 3-car garage plus work bench, lake view, $800 with security deposit, lease and references. Unit B, same as Unit A, without 3-car garage, $700. 177 Butte, 385-5998.

3 BEDROOM, 2-1/2 BATH, 2,000 sq. ft. home. Lake Hatcher and mountain views. $1,200 per month, available September 1. (480)837-7883.

LAKEFRONT IMMACULATE NEWER HOME with mountain views. Gas fireplace, large flagstone patios. 3/2 in Pagosa Lakes, close to everything. $1,595/ month. (808)884-5107.

SPACIOUS, RENOVATED 3 BEDROOM, 2 bath home on 1 acre and stream, just off Highway 160 at Turkey Creek. Handicapped access, new carpet, available immediately. $800/ month, (970)883-5584.

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, 2-car garage. Open and light with split master located on cul-de-sac in Lake Hatcher. Gas appliances with in-floor heat. No smokers. $1,000/ month. (970)264-4788.

2/ 2 APARTMENT, BEAUTIFUL views, excellent condition, Fairfield location. 946-9187.

2 BEDROOM CABIN, private ranch, upper Piedra. Available July 1. $1,000/ month. 731-2010.

VACATION RENTALS

BEAUTIFUL 3 BEDROOM LOG home on 5 acres. Dogs and horses okay. www.pagosaexperience.com.

VACATIONERS. We have fully furnished homes and condos for rent by the day, week or month. We also have long term places available. Pagosa Realty Rentals, located above the Corner Store on Piedra Road. (970) 731-5515. www.pagosarentals.com.

BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT CUSTOM 3 bedroom, 2 bath with large lot, covered decks and patios. Available mid July. $2,500/ month plus utilities, 1 year lease minimum with deposit, no pets. Contact owner, Brian Riggs, at (970)946-4963.

ON A LAKE, FURNISHED 2 bedroom, 2 bath, clean, quiet. Available through 6/28. Reasonable daily/ weekly rates. (970)731-4029.

VACATION/ SHORT TERM CONDOS. Attractive, completely furnished, sleeps 4-6, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, nonsmoking, near shopping, restaurants, recreation. rvflyers@frontier.net, (970)731-9414, toll-free 1-866-659-2957.

3 BEDROOM CABIN on Lake Pagosa. Newly remodeled, fully furnished. Groups of 6 or less. Weekly and daily rates. (707)864-8350.

ASPENWOOD III TOWNHOUSE. Available July, $1,600/ month or $600/ week. Beautiful views, large unit, fully furnished. Rent direct from owner and save!! Photos available via email. 731-3601.

TIMESHARE

126,000 POINTS PEREGRINE townhouses, deeded and can be used at all Fairfield properties. $6,048. Resort Properties of Pagosa Springs, 731-6729.

154,000 FAIRFIELD PAGOSA Village Pointe deeded points. $6,500. (970)799-2790.

PETS

SAINT BERNARD PUPPIES, $500. Ready to go. (970)903-9730.

BABY BUNNIES! DWARF LOPS, tiny, fluffy, adorable! (970)903-8863.

PUREBRED YELLOW AND BLACK Labs. Great Father's Day gifts. Ready June 11th. Females $350, males $250. 264-6588.

ALASKAN MALAMUTE PUPS, AKC, giant. (970)884-0904 or (970)799-1021. www.giantmalamutes.com.

AKC MINIATURE SCHNAUZERS. 2 cute males. Had 1st shots. Registered. 264-5959.

SERVICES

SEEDS OF LEARNING has "summer only" preschool opening for ages 3 through 5, starting May 30th and ending September 1st. Seeds of Learning is open Monday through Friday, 7:30a.m. to 5:15p.m. Please contact Lynne Bridges at 264-5513.

EXQUISITE PROFESSIONAL PICTURE FRAMING. Unbeatable personalized service! Fabulous quality! Trust the professionals at Taminah Frame Center for Frames, Shadowboxes, Textile and Needlework, Preservation, Precise Mat Cutting, Glass & Plexiglass, Frame Repair and more. 2343 Eagle Drive, 731-4484.

VINYL WINDOWS IN BRONZE color now at Cutting Edge Glass, 110 Great West Ave.or call 264-3000.

WINDOW CLEANING. Iveland's Window Cleaning Service. 20+ years experience. Reasonable rates, licensed and insured. Call Al for free estimate, 264-9339.

LINDCO ELECTRIC: MASTER ELECTRICIAN with over 35 years experience. Residential and commercial. Service, repairs, small jobs welcome in Pagosa Springs area. 731-0141.

HOME IMPROVEMENT, LIGHT REMODEL, repair, all phases. 29 years experience. TJ Enterprises. 731-3553, 749-7229.

DRYWALL REPAIR, REMODEL, acoustic ceiling removal. 749-7229, 731-3553.

THE CLEANING LADY. Housekeeping for private homes. Call (970)264-0153.

HOME OR OFFICE WIRING. Telephones, telephone systems, computer networking, satellite TV, home theater, home security, wireless cameras. Sales, service and installation. Mitel certified. Call Ron Geers with Wolf Creek Communications, 731-5051.

MASONRY WORK & HORSE HAULING. Rock and stucco, competitive prices. 731-2345 or 946-0932.

ALL AROUND HOME MAINTENANCE and construction- carpentry, decks, siding, doors, windows, stairs, repairs, mobile homes. Tractor work- gravel driveways, grading, ditches, brushhog, pasture seeding, and more. Call Glen at 731-3665 or 946-4340.

HANDYMAN: CARPENTRY, SOME ELECTRICAL and plumbing, painting, sheetrock, general repair and small construction, closet and garage and shelving, organization, etc. Many years experience. Dick Redfield, 731-3375, if no answer, leave message.

TOP TO BOTTOM MAINTENANCE and repair. From roofs to foundations. Stone masonry, stucco, brush removal, snow removal, winterizing, firewood- you name it. Senior citizen discount. 731-0694.

NEED FENCING? Wood, wrought iron, chain link, permanent pipe corrals, arenas. 30 years in business, insured. Call Matt, 731-4949.

SOLD REAL ESTATE AND carried financing for buyer? Wish you had all your money now? Local investor offers lump sum cash-out for your seller financing or settlement/ annuity payments- anywhere in U.S. Call Lauren, 259-7766 or web: www.cashtoyou.com.

LAWN CARE/ MAINTENANCE. Brush removal, tree trimming, mowing and gardening. 731-1313.

QUALITY CARPENTRY WORK, ROUGH FRAMING THROUGH FINISH. 14 YEARS IN PAGOSA, OVER 30 YEARS IN TRADES. DAD & SON. 264-4681.

AFFORDABLE SECURITY AND HOME comfort solutions. Video surveilance, burglar and fire alarm, home/ office/ barn gates. Smart home wiring and products, home theater, sound systems, intercoms and pre-wire for new construction. Call Chris at C-Tech Security, 264-2401, for all your low voltage needs.

HELP WANTED

GENESIS MORTGAGE is accepting applications for two Loan Officers. Must have one year experience. Very high commission only. Call Wade at 731-1717 or email at wade@genesis-mortgage.com.

THE ARCHULETA COUNTY FLEET DEPARTMENT is currently accepting applications for a temporary administrative assistant. This position will run through the beginning of September. Salary: $12.96. Interested applicants must provide a completed application form (available in the Human Resource Office in the county courthouse or online at www.archuletacounty.org) to: Mitzi Bowman, Archuleta County, PO Box 1507, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, (970)264-8559 (fax). Archuleta County is an equal opportunity employer.

APPRAISAL DATA TECHNICIAN/ APPRAISER. Archuleta County Assessor's Office is currently accepting applications for a full-time Appraisal Data Technician/ Appraiser. Would prefer a licensed appraiser, but will train. Residential, agricultural, vacant and manufactured home knowledge helpful. This appraiser will perform data gathering functions used in determining real property values for ad-valorem purposes. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the day to day operation of the office which involves knowledge and skill in the use of a computer, basic filing, and interacting with and assisting the public. A qualified applicant must be a person who can perform field inspections year round, has basic math skills, who can work independently to complete assignments, meet deadlines, be detailed oriented, highly motivated and friendly. Salary: $11.95- $15.55 per hour DOE. Interested applicants must provide a completed application form (available at the Finance Office in the courthouse or online at www.archuletacounty.org by June 16, 2006 to: Mitzi Bowman, Archuleta County, PO Box 1507, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, (970)264-8559 (fax). Archuleta County is an equal opportunity employer.

FRONT OFFICE/ RECEPTIONIST. Assist customers in our front office, answer phones, typeset, assist in producing weekly newspaper. Excellent customer service skills necessary. Computer experience helpful. Must type a minimum of 40 words per minute. Good work ethics, accuracy and ability to meet deadlines important. Must be detail oriented and organized. Newspaper experience not required. Bring resume or pick up application at The Pagosa Springs SUN, 466 Pagosa Street, Pagosa Springs. Successful applicants will be contacted for interview. No phone calls please.

PAGOSA POWER SPORTS wants you, motorsports enthusiast, ambitious, mechanically inclined. 2 & 4 stroke knowledge. Physically fit, positive attitude, good customer service, willing to learn, hard working, no whiners. Flakes need not apply. Apply in person at 301 N. Pagosa Blvd., Unit B-18.

FULL-TIME REAL ESTATE ASSISTANT needed for busy real estate office. Computer skills necessary. Please send resume to leeriley@isellpagosa.com or call (970)731-4065 for details.

JOIN OUR TEAM! ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT. Computer experience helpful (PageMaker, InDesign or Photoshop). Must type a minimum of 40 words per minute. Good work ethics, accuracy and ability to meet deadlines important. Excellent customer service skills necessary. Must be creative, detail-oriented and organized. Newspaper experience not required. Bring resume or pick up application at The Pagosa Springs SUN, 466 Pagosa Street, Pagosa Springs. Successful applicants will be contacted for interview. No phone calls please.

LPN/RN WANTED. NEW GRADS WELCOME. Full-time position, 12-hour shifts. Must be Colorado licensed, benefit package, competitive wages. Equal opportunity employer. Apply in person, Pine Ridge Extended Care, 119 Bastille Dr., Pagosa Springs, CO, (970)731-4330.

TRUCK DRIVER, CDL CLASS B license. Good, dependable, reliable and honest help for asphalt season. Part-time or full-time. 264-5265.

MASTERCORP IS NOW HIRING full-time houseperson at $10 per hour. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Drug screen and driving record check required. Paid weekly. (970)731-4294, Fairfield Pagosa, 357 Park Ave.

TELLER WANTED: EXPERIENCED or will train. Need bright, professional person who is good with numbers and works well with customers. Full time with benefits. Apply with Kim Sell at Citizens Bank, 703 San Juan Street. Equal Opportunity Employer.

WANTED: RELIABLE HOUSEKEEPERS. Weekends a must. Call Julie at 731-9228.

CIVIL CAD/ ENGINEER TECH and Land Surveyor. For details, go to www.cdtpagosa.com or call (970)264-1280.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED. Don't you love to see our beloved seniors smiling? You can help put that smile on their faces by volunteering just a couple of hours of your time a week at Pine Ridge ECC. Training is provided. To learn more about this opportunity, just call MaryAnn, Activities Director, at 731-4330.

HOUSEKEEPERS NEEDED. Must be reliable, responsible and have own vehicle. Apply in person at Sunetha Property Management, 56 Talisman, Suite C, Pagosa Springs.

ARCHULETA SCHOOL DISTRICT 50 JOINT is looking to hire a junior high school assistant football coach. Applications may be obtained at the Administration Office between 8a.m. and 4p.m. Monday through Friday, by downloading the classified application from our web site (www.pagosa.k12.co.us), or by calling Robyn Bennett at (970)264-2228, ext. 401. Completed application packets must be returned to the Administration Office by July 7, 2006.

SUNETHA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/ PREVENTATIVE Maintenance Services- General maintenance position(s) as subcontractor. Must be experienced in minor electrical, plumbing and drywall repair as well as general handyman work. Must have own transportation, tools and insurance and be available for on-call evenings and weekends. References required. Call Bill, 731-4344.

ARCHULETA COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER'S OFFICE. The Archuleta County Clerk's Office is currently accepting applications for a part-time employee to take minutes at the County Commissioner meetings. The successful applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Interested applicants must have previous experience in Microsoft Word 6.0, Excel, data entry, good typing skills, excellent phone etiquette and strong interpersonal public relations skills. Must be a high performer and have the ability to handle a variety of tasks while maintaining a high standard of work in a busy environment. Testing will be done on all applicants chosen for an interview. Applications will be accepted through 4p.m. on July 7th, 2006.

THE GETAWAY RESTAURANT HAS EXPANDED! We are hiring kitchen workers (grill, prep and dishwashers) and experienced full and part time servers. (Great earning potential.) Come be part of the growth and excitement! Apply at the restaurant.

PIEDRA AUTOMOTIVE IS NOW HIRING. We need one lube tech and one ASE certified technician. Great working conditions, benefits that include vacation pay, health insurance, paid holidays, 5-day work week. Excellent pay for the right people. Contact Bill at 731-3335 for a confidential interview.

FULL-TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE representative for respiratory/ durable medical equipment company. Must be well organized, oriented to detail, self-motivated, and enjoy working with people. Able to lift 65 pounds and take on-call responsibilities. Pick up application at American HomePatient, 68 Bastille Dr.

HYGIENIST WANTED. 1-2 DAYS per week. Please call to join our team, 731-6600.

TRANSCRIPTION SERVICE FOR ASSOCIATION board meeting minutes 40-45 times a year. If interested, please bring resume including fee structure to the Fairfield Resort Management building located at 538 Village Dr., Pagosa Springs, CO. No phone calls please.

ARCHULETA SCHOOL DISTRICT 50 JOINT is looking to hire a high school head baseball coach. Applications may be obtained at the Administration Office between 8a.m. and 4p.m. Monday through Friday, by downloading the classified application from our web site (www.pagosa.k12.co.us), or by calling Robyn Bennett at (970)264-2228, ext. 401. Completed application packets must be returned to the Administration Office by July 7, 2006.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER, ARCHULETA COUNTY (Pagosa Springs, Colorado). The Planning Department is seeking applications for a full-time temporary (through September 29th) associate planner whose duties will be a combination of both development review and long range planning. Responsibilities include assisting the public with land use inquiries and planning review processes, analyzing development submittals, writing staff reviews, making presentations to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners, and utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, and GIS programs. The position requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in planning, public policy or geography. Knowledge and experience in development review, land use codes and zoning is highly desirable, but not mandatory. Minimum salary is $39,249 DOQ. Interested applicants must provide a completed application form (available at the County Finance Office in the courthouse or online at www.archuletacounty.org) by June 30, 2006 to: Mitzi Bowman, Human Resource Specialist, Archuleta County, PO Box 1507, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, (970)264-8306 (fax). Archuleta County is an equal opportunity employer.

WE NEED TO ADD a nail technician to our professional team. Beautiful day spa atmosphere, great staff! All About You Day Spa, 731-3391.

FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEPER. Double entry, AC, AP, payroll, reconciliations, progress billing, time and material, contracts, tax reporting, insurance reporting. Experience required. Mary, (970)264-0110.

PART-TIME FRONT DESK REPRESENTATIVE. Immediate opening for friendly and reliable person with great people skills. Some nights, weekend and holidays required. Please apply or leave resume at motel desk. First Inn, located at 260 E. Highway 160, 264-4161.

GRAPHIC DESIGN/ MARKETING ASSISTANT needed for large multi-state company. Design, computer and administrative experience are required. Please fax resume to (970)731-6251 or mail to Galles Properties, Re: Marketing Assistant, PO Box 4867, Pagosa Springs, CO 81157.

ARCHULETA SCHOOL DISTRICT 50 JOINT is now accepting applications for an elementary school special education teacher for the 2006-2007 school year. Applicants must hold or be eligible to obtain a Colorado Teaching License with an endorsement in special education. Applications may be obtained at the Administration Office between 8a.m. and 4p.m. Monday through Friday, or by calling Robyn Bennett at (970)264-2228, ext. 401. To be considered for this position, the district must receive a completed application packet by July 7, 2006.

ARCHULETA SCHOOL DISTRICT 50 JOINT is in need of part-time regular route bus drivers, as well as substitute bus drivers for the 2006-2007 school year. CDL training is available. Applications may be obtained at the Administration Office between 8a.m. and 4p.m. Monday through Friday, or by calling Robyn Bennett at (970)264-2228, ext. 401.

ARCHULETA SCHOOL DISTRICT 50 JOINT is now accepting applications for a resource teacher aide at the high school for the 2006-2007 school year. Applicants must have two years of college or be able to pass the district's Highly Qualified Assessments. Applications may be obtained at the Administration Office between 8a.m. and 4p.m. Monday through Friday, or by calling Robyn Bennett at (970)264-2228, ext. 401. A completed application packet must be received by the district by July 7, 2006 to be considered for this position.

ARCHULETA SCHOOL DISTRICT 50 JOINT is now accepting applications for a junior high school 1/2-time mathematics teacher for the 2006-2007 school year. Applicants must hold or be eligible to obtain a Colorado Teaching License with an endorsement in Mathematics. Applications may be obtained at the Administration Office between 8a.m. and 4p.m. Monday through Friday, or by calling Robyn Bennett at (970)264-2228, ext. 401. To be considered for this position, the district must receive a completed application packet by July 7, 2006.

PART-TIME MOTEL MAINTENANCE person. Excellent for semi-retired person. Basic knowledge of electric, carpentry and plumbing. 264-2262.

OAKLEY TRUCKING HIRING owner/ operators. Home weekly! Dedicated runs. $1.09/ mile L/E plus fuel surcharge. Free base plates. Jeremy, (888)945-1531.

ALLEY HOUSE GRILLE, Pagosa's newest dinner house, is accepting applications and resumes for all positions. Opening early August. Apply in person at Farrago Market Cafe, 175 Pagosa St. at 2nd St. downtown.

GROWING SPACES, A UNIQUE greenhouse manufacturing company located in Pagosa Springs, is looking to expand our production staff. We are accepting applications for reliable part-time employees. Good pay and flexible hours in a relaxed atmosphere. Some heavy lifting required. Please apply in person at 1830 Majestic Dr. For additional information, please call 731-2120. EOE.

FOUR CORNERS MATERIALS. POSITIONS open for: construction laborers, equipment operator, water truck and Redi-Mix truck drivers, CDL Class B. All Location: Excellent pay, benefits and 401K available. Pick up application: Four Corners Materials, office at 25825 Hwy. 160 or Colorado Work Force, 331 S. Camino del Rio, Suite C, Durango, CO 81303. An equal opportunity employer.

CONCRETE CONNECTION is looking to hire concrete finishers and/ or form setters. Competitive wages. Please call 749-4976.

RANCH HAND: PERMANENT AND SUMMER positions available at Bayfield Elk Ranch. Opportunity to advance. Call (970)884-5444.

HANDYMAN WANTED WITH REASONABLE rates. 731-3699.

OFFICE MANAGER NEEDED for local contractor. Must have knowledge of bookkeeping and QuickBooks. 264-1321.

CNA: FULL, PART TIME, or live-in to care for adult with MS. 731-4402.

SERVICE PERSONS FOR FULL-SERVICE rental yard, 1 full-time. Looking for experience with small engines, diesel engines, welding, hydraulics. Requires a valid driver's license and trailering skills, heavy lifting involved, safety smarts a plus. Apply in person at 305 Bastille Drive.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

PHOTO BUSINESS FOR SALE. Film and digital processing, retail, custom and old time portrait studio. Send inquires to: 189 Talisman, Suite B, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

BUSINESS FOR SALE. Over 1-1/2 acres, 2,300 sq. ft. liquor and grocery store, plus a 16x72 rental. In Arboles. Only asking $230,000. Colorado Southwest Properties, 883-5428.

ESTABLISHED RETAIL BUSINESS offering high-end merchandise. Beautiful interior. Fantastic opportunity to build net income of $200K plus. Inventory and non-inventory assets of $114,000. Located in core area on Hwy. 160. Expansion into other profitable locations encouraged by manufacturers. Realtors welcome at 6%. $125,000. 946-3020.

HOT DOG BUSINESS. Work with state-of-the-art hot dog theme cart. Sell homemade hot dogs. Call Diamond Dave, 264-9052.

NEVER ENOUGH TIME OR MONEY? Homeschooling mom making $4,000 monthly. Flexible with help every step. Terri or Stacy, (888)873-5218.

WELL ESTABLISHED BUSINESS IN downtown Pagosa Springs with excellent lease and drive- up parking. Not food service related. Potential for continued growth. All inquiries will remain confidential. (970)422-4116.

IF YOU HAVE THE drive, desire and passion to make some real money working from home, call now. (800)723-0182.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

HOLIDAY RAMBLER 27' TRAVEL trailer located in Pagosa. Luxury model. 1989, very nice condition. $3,950. 1(800)347-9501, leave message.

36' 2002 JOURNEY DL 330 Cat diesel pusher, 2 slides. $89,000. 759-8148.

PICKUP POP-UP CAMPER. Good shape, stove, refrigerator, sink, heater. James, 264-3100.

40 FT. TRAVEL TRAILER. Older but in good condition, very clean inside, ready to live in. $2,000. Pictures available. Call (970)731-9748 or raindancer@centurytel.net.

1990 AND 1991 SKIDOOS, low miles, and Triton Lite snowmobile trailer, excellent condition. All $3,000 OBO. 264-6928.

POLARIS ATV 325 MAGNUM. Like new condition, only 50 hours since new. $2,950. 264-5074.

FOR SALE: 1981 16' RANGER bass boat. 85 HP motor, 58 lbs. thrust, trolling motor, two fish finders, three new batteries, boat cover. Good condition. Call 946-0349 after 3p.m.

BOAT FOR SALE: 1973 16-1/2' Silverline with trailer. $2,500 OBO. 731-2010.

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY

ON THE FOREST IN LAKE FOREST Estates. Cute 2 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath cabin. Just $189K. Call 731-3626, owner/ broker.

FRONT OFFICE/ RECEPTIONIST. Assist customers in our front office, answer phones, typeset, assist in producing weekly newspaper. Excellent customer service skills necessary. Computer experience helpful. Must type a minimum of 40 words per minute. Good work ethics, accuracy and ability to meet deadlines important. Must be detail oriented and organized. Newspaper experience not required. Bring resume or pick up application at The Pagosa Springs SUN, 466 Pagosa Street, Pagosa Springs. Successful applicants will be contacted for interview. No phone calls please.

REAL ESTATE OFFICE looking for responsible people person for front office position. Real estate knowledge helpful, but not required. Call 946-2101.

PAGOSA HAS BEEN DISCOVERED. Invest now in your Pagosa Country Dream property before prices go out of sight. 100% financing on primary residence. 95% financing on 2nd homes and investment properties. Colorado Loan Consultants. Your Pagosa area loan specialists. 731-3770 or (888)828-0927.

LOOKING FOR MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING supervisor in the long and short term rentals field. Need to be organized, a people person, have own transportation, self-motivated, have computer skills and some bookkeeping experience. Please call Randy at 731-2214 or 731-9228.

BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT CUSTOM 3 bedroom, 2 bath with large lot, covered decks and patios. Available mid July. $2,500/ month plus utilities, 1 year lease minimum with deposit, no pets. Contact owner, Brian Riggs, at (970)946-4963.

VINYL WINDOWS IN BRONZE color now at Cutting Edge Glass, 110 Great West Ave.or call 264-3000.

CAR FOR SALE: 2003 Dodge Durango. 89,350 miles, fully loaded, tow package. $13,000. Call for more details, 946-1758 or 731-5072.

FOR RENT: NEW 2 BEDROOM, 2 bath and 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartments. All appliances, laundry facilities, all handicap accessible, great location, great views, 1 minute from historic downtown, on paved road with town bus services and parking. Starting at $800/ month. Please call for application, 946-0348, 759-0310.

1995 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Laredo, 4X4, lift kit, lockers, on- board air compressor, custom bumpers, AC, PW/PL, much more. $6,500 OBO. (970)946-1758.

1996 LEXUS ES300. $4,500 OBO. Runs great, champagne color, 155,000 miles. Snow tires included. 731-0980.

CONTRACTOR TOOL TRAILER. 12x7 gooseneck, dual 6,000 lb. axle, all steel, job site security. Available 7/4. $3,500 OBO. (970)946-5205.

1994 GMC 1500. Short bed, extended cab, overload springs, 4X4, 350 engine, runs strong, 5-speed, AC, PW/PL, cruise, topper. $4,000 OBO. 946-1758.

2000 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL 883 Sportster. New, 150 miles. $6,500. Call 883-2335.

WE NEED YOU- YOU NEED US!... WHAT DO YOU HAVE? Furniture, estate and/ or costume jewelry, linens, paintings, trunks? Motivated buyer needs quality antiques and collectibles. Will pay cash, one piece or a houseful. Call Lisa at (970)946-0124.

HISTORICAL ADOBE HOME. Completely restored, 1st time on market. 4-car parking, storage, workshop, dog kennel, 1.6 acres on river. FSBO $389,500. (970)946-5205.

17' BASS TRACKER FISHING boat with trailer, 25 Merc, troll elect, depth finder, live well, good condition, $3,500 firm. 946-0653.

LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ- On the water, Park model trailer home, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, furnished, on the island at Beachcomber Resort, boat docks, gated, swimming pool. $89,000 plus park rent. (970)731-0007.

BENEFIT BARBECUE, SATURDAY, JULY 1ST, 5:30-7:30p.m. Archuleta County Fairgrounds. Come out and support our national high school rodeo qualifiers. Come out and eat before you dance at the annual Heritage Days benefit rodeo dance. Tickets available at Goodman's, Chamber and Boot Hill.

LIKE NEW CHINA CABINET, two antique Hoosier hutches. 731-3999.

2 HORSE TRAIL MAGIC trailer, well maintained, great condition, $3,500 OBO. Sun Vision tanning bed, 28 bulb, used 40 hrs, $2,500 OBO. 264-6471.

WANTED

TIME TO CLEAN YOUR FREEZER OUT? The Wildlife Park is needing meat and fish to feed wolves, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, grizzly bear and black bears. Open 9a.m.-6p.m., feeding at 4p.m. 264-5546.

WANTED TO RENT: garage for small equipment storage. Must have electricity; water and work bench a plus. Near 160 and Pagosa Blvd. Call Don, 903-0997.

WE NEED YOU- YOU NEED US!... WHAT DO YOU HAVE? Furniture, estate and/ or costume jewelry, linens, paintings, trunks? Motivated buyer needs quality antiques and collectibles. Will pay cash, one piece or a houseful. Call Lisa at (970)946-0124.

YARD SALES

MULTI FAMILY YARD SALE Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Leftover construction stuff, air compressors, dresser and miscellaneous. Take Piedra Rd to Aspen Glow, right on Monument, right on Gala Pl., last house on left, 152 Gala Place.

JUNE 23, 8-5 AND 24, 8-2. 135 Santino Pl. in Reserve subdivision, Lake Hatcher. Pellet stove, books, carpet, lighting, toys, furniture, clothes, air compressor and more.

MOVING, ALMOST NEW BEDS, dresser, sofa, table, chairs. 138 Steamboat, off N. Pagosa. Thursday 2-6p.m., Friday 10-2p.m. Cash only. 731-3050.

MOVING SALE. EVERYTHING MUST go. 9a.m. Saturday, 6/24-25. 140 S. 7th St. 264-2610.

ANNUAL SJRV COMMUNITY YARD SALE! At last! Vintage furniture, collectibles, appliances, tools, other furnishings, books, some kid stuff and household, linens, portable sauna, etc. at Be Our Guest B&B, San Juan River Village at 150 mm on Hwy. 160 East. 8a.m. to 1p.m. No early birds, please!

GARAGE SALE AT 1064 CARINO Place off Meadows Drive, Saturday, June 24, 8 to 3. Furniture and household items.

LOST & FOUND

LOST: HEARING AID near Boss Hogg's. Reward. 731-3699.

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