Search on for CEO

50 candidates vie for health district job

By Chuck McGuire
Staff Writer
The ongoing search for a Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of a hospital in Pagosa Springs is heating up and the Upper San Juan Health Service District is hopeful one will assume duties by May 1.
Meanwhile, the district awaits final acceptance of an offer extended to a Denver paramedic, to serve as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations Manager.
At its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, the district board of directors heard from Bill May, regarding progress on efforts to attract viable candidates for the CEO position. May reported significant progress in the undertaking, then presented the board with 50 resumes from interested applicants across the country.
As a paid consultant with many years experience in the medical field, May agreed to a lead role in the quest, and promptly submitted advertising with American College of Health Care Executives and the Colorado Hospital Association. Those ads, along with old-fashioned word-of-mouth marketing, produced prospects from as far as Hawaii. According to May, four or five are from various Colorado locations.
As part of his advertising blitz, May sought applicants with years of experience as a Critical Access Hospital CEO, including related financial and accounting skills. According to the ads, responsibilities will include hospital construction oversight, policies and procedures development, hospital licensing and certification, employee selection, and the actual opening and operation of the facility.
The USJHSD board initially asked May to conduct the CEO search, based primarily on his extensive medical background. In 1967, he entered the clinical side of hospital work as an orderly. Eventually, he became a respiratory therapist, then a physician's assistant, before finally moving into hospital administration by 1976. He has since served as hospital CEO for multiple facilities.
Over the past few years, May has worked with Hospital Corporation of America in Kansas City, Mo., and is now Vice President of Operations with Hospital Management Consultants, who own and/or manage several hospitals across the U.S. As a Las Vegas, N.M. resident, he is responsible for four other hospitals in Missouri and Oklahoma.
As the CEO search intensifies, May is performing much of the preparatory work for the hospital and its head job. He'll continue screening applicants and running background checks, while the district board hiring committee reviews resumes, conducts phone interviews and inevitably trims the list to five.
Following intense interviews, compensation negotiations and a public open house, a finalist will ultimately be offered the position. Upon acceptance, the hospital's first CEO will officially begin work, hopefully by May 1.
Even as the quest for a CEO continues, the search for a new district EMS Operations Manager has apparently ended. At Tuesday's meeting, district manager Pat Haney came before the board and asked approval of an offer he hoped to extend to Colorado Certified Paramedic Dave Bronson. Bronson was one of 20 applicants seeking the EMS head position, but only one of two actually interviewed.
Again, a seven-person hiring committee reviewed the applications before narrowing the list to four. Two of the four ultimately declined interviews, leaving just Bronson and David Bledsoe in the running.
Bronson currently works as an EMS Captain with Denver Health and Hospital Authority. He manages 180 staff members and oversees an operating budget of $13 million. With 27 years experience in emergency operations, he has worked in executive-level management and administration for 12 years. After 25 years in the city, he appears ready to relocate to Pagosa Springs.
As qualified as Bronson seems though, he was not exactly a shoe-in for the post. Haney said Bledsoe's resume was comparable to Bronson's, reflecting similar experience and achievements. "In the end," Haney said, "it was a very difficult decision."
At Tuesday's meeting, the district board unanimously approved Haney's offer of employment to Bronson, and by late Wednesday morning, Haney had spoken with Bronson by phone.
"We have just a few minor details to work out, but in principal, he's ready to go," Haney said, Wednesday afternoon.
Haney and the district board hope Bronson will take over the EMS reins April 1.
chuck@pagosasun.com

Development puts plant fix in question

By James Robinson
Staff Writer
State-approved modifications to the town's sewage treatment plant may have solved the town's compliance woes for the short term, but during Tuesday's meeting of the Pagosa Springs Sanitation General Improvement District, town council members discovered just how short the short term is.
"As of tonight, we can only handle 100 new taps with current modifications until the new plant is completed," said Town Manager Mark Garcia. "That's 100 taps for the next year and half."
Garcia said the new sewage treatment facility was scheduled for start-up in December 2008.
In December 2006, the town faced the possibility of fines or a moratorium on the issuance of building permits when state water quality engineers learned the Pagosa Springs treatment plant exceeded its daily organic loading capacity on a number of occasions during 2005 and 2006.
"Organic loading" is a term engineers and waste water treatment professionals use to describe sewage intake at a treatment plant during the course of the day. Organic loading is measured in BODs.
In late January, the state approved modifications, and state water quality officials gave the town until April 15, 2007, to complete the task. Garcia said the project is on schedule.
Following Garcia's comments, council member John Middendorf expressed concern that the rate of development and subdivision approvals would soon far exceed the modified plant's capacity.
"At this rate, we're approving 400 homes per meeting," Middendorf said.
Pagosa Springs Town Council members serve in a dual capacity. They serve as town council members and as the board for the Pagosa Springs Sanitation General Improvement District. Generally, town council meetings and sanitation district meetings are held back to back on the first Tuesday of the month.
In Middendorf's statement, he was referring to town council action just hours before that approved: the sketch plan for five units at the Sixth Street Townhomes project; the final plan for 38 townhomes at Sunridge Villas Planned Unit Development; the sketch plan for 119 single family lots at the Pradera Pointe Subdivision, and the preliminary plan for 218 units at the Dakota Springs Planned Unit Development.
According to town documents, the aforementioned projects are part of a hefty planning cue that includes 900 residential units at various stages in the planning process, with 231 units approved as of March 2007. Of the 900 units, 20 have been completed, with builders having obtained building permits for 54.
In addition, Blue Sky Village, a 187-unit development on U.S. 84 south of the rodeo grounds has sought inclusion into the sanitation district without annexing into the town, and those discussions are ongoing.
Garcia said the soon-to-be upgraded sewage plant should be able to process all the waste generated by projects being built, or scheduled for building in the near future, but as larger projects approach build-out, the current plant will be pushed to capacity.
"I'm sitting here thinking how do we handle this?" said council member Stan Holt. "If they all come on line, we'd be in a world of hurt."
Although Garcia remained optimistic, "I don't think we've hung ourselves out, not yet."
Briliam Engineering provided the 100-tap limit report, as part of an analysis to determine how the proposed modifications would play out during the interim between their installation and commissioning the new sewage treatment plant.
The report states the modifications could allow for between 75-100 new taps, although it does allow for a degree of restrained flexibility to meet demand, "Although this theoretical calculation of potential capacity shows a limited number of additional taps could be added, CDPHE (Colorado Department of Health and Environment) issued the organic limit adjustment as an interim approval pending construction of a larger WWTP, (waste water treatment plant) and did not contemplate a large addition to the current plant service population."
As possible solutions, Garcia suggested using the 100-tap cutoff as a guideline and said planning applications could be considered depending on the modified plant's performance.
"We could use that number to impose a self-imposed limit on the processing or approval of units," Garcia said.
Garcia said he will work closely with Briliam to ensure the 100-tap limit accurately reflects the capacity of the modified plant and to gauge the flexibility of the cap. He will then provide an update to council members.
james@pagosasun.com

Two appointed to airport board

By James Robinson
Staff Writer
The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners filled two vacancies on the airport advisory commission Tuesday.
With little discussion, current advisory commission chair Elmer Schettler received unanimous approval for reappointment, while Mark Weiler's reappointment vote went contested by Archuleta County Commissioner Robin Schiro. Archuleta County Commissioners Bob Moomaw and Ronnie Zaday voted in favor of Weiler's reappointment.
Both Schettler and Weiler have served on the airport advisory commission since January 2005.
Schiro said she cast a "nay" vote because advisory commission attendance records indicate Weiler missed 30 percent of advisory commission meetings between February 2005 and January 2007. Schiro said other entities, such as the Board of Realtors, allow a 20 percent absentee rate and that the advisory commission should follow suit.
Schiro cast her "nay" vote via telephone from Washington D.C. while attending a National Association of Counties (NACo) conference.
Schettler explained the advisory commission bylaws include an attendance policy that allows an advisory commissioner three unexcused absences per calendar year.
Schettler said Schiro asked him to compile the attendance data and did so based on the advisory commission's meeting minutes. However, he added that simple color-coded annotations in a spread sheet don't tell the entire story.
"The black and white, or pink and red, don't necessarily tell the entire story," Schettler said, "and in many cases commission members have contributed in other ways."
Schettler said attendance will likely be a topic of discussion at the advisory commission's next meeting.
"It's something I feel we need to discuss in depth, then set a policy and move forward with a policy," Schettler said.
Following the meeting, Zaday said Weiler's knowledge of marketing and the local business environment would add an important and necessary element to the advisory commission and she stood by her vote.
Weiler is president of Parelli Natural Horsemanship.
"I feel he brings marketing background to the airport advisory commission, and we need that to find alternative income sources for the airport," Zaday said. "If we only ask retirees to fill these positions, it's not representative of the entire community."
Zaday added that, to her knowledge, Weiler had communicated with fellow advisory commission members when an absence was anticipated.
Commissioner Moomaw said, "Mark Weiler has great marketing skills - look at Parelli - and Elmer has done an excellent job running the board. Basically I felt they both have done a good job and warranted reappointment."
Although Schettler served previously as advisory commission chair, his reappointment doesn't necessarily re-secure the chair's post. The commission will elect a chair at their next meting.
In other airport business:
The board of county commissioners approved adoption of revised airport minimum standards.
Archuleta County Airport Manager George Barter said the new standards "replace a 1994 document that was woefully out of date."
The revised airport minimum standards will guide all Stevens Field operations from safety, to functions of the fixed base operator (FBO) and all commercial activities. The document requires Federal Aviation Administration and board of county commissioner approval.
The FAA is a 95-percent financial partner in the Archuleta County Airport.
james@pagosasun.com

Area snowpack down

By Chuck McGuire
Staff Writer
As much as we enjoy mild sunny weather, there is certainly a price to pay.
According to Scott Woodall, of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the San Juan Basin snowpack fell further below average during the month of February.
As of Feb. 1, field personnel recorded the overall San Juan Basin snowpack at 86 percent of the long-term average. By March 1, however, it had fallen 7 percentage points to just 79 percent of average.
Further fueling local concerns over this year's local water supply, measurements from the Upper San Juan Sno-Tel site located west of the Wolf Creek Pass summit (at 10,130 feet in elevation), reflected an 85-percent average snowpack, Feb. 1. By March 1, it had fallen to 73 percent. Meanwhile, levels at the Wolf Creek Summit Sno-Tel site at 11,000 feet apparently fell from exactly average on the first of February, to 89 percent of average by March 1.
Consequently, from February to March, spring runoff predictions have dropped six percentage points, from an estimated 89 percent to 83 percent of average.
Across Colorado, the areas most in need of moisture finally received some in February, while those in the best shape have lost some ground. Statewide, the snowpack crept up slightly, from 91 percent of average Feb. 1, to 93 percent of average by March 1. Though still above average (111 percent), the South Platte Basin east of the Continental Divide has dipped from 128 percent since early February.
NRCS state conservationist Allen Green said, "Overall, February was a pretty good month for Colorado's snowpack conditions. We saw those in the greatest need see the largest improvements."
With March being the last critical month for high-country moisture, all eyes will be on the April 1 snowpack measurements. The weather forecast through the first half of the month, however, doesn't appear promising.
Only time will tell.
chuck@pagosasun.com

Inside The Sun

County moves ahead on two bridge projects

By James Robinson
Staff Writer
Tuesday's board of county commissioner contract approval gave the green light to begin engineering work for replacement of two ailing and aging county bridges - Pagosa Junction Bridge and Caracas Mesa Bridge.
Pagosa Junction Bridge is located on County Road 500 and traverses Cat Creek. The Caracas Mesa Bridge is on County Road 557 and traverses the San Juan River.
County engineer Sue Walan described the Pagosa Junction Bridge as "functionally obsolete" and explained it can handle regular traffic such as passenger cars or trucks as large as a United Parcel Service truck, but cannot accommodate large county road and bridge trucks such as gravel haulers.
Walan said the Caracas Mesa Bridge is the longest bridge in the county, and is restricted to vehicles weighing less than five tons. She added that the bridge is in severe disrepair, and if it degrades any further it will become classified as a pedestrian-only bridge.
"It's a scary bridge," Walan said.
Walan explained the $12,000 engineering contract with J-R Engineering will provide the county with the information necessary to understand the scope and cost of repairs.
In her presentation to the board of county commissioners, Walan said the firm was selected because its proposal was the most cost effective and the firm demonstrated a practical approach to reduce construction costs.
"We're trying to complete minimum repairs to bring the bridges back to standards," Walan said.
For example, at the Pagosa Junction Bridge, Walan said the county was shooting for a rehabilitation, patching and repair project that would work within the county budget and that road and bridge crews could undertake this summer. However, Walan said, should replacement be recommended in the engineering report, she anticipated a steep price tag and possibly a two-year timetable.
While the county awaits a prognosis on the Pagosa Junction Bridge, it appears the Caracas Mesa Bridge has an unanticipated ally - Energen - the Birmingham, Alabama-based oil and natural gas company.
According to Walan and Archuleta County Public Works Director Alan Zumwalt, Energen is particularly interested in the Caracas Mesa Bridge because the structure provides markedly quicker access for Energen drilling rigs seeking oil and gas fields in northern New Mexico. Without the bridge, Walan said, Energen trucks would have to traverse about 100 miles of poor dirt roads to reach project areas.
To that end, Walan said, Energen has pledged about $1 million over a 10-year period to replace the bridge, and Zumwalt and Archuleta County Administrator Bob Campbell are working out the details with Energen executives.
Archuleta County Commissioners Bob Moomaw and Ronnie Zaday voted in favor of the $12,000 engineering contract, while Commissioner Robin Schiro voted "nay."
Schiro said she wanted to wait until Energen had pledged, in writing, to pay for the Caracas Bridge portions of the engineering contract.
"From what I've read, we are committing to these funds. We're committing to funds that Energen hasn't promised in writing to pay for," Schiro said.
The Caracas Bridge portion of the engineering contract totals $6,750.
james@pagosasun.com

Health department offers HPV vaccinations

By Louis Sherman
Staff Writer
The San Juan Basin Health Department in Pagosa Springs is offering a new vaccine to girls and young women between the ages of 9 and 19 to prevent transmission of four common types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, affecting more than half of all sexually-active men and women at some point during their lives. It is estimated that 20 million people between 15 and 49 have at least one of the strains of the virus (which vary in seriousness). Of that 20 million, approximately one half are between the ages of 15 and 24.
The types of the virus that are prevented by the vaccine are responsible for approximately 70 percent of cervical cancer cases and 90 percent of genital wart outbreaks.
The CDC suggests the vaccine should be administered to girls between 11 and 12 years of age, since the vaccine is most effective before potential exposure. Since few women have been exposed to all four of the preventable strains of HPV, vaccination is advisable even after some exposure.
HPV is transmitted by sexual activity, including intercourse and other types of sexual contact. Most carriers do not know that they are infected.
The virus can remain viable on inanimate objects, such as clothing and environmental surfaces, but there is no confirmed case of human infection from such an object, according to the CDC.
The vaccine, which was recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in June 2006, is effective against two strains that are the most common causes of cervical cancer (HPV 16 and HPV 18) and the two that most commonly cause genital warts (HPV 6 and HPV 11). However, there are more than 20 other common (but less regular) types of the virus that are not prevented by the vaccine.
Though the vaccine can prevent the vast majority of cases of cervical cancer and genital warts, it cannot prevent all potentially harmful HPV infections. Thus, the CDC recommends women to practice protective sexual behaviors, such as abstinence, monogamy and condom use, while continuing cervical cancer screenings (such as pap smears) on the regular schedule.
The HPV vaccine does not prevent other sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
The San Juan Basin Health Department in Pagosa offers immunization clinics every Monday between 2 and 5:15 p.m. by appointment. For complete vaccination, girls and young women must complete a series of three shots, the second coming two months after the first dose and third coming four months after the second. The HPV vaccine can be administered with other vaccines and costs $15 per shot.
louis@pagosasun.com

Leadership camp open to high school juniors

La Plata Electric Association is seeking high school juniors to participate in the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp - an all-expense paid educational/leadership camp set for July 15-20 at Glen Eden Resort. One representative from each area high school will be selected. Deadline for application is March 23.
Each summer, the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp brings together approximately 100 high school students selected by electric cooperatives in Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming.
"The primary objective of the camp is to provide an educational experience for young people on the organization and operation of a cooperative," said Suzy Bynum, who is coordinating the effort for LPEA. "The best way to learn about cooperatives is to form one, and that is exactly what the students do. The seminars also build leadership skills that will assist students in meeting the challenges they will face in the future."
On Day One at camp, students form a "cooperative," like LPEA, and elect a board of directors. Each member of the cooperative is expected to take part in the workings of the co-op by seeking election to the board or by serving on one of the camp activity committees.
Students also participate in a hands-on legislative simulation and meet with several state congressmen and lobbyists. Additionally, excursions to the Craig Station Power Plant, Colorado's largest electricity generation station, and the Trapper Coal Mine, which supplies and powers Craig Station, are scheduled.
"Of course, there will be plenty of time for recreation and fun," said Bynum. "Glen Eden Resort, which is north of Steamboat Springs, has volleyball courts, a swimming pool, hot tubs and tennis courts. There will be nights by the campfire, dances, banquets, a visit to the Steamboat hot springs and pizza parties, plus a tram ride to the top of Mount Warner, as well as time to explore downtown Steamboat Springs."
Following Leadership Camp, participants are required to present a short report on their experience at the August or September LPEA board meeting, plus attend the LPEA Annual Meeting, Sept. 8.
"We are interested in honoring the selected students for their accomplishments," explained Greg Munro, LPEA CEO. "We're very proud of our leadership students and want to hear from them. We learn a lot from them too."
Applicants must be juniors enrolled at high schools within LPEA's service territory (Archuleta and La Plata counties), or may be home school students. Former Leadership Camp participants include, Rachel Schur from Pagosa Springs; Lia Vaughn from Bayfield; and Emily Bush and Tina Eversole from Durango.
"If you're ready to make new friends and enjoy the experience of a lifetime, be sure to submit your application," said Bynum.
Cooperative Leadership Camp application packets are available from high school counselors, at www.lpea.coop or in person at the LPEA offices in Pagosa Springs. Selection will be based on a 500-word essay on "leadership" and its role in students' lives, plus application information. To be eligible for consideration, applications must be submitted to the LPEA office in Durango by March 23.
For further information or questions, contact Bynum at (970) 382-3506, or sbynum@lpea.coop.

Humane Society finishes remodel, ready to build shelter

By Chuck McGuire
Staff Writer
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs recently completed a minor remodel of its thrift store at 269 Pagosa St. Sadly, while most modifications are born out of need for additional space, this one was necessary to curb theft.
The $4,000 dollar renovation, which included labor donated by five volunteers and two staff members, took approximately 175 man hours from start to finish, with most of the work performed on Sundays, when the store was closed.
The sales area on the ground level of the 11,000 square-foot building received the bulk of improvements, including an elevated checkout counter and ramp, new dressing rooms, carpet, and electronic surveillance equipment. Workers finished most of the project in January.
While the store is now brighter and better organized, it once suffered serious losses resulting from continuous thievery. In fact, when asked what motivated the society to renovate, executive director Robbie Schwartz explained, "The only reason we remodeled was to cut down on shoplifting."
Schwartz said the previous layout forced employees to turn their backs on customers in order to ring up sales, and estimated annual losses in the thousands of dollars. But now, with the raised checkout backing to the west wall of the showroom, staff can easily watch over the entire store.
The store entrance is also more visible, and five new cameras keep watch on patrons inside and out. Schwartz hopes they will also aid in reducing the accumulation of junk constantly left by inconsiderate "donors." Costs associated with that problem also total in the thousands of dollars.
The Pagosa Street location is the thrift store's third since 1995. Now in its seventh year there, the building houses retail sales, administration, storage, fund-raising and disaster supplies, and space for an emergency shelter. All retail profits benefit the society animal shelter.
Speaking of animal shelters, Schwartz and staff are now eagerly anticipating completion of a new shelter on Cloman Boulevard, with construction to begin soon.
The first of two Lefever Building Systems, Inc. buildings, which are insulated steel and concrete structures featuring attractive stucco exteriors, is scheduled for completion June 30. Schwartz hopes the second will be ready in a year, with one serving as an isolation center and the other an adoption center.
Schwartz chose not to disclose the estimated cost of the new shelter just yet, but indicated it would be significant. Perhaps the recent thrift store renovation will save the society significant sums of money, thus softening the blow of building a new shelter.
chuck@pagosasun.com

Pagosan seriously injured in crash

By Louis Sherman
Staff Writer
Joshua Ryan Postolese, 24, of Pagosa Springs, remained in serious condition at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango yesterday, with injuries suffered when he was ejected from his vehicle in a single-car roll-over accident near Arboles Tuesday, Feb. 27.
According to a Colorado State Patrol report, the accident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Colo. 151 near milepost 15. Postolese was headed southbound toward Ignacio, when he drove his 1997 Toyota Rav4 off the right shoulder. The reports states Postolese overcorrected, went back onto the roadway, veered across the highway and off the left shoulder. Rotating nearly 180 degrees, the vehicle skidded down an embankment then began to roll, breaking through a fence, ejecting Postolese and colliding with two cedar trees before coming to a rest approximately 53 feet from the highway, resting on its wheels. Postolese was found 51 feet past his vehicle, 58 feet from the road. The report indicates he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Postolese was airlifted to Mercy and was later listed in serious condition, according to a hospital representative.
Corporal Randy Talbot of the CSP reported that alcohol is suspected as a factor in the accident, but added that results of a blood-alcohol test have not been received. Talbot said charges are pending.
louis@pagosasun.com

Law enforcement agencies sponsor handgun safety classes

By Louis Sherman
Staff Writer
The Pagosa Springs Police Department and Archuleta County Sheriff's Department will jointly sponsor a handgun safety class March 10, 17 and 24, which will allow participants to meet the handgun competency requirement for a concealed weapons permit.
Led by certified firearms instructors from the police department, the class will consist of four hours in the classroom and four hours on the shooting range. Enrollment will cost $50 per person, and individuals will need to provide their own handguns and at least 25 rounds of ammunition.
After completion of the class, participants will receive a certificate to demonstrate their competence with a handgun. If the individual meets other state requirements, he or she will be eligible to receive a concealed weapons permit from the sheriff's department, after the completion of a criminal background check.
For the permit, one must be 21 years old or older and without felony, domestic violence or perjury convictions. The applicant cannot chronically use alcohol or any controlled substances and must not be subject to a restraining order.
According to Sheriff Peter Gonzalez, there is already a waiting list for the first class. Those interested should contact the sheriff's department to have their name put on the list.
Only 15 students can take part in each class. As a class date approaches, staff from the sheriff's department will call the first names on the waiting list to arrange enrollment, said Pagosa Springs Police Chief Don Volger.
With the high level of interest, Volger said the law enforcement agencies will sponsor a class at least once a month in the future, and said it is possible that two or more classes could be scheduled in a month, as they are in March. All classes will take place on Saturdays.
louis@pagosasun.com

Habitat for Humanity appoints administrative director

By Janet Rainey
Special to The SUN
The Archuleta County branch of Habitat for Humanity has chosen Cindi Galabota to be its first-ever administrative director.
Galabota will assume her duties effective March 1 at the new Habitat of Archuleta County administrative office, which will be located in the Heritage Building in downtown Pagosa Springs.
Galabota is a resident of Aspen Springs. For the past two years she was the REACH program director for Skills for Living and Learning in Bayfield, and prior to that had worked at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Strong administrative skills, as well as extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, will be a tremendous asset to the organization.
The establishment of this new position and the opening of the office mark the beginning of a new chapter for Archuleta County Habitat for Humanity.
Since its inception 12 years ago, the organization has built 15 houses and has enjoyed strong volunteer leadership. In creating this new position, the board of directors envisions an even stronger and more productive future that will enhance its ability to address the need for affordable housing in this community. A generous gift from longtime Habitat supporter Dave Brown and Bootjack Management provided the means to undertake this effort to expand the organization's mission. Galabota intends to focus her efforts on the development of a strategic plan of action, educating the community through outreach and fund-raising, and acquiring new sources of funds to help sustain and expand future Habitat projects.
"We are excited to have the potential to increase our effectiveness in the community, and are particularly pleased to welcome Cindi as our first administrative director," states board president Bob Moomaw. "Her skills and enthusiasm will improve our day-to-day operations, allowing our volunteers to spend more time building houses and working with partner families."
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the assistance of individuals and families in need of affordable housing. The Archuleta County affiliate is associated with the International Habitat for Humanity and strongly supports the group's goal of providing, as its motto states, "Not a hand out, but a hand up."

Young Pagosa scientists excel at fair

Local students fared well at last weekend's 49th annual San Juan Basin Science Fair, in Durango.
Special Awards
Ignacio Space Camp
First place - Kelsea Anderson, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "Hot, Cold and Power."
Second place - Angie Gallegos, sixth grade, Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, "Rocket-Up."
BP Making a Difference Award
Angie Gallegos, sixth grade, Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, "Rocket-Up."
La Plata Electric Association
Kelsea Anderson, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "Hot, Cold and Power."
Empire Electric Association
Keith Archuleta, sixth grade, Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, "The Effects of Temperature on the Conductivity of Metal."
Kendra Schlom, sixth grade, Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, "Solar Powered Water Desalinator."
Ecosphere Environmental Services
Crystal Purcell, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "How Tan is Your Tiger?"
State Finalists
Senior Division
Emmi Greer, ninth grade, Pagosa Springs High School, "Skyrocket Skyrockets."
Sixth Grade and Junior Divisions
Crystal Purcell, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "How Tan is your Tiger?"
Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge
Crystal Purcell, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "How Tan is Your Tiger?"
Gabrielle Pajak, Toni Stoll and Kylie Johnson, sixth grade, Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, "Baked Lay's vs. Classic Lay's."
Kelsea Anderson, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "Hot, Cold and Power."
Kendra Schlom, sixth grade, Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, "Solar Powered Water Desalinator."
DaVinci Awards
Junior Division
Third place - Crystal Purcell, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "How Tan is Your Tiger?"
Senior Division
Third Place - Emmi Greer, Environmental Sciences, ninth grade, Pagosa Springs High School, "Skyrocket Skyrockets."
High School Scholarship Awards
First place - Emmi Greer, ninth grade.
Category Awards - Junior Division
Junior Behavioral and Social Sciences
Third place - Danielle Pajak, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "Why Am I More Flexible Than You?"
Honorable mention - Kalie Ray, seventh grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "Tasting Color."
Junior Engineering
Second Place - Kelsea Anderson, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "Hot, Cold and Power."
Junior Environmental Sciences
Third Place - Garrett Stoll, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "Alternative Paper Sources."
Junior Physics
Honorable Mention - Silas Thompson, seventh grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "Shooting Efficiency."
Junior Zoology
First place - Crystal Purcell, eighth grade, Pagosa Springs Junior High School, "How Tan is Your Tiger?"
Category Awards - Sixth Grade Division
Sixth Grade Engineering
Third Place - Kendra Schlom, sixth grade, Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, "Solar Powered Water Desalinator."
Sixth Grade Physics
Honorable mention - Sable Baxstrom, sixth grade, Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, "Lasers."
Sixth Grade Team Projects
First place - Gabrielle Pajak, Toni Stoll and Kylie Johnson, sixth grade, Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, "Baked Lay's vs. Classic Lay's."
Second place - Hannah Matzdorf, Satara Arthoud and Katie Blue, sixth grade, Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, "Length vs. Speed."

It's not too early to make summer plans, and camping reservations for the summer months, including holidays, are now being accepted for Colorado State Parks.
Early reservations are always recommended for popular destinations, especially during Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends.
Reservations at Colorado State Parks can be made year-round, up to six months in advance of desired arrival date. Reserve campsites by visiting www.parks.state.co.us, or by calling (800) 678-CAMP. Any sites not reserved are available on a first-come, first-served basis at each park.
Colorado State Parks has implemented new camping fees for parks statewide and a new individual pass fee structure for several parks. All campsites within Colorado State Parks will now have the same rates based on amenities offered. Camping fees include:
- Primitive - $8 per night.
- Basic - $14 per night.
- Electric - $18 per night.
- Full Hookup - $22 per night.
New individual walk-in daily pass fees are now in effect for Lory State Park, Eldorado Canyon State Park, State Forest State Park and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA). Each visitor 16 years of age or older will need a $3 daily pass to walk into these parks.
Colorado State Parks annual passes are available for $55 and are good for entry to all 41 state parks for the calendar year. Passes are available at all Colorado State Parks and online at www.parks.state.co.us.
Attracting more than 11 million visitors per year, Colorado's 41 State Parks are a vital cornerstone in Colorado's economy and quality of life, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks manages more than 4,000 campsites, 57 cabins and yurts, encompassing 246,000 land and water acres.
For more information on Colorado State Parks, visit www.parks.state.co.us.

Water seminar to feature Colorado Supreme Court Justice

By Denise Rue-Pastin
Special to The SUN
The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District, San Juan Citizens Alliance, San Juan Water Conservancy District and Water Information Program will sponsor a "Water 101" seminar 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse, 230 Port Ave.
The seminar qualifies for seven continuing education credits for Realtors and features a lineup of noted speakers, including Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hobbs.
The session is designed to provide a basic understanding of water and water-related issues in the Four Corners region. Topics range from Colorado history and law, to national, state and local water providers and will also include perspectives on conservation, agriculture and nontraditional water use.
Cost is $30 before March 13 or $35 at the door. The fee includes lunch, snack and information packet.
For more information and to register, contact the Water Information Program at 247-1302.

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

No column this week.

A bad dream is quickly becoming reality

By Chuck McGuire
SUN Columnist
A bizarre vision shook me from REM sleep this morning, and as I lay thinking in the predawn darkness, my imagination ran wild with a concept that quickly instilled fear for what may lie ahead.
In my dream, while driving a newly-paved road through familiar conifer forest, I suddenly encountered a large yellow road sign that read, "PIEDRA FALLS PARKING 500 FEET."
I opened my eyes and, upon realizing the image was not real, at once sensed overwhelming relief. Nevertheless, the psychological damage was done.
For several minutes I envisioned throngs of out-of-state automobiles crammed into a sprawling asphalt parking lot, their colorfully-clad occupants mindlessly moving to a developed staging area to await the next trolley that would carry them the final few miles to the actual waterfalls trailhead.
Naturally, the quarter-mile trail itself was neatly blacktopped and handicapped accessible. Various venders lined its course, selling anything from hot dogs and cotton candy to sunglasses, polished rocks and bags of nuts for the ground squirrels. Sport Goofy handed helium-filled balloons to small children, as seasonal tour guides in Bermuda shorts and Smokey the Bear hats loudly shared a canned ecological spiel with anyone who cared to listen.
Near the base of the falls, mildly inquisitive onlookers leaned over the perimeter railing of an elevated observation deck, snapping photos to e-mail back home. Others, meanwhile, waited patiently in line for their chance to step up and view the splendor of what they considered true Colorado "wilderness."
As I lay there, my flights of fancy soon broadened to include eccentric sights at other area attractions and, before long, I dreamt of elaborate paddle-boat rentals and horseback stables popping up along the shores of Williams Creek Reservoir. By day, trusty mounts carried young and old alike over trails into the nearby wilderness, as already saddle-sore teens rejoiced in peddling plastic craft to the middle of the lake and away from meddling parents.
Every evening, "along about sundown," a western chuckwagon barbecue stuffed dozens of hungry wranglers with tossed salad, charbroiled chicken and pork, baked beans and home-style potatoes. Camp coffee and apple pie followed, as passable fiddle and banjo music filled the air. Toward evening's end, a marshmallow roast and campfire stories invariably included the perceived wit and wisdom of a resident cowboy poet.
Of course, my imagined fabrications may never actually materialize in those special places amid our happy valley, but as farfetched as they seem, those exact entities are not uncommon in, or near, national and state parks, and select Forest Service properties across the U.S., especially in the west. And, for what it's worth, ample privately-owned, developable land abuts a good portion of the Williams Creek Reservoir waterfront.
With tourism the mainstay of our local economy, there's certainly nothing wrong with people having a good time in Pagosa Country. But I believe most visitors - and residents alike - are drawn here by the forests, fresh air, spectacular vistas and relative solitude that set this place apart from all others in the state.
No doubt, Colorado is loaded with natural beauty, but few small towns are so removed from major metropolitan areas as Pagosa Springs, and the sheer abundance of public woods and wilderness is our most valued asset. Consequently, we can expect tourism to increase ... and we can anticipate continued community development. The question is, what kind of development can we live with and what should fuel it?
At present, area real estate agents have 392 improved residential properties listed for sale in and around Pagosa Springs. Improved commercial spaces account for another 59, while listings of 718 unimproved sites include vacant residential and commercial lots. Add in an indeterminate number of vacant and improved properties for sale by owner, and one quickly realizes the local real estate market contains significant inventory.
But, that's not all. According to county officials, an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 platted lots remain undeveloped in the county, while planners are considering approval of another 700 lots and 300,000 square feet of commercial space in just three subdivision proposals. As a comparison, the Country Center containing City Market West, Radio Shack, the Movie Gallery, and Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell equal approximately 135,000 square feet of commercial space.
The town, meanwhile, acknowledges 900 residential lots in the works within its boundaries, with 231 already approved.
Clearly, there is adequate stock to support the local building industry for a spell, particularly as area real estate appraisers insist marketing times for average residential properties are now at least three to six months. For vacant sites, the time can stretch to a year or more, thus resulting in the gradual decline of lot prices we're currently seeing marketwide.
As a past real estate appraiser, I understand the concept of supply and demand. In the housing market, when demand exceeds the available supply, there is need for additional housing. On the other hand, as inventory outweighs demand, marketing times lengthen, prices fall and the need for more homes diminishes.
Granted, "need" is a relative term, depending on a host of circumstances, including one's personal point of view. For instance, even with roughly 400 residential properties available for purchase in today's market, how many are actually "affordable" to the average buyer? And, of those considered affordable, how many would such buyers legitimately care to own?
Sadly, the honest answer to both questions is, very few. Therefore, one could argue that affordable housing is in short supply, and builders should work to fulfill this vital community need. It would certainly be one form of development we could live with, given our contemporary market.
Another, is economic development. County officials are already working to attract businesses specializing in light industry and manufacturing, and in today's global economy, our newly expanded airport will become a major asset. The higher-paying jobs that should result will increase the median wage and make it easier for single professionals and young couples to afford their own homes.
Looking to the future, we must all become proactive, rather than reactive. If we hope to shape the kinds of development that will help maintain our small town character, create better-paying jobs, (encouraging full-time residency), and relieve our overwhelming dependence on tourism, we must play an active role in the decision making. We must attend meetings, write letters and allow ourselves a say.
In a proactive society, the people, through their elected and trustworthy representatives, command the course of progress, leaving developers little choice but to conform or withdraw.
Today, however, growth is driven by investors, land speculators and developers dictating what type of expansion they're willing to provide the community, as local planners react to a mounting list of proposals.
All too often, schemes fail to fit the community vision, resulting in sprawl and a hodgepodge of unrelated cluster-like projects. In the end, the developers walk with a ton of money, while residents are left with the headaches. I lived in Vail for 19 years, I've seen it happen time after time. If we fail to set priorities, we'll end up with the growth we deserve.
In recent years, the town has grappled with limiting the size of future "big box" development, yet sprawling residential and commercial plans are flying through the process seemingly unfettered. Meanwhile, with too few people to fill the new projects, entrepreneurs are marketing to out-of-towners under the guise of "recreational properties."
Ironically, if we allow it to continue, we're going to require yet more development. In fact, we'll need at least one discount superstore, perhaps two. We're gonna want more large grocery stores and a Lowe's or Home Depot, probably both. While we're at it, we'll need an enormous indoor shopping mall complete with clothing retailers, shoe shops, home furnishings and electronics stores, hair dressers, music and jewelry outlets, income tax services, fast-food restaurants, a bank or two, and a multi-screen movie theatre.
Of course, to fulfill all those wants and needs, town government will have to quickly abolish its newly implemented limitations on big box chains, and the county will want to abandon any ongoing consideration of its own. In the meantime, to accommodate increased traffic, we'll have to widen and resurface the roads leading to the area's most popular natural attractions. And, I dare say, we may ultimately have to look into Sport Goofy's summertime schedule.
Anyone know an unemployed cowboy poet?

Ingenious idea
Dear Editor:
What an ingenious idea! Our city planners and council members have obviously already approved it, although finding that decision in any of the minutes from the Pagosa Springs Town Council meetings eludes me. Meanwhile, the heavy equipment has already quietly begun digging away at Reservoir Hill on San Juan Street. Need any fill dirt?
You have to look at the Big Picture. We obviously need the added acreage for private development, parking lots, our overall population explosion, etc. And since modernizing those old eyesore motels along our downtown main street has become unacceptable, what else can our government officials do? Our Pagosa planners and council members must have envisioned the masses riding into town, deliberated very intensely on this, and finally formulated "The Perfect (Storm - I mean) Master Plan" to pave the way for Pagosa Springs' expansion. There is a plan, isn't there?
Wow! What foresight. Great job!
Randy Barlow
Editor's note: The noted work is part of the "River's Edge" residential project, approved Nov. 7, 2006. The work on the hill side of San Juan Street is not on the town-owned Reservoir Hill, rather it is on privately owned lots that are part of the 1883 Town site plat. There are eight public parking spaces planned for that site, with the work being completed by the developer of the River's Edge project.

Arrogance
Dear Editor:
Re. recent letter from Roy Boutwell.
Mr. Boutwell:
The recent mid-term elections suggest that the American public has grown weary of reckless arrogance. Your sarcastic assertion that Carter's election didn't represent the collective wisdom of America because you didn't vote for him might serve as a pretty good model for the kind of arrogance America is growing to distrust. Our country collects its composite wisdom vote by vote, and if you deny that the elections of both Carter and Bush reflect our collective wisdom, then you don't merely hold yourself above the rest of us, you place yourself outside one of the fundamental tenets of the American experiment.
Reckless arrogance allows you to insist yet again on referring to an elected leader as a peanut farmer instead of a president, to substitute (clever?) allusions to Daffy Duck for any serious consideration of negotiations, to imply that the familiar Chamberlain/Churchill argument is your own, ("Does anybody but me remember ...") and then issue it forth as the final answer to a serious question, to cite Carter's responsibility for America's failing world image without asking how the Bush administration's policy might also have affected that image.
Maybe this last sampling of our collective wisdom suggests that Americans must learn to respect each other again before we ask the rest of the world to respect our country, that our maturity yearns for a more honest dialogue than the shallow forms of derision that are the stock-in-trade and the life blood of the talk show host and that the final validity of Paul Wolfowitz's familiar Chamberlain/Churchill argument rests not only in its similarities to, but its differences from the situation we faced before the invasion.
Maybe Americans have recovered enough now from the trauma inflicted by radical extremists on 9/11 to gather in spirit and face the tremendous challenges ahead. If so, America needs the carefully considered opinions of Roy Boutwell far more than his recklessly arrogant rhetoric.
Still respectful of our collective wisdom,
Tom Gorzycki
Silver City, N.M.
(Proud native Texan)

Caring
Dear Editor:
The residents of Archuleta County can be thankful that they have elected Carl Macht as such a caring and understanding coroner to assist them in times of special need.
I was recently present at a home where Carl was called due to the sudden death of a family member. The kind, compassionate empathy that he showed to that family was exactly what was needed and made a very difficult experience much easier for a grieving widow and her children. What many see as just an elected job to do is not the way Carl views his work. Carl came in, did his required investigation and then spent several hours comforting and talking with this family, answering questions and in a gentle, quiet way led them through this initial period of a traumatic experience.
Situations can vary for Carl's work, but in this case, he performed beyond his call of duty. Thank you, Carl, for your love and kindness in these stressful and difficult situations.
Bruce Keuning

Courageous
Dear Editor:
Being a recent transplant from California, I know what I don't want in terms of future development in Pagosa Springs. Pagosa Springs is really the tale of two towns. And two land use plan models. To the east we have the "old" pedestrian-oriented downtown core. To the west we have the suburban plan. In terms of the better land use model, "old" is new again.
Look at the traffic along Highway 160 today. Imagine that five years from now that the number of vehicle trips per day doubles. This would be consistent with the permanent resident population of Archuleta County doubling within five years. A suburban land use plan is easily understood by looking at Los Angeles or Phoenix. Hours of driving every day. Every trip to and from the house is a vehicle trip. There are no pedestrian trips. Every household generates from four to six vehicle trips per day. Maybe we are not the Big City. But we now have a land use plan in place on the western side of town that will lead to ugly traffic.
I think that the TreeTops proposal before the county planning commission is a courageous proposal. Is that location the best for that proposal? Maybe. Don't know.
I know this though. The county planning commission has done some good work in the past two years by adopting a land use plan. Now, there is still time to bring that land use plan into the 21st century. Suburban land use is an old, dying style of development. Clearly Highway 160 and North Pagosa Blvd. and Piedra Road are not meant to handle the levels of development already allowed for by the land use plan.
There is still time, however. The current land use plan has only been partially built out. What is needed is a pedestrian-oriented shift of the county land use plan which encourages lifestyles not reliant on a motorized vehicle. I applaud the TreeTops proposal for being just one of many opportunities that the planning commission has to keep new vehicle trips off of Highway 160. The people are coming. The houses are coming. Let's encourage people to stay out of their cars.
Teddy Herzog

Smart growth?
Dear Editor:
Archuleta County has put a lot of time and effort into creating a community plan, and the proposed TreeTops development does not fit that plan, nor does it fit into our newly designed zoning map. So, why is this project still moving forward?
1. The development does not encourage preservation of agricultural land.
2. Overwhelming support for the protection of agricultural activity, scenic areas and wildlife habitat was demonstrated at public workshops throughout the planning process.
3. The community plan states the preferred growth scenario would be to develop village centers at Arboles, Aspen Springs and Chromo to provide residents of outlying areas with small, nearby shopping and services.
4. The community plan designates commercial growth for downtown Pagosa Springs, the junction of U.S. 160 and 84, the junction of U.S. 160 and Piedra Road and the existing commercial area at U.S. 160 and Pagosa Boulevard.
5. Policy 1 of the plan states, "Encourage the design and location of new development to minimize the impact on Archuleta County's rural and scenic character, wildlife habitat and mountain vistas.
In addition to the fact it does not follow the community plan, what about Piedra Road?
1. In 2004 and 2005, Piedra Road had an average of one major auto accident per month.
2. Archuleta County does have plans to widen and pave Piedra Road, depending on federal grant money, but not for at least 10 years.
3. The TreeTops development final phase does not end until 2017. Ten years of trucks and building on Piedra Road will not have a positive effect on the lives of everyone who uses this road.
Ronnie Zaday has said she is "...overseeing the project as it goes through the engineering and design phase ..." Spending county time and resources "overseeing" this project seems to be a conflict of interest, taking time away from what she was elected to do: be a county commissioner, not a land developer.
Blue Sky Village has been delayed for one reason, incompatibility with the surrounding area, but from what I've seen, it's more compatible than the TreeTops development, which has single family residences surrounding it for a good three miles in all directions. The county is leaving itself wide open for lawsuits from developers who have worked with the city and county to comply with the community plan if TreeTops slides through.
The community plan allows for "smart growth," so, why are we throwing that out the window? If you live in the Pagosa Lakes area and do not wish to see this development pushed through, attend the next planning meeting at the county building March 14 at 6 p.m. and voice your concerns.
Sincerely,
Ed King

Roadless areas
Dear Editor:
As a lifelong outdoorsman and a former Air Force officer, I'm concerned about the few remaining wild places and wide open spaces (i.e., roadless areas) in Colorado. A recent roadless areas editorial from a Front Range paper said, in part, that Gov. Ritter's hesitation in adopting former Gov. Owen's roadless petition is "an attempt to overturn the apple cart on behalf of those who didn't get everything their way on the roadless issue."
First, public backing for protecting all of Colorado's roadless areas was demonstrated unequivocally by the outpouring of support for the 2001 Roadless Rule and in public comments documented by the 2006 Roadless Area Review Task Force (RARTF): In both cases, over 90 percent of Coloradans requested the complete protection of all roadless areas in the state.
So, most Coloradans were taken by surprise when they found out that in the Owens' Roadless Petition fine print, low and behold, there were some juicy special interest giveaways inserted at the last minute: nearly 400,000 acres of industry concessions, primarily ski areas and coal mines. Now that the Owens' giveaway language has seen the light of day, the public does not support it. Even our own Division of Wildlife doesn't support it!
Along with the good folks at DOW, we hunters and anglers are simply trying to protect the last public lands outside of wilderness where we can walk away from the ugliness of development and the noise of OHVs to find undisturbed, high-quality hunting and fishing habitat. Yes, as the editorial in question clearly stated, this is about "access."
As our public lands backcountry becomes increasingly overrun with oil and gas fields, clear-cut logging, and more new roads and trails, illegal as well as legal, we who are traditional, muscle-powered, quiet-use recreationists are having our access stolen. We are not fighting for ideals, but for survival and our fair share of the public lands pie.
David A. Lien

Moratorium
Dear Editor:
In the 10 years that my wife and I have made Pagosa our home, we have participated in the development of two separate community plans. We have been dismayed at the pace of implementation - virtually zero for the first plan and agonizingly slow for the second one.
Placing a six-month moratorium on approving "mega-plats" to give county planners time to implement the directives given by us, the community - not once, but twice - makes great sense. As Commissioner Moomaw has stated, there are over 3,000 buildable lots already platted. There is no rush to plat more!
Last year, the Archuleta Economic Development Association sponsored a presentation by Jack Schultz, author of "Boomtown USA." In that presentation he made a compelling case that planning for yet more homes (primarily for second-home buyers) and retail commercial space is not in the best interest of the long-term economic future of our county. Instead, the answers lie in developing profitable industries uniquely suited to what Pagosa has to offer (and no, surprisingly the answer is not just tourism).
The idea of the moratorium has been called a four-letter word, and indeed it is: "sane."
Kurt Raymond

Appeasement
Dear Editor:
As with many issues these days, we find our government and electorate divided on how to deal with Iran and its apparent determination to develop a nuclear bomb. The U.N. Security Council issued resolutions which threaten to impose sanctions if Iran does not suspend its enrichment of uranium but the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, made it clear he will not be swayed by these threats. He knows that even if sanctions are passed, they likely will be so ineffectual they will do nothing to hinder progress in developing a bomb. He knows also that even if meaningful sanctions were imposed, certain members of the Security Council will surreptitiously work to undermine their effectiveness. Take, for example, the position of France's Chirac: While he publicly states that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable, he waffles when it comes to imposing meaningful sanctions. He even recently said he could "live with one or two Iranian bombs." Russia's Putin has worked to weaken any sanctions against Iran, using the excuse that "they don't work." The truth is, France and Russia don't want sanctions to work because if they did, it would have a negative impact on their billions of dollars in investments and trade with Iran.
President Bush and Vice President Cheney have maintained that Iran cannot be allowed to build a nuclear bomb. The vice president, despite opening himself to charges he is a "warmonger," insists that nothing be taken off the table when discussing what may have to be done to stop the Iranians. Both Republicans and Democrats are divided by the issue. Some believe the only solution is diplomacy, some want direct talks with Iran, others call for the imposition of sanctions. (And of course, there are those who do not seek a winning strategy, they only want to place blame.) What is worrisome to me is that all this talk and hand-wringing will result in nothing more than some sort of wishy-washy appeasement. And all the while, Ahmadinejad and the radical imams who make up his regime will continue enriching uranium to build a bomb.
What is really scary is that anyone honestly believes we can negotiate with someone like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad! Here is a guy who, for the past year or so, has repeatedly denied the Holocaust ever happened. To dismiss these denials as the rantings of an unbalanced anti-Semite, is to underestimate Ahmadinejad and many others of his ethos in the Islamic world. They deny the Holocaust but when it is in their interests, they applaud it, often by recalling it was Hitler who exterminated 6 million Jews, and they regret Hitler did not eliminate all the Jews.
How is that an anti-Semite like Ahmadinejad can both deny the Holocaust and celebrate it? It requires the twisted mind of a radical jihadist and should serve to show he cannot be reasoned with (or trusted), especially when in the end it will only end up being appeasement and we will then have a lunatic in possession of a nuclear bomb. A bomb he will not hesitate to use against us or Israel when he gets tired of negotiating, or decides he has an advantage.
Gary Stansbury

Preview Calendar

Today
Arthritis group
The Southwest Arthritis Group will meet from noon to 1 in the Eolus Room at the Durango Recreation Center. Donna Renelli, a family counselor, will talk about communication between those with arthritis and their families. The lecture is free and open to all. Bring a brown bag lunch. Call 259-1240 for more information.
March 10
Lifelong Learning lecture
"Women To the Rescue: Creating Mesa Verde National Park," is the topic chosen by Durango historian Duane Smith for his forthcoming talk in the Lifelong Learning series. Smith's book by the same title is one of the award-winning Mesa Verde Centennial book series. Focus of the book and the talk is the dedicated women who did all in their power to arouse public awareness and Congressional action to establish a park. This is a free lecture, open to the public, hosted by the Sisson Library at 3 p.m.
March 10
Cantor's concert
A concert of inspirational and popular music will be held at 7 p.m., starring nationally-renowned Cantor Scott Buckner, at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church. Featured performers include John Graves, Larry Elginer, Sue Anderson and the Pagosa Jazz Choir. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10. For reservations, call 731-9610. The concert is being presented by Congregation Kadima Yisrael.
March 13
Music for toddlers
Exploring Music for Toddlers, a free class. Children ages 2 to 5 will get a chance to play many instruments and experience a wide diversity of musical sound in this action-packed, free class. Exploring Music for Toddlers (and mom or dad) is held at 10 a.m., every Tuesday in March. Sponsored by Elation Center for the Arts, sessions are held at the Community United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, at 434 Lewis Street. Call 731-3117 for more information.
March 13
Republican women
The Archuleta County Republican Women will hold their monthly luncheon meeting at noon at Boss Hogg's Restaurant. Lyn Sanchez from Southwest Republican Women will present a program on the soccer ball project for Iraqi children. Membership is made up of local women interested in discussing local, state, national and international political events. All are welcome; bring a friend. Call Barbara at 731-9916 for additional information.
March 14
Joy of Music
Paul Roberts presents World Strings, in the second of four, free Joy of Music lecture demonstrations at 7 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Lewis Street. These lectures help stimulate learning and appreciation of the musical world around us and are a community service of Elation Center for the Arts. For more information, call 731-3117.
March 14
Story hour
Children's Story Hour Club at the library, 10 a.m. "Let's All be Irish for a Day."
March 14
Pagosa Springs Woman's Club
The club meets the second Wednesday of each month. Dues for the year are $12. This month's meeting is at JJ's Restaurant, at 11:30 a.m. Cost of lunch is $10, and reservations are a must. Guest speaker will be Robbie Schwartz, who will provide an update on what's happening with the Humane Society. If you have any questions, call Cathy Rose at 731-0791.
March 15
Meditation class
Introduction to Buddhist Meditation with Charlotte Rotterdam, 6-7:15 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Greenbriar Plaza, No. B15
March 17
DAR meeting
The Sarah Platt Decker Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold its monthly meeting at the Durango/La Plata Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave., at 10 a.m. Prospective members may contact Regina Fallace, chapter regent, at 259-4948. For car pooling information from Pagosa, contact Lynn Constan 264-5451.
March 17
Singles meet
PALS will gather at The Rose for breakfast at 9:30 a.m. All singles 40-plus are invited. Please R.S.V.P. to Doris at 731-9762.
March 17
Lifelong Learning lecture
"Impending Climate Catastrophe and the Quick Energy Fix," presented by physicist Roger W. Cohen, will explore several controversial energy issues. Among the topics to be covered are climate change, energy in the 21st century, and prospects for continued energy supply. This is a free lecture, open to the public, sponsored by the Sisson Library at 3 p.m.
March 20
Music for toddlers
Children age 2 to 5 get a chance to play many instruments and experience a wide diversity of musical sound in this free class. Exploring Music for Toddlers is held at 10 a.m. every Tuesday in March. Sponsored by Elation Center for the Arts, sessions are held at the Community United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, at 434 Lewis Street. Call 731-3117 for more Information.
March 20
Water 101
The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District, San Juan Citizens Alliance, San Juan Water Conservancy District and Water Information Program will sponsor a Water 101 seminar from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse, 230 Port Ave. The seminar qualifies for seven continuing education credits for Realtors and features a lineup of speakers, including Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hobbs. The seminar is designed to provide a basic understanding of water and water-related issues in the Four Corners region. Fee is $30 before March 13 or $35 at the door (includes lunch, snack and information packet). For more information and/or to register, contact the Water Information Program at 247-1302.
March 21
Story hour
Children's Story Hour Club at the library, 10 a.m. "Bears: Out of Hibernation!"
March 21
Joy of Music
Larry Elginer presents a vocal theme in the third of four, free Joy of Music lecture demonstrations at 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall downtown on Lewis Street. These lectures help stimulate learning and appreciation of the musical world around us and are a community service of Elation Center for the Arts. For more information, call 731-3117.
March 21
Garden club
The Mountain High Gardeners Club meets at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come and learn about gardening at our high altitude.
The meeting will be at the uptown Plaid Pony with Michael DeWinter, who will speak about house plants. Bring a folding chair, as seating is limited.
March 24
Lifelong Learning lecture
"Volcanoes: Exploding Myths and Fluid Truths," by Dr. Rob Blair, geologist, is an examination of the role that volcanic activity has played on the evolution of the atmosphere, shaping of life and human history, with examples from around the world. Volcanism in the San Juan Mountains will be discussed. This is a free lecture, open to the public, sponsored by the Sisson Library at 3 p.m.
March 24
Bellydancing
Tribal Bellydance workshop, noon to 3:30 p.m. at The Club, 450 Lewis St. $35. Jamilla of the Desert Veils from Moab will teach another tribal bellydance workshop; all levels of dancers welcome. For more information call 946-4153.
March 26
Week of the Young Child
The Week of the Young Child begins. It will be filled with activities in honor and appreciation of the children in our community. It culminates with the Kids' Fair March 31 at the elementary school from 10 a.m-1:30 p.m.
March 27
Night of the Young Child
A fun-filled evening for children ages 3 through 14 to show off their talents. Whether it's hula-hooping, tap dancing, piano playing, singing ... whatever it is, it is all on stage at 6 p.m. at the high school auditorium. For more information, call Lynne Bridges at 264-5513
Mar. 27
Pagosa Film Society
The film society will meet to view and discuss the film "Tootsie" at 7 p.m. The location is Unit 15 in the Unitarian Fellowship space in Greenbriar Plaza. A suggested $3 donation benefits The Friends of the Library.
March 27
Music for Toddlers
Exploring Music for Toddlers for children 2 to 5 is held at 10 a.m. every Tuesday in March. Sponsored by Elation Center for the Arts, sessions are held at the Community United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, at 434 Lewis Street. Call 731-3117 for more Information.
March 28
Story hour
Children's Story Hour Club at the library, 10 a.m. "Clifford the Big Red Dog."
March 28
Joy of Music
Classical musicians Bob Nordmann and Valley Lowrance present a woodwind theme in the last of four, free Joy of Music lecture demonstrations at 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. These lectures help stimulate learning and appreciation of the musical world around us and are a community service of Elation Center for the Arts. For more information, call 731-3117.
March 29
Meditation class
Introduction to Buddhist Meditation with Charlotte Rotterdam, 6-7:15 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Greenbriar Plaza, No. B15.
March 31
Lifelong Learning lecture
"The Power of Belief: Not to be Confused with the Facts," by Glenn E. Rodey M.D., will explore the concept of belief in its broadest sense, including how humans develop worldviews, faith, political views and other uses of belief in every day life. His presentation will also look at how the brain works during religious experience. This is a free lecture, open to the public, sponsored by the Sisson Library on Saturday at 3 p.m.
April 3
Ed Center luncheon
The theme of the Archuleta County Education Center's annual fund-raising luncheon this year is "Caring Makes a Difference." Jerry Traylor is this year's keynote speaker. The luncheon starts at 11:45 a.m. at Center Point Church on U.S. 160 and will be catered by Wildflower Catering. Funds raised will support the many programs at the Education Center. Tickets are available for a donation of $45 each at the Education Center, the Chamber of Commerce and at the community center. For more information, call 264-2835.
April 4
Story hour
Children's Story Hour Club at the library, 10 a.m. "Bunnies."
April 12
Meditation class
Introduction to Buddhist Meditation with Charlotte Rotterdam, 6-7:15 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Greenbriar Plaza, No. B15.
April 17
Tango class
The Archuleta County Education Center is starting a beginner's Argentine Tango class Tuesdays 6-7:30 p.m., at The Club on Lewis Street. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $50 for six sessions. For more information call 264-2835.
April 27
AEDA meeting
Learn how to embrace change at the Archuleta Economic Development Association (AEDA) annual meeting at 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker Michelle Templin, author and president of Get Smart Training, Inc., will speak on the bestselling book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" The book seeks to help individuals develop change skills that make a difference in their work and in their lives. The event will be held at Center Point Church and includes a catered lunch. For more tickets or general information, contact AEDA at 731-1443.

Submit your calendar items to editor@pagosasun.com, mail them to The Pagosa Springs SUN, P.O. Box 9, Pagosa Springs CO 81147, or deliver them to The SUN office, by noon Monday.

Daffodil Days coming to Pagosa Country

By Dori Blauert
Special to The PREVIEW
Think yellow!
The daffodils are coming to Pagosa Springs March 19-23. Businesses, offices and homes will be brightened with the annual American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days.
We are all touched by cancer in our lives, whether through friends, families or even pets.
Daffodil Days is a great way to support the cause and give yourself some enjoyment at the same time. It's a wonderful community effort to bring a lot of hope and cheer into our town.
The money raised by Daffodil Days, which is held around the country, goes into the ACS's general fund. It is used for research, education, various advocacy programs and patient services.
As the nation's largest non-profit source for funding cancer research, the ACS has funded thousands of researchers, 40 of whom have gone on to win the Nobel prize, considered the highest accolade any scientist can receive.
Currently, the ACS has over 11 million dollars in working research grants in place in Colorado alone. Your purchase of a bunch of daffodils for $10 or a collectable Boyd's Teddy Bear and daffodils for $25 will help ACS continue on our quest to eliminate cancer and provide hope for the future.
For more information, contact Dori Blauert at 731-9458 or acspagosa@earthlink.net.

Seeds of Learning fund-raiser just around the corner

By Joanne Irons
Special to The PREVIEW
So far, we have 32 table decorators, 34 sponsors, 40 volunteers and a new school on the horizon. What more can we ask for?
With a near sell-out crowd expected, the March 24 Seeds of Learning's Once Upon a Time Dinner and Auction at the community center promises to be one of the Pagosa's most exciting events.
Table decorators met for lunch at Wildflower Catering Company for last-minute instructions. Set-up time for decorators is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Members of the community who cannot attend the Saturday night event can stop by between 3 and 5 p.m. to view the tables and can even bid on the tables. Six tables will be auctioned off live, while the rest will be part of a big silent auction. Bill Nobles and Mark Crain will conduct the live auction.
All tables are decorated in a theme of a children's book and include eight place settings, with dishes, glassware, silverware, centerpiece etc.
Live auction items includes gift certificates, dinners, sailing on Navajo Lake, a and a king-size bed, just to name a few. A Pot of Gold will be placed in the middle of the room in order for attendees to donate to the cause.
For information about Seeds of Learning or the event, go to the Web site www.growingseeds.org. For tickets, call Seeds of Learning 264-5513.

Pagosa sculptor Echterhoff included in New Mexico international show

Three of Linda Echterhoff's art works - "Eve," "Embrace of Eve" and "Emerging (Survivor)" all of which contemplate women and the woman condition - have been selected for inclusion in the Faces of Woman 17th Annual International Juried Art Exhibition at the Las Vegas Arts Council in Las Vegas, N.M.
The competition, which celebrates aspects of the feminine in symbolic or representational form, is being juried by Barbara Lucero Sand, professor of museum Sstudies at the Institute of American Indian Arts, the national Native American fine arts college in Santa Fe, N.M. The exhibition will run March 23-April 21.
Echterhoff's art works have been featured recently in several other national juried shows; Oakland Community College Womencenter's From Our Perspective: A National Women's Art Exhibition; Breckenridge Fine Arts Center's Spotlight on Art 15th Annual Juried Art Show; Farmington Museum 2006 Gateway to Imagination: A National Juried Art Competition; The Durango Arts Center 2006 31st Annual Juried Exhibit; and the SHY RABBIT 2005 Artists' Invitational and Open Juried Exhibition. Echterhoff won Honorable Mention awards at both the Gateway and DAC shows for her piece titled "Seed Pod," a unique, mixed media work composed of cardboard, paper tape and glue.

ECA presents The Joy of Music

By Carla Roberts
Special to The PREVIEW
The Joy on Music continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in the Fellowship Hall of Community United Methodist Church, 434 Lewis St., in downtown Pagosa Springs.
A lecture demonstration series to stimulate learning and appreciation of the musical world around us, The Joy on Music is sponsored by Elation Center for the Arts. The weekly series runs through March. It is being offered free to the public.
Next Wednesday's program, "World Strings: From Mesopotamia to Pagosa," will be presented by Paul Roberts.
Roberts' intrigue with plucked-string instruments has led him on a lifelong adventure in the world of music.
Sophisticated plucked-string instruments have been around for thousands of years. Their ancient history is shrouded in mystery. One of the instruments Roberts will demonstrate is the oud, a pear-shaped stringed instrument used in traditional Middle Eastern music and East African music. The oud is the predecessor to the lute, guitar, mandolin and many other instruments.
With oud, banjo, mandocello, sitar, saz, charango, guitar, mandolin, cittern, sarod, and tamboura Roberts will demonstrate global sounds and discuss his own approach to working with different musical genres.
On March 21, Larry Elginer will present "Vive la Music," in which he will trace the impact music has played in our lives, emotionally and historically. Elginer is a Pagosa gold mine, having had a distinguished career as one of our nation's top music educators. According to Elginer, "Vive la Music," will be an "historical, not hysterical look at how music has played out in our country and individual lives, the role music has played in our existence." It will include examples of varied music demonstrated by Larry, both vocally and instrumentally.
On March 28, the series will present "An Evening with Woodwinds," featuring an introduction to various instruments by local wind players. The presentation will include a brief history of the development of woodwinds, a demonstration of the musical attributes of several instruments, and solo and ensemble performances, which demonstrate the instruments' capabilities. The presenters include bassoonist Valley Lawrence, clarinetist Tim Bristow, and saxophonists Bruce Andersen, Al Olson, and Bob Nordmann.
Free to the public, "The Joy on Music" will be held Wednesday's at 7 p.m. through the month of March at the Fellowship Hall. "The Joy on Music" is sponsored by Elation Center for the Arts, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to preserving our cultural heritage.
For more information, log on to elationarts.org, or call 731-3117.

'Caring Makes a Difference'at annual Ed Center luncheon

By Janae Ash
Special to The PREVIEW
The theme of the Archuleta County Education Center's annual fund-raising luncheon this year is "Caring Makes a Difference."
Jerry Traylor is this year's keynote speaker at the April 3 event, and he is a man who has lived this theme everyday of his life. Traylor was born with Cerebral Palsy and had to overcome many difficult hardships throughout his life.
Even though Traylor has been faced with physical obstacles, he has persevered with flying colors. For example, he has competed in 35 full-length marathons on his crutches, climbed 14,110-foot Pikes Peak, and jogged 3,528 miles across America to just name a few of his feats. He is truly a miraculous human.
However, what makes Traylor a truly astonishing person is that he realizes what makes a real difference in his life is not his disability or his ability to overcome it, but to care for others. Traylor challenges people to look within themselves to discover the incredible abilities which everyone possesses, and how all people are capable of touching our world in a positive manner.
The luncheon, starting at 11:45 a.m. at Center Point Church on U.S. 160, will be catered by Wildflower Catering. Funds raised will support the many programs at the Education Center such as the successful Archuleta County High School, GED programs, first aid and CPR training, English and Spanish language programs, computer classes, creative activities for elementary students and several tutoring programs.
Tickets are available for a donation of $45 per ticket. For more information, call 264-2835.

Build life skill in toddlers with music

By Carla Roberts
Special to The PREVIEW
Exploring Music for Toddlers is a free, weekly class offered by Elation Center for the Arts during the month of March.
Parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring their youngsters ages 2 to 5, to participate in a 40-minute expression session. The focus is on fun and learning new things about live music.
Classes are held at 10 a.m. each Tuesday in March at the Community United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 434 Lewis St. in Downtown Pagosa Springs. The dates are March 6, 13, 20 and 27.
Children will have an opportunity to see and play an unusual variety of instruments throughout the four weeks with musicians Paul and Carla Roberts.
The past few years have seen an explosion of scientific studies regarding the multiple benefits of music in our lives. By exposing toddlers to a variety of music, movement and rhythm, we can help establish lifelong attention skills and open the doors to increasing intelligence and self-expression.
This program is a community service of Elation Center for the Arts, a local arts organization that offers life enrichment programs focused on preserving our cultural heritage. ECA also offers ongoing music and dance classes and community concerts.
For more information, call 731-3117 or visit our Web site at elationarts.org.

Portrait contest raises funds for early life center

The Hot Tots Cool Kids National Portrait Contest sponsored by Photographic Art by Art Franz, will help raise money for the Treasure Mountain Early Life Center.
During March, a parent can bring their child to Photographic Art by Art Franz and have a 4 Pose Basic Portrait Session taken for a $5 donation to the Treasure Mountain Early Life Center. The child will also be entered into the Hot Tots Cool Kids National Portrait Contest.
The Grand Prize in the national contest is an $800 Savings Bond and a $1,000 Gift Card to either Toys R Us, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, GAP or Old Navy. There are over $7,500 in prizes.
In conjunction with the national contest, all portraits will be entered into the local contest fund-raiser. The community of Pagosa Springs will be able be vote on their favorite portrait for 25 cents per vote and can vote as many times and for as many portraits as they would like. All money raised in the voting will also be donated to the Treasure Mountain Early Life Center. The children whose portraits raise the most money will receive prizes donated from local businesses.
You can visit Treasure Mountain Early Life Center online at www.tmelc.com . For more information or to make an appointments call Art Franz at 731-8779.

Southwest historian lecture: The women who saved Mesa Verde

By Biz Greene
Special to The PREVIEW
The forthcoming Lifelong Learning lecture on Saturday, March 10, will tell the story of the courageous women who fought to save Mesa Verde from vandals and predatory collectors of artifacts and who worked determinedly to arouse Congress to name Mesa Verde as a national park in order to provide protection for its antiquities.
"Women to the Rescue: Creating Mesa Verde National Park" is the title of Dr. Duane Smith's lecture - and the title of the book he wrote detailing the prominent role women played between the 1890s and 1906 to bring the case for preservation of Mesa Verde to public attention and congressional action. As visitors and collectors were walking off with everything they could carry, and with victory in sight, the movement to save Mesa Verde fell apart, and for the next 30 years rival factions fought over its fate. Only now are the contributions of these women in the contest to save Mesa Verde finally being recognized.
Smith's book on this struggle is part of the Mesa Verde Centennial Series that was awarded the 2006 Josephine H. Miles History Award by the Colorado Historical Society. Smith is a professor of Southwest studies and history at Fort Lewis College. His areas of research and writing are Colorado, mining, baseball, and urban and frontier history. His most recent book is "Time for Peace," the history of Fort Lewis as a military post from 1878 -1891. He co-authored "Travels and Travails: Tourism at Mesa Verde" and "New Deal Days: The CCC at Mesa Verde".
This lecture is sponsored by the Colorado Humanities, Ballantine Family Fund, U Charles Redd Center, and the La Plata County Historical Society. It is hosted here in Pagosa Springs by the Sisson Library Saturday at 3 p.m. The lecture is free and everyone is welcome.

Plan to attend this year's 9HealthFair

By Pauline Benetti
Special to The PREVIEW
Nine Health Services, Inc. - a nonprofit endorsed by the Colorado Medical Society - has been supporting free and low-cost health screening and education for 28 years in communities across Colorado, and in Pagosa Springs for 27 years.
Our community shares the mission of this organization: To promote health awareness and encourage individuals to assume responsibility for their own health.
Plan to visit the 9Health Fair April 7 at the Pagosa Springs High School between 7 a.m. and noon. You will find nearly two dozen different medical screenings and interactive education centers available at no cost to you.
To highlight a couple of these:
- San Juan Basin Health - At this education center you can find information, people and forms that could lead to a free mammogram or pap smear if you are qualified.
- Organ Donor Awareness - Perhaps you think that organ donation is a good idea but have questions. Visit this education center and get answers.
- Body in Balance Screening - This station includes screening your posture, flexibility, strength, and balance, and provides you with a general interpretation of the screening.
If you are unable to attend the fair in Pagosa, you can find other site locations and times by contacting 9Health Fair at 1 (800) 332-3078 or at their Web site, www.9HealthFair.org. Channel 9, Denver, is another good way of seeing and hearing updates on the 9Health Fair.
The two closest fairs to us are located in Bayfield at the Bayfield Elementary School, 511 Mustang Lane, (April 21), and Durango at the Escalante Middle School, 141 Baker Lane, (April 21).
Diagnosis is not allowed at any of the screenings and interactive education centers; however, participants have the chance to talk to a health care professional who will review the results of screenings and address any concerns that might arise in strict confidence and for no cost whatsoever.
Available at a low cost is the Blood Chemistry Analysis ($30), the Prostate Cancer Screening for men ($25), the Blood Count Test ($15) and the ColoCare test kit ($5).
A limited number of vouchers for free blood tests are available for those who qualify. For information about those vouchers, contact San Juan Basin Health, County Social Services or the Senior Center.
For more information call site coordinator Sharee Grazda (731-0666) or medical coordinator Nancy Grovhoug 264-0329.

Introduction to Buddhist meditation

A series of sessions to provide an introduction to Buddhist meditation, with Charlotte Rotterdam, will be held on Thursdays - March 15 and 29, and April 12. All sessions are 6-7:15 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Greenbriar Plaza, B15.
According to Rotterdam, "Meditation is, most simply, a practice of heightening our awareness - of ourselves, our relationship to others, and the world around us. As we develop and fine tune our awareness, we begin to bring greater understanding, deeper compassion, and a sense of equanimity to our daily lives and interactions."
This series of evenings will include talks and discussion on some of the foundational principles of Buddhism as well as an introduction to the practice of shamatha, or calm abiding, meditation.
No previous experience is necessary. Although it is recommended to attend all sessions, drop-ins are most welcome.
Note: Bring a meditation cushion if you have one. Otherwise you may sit on a chair.
Charlotte Rotterdam is co-director of Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center in Pagosa Springs. For several years she taught in the graduate religion department of Naropa University in Boulder. She holds a master's degree in comparative religion from Harvard Divinty School.
Suggested donation is $5 per session.
For questions or more information, call Rotterdam at 769-1760.

'The Secret' to be shown, discussed

By De Anna Hoyle
Special to The PREVIEW
You may have heard your friends mention it, or saw Oprah as she talked about it. Now the movie "The Secret" is coming to Pagosa. A free showing will take place at 4 p.m. March 11, at the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (PUUF).
This two-hour, ground-breaking film has made it's way into the mainstream and, while the concepts presented in the film draw on ancient wisdom, many people from around the world are taking notice of the message. Through testimonials of real life stories, people reveal how their lives have changed in profound ways. Some of today's greatest teachers and world leaders in business, medicine, psychology, theology and science come together to present this powerful knowledge.
The film will be followed by a discussion led by John Hornecker as a follow-up to his talk at the Fellowship Feb. 25.
Light refreshments will be served and there will be a time for questions. Space is limited, so plan to come early and join with others as we explore "The Secret."
The Fellowship is located in Greenbriar Plaza, Unit B15 off North Pagosa Boulevard. Turn East at the fire station, and left into the parking lot.

Special Meditation Sunday at UU Fellowship

Sunday, March 11, will be a special Meditation Sunday for the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
The service will be led by April Merrilee, who has given this session the title "Something of a Mystery." She explains: "On this Sunday, I will have just returned from a nine-day meditation retreat called 'Meditation Made Easy' with my yoga teacher, Rama Berch (American creator of Svaroopa yoga).
"Rama lived 16 years in India and has been in the company of many enlightened beings in her life. I'll have some new insights and practices to share with our group, so the topic remains open for unfolding. We shall engage in song, readings, silent meditation and reflection. In the meantime, you are invited to look within and notice your own responses to the Mystery of Life!"
The service begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, Unit 15, 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.

Regional housing authority subject of upcoming forum

By Bill Delany
Special to The SUN
Affordable housing groups, concerned citizens, business owners, developers, Realtors, elected officials and community leaders are urged to attend a timely forum designed to explain what a regional housing authority is and to explore if it would be beneficial for Archuleta County.
The event will be held at the community center 1-4 p.m. Monday, March 12.
Many community members are beginning to realize that quality of life issues, including affordable housing, are pressing and need to be addressed now. As Pagosa Springs moves towards becoming an economically exclusive town, housing costs already exceed the ability of many residents to achieve home ownership. These residents are an integral part of the community, and their numbers include teachers, law enforcement personnel, small business owners and those in service industry jobs critical to the tourism that we depend upon.
A regional housing authority is a multi-jurisdictional organization that can provide advocacy and tools to help governments, non-profit organizations and developers in the creation of affordable housing opportunities.
The panel will include Jenn Lopez, executive director of the La Plata County Regional Housing Authority, who will present the strategic goals of her organization. Attorney Sheryl Rogers will address the process she encountered in setting up the La Plata County Regional Housing Authority.
More panelists from the state may be added and a good turnout from the public is expected. Developers who are interested in being in the vanguard of this pressing issue are especially invited.
For more details, contact Bill Delany, ACHA board member, 731-2175 or 731-5452.

An Oscar for Scorsese, an illusion act for us

By Charles Streetman
PREVIEW Columnist
The 79th annual Academy Awards featured some true surprises and was one for the books.
Master filmmaker Martin Scorsese won his first Oscar ever in the seven times he has been nominated in the last 26 years. His film, "The Departed" took home the top honor for Best Picture of the Year, while also scoring Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing, making it the most lauded film of the evening!
During the celebrated film maker's long career, he has given us a great number of classic, modern American films such as: "Raging Bull," "Mean Streets," "Goodfellas," and "Taxi Driver."
For anyone who has yet to see "The Departed," it is now available on DVD in a single-disc edition, void of features, and a two-disc special edition loaded with features, including: nine additional scenes with an introduction from Scorsese, the feature-length TCM profile documentary "Scorsese On Scorsese," a featurette exploring the real-life gangster behind Jack Nicholson's character, and another featurette on how Little Italy's crime and violence influenced Scorsese's work.
With that said, let's get to looking at this week's new release on DVD: "The Prestige."
This is yet another thrilling mystery film centered on turn-of-the-century magicians. Unlike "The Illusionist," "The Prestige" is a darker, more convoluted, but equally entertaining film.
Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman, "X-Men: The Last Stand") and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale, "Batman Begins") were once best friends and colleagues. They both were assistants to a famous illusionist and amateur illusionists themselves, privileged to be apprenticing under the tutelage of Cutter (Michael Caine, "Batman Begins"), who specialized in orchestrating and choreographing illusion acts and who knew every trick in the book. So how did these two men become the most bitter of rivals?
The film opens with the death of Angier as his grand finale is sabotaged when a large water tank is placed directly under the trap door he was to use to exit the stage. Borden, who snuck backstage, stands helpless to save him, and is later charged with his murder - though he claims to have tried to save him. From there, the story backtracks to the beginning and to a time after Angier was in pursuit of Borden's greatest secret.
In the beginning, Angier and Borden (and Angier's wife) are assistants in a famous magician's show. Jealousy between the two, however, leads to tragedy when the final illusion act goes horribly wrong, costing the life of Angier's wife. Angier holds Borden responsible and the two go their separate ways. What follows are years of trickery and sabotage, as the two men compete for the title of top illusionist. They even go so far as to sometimes disguise themselves as audience members at the other's show, for the sole purpose of ruining the final act. Their vendetta quickly grows into unhealthy obsession that takes a costly toll on their personal lives.
When Borden pulls off one of the most extraordinary acts of his career, Angier is quickly consumed with trying to upstage him, but cannot figure out the secret to his finale, even with Cutter's help. Angier then hunts for answers to Borden's success.
This is where the film becomes significantly diverse from "The Illusionist." While "The Illusionist" told its story in a realistic way, "The Prestige" pulls a deus ex machina on the viewers, dragging them into a fantasy-based setting without their realizing it. The disjointed timeframe of the story works well, misdirecting the viewer, much like an illusion act itself, but stays balanced and avoids becoming too confusing.
"The Prestige" stands alone as an exceptional film - it does not need the success of "The Illusionist" to support it. The only drawback to the film is that it is considerably more predictable than its predecessor, due to the story's arrangement and execution. Regardless, it's a highly entertaining film and worth seeing more than once!
Special features on the disc are surprisingly few, but worth a look. The first is an extensive featurette titled "The Director's Notebook," a 20-minute documentation of director Christopher Nolan's progress during the making of the film. The other feature is an extensive art gallery of the film, containing more than 80 images!

No column this week.

Events and classes highlight center schedule

By Kathy Zilhaver
PREVIEW Columnist
Come and enjoy an evening of elegance, intrigue, mystery and fun as the Pagosa Teen Center hosts the Masquerade Gala fund-raising event 6 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, March 17.
DJ Bobby Hart will provide music for this 21-and-over dance.
Tickets are available in advance for $20 from Rhonda LaQuey, Teen Center coordinator, from Michelle, community center administrative assistant, at 264-4152, Ext. 31 and 21, at WolfTracks, and at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
Tickets at the door will be $25 and the price also includes delicious appetizers. A cash bar will also be available.
Spring rummage sale
Hurry to reserve your space at the annual Spring Rummage Sale! We already have reservations, with people selling items such as tools, appliances, humidifiers, household items and much more. So, call the center to save your spot. Each space will be 10x10, for $20, and can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
The sale will be held 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 14, in the multipurpose room. This is a one-day event and we invite those interested to call 264-4152, and make the reservation.
Lucy Gonzalez, one of our volunteers, will be selling refreshments during the sale and the community center will provide free coffee.
Tables and chairs will be provided to give everyone the opportunity to visit with friends, before and after they've finished shopping. Mercy hopes to make this event a special "community activity" while having fun buying other people's treasures.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the center's free programs.
Yoga session
Local author and internationally recognized yoga instructor Susan Winter Ward, writes about the art of relaxation. In her book "Yoga for the Young at Heart," she writes, "Allowing your body to ease into a pose is the key to a pleasant and effective yoga experience. If the body is pushed too far too fast, it will resist, as most of us do psychologically, as well. If one has a mental concept of what the body should do and pushes it to achieve that concept, it is likely the body will experience tensions, pain, and even injury."
Relax. Our bodies respond well to coaxing. If a pose initially seems too challenging, back away from the edge of your resistance, inhaling deeply; and then relax into the pose on the exhale. The next time you do the same pose, you will notice how much more easily your body will be gently nudged into the stretch.
At the end of each session, lie quietly on your back, releasing your body weight to the floor. Take several long, deep, slow inhalations and exhalations and then allow your body to resume its natural breathing rhythm. Release all tension. You will arise from this deep relaxation with a renewed sense of well-being."
Community center yoga student Sherrie Murray says, "I practice yoga to lengthen my body and relax my mind." Fellow student Nancy Burke agrees, saying that "this class allows me to stop from my busy schedule to relax, breathe deeply and stretch, a must for my week."
Our yoga group meets every Tuesday from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. with Diana Baird and Addie Greer who volunteer their time teaching this free program. Just a reminder to all our readers: Diana and Addie are not yoga instructors; they just love to practice and encourage others to join them.
TOPS/RHA
This meeting is open to the public and will cover potential tools for affordable housing. Anyone who is interested is invited to attend.
Contact Julie Jessen at 246-4151, ext. 226 for additional information.
Line dancing
Here's to our traveling dancers! Wishing Pam and Earl good times on their trip to Tennessee and Florida. Don't forget your twinkle!
Gerry is traveling next to Japan for the World Figure Skating Championships in late March. Beverly and Ed are wowing everyone with their Night Club two-step and we hope to see Ken back on his feet after his surgery.
Couples meet in the gym at 9 a.m. Monday mornings for two-step, waltz and nightclub two-step. Line dancing begins at 10 a.m. Newcomers are always welcome. Its fun and it's free!
Also coming in March is the first of our monthly practice-dance parties held on the last Wednesday of each month at the Vista Clubhouse, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy line dancing, country and ballroom; there's something for everyone. Dress is casual, the atmosphere friendly, and couples and singles are welcome so come join us. Call Gerry Potticary at 731-9734 for more information.
Toddler's playgroup
The playgroup is cancelled today, March 8. Contact Gwen Taylor for more information at 731-0305.
Jewelry making program
Come and discover your creative side, making your own fabulous jewelry with Rebekah and Treva, March 1, 8 and 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, with each class featuring different jewelry making techniques.
Treva will be demonstrating how to work with leather, satin or cotton cording, using knotting techniques to finish a necklace with a natural stone disc and beads. You will take home a matching set of earrings, too. The program is free, however cost of the supplies will be $20.
Anyone interested should call first; pre-registration is a must, since classes are limited to six or eight students only. Call Rebekah Sabia at 731-2270 or Treva Wheeless at 264-0644.
Pagosa Scrapbook Club
Learn how to capture your cherished memories with style and flair. The scrapbook club meets Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the North Conference room. This beginner scrapbook class will show you how to get started, what tools you will need, photo organization and what features to look for when buying a digital camera. Please come and join us. If you have any questions, call Melissa Bailey at 731-1574 after 4 p.m.
Computer class
Classes are still on hold while Becky heads to Denver for further medical tests; she will keep us posted with updates about her medical condition.
Please continue to pray for her and we hope that she will be back teaching class soon. We miss you, Becky.
AARP tax help
AARP tax help is still available until April 12. Sign up at the desk located inside the senior dining room. Assistance is provided every Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. AARP Tax Aide volunteers will be available to assist you during these hours. No phone reservations will be accepted.
The AARP Tax Aide program provides free tax preparation service for anyone age 60 or older, especially low- and middle-income individuals.
Basic digital photo class
Bruce Andersen is back with his popular Into to Photoshop course. This is a hands-on, three-session course in which participants will have an opportunity to work on digital image files with Bruce's instruction. The class is located in the computer lab here at the community center March 8 and 12 at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $120 for the three sessions and is limited to eight students.
"This class is for people who are comfortable using their camera and a computer, but not necessarily the two together," writes Bruce. "The goal of Intro to Photoshop is to improve the quality of your pictures and get the desired results. The course outline includes a tour of Photoshop Elements, enhancing images by boosting color and contrast, removing undesirable objects, cropping and preparing photo files for e-mail and print, file management and a refresher on working with the camera."
Open gym
Sessions are available every Tuesday and Thursday from 8-9 a.m. with Larry Page as the contact person. Larry can be reached at 264-1024.
Another group meets every Friday from noon to 1:15 p.m. Call Dan Aupperle if you wish to join this group, 264-2235.
Center details
The community center's winter hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The community center has several rooms to rent for all kinds of gatherings, meetings, seminars, parties and fund-raising events, at reasonable prices. Space is available for just about any sized group, most with the furniture and equipment you will need. Call 264-4152 to reserve a room for your next gathering.
Activities this week
Today - Hoopsters basketball is cancelled; gym closed for maintenance; PSAAR class, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; AARP tax help, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; jewelry making class, 10 a.m.-noon; Colorado Department of Education meeting; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; toddler's play group is cancelled; Teen Center open, 3:30-6:30 p.m.; Sky High volleyball practice, 3:30-5 p.m.; youth basketball, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Trinity Anglican Church bible study, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Intro to Photoshop; 6:30-8:30 p.m.;
March 9 - Senior walk, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; Bridge-4-Fun, 12:30-4 p.m.; Cloverbud 4-H, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Teen Center open, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
March 10 - Drug and alcohol course, not open to the public, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; drawing class, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; scrapbook club 10 a.m.-3 p.m.;
March 11 - Grace Evangelical Free Church and Church of Christ services, 10 a.m.-noon; High Roads Baptist Church service, 6-8 p.m.; Fairfield Activities meeting, 6-8 p.m.
March 12 - Line dancing, 9-11:30 a.m.; senior walk, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; TOPS RHA Meeting, 1-4 p.m.; junior high basketball, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Intro to Photoshop, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Creepers Jeepers, 7-8 p.m.
March 13 - Hoopsters basketball, 8-9 a.m.; yoga session, 10-11:30 a.m.; senior walk, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; Teen Center open, 3:30-6:30 p.m.; junior high basketball, 5:30-8:30 p.m.;
March 14 - senior walk, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; senior's Aikido class, 1-2 p.m.; Teen Center open, 3:30-6:30 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 4:45-6:45 p.m.; junior high basketball, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Keeping your food safe

By Jeni Middendorf
SUN Columnist
Did you know that, every year, an estimated 76 million people in the United States become ill from food that contains harmful bacteria?
Older adults are at higher risk. Perhaps, food borne illness has affected you, and you did not even recognize the common symptoms - an upset stomach, diarrhea, a fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. It can also result in more severe illness, such as paralysis and meningitis, or even death.
It's important that older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and individuals with certain chronic illnesses pay extra attention and carefully follow food safety advice. Here are simple steps that you and your family can take to minimize the risk - four key words: clean, separate, cook, and chill. Older adults should be particularly careful.
In addition, older adults need to avoid eating or drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk or any products made from unpasteurized milk, raw or partially cooked eggs or foods containing raw eggs, raw or undercooked meat and poultry, raw or undercooked fish or shellfish, unpasteurized juices, and raw sprouts.
Sodium and potassium
Nearly all of us eat too much salt (sodium). As a matter of fact, on average, the more salt we eat, the higher our blood pressure - and most of the salt we eat comes from processed foods, not necessarily from the salt shaker. Surprised? Eating less salt is an important way to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, which may in turn reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney damage.
Other lifestyle changes may prevent or delay getting high blood pressure. These include eating more foods rich in potassium, losing excess weight, being more physically active, and eating an overall healthy diet.
A diet rich in potassium helps to counter balance so