Commissioners slow pace of airport land acquisition

By Chuck McGuire

Staff Writer

The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners held a public work session Thursday and, among other things, moved to slow the pace of an airport management request for further land acquisition.

Stevens Field manager Rob Russ came before the BOCC, asking permission to send letters of intent to acquire property to two families owning land adjacent to the airport's western boundary. He described the letters as a necessary first step in launching the next major phase of planned improvements at the county airport.

"I'm here today to ask permission to send a couple of letters of intent to acquire property," Russ said. "We're seeking money (from the Federal Aviation Agency) to first acquire land, then we'll pursue an FAA grant for the taxiway."

The taxiway Russ refers to is part of a six-year capital improvement program envisioned for the airport, and is tentatively scheduled for construction in 2007. Once built, it will complement runway improvements completed earlier this year, by providing a means of safely moving aircraft from one airport location to another, without using the runway.

But first, according to Russ, a strip of land about 100 feet wide must be procured from several tracts of real estate owned by two separate families. Russ said the land is needed to meet safety zone requirements for the taxiway.

In reference to the letters of intent, Russ said, "They contain some strong language, including condemnation and eminent domain, but they're similar to letters used by the airport before."

Upon review of the letters, the board quickly expressed concern over their tone, with Commissioner Lynch asking, "Shouldn't the initial letter not be so strong?"

Commissioner Robin Schiro asked who wrote the letters and if county attorneys had seen them.

At that point, county finance director Bob Burchett explained, "What we're looking for is approval to go forward with the grant application. I've talked to Rob (Russ) about the tone of the letters, and my suggestion is, first, we have conversations with both of the parties and let them know this is our plan, that we need your involvement, we want to work with you."

Russ said he'd already spoken with members of one family, who happen to own a plane and an airport hanger, and suggested they were aware of, and fully support plans for the taxiway. He added that other parcels of interest are owned by a trust and said, "The trust people were aware of the capital improvement plan.

"Basically, we're asking for permission to send out these letters of intent," Russ asserted.

To which Lynch promptly replied, "Um, no."

Lynch went on to describe general anxiety among the public regarding all matters involving the airport, and suggested the county "take a step back" and look at the broader picture. She also said simply, "The letters are too strong."

Russ then asked the board to keep in mind, "There are certain guidelines that we have to abide by when it comes to these letters, and with the FAA, you know, they mandate what has to be in the letter, what it has to say specifically. Especially if you look under the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970, it'll tell you just what these letters have to actually say."

However, a review of Chapter 13 of the act, which specifically addresses land acquisition and relocation, only suggests general guidelines and offers sample letters that may be used, depending on whether the acquisition involves voluntary or involuntary participation by the landower(s). In reality, the document falls well short of dictating specific points or language that must be included in an initial notice, and in fact, recommends that a first correspondence "stress that the notice is not an intent to acquire, but only a preliminary statement of interest."

Meanwhile, in response to Russ's claim that a letter of intent such as his must be sent, Commissioner Ronnie Zaday said, "While a letter has to be delivered, it doesn't mean we can't negotiate for the property prior to this letter going out."

"Yes it does," Russ responded. "We can't negotiate right now, because what we're doing is, we have to just send them a notice of intent that we plan on acquiring the property, and that we'll use every means available to do it by negotiations, first."

Reacting, Zaday asked, "You've had the attorneys look at this, and that's what they told you?"

Once Russ professed to county attorneys not having seen the letters, Zaday suggested they be involved. She also recommended that Russ and county administrator Bob Campbell talk to the landowners prior to sending letters.

Russ then expressed concern with timing, and insisted the FAA had imposed a strict March 31 deadline for county notification of intent to acquire the land.

At once, Lynch asked Russ how long he'd known of the deadline, particularly when the board had just been told of it, and the affected landowners had not yet been formally notified.

Russ sidestepped the question, instead, explaining that "it took a long time just to find out who the property owners were."

At that, Zaday recommended Russ contact the FAA and ask for an extension of 30 or 60 days, thus allowing time to consult legal counsel and approach the landowners in appropriate fashion.

In the meantime, a representative from the FAA office in Denver has told The SUN that this project (of acquiring land for the taxiway) is on a very tight schedule and must be "under grant" by June 15. Between now and then, letters of intent to acquire, and offer letters, must be delivered to landowners by May 1. Landowner responses must be back to the FAA by June 1.

Estimated costs to acquire the necessary real estate and build a parallel taxiway are $5.6 million. If all goes well and the FAA comes through with the requested grants, the FAA will pay 95 percent of the total costs, with the state possibly covering another 2.5 percent. If so, Archuleta county taxpayers will have to pay $140,000 for the improvements.

The only other matter addressed at Thursday's BOCC work session resulted in a green light for the early activation of four seasonal firefighters with the sheriff's Emergency Operations Division (EOD). The board also consented to initiating the hiring process of two others, in case they're needed.

While addressing the board, EOD manager Greg Oertel expressed concern over the potential for an early and intense fire season this year, and asked if four regular wildland fire suppression personnel could be activated by mid-April instead of the first of May, when they normally report for duty. He also requested funding for the hiring of two temporary firefighters, with hope that they could eventually be added as regular seasonal staff.

Following discussion on this year's perceived wildfire threat, and the likely costs associated with early personnel activation and two new hires, talk turned to how added staff could generate additional county revenue at times of minimal need.

While assuring consistent and adequate fire protection coverage countywide, Oertel described how his people could aid the U.S. Forest Service in managing prescribed burns. Under such an arrangement, which is common during most seasons, the Forest Service pays worker wages, and $75 an hour for the use of a wildland fire truck.

Oertel was quick to suggest the EOD wasn't interested in "making money" on such occasions, but explained how the cost of adding auxiliary personnel could, nonetheless, be reduced through similar cooperative agreements.

In the end, county administrator Bob Campbell suggested the county bring the four regular seasonal firefighters on board early (mid-April), and begin the hiring process of two additional personnel, to be employed as needed. The BOCC agreed, and went a step further by asking Oertel for regular two-week updates to help determine just when the ancillary firefighters should begin work.

Town residents to pick mayor, vote on lodger's tax issue

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

On April 4, registered voters in the Town of Pagosa Springs will have an opportunity to select the town's next mayor, and to approve or deny a lodger's tax.

Vying for the mayor's seat are two candidates: Ross Aragon, the incumbent with a 30-year tenure at the post, and Paul Nobles, a Pagosa Springs Realtor and long-time area resident. Both men provided biographical information and position statements in last week's issue of The SUN.

The second ballot question asks voters to approve or deny an additional lodger's tax, and although the question may sound familiar, it is not quite an exact repeat of the same question ultimately approved by voters last November.

The intent of the original lodger's tax was to provide a revenue stream that would be used to fund tourism related marketing and capital improvements. As part of the program, the funds generated by the tax and the tourism-related projects would be overseen by a tourism advisory committee whose members would be appointed by the town council.

According to last November's legislation, and to achieve the program's goal, a 3-percent tax would be added to a lodging bill and those funds would flow from the lodger, through the town and ultimately to the committee.

The thrust of the legislation was that the town's 3-percent lodging tax would be levied in addition to the county-wide 1.9-percent lodging tax and a 6.9-percent sales tax, which are already added to a lodging bill. The 1.9-percent county lodging tax has historically been passed through the county to the Chamber of Commerce for its marketing efforts.

When voters approved the original legislation, the intent of the measure was to maintain the 1.9 percent county tax as a funding source for the Chamber of Commerce, while providing a new revenue stream for the tourism marketing committee based on the 3-percent additional tax.

Unfortunately, following voter approval and while putting the pieces in place to enact the legislation, Town Clerk Deanna Jaramillo discovered that a county lodging tax cannot be collected in a municipality that collects it's own lodger's tax.

In this case, the town's recently enacted lodger's tax trumped the county lodging tax within the town boundaries. Therefore, with the 1.9-percent county lodging tax removed from the equation, what was supposed to be a revenue boost, actually resulted in an inadvertent revenue cut. And the 3 percent tax that should have gone entirely to the tourism advisory committee was slashed, with the first 1.9 percent going to the chamber as a substitute for the lost county lodging tax, leaving just 1.1 percent for the tourism advisory committee.

To keep current levels of 1.9-percent funding coming to the chamber, and to reinstate the entire 3-percent tax for tourism marketing and capital improvements, voters will have the opportunity to decide on an additional, or replacement, 1.9-percent lodgers' tax.

The 1.9-percent tax added to the 1.1 percent that is currently being collected for use by the tourism marketing committee, will bring funding for their endeavors back to a full 3 percent, which was the intent and scope of the November- approved tax.

To vote in the April 4 election, you must be a registered elector in the Town of Pagosa Springs who registered to vote prior to March 6, 2006. A list of registered and eligible electors will be present and an elector's status will be verified prior to an elector being permitted to cast a ballot.

The polls will be open Tuesday, April 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the Pagosa Springs Town Hall is the sole voting location.

Session to address draft of county land use code

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

As the Archuleta County Land Use Code Project nears completion, the county is hosting a work session April 5, with the county planning commission and the board of county commissioners to review the current draft of the document.

Archuleta County Director of County Development Blair Leist said that although the session will consist primarily of a dialogue between the planning commission and the board of county commissioners to discuss the draft, potential concerns and to provide feedback on the project thus far, the public is invited to attend.

Leist said, following the April 5 meeting, the draft and the comments gathered to date would be resubmitted to their land use consulting firm, HNTB Corporation, and a subsequent, revised draft would be completed and brought back to the county for further review. As part of that comprehensive review process, the county will host a series of public forums at locations throughout the county between April 20 and May 3.

Leist said the forums would provide the public with another opportunity to review the most current stage of the project and to provide further input.

Leist said the most recent draft of the code incorporates elements of both traditional zoning and performance based zoning, and that they had achieved a project milestone by establishing descriptions for the various proposed zoning districts. Leist added that although the descriptive language had been crafted, the location of the zoning districts would be determined later in the spring, following further public input.

Other new elements being woven into the forthcoming land use code include a transfer of development rights program and a rural land use subdivision program. Generally speaking, both programs allow large-parcel property owners to retain the ability to profit from the sale or development of their land, while maintaining a portion of the acreage for future generations via the use of conservation easements.

Leist said the programs would allow the county to better preserve such things as view corridors, wildlife migration corridors or other sensitive habitat - items citizens established as valuable in the county's community plan - without trampling on individual property rights.

"It's striking a balance," Leist said. "We recognize the need to protect private property rights, but we also recognize the need to honor the goals put forth in the community plan."

By using a variety of zoning and planning techniques, combined with innovative land use practices, Leist said he hopes the new code will bring a degree of predictability to growth in Archuleta County.

"We're striving to create predictability in growth," Leist said, "we don't want it to continue to be haphazard."

Wednesday's meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the board of county commissioner's meeting room at the Archuleta County Courthouse

The Archuleta County Land Use Code Project is scheduled to be completed in late May, with an adoption hearing anticipated in June.

Pagosa's Larry Bartlett receives prestigious FAA award

Local pilot Larry Bartlett was presented the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award by the Federal Aviation Administration March 11 at a ceremony at the DoubleTree Hotel in Denver.

This award is presented to active pilots with over 50 years in aviation who have been nominated, undergone a detailed records check and received at least three letters of recommendation by those in the aviation industry who have known the recipient in an aviation capacity.

The award is presented in appreciation of the recipient's "dedicated service, technical expertise, professionalism, and many outstanding contributions that further the cause of aviation safety."

Bartlett soloed in August of 1945 and in the ensuing 61 years has amassed over 12,600 hours of flight time, including over 7,100 hours as a flight instructor.

He holds airline transport pilot and flight instructor certificates for both land and sea.

As an FAA-designated pilot examiner from 1968 to 1983, he administered over 1,200 pilot flight tests for all ratings through airline transport and flight instructor.

From 1968 to 2003, he was a volunteer FAA aviation safety counselor and participated in safety seminars throughout the southwest.

He has served as chief pilot and director of operations for several large flight schools and charter and air ambulance companies. As a corporate pilot, he flew throughout the western U.S. for many years.

In 1994, Bartlett was inducted into the El Paso Aviation Hall of Fame.

Larry and his wife, Virginia Bartlett, have lived in Pagosa Springs full time since 1983 and maintain a hangar at Stevens Field, where they keep their vintage 1953 Cessna 195 which they have owned for 43 years. In that classic airplane, which they call their "magic carpet," they have traveled all over the north American continent. Since 1988, they have produced a series of training and touring videos designed to reflect their love of aviation.

Democratic Party caucus results

The following are the results of the March 21 Archuleta County Democratic Party caucus:

Precinct 1 - Delegates: Gary Dean Cox, Monica Greene, Henry White, John W. Porco, Rebecca H. Porco, Jean B. Smith, Anna O'Reilly and Donald A. Ford.

Precinct 2 - Delegates: Robin Auld, Sandy Sue Caves, John T. Egan, Mary E. Greene, Michael J. Greene and Kevin C. Caves.

Precinct 3 - Delegates: Lesli Allison, Robert Nash, Virginia R. Douglas, Ben A. Douglas, Frank G. Reardon and Charlie R. Reardon.

Precinct 4 - Delegates: Randle R. Fox, Dennis B. Finn, Diana M. Finn and Kathleen R. St. Germain.

Precinct 6 - Delegates: John F. Tallman, Barbara Conkey, Maureen V. Covell, Kerry Dermody, Dan Burgess, Richard Goebel and Sharon Porter.

Precinct 7 - Delegates: Ray Finney, Ed Funk and David Swindells.

Precinct 8 - Delegates: De Etta June Lavery, Donald Pastin, Darin Rome, Laura Rome, Edward Kaumeyer, Virginia Kaumeyer, Gary McNaughton, Claudia Smith and Denise Rue-Pastin.

Republican Party caucus results

The following are the results of the March 21 Archuleta County Republican Party caucus:

Precinct 1 - Delegates: Michael M. Valdez, Paul F. Hogue, John D. Rosenbaum, Richard A.Cole, Donald D. Volger, Barbara A. Cole and Ross Aragon. Alternates: Lawrence M. Dick, Robert C. Moomaw, Robert G. Nordman, David W. Spitler, Debra K. Brown, Walter L. Green and Doris F. Green.

Precinct 2 - Delegates: Warren Grams, Bob Goodman, Carolyn Church, Judy James, Kay Grams, Darrell Cotton, Peggy Cotton, Lou Poma and June Madrid. Alternates: Randall Davis and Pam Schoemig.

Precinct 3 - Delegates: Susan Crabtree, Jessie Formwalt, Roberta Crowley, Bob Formwalt, Norman Frazier, Theresa Frazier, Alan Fulmer and Gene Crabtree. Alternates: Russell Crowley, James M. Gillentine Jr., Charles A. Martin, David L. Cammack, Christy Lynn Dunham, Michael Pat Bennett and Ann Martino.

Precinct 4 - Delegates: Steve Jaramillo, Larry Ashcraft, Betty Jo Quintana and Joseph Charles Quintana. Alternates: Robert A. Terrman, Ginger Jaramillo, Steve Theys and Mary Tearnan.

Precinct 5 - Delegates: Diane Rieck, Mason Carpenter, Cindy Carothers and Edna Maria Olsen. Alternates: Floyd McKee, Larry Garcia, Lori A. McKee and Doug A. Hellman.

Precinct 6 - Delegates: Lim Koon Mui Steen, Thomas Steen, Bob Huff, Don Long, Myra Sue Long, George Schnarre, Joanne Irons, John Weiss, Gene Cortright, Steve Wadley, Gordon McIver, Mary Ann Huff, Dennis Barber, Eva Iwicki and John Bozek. Alternates: Pam Eaton, Robin Schiro, Tony Kop, Ron Barsanti, Tom Gaskins, Kathy Gaskins, Kathy Kulyk, Doug Call, Ken Rogers, Scott Maxwell, Billy Joe Bruce, Jim Iwicki, Richard Wholf and Sabra Miller.

Precinct 7 - Delegates: Curtis Miller, Carmen Miller, Joshua Bramble, Dennis Ford, Brock Gorman, Mary Ann Stewart, Richard Manley, James Saunders, John Schultz, Susan Little, William Lucero, Seana Cahill-Lucero and John Baker. Alternates: Matthew Lattin, Lawrence Michael Little, Joseph Donavan, Diane Bower, Jon Bower, Dennis Eichinger, Tomi Fredendall, Gilbert Perales, Earle Beasley, Linda Lee, Victoria Perales, Stephen Schwartz and Karen Wessels.

Precinct 8 - Delegates: Roy Vega, David E. Bohl, Patrick Ullrich, Patterson Curtis, Donald H. Brinks, Frances V. Bohl, Rodney L. Preston, Robert A. Walan, Carrie L. Campbell, Julie Marie Jessen, Ronald R. Maez, Homer McClure Trout Jr. and Mojie J. Adler. Alternates: Susan M.N. Walan, Mary Ann Foutz, Gary B. Waples, James J. Rains, Richard A. Simmons, Judith Waples, Lois E. Baker, Robert E. Dobbins, Stephen M. Keno, Georganna L. Curtis, Richard L. Aldahl and Barbara A. Bohl.

Class of '77 plans reunion

Members of the Pagosa Springs High School Class of 1977 are invited to help with plans for the class reunion.

Meet April 6 in the elementary school cafeteria at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call Steve Voorhis at 264-4233 or e-mail svoorhis@pagosa.k12.co.us.

Junior high school honor roll

Following is the honor roll for the third, nine-week grading period at Pagosa Springs Junior High School.

Eighth grade - 4.0 average

Julia Adams, Denise Bauer, Thomas Bernard, Seth Blackley, Ashley Brooks, Megan Bryant, Casey Crow, Jordan Davey, Natalie Erickson, Michael Gallegos, Emily Greer, Michael Heraty, Amber Lark, Katarina Medici, Brian Montoya, Amanda Oertel, Sarah Sanna, Josie Snow and Wesley Vandercook

Eighth grade - 3.285 to 3.99

Gary August, Taylor Cunningham, Dale Preston, Desiree Ewing, Paul Hoffman, Kala Matzdorf, Rebekah Riedberger, Nahtanha Sell, Shevi Tunnell-Hunt, Amie Webb-Shearston, Jessica Blum, Victoria Espinosa, Tamra Leavenworth, Haley Malesic, Rose Quintana, Taylor Shaffer, Ryan Stahl, Courtney Hudnall, Mary Brinton, Kara Hollenbeck, Presley Payne, Wesley Ricker, Nicola Shaw, Lauren Silva, Edgar Torres, Sean Vick, Jordin Frey, Samara Hernandez, Sarah Smith, Kiaya Humphrey, Joshua Jones, Jocelyn Havens, Riley Aiello and Michael Flihan.

Seventh grade - 4.0 average

Kelsea Anderson, Amanda Barnes, Christopher Brown, Andrea Fautheree, Amelia Harbison, Mele LeLievre, Zachary Lucero, Danielle Pajak, Cy Parker, Crystal Purcell, Sienna Stretton and Tyler Vaivoda.

Seventh grade - 3.285 to 3.99

Shea Johnson, Kayla Catlin, Michelle Garcia, Brittnie Kraft, Viridiana Marinelarena, Tayler McKee, Dakota Miller, Rachel Shaw, Garrett Stoll, Sarah Stuckwish, Cheyann Dixon, Kenneth Hogrefe, Derek Hujus, Magan Kraetsch, Joshua Long, Kelsi Lucero, Kaitlin Mastin, Jefferson Walsh, Luke Baxstrom, Briana Bryant, Tiana Johnson, NaCole Martinez, Tyler Martinez, Sierra Suttles, Gabrielle Dill, Trace Gross, Roxana Palma, Brinda Wallis, Lukas Morelock, Taylor Loewen and Maegan Walters.

Kindergarten registration starts April 19

Next school year, there will be half-day and full-day kindergarten classes at Pagosa Springs Elementary.

If your child will be in kindergarten for the 2006-2007 school year, registration will begin Wednesday, April 19, and continue on through the end of the school year.

Registration begins April 19

Registration will start at 9 a.m. and go until 2 p.m. Bring a copy of your child's birth certificate, immunization records and his/her social security number. You will not be able to register your child without these items.

You may request full-day or half-day, a.m. or p.m., at this time. If there are more than 40 requested slots for full-day, the slots will be filled by a lottery drawing. The morning and afternoon slots will be filled as students are registered.

There will be waiting lists for any classes that are completely filled. Tuition for the full-day class will be $150 per month. A $100 deposit is required at registration. If your child's name is not drawn, your $100 will be refunded. If your child's name is drawn, September's payment will be $200 and each payment thereafter will be $150. There will be no charge in May because of the initial $300 payment.

Half-day kindergarten

There is no tuition fee for half-day classes.

The morning class meets 8:10-11:05 a.m., Monday through Thursday. On Friday your child will attend class all day, every other week, 8:05 a.m.-1:10 p.m. Afternoon classes begin at 12:05 p.m. and go until 3:10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and all day every other Friday.

Things to think about

A half-day schedule can be a low-stress way to ease your child into the school routine.

A student may be away from home for the first time, and a half-day experience could be the best for your child.

As a parent, you may not be ready to send your child to school for a full day; you may prefer to spend extra time with him or her for one final year. A student may still need a nap or a later wake-up time at this age. As you know, each child is unique.

Full-day kindergarten

A full-day schedule allows for additional activities to enrich the variety and depth of our young children's educational experience. There is more time to give individualized attention to students. A full-day schedule helps parents manage their day between family and work. Students have additional time to process the concepts being taught.

Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by Sept. 15, according to school district policy.

If you have any questions, please call the elementary school office at 264-2229.

Public Health Week April 3-9

By San Juan Basin Health Department

Special to The SUN

During observance of National Public Health Week, Colorado and its health care community will spotlight, "The People of Public Health - health care workers who strive to protect the health of the residents of Colorado and the environment in which they live."

National Public Health Week begins Monday, April 3, and continues through Sunday, April 9.

Lynn Westberg, director of the San Juan Basin Health Department said her agency, which serves Archuleta and La Plata counties, is among the 15 public health department, 39 county public health nursing services and 17 environmental health offices that work with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to provide public health services throughout Colorado.

"The employees of San Juan Basin Health Department are dedicated to protecting the public and environment health of the area that we serve," Westberg said. "We work to provide a wide variety of services including preventing disease outbreaks; protecting against avoidable injuries; promoting healthy eating habits and the importance of regular physical activity; keeping Colorado's water, air and soil clean; and helping prepare local residents for a large-scale disease outbreak should one occur. There are few groups of people who are as dedicated to what they do as the staffs of public health agencies across Colorado."

Public health employees in Colorado include public health nurses; environmental scientists and specialists; environmental engineers; health planners, statistical analysts and researchers; epidemiologists; infection control and disease investigators; licensure, inspection and regulatory specialists, including persons who inspect restaurants; public health educators; laboratory professionals and laboratory specialists; public health nutritionists; physicians; veterinarians and animal-control specialists; data analysts; support staff; program directors; administrative workers; public information officers; and computer specialists.

Public health employees provide vaccinations required for international travel; inspect child care centers; inspect public pools and spas; clean up outdated, dangerous chemicals in schools and college chemistry laboratories; assist in land use planning; conduct household chemical roundups; provide parenting education and breastfeeding support to expectant and new mothers.

They also conduct intake for Medicaid, Medicare and the Child Health Plan Plus insurance program; provide services for children with special needs; provide testing and conduct programs to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis; provide dental care and work with Colorado communities to encourage the adding of fluoride to drinking water; work to encourage people to stop using tobacco products or not to start; and work to develop emergency preparedness and disaster recovery programs to deal with threats as diverse as anthrax exposure, a flu pandemic, blizzards and the aftermath of a major hurricane.

NWTF dinner and auction April 1

By Bob Curvey

Special to the SUN

The 8th Annual Wild Turkey Super Fund auction and dinner is April 1, at the Archuleta County Extension Building.

Doors will open at 3 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 and auction to follow.

You can get your tickets by calling the following committee members' numbers: 264-2415, 264-9377, 731-9172 or 731-4984.

All ticket holders will be eligible to win valuable prizes exclusive to NWTF events. Also, a great array of door prizes, sporting art, hunting guns, knives, calls, outdoor equipment and more will be available.

Your attendance and membership will help support wildlife conservation and projects on public, private and corporate lands and help preserve hunting as a traditional American sport.

Volunteers make big contributions at Chimney Rock

By Karen Aspin

Special to The SUN

Chimney Rock Interpretive Association volunteers will host an open house 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, in the south conference room of the community center on Hot Springs Boulevard.

This is an opportunity to become better acquainted with the "old" neighborhood. We're talking really old - over 1,000 years old!

Just imagine how different it must have been back then. Next time you take a drive by the twin spires out west of Pagosa Springs, think about how the Ancient Puebloans provided water to their village. You can bet the developers for the Village at Wolf Creek wouldn't even want to consider any of those ancient options. And as you peer towards the mesa top, just try to imagine how they moved all those rocks up to build those incredibly beautiful walls of the Chacoan Great House without the benefit of mules or backhoes. It's simply mind boggling, indeed.

As one Chimney Rock volunteer, Wynn Wasinger, put it last season, "When seeing the Great House gives you goose bumps, you know you must volunteer."

Volunteering is absolutely the key to Chimney Rock Interpretive Association's success in meeting its mission to provide an enjoyable and educational experience, which is sensitive to native cultures, to all who visit the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area, as well as assist the Forest Service in protecting the site.

In pursuit of these goals, CRIA conducts informed tours of the site, displays artifacts as they become available, provides educational materials for sale, and presents historical seminars and exhibits when possible.

Volunteers Ed and Lynn Funk present a fine example of the type of spirit and commitment that epitomizes Chimney Rock volunteers. Having retired from careers in secondary education in the Chicago area, the Funks moved here in 1999. The couple started volunteering four years ago, when the San Juan Mountain Association ran the interpretive program for the archaeological area, so they have had many opportunities to help support the fledgling CRIA through the transition of program ownership and responsibility. "After retirement, it is time to pay back to your community in some way," Lynn said.

The Funks have a willingness to jump in and fill those community service gaps whenever and wherever they can. You may know Ed from his volunteer work as a site tour guide; a full-moon program lecturer/host; his demonstrations of the ancient hunting weapon, called an atlatl, during the Life at Chimney Rock (LCR) Fest; or from his interviews about Chimney Rock on the local KWUF radio show, Good Morning, Pagosa. Ed is also editing a new guidebook on Chimney Rock archaeoastronomy that is being funded with grant monies from the Colorado Historical Society. Ed volunteers for CRIA, because, he said, "Working at Chimney Rock provides an opportunity to learn about ancient cultures that lived here for centuries prior to the European settlement."

Lynn added, "Chimney Rock is a learning experience and a fun way to participate in community service." Aside from her volunteer work as an on-site cabin host or exhibit host at events like the county fair, and helping out with the garage sale, Lynn has provided the kind of background support that keeps organizations like CRIA afloat.

Last year, Lynn served as a board member and as board secretary. As a member of the media committee, she took on the updating of the media contact list, and has provided other administrative assistance. Lynn also participated in demonstrations at the LCR Fest. Together, the Funks have filled in when needed during the Major Lunar Standstill (MLS) programs, performed maintenance on trails, as well as the cabin, most recently putting a protective seal on the building and new trim boards.

Many volunteers come to Chimney Rock as couples, and the Funks are just one of the many couples CRIA simply could not do without. The current chairman of the board, Bob Henley, and his wife, Dahrl, have been volunteering for Chimney Rock for around 13 years. They invite you to come by the open house so they can tell you what keeps them coming back year after year.

The open house is also a fine time to see what's on the schedule this year. Some new features include two preseason full-moon programs April 12 and May 12. Both programs offer optional early tours of the lower site. If you've never been to Chimney Rock, or if you like the idea of an off-season visit, you must make your reservations for these events in advance.

This spring, mega volunteer Ron Sutcliffe, master of the MLS program, has arranged for a couple of very interesting speakers, Jim Judge and Peter Pino, to give evening lectures on Chimney Rock in Pagosa Springs Friday, April 21, (time to be announced), and at the Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango Saturday, April 22, at 7 p.m. Further details are coming soon.

Come by the open house and learn more about Chimney Rock.

CRIA's 2006 upcoming event schedule can be viewed on the CRIA Web site at www.chimneyrockco.org. For assistance with preseason questions and reservations call (970) 264-2287, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, Inc. (CRIA) operates in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest, Pagosa Ranger District, through a special-use permit.

Fix ditches and ponds to save valuable water

By Heidi Keshet

Special to The SUN

Leaking ditches or ponds are a problem that can cause the loss of valuable water that you could be using for your crop or livestock.

With the snowpack at extremely low levels and the possibility of drought this summer, now is the time to order the pond sealer known as PAM.

PAM (Polyacrylamide) is a product available from the San Juan Conservation District to help with leaking earthen ditches and ponds. PAM is a granular polymer that is used in sealing leaks. When PAM is dissolved in water, it acts as a flocculent, which means that, in moving water, it develops a negative charge and attracts positively-charged sediment present in water. The sediment attaches to the PAM molecule. As the PAM molecule builds up with sediment, it becomes heavier and falls to the bottom of the ditch or pond, fills in the cracks, and forms a seal. It is nontoxic and completely safe for all fish, animals and plants. Many ag producers in our district have used PAM and reported great success in stopping leaks, thus conserving precious water.

We can help you calculate the amount of PAM you may need as well as the appropriate method of application, so give us a call at 731-3615.

San Juan Conservation District Supervisor George Martinez and Jerry Archuleta, district conservationist, have just finished putting up some SJCD signs.

There is one located at the bottom of Yellow Jacket Pass, on Colo. 151 and one located on U.S. 84, at the New Mexico border. We are still looking for a place to erect one on U.S. 160 East, and any landowner who would care to offer a few feet of highway frontage would be greatly appreciated. Call 731-3615 if you want to help.

If you ordered seedling trees, they will be available 8 a.m.-6 p.m. April 12 at the Fair Building. There is still a nice selection of species left over, so give our office a call to see if we can help you out with your planting needs.

Spring does not come easily to the mountains.

James Robinson

SUN Columinst

The season moves forward in fits and starts, and although all living things crave spring's rejuvenating warmth and light, winter is not ready to let go, not yet. A walk around my house, a study of the sky, an ear tuned to the birds fluttering in the willow thicket tells me this is so.

On the southwest side of the house, the spring sun warms the stucco, the snow is nearly melted and slender shoots of new, bright green grass poke up from beneath pine needles and dead leaves. In the morning, robins bounce across the lawn and by afternoon, rabbits zigzag across the yard and disappear into the underbrush. During midday, I sit in my shirtsleeves and watch, expecting the family of snakes to emerge from the marsh to return to their summer home in the flowerbeds. But my wait is in vain. They don't come and a glance at the sky tells me why.

A strong wind carries foul weather down from the pass, and as clouds move across the sun, the landscape cools. The wind has a bite that tells me spring is still far off for the high country, and near the woodpile on the north side of the house, the chill breeze slices through my shirt, and I am forced into a jacket and a hat as I split firewood. Winter is not over yet, but in the language of the river there is hope.

I first heard it about three weeks ago.

It began with a profound silence, followed by days filled with otherworldly grunts and low, laborious groans. Next came a series of sharp cracks and pops as the heavy ice of winter slowly gave way. The river had begun to move. One evening while out walking, I paused; there was something uncanny, something foreign in the texture of the night, and I realized it was the river. It was the unmistakable sound of cold mountain water, free of its winter burden, rushing unencumbered over stones and after months of cold, mute, torpor, the river was speaking again. It was a language I knew well, but in the frozen darkness of winter, it was one I thought I had forgotten.

Since that night I have listened and I have watched. I have watched the river slither past in morning hues of aquamarine and pewter. I have listened to river's raucous midday chorus and watched it rush over boulders in a turbid frenzy, energized by early season run-off. And I have walked along its banks in the stillness of the evening, listening to that slow poetry, to that cool, hissing rhythm, to that ancient language of the river and it has given me hope that perhaps spring will soon to arrive.

I swing, and drop the axe on an aspen log, and the sharp, cold steel cuts deep and peels away a sliver of kindling. I strike again, and another sliver falls to the snow-covered ground. Then I stop, lean on the axe, and listen. The river beckons. It says "springtime" and I can't resist. I heed the call.

I toss my axe, leather gloves and firewood into the wheelbarrow and rush it to the garage. There's about an hour left of daylight, and it's probably too late in the day to fish, but its worth a try and I hurry. After stashing the wheelbarrow, I dash inside, grab my fly rod, a reel and jam a handful of flies into one jacket pocket, and in the other I stuff my Leatherman. I have all that I need and set off.

At streamside, I study the river. The murky water rushes past like chalky glacial till, and despite the tiny midges hovering above the current, I line up with a fast sinking line and tie on a large, black, rubber-legged wooly bugger. Considering the conditions, casting a dry fly seems futile and instead, I choose to go deep, hoping to drag the imitation across a trout's nose, thus provoking a strike. Even then, a hit seems unlikely, but it doesn't matter'&endash; this about movement, about going through the motions, about reconnecting with the river.

I wade out, and the river tops my hiking boots. The water screams winter, and I backpedal to more shallow water where I settle in with frozen toes, secure my footing and begin. I pull hard on the line, the reel spins and slack gathers in coils near my feet. I pull more line from the reel and begin to rock slowly back and forth. I feed line through the guides, and the steady momentum of my body and the weight of the line gradually generate energy and it gathers in the graphite of the fly rod. The rod flexes, builds more tension, and somewhere beneath the cork grip it begins to sing. It is ready. After a final thrust, I release, and the line shoots out in a long loop across the river.

As I cast, my Australian shepherd joins me in the stream, sits, and together we watch intently as the line sails above the water. Within minutes, the movement takes me back and I am soon lost in a flood of memories of trips past, of trips partially forgotten and the overwhelming feeling that nothing has really changed - that after all these years, it's still the dog, a cold mountain stream, a fly rod and me. And for a moment, time seems static, even frozen, and it is as though this moment is fixed and will be repeated forever.

But when we are thoroughly lost in the depths of our reverie, the line snaps taught with the unmistakable tug of a trout, and I am jolted back awake and I am reminded that the universe is governed by flux, that change is inevitable, that all things are dynamic. The shepherd is aware of it too, and his ears shoot up as he moves toward the fish and together we play the trout on the end of the line. Three or four flashy leaps reveal it is a young but powerful rainbow, but the fish is outmatched by the heavy, high water tackle and we work the youngster gently to shore. As I squat and reach to remove the hook, the fish surges, throws its spiky burden and in an instant is gone. But the excursion is a success, spring has arrived, albeit in fits and starts, and with it begins a new time &endash; a time of trout.

No colum this week.

Greed

Dear Editor:

In response to Jennifer Dingman's letter about whistle blower protection.

Colorado healthcare facilities will never be safe for patients because of greed.

A whistleblower bill will be a start, but we must remember that healthcare facilities want the same profits they had when Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance gave them carte blanche. How do they continue with the same profit? Best way is to cut down on licensed personnel. Does anyone ask if it is a real nurse providing their care? Remember, nurses are not a billable item.

Sample: Hospital and nursing homes decrease staff to satisfy stockholders. Patient falls because no one is there to respond in a timely matter to the light. Who now pays for the broken hip, x-rays and longer stay? The healthcare facility assumes no responsibility for the fall though they decreased staff and increased patient load to meet plan.

Why have our president and our lawmakers not asked healthcare providers to justify their high costs? Do lobbyists somehow enter the picture?

Let's all wake up! Let's make our health system providers accountable, not rich.

Diane Benesch

Ignacio

Ski trails

Dear Editor:

Dick Cole and I have been maintaining cross country ski trails in the Pagosa Springs area for many years. In the future, the Forest Service will require a liability insurance policy to do this work. We are pleased to announce that this effort has been saved by the Chamber of Commerce voting to help pay for the insurance from the county lodger's tax. We are very pleased the grooming work will continue next year.

Cross country skiing is a favorite of local folks and a positive tourist draw for our area. Having good trails will bring more tourists and their money to town. Due to the need for insurance along with the noticeable lack of snow, there was no trail maintenance this year. Starting next year, with the grace of Mother Nature, ski trails will return to Pagosa Country.

We are currently writing a second grant to a likely organization to build a new grooming plow. This device is pulled behind the snowmobile and compacts and levels the snow. Want to help? Pagosa Springs needs a cross country skiing/snowshoeing organization.

Call 264-4542 for information and ideas.

Norm Vance

Whistleblowers

Dear Editor:

I read with interest Jennifer Dingman's letter regarding HB 1193, to protect whistleblowers from the consequences of breaking the "Code of Silence" when reporting substandard, negligent, or criminal healthcare. I agree that shielding ethical complainants from the wrath of their "superiors" is to be desired, and the rights of patients upheld.

But I wonder, based on recent personal experience, just how many medical professionals, cognizant of a colleague's egregious mistreatment of, or even substantial injury to a patient would report it, testify, or even objectively examine the evidence and confront the practitioner with his wrongdoing. Judging by 10 months with seven local healthcare professionals &emdash;four D.C.s, an M.D., an N.P. and an M.S.P.T. - the answer would be none. These locals would not lose their jobs or be harassed, were they to redress a grave injustice. Nor would their reputations suffer - indeed, they might be enhanced, as would their integrity, if they took a stand against incompetent, unethical and injurious practices. Their only risk is losing good will (and referrals?) from the offending practitioner. Yet seven out of seven have supported the practitioner's conspicuous cover-up, with no evident concern about consequences to already-injured clients, or current and future patients who place their trust in him. They closed ranks, and he continues his practice unimpeded, unchastised, uncorrected, unpenalized, and manifestly remorseless.

Some of them accepted my money to try unsuccessfully to repair the damage (and to unwittingly prolong or increase it); I've been ordered out of two offices (with x-ray proof in hand); the perpetrator refuses to speak to me; an associate quickly declined an appointment, because it would be "very hard" to be confronted with evidence of a colleague's dishonorable acts. Four of these trusted practitioners looked at me - broken, torn, and financially wasted from resultant income loss and payments to them and their colleagues - and assured me heartily that the man who caused my condition is "an excellent chiropractor." None considered the muscle, ligament, gland and organ damage, or referred me to someone who could. None referred me to the physical therapist who's qualified to do the specific work and prescribe the exercises I need if I'm to heal. None reported anything significant in the x-rays, until I learned not to mention that a chiropractor was responsible. The sternum crack, dislocated shoulder, and major rib displacement were apparent to those who weren't told the cause.

I doubt my experience is unique. How is this acceptable?

Bill HB 1193 might erode the "Code of Silence" but I'm not persuaded it would produce quality healthcare, if the gratuitous cronyism among professionals prevails. If they, with casual indifference to the Oaths they've sworn, and seemingly devoid of conscience, compassion, ethics, or professional pride, continue to place their peers’ physical, emotional and financial well-being above that of the powerless patient, then the "Code of Cronyism" will prevent any major change.

Are the "Codes" also observed by newspaper owners and editors, who could lose buddies or advertising revenue?

We'll see.

Yours truly,

Wendy Wallace

Editor's note: One seeks redress for alleged damages in court. The question is whether the purported "Code" is observed when an individual is called to testify and is put under oath.

Kate's Calendar

By Kate Terry

PREVIEW Columnist

Today

Yoga forum

Standing Mountain Yoga offers a free yoga forum 5:45-7 p.m., 450 Lewis St., second floor. Call 946-7359.

Today

Loaves and Fishes

Loaves and Fishes is a free meal served 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday at the Parish Hall on Lewis Street.

March 31

Essay contest

Deadline for submission of entries for the Humane Society Junior High Essay Contest. There is a $100 cash prize for the writer of the winning essay. Entry forms can be picked up at the Humane Society Thrift Store. For more information, call Lynn Constan, 264-5451.

March 31

AEDA presentation

Archuleta Economic Development Association will host its first communitywide event, sponsoring an address by Jack Schultz, author of "Boomtown USA." Schultz is recognized as a national authority on rural community growth dynamics. This event, combined with an annual membership meeting, will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church. The event is open to the entire community. Admission is $40 per person for unsponsored guests and $25 for AEDA members.

April 1

Annual health fair

The 9HealthFair at the high school opens at 8 a.m. and closes at noon.

April 2

Singles meet

Pagosa Singles will meet for dinner at Boss Hogg's at 5 p.m. All singles 40-plus are welcome. Call 883-2402 for reservations.

April 3

Concert tickets

Tickets go on sale at the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce for five Music in the Mountains summer concerts: July 8 - benefit concert featuring Broadway musical star Lisa Vroman, $175, with $105 tax-deductible as a donation; July 19 - violinists Vadim Gluzman and Philippe Quint on stage together, accompanied by Gluzman's wife Angela Yoffe on piano, $40; July 21&emdash; Adkins String Ensemble, five family members on strings and piano, $40; July 29 - the full festival orchestra with Bruce Hangen, principal guest conductor of the Boston Pops, and Van Cliburn medalist Avram Reichert on piano, $50; Aug. 4 - the full orchestra under the baton of Boris Brott, an internationally recognized Canadian conductor.  World-famous classical guitarist Sir Angel Romero will be the featured soloist.  Tickets are $50.

April 3

Daylight savings

Turn your clocks forward one hour, daylight saving time begins.

April 4-8

"Seussical"

Performances in the high school auditorium April 4 6, 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. with an additional matinee April 8 at 2 p.m. (Note: no performance April 5.)

Tickets available at the Plaid Pony (731 5262).

Advance purchase sales recommended.

April 5

Swap meet and luncheon

P.S. I Love Red Hats Chapter of the Red Hat Society, will hold the annual Red Hatter Swap Meet and Luncheon at the Buffalo Inn Bar and Restaurant at 1 p.m. All chapter members, their guests and newcomers are welcome. For information and reservations, call Kathryn Heilhecker, 731 6421.

April 6

Class reunion plans

Members of the Pagosa Springs High School Class of 1977 are invited to help with plans for the class reunion. Meet in the elementary school cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call Steve Voorhis at 264-4233 or e-mail svoorhis@pagosa.k12.co.us.

April 6

Storytelling

Partners in Education at the elementary school will sponsor an evening of storytelling 6-8 p.m. Families are invited to attend and hear a wide variety of entertaining stories.

Charlie King, Jann Pitcher, Heather Hunts, Linda Lucero, Jeff Laydon, Polly Cole and Mark Brown will be among the storytellers. The event is held in conjunction with the Scholastic Book Fair, which will be open for shopping. Wear your pajamas, have a snack, get a special treat and hear some fabulous, entertaining stories.

April 6

Outdoor club

The monthly meeting of the San Juan Outdoor Club will be held in the community center at 6:30 p.m. Charles Elliot, 30-year ski patrol veteran, will present a program on the history and development of the Wolf Creek Ski Area. Sign-ups for activities this month include: snowshoe/cross country ski outings and upcoming road/mountain biking. For information call Fred Reese at 731-0612. Visitors welcome.

April 7-8

Rummage sale

The community center's annual Spring Rummage Sale will be held 3-6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Tables are $20 for both days. Clean out your closets and call Michelle at 264-4152 to reserve your space.

April 8

Piecemakers

The Pagosa Piecemakers will conduct a general meeting starting at 10 a.m. at the Methodist Church on Lewis Street. Jeanine Malaney will provide a lecture and demonstration on "Painting with Fabric." The program will start at 11 with the demonstration at 1 p.m.

April 11

Republican Women

The April luncheon meeting of the Archuleta County Republican Women will be held at Boss Hogg's Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. Bob Moomaw, a Republican candidate for Archuleta County Commissioner, District 3, will be the speaker. New members are welcome but there is not an obligation to join. Call Barbara at 731-9916 for additional information.

April 13

Newcomers

The Newcomer Club will meet at 6 p.m. at the Buffalo Inn on North Pagosa Boulevard. Cost is $8 per person and includes a buffet. If you're new, or fairly new to the area, you are most welcome. Reservations are not necessary.

The Newcomer Club is sponsored by the Pagosa Springs Welcoming Service. Call Lyn DeLange at 731-2398 if you need more information.

April 26

Making a Difference

The annual Archuleta County Education Center luncheon is at First Baptist Church, 11:45 a.m. Keynote speaker is Dave DeForest-Stalls, president and CEO of Big Brothers and Sisters of Colorado. The luncheon is a primary fund-raiser for the education center. Call 264-2835.

April 30

After-prom party

A post-prom party will be held at the community center, 1-5 a.m. Entertainment, fun and the safety of our young people are the focus.

9HealthFair Saturday at the high school

The month of April will see 9HealthFair events throughout the state of Colorado.

Here in Pagosa the event will happen Saturday, April 1, at the high school.

The entire event is the result of volunteers' efforts, consisting of a small core group that works before and after the event, and over 200 volunteers who are present the day of the event.

The 9Health Fair provides health education and basic health screenings to individuals 18 years of age and over throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Over the past 27 years, as a result of fair participation, thousands of lives have been saved through early detection, prevention and our dynamic educational programming statewide.

If you are unable to attend the fair in Pagosa, you can find other site locations and times by contacting 9HealthFair at (800) 322-3078, or at their Web site, www.9HealthFair.org. There will also be a posting of the statewide sites at the fair on Saturday.

Basic screenings at all locations include height, weight, body mass index, vision, blood pressure and colorectal screening kits. Optional screenings at our site include hearing, oral, skin fold measurement, lung function, body in balance and breast exams.

Interactive education centers include organ donation, hospice, veterans' services, Alzheimer's Association, senior center, American Cancer Society, Southwest Center for Independence and many more.

The Lions Club will collect used eye glasses for distribution to those in need. The Cerebral Palsy Association will collect used printer cartridges - both inkjet and laser - and cell phones. So bring any of these along if you have them.

The blood screening provides a 31-component blood analysis including coronary risk ratio, thyroid, diabetes, full lipid panel and liver and kidney function. The cost for this test is $30. During the same blood analysis, men over the age of 40 years can receive a prostate cancer screening for an additional $25.

A colon cancer survivor will be present to educate and encourage you to take advantage of the test to detect blood in the stool and to have a regular colonoscopy.

The ColoCare Kit will be available for $5 and serves as a first step in testing but is not meant to replace a colonoscopy or other care by your physician.

Individuals taking the blood chemistry analysis will want to note the following instructions:

- You must fast for 12 hours with these exceptions: Drinking water is highly encouraged and tea or coffee is permissible if taken without sweetener or cream. Those on medication should take their scheduled medicines as usual. Diabetics should not fast. If you enjoy late snacks, eat your last meal or snack a little later than usual and arrive later in the morning.

- Please wear short-sleeved shirts, or shirts/blouses with loose fitting sleeves.

Lab results from blood analysis will be sent to your address that you include on your registration form. We encourage you to provide a copy of the form to your physician and to seek follow-up care if any of the results are outside the norm.

Screenings are not a substitute for a physical examination and no diagnosis will be provided. Please take advantage of the opportunity to visit the station, "Talk with a Health Care Professional," once you have collected data from your screenings. Three local physicians will offer this service which includes an explanation of how to understand the lab results of your blood screening, based on a sample form.

The 9HealthFair is the largest and most successful health fair in the country and is endorsed by both the Colorado Medical Society and the Colorado Health and Hospital Association. Support from Colorado physicians and thousands of donors and volunteers is crucial to this success. Please thank the donors and volunteers in our community for their support of this very worthwhile event.

If you need further information, call Sharee Grazda, site coordinator, at 731-0666.

Malaney to discuss fabric art painting

Local artist Jeanine Malaney will present a program and workshop at the regular meeting of Pagosa Springs Piecemakers Quilt Guild Saturday, April 8, at the Community United Methodist Church on Lewis Street.

At 11 a.m. Malaney will present a program , "Fabric Art Paintings." She will bring several finished paintings for display and will discuss the step-by-step techniques used to produce a picture with fabric that has an enhanced, realistic, three-dimensional effect. Her inspirations come from the beauty of the western landscape and wildlife. She composes a fabric collage then adds detail features and shading with fabric paint. Malaney then quilts the entire image with smoke monofilament thread, thereby increasing texture and highlighting features.

Malaney's work appears in the Pagosa Springs Arts Council 2006 Calendar. There will be handouts and discussion of the process and working with monofilament threads.

After a brief lunch break the group will reconvene at 1 p.m. and Malaney will present a workshop and an interactive demonstration. She will delve further into her work, discussing and demonstrating design, composition and her quilting and binding techniques. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to help Malaney select fabrics and create a demonstration painting in class.

There is no charge for the workshop; Malaney is donating her time and talent.

For further information, contact Fran Jenkins 264-9312.

'Seussical' opens April 4 at high school

By Dale Morris

Special to The PREVIEW

The cast, crew and musicians of "Seussical, The Musical," by Stephen Flaherty, are entering their final week of rehearsal and are hard at work perfecting the dozens of songs and dances that make up the intriguing worlds of Dr. Seuss and his imagination.

"Seussical" played on Broadway, opening Nov. 30, 2000, and has seen several national tours since then. Amateur rights were released in 2004, when "Seussical" became the most produced musical in American high schools. In 2001, it was nominated for Best Musical Show Album. "Seussical" continues to delight hundreds of high school, community and regional theater audiences across the country.

Please come out and support our actors, performers and musicians who have been working since January in preparation for their opening on April 4. Get your tickets early, (remember the "Beauty and the Beast" sellout last year).

"Seussical" will play April 4, 6, 7 and 8 at 7 p.m., with an additional matinee April 8 at 2 p.m. Advance purchase reserved seating tickets are available at the Plaid Pony (731-5262); adults $8, students $5.

Put on your PJs, it's storytelling night

By Stephanie Jones

Special to The PREVIEW

Partners in Education will sponsor an evening of storytelling 6-8 p.m. April 6 at the elementary school The event is held in conjunction with the Scholastic Book fair.

Families are invited to attend in their pajamas, have a snack, and hear a variety of interesting stories. The book fair will be open for shopping throughout the evening.

There are eight storytellers to choose from with four different storytelling sessions.

Included in the evening's entertainment will be Charlie King, telling his own story of growing up as a beekeeper. The kids will have the opportunity to try on his beekeeping gear.

Lori Lucero will tell the story of "Skippjon Jones," by Judy Schachner. The story is about a Siamese cat in Mexico that likes to pretend he's a Chihuahua.

Jann Pitcher will read "The Grouchy Ladybug," a wonderful story about a ladybug and why we need good manners.

Jeff Laydon will repeat his award-winning performance from last year with "The Trunk. Children will have the opportunity to create a story with Jeff by pulling out items from his "magical trunk of goodies."

Catherine Frye, Heather Hunts and Mark Brown will also be telling stories.

This will be the sixth annual evening of storytelling at the elementary school. Partners in Education provides these family nights to the community so kids can come to school with their families and enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment, fun and education.

Children's Chorale begins fund-raising effort

Members and families of the Pagosa Springs Children's Chorale are kicking off a fund-raiser April 5 with the Pagosa Springs area Peelers Fund Raising System - a peel and save mini coupon card.

In an effort to raise necessary funds, members and other volunteers will offer area residents savings at local restaurants and other businesses.

The unique, full color, peel and save mini coupon card folds to the size of a credit card and contains buy-one-get-one-free offers and other discounts valued at over $230. The Peelers card will sell for $10. Offers on the Peelers card appeal to moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, high school students, college students, and others of all ages.

Cards will be available from any Pagosa Springs Children's Chorale member or can be purchased by calling the fund-raising coordinator, Juli Morelock, at 946-2137.

Fund-raiser organizers believe the Pagosa Springs Peelers card is a wonderful program for the entire area since it allows them to give back to their supporters at least 25 times more than they give.

Tickets on sale April 3 for Music in the Mountains concerts

By Carole Howard

Special to The PREVIEW

Tickets go on sale Monday, April 3, at the Chamber of Commerce for this summer's five Music in the Mountains concerts. The events will bring a wide variety of world-class musicians to Pagosa Springs in July and August, providing the most exciting performances ever in celebration of the festival's fifth season in our town.

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

Broadway benefit concert

The first event will be something totally new for our festival - a gala benefit concert featuring soprano Lisa Vroman, best known for her starring role as Christine in "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway and with the cast that had a record-setting run in San Francisco.

In addition to solo performances with major orchestras, Vroman has performed starring roles in "Oklahoma," "Les Miserables," "Aspects of Love "and many other musicals.

This month she is starring as Rosabella in the revival of "The Most Happy Fella" with the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center. Animal lovers will be interested to know that she often drives wherever her career takes her, even if it is back and forth across the country, so she can bring her loyal dog Romeo.

Vroman will sing her Broadway favorites in the concert tent at BootJack Ranch on Saturday, July 8. This special benefit concert and reception will include sumptuous hors d'oeuvres and libations beginning at 6 p.m. Attendance is limited. Cost is $175 per person, $105 of which is tax-deductible as a donation. Proceeds from this event will support children's musical events, music scholarships and school music programs in Pagosa Springs.

For her Pagosa concert, Vroman promises a mixture of Broadway standards including Gershwin, Irving Berlin and other classic show tunes - plus some great stories to go along with the music. Music in the Mountains is grateful for a generous donation from Citizens Bank that is helping to fund this extraordinary evening.

Four classical concerts

Four classical music concerts will take place during the summer, also at BootJack Ranch at the foot of Wolf Creek Pass.

July 19 - The season opens at 7 p.m. when dueling violinists Vadim Gluzman and Philippe Quint will provide an incomparable opportunity to see two of the world's finest violinists on stage together, accompanied by Gluzman's wife Angela Yoffe on piano, at 7 p.m. Tickets for this concert are $40.

July 21 - The outstanding Adkins String Ensemble, five family members on strings and piano will perform a unique concert for our Pagosa audience. All the Adkins musicians are famous in their own right as leaders in major orchestras, popular soloists and ensemble players extraordinaraire. So when five members of the family take to our stage together, the audience will see a remarkable powerhouse of musical talent. Tickets are $40. (Please note that the above two concerts' dates have been switched because of last-minute artistic schedule changes.)

3. July 29 - The full orchestra will perform with Bruce Hangen, principal guest conductor of the Boston Pops, and Van Cliburn medalist Aviram Reichert on piano. Tickets for this concert are $50. It starts at 6 p.m. (note different time).

4. Aug. 4 - The full orchestra returns at 7 p.m. under the baton of Boris Brott, an internationally recognized Canadian conductor. World-famous classical guitarist Sir Angel Romero will be the featured soloist. This is the first time Pagosa will host a second full orchestra concert in the same season, the addition coming as a result of the highly positive response to our first full orchestra event last summer. Tickets for this concert are $50.

Free family concert

In addition to the five paid concerts, for the third year Music in the Mountains will host a free summer Family Festivo concert for "kids of all ages" in Town Park. This year's concert will take place Thursday, July 27. It will be the world premiere of the musical score by Simon Sargon for "Breman Town Musicians," based on the Grimms' fairy tale.

Jan Clinkenbeard, chair of the steering committee in charge of Music in the Mountains in Pagosa, pointed out that ticket prices cover less than one third of the cost of putting on these concerts. "Pagosa audiences greatly enjoy the many soloists we attract summer after summer, as well as our fabulous festival orchestra. That is why the contributions we receive from individual donors, businesses and other larger organizations are so important to our Pagosa festival," she said.

In addition to Citizens Bank, corporate donors for the 2006 summer season include BootJack Ranch, Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship, Coleman Vision, Bank of the San Juans, Harts Construction and Harts Rocky Mountain Retreat, Prudential Triple S Realty, Coyote Hill Lodge and the Town of Pagosa Springs. Various promotion opportunities are available to program advertisers and major donors. For more information, contact Clinkenbeard at 264-5918

All of the planning and organizational work for Music in the Mountains in Pagosa is done by Clinkenbeard and her local volunteer steering committee composed of Melinda Baum, Mary Jo Coulehan, Carole Howard, Crystal Howe, Teresa Huft, Ed Lowrance and Lisa Scott.

Tickets available online

When you purchase tickets at the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, you can pay by cash, check or credit card (MasterCard or Visa). Classical concert tickets also are available on line at www.tix.com or through the Music in the Mountains Web site at www.musicinthemountains.com.

Clinkenbeard pointed out that in past years the concerts have sold out well before the event, so she recommends that you buy your tickets as soon as possible.

For more information on the concerts, call the Pagosa Chamber of Commerce at 264-2360 or (800) 252-2204.

If you have questions about the gala Broadway benefit concert, contact co-chair Teresa Huft by phone at 731-1978 or e-mail at teresa@lazy8.net or Maribeth Hill at 731-3234 or bluesky@centurytel.net.

To be put on the mailing list for information about future Pagosa Music in the Mountain events, call 9385-6820 in Durango and specify that you want to be on the Pagosa Springs mailing list.

Since its debut in Durango in 1987, Music in the Mountains has grown to become one of the best summer music festivals in the country. With 2006 being the fifth year of concerts in Pagosa Springs, community support is broadening and the addition of a Broadway show tunes concert should involve new enthusiasts in the local festival.

'Making a Difference' luncheon features DeForest-Stalls

By John Graves

Special to The PREVIEW

Who could me more appropriate as the keynote speaker for the Archuleta County Education Center's annual "Making a Difference" luncheon April 26 than the president and CEO of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Colorado?

Throw in the fact that Dave DeForest-Stalls not only founded and led numerous youth organizations and programs, as well as founding The Spot, an award-winning youth center in Denver - he also played defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys, the Los Angeles Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - and you have makings for a truly exciting event.

The luncheon is the primary fund-raiser for the Archuleta County Education Center, one of Pagosa's most innovative and productive organizations. Its activities include such "Making a Difference" opportunities 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.

This elegant affair starts at 11:45 a.m. and lasts until 1:15 p.m. at the First Baptist Church on U.S. 160. It will be catered by JJ's Upstream restaurant.

Tickets are available for a donation of $45 each.

For more information, call 264-2835.

Doug Bowen to speak at Unitarian service

On Sunday, April 2, Doug Bowen, principal of Pagosa's alternative high school (the Archuleta County High School), which is operated under the auspices of the Archuleta County Education Center, will present a program for the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Principal Bowen perfectly exemplifies the Ed Center's motto: "Making a difference." One of his major projects is the El Pomar Youth in Community Service Program, which gets students involved in a wide variety of significant community service activities.

Doug taught business courses and was a counselor and coach for 14 years at Pagosa Springs High School before moving to the Ed Center. Prior to his involvement in formal education, he was a home inspector and also worked in the financial world of insurance and securities.

The service, Sunday School and child care begin 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 Boulevard by the fire station, then left into the back parking lot and look for the big sign. All are welcome.

Pagosan featured artist at Durango Home and Ranch Show

Emily Tholberg, of Pagosa Springs, has been named featured artist for the 2006 Durango Home and Ranch Show, to be held April 29-30 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

Tholberg is the owner of Emily Tholberg Mosaic and Murals in Pagosa Springs. Her mosaic, entitled "Sparkle Sun," of mosaic glass tile and slate, will be used as the image on the show poster and promotional materials. She will also be an exhibitor at the show.

This year's show will be the 12th annual Durango Home and Ranch Show, with more than 100 exhibitors and 140 booths. Show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. More than 3,300 visitors are expected during the two-day event.

Gate proceeds will be donated to the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado.

For more information, contact Sharon Hermes, show coordinator, at 375-4511, or sharon@durangoherald.com.

Sign up for Night of the Young Child

Do you have a future rock star in the family?

How about an up-and-coming ballerina?

Maybe an "excellent" hula hooper?

Sign them up today for Night of the Young Child.

The entertainment event is part of Week of the Young Child, held every year to honor young children.

Night of the Young Child will take place Tuesday, April 11, in the Pagosa Springs High School Auditorium. This is a free event for children to age 14.

Call Lynne Bridges at 264-5513 to sign up.

Open house, enrollment at Lutheran School

By Stacey Lewis

Special to The PREVIEW

Our Savior Lutheran School will present a kindergarten open house 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30, for all interested parents.

There will be a presentation of the programs offered, followed by a question and answer time and the opportunity to register.

Prospective kindergarten students will go to the preschool and have special activities until 6:45, when they will come and visit the classroom.

Teacher Mary Jo Janowsky has had 10 years experience in full-day kindergarten, as well as nine years in pre-first and first grade classrooms. This is her third year with Our Savior Lutheran School.

Janowsky received her master's degree in elementary education from Adams State College with concentrations in music and Spanish. The program included a field study project in developmentally appropriate kindergartens. She has presented her program at a Colorado State Kindergarten Convention.

Her first two years of college were in Christian education and Biblical studies at Houghton College in New York, in preparation for a career in church work, and she says she values the opportunity to include the Scriptures in character education with children. Her enthusiasm for nature study, music, and especially beginning reading keep the five-year old happily busy.

Our Savior Lutheran School is located at 56 Meadows Drive.

For more information call 731-5910.

"A Great Place to Grow" was the National Lutheran School's theme for 2005/2006 school year that culminated in a week long celebration March 5-10.

During the celebration week, Lutheran Schools share their vision of high academics, strong moral character, and a Christ-centered approach to teaching together with the more than 2000 Lutheran Schools located across the country. In addition, the students have the opportunity to participate in a week of fun events, which, in this case, included dress-up days, special Bible studies and a Hawaiian Luau. As a part of the events, the students raised funds for hurricane relief and gathered cat and dog food for our local Humane Society.

NLSW also marked the opening of enrollment for the next school year.

The 2005/2006 school year at Our Savior has begun to reflect national trends at the Lutheran Schools, with record enrollment.

"We couldn't be more excited about the way God continues to bless us in Pagosa Springs," said Sheri Bahn, principal. "We are a small community, and most big city people say that we couldn't survive here. Our growth is a wonderful testament of the commitment the members of Our Savior Lutheran Church have in providing Christian education to the kids of Pagosa Springs as well as the parents have in ensuring their kids are educated in a environment that puts Christ first. More importantly, it provides powerful testimony that, through God, all things are possible."

Our Savior Lutheran School was founded in 1992 and is a Nationally Accredited member of the National Lutheran School System. It offers "Christ-centered core curricula" in classical education, which in addition to traditional subject areas, includes Latin, Spanish, music, and hands-on learning experiences for K-6 children.

"I think our biggest strength, from an academic perspective, is that we are nationally accredited, yet, because of our low pupil-to-teacher ratio, we can meet children more directly where their need sets are" said Bahn. " If a third-grade child is gifted in math and weak in reading, we can challenge him in math at the fifth-grade level, and work to catch him up to the third-grade level in reading. We also have an outstanding preschool and offer after-school care."

Call 731-5910 for a personal visit and tour.

Buy an eraser, and try Sudoku

By Kate Terry

PREVIEW Columnist

"Mommy, could you teach me my numbers so I can learn to do this puzzle?"

This is Dennis the Menace talking about wanting to know numbers so that he can work a Sudoku, the word puzzle that is the latest craze.

I bring this to your attention because The Pagosa Springs SUN is now including it, which means our SUN is on the ball.

A Sudoku is a numbers game, using all nine single digits. The puzzle is worked on a grid made up of nine blocks, each with nine squares. The idea is to fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every box has the nine digits in order. There is only one solution. Fortunately, the puzzle answer is upside down underneath in most newspapers and one can always "consult" the answer, and there are sudoku books out.

Sudoku has a history. It is much easier to quote the NRTA winter edition of Live and Learn so as to not miss anything.

"Dubbed the Rubic's Cube of the 21st century, the puzzle known as Sudoku first appeared as 'Number Place' in the U.S. in 1979. But Sudoku (from a longer Japanese phrase meaning "the numbers must occur only once") caught on big-time in Japan in the mid '80s.

"In 1997, New Zealander Wayne Gould, 60, was intrigued by a puzzle he saw in a Japanese book shop. A retired Hong Kong judge, Gould spent his free time for the next six years developing a computer program to generate Sudoku puzzles. On his way through London in 2004, Gould made an unannounced visit to The Times newspaper, to pitch his puzzle. The paper picked it up, and it wasn't long before the Sudoku craze took off worldwide.

"The appeal may be that the rules are simple, and yet the completion is challenging. No math is required - just logic and patience."

And logic and patience describes working a Sudoku. It can be addictive. You are on your own. The puzzles do come in easy, moderate and hard. As one syndicate says moderate, challenging and hoo boy!

Your m

Fun on the Run

ind won't go stale working a Sudoku. One piece of advice is to draw up an enlarged grid on graph paper.

You'll be doing a lot of erasing.

See if you can decipher this Š

A research team proceeded toward the apex of a natural geologic protuberance, the purpose of their expedition being the procurement of a sample of fluid hydride of oxygen in a large vessel, the exact size of which was unspecified.

One member of the team precipitously descended, sustaining severe damage to the upper cranial portion of his anatomical structure; subsequently the second member of the team performed a self-rotational translation oriented in the same direction taken by the first team member.

In simple English, how does this translate?

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after.

The Archuleta County Education Center's annual "Making A Difference" fund-raising luncheon is coming up Wednesday, April 26, at the First Baptist Church.

Keynote speaker this year will be Dave De Forest-Stalls, president and CEO of Big Brothers and Sisters of Colorado. This dedicated, dynamic youth worker initially gained national recognition as a defensive tackle for the NFL Superbowl champion Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Raiders. Tickets are available for a donation of $45 each.

For more information, call 264-2835.

Elementary enrichment

Mondays will be fun after school with Renee Haywood leading a class titled "Movement, Dance and Fun." Elementary youngsters will learn how to combine modern, folk, country, and soul music with the excitement and beauty of flowing streamers and other fun props. Don't let your kids miss a fun time, sign up now, classes start next Monday.

Another great opportunity for kids Friday afternoons is storytelling with Felicia Lansbury Meyer. Youngsters will have the opportunity to explore storytelling, writing, drawing and performing - all based on the theme of a weekly story.

Meet Doug Bowen

Last week, I started introducing key staff members of the Archuleta County Education Center.

Today, I would like to introduce Doug Bowen, director of the Archuleta County High School (ACHS), our alternative high school program. Doug has lived in Pagosa Springs for over 20 years, with over 18 of these years spent in education, and he has a real hands-on understanding of the youth in Archuleta County.

When asked about the role of an alternative high school in a community such as Pagosa, Doug stated, "The concept of an alternative school is a bit of a mystery to the general public and even amongst educators in public school systems. I have had the opportunity over the years to visit a variety of alternative schools in Colorado, New Mexico, New York and Massachusetts. Every school visited was unique. I have come to the conclusion that there is not one model that works in every community. You might say that every school is tailored to fit the student population being served.

"The design of a school begins with a basic philosophy of education. What should a student at the alternative school 'be like' when he/she graduates? What do they need to know? What needs (academic, social, financial, vocational) do the local population of students have and how do we meet these needs? Should the school be structured or unstructured? All of these questions are open to debate.

"Unfortunately, some people view alternative programs as those that work only with students who are unable to perform academically in a public school and/or who are always in trouble and can't function in the 'regular' system. Granted, we do serve students who find themselves to be academically deficient and who have not been able to socially acclimate to the public system, yet the reasons why students attend ACHS reach far beyond these two ideas.

"Some students attend our program because we are able to provide flexible scheduling that will allow them to work and earn money. This is especially important to students who come from low-income families, are living on their own, have children of their own, or are homeless. Many students benefit from our low student/teacher ratio and small classes. This extends to having direct access to help in maneuvering through the maze of applying for post-secondary education and financial aid. ACHS also provides a 'community' where every student is noticed, accepted, and allowed to fail or succeed without judgment."

When asked about the learning philosophy at ACHS, Doug replied, "The philosophy used at ACHS is one that places the responsibility for education on the student. We believe that every student will choose to learn in his/her own time. Although we encourage students to earn credits on a consistent basis, the traditional pattern of moving through each grade level at a certain age is not a major focus. Student choice becomes a strong motivator for students who have felt pushed in their education prior to attending our school. In reality, students who are given the opportunity to extend their high school education until they are 21 years of age decide against this option, leading to better attendance and improved focus. Of course, there are always students in the system who never decide to improve attendance and focus. This results in a situation where graduation with a high school diploma becomes an impossibility. An advantage we have at ACHS is that these students can be moved to the GED program, a program that exists alongside our diploma high school program. This option creates an additional opportunity not found in most alternative settings.

"The program at ACHS tends to be unstructured, a system that lends itself well to meeting our philosophy of making education the student's responsibility. We don't have bells between classes, rules to cover every conceivable situation that might occur, or strict guidelines as to when and how long a student has to complete a class. We award credits in quarter increments. For example, a student who has attendance challenges or moves away for a brief period of time may only complete enough work to earn one-fourth or one-half of a credit. We transcript these partial credits and provide another opportunity for the student to complete the rest of his/her credit at a later date. By doing this, frustration and the possibility of becoming a dropout is reduced. Most public schools will transcript full credits only. If a student does not complete the entire class at a given proficiency level, he/she fails the class and has to retake the entire class. Although this system may be the most efficient for public schools, it may not work for some students who have life situations beyond their control that lead to poor attendance, attitude, and performance. The alternative school provides solutions for these students.

"Alternative schools take on a variety of shapes, sizes, and character. Some are experiential. Some tend to be more academic. We attempt to combine both of these by providing academics that mirror the public high school while providing additional opportunities outside of the building. In addition, we focus on relationship-building and socialization skills in our daily classroom activities. One of the opportunities provided is in the form of service learning, a variety of activities that give students a chance to do volunteer work and to give back to the community. Our students are required to participate in the service learning class during their time at ACHS. Volunteering in local non-profits and businesses is one avenue. Another is participation in the EPYCS (El Pomar Youth in Community Service) program. This program provides a venue for students to earn money for the benefit of local non-profits. We give over $8,000 per year to the non-profits in our region. Students learn about non-profits and philanthropy. They are empowered by selecting the recipients of the funds and the amount awarded."

Every year, new and different kids enter the alternative program. When asked how the program meets these challenges, Doug replied, "Our alternative school will continue to change and improve to meet specific needs of our community and student population. The bottom line is, we love our kids."

Information

Stop by the Archuleta County Education Center located at 4th and Lewis streets or call for more information about any of our programs at 264-2835. Or visit our Web site at www.archuletacountyeducationcenter.com for current program listings.

Spring teen dance Friday at center

By Becky Herman

PREVIEW Columnist

Just one week to go before our community spring rummage sale and we now have 15 spots reserved.

The snow is melting - time to start cleaning out your closets, cupboards and garages, just in time to rent one or more spaces at $20 each for both days. Call Michelle at 264-4152, Ext. 21, to reserve your spot.

For those who are not yet thinking about spring cleaning, plan to come to the community center 3-6 p.m. Friday, April 7, and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 8. , browse, buy and enjoy the day. The center will sell snacks, food, and hot and cold beverages.

Teen Center dance

Did you go to the beaches of California for spring break?

If not, come get your fix of "Spring Break in Southern Cali" at the Teen Center 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 31.

This dance will raise funds for Teen Center operations. The Pagosa Springs Area Association of Realtors is sponsoring DJ Bobby Hart. Tickets are $3 before the day of the dance and $5 March 31. Tickets are available at the community center office, the teen center, the high school and the junior high. Ages 12 to 19 are welcome.

To volunteer as a chaperone or for more information, call Jen Stockbridge at 264-4152, Ext. 31, or e-mail pagosateencenter@centurytel.net.

Post prom party

The post prom party is 1-5 a.m. Sunday, April 30.

A committee headed by Lynn Johnson is having a rummage sale at her house tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. All money raised will be used for this program. The address is 401 Shadow Place. Please support this fund-raising effort for our youth.

The community center, under the Teen Center program, is sponsoring this event. The purpose of this party is to keep our youth safe while they have lots of fun. Entertainment will include giant inflatables, casino-type games, a live DJ, a hypnotist, a coffee bar, food and much more to be announced later. Electronic and cash prizes will be given away during the party. The committee has arranged to have a laptop computer as the grand prize.

Annual arts and crafts show

The center invites all artists and artisans to display their handcrafted items for sale during the show Friday and Saturday, May 26-27, at 3-6 p.m. and 9-4 p.m. (changed from 10-5), respectively.

Space assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $40 for an 8x8 space and $50 for a 10x10 space, including one 3x6 table. Proceeds from this show will be used to benefit community center programs and to defray operations costs. Call 264-4152, Ext. 21, to reserve your spot.

Aus-Ger Club

The Aus-Ger Club will meet at the community center at 11:30 a.m. today.

It's a potluck. Everyone is invited. Bring a special dish to share, something German or Swiss, if possible; or bring anything yummy. The center will provide the paper products, coffee and soft drinks.

Plan to be here and have fun. The club is a community center-sponsored program. This is one reason for having the center - to have a place to gather for social, sports, civic, arts and cultural, educational, business and faith-based activities. So, take the opportunity, this is your center.

The Aus-Ger group will also discuss the future of the club. For more information, call Roger Behr at 731-0409 or Mercy Korsgren at the center, 264-4152, Ext. 22.

Thai cooking class

The class enjoyed cooking and eating green curry beef, chicken salad with fresh ginger and peanuts and the soft white noodles. All dishes were delicious and the presentations were superb. Oh, that lemongrass flavor is to die for!

Pao and her husband will be traveling, so we won't have the class until later in the year - unless someone out there is willing to volunteer. Thank you, Pao.

Yes, we're looking for new volunteers to teach other ethnic cooking classes: Indian, Korean, Japanese, Greek, Mediterranean, etc. Call Mercy at 264-4152.

Line dancing

Last Monday, Peggy Carrai covered for Gerry Potticary, who is out of town.

This is another community center-sponsored program. Peggy had 15 students, including two handsome guys.

All are welcome to join the fun on Monday morning at 10:30. If you're new to line dancing, Gerry suggests coming 15 or 20 minutes early to get a head start on learning the steps. Another tip from Gerry: if you can't remember the steps, get in the back row and watch everyone else.

Thanks, Peggy for handling the class.

Call Gerry (she should be back next week) at 731-9734 or the center at 264-4152 for more information.

Yoga

Richard Harris is back.

He's feeling much better now and led the group for another hour of poses and stretches.

This weekly session is for those interested in meditation, relaxation and breath awareness. The group meets 11 a.m.-noon Thursdays.

Yoga is not a religion, but a spiritual practice which does not require any specific belief system to participate. The philosophies of yoga are universal and can be incorporated within any belief system.

Join in to experience for yourself how yoga can affect your life. Dress in comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or a towel. Call the center at 264-4152 for more information.

Sewing classes

This program starts 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 8. The class is full. Those interested who haven't signed up yet may still call and ask to be on the alternate list or to fill a spot if there is a cancellation.

This program is a series of beginning classes. Students will learn the basics, such as threading a sewing machine, adjusting and cutting out a pattern, choosing the right fabric, etc.

Call the center at 264-4152 for more information. If anyone has a sewing machine that isn't being used, we would appreciate the donation of the machine for these classes.

Scrapbooking

The next meeting will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 15, in the South Conference Room. There is no charge to attend. Call the center at 264-4152 or Melissa Bailey at 731-1574 for more information.

Newsletter available

The community center now has a monthly newsletter.

The first issue highlights the community center-sponsored programs, which are designed to provide learning experiences, entertainment and fun for the broad spectrum of the Pagosa community. For the most part, these programs and services are free to everyone. Volunteers give their time as leaders, facilitators and teachers. The center provides a place to meet, publicity for the programs and help with organization and record keeping.

Stop at the center to pick up a copy of the first newsletter. We will appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Photoshop classes

The community center has agreed to partner with Bruce Andersen when he begins a series of Photoshop classes in the center's computer lab. No details are yet available; however, Bruce hopes to begin sometime in April.

Call the center at 264-4152 to let us know that you are interested in learning the ins and outs of your digital camera and how Photoshop will help you to manipulate and enhance your digital photos.

Computer lab news

The center's beginning classes have now had two weeks of keyboard and mouse practice. During that time, we came across a very complete list, which details the use of regular keyboard keys and especially the combination keys such as ctrl, alt, and the Windows key. Stop by the center to pick up your copy of this handout. Knowing these keyboard shortcuts will allow you to access many tasks, which would normally be accomplished by using the mouse. The beginning computing classes, which started this week, will not be held March 28-29; classes will resume April 4-5.

Would anyone who has a Lexmark color inkjet printer, model Z12, Z22, or Z32 please give me a call; I have a question for you.

I will be off March 27-31. Call after the first of April with your computer questions.

Center hours

The Center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10-4 Saturday.

Activities this week

Today - Over-the-Hill Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; AARP free tax help, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; yoga, 11-noon; computer Q&A session with Becky, 1-4 p.m.; Teen Center open, 4-8 p.m.; High Peaks volleyball practice, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Leading Edge/Small Business Development, 6-9 p.m.; basketball practice, 7-10 p.m.

March 31 - Seniors' walking program, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; open basketball, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.; senior bridge, 12:30-4 p.m.; 4-H Cloverbuds, 1:30-3 p.m.; Teen Center open, 2-8 p.m.; Teen Center dance, 6 -10 p.m.

April 1 - Chimney Rock open house, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Teen Center open , 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; private birthday party, 12:30-6 p.m.;&endash;"A Gathering of Artists," 1&endash;5 p.m.

April 2 - Church of Christ Sunday service, 9 a.m.-noon; Grace Evangelical Free Church service, 10 a.m.-noon.

April 3 - Line dancing class, 10:30 a.m.-noon; seniors' walking program, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; senior bridge, 12:30-4 p.m.; Teen Center open (poker), 4-8 p.m.; bridal shower, 5-9 p.m.; drumming practice, 5:15-6:15 p.m.; T-ball practice, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

April 4 - Over-the-Hill Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; police department training, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Beginning Computing skills, 10 a.m.-noon; seniors' walking program, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; Teen Center open (Uno Attack!), 4-8 p.m.; SWC ASA girls' softball, 5-7 p.m.; "Creativity by the Light of the Moon," 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Cadillac Desert Library Project, 6-8 p.m.; Echo Ditch Co. business meeting, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

April 5&emdash; "Doing Business of E-bay" training, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Beginning Computing skills for seniors, 10 a.m.-noon; Wednesday bridge club, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; preschool play group, 11 a.m.-noon; Teen Center open, 4-8 p.m.; Weight Watchers, weigh-in at 5 p.m., meeting at 5:30; SWC ASA girls' softball, 5-7 p.m.; T-ball practice, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Cadillac Desert Library Project, 6-8 p.m.; Church of Christ Bible study, 7-8 p.m.

April 6 - Over-the-Hill Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; AARP Free tax help, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; yoga, 11-noon; Computer Q&A session with Becky, 1-4 p.m.; Teen Center open, 4-8 p.m.; Leading Edge/Small Business Development, 6-9 p.m.; ManKind Project, 6:30-9 p.m.; San Juan Outdoor Club meeting, 6:30-9 p.m.

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

Do what you can to guard health, and wallet

By Jim Pearson

SUN Columnist

Each year, National Cancer Control Month is proclaimed by the president in April.

Cancer control includes prevention, detection, treatment and support to the patient, family and caregivers.

The Colorado Cancer Coalition is a unique gathering of organizations and individuals with interest in the prevention and control of cancer in Colorado. The coalition dedicated itself to achieving increased prevention, research, early detection and improved treatment of cancer for all Coloradans in the coming decade. The Colorado Cancer Coalition Newsletter can be found at www.coloradocancercoalition.org.

One resource provided by this organization is a publication available on their Web site titled "The Cancer Journey." It takes the cancer patient through the steps of beginning and navigating the journey, managing side affects through therapies and home remedies designed to help treat side affects, and ways of dealing with personal relationships, job, and finances. Participating in this year's 9HealthFair to learn about ways of preventing and detecting cancer is a good first step.

Health fair

The Den will be at the annual 9HealthFair Saturday, April 1, and we would love to see you there.

The advantages of attending the fair, at the high school from 8 a.m.-noon, are many. A wide variety of medical screenings will be available, such as a blood chemistry analysis for $30, a prostate screening analysis using a blood test for $25 and a colon cancer screening kit for $5. (Remember, if you are going to do the blood chemistry analysis, you need to fast for at least 12 hours prior to your blood test.)

There will also be plenty of helpful, free screenings as well as blood pressure checks, eye exams, hearing exams and lung capacity checks. Educational and useful information will be available at the diverse selection of booths.

Make sure you stop by The Den's booth to say hello. We will have freebees and Medicare counselors will be available to answer questions on your coverage and the Medicare Drug Program. Attending the 9HealthFair is a great way to get an overall checkup and visit with friends in the process.

We hope you join us for the healthiest event of the year.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all of your body's cells.

Although some cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body, a cholesterol level that's too high is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein). These two combined equal your total cholesterol level. HDL is "good" cholesterol that consists of high levels of protein that help protect against heart disease by carrying cholesterol away from the arteries.

LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol. We absorb bad cholesterol through fried, fatty foods. It has high levels of fat, but little protein, which makes it unstable, causing it to breakdown as it travels through the bloodstream. When LDL breaks down, it is deposited on arterial walls, blocking blood flow to the heart.

Total cholesterol is the measure of both HDL and LDL combined. A total cholesterol level less than 200 mg/dL is desirable and a level of 240 mg/dL or greater is considered high.

Triglycerides are also a factor to watch. Triglycerides are a form of fat. People with high levels of triglycerides often have high cholesterol and may be at high risk for coronary artery disease and stroke. Levels under 150 mg/dL are desired. High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms. It is usually detected during a routine blood test performed by your healthcare provider.

There are several risk factors for high cholesterol. Some risk factors are within your control and others are not. The risk factors that you can control are: eating a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, being overweight or obese, not exercising regularly and smoking.

Risk factors that you cannot control are: family history, age and gender.

In many cases, cholesterol can be managed simply by monitoring your lifestyle habits or making a few changes such as: 1) Reducing weight - losing weight can help reduce LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. 2) Exercise - moderate physical activity for 30 minutes most days of the week may help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. 3) Diet - diet changes may lower cholesterol as much as 5 to 20 percent. 4) Quit smoking - studies have shown that HDL levels increase soon after quitting smoking. So remember, take care of your health and be proactive in lowering your cholesterol.

Birthday celebration

If you are age 60 or over and your birthday is in March, come to The Den Friday, March 31, for a delicious lunch and celebrate your birthday. Seniors, Inc. has graciously agreed to pay for a portion of your birthday meal, so it will cost $1 for a great lunch and birthday cake.

KWUF Radio tour

Your local radio station, better known as "The Wolf," has invited The Den to visit their station for a tour Wednesday, April 5, at 1 p.m. Sign up at The Den office by Tuesday, April 4, for this entertaining tour. Join us to see the operation behind the scenes at our local radio station and meet the faces behind the voices.

Seniors Inc. membership

Seniors Inc. memberships for folks aged 55 and over can be purchased at The Den for $5 on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. No memberships will be sold Thursdays. Your Seniors Inc. membership entitles you to a variety of great discounts from participating merchants in our area, plus much more. Join now and acquire the benefits for 2006.

Tax time

The AARP sponsored Tax-Aide program has returned this year.

This program provides free tax counseling and preparation by IRS/AARP trained volunteers. The counseling is confidential and the emphasis is on serving the low and middle income taxpayer, with special attention to those 60 years of age and older.

Appointments for tax assistance may be scheduled via a sign-up sheet in the senior center dining room. Appointments will not be accepted by phone. This program will be offered 9 a.m.-4 p.m. every Thursday through April 13 in the art council room of the community center.

Medicare Drug appointments

Have questions regarding the new Medicare Drug Insurance plans? The Den can help.

Medicare Drug Insurance appointments can be scheduled at The Den with the director, Musetta Wollenweber. Walk-ins without appointments will not be accepted. Call The Den at 264-2167 for an appointment to answer your questions and help you choose a plan that best fits your needs.

Home meal program

The Den provides home delivered meals to qualifying homebound individuals who want the benefits of a nutritional lunch.

The Den's caring volunteers deliver the meals to homes Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays while taking the time to check in with the individuals. The appetizing lunches are served hot and ready to eat. Whether you want a meal delivered one or four times a week, we can accommodate your needs.

For more information, call Musetta at 264-2167.

Lower phone bills

CenturyTel is actively participating in two national programs which help low-income, eligible individuals and families lower their phone connection costs.

Through the "Lifeline Assistance" and "Link-Up" support programs, customers and potential customers within CenturyTel service areas can reduce their cost of telephone installation and their monthly basic service bill.

The "Link-Up" assistance plan is designed to absorb the charges normally associated with local telephone service connection and installation for low-income customers who qualify.

"Lifeline" assists qualifying low-income households by providing a monthly telephone bill credit.

To find out if you qualify for Lifeline and Link-Up, contact CenturyTel Customer Service toll free at (800) 201-4099 or pick up an application at The Den.

Jury duty scam

Begun in August 2005, this scam is making its way around the USA.

This is just one more reminder to never give out your personal information to someone calling you. When in doubt, ask for their information and contact the Colorado Consumer Line, Elder Watch program immediately at (800) 222-4444. Report fraud or financial elder abuse, seek consumer information, obtain referrals and assistance and locate local Better Business Bureaus. Elder Watch is a program with the Colorado Attorney General and the AARP Foundation.

The superior court in Riverside California issued a warning about this scam. Here's how it works: The scammer calls claiming to work for the local court and claims you've failed to report for jury duty. He tells you that a warrant has been issued for your arrest. The victim will often rightly claim they never received the jury duty notification. The scammer then asks the victim for confidential information for "verification" purposes. Specifically, the scammer asks for the victim's Social Security number, birth date, and sometimes even for credit card numbers and other private information - exactly what the scammer needs to commit identity theft.

So far, this jury duty scam has been reported in Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Arizona, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington.

It's easy to see why this works. The victim is clearly caught off guard, and is understandably upset at the prospect of a warrant being issued for his or her arrest. So, the victim is much less likely to be vigilant about protecting their confidential information. In reality, court workers will never call you to ask for social security numbers and other private information. In fact, most courts follow up via snail mail and rarely, if ever, call prospective jurors.

Action: Never give out your Social Security number, credit card numbers or other personal confidential information when you receive a telephone call. This jury duty scam is the latest in a series of identity theft scams where scammers use the phone to try to get people to reveal their Social Security number, credit card numbers or other personal confidential information. It doesn't matter "why" they are calling - all the reasons are just different variants of the same scam.

Protecting yourself is simple: Never give this information out when you receive a phone call. You may also contact Musetta at The Den for assistance.

Activities at a glance

Thursday, March 30 - Lunch at the Dogwood Cafe (reservations required), 11:30 a.m.; AARP tax assistance by appointment only, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friday, March 31 - Qi gong, 10 a.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; Bridge 4 fun, 12:30 p.m.

Monday, April 3 - Medicare counseling, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; gym walk, 11:15; Bridge 4 fun, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 4 - Yoga in motion, 10 a.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; blood pressure checks, 11:30; canasta, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, April 5 - Basic computer class, 10 a.m.; KWUF tour, 1 p.m.

Thursday, April 6 - Lunch in Arboles (reservations required); AARP tax assistance, by appointment only, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friday, April 7 - Qi gong, 10 a.m.; veterans' services, noon.; Bridge 4 fun, 12:30 p.m.

Menu

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

Salad bar every day - 11:30 a.m.

Friday, March 31 - Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans amandine, whole wheat roll, apricot peach compote and salad bar.

Monday, April 3 - Porcupine meatballs, whipped potatoes with gravy, California veggie medley, almond peaches, whole wheat bread and salad bar.

Tuesday, April 4 - Ham and beans, rice, cut broccoli, orange wedges, corn bread and salad bar.

Wednesday, April 5 - Salmon patties, steamed rice with parsley with cream sauce, mixed vegetable, tangerine, raisin nut cup with white bread and salad bar.

Thursday, April 6 - Lunch in Arboles (reservations required). Salmon patties with cream sauce, steamed rice, mixed veggies, whole wheat roll, tangerine and raisin nut cup.