Thursday, September 27, 2007

Court rules against ‘Village’ developers

By James Robinson
Staff Writer

Opponents of the proposed Village at Wolf Creek chalked up another victory Sept. 20 when the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled against village developers and upheld a district court ruling that overturned Mineral County’s approval of the project.

“We are so relieved ... I am so glad that the court sees the lack of vision and clarity associated with this proposal. The developers have been playing a shell game with all the federal and state agencies, and not quite adhering to any official permitting process,” said Christine Canaly, director of the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council in a press release.

The San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council, Colorado Wild and Wolf Creek Ski Area filed a joint lawsuit against Mineral County’s November 2004 final plat approval of the Village at Wolf Creek development.

In October 2005, District Court Judge O. John Kuenhold heard the suit and ruled against the developers, Leavell-McCombs Joint Venture, and the Mineral County Board of County Commissioners, ultimately voiding Mineral County’s final plan and final plat approval of the project.

The Sept. 20 Colorado Court of Appeals decision follows in the wake of the developer’s appeal to Kuenhold’s District Court decision, and at issue in both courts were questions of access.

The proposed Village at Wolf Creek sits on a 287.5-acre private inholding surrounded by the Rio Grande National Forest and adjacent to Wolf Creek Ski Area. The proposed village is touted as a “year-round recreational resort area” capable of housing 10,000 persons. However, and at present, the sole access to the property is over a one-lane Forest Service road (FSR 391) which is only open to wheeled vehicular use from June to September.

According to court documents, during approval hearings in 2004, Mineral County’s land use administrator said, “the quality of access is a marketing issue and therefore of little concern to the County.” However, neither the 12th District Court, nor the Colorado Court of Appeals have seen the access question in quite the same light.

In 2005, Kuenhold ruled that Mineral County’s decision to abandon a requirement for meaningful year-round access was “arbitrary and capricious” and misconstrued state statute and the county’s own subdivision regulations.

Last week’s higher court decision strikes a similar tone.

“The state highway system serves wheeled vehicles. Concluding that the General Assembly would allow an applicant to provide for access from that system to a subdivision based on mere legal access to a route which did not accommodate wheeled vehicles year around would be an absurd and unreasonable result,” court documents state.

Attorneys for the developers had argued that legal access alone was sufficient to gain subdivision approval.

In addition, the documents indicate the developer has not resolved U.S. 160 access issues with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), nor, until an access point is determined, could the developer undertake a traffic impact analysis as mandated by CDOT.

“Accordingly, we further conclude that the board abused its discretion in granting final approval, because the record contains no evidence of year-around access to the state highway system at the time of final approval,” court documents state.

Jeff Parsons, attorney for Colorado Wild and the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council who filed the original appeal to the Mineral County plat approval and who has represented the groups throughout the state court litigation said, “The Court applied a solid legal analysis in affirming the lower court. You simply cannot approve such a massive development without having done your homework. In this case, that means having a viable access route up front.”

Parsons also described the recent Court of Appeals decision as another significant victory for his clients.

“Six judges have looked at this at different courts and at different levels, and all have found substantial legal problems with this development,” Parsons said. “From our perspective, the project is back to ground zero.”

According to court documents, if the developer chooses to continue with the project, they will have to address and resolve year-round access issues and the CDOT access issue to the state highway. In addition, and with the courts having overturned Mineral County’s final plat and final plan approval, the project must go again before the Mineral County Planning Commission, the Board of County Commissioners and the public before approval can be granted.

In addition, and according to the U.S. Forest Service’s environmental impact statement, the village’s year-round, primary access point will be created with the construction of a multi-million dollar road just west of the snow shed on U.S. 160.

As an alternative, the developer could file a motion for reconsideration to the Court of Appeals, or they could petition the State Supreme Court to review the case.

Josh Marks, an attorney for the developer from the firm Berg Hill Greenleaf & Ruscitti, LLP was unable to be reached for comment by press time.

james@pagosasun.com


Downtown Master Plan moves forward

By Ben Bagwell
Staff Writer

The recently-unveiled Pagosa Springs Downtown Master Plan represents a vision of what the town may look like in 2020, and citizens are invited to attend a meeting tonight to participate in sculpting that vision.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the community center.

At its simplest, according to Town Planner Tamra Allen, the plan serves to create a more aesthetically attractive and functional downtown, while improving pedestrian and vehicular circulation and creating clear parameters and expectations for downtown development.

Specifically, the plan focuses on addressing a number of long-term downtown development issues such as: land use and commercial development, geothermal uses, parks and parking, civic facilities, public art and public amenities support facilities and overall infrastructure.

Allen said both Town Council and a steering committee have begun poring over the document, and issues that have arisen to-date include: proposed road connections, water resource discussions, geothermal uses, stormwater management, and development plans for the east end of Pagosa’s downtown — essentially the commercial environment along U.S. 160 between Hot Springs Boulevard and the First Street Bridge.

Allen said tonight’s meeting is an extension of those earlier discussions, and public comment will be heard.

Last week, the Town Council and the planning commission spent three hours providing input on the community vision. The steering committee has also been considering the details of the plan and providing comments to staff.

Allen, who presided at the recent roundtable strategic planning discussion (another of which was held Tuesday), said, “Hopefully this is one of the final drafts of the Downtown Master Plan.” She and her staff have spent multiple hours in fine-tuning the plan.

Councilwoman Angela Atkinson explained, “This is not a regulatory document. The master plan is a blueprint from which regulations can be drawn and implemented.”

Those present at last week’s council work session agreed more downtown parking is needed, but there were diverse comments concerning where the additional parking could be located.

Councilman John Middendorf expressed concern about the plan’s emphasis on the commercial and parks areas, and asked, “What about the residential areas?”

Allen, at times, tried last week to move council toward some type of agreement. But council members seemed more intent on providing input rather than final decisions.

Councilman Darrel Cotton emphasized parking. “Convenient parking is what we need,” Cotton said.

There was some talk of underground parking, but no decision was made on that. Cotton said, “This plan represents our vision now, but others will have their vision in 2020.”

A key component of the plan focuses on potential development of what the plan describes as “opportunity sites.” Opportunity sites are defined as under-utilized or vacant parcels that present unique opportunities to diversify the mix of land uses, provide public amenities and strengthen pedestrian connections within the downtown.

The opportunity sites are:
• Northern edge of Town Park
• 4th Street and West Lewis Street
• The intersection of 5th Street, U.S. 160 and Centennial Park
• The East End.
The draft plan is available online at townofpagosasprings.com.

Although Allen was reluctant to speculate on an adoption timetable, she said the most recent iteration of a downtown plan is an extension of similar planning efforts begun in 1987.

According to Allen, the vision put forth two decades ago remains largely the same, although previous downtown master plans efforts were never adopted.

Allen said after extensive council, steering committee and public review, the plan could go before the council for adoption in November.


NEWS

Two arrested in downtown drug raid

By Karl Isberg
Staff Writer

Officers from the Pagosa Springs Police Department, assisted by deputies from the Archuleta County Sheriff Department, arrested two Pagosa residents last week, charging them with posession of marijuana, with intent to distribute.

Based on information developed in an investiation by Det. T.J. Fitzwater, a search warrant for a residence on South 10th Street in downtown Pagosa Springs was obtained last week. Arrest warrants were also obtained for Richard Leher, 51, and Josephine Leher, 52, residents of the home.

Officers executed the warrants Thursday, Sept. 20. During a search of the residence the officers found and confiscated approximately two pounds of marijuana, assorted drug paraphernalia, cash and firearms.


Shot fired draws response by local law enforcement

An incident that began with a phone call Friday alerting authorities to a suspicious person, ended Saturday when William James Billings, 51, of Chandler, Ariz., died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a site near U.S. 84 south of Pagosa Springs.

According to Archuleta County Sheriff Sgt. Sean Curtis, dispatch received the suspicious person alert Friday, Sept. 21. A deputy returned the call, but was unable to connect with the caller.

Saturday, said Curtis, two Colorado State Patrol Troopers responded to the Lower Blanco trailer park, south of Pagosa Springs on U.S. 84, to investigate a vehicle noted in the report.

Curtis said, when the troopers arrived at the scene, they saw Billings heading to a tent he was occupying at the trailer park. A pickup truck was parked near the tent.

Curtis reported that, when the troopers sought information related to the license plates on the vehicle, they were alerted to the fact it was possibly stolen. When they attempted to call Williams out of the tent, they heard a gunshot and immediately sought cover, thinking the shot might have been fired at them.

When the troopers called for backup, numerous agencies responded. Curtis and four other deputies from the sheriff’s department arrived, with Curtis taking over as incident commander at the site. Five officers from the Pagosa Springs Police Department arrived, as did other CSP personnel, and officers from the DOW.

Curtis said a perimeter was established and when he and the sheriff’s tactical team began to plan a move on the tent, incident command was assumed by Jim Saunders, assistant chief of the Pagosa Springs Police Department. When the tactical team moved in on the tent, said Curtis, Williams was discovered dead, with the self-inflicted wound.

Sheriff’s department personnel took charge of the investigation at the scene; the CSP took control of the vehicle.

“We all worked well together,” said Curtis of the response. “At least three other incidents occurred in the county at the same time, and we handled all of them smoothly, using other deputies to cover the town in the absence of its officers.”


Habitat completes 16th local home

By Ben Bagwell
Staff Writer

Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County marked completion of its 16th home on Sunday as 40 persons gathered to celebrate occupancy by the partnering family.

The new family consisted of a mother and three children.

“The house wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the volunteers,” said the Rev. Phil Janowsky, who led the gathering with music and spiritual thoughts. Janowsky provided a blessing for the new home in the Hatcher Lake area.

Out-of-state Habitat volunteers joined with local Habitat volunteers to help complete the 1,196 square-foot structure. The dwelling has four bedrooms, a bath, a kitchen and a single car garage. The home has zero-maintenance siding.

The land was donated and members of Habitat provided the labor for free. Work on the new structure took just under five months to complete.

Those present enjoyed a potluck meal.

Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County has followed a pattern of building one new home per year. In 2008, the organization plans to build two new homes for qualified persons who can make monthly payments as Habitat partners.


COUNTY

County crisis FAQ:

Why doesn’t the county sell the airport?

By James Robinson
Staff Writer

Often, the questions prompted by the county’s financial crisis are shared by many readers. The SUN’s county crisis FAQ page provides a forum for readers to ask their questions, and to receive an answer, if one is available.

Stevens Field Airport has recently been described as a “money pit” and an economic drain on Archuleta County finances. Why doesn’t the county sell the airport or discontinue multi-million dollar improvement projects requiring Federal Aviation Administration grant funding and county matching dollars?

Archuleta County Airport Manager George Barter said, since 2003, Stevens Field has received $18 million in federal and state grants and, if the county sold the airport, the grantors would likely seek repayment. Thus, Barter estimated the minimum asking price at around $18 million just to get out from under grant repayment.

“I think that’s ($18 million) bottom dollar. That’s the least they should ask, but realistically, it should sell for about $28 million,” Barter said.

But there’s just one problem: Under “best case scenario” circumstances Barter said, the airport makes about $300,000 per year, which isn’t enough to cover the $308,000 needed to pay the fixed base operator (FBO) building payment. But then there’s payroll, maintenance and other operating expenses coupled with a negative $1.6 million airport fund balance. Barter puts little credence in the fund balance figure, stating there is little documentation to support the figure and that the account has not been reconciled.

With such a vast disparity between sales price and estimated income, Barter said it is unlikely that an investor would ante up $18 million, with little hope of a return on his or her investment in the foreseeable future.

Barter said current financial reports indicate the airport, between Jan. 1, 2007, and July 31, 2007, was running in the black.

For example, finance reports for the aforementioned time period indicate expenditures at $434,358 and revenues at $488,762, although the FBO payment of $82,000 is an interest only payment for 2007, with the remaining $226,000 deferred.

“That’s the hardest thing for us to overcome is the fixed base operator building, that’s our only real debt,” Barter said.

And what about turning off the FAA’s federal funding tap?

Barter said each grant comes with a grant assurance agreement that stipulates the grantee will operate the airport as a public airport for 20 years or the life of the contract.

“We’ve signed a contract to keep it (Stevens Field) open, and if we don’t keep it open, you can be sure they (the grantors) will come ask for repayment,” Barter said.

Barter added that some citizens have described the FAA money as “dirty money,” but Barter challenged the assertion.

“When you pay tax on a commercial airline ticket, that money goes into a pool to fund all airports,” Barter said.

Secondly, Barter added, for every $100 in grant funding earmarked for the airport, the federal government pays $95, the state, $2.50 and the county $2.50. And Barter said it didn’t make economic sense not to take grant funding under those terms, because the project dollars eventually work their way back into the community.

For example, although some have criticized the county for paying $8,000 for AIP-18 — the parallel taxiway project, Barter estimated the project would inject about $400,000 back into the local economy, through hotel and restaurant bills, gasoline sales, entertainment and a variety of other expenses. Barter based his projections on the number of project days, number of workers on staff, their per diem allotments and wages spent in Archuleta County.

FAA staff either declined to comment, or were unavailable for comment by deadline.

If you have a question that hasn’t been fully answered, or addressed, send it to james@pagosasun.com.


TOWN

INSIDE

LPEA directors name officers

By Indiana Reed
Special to the SUN

Bayfield native Pam Patton (District 4) has been re-elected president of the board of directors of La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), and will serve a second term at the helm of the electric cooperative beginning October 2007. As per the LPEA bylaws, officers are elected each year at the first board meeting following the electric cooperative’s annual meeting, this year held Sept. 8.

Terry Alley, of Pagosa Springs, (District 1) was re-elected vice president, with Jeff Berman (District 3) and John Gardella (District 3) chosen as secretary and treasurer, respectively. Harry Goff (District 3) will again represent LPEA on the Tri-State G&T board. Representatives to the Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA) and Western United are, respectively, Tom Compton (District 2) and Bob Formwalt of Pagosa Springs (District 1).

Patton, a Fort Lewis College graduate, spent a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy before returning to the Pine River Valley in 1994. She has served on the LPEA board since 2000, and further supports LPEA through participation on the board of FastTrack Communications.

“These are interesting times in the energy business,” said Patton, who appreciates her fellow board members’ support. “And we have many challenges ahead, but at La Plata Electric we will, as always, continue our focus on providing safe, reliable electricity at the lowest cost to our membership while at the same time being environmentally responsible.”

Since becoming an LPEA director, she has furthered her skills through completion of the set of five Credentialed Cooperative Directors courses and the rural electric cooperatives’ Board Leadership Certificate courses. For the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA) she currently serves on the Systems’ Operation and Planning and External Organizations and Issues committees.

Complete biographies of all LPEA directors are available on LPEA’s Web site, www.lpea.coop/company_info/distmap.htm.


Chimney Rock closure rumor put to rest

By Chuck McGuire
Staff Writer

To avoid absolute bedlam, let’s quell the rumor here and now.

While some have recently suggested the United States Forest Service is about to close and completely bury the Chimney Rock Archeological Site forever, rest assured, if it ever happens, it won’t be in the foreseeable future.

That, according to a number of Forest Service officials, contractors, scientists and educators either now or formerly involved with Chimney Rock, its continual upkeep and day-to-day operations.

Further, while those in the know acknowledge that closure and total concealment may be one option in ongoing efforts to stabilize and protect the site, it is the least preferable and feasible of the many now under consideration. Of course, in the long run, it may also be the least expensive, but most authorities seem to agree, the intrinsic values of Chimney Rock are measured in terms other than simple preservation costs.

Certainly, everyone with an eye on Chimney Rock agrees — and it probably goes without saying — all physical features are subject to degradation from use, abuse and exposure to the elements.

Chimney Rock sees several thousand authorized visitors every year, as well as a number of hikers, hunters and sightseers who roam the grounds throughout the winter months. Meanwhile, rain and winter snowmelt take a toll on ancient stone structures, and the area is not immune to random vandalism. In fact, in a recent phone interview, the Forest Service’s Chimney Rock site manager Glen Raby said that several walls in the Great Kiva are crumbling and could eventually collapse.

While Chimney Rock kivas and other structures suffer steady deterioration, Forest Service officials are working to adopt a stabilization plan, in hope of preserving the site well into the future. As part of the plan, various archeologists and petrography experts have been hired to assess the site’s overall condition and recommend procedures to address continuing concerns.

According to Gary Fairchild, a Pagosa Ranger District archeologist currently on administrative leave, a noted petrographics investigator, Chris Zeller, performed an assessment of Chimney Rock a few years ago. In his final report (not available for review by press time), Zeller apparently advocated the closure and complete burial, or backfilling, of the site, as the most effective way of preserving it from further degeneration.

Fairchild said Zeller’s report offered another much more costly option that would involve re-laying and re-pointing all the rocks and mortar in all the walls, in all the structures at Chimney Rock. Because of the high cost, though, he suggested the Forest Service asked for “several shades of gray” between the two extremes, but were never provided any. Fairchild also insisted the assessment, which was paid for by a matching $20,000 grant, should have gone out to bid, but was “sole-sourced” to Zeller.

Meanwhile, archeologists from Mesa Verde National Park and Chaco Culture National Historical Park, referred to as stabilization experts, also performed preliminary assessments, and apparently concluded backfilling was not a viable option. Instead, they recommended the replacement of mortar and stones where necessary, while maintaining the site as a point of interest and public educational facility.

Fairchild agrees. In a recent interview, he expressed concern over the potential loss of Chimney Rock as a public resource, and feared a decision to close the site may be imminent. He questioned the wisdom in making such a choice, and wondered why the public and various tribal councils haven’t been included in the process.

Raby, however, assured The SUN that the process was only in the earliest stages of data collection, and once a long-awaited forest management plan is complete, other necessary environmental and historic preservation assessments will take place. And, as part of each assessment, extensive public input will be sought.

By phone, San Juan National Forest District Manager Mark Stiles echoed Raby’s comments, and added that, by his recollection, Zeller never actually suggested complete backfilling as the answer to Chimney Rock’s woes. Instead, he thought Zeller endorsed partial backfilling where necessary.

Others involved in the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association and Friends of Native Cultures, who respectively conduct site tours and Native American cultural events, seem to agree, no one is advocating the complete closure and backfilling of Chimney Rock. In fact, while both groups confess the need to constantly maintain the site, they feel the cost is worth it in order to sustain it as an educational and historical amenity to society.

Raby and Stiles also support Chimney Rock as an important educational tool, and expressed sincere doubt that total backfilling would ever seriously be considered. District Ranger Kevin Khung (Pagosa Ranger District) said, “At least in the archeological world, there’s a host of different opinions on how to protect resources. On one end, burying it is one option. On the other end, keeping it available for an interpretive program and its educational benefits is another. As a public site, keeping it open to the public seems to makes more sense.”

While it appears the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association will continue conducting site tours for awhile, and the Friends of Native Cultures intend to bring native dancers to the Great Kiva well into the future, Raby refused to deny the possibility of closing the site to public use, one day. Nevertheless, he insists the Forest Service has not made a decision on the fate of Chimney Rock and won’t, without including comprehensive public comment.

So, relax and make reservations now, for the next archeo-astronomical event scheduled for Chimney Rock. You can do so, by calling the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association at 731-4824.
chuck@pagosasun.com


San Juan Historical Society will meet Oct. 4

The San Juan Historical Society will hold its regular meeting Thursday, Oct. 4. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the meeting room at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.

The society is asking for members of the public to join in their efforts to preserve the history of this area and operate the local history museum.

Volunteers are needed to share their talents in many areas. If you are looking for a way to contribute, members of the society welcome your ideas and efforts.

All are welcome at the Oct. 4 meeting, when members of the San Juan Historical Society will begin planning for the next season.

If you are interested in assisting the society, but are not able to attend, contact board secretary Shari Pierce at 264-4862, evenings and weekends.


Humane Society launches new donation opportunities

By Frank Schiro
Special to The SUN

A change in timing has created an urgent need for donations to fund the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs’ new animal shelter compound located at 465 Cloman Blvd. Original plans for raising money for the new buildings and grounds have been accelerated by a full year and a half.

To date, the Humane Society has done an excellent job of procuring contributions from many generous donors. Over $700,000 has already been raised or pledged. However, that still leaves a burning need for an additional $500,000. Timing for the capital fund-raising drive was also right on target per original plans. However, those plans have now taken a drastic turn. The need to have funds in place has moved up by over a year and a half.

This urgency was created by a number of factors.

First and foremost, Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation (PAWS) received permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move forward on the expansion of Stevens Reservoir a year and a half earlier than initially anticipated. This reservoir expansion is badly needed to face expected population growth in Archuleta County. This resulted in the need for the existing shelter to be vacated so that construction could begin at Stevens.

After the schedule changed, PAWS had requested that the shelter be evacuated by June 30, 2007. However, holdups in receiving permits and construction delays pushed that back. Fortunately, PAWS granted extensions to allow animals to stay at the current shelter until September third. The week of Aug. 27, numerous volunteers moved all the furnishings from the Stevens Reservoir area and set up the temporary facilities. Cats are housed in the bottom floor of the Humane Society Thrift Store. The dogs are currently kept at an indoor location at night and transported daily to outdoor kennels at the new location on Cloman, weather permitting. Colorado Department of Agriculture has granted approval on this temporary housing and transport.

These changes lead to the next urgent deadline that looms on the horizon. Once the first building at 465 Cloman is finished, the Humane Society has only one year to get the second building completed. This is dictated by the rules of the Colorado Department of Agriculture that oversees animal care facilities. Currently, there are enough funds to finish building one, but more money will be required to complete building two and the rest of the new campus.

With all of these deadlines now staring the Humane Society in the face, the Homeward Bound Capital Fund-raising Campaign has instituted a number of new donation opportunities and will continue to host additional fund-raising events. Below are some of the new ways people can get help make a difference.

Here are the recently defined donation levels:
• Friends of the Animals — $500 to $999.                        
• Bronze Level — $1,000 to $2,999.                        
• Silver Level — $3,000 to $4,999.
• Gold Level — 5,000 to $9,999.
• Platinum Super Heroes — $10,000 and up.

There are opportunities where rooms, equipment, the planned dog park, or even buildings may be named by the donor of significant contributions.

Now is a crucial time when anyone interested in helping this campaign can step up to the plate and make a huge difference. People are reminded that this important project does not just benefit the homeless animals of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County. The Animal Shelter and Humane Society play crucial roles in ensuring the public safety and quality of life in this community. Many people acquainted with other communities do not understand one of the unique, special qualities of the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs. Many communities typically euthanize after five days or less or when they become overcrowded; our Humane Society has no such time or space requirements.

If you are interested in determining how you can help or if you are interested in donating directly to the capital fund-raising campaign now, call (970) 264-5549 or e-mail questions or comments to homewardbound@centurytel.net.


Fire protection district volunteers continue to train and serve

By Ben Bagwell
Staff Writer

While firefighting opportunities have been slight during the summer of 2007, the 71 volunteers who serve in the Pagosa Fire Protection District have spent plenty of time working on advanced certification.

Many Archuleta County residents may not realize the number of volunteer hours invested by these 71 public-minded individuals.

Duwane Ramey, district fire training officer, says, “There are three state-certified instructors, 38 volunteers who are certified at the Firefighter I level, seven who are certified at the Firefighter II level, two certified as hazardous materials technicians and seven certified at hazardous materials operations.”

Ramey says, “To attain Firefighter I status, a fireman invests 120 hours of training. He or she spends another 80 hours to reach Firefighter II certification. Wild Land firefighting certification takes another 40 hours.

“In addition to firefighting certification 32 of our firefighters have been certified as emergency medical technicians. All of our volunteers are trained in first aid and CPR,” the training officer said. Six of the volunteers were certified elsewhere. Thirteen of the volunteer firefighters are women.

Are more volunteers needed? “Yes,” said Ramey, who can be reached at 731-4191, Ext. 25.

About eight years ago, “What we call the ‘Christmas Day fire’ took place,” Ramey said. “No one was killed or seriously hurt, but natural gas was feeding the fire. The fire was big right away and it took place between midnight and dawn on Christmas Day. I remember a grandchild was able to preserve her grandmother’s wedding dress from the fire and use it for her wedding.

“Some of our units also helped to protect homes in residential areas near the 2002 Missionary Ridge Blaze,” Ramey said.
Diane Bower serves as district manager and interim fire chief for the district. Other than Bower and Ramey, district fire officials include Manny Trujillo, fire marshal/assistant chief; Mike Valdez, maintenance captain; and two firefighters, Will Clark and John Gilbert.

This month candidates for the position of district fire chief will be interviewed. The district board was to then make a decision.

There is a new fire station located in a barn at Chromo. Currently 11 volunteers in the Chromo area are trained to man the equipment housed in the barn. This operation began on June 18.

The other fire stations are Station 1 on North Pagosa Boulevard, Station 2 in Hatcher, Station 3 at Loma Linda (U.S. 84), Station 4 (U.S. 160 just east of U.S. 84), Station 5 (Aspen Springs) and Station 6 (Hidden Valley, on County Road 400).

Earlier this year, three district volunteers received awards:
• Mike Fryar was named fireman of the year.
• Leroy Lattin was named officer of the year.
• John Gilbert was named rookie of the year.

ben@pagosasun.com


Dept. of Revenue offers free
sales and use tax class

The Colorado Department of Revenue offers a no-cost training class regarding state sales and use tax.

The three-hour class includes new and relevant information on a variety of sales and use tax topics and offers a general review of forms related to sales and use tax collection and emittance. The next session is Thursday, Oct. 25, from 1-4 p.m., at the Robert Hoag Rawlings Library, 100 E. Abriendo Ave. in Pueblo.

Training materials are provided. The class includes the following topics:
• Opening a business.
• What is sales/use tax?
• How to collect sales/use tax.
• Filing sales/use tax.
• Available electronic services.

Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required.

Visit the classes Web page at www.TaxSeminars.state.co.us for directions on how to register. Those with disabilities attending any class will need to notify the CDR via their registration so suitable arrangements can be made.

Continuing professional education (CPE) credits are available.

For more information on this class, or other classes offered by the Colorado Department of Revenue, visit www.TaxSeminars.state.co.us.


AEDA, Chamber and FLC sponsor marketing class

Register now for the October Marketing for Smarties class. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Marketing for Smarties is a three-session program sponsored by the Archuleta Economic Development Association (AEDA), Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce and Fort Lewis College Small Business Development Center.

The three sessions (Oct. 9 and 30, and Nov. 27 — all held 5:15-9 p.m.) — give business owners personal coaching and peer feedback as they develop a basic, enduring marketing and sales plan tailored to their specific needs.

Cost is $99 which includes all three sessions. Scholarships are available. Contact AEDA at 731-1443 to register or visit archuletaeconomicdevelopment.org/events.htm to download an application.


Bowl for Kids’ Sake coming to Pagosa Springs

Big Brothers Big Sisters is bringing bowling back to Pagosa Springs Nov. 2 and 3. 

Bowl For Kids’ Sake has been one of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest national and regional fund-raising events and is instrumental in the continued success of the agency.

The local event will be held at the Power House Youth Center on Friday night, Nov. 2, and all day Saturday, Nov. 3.  Organizers will create a fun, unique bowling alley, including regulation-size, 5-pound, hard rubber bowling balls and pins, and will have five bowling lanes available each hour.  

All your team members have to do is commit to one hour of goofy bowling fun and to raising $300. At just $75 per team member, it’s a simple way to make a difference! There will also be a silent auction, door prizes and plenty of music, food and fun.

Whether you are a team captain, or a bowler, it is a fun way to help Big Brothers Big Sisters achieve their mission of providing more Bigs to children. By working together, and bowling together, Pagosans can strengthen the community and provide a brighter future for our youth.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program has proven to be an effective method for preventing delinquency and encouraging positive development in young people. Children in the program are:
• 46 percent less likely than their peers to engage in illegal drug use.
• 27 percent less likely to use alcohol.
• 52 percent less likely than their peers to skip a day of school.
• 37 percent less likely to skip a class — they earned higher grades and had a more positive perception of school.
• 33 percent less likely than their peers to be physically aggressive — overall more trusting of their parents or guardians. 
• Participating youth felt more supported and less criticized by their peers and families, and were less likely to lie.

There will be a team captains’ meeting Friday, Oct. 5 at The Power House Youth Center. Pledge sheets will be handed out, attendees can see the ball and pins for the event, and time slots will be assigned. There will be munchies and beverages.

If you can help Big Brothers Big Sisters with their mission by being a team captain, call Cherlyn Gwin at 731-9666 or download the Team Captain packet at www.bbig.org.


Radon grant received, workshops set

San Juan Basin Health’s Environmental Division, in conjunction with CSU Extension Service, has received a $20,000 grant from the federal government. This funding will enable it to continue providing radon education and testing kits to Archuleta and La Plata counties.

The testing tool is distributed to citizens on request and typically involves attending a mini-workshop presented, in joint effort, by the health department and Extension Service. 

The workshop covers use of the screening tool, and potential implications of the results of screening. This area contains high “risk-levels” for radon, so testing is often recommended.  The grant runs from October of this year through September of 2008.

Several radon workshops will be offered during October and November. Free test kits will be available. These workshops, sponsored by La Plata County CSU Cooperative Extension and San Juan Basin Health Department, will take place:
Oct. 19 — Durango Home Builders Meeting at the La Plata County Fairgrounds
Oct. 20 — Durango Home Builders Meeting at the fairgrounds.
Oct. 25 — Radon workshop at the fairgrounds 10 a.m.

For a full list of workshop dates, see www.sjbhd.org/en/indoor-air-quality.

Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family’s health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America, claiming about 20,000 lives annually.  EPA has launched a new series of television, radio and print public service announcements encouraging people to test and fix their homes for radon. This is a good time to focus on testing and on fixing homes with a radon level of 4 pCi/L or more. These community workshops are a great opportunity to take action toward reducing individuals’ and families’ risk of lung cancer from radon. For more information about radon, see www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/rad/radon/index.htm.

Radon poster contest
The National Safety Council, in partnership with the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, is sponsoring a Radon Poster Contest for children ages 9-14 enrolled in a public, private, territorial, tribal, or home school. Members of a sponsoring club, such as a scouting organization or art, computer, science or 4-H club, also are eligible. There is no entry fee, and only one entry per student is allowed. The entry deadline is Oct. 15.

“Radon awareness is particularly important in Colorado,” said Joe Vranka, radiation program manager for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “Fifty-two out of the state’s 64 counties are at high risk for radon, a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer.” Poster topics must include one of the following subjects: what is radon, where does radon come from, how does radon get into our homes, radon can cause lung cancer or test your home for radon. The winning national poster will be unveiled in Washington, D.C.

More information about contest entries can be found at www.nsc.org/issues/radon.


New Quit Tobacco Web site for Colorado residents

The State of Colorado has a new Web site for those individuals wanting to quit tobacco. This Web site, www.coquitline.org, is offered as an independent Web-based tobacco cessation service or a combination of the Web-based and telephonic QuitLine program. The Web site will offer a secure registration process for Colorado users and include the following services:

• Customized services: quitting tools based on participant’s demographic information, smoking behavior, stage of quitting process and quit goal date.

• Social support: on-line forums and chat rooms including “Chat With An Expert” and “Quit Community.”

• Personalized e-mail support system: quit tips, personalized feedback, resource information and updates on new features of the site. E-mails will be sent to remind the participants of appointments with their Quitting Coach if they are also enrolled in the Colorado Quitline.

• Pharmaceutical cessation options: nicotine replacement and non-nicotine medications.

• Links to other tobacco resources: These links include both information on local cessation programs, and other smoking cessation resources.

Content on tobacco cessation will be customized based on the age, demographics, gender, ethnicity, stage of readiness to quit, and addiction level. Recommended strategies will be developed from the participant’s responses on their tobacco assessment and a personalized Quit Plan will be sent to the participant. The content for the coquitline.org program follows the QuitLine Tobacco Cessation Guide that is used for all participants in the Colorado QuitLine telephonic program.

Grant applications
Bust Big Tobacco — a middle school tobacco media and advocacy education program just released grant applications for Colorado schools. This nine-session program will 1) explore general tobacco information such as the health and financial costs, 2) increase media literacy skills, and 3) introduce the concept of advocacy through a hands-on approach. Not-for-profit community-based organizations and schools who serve youth in grades 6-8, and who are not currently receiving any tobacco industry dollars, are eligible to apply. Interested organizations must identify an adult who can serve as the program facilitator. Settings may include but are not limited to: Community youth-serving programs, after-school programs or school clubs.

There are a series of conference calls which are open to anyone who would like more information about the program or the application packet. To receive call access information please contact Heather McKittrick at (303) 724-1258 or at heather.mckittrick@uchsc.edu.

The conference calls will be held:
• Monday, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 1, at noon.


Education Center offers classes for everyone

By Renee Haywood
Special to The SUN

Whatever your education needs you will likely find them at the Archuleta County Education Center. The center is offering a variety of fall classes that will help you meet your daily life and career needs.

If you are interested in expanding your knowledge or becoming more skilled in software applications on the computer, the center is offering a number of computer classes from beginner to advanced levels. These classes include Windows XP for Beginners, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and QuickBooks. If you have spent countless hours searching a manual for answers to your software questions, these classes are for you.

Call the Education Center for a complete schedule of computer classes at 264-2835.

Community education classes
If it’s time to renew your First Aid and CPR certification or maybe your job requires you to become certified, classes will be offered throughout October, November and December at the education center. We will also be offering a Wilderness First Aid Training. This four-evening course provides knowledge and training for anyone out in the wilderness or in remote locations.

Learn to 2-step around the dance floor in this Country and Western Dance class. Instructor, Bob Carpenter will teach a new step each week beginning with the “Texas 2-Step.” Dances will include the Polka, Waltz and Western Swing. No experience necessary. This class is for everyone singles and couples. Classes will be held Mondays, Oct. 8-Nov. 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuition is $40.

Conversational Spanish classes will be offered beginning Tuesday, Oct. 16, 6-8 p.m. and run for six weeks. This class is for beginners or anyone needing to brush up on their Spanish. Tuition is $96.

A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) class is being offered for the first time at the Education Center. This hands-on course, taught by John Middendorf, will introduce students to the concepts and techniques of obtaining digital data and creating maps with a computer. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an exciting field of visualizing and analyzing geographically referenced information. Classes will begin Wednesday, Oct. 17 and run through Nov. 14, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuition is $65.

For anyone interested in learning about Essential Oils, a one-day class will be offered Thursday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m. This class will give insight into the use of therapeutic-grade essential oils to help maintain health and longevity.

After-School Tutoring and Enrichment
After-school tutoring and enrichment are offered to students in grades K-6. For students in grades K-4 classes are held at the elementary school in room 6. Activities are Monday-Thursday, 3:15-5 p.m. and include Art with Ms. Tessie, Girls Rock in Art, Cooking, Spanish for Kids, and more. Don’t forget Fun Fridays, 1-5 p.m. There will also be a Music is Magical class on Friday beginning Oct. 5 from 1-2:30 p.m. Tutoring for students in grades K-4 is offered Monday-Thursday, 3:15-5 p.m. under the direction of Lucille Stretton, tutoring coordinator.

This year, tutoring for students in grades 5 and 6 will be held at the Intermediate school in room 105, from 3:30-5 p.m. Counselor Karyn Smith has been hired as the tutoring coordinator to oversee this program. We welcome her and are looking forward to a very successful year. There will also be a “Let’s All Sing” class offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning Oct. 3, 3:30-5 p.m. This class is for boys and girls in fifth and sixth grade. Students will be encouraged to sing their hearts out every week! They will study basic ear training and theory through the singing of songs and basic warm up exercises. Students will be working towards a holiday performance in December.

For students in grades 7 and 8 the Homework Center will be available Monday-Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m. in the junior high library. This year, John Clay will be the new Homework Center coordinator. We welcome him in this new position and again look forward to a successful year.

Adult Education Classes
GED
If you need to complete your GED or know someone that needs to begin the process of getting their GED, the Education Center is offering classes weekly. These classes help the student prepare to take the five tests required to obtain a GED certificate.

The GED diploma is accepted by ninety-five percent of U.S. colleges, universities, vocational or technical schools and the military. Millions of people have taken the GED tests to continue their education, or to just feel better about themselves.

GED Instructor Mark Wardell is available Monday-Thursday, 3:30-7 p.m. to assist in tutoring or any questions you may have regarding the GED program. You can be successful no matter how long it’s been since you were in school.

ESL
Students learning English as a second language are faced with all the same content challenges as a native English speaker, in addition to learning a new language. At the Education Center we offer a number of levels of English classes from Beginning Reading to Advanced Reading and Writing. Students also learn life skills which include employment, health, housing, transportation, and community services.

The ESL classes offer students the opportunity to interact with other students from all over the world. We currently service students from China, Mexico and Russia. Throughout the year students are taken on field trips to places like Chimney Rock, museums, restaurants, and more. These trips allow the student to become more a part of their community.
Classes are held Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-7 p.m. and Fridays 1-3 p.m. under the direction of Rosalind Marshall, ESL instructor.

There is always something exciting happening at the Education Center.

The Education Center is always looking for individuals to teach classes. If you have knowledge of a particular subject and would like to share it with others, please contact Student Services Coordinator Renee Haywood at 264-2835.

If you are interested in any of our classes being offered, have any questions regarding classes, or have suggestions for new class topics, contact us at 264-2835 or stop by our office located on the corner of 4th and Lewis streets.

Legal Notices

_______________________

NOTICE OF SALE

Sunetha Property Management will be having a sale for storage unit #17 High Country Mini Storage, 55 Rainbow, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, on Saturday, October 6, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. Misc. Items include hammers, blades, ropes, Sawzall, tools.
Published September 20 and 27, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRUSTEE SALE
Public Trustee No. 30-2007

To Whom it may Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
Grantor (Borrower): Tamara Wegner AKA Tamara L Wegner
Original Beneficiary: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Current Owner of the Evidence of Debt: HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Trustee for WFASC Home Equity Asset-Backed Certificates Series 2007-1
Date of Deed of Trust: January 26, 2007
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: January 29, 2007
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $199,500.00
Outstanding Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt as of the date hereof: $199,445.62
County of Recording: Archuleta
Book and Page No. or Reception No. of Recorded Deed of Trust: at Reception No. 20700872
Legal Description of Real Property:
LOT 760, PAGOSA HIGHLANDS ESTATES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF FILED FEBRUARY 7, 1972, AS RECEPTION NO. 75409, IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO.
WHICH HAS THE ADDRESS OF 419 Saddle Circle Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.
THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Trustee for WFASC Home Equity Asset-Backed Certificates Series 2007-1, the owner of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.
THEREFORE, Notice is Hereby Given that I will, at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon of October 25, 2007, at the front door of the Archuleta County Public Trustee’s Office, 449 San Juan Street, P O Box 790, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.
CASTLE MEINHOLD & STAWIARSKI, LLC IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Dated: August 30, 2007
/s/ Lois Baker
Public Trustee in and for the County of
Archuleta, Colorado
/s/ Vicky Rudock, Deputy
Attorney:
Castle Meinhold & Stawiarski, LLC
Caren Jacobs Castle
999 18th Street, Suite 2201
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 865-1480
Published September 6, 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
MOUNTAIN MEADOWS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC
Plaintiffs,
vs.
JULIUS GARCIA and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendants
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 115
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Mountain Meadows Townhouses, One (1) Winter Unit Week, as said Week is numbered and defined in the Declaration of Interval Ownership for Mountain Meadows recorded under Reception No. 137132, and amendments and supplements thereto, and as identified in unit Numbers 7601 through 7608 of Mountain Meadows Townhouses, Phase Two filed for record under Reception No. 120209311. Together with a right of ingress and egress over the existing road to Lakeside Drive.
Dated this 27th day of August 2007.
/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published September 6, 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

A minor subdivision request to re-subdivide one lot into two lots consisting of approximately .34 acres is proposed in the Pagosa Trails Subdivision, lot 55X. The property is located at 71 Sam Houston Ave, approximately 300 feet from the intersection of Sam Houston Ave and Trails Blvd.
Comments regarding this proposal may be submitted to the Archuleta County Planning Department, P.O. Box 1507, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147-1507, telephone: (970) 731-3877 prior to the public hearing by the Board of County Commissioners on October 2, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in the County Courthouse. If you prefer, you may attend the public hearing and be heard.
Published September 20 and 27, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

A minor subdivision request to unconsolidate 2 lots located on approximately .71 acres is proposed in the North Village Lake Subdivision, lot 89X. The property is located 157 Northbay Circle, approximately 775 feet from the intersection of Northbay Circle and Northlake Ave.
Comments regarding this proposal may be submitted to the Archuleta County Planning Department, P.O. Box 1507, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147-1507, telephone: (970) 731-3877 prior to the public hearing by the Board of County Commissioners on October 2, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in the County Courthouse. If you prefer, you may attend the public hearing and be heard.
Published September 20 and 27, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRUSTEE’S SALE
No. 29-2007

This Notice is given with regard to the Deed of Trust described as follows:
Original Grantor (Borrower): WSRE Investments, LTD, a Colorado Limited Partnership
Original Beneficiary: Wayne R. Beck and June M. Beck
Current Owner of Evidence of Debt: C.E. Willey Trust
Date of Deed of Trust: April 2, 2001 modified effective June 27, 2005
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: April 2, 2001 modified version September 15, 2005
County of Recording: Archuleta
Reception and/or Film Nos. of Recorded Deed of Trust: 20102906 and 20509694
Book and Page of Deed of Trust:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the owner of the evidence of debt secured by the Deed of Trust described above, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided in said Deed of Trust. The original principal amount of the Evidence of Debt was TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS AND 00/100 ($200,000.00) dollars. The outstanding principal balance due and owing was 212, 607.18 (212, 607.18) dollars, as of December 27, 2006 (date).
The property being foreclosed is ALL of the property encumbered by said Deed of Trust, and is described as follows:
TRACT 2, WESTERN ADDITION, TO THE TOWN OF PAGOSA SPRINGS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF FILED FOR RECORD OCTOBER 1, 1981 AS RECEPTION NO. 107068.
Also known by street and number as Western Addition Tract 2 Highway 160 West Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147
THEREFORE NOTICE IS GIVEN that I will at 10:00 o’clock a.m., on the date of October 18, 2007, at 449 San Juan St., Front door Archuleta County Treasurer Office, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the real property described above, and all interest of the Grantor, the heirs, successors and assigns of the Grantor, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in the evidence of debt and Deed of Trust, attorney’s fees, and the expenses of sale, and will deliver to the purchaser a certificate of purchase, all as provided by law.
Date: 8-23-07 /s/ Lois Baker
Public Trustee, ARCHULETA County,
State of Colorado
By: /s/ Vicky Rudock
Deputy Public Trustee
Bruce M. Kirkpatrick #777
960 E. 2nd Ave
Durango, CO 81301
Phone Number: 970-247-0269
FAX Number: 970-247-0277
Published August 30, September 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiffs
v.
JOE M. CAIN, JO K. CAIN and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interest In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendant.
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 90
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 53, Building Number 53, Unit Week Number 6, in “EAGLE’S LOFT - PHASE IV”, as Reception No. 137941 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto, in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this 20th day of August, 2007.
Larry W. Holthus
Published August 30, September 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

Seeking Board Members. The Town of Pagosa Springs is seeking five (5) volunteer members to serve a three (3) year term on the Building Codes Board of Appeals in order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of the building codes. The Board will review and make final decisions on appeal applications that shall be based on a claim that the true intent of the code or the rules legally adopted by the Town have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall have no authority to waive requirements of the Building Codes. The Board will meet upon notice from the chairperson, within 10 days of the filing of an appeal with the Town Building Department. The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to building construction and are not employees of the jurisdiction. Please contact Scott Pierce at 970.264.4151 x223 for more information or submit a letter of intent by October 1st, 2007, which includes all pertinent information such as but not limited to reason for interest, education, certifications, professional licenses (current and non), professional organization affiliations and experience to:
Town of Pagosa Board of Code Appeals
Attn: Deanna Jaramillo
551 Hot Springs Blvd.
P.O. Box 1859
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Published September 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiffs,
vs.
CRIS H. LUCKETT, BILLIE LOCKHART LUCKETT and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendants
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 102
AMENDED SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 55, Building Number 55, Unit Week Number 30, in “EAGLE’S LOFT - PHASE IV”, as Reception No. 137941 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this_____ day of September, 2007.
Larry W. Holthus
Published September 20, 27, October 4, 11 and 18 , 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiffs,
vs.
CARROLL T. KALKA, THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CARROLL T. KALKA, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF THE ESTATE OF CARROLL T. KALKA AND ROSA LEE KALKA and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendants
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 105
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 48, Building Number 48, Unit Week Number 46, in “EAGLE’S LOFT – Phase IV, as Reception No. 137941 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this 7th day of September, 2007.

/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published September 20, 27, October 4, 11 and 18, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
MOUNTAIN MEADOWS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC
Plaintiffs,
vs.
JAMES A. TYNAN, JR., DONNA D. TYNAN and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendants
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 85
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 49 Building Number 49, Unit Week Number 01, in “EAGLE’S LOFT – Phase IV, as Reception No. 137941 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this 27th day of August, 2007.
/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published September 6, 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRUSTEE SALE
Public Trustee No. 31-2007

To Whom it may Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
Grantor (Borrower): Leslie Montroy and Jake Montroy
Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
Current Owner of the Evidence of Debt: Bank of New York as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWABS 2005-01
Date of Deed of Trust: March 11, 2005
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: March 24, 2005
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $221,000.00
Outstanding Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt as of the date hereof: $215,868.50
County of Recording: Archuleta
Book and Page No. or Reception No. of Recorded Deed of Trust: at Reception No. 20502745
Legal Description of Real Property:
ALL THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE IN THE COUNTY OF ARCHULETA, STATE OF COLORADO, BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT 13 OF BLOCK 3 IN HOLIDAY ACRES SUBDIVISION UNIT NO. 1.
WHICH HAS THE ADDRESS OF 45 Wild Rose Lane Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.
THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
Bank of New York as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWABS 2005-01, the owner of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.
THEREFORE, Notice is Hereby Given that I will, at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon of November 1, 2007, at the front door of the Archuleta County Public Trustee’s Office, 449 San Juan Street, P O Box 790, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.
CASTLE MEINHOLD & STAWIARSKI, LLC IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Dated: September 5, 2007
/s/ Lois Baker
Public Trustee in and for the County of
Archuleta, Colorado
/s/ Vicky Rudock, Deputy
Attorney:
Castle Meinhold & Stawiarski, LLC
Caren Jacobs Castle
999 18th Street, Suite 2201
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 865-1480
Published September 13, 20, 27, October 4 and 11, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.,
v.
NANCY A. FOLSOM, WAYNE DWIGHT FOLSOM, and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests in the Subject Matter of This Action.
Defendants.
Case Number: 07 CV 93
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 49, Building Number 49, Unit Week Number 27, in “EAGLE’S LOFT - PHASE IV”, as Reception No. 137941 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this 20th day of August, 2007.
/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published September 20, 27, October 4, 11 and 18, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiffs,
vs.
ROGER J. REED, ROSE L. REED and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendants
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 106
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 44, Building Number 44, Unit Week Number 4319, in “EAGLE’S LOFT - PHASE IV”, as Reception No. 137941 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this 28th day of August, 2007.
/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published September 6, 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
MOUNTAIN MEADOWS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC
Plaintiffs,
vs.
IGRAA AMERICAN RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION, AKA IGRAA AMERICKA, LLC and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendants
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 110
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Building Number 1, Unit Week: One (1) White Unit Week Phase One of Mountain Meadows Resort, Parcel 4 in the Second Replat of South Village Lake, according to the plat filed for record August 3, 1982 under reception No. 137131 and as amended by Affidavit of Correction recorded January 18, 1983 and duly recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Archuleta County, Colorado, as subject to Master Lease recorded October 20, 1983 in book 204 at Page 78 providing, in part, for periods of which individual lessees may be permitted to reserve and occupy an available Unit therein each year in accordance with said Lease and individual Vacation Leases, and to the use and enjoyment of the Common Areas therein provided and amendments and supplements thereto, in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this 27th day of August, 2007.
/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published September 6, 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiffs,
vs.
CARLTON A. WESTBROOK and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendants
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 99
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 32, Building Number 32, Unit Week Number 21, in “EAGLE’S LOFT – Phase Three, as Reception No. 130203 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
and
Unit Number 32, Building Number 32, Unit Week Number 22, in “EAGLE’S LOFT – Phase Three, as Reception No. 130203 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado
Dated this 7th day of September, 2007.
/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published September 20, 27, October 4, 11 and 18, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF SALE
COLORADO- ALL PURPOSE STORAGE WILL SELL OR DISPOSE OF THE CONTENTS OF THE FOLLOWING UNITS #A-31, IN ORDER TO AY OFF PAST DUE RENTS, LATE CHARGES & COLLECTION CHARGES.
TENANT: Prospero Yanez
CONTENTS: New mattresses, 2 saddles, tools, furniture.
Published September 27 and October 4, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
MOUNTAIN MEADOWS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiffs
vs.
LESLIE E. FIELDS, FRANCES. E. FIELDS, KENT L. FIELDS, and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interest In The Subject Matter Of This Action,
Defendants.
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 112
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Building Number 1, Unit Week: One (1) White Unit Week Phase One of Mountain Meadows Resort, Parcel 4 in the Second Replat of South Village Lake, according to the plat filed for record August 3, 1982 under reception No. 137131 and as amended by Affidavit of Correction recorded January 18, 1983 and duly recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Archuleta County, Colorado, as subject to Master Lease recorded October 20, 1983 in book 204 at Page 78 providing, in part, for periods of which individual lessees may be permitted to reserve and occupy an available Unit therein each year in accordance with said Lease and individual Vacation Leases, and to the use and enjoyment of the Common Areas therein provided and amendments and supplements thereto, in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this 7th day of September, 2007.
/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published September 20, 27, October 4, 11 and 18, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 7,
COLORADO
WATER RESUME

TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN SAID WATER DIVISION NO. 7
Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of August, 2007, for Archuleta County.
07CW53 William G. Freeman, 23 White Canyon Court, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147: Freeman Pump #1 – Lower Blanco; Archuleta County; NW1/4NE1/4, Section 32, T34N, R1W, NMPM, 437 feet from N and 1538 feet from E, Northing 4113068, Easting 324893; Rio Blanco; Date of initiation of appropriation, June 15, 2007; Appropriation initiated by irrigation with sprinkler system; Date applied to beneficial use, June 15, 2007; Irrigation of 3 acres; .10 cfs Absolute; Application for Water Rights (Surface) (3 pages)
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT YOU HAVE until the last day of October, 2007, to file with the Water Clerk, in quadruplicate, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why a certain application should not be granted or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. A copy of such Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the applicant or the applicant’s attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service shall be filed with the Water Clerk, as prescribed by Rule 5, CRCP. (Filing fee: $90.00; Forms are available through the Office of the Water Clerk or on the Judicial website at www.courts.state.co.us; Danene Etz, Clerk of the Water Court, 1060 E. 2nd Ave., Room 106, Durango, CO 81301-5157; 970-247-2304, Ext. 6181)
Published: before September 30, 2007 Original signature on file
Danene Etz, Water Clerk
Published September 27, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRUSTEE SALE
Public Trustee No. 32-2007

To Whom it may Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
Grantor (Borrower): Gregory Scott Christian and Tanya Lane Christian
Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for First Franklin a Division of National City Bank
Current Owner of the Evidence of Debt: LaSalle Bank National Association as Trustee for First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-FF2, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-FF2
Date of Deed of Trust: December 7, 2006
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: December 7, 2006
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $271,200.00
Outstanding Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt as of the date hereof: $271,122.58
County of Recording: Archuleta
Book and Page No. or Reception No. of Recorded Deed of Trust: at Reception No. 20611858
Legal Description of Real Property:
LOT 782, PAGOSA HIGHLANDS ESTATES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF FILED FEBRUARY 7, 1972, AS RECEPTION NO 75409, IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO
WHICH HAS THE ADDRESS OF 106 Hills Circle Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.
THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
LaSalle Bank National Association as Trustee for First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-FF2, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-FF2, the owner of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.
THEREFORE, Notice is Hereby Given that I will, at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon of November 15th, 2007, at the front door of the Archuleta County Public Trustee’s Office, 449 San Juan Street, P O Box 790, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.
CASTLE MEINHOLD & STAWIARSKI, LLC IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Dated: Sept. 18, 2007
/s/ Lois Baker
Public Trustee in and for the County of
Archuleta, Colorado
Attorney:
Castle Meinhold & Stawiarski, LLC
Caren Jacobs Castle
999 18th Street, Suite 2201
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 865-1480
Published September 27, October 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

Public Notice

Effective January 1, 2008, Sierra Optima will no longer offer coverage of Medicare Advantage benefits to our Medicare members in Colorado. If you are a current member, you may remain enrolled until December 31, 2007.
For additional information, we suggest you call Sierra Optima at 1-888-274-2207; TTY: 1-800-349-3538. For help and information about Medicare, please call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). Individuals that use a telephone device for the hearing impaired can call 1-877-486-2048.
Material ID: H4449_41NVSHL07
Published September 27, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE

BY VIRTUE OF certain Writs of Execution issued out of the
District Court of Archuleta County, State of Colorado, and to me directed,
whereby I am commanded to make the following sums:
$109,985.79 in favor of Plaintiff, Roderick R. McBroom (a/k/a “Rod McBroom”);
$104,701.51 in favor of Plaintiff, Thomas G. Junghans;
$186,029.23 in favor or Plaintiff, Roderick R. McBroom (a/k/a “Rod McBroom”);
plus interest, costs and fees, the amounts of certain Judgments obtained by Plaintiffs on August 30, 2007 in Civil Actions 07CV67 and 07CV49 against Defendants, the 12 Percent Fund I, LLC (a/k/a “12% Fund I, LLC” and “12% Fund, LLC”), an Arizona limited liability company, and Coyote Growth Management, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company, out of the lands, tenements, goods and chattels of the said Defendants.
I have levied on the following real property located in the County of Archuleta, State of Colorado, to-wit:
Tract I: Lot 105, Lake Forest Estates, according to the plat thereof filed for record June 4, 1973 as Reception No. 77869, which is also known as 69 Willow Court, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147;
Tract II: Lot 168, Colorado’s Timber Ridge Phase Four, according to the plat thereof filed for record December 19, 2002, as Reception No. 20212641, which is also known as 25 Crown Court, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147;
Tract III: Lot 2 of the Harman Minor Impact Subdivision Correction as set forth in plat recorded June 1, 2004 as Reception No. 20404821, in the office of the Clerk and Recorder, Archuleta County, Colorado.
SELLER RESERVES the right to record a 24-foot wide ingress/egress easement in the Easterly half of Lot 2, Harman Park Minor Impact Subdivision from Harman Park Drive to Lot 1, Harman Park Minor Impact Subdivision, for the purpose of providing access to Lot 1 for the owners of said lot, their successors. assigns and guests.
as known by street and number as: 2560A West Highway 160, Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147.
The liens being foreclosed may not be first liens.
THEREFORE, according to said command, I shall expose for sale, at Public Auction, to the highest and best bidder for cash, all right, title and interest of the above named Defendants in and to the above described properties, on November 7, 2007 at 10:00 o’clock A.M. at the Sheriff’s front office, Archuleta County Courthouse, 449 San Juan St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.
Dated: 09-18-2007 Sheriff of Archuleta County
/s/ Peter L. Gonzalez
Peter L. Gonzalez
Plaintiffs’ Phone # and Address: (970) 247-5983, P.O. Box 1931, Durango, CO 81302
Published September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED

To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having Interest of Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to
Rizk Saad and John Wells
PO Box 12369
Tamuning, Guam 96931
You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 19th day of November, A.D. 2004, the then County Treasurer of Archuleta County, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to D J & J Investments, LLC the following described real estate situate in the County of Archuleta, State of Colorado, to-wit:
Legal Description:
Pagosa in the Pines Unit 2 Lot 2; 16-35-2W
#20403206
Schedule # 569916205002
TSC # 377-04
and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to D J & J Investments, LLC.
That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent property (and special assessment) taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2003.
That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of Rizk Saad & John Wells for said year 2003.
That said D J & J Investments, LLC on the 4th day of August, 2007, the present holder of said certificate has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said real estate;
That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said real estate to the said D J & J Investments, LLC at 10:00 o’clock A.M., on the 12th day of February, A.D. 2008, unless the same has been redeemed.
Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer’s Deed.
Witness my hand this 20th day of September, A.D. 2007.
Lois Baker, Archuleta County Treasurer
By /s/ Kelly Carson Evans
County Treasurer of Archuleta County
(Kelly Carson Evans, Deputy)
Published September 27, October 4 and 11, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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Notice of Public Trustee’s Sale
Public Trustee No. 33-2007

To Whom it may Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
Grantors: Amy Yvette Moreno & Jesus Moreno
Original Beneficiary of Deed of Trust: Vectra Bank Colorado, National Association
Current Owner of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust: Vectra Bank Colorado, National Association
Date of Deed of Trust: 3/11/2004
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: 3/22/2004
County of Recording: Archuleta
RECORDING INFORMATION OF DEED OF TRUST:
RECEPTION NUMBER: 20402768
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the legal owner of an Evidence of Debt dated 3/11/2007, in the original principal amount of $170,000, signed by Jesus Moreno and Amy Yvette Moreno, which is secured by the Deed of Trust described above, has filed a written Notice of Election and Demand for Sale, as provided in said Deed of Trust. The outstanding principal balance (exclusive of interest and any other charges properly allowable under the document(s) evidencing said debt) due and owing upon the Evidence of Debt secured by the above-described Deed of Trust being foreclosed was $147,305.28 as of 9/12/2007.
The real property to be foreclosed, which is all of the property currently encumbered by the Deed of Trust, is located in Archuleta County, State of Colorado and described as follows:
EXHIBIT A
Parcel 1:
The Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4SW1/4) of Section 28, Township 34 North, Range 3 West, N.M.P.M., Archuleta County, Colorado.
Parcel 2:
The South Half of the Southeast Quarter (S1/2SE1/4), Section 28, Township 34 North, Range 3 West, N.M.P.M., Archuleta County, Colorado.
Parcel 3:
The Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SE1/4SW1/4) of Section 28 and the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4SE1/4) of Section 29, all in Township 34 North, Range 3 West, N.M.P.M., Archuleta County, Colorado.
Together with all existing buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all water, water rights and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights; and all other rights, royalties and profits relating to the real property, including with out limitation all minerals, oil, gas, geothermal and similar matters.
Also known as: X County Road 700, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I shall, at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 15th, 2007, at 449 San Juan Street, Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147, sell at public auction, to the highest and best bidder for cash, the property described above and all interest of said Grantor, the heirs, successors and assigns of said Grantor, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt and Deed of Trust, attorneys’ fees, and the expenses of sale, and shall deliver to the purchaser at said sale a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law and the terms of said Deed of Trust.
DATED this 18th day of September, 2007
Lois Baker, Public Trustee
of Archuleta County, Colorado
By: /s/ Lois Baker
ATTORNEYS FOR CURRENT OWNER OF EVIDENCE OF DEBT:
Younge & Hockensmith, P.C.
Attn: Dennis E. Baker
743 Horizon Ct. Suite 200
Grand Junction, CO 81506
(97) 242-2645
This communication concerns a debt which Younge 7 Hockensmith, P.C. acting as a debt collector, is attempting to collect. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Published September 27, October 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION
FOR INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL
REAL PROPERTY
WITHIN THE TOWN OF PAGOSA SPRINGS
SANITATION
GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested persons that a Petition for Inclusion of additional real property into the boundaries of the Town of Pagosa Springs Sanitation General Improvement District (“District”) has been filed with the Board of Directors of the District. A public hearing on the Petitions shall be held in the Town Hall Council Chambers, the 18th day of October, 2007, at the hour of 5:00 p.m., at 551 Hot Springs Boulevard, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
(1) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Guy R. Ludwig and Diane B. Ludwig
1600 East Hwy 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1410 East Hwy 160, 1600 East Hwy 160 & X East Hwy 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(2) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
NJR Colorado Properties, LLC by Jeffery Knuckles
7575 County Road 203
Durango, CO 81301
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1320 East Hwy 160 & X East Hwy 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(3) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Pagosa Riverfront Properties and Landstar Aquisitions
6446 East Trail Ridge Circle, Unit 30
Mesa Arizona, 85215
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1838 East Highway 160, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(4)The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
M. Cody Ross and Dawn K. Ross
PO Box 311
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1435 and 1455 East Highway 160, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Parcel A and Parcel B, HIS Subdivision
(5)The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Wolf Creek Run, Inc / John E. Brown
PO Box 4681
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1742 East Highway 160, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Lots 1-11, 13-19, 20-23 & Common Space, Wolf Creek Run
(6)The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
James A. Laydon
2392 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2392 East Highway 160
(7)The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Kitzel Farrah
PO Box 1989
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2255 East Hwy 160 & 2252 East Hwy 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(8) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Jess E. and Casey R. Ketchum
PO Box 4462
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2763B East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(9) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Kenneth D. Smith and Diana G. Smith
PO Box 1452
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2025 and 2039 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(10) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Herman Riggs
PO Box 899
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1858 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(11) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
JTLJ, LLC by Julia Todd Lussier Jones
6569 North Winfield Avenue
Parker, Colorado 80134
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2270 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(12) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Paul A. Day
PO Box 3159
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2636, 2638, 2640, 2642, and 2690 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(13) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Kurt and Danna Laverty
2244 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2244 East Highway 160
(14) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Running Iron Ranch by Donald L. Weber and Kathyrn L. Weber, Trustees
2980 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2980 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(15) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
William C. and Peggy Ann and Kurt W. and Danna G. Laverty
2260 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2260, 2244, and 2258 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 88147
(16) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Ethel Poma
1681 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1681 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 88147
(17) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
David Smith
PO Box 132
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1820 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 88147
(18) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Pagosa Partners Industrial, LLC by Jeffery J. Knuckles
7575 County Road 203
Durango, Colorado 81301
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
321 Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 88147
Tract 1-A Mountain Crossing Subdivision
(19) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Pagosa Partners Commercial, LLC by Jeffery J. Knuckles
7575 County Road 203
Durango, Colorado 81301
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
321 Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 88147
Tract 1-C Mountain Crossing Subdivision
(20) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Pagosa Peak Realty and Construction by James F. Kelley
PO Box 3566
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
X Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 88147
Lot 2, Corrigan Subdivision
(21) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Pagosa Fire Protection District
191 North Pagosa Boulevard
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1529 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 88147
Lot 2, Corrigan Subdivision
(22) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Nichols Family Trust by Monty Nichols and Clara Nichols Trustees
11089 East Hummingbird
Gold Canyon, Arizona 85219
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1742 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 88147
Lot 12, Wolf Creek Run
(23) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Gilbert and Nancy Davidson
PO Box 67
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2763 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 88147
Davidson Minor Subdivision, Lot 3
(24) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Gregory A. and Linda J. Wells
2763D East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2763D East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 88147
(25) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Warren J. and Naomi J. Brown
2014 County Road 501
Bayfield, Colorado 81122
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
1905 East Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(26) The name(s) of the Petitioner(s) is/are:
Andy T. Burch and Ana D. Burch
P.O. Box 1686
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
The property requested to be included into the District is described as follows:
2763C East Hwy 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
All interested parties may appear at such hearing to show cause why such Petition should not be granted.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TOWN OF PAGOSA SPRINGS SANITATION GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT.
TOWN OF PAGOSA SPRINGS SANITATION
GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
By: /s/ Deanna Jaramillo, Secretary
Published September 20, 27 and October 4, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

DISTRICT COURT, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO
Court Address: Combined Court
449 San Juan Street
P.O. Box 148
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-2400
Plaintiff(s):
WYNDHAM VACATION RESORTS, INC., f/k/a FAIRFIELD RESORTS, INC., f/k/a FAIRFIELD COMMUNITIES, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION
v.
Defendant(s):
RITA F. EVANS, STEVE HAYES, LINDA RAYE HAYES, GARY E. MORRISON, PAULA K. MOSS, TOMENA L. OLSEN, TEDDY J. TAYLOR, JAMES A. PARRISH, BERNADETTE PARRISH, JOSEPH SOARES, LINDA S. SOARES, LINDA RAYE WALDEN, RICHARD P. SCOTT, CHARLES R. CATON AND JENNIFER M. CATON
Submitting Attorney:
SHAND, NEWBOLD & CHAPMAN, P.C.
Keith Newbold
150 East 9th Street, Suite 400
P.O. Box 2790
Durango, CO 81302
Phone Number: (970) 247-3091
Fax Number: (970) 247-3100
E-Mail: knewbold@snc-law.com
Atty. Reg. No: 010629
Case Number: 2007-CV-116
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 30 days after the service of this Summons upon you. Service of this Summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within 30 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet the title of the Plaintiff in and to the real property situate in Archuleta County, Colorado, more particularly described on Exhibit A, attached hereto and by this reference made a part hereof.
EXHIBIT “A”
Description of Real Property
Unit Week Number 07, Unit Number 7505, Building Number 2, in “PHASE I OF VILLAGE POINTE CONDOMINIUMS”, according to and as located on the recorded Map thereof filed for record January 16, 1990 as Reception No. 168713 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Condominium and Interval Ownership recorded January 6, 1989 as Reception No. 160495, First Amendment to Declaration of Condominium and Interval Ownership recorded February 16, 1989 as Reception No. 161151 and Second Amendment to Declaration recorded January 16, 1990 as Reception No. 168714, all in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
A 105,000/17,743,000 undivided fee simple absolute interest in Units 7823-7824 in Building 12, as tenants in common with the other undivided interest owners of said building of PEREGRINE TOWNHOUSES PHASE IV, as depicted on the Plat recorded at Reception Number 98002629, subject to Declaration of Protective Covenants and Interval Ownership for Peregrine Townhouses recorded at Reception Number 173556, First Supplemental Declaration recorded April 8, 1998 as Reception No. 98002628 and any amendments and supplements thereto, all in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
A 126,000/17,743,000 undivided fee simple absolute interest in Units 7821-7822 in Building 11, as tenants in common with the other undivided interest owners of said building of PEREGRINE TOWNHOUSES PHASE IV, as depicted on the Plat recorded at Reception Number 98002629, subject to Declaration of Protective Covenants and Interval Ownership for Peregrine Townhouses recorded at Reception Number 173556, First Supplemental Declaration recorded April 8, 1998 as Reception No. 98002628 and any amendments and supplements thereto, all in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
A 126,000/17,743,000 undivided fee simple absolute interest in Units 7825-7826 in Building 13, as tenants in common with the other undivided interest owners of said building of PEREGRINE TOWNHOUSES PHASE IV, as depicted on the Plat recorded at Reception Number 98002629, subject to Declaration of Protective Covenants and Interval Ownership for Peregrine Townhouses recorded at Reception Number 173556, First Supplemental Declaration recorded April 8, 1998 as Reception No. 98002628 and any amendments and supplements thereto, all in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Unit Week Number 03, Unit Number 7221, Building Number 11, in “PTARMIGAN TOWNHOUSES PHASE III”, according to and as located on the recorded Map thereof filed for record June 7, 1988 as Reception No. 156202 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Protective Covenants and Interval Ownership recorded February 18, 1988 as Reception No. 153557, First Amendment to Declaration of Protective Covenants recorded November 2, 1988 as Reception No. 159240, Second Amendment to Declaration recorded October 3, 1990 as Reception No. 175327, Second Supplemental Declaration recorded June 7, 1988 as Reception No. 156203 and First Amendment to First, Second and Third Supplementals recorded October 3, 1990 as Reception No. 175326, all in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
DATED this 28th day of August, 2007.
SHAND, NEWBOLD & CHAPMAN, P.C.
Original signature on file at the office of
Shand, Newbold & Chapman, P.C.
/s/ Keith Newbold
Keith Newbold, Esq., Reg. No. 010629
Attorney for Plaintiff
150 East 9th Street, Suite 400
P.O. Box 2790
Durango, CO 81302
(970) 247-3091
This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(g), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.
Published September 20, 27, October 4, 11 and 18, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Town of Pagosa Springs Town Council will hold a public hearing to review a request to rezone Parcel 2, Martinez Minor Subdivision, Town of Pagosa Springs, from PE-R (Piedra Estates Residential) to A-District (Single Family Residential) and rezone Parcel 1, Martinez Minor Subdivision, Town of Pagosa Springs, from PE-MF (Piedra Estates Multi-Family) to A-District (Single Family Residential). The subject property is located at 144 Wildwood Drive and 505B County Road 600. The Public Hearing is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on October 2, 2007, to be held at Town Hall at 551 Hot Springs Boulevard. Anyone wishing to comment should contact the Town Planning Department or attend the public hearing and be heard.
Published September 27, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

Notice for Publication

A variance from section 3.1.4 of the Archuleta County Land Use Regulations regarding the setback for one lot is proposed for Lot 2, Block 7, Lake Pagosa Park. The property is located at 161 Enchanted Place, Pagosa Springs, CO, approximately .2 mile from the intersection of Monument Ave. and Aspenglow Blvd.
Comments regarding this proposal may be submitted to the Archuleta County Planning Department, P.O. Box 1507, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147-1507, telephone: (970) 731-3877 prior to the public hearing by the Archuleta County Board of Adjustment on October 16, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. in the County Courthouse. If you prefer, you may attend the public hearing and be heard.
Published September 27 and October 4, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

The Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association is seeking qualified bids on the construction of a Water Quality Enhancement Basin project near Lake Pagosa. The project entails earthwork, concrete outlet works, earthen berm and grade work. For information on this project please contact Larry Lynch at 731-5635, extension 25.
Published September 27, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

DISTRICT COURT, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO
Court Address: 449 San Juan St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-5932
Plaintiff:
Roderick R. McBroom (a/k/a “Rod McBroom”)
v.
Defendants:
The 12 Percent Fund I, LLC (a/k/a “12% Fund I, LLC” and “12% Fund, LLC”), an Arizona limited liability company;
12% Fund of Colorado, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company;
Coyote Growth Management, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company;
Michael Joseph Hannan (a/k/a “Michael Hannan”);
Janice C. Hannan (a/k/a “Janice Hannan); and
All unknown persons who claim any interest in the subject matter of this action.
Plaintiff’s Address and Phone Number:
Roderick R. McBroom
P.O. Box 1931
Durango, CO 81302
(970) 247-5983 Case No.: 07CV49
NOTICE OF LEVY OR SEIZURE
Notice is hereby given that on September 17, 2007 Writs of Execution were issued out of this Court directing the Sheriff of the County of Archuleta, State of Colorado, to levy upon and seize certain property of the Defendants, the 12 Percent Fund I, LLC (a/k/a “12% Fund I, LLC” and “12% Fund, LLC”), an Arizona limited liability company, and Coyote Growth Management, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company, and the Sheriff of the County of Archuleta did levy upon, seize and take into possession the following real property located in the County of Archuleta, State of Colorado, to-wit:
Tract I: Lot 105, Lake Forest Estates, according to the plat thereof filed for record June 4, 1973 as Reception No. 77869, which is also known as 69 Willow Court, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147;
Tract II: Lot 168, Colorado’s Timber Ridge Phase Four, according to the plat thereof filed for record December 19, 2002, as Reception No. 20212641, which is also known as 25 Crown Court, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147;
Tract III: Lot 2 of the Harman Minor Impact Subdivision Correction as set forth in plat recorded June 1, 2004 as Reception No. 20404821, in the office of the Clerk and Recorder, Archuleta County, Colorado.
SELLER RESERVES the right to record a 24-foot wide ingress/egress easement in the Easterly half of Lot 2, Harman Park Minor Impact Subdivision from Harman Park Drive to Lot 1, Harman Park Minor Impact Subdivision, for the purpose of providing access to Lot 1 for the owners of said lot, their successors. assigns and guests.
as known by street and number as: 2560A West Highway 160, Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147.
Now therefore, you the 12 Percent Fund I, LLC (a/k/a “12% Fund I, LLC” and “12% Fund, LLC”), an Arizona limited liability company, and Coyote Growth Management, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company, the said Defendants, take notice, that within ten days from the date of service hereof, if served within this state, or if served by publication within ten days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of service, you may make and file with the Clerk of the above entitled Court a written claim of any exemption which you may have under the statutes of the State of Colorado; and in case of your failure to make and file such written claim of exemption with the Clerk of said Court you shall be deemed to have waived your right of exemption under the statutes of this state.
Dated: 09-18-2007 Sheriff of Archuleta County
/s/ Peter L. Gonzalez
Peter L. Gonzalez
Published September 27, October 4 and 11, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

DISTRICT COURT, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO
Court Address: 449 San Juan St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-5932
Plaintiffs:
Roderick R. McBroom (a/k/a “Rod McBroom”); and,
Thomas G. Junghans.
v.
Defendants:
The 12 Percent Fund I, LLC (a/k/a “12% Fund I, LLC” and “12% Fund, LLC”), an Arizona limited liability company;
Coyote Growth Management, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company;
Michael Joseph Hannan (a/k/a “Michael Hannan”); and,
All unknown persons who claim any interest in the subject matter of this action.
Plaintiffs’ Address and Phone Number:
Roderick R. McBroom
Thomas G. Junghans
P.O. Box 1931
Durango, CO 81302
(970) 247-5983 Case No.: 07CV67
NOTICE OF LEVY OR SEIZURE
Notice is hereby given that on September 17, 2007 Writs of Execution were issued out of this Court directing the Sheriff of the County of Archuleta, State of Colorado, to levy upon and seize certain property of the Defendants, the 12 Percent Fund I, LLC (a/k/a “12% Fund I, LLC” and “12% Fund, LLC”), an Arizona limited liability company, and Coyote Growth Management, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company, and the Sheriff of the County of Archuleta did levy upon, seize and take into possession the following real property located in the County of Archuleta, State of Colorado, to-wit:
Tract I: Lot 105, Lake Forest Estates, according to the plat thereof filed for record June 4, 1973 as Reception No. 77869, which is also known as 69 Willow Court, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147;
Tract II: Lot 168, Colorado’s Timber Ridge Phase Four, according to the plat thereof filed for record December 19, 2002, as Reception No. 20212641, which is also known as 25 Crown Court, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147;
Tract III: Lot 2 of the Harman Minor Impact Subdivision Correction as set forth in plat recorded June 1, 2004 as Reception No. 20404821, in the office of the Clerk and Recorder, Archuleta County, Colorado.
SELLER RESERVES the right to record a 24-foot wide ingress/egress easement in the Easterly half of Lot 2, Harman Park Minor Impact Subdivision from Harman Park Drive to Lot 1, Harman Park Minor Impact Subdivision, for the purpose of providing access to Lot 1 for the owners of said lot, their successors. assigns and guests.
as known by street and number as: 2560A West Highway 160, Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147.
Now therefore, you the 12 Percent Fund I, LLC (a/k/a “12% Fund I, LLC” and “12% Fund, LLC”), an Arizona limited liability company, and Coyote Growth Management, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company, the said Defendants, take notice, that within ten days from the date of service hereof, if served within this state, or if served by publication within ten days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of service, you may make and file with the Clerk of the above entitled Court a written claim of any exemption which you may have under the statutes of the State of Colorado; and in case of your failure to make and file such written claim of exemption with the Clerk of said Court you shall be deemed to have waived your right of exemption under the statutes of this state.
Dated: 09-18-2007 Sheriff of Archuleta County
/s/ Peter L. Gonzalez
Peter L. Gonzalez
Published September 27, October 4 and 11, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

Centerpoint Church invites kids to participate in musical

By Donna Sanders
Special to The PREVIEW

If your child is in K through ninth grades and loves to act and sing, we want to invite them to join us on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-5 p.m. at Centerpoint Church.

We will be working on a musical, “A King is Coming to Town,” for a Dec. 2 holiday performance.

Transportation is provided from all schools, along with a snack and lots of fun.

Come one, come all.

For information, call 946-5231.


Music Boosters seeking cast members, set audition date

By Dale Morris
Special to The PREVIEW

Pagosa Springs Music Boosters are hard at work putting the “Renaissance” back into feast, as they plan and prepare for their Magical Madrigal Dinner, to be held Dec. 7 and 8. 

Three years ago, a first Madrigal was held at the community center; this year’s event is designed for even more fun, frolic, intended interaction between guests and players, Madrigal singing, dancing and performance. 

But, first, we need to find those fun-seeking actors to portray ye old characters! 

Men and women 18 years of age and up are being sought for the cast. 

Auditions will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, in the high school band room. 

Come prepared to sing one verse of a song of your choosing; an accompanist will be provided.  A cold read from the Madrigal play “Who Killed the Kilt?,” by Jestscripts, and a brief group dance will be part of the audition process.  We are also looking for Renaissance musicians. 

Questions?  Call Lisa Hartley at 731 2130. 

See www.pagosamusicboosters.org.


Lifelong Learning series begins Oct. 6

By Biz Greene
Special to The PREVIEW

“Lifelong Learning,” the series of free lectures in Pagosa, will open the fall series Oct. 6 with a presentation by historian John Motter on how Pagosa Springs came into existence. “The Beginning Years” is his title.

Motter’s research on local history continues weekly in The Pagosa Springs SUN newspaper columns. His reports have included the stories on the routes that were used to enter Pagosa Country during its earliest history; the connections and interactions with Summitville (Del Norte); the early mail carriers (by stage coach and cross country skis); the Sheepmen’s/Cattlemen’s War; and more.

This lecture will begin at 3 p.m. at the Sisson Library.

Other lectures being planned include: “Wills, Trusts, Probate,” at the senior center, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m.; “Speaking Truth to Power: The Art of Political Cartooning, the Presidency, and the Run-Up to the 2008 Presidential Election,” Oct. 13 at the library; “A Land Alone: Colorado’s Western Slope,” Oct. 27 at the library; “The Raven,” a dramatic reading with 15 related paintings, Nov. 3 at Wild Spirit Gallery; “Birds of Archuleta County,” Nov. 3 at the library; and “A Comparison of Native American and European Worldviews,” Nov. 10 at the library.

Everyone is welcome to attend these free lectures.


Not enough rain to dampen all of ColorFest

By Mercy E. Korsgren
PREVIEW Columnist

Did you enjoy the rain last weekend?
I didn’t.

Yes, we need the moisture, but I wish Mother Nature gave us the opportunity to enjoy more of ColorFest. The balloon glow on Saturday night and the balloon ascension on Sunday morning were both cancelled because of the gathering storm. Balloonists were concerned about balloons getting wet and acquiring molds that eventually damages the fabrics.

My company visiting from Miami Springs, Fla., my husband, Bill, and I had fun helping Mary Jo and staff in putting up the fence for the Passport to Wine gathering last Friday night. We enjoyed sampling different wines and food at this event. I helped serve wines from Argentina, and my favorite was the dessert wine, called “Santa Julia Torrontes Late Harvest.” Literature from the winery says that, in Argentina, this wine is served best with pancakes, at breakfast.

Planning meeting
Today, at 5 p.m., the Town of Pagosa Springs will host a meeting to review a draft of the Downtown Master Plan. 

The Downtown Master Plan is a document that creates a vision for the downtown area in 2020 and includes design guidelines and implementation steps for the plan. Town staff will present the plan and will provide time for questions and comments regarding the elements of the plan.  For more information, contact Tamra Allen at (970) 264-4151, Ext. 235

Also today, the Volunteers of America are hosting a fund-raising luncheon here at the center at noon. According to John Gamble, executive director, the lunch is free for those attending. They have invited the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club and others are to come and enjoy the food prepared by Wildflower Catering. At this gathering, we will learn about this non-profit organization — who they are and what they do. John expressed hope that those attending will donate to the cause.

Harvest Dance
Come to another fun, nonstop dance session Saturday, Oct. 20, with music by Tim Sullivan and Narrow Gauge.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. to allow attendees to have dinner instead of just snacking. There’ll be baked potatoes with bacon, cheese, green onion, sour cream; peach cobbler and ice cream for dessert. As usual, a cash bar will be available.

Tim and his group will play popular dance music from 7 to 11 p.m. All this happens during the Harvest Dance here at the community center. Our dances help pay operating costs at the community center, as well as provide free programs and free special events to the community.

The ticket price is $25 per person, if purchased in advance, and $30 at the door. Purchase 10 tickets and reserved a table of your choice. Be prepared to give us your ticket numbers when reserving a table. Ticket may be purchased at Higher Grounds Coffee, Chamber of Commerce and here at the center starting Monday, Sept. 24. This is an adult dance, 21 years old and up. Identification cards may be checked.

Community Halloween party
How would you like to be part of the most popular and biggest two-hour event in Pagosa?

This event provides so much fun to folks of all ages, but especially our children. Not to mention the volume of treats each child gathers in such a short period of time, and with hundreds of other kids around!

We need help to make this Halloween night a success, and safe for all. These are the options: sponsor a game and provide prizes; donate money, prize items and cupcakes; help with setup and takedown; decorate; and/or run a game. The date is Oct. 31.

For those who enjoy decorating, this activity will start Monday, Oct. 29, at 9 a.m. There are several areas and rooms to decorate and volunteers can choose which of the spaces they would like to work on.

We already have a couple of volunteers interested and we need more. Please do not wait too long before you sign up. Early preparation is vital to make this event a success.

Call us now, 264-4152.

Festival of Trees
Help support our local non-profit organizations — sponsor a tree.

Application forms are ready. The dates are: Nov. 26-27, to decorate the trees; Nov. 28-30, for public display of decorated trees; and Nov. 30, for the party and the auction of trees. Have you marked your calendar?

Proceeds from the auction go to the non-profit organization of the sponsor’s choice. Auction winners either claim the trees or donate them to needy families in our community. Qualified decorated trees will be delivered to the homes by our volunteer elves.

I am calling parents and teachers about the gingerbread-making contest that is being planned for a bigger and better Festival of Trees. We haven’t heard from anyone; does this mean there is no interest at all?

Remember the silent auction part of this holiday event. Please look into your boxes in the attic or basement now and pick a decoration or ornament that you would like to donate to a good cause. Feel great, knowing an old decoration of yours is providing joy and beauty in a new home during the holiday season.

Proceeds from the silent auction of Christmas ornaments and items like grandma’s special fruitcake will help defray the cost of having the Festival of Trees event. After expenses are satisfied, leftover money will be donated to the new Critical Access Hospital children’s playroom.

For more information call Nancy at 731-3427, Janis at 264-3010, or me, at 264-4152 Ext. 22.

Free skating program
We are calling on parents of children at the elementary school to pick up the survey forms regarding this proposed activity. One parent called me and expressed a strong need to have this program going for this age group. If other parents think the same we need their input.

Survey forms were distributed several weeks ago at the intermediate school and junior high, but not at the elementary school. We are extending the deadline to the end of the month to allow more surveys to come in.

This skating program is being planned for youth, ages 3-14. Parents, we need your help. The success of this program will depend on those of you willing to help run this activity. Call the center, 264-4152 and help make this happen for our children.

Computer class needs input
The basic computing class has been cancelled, since only two people attended the first session three weeks ago. No one came for the second and third sessions.

Please let us know why. Is it the time, the day of the week, the subject? We decided to pick Thursday 5:30-7 p.m. to give an opportunity to those who work, and nobody is taking advantage of this free program.

Again, please call me about any software computing class needs; this is Sheri’s expertise. We don’t want to loose Sheri, our volunteer software engineer.

Call 264-4152 and give us you input. What you need may be what others are interested in.

Line dancing
Here’s a reminder from Gerry: “Do not miss the show at Harman Park, Saturday. The dance spectacle takes place at 4 p.m. in the big white tent. By the way, “spectacle” is defined as a public display — both unusual and notable.  Well, some of us are notable and some are definitely unusual.  So, come decide for yourself. There will be waltzes, 2-steps, swing and an especially good West Coast swing routine, followed by a little square and line dancing. The grand finale will be the Harris Slide (sometimes known as the Electric Slide).  Everyone will be invited to join in, thereby creating even more of a spectacle.  It will definitely be worth the $2 cost of admission to the grounds. The money goes to the new hospital which will be standing by if anyone needs resuscitating.”

Every Monday, Gerry is ready to teach and/or practice couples dancing at 9 a.m. and line dancing at 10. Come join this fun group and be ready for a couple of line dancing exhibitions during the Harvest Dance on Oct. 20.
For more information call Gerry, 731-9734, or the center, 264-4152.

Square dancing
Pagosa is square dancing. Gerry writes: “Our first lesson was quite successful and lots of fun with over 40 people attending. Our caller, Louis Norton, had the group promenading and swinging their partners to some great music. To all of you there, pat yourselves on the back, you have learned to dos-ado, allemande your corner, to make stars, to courtesy turn your gal, to do the right and left Grand, to weave the ring, the Grand Square and to stir the bucket. What an achievement for one evening! We also had several “angels” there who helped the new dancers learn the steps, and we thank you.

Four new dance couples will participate at Western Days Oct. 9-29 to demonstrate some of the new steps they have learned. We thank the Thomas’, Hoehns, Chesters, and Tesmans for their enthusiasm, hard work and fancy foot work.  And a big thank you to Jim Hawkins for calling this demo tip.”

The next square dance lesson will be 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, here at the community center. Gerry hopes to see new and familiar faces at this class.

Card-making class
Tracy had a big crowd last week, with 18 card making enthusiasts. They all had fun making three different Christmas cards. My favorite was the folded paper Christmas tree on the front of the card. Very clever.

This is now a once-a-month activity and Tracy will conduct the next class 4-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15. Come join this group, discover and/or develop your creativity and artistic talent.

Hoopsters
Join Larry and other guys in this free program every Tuesday and Thursday morning, 8-9 a.m. We have shower facilities here for those who need a shower after the exercise.

Call the center, 264-4152, or Larry at 731-3984 or 264-1024 for more information.

Yoga
This group meets every Tuesday, 10-11:30 a.m.

Yoga exercises are good for anybody; this is not for women only. As a matter of fact, I noticed our friend Glen Van Patter attended this activity last week and I hope to see him back. Imagine having time to relax while doing some stretching and breathing exercises to improve one’s health. Thanks to Diane Baird and Addie Greer for their leadership.

Free lockers
Time is running out for those individuals using the lockers without permission. If you’re using one, please see one of us by 5 p.m. on Oct. 5. Otherwise, we will cut the lock and discard the contents of the locker.

These lockers, located in the men’s and ladies’ restrooms, are offered free to anyone who uses the facility for sports and other center activities. Sign up at the front desk if you need one.

New programs needed
We are looking for new programs for the center. If you are one of the many individuals who wish to share talents and/or professional experience, call me. All programs at the center are offered to the community free, because of the volunteers who donate their time and talent for the benefit of all.

Lost and Found
Call the center if you’re missing something and think that you may have left it here. It is sad that people leave things here and they don’t even call or check with us. We have been donating those items left here and not claimed after a month to the thrift store.

Center hours
Starting Oct. 1, the center’s hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

A place to gather
Book your holiday gatherings and events now. We have a variety of reasonably priced rooms to meet your space needs – for 50, 80 or for 500 people. The center has tables and chairs, portable stage and dance floor, audio visual equipment, and PA system. A catering kitchen is also available, if needed. Call 264-4152 or e-mail us at communitycenter@centurytel.net.

Activities this week
Today, Sept. 27 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; School District 50 problem and analysis training, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; poetry writing class, 9 a.m.-noon; Volunteers of America luncheon fund-raising, noon-1 p.m.; TOPS Master Planning meeting, 5-8 p.m.; Ruritan Club meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 28 — School District 50 problem and analysis training, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; legal deposition, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Senior Walk, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; Bridge 4 Fun and Duplicate Bridge, noon-4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 29 — PSAAR installation dinner, 6-10 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 30 — Grace Evangelical Free Church, 10 a.m.-noon; Church of Christ, 10 a.m.–noon; High Roads Baptist Church, 6–8 p.m.; Wyndham Activities meeting, 6-8 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 1 — Line dancing, 9-11:30 a.m.; Senior Walk, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; Bridge 4 Fun, noon-4 p.m.; TOPS Building Plans public meeting with architect, 6:30-9:30 p.m., SJOC board meeting, 7-8 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 2 — Archuleta County Probation Office Community Services meeting, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; yoga, 10–11:30 a.m.; CC square dance class, 7-9 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 3 — Archuleta County Probation Office meeting, 8 a.m.- noon; Dance for Health, 10-11:30 a.m.; seniors beginner’s computer class, 10 a.m.-noon; Weight Watchers, 4:45–6:45 p.m.; Ron Paul meet-up gathering, 7-9 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 4 — sixth-grade school retreat, 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.; SJOC monthly meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m.


Dr. Joe Dispenza returns to Pagosa Springs

By Suzin Daniel
Special to The PREVIEW

The evening was July 21, 2007. The place: Pagosa Springs High School.

Something extraordinary was about to happen.

Dr. Joe Dispenza stepped down from the stage and for the next three hours captivated an audience of nearly 500 people.

Dispenza is one of the researches and teachers featured in the award-winning movie, “What the Bleep Do We Know?’’ His portion of the movie received the most hits on the “Bleep” Web site. His work in brain function, neurology, memory formation and longevity is world-renowned.

Sounds dry? Far from it. The audience was truly spellbound. What could be more fascinating than why we think the way we do?
Memory loss, Alzheimer’s and spontaneous healing were some of the fascinating topics of his presentation. To say he left the audience wanting more is an understatement. Over a dozen participants stopped me in the weeks that followed to share their experiences. “ I have finally shifted out of my battle with weight control,” explained a massage therapist. Another told a heartwarming story about getting past the fears of a prolonged illness.

Dr. Joe has spent decades studying the human mind — how it works, how it stores information and why it perpetuates the same behavior patterns. It took one moment at the age of 23 to change his life forever.

During a triathlon, Joe was knocked from his bike by a car, causing multiple fractures to his vertebrae. Several doctors said his only hope of walking again was to fuse some of the vertebrae in an operation that would leave him with a lifetime of pain and limited mobility.

But, as a chiropractor, Joe knew enough about spinal health and his own post-accident physical state to take a remarkable risk. He refused the operation and, along with a careful therapeutic program, Joe literally thought his way to healing. Three months later, Joe was able to walk and function as well as he had before the accident. He credits a large amount of that recovery to the power of his own mind. “I knew that on some level, I trusted that the body heals itself,” he said, “that our innate intelligence gives life to the body. We simply have to get our educated mind out of the way and give a greater intelligence a chance to do what it does best ... the power that made the body, heals the body.”

During this October training, Dispenza will lead an interactive workshop where participants will be given tools to focus on a particular area of their lives they we wish to change. Using multimedia presentations, they will be given the steps to overcome destructive emotional states such as insecurity, unworthiness or anger — and replace them with new states of mind.

More than 500 people clamored for tickets in July, with many of them having to be turned away. The people who attended that evening were not disappointed.

“I never saw a Pagosa event of that size with so much excitement in the air. Dr. Dispenza really delivered what he promised,” said Jann C. Pitcher.

At the present time, Dr. Joe is finishing a worldwide tour where he is introducing material from his latest book, a how-to version of “Evolve Your Brain.” Publication is slated for 2008. This same training is being given in Australia where tickets are priced at double of our $100 cost. An exciting addition to the seminar will be a 25-page manual that will be distributed which highlights information from this new book. Much of his six-hour presentation will be focusing on a question so many of us face: “In this infinite sea of potentials that exist around us, why do we keep recreating the same realities?”

Most importantly in this interactive workshop, he will show how you can retrain your brain to go from thinking to doing to being and changing the results in your life for good. Much of his own personal and remarkable story will be shared as well.

 “I truly value hearing Dr. Joe speak. I’ve been inspired, educated, empowered and moved deeply by the content of his words. We have a rare opportunity to spend a day with him in Pagosa,” said Teddy Herzog.

The event, sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pagosa, will be held 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Pagosa Springs High School. Tickets for the six-hour training will be $100, with a portion of the proceeds going to Pagosa Pay It Forward.

Dispenza’s July presentation was sold out nearly a week before his arrival. If you missed Dr. Joe Dispenza in his first Pagosa appearance, you don’t want to miss this one. Seating will be limited, with a smaller audience than at the July event.

Tickets will be available only online at www.PagosaUU.org.

For additional information, call 731-0980.


Pagosa Health and Wellness Network holds annual meeting

By Kat Katsos
Special to The PREVIEW

The Pagosa Health and Wellness Network’s annual meeting was held Sept. 19.

The meeting was conducted by the current interim president, Karen Kauffman.

There were 22 attendees, two of whom became new members: Rich Deitrich and John Walden.

The election for new board members was held, ballots collected and the new Board for 2008 announced: Kat Katsos, president; Mary Jane Knight, vice president; Athena Raphael, treasurer; Terri Miller, assistant treasurer.

Linda Lo Castro has agreed to be the interim secretary until a replacement is found. The group is seeking a secretary for the board; if you are interested, contact one of the board members.

Kauffman updated the attendees on the status of the PHWN’s Web site development. Due to the departure of the board president, secretary, and the long distance location of the Web site developer, PHWN’s Web site creation and completion was delayed, but should be online by the end of September.

Regarding the status of the 2007 Pagosa Health and Wellness Directory, there are about 300 directories left of the original 5,000 directories in circulation and it is time to organize for the 2008 reprint. Karen Aspin, the graphic artist of the 2007 directory, stated that last years’ printer, Colorquest, quoted $619.75 over last year’s cost due to an increase of paper and ink costs along with an increase in shipping costs and raises for their employees. She also suggested that PHWN consider changing the color of the 2008 edition and adding additional pages for half and full-page advertising as well as business card ad section. The board is currently shopping printers, and contacting current members to update their business information and asking for commitments to advertise in the 2008 edition of the Directory.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Pagosa Health and Wellness Network and having your business listed in the Directory, contact Kat at 946-3266; Athena 731-9129; or Mary Jane 731-4940. E-mail addresses are kkatsos@rockymtncable.com; athenar@centurytel.net; or maryjaneknight@msn.com.

Susan Neder spoke about the Pay It Forward Pagosa effort. This is an organization created to support community services that have lost the financial support of Archuleta County due to the county’s misappropriation of funds and financial woes. Pay it Forward Pagosa sells kindness bracelets for $5 each and has (so far) dispersed funds to organizations such as Operation Helping Hand and the San Juan Search and Rescue group. Due to Pay it Forward Pagosa’s success, the organization is considering creating a non-profit corporation with a board of directors. It is currently under the sponsorship of an existing non-profit corporation with a 501(c)(3) status.

Pagosa Health and Wellness Network invited a panel of Pagosa Realtors to speak about the Pulse of Pagosa, and how the current mortgage adjustments are affecting the housing market here in Pagosa. The panel consisted of Jann Pitcher of Pitcher Real Estate; Les Mundall of Coldwell Banker; West Davies of Jim Smith Realty; and Joseph Burbul of Century 21. The key items presented as concerns or potential impacts to the real estate market in Archuleta County were:

A large inventory of properties for sale with half the buyers compared to the last four years.

Nevada leads the nation in foreclosures followed by California, Florida and Colorado with the majority of the foreclosures due to brokers lending on junk loans, therefore creating a false housing market.

Three of the seven states that the majority of Pagosa Springs buyers come from are experiencing the majority of the foreclosures and contributing to a bottleneck effect of home sales here in Pagosa.

The housing market is experiencing a correction that will most likely take three to nine months depending on the prime rate adjustments currently taking place.

At this time, lenders are not readily funding jumbo loans, and the bulk of Pagosa’s housing inventory is in the $400,000 plus range.

The average income for an Archuleta County resident is $22,896 (per the 2007 Region 9 Economic Report) and it takes 6.9 times one’s income to purchase a home in Archuleta County, which for most year-round residents is out of reach.

The homes still selling well in Archuleta County are the million dollar-plus homes, and second-home buyers.

And lastly, Pitcher stated that the reasons people buy homes in Pagosa Springs are the same reasons they bought years ago and continue to purchase homes today — the beautiful surroundings — mountains, streams, and quality of life.


Pagosa Lakes News

Missing a boat? Check with the PLPOA

By Ming Steen
SUN Columnist

This last weekend’s Pagosa Lakes High Altitude Racquetball “Shootout” was filled with high octane competition, delicious food and great camaraderie. The tournament started fast and furious on Friday night with players from Farmington, Durango, Albuquerque and Alamagordo, as well as 14 local players.

The highlight performance of Friday night had to be the match between local player Chris Smith and Durango’s David Gould in the Men’s A division. Chris hammered together his best match of the tournament to outlast and outwit David, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8.

On Saturday and Sunday, players started early and left late. Some of the more memorable matches and results were as follows: Todd Ormonde won a nail-biter in his first match of the Men’s Open division against David Miley from Farmington (11-7, 7-11, 11-10), and went on to win the Men’s Open division on Sunday. Todd also paired up with Bobby Hart to win a semifinal battle against Andy Rice and Zack Jaramillo (Alamagordo) 11-8, 4-11, 11-10. Todd and Bobby finished second in the Advanced Men’s doubles. Jonathan Gustafson won the Men’s C division by winning all three of his matches. Chris Smith and his mixed doubles partner, Sue Blue, from Durango, took first in the intermediate mixed doubles division. Tammy Holcomb took first place in the intermediate singles division despite a gimpy knee. Kudos to Tye Fehrenbacher for a good showing in this first tournament — he competed in the Men’s A/B division.

In all, there were more than 60 matches played this weekend. Besides the energetic games, there were many spectators who came to watch and cheer the players on. There was also excellent food (Boss Hogg’s) and plenty of fluids (Wyndham Resort) — all donated.

Keep swinging that racquet to stay in fighting form for next year’s tournament.

Boats impounded
Last week, the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association impounded 15 boats that were being stored on association property and not registered. The association instituted the boat registration policy this year for safety and liability reasons, and so far over 340 boat registrations have been sold to owners in Pagosa Lakes. Many of the boats that were impounded appear to have been left there untouched for some time and we suspect they may have been abandoned over the years. If, however, you are missing a boat that was stored at one of these locations, please call the association office to claim your boat. Each unregistered boat was tagged with a notice for over two weeks before being impounded.
Here is a brief description of each boat, the lake at which they were located and a description of any markings that may have been on the boats.
• Lake Pagosa: a 12 foot pink kayak, no markings; a 13 foot green “Discovery” canoe; a 14 foot green “We-no-nah” canoe; a 16 foot blue canoe, no markings.
• Lake Forest: a 16 foot green “Old Town” canoe; a 14 foot green “Old Town Guide 147” canoe; a 16 foot white “Nona” canoe; a 17 foot yellow canoe with “AZ 4558 AC” markings; a green and white paddle boat “Aqua Toy”; a 17 foot red “Mad River” canoe; a 10 foot green “Tracker” canoe; a 10 foot aluminum canoe with “CF7695CU” markings; a 17 foot aluminum flat bottom boat spray painted brown.
• Hatcher Lake: a red kayak “Neeky”; a 10 foot aluminum v- hull boat with “CL4164FD” markings.

If any of these boats belong to you or someone you know, please contact the association office. Boats not claimed will be advertised and sold sealed bid-style sometime in October. This information is also available on the Association Web site at plpoa@plpoa.com. If you would like more information on this, please call the association offices at 731-5635.

Fishery surveys
The association will be conducting scientific fishery surveys in Lake Pagosa and Lake Forest beginning this weekend and lasting into next week. Trap nets and electro-fishing equipment will be used to collect, identify and measure fish in both lakes. After fish are weighed and measured, they are returned to the water. Most of the electro-fishing will take place during late evening and after dark hours, so if you see a boat lit up like a Christmas tree on those two lakes over the next several evenings, it is most likely the specially-equipped work boat performing nighttime survey work.

The survey will help the association make fishery management decisions in the two lakes over the next few years; which species may need additional stocking and which species may need to be reduced. Additionally, the survey will include assessments of the overall lake conditions, weed and algae assessments and water quality evaluations. Hatcher Lake is scheduled to be surveyed in 2008.

The fishing has really picked up over the past couple of weeks; with cooler temperatures moving into the region, trout are looking to feed heavily in anticipation of the coming winter and the bass, yellow perch and crappie are still very active. Fall is an excellent time to go fishing.


FOCUS

Ron Decker:
A Pagosan’s life in service to the Service

By Rachel Watkins
Staff Writer

Many people who use the national forests find themselves frustrated by what they perceive as the slow progress made by the U.S. Forest Service. The Forest Service is even referred to by some as the “Forest Circus: Department of Aggravation.”

However, before calling in a complaint, one must remember that many Forest Service employees dedicate their lives and careers in service.

One such former member of the local staff is Ron Decker.

Born and raised in Pagosa Springs, Ron Decker retired this past summer from the Forest Service as district recreation administrator, after 45 years of service.

On choosing a career with the U.S. Forest Service, Decker said, “When I was eight or nine, there was a fire by Bill Jackson’s. I got to go with a forest service ranger in a truck to the fire. When we got there, he pulled out his backpack pump and put out a stump on fire. I thought that was real neat.

“I grew up on a ranch,” said Decker, “I wanted to be a rancher, and worked every summer on ranches, but that didn’t work out. The forest service was the closest thing to ranching, being outdoors and having diverse jobs.”

Decker began his Forest Service career in 1961, at the age of 19. “I worked in everything from fire to recreation,” he said. “After a few years of working with the agency I became general district assistant. I saw that the work got done in every field. This is where I gained the most experience, because I worked in every field with older guys who knew exactly what they were doing.

“I decided not to finish college,” said Decker, “When I started in the forest service, you could either be a technician or a professional. But professionals didn’t stay in the same place more than five years. I decided to be a technician because I wanted to live my life here. It helped being multipurpose because when there were budget cuts, someone could change jobs and work where the money was. But, back then, and even now, technicians are the backbone of the agency.”

New district recreation administrator Paul Blackman recently moved from Laramie, Wyo., where he worked as a recreation planner, to take charge in the Pagosa District after Decker’s retirement. Blackman said, “Following in Ron’s footsteps is a little intimidating. To gain the amount of knowledge he has about the area and people is overwhelming. The forest here is very large, and mostly wilderness, which is not easily accessible. But Ron set up a good program. If the program would have been a chaotic wreck, it would have been extremely difficult.”

Ros Wu, who started work this spring in the Pagosa District as the wilderness and trails administrator and outfitter supervisor, said, “Ron did everything. If there was a question, it went to Ron. Moreover, he tried to hold on to all of the good things in the forest service. The forest service has become so specialized. With the agency overseeing everything from water, fire, land, timber, trails to parks, Ron saw that the forest service could not have tunnel vision. He believed in unity and diversity.”

Glenn Eyre, Division of Wildlife officer for 30 years until his retirement in 1999, and a Forest Service Wilderness Ranger since 2002, spent a good deal of time with Decker patrolling, law enforcement, and horseback riding in the backcountry.

Eyre said, “Ron knew a lot about the history and usage of the forest in Pagosa. He had a long-term knowledge and experience; he knew the country and people in the area. But he believed and cared about what he was doing. He did a lot of good things for the forest, and he will be missed. Forty-five years is a long time to do anything. Ron has earned his retirement.”

Since Decker began working for the Forest Service, major changes have occurred. As Decker said, “When I started, forest service land was very important because people made their living through timber, grazing or mining. Otherwise, back then in Pagosa, it was hard to make it in this town, if you weren’t doing those things.

“Today, people want to use the forest for recreation,” said Decker, “The land is still used for grazing and timber, but not nearly to the same extent.”

Decker said, “I enjoyed working outdoors, caring for the land, and helping people. At the time, the forest service was highly thought of and respected. Everyone looked up to you for answers. People came to us — we were the experts. Everything I did in the forest service was a tremendous experience. If I had to do it all over again, I would do it the same way.”

Blackman said, “I have no intention of filling Ron’s shoes, I brought my own shoes. No one is replacing Ron; quite honestly, no one can replace him and all of his experience.”

The next time when you’re feeling aggravated and thinking negatively about the U.S. Forest Service, remember that many, such as Ron Decker, have dedicated their lives in service and respect those who have done so, and are doing so now.


Food for Thought

Time to Hatch a plan

It’s over.

No need to shed tears; it won’t help. Similarly, a barrage of irate letters, each signed with a clever nom de plume, will serve no productive purpose.

It is the end of a great ride; time to unbuckle the seat belt, leave the car and exit the platform.

Case closed.

I came to this realization while I was in the bathroom.

There are two publications that, for me, are best suited to the most meaningful time and place to catch up on my light reading.

In the bathroom, while I’m perched on the can.

For me, it’s been all about O and Martha Stewart Living. There is a time and place for Claude Levi-Strauss and Maurice Merleau-Ponty (or any other French guy with a hyphenated name), but this ain’t it.

It’s gotta be Oprah or Martha.

Love ’em.

My number-one bathroom buddies.

Or, should I say, they used to be my best bathroom buddies. One has fallen swiftly from grace.

Saturday morning, what began as a typical, gratifying ten minutes, was utterly destroyed by Martha.

I cannot recall a worse bathroom experience. Well, let me qualify that: I cannot think of a worse bathroom reading experience. I left the hallowed space a depleted soul.

Martha put some very bad mojo on my ethnic-food favorite. She blitzed one of the main fixtures in my culinary life, doomed it to extinction.

A once-great, kind-of-exclusive food of the Southwest, has been released to the big, wide foodie world — a world, as we all know, peopled by avaricious, look-at-me, trend suckers with way too much money to spend on things they don’t truly understand. They latch on to the latest big deal and, like remoras, the parasites ride the thing all the way to the beach. Their attention is like a death ray.

And now, thanks to you know who, they are focusing that death ray on a staple in my diet for the last 40 years — the Hatch chile.

No doubt, within a short time, the foodies will rename it the Hatch Chili, and a sizable portion of the population of New Mexico and southern Colorado will commit suicide.

This insult is profound and strikes to the core of tradition. Who among we longtime Hatch maniacs can forget the sacks full of these long, green beauties (hot, please) being opened, the peppers tossed in a crusty roaster? Who can forget that extraordinary smell as the skins of the Hatch blacken and blister, the meaty flesh of the peppers softening in the rude heat?

Who can forget the ritual of putting the warm peppers in plastic garbage sacks, tossing the sacks in the trunk of the car, whisking them home and spending the better part of a day removing the skins from the peppers, then packing the peppers in bags and freezing them — their mouth heat actually growing more bold during their time on ice? Who can forget that the interior of the car smelled of roasted chiles for at least four months?

And, the taste.

Oh, my.

There are some ill-informed novices who will pooh-pooh my alarm, claiming there is no difference between green chiles grown in one location (Hatch) and those grown elsewhere.

I did use the word “novices” didn’t I?

How very wrong they are. Making this claim is tantamount to saying a pinot noir produced and bottled in Utah is the equal of the greatest French use of the grape.

Terroir counts, folks, with chile as with wine. Where the darned fruit is produced — the climate, the composition of the soil, all that and more — makes the diff. A big diff.

And, just as the highly educated and experienced aficionado of the grape can detect very real nuance and character in a wine (some of them can take a taste then name the village nearest the vineyard) — and can clearly detect quality, or lack of same, in a particular bottling — so too are there chile freaks who have perfected a similar art.

My friend, Ronnie, for example.

When I told him what Martha had done, he blanched and clutched his chest.

No way was I going to administer CPR (at least the mouth-to-mouth part), so it’s a good thing he recovered quickly.

“You must be kidding,” he said.

“Nope. In her I-know-more-than-you-do precious way, she has sounded the death knell for Hatch. Before we know it, the major part of the crop will be shipped from the region in fancy, gift-wrapped boxes, each individual chile encased in gold foil. People in The Hamptons will be throwing chile roasting parties on the beach. It’s over, buddy.”

We pondered a world without our favorite green.

“I suppose it wouldn’t do any good to put out a hit on Martha Stewart, would it? After all, the geeks know about it now. And, they’re like killer bees: when they locate their target they swarm, and that’s all she wrote.”

“Indeed. Maybe we can turn to Chimayo for relief.”

“No way. It doesn’t make it as green. Not compared to Hatch. Chimayo peppers make the greatest red in the world and, as we know, it’s the same basic pepper as in Hatch, just grown in a different place. When the Chimayo ripens and dries, and different peppers from different farms are blended and ground … it’s a bit of heaven. But, green? Never.”

We pause, a moment of silence extended in thanks for our prized and, as yet, unfoodied Espanola red. We each have at least a pound of the rare and wonderful powder in our freezer.

But, it’s not Hatch. It isn’t The Big Green. So, two moments of silence for The King: Le roi est mort.

That gem of a pepper is unique. And it stands out when it is put in the kitchen spotlight— isolated as a primary ingredient. The more naked, the more beautiful.

This is what is doubly irritating about Martha Stewart’s clarion call to her gaggle of food goofs: The recipe is for a salsa!

For crying out loud! Why would you waste Hatch chile in a salsa? The recipe combines a roasted and chopped Hatch chile with chipotle and some other lesser member of the pepper clan.

What an insult. Not only is the trend-happy horde alerted to a miracle, but now our beloved pepper is going to be abused by them!
This is so wrong.

I admit it: I’m an extremist when it comes to Hatch. I even believe it is somewhat wrong to use a Hatch green chile in a relleno, though the pepper’s incredible taste melds perfectly with the other elements. This can be tolerated, barely.

But, whoa Nellita … how about some strips of the roasted green, lightly salted, draped across a medium rare burger, the meat cut by your very own hand from a hunk o chuck and ground at home? A bit of cheddar or asadero anyone?

As a wrap for a stuffed chicken breast? Yep, that’s OK, as it is with pork.

As the star of a simple, yet seductive green chile stew?

My, aren’t we lovely.

This is where Hatch belongs; It’s a diva, not a member of the chorus.

And we can put it center stage in so many ways, as in a neat little custardlike casserole, the pepper paired with another couple of fave taste partners — corn and cheese.

This one is easy.

You got your strips of roasted, peeled hot green — Hatch, of course.

All you need is a buttered casserole, an oven heated to 350, some butter, high-grade cheddar, eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, a bit of ground cumin, some chopped white onion, a clove of garlic, a small can of cheapo creamed corn and a pack of frozen corn kernels.

And a good attitude. After all, attitude counts.

Chunk up some of the cheese, slice the rest.

The onion gets cooked briefly in a bit of olive oil, until translucent. In goes the frozen corn. Cook until the kernels of corn begin to caramelize a bit. Toss in the garlic and keep the blend on the heat for a minute or so. The mix comes off the heat and cools.

In a bowl, mix together the creamed corn, four or five beaten eggs, a splash or two of heavy cream, the chunks of cheese, a touch of the cumin, salt, pepper and one clove garlic, smooshed.

Put a layer of the corn/egg mix in the casserole, lay down a layer of Hatch that completely blankets the slop, then top with the remaining corn and egg. Cover with slices of cheese.

Place the casserole in a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with hot water, to come up two-thirds of the way on the sides of the casserole.

Bake until the custard sets and the cheese on top is slightly browned (could be upwards of an hour). If the cheese browns too quickly, tent with foil and continue cooking until the custard is set.

Or, just make a grilled cheese sandwich with Hatch and the same high-grade cheddar. Or plop some chopped Hatch into a cheese omelet. Hard to go wrong.

The, do as I do: Retreat to the bathroom for some light reading.

In my case, it will be O, and O alone.

I wonder how I can get in touch with Oprah and convince her to alert her readers to the toxic effects of Hatch green chile on any but natives of the Southwest.

After all, O is all I have left.

And Hatch is all there is when it gets to green.


What's Cookin?

By Kim Vernon

CSU Extension

Quick and Snappy 3 Bean Chili

1 can Bush’s Chili Magic, Traditional Recipe
1 can red kidney beans, low sodium
1 can black beans
1 can diced tomatoes, no or low salt
2/3 cup Morningstar Farm Veggie Burger Crumbles or hamburger, browned
2 tablespoons dry minced onions
1 teaspoon beef style seasoning
1 teaspoon cumin

1. Lightly drain Chili Magic and pour into saucepan. Drain kidney beans and add to the saucepan. Do not drain black beans or tomatoes and add next.
2. Stir in burger and seasonings. Cover and simmer chili 5 to 10 minutes. Serve Hot
3. Use sour cream, chives or grated cheese for garnish.
Yields 7 cups. Source: Linda Kennedy.


Minty delight for late summer nights

Few things are more pleasurable than a cool dessert on a warm, late-summer night. Ice cream often fits the bill perfectly. While you certainly can drive over to your nearest ice cream shop and enjoy a cone or sundae, you can also have an easy dessert on hand with little effort at home.

While some may say that chocolate and peanut butter are the perfect dessert pairing, chocolate and mint flavors together can be absolutely divine . and refreshing. That is just the idea behind this simple ice cream cake from “Ice Box Cakes: Simply Irresistible No-Bake Desserts” (The Harvard Common Press), by Lauren Chattman. Serve it with a raspberry sauce garnish to add even more color.

Grasshopper Ice Cream Cake
Serves 10
20 Oreo cookies (to yield about 11/2 cups crumbs)
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon crème de menthe
2 pints mint chocolate chip ice cream
28 Crème de Menthe thins candies, coarsely chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the Oreos in the work bowl of a food processor and process until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse once or twice to moisten the crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, packing it tightly with your fingertips so it is even and compacted. Bake until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool completely. (The crust may be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 1 month.)
2. Bring 2 inches of water to a bare simmer in a medium-size saucepan. Combine the bittersweet chocolate and water in a stainless steel bowl big enough to rest on top of the saucepan and set it over the pan, making sure it doesn’t touch the water. Heat the chocolate, whisking occasionally, until completely melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the crème de menthe. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
3. Spoon the ice cream into a large mixing bowl and mash with the back of a spoon until it is smooth but not yet melting. Scrape it into the pan and smooth it over the crust with the spoon. Smooth the cooled chocolate sauce over the top of the cake and sprinkle with the chopped Andes mints. Wrap the pan in plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least six hours and up to one week.
4. Release the sides of the pan from the cake before serving.


Billie Breedlove

Billie Breedlove, 92, began a new journey with the Lord, Sept. 16, 2007. She was born to William and Frances Gilley on Feb. 19, 1915, in Ector, Texas.

Billie met and married Farris Breedlove while attending Austin College in Sherman, Texas. They enjoyed a life together for 71 years before Farris passed away in September 2006. Before retiring to Tucson, Ariz., they made their family home of 35 years in Pagosa Springs, where Billie influenced and molded many lives through her teaching and mentoring.

She is survived by Marilyn (Win) Alme, Marka (Harvey) Catchpole, Beverly (Barry) Kreek, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Contributions in Billie’s honor may be sent to the Billie Breedlove Memorial Fund, Archuleta School District, P.O. Box 1498, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.


Helene A. Koelsch

Helene was the Easter Bunny to so many folks in Pagosa, young and old. She wrote Christmas shows for her family in Boston and made her nieces feel like stars. She was the ugly old hag at Halloween that everyone loved every year. Of course, Halloween she was Uncle Fester. She loved to cook — everywhere — everything — any way she could. She loved the water, from swimming in a pool, swimming in the ocean to swimming at Navajo Lake. We floated together for hours. She even wrote a pirate song — The Pirates of Navajo — which we sang from time to time. She was a tyrannical business woman who could say cedar (seedah) in a way no one else could. I remember watching the Olympics with her and wondering what event we could enter. Of course, she came up with synchronized drinking. We actually awed crowds with our precision and sound effects. She was a mother to her dogs, a wife to Steve, a friend to all and a “sista” to me. We will miss her dearly, but will never forget our time together. — Connie Prunty

There will be a potluck gathering to celebrate her achievements, aspirations and attitude on Saturday, Sept. 29, from noon to 5 p.m. at Steve and Helene’s house, 942 Great West Ave.

Lawrence Jasper Shock

Lawrence Jasper Shock, 85, died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, in Pagosa Springs.  A funeral service will be Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at 11 a.m. at the Allison Community Presbyterian Church, and burial will follow at Allison-Tiffany Cemetery in Allison.

Mr. Shock was born August 12, 1922, in Allison, Colo., the son of Russell and Ruth Shock. Mr. Shock served in the U.S. Air Force during WW II and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, and Seattle, Wash.  While in the service, Mr. Shock worked an extra job to help buy the farm near Allison where he later lived and raised his family. He married Emma Carlson on July 6, 1946, in Aztec, N.M.
Mr. Shock was very involved in the Allison community as a rancher and farmer, water commissioner, worked for the El Paso Natural Gas Plant, worked as a ditch rider and the groundskeeper for the Allison-Tiffany Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Emma Shock of Allison; three daughters: Darlene (Steve) Wylie (daughter) of Durango, Colo., Jeannie (Del) Benson (daughter) of Ft. Collins, Colo., and Sherry (Dick) Schutz (daughter) of Chromo, Colo.; eight grandchildren:  Rhonda (Tony) Beam, Justin (Angie) Wylie, Scott (Zenda) Wylie, Travis Benson, Shelby Benson, Jason Schutz, Craig Schutz, and Casey Schutz, and four great-grandchildren, Tyler and Sarah Wylie and Altee and Deven Beam.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Allison Community Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1088, Arboles, CO 81121, or the Spring Creek Community Association, 7940 Hwy. 151, Ignacio, CO 81137.


Wayne C. Frank

Wayne C. Frank, of Boulder, died Friday, August 10, 2007, at Frasier Meadows Retirement Community in Boulder. He was 83. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cathy; daughter, Mary (Don) McKeehan from Pagosa Springs, and their daughters, Hope (Randy) Cook, Traci McKeehan and Kelli (Michael) McKeehan-Markley; daughter, Diane (Jim) Kasler from Casper, Wyo., and their sons Edward (Misty Anne) Winzenried and Jared Winzenried; and son, Bruce (Kathy) Frank from Golden, Colo., and their sons David and Adam Frank. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and their families. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30, in Phillips Chapel at Frasier Meadows Retirement Community, 350 Ponca Place, Boulder. A reception will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Davis Phinney Parkinson’s Foundation, P.O. Box 19264, Boulder, CO 80308, or Frasier Meadows Retirement Community Scholarship Fund, 350 Ponca Place, Boulder, CO 80303, or to HospiceCare of Boulder & Broomfield Counties, 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026.


Henry Albert Smith, Sr.

After four years battling leukemia, Henry Albert Smith, Sr., passed away Sept. 22, 2007, at his home in Pagosa Springs, surrounded by his family.

Henry was born Oct. 16, 1936, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Harry and Blanch Smith, a sawmill owner and a teacher.

From an early age, education played an important part in Henry’s life. He attended a one-room school in Hill City, South Dakota, where his mother taught sawmill workers’ children. Under the shadows of Mount Rushmore, the students watched the famous sculptures take shape.

Henry’s family moved to Pagosa Springs in 1946. His father opened a mill, the Harry Smith Lumber Company, and Henry spent many years working every facet of the operation. He felled trees, set choker and skidded logs. As young as age 13, he drove log trucks to the Porcupine, Square Top, Archuleta Mesa and Pagosa Springs mills. He also delivered lumber to the Duke City Lumber Company in Albuquerque, N.M.

During this same time period, Henry hauled railroad ties from his father’s mill in Pagosa Springs to Pagosa Junction where they were loaded on trains for shipping.

Henry graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 1954. A year later he joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Yuma, Ariz., from 1955-1957. In 1958, he received his private pilot’s license.

He spent one year at Pueblo Community College. The next three years, he attended the University of Northern Colorado. He graduated with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in special education and school administration.

After graduation, Henry taught special education for a year in Brighton, Colo., and served as Southeast Elementary School’s principal for five years. He moved back to Pagosa Springs in 1973 to accept the job as principal of the elementary school.

Over the next several years, Henry built a strong special education program. His reputation for innovative ideas and his commitment to children drew students from many districts.

Henry’s community involvement was strong. He was instrumental in creating the Airport Board at Stevens Field; he helped start the Archuleta Water Company; he was a member of the Lions Club; and he helped implement a bilingual program at the elementary school.

In 1993, at age 55, Henry retired from education to do something else he dearly loved — operating heavy equipment. He drove a snowplow on Wolf Creek Pass the winters of 1994 and 1995, then went into full-time excavation work — building foundations, installing sewer systems, building roads.

Henry and Judy opened the 160 West Adult RV Park in 1989. Due to its popularity, they expanded in 1993. They ran the park for six months of the year and traveled the other six months. They prospected in Arizona, another one of Henry’s passions, and enjoyed the beaches of Mexico until he was diagnosed with leukemia in June of 2003.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Blanch Smith. He is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Henry Albert Smith, Jr.; daughters, Naoma Ingo and Nicol Houghland; son-in-law, Eric Houghland; stepsons, Floyd McKee and wife, Lori, John McKee and wife, Jode; and grandchildren, Alex and Lauren Houghland, Tayler and Carson McKee, and Kyler and Kaden McKee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Henry’s name at the Bank of the San Juans for the elementary school’s Special Education program.

A memorial service for Henry will take place at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 14, at the community center, followed by a luncheon and celebration of his life.


Weddings

Brodie Renner & Joy Spence

Jack and Patti Renner, of Pagosa Springs, are pleased to announce the wedding of their son, Brodie Renner, to Joy Spence, on Sept. 29, 2007. The couple will continue to reside in Virginia Beach, Va.

Births

Jeremiah Bruce Jones

BJ and Christine Jones, along with their daughter, Anna, are proud to announce the arrival of their son, Jeremiah Bruce Jones, born Aug. 23, 2007. He is a true gift from the Lord.

Locals

MaryLou Villalobos

MaryLou Villalobos, the daughter of Jesus and Matilda Villalobos of Pagosa Springs, and a graduate of Pagosa Springs High School, is finishing her education at Colorado State University. MaryLou is currently in Madrid, Spain, studying marketing until the end of the year. Her trip to Madrid was preceded by visits to Germany and the Czech Republic.

Pagosa favorites, Badly Bent, in concert Saturday

By Paul Roberts
Special to The PREVIEW

Elation Center for the Arts presents a concert of traditional bluegrass music by The Badly Bent at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse.

Whether you’re a longtime bluegrass fan or just discovering the genre, you’ll love this concert. The Badly Bent’s friendly stage presence, fine vocal harmonies and brilliant instrumental compositions form an irresistible combination for a thoroughly satisfying musical experience.

The band consists of Pat Dressen (guitar) and Mark Epstein (banjo), who share lead vocals. Robb Brophy plays mandolin and sings harmony, and Jimmy Largent (bass) and Bill Adams (dobro) round out the authentic bluegrass sound of this superb ensemble.

The Badly Bent is an award-winning band from Durango that carries on the legacy of this great tradition, performing in music festivals throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The band took first place in the coveted Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition, winning the prestigious award over a field of bands from all over the world.

The Badly Bent’s highly successful concert in Pagosa last year has lead to a great deal of excitement and anticipation about this Saturday’s concert.

From its inception in rural Southern culture, bluegrass has become one of the hallmarks of American music. When bluegrass music emerged in the late 1940s, the rural music of generations past that had emerged from country farm fields, front porches and backwoods churches was characterized by a driving rhythm and virtuoso musicianship.

Bluegrass has been described as folk music with overdrive. A defining characteristic of bluegrass is the syncopated, three-finger picking banjo style developed by Earl Scruggs; a style that has created a lasting sensation still felt today.

One musician swept up by Scruggs style was Mark Epstein, banjo player for The Badly Bent. Epstein has developed a reputation as one of the top traditional bluegrass banjo players in the country. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Epstein has lived in Colorado since 1979. He has performed in bluegrass bands for 30 years. “My focus on acoustic music started when I was in college in the seventies during the folk music revival,” said Epstein. “It naturally evolved after I saw Earl Scruggs playing the banjo on The Beverly Hillbillies television show.” Epstein, who owns Durango’s acoustic instrument store, Canyon Music, is also a proficient folk guitarist.

“The concert we performed in Pagosa for Elation Center for the Arts was one of the most fun gigs we had all last year,” said Epstein. “The audience was incredibly receptive, there was a lot of energy, there was dancing. We just had a great time; everybody was just so nice to us over there and we can’t wait to do it again.”

Robb Brophy, mandolin player for The Badly Bent, holds a college degree for his studies of bluegrass music. When he’s not performing with the band, Brophy handcrafts custom mandolins for his instrument business, Elkhorn Mandolins.

Bill Adams, the band’s dobro player, grew up in South Carolina where he became intrigued with the tones of the dobro. “It’s a highly expressive instrument with a lot of vocal qualities,” he said. “You can really express feelings with it.” The dobro is a type of guitar that gets its sound from a metal resonator built into the body of the instrument. It was invented in the ’20s (before the dawn of the electric guitar) as a way to amplify the sound of a guitar. The instrument is held horizontally and played by sliding a metal bar above the fingerboard, rather than fretting the strings with the left hand. This playing technique was developed and popularized in Hawaii over a hundred years ago. In the mid-1950s the dobro became part of bluegrass ensembles but is still relatively rare compared to other instruments more typically associated with the genre. “Audiences are fascinated with the dobro,” said Adams. “They’ve heard it on recordings, but many people have not actually seen one played.”

I asked Adams about the appeal of bluegrass. “Bluegrass music a really honest, down-to-earth way to connect to an audience on an emotional level,” he said. “It maintains a really wide audience and there is an ever-growing number of people who are playing it. That’s because bluegrass is a lot of fun to play and a lot of fun to listen to.”

Join us for a concert with The Badly Bent — authentic bluegrass fashioned the old way — at 7 p.m. this Saturday at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse. Advance discount tickets for $12 are available at Higher Grounds Coffee Company. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults. Young people, 18 and under, are invited to attend at no charge.

Desserts and coffee will be provided at intermission. Please bring a dessert to share if you wish. If you would like to help make this event a success by volunteering your help, please call 731-3117.

Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse is located at 230 Port Ave. in the Vista subdivision of Pagosa Lakes. Take U.S. 160 to Vista Boulevard. Turn north on Vista and left on Port. The clubhouse is at the end of Port in the PLPOA complex.


‘ENIGMA’ opens at SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts with artists’ reception

By Denise Coffee
Special to The PREVIEW

SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts proudly opens “ENIGMA: Puzzling, Ambiguous, Inexplicable,” with an artists’ reception noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.

Artists will be in attendance.

This highly anticipated three-person exhibition runs Sept. 29 through Nov. 2, and features the work of Michael D. Barnes, D. Michael Coffee and Karl Isberg.

“ENIGMA” will introduce viewers to a collection of hauntingly narrative charcoal drawings by Michael D. Barnes; a body of intelligent large scale paintings by Karl Isberg, taken from his “Hermetic Book” series; and a selection of intriguing contemporary sculptural ceramic works by D. Michael Coffee.

SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts is located at 333 Bastille Drive, two blocks north of U.S. 160, off of North Pagosa Boulevard.

The 4,000 square-foot arts facility houses a ceramic studio and gallery, a mixed-media workshop, and two large exhibition spaces.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and by appointment.  For more information on SHY RABBIT visit www.shyrabbit.com or shyrabbit.blogspot.com, e-mail shyrabbit01@aol.com, or call (970) 731-2766.


Kathleen Steventon invited to show in Governor’s Invitational

Kathleen Steventon, a member of the “Pagosa Fringe” group of artists, has been asked to be a part of the 2008 Governor’s Invitational Art Show and Sale.

Steventon, a year-long resident of Pagosa Springs, has been painting in oils for three years in her Aspen Springs studio. The yearly Colorado Governor’s Show highlights the work of nearly 50 of the finest Colorado artists, two thirds of whom are painters. The show typically features the work of traditional Western artists, and Steventon, with her more contemporary style, is one of only two painters selected for 2008 who break this mold.

“I hope that the selection committee will continue to look at contemporary work for this prestigious show.” Steventon commented. “Many collectors not only value traditional Western art genres, but also greatly admire and buy more contemporary executed artwork. Tastes run in all ranges, why not the art? I am so thrilled to take part in the 2008 Governor’s Show.”

The 2008 Governor’s Invitational will be held in the Loveland Museum April 12-May 18, 2008. The Loveland Museum is located at 503 North Lincoln. The opening gala reception for the exhibition will be held 5:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12. Tickets are priced at $55 per person, and may be obtained through the show’s director, Judy Archibald, (970) 577-0509.

Steventon is represented locally by the Wild Spirit Gallery in Pagosa Springs. Her Web site, www.steventonart.com, is updated bi-annually with new works. Steventon, along with her artist husband Anthony, and award-winning Pagosa sculptors Linda and Lal Echterhoff, are the upcoming featured artists in the Pagosa Springs’ Arts Council Contemporary Art Show, which opens 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the PSAC downtown gallery.


Local photographer wins national portrait contest

Pagosa photographer Art Franz has won a first place award and two honorable mentions in the 2007 Hot Tots Cool Kids National Portrait Contest.

Franz’s portraits of Payton and  Kayson Shahan won Honorable Mentions in their respective age categories, and his portrait of Lucus Wade won first place in the Bloopers category.

 The contest was open to all professional photographers in the United States and was sponsored by America Color Imaging. This was the 10th year that Franz  has entered and won one of the top four places in at least one category. Last year, he won two honorable mentions as one of 1,500 entrees. This year, there were 2,280 portraits entered in the contest.


Printmaking and ceramic sessions at SHY RABBIT

By Denise Coffee
Special to The PREVIEW

SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts has created Work-shops@SHY RABBIT, the courses to begin in October.

The October Work-shop schedule begins with “Printmaking without a Press I,” offered Oct. 6-7, or Oct. 13-14.

“Handbuilding Ceramics I” follows on Oct. 20-21, or Oct. 27-28.

These unique, introductory courses are designed to demystify and simplify the creative process by utilizing low-tech/low-cost methods and materials. Participants will learn by demonstration and hands-on creativity, and will leave with skill sets that will prepare them for future courses or personal advancement.

Both workshops were developed by professional artist, D. Michael Coffee, with the beginning and more advanced artist in mind.

“Printmaking without a Press I” is a high content, fine art printmaking workshop utilizing a unique printing process called “Reductive Ink”™, developed over the course of nearly 20 years by Coffee. Participants of Coffee’s proprietary printing method will be introduced to a series of low-impact, process driven techniques through hands on involvement with the tools and materials of the process.

This introductory eight-hour workshop will focus on the use of black ink only to allow for the exploration of the infinite possibilities of line, tone and texture inherent in this unique printing process. Information will be presented in a manner that will kick-start the novice, as well inspire the serious artist to view their own work in a new way.

Coffee’s prints have been shown in over 70 solo and group print exhibitions, and are included in nearly 200 prestigious public and private collections throughout the world.

“Handbuilding Ceramics I” is a unique interactive two-day workshop designed to demystify and simplify traditional clay hand-forming techniques and processes. Utilizing a minimal amount of tools, Coffee will introduce primary techniques through a series of demonstrations, after which participants will begin working with clay by handbuilding on their own. This workshop is open to all skill levels, with no previous ceramic experience required.

This introductory workshop will focus on various techniques including forming, texturing and assembling, all without the use of a potter’s wheel or other equipment.

D. Michael Coffee has been a professional ceramist for 13 years. His experience includes teaching college and private master courses; extensive studio work; kiln design and construction; firing expertise; and overseas ceramic study.

Coffee’s functional and sculptural ceramics have been shown in numerous group and solo exhibitions, and are included in hundreds of prestigious public and private collections throughout the world.

For additional information and fees for Work-shops@SHY RABBIT, please visit: http://shyrabbit.blogspot.com. For space availability or to register, contact Denise Coffee at: (970) 731-2766 or e-mail: shyrabbit01@aol.com

SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts is located at 333 Bastille Drive, two blocks north of U.S. 160, off of North Pagosa Boulevard. The 4,000 square-foot arts facility houses a ceramic studio and gallery, a mixed-media workshop, and two large exhibition spaces. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment. For more information on SHY RABBIT, visit: http://shyrabbit.blogspot.com, e-mail: shyrabbit01@aol.com, or call (970) 731-2766.


Arts Line

Workshop artworks on exhibit at PSAC gallery

By Linda Strathdee
PREVIEW Columnist

The Workshop Art Show which is currently hanging at Town Park Gallery is proof of the hidden artistic talents in Pagosa Springs.
This show features the work of many of the students who attended workshops throughout 2006 and 2007.

Creations from the various painting, drawing, basket weaving, photography and papier maché workshops can be seen until Oct. 2. Stop by and see the extraordinary work of these unsung artists.

PSAC workshops
Call 264-5020 to reserve a space in any workshop and remember space may be limited, so please call early.

Original watercolor cards
October 5-6 finds Denny Rose and Ginnie Bartlett offering two, one-day greeting card workshops. There will be two days of fun as you learn a variety of ways to create both greeting cards and Christmas cards in watercolor. Call 264-5020 to register for another exciting class with Denny and Ginnie.

Watercolor portraits with Pierre Mion
Nationally-recognized artist Pierre Mion, will present a watercolor portrait workshop Oct. 8-10 with an optional day on Thursday, Oct. 11.

All student levels are accepted. The workshop will be relaxed, without pressure and we will have a lot of fun. The number of students will be limited to 10; therefore, there will be a lot of personal attention from Pierre.

Remember to call PSAC at 264-5020 early to register and ensure a spot in these classes. You can call Pierre at 731-9781 for more information, including a supply list. Cost of the workshop is $240 for PSAC members and $265 for non-members (this price includes the cost of a one-year membership in the Pagosa Springs Arts Council).

California artists offer painting workshop
PSAC is excited to announce that California Colorist painters Michael Linstrom and Anna Lee Steed will offer a two-day painting workshop in the Arts and Crafts Room of the Pagosa Springs Community Center Oct. 15 and 16.

The workshop will help participants working in oil or acrylics improve the use of color in their work, whether realistic or more abstract.

Linstrom, who refers to himself as an “Interpretive Colorist” has resided alternately in Europe and in California and has sold his work in many parts of the world. He is a well-known “art coach” in the San Francisco Bay Area where he teaches drawing and portraiture classes as well as his popular Color Workshops. Michael specializes in bringing intermediate and advanced painters up to the professional level. His early training was in the traditions of the American Impressionists where he learned the art of “seeing color” and representing the beautiful effects of light. He was influenced by a close friendship with the late Russian Impressionist Sergei Bongart, who had an art school in Southern California. As his career progressed he absorbed much from modern abstract painters such as Hans Hoffman. After 30 years of painting, Linstrom has developed a unique style and refers to himself as an “Interpretive Colorist”. While he uses the colors and shapes in nature as a springboard, his paintings walk the line between representation and abstraction.

Anna Lee Steed is the daughter of Pagosa Springs residents Vic and Stevie Noblitt. Known for her colorful landscapes and seascapes which she exhibits at Gallery Saratoga in California, she has been an apprentice to Michael Linstrom for several years. She has also studied with prominent California plein air painters such as Brian Blood, Camille Przewodek and Randal Sexton. For the past two years, she has taught her own workshop, “All About Color,” to beginning and intermediate students. Anna Lee has done a series of paintings of the Colorado Rockies based on her trip to the area last fall. While her work is usually more literally representational than Linstrom’s she has a pronounced flair for color.

The workshop is an intensive course on the use of color in oil or acrylic painting. It begins with basic color theory and progresses through the Impressionist skills of “color seeing” and representing the effect of light. It includes a section on “interpretive painting” and moves toward abstraction. This workshop will open new doors for many artists. You can see the work of Michael Linstrom and Anna Lee Steed on their Web site: www.ParagonFineArtGallery.com.

The workshop is open to painters working in oil or acrylic. Participants should have some familiarity with their medium. The cost of the two-day workshop is $200 for PSAC members and $225 for nonmembers.

Drawing with Randall Davis
Local artist Randall Davis will hold a one-day drawing workshop 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, in the Arts and Crafts Room at the community center. A live model will pose for this workshop. This session is appropriate for beginners as well as advanced students. If you have never attended one of his classes, it’s a treat to see what you can produce in a day under his guidance. Cost of this one-day workshop is $45 (includes compensation for model) and the class requires a minimum nine students. Bring your own lunch. Call the Arts Council to sign up, 264-5020.

Watch Artsline or call the Pagosa Springs Arts Council for more information on these and all other classes.

Photography club
The Pagosa Springs Photography Club Field Trip to Hershey Ranch has been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29. This is a great opportunity for photographing the Aspen leaves and old ranch buildings. We will meet at the Town Park Parking lot at 3 p.m. and carpool up to the ranch. Linda, our guide, will escort us to the various parts of the ranch.

There will be an informal club competition where members are encouraged to submit two or three of their best photos to Barbara Rosner to be judged by Mrs. Hershey and John Taylor. Rosner will need to receive these images, e-mailed as jpeg files to info@rosnercreative.com, by Oct. 7 to assemble the photo package for Mrs. Hershey.

The Pagosa Springs Photography Club’s next scheduled meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the Arts and Crafts Room of the community center. Please note the change of meeting time. The program is yet to be determined.

Interested photography enthusiasts are welcome to attend at no charge for the first meeting. Any and all are invited to join for annual dues of $20 for single individuals and $30 for family membership. For more information, contact incoming club president Barbara Rosner at info@rosnercreative.com, e-mail info@rosnercreative.com or call (970) 264-6502.

Join PSAC: Enrich your life through the arts
PSAC is a membership organization that helps ensure a flourishing and diverse community by enriching lives through the arts. Workshops and exhibits are sponsored by PSAC to benefit the art community.

The privileges of membership include involvement in membership activities, involvement in the community, socializing and participating in the camaraderie of the arts, discounts on PSAC events and workshops, and recognition in Artsline.

Become a member or renew a membership during the month of July and you will receive one 2008 Pagosa Country calendar free.

Membership rates are: Youth-$10, Individual-Senior $20; Regular-$25; Family Senior-$25; Regular-$35. Business $75; Patron-$250; Benefactor-$500, Director-$1,000; Guarantor-$2,500 and up.

PSAC sponsored events include: Gallery exhibits in Town Park, May- October; art work shops and classes, Arts and Craft Room, community center; PSAC annual membership meeting; Pagosa Country calendar; annual Juried Art Exhibit; annual Photo Contest; annual Home and Garden Tour; Watercolor Club; Photo Club; Summer Youth Art Camp.

If you would like to become a member or renew your membership, call 264-5020 or e-mail (psac@centurytel.net).

2008 calendars
Have you picked up your 2008 PSAC calendar yet?

This is the third edition of the Pagosa Springs Arts Council’s ongoing calendar project. The 2008 calendar features works from local artists Barbara Rosner, Sandy Applegate, Roberto Garcia Jr., Henry Ford, Barbara Conkey, Don MacLeod, Hayley Goodman, Jeanine Malaney, Claire Goldrick, Jeff Laydon and Jan Brookshier.

Artwork exhibited includes oils, fabric art, watercolor photography and sculpture. Calendars are available at the gallery for $8.95 plus tax for nonmembers and $7.95 plus tax for PSAC members.

Watercolor Club
The Watercolor Club normally meets the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Arts and Crafts Room of the community center. The club meets today. Watercolorists of all levels are provided the opportunity to use the room for the day. Attending members contribute $5 for use of the space. Attendees should bring a bag lunch, their supplies and a willingness to have a fun creative day. New participants are always welcome.

The Artist Spirit
The Artist Spirit addresses your heartfelt questions about the arts. It is geared to enlighten and inform, be sincere, humorous or just have fun. This is an opportunity to hear what other artists are thinking and feeling and a place to speak out in the art community

If you have any questions for Dear Liz Rae, please e-mail psac@centurytel.net attention:

The Artist Spirit, or mail your questions to The Artist Spirit, PSAC, PO Box 533, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. Your name is not necessary.

Liz Rae is on vacation and will return soon. Please watch for The Artist Spirit in next week’s PREVIEW.

Gallery hours
Hours at the PSAC Gallery in Town Park are noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
PSAC events

All PSAC classes and workshops are held in the Arts and Craft Room at the community center, unless otherwise noted. All exhibits are shown at the PSAC Gallery. For more information, contact PSAC at 264-5020.
Sept. 13-Oct. 2 — PSAC Workshop Art Show.
Sept. 27 — Poetry writing, with Bonnie Manion (half-day).
Oct. 4-24 — Contemporary Art Show.
Oct. 5-6 — One-day greeting card workshops with Ginnie Bartlett and Denny Rose.
Oct. 8-10 — Watercolor workshop with Pierre Mion.
Oct. 15-16 — Color and Interpretive Painting class.
Oct. 20 — Randall Davis drawing class.


Performing arts center planners to visit Pagosa

By Dale Morris
Special to The PREVIEW

Arts Consulting Group vice-president and project manager for Pagosa,  Willem Brans, and Bill Allison, theatrical consultant and designer, will visit the area Oct. 1-2 to present the Pagosa Springs Phase I Needs Assessment initial feasibility study report to town representatives, county officials,  the Arts Alliance board, financial supporters, and community representatives. 

As reported earlier, ACG determined through their extensive research and involvement that there was an indication and need for building and establishing a new performing arts venue in Pagosa. 

Board members of the Arts Alliance are pleased to step into Phase 2 of the project, which will include implementation of recommendations, site selection and design, and financial planning.  Members of the board are excited at the economic, cultural,  and performance opportunities that await the community as they proceed with this project. 

For further information, call Susan Neder, board president, at 731 4735.


An Old West Roundup for the Pagosa Mountain Hospital

By Steve Levy
Special to The PREVIEW

Just two days left until an entire day of fun takes place — all for our new hospital.

On Saturday, the Fred Harman Museum grounds will be transformed into an Old West town for a full day of western-theme events and activities for people of all ages.

Entertainment under the tent, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., includes music, dance, cowboy poets, and story-telling by Fred Harman that might include stories about Red Ryder.

Speaking about Red Ryder, one of the activities is a Red Ryder BB Gun shooting gallery.

Included also are Bronco Bowling, pony Rides for the kids, old-time western photos, and a lot more.

That could build an appetite, pardner, and we’ll have more than beans from the Chuckwagon. Eddie B Cookin’ will be serving up his sweet potato fries, elk and buffalo burgers, and more.

The Flying Burrito offers their traditional Mexican fare, including that great salsa, and volunteers at the booths will be serving lemonade, root beer cream sodas, popcorn and, for the adults, there will a beer garden to remind you of an Old West saloon.
The first 250 kids, 12 and under, get a free Cowboy hat, badge and bandana.

How much does it cost? Daytime, kids 12 and under are $1, with the free souvenirs. Adults are $2, and tickets for activities at the booths are just 50 cents.

From 6-10 p.m., there will be dancing under the tent, with music by Tim Sullivan and Narrow Gauge.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce and the Switchback uptown store.

Dinner will be served, with food by Eddie B Cookin’. Wine and beer will also be available.

There will be an auction at night, to boot.

The booths will be staffed by volunteers from community organizations that want Pagosa to have the best hospital possible. The hospital is on track to be open shortly after the start of the new year, and we want to be sure it has all the equipment necessary to be a great hospital.

So, thanks to all the volunteers, and to the Pagosa Springs SUN for being our event Title Sponsor.

This will be a great day to serve a great cause. See you Saturday at the Old West Roundup for our Pagosa Mountain Hospital.


East Coast Swing at Let’s Dance Club

By Jerry Granok
Special to the PREVIEW

The Let’s Dance Club is gearing up for the ever popular East Coast Swing again this October and November. 

In Step Dance instructor Deb Aspen, with the help of partner Charles Jackson, will be on hand to offer their help and expertise in one of the most versatile swing dances ever.  East Coast Swing can be danced to a wide variety of music, and is so well known, it is a dance that everyone should know.  For those of you who aren’t exactly sure what this type of swing is, it is simply jitterbug with a “rock-step, triple-step, triple-step” timing.  

We will be learning the fundamentals of ECS in October, so this is for every beginner or for those more experienced that would like to review and brush up on their technique.  Anyone, any age, may join us, however ages 16 and under will need to make an appointment with Deb prior to the first class for a simple tryout.  There is no experience necessary, no yearly club dues, and you do not have to have a partner. 

November classes, as the group progresses, will involve more advanced patterns and styling techniques.  As it will be a continuation of the classes taught in October, it is recommended that you take the beginning classes first.  However, other experience in dancing the East Coast Swing may be pre-requisite enough. 

The October schedule is as follows: classes on Oct. 4, 10, 18 and 25 from 7-9 p.m.  Practice/party sessions will fall on Sundays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 3-5 p.m.  There will also be an adult Halloween Costume Party on Wednesday, Oct. 31 (more information on that forthcoming).  All this for the month of October, for the very minimal fee of $20per person, just to keep the club up and running. 

Also, there will be the option to “check out” at the end of each month’s sessions.  This means that any student can set up a time with Deb for Sunday, Oct. 28, between 3 and 5, and demonstrate beginning ECS according to their ability.  Each dancer will receive a percentage grade and a frameable certificate of achievement.  This valuable critiquing is designed to encourage students to learn the patterns more thoroughly, so they will remember them longer; and have something to show for their efforts. 

All sessions meet at the PLPOA Clubhouse, 230 Port Ave.  No pre-registration is necessary, but please come 10 minutes early to get registered.   Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that have smooth leather soles—something that does not leave black marks or mud.  Tennis shoes or lug types are inappropriate, and hard to dance in. 

For more information, call Deb or Charles at 731-3338.


What happens to your donations of books and other materials?

By Carole Howard
SUN columnist, and the Library Staff

Donations of new or gently used books and other materials like magazines, videos, CDs and DVDs are vital to the ongoing operation of the library. Without your help, our collection would be much less robust. In fact, in 2006 we received more than 11,000 books and materials from you – a huge figure that shows how much we rely on your generosity to serve our community well.

Many donors ask us what happens to their donations, especially if they do not see them on the library’s shelves. Here is the process. Let’s take a donated book as an example.

• The first step is to check to see if we do not have that book in the library and want to add it to the collection. If yes, it is catalogued and put on the shelves.
• If we already have the book, we will see if the donated one is in better condition. If yes, we will replace our older book with the newer donated copy.
• If the donated book is not needed in the collection, we still are grateful to receive it because we can sell it to raise money to buy other books and materials. Books in so-so condition are put on the “For Sale” carts in the library and sold for greatly discounted prices of 50 cents for hardbacks and 25 cents for paperbacks. Books in good condition are saved for the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale where they still are a bargain for buyers. This year’s book sale July 20-21 raised more than $5,000 for the library.

What books can we not use? Mostly the answer revolves around dated non-fiction materials. Old medicine books cannot be added to the collection, of course, because current knowledge is essential to health and safety in medical fields. Similarly, travel books with out-of-date hotel and restaurant information are not useful. Nor are old atlases with countries no longer in existence, tax books discussing old tax law, or books extolling old technology — especially about computers. Generally speaking textbooks are of no interest to our patrons, especially those covering specialized fields. Trendy business books that now are passé also are not popular. Nor are news magazines any older than a few weeks.

What types of donated books do we like best? Our favorites are your favorites. Experience plus your responses to surveys over the years have taught us you like a wide variety of books from bestsellers to classics, fiction and non-fiction.

At the top of your wish lists are mysteries, historical fiction, biographies and children’s books. Also very popular are westerns, science fiction, arts and crafts, home repair and language books. Other important categories for many of you include books to assist home-schoolers, Christian fiction, large-type books and books for teens.

English-born Alfred North Whitehead, a mathematician and philosopher, once said that “No one achieves success without the help of others.” That is certainly true of our library – and we are grateful for the generosity of all our donors.

Lifelong Learning lectures
Mark your calendars for the start of the Fall Lifelong Learning lecture series. October 6 brings us “Pagosa Springs: The beginning years,” given by SUN columnist and historian John Motter, author of “Pagosa Country: The First Fifty Years.” The second lecture on October 13 will be “Speaking truth to power: The art of political cartooning, the presidency and the run-up to the 2008 presidential election,” presented by Judith Reynolds, who is a journalist, history professor and political cartoonist. All lectures take place on Saturday afternoons at 3 p.m. at the library and are free to the public. Next week we will publish the full fall schedule.

Historical novels
“A Sudden Country,” by Karen Fisher, named one of the year’s “Books to Remember” by the New York Public Library, explores the complex relations among traders, immigrants and native Americans in the 1840s.

“Wickett’s Remedy,” by Myla Goldberg, tells of the terrifying times just after America entered the First World War as the 1918 influenza epidemic swept through Boston.
“McKettrick’s Choice,” by Linda Lael Miller, is a historical romance set in Texas in the days of mail-order brides.

Crime fiction
“Stay,” by Nicola Griffith, is a New Wave detective story featuring a six feet tall woman named Aud Torvingen who has blonde hair, blue eyes and amazing skills as an investigator. Its sequel is “The Blue Place,” also available at the library.

“A Thousand Bones,” by P.J. Parrish, featuring the only female detective in the Miami police department’s homicide division, tells of a string of brutal murders of young women.

“Mercy Falls,” by William Kent Krueger, is the latest in the award-winning Corcoran O’Connor detective series.

“Last Look,” by Mariah Stewart, reopens a murder case where the alleged killer was convicted and executed after the supposedly murdered woman is found recently stabbed.

“Justice Denied,” by J.A. Jance, weaves the stories of an ex-drug dealer’s murder with the unnaturally high number of deaths among sex offenders, each being investigated by fellow cops and lovers.

Mysteries and thrillers
“Drop Dead Beautiful,” by Jackie Collins, is the story of a beautiful woman and her daughter who face multiple dangers as they prepare to open a multibillion-dollar hotel complex in Las Vegas.

In “The Blue Rose: An English Garden Mystery,” author and gardener Anthony Eglin weaves in plenty of horticultural references to this murder mystery.

“Kidnapped,” by Jan Burke, is the story of the search for answers after a man is murdered and his young daughter disappears.

“The First Commandment,” by Brad Thor, features a Navy SEAL turned Homeland Security operative who faces terrorists single-handedly after five prisoners are secretly released from Guantanamo.

Humorous novels
“At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances” is the first of three new comic novels by Alexander McCall Smith, who became famous as the author of the bestselling No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.

“And My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You,” by Kathi Kamen Goldmark, follows a sexy singer as she catapults from struggling backup singer to blazing star on the country music scene.

Thanks to our donors
Our thanks this week for books and materials from Beverly Anciaux, Meryle Backus, Jerome Baier, Marian Borgstrom, Gwen Fisher, Connie Gabriel, Dot Jones, Marie Layton, Mary McDonald, Bruce Muirhead, Janet Parkes, Grace Qualls, Vimmie Ray, Gary Reed and Steve Rogers.

Working to raise awareness of Smoke-Free Colorado

By Jeni Middendorf
SUN Columnist

In 2006, the American Lung Association of Colorado saw the culmination of many years of hard work on smoke-free air issues. In March 2006, the legislature finally passed the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act with bipartisan support, making Colorado a smoke-free state. Effective July 1, 2006, the law protects employees in almost all workplaces, including bars and restaurants, from harmful exposure to secondhand smoke. A notable and disappointing gap in the law was the exemption of casinos, leaving approximately 8,000 workers in the state still unprotected from exposure to secondhand smoke. Non-public workplaces with three or fewer employees were also exempted. HB07-1269 repealed this exemption and casinos will be required to be smoke free on Jan. 1, 2008.

The American Lung Association of Colorado, in collaboration with state and local partners and working as the Smoke-Free Colorado coalition, met weekly to develop a strategy for successful implementation of the new law. Smoke-Free Colorado executed a comprehensive plan that included education, training and resources for business owners, law enforcement officers, elected officials and local health agencies. The coalition also ran an extensive public education media campaign to raise awareness and build support for the law.

Thanks to the 2004 passage of a tobacco tax increase ballot initiative, Colorado remains one of the few states funding tobacco programs above the minimum level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sixteen percent of tobacco tax revenue is dedicated to supporting comprehensive tobacco prevention, education and cessation programs throughout the state.

Moving forward, the American Lung Association of Colorado will work with local communities, casino workers and elected officials to address the remaining gaps in the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act. Additionally, the American Lung Association of Colorado is working with its partners to develop a plan to address the demand for smoke-free housing and health disparities that exist among priority population groups throughout the state.

The burden of lung cancer
More people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. What’s more, 10-15 percent of all persons diagnosed with lung cancer are non-smokers.

In 2002 (the most recent year for which statistics are available), lung cancer accounted for more deaths than did breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer combined. In 2002, more than 90,000 men and 67,000 women in the United States died of lung cancer. That same year, more than 100,000 men and 80,000 women were diagnosed with lung cancer. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, lung cancer is:
• The second most common cancer among men in the United States.
• The second most common cancer among Caucasians and American Indian/Alaska Native women.
• The third most common cancer among African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic women.
• To learn more on the burden of lung cancer go to www.cdc.gov/cancer.

Facts on secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, is a complex mixture of gases and particles, that includes smoke from the burning cigarette, cigar, or pipe tip (sidestream smoke) and exhaled mainstream smoke. Secondhand smoke contains at least 250 chemicals known to be toxic, including more than 50 that can cause cancer.

Secondhand smoke exposure causes heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults. Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their heart disease risk by 25–30 percent and their lung cancer risk by 20–30 percent. Breathing secondhand smoke has immediate harmful effects on the cardiovascular system that can increase the risk of heart attack. People who already have heart disease are at especially high risk. Secondhand smoke exposure causes respiratory symptoms in children and slows their lung growth. Secondhand smoke causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more frequent and severe asthma attacks in children. There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure. Even brief exposure can be dangerous.

Exposure to nicotine and secondhand smoke is measured by testing the saliva, urine or blood for the presence of a chemical called cotinine. Cotinine is a byproduct of nicotine metabolization, and tobacco is the only source of this marker. From 1988–91 to 2001–02, the proportion of nonsmokers with detectable levels cotinine was halved (from 88 to 43 percent). Over that same time period, cotinine levels in those who were exposed to secondhand smoke fell by 70 percent.

More than 126 million nonsmoking Americans continue to be exposed to secondhand smoke in homes, vehicles, workplaces and public places. Most exposure to tobacco smoke occurs in homes and workplaces. Almost 60 percent of U.S. children aged 3–11 years — or almost 22 million children — are exposed to secondhand smoke. About 25 percent of children aged 3–11 years live with at least one smoker, compared to only about 7 percent of nonsmoking adults.

The California Environmental Protection Agency estimates that secondhand smoke exposure causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 22,700–69,600 heart disease deaths annually among adult nonsmokers in the United States. Each year in the United States, secondhand smoke exposure is responsible for 150,000–300,000 new cases of bronchitis and pneumonia in children aged less than 18 months. This results in 7,500–15,000 hospitalizations, annually.

Chimney Rock tour
Chimney Rock’s dramatic twin spires mark the home to the ancestral Puebloan people a thousand years ago.

Experience the intriguing story of those who came before us as the architecture, pottery and other artifacts give us a glimpse into their daily lives. Join The Den Thursday, Sept. 27, for a special tour of Chimney Rock for $10 to learn its mysteries, myths and legends. We will be taking the bus and stopping for a surprise lunch visit for some down home good cookin’. We will be leaving The Den at 9:15 a.m. with our tour beginning a little bit before 10. Please sign up for this archeological excursion at The Den office by Friday. The tour is approximately 2.5 hours (with the lower part of the tour being handicap accessible which lasts approximately 1 hour). Immerse yourself in this ancient culture with a stunning backdrop as you explore the wonders of Chimney Rock.

September birthday babes
Are you celebrating a birthday in September? If you are age 60 or older and your birthday is in September, you’ll only pay $1 for your lunch Friday, Sept. 28, as Archuleta Seniors Inc. has graciously chipped in the remaining $2 for you. Be sure to let them know when you check in that you are a birthday babe.

Meet our dietician
Attend The Den Friday, Sept. 28, at 12:30 p.m. to meet and greet our new dietician and learn more about Heart Healthy Eating.

Wills, trusts, probate
Talk to a lawyer for free. Jerry Venn, a local attorney with extensive experience in estate administration, discusses some options regarding wills, trusts and probates. Jerry will be here Oct. 9 at 10 a.m.

Dance For Health
On Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Karma Raley, the dance instructor, enjoys sharing her love of dance and blends basic ballet and modern jazz with yoga awareness to create a full body routine which makes it possible to work out to the degree you want and/or need to. Wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel.

Seniors Inc. hours change
In September, Seniors Inc. annual memberships for folks 55 and older are being sold at The Den for $5 on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m.—2 p.m. Memberships will not be sold on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.

Activities
Thursday, Sept. 27 — Field trip to Chimney Rock.
Friday, Sept. 28 — The Geezers meeting, 9 a.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; September birthday lunch celebrations, noon; Meet the Dietician: Heart Healthy Eating, 12:30 p.m.; duplicate bridge and Bridge 4 Fun, 1 p.m.; Calanetics, 2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 1 — Gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; noon — meet the Seniors Inc. candidates for upcoming board elections; Bridge 4 Fun and canasta, 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 2 — Beginning Word computer class, 10 a.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; Calanetics, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 3 — Dance for Health, 10 a.m.; veterans’ services, noon; Play It Safe-Elderwatch, 12:30 p.m.; fall prevention, 3 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 4 — Lunch served in Arboles (reservations required by Tuesday).
Friday, Oct. 5 — The Geezers meeting, 9 a.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; sing along with Judy Esterly, 12:30 p.m.; duplicate bridge and Bridge 4 Fun, 1 p.m.; Calanetics, 2 p.m.

Menu
Suggested donation $3 for ages 60-plus and kids 12 and under; all others $5. Our meal program is partially funded through the Older Americans Act, United Way, and other contributions and grants. Menu subject to change. The salad bar opens at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon.

Friday, Sept. 28 — Roast beef sandwich, oven browned potatoes, mixed vegetables, strawberry applesauce.
Monday, Oct. 1 — Baked pork chop, country style gravy, whipped potatoes, hot bean casserole, fruit salad, dinner roll.
Tuesday, Oct. 2 — Lemon baked fish, tartar sauce and lemon, rice pilaf, spinach with malt vinegar, fruit salad, bread with margarine.
Wednesday, Oct. 3 — Smothered chicken, cornbread stuffing, seasoned cauliflower and broccoli mix, applesauce, Waldorf salad.
Thursday, Oct. 4 — Lunch served in Arboles (reservations required by Tuesday.)
Friday, Oct. 5 — Combination burrito smothered with chicken green chili, tomato, lettuce and salsa, black beans with cilantro, diced pears.


4H Achievement Night is Friday

By Bill Nobles
SUN Columnist

Sept. 28 — 6 p.m., 4-H Achievement Night.
Oct. 1 — 6:30 p.m., Livestock Committee meeting.
Oct. 2 — 6:30 p.m., Colorado Kids Club meeting.
Oct. 4 — 6:30 p.m., Shady Pine Club meeting.
Oct. 5 — 2:15 p.m., Colorado Mountaineers Club meeting.
4-H Achievement Night
Archuleta County 4-H invites 4-Hers and their families to attend Achievement Night to celebrate all their hard work in the 2006-2007 4-H year.

This special occasion will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. As usual, the Extension Office will provide the main dish — beef, drinks and table service.

We ask that 4-H families bring something to complement the meal, according to the first initial of their last name: A-F salad dish; G-N side dish — no salads; O-R bread, dinner rolls or biscuits; S-Z dessert.

Livestock Record Books will also be available for you to pick up after the awards dinner.

If you have questions concerning Achievement Night contact Pamela at 264-5931.

Biodiesel facility in Dolores County
The San Juan Biodiesel broke ground on its oil crush and biodiesel production facility during a ceremony Sept. 8 at the Weber Industrial Park in Dove Creek.

San Juan Biodiesel LLC is a new company constructing a five million gallon per-year oil crush and biodiesel production facility. In 2007, the company contracted with 41 farmers for approximately 11,000 acres of sunflower crops, those farms located at points as distant as Alamosa and Price, Utah, with the bulk of the production centered in proximity of the facility in Dolores and Montezuma counties, and San Juan County in Utah.

For more information, go to www.sanjuanbiodiesel.com/.

Colorado State University has assisted the development of the facility since October 2004.

The Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station’s Southwestern Colorado Research Center, located in Yellow Jacket, retooled its research planting program in 2005 to include sunflower-variety testing for yield and oil-seed quality.

“Extension had two missions in the development of this project,” said Colorado State University’s Dolores County Extension Director Dan Fernandez. “The first was to insure that we had our grower base in place and second that the business park was ready to handle a major processing facility.”

In 2006, 2,660 acres of sunflowers were harvested, with 20 growers participating. In 2007, there were 10,600 acres planted, with 41 growers participating.

With the assistance of Fernandez, a series of public meetings and workshops were held for government agencies, funders, legislators, interested growers and the general public to explain the project and keep the momentum moving forward. In early 2006, and after competing with several other cities, the Weber Business Park in Dolores County was chosen as the site of the new biodiesel plant.

San Juan Biodiesel has surpassed its 90 percent mark in raising the finances to construct the facility and purchase this year’s crop, and is ready to begin construction this fall, said general manager Jeff Berman. “This would not have been possible without the assistance of so many farmers, investors, lenders, local governments, ski resorts, and others that have participated in the process,” Berman said.



Travel reimbursement update

By Andy Fautheree
SUN Columnist

In a continuing effort to improve our VAHC travel reimbursement program I am doing away with the requirement that veterans keep their fuel receipts when traveling to a VA Medical facility for a medical appointment.

Veterans will need only “proof of appointment” documentation and overnight accommodation receipt in case of travel to Albuquerque or Grand Junction VA Medical Centers.

We are now reimbursing a fixed amount for travel to our VAHC facilities. Those reimbursements currently are:
• Albuquerque and Grand Junction VAMC — $60.00 fuel and $50 per night for any overnight accommodations required for medical services.
• Durango VA Clinic — $17.50 fuel.
• Farmington VA Clinic — $30.00 fuel.

I plan to monitor and make adjustments to these reimbursement figures as fuel costs continue to fluctuate.

Travel Window
Veterans are advised they should check with the Travel Window at Albuquerque and Grand Junction VAMC for possible travel reimbursement. Veterans should also check with those facilities for overnight accommodations that the VA will provide. These arrangements should be made well in advance of a scheduled appointment. This information is usually provided for in advance, with the letter of appointment schedule.

In case of after-hour arrival, you may check with the Emergency Room at the Albuquerque VAMC for accommodation availability.
If you are entitled to travel money from the VA and it falls short of the current allowance, I can usually make up the difference from our veterans’ fund. We want to be the “payer of last resort.”

Don’t forget, we have two vehicles for veterans to use for their VAHC appointment travel in case they do not have adequate or reliable personal transportation. We also have volunteer drivers for those needing that kind of assistance, on a case-by-case basis. Check with this office well in advance if you need vehicle or volunteer driver assistance.

Grant money for VAHC trips
Veterans should save their VA Health Care “Proof of Appointment” and overnight accommodation receipts for reimbursement from VTF Grant money. We have secured additional Colorado Veterans Trust Fund Grant money for this purpose. Please check at the VA Albuquerque travel pay window for possible mileage reimbursement if you make a trip to Albuquerque VAMC.

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

Further information
For information on these and other veterans’ benefits, call or stop by the Archuleta County Veterans Service Office located at 46 Eaton Drive, Suite 7, behind City Market. The office number is 731-3837, the fax number is 731-3879, cell number is 946-6648, and e-mail is afautheree@archuletacounty.org. The office is open from 8 to 4, Monday through Thursday (closed Fridays). Bring your DD Form 214 (Discharge) for application for VA programs, and for filing in the VSO office.


UU Fellowship considers ‘Community of Hope’

On Sunday, Sept. 30, The Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship service will focus on “Creating a Community of Hope.” Reverend Linda Whittenberg, a retired UU minister from Santa Fe, will present the sermon.

Rev. Whittenberg served congregations in California and Washington, and more recently was extension consultant for the UU Mountain Desert District. Her ties with the Santa Fe Congregation go back to 1979, when she first moved to New Mexico.

She explains that, “From time to time it’s good to pause, particularly at the beginning of a church season, to ask some basic questions about the purpose of a congregation. Why are you here? What do you need? Are there important things that are forgotten in the business of congregational life?”

The service begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, Unit B-15, Greenbriar Plaza. Child care and/or the Religious Education program for those three years old and up is available, under the guidance this Sunday of Miss Rachel Jensen. Turn east on Greenbrier Drive off of North Pagosa by the fire station, then left into the back parking lot and look for the big sign. All are welcome.


King’s Kids begins next week

By Dorman Diller
Special to The PREVIEW

“Blast Off With The Bible” will be theme for the annual King’s Kids program which begins Wednesday, Oct. 3.

King’s Kids will meet Wednesday evenings, 7-8 p.m., through Oct. 24. The four-week program of Bible study is sponsored by the Church of Christ located at 277 Lewis St., to help children learn more about God, His word, and to grow into better young people. Children 2 years old through the sixth grade are invited to attend.

Following the last class there will a closing program. At the program the children will show some of the things they have learned. Awards will be presented for perfect attendance and memory work.

With a space theme, the Bible study each evening will look at a story from the Old Testament. The mission will be to learn to love, respect, live, and protect God’s word. Time will be spent in the older classes learning how to use reference tools such as a concordance, Bible dictionary, and maps. Activities will include singing, Bible study, games, prayer, refreshments, and a visit from the puppets.

The Joy Bus will run to provide transportation in the downtown area. For more information or to enroll your children, call the church building at 264-2552 or Dorman Diller at 264-4454.


Moms In Touch set informal get-together

By Nancy Rea
Special to The PREVIEW

Attention moms: Please come to a free breakfast from 8:15-9:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Restoration Fellowship Church, located off Village Drive behind City Market.

This is an opportunity for you to find out about a group called “Moms In Touch International,” which meets for one hour each week to pray for their children and the schools they attend.

We know our children face much pressure in this world and “standing in the gap” through prayer is the best gift we can give to them.

If you are interested in finding out how you can make a difference in your children’s lives, in our schools and in our community, please attend. Childcare will be provided.

For more information, call Nancy Rea at 264-2774 or Janna Ranson at 731-1773.


PBC Mission Team will travel to Haiti

By Janet Valdez
Special to The SUN

A Pagosa Bible Church Mission Team will travel to Ouanaminthe, Haiti, Jan. 18, 2008. The team invites others to join them on this weeklong, life-changing mission. There are several ways Pagosans can do it.

The team currently consists of eight to 10 members.

This will be the third year the PBC Mission Team has gone to Ouanaminthe, which is located in the northeast corner of Haiti on the border with the Dominican Republic. Haiti is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. Illiteracy is 46 percent and unemployment is over 8 percent. “How am I going to feed my family?” is the daily question for most Haitians. Education is the key to answering that question, and it starts with the children.

The school in Ouanaminthe was founded in 1994. There are 1,400 students, K through 12th grade. The kitchen at the school serves a meal of rice and beans. For many students, it is their only meal of the day. More information about this school is available at www.haiticocina.org.

Projects the PBC Mission Team will undertake are renovatation of the kitchen at the school, and work on the electrical wiring in the high school wing. Some members of the team will work at painting a newly-built medical clinic in Ouanaminthe.

The week-long trip costs $1,250 per person. Several potential team members wish to make the trip and do the work, but cannot afford this expense. There are also supplies that must be purchased for the various projects. The team needs to raise $6,000 or more in donations to make the trip in January a success.

If you would like to join the team, contact John Neill at 731-3999. Contributions may be made to: COCINA P.O. Box 4531 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. Mark the check “PBC Mission Team.”


The flood of 1911 — Pagosa Country’s worst natural disaster

by John Motter

The worst natural disaster in Pagosa Country history occurred Oct. 5, 1911.

Two men died and all but one bridge washed out in the county. Damage was not limited to the Pagosa Springs area. Apparently, the torrential rainfall was general across the entire San Juan Mountains, north, south, east and west.

A series of headlines in the Pagosa Springs topped the newspaper article reporting the disaster in the Pagosa Springs SUN. First, “SAN JUAN BREAKS RECORD,” then, “Gets on Rampage and Leaves Death, Devastation and Ruin in its Path,” and, finally, “Archuleta County Suffers Heavy Loss — Pagosa Springs Gets its Share of the Devastation — Homes Ruined — Two Deaths Reported to this Date.”

The newspaper article began “While the city of Pagosa Springs has bowed itself in submission to the devastation of the past week it will in time tread in glory the paths of ruin caused by the flood of yesterday.

“The SUN is unable to give anywhere a full detail of the affair in this issue. Homes are wrecked and people left homeless. The loss of property in the county will range around the figure of $1,000,000. This includes the loss sustained by railroads and other corporations.

“Tuesday morning the sun rose in all its glory and the day was an ideal one. Wednesday morning a drizzling rain set in and kept up until the torrents caused the San Juan to change from a pleasant, smiling stream to an angry, raging, terrific river.

“Early yesterday morning the citizens became aware of the fact that dire calamity was about to prevail on Hermosa Street and in the park vicinity. Business, for the time being, was suspended and all rushed to the aid of those in the doomed district. All teams available were brought into action and all the goods that could be were moved out.

“All the bridges in the county are reported to have gone out. The bridge on which the pipeline furnishing water for the town was laid went out early in the morning. Then the bridge in town (Motter — the San Juan Street Bridge) which stood the strain until about noon when the force of the stream overcame its stability and it went down the river.”

The horror of the spectacle must have been immense for the large number of onlookers as they watched the bridge torn from its foundations and launched into the growing collection of debris riding the plunging torrent downstream.

Near the San Juan Bridge was a jail, sort of a drunk tank. Apparently it had no occupants as it set sail amidst the water-soaked debris, not stopping until it reached DeMotta’s apple orchard in Trujillo.

When old-timers talk about “The Park” they are referring to the residential section on both sides of Hermosa Street as well as the soccer field and park still left on the bank of the river near today’s bridge.

The Park was hardest hit. Many houses from that section either floated down the river or, at the least, shifted significantly on their foundations. Surprisingly, only two deaths were attributed to the flood and those deaths did not occur in town. They took place on the Dowell Ranch where the upper reaches of Mill Creek claimed the lives of Jake Dowell and B.F. Turner as they tried to dislodge debris threatening buildings there.

More next week on the flood of 1911.


By Shari Pierce

Staff Writer

90 years ago

Taken from SUN files of October 5, 1917

I, the undersigned, brand as a dirty, malicious lie, those reports being circulated in Pagosa by a bunch of treasonable slackers that the local war board had accepted money for exempting conscripts. The only object in circulating such reports is to hamper the work of this board, and aid in a petty way the enemies of our common country. I have their number, and it must stop, or there’l be something doing. Geo. A. Dutton, Chairman, Local Board.

Red Cross Notes. Mrs. Kate Fitzhugh and Mrs. R.L. Ewell are knitting sox; the school girls are hemming bandages; Miss Martin soliciting funds; Miss Minnie darling joined the Pagosa chapter, and altogether we are doing all we can to help along.

75 years ago

Taken from SUN files of September 30, 1932

On Monday the Jackisch Drug Store was moved from its old location in the Rumbaugh building to its new quarters in the Montroy building. It now occupies the room adjoining the post office, formerly occupied by the Piggly-Wiggly store.

The Sunetha gravel re-surfacing project of 4.5 miles was completed the first of the week by the contractor, the Steamboat Transfer & Storage Company.

State Senator Chas. F. Rumbaugh of Pagosa Springs was in Silverton a brief time Tuesday when on his return from Ouray. He is actively interested in the welfare of the Democratic party in the coming election, although a “hold-over,” he is doing his part for national, senatorial, state and district nominees.

50 years ago

Taken from SUN files of October 3, 1957

The weather during September has been ideal fall weather with nice warm days and crisp nights. This fine weather has permitted work to go ahead on construction of the San Juan Lumber Co. mill, loggers to work in the high country, ranchers to get their hay up and fall work caught up. The fall coloring is very fine at the present time and the fall weather makes this seem the ideal climate.

The newly-formed Pagosa Springs Sanitation District was authorized by the taxpaying electors in the district to issue up to $220,000 worth of bonds for the construction of a sanitary sewage system and disposal plant. This was the last step in the necessary authorization of the district and the issuance of the bonds.

25 years ago

Taken from SUN files of September 30, 1982

Four river otters from Wisconsin were recently released into the Piedra River near Chimney Rock by Herb Browning, District Wildlife Manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. So far, 15 otters have been released at four different sites on the river since 1978, and the animals have been seen by the general public from Williams Creek Reservoir all the way to the Navajo Reservoir on the Colorado-New Mexico border.

School District 50 Jt. officials are preparing to certify school attendance for this year. Last year’s attendance was 1,031 students, this year’s 1,069. The district will receive from the state $2,195 for each student in excess of 96 percent of last year’s average daily attendance.

High time for a plan

The Town of Pagosa Springs will conduct a meeting today, with the council and steering committee continuing to examine and make comments on a proposed Downtown Master Plan — a plan, the draft of which resulted from consideration of the town’s Comprehensive Plan and input obtained in a process involving a series of public workshops and focus groups. The meeting is open, and members of the public are welcome to attend. As they are welcome to peruse the proposed plan on the town’s Web site.

This plan has been in the works for a while now, and it’s full birth is long overdue. It is necessary, to make development of the critical downtown area, the key economic driver in any move to secure a persistently healthy economy, easy.

Yes, easy.

Development and redevelopment in the downtown area has to be easy, in that there must exist clear objectives and ideals, codified in ordinance and regulation form.

Easy, in the sense that a developer or business owner has an unambiguous set of rules and processes available when making and executing plans. Easy, in so far as there are avenues for development of a variety of kinds, perceived similarly by community, government and developer.

That it is not now easy may have put significant roadblocks in the way of efforts to guarantee a stable economic future for a community perilously reliant on limited sources. That future is as necessary for the ordinary worker in Pagosa Country as it is for a developer, fueled by a high-octane profit motive. Without quality development in the downtown area, everyone could suffer down the line.

The stated aim of the Downtown Master Plan is to create a “vision” for infill development and redevelopment, shaped by a desire to maintain a small-town atmosphere. The full plan would allow for growth management and sustain a commendable level of environmental and aesthetic quality. A mix of housing opportunities is foreseen, infrastructure is to be improved, parks and open spaces preserved and expanded when possible. A framework for both public and private investment is a goal of the plan, as is establishment of districts, each with appropriate design guidelines. The plan, overall, is intended to respect the “existing traditional character of Pagosa Springs.”

We hope that character is understood in a realistic way: namely that Pagosa Springs is a typical western town. From its beginning, it has shifted shape relative to prevailing industry. And now, what is that industry? There are three major sectors and three only: tourism, real estate (including construction), and the service and amenity sector that tends to both.

This plan must make downtown development easy to insure and supplement those sectors. It must make it possible for those who have the capital to invest in downtown area projects and amenities — in quality ways. It must take into account the desire that unique solutions be found to the problems that inevitably occur in the company of major change — the need to tend to seniors and lower income populations, to provide for low income housing, etc.

The town council is well through an examination of most parts of the plan, as is a citizen steering committee. Both will continue to meet, submit comments and stimulate revisions. The public will have opportunities to comment and we hope this process does not, like the county’s debacle with its Master Plan process, reinvent the wheel several times over — all at the expense of progress.

The time is here for this plan to go into effect and attendant regulations must be put in place. Like it or not, the downtown area must change. If it doesn’t, or if it changes without benefit of clear rules and processes, it will be to the long-term detriment of all.

Karl Isberg

Memories
Dear Editor:
My family, Jim and Esther Moorehead, came to Pagosa Springs for my mother’s health in 1926. We found an apartment at the house of Daisy Fitzhugh, who fired the canon for a presidential election once when it was a part of Fort Lewis. The Catholic church was next to her house in town. Mesa Heights was just a pasture.

Charles Boone (nephew of Daniel Boone) and wife lived across the street and also the Catchpole home. Fred Catchpole started the Citizens Bank. I married the youngest son, Harvey, in 1935. My father had the Chrysler and Plymouth dealership around the corner from the bank. I remember we had a small hot mineral bath in the back of the garage. I saw lots of history. The town flag pole and the town hall and fire hoses were on the corners. I remember well when a drunk ran into the corner of the bridge, which fell into the river, also how we enjoyed the Chatauqua coming each summer with its big tent in the town park. Bathing in hot mineral water was only 25 cents if you brought your towel, at the springs and also the Arlington Hotel which would be on Lewis street?

Here’s my subscription for another year. Since I am 93, I have read lots of Pagosa SUNs!
Evangeline Catchpole
Bloomfield, N.M.

Banished
Dear Editor:
This morning George and I received two rather unpleasant faxes from four members of the Central Committee of ACCA. Since George is on the Central Committee, he was somewhat puzzled by the actions taken by his fellow members without his knowledge, nor an invitation to a meeting in which they excluded him. His fax was a dismissal from his position on that committee and the ACCA.

I was told that they accepted the resignation I gave to Eddie Bennett. After Eddie resigned in a snit, I verbally withdrew my resignation and have participated in meetings and conferences related to ACCA.

Realistically, I have been banished from the organization and to quote the fax I received, “Therefore, it is the decision of the CC that your resignation is upheld from here on, and you are admonished to never speak on behalf of this organization nor attend any of its meetings in the future.” Really?

I have never spoken on behalf of ACCA, so not speaking on its behalf again, is hardly a problem. I gather when there is a public ACCA forum, the fliers must say, “The public is invited, except Judy Esterly.”

I asked a question which needs to be answered and/or investigated, preferably by the news media. The question asked was, “Why did you vote to remove Commissioner Schiro from her committees and as chairperson?” Further, articles and letters to the editors have pictured Ms. Schiro as having been victimized by the other two commissioners. Since Commissioners Moomaw and Zaday were the ones who voted for Ms. Schiro’s removal, I thought it only correct that I let them know that I would be asking the question. I did not know how they would respond. Just as Ms. Killen had the opportunity to rule my question out, both commissioners could have declined to comment.

In the fax to me, the Central Committee (which has never been elected by the ACCA membership) said the fact that I “… used the ACCA for your own agenda is untenable. Disgraceful doesn’t even begin to describe your actions. You have embarrassed ACCA and done a great amount of damage to the organization.” Since I did not speak nor have never spoken for ACCA, I did not “use it.” I find it somewhat hypocritical for my question to be horrendous; since Marge Pantzer, who is very active in ACCA, and who wrote an article which was filled with half-truths and inaccuracies was never admonished. Or perhaps, because it “dissed” Commissioners Moomaw and Zaday, it was acceptable. Is there an unspoken agenda of the four remaining CC members?

In the fax to George, they stated that he was being kicked out of the ACCA because he knew that I would be asking the question. Further, they didn’t like the suggestions he had made the two prior weeks and finally accused him of being partly responsible for John Ramberg appearing in disguise.

I told my husband that I was asking the question and had given the two commissioners a heads-up. I am surprised to think that the CC members believe that I would have to ask my husband for permission to say anything. Finally, neither George nor I had any idea that it was John Ramberg in disguise, much less were either of us even partly responsible. Of course, wasn’t it Dianne who wrote in an e-mail to everyone that “if you are in the witness protection program you might want to come in disguise?” Obviously, John took her at her word.
Judy Esterly

ACCA
Dear Editor:
ACCA would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the public for their participation in its public meeting last Thursday evening. The true purpose of this open forum was to get better informed on key issues, get your questions answered and get your suggestions directly to those responsible for managing our county government. Though some may have opinion that much old ground recovered at this meeting, we would submit that many people are still getting up to speed on the subjects at hand and a revisiting of topics to remind officials that the public is still keen for solutions is never amiss.

We would especially like to thank our guests, Commissioner Moomaw, Commissioner Zaday, Commissioner Schiro, County Administrator Bob Campbell, County Assessor Prior, County Attorney Williams, and Town Manager Mark Garcia, as well as Marion Francis, Les Mundall, John Ranson and Larry Allen from the Citizens Financial Task Force, for attending and being willing to answer so many questions.

We would also like to say that the appearance of the masked and hooded citizen was not in any way representative of ACCA. The individual involved chose on his own to appear at the meeting dressed in that fashion. We apologize for any discomfort he may have contributed, but we had officials standing by and a close eye on any possible disturbance he may have made, and we wished to avoid conflict if at all possible. It wasn’t until the meeting was at least half over that we were able to ascertain his identity, and at that point we knew he was attempting to make a political point, however misguided, and was not a threat to the public in any way. This gentleman is no longer involved in ACCA.

Likewise, the comments and purported ambush of Commissioner Schiro by Judith Esterly was not sanctioned nor was it known ahead of time by anyone in the ACCA. Ms. Esterly withdrew from ACCA in August of this year, and was following a solo agenda, as evidenced by an excerpt from the following e-mail received from Mrs. Esterly on 8/1/07:

“(RE: the county meeting in Chromo)

“I did not speak as ACCA member, but I purposely removed my badge and identified myself as a disabled citizen. I think it best for the organization and George for you to consider this my formal resignation. You are free to tell anyone tha(t)I am not a member of ACCA.”

Such behavior as described above has never been encouraged and in the future will not be tolerated at any ACCA sponsored public meetings, and we look forward to bringing the community many gatherings in the future on such topics as Home Rule, election recalls, the 2008 budget and more — all focusing on keeping you, the public, better informed, giving you opportunities to be involved in a constructive way, so that we can work toward better local governments.

Many thanks to the kind folks at the community center gymnasium.
Dianne Killen

Role model
Dear Editor:
Mrs. Ruth Marquez will wince if she reads this since she is averse to testimonials, but the record should read that she taught 41 years not 28 as was stated in the Sept. 20 issue of The Pagosa Springs SUN.

Graduating from Loretto Academy in Santa Fe at 16 and Adams State College at 19 when its national ordinal rank for its teacher-preparatory curricula was eighth, she immediately began her career in the San Luis Valley, completing 13 years there before moving to Pagosa.

Once here, she toiled unobtrusively for her school, church and community. It was her PSHS Club Espanol that returned from competition at Colorado universities and colleges with scholarships and first-place trophies. It was she who typed and mimeographed the weekly, church bulletin and instructed summer, catechetical classes. It was she who traveled to Salt Lake City to commence proceedings to initiate Project Headstart in Pagosa. (She also taught its rudimentary classes.) It was she who founded la Fiesta Espanola de Pagosa Springs and after retirement volunteered at the adult education center.

Even though Mrs. Marquez was honored with the Colorado Teacher of the Year Runner-up Award for 1976, it is only her innumerable, former students who can induce a dubious smile as they thank her for being a role model in the days when there was not other.
Arlene Marcus

Masked man
Dear Editor:
Open letter to ACCA and Residents of Archuleta County:

Prior to the ACCA Public Meeting of Sept. 20, I communicated concerns about the plans for it. I charged ACCA with:

• ambushing county leaders after inviting them as guests;
• failing to correctly inform guests of format;
• conducting meetings in an unfair manner — inequitable time allowances;
• manipulating discussions through moderator editorializing;
• demoralizing county employees through negative publicity;
• injuring county and town images.

I asked that this meeting focus on ACCA findings, entertain questions on its operation, and that it not be videotaped. The ACCA chair responded promptly to my charges and suggested changes. She stated there would be no changes. The central committee did not respond. Prior to this, two members of the central committed had resigned. Currently another is being banished. Now, the chair publicly apologizes for a “member’s” questions, after encouraging members to ask them.

How can we go forward? Consider these thoughts. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (Philosopher Santayana) “The best path is always one that, whatever the current situation, is best for the journey remaining,” (my paraphrasing of Engineer Richard Bellman’s “Principle of Optimality.”

We need not dwell on history, nor seek the very best path. We should recognize our current state of affairs, and have the courage to go forward seeking consensus and solutions. Two commissioners’ terms run through 2008, another’s through 2009. Let’s support them in the meantime. Each of us will be able to vote our choice in the future. The ACCA central committee was appointed, not elected; the membership need not abhor democratic procedures. We can go forward without orchestrating “dog and horse” shows.

I spoke twice at the meeting. I chastised Mr. Moomaw for characterizing Ms. Schiro’s requests for R&B work documentation as minutiae. This information is imperative for future planning. I asked Mr. Allen to expand his use of the Magnificent Seven Quality tools beyond fishbone diagrams. I hope that he will also incorporate modern quality ideas of Deming, Juran and Covey. I apologize for joining in the “feeding frenzy.” Our leaders deserve better.

I attended the meeting in disguise. My purpose was to avoid being videotaped. My hooded sweatshirt and dark glasses were worn to conceal my identity to the cameras, not to raise fears. I made a poor choice of costume. The chair has publicly apologized for my appearance, neglecting to mention that she invited attendees to come in costume.

Published commentaries on quality improvement philosophies and methods, “TQM: Thought Revolution or Trojan Horse,” “Total Quality Management,” “Six Sigma: Fad or Fundamental” will be available at our library and the BoCC offices, with their permission. I will be happy to send you a copy. These articles reference the major works by the quality gurus. (jsramberg@msn.com).
John S. Ramberg

Kindly pilot
Dear Editor:
David is a hot air balloon pilot from Castle Rock who was at this year’s ColorFest. My family and I came to Pagosa Springs this year for ColorFest. I must say it will be remembered for a long time.

My wife and I arrived at the launch site early Saturday morning planning to watch the mass ascension. We had my 82-year-old father and stepmother from Pueblo with us. As we were watching, my wife took my stepmother behind a balloon for a closer look at the inflation process, as they were watching the balloon stand up, they were recruited to help as ballast.

Just prior to liftoff, the lady who was scheduled to go up decided to wait until Sunday. My stepmother was offered the ride and climbed aboard. She rode for about half an hour and then traded places with another lady.

This brings me to the reason I am writing: We failed to get the pilot’s name or address and my stepmother would really like to send a thank you card. The balloon she rode on was the Owl & The Pussy Cat.

To continue, we were trying to follow the owl balloon to help him pack up after the flight, when David Harrison came down just above the soccer field just west of the launch site. We helped his wife and son walk his balloon down off the road to the soccer field. David still had a little fuel left and decided to offer tethered rides for the kids. My 82-year-old father got a short ride from this man, as well as 15 or 20 young children who wanted to go up. This was all done at no charge to anyone. In addition to the free ride, each kid received a full color trading card with a picture of Dave’s balloon and a little info about him and the balloon.

If anyone can send me the pilot’s name and an address, I would sure appreciate it.
Thank you.
Mike D. Sechrist
Monte Vista

Healthy foods
Dear Editor:
It was great to see the piece on school menu overhaul by Ming Steen as part of her Pagosa Lakes News article. Improving food choices in the school cafeteria has been a major effort for a while now, and the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations reinforce what dietitians have been saying to families for years. These recommendations can be a challenge for school food service because of costs and lack of acceptance by the children.

Working on healthful eating habits at school is only part of the picture. There is more that has to be done for success: Parents can participate by adopting these recommendations for the whole family at home and when eating out. Why would children eat any better than adults? As the former director of a WIC Program (Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program), I saw many examples of families where the adults were not willing to improve their own food choices. Parents can’t expect schools to have the main responsibility in helping children eat well.

Anything families can do to include fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lowfat or nonfat milk, and lean protein (such as meat, chicken, fish, dried or canned beans) will help reinforce the school cafeteria’s efforts. Yes, there are picky eaters. It is important to always include one item at each meal that the adult knows the child likes, along with other foods to try (and the adults, too).

Too many sugary drinks, juice, sweets, desserts, and fried foods packs in the calories — everyone can pay attention to the amount of these they eat — remember when there weren’t giant cookies and muffins, or super-sized drinks and meals?
The high rate of obesity in children and adults means more health problems. Children today are the first generation not expected to live as long or longer than their parents — a very frightening legacy and one that can be prevented.
Joan Y. Ward, Ph.D., RD (Registered Dietitian)

Detailed facts
Dear Editor:
Mr. Kenneth Snow of California (letters, Sept. 20) deserves our praise and thanks for doing us the great favor of providing important detailed facts in his response to Mr. Blake which we would never learn from the Democratic party line or liberal media. I offer the following additional facts for SUN readers’ consideration.

Concerning Gen. Petraeus, Pelosi refused to attend two of his congressional briefings. One reporter quipped with the old adage, “Her mind was made up; she didn’t want to be confused with the facts.” The good news about Iraq, such as that suicide and other attacks have decreased over 50 percent, and over 7,000 arms caches have been destroyed in the last four months (more than double the last two years), occasioning the import of Iranian weapons, are meaningless to Democratic leaders who have made up their minds that the war is lost.

Before Petraeus’ September report, Democrats said that he would report to his Commander in Chief who would edit the report and personally deliver his version to Congress. This not flying, they then said that Bush would tell Petraeus what to report. This also failing, they, especially Hillary, resorted to calling Petraeus a liar. Of course, she offered no evidence or proof of lies or of her qualification to know more than the well-reputed four-star general in charge. Can one imagine her as Commander in Chief?

Hillary also voted against the Senate’s condemnation of the despicable Soros/Move-on “betray us” ad (Obama didn’t bother to vote). Too, she has a short memory about illegal Hsu campaign money, $850,000 of which she must return. She was equally unprincipled in discussing Ahmadinejad’s speaking at Columbia University.
Furthermore, Democratic leadership has faulted the Bush Administration and the Iraqi Parliament for not meeting eighteen benchmarks. Actually, despite constant threats, they have met eight of the eighteen so far. Democrats also set some benchmarks for themselves, but met only one of seven. When Reid was asked why he would not keep the Senate in session to pass a second resolution, he replied, “We had a pretty busy work schedule. People have already left town.” They deserved a rest but not the beleaguered Iraqis? What were they busy doing? They tried three times last week to legislate forced troop withdrawal, but failed. They conducted 300 investigations and six hundred oversight hearings of the Bush Administration. Can anyone cite one positive, constructive accomplishment?

As a result, the public approval rating of the Senate has plummeted to 28 percent and of the House to 8 percent, while Bush’s numbers increase with each poll. These facts are offered with the hope that those who voted for the current legislators might seriously consider other choices the next time around.
Eugene Witkowski


Baumgardner

The family of Robert W. Baumgardner, Sr., wishes to express its deep gratitude to the community for the prayers, visits, food, flowers, condolences, memorial gifts, services and gracious hospitality bestowed upon it during the recent weeks.

It blessed and comforted us to have you with us in the Celebration of Life worship service and at the luncheon made possible by the Restoration Fellowship Church. Thank you so much for this generous outpouring of love.

Charlene Baumgardner, Barbara Lindley and son, Robert, Jr., and Joan, Karl and Paulette Baumgardner and family, Sherrie and Randall Haynes and family, David and Bettye Baumgardner, Priscilla Jake Jacobson, and Janet Hunt; Joe L. Baumgardner and Louise Glass; and G. David and Jodi Montgomery

Back to School

The elementary school Back to School Night was a huge success. Students and their families had dinner, toured the school, visited with classroom teachers and learned about school programs and volunteer opportunities. Hosting over 600 students and their families could not have been possible without the great help from volunteers from community organizations. While parent volunteers organize the event, volunteers from the community allow these parents to actually attend the event with their children. Special thanks goes out to: Knights of Columbus members Ruben Mesa, Phil McAdam, Jan Ogletree, Barry Pavlovich, John Rasich and Bob Radigan. Kiwanis Club members Joyce Lindauer, Jackie McGuire, Larry Page and Deniece Stacy. Mounted Rangers Troop F members Dave Richardson and Wayne Strauss. Rotary Club members Joe Donovan, April Holthaus, Bonnie Masters and Pam Schoemig. They provided the setup, cooking and serving, traffic control, staffing during the event and cleanup, all which are huge jobs! Thanks also go out to parent volunteers who organized the event: Tomi Freidendahl, Stephanie Jones, Alicia O’Brien, and Lisa Raymond. Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s Elementary Adventure.
Sincerely,
Sabra Miller and Lisa Scott

Concert

I would like to thank the following for being instrumental in bringing Don and Wendy Francisco to Pagosa Springs for the Sept. 14-15 concert series. Thanks to Pastor Dan Sanders for allowing us the use of Centerpoint Church and to Bruce and Rod and all of the Centerpoint folks for coordinating and participating in the behind the scenes activities associated with the use of your building. Thanks to all of the pastors and sponsors, Pastor Dan Sanders, Centerpoint Church; Pastor Dwight Dean, First Assembly of God; Pastor Jeff Daley, Grace Evangelical Free Church; Pastor Steve Ohschlager, Mountain Christian Fellowship; Pastor Curt Wiggers, Mountain Heights Baptist Church; Pastor Bart Burnett, Pagosa Cowboy Ministries, Pastor Al DeBoer, Restoration Fellowship; Father Pope, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church and Charis Bible Fellowship. Thank you Pastor Dwight for setting up our organizational meeting; Bruce at Centerpoint Church, Anne and Jason at Grace Evangelical Free Church and Dinah at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, I enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to working together again on similar projects. Thanks to our ladies at Charis Bible Fellowship, First Assembly of God and Mountain Heights Baptist Church, and Pagosa Bible Church for manning the CD/Art sales tables. Thank you Pastor Don Ford, Community United Methodist Church; Father Carlos, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church; Rev. Les Judge, Our Savior Lutheran Church; and Pastor Rick Fox, Pagosa Bible Church for endorsing and promoting this concert series. Thanks to Old West Press for the poster printing and all of the business establishments that allowed us to hang posters. Thanks to the Pagosa SUN staff for the ads and article. And, thanks to Shanghai, Boss Hogg’s, Plaza Grill, and Buffalo Inn for accommodating our guests of honor so wonderfully.
Janet Maley

Oldham family

We would like to express our gratitude for your participation in helping the 4-H program go forward. Thank you Tim Brown Construction, the Dermody Family and all those who donated at the fair. A thanks to the Rio Blanco Ranch, all of our friends and families in the community and all the friends and neighbors in the Blanco Basin. We especially thank Tim Brown for his generous contribution. After buying Eddie‘s saddle at the 4-H Auction, he in turn returned the saddle to the family. His act of kindness meant more than he will ever know. Eddie‘s saddle has been in the family for over 20 years. This was made possible by Pamela Bomkamp, Bill Nobels, and Mark Crane. Thank you from the scholarship committee and the family of Eddie Oldham.


More activities coming in October

By Mary Jo Coulehan
SUN Columnist

What a busy weekend we just experienced: Two out of three days with good weather allowed residents and visitors alike to enjoy ColorFest festivities.

Without the numerous volunteers and sponsors, these activities would not take place. Many thanks to Terri House for her efforts in coordinating the different aspects of the balloon rally. It seemed at least 1,000 people showed up for the balloon glow Saturday night; however, the rain won out just prior to the glow. We’ll try again next year.

Dan Appenzeller and Crista Munro at Folk West did not let us down at the Mountain Chile Cha Cha. The weather held, and everyone enjoyed Small Town Giant, Public Property and The Iguanas. To put on this free event with renowned talent just after the hugely successful Folk Festival requires a herculean effort, with numerous volunteers and sponsors.

All the volunteers who participated in the Chamber’s Passport to Wine are also to be commended, including the people who decorated the tent and served the wine to the restaurants — as well as the caterers who prepared the delicious food. We hope everyone enjoyed the larger tent. I know the Corvette Club appreciated putting their cars under the canvas during the rainy day, Sunday.

All in all, it was an entertaining weekend with great community participation. Let the sponsors know how much you appreciate their generosity. We look forward to next year’s ColorFest festivities, on the third weekend in September.

SunDowner sign-up
This is your last reminder: 2008 SunDowner sign-ups are Monday morning, Oct. 1. The sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis. The lower your number, the better chance you have of receiving the specific month you want for your SunDowner.

Chamber members interested in hosting a SunDowner in 2008 can choose any month except January and September. The hosting business provides the edibles, while the Chamber provides the beverages.

This is a perfect opportunity to show off a new location or a new business, or to refresh people’s memories about your facility. Businesses in smaller “strip centers” often join together to host a multi-business SunDowner.

For more information about hosting a SunDowner or about the sign-up process, call us at the Chamber at 264-2360. We’ll see you Monday morning, and we’ll provide coffee and treats.

Old West Roundup
Saturday, Sept. 29, brings a full day of fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy games, food and an evening dance with Tim Sullivan at the Harman Museum property.

Numerous non-profit agencies are sponsoring activities, with all proceeds benefiting the Pagosa Mountain Hospital.

Enjoy a dance with one of the area’s most popular bands, Tim Sullivan and Narrow Gauge. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and they may be purchased at the Chamber or at Switchback Mountain Wear in the City Market Plaza on the west side of town. Admission tickets to the festivities will get you a day of events and hourly live entertainment — $2 for adults and $1 for children. Tickets for the activities at the non-profit booths are 50 cents each.

All proceeds benefit the new Pagosa Mountain Hospital, one of our area’s most needed facilities. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. and go until 10 p.m. We thank the Pagosa Springs SUN for their title sponsorship for this event. Don’t miss a day of fun, while helping the community.

Lifelong Learning series
After a very successful first attempt last year, the Lifelong Learning Series returns to Pagosa. During the months of October and November, nearly every Saturday will feature a free lecture.

The first lecturer, on Saturday Oct. 6, is John Motter, speaking about the beginning years of Pagosa Springs. His lecture begins at 3 p.m. and will be held at the Ruby Sisson Library. Also mark your calendar for “Wills, Trusts and Probate,” with Jerry Venn, at the Senior Center. Author and political cartoonist Judith Reynolds speaks on Oct. 13. Then, rounding out October, will be Fort Lewis College professor Duane Smith, speaking about the heart and soul of the Western Slope.

All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, you can contact the library at 264-2208.

Maximizing membership
Monday, Oct. 8, is a day for new or renewing members to find out more about what their memberships can do for them, at the monthly Maximizing Your Membership session. This meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a light lunch will be served.

Find out how your Chamber membership can work for you. Do you know all the benefits you are entitled to? How about all the networking opportunities? Come meet the staff and find out how we can best assist you and your business.

Just to make sure that we have enough food, we would appreciate an R.S.V.P. at 264-2360. If you cannot attend this session, the next one will be a gathering on Monday Nov. 12 at 7:30 a.m.

We are here to help you maximize your business benefits and create a great working partnership.

Oktoberfest
With the colors changing and the mornings getting cool, we move into the October festivity schedule.

First up is the sixth annual Oktoberfest celebration, Saturday, Oct. 13, from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Our local Paukenschlagel band will provide the dance music for this traditional German celebration. Enjoy brats, potato salad, and a selection of great beers including some from our own Pagosa Brewing. The children won’t be left out: They can enjoy hot dogs, chips and Pagosa Brewing root beer.

There are several ticket plans: adult tickets are $15 each, Archuleta Senior tickets are $10, children’s tickets (12 and under) are $5 each and the family plan is $35, with tickets for two adults and children 12 and under.

This is one of the senior center’s biggest fund-raising events. Proceeds from the event will enable them to offer medical and dental assistance and other programs to their members. For more information about attending or volunteering, call Mary Lou Maehr at 731-3004, or Lorrie Church at 731-2217. This event will be held at the community center and will be fun for the whole family.

Upcoming events
Don’t forget to get your bowling team together for the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bowl for Kids Sake” bowlathon. The bowling fund-raiser will take place Nov. 2-3. This is BBBS major fund-raiser here in this community as they try to establish 15 new relationships in our community. For more information or to register a team, please call Cherlyn Gwin at 731-9666.

The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs has announced its Casino night for Friday, Oct. 19, from 7 to 11 p.m. The location this year will be the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse. Tickets are available for $30 each, or $50 per couple. There will be blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. There will also be a full bar, a silent auction and prizes throughout the night. The grand prize will be a four day-three night stay for two in Las Vegas at the Wyndham Grand Desert Resort. Add some spice to the evening and come as your favorite show girl, gambler, entertainment celebrity or high roller. For more information, contact Kim Moore at 946-5619. This fund-raiser helps provide scholarships for our children, while assisting numerous other organizations such as Special Olympics, and providing funds for teacher mini grants, outreach programs, and many other necessary projects.