Heidi and Tom Sottek moved to Pagosa in 2023. Being new to town and with Tom Sottek working for the Springs Resort focusing on people and culture, they decided to attend the first Archuleta Health Fair and Expo put on by Healthy Archuleta.
With their recent move from Tennessee including four kids in tow, they were excited and eager to establish health care providers for their family.
“One brisk Saturday morning, before ‘Michigan football’ was televised, we headed to the Pagosa Springs High School to see what it was all about,” Heidi Sottek shared. “Upon entering we were greeted by staff from Healthy Archuleta and asked to register, answering a few quick questions. From there we proceeded to enter an exhibit hall that had many tables. My husband connected with one of the medical groups and was able to establish a new patient appointment. We also picked up information on eye doctors in the area. A surprising part of the fair was the connection I made with local growers and different community vendors. In Tennessee, I was a part of a CSA. So, I was able to connect with the local CSA grower in this area to learn how I can be a weekly customer of their farm. Also in Tennessee I had my own composting on our farm. Our property is smaller here in Colorado and I had not yet figured out my composting situation, but truly missed composting and the reduction of our carbon footprint. Thus, at the Health Fair, I was introduced to a local company out of Durango that has a composting kiosk here in Pagosa. This has now become a part of my weekly routine, and in exchange I receive healthy soil for my plants, flowers at home.”
Heidi Sottek was “pleasantly surprised” with their experience at the fair. One of her biggest connections made was with Healthy Archuleta as an organization where she is able to give back with her time and knowledge as an oral health professional.
Mark your calendar: The 2024 Health Fair and Expo will be held on Oct. 19 at Pagosa Springs High School from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Preregistration begins soon. Make sure to secure your spot for labs and reserve your meal at our farm-to-table lunch. We hope to see you there.
For more information, visit our website and access the link to the preregistration form, https://www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/2024-archuleta-health-fair-and-expo.html, or email us at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com.
Finally, please consider supporting this community-led event by volunteering to make this year a success.
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