Redevelopment rules pass first muster

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

Following town council approval of a new ordinance, the days of demolitions where the property is scraped and left vacant may soon come to an end in Pagosa Springs.

Ordinance Number 685, approved unanimously on first reading Dec. 28, mandates that all applications for demolition, partial demolition or building relocation permits in non-residential zoning districts must accompany site redevelopment plans.

"The ordinance assures that when a building is demolished another building will be built as a replacement," Town Planner Tamra Allen said.

Allen explained, in general terms, how the ordinance works.

First, a property owner or developer with demolition plans must submit a document package detailing the project, including a full set of site plans and building elevations, to the town's design review board. Once the board reviews the plans and the applicant receives approval, the developer or property owner must submit a bond for improvements or building relocation. In addition to the bond, the applicant must demonstrate they have requested a building permit for the replacement structure, along with proof that all fees, including impact fees, have been paid. Once fee payment and the application for a building permit have been verified, the applicant will receive a building permit for the new structure and a demolition permit for the old. With the permit obtained, the applicant, per the tenets of the building permit, has 180 days to commence work.

Full text of the procedure is described in the ordinance.

If the applicant fails to begin within the 180-day window, or violates other provisions of the ordinance, the legislation incorporates penalties, including sanctions, court action or fines.

Allen said posting the bond and paying impact fees is a strong incentive for developers to begin their redevelopment projects in a timely manner.

The ordinance, as drafted for the Dec. 28 meeting, marks a significant change from a previous draft presented Nov. 15.

The Nov. 15 draft drew criticism from town council members Darrel Cotton and Bill Whitbred, who described the document as too broad, overly complicated and confusing with murky, unnecessary overtures toward historic preservation.

Article 14 of the town's land use code addresses historic preservation issues, including the demolition and alteration of historically landmarked structures.

During the Nov. 15 meeting, the council requested sending the ordinance back to Allen and town attorney Bob Cole for further wordsmithing.

Allen said most of the so-called historic preservation language has been removed from the document and references to the structure slated for demolition are scant. Thus, the ordinance focuses largely on what is to come, not on what is proposed for demolition, although the ordinance asks that the redevelopment not substantially compromise the historic and architectural character of other buildings on the site or in the neighborhood.

In addition, the ordinance provides exemptions in two cases. First, submittal of a redevelopment plan can be waived for buildings deemed structurally unsound and an imminent threat to public health safety and welfare. And second, the ordinance allows for an exemption if the applicant agrees to restrict the property to open space uses.

Allen said although the re-crafted ordinance lacks much of the historic preservation punch found in the previous draft, the town has tools within the land use code, including Article 14, to address historic preservation issues. In addition, a moratorium governing demolitions, alterations and relocations of buildings 50 years old and older remains in effect until April 1, 2007.

In the meantime, the town's historic preservation board is working to fine tune Article 14, although none of the regulations, aside from the moratorium, fully address demolition issues related to older structures not designated as historic landmarks. Under Article 14, designated historic landmarks are well protected.

As part of the preservation board's Article 14 retooling process, board chair Shari Pierce said the preservation board is exploring the incorporation of a variety of incentives that might entice property owners to preserve and even landmark older structures.

Ordinance 685 will go before the town council for second reading and final approval either in mid-January or early February.

State, town continue to negotiate

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

A string of proposed, short-term improvements at the town's sewage treatment plant may keep Pagosa Springs in the state's good graces until a new sewage treatment plant comes on line in May 2008.

According to Patrick O'Brien of Pagosa Springs-based Briliam Engineering, the improvements include mechanical surface aerators and fine bubble diffusers that will alleviate biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) overloading issues and keep the town in compliance with its state-issued operating permit.

Appropriate oxygen levels are necessary in maintaining a balance between raw sewage intake and micro-organisms in the plant being able to process the waste.

In December, the town faced the possibility of fines or a moratorium on the issuance of building permits when state water quality engineers learned the Pagosa Springs treatment plant exceeded its daily organic loading capacity on a number of occasions during 2005 and 2006, and as specified in the town's operating permit.

"Organic loading" is a term engineers and waste water treatment professionals use to describe sewage intake at a treatment plant during the course of the day. Organic loading is measured in BODs.

Since learning the town plant had broached its permitted capacity, O'Brien, Town Manager Mark Garcia and state water quality officials began a dialogue to address the state's concerns - namely the schedule for construction of a new plant and remediation measures the town would take in the interim. In the discussions, the town asked the state to approve increasing its permitted organic loading capacity from 624 pounds BOD-5 per day to 1,030 pounds BOD-5 per day. Coupled with the request was a plan for improvements that would enable the plant to handle the increased waste and a schedule for installation and start-up of the improvements.

Both O'Brien and Garcia said conversations with the state since the compliance issues were brought to light have remained positive.

"We're working with the state to expand BOD limits and the state seems supportive in our request. The state's been fairly receptive with our response and I don't foresee the need to put a moratorium on building permits," Garcia said.

And O'Brien concurred.

Although state documents dated Dec. 29, don't unequivocally state there is clear sailing ahead, O'Brien said subsequent telephone conversations with Greg Brand of the state's water quality division didn't indicate any insurmountable obstacles and whatever issues remained could be resolved.

"I think we've got everything pretty well taken care of. I think we're on the way," O'Brien said.

According to Garcia and O'Brien, acquisition and installation of the aeration equipment will cost between $10,000 and $50,000, although O'Brien called the $50,000 price tag, a "worst case scenario" estimate. He and Garcia both said $10,000 is a more realistic figure.

During Tuesday's meeting of the Town of Pagosa Springs Sanitation General Improvement District, council member John Middendorf asked if the organic loading issues were affecting the plant's discharge into the San Juan River.

Garcia said the town has been able to meet BOD removal rates."We're not exceeding discharge limits into the river," Garcia said. "We don't have any discharge issues per se. All in all, we're running that plant as good as we can."

With full installation and implementation of the improvement measures scheduled for April, the town will focus on meeting grant application and other financing deadlines to keep the new, $2.5 million plant on the 2008 timetable.

Health district receives bond money

By Chuck McGuire

Staff Writer

Sometime tomorrow, the Upper San Juan Health Service District should really be rolling in dough ... at least for awhile.

By then, another $2.11 million will be added to district coffers for the construction of a new Critical Access Hospital in Pagosa Springs. The money represents the remaining balance from the November sale of $12 million in limited tax bonds approved by district voters last May.

At last Tuesday's regular USJHSD board of directors meeting, Bond and Finance Committee member J.R. Ford announced that the district's lender, UMB Financial Corporation of Kansas City, Mo., would fund the balance of the bond sale sometime later this week. State statutes governing special districts prohibited the district from accepting the full amount in 2006, resulting in an initial payment of $9.89 million at the time the sale closed.

Once the remaining balance is granted, the district will spend 95 percent of the full loan amount ($12 million) to construct the hospital, while holding on to 5 percent as an emergency contingency fund. Meanwhile, additional grants and contributions totaling $2 million or more, will purchase equipment and cover operating costs until the new facility becomes solvent.

Located at 95 South Pagosa Blvd., the hospital as planned will incorporate the former 8,500 square-foot Mary Fisher Medical Center and encompass approximately 36,500 square feet total, including 11 patient beds. Though architects reduced the original plan by approximately 1,850 square feet as a cost-saving measure, they also shifted the original footprint 50 feet to the east, again saving considerable costs in excavation and site work. According to planners and the district, the current design does not sacrifice function or amenities, and will allow ample future expansion as needed.

To date, following the first phases of construction, earth work and compaction are largely complete, and concrete is in place for interior foundation footings. Forms are being set for the perimeter stemwall foundation, and once the steel arrives in February, workers will erect the framing, roof and exterior walls, then focus on pouring the main concrete slab. In the meantime, detailed electrical, plumbing, heating and communications design is reaching finality.

Also at Tuesday's meeting, district board members announced steady progress in the hiring of a hospital Chief Executive Officer. While no contract has been signed thus far, Ronald A. Ommen of Jackson, Wyo. became the district's first choice for the position, after an in-depth evaluation and interview process narrowed the field of 13 or 14 prospective candidates.

Until recently, Ommen was the administrator and CEO at St. John's Medical Center in Jackson. He holds advanced degrees in business, hospital and health care administration, and has worked in the medical field since 1972.

The current St. John's facility, built in 1991 and renovated last year, has 108 total beds, with 48 in acute and primary care, and 60 in long-term care. The center offers a full range of medical services, including emergency, surgery, obstetrics, intensive care, home-based care, hospice, oncology, chemotherapy and radiology, respiratory care, rehabilitation and social services.

While final contract details must still be worked out, Ommen is aware of the total compensation package offered by the district, and has appeared in town for a public open house and personal interviews. He and his wife intend to leave Jackson soon and will visit Pagosa Springs for a few days next week.

Apparently, Mrs. Ommen has never been to Archuleta County. Although, depending on her impression of the area, the two could move here next month, enabling Ommen to assume CEO duties sometime in March. If Ommen ultimately declines the position, the district will begin a new search from square one.

'Urgent appeal' made for blood donations

Due to recent snow storms and a reduction in donations during the holidays, United Blood Services is issuing an urgent appeal for donors and blood donations.

United Blood Services is the sole provider of blood and blood products for hospitals and clinics in New Mexico and the Four Corners areas. In times such as these, when several centers were closed due to weather and donors were not able to make their appointments, the supply is in a critical shortage. There is no substitute for human blood and United Blood Services N.M. estimates a daily need of 320 units to serve the hospitals, clinics and commitments for blood and blood products. Without additional donors, there is a risk of not being able to provide the life saving components for those undergoing surgery, in trauma and recuperating from cancer treatments.

A unit of blood lasts 42 days once it is donated. A unit of platelets lasts seven days before it expires. Due to the short "shelf life" of blood and blood products, an ample supply is always necessary, therefore donors are always needed.

Donors must be 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are encouraged to eat a hearty meal following donation. Donations take anywhere from one to two hours, including the health history depending on the blood product donated.

Donors are encouraged to call 385-4601 or (800) 863-4524 to schedule an appointment to avoid long wait times. Mobile blood drives are scheduled throughout the state and can be located by logging onto www.unitedbloodservices.org All blood types are welcome and needed with a focus on O blood, both positive and negative.

The regional office is located at 146 Sawyer, in Durango.

Durango Center hours are: Mondays, 2-6 p.m.; Tuesdays, 1-5 p.m.; Thursdays, 2-7 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ; and every first and third Saturday of the month, 8 a.m.-noon.

Schedule your appointment now; be a hero and help save a life.

ACHS students to sponsor nonprofit grants

The Education Center and Archuleta County High School will sponsor grants for the nonprofit sector again this year, with the assistance of the El Pomar Youth in Community Services (EPYCS) program.

Last year, ACHS students awarded over $8,000 in amounts ranging from $800 to $2,500 to the Pagosa Springs Arts Alliance, Seeds of Learning, Music in the Mountains, Pagosa Springs Music Boosters, Tri County Head Start/Early Childhood Programs, and Special Olympics of Colorado.

Archuleta County High School students again award more than $8,000 to local non-profits. Non-profits that received grants last year will not be eligible to apply this year.

Grant applications must be submitted by Jan. 25.

Applications are currently available for non-profits that have 501(c)(3) status. They are available on the El Pomar Web site at www.elpomar.org by clicking on EPYCS and Non Profits.

Drop applications off at the Archuleta County Education Center at the corner of 4th and Lewis streets.

Non-profit directors can contact Doug Bowen or Danielle Sullivan at the Archuleta County Education Center for assistance with the grant application process.

Four Pagosans graduate from Fort Lewis College

On December 16, 2006, over 200 Fort Lewis College students culminated their undergraduate academic careers at winter commencement 2006.

Among those from Pagosa Springs receiving their bachelor's degrees were:

- Ryan Beavers - business administration.

- Damien Fatur - international studies (Latin American).

- Michael Martinez - environmental biology.

- Sandra Smith-Miller - early childhood education.

Headline highlights from the first half of 2006

Following is a review of some of the top news stories in Pagosa Country, as reported in The Pagosa Springs SUN, January to June 2006.

January 2006

- It was determined that for the first time, in the upcoming spring election, voters in the Town of Pagosa Springs, rather than electing council members from a pool of "at large" candidates, would choose three of the six candidates by district.

The change came following council approval of an ordinance establishing voting districts. Town Special Projects Director Julie Jessen said the move to establish voting districts in the town began two years before, with the drafting of the town's Home Rule Charter.

- The Upper San Juan Health Services District board set a May 2 election in which voters would decide whether or not to give the district permission to incur debt to build a Critical Access Hospital and to both "de-Bruce" the district, and exempt the district from a 5.5 percent statutory property tax revenue limit (Colorado Revised Statutes 29-1-301).

- State Sen. Jim Isgar picked the Archuleta County Courthouse in downtown Pagosa Springs as the first stop on a whirlwind, districtwide tour to announce his plans to seek re-election to the District 6 Senate seat.

- The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners established a major mile marker on the road to dealing with some of the county's most pressing road issues, with approval of a county road map indicating the primary and secondary road system and a plan to maintain that system.

February 2006

- Officials at Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) expressed doubt as to whether or not enlargement of Stevens Reservoir would begin during the year, as planned. In the fall of 2005, PAWSD drained the reservoir to begin the drying out process, so construction could take place in spring 2006. The plan was to increase the capacity of the reservoir from 635 acre-feet to 1,844 acre-feet. Once completed, the usable water storage of the entire district, including Lake Hatcher, Lake Pagosa and Lake Forest, would increase from approximately 3,000 acre-feet to 4,200 acre-feet of water (average per-person water consumption is about 1/4 acre foot per year).

- A revised airport fee schedule was unveiled and ultimately approved by the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners.

The approval of the revised schedule came following a joint work session with the board, county staff and local pilots, and passed without incident or comment.

March 2006

- The Upper San Juan Health Services District received a "very strong" financial assessment for a future Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in Pagosa Springs at a special board meeting Feb. 23. Phil Brummel, of BKD, LLP, an independent certified public accounting firm, presented a 30-page forecasted financial statement to the district, in which he stated, "In the scheme of things, you really have a project that's very strong."

- Following a push by Rep. Mark Larson, state lawmakers were reviewing a resolution cosponsored by Sen. Jim Isgar, that, if passed, would open the dialogue on the controversial Village at Wolf Creek, and perhaps move the project to a greater level of legislative scrutiny. Key to the resolution were concerns related to the scope and scale of the project and its potential impact on the adjacent Wolf Creek Ski Area, U.S. 160, the natural environment, water resources and neighboring communities.

- Region 9 Economic Development District released Phase 1 of a study exploring the impact of second home owners in southwest Colorado. The data compiled in Phase I shows that between 1990 and 2000, the population of Archuleta County grew by 8.5 percent annually. Those growth figures ranked Archuleta County as the fifth fastest growing county in Colorado, and the 14th fastest growing county in the nation. Since 2000, the study states the growth rate has slowed to about 3.2 percent annually with much of the growth occurring in the unincorporated areas of the county.

Current population numbers listed in the report indicate the county population will nearly double to roughly 20,000 by 2020 and will broach 27,000 by 2030. According to the report, the second home industry accounted for about $11.8 million in wages and proprietor's income in the county during 2003.

In addition, the study reported that 59 percent of private lands in Archuleta County are owned by non-locals. Non-locals, as defined by the study, are property owners whose mailing address is outside the county.

April 2006

- Incumbent Mayor Ross Aragon was elected to serve another four-year term in office with a 200-72 victory over challenger Paul Nobles. Aragon has served the town of Pagosa Springs for 30 years, 28 of them as mayor.

- The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners announced a settlement of litigation between the county and several aircraft hanger owners at Stevens Field.

In Archuleta County District Case 05 CV 147, referred to as Humble et al. v. Board of County Commissioners of Archuleta County Colorado, county officials and staff met with the plaintiffs in court-ordered mediation, in an 11-hour session culminating with agreed terms of a new "ground lease."

The arrangement allows plaintiffs to assume immediate possession and ownership of eight hangers built for their use in the summer of 2005. According to county administrator Bob Campbell, the county also agreed to reimburse the plaintiffs $50,000 in damages incurred during the course of the litigation, and to require only a $1 million/$2 million liability insurance policy per hanger, instead of the $1 million/$5 million policy "typical of other airports."

- Following passage of an emergency town ordinance, buildings 50 years and older would be spared from the bulldozer's blade - at least temporarily. As written, the ordinance temporarily suspended "authorizations and permits for demolition, alteration, removal or construction of modifications to buildings 50 years old or older."

Although the ordinance was firm in its mandate, it did allow room for exemptions from the moratorium on a case-by-case basis.

- A water rights application for a $145 million, 35,000 acre-foot reservoir project, planned jointly by the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District and the San Juan Conservancy District, had the local chapter of a national conservation group and an area environmental group irked, and the entities were set to face off in water court in early May.

The proposed project, known as the Dry Gulch Reservoir, came under fire from the Five Rivers Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the San Juan Citizens Alliance who viewed the water district's move to secure the 35,000 acre-foot water right, plus the right to divert 200 cubic feet per second from the San Juan River east of Pagosa Springs to continually refill the reservoir, as essentially a water grab.

- The United States Forest Service released its much anticipated final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding access to the controversial Village at Wolf Creek development.

Although the document, titled, "Application for the Transportation and Utilities Systems and Facilities for the Village at Wolf Creek Final Environmental Impact Statement," thoroughly addressed the impact of access and transportation and utility corridors on the surrounding environment, Ryan Demmy Bidwell of the Durango-based environmental group Colorado Wild, said the document lacked a critical and necessary component - a discussion of the impact of the Village itself.

- After nearly eight years serving the citizens of Archuleta County, Archuleta County Commissioner Mamie Lynch announced she would not complete her term in office and officially filed her resignation.

Lynch made the announcement to the leadership of the Archuleta County Democratic Party.

In a letter to party chair Ben Douglas, Lynch stated that after much soul searching, she would vacate her seat May 31.

May 2006

- It had been a year in the making, and following town council approval, the Pagosa Springs Comprehensive Plan was on the books and there to guide the town's planning decisions 20 years into the future.

Acting in front of a capacity crowd packed into the council chambers, the Pagosa Springs Town Council passed the plan virtually without incident.

- By a wide margin, registered voters from the Upper San Juan Health Service District of Archuleta, Mineral and Hinsdale counties approved Ballot Issue A, in what election officials described as a surprising turnout. By the time the Vista Clubhouse polling place closed at 7 p.m., more than 1,400 ballots were cast, with less than 8 percent of the voters opposing the issue.

The vote approved $12 million in debt (without an increase in taxes) with a maximum payback of $33.5 million.

Electors also confirmed four members of the USJHSD board of directors nominated to serve four-year terms. They are Bob Scott, Kitzel Farrah, Neal Townsend and Michelle Visel.

- With a unanimous board of county commissioners' approval, Archuleta County had a new land use code and zoning plan that divides the county into eight zoning districts.

The approval of the resolution instituting the code came without opposition during a public hearing, and many in the audience celebrated the county's efforts with a standing ovation, calling adoption of the new code an historic achievement.

June 2006

- The request by Colorado legislators to open an investigation into the U.S. Forest Service's evaluation and approval process for access to the proposed Village at Wolf Creek reached the top echelon of United States Department of Agriculture personnel.

In correspondence to state Rep. Mark Larson (R-Cortez), U.S. Rep John Salazar and U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong said her office was reviewing information concerning improprieties in the Forest Service evaluation of the project and whether undue political influence was wielded by village developer, Billy Joe "Red" McCombs.

- In former Archuleta County Commissioner Mamie Lynch's resignation submitted in late April, Lynch stated she would not complete her term in office and would vacate her District 3 seat May 31. That announcement left a void on the three-seat board, and sent local Democrats rallying to fill the vacancy.

According to state statute, the Democrats had 15 days from Lynch's last day in office to appoint a successor, and during a party central committee meeting, Archuleta County Democrats elected John Egan to take the post.

Egan would complete Lynch's term in office.

- Archuleta County announced it would cease maintenance of all county secondary roads on June 15, as adopted by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 17. Alternate funding methods to remedy this issue were being considered.

Complete the survey, speak your mind

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

Have you ever wanted to tell the county what is really on your mind but were afraid to step into the limelight during a public meeting?

If so, you may soon get your chance as one of 1,200 randomly-selected citizens asked to complete an anonymous, mail-in survey rating the quality and usefulness of Archuleta County services.

Scheduled for launch within the next two weeks, the survey will ask respondents to assess quality-of-life issues, the quality of county services, and will ask respondents to identify concerns and to rate problem areas.

The project marks Archuleta County's participation in the National Citizen Survey and is sponsored by the International City-County Management Association in cooperation with the Boulder-based National Research Center, Inc.

The survey will cost $8,000.

Bob Campbell, Archuleta County administrator, said the survey project has been on his "to-do" list since taking the administrator's post early in 2006, and the results will provide the foundation for developing and implementing a long-range strategic plan.

"Our role is to provide services and represent the public," Campbell said. "And (with the survey) we hope to get to those that we generally don't hear from."

And county special projects manager Sheila Berger added, "The survey results will give us direction as we begin to develop a long term strategic plan for Archuleta County. It will give us an idea of how our constituents feel about quality of services and what they perceive as potential problem areas."

Berger explained survey participants will be randomly selected and will remain anonymous. In fact, Berger said, county staff and elected officials will not see individual responses. Instead, National Research Center Inc. will collect the surveys, crunch the data, and provide Archuleta County with a preliminary and final report.

Campbell anticipated the final document arriving in late March.

Berger explained although the survey tackles a variety of general topics and is developed from a standard template used for counties and municipalities across the country, it includes a number of questions custom tailored for Archuleta County.

"That's the beauty of the survey; it's broad in scope and covers all aspects of the county," Berger said.

The survey includes 16 multi-point questions, and Berger estimated it would take 15 to 30 minutes to complete. She urged survey recipients to take the time to respond.

"We really hope for a high response rate. This is a very important tool to gauge the sentiment of the public," Berger said.

According to Berger, Boulder County, Larimer County and Denver have participated in the National Citizen Survey.

Ed Center announces new schedule

By Renee Haywood

Special to The SUN

The Archuleta County Education Center is starting off the new year with some exciting after-school activities for elementary students.

During January, enrichment activities will be offered to K-4 students from 3 to 5 p.m. at the elementary school, including art projects with Tessie Garcia, Happy Hands Crafts, and a new activity called "Move Like the Animals." In this class, instructor Margaret Burkesmith will help students create movements, play show and tell, use their imaginations to create ponds and forests and imitate the animals that live in them. Students will be using animal breathing, sounds and stretches and finish with stories, pictures and drawings of their favorite animals.

And, don't forget our Fun Friday Activities starting Jan. 5, from 1:15-5 p.m.

The Education Center will also offer a QuickBooks class beginning Jan. 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

If you would like to register for classes or need more information, contact the Archuleta County Education Center at 264-2835.

Local man, reported missing, arrested in New Mexico

By Louis Sherman

Staff Writer

An Archuleta County man, Joshuae (Josh) Ryan Postolese, reported missing on Dec. 19, was found in Tierra Amarilla, N.M., after being arrested for stealing a car and driving without a license the same day he went missing, said Detective Wayne Alexander of the Archuleta County Sheriff's Department.

Postolese was reportedly last seen in Archuleta County in the Meadows subdivision west of Pagosa Springs in the early morning of Dec. 19. After a verbal domestic altercation, said Alexander, Postolese hitchhiked to the junction of U.S. 160 and U.S. 84, where he got another ride to Chama, N.M. Near Chama, Postolese allegedly stole a vehicle, and was later arrested in Tierra Amarilla.

The sheriff's department issued a missing person bulletin Dec. 20 to agencies in the Four Corners region and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which disperses bulletins to a wider area, in an attempt to find Postolese after he went missing.

Despite the bulletin, the sheriff's department was notified only last Friday of Postolese's whereabouts in New Mexico, after a detention official in Tierra Amarilla recognized Postolese's photograph on a posted missing-persons flyer - though Postolese had been detained in Tierra Amarilla since the day he went missing, said Alexander.

Postolese is reportedly in good condition and remains in custody.

Pagosan arrested on identity theft charge

By Louis Sherman

Staff Writer

A Pagosa Springs resident, Cody William Nelson, 19, was arrested Dec. 16 by Durango police and charged in district court with identity theft for allegedly using stolen checks in Durango.

According to a Durango Police Department press release, Nelson reportedly stole a box of checks from a rural mail box in Archuleta County, then forged the account holder's signature to use the checks in the Durango Wal-Mart, City Market and other businesses.

The Durango police worked with the Pagosa Springs Police Department to question a witness and executed a search warrant in Pagosa Springs on Dec. 22, according to Pagosa Springs detective Scott Maxwell.

As a result of the search at 622 San Juan St., the departments seized thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, allegedly obtained by use of the stolen and forged checks, according to the press release.

Nelson is currently being held in Archuleta County jail in lieu of posting a $25,000 bail bond. Identity theft is a class four felony, made effective under the Colorado Revised Statutes July 1, 2006. Nelson could face a minimum of two years in prison and $1,000 in fines, if convicted.

FSA provides farm operating loans

Low prices, tight markets and reduced yields due to extreme climatic conditions will squeeze profit margins for some producers to the point where funding needed to produce this year's crop will be difficult to obtain.

As a result, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the availability of operating loans for eligible farmers to secure spring's planting needs.

FSA provides low interest loans to qualified farmers unable to obtain credit from commercial sources. An operating loan my be issued directly from FSA or in the form of a guaranteed loan secured by the government but funded by a conventional agriculture lender.

"The basis of our loan program is to provide temporary credit to those who can demonstrate both need and repayment ability," said Rick Cervenka, farm loan manager. "Our goal is to help farmers so that they will be able to obtain credit from private lenders when they are financially able."

Operating loans are used to purchase supplies and inputs for farming enterprises. Input items may include seed, fertilizer, livestock, feed and equipment. Financing may also be used to pay for minor improvements to buildings and to refinance debt under certain conditions.

"Credit is usually extended to established farmers who have suffered financial setbacks because of economic downturns or natural disasters," said Cervenka. "Farmers who do not qualify for conventional loans because of insufficient net worth are also eligible for the program."

U.S. citizens operating a family farm are eligible for a loan if they are unable to obtain credit from a financial institution, have the ability to incur debt, can demonstrate ability to repay the loan, and are not delinquent on any federal debt.

"FSA doesn't just disburse loans," added Cervenka. "We help our customers manage their finances by providing credit counseling and supervision through required farm and financial training courses."

Direct operating loans can be made for up to $200,000, and FSA can guarantee loans up to $852,000. The interest rate for January is 5.125 percent for direct operating loans. The lender sets the interest rate for guaranteed loans. The repayment terms may vary, but typically will not exceed seven years for livestock and equipment. Crop funds are generally repaid within 12 months or when the commodities are sold.

Producers needing additional information about operating loans should contact their local FSA Farm Loan Office in Cortez, Colo., at (970) 565-8879, Ext. 107.

County and town receive joint parks and recreation planning grant

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has awarded Archuleta County and the Town of Pagosa Springs a $40,000 grant to create a Regional Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan.

The application for this grant was submitted jointly by the agencies in August 2006. The notice of the award was made Dec. 12.

The need for this project was indicated in several ways. A town-sponsored parks and recreation survey revealed a strong desire of residents throughout the county for more park and recreational opportunities. Also, in order to be competitive for limited park and trail capital improvement grants, an agency must demonstrate the large-scale context of an individual project. Finally, in order to reduce competition among local organizations for limited grants, while becoming more competitive statewide, local parks and recreation user groups felt it was necessary to come together and prioritize projects in order to present a strong united front to granting agencies, and to create a long-range vision for the region.

The GOCO grant will partially fund this project. An additional $20,000 technical assistance grant from the National Park Service will also be used for this project. Using state funds restricted to parks and recreation uses, other monetary and in-kind support will come from the school district, the town and the county. The total project cost is estimated to be $85,000.

Project work will begin in March. There will be an extensive period of information gathering, involving many public meetings, focus groups and individual interviews with stakeholders, as well as consolidation of several existing planning efforts. The final document should be complete by next autumn.

After adoption by the elected boards of the school district, town and county, it will be used by all agencies as a guiding document for all aspects of future planning and development.

Get your computer fixed for free, Jan. 6

Computer on the blink?

The mission of the Computer Fix-It-Free Day is to provide free technical assistance to members of the community who would otherwise not be able to afford it.

The event is to benefit those who have a computer by means of hand-me-down or charity that is not functioning correctly. Local computer technicians are donating their time to this event.

Used parts will be provided at no charge for the purpose of repair by The Humane Society and the volunteering computer technicians. If new parts are needed, they will be provided at a discount.

If you would like to donate parts and/or used computers, label the items "Fix-It-Free" and drop them at the Humane Society Thrift Store.

The session will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 6 - by appointment only.

Only one computer per household will be repaired. Interested individuals can reserve a one-hour time slot by calling 731-6373.

Ranchlands placed under permanent protection

By Marty Zeller

Special to The SUN

The Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) and Bob Lindner, Sr. announced the signing of a conservation easement Dec. 14 that will permanently protect the Lower Weminuche Valley Ranch (located in Hinsdale County near Pagosa Springs) from development.

The signing of the agreement completes the protection of the 2,211-acre Weminuche Valley Ranch that began last year. In addition, Lindner and CCALT announced that two other ranch properties owned by Lindner, the 213-acre Singing Pines Ranch also in Hinsdale County and the 822-acre El Rancho Pinoso in Archuleta County, were placed under conservation easement earlier this year.

Lindner, a successful businessman from Cincinnati Ohio, and his wife Betty first visited the area with their family in the late 1960s. During that visit, they asked the Pagosa Springs district Forest Service ranger about a primitive campground they might visit. The ranger's recommendation to stay at Cimarrona campground next to Williams Creek Reservoir proved pivotal and allowed the Lindner's to view the nearby Weminuche Valley for the first time. On that trip, Lindner said, "We were simply overwhelmed by the beauty, and I fell in love with that valley immediately." Several years later when the Jewell-Carrol Ranch came up for sale, Lindner acquired it and adjoining parcels to create the Weminuche Valley Ranch as it exists today. Over the years, Lindner acquired other spectacular ranches stretching into five Colorado counties.

Chris West, executive director of CCALT, said that, "the Lindner Ranches represent probably the finest collection of ranch properties in Colorado. The care, stewardship and respect for the ranching heritage that the Lindners have exercised in managing their properties is truly breathtaking." Lindner still refers to each of the ranch properties by the names of the previous owners or the original homesteaders. Many of the barns, cabins and historic structures, also referred to by the names of the original builders or inhabitants, have been restored to retain their original western character and function.

On the Weminuche Valley Ranch, over five miles of Weminuche Creek flow through an open valley framed by the peaks of the San Juan Mountains and surrounded on three sides by the Weminuche Wilderness and San Juan National Forest lands. The land is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elk, deer, moose, bear, mountain lion, brown and rainbow trout, bald and golden eagles and other raptors. With the help of fisheries biologists, the Lindners have worked hard to improve the quality of the native fisheries on the Weminuche and other properties. The Lindners are longtime members of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association and each of the properties is a working cattle ranch run by local ranch managers who have worked with Lindner for years. The quality of the cattle raised on these properties is attested to by the fact that over the years they are frequent award winners at the National Western Stock Show in Denver.

The conservation easements that have been placed on each of the three properties will protect the significant natural resources and agricultural heritage of each property. A conservation easement is a permanent deed restriction that limits future development of lands that have high conservation values. Future development will be limited to a few carefully selected building areas on each property.

Lindner's intent is clear. "I believe I am not only preserving God's beautiful land but also the way of life of generations of people - honest, hard-working people who helped forge the West into what it is today," he said. "My dream is to preserve these lands and maintain their integrity for decades to come." Lindner, who is now in his 80s, is in the process of transferring the ownership and management of the ranches to his four sons, successful businessmen in their own right, who share the same desire to carry on the legacy of these fine properties.

Bob Lindner, Jr. recently stated that the ranches formed a key part of growing up and a key legacy that he and his brothers plan to continue. "We can't imagine not having these ranches - they've become so much a part of who I am and the life our family leads. Two of my children now call Colorado home, largely as a result of spending time here. While maintaining these properties can be challenging, they are very special. From the perspective of spending most of one's life in a Midwest city, the awesome beauty, nature and history associated with these lands can be overwhelming. My brothers and I hope to carry on the fine tradition of stewardship that my parents have exercised for over fifty years."

Mike Matheson of Plateau Environmental Services in Durango has spent considerable time conducting baseline ecological inventories of the ranches for the conservation easements. "These properties are absolutely unique as private land holdings. They have enormous ecological value as subalpine woodland, meadowland and riparian areas that have been extremely well managed as active working ranches. The Lindners have carried out their agricultural operations hand in hand with improvement of the natural ecologic conditions."

The conservation easements will be held by the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) who will work in partnership with the Lindners to permanently protect the ranches. Formed in 1995 by the Colorado Cattlemen's Association (CCA), CCALT has a mission to help Colorado's ranchers and farmers protect their agricultural lands and stay in agricultural production. CCA was the first state livestock association in the nation to form a land trust and CCALT is the only Colorado land trust founded to exclusively serve the needs of the agricultural community.

CCALT works with ranchers and farmers to protect lands with high agricultural qualities throughout Colorado in a voluntary and cooperative manner. CCALT's primary emphasis is to increase awareness among farmers and ranchers about the use of conservation easements. Responding to requests by local livestock associations, landowners and community groups, CCALT provides information in a variety of settings on options to protect land and keep ranches productive. To date CCALT has helped more than 140 landowners statewide protect over 240,000 acres.

For more information on this project, call Marty Zeller of Conservation Partners, (303) 831-9378, or Chris West at CCALT, (303) 225-8677.

Winter poaching a big problem in Colorado

Colorado's deer and elk struggle to make it through the winter. Unfortunately, the animals face more than deep snow and cold temperatures. Poachers take cruel advantage of winter conditions to illegally kill big game animals.

Throughout the state, the Colorado Division of Wildlife steps up its efforts at this time of year to catch poachers. The DOW asks for help from the public to report suspicious activity that might be related to wildlife.

"Poachers are criminals who are maliciously damaging Colorado's wildlife resource," said J. Wenum, area wildlife manager in the Gunnison area. "Wildlife officers patrol large areas, so we need people to call to tell us about possible criminal activity."

At this time of year, deer and elk gather in herds in winter range areas where food sources are available throughout the winter. Consequently, the animals are often highly visible to humans and are vulnerable to poachers.

"This is also the mating season for deer, and during the rut bucks have just one thing on their minds," explained Rod Ruybalid, district wildlife manager in the San Luis Valley. "They are easy to see and, unfortunately, easy to shoot."

Most of the animals that are poached are bucks and bulls that are killed only for their heads and antlers. Wildlife officers often find headless carcasses, or carcasses from which only the antlers have been removed.

"It's rare that anyone poaches for meat, they are just going for the trophies," Ruybalid said.

During the last month in the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado, several poachers have been caught. Fines will likely range from $3,000 to nearly $40,000 for the violations. More than 10 deer were killed in various incidents.

"The deer population in the San Luis Valley has been down for several years but is now starting to recover," Ruybalid said. "People are starting to see some big bucks. When these animals are killed it causes significant impact to the overall health of the herd. These bucks are strong and it is important that they continue to mate."

The actions of poachers also steal the future from hunters and communities. Healthy herds draw hunters and wildlife watchers who help support the local economy in rural areas.

Poachers often work back roads, looking for areas where deer and elk gather. If you see vehicles traveling slowly along roads, or unusual activity at night, please call the nearest DOW office or any law enforcement organization such as local police, the sheriff's office or the Colorado State Patrol. Calling local law enforcement offices can help to bring a fast response.

If you see suspicious activity, gather as much information as possible: vehicle description, location details, descriptions of people and time of the incident. Do not attempt to intervene or confront anyone.

If you find a headless carcass, inform the DOW office in Durango, 247-0855, as soon as possible.

You can also call DOW's Operation Game Thief at (8770 265-6648.

"Wildlife belongs to everyone in Colorado," Ruybalid said. "And everyone can help protect this valuable resource."

Comments sought on Big Game Access Program

The Colorado Wildlife Commission is looking for comments regarding a big game hunter access pilot program in southeast Colorado. Input is requested prior to the Commission meeting on Jan. 11-12 in Denver.

The pilot, dubbed BGAP (Big Game Access Program), would run for a three year evaluation period and would operate in a manner similar to the upland game Walk-In Access program for pheasants and quail.

BGAP, as proposed, would lease private land in several southeastern Colorado game management units. Leased land would be open to pronghorn and deer hunters who purchase a special access stamp. The proposed cost of the stamp would be $40.

BGAP will concentrate on quality upland grass or prairie habitat with a focus on antelope, and river bottom or riparian land with a focus on deer. The amount paid to landowners will be based on the size of the property, habitat quality, and the number of pronghorn or deer on the property.

Additional information regarding the program and proposed regulations are posted on the Wildlife Commission's Web page at http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeCommission/Archives/2007/January112007.htm.

Comments can be submitted using the Wildlife Commission's e-mail address at wildlife.comm@state.co.us.

Comments will be compiled and summarized for presentation to the Wildlife Commission at their January meeting.

The angler's careful focus and dogged intent

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

The table is littered with maps, guidebooks, strands of tippet and scraps of paper scrawled with Dave Whitlock formulas for tying the perfect leader. The Colorado Gazetteer dominates much of the tabletop real estate, and the large topographic road and forest atlas is splayed wide, maps 88 and 89 spread like the wings of some massive wounded moth, and tattooed, in a fit of entomological cruelty, with penciled-in circles and arrows. The markings point to high country lakes, tiny streams, key trailheads and forest roads. The markings point to trout.

I am planning the 2007 fly fishing season, and although it may seem counterintuitive to plan an activity that relies heavily on dumb luck, serendipity, barometric pressure and other whims of nature, it's a habit I cannot break. Every season there are many stones left un-turned, bends of river left unexplored, and recent discoveries in need of revisiting. And in the high country, the season passes quickly. Therefore, an angler must begin with a careful focus and dogged intent.

But as I tie leaders, research routes and prepare lines and reels for another season on the water, I cannot shake memories of 2006. The year, or more properly, the fishing season, ran like water through my fingers, but nevertheless, and although few, there are images that remain etched in my memory. They stand like gaudy punctuation against the backdrop of a poorly written paragraph; they tower like cumulonimbus over Albuquerque's Westside on a July afternoon.

Image number one finds me fishing on my lunch hour in early spring. The river is running high and brown, moving fast like a room temperature chocolate milkshake after being knocked over on a red Formica table at some nameless burger joint. I've gone home for lunch, and instead of a proper meal, I grab two energy bars and a bottle of water and jog across the yard toward the river. I realize the chance of taking a trout on a fly in these conditions is slim, but my shoulder craves a cast.

In light of the river conditions and contrary to any sort of angling sense, I decide to go dry and tie on a cotton-ball sized elk hair caddis. I launch the fly into the main current, letting it ride downstream along a seam between a stretch of fast and slow water and finally into an eddy where it skitters for a yard or two. On the second cast, a trout makes a ferocious strike; and on cast three, unbelievably, the fish takes. But something is wrong. It's like I'm snagged on a sunken, gravel filled coffee can, and slowly, steadily I drag the thing toward shore. When I examine my catch, I realize what I am looking at was once a magnificent 19-inch brown, but not any longer.

At the base and on both sides of its dorsal fin, the trout's flesh is black and rotten. Its flanks harbor what appear to be deep scratches. The fish seems bloated and swollen, its scales have lost their sheen, its back marked by lesions. And when I look closer, it appears as though the damage might have been caused when a bird with large talons hooked the brown in its claws. It's hard to tell for sure.

As I work to unhook the fish, I consider killing it in an act of mercy, but instead, I cradle its belly, support its tail fin and move the fish gently in the current, pumping water back across its gills. If it had the strength to come this far, maybe it will make it.

Gradually the fish revives, and then, with a lethargic flick of its tail, scoots off down stream. Later in the summer, I learn most of the brown trout in a neighbor's river-fed pond turned up dead. I ponder the possible connections. And then I think of my other neighbor, who kills everything he catches, and I wonder when the day will come when the river will yield nothing at all. Throughout the summer the fish count is way down. I wonder if disease, or the habits of a shortsighted fisherman are the culprit.

Image two takes me deep into June, and I'm packing with a float tube into a high country lake. I go there on a whim, and with no idea whether the lake holds trout. They say it's the journey, not the destination, and a walk in high alpine country is just what I need to clear the head.

When I arrive lakeside, I ditch my pack and crouch in the shadows of a stand of spruce. On the far shore, I watch a fisherman play a flashy silver trout. It looks like a rainbow. I think if he doesn't kill the fish, there's at least one in the lake, and I line my rod, pump the tube, and push off from shore.

I kick my fin-clad feet slowly and let the wind push me downlake. As I drift, I cast a Royal Coachman on a slow sinking line into the deadfall along the shore, count to five, and retrieve. The technique yields a number of small trout, but then my fortune changes.

About an hour into my float I've nearly reached the far, deep end of the lake, and aside from the submerged logs protruding from the shore, nothing is visible below the float tube; the water is black and seemingly bottomless. I cast, count to 10, and bring back the pattern back in a series of jerky strips. One, two, and crash! Something profound clobbers the Coachman, and soon, I am cruising around the lake at the behest of a very large and powerful trout. I keep the drag loose, but use my fin-clad feet to back pedal and to keep the trout from running for the deadfall. The trick succeeds, and gradually we work each other away from the shore and out to deeper water where I eventually land the fish - an 18-inch brook trout.

The thing, head to tail, barely fits across the stripping apron marked with one-inch increments that spans the front of the float tube. The colors are kaleidoscopic. It's girth hefty, like the fat end of a baseball bat. I release the fish then paddle back to shore and sit on the beach watching clouds race over the Continental Divide. I am profoundly happy.

Image three takes me into the first week of August and deep into cutthroat country. I have a three o'clock engagement, and leave the house far too late if I expect to get back on time. When I arrive at the trailhead, I know I should stay near the truck, but instead, head off up the trail. I'll hike for an hour, fish for an hour then head out &emdash;no problem. Right.

As my predetermined departure time draws near, a mayfly hatch of biblical proportions explodes over the river. As I watch cutthroats rise with careless abandon, I too throw prudence to the wind, accept I will arrive at my appointment late, tie on a size 20 Parachute Adams and crawl through waist high grass and down an embankment toward a deep pool. The pool. The honey hole, the epicenter of the feeding frenzy.

A number of well-placed casts tempt one particular trout, and the beast finally plows up from its lie under a massive boulder and collides with my fly. The take is sure and we grapple like sumo wrestlers hip deep in the pool. In the end, my four-weight Winston prevails, and for a moment, I use both hands and most of my arm to gently cradle a monster cutthroat before returning it to the river.

Soon after Labor Day the rain comes. Streams run high, the San Juan undergoes dramatic daily fluctuations. The temperature drops. I break my new Winston.

Four weeks pass, and in that time, hunting season arrives and the high country is wet, snowy and dismal. My repaired rod finally arrives home after surgery in Montana, and I head out in a downpour, covered in fluttering strands of blaze orange surveyor's tape. The fishing is phenomenal.

I spend the afternoon deep in a canyon launching dry flies to rainbows and brown trout amidst pounding rain and postage stamp-sized snowflakes. And there is no place I'd rather be, but then, as soon as the day begins, it vanishes, and with it the 2006 fishing season.

As the fire burns low, I stare at the Gazetteer. I trace topographic lines and mark trailheads. I ponder the strengths of blood knots versus double surgeons' and my fingers finish the turns in a final knot on another leader. I read stream names on the map and try to decode the language like a fortune-teller reading ancient runes. I search for clues that will lead me to cutthroat and brook trout.

I toss a last piece of oak on the fire, then flop on the floor in front of the woodstove and throw an arm over the dog. Soon we are sedated by the heat. Outside the world is frozen, hard as grey iron, but inside we doze, and dream of lush forests, free flowing streams, and of cutthroats in 2007.

By Chuck McGuire

SUN Columnist

No article this week.

Counting blessings

Dear Editor:

It is the season for me to contemplate why our Creator has allowed me to wander over the Earth for so many years. I reckon it must be so that I can cut firewood for the old folks, look after the greenhorns, and vote against the Republicans.

Bob Dungan

Arboles

Enforce covenants

Dear Editor:

Last August, I wrote a letter to The SUN, pointing out that the PLPOA board and its minions often do not consistently enforce the covenants that govern our association. The Letters of Incorporation for PLPOA require that the board protect property values. Failure to enforce the covenants is inconsistent with this requirement.

In a veiled effort to stifle dissent, PLPOA Board President Gary Gray used the recent property owners' newsletter to attack my premise and divert attention from my complaint to a problem my husband and I have recently had with the association.

Gray asserted that the board "uses the Covenants and Declarations as the basis and guideline in all actions, decisions and policies." As a former member of the rules committee, PLPOA board member, treasurer and co-author of covenant changes in Lake Forest, I am fully conversant with our covenants. They are not guidelines. They are legal rules that pass with the title to the property. Any changes must be made by the property owners via signed legal documents. We have long asked the association to take the lead in updating our covenants. To date, only individual subdivisions like ours have taken the time and effort to do so.

However, the board has found a way to disenfranchise you of your legal rights. Don't enforce the covenants. Webster's New World College Dictionary defines covenant as a "formal sealed contract." We property owners expect those rules to be followed. By not following the existing covenants, the association is in breach of that contract.

Here are just a few of the covenants that are not being enforced: screening of LP tanks and garbage containers; no trailers or tents or overnight camping; all signs, billboards or advertising structures are prohibited except upon written permission; no stripped down, partially wrecked or junk motor vehicles are permitted; clothes lines must be fully screened; all lots must be maintained and no accumulation of rubbish; no change in ground level may be made in excess of one foot without written approval; and no businesses in the subdivisions.

In the 11 years we've owned property here, this is the first time a homeowner has been attacked in the property owners' newsletter. Perhaps I hit a nerve. Apathy will only harm us. Speak up and speak out to the board, the newspaper or contact me with comments and complaints at P.O. Box 5944, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

Judith S. Esterly

Praise for Mary

Dear Editor:

When Dad passed on several years ago, Senora Mary Martinez paid her respects with a plateful of bizcochitos in hand. Dad and she maintained a friendly rivalry over who made the perfect bizcochito or sopaipilla. Now that she, too, is gone, one wonders whom to turn to for such gastronomical delights.

With each encounter, I praised her for her culinary skill; she humbly asserted that cooking and baking evoked joy. To underscore her point, I had to follow her home for a jar of homemade jelly or a covered dish of cottage potatoes. The woman had Grama's hands.

Mary's local renown did not rest on her gustatory cuisine. Her unassailable goodness and constant appreciation of my father are what I shall miss.

Arlene Marcus

Always there

Dear Editor:

Wolf Creek Ski Patrol is there for you, if ever you need them. Whether close in or out there, when one is unable to ski back due to an injury, it may require a sleigh ride with snowmobile.

I thank the ski patrol for a job well done.

Thank you,

Pam Morrow

A privilege

Dear Editor:

Here we are, at the beginning of another year and a time to reflect, right? Well, for me, I begin with giving thanks for the privilege of living in this beautiful, peaceful part of the world and for the beautiful people who live here. Images projected from "other places" over the holidays showed hordes of people, shoving, crowding and snarling in an effort to "purchase" a little bit of happiness in that season of joy.

Here in our little village, folks were smiling, singing to themselves as they shopped for a few little things. There is kindness shown from one to another, total strangers perhaps, but in recognition that all are children of God and deserve a kind uplifting - perhaps just a smile, a loving touch on the shoulder, or helping another in some small way.

God's love and security is present in the beauty He has provided all around us. I recently read the series of books, "Thunder Moon" - a white man captured by the Indians as a baby, raised by them. He calls on the "Sky People" for guidance and states that the stars are the faces of the Sky People. So, go outside on a clear winter night, look up at those stars and believe that they are the faces of God's angels "from on high," watching over us throughout the night. Awesome!

Happy New Year to all and know you are loved!

Patty P. Tillerson

Today

Outdoor Club

The monthly meeting of the San Juan Outdoor Club will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Pagosa Springs Community Center on Hot Springs Boulevard. This meeting will feature David and Shirley Hunter presenting an exciting activities calendar for 2007, with sign ups. For information, call Fred Reese at 731-0612. Visitors welcome.

Jan. 7

Pagosa Singles

Pagosa Singles (PALS) will meet for "an after New Year's" party at 3 p.m. at Al's home. Please bring an appetizer to share, your own drinks and a wrapped white elephant gift. Call 731-9801 to R.S.V.P. and for directions. All singles 40-plus are welcome to attend.

Jan. 10

Woman's Club

Pagosa Springs Woman's club meets the second Wednesday of every month. Dues for the year are $12. This month, the meeting is at JJ's Restaurant, at 11:30 a.m. The cost of lunch is $10 and guest speaker will be Luke Baxstrom, talking about the privilege of being a People To People Student Ambassador. If you have any questions, call Cathy Rose at 731-0791

Jan. 13

Piecemakers

Pagosa Piecemakers general meeting, 10 a.m. at the Community United Methodist Church, located at 434 Lewis Street. January's presentation is on "Value and Color for Quilters," by Ginnie Bartlett and Denny Rose. The workshop following the general meeting on value and color in quilts is $25 per person. Contact Margaret Darling, 731-4580.

Artist-in-Residence Program

The San Juan National Forest will be accepting applications until March 1 for the Aspen Guard Station Artist-in-Residence Program.

The residency program, now in its 13th year, is open to painters, writers, poets, musicians, photographers, sculptors, performers and other artists. Those selected for residencies will have the opportunity to stay at the historic Aspen Guard Station for one to two weeks during the summer or fall of 2007.

The Aspen Guard Station is a rustic log cabin set in an aspen grove 12 miles north of Mancos. It served as a ranger station for the U.S. Forest Service after being built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, it houses the Artist-in-Residence Program from June to September each year.

In return for residencies, artists make a donation to the program and share their talents with the public through exhibits, performances, open houses or workshops.

Representatives of area art associations will choose six finalists and two alternates by no later than May 1. Selection will be made solely on the basis of merit, without regard to sex, race, creed, religion, national origin or physical ability. However, because of its historical nature, the Aspen Guard Station does not meet American Disability Act standards.

The Aspen Guard Station Artist-in-Residence Program is sponsored by the San Juan National Forest, Cortez Cultural Center and other area arts associations.

Information on the program, instructions on how to apply, and a virtual reality tour of the cabin are available on the San Juan National Forest Web site at: www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/about/.

For more information, contact Ann Bond, (970) 385-1219.

Percussion to the front, Woodwork in concert

By Paul Roberts

Special to The PREVIEW

Elation Center for the Arts presents renowned orchestral percussionist, Dr. John Pennington, with the Woodwork Percussion Ensemble, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse.

The Woodwork Ensemble consists of Pennington, professor of music at Fort Lewis College, and five music performance majors from the college: Kevin Martin, Michael Pratt, Sean Statser, Chance Harrison and Grayson Andrews. The ensemble performs lush arrangements of classical, jazz, ragtime and traditional music from around the world.

Instrumentation includes marimbas, xylophones, glockenspiel, vibraphone, croatales and cajon. "Percussion tends to be in the back of the orchestra or band," according to Pennington. "The Woodwork Ensemble shows the soloistic and expressive possibilities of these instruments."

A composer, conductor, performer, author and educator, Pennington has performed concerts throughout the world. He has made numerous recordings, including the soundtrack to "Dinosaur," a feature film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. He has performed with the Arizona Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Arizona Ballet, Phoenix, Ann Arbor, Saginaw, and Tucson symphonies.

Locally, Pennington performs with the Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra and the San Juan Symphony. He is artistic director of the Animas Music Festival. The Woodwork Percussion Ensemble is the fulfillment of his dream to perform and record with his most advanced students.

Advance discount tickets, for $12, are available through elationarts.org and at WolfTracks Coffee House. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults. Children with parents attend for free.

Desserts and coffee will be provided at intermission. Please bring a dessert to share if you wish.

Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse is located at 230 Port Ave. in the Vista subdivision. Take 160 to Vista Boulevard, turn north on Vista and left on Port.

For more information, log on to elationarts.org or call 731-3117.

'Hold It!' at Shy Rabbit through Jan. 20

By Denise Coffee

Special to The PREVIEW

"Hold It!", an exhibition of contemporary containers, continues at Shy Rabbit Contemporary Arts through the holidays with regular gallery hours.

This elegant and highly creative exhibition features six emerging and mid-career artists from Colorado and New Mexico working in various and, in some cases, unconventional mediums.

Participating artists were asked to think "outside of the box" by creating their own personal interpretations of containers or vessels. A wide range of forms and materials are on display as a result.

The six featured artists are: Chad Haspels, Colo., wood; Sarah Hewitt, N.M., fiber; Clarissa Hudson, Colo., fiber; Mary Ellen Long, Colo., mixed media; Chris Richter, N.M., ceramics; and Shan Wells, Colo., mixed media.

A few of the artists invited to participate in "Hold it!" had existing works that fit the show theme. Several others created new work inspired by the show title and the freedom they were allowed in the process.

Artists were provided with three to four months in which to complete new work, and had no restrictions other than a size range and the number of finished works required. The process was a very organic one that resulted in the creation of work that is natural and unforced.

Shy Rabbit will remain open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. through show closing on Jan. 20. Private viewings are also available. Please call 731-2766 to schedule an appointment.

Visit http://shyrabbit.blogspot.com or e-mail shyrabbit01@aol.com. for more information on Shy Rabbit Contemporary Arts shows, events and programs.

Shy Rabbit is located at 333 Bastille Drive, B-1 through B-4, one block north of U.S. 160 ,off of North Pagosa Boulevard.

Deeksha comes to Pagosa Springs

By Nicole Yates

Special to The PREVIEW

Deeksha is a transfer of energy that brings about neurobiological changes to the brain, and thus creates a shift into higher states of consciousness.

It quiets the part of the brain that knows separation (the parietal lobes), and activates the frontal lobes that know "oneness", bringing us fully into the moment where there is only peace and joy. Words cannot convey the power of this process; it is an experience, not a concept.

Some of the benefits of receiving Deeksha are the de-clutching of the mind (ending the mind's constant chatter), activating the body's natural healing ability, opening of the chakras, and experiencing Oneness. Over time, this gift of Divine Energy is designed to bring about lasting states of full awakening or enlightenment.

The gift of Deeksha is being given to everyone, regardless of religion, belief, race, culture, faith, or nationality. Thousands have been able to cross over into the state of permanent oneness, joy, peace, freedom, and bliss, while still remaining functional. The intention is to uplift humanity's consciousness from a state of chronic separation and suffering into a state of enlightenment. It truly has the possibility of creating a new generation of human beings, transforming this earth, and elevating this planet to harmony, love and oneness by 2012.

The phenomenon of Deeksha is spreading rapidly. Thousands of people worldwide and nationwide are receiving Deeksha. In March 2006, on the "What the Bleep" Web site (www.whatthebleep.com), appeared an article titled "The Oneness Movement" that describes the phenomenon in detail.

The receiving of Deeksha is experiential, and usually happens through the laying of hands on the recipients' head for up to one minute. The effects of Deeksha are cumulative, and the energy of Deeksha is exponentially magnified with more Deeksha givers being present.

Last October we, Nicole and Hasyo Yates, were trained and initiated to give Deeksha, through a "21 day process" at the Oneness University in India. We are now bringing this healing and awakening energy to Pagosa Springs.

We invite you to join us for future Deeksha events. We would like to share this powerful gift with you, and for you to experience the transformative effects of Deeksha for yourself. It is a very lovely, unique, and sublime experience, and different for everyone. The beauty of it is that you don't have to do anything to "Get it."

We will meet at the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, on the second and foiurth Thursday of each month, from 7 to 9 p.m., starting Jan. 11. The address is Greenbriar Plaza, Unit B-15 (southeast corner of North Pagosa Boulevard and Park Avenue).

On Jan. 11, there will be at least three Deeksha givers present, and the meeting will include a discussion, and at least two Deeksha transmissions.

An open donation of a minimum of $5 is suggested. However, nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. If you have any questions, call Hasyo or Nicole at (970) 731-5658.

UU program topic: 'Hypocrisy and Hype'

On Sunday, Jan. 7, John Graves will lead a program for the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship entitled "Hypocrisy and Hype. At both political and personal levels, our culture and society seem prone to advocate one thing and do the opposite. Graves will expound upon the idea that George Orwell's "Doublespeak" can no longer be regarded as fiction. He questions, "Can anything be done about this?"

Following the service, the annual meeting will be held, wherein new steering committee members will be elected and any necessary official business will be conducted. Anyone may attend, but only members of record may vote.

The service begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall. Child care and/or the Religious Education program for ages 3 years old and up is offered every Sunday, except the second Sunday of the month, which is devoted to meditation.

The location is Unit 15, Greenbriar Plaza. Turn east on Greenbrier Drive off of North Pagosa by the fire station, then left into the back parking lot and look for the big sign. All are welcome.

Congregation Kadima Yisrael to hold Shabbat services

The Jewish community of Pagosa Springs Congregation Kadima Yisrael will be holding Shabbat services at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall.

All members of the Jewish community of Pagosa and surrounding areas, relatives and friends are invited to attend.

Jeff Deitch will be conducting services. An Oneg Shabbat will follow.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall is located in Suite B15 in the Greenbriar Shopping Center. Go north on North Pagosa Boulevard, past the fire station, and turn right onto Greenbriar and left into the shopping center. The meeting hall is located around the back. Going south on North Pagosa Boulevard, turn left on Park and make a quick right into the shopping center.

If you have questions, call 731-9610 or 731-2012.

Model railroaders to meet Sunday

By Joe Lemmo

Special to The PREVIEW

The Pagosa Springs Model Railroad and Railfan group will hosta meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at the United Methodist Church on Lewis Street.

We will have a display table. Bring a work in progress, a model you have finished or a photo of a model or prototype scene. We'll have a swap table for anything railroad related that you want to sell, trade or even give away.

Andy Fautheree will present a clinic on building LaBelle cars. LaBelle cars are craftsman level kits that can produce some wonderful models. Andy has a high level of skill with these kits demonstrated by one of his models shown on the LaBelle Web page. Take a look at www.labellemodels.com/photo3.htm for a view of Andy's work. We're sure any model builder will benefit from Andy's clinic.

Anyone with an interest in model railroading of any scale or gauge or any interest in trains is welcome to attend.

For more information, contact Joe Lemmo at 731-1590 or jlmailbox@skywerx.com.

By Charles Streetman

PREVIEW Columnist

No column this week.

No column this week.

Bring us your ideas for 2007 programs

By Mercy Korsgren

PREVIEW Columnist

Happy New Year!

We are looking forward to a busy year with new programs and more community events. We invite anyone who has ideas concerning the center and its programs to come forward and tell us about them. The community center is your center and we need your input.

With this in mind, I want to remind you about the mission statement of the community center: To provide services and space for all ages and diverse groups to gather for social, sports, civic, art and cultures, educational, business and faith-based activities; and to create and coordinate activities for the benefit of the whole community.

Volunteers' dinner

The staff at the community center is hosting a dinner and dance Jan. 27 for all the volunteers who have helped during the past year. This is our way of saying, "thank you for all the help and support. We would not have survived the year without your volunteer time and talents."

Michelle and I have great plans for this celebration. Invitations will be sent to all volunteers; however, if we missed your name, please let us know by calling 264-4152. So, mark your calendar for 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, for the Volunteers' Appreciation Dinner and Dance.

Line dancing

Couples line dancing resumes Monday, Jan. 15.

The group welcomes all beginners and the more experienced as well. Gerry will introduce you ito basic steps, while Peggy and Beverly have new and exciting dances for dancers of all abilities. If you are a beginning couple and would like a private preview to see if this is for you, call Gerry at 731-9734.

This is a community center-sponsored program, so there is no charge other than a big smile. Gerry hopes to see you in 2007. Schedules are: couples at 9 a.m., beginners at 10 and intermediates at 10:15.

Yoga

Welcome back, Diana Baird.

Addie and Diana will continue to lead this active group which meets every Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Start the new year right, be responsible for your own health and do your stretching and breathing exercises. Everyone is welcome.

Weight Watchers

The group meets from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. every Wednesday at the center. Now the holidays are over, all will agree that we need to get back on track with good, healthy eating as well as with lots of exercise. Come join this group.

Open gym

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8 to 9 a.m. the Hoopsters meet for an hour of "exercise basketball."

For now, it's an all-guy activity, and a fun way to exercise. Larry Page leads the group and invites all to join. This is open to all, including those who go to work. Remember, the center has shower and locker facilities that anybody may use. So, there should be no excuses.

Another open gym schedule is held noon to 1:15 p.m. every Friday Dan Aupperle is the contact person for this activity. Call Dan at the downtown Citizens Bank if you're interested in participating.

San Juan Outdoor Club

The club meets today at 6:30 p.m. This very active, fun group meets at the center the first Thursday of the month. Leo Milner, activities chairperson, does a superb job lining up different winter outdoor activities for members. The club just elected a new set of officers for 2007 with Bob Arrington as president. Come join the club and have fun.

Computer Fix-It Free Day

A bunch of computer nerds in our community is conducting this free service Saturday, Jan. 6, under the leadership of Kurt Raymond. Anyone having problems with their computer can have their unit checked and possibly fixed free on charge. The hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thank you, Kurt for this awesome service to our community.

ManKind Project

The ManKind Project (mkp.org) of Southwest Colorado invites all adults to a free open house, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 9, at the community center to discover the following: how to free your deepest gifts; develop communication skills between others and the inner self; how to increase your life's passion and personal responsibility; how to be more authentic and congruent in your life as a co-worker, partner, mother/father, sister/brother and friend.

An interactive drama regarding one's emotional development, will be presented. If you are looking for "more" out of your life or want to change the things that sabotage you, this program is a gift for you. Women and men are welcome and refreshments will be served.

Wolf Creek Backcountry

This group is conducting avalanche training Friday, Jan. 12. This class will help make those who take to the backcountry - novices and experienced trekkers alike - make better decisions in avalanche situations. For more information log on to www.wolfcreekbackcountry.com.

 New programs in 2007

I am waiting to hear from our new volunteers, Jody Conwell and Treva Wheeless, concerning details about their talents. Jody is interested in conducting jewelry making class and Treva wants to provide a quilting class - both to start in January. Watch for further details.

I invite those who wish to share their talents and experiences in new programs to contact us. Also, we are looking for volunteers to be in charge of various other groups: board game groups, coffee mornings, book discussion group, conversation groups, and cooking classes to name a few. Call 264-4152.

Center's hours

The community center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 to 4.

Activities this week

Today - Hoopsters basketball, 8-9 a.m.; Teen Center open, 3:30-6:30 p.m.; San Juan Outdoor Club meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 - Legal deposition, 9 a.m.-noon; Senior Walk, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; open basketball, noon-1:15 p.m.; Bridge-4-Fun, 12:30-4 p.m.; Teen Center open, 3:30-6:30 p.m.;

Jan. 6 - Computer Fix-It Day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.;

Jan. 7 - Grace Evangelical Free Church and Church of Christ services, 10 a.m.- noon; High Roads Baptist Church service, 6-8 p.m.;

Jan. 8 - Loma Linda Property Owner's meeting, 7-9 p.m.; line dancing, 9-11:30 a.m.; Senior Walk, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; Bridge-4-Fun, 12:30-4 p.m.; Teen Center open, 3:30-6:30 p.m.;

Jan. 9 - Yoga, 10-11:30 a.m.; legal deposition, 9 a.m.-noon; Teen Center open, 3:30-6:30 p.m.; ManKind Project open house, 6-8 p.m.; Creeper Jeepers meeting, 7-8 p.m.;

Jan. 10 - Senior Walk, 11:15-11:35 a.m.; Teen Center open, 3:30-6:30 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 4:45-6:45 p.m.; photo club meeting, 5:30-7:30 p.m.;

Jan. 11 - Hoopsters basketball, 8-9 a.m.; Teen Center open, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Get smart - get the facts on food labels

By Jeni Wiskofske

SUN Columnist

Become a smart shopper by reading food labels to find out more about the foods you eat!

Here's why it's smart to check out the nutrition facts found on most food labels: Find out which foods are good sources of fiber, calcium, iron and vitamin C. Compare similar goods to find out which one is lower in fat and calories. Search for low sodium foods. Look for foods that are low in saturated fat and trans fats. Use this quick guide to help you make healthy food choices that meet your nutritional needs.

Start with the serving size. Look for both the serving size (the amount for one serving), and the number of servings in the package. Remember to check your portion size to the serving size listed on the label. If the serving size is one cup, and you eat two cups, you are getting twice the calories, fat and other nutrients listed on the label.

Check out the total calories and fat. Find out how many calories are in a single serving and the number of calories from fat.

Use percent Daily Values (DV) to help you evaluate how a particular food fits into your daily meal plan. Daily Values are average levels of nutrients for a person eating 2,000 calories a day. A food item with a 5-percent DV means 5 percent of the amount of fat that a person consuming 2,000 calories a day would eat. Remember percent DV are for the entire day not just for one meal. You may need more or less than 2,000 calories per day. For some nutrients you may need more or less than 100-percent DV. Five percent or less of DV is low - try to aim low in total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Twenty percent or more of DV is high - try to aim high in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Limit fat, cholesterol and sodium. Eating less of these nutrients may help reduce your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer. Total fat includes saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat. Limit to 100-percent DV or less per day. Saturated fat and trans fat are lined to an increased risk of heart disease. Sodium - high levels can add up to high blood pressure. Remember to aim low for percent of DV of these nutrients.

Eat more fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron to maintain good health and help reduce your risk of certain health problems such as osteoporosis and anemia. Choose more fruits and vegetables to get more of these nutrients. Remember to also aim high for percent of DV of these nutrients.

Most Americans get more protein than they need, so a percent of DV is not required on the label. Choose moderate portions of lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, plus beans, peanut butter and nuts.

There are three types of carbohydrates - sugars, starches and fiber. Select whole-grain breads, cereals, rice and pasta plus fruits and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates or sugars occur naturally in foods such as fruit juice (fructose) or come from refined sources such as table sugar (sucrose) or corn syrup.

Foods with more than one ingredient must have an ingredient list on the label. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. Those in the largest amounts are listed first. Effective January 2006, manufacturers are required to clearly state if food products contain any ingredients that contain protein derived from the eight major allergenic foods. These foods are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.

For food and nutrition information or for a referral to a nutrition professional in your area call 1-800-366-1655 or visit www.eatright.org.

Thyroid Awareness and Blood Donors Month

Thyroid disease is more common than diabetes or heart disease.

Thyroid disease is a fact of life for 27 million Americans - and more than half of these people remain undiagnosed. Aging is just one risk factor that can contribute to hypothyroidism, a disease in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Women are five times more likely than men to suffer from hypothyroidism. Learn more online at www.aace.com or call (904) 353-7878.

Why donate blood? A blood donation truly is a "gift of life" that a healthy individual can give to others in their community who are sick or injured. In one hour's time, a person can donate one unit of blood that can be separated into four individual components that could help save multiple lives. The Den will hosta blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, so mark your calendars now. Learn more online at www.aabb.org or call (301) 907-6977.

"Tuesdays At Four"

John Graves and Friends is a small jazz ensemble. The Professor on piano (Graves) is joined by bassist Dan Fitzpatrick, drummer Gerry Riggs, and Joe Gilbert on guitar. In their other lives, Dan is a mountain man and builder, Gerry is a retired curator of contemporary art, Joe is a builder and John continues to be a distinguished musician.

They have been gathering at The Professor's house for the past several months for informal jam sessions, and thought it would be fun to share their experience with other folks who might actually know some of the vintage songs they enjoy playing. So The Den is honored to welcome the "Tuesdays at Four" quartet at 12:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, in the dining room for top-notch musical entertainment. Join us to celebrate the beginning of 2007 with some extremely talented musicians.

Free movie

Mark Monaco, the new owner of the Liberty Theater, has declared the second Wednesday of every month "Seniors' Day" That means a free flick at the big-screen movies for folks who are 55 and older, and their families!

Not only will the Liberty Theater provide a free movie, but they also have a $2snack deal which includes a small popcorn and small soda. The movie this month for Seniors' Day is the classic "High Society." It will show at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10. In this musical reworking of "The Philadelphia Story," Newport blueblood (Bing Crosby) tries to win back his ex-wife, "ice goddess" (Grace Kelly), while Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm (reporters for Snoop Magazine) gum up the works. Cole Porter wrote the score (which includes the Oscar-winning song "True Love"), and Louis Armstrong and his band are on hand to syncopate all the shenanigans. Transportation provided by the senior bus for a suggested donation of $2 is available. Join The Den and Liberty Theater for this great movie offer.

Lifelong Learning

Sharpen your brain with Sudoku - a fun way to activate your mind!

Sudoku puzzles are now available everywhere - including The PREVIEW. The Sudoku class in December was so much fun, everyone wanted another Sudoku session.

On Friday, Jan. 12, a Sudoku class will be held at The Den at 1 p.m. in the lounge. The basic instructions will be taught, then puzzles will be done as a group. Various sources of puzzles and how to select the ones you want will be discussed.

Instructor Katy Deshler has been doing Sudoku puzzles for about a year. She has found that the instructions are simple, but actually completing the puzzles can be challenging. Assistance from people who do them regularly has helped her improve her ability and enjoyment of the puzzles. And she wants to assist others to get started learning Sudoku, so they can also enjoy this brain-stimulating form of recreation.

Needs assessment survey

The Silver Foxes Den is currently conducting a survey of the local 60-plus age group. The Den has mailed out 1,000 random surveys to Archuleta County residents over 60. years of age. If you receive one of these surveys, your participation in completing the survey is extremely valuable to the future needs of your age group. Please take the few minutes needed to complete the survey and help identify your needs in our community. If you want assistance or have any questions, call The Den at 264-2167. Your time and help is greatly appreciated.

2007 Seniors Inc. memberships

In January 2007 Seniors Inc. memberships for folks 55 and older will be sold at The Den. The 2007 memberships can be purchased for $5 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Memberships will not be sold Thursdays.

Your Seniors Inc. membership entitles you to a variety of discounts from participating merchants. For qualifying members, it provides scholarships to assist with the costs for eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental expenses, and prescription and medical equipment. Your Seniors Inc. membership will also cover $20 of the $30 transportation fee for medical shuttles to Durango. The Den's Monthly Mystery trips to fascinating destinations are sponsored by Seniors Inc. so these cool trips in the warmer months are open to all members.

As you can see, the benefits of a Seniors Inc. membership are endless, so stop in at The Den during the scheduled hours to renew or purchase your annual membership. Remember, you do not need to be a Seniors Inc. member to join us at The Den. Everyone is welcome to be a part of our extended family.

Nails with Dru

Do you want to feel pampered? Or how about some fun conversation while doing something nice for yourself? Dru Sewell has offered to do your nails free of charge at The Den, 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays. You can make an appointment, or just drop in for your nail treatment. Dru will trim, file and paint your nails while entertaining you with her bubbly personality.

Dance For Health

Dance For Health classes are available at The Den at 10 a.m. Wednesdays, free of charge. Dance instructor Karma Raley enjoys sharing her love of dance and blends basic ballet, modern jazz and jazz dance 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. Join us at The Den and learn great dance techniques while having a fun time exercising.

Aikido

Aikido is a relatively modern martial art, although its roots go back nearly a thousand years to secret techniques of samurai warriors. In January, The Den will offer Aikido classes every Wednesday at 1 p.m. with instructors Bill Trimarco and Lisa Jensen. Aikido students will learn how to redirect an attacker's energy with hand techniques, and train with the wooden sword and short staff. Aikido is beneficial for health, coordination, stress relief and character with the goal of bettering oneself rather than trying to be better than an opponent. Sign up at The Den if you would like to participate in the January classes.

An afternoon of culture

You don't need a big city for fine dining and culture; we have it all right here in our lovely mountain town of Pagosa Springs.

The Den invites you to join us Thursday, Jan. 18, for an afternoon of fun as we explore the finer things in our quaint town. Our day will begin with a luncheon at Dionigi's Restaurant at noon, as we enjoy a taste of Italy right here in Pagosa. You will have a choice of four classic Italian entrees including eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, fettuccini alfredo, or spaghetti and meatballs, along with a salad, bread and a drink for the all-inclusive price of only $10. After our delicious dining experience, we will attend a tour of the Shy Rabbit Art Gallery and view their latest showcase of art - "Hold It!," an exhibition of contemporary containers, which opened at Shy Rabbit Contemporary Arts in December and runs through Jan. 20. This elegant exhibition features seven emerging and mid-career artists working in varying and somewhat unconventional mediums. "Hold It!" artists were asked to stretch the concept of a typical container or vessel. This exhibition entertains the viewer's imagination with a wide range of materials and forms. Several of the artists invited to participate in "Hold it!" had existing works that fit the show theme. Others created new work inspired by the show title and the freedom they were allowed in the process. The process was a very organic one that resulted in the creation of work that is natural and unforced.

Make your reservation with The Den by Tuesday, Jan. 16, for this afternoon excursion. Transportation will be provided by The Den for $2. We look forward to sharing a slice of culture with you, Pagosa style.

Waterpiks

The Silver Foxes Den Senior Center has waterpiks available at a discounted price of $22 each. Remember, there are only limited supplies at this great price, so don't delay.

Volunteers appreciated

The Silver Foxes Den Senior Center could not operate without our dedicated volunteers.

We did a bulk mailing of 1,000 surveys which could not have been accomplished without volunteer help. I would like to thank Kathy Zilhaver, Mae Boughman, Tom Brown, Ruth Bankhead, Curtis Killion, Mercy Leist, Tricia Sierpiejko, Lyman Allen, Dave Wilson, Jackie Schick, Dru Sewell and Mary Pietrocarlo for all of their hard work and help with the mailing. Thank you so much to all of you who put in the time and effort to stuff, stamp, and mail the surveys. You are greatly appreciated!

Activities at a glance

Thursday, Jan. 4 - Lunch served in Arboles (reservations required), noon; blood pressure checks in Arboles during lunch. The Den is closed.

Friday, Jan. 5 - The Geezers meeting, 9 a.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; veterans' services, noon; Bridge-4-Fun, 12:30 p.m.; duplicate bridge, 12:30 p.m.; entertainment by "Tuesdays at Four," 12:45 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 8 &emdash;Susan Stoffer, nurse and counselor, available 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; Bridge-4-Fun, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 9 - Yoga, 10 a.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; blood pressure checks, 11:30 a.m.; Seeds of Learning kids visit, noon; canasta, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 10 - Nails with Dru, 9:30 -11 a.m.; Dance For Health 10 a.m.; basic computer class, 10 a.m.; Aikido, 1 p.m.; free movie at Liberty Theater, "High Society," 1 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 11 - The Den is closed.

Friday, Jan. 12 - The Geezers meeting, 9 a.m.; gym walk, 11:15 a.m.; Bridge-4-Fun, 12:30 p.m.; duplicate bridge, 12:30 p.m.; Seniors Inc. board meeting, 1 p.m.; Sudoku class, 1 p.m.

Menu

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

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

Thursday, Jan. 4 - Lunch served in Arboles (reservations needed.) Baked ham with raisin sauce, yams, peas with onions, almond peaches, and whole wheat roll.

Friday, Jan. 5 - Scalloped potatoes with cheese and ham, vegetable medley, peaches, and whole wheat bread.

Monday, Jan. 8 - Roasted chicken breast, oven potatoes, Harvard beets, cinnamon apples, and whole wheat bread.

Tuesday, Jan. 9 - Spaghetti with Italian sausage, Italian vegetables, and plums.

Wednesday, Jan. 10 - Salmon patties with cream gravy, steamed rice, mixed vegetables, apricots, and whole wheat bread.

Friday, Jan. 12 - Chili con carne, broccoli cuts, pineapple and mandarin oranges, and corn bread.

Fake military medal claims carry penalty

By Andy Fautheree

Legislation first proposed by U.S. Rep. John Salazar making it a crime to falsely claim the right to carry any military decoration or medal became law last Wednesday with President Bush's signature.

"This day has been a long time in coming," said Salazar. "The brave men and women who have earned awards for service to our country should not have those honors tarnished by frauds."

Veteran Salazar

Salazar, a Vietnam War veteran, authored a bill he called the Stolen Valor Act at the urging of Colorado State University at Pueblo student Pam Sterner. She wrote a school paper about the lack of a law prohibiting anything other than the false wearing of a war medal.

Under the new law, anyone who falsely claims to be a decorated military veteran can be punished with up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The penalties are double for a claim involving the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross, Navy Cross, Silver Star or Purple Heart.

Movie charges

Salazar also changed the marketing of a movie. In the comedy "Wedding Crashers," characters played by Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn talk about using fake Purple Heart medals to get attention from women. Marketing for the movie included a fake, cutout Purple Heart. After Salazar complained, the film's producer, New Line Cinema, ended the promotional gimmick.

Fuel money

Don't forget to stop by my office for reimbursement of your fuel and overnight accommodation receipts to VA health care appointments. We are currently reimbursing 100 percent of your VA Health Care travel expenses. Also, help a fellow veteran who may be going in the same direction to the same VA facility and give me a call if you can provide transportation or need transportation. I will keep a calendar of who is going where in order to coordinate this important program.

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.

New year starts with library staff changes

By Carole Howard,

SUN columnist, and the library staff

Jackie Welch has been named director of the library, having previously assumed the acting role in July 2006. Jackie is a former project manager and quality assurance analyst for Siemens Communications in California. She worked for the library for four years and was head of technical services before being named to the temporary top position six months ago.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Graveson is leaving our staff to work in the office and library at the high school. She had extensive library experience in New Zealand, where she worked in a library and managed a children's bookstore, and we will miss her knowledge and creativity.

More self-help books

Self-help books are always very popular with our patrons - especially at the beginning of the year when so many people implement New Year's resolutions. Last week's column listed several new ones, and here we highlight six more:

- "Zen and the Art of Well-being," by Eric Chaline, offers practical suggestions, self-evaluation tests and exercises to help you increase physical strength and energy levels.

- "The Path of the Human Being," by Dennis Genpo Merzel, is another book about Zen, this one focusing on how to become more self-aware and enlightened through meditation.

- "The Book of Pilates," by Joyce Gavin, is a guide to improving body tone, flexibility and strength through this unique method of exercise.

- The fifth edition of "Start Up," by William J. Stolze, is a revised and updated entrepreneur's guide to launching and managing a new business.

- "Buy, Keep, Sell" is a book with tips on identifying tomorrow's red-hot collectibles, holding them for highest value and then selling them at the best time to maximize your profit.

- "Cure for the Common Life," by Max Lucado, offers practical tools for identifying your own uniqueness, motivation to put your strengths to work, and the prescription for what the author calls "your sweet spot" - a zone in life where you were meant to dwell.

New for children

"A Celebration of Steiff: Timeless Toys for Today" features 200 beautiful color photos of toys created by one of the premiere toy companies in the world. "The Essential 55," by Ron Clark, is an award-winning educator's rulebook for discovering the successful student in every child.

Colorado writers and nearby sites

"Selected Colorado Writings," by Helen Hunt Jackson, introduces modern readers to this talented writer of the 1870s and 1880s via a collection of some of her travel descriptions, fiction and poetry.

"Colorado Treasure Tales," by veteran treasure hunter W.C. Jameson, presents 27 stories of lost gold and silver mines, hidden strongboxes, missing Army payrolls and other lost treasures. "Colorado: Off the Beaten Path," by Curtis Casewit and Alli Rainey, offers hidden attractions, unique finds and unusual locales to appeal to visitors or locals looking for something different. "Colorado Ice: Volume 1" offers maps, photos and route descriptions for ice climbing near Rifle, Parachute, Redstone, Gunnison, Lake City, Ouray, Telluride, Silverton, Durango, Wolf Creek and Grand Junction. "New Mexico's Sanctuaries, Retreats and Sacred Places," by Taos-based writer and photographer Christina Nealson, provides detailed descriptions of spiritual sites and events as well as 111 full-color photographs and six maps.

Novels: Mystery, chick lit and adventure

"Summer of the Big Bachi," a debut novel about social change by Naomi Hirahara, is a mystery played out from worn-torn Japan to the rich tidewaters of L.A.'s multicultural landscape. "In Her Shoes" is the second funny chick-lit novel by Jennifer Weiner about two sisters trying to adapt to the stresses and opportunities of modern life. "Moonlight Hotel," by veteran war reporter and novelist Scott Anderson, is a geopolitical adventure set in a Middle Eastern kingdom.

Insights into men and women here and afar

"Burning Fence: A Western Memoir of Fatherhood," by Craig Lesley, is a real-life memoir about the author's life in Eastern Oregon that demonstrates the exceptional writing skills most readers know through his novels. "The Healing Quilt," by Lauraine Snelling, is a novel about four women raising money for a new mammogram unit by creating a magnificent king-size quilt. "Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women," by Wall Street Journal foreign correspondent Geraldine Brooks, is a non-fiction account of Muslim women and the often contradictory political, religious and cultural forces that shape their lives.

Thanks to our donors

For books and materials, our thanks this week go to Mike Church, Jim Downing, Dan Semjem, Kath Mueller, Rice Reavis, Jim Walton and Margaret Wilson.

Get entries ready for annual photo show

By Linda Strathdee