Thursday, July 3, 2008

PREVIEW photo/Mike Pierce
“Round-Up Time” is an appliquéd and embroidered crib-size quilt. This quilt is on display at the San Juan Historical Society Museum as part of a special exhibit of vintage quilts and coverlets from the Shirley Brinkmann collection.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Museum features quilts and coverlets

“Round-Up Time” is a delightful appliquéd and embroidered crib-size quilt. This quilt is on display at the San Juan Historical Society Museum as part of their special exhibit of vintage quilts and coverlets from the Shirley Brinkmann collection.

This western-themed quilt features a cowboy and cowgirl near a ranch sign. There are also cows and an Indian teepee. The setting is in the southwest with mountains in the distance and cacti in the foreground.

This quilt was made from a kit produced by a company named Progress. They were well known in the 1940s for their quilted appliqué kits. A purchased kit from Progress included a pre-printed and numbered top, numbered appliqué pieces, and instructions for placement of design, embroidery and quilting techniques.

Round-Up Time is one of over 20 quilts on display at the museum as a part of this exhibit.

The ending date for this exhibit was originally scheduled to be July 5. Due to the popularity of the display, it has been extended through the month of July.

If you are sticking close to Pagosa Springs due to rising gas prices, you’ll definitely want to plan a visit to the museum for your family. There is a variety of exhibits to pique the interest of many.

Gift shop

The museum gift shop offers patterns and kits for some of the quilts and coverlets on display. In addition, books regarding southwest history are available as well as the first twelve volumes of local history compiled by the historical society in their Remembrances series. The thirteenth volume in the series will be published later in the summer.

The museum is located at the corner of U.S. 160 and 1st Street. Admission charge is $3 for adults and $1 for children. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

High Country Squares offer new dancer classes

Flutterwheel. Scoot Back. Dive Thru. Zoom.

If these terms sound familiar to you it’s probably because you are a square dancer.

If you’d like to find out more, there are two more weeks available for joining the new dancer classes with the High Country Squares. New dancer lessons are offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Monday at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse (230 Port Ave.) Cost is $3.50 per person. After that, the beginner classes will be closed and the new dancers will be quickly moving forward learning the balance of the Mainstream Square Dance Program. Jim Park is doing an excellent job with all the new dancers and all were laughing and dancing through several upbeat songs last week.

The High Country Squares had A-Class dancers from Indiana join the group as they were visiting the Foxes on their way to the National Square Dance Convention in Wichita. Mike and Wanda David started square dance lessons with Lorna and Gene in Indiana in 2003 and quickly advanced into the A-Class, dancing every opportunity they can. They loved Pagosa, plan to visit again next year, and enjoyed meeting and dancing with the High Country Squares.

It was great to have Lois and Jere back dancing as they have not been “in a square” for almost seven years. It’s terrific how quickly they remembered all the calls.

Any other experienced dancers out there are surely welcome to join in the fun, as mainstream into plus dancing (with some review) is offered each Monday from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the clubhouse.

For further information, call Lorna Fox (731-5525) or Jim Park (731-9910).

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Photo courtesy Mary Kurt-Mason
“No Worries” is a quilt created by students of local teacher Mary Kurt-Mason. It will be included in the Pagosa Piecemakers Quilt Guild-sponsored Quilt Fest July 4, 5 and 6 at the Mamie Lynch Gymnasium. An educational component directed toward K-12 students has been a part of the show since 1998. This year’s educational component is courtesy of Kurt-Mason and her students. Quilts created through the years by the students will be an important part of the show.

Photo courtesy Mary Kurt-Mason
The Pagosa Piecemakers Quilt Guild will sponsor Quilt Fest July 4, 5 and 6 at the Mamie Lynch Gymnasium.. An educational component directed toward K-12 students has been a part of the show since 1998. This year’s educational component is courtesy of local students and their teacher, Mary Kurt-Mason. Quilts created through the years, including “African Stories” will be an important part of the show. Students who participated in this unique learning experience will be available at various times throughout the show to answer questions regarding the project.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Quilt Fest, a holiday highlight

The Pagosa Piecemakers Quilt Guild hopes you will include a visit to Quilt Fest in your Fourth of July holiday plans. This year’s show will be held July 4, 5 and 6 at the Mamie Lynch Gymnasium.

The first show put on by the guild was in 1997. That show was held at the extension building and featured many quilts, from antique to modern-day.

The 1997 Quilt Fest was a resounding success and the guild immediately decided another show should be planned.

The following year the show was moved to the Mamie Lynch Gymnasium to allow for better display of these art treasures. The new location also moved the show closer to many of the holiday activities. Again the show was a success.

The quilt guild then entered into discussion with the guild from La Plata County and it was determined that the guild’s would alternate years for their shows with Pagosa Springs holding their show in even-numbered years.

Each year the show has grown and changed. An educational component directed toward K-12 students has been a part of the show since 1998. This year’s educational component is, in turn, courtesy of students and their teacher, Mary Kurt-Mason. Quilts created through the years by students will be an important part of the show. Students who participated in this unique learning experience will be available at various times throughout the show to answer questions regarding the project.

Challenge quilts

At the end of one Quilt Fest, two members were commiserating over not having time to create a large (queen- or king-size quilt) when they challenged each other to create a large quilt for the next show. Word quickly spread among guild members and the challenge grew. Many members participated and viewers of the show voted for their favorite quilt at the show.

A challenge was issued to quilters for the 2008 show. The theme of the challenge is “Fantasia in Q.” Quilters must create a quilt, which includes a minimum of five colors or five shades of one color. The quilt must also use the word “Fantasia” in the title. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the quilt that is their favorite with the winner being announced Sunday afternoon, July 6.

Opportunity quilt

Pagosa Piecemakers guild members have crafted a quilt, “Garden Patch Fantasia,” which will be awarded to a lucky ticket buyer. Tickets for the quilt will be available at Quilt Fest with the lucky winner being announced on Sunday, July 6, at 1 p.m.

Vendors

After you’ve viewed all of the delightful quilts at the show, you may be of a mind to make a quilt of your own. Be sure to stop by the vendors’ booths to see the latest in quilt patterns, fabrics and notions.

Guild members have also unique items to sell at the show.

Quilts, quilts, quilts

As of press time, show organizers are anticipating there will be 100 or more quilts on display. Quilts range from antiques that have been collected through the years to new quilts that have been created by members of the community and members of the Pagosa Piecemakers Quilt Guild in recent years. Some of the quilts will be for sale. These will be clearly marked along with instructions for purchase.

Show hours

Quilt Fest 2008 will be held July 4-6 in the Mamie Lynch Gymnasium at the corner of Lewis and 4th streets. On July 4, the show will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Hours July 5 are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and July 6 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Entrance to the show will be via the doors on Fourth Street.

Admission to the show is $2 for adults and $1 for youth ages 10-18. Children 9 and under will be admitted at no charge with an adult. A multiple-entry pass will be available for an additional $1.

Quilt Fest is only held every two years. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see what local quilters have been up to.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Community Center News

July events at the community center

Well, back to the seeds on the roll I planted. There are no signs of life yet, but the soil sure looks pretty.

What’s wonderful about flowers on a roll is that you can cut them into any shape, or at least I have. I’ve cut some up to go into a clay pot. I can see I lost some seeds along the way, but the label stated 500 to 1,000 seeds. I wonder where they’ll end up?

There’s a lot going on in town to keep you busy this month. Be sure to check out the activities we offer throughout the year here at the center. All our free programs are open to the public.

Computer class

Learn the basics, beyond basic, or learn word processing. Jerry Nugent has volunteered to teach computer classes for three weeks in July. Tentatively, classes are scheduled for July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 24, all 10 a.m.-noon at the community center. These classes are open to everyone.

Call 264-4152 for information or to register

What’s up in July

The Library will hold book sales at the community center July 18, 5-9 p.m., for the Friends Annual Meeting, and July 19, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. for the public.

Square Top Repertory Theatre has been rehearsing at the center for the past week, and from what I can hear, they will be putting on some great shows. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will play July 10, 11, 12, 24 and 26, and Aug 2, at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee July 19. “Don Quixote” is set for July, 17, 19, 25 and 31, and Aug., 1 at 7 p.m. with a matinee Aug. 2, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available online at www.squaretoptheatre.com, by phone at 264-0264, or at Moonlight Books.

All performances are at the community center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd.

Tickets are $ 14 for adults, $11.50 for seniors and students, and $8 for children.

Couples and line dancing

The best part of a garage sale is people watching. We met the bargainer, the antique hunter, the quilter, the bookworm, the gadget hunter and one lady who bought a built-in ironing board. I can’t explain that purchase. A lot of shoppers knew each other and certainly knew their way around a garage sale.

It is interesting to see the different values placed on stuff. My treasures were often passed over, and my junk flew out the window. What is the matter with people’s taste?

At any rate we cleaned out the garage, made a little money, and swore never to do it again — just like the last time.

I would really rather dance.

Join us for couples classes Monday at 9 a.m. and for line dancing at 10. No experience necessary, beginners welcome. Call Gerry at 731-9734 for more information.

Hoopsters

Come get that morning exercise in a nice cool gym. Join the guys every Tuesday and Thursday, 8-9 a.m. for a round of basketball. The group welcomes newcomers. It’s a free program. Call the center, 264-4152, or Larry at 731-3984 or 264-1024, for more information.

Volleyball 4 Fun

This free coed program for junior high-age youngsters takes place 4-5 p.m. July 17, 24 and 31. Bring your sneakers, water and friends. Come have fun. Call August, 264-6216, for more information.

Yoga

Every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come to that peaceful state of body and mind. Two times to choose from. Bring a mat or thick towel.

Weight Watchers

Every Wednesday, 5-6 p.m. We have just what you need to keep you on track. Let us help you reach your goals this summer. It’s a very encouraging group.

Duplicate Bridge

Join us for Duplicate Bridge every Monday, 5:30-10:30 p.m.; and Fridays 12:30-4:30 p.m. We are starting a new sanction program with the Durango Duplicate Bridge Club. We welcome all out-of-town summer players. Call the community center for more information, 264-4152, or Stan, 264-4152.

Open Gym

You are free to play most sports in the gym when there are no planned events. Please call the center for information.

A place to gather

The center’s hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. We have a variety of reasonably priced rooms to meet your event needs — for 20, 40, 50, 80 or 500 people. Call 264-4152 or e-mail us at communitycenter@centurytel.net.

Activities

Thursday, July — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Square Top Rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Park Fun, 1-4 p.m.

Friday, July 4 — Square Top rehearsal, 2-5:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 5 — Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m; memorial service, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; memorial services, 3-5 p.m.; Grace Evangelical Free Church, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 6 — Grace Evangelical Free Church, 10 a.m.-noon.; Church of Christ, 10 a.m.-noon.

Monday, July 7 — Line dancing, 9-11:30 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Pagosa Bridge, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 8 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Yoga, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Park Fun, 1-4 p.m.; Creepers Jeepers, 7-8 p.m.

Wednesday, July 9 — Square Top rehearsal, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 5-6 p.m; Celebrate America, 7-9 p.m.

Thursday, July 10 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m; Park Fun, 1-4 p.m.; Chimney Rock, 6-8 p.m.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Pagosa Lakes News

The Mao-era cruiser replaced

I’ve found a new love.

Last week I admitted to my lifelong love affair with the bicycle and lamented my lost love — an ancient single-speed Chinese clunker that was my first bicycle.

I’ve been looking and have found a cruiser that can easily fill the void left by my Mao-era first love. This beauty comes in a muted purple, has handlebars that resemble those on chopper motorcycles, is adorned with pink flowers and matching colored rims. This one is most definitely feminine — it screams it.

It’s hard to replace your first love. I’m already starting to feel unfaithful simply at the thought of buying this cruiser. It’ll take me some time, and maybe by then this beauty would’ve been snapped up by someone else.

Our local bike shop is doing brisk business in a sluggish economy that hasn’t been real kind to a whole lot of other businesses. This, a small carbon footprint, and increased amount of exercise must be a number of the spin-offs from high gas prices. A silver lining to every cloud?

This last weekend, I saw many people out on their bicycles — running around on errands or just out for some exercise. It’s a good sight to behold and I am thankful for the trails by the roadways that make it safer and more enjoyable for cyclists. Thank you, Larry Lynch of PLPOA, for spearheading the construction of walking/biking paths in Pagosa Lakes.

Speaking of folks who are out on their bicycles; the duathlon trails for both the bike and run legs are getting hammered by local athletes training for the July 12 event (just nine more days before the race). If you are competing but have not registered, please don’t forget to do so. It’s easy. Simply go online to www.ACVAP.org and download a registration form — which will need to e-mailed to Pagosa Duathlon, P.O. Box 5444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

This year’s bike course has been modified to include more scenic single-track and a little less elevation gain. In short, the bike course is beautiful, fast and not very technical outside of a short 50-yard section of descent on loose dirt and rocks. The new course map is posted online, but if you would be more comfortable checking it out with another cyclist, call me at 731-2051 and I’ll personally take you out or arrange for you to go out with someone else. That’s the beauty for racing locally — you can be familiar with the course.

The duathlon will start at 8 a.m. All athletes check in, and race packet pickup will take place from 7-7:45 a.m. And, remember you have the option of competing as a team — an arrangement that is both enjoyable and easier physically, plus it creates an opportunity to meet new people. If you do need help finding a running or biking partner, please call Carmen Hubbs (264-9075) or me (731-2051) immediately so we can get your paired up.

The Turkey Springs national forest and wildlife area is beautiful, conducive to family gatherings and picnics. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend. There’s a lot of available parking — so come on out and cheer each competitor. It’s a constant reminder for us to always give support to each person who chooses to participate. We never know what the person might have overcome just to be able to race.

The recreation center will be closed Friday, July 4. We will reopen on Saturday, July 5 at 9 a.m. The Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association offices will also be closed July 4, but they will reopen on Monday, July 7 at 8 a.m. Have a great holiday.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Quilt Fest 2008, a holiday exhibit

Imagine a classroom where learning is fun and creative.

Students are taught that they all are individuals, but each is important to the group.

Their work is valued individually and they all can see how important their own contribution is to the overall project. Students learn to work together and reach consensus on group and class projects.

If thoughts of learning in a classroom like this are intriguing to you, then you have a glimpse of how the students in Mary Kurt-Mason’s third- and fifth-grade classrooms have felt over years.

Using quilting as a method to teach life skills started in a math workshop that Kurt-Mason took. The instructor suggested using quilting to reinforce concepts in geometry by making a small quilt using triangles.

Kurt-Mason was just embarking on learning quilting. The suggestion to incorporate quilting into the classroom piqued her interest, she hasn’t looked back and hundreds of students have benefited over the years.

As Kurt-Mason’s quilting skills improved, she took the opportunity to “weave quilting in and out of the standard curriculum.” Each year she incorporates a theme into the lessons. One year Australia was the theme with a kangaroo quilt, “No Worries” being the result.

The 13 quilts that have been created make up the exhibit “One Song, Many Voices” and will be featured at Quilt Fest 2008 to be held July 4-6. In addition, show visitors will be able to visit with some of the students who participated in this unique learning experience.

This isn’t the first show for these special quilts. They have been featured at the Primedia Gallery in Golden, displayed at the State Capitol in Denver, and have been at two of the world’s largest quilt shows — the International Quilt Festival — in Houston, Texas. The second time they were in Houston they were in a special exhibit of their own, which prompted a viewer to comment to Kurt-Mason, “I wish my kids went to school in your school district.”

When asked what the response to this concept in learning has been from the community and the school district administration, Kurt-Mason quickly responded, “Overwhelmingly positive.” She added that she has also received support from the community, the Pagosa Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Edelweiss Needlework Chalet and Ponderosa Home Center. A grant was received from the Colorado Quilt Council, which allowed for the purchase of two sewing machines. Another grant from Colorado Council on the Arts provided scissors.

The project has been gratifying to Kurt-Mason as well. She said, “Years later, I see grown up students and they still remember making the quilts.” She also noted that the quilt produced by the current graduating class is displayed at the graduation ceremonies. She loves seeing the students pose with the quilt for photos.

Some of the quilt blocks that were created in this years’ classroom will also be featured at the show, along with some of the prep and design work done by the students through the years, to give the viewer an even better insight into this learning process.

There is no way to test what a project like this teaches students. Please take this opportunity to visit with the former students and see what a positive experience this has been for them.

Opportunity quilt

Pagosa Piecemakers guild members have crafted a quilt, “Garden Patch Fantasia,” which will be awarded to a lucky ticket buyer. Tickets for the quilt will be available at Quilt Fest with the lucky winner being announced on Sunday, July 6, at 1 p.m.

Challenge quilts

A challenge was issued to quilters for this year’s show. The theme of the challenge is “Fantasia in Q.” Quilters must create a quilt, which includes a minimum of five colors or five shades of one color. The quilt must also use the word “Fantasia” in the title. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the quilt that is their favorite with the winner being announced Sunday afternoon, July 6.

Vendors

After you’ve viewed all of the delightful quilts at the show, you may be of a mind to make a quilt of your own. Be sure to stop by the vendors’ booths to see the latest in quilt patterns, fabrics and notions.

Guild members have also unique items to sell at the show.

Quilts, quilts, quilts

As of press time, show organizers are anticipating there will be 100 or more quilts on display. Quilts range from antiques that have been collected through the years to new quilts that have been created by members of the community and members of the Pagosa Piecemakers Quilt Guild.

Show hours

Quilt Fest 2008 will be held July 4-6 in the Mamie Lynch Gymnasium at the corner of Lewis and 4th streets. On July 4, the show will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours July 5 are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and July 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Entrance to the show will be via the doors on 4th Street.

Admission to the show is $2 for adults and $1 for youth ages 10-18. Children 9 and under will be admitted at no charge with an adult. A multiple-entry pass will be available for an additional $1.

Quilt Fest is only held every two years. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see what local quilters have been up to.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Farmers Market starts Friday

The downtown parking area on Pagosa Street overlooking the river is the site for the 2008 Pagosa Farmers Market.

Vendors will open for business at 4 p.m. Friday, June 23.

Frosty June nights have limited the produce supply for this first market, but other excellent products will be available.

New Leaf Herbals will have handmade herbal tea and handmade chocolate truffles along with some early lettuce and Swiss chard. There will be beef and lamb from Grassroots Meats. Hayes Ranches will sell their grass finished beef. Pagosa Baking will be there with bread, Enchanted Valley spreads, Rocky Mountain peanut butter from Durango and their delectable baked goods. AOK Organics will offer fresh farm eggs. An array of tempting samples from Gourmet Farms of Colorado will be presented from their more than 30 pre-packaged, dehydrated spice blends used to make dips, salsas and marinades. Piedra River Farms hopes to have some early greens.

The market is scheduled to run until 7 p.m. but could sell out before the scheduled closing time.

There will be no market on July 4. The market will resume July 11 and continue on Fridays, same time, same place, until the end of September.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

High Country Swingers hold Monday dance sessions

The High Country Squares held their third new dancer lesson last week.

We welcome all new dancers, it’s great to have you. It’s still not too late to join the fun, as we do a lot of review each week. No dance experience is necessary, just bring your sense of humor and your right and left feet. Come on down and exercise your body and mind! New dancer lessons are on Monday evenings, 6:30 to 8 at the PLPOA Clubhouse, 230 Port Ave. Cost is $3.50 per person.

Jim Park, our caller, has now introduced about half of the steps in the ABC program and our squares were swinging to some great songs.

Jim is an exceptional teacher with a special way of making these strange sounding calls make sense, plus he has a wonderful singing voice. The calls that Jim is teaching are actually “signals” a square dancer learns through repeated practice. These “signals” are the basic ingredients of contemporary square dancing which the caller uses in directing the dancers through endless combinations.

If you are an experienced square dancer, we invite you to join us in mainstream dancing on Monday evenings from 8 to 9:30, also at the PLPOA Clubhouse, $3.50 per person. Some review is given, if you are a little rusty with your steps.

The High Country Squares are doing demo dances this summer at HarmAn Park before the Springs Theater productions. You’ll see us “swinging” and “promenading” in front of the mercantile building about 6:30 each Friday.

For further information contact Lorna Fox (731-5525) or Jim Park (731-9910).

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Pagosa Lakes News

A bike can change your world

I’ll admit it — I have a lifelong love affair with the bicycle.

Anybody who has read my columns over the years knows that to be the case. I believe it is the last form of innocent transportation. Its simplicity and efficiency are a marvel. It takes human effort to propel and yet rewards that effort with sublime effortless travel in the bliss of the downhill. It can be ridden by adults and children, kings and peasants, grandfathers and granddaughters.

This magical and ecological machine is making a comeback.

I have witnessed this firsthand here in Pagosa Springs. More and more of our locals are riding their bicycles instead of driving their cars for running around.

High gas prices are forcing Americans to hop on their bikes … bringing about a “cultural revolution” as the country learns how to ride a bike again.

To be realistic, I realize that rising gas prices is not in itself enough of a compelling factor to make a majority of American adults become cyclists. And I’ve learned to be at peace with that belief.

But, I’m also a dreamer, and I do expect otherwise.

I would like to see bicycling move beyond being a hobby. I would like to see people riding their bicycles, not just for sport, but just to get around.

My first bicycle was a 15-year-old, hand-me-down, single-speed Chinese bike that weighed 38 pounds. The top bar was sloped so I could ride in a skirt, even a mini skirt. It wasn’t a cool bike … it was an ugly, green workhorse that was totally utilitarian, easy to get around in and I didn’t need a bike lock.

I loved that bike and still miss the fenders and kickstand on it. It changed my world and, yes, I hope that some day, very soon, you will also develop a love affair with a bicycle.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

COMMUNITY CENTER NEWS

Summer is gorgeous, July will be busy

Sun screen ... use it.

Put on a hat, find a beautiful parasol, make a fashion statement. Make your day in the sun an enjoyable one.

It is truly beautiful out there. This is the time for those long — no, I mean short drives (for a minute, I forgot about the gas prices).

Rivers, lakes and waterfalls are the place to be, but I think a pool would do just fine. Find that place you want to be this summer, and enjoy.

We would like to send out special congratulations to Andy Rice ( town recreation supervisor and coach extraodinaire), and his new bride, Annie Mortensen Rice. That’s the way to start summer — long beautiful horizons to look forward to, together. Best wishes.

You can still sign up to learn the basics, beyond basic, or word processing. Jerry Nugent has volunteered to teach computer classes for three weeks in July. Tentatively classes will be held July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 24, from 10 a.m. to noon each session, at the community center. These classes are open to everyone.

Please call 264-4152 for class setup.

Looking at July

We’ll have fellow Pagosans entertaining us at the Celebrate America program on July 2, 7-9 p.m. We’ll have music, poetry, singing and storytelling. Dessert will also be served. Come say “Hello” to some new and old friends.

The Sisson Library will hold a book sale July 18, 5-9 p.m., for the Friends annual meeting, and on July 19, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. for the public.

Square Top Repertory Theatre has been rehearsing at the center for the past week. And, from what I can hear, they will be putting on some great shows. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” is set for July 10, 11, 12, 19, 24 and 26 and Aug. 2. “Don Quixote:” will play July, 17, 19, 25 and 31 and Aug. 1 and 2.

Tickets are available online at, www.squaretoptheatre.com. By phone at 264-0264, or at Moonlight Books.

All performances are at the community center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Adult tickets are $14; students/seniors, $11.50; children $8.

Art displays

When you visit the community center, please be sure to take a look at the Park Fun kids’ Fourth of July Freedom Poster. It’s very cute.

We also have on display works from Pierre Mion’s watercolor class and Anna’s palette knife oil painting class, as well as photos from the Yoga class. Come take a look, you just might see someone you know.

Couples and line dancing

We celebrated a special birthday this week: three quarters of a century, and still rocking, hiking and dancing the Electric Slide like a teenager. Who else but Harris. Harris does not admit liking to dance, however, he remembers more steps than anyone else, and seldom misses class. Monday would not be the same without him, especially at 10 a.m. when he is pointing out Electric Slide time, so that he can leave.

The blowup doll made her first birthday appearance since Ed’s 49th (sure) a year ago, and she looks as tacky as ever. Fortunately, beautiful Karen was there to overshadow Ms. Blowup’s sleazy appearance. Happy birthday Harris, and many, many more.

Please show up Friday and help us promote Relay For Life at the high school. At 7 p.m. ballroom dancing will be featured. At 8 p.m. line dancing will be highlighted by the Electric Slide, with as many audience participants as we can get on the dance floor.

Couples classes are Monday, 9 a.m., and line dancing is at 10. No experience necessary; beginners welcome. Please call Gerry at 731-9734 for more information

Volleyball 4 Fun

Come join Volleyball 4 Fun, a coed program for junior high-age players. The next community center Volleyball 4 Fun open sessions will be July 17, 24 and 31, starting at 3:45 p.m.

Call the community center, 264-4152, for schedule changes, and August, 264-6216, volunteer coordinator, for general questions, as well as to inquire about Danielle’s idea for outdoor sand volleyball games in July.

Hoopsters

Come and get that morning exercise in a nice cool gym. Join the guys every Tuesday and Thursday, 8-9 a.m. for a round of basketball. The group welcomes newcomers. It’s a free program. Call the center, 264-4152, or Larry at 731-3984 or 264-1024, for more information.

Yoga

Sessions are held every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This week everyone stretched out in the gym. at our 10 a.m. class. We have more room if you would like to join us. Come to that peaceful state of body and mind. Bring a mat or thick towel, if you intend to participate.

Duplicate Bridge

Join us for Duplicate Bridge every Friday, noon-4:30 p.m.. We welcome all out-of-town summer players. Please call the community center for more information, 264-4152

Open Gym

You are free to play most sports in the gym when there are no planned events. Call the center for information.

A place to gather

The center’s hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. We have a variety of reasonably priced rooms to meet your event needs — for 20, 40, 50, 80 or 500 people. Call 264-4152 or e-mail us at communitycenter@centurytel.net.

Activities

Thursday, June 26 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Park Fun, 1-4 p.m.

Friday, June 27 — Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Duplicate Bridge, 12:30-4:30 p.m.; EZ Manner Counseling and Massage, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 28 — AMTA of Colorado, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m; Grace Evangelical Free Church, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 29 — Grace Evangelical Free Church, 10 a.m.-noon; Church of Christ, 10 a.m.-noon.

Monday, June 30 — Line dancing, 9-11:30 a.m.; Square Top Rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 1 - Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; yoga, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m; EZ Manner Counseling and Massage, noon-2 p.m.; Park Fun, 1-4 p.m.

Wednesday, June 2 — Square Top rehearsal, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 5-6 p.m; Celebrate America, 7-9 p.m.

Thursday, June 3 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m; Park Fun, 1-4 p.m.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Photo courtesy Lily Pearson
Pagosa’s annual Relay for Life will be held this year at Golden Peaks Stadium, at Pagosa Springs High School. The event begins at 4 p.m. June 27 and culminates with a closing ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

‘There’s No Place Like Hope’

“There’s No Place Like Hope” is the theme for this year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life, scheduled for June 27 and 28 at Golden Peaks Stadium at Pagosa Springs High School.

The overnight community event draws individuals and teams who camp out and take turns walking around a track relay-style from 4 p.m. on Friday, all through the night until Saturday morning, in an effort to raise funds to fight cancer. The family-oriented event offers community camaraderie and raises funds to support the work of the American Cancer Society.

This year’s event will kick off with a Family Carnival at 4 p.m. that will feature a kid’s train, pitching machine, bounce house and slide, a fire engine, a dunking booth and games and activities sponsored by the participating teams. Music by the DJ Dude and food by Eddie B Cookin and others will add to the fun.

The Official Opening Ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. and honors the courage of all who have defeated cancer. Each survivor is introduced, and then all are invited to walk the opening lap as a symbolic gesture of hope to those still battling cancer or those who will be touched by cancer in the future. There is no cost to participate in this ceremony and lap and each survivor will receive a free T-shirt to wear when registering at the event.

A special luminaria ceremony at nightfall is a meaningful highlight of the event. Luminaries line the track and remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions. Each luminary displays the name of a cancer survivor, the name of someone who has lost their fight to the disease, or the name of someone who has served as loving caregiver for a cancer patient.

In addition to inspirational activities, there’s a lot of just plain fun at Relay for Life. Scheduled throughout the night are plenty of dancing, campsite judging, a dancing with the stars competition, karaoke contest, king and queen of relay contest, midnight chili feed, a scavenger hunt, a limbo lap, sing around the un-campfire, musical chairs, a rooster crow contest, 7 a.m. aerobics, followed by breakfast served by the Rotary Club, a fight back ceremony and the official closing ceremony at 11 a.m.

Some of the teams that are participating in this year’s event include: Community United Methodist Church Family Fellowship, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Rotary Clubs of Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County 4-H, County Cruisers, SPORT, Dream Weavers, San Juan Outdoor Club, Friends of Marilyn Miller, Ladies of Alpine Lakes Ranch, Mountain View Homemakers, PLPOA, Pagosa Springs Area Association of Realtors and Red Hat Society. These teams are working hard to raise money for the American Cancer Society and the team that ultimately raises the most funds will take home the highly sought-after traveling pig as their reward.

In addition to the money being raised by the teams and individuals, more than $25,000 has been raised through the generous sponsorships of many local businesses and organizations.

The 2008 Presenting Sponsor for Relay for Life is BootJack Ranch.

Platinum sponsors include: Coleman Vision of Albuquerque, DJ Dude, KWUF Radio, LaPlata Electric Association and The Pagosa Springs SUN. Silver sponsors include: Ladies of Alpine Lakes Ranch, Scott Strategic Investments and The Spears Family Foundation.

Bronze Sponsors include: Bank of Colorado, CenturyTel of Colorado, Inc., Choke Cherry Tree, Citizens Bank, Colorado Dream Homes, Comfort One Insulation, Community Banks of Colorado, Ears 2 U Hearing Aid Center, Goodman’s Department Store, Keyah Grande, LaTazza Expresso Bar and Café, The Lighting Center, Moore & Co., Inc., Old West Press, Pagosa Springs Sports Medicine, PS Just for Fun!, Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs, Source for Pagosa Real Estate, Timothy Miller Custom Homes, United Country Premier Brokers, Victoria’s Parlor and Victoria’s Reign, Wells Fargo Bank and Home Mortgage and Wyndham Vacation Resorts.

The 2008 Friends of Relay for Life are: ABBA Eye Care, Allen’s Auto Body, Calamity and Friends, Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Devo Capital, King Campbell, DDS, Mountain Eye Care, The Outfitter, Pagosa Land Company, Paint Connection Plus, Rio Grande Savings and Loan, Sutton Automotive and Terry’s Ace Hardware.

For more information about the Relay for Life Pagosa Springs event, contact Dori Blauert, event chairperson, at 731-9458. The local event is one of hundreds that take place throughout the country. Relay for Life is the national signature event of the American Cancer Society and much more than a fund-raiser.

In the last 21 years, Relay has spread to more than 4,700 communities in the United States and to more than 22 foreign countries It celebrates survivors, funds research and cancer education, inspires the public to become involved in the American Cancer Society’s advocacy efforts, and makes important services possible for patients and their families.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, savings lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Relay for Life Schedule

June 27

4 p.m. — Relay Carnival, music by DJ Dude, food by Eddie B Cookin, and more.

7 p.m. — Dancing by In-Step Dance with Deb Aspen and Charles Jackson.

7:30 p.m. — Campsite judging.

8 p.m. — Line dancing lessons with the community center club.

9 p.m. — Luminaria ceremony.

9:45 p.m. — The Red Hat’s Dancing with the Stars.

10 p.m. — Karaoke, crown the king and queen of Relay.

11 p.m. — Scavenger hunt, Limbo Lap.

June 28

Midnight — Outdoor Club chile, “Wizard of Oz” movie.

1 a.m. — Poker Lap, sack races

2 a.m. — Sing around the un-campfire (bring your instruments). Pajama Lap.

3 a.m. — Musical chairs.

4 a.m. — Simon Says, Switch Direction Lap.

5 a.m. — Drawing Lap.

6 a.m. — Rooster Crow Contest.

7 a.m. — Aerobics with Kelly Johnson.

8 a.m. — Breakfast, Backwards Lap.

9 a.m. — Fight Back Ceremony.

10 a.m. — Keep the Ball Moving Lap.

11 a.m. — Closing Ceremony.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Centerpoint hosting Marriage on a Rock

A video series by Jimmy Evans will start June 29 at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning at Centerpoint Church.

This will be for “Newlyweds to Seasoned Marriages — Starry Eyed to Divorced Bound.”

All are welcome and are guaranteed to be encouraged.  The series will last for 10 weeks.

 Call Centerpoint Church if you have any questions, 731-2205.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

High Country Squares attend Jamboree in the Mountains

Members of the High Country Squares attended the Jamboree in the Mountains at the Vallecito Resort last Saturday with caller Lee Hailey of Glendale, Ariz.

This was the first outing for the new square dance club and the members attending did the club proud.

We met and danced with other square dancers from Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. We did some unusual square dancing in a contra line formation and in a group of six couples rather than four. A great barbecue dinner was provided by the Durango Club and we all had a fun day.

The Vallecito Resort has square dances every Saturday throughout the summer with our own caller, Jim Park, scheduled for several of the events.

Louise Jagger, owner of the Chimney Rock Restaurant and a High Country Squares member, along with chef Joe Groves, formerly of Isabel’s Restaurant, provided a delicious meal and some fun square dancing last Sunday. Jim Park called the dances and did a little workshop on some of the steps that are still new to the group. Louise will be providing dinner and dancing on the second Sunday of every month throughout the summer starting at 4 p.m. All experienced dancers are invited to dine and dance with us. Review of mainstream steps will be given where needed, so if you are a little rusty, come on down and brush up on your square dancing.

High Country Squares are offering beginning square dance lessons Monday evenings (6:30 to 8) at the PLPOA Clubhouse and Mainstream dancing from 8 to 9:30 Cost is $3.50 per person.

It’s a casual atmosphere, just be sure to bring your right and left feet and your sense of humor.

For more information, call Lorna Fox (731-5525) or Jim Park (731-9910).

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Community Center News

Time to plant flowers, spend time at the center

Well summer is almost here; it officially arrives June 21.

Hopefully, we will have some showers this year, we’ll need them. This year, I’m trying something new when it comes to planting flowers: I bought seeds on a roll that come with 500 to 1,000 seeds. You loosen up the ground, roll it out, cover with a little soil, and water. With such names as Butterfly, marigolds and English Cottage, I hope something flowers. They look beautiful on paper. I’ll let you know how well roll-out flowers bloom.

Would you like to learn the basics, beyond basic, of word processing? We have a volunteer ready to teach you. Jerry Nugent has volunteered to teach computer classes for three weeks in July. Tentatively, classes will be held, July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 24, each class 10 a.m. to noon at the community center. I’ve had many people ask me about classes, so this is your chance. These classes are open to everyone.

Call 264-4152 for class setup.

Looking to July

We have the Celebrate America program to look forward to, 7-9 p.m. July 2.

There will be music, poetry, singing and storytelling for your entertainment. Dessert will also be served, so come join us.

The Sisson Library will hold a book sale July 18, 5-9 p.m., for the Friends annual meeting, and July 19, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. for the public.

We’re also looking forward to the Indian Art Auction, July 25, 6-11 p.m.

We will have more information on all these events in coming weeks.

Picture display

Be sure to come to the community center and take a look at the watercolor class paintings produced in a workshop conducted by Pierre Mion, held last week in the Arts and Crafts Room at the center.

Couples and line dancing

Couples classes are at 9 a.m. Monday, and line dancing is at 10. No experience necessary, beginners are welcome. Call Gerry at, 731-9734 for more information.

Volleyball 4 Fun

Volleyball 4 Fun summer session started Thursday, June 12. Sixth- to ninth-graders played and learned volleyball for over an hour. In addition, they were coached by Danielle Spencer. Danielle has earned a full Otero Junior College volleyball scholarship. She is a Pagosa Springs High School graduate who played varsity for three and a half years. Danielle is terrific and she led the hour with special drills and practice routines. Her guidance stepped up the play to a higher level. Danielle is a great gift to the program. We thank her so much for volunteering and for sharing her expertise this summer. We would also like to thank the new community center’s coordinator Cristin and assistant Michelle, and Andy Rice and the parks and recreation department for their support and help.

 Come join Volleyball 4 Fun. It is a coed program. The next community center Volleyball 4 Fun open sessions will be today, June 19, July 17, 24 and 31, starting at 3:45 p.m.

 Call the center, 264-4152, for schedule changes, and August the volunteer coordinator, 264-6216 for general information, as well as with inquiries about Danielle’s ideas for outdoor sand volleyball games in July.

Hoopsters

Come and get that morning exercise in a nice cool gym. Join the guys every Tuesday and Thursday, 8-9 a.m., for a round of basketball. The group welcomes newcomers, and it’s a free program. Call the center, 264-4152, or Larry at 731-3984 or 264-1024, for more information.

Yoga

Every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This week, we had 15 people at our 10 a.m. class. We have more room if you would like to join us. Come to that peaceful state of body and mind — two times to choose from. Bring a mat or thick towel, if you intend to participate.

Weight Watchers

Every Wednesday, 5-6 p.m. Summer is here. We have just what you need to keep you on track. Don’t be shy, let us help you reach your goals. It’s a very encouraging group. One step at a time.

Duplicate bridge

Every Friday, noon-4:30 p.m. We welcome all out of town summer players. Please call the community center for more information, 264-4152.

Open gym

You are free to play most sports in the gym when there are no planned events. Please call the center for information.

A place to gather

The center’s hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. We have a variety of reasonably priced rooms to meet your event needs — for 20, 40, 50, 80 or 500 people. Call 264-4152 or e-mail us at communitycenter@centurytel.net.

Activities

Thursday, June 19 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Park Fun, 1-3:30 p.m.; Volleyball 4 Fun, 4-5 p.m.; Ducks Unlimited, Forest Service Training, 6-10 p.m.

Friday, June 20 — Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; duplicate bridge, 12:30-4:30 p.m.; Christian meeting, 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, June 21 — Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 22 — Grace Evangelical Free Church, 10 a.m.-noon; Church of Christ, 10 a.m.-noon.

Monday, June 23 — Line dancing, 9-11:30 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 24 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; yoga, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m; EZ Manner Counseling and Massage, noon-2 p.m.; Park Fun, 1-4 p.m.

Wednesday, June 25 — Square Top rehearsal, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sports Fun, 10-11 a.m.; Weight Watchers, 5-6 p.m.

Thursday, June 26 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m; Park Fun, 1-4 p.m.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

SUN photo/Terri House
They’re bowling for fun, and for prizes. Local youngsters at last Saturday’s Kite Festival at Town Park had a blast at the Big Brothers Big Sisters bowling alley, as well as with a number of other games and activities.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Pagosa Lakes News

Pagosa Lakes Duathlon set for July

The Pagosa Lakes Duathlon, in its second year, will be held Saturday, July 12.

Last year, more than 50 athletes participated in the inaugural event.

The Pagosa Duathlon is organized under the auspices of the Archuleta County Victims Assistant Program (ACVAP) as a fund-raiser.

The race will be entirely in the Turkey Springs area of the San Juan National Forest. The first leg is a six-mile trail run, twice around a flat, three-mile loop. The second leg is an 11-mile mountain bike loop. The bike route is partly on intermediate-level, single-track tails and partly on dirt and gravel forest service roads.

Visit www.ACVAP.org for complete race information and registration form. The race course map is also online.

Team USA

Members of Team USA Fly Fishing were out on Pagosa Lakes for a couple of days in late May getting tuned up for upcoming international competitions.

About 20 team members carefully practiced catch and release and were all very impressed with the lakes. Each team member is highly skilled in the art of fly fishing and appreciated the opportunity to fish primarily Hatcher Lake, Village Lake and Lake Pagosa.

Team member Mike Sexton, of Pagosa, expressed that Pagosa Lakes is one of the better lake fisheries they have fished in quite some time, and that they were having great success on weighted nymph patterns, as well as streamers. “Hatcher Lake was especially good,” Sexton stated, “the new bag limit and angling method regulations have really made the lake a quality experience for fishing that is tough to beat.” Some team members traveled hundreds of miles to get here and did not leave disappointed.

Lake Pagosa was stocked last week with an additional 1,000 pounds of cutbow trout to complete the spring stocking plan for the four lakes. A total of over 12,000 pounds of trout, 6,000 individual bass and almost 4,000 individual black crappie were stocked into the four lakes since April. Additional stocking is planned in late September and October.

Repairs

The Pagosa Lakes maintenance crew recently made repairs to the National Forest boundary fence that separates Pagosa Lakes from the San Juan National Forest, basically from Lake Forest up to Hatcher Lake; quite a distance and quite a project this year. The heavy snows we experienced last winter severely damaged the fence.

This past week, cattle were brought in to graze for the summer in the Turkey Springs area and will be making their way toward the fence on occasion. If you access the National Forest from one of the designated gates, make sure to close the gate behind you. If you notice downed fence or a problem with the fence, please call the association offices and let someone know and we will get it repaired. Cattle on North Pagosa Boulevard or in people’s backyards can be problematic. The fence was built by and is maintained by the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association to help protect properties from wandering cattle.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

PREVIEW photo/Shari Pierce
This unique tape measure, an antique, stuffed dog owned by Shirley Brinkmann, is part of an exhibition at The San Juan Historical Society Museum. The exhibit, Vintage Quilts and Coverlets continues through July 6.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Tail of the Tape Measure

The San Juan Historical Society is proud to offer to our community and visitors to Pagosa Springs the exhibit: Vintage Quilts and Coverlets through July 6.

These quilts and coverlets are a portion of the collection of local resident Shirley Brinkmann. In addition to these, three cases at the museum contain other vintage items related to this theme.

Shirley’s mother-in-law, Gisela Brinkmann, passed away in the mid 1980s. Shirley was given a cute little stuffed dog from her estate. She took it home and put it on a shelf.

After moving to Pagosa Springs, Shirley found a new home for it and dusted the shelf and dog regularly. In 2000, she purchased a book that had a similar dog in it. Reading about the dog in the book, it stated that it was a tape measure.

Shirley went straight home, picked the dog off the shelf and pulled its tail. It was indeed a tape measure.

Shirley and her husband, Jim, had a great laugh about how many years had passed and they hadn’t even known this was a tape measure. They felt it was a part of his mother that had been with them through the years.

Since their discovery, Shirley has been successful in collecting several of these unique tape measures. These are on display at the museum as part of this exhibit.

We hope you enjoy this special bit of history that we have on display for you.

The museum gift shop offers patterns and kits for some of the quilts and coverlets on display. In addition, a new shipment of books regarding southwest history are available.

This special exhibit will remain on display through July 6.

The museum is located at the corner of U.S. 160 and 1st Street. Admission charge is $3 for adults and $1 for children. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Square Top Rep prepares for summer theater season

Unplug, laugh ‘til you cry, feel alive, set your imagination free with Square Top Repertory Theatre.

As Pagosa’s only professional repertory theatre company, Square Top has a season packed with exciting shows for the whole family.

In preparation for an exciting season, Square Top’s actors and directors have been diving into Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Cervantes’ “Don Quixote.”

The company’s unique style of performance demands many hours of detailed rehearsal and exploration on the part of the actors and directors. After spending hours around the table poring over and discussing these classic texts, the company heads to the forest around Pagosa this week to create the fantasy of the Athenian woods and the magical world of La Mancha.

Co-artistic directors Charles M. Pepiton and Shane Fuller incorporate a challenging combination of contemporary theatre methodology from the work of Anne Bogart to Jerzy Grotowski. Both directors enjoy rehearsing in non-traditional spaces in order to get the most out of the actors and to create a true ensemble cast.

“Our type of work truly relies on the creative efforts of the whole ensemble and a total commitment to the craft, both mind and body,” said Fuller. “It’s all in an effort to create an exciting season of shows which push the possibilities of what theatre can be.”

The 2008 Summer Season includes, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by STRT producer/co-artistic director Charles M Pepiton, opening Thursday, July 10, and playing through Aug. 2. One of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a perfect blend of triumphant love, mischievous spectacle, and fairy tale magic. This slick new production blurs the line between fantasy and reality, as the characters find themselves caught in a web of magic in the Athenian woods. It’s sure to be fun for the whole family!

Each season, STRT produces one world premier production. This summer Pagosa audiences will experience giants, magical helmets, deathly duels, and damsels in distress — the world of the knight-errant and the setting of Don Quixote’s fantastical adventure. Adapted from the famous novel by Spanish Golden Age author Miguel de Cervantes, this modern telling explores the plight of modern man to escape mundane life in search of the timeless ideals of adventure, honor, and love. The whole family is sure to enjoy this creative and innovative production! The show premiers July 17 and runs through Aug. 2.

STRT’s cast of professionals will also host performance workshops for youth grades 7-12 on July 29-30, in conjunction with the Pagosa Arts Council. For workshop information contact PSAC at 264-5020.

Upon closing the shows in Pagosa, Square Top will take “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on a four-city tour of South Korea, offering this classic to an international audience.

All performances will be held at the Pagosa Community Center.

For more information, membership options and tickets, visit www.squaretoptheatre.com or call 264-0264.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Pagosa choir elects new board members

The 2008 spring concert season ended on Mothers’ Day with an enthusiastic audience for the Pagosa Springs Community Choir.

Director Larry Elginer praised the choir, the jazz choir and the numerous soloists for a fine performance. This year’s program consisted of all new selections, so the choir had no repeat pieces. This, as well as the fact that several of the selections were quite difficult, made this a challenging program for the choir.

The choir’s board of directors have selected officers for the following year, and named three new members to the board. New members for next year are Sue Diffee, vice president, Perry Schjolin, secretary, and Larry Baisdon. Members already on the board are John Widmer, president, Lillian Steele, treasurer, Tiffany Brunson, artistic director, Bill Norton, and Matthew Brunson, and Larry Elginer, director.

The board will meet late in the summer to discuss rehearsal schedules, rehearsal site, and other particulars for the popular Christmas Concert. The choir traditionally begins rehearsal for the holiday event in September.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Photo courtesy Dori Blauert
Some unusual art may be traveling to a front yard near you in the next few weeks — and it’s there for good reason. Purple is the color associated with fighting cancer and will be the color of two toilets that will travel throughout Pagosa Springs from now until Relay for Life, June 27 and 28. The Relay for Life steering committee will deliver one of these toilets to the yard of your choice for a donation of $15 to the American Cancer Society. For a donation of $5, you can learn the identity of the person who paid to put the toilet in your yard. For a donation of $20, you can buy “insurance” to keep the toilet from arriving in your own front yard. To give the gift of a purple toilet, call Dori Blauert, chair of Relay for Life Pagosa Springs, at 731-9458.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Pagosa Lakes News

You can help — adopt a street

When trash starts to grow faster than grass in the early summer, you can say with some certainty that we have no shortage of trash.

There is, however, a shortage of volunteers willing and able to clean up the unsightly litter.

Thanks to groups of volunteers and individuals who are already involved in highway cleanup, we are able to keep some areas litter-free.

There are, though, other areas that have not been adopted that are looking pretty sad.

Will you consider helping, either by committing to a stretch of roadway or, if not, even minimally, go out with a trash bag and clean in your immediate neighborhood.

Have you seen the Adopt-A-Street signs posted by roadways in Pagosa Lakes? This program allows people to adopt a section of road, and these volunteers take responsibility to keep their adopted stretch of roadway clean. If you would like to help, please call Larry Lynch at the PLPOA office at 731-5635, Ext. 25. The association will put your name on a sign for your adopted stretch of road, supply you with trash bags and when the bags are filled, pick them up for proper disposal. Do consider helping out.

The association thanks the following volunteers for participating in the Adopt-A-Street program: David and Fran Bohl, Bart and Erica Cox, Jack and Lynn DeLange, Mojie Adler, Jim and Dagmar Huffman, Jim and Eva Iwicki, the Dermody family, Archuleta County Democrats, David and Margie Lucero, Jim Cole, John and Terri Hoehn, Bill and Jean Bechtold, the Brinkmann family, Mary Webb, Joe Donovan, Jean Carson, PLPOA staff, Ed Funk, Joseph and Guadalupe Rivas, Joe and Debbie Hannigan, Bruce and Nettie Trenk and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

The Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association regular June board meeting will be today at 7 p.m. at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse. The public is invited to attend.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Community Center News

A beautiful place and time, a full schedule

It’s wonderful to smell the cool fresh air after a summer rain. One of the things I enjoy about the rain is how picturesque everything looks after the rain falls. Old wooded barns look like photographs from days past, and all the beautiful flowers waiting to bloom provide a photographer’s paradise.

Don’t miss out, get that disposable camera, or that camera you got for Christmas, and haven’t figured out how to work it, and be adventurous. There might be a little Ansel Adams in you.

July at the center

We have the Celebrate America program to look forward to on July 2, from 7-9 p.m.

The library will hold a book sale, July 18, 5-9 p.m., at the Friends annual meeting potluck and sale. And, on July 19, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., the book sale will be open to the public. So, come and support the library; there are adventures, autobiographies, fiction and non-fiction, all waiting to be read. Let this summer’s read be the start of a great relationship with reading. Reading never goes out of style.

Also, look forward to the Indian Art Auction, July 25, 6-11 p.m.

We will have more information on all these events in the coming weeks.

Arts and crafts fair

Don’t forget the arts and crafts fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday June 13, at the community center. It is sponsored by the P.S. I Love Red Hats to benefit Relay for Life. Admission is by donation. Please come and get those birthday and just-because gifts off your list. Help support these great organizations.

Couples and line dancing

Sometimes it is necessary to lose something in order to make you appreciate having it (like $3 per gallon gas).

In this case, it is two community facilities, the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse and the community center. As our town grows, both of these facilities are in greater demand and require earlier booking, as well as more flexibility on the part of their users. Where in a big city could you have a gym and so many beautiful rooms for dancing, cards, art classes, church services and parties at minimal cost, not to mention free computers? We are so fortunate to have these great meeting rooms available and cooperative people staffing them — just one more plus for Pagosa.

Don’t forget our practice dance and party at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse on Wednesday, June 25, at 7 p.m. There are rumors that Dancing With The Stars has scouts looking for new talent. Do we have some surprises for them! Anyway, everyone is invited. Come meet some new friends; dancing is optional.

Couples classes are Monday at 9 a.m. and line dancing is at 10 a.m. No experience necessary, beginners welcome. Call Gerry at 731-9734 for more information.

Volleyball 4 Fun

This program will take place at the community center June 19, July 17, 24 and 31, from 3:45 to 5 p.m.

Hoopsters

Come join the guys every Tuesday and Thursday, 8-9 a.m. for a round of basketball. The group welcomes newcomers. It’s a free program.

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

Yoga

Get limber every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Discover that peaceful state of body and mind. Bring a mat or thick towel, if you intend to participate.

Duplicate Bridge

Play every Friday, noon-4:30 p.m. Come and join us for Duplicate Bridge. We welcome all out-of-town summer players. Please call the community center for more information, 264-4152.

Open gym

You are free to play most sports in the gym when there are no planned events. Call the center for information.

A place to gather

The center’s hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. We have a variety of reasonably priced rooms to meet your space needs — for 20, 40, 50, 80 or 500 people. Call 264-4152 or e-mail us at communitycenter@centurytel.net.

Activities

Thursday, June 12 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Nature Conservancy Meeting, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Park Fun, 1-3:30 p.m.; Volleyball 4 Fun, 4-5 p.m.; Chimney Rock, 6-8 p.m.

Friday, June 13 — Arts and crafts fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Duplicate Bridge, noon-4:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 14 — Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m-5:30 p.m.; Education Center, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 15 — Grace Evangelical Free Church, 10 a.m.-noon; Church of Christ, 10 a.m.-noon.

Monday, June 16 — Line dancing, 9-11:30 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 17 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; yoga, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Park Fun, 1-4 p.m.; Town Tourism Committee, 4-6 p.m.; Forest Service training, 6-10 p.m.; Red Hats bridge game, 6-9 p.m.

Wednesday, June 18 — Square Top rehearsal, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 5-6 p.m.

Thursday, June 19 — Hoopsters, 8-9 a.m.; Conservancy, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Square Top rehearsal, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Park Fun, 1-3:30 p.m.; Volleyball 4 Fun, 4-5 p.m.; Audubon Society, 6-8 p.m.; Ducks Unlimited, 6-9 p.m.; Forest Service training, 6-10 p.m.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Photo courtesy Jeff Laydon
A fond farewell. Kyle Canty, longtime Pagosa Springs math teacher, delivered the commencement address at the recent graduation ceremony at the Pagosa Springs High School gym. Canty is leaving the school district and the area this summer.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Kelton Christians medical fund

For those who don’t know, one of Brent and Janae Christians’ twin boys has contracted severe pneumonia and has been care flighted to Denver’s Children Hospital.

Kelton’s prognosis is good after having a two-hour surgery a week ago. Kelton was finally released from ICU, but remains in the hospital for an indeterminate time to ensure all the bacteria is out of his lungs. His doctors have told Brent and Janae that Kelton’s full recovery time will take six-12 months. Pretty hard stuff for a 2-year-old.

The most important thing to Brent and Janae is knowing everyone is praying for them. They have been placed on all of the area church’s prayer lists and people are with them they don’t even know. It seems to be working!

However, while Brent and Janae are concentrating on their son, their friends are also concentrating on the financial ramifications this will have on the Christians family.

The Kelton Christians Medical Fund has been set up to help defray the enormous costs the Christians will still incur even after insurance pays. The cost of the care flight alone, from Durango to Denver, is estimated to be somewhere around $25,000. Insurance will not pay for the majority of that cost alone.

This is an amazing community and when a need is there, we rise to the occasion. Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your concern and for everyone in the Christians and Johnson families.

Make checks payable to: Kelton Christians Medical Fund.

Take them to Community Banks of Colorado (located at 262 Pagosa St. No. 101, in the Prudential Building, downtown. Or mail to: Community Banks of Colorado, P.O. Box 1890 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.