On behalf of Leadership La Plata, we want to sincerely thank those who contributed to the success of the arts and culture session held Jan. 12 in the Vallecito Room at Fort Lewis College.
First, we were very fortunate to be able to hold the class in the beautiful Vallecito Room thanks to Dean Steve Elias and the FLC School of Business Administration, which generously underwrote the cost. Facilities coordinator Megan Maurillo, technical services coordinator Juan Lopez and the Sodexo catering staff made the class run smoothly and comfortably.
We also thank the college’s excellent music department, Kerry Ginger and her music students, for wowing the class with outstanding performances, and illustrating the excellence and variety of the Durango arts.
Ted Holteen, our moderator, was a pleasure to work with, and we appreciate him keeping the class on track and the mood light.
We also thank: Tami Graham, for demonstrating leadership and not just lecturing about it during her presentation on civility; Judith Reynolds for introducing the class to Durango’s rich architectural history; Colleen O’Brien for explaining the role of the creative economy in the city of Durango Comprehensive Plan; Tim Walsworth, Chip Lile, Gordon Thomas, Linda Mannix and Tami Graham for participating in a panel about the many arts organizations, festivals and events that contribute to our culture; and to all the artists who opened their offices and studios to students and introduced them to the challenges and joys of being a part of the creative economy.
Also, we thank Tafoya Barrett, who provided the funding to underwrite costs for the program. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Many in the community contribute to Leadership La Plata on an ongoing basis, and we know we speak for all LLP class members and graduates when we say “thank you” for allowing this all-volunteer program to continue. It is a privilege to be part of Leadership La Plata.
Class coordinators Katherine Burgess and John Ballew
On behalf of the La Plata County Salvation Army, we would like to thank the following groups for helping ring bells for the community: First Presbyterian Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mercy Regional Medical Center, Christ the King Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, Bayfield Calvary Presbyterian Church, Pine River Valley Church, Bayfield Riverview Christian Church, Pine River Centennial Rotary, Bayfield High School National Honor Society, Manna, Evening Rotary, Daybreak Rotary, High Noon Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club of Durango, Trails 2000, Department of Human Services, Tri County Headstart, Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County, The Cowbelles, Durango Fire and Rescue, Coldwell Banker Realtors, Keller Williams Realtors, Wells Group, Southwest Colorado Pickleball Association, La Plata Youth Services, Volunteers of America, Housing Solutions, De Colores Civitan Club, Vantiv Integrated Payments, Durango Area Tourism Office, residents of Dalton Ranch and Shenandoah, Durango Fiesta Days, La Plata County Fair and the Durango and Bayfield friends of the Salvation Army who volunteered to ring.
For helping make a difference in the lives of La Plata County residents, we congratulate partners: north City Market, south City Market, Walmart, Star Liquors, Paul Peeples and The Grocery Store in Bayfield.
Special thanks to the businesses that were matching kettle sponsors: Express Employment, Coldwell Bankers, FastSigns, Strater Hotel, Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center, Bank of Colorado, Alpine Bank, Target Rental, Durango Motors, La Plata Electric Association and Durango Silverton & Narrow Gauge Railroad.
The Salvation Army Board of Directors: Michelle Brown, Cheryl Schlabach, Carol Blatnick, Ken LeRoy, Deb Duncan, Marie Foucher-Luna, Sweetie Marbury, Vaughn Morris, Jim Bolen, Denise Finks, Robert Whitson, Larissa Partenope and Liz Stellrecht.
