Readers Say Thanks

First 'Living in the U.S.' workshop a success

The Community Integration Initiative (CII) wishes to thank those who made our first "Living in the U.S." workshop, held Monday night, June 23, at Mountain View Church in Glenwood, such a success. Our topic, "Challenges of Raising the Immigrant Child," featured a first-rate panel of local experts with Adriana Ayala (Re-1 Pre-collegiate Program), Bruce Benjamin and Marie Munday (Pitkin County Sheriff), Sarah Woods and Evan Zislis (YouthZone), and Lis Mancinas (Roaring Fork Family Resource Centers).

Simultaneous and consecutive interpretation by Maria de Leo and Carlos Herrera ensured monolingual English- and Spanish-speaking participants alike understood every comment, and could be a model to bridge the language gap at similar meetings.

Thanks also to Pastor Juan Lopez, staff, and the 25-30 participants who shared questions and concerns about the emerging multicultural generation and its viability in the Aspen-to-Parachute region. We hope to see even more of you at our upcoming workshops.

Jim Coombs, Hanya Gottardo and Roberto Moreno
The Community Integration Initiative

People that beautify the community are appreciated

I would like to recognize all the people responsible for making the Glenwood Springs community an attractive place to live and visit.

I appreciate the crews at the highway department for mowing the bar ditches and aprons of the interstate; I think this is a visible way to show we care about our roads, byways and city. The roundabouts in West Glenwood are very attractive. My thanks also to those who pick up trash along the roads: I applaud your efforts.

I also appreciate the property owners along Midland and the community center; I have noticed your hard work in keeping the long grass and weeds under control. This area looks like someone is caring.

Finally, to those of you who still need to beautify your property, I say thanks in advance, emulate your neighbors.

Keep our community green and clean.

Steve Damm
Glenwood Springs

Another great Ball race rolls through Glenwood Springs

The Glenwood Springs Kiwanis Club thanks all the supporters of our sixth annual Ball Race, held June 22.

First prize of $5,000 went to Virgil Howard, and second prize of $500 was awarded to Bill Lorah. Other winners include Ruth Nelson, Karen Weiser, Suzzane Dameron, Jason Sacz, The Flower Mart, Cheryl Cain, Cameie Edminsten, Kyle Hall, Jim Bradford, Justin Cory, Jose Carlos Marquez, John Forhman, PBS&J, Jody Baehr, Carol Henry and Greg Little. Please pick up prizes at Canyon Bikes.

We thank these major corporate sponsors: Wal-Mart, American National Bank, Big Horn Toyota, Jacobs Engineering, Loris & Associates, SDS Mortgage, HP Geotech, Bank of Colorado, Beau Jo's Pizza, PBS&J, Glenwood Springs Ford, High Country Engineering, All Kids Dental, Alpine Bank, Structural Associates, EnCana, Vista Auto Group and Ace Roofing.

Other corporate sponsors include Schmueser Gordon Meyer, Sunlight Mountain Resort, Diemoz Construction, Jeff Leonard State Farm Insurance, Kitchen Design Studio, 20/20 Eye Care, The Flower Mart, Mytt Anderson of Bray & Co. Real Estate, First Call Communications, MPA Consulting Engineers, Rosi's Little Bavarian Inn, Sopris Lighting, Trish Romero American Family Insurance, DM Neuman Construction Co., Drs. Robert & John Murray DDS and the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.

Thanks also to merchandise and service prizes sponsors, including The Hotel Colorado, Hot Springs Pool, Yampah Vapor Caves Spa & Salon, Juicy Lucy's Steakhouse, Holiday Inn Express, Glenwood Adventure Park, The Italian Underground, Canyon Bikes, Tequila's Mexican Restaurant, Rock Garden Rafting, Glenwood Canyon Brew Co., Whitewater Rafting, Fiesta Guadalajara, Mountain Sports Outlet, The Bayou, The Springs Theatre, Mancinelli's Pizza, Zheng's Asian Bistro, Rivers restaurant, Great Clips, Dos Hombres, Sunlight Ski & Bike, The Grease Monkey, Moe's Southwest Grill, Chili's Restaurant, The Pit Stop, Russo's Pizza, Riviera Restaurant and Glenwood Canyon Rafting.

The Glenwood Springs Kiwanis Club wants everyone to know that 100 percent of the funds collected in connection with the Ball Race are directed toward the club's charitable endeavors. Kiwanis is a worldwide organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

We look forward to another exciting Ball Race at next year's Strawberry Days.

Mike McDill, president
Glenwood Springs Kiwanis Club