GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. Despite a difficult setback in 2006, Becky and Corey Spagnolo have not only remained upbeat, they have continued to serve their community.The Spagnolos have been named the 2006 Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association’s Volunteers of the Year.A devastating fire closed the couple’s Italian restaurant last year, and Becky went on to open Star Seed Gift Baskets. After the busy restaurant, the couple had time on their hands and they volunteered to help the chamber open a gift shop at the visitor center. The store sells member and logo merchandise on consignment with the aim of promoting chamber member businesses.

While Becky organizes the merchandise, Corey puts time in with painting, changing light bulbs, doing what’s needed.Becky and Corey met in Hollywood, Calif., in 1986 at a local music club on the legendary Sunset Strip. Becky had managed the club for 10 years and booked music acts. Corey was a traveling musician and performed there one night with the Chambers Brothers, who had the hit single “Time has Come Today.”They met, and, as they say, the rest is history.Becky’s parents had a guest ranch north of Rifle, the Coulter Lake Dude Ranch, and the couple visited there a few times a year. In 1997, they decided to leave Tinseltown and move to the ranch. A year later they bought a business on Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs that became Spagnolo’s Italian Restaurant.

Becky and Corey still hope to reopen the popular eatery.Becky also was responsible for the creation of River Dog Run, a park for dogs in Glenwood Springs.

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Contact Donna Gray: 945-8515, ext. 16605dgray@postindependent.comPost Independent, Glenwood Springs Colorado CO