On Sunday, April 25, the Parents In Education groups of Glenwood Springs and Sopris elementary schools held an event that was the first ever of its kind between the two schools. The idea started simply enough, but by the end of the first planning session, it was a full-blown diabetes Walk a Thon and Family Fitness get-together. The great results were many: The weather was perfect, and about 400 people showed up to show support for diabetes research, close to $5,000 was raised through donations, and lots of kids from both schools got to spend some quality time with one another and their families.Thanks go out to many for this event: First of all, the PIE presidents at both schools, Paula Matheson of SES and Shannon Moller of GSES, Paula Helm, Kristen Baronski, Casey Beckler and Hillery Oddo. Thanks also to the volunteer parents who managed the registration table and those who helped set up or take down, too. Thanks to the GWS Fire Department for bringing out the fire engine and to the GWS Police Department and Officer Steve Vaden for helping out on Coach Miller Drive. Thanks to Lafarges Ian Exelbert and Steve Fisk for the use of the grill and for cooking the burgers, the rec center, and anyone else we are forgetting. Thank you to GSHS for the use of the football field. Well see you all next spring for the second year of this new tradition!Sincerely,Sonya J.L. Hemmen,Howard Jay,Dave Lindenberg

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Kelley Cox for the beautiful nature pictures being published in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent. I look daily for your pictures.I just had to write after those outstanding pictures of the eagles. They were exceptional.Some of your photos I send to a friend in California so she can see a little of the beauty here in Colorado, which we all enjoy. Keep up the good work Kelley!In appreciation,Joan GeorgeGlenwood Springs

Dear Roaring Fork Valley,My husband Nick told me every day that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Yet, we dont realize the real beauty because we see it every day and dont acknowledge it or we take it for granted. This last month I have seen the real beauty of this valley and this community. It has come to me and my children in the form of meals, flowers, donations, time and love. There are no words to describe the gratitude and appreciation I have for all of you who have made this dark time so much easier.I will never be able to thank or re-pay this valley for all their support, kind words and generosity, but nevertheless I would like to tell you all thank you.As Nick touched so many of you, all I can say back to you is that so many of you touched him.Debbie AlcortaBasalt

On Monday May 3, the GSHS Mock Trial state championship team and their coaches left for the national competition in Orlando, Fla. They left here representing the entire state of Colorado and as importantly, our community of Glenwood Springs. As proud parents of a team member wed like to wish them a safe and exciting journey.Many area businesses and individuals have very quietly and very generously given to this group of young adults. They wouldnt be going without that support. We are so grateful to live in such a wonderful valley.Good luck you guys! Sean and Greg JeungGlenwood Springs

Healthy Mountain Communities would like to thank all the participants, speakers, and sponsors of the 2nd annual State of the Valley Symposium at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. Their involvement made the symposium a success. We look forward to organizing the 2005 symposium to further identify and explore issues and trends in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys.Special thanks to the symposium sponsors, including Alpine Bank, Colorado Mountain College, Vail Leadership Institute, Valley View Hospital, Schmueser Gordon Meyer, Sundeen & Son Construction, New Century Transportation Foundation, Williams Production, Whitsitt & Gross, P.C.., Sopris Engineering, The Land Studio, Basalt Chamber of Commerce, Clarion Associates, Lamont Planning Services, The Sopris Avenue Institute, Linden Marketing Group, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glenwood Springs for making the symposium possible.Proceedings of the symposium, including electronic versions of presentations, are available online at http://www.hmccolorado.org.Sincerely,Colin LairdHMC coordinator

Dear Editor,On April 18, we held a benefit for the Walters family. I would just like to send my heartfelt appreciation to all of the people in our valley that so generously gave of their time, services and donations. Over 400 people attended the event, making it a fabulous time for everyone.I would like to extend a thank-you to a few special people: to Kurt Wigger and his staff for the use of Buffalo Valley, to the Dags for donating their time and talent, to The Print Works for all the printing, Dale Stephens, Rick Locke, and Maz for cooking, to the Glenwood Springs High School Booster Club and track team, to Alpine Bank and to the people that, without them, I never could have done it. Bob and Mary Hinckey, Becky McReynolds, Karen Kotlarchyk, Donna Nystrom, Marcia Moore, Kathy Beckwith, Krissy and Collin Hoff, Tom and MaryBeth Joiner, and to all of those that so generously donated to the silent auction, there are just too many to mention here. Thank you so very much.Jan has been courageously fighting ovarian cancer, and the outpouring of love and support from the people of our town, in this trying time, has meant so much to this family. On behalf of Ed, Jan, Jessica and Abby Walters, and their friends and family, I would like to say thank you.Sincerely,Maureen MaznioNew CastleP.S. Donations are still being accepted at any Alpine Bank.