Carmen Hubb introduced herself and her presenters from Youth Rise, Sarah Ross and Elisa Hubb.    Cheryl Bowdridge directs Youth Rise and she was there to cheer the girls on.  The purpose of the program is to improve the lives of youth in our community by teaching healthy beliefs and behaviors and setting them up for positive social norms regarding relationship violence while striving for a violence free Pagosa. This is the second year of this class being offered as an elective in the High School and was conceived to stop violent behaviors from being developed at an early age.  Programs such as internet safety, bullying, healthy relationships and sexual harassment are offered throughout the year.  There are also special events such as the Denim Day Marchon April 24th at noon at the downtown Bell Tower, The Push Up Challenge on April 26th at Crossfit and the Pagosa Duathlon on July 13th.  

 

 

Rise Above Violence was re-branded from the previously know Archuleta County Victims Assistance program in 2006.  Whenever any person is involved in a violent crime there can be a number of other systems that get involved including the Civil Court system, protective custody, short and long-term housing, serious financial implications can be involved as well as dealing with the trauma.  A grant-funded Advocate assists victims with managing all these issues as well as hearing appearances.  Rise Above Violence has a 24 hour hotline in Pagosa but no alternative housing solutions here locally other than short-term motel stays.  There is a shelter in Durango.

 

Another function of RISE is to assist with training for law enforcement officers and emergency responders so that they can recognize signs of abuse and know how to respond to it.  

 

 

Cata got us started with a beautiful invocation in Spanish.  I have always loved the sound of the Spanish language although personally, I could not speak or understand a single word.  She briefly  interpreted that the words were about learning to love ourselves and to take care of each other.  A little later in the meeting Cindi Galabota passed around a clip board for folks to sign up to inspire us with their own invocations!  If you missed the clip board, give Cindi a call and she can put you on that list.

 

Cindi also shared that the RYLA committee has met, made updates to the application forms, and is ready to get them distributed to the High School .  The event will be held in Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mountain College June 21 - 24.  Application forms are due to be returned to Cindi by April 19 and the interviews will take place the week of the 22nd.  Encourage that special student that you know to apply for this great opportunity!  Also, transportation is needed for one leg of this journey.  If three students are selected it will require a larger vehicle.  Please get in touch with Cindi if this is something you would like to experience.

 

The Hatcher Ice Melt contest has been extended!  Please get the word out that folks have UNTIL THE BARREL FALLS to continue to make guesses about that exact month, day, hour and second.  Just think, as the time goes nearer, your chances to win get better and better!  But, don't wait too long!

 

Tickets and posters were made available for the Gary Morris Concert on April 20, 2019.  Gary will do an interview with KWUF at 8:00 am on April 8th, so check in to listen to that.  Also, we will have the cover of the Preview on April 18th.  In the meantime, lets get selling those tickets! It would be just wonderful if we can fill that auditorium.

 

The Casino Night planning continues to move forward.  Don't forget to put that date down as well for May 17th!  We will most likely need to recruit more dealers so keep that in mind as you attend various functions and be making a list.

 

David Richardson gave us an update on brother John.  Other than the annoyance of having to wear a large uncomfortable neck brace, John and Helen are doing well with the recovery from his surgery.

 

 

Then Betty took over to celebrate our birthdays for the month of March.  Georgette,  Allen, Sue and Jeff were all called to the front of the room to don their birthday hats.  Jeff had a terrible time making his work.

 

March 30 - Sponsor Forms and Money Due

 

April 12 - Board of Directors Meeting

 

April 20 - Gary Morris Concert

 

April 27 - 9Health Fair

 

May 10 - Board of Directors Meeting

 

May 17 - Las Vegas Casino Night

 

May 22 - CDC Economic Development Luncheon

 

June 14 - Board of Directors Meeting

 

June 27 - Installation Banquet

 

July 4 - Independence Day Parade