LIBRARY NEWS
By Carole Howard and the Library Staff
We want to express our deep appreciation to the almost 100 Pagosa pilots and friends who raised more than $5,000 for the library at a fundraiser March 1 involving a highly successful silent auction and an out-of-season tropical theme that belied the huge amounts of snow we have received here this winter.
In fact, as you looked around the party site it was hard to believe we were in Archuleta County in the heart of a very snowy winter. That’s because John Huft’s airplane hangar at the Pagosa Springs airport was transformed into a beach party scene complete with a tropical blue sky, palm trees and white sand on the floor. Guests were dressed in shorts, aloha shirts, sundresses, sandals and other tropical attire. They donated a $20 entrance fee, brought potluck dishes for dinner and participated in a silent auction – all to raise money for your library.
Library director Jackie Welch and her staff were honored guests. Jackie told the pilots that their funds will be used to begin creating a special teens section in the library. “Presently we have areas that cater to young children, to early teens in Meagan’s Place, and to adult patrons in the Hershey Room,” she said. “Our intent is to use the southwest section of our building to create an area that would encourage teens and young adults to come into the library and make use of the resources available. This money will pay for half of our proposed new teen center.”
The pilots event was hosted by John and Teresa Huft, Ralph and Sam Goulds, Bob and Carole Howard, Jim and Pat Carey, Harry Young, the San Juan Flyers flying club, Bob Goubitz and Avjet Corp. They provided the liquid refreshments, decorations, planning and hard work to ensure that all the proceeds from the event would go directly to the library.
Silent auction items were donated by pilots, library supporters and local businesses including the Hufts, Goulds, Howards, Careys, the San Juan Flyers flying club, Scottie Gibson, Sharee Grazda, Frank Hutchins, Peter Welch, Robin Schiro, Caroleen Arbuthnot, Jim Lane, Jack Lilly, Maria MacNamee of Happy Trails Lady’s Boutique, Holly Langford and Elizabeth Young from Finishing Touches Salon, Anna O’Reilly from Pagosa Energy Massage, The Club, Dogwood Café, Boss Hogg’s restaurant, Pagosa Springs Golf Club, Wolf Creek Ski Area, Pagosa Springs Humane Society, Kraftin Post, and Four Corners Laser in Durango.
Auction items included gift baskets, gift cards, jewelry, women’s fashions, books, restaurant coupons, scrapbooking supplies, rounds of golf, exercise classes, an airplane flight, a helicopter ride, a biennial flight review, a golf putter, a Microsoft MP3 player, computer training, a massage and manicure, a painting, a wooden rocking chair and ski tickets at Wolf Creek. Additionally, many cash donations were received from pilots and friends.
This is the pilots’ second fundraiser for the library. The idea originated last winter with the Hufts and Goulds, who decided that winter blahs demanded a creative response. During the event Saturday evening, library staff displayed examples of the wonderful children’s books purchased with proceeds from last year’s party.
“This was an incredibly fun event for a very serious cause,” Jackie said. “We were thrilled when the Pagosa pilots raised so much money for the library last year. To have them be even more generous this year makes us realize how much they appreciate the library’s role in our community.”
Free Lifelong Learning lectures
Lifelong Learning lectures resume Saturday, March 15 at 3 p.m. when Dr. Andrew Gulliford will speak on “Preserving Native American Sacred Places” at the library. For the complete lineup of the spring series lectures arranged by program organizer Biz Greene, please visit the library web site at www.pagosalibrary.org.
New fiction on CDs
“Atonement” by Ian McEwan is the book that became the basis of an Academy Award nominated film this year. “Plum Lucky” by Janet Evanovich is the latest in the Stephanie Plum mystery series. “The Venetian Betrayal” by Steve Berry is a thriller involving a female despot from the former Soviet Union who wants to surpass Alexander the Great as history’s ultimate conqueror.
Political books
“Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership” is written by former secretary of state Madeleine Albright for the next president, whether Democrat or Republican. “Liberal Fascism” by Jonah Goldberg offers a new perspective on the theories and practices that define fascist politics. “ Colorado’s U.S. Senators” by Sen. Wayne Allard is a biographical guide to our state’s senators from 1876 to 2004. “I Am America (And So Can You!)” by Stephen Colbert, which showcases the opinions of this conservative political humorist, is available in hard cover and as a CD.
New non-fiction
“Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography” is a revealing expose about this famous actor by Andrew Morton, the British writer who became famous worldwide for his book about Princess Diana. “Free Lunch” by Pulitzer Price-winning investigative reporter David Cay Johnson bills itself as a look at “how the wealthiest Americans enrich themselves at government expense and stick you with the bill.” “The Breakthrough Company: How Everyday Companies Become Extraordinary Performers” by Keith McFarland sets out the strategies and skills that the author says anyone can use, including for small startup businesses.
Meditation and awareness
An anonymous benefactor donated the money for us to buy two books by Joel S. Goldsmith, one of the great spiritual teachers of the 20 th century: “The Art of Meditation” and “Practicing the Presence.”
Thanks to our donors
Our thanks this week for gifts of books and materials from Robyn Alspach, Cheryle Bowdridge, Ronnie Doctor, Teddy Finney, Ron Graydon, Michael Greene, Shawna Harper, Susan Joy, Barbara Lindley, Ken Iarussi, Sheila McKenzie, Harold Morrison, Jim Rutledge, Jason Siren, Bruce Smith, Lynda Van Patter and Margaret Wilson.
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