By Mac Neely
Mancos has a new veterinarian, Dr. Bruce Byrd, DVM. He has been visiting Rico and Telluride from Mississippi for many years to enjoy the mountains. When he saw the “for sale” ad for our vets office on 299 W. Frontage Road, he jumped at the chance. Drs. Rose and Bruce now run the business, while Dr. Don Schwartz enjoys a well-deserved retirement.
Earlier in life, Byrd played the trombone and was a band leader. Finally realizing that he really wanted to be a veterinarian, he went back to school and graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and a doctor of veterinary medicine. Byrd and his German shepherd are now settled happily in Mancos. They love to hike and explore, so the next time you’re in the office with a pet, invite him to hike with you. Or go to meet him without the pet!
Catching up with Luther Elliss
When I first came to Mancos, there was a retired football player named Luther Elliss who played ball in the park with our boys. I later learned Elliss was a Mancos High School graduate, an All-American, a 12-year defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, a Bronco and a two-time NFL Pro Bowler. He is married and has 12 kids, some of them adopted. And guess what he is doing now? If you look closely at the beginning of a Broncos game, you may see him in the huddle. He is now their chaplain. If there is anyone out there who was lucky enough to play with that “gentle giant” in Boyle Park, I’d really like to talk with you. You know where I live.
Games at Painted Turtle
I’ve heard that Ryan from “Games” at Painted Turtle was a great hit at the Senior Center last week. Have you played yet? It’s a blast! For more goings-on at the Painted Turtle, call 970-533-7136 to register today.
Painted Turtle wears a happy smileThe Painted Turtle is all smiles after learning that the Putt-Putt golf match raised $700 for student art scholarships. Many thanks to the 20 stores that had golf holes, the men and women who manned them, Art Pulis and horse Avatar, who transported many of the golfers – and especially the 25 couples from Durango, Cortez, Dolores and Mancos – for a fun afternoon and helping a good cause.
Artisans Gallery showcases saddlemakers
The Artisans Gallery, corner of Main and Grand, is featuring a new artist – actually two – saddlemakers Lisa and Loren Skyhorse. Lisa was interested in leather almost her whole life, and learned saddlemaking from Lawrence DeWitt, a master. In 1972, she met Loren and he became interested in saddlemaking himself. The two make a remarkable team, using Old World technics, adding their own touches to everything they make. Theirs is normally a male thing, and Lisa told me about last years annual convention of leatherworkers in the world. There were 12 of them, 11 males and Lisa. To see their work, visit the Artisans, 9-5 p.m., 7 days week. Just walk in the front door. You may never want to leave.
Welcome wagon
No longer will newcomers wander around town, wondering where to go, where to eat. The Chamber of Commerce is reviving the custom of greeting newcomers with a map, information, coupons and small gifts from the local businesses. They won’t be using the original name “Welcome Wagon,” but those of you who have moved here since January 2016 will be visited. Look for them soon.
Visitor Center is looking for volunteers
Are you an exciting, happy, giving person, bursting with energy, wanting to share? The Mancos Valley Visitor Center is looking for you. As a volunteer, you’ll meet folks from all over the world who want to know about Mancos, or maybe just want a good place to eat. You will give out maps, directions and tell them all about us. You will make their journey so much fun that they’ll come back again and again. Can you give five of those happy hours a week? You’ll never regret it! Call Mac at 970-533-1525.
And more help needed at the chamber
And while we’re asking, the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce is looking for a few good men. Bruce Chilcott is the lone man surrounded by six women, and we’re sure he’d appreciate some male company. One man would be welcome on the Christmas tree committee. Others will serve the board. They meet at the Visitor Center the first Thursday of the month, at 5 p.m. and try to keep the meetings to one hour. Please call Mac at 970- 533-1525.
Do you have some Mancos happenings to report? Call Mac Neely at 970-533-1525.