"She then made the awesome transition from New York to Rico," said Mike Curran, a local historian from Rico.
And Betty then became one of the most colorful characters in Rico. I'm sure that there will be plenty retold and acted out in Saturday's play. One, which Curran told me, involved a horse thief stealing one of her horses. Betty rode all the way to Mexico, got the horse back from the thief and rode the horse back to Rico.
Betty also operated mines with her husband, was responsible for keeping the Galloping Goose going an extra 10 years and successfully won a bid for the state legislature. She went on to become the first female speaker of the house.
This two-woman play put on by Terri Helms and Midge Kirk, ladies and gentlemen, will leave you educated and in awe of this amazing woman.
What's hot: The Beach
Sunday was a busy day at Dolores' Beach. The Beach is a popular spot on the river just on the other side of the river from Joe Rowell park. It was hard to find a parking spot Sunday. But the water was nice, the company friendly, and everyone had a smile on their face.
What's hotter: 'Pits of Hell'
Mark your calendars for a book-signing event in Dolores on July 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Dolores Public Library. Author Jenny B.A.S., a resident of Ignacio, will be available to sign copies of her book, The Pits of Hell.
"I will never forget how cold the shotgun barrel felt against my forehead. It was my first day in the apartment I shared with my abusive boyfriend. He was holding a double-barreled shot-gun to my head and saying if I moved out, he would kill everyone I cared about. I looked him in the eye and said, 'You may as well pull the trigger now.' He spit on me, kicked me and said, 'Oh no, you don't get off that easy. I've only just begun to play with you.' And the game was on."
In The Pits of Hell, the author takes you into the world of domestic violence and reveals the mind games these abusers play. She uncovers the strategies abusers use to gain power and control over their victims. Her story gives you vital information that can save your life or the life of someone you love. The index in the back directs you to real-life examples of the abuser's pattern of behavior, making it easier to identify and avoid a potential abuser.
What's heating up: Escalante Days
Even though it is nearly a month away, Dolores, and my children for that matter, are already getting excited about the upcoming Escalante Days. Here is a preview of the exciting events to come:
The 38th Annual Escalante Days celebration in Dolores, "Celebrating Escalante Days and Nights," is Friday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9. Bike rodeo, ice cream eating contest, live music, and more Friday evening, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Pancake breakfast kicks off Saturday at 6 a.m. followed by a parade, softball tournament, mountain bike race, duck race, activities for kids and families, food and vendors in Flanders Park from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and live music from noon until midnight at Dolores River Brewery's indoor and outdoor stages. Contact the Dolores Chamber of Commerce for more information at 882-4018, or visit their website, www.dolorechamber.com.
The Dolores Rotary Club is holding the annual Escalante Days Mountain Bike Race on Saturday, Aug. 9 and is looking for racers and volunteers. Contact Laurel Rematore at Lrematore@sti.net or 529-4642 for more information.
The Dolores Rotary Club offers a free children's Bicycle Rodeo the evening before the race, behind the Dolores Medical Center at 6 p.m. The rodeo teaches bicycle safety. Participants will receive free helmets and will have a chance to win a new bicycle.
Shannon Livick