Well, here we are, all settled into our winter routine with the hatches battened down. It looks like we are finally back into the usual winter storms and sunny cold days.
CDOT used their avalauncher last week up above Rico. The Yellow Springs slide came loose, but I am not sure if Mountain Springs was ready. Our area received a substantial amount of snow before Todd Jones zeroed in on some of the more dangerous slides above us. His vehicle is designed with the avalauncher secured on the bed of the truck and when the crew knows that there are no vehicles on the highway above and below, they shoot. Some go and some do not until they are hit a second time at a later date.
The Open House at the elementary school last week was encouraging for the school board. Our little school is in need of more students for this upcoming school year. The Dolores County School Board is actively pursuing ways of encouraging Rico-ites to consider enrolling their preschoolers or any student from preschool to 6th grade. We have excellent teachers. Everyone will testify to that. I have heard teachers who visit here exclaim that they would love to teach at a school where one can see the great outdoors from each classroom and open a window for a breath of fresh air even when its snowing outside!
Another silent auction is being planned for Amber, our young lady who suffered a near-fatal accident up on Lizard Head. She is gaining strength, but is desperately holding her own up in Grand Junction.
Our younger set, about five, are doing an extra-curricular activity this winter ice skating lessons up at the indoor rink in Telluride. Our elementary students who, age-wise, qualify are skiing each Friday with someones mother in charge and skiing with them. We also have several in preschool who are taking the beginning lessons up there. That is just excellent. I know that the elementary kids lessons and free ski time is paid by our teachers ways-n-means projects and the Rico Womens Club and Im quite sure that the toddlers are taken care of also.
Marlene Hazen has lived in Rico for two decades. An active member of the community, she participates in organizations such as the Rico Womens Club and Rico Historical Society.