Kudos and Kindness, Jan. 28, 2018
Remembering Doc Magoon
We lost a great man recently. Dr. Robert Magoon (Doc) and wife Nancy are great supporters of the arts. Bob also was involved in the avalanche dog programs. He was generous in so many ways to me and especially my son Gary in regard to his eyes. May your new journey be filled with bird hunting with your beloved dogs, waist-deep powder and fast boat racing.
You are missed! Nancy, we are here for you.
Scooter LaCouter and the LaCouter family
Aspen
Rewards of the Buddy Program
Four years ago a friend suggested that I look into becoming a big buddy with the Buddy Program. Four years later I have had the good fortune of getting to know and developing a relationship with my little buddy, Oliver. A typical meeting for us can range from a quick bite to eat after I pick him up from school to an evening behind the scenes of the X Games eating pizza and visiting with some of the pro athletes. Some of my favorite time spent with Oliver is either riding bikes throughout town or grabbing an early breakfast before school, a positive and tasty way to begin a day.
The experience with the Buddy Program has weaved a thread of community throughout my life and has connected me even closer with our Roaring Fork Valley community. Personal and professional connections made through the Buddy Program emerge every day. Program directors, other mentors, other mentees, board members and sponsors are visible and active throughout the community and make this valley seem even more tight knit than it already is.
As some might not think, the experience of being a mentor is just as influential for the mentor as it is the mentee. I have constantly been surprised by how much I learn about myself and how challenging myself to build a relationship with someone much younger than I can grow the person I am. Spending time with youth also has reminded me to slow down, listen, play and enjoy more.
As a friend once did for me, I would like to do for you and encourage you to look into volunteering with the Buddy Program. I assure you that you will find a strong sense of community and a stronger sense of yourself.
Jimmy Dula
Aspen
January is all about fresh starts. A new beginning. Another chance to do some good in the neighborhood.
However, with the demands of today’s ‘on the go’ culture, it’s an unfortunate reality that our relationships, family and otherwise, can at times take the backseat to work commitments. With bills, music practice for the kids, and Rotary Club…it’s a surprise there isn’t a Marvel comic about you. That being said, we mustn’t forget what makes all that work worth it: our relationships. By slowing down enough to connect with our neighbors, we share in one of life’s greatest gifts: friendship. There definitely isn’t an app for that, so put down the iPhone.
What we do have, are two local organizations, Youth Zone’s Pals Mentoring and The Buddy Program. Combined, these two home-grown nonprofits have served the RFV for an impressive combined 96 years and are continuing to grow to meet the needs of our communities. If you’d like to do your part in making our valley a better place, there’s no need to be an expert. There is just the one requirement of having hope for a better, more connected tomorrow. The life you change just might be your own.
Discover your new passion. Become a mentor.
For more information please visit:
youthzone.com/programs/pals-mentoring/
buddyprogram.org
Join The Buddy Program for a celebration on January 31st at Maker + Place in Aspen from 5:00-7:00pm – complimentary refreshments will be provided!
All current and former Big Buddies are invited as well as anyone who’s interested in learning more! Grab a friend and meet us there.
Laura Seay
Aspen
Circle of Friends offers a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to everyone who was involved with the 4th annual Wintersköl Bingo For All Ages, which was held Sunday, January 14. Circle of Friends is an Aspen High School service club that connects generations.
It was a true community gathering, connecting locals and visitors ranging in age from 5 to 95! We offered fellowship, awesome prizes, great food and fun for everyone!
Special thanks to the amazing volunteers, led by Circle of Friends fantastic co-presidents Austin Mickles and Sonya Benson. Thank you also to ACRA and the Pitkin County Library.
Heartfelt thanks to our very generous donors:
Taster’s Pizza, Paradise Bakery, Aspen Animal Shelter, Aspen Emporium, Aspen Hair Co., Carl’s, Chequers, City Market, Clark’s Market, Grateful Deli, 520 Grill, Hair Brainz, Hickory House, Hotel Jerome, Ink Coffee, Isis Movie Theater, Jüs, Meat and Cheese, Mountain Flowers, Performance Sports, Pitkin County Dry Goods, Polished Salon, Pyramid Bistro, Radio, Sashae, Shlomo’s, Spring Cafe, Sundance Liquor and Gifts, The Big Wrap, The Red Onion, The Snowmass Club, Ultimate Salon, Ute Mountaineer, Viceroy Snowmass Hotel and Wheeler Opera House.
Gratefully Yours,
Barbara Lynn Bloemsma
Pitkin County Senior Services Council
Circle of Friends Advisor
