Moffat County Locals

Moffat County

Locals

A supplement to the craig daily press

2 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2013 2014 2015

Thank you to our Loyal Customers for another great year!

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970.824.9380 • 211 W. 4th Street • Craig, Colorado

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Moffat County Locals

December 25, 2015

|3

Santa Claus waves to the crowd from his float, the final entry in the Parade of Lights, hosted by Downtown Business Association. The route included many holidaythemed characters headed down Yampa Avenue and Victory Way, concluding with a parade glow in the parking lot of the former Safeway building. Photo by Andy Bockelman

Thank you to my clients, our friends and family for an amazing year.

Your support during the past year has been unwavering.

Words cannot explain how much you are appreciated.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sandra & Oscar King King Homes and Land Realty

Sandra E. King ABR, CDPE, CRS, ePRO Owner/Broker

970-629-0596

504 W. Victory Way Craig, CO

www.kinghomesland.com sandra@kinghomesland.com

KING Homes and Land REALTY, LLC

4 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Publisher Renee Campbell 970-875-1788 Circulation Manager Gary Cole 970-875-1785 Editor Noelle Leavitt Riley 970-875-1790 Advertising Manager Sheli Steele 970-875-1782 Creative Services Manager Lindsay Porter 970-875-1780 Writers & Photographers Andy Bockelman 970-875-1793 Lauren Blair 970-875-1794 Patrick Kelly 970-875-1795 Advertising Cori Kroese 970-875-1783 Melissa Valentine 970-875-1781 Advertising Design Janette Najera Administrative Assistant Christy Barnes 970-875-1797

970-824-7031 CraigDailyPress.com

Lee fagan, Craig Parks & recreation crew supervisor, stands next to the memorial plaque at Alice Pleasant Park on Yampa Avenue. Photo by PAtRick kelly

on The CoVer: City Councilor joe Bird smiles and greets the crowd from the seat of a tractor during Parade of Lights. Photo by Andy bockelmAn

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

December 25, 2015

|5

Adam Mercier: Unique and proud of it

By Andy Bockelman “Unique” is a word that can mean many things to different people, but it’s a term Adam Mercier and those in his circle feel describes him pretty well.

Born in Craig, Mercier was adopted at the age of 7 and lived in Ogden, Utah, for part of his childhood, as well as moving to other parts of the country, including Texas and Michigan.

As a kid, he experienced some difficulties being understood, and it wasn’t until he was 16 that some of his social difficulties were explained with a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome. The condition is an autism spectrum disorder, and those who have it tend to struggle with communication and

ever’s going on with us and work with customers so they don’t get irritated,” he said. “It’s a juggle, a struggle during the day, but I don’t mind it.”

Carelli’s owner Brett Etzler said Mercier is always reliable, both in keeping things organized and making coffee in the mornings.

“Real strong coffee is one of his passions,” Etzler laughed, adding that Mercier’s cup of joe is sometimes too much for him. “He’s been a valuable asset for us about four years. He’s a great kid, we love his personality. He gives it his all, and we’re glad to have him here. It’s a crucial role for the betterment of our business.”

“I have high intelligence in a lot of different areas but not as much in other areas, so it’s kind of unique.”

ADAM MERCIER personal interaction.

“Back in the ‘90s, it wasn’t very well-known, and it was kind of tough and rough on me,” he said of his adolescence. “I was taught to be like everybody else, so I’ve tried to use what I’ve learned.”

Mercier moved back to Craig about 11 years ago.

“It’s my roots,” he said.

As an employee of Carelli’s Pizzeria & Pasta, Mercier is an integral part of the restaurant, responsible for unloading deliveries from food trucks.

Asperger’s can sometimes make talking to people or even being around others more challenging, though it’s a routine Mercier has mastered after several years.

“Customer service isn’t that difficult for me, but for someone with Asperger’s or autism, we have to put aside what-

Mercier also works a second job with JB Chapman’s pig farm.

“It’s mostly just taking care of them, making sure they’re fed,” he said.

When Mercier isn’t working, he’s an avid reader, both fiction and non-fiction, though he prefers the latter.

“Anything I can get my hands on that’s interesting,” he said.

Mercier said many people who meet him might be unaware of his Asperger’s, which is not necessarily an indicator of how intelligent a person is.

“I have high intelligence in a lot of different areas but not as much in other areas, so it’s kind of unique,” he said.

Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or abockelman@CraigDailyPress.com.

Adam Mercier leans against the front window of his workplace, Carell's Pizzeria & Pasta, a facade which includes a painting of a weary chef and seasonal snowflakes. Mercier handles unloading food trucks for the restaurant.

Photo by Andy Bockelman

THANK YOU FOR MAKING 2015 SO SUCCESSFUL!

LOOKING FORWARD TO SERVING YOU IN

2016!

QUALITY REPAIR (970)824-2792 • 1058 N. Yampa Ave. Craig, CO

970-629-8516 • 1058 N. Yampa Ave • Craig, CO

6 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Glorybee Ramos

brings joy to residents at Sunset Meadows

By Noelle Leavitt Riley Glory rings through the hearts of those who reside at Sunset Meadows I and II, thanks to love and care provided by Glorybee Ramos.

Ramos started working for Sunset Meadows in March, and it was an answer to her prayers.

Prior to getting hired to manage Meals on Wheels for the seniors at Sunset, she was offered two other jobs that didn’t give her the feeling of joy she wanted. Now, she gets to work in a position that holds great meaning to her. “(The seniors) make me feel like I’m a part of their family,” Ramos said. “I get 1,000 hugs a day.”

On the days that she’s not scheduled to work, she stops by Sunset with her two daughters just to say “hi” to the residents.

“(The seniors) make me feel like I’m a part of their family. I get 1,000 hugs a day.”

Glory Ramos

“They’re special. They need attention and care,” Ramos said. “It’s sad to see how many of them never have visitors.”

It’s her goal to make them feel loved and wanted. Tears filled her eyes as she spoke about how much enjoyment she feels working at Sunset Meadows. t “I wish they had an idea of how much they make my day,” Ramos said.

Her boss, Shawnna Muhme, said it’s quite the opposite and that Ramos makes everyone else’s day bright.

“She’s a wonderful, wonderful person,” Muhme said. “She is very dedicated to taking care of others. She’s respectful and honest, hardworking and caring. She follows through with everything she does. She deserves a lot of credit.”

Ramos is incredibly humble and only wanted to talk about those she’s connected with at Sunset Meadows.

“We don’t know how long they’re going to be here. We want them to feel special too. They’re all alone. They think I give to them, but they give to me,” she said.

Reach Noelle Leavitt Riley at 970-875-1790 or nriley@CraigDailyPress.com.

Glory Ramos loves working with senior citizens at Sunset Meadows senior living. She feels beyond blessed to have landed a job that brings her so much joy.

Photo by Noelle Leavitt Riley

The Staff and Residents of Bear Creek Animal Hospital would like to take this time to Thank You for your loyalty and confidence in us. We wish you and your loved ones a safe and

Happy Holiday Season.

Dr. Hepworth Dr. Visintainer Dr. Schrader Lori

Kim

Jessie Teya Ann

John

970-824-5964 • 2430 E. Victory Way

Kelly D.

Phyllis

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Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

December 25, 2015

Clem Mascarenas is known amongst Craig's seniors for his cheerful temperament and helpful nature as he gets them where they need to go on the "Senior Express." Photo by Lauren Blair

Clem Mascarenas:

Serving seniors one ride at a time

By Lauren Blair He’ll pick up your prescriptions, carry your groceries and charm you with his smile.

For Craig’s over-60 population, especially those who can no longer drive, Clem Mascarenas is a beloved and familiar face.

“Oh, they could never have found anybody better,” said Phyllis Bingham, in her 80s. “He can even make grumpy people smile.”

Mascarenas, known simply as Clem to most, drives the "Senior Express,” a bus for Moffat County seniors that gets them nearly anywhere in Craig they need to go during the week.

A Craig native, Clem worked at Safeway for 20 years before becoming a chauffeur to the seniors, a role in which he’s served for seven years this month. He takes great joy in getting people to and from their destination, and even more joy in figuring out how to help them in other small ways.

“You get to meet all kinds of people. They have hard lives, so you want to make it easier on them,” Clem said as he took calls and made his

rounds. “You just want to meet their needs with gentleness.”

Clem starts his weekdays at about 7:45 a.m., picking people up from Sunset Meadows or their homes to go to doctor’s appointments, hair appointments, the bank, or other errands. He’ll cover 70 to 100 miles on an average day — all within a five-mile radius of Sunset Meadows Senior Apartments — and recently logged 114 stops on a particularly busy day. His rounds also include regularly scheduled trips to Walmart, City Market and Kmart.

“When you go to the store, all of us old folks, when he brings you home, he carries in your stuff, or brings it to the door, whatever you need,” Bingham said. “If it’s icy, he helps each person get to and from the bus so they don’t fall.”

Bingham — whose oldest son is the same age as Clem — used to give him rides to school decades ago along with the other neighborhood kids.

“When I inquired about the senior bus, he said, ‘I owe you a few rides,’” Bingham said with a laugh.

Equally important to Clem is supporting seniors in getting out in the community to socialize. One regular passenger by the name of Bill relies on a ride twice a week to get to his standing date at the bowling alley.

“Socializing… is great therapy, so we definitely want people to get out of those four walls,” Clem said, referring to their homes or apartments. “I use this for socializing, so it’s healthy for me, too.”

Clem’s dedication to service and kindness is reinforced by his religious faith, and his joyful demeanor is a bright spot in many seniors’ days.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s man or woman, he’s there, he helps them, he’s good to them and he’s always got a few cheerful words,” Bingham said.

Contact Lauren Blair at 970-875-1794 or lblair@ CraigDailyPress.com or follow her on Twitter @ LaurenBNews.

“Oh, they could never have found anybody better.

He can even make grumpy people smile.”

Phyllis Bingham

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8 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Debbie and TJ Montgomery: A perfect package deal

By Andy Bockelman The holiday season is a time of countless packages, parcels, boxes, bags and other containers that go from gifter to giftee, but there are a long list of people in between who help an item get to its destination. And, if you’ve sent something from Craig, odds are Debbie and TJ Montgomery had a hand in the process.

The local couple owns and operates Pack Center Shipping, the downtown business that serves as a hub for UPS and FedEx. The building at 509 Yampa Ave. in fact serves as three businesses in one. In addition to the Pack Center, Debbie is an agent for Farmers Insurance, with a corner office devoted to it.

The duties can be anything from printing out labels to assisting customers with the packaging, with pickups by agencies FedEx and UPS, operating as an “authorized shipping outlet� for both. “This time of year, we probably put out close to 200 packages a day,� TJ said, noting the infrastructure that is in place in these operations would boggle people’s minds. “FedEx has a larger fleet of airplanes than all the airline carriers combined.

It’s just huge.�

The demand for their services continues up until the big

The foot traffic is about four times as great as any other part of the calendar as people send out their Christmas presents.

The site also remains a hobby shop under the name Empire Express Hobbies & Toys, and it’s well stocked with remote control items and models ranging from classic cars to airplanes to the Millennium Falcon.

However, it’s the hubbub of shipping that dominates the days right now.

Customers are in abundance this time of year, the husband and wife said, with the foot traffic about four times as great as any other part of the calendar as people send out their Christmas presents. “When I need help, I just yell, ‘Debbie!’ and she’ll come out of her office if she’s not too busy,� TJ said. “Usually I’m able to cover it except for this month. It’s very hectic.�

day, when they finally get a break. “We work all the way up to Christmas, get a day off and then come back to work on Monday,� Debbie said.

The Montgomerys first purchased Pack Center in September 2014, and the holiday learning curve was a bit much during their first year as owners. “It was a whirlwind,� Debbie said.

TJ agreed, stating that if not for his spouse’s knowledge of computer systems, he’d have a lot more problems on a daily basis. “She’s my backup,� he said.

Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or abockelman@CraigDailyPress.com.

With Heartfelt Gratitude and Wishes for a Joyous Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year!

Debbie and TJ Montgomery are hard at work behind the counter of Pack Center Shipping, 509 Yampa Ave. The Craig couple have owned the business that handles FedEx and UPS packages for just over one year, and they estimate that their business quadruples during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year. Photo by Andy Bockelman

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

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Moffat County Locals

December 25, 2015

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Jennifer Jantzen took over as manager of KFC/Taco Bell in May. She's thrilled about the fast food restaurant's new look. "It's been very exciting. People love the building," she said. The redesign is the first of its kind in the nation, she said. Photo by Noelle Leavitt Riley

10 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Maria Landa:

Building community, bridging the divide

By Lauren Blair

“Every time we have any type of event at the church, and that would include the (community) kitchen, if she is there, she or her husband, they always come down and offer help and they always pitch right in.”

Robin Schiffbauer

Forty-two-year-old Maria Landa, mother of five, has been looking for her calling, and is beginning to find it through her religious faith and her work with the community of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

A Craig resident of 23 years, Landa first came to Craig from the state of Jalisco in Mexico. Though she has long felt a pull to return to the place she grew up, she has embraced her growing role as an ambassador between the white and Latino communities in Craig.

“My job is I’m trying to help the English-speaking community and the Latino community to build the bridge,” Landa said. “We have a culture and they have their own, but when we get together and know each other’s culture, it’s really nice.”

Landa herself acts as a bridge between the two communities, volunteering by cooking once per month for St. Michael’s Community Kitchen, leading a weekly prayer group for Spanish-speakers and also offering support to the weekly catechism classes for church youth, offered in both Spanish and English.

“Every time we have any type of event at the church, and that would include the (community) kitchen, if she is there, she or her husband, they always come down and offer help and they always pitch right in,” said community kitchen coordinator Robin Schiffbauer.

Landa sees language as one of the biggest barriers, one she herself had to overcome when she was new to the United States. She was afraid to speak English at first but has now become a translator and liaison between English-

and Spanish-speakers at the church.

“She’s definitely bridging that gap, helping with the translation,” Schiffbauer said.

Landa encourages her friends to step outside of their comfort zones linguistically, as well.

“Even though I don’t speak really good English, I try to talk to them,” she said. “I like to socialize with everybody…

You have to try. If you don’t try, you’re not going to learn.”

Friends and fellow Spanish-speakers at the church appreciate her for her gregarious nature, including friend Rosina Arellano, who teaches the Spanish catechism class this year.

“Maria is a great help,” Arellano said in Spanish. “It’s necessary to have people who are bilingual to bring people together.”

A woman of many interests, Landa loves to cook and bake — including elaborately decorated cakes for weddings and birthdays — knit and crochet, and has also considered enrolling in the massage therapy program at Colorado Northwestern Community College. She is devoted to her children, from her 8-year-old twin girls to her three sons, ages 11 to 22, and her husband, Ben Landa, who works at A&E Tire in Craig.

In all her searching, Landa has found purpose in her faith, her family and serving her community.

“I just try to help because we always need help,” she said.

“You just have to love everybody even if you don’t speak the same language.”

Contact Lauren Blair at 970-875-1794 or lblair@ CraigDailyPress.com or follow her on Twitter @LaurenBNews.

SENDING THE GIFT OF

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www.mtnwst.com

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Moffat County Locals

December 25, 2015

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1247 East US HWY 40 - Craig CO 970-824-7094

Maria Landa weaves a red belt for a child to wear as part of traditional costume during Friday's Fiesta de la Guadalupe at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Landa gathers with other women, including Maria Elena Rizo, middle, Brenda Tarango and her son, Otoniel Tarango, right, every Wednesday during catechism classes at the church to offer help and support to the classes and the kids. Photo by Lauren Blair

Thank you

for a great 2015!

We look forward to serving you in 2016.

12 | December 25, 2015

Season Greetings From Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Dennis, Becky, Erin and

The Cool Water Grille Staff

Thank You Moffat County For Your Continued Business And We Look Forward To The New Year!

21020271

337 W. Victory Craig, Colorado 970-824-1764

We live and work in a wonderful community that never fails to support each other when it is needed most! Thank you to Craig & Moffat County for this support in 2015.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us!

Craig City Council & Employees - Moffat County Elected Officials & Employees

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Moffat County Locals

December 25, 2015

| 13

Kari Beauvais:

Warmed-up to a cool mountain Christmas

By Andy Bockelman This Christmas season is a special one for Kari Beauvais — the sensation of a cold but fun holiday in the mountains feels just right after several years in desert climate.

Beauvais, a third-grade teacher at East Elementary School, comes to Colorado following a stint of nearly five years as an instructor in the United Arab Emirates.

Originally from the Centennial State, Beauvais was a gymnastics coach and substitute teacher with Boulder Valley School District when she first embarked on teaching fulltime.

Her interest in travel led her to the Abu Dhabi Education Council, teaching young girls in the UAE. Getting immersed in the culture required some adjustments, including her surname, which she was in the process of changing back from the married name, Morris, but kept it to make it easier on her children.

“They actually would have five names over there, like my father’s name, my middle name, it’s just the way the culture is,” she said.

Beauvais’ son and two daughters joined her overseas, with her youngest daughter, Sarah, with her the entire time. The 18-year-old currently attends Colorado Northwestern Community College.

“She spent her entire high school career in the Middle East, so she’s still getting acclimated to all the systems here,” Beauvais said. “She went from riding camels to riding horses.”

“Kids are kids around the globe wherever you go.”

Kari Beauvais

The classroom of Kari Beauvais features holiday decorations as well as a corner with an atlas and globe. Beauvais spent several years teaching in the United Arab Emirates before returning to Colorado to teach third-grade at East Elementary School this fall. Photo by Andy Bockelman

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

The “fast pace” of American life is another change for both after being in a more “leisurely” culture.

“They’re not very stressed-out people,” she said of the populace of UAE. “It’s not like in the U.S., everyone trying to do everything and be involved in so much.”

Another difference is more openness among those in the Emirates to speak about religions — whether Christianity or Islam — and a certain amount of shock for her prior students that Americans don’t always want to approach such a topic.

Likewise, American kids have far more exposure to the media, and many locations educate boys and girls in different schools.

“I was in a very conservative area, and parents there did not want boys and girls being mixed. Even in kindergarten,” she said.

As for the pupils’ personalities themselves, Beauvais said there are few contrasts between children in the UAE and in Craig.

“Kids are kids around the globe wherever you go,” she said.

Being back in Colorado this time of year is what Beauvais has looked forward to, with snow and chilly temperatures a reminder of her background. Though Christmas celebrations exist in the Middle East, the presence was not the same, and the heat emphasized that further.

“I’m so glad to live in the mountains,” she smiled.

Beauvais’ co-worker, Tiffany Trevenen, said she loves the new teacher’s excitement about being home for the holidays, as well as her everyday enthusiasm in the classroom.

“She’s just a ball of sunshine,” Trevenen said.

Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or abockelman@CraigDailyPress.com.

MERRY

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14 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Kirstie McPherson

loves life and her community

By Noelle Leavitt Riley

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Kirstie McPherson is full of energy, passion and perseverance.

She finished college in three years with two degrees — business technology and marketing — and hightailed it back to Craig to serve the community she loves.

“I missed my home. I missed the people,” Kirstie said.

She recently launched her own marketing business, Edeveco, focusing on public relations, new business growth and entrepreneurship. Kirstie felt compelled to rejoin the community after college so she can help Craig grow.

“It’s hard because people are afraid of change,” she said. “I want people to stop saying we can’t do things. I want people to feel like it’s a good place to start a new company and start a new business.”

Anyone who knows Kirstie, and many people do thanks to

her incredible achievements in high school, are assured she has the personality and drive to make a difference.

“That’s one of the reasons why I’m so excited to be back in the community,” Kirstie said. “Coming back into the community wasn’t hard. I was like, ‘Hey, I’m here.’”

As a student at Moffat County High School, she served as class president for three years, was a member of DECA, Key Club and Future Business Leaders of America, and she logged 300 hours of volunteer time her senior year.

Kirstie didn’t slow down when she left for college, saying that she was 10 times more involved in her collegiate career than she was in high school.

Perhaps her accolades made her a good fit for Craig/Moffat Economic Development Partnership. The CMEDP contracted her to oversee marketing and public relations, and she recent-

Pam Horn

Broker/Owner 326-6026 phorn@remax.net

11 E. Victory Way Craig, CO 81625 970-824-7000

ly worked to spread word about the Local Marketing District that passed on the November ballot.

“I’m one of those people who do a lot of things at once,” Kirstie said.

She recently helped Craig City Councilmember Derek Duran form Yampa Valley Young Professionals, hoping to bring a sector of society together that doesn’t have an organized social group. The group met for the first time Dec. 9.

More than anything, Kirstie wants to help Craig’s economy grow. The time for economic development meetings has passed, and it’s now time to put plans into action, she said.

“We need to be able to trust each other, and we might as well work together for a better future,” Kirstie said. “We need to figure out a few small activities to bring more people out to the community, even if that means more festivals.”

When she’s not working to make her community better, she’s hiking, fishing or spending time with her best friend, Cordell, a 120-pound Alaskan malamute.

Her parents also are embedded in the community. Kirstie’s father works as a heavy equipment mechanic at Colowyo Coal Company, and her mother is Larona McPherson who works as an assessment technician at the Moffat County Assessor’s office.

“It’s hard because people are afraid of change. I want people to stop saying we can’t do things. I want people to feel like it’s a good place to start a new company and start a new business.”

See all listings at www.remax.com Each office independently owned and operated

Kirstie McPherson Kirstie is 22 years old and is an only child, and she plans on having an extremely successful future.

“I love life, I love my life, even the really messy parts,” she said with a smile.

The community embraces her as much as she embraces the community.

“I am so pleased that we have a young talented woman who came back to live in Craig for a while who has new ideas and new energy," said CMEDP Executive Director Audrey Danner. "She's good for our community."

Reach Noelle Leavitt Riley at 970-875-1790 or nriley@ CraigDailyPress.com.

and thank you all for your continued support. *Rich, Joan and Mozart

530 YAMPA AVE CRAIG • 970-824-6343

Kirstie McPherson came back to Craig after graduating from Montana Tech University in May. She's thrilled to be back in the community in which she grew up. Photo by Noelle Leavitt Riley

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

December 25, 2015

| 15

Merry Christmas To all our locals, we wish you a healthy & prosperous 2016!

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16 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Jenny We

hopes for bright future in America

By Noelle Leavitt Riley Jenny We, 25, misses her two young daughters who live with her mother in China.

Jenny and her husband, Wen, work countless hours at the Galaxy restaurant in Craig to save enough money to travel back to their home city to see their girls, deliver thousands of dollars to their family and bring their daughters home to Craig, America.

“I’m praying to bring my babies back,” Jenny said.

Although Jenny was in the U.S. when she gave birth to both of her daughters, Nikki We, 3 ½ and Betty We, 2, her husband had to take them to China last year so they could focus all their

your parents and family,” she noted.

Airfare alone is roughly $1,500, she said.

“It’s a lot of money,” Jenny said.

Jenny lived in Denver prior to relocating to Craig, and she loves the small-town feel of Craig.

“I feel a lot of things I didn’t feel in Denver. It’s a different experience,” she said.

She’s lived a total of six years in the United States, and she’s constantly working to improve her English skills.

“When I first came, English was hard,” she noted. But now,

She’s hoping to go back to China in the next year or two, but she can’t do so until she saves $30,000 for her family. time on making money.

“I have no choice, and right now my husband and I need to work harder,” she said.

The two girls live with Jenny’s mom in Fujian, China, where Jenny was born. She communicates with her girls once a month via Skype or Facetime.

Although she misses her family, Jenny enjoys her life in the U.S. “Right now, I prefer it here,” she said, noting that she likes America’s culture.

She’s hoping to go back to China in the next year or two, but she can’t do so until she saves $30,000 for her family.

“In my hometown, you need to have $30,000 to bring to

she feels more confident speaking English.

Her husband doesn’t speak English and relies on her to communicate with others in the community.

“I like it here,” he said in Chinese. Jenny translated what he said.

He’s a skier and enjoys heading to Steamboat each winter, he said.

Overall, America is a much cleaner place, Jenny said, especially the air quality.

“The air here is very, very different from my hometown,” Jenny said of Craig.

Reach Noelle Leavitt Riley at 970-875-1790 or nriley@ CraigDailyPress.com.

Jenny We, who works at the Galaxy Chinese restaurant in Craig, is saving money to go back to China to see her two young daughters. She's been in the United States for six years.

Photo by Noelle Leavitt Riley

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

from Auto Radiator Services: Dean, Lisa, & Dimick!

Thank you for your business and support in 2015.

We look forward to serving you in 2016!

1111 W. Victory Way, Ste. 110 Craig, CO 81625

(970) 824-3488

21179814

824-5094 | 301 East Victory Way, Craig, CO

www.eyecare-specialties.com

365 Angler’s Drive, Suite A Steamboat Springs, CO 80488

(970) 879-2020

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

December 25, 2015

| 17

Larry Hoover:

A voice for the wild places

By Lauren Blair Larry Hoover is rooted in an older time, steeped in a sense of place and in the history that makes Moffat County unique.

Hoover’s grandfather and grandmother, Henry Shank and Margeret Barnes, homesteaded more than 2,000 acres of land around 1902 in Lily Park, located in western Moffat County near the confluence of the Little Snake River with the Yampa River.

“We have the good life,” Hoover said. “We step out the door and the beautiful river is going by. There’s no traffic, no houses, no nothing. Just the birds singing.”

Green River in Moffat County.

“I’ve been rafting all the rivers in the western U.S. for 50 years, and to me and most of my friends, the canyons in Dinosaur National Monument are the most beautiful anywhere,” he said, noting that permits to raft through the monument are some of the most coveted among rafters.

For Hoover, experiencing the majesty of our rugged Western landscapes is a daily event. He’s currently utilizing his knowledge of the area to make suggestions to MCTA as well as the Craig Chamber of Commerce and Craig Moffat Economic

“You don’t see the beauty of the county from the highway. My objective is just to try and say here’s this fantastic resource that’s underutilized.”

Larry Hoover Hoover lives on about 180 acres near his cousin, Lynda Cozzens. A veritable encyclopedia for historical facts about Moffat County, Hoover channels his passion for the land and its stories into his service on the Moffat County Tourism Association board.

“You don’t see the beauty of the county from the highway,” Hoover said, describing the dozens of canyons, river vistas and rugged mountains that make Moffat County unique and that most Craig residents never see. “My objective is just to try and say here’s this fantastic resource that’s underutilized.”

Hoover became a river guide after getting introduced to it as a young Eagle Scout. Rafting afforded him the opportunity to explore the rivers of the West, including the Yampa and the

Development Partnership about how to improve signage and infrastructure in scenic areas that could appeal to tourists.

Though Hoover describes himself as the “burr under the saddle,” his gentle nature is undeniable.

“Larry is extremely passionate about the treasures we have here, the backcountry and the history of it,” Cozzens said, who usually makes the trip into Craig with him about once every week or two for supplies and feed for her pigs.

“He’s my best friend. He’s my fellow hermit,” she said. “We march to the beat of a different drum, but it’s the drum beat of where we live. We’re able to step back into another time.”

Contact Lauren Blair at 970-875-1794 or lblair@ CraigDailyPress.com or follow her on Twitter @LaurenBNews.

Moffat County native Larry Hoover points out notable features and tourist destinations such as Steamboat Rock on a large photo of Echo Park in the Moffat County Tourism Association. Hoover lives on his family's land, homesteaded by his grandfather at the turn of the 20th century, in Lily Park in western Moffat County, and advocates for the region's remarkable scenery through his position on the MCTA Board.

Photo by Lauren Blair

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

21179081

990 Industrial Avenue Craig, CO 81625 970-824-BOWL

TH

Y A NK

OU FOR A FANTASTIC

20 1

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We Look Forward to

2016!

Call Gino’s we deliver. Pasta, Pizza, Sandwiches and more!

824 -6323 572 Breeze St . Craig, CO

Happy Holidays

18 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

April Vikse

wants to teach the next generation

By Patrick Kelly For some people, it takes years of personal exploration to find a passion in life, but not for April Vikse.

“I really like working with kids of all ages, infants are my favorite,” she said.

While working at day school in Oak Harbor, Washington, she focused on caring for infants and discovered how much she enjoyed working with kids that age.

Now, Vikse, who used to teach preschool at

Watching young minds grow and make new discoveries is the best part of working with infants, said Vikse.

“When that light goes on, when they make that discovery, it’s just rewarding,” she said.

She also said there is an important role to fill other than education for people who work with children.

“There’s a lot of kids that don’t get the love that they need and as a teacher you can provide

“There’s a lot of kids that don’t get the love that they need and as a teacher you can provide that.”

April Vikse East Elementary, is hoping to carve her own career out of her love for working with young children.

“I would like to open an infant/toddler center here,” she said. “There’s a big need for infant and toddler areas. We have a lot of preschools and home daycares but there’s not really any place that does a lot of infants.”

Vikse said she is about two semesters away from completing her associate degree in early childhood education at Colorado Northwestern Community College and hopes to get her director of early childhood certificate at the same time.

that,” she said.

Viske has her own 11-year-old daughter with her husband, Benjamin, who works as a technician for Moffat County School District.

Benjamin said he supports his wife’s passion for early childhood education.

“If she wants to open her own daycare center or infant and toddler center that’s really cool,” he said. “She’s really good, dealing with small children.”

Reach Patrick Kelly at 970-875-1795 or pkelly@craigdailypress.com. Follow him on Twitter @M_PKelly.

Volunteers April Vikse, left, and Tammy Boutwell ring bells and seek donations outside of City Market. Photo by Patrick Kelly

We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thankyouforyourcontinued patronagetoMoffatCounty

Drive-Thru Espresso Centennial Mall Behind O’Reilly Auto Parts

Merry Christmas and Year! w e Happy N

r u o y r o f u o T hank y 2015! su pport in 1820 W. Victory Way, Craig 970-824-4945

We are very excited for 2016 and serving the wonderful people of Moffat County.

970-824-7669 • 561 Russell St. Craig CO • hatten_enterprises@yahoo.com

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Moffat County Locals

December 25, 2015

| 19

Happy Holidays

Thanks for 20+ years!

Custom Quality MEATS 1430 North Yampa Ave., Craig

824-4668

FAST AFFORDABLE AUTHENTIC OPEN: MONDAY - SATURDAY 11:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

Mike Kuberry, a 37-year Trapper veteran and current dragline operator, on the top of his excavator, Molly Brown. Photo by Patrick Kelly

Mike Kuberry

Trapper miner Nears retirement

By Patrick Kelly

In his 37 years at Trapper Mine Mike Kuberry has moved a lot of dirt.

From the elevated cockpit of the Molly Brown, a 9 million-pound dragline, he deftly maneuvers the machine’s 315-feet boom, lowering the bucket to scoop another 32 yards of earth.

It is a delicate operation, but professional dragline operators like Kuberry make it look easy.

He can shake your hand, hold a conversation, offer a cup of coffee and school you on coal mining all while operating the biggest piece of machinery you’ve ever seen.

At the age of 26, Kuberry came to Trapper as an equipment operator, which he already had experience with, and proceeded to advance his position at the mine as he gained knowledge and seniority.

“Trapper’s been a great place,” he said. “I don’t have any regrets, been a good place to work.”

After nearly four decades at the mine, Kuberry plans to retire within the month but said he had mixed emotions about leaving.

“I spent my whole entire career out here,” he said. “Most of my adult life.”

Eric Johnson, who has been working the dragline with Kuberry for the past year, joked about missing his coworker.

“The next guy is not going to be as good,” he said.

Kuberry raised a family with his wife Judy in Craig and so far the plan is to stay in the area.

“My grandkids are here, and my kids are here,” he said.

The Colorado landscape is also a big draw for the Kuberrys, who are accustomed to going on excursions with their horses, Roscoe and Frosty.

“We used to pack in with the horses a lot when my son was younger…. Eat fish for four days have a good steady diet of fish and get ready to go home,” he said.

Approaching the final days of his stint at Trapper, Mike said he had no regrets.

“This has been a great job for many, many years,” he said.

Reach Patrick Kelly at 970-875-1795 or pkelly@craigdailypress.com. Follow him on Twitter @M_PKelly.

The Colorado landscape is also a big draw for the Kuberrys, who are accustomed to going on excursions with their horses Roscoe and Frosty.

970-824-5051

994 YAMPA AVENUE - CRAIG, CO 81625

Walmart would like to thank the community for a great 2015 and we are looking forward to 2016!

970-824-0340 2000 W Victory Way Craig, Co.

20 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Diana Meyer:

Clerk helps keep judicial system running smoothly

By Patrick Kelly Behind the scenes at the Moffat County Combined Courts a team of unseen workers keeps the judicial system well oiled.

Lead by Clerk of Court Diana Meyer, the clerk’s office is responsible for maintaining court records, helping judges with the administration and more.

“We are doing our part as the clerk’s office to provide unbiased and efficient assistance to help people with their cases,” said Meyer, noting that clerks cannot provide legal advice but can help

been working at the courts almost as long as Meyer and said the clerk’s office operates very efficiently.

“Diana keeps our office running very smoothly,” Aiken said.

It’s an accomplishment Meyer said she credits to her staff.

“I’ve got a lot of really knowledgeable people, a lot of experience,” she said.

When she isn’t working, Meyer’s and her husband enjoy experiencing the vast outdoor activities

“I’ve got a lot of really knowledgeable people, a lot of experience.”

Diana Meyer Colorado has to offer.

“Hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hiking, we used to spend vacations up at Trapper Lake when the kids were growing up, camping, lots of camping,” she said.

Meyer said although she loves Craig, she and her husband might move to the Front Range when they retire so they can be closer to their two sons and six grandchildren.

“As you get older, it would be nice to be closer to your children and grandchildren,” she said.

Reach Patrick Kelly at 970-875-1795 or pkelly@craigdailypress.com. Follow him on Twitter @M_PKelly.

Clerk of Moffat County Combined Courts Diana Meyer works from her desk at the courthouse. Photo by Patrick Kelly

21103325

people with the procedural aspects of their cases.

Originally from Idaho, Meyer moved to Craig with her husband, Kenneth, and two sons in 1981 and has been here ever since.

“I think it’s a pretty safe place to live and to have a family and there’s a lot of good people in Craig that we’re friends with,” she said. “In a big city you don’t get that.”

In 1989, Meyer started working in the clerk’s office — a job she said she was proud of and enjoyed due to the diversity and daily challenges “I wouldn’t be here for 27 years if I wasn’t (proud),” she said.

Susie Aiken, one of Meyer’s deputy clerks, has

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466 Yampa Ave. 970-824-7484

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

December 25, 2015

| 21

h C r i stmas y r r e M Thank you for another fantastic year and we look forward to working with you next year!

970-824-6464 •craigstorage.com

Merry Christmas

from the Craig Daily Press and Print Shop staff

From left, Chloe Williams, Dustin Martin, Jose Fuentes and Sierra Adams take a quick break from serving customers during a busy Thursday morning shift at McDonald’s in Craig. From cooking and prepping the food to taking drive-through orders, the team makes sure hungry Craig residents get the breakfast they need.

Photo by Lauren Blair

970-824-7031 CraigDailyPress.com

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Thank you to our loyal customers for a great year!

Thank You for all your Support.

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year.

350 Russell Street Craig, CO 81625 970-824-2423 jacksbumpers.com Front & Rear Bumpers Livestock Racks Headache Racks Tailgates Aluminum Bumpers Receiver Hitch Installation

Flatbed Installation Winch Installation Custom Welding Spray In Bed Liner Bumper Cutouts

22 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

We are blessed!

Celebrating each one of you for the heart you have for our community.

970.824.4455 508 Yampa Ave. - Craig, CO www.cornerstonerealtyltd.com

Yvonne Gerber holds up a bundle of Christmas ornaments among the sales items at Favorite Things, 584 Yampa Ave. Gerber has owned the downtown antique shop for about 14 years, a coowner with Sherri Fredrickson. The store is full of vintage furniture, decorations, curios and more from years past. Photo by Andy Bockelman

All the employees at Masterworks Mechanical would like to wish our friends and neighbors a Merry Christmas. We look forward to serving our community in the New Year. We would like to take this opportunity to give a heartfelt Thank You to all of our customers for your support of our company.

We now offer an in depth furnace service program which utilized our Carbon Monoxide and Air Balance training and certification to test your systems performance, combustion efficiency and safety.

Call to schedule your furnace service to extend your equipment life, improve your air quality and verify your equipment safety.

461 Yampa Ave. Craig, CO • 970.824.4840 • www.masterworksmechanical.com

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

December 25, 2015

Gordon Shelley

David Lyons

24 Years in Service

27 Years in Service

John Knoche

Stacey Rogers

22 Years in Service

25 Years in Service

Leon Harrington

Jeff Schankin

22 Years in Service

22 Years in Service

Cindy Keene 13 Years in Service

CHEVY TRUCKS, CHEVROLET, SUBARU, AND OUR EMPLOYEES who have served you for the past 7 plus years look forward to serving you in the new year.

Bill Guess 8 Years in Service

No matter what business you’re in, you need to provide a good value and serious attention to customer care if you’re going to succeed. As an automobile dealer in our home territory, we know that very well. We’ve been doing business here successfully for over 50 years.

Alex Wolf 12 Years in Service

We value every single customer we have. If we lose you as a customer, we try our hardest to win you back. In addition to providing world class products, we must sell at a fair price and provide the very best, most convenient service and warranty work after the sale. It is part of the deal! We stand behind our products and the work we do every day.

Steve Dunklin 20 Years in Service

After more than 50 years here, we feel like you know us, and we know you. You know our values, our morals, and our business ethics. You know our products and our people. You know what we provide to the Yampa Valley in terms of jobs and tax revenues, and you know our part in the local economy.

Joe Bird 11 Years in Service

Thank you for 54 years of business.

Thank you for buying locally!

Nikki Webber 16 Years in Service

David Wren 7 Years in Service

MEMBER ROCKY MOUNTAINS

www.cookchevrolet.com

Larry Cook

824-2100

1776 W. VICTORY WAY • CRAIG

824-9441

879-3900

801 W. VICTORY WAY • CRAIG W. U.S. HWY 40 • STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Scott Cook

| 23

24 | December 25, 2015

Moffat County Locals

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press