Such is the case when a local middle school student gets some very bad news - Hodgkin's disease.
It's hard not to feel the family's heartache in such a small community, whether you know the student or not, but it's what is amazing is how Dolores is pulling together to help the family of 13-year-old Ryan Hill.
First, the Pony Expresso in Dolores will have a fundraiser benefit starting Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 6. All ice cream cones will be $1, and Pony Expresso says all the money will be passed on to the family. A local supplier donated the cones, and the Pony Expresso is donating the ice cream. The coffee shop will also be taking donations.
"To me, this is what it means to be a community. To be able to help a family that needs help, we are grateful the community supports us, so we would like to support them if we can," said Teresa Howell, owner of the Pony Expresso.
The Lewis-Arriola Fire Department will have a Frito Pie Benefit for Ryan Hill on Oct. 11 at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $7. Other donations will be accepted, and Ryan's father, Cody Hill, who is a firefighter with the Lewis-Arriola Fire Department, said all proceeds will go to help with expenses to help Ryan with medical and travel costs.
For more information about how to help, call Amanda Hill, (970) 560-0915.
Stop sign means 'Stop'
The stop sign has been installed at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Fourth Street. The intersection is now a three-way stop. If you are used to heading north over the Fourth Street Bridge and not stopping - think again. A few people have witnessed near misses when it comes to accidents at this intersection so far, so be careful out there, and make sure you STOP.
Harvest Festival is here
Don't forget the Harvest Festival this Saturday at Flanders Park in Dolores. It should be a great time. Also, if you are in the mood for some hot air balloons, head on over to Mancos for their Balloon and Art Festival. And if that isn't enough, Mesa Verde is also hosting the Bike and Hike event on Saturday. It should be a great weekend. And if you have time after all of that fun, take a drive up in the mountains and enjoy the color. I hear the colors are beautiful over Lizard Head Pass.
Shannon Livick