For over 20 years, dedicated volunteers have hosted a Christmas Dinner in Cortez to which the entire community is invited. In addition to those people who come out every year to organize, cook, serve, and clean up, there are a number of businesses who contribute greatly to the success of this holiday tradition. If you attended this year, please let the following folks know that their contributions to the success of this event are appreciated.

Thanks to City Market, Safeway, and Wal-Mart for donations of food, discounts, and gift cards. Spruce Tree set up a coffee bar and provided fresh coffee. Cliffrose and Four Seasons Nursery sent dozens of beautiful poinsettias that adorned the tables and which guests took home to enjoy.

Thanks to the County Commissioners for allowing us to use the Annex at no charge and to the staff for making sure we had equipment and the key to access the building. RE-1 allows us to use their refrigerator/freezer each year to store the food order prior to Christmas Day – a life-saver and most appreciated.

Brandon Schubert of Stonefish Sushi headed up the “carving crew.” Sharon Stewart and her family kept the coffee flowing and helped in the kitchen. Sandy and Larry Tradlener managed the diners and plated desserts, and Greg Kemp coordinated the delivery of meals to those who could not attend — a big job this year due to the heavy snow. A big THANK YOU to Mitchell Toms for heading up the event in recent years and storing equipment and Christmas Dinner “stuff” until the next season. And of course, thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who came out on a very snowy Christmas Day to demonstrate the essence of the season . . . that it’s better to give than to receive.

Karen Sheek

Mayor of Cortez