I moved to the North Fork Valley from South Florida 30 years ago and I am still amazed at the rich, vibrant quality of life this small rural community has to offer its residents. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall each provide unique opportunities for people to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! From hiking, biking and mountain climbing; to skiing, snowboarding and sledding; to hunting, fishing, boating and camping; the possibilities for outdoor play are endless. Combine all that with the plethora of delicious organic food, wine, beer and cider, music, creative arts and eclectic people that populate the North Fork; this valley is truly a spectacular mountain paradise!

When my son was a toddler I joined with a group of like-minded parents to help create the North Fork Community Montessori School in Hotchkiss and I joyfully served on that board for 10 years. During his growing up years he enjoyed many, many seasons of Rec District soccer, and the new North Fork Pool was a highlight of our summers. Those days of educational focus are over, but now, I am excited once again to give back to our wonderful community by serving on the NFPPRD Board to help implement their vision of “providing our community with a variety of activities and programs that enhance healthy lifestyles, build strong families and provide a sense of community pride”.

During the last few years I have become an avid pickleball enthusiast. It is the fastest growing sport in the United States and it is heartily enjoyed by all ages from young children to aging Seniors. It is FUN, easy to learn, and an ideal vehicle to foster health, wellness and community wide camaraderie. When NFPPRD refurbished the Apple Valley tennis courts they lined the courts for pickleball, and provided nets and equipment. As a result, the now annual Picklefest Tournament in Paonia has proven to be a HUGE success, drawing participants from as far away as Grand Junction, Carbondale/Basalt and Glenwood Springs in only 2 short years. NFPPRD has more recently supported Crawford in supplying pickleball equipment for one indoor and one outdoor court; resulting in such soaring popularity that Crawford has rapidly outgrown these 2 venues. Hotchkiss being the only municipality in Delta County that does not yet offer racket sport facilities to its residents; I’m hoping to help find a way to provide sorely needed access to pickleball and tennis in the Hotchkiss community. Thank you for your support of NFPPRD