By Jo Mixon
Nancy Burch owner/operator of Roadrunner Tours
I cannot believe another year has zoomed past so quickly. It seems I was just writing my reflections of 2011 and here it is time to reminisce about 2012! In writing the “I Know Jo” stories about members of the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce, I had the privilege of spend the year meeting the most interesting people, plus I have been able to promote their businesses to you. Our members are an awesome group!
First my son, the staff, and I were all treated to an authentic Cowboy Dinner in the Carson National Forest, homemade by Nancy Burch of Roadrunner Tours. We arrived at the campsite in a horse drawn sleigh, over the brilliance of fresh fallen snow, as we bundled up under the stars with buffalo hide blankets. Then my sister and I took a watercolor lesson from local artist, Jacqui Binford-Bell. Both of us walked away with treasured paintings! I joined the pros at the Sangre de Cristo Chronicle to learn how the newspaper was put to press, I was educated in the art of making a great martini at Elements Bar on Martini Night, and I was given a solo dance performance by the Ranchita’s, (also know as Taps on Fire) prior to the State Garden Club Convention hosted by the Angel Fire Garden Club.
Next I was encouraged to recycle and go green by the Angel Fire Sustainability Committee. I learned how to stamp and print on a t-shirt by Janet Sailor of Access Media. I spent time with owner Jeff Einhorn at Computer Systems of Taos, who has kept our computers running this year and it was an honor to be invited to the Governor’s residence in Santa Fe where I had the privilege of meeting Governor Susana Martinez to discuss tourism in Angel Fire. If that’s not enough Studio 434 invited me to a day of work out and pampering. It started with a rigorous cycling class taught by Lisa Sutton, next a relaxing massage by Jesse Serrano, and ended with a hair cut and style from Annie Lindsey. Then I learned what all goes on behind the scenes of Rotary Club of Angel Fire and the services they provide plus I introduced you to Mari Lindsey, our then new addition to the staff at the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce.
At Victory Alpaca Ranch of Mora, I was given a tour of the facility, met the adorable alpacas and learned from Darcy Weisner McGill about the family history behind her business. I went to the Moreno Valley High School and learned what capable hands our students are in, under the direction of Dr. Jacquie Boyd and staff. I took beading classes from Anita George at All Things Twisted and made a beautiful pair of earrings. I learned how all my bicycle needs could be met at Altitude Cycles in the Trailhead and I visited with the Max and Ernestine of Pacheco’s Nursery and Landscaping, learning what plants will grow and thrive in our mountain paradise.
When my grandson Greg made his annual visit to “Camp Memaw”, we enrolled him in Kids Camp at the Angel Fire Community Center. His days were fun filled and adventure packed. He helped as we decorated a float sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and rode in the Eagle Nest 4th of July Parade. And the next week we headed out to meet with Stevie Bass and husband Ken Gallard at the Red Cloud Ranch Retreat, a heavenly serene bed and breakfast venue high above the Taos Canyon. Screams of delight were uncontrollable as I joined the rank of thrill seekers on Angel Fire Resort’s new Zipline Tour, I received a golf lesson from golf pro Don Willingham at the Angel Fire Country Club, and learned the rich historical significance of the Laguna Vista Lodge and Saloon from owners Bert and Karel Clemmons.
I was treated to many tours in the late summer and early fall. First Michael Dean took me on a personal tour of the Elliott Barker Girl Scout Ranch explaining all the improvements they have underway, Chuck Howe enlightened me on the successes of the David Westphall Foundation as we toured the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, and I toured spectacular homes designed by Marie Kowalski of All About Design, built by husband Bob Kowalski of Sticks and Stones Custom Builders. Eric Hoffman, of Mammoth Mill & Log Homes and President of the Sangre de Cristo Homebuilder’s Association, gave me the grand tour of homes on the 2012 Parade of Homes Tour they sponsored.
Then the Walt Disney production of The Lone Ranger rolled into town and not from lack of trying, but Johnny Depp did NOT know Jo! I was however treated to my first of three facials by Dawn Guenthner of Allegria-Medi Spa in the Mountains, my taste buds were tantalized when I was asked to judge Angel Fire Resort’s employee Chili Cook off, and I met Blinky, the CEO cat, Dr. Susan Gaffney and her staff while learning the valuable services provided by the Angel Fire Small Animal Hospital, for the cherished pets and sometimes, the wounded wild life of Angel Fire. And in October we closed down the golf course with the 2nd Annual Crash the Course 8K fun Walk/Run. I was enticed to read more and join a book club at the Shuter Library.
Diane Peterson of Shall We Dance tried to teach me ballet and tap. She even gave me ruby red tap shoes! The High School Interact Club sponsored by the Angel Fire Rotary Club spooked me in their haunted house, and Wheeler Peak Cowboy Fellowship welcomed me to pot luck fixin’s and afterward lifted my spirits with their praise and worship team. I reported on all of the job openings available for the winter season at the Angel Fire Resort’s job fair and then had the pleasure of interviewing Brinn Colenda, Associate Broker with Monte Verde Realty about his book release, The Cochabama Conspiracy.
And one of my favorites was the impromptu Snow Dance led by the Chamber’s talented Board of Director’s at the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Dinner! I am pleased to report that it worked! What an interesting and tremendous time I have had this past year getting to know so many of the businesses that support the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce. With our membership growing and all the new things happening at the Chamber, next year is looking just as positive and exciting. I want you to know it has been an honor. So if I haven’t featured your business or you want to join the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce, give me a call at 575-377-6353. We’ll put you on the schedule! Happy New Year!
Below I have added a few photos from 2012 “I Know Jo” articles.
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