Letters to the Editor - Gunnison Country Times (2024)

Give a little grace

Editor:

You know, this is going to sound like ego and I suppose that to a degree it is. After all, I reckon anyone who writes publicly to a newspaper is exhibiting some ego.

I’m pleased to see that there isn’t quite as much inflammatory writing lately. I wonder if those who write regularly ever have second thoughts about what they’ve written. I do. I wasn’t so proud of my recent letter to our valley newspapers regarding the Gunnison Country Times editorializing. I don’t regret what I wrote, but I could’ve written in a better tone.

Recently, a dear friend leading a gathering I attended asked us to think of our “superpower.” In cases like this, when I don’t have a ready answer, I try to let my mind go blank (easily done) and let the answer appear.

My answer to their question: compassion. My thought was compassion for one another. When I was young and the subject of politics came up, the adults shared their views gently, always with a smile. Last week, the League of Women Voters for the Gunnison Valley showed a film entitled, “Undivide Us.” Fifty-three people came to see the film and talk about it afterward. During the discussion one woman mentioned that she thought a genuine smile is the best icebreaker. I agree. Nothing beats direct eye contact and a genuine smile.

During the film one fellow mentioned talking with people. That’s something I have been trying to practice for some years. I try to talk with people, not to them. If you don’t already, try that sometime. Talk with people, not to them.

In these politically fraught times, and from now on, along with your direct eye contact and a genuine smile, offer your hand. Consider a gentle touch. Be a friend. Listen to what others have to say. Talk with them. Give a little grace.

I’ll try. I hope you will.

Joe Dix

Gunnison

A night we’ll never forget

Editor:

I’m writing to share the tremendous success of our recent Summit Soiree and the 25th anniversary Summit Hike held in support of Living Journeys — Gunnison Valley’s local community cancer support organization.

The Summit weekend events brought together hundreds of community members in a heartwarming display of solidarity and generosity. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers and the overwhelming support from local businesses, residents and visitors alike, we were able to raise over $400,000 in just one weekend. These funds will directly benefit individuals and families in our community who are facing the challenges of cancer, providing them with much-needed resources, support and hope.

The soiree and auction, held on Friday night at the Elevation Hotel, was a spectacular evening filled with vibrant energy and generosity. Two hundred people came together to enjoy co*cktails and dinner, a live auction, an inaugural Summit award presentation to Emma Coburn and touching stories from cancer survivors in our community and those currently battling this disease. It was a night we’ll never forget.

On the following day, the 25th annual Summit Hike at Mt. Crested Butte brought together a record number of almost 400 hikers of all ages and abilities in a powerful display of solidarity, support and remembrance. For the first time in history, the event sold out. The camaraderie among participants underscored the strength and resilience of this incredible community.

I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, donated and volunteered their time to make these events a resounding success. Your contributions will make a vital difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer, and help Living Journeys provide essential services such as support groups, financial assistance and counseling to those in need. Together, we’re fostering a community of care and compassion.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s Summit. For those who missed this year’s events but would still like to contribute, donations are still being accepted along with an online auction (ends Friday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m.) at our website livingjourneys.org.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this incredible weekend. We’re so grateful for your support.

Julie Reid

Living Journeys

Black Lives Matter said what?

Editor:

“We do not live in a dictatorship. Delegates are not oligarchs. Installing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee and an unknown vice president without any public voting process would make the modern Democratic Party a party of hypocrites” – Black Lives Matter, July 23, 2024.

I couldn’t say it better myself!

Neil Watko

Gunnison

Dangerous roads

Editor:

The corridor between CB South and the Town of Crested Butte is more and more dangerous and sad.

We’ve observed more roadkill than ever before, and there have been so many car accidents in the last two years. We watch these beautiful animals in the fields and then one day they are dead. Our friends and loved ones are in scary and sometimes fatal accidents.

We implore our county officials to make this corridor safer. Wouldn’t it be safer by merely reducing the speed limit to 45 mph between CB South and town?

Brooke Murphy & Tiki Furimsky

Crested Butte