A Request for Civility

Oxford Dictionary: โ€œCivility, n. Behavior or speech appropriate to civil interactions; politeness, courtesy, consideration.โ€

While driving down Duquesne on Election Day, I saw a large flag displayed on a wooden fence in front of a home about 100 feet from where many Patagonians were exercising their constitutional right to vote.

This type of anonymous display featuring a four-letter word combined with the name of the current President does not indicate any attempt at critical thinking. My personal take is that it was put there in an attempt to demean and intimidate Americans who have a differing opinion about the direction of our country. 

Next time, instead of being combative, post your candidateโ€™s policiesโ€”their health care plan, for example. People may reflect on and learn from that type of civil discourse. 

Tom Shore

Patagonia



Guests at the PYEC fundraiser were served a meal made by the youths who attend the PYEC facility. Photo courtesy PYEC

PYEC Thanks Community

The Patagonia Youth Enrichment Center hosted their annual fundraiser dinner on Nov. 2. The successful event was attended by approximately 100 people who enjoyed the homemade lasagna dinner and desserts made by the youth.  

New to the fundraiser event was a wide variety of silent auction baskets and items, donated by local businesses and individuals. 

The guests were entertained by familiar tunes performed by Candy and Joshua Carpenter of The Band Wanted.  

The Patagonia weather was enjoyable, the conversations lively, and the youth did an amazing job of preparing and serving the dinner to their guests.  

The PYEC board, director, staff and youth extend a heartfelt thank you to all who helped make this event a success.

Anna Coleman

PYEC Director


Gratitude for Gala Support

A group howl to the rising Supermoon highlighted the Second Annual PARA Gala last Friday at the Patagonia Museum. Golden Ocelot Awards were bestowed upon three respected local environmentalists: Bob Proctor, Ron Pulliam and Francesca Claverie. These awards are PARAโ€™s way of honoring some of the many dedicated conservationists in this community. 

Gratitude to everyone who joined in the eveningโ€™s festivities, and especially to those generous enough to bid on our fabulous auction offerings, as well as the wonderful individuals, artists and businesses who donated such excellent experiences and items.

As Chair of Patagonia Area Resource Alliance, I wish to express my deep gratitude to the volunteer team that worked diligently for five months planning the Gala: Jessica Cheney, Nancy Coyote, Mary Tolena, and Anne Vogt. From vision to execution, these powerhouse women totally rocked this event, from theme to auction items to food, drinks and more!

Huge thanks to our volunteer โ€œnot auctioneers,โ€ Lars Marshall and Ben Shonkwiler, as well as the Tanagers band members who donated their time. Big gratitude to all the volunteers who helped with the event, including several wonderful AmeriCorps volunteers, plus: Aastral Muench, Holly Stefanski, Cynie Murray, Cynthia Berk, Rebecca Meyers, Linnaea Saleem, Rick Golightly, Ash Jacobs, Emma Simonson, Terry Sanford, Gisa Kruger, Shannon Dudley, Michelle Marie, Rohan Sorta, Chris and Charlene Gardner, Eric Herman, and anyone I inadvertently overlooked.

We are very grateful for our event sponsors: Total Wine for a big wine and beer discount, Coyote for covering the wine and beer purchase, Laurie Cantillo for sponsoring food, Valerie Neale for sponsoring venue/dรฉcor/rentals, and Eric Herman for helping cover comped tickets.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I wish to thank Chuck Klingenstein for his thoughtful toast commemorating 

PARAโ€™s accomplishments over the years. We are grateful to have such a valued community influencer raising a glass for PARA!

We are buoyed by this wonderful demonstration of community support and vow to continue to hold mining operations to the highest standards of environmental protection. Water, wildlife and our nature-based way of life are worth preserving.

Joni Stellar

Chair, Patagonia Area Resource Alliance


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