BLACK HAWK - This week I had the honor of saying goodbye to a few long time friends in the community. They’re moving out of state to start a new life of semi-retirement.
I’ve been fortunate to know them for many decades, all the way back to when they ran a restaurant in the Nederhaus building. And most recently, when they ran The Last Shot in mid Gilpin.
When I call them my own Community Champions, I definitely know what I am talking about. For over a decade the Peak to Peak Healthy Communities Project held an annual event called Community Champions.
The event was an opportunity to recognize extraordinary efforts by ordinary people, people who often work behind the scenes to make our community as great as it is.
These folks, my champions, worked tireless hours and personally championed for hundreds of local folks, sharing their space, donating food, time, and money—organizing events to fundraise for those in need, even doing quiet things like securing and delivering a dog house for someone who lived way back on a mountain.
During Covid they opened up their restaurant kitchen and made food for families. People just drove up and a bag was handed to them full of a delicious meal and an extra sprinkling of love.
Beyond the restaurant, these two shared their love of art with the community. The walls of The Last Shot were adorned with beautifully handpainted and handcrafted art. Paintings of Las Vegas and mountains, wood burned plaques of firetrucks, people, pets—and once a very special violin (which my daughter owns and loves).
I've had people tell me they don't or won't go to the restaurant. I've heard stories of bad encounters. I've been told "they're not my cup of tea" by several.
For me, I'm glad they allowed me and my family to be a part of the circle of friendship for all these years.
I'm thankful for their contributions to the entire community. I'm blessed to have had many opportunities to sit down and learn about Roy and Barb. And to share a moment in time with these special people.
Happy trails to the Stewarts. I hope we will meet again on one of my journeys through your next community.
