Dear Editor,

It’s midsummer, I am filled with gratitude for so many gifts we take for granted …

• We have a brand-new Food Pantry & Clothing Closet campus, through the kindness of a very generous benefactor. THANK YOU Christian Vanek – your support means so much to so many of us.

• Our healthcare safety net is secure with the merger of Clinica and Mental Health Partners. We have responsive, affordable, top-quality care anyone can walk to.

• We have free public transportation, with Eco Passes for all, to Boulder, Denver, DIA, the P2P region, and beyond. Thank you RTD, Mountain Rides and Via Mobility Services.

• I love our Summer Concert Series in Chipeta Park – thank you DDA!

• I am so delighted with our murals and public art. Again, thank you DDA and Danielle Crouse.

• Our lovely library is so special and am deeply grateful to Elektra and her entire team.

• Despite differences around siting, we seem to have solid support for increased childcare in Nederland, including infant care.

• We are surrounded by so much natural beauty, wildlife, and recreation opportunities for all ages and all 4 seasons.

• I love our Backdoor Theatre and its fearless leader, Kayla Evans.

• I’m delighted to have an electric 4WD Subaru at our disposal, through Colorado Carshare, when I need a set of wheels that’s affordable.

• I love our community’s sense of volunteerism and neighbor-helping neighbor support.

• We are so lucky to have a paper like The Mountain-Ear keeping us informed.

• I am grateful for such an exceptionally prepared and dedicated fire department, especially as our community is aging and surrounded by dry forests.

• I love our formal and “informal” trails around town – thank you PROSAB!

• Nothing better on a summer afternoon than fishing in our reservoir and watching families have fun.

• Chipeta Park is such a great multi-purpose haven for so many activities. Thank you Nicki Dunn and staff!

• We are so lucky to have such great venues for live music. Especially the world-class Caribou Room. Thank you, Peter!

• We have competent and responsive government. Thank you town boards. And welcome Jon Cain; so glad you’re here.

• I love our local eateries, especially the creekside ones – Crosscut and the new Busey Brews back porch. And the gorgeous community gardens down below.

• Our families are so lucky to have a resource like Wild Bear and its visionary leader, Jill Dreves. If you haven’t seen their new home at Mud Lake, peek through the fence and prepare to be blown away.

There’s so much more, but I committed to keep this short. Think about your own list and thank your lucky stars for what we all share as a community.

Tom Mahowald

Nederland