Another outstanding Meeker Classic thanks to community involvement
Dear Editor,
An open letter to the community: with the 2023 Meeker Classic in the books, it’s fitting to send out praises to the community for pulling off an outstanding event. These things don’t just happen — it takes the efforts of volunteers, sponsors, business owners, civic groups and so many more to orchestrate such an event. The community of Meeker is the catalyst that brings it all together. Over the years, the Meeker Classic has grown from the ground up by the hard work and dedication of countless community volunteers. Each year thousands of visitors flock to Meeker to celebrate the sport of sheepdog trials, the beautiful country, and our vibrant community.
During the past seven weeks we’ve had the opportunity to work with multiple volunteers from the community as t-posts went in the ground, fences built, grass mowed, bleachers hauled, tents erected, and parking lots marked as things were staged for the Meeker Classic. During the event, volunteers of all ages pitched in to park cars, run concessions, take tickets, pick up trash, clerk and time, exhaust the sheep, put up posters, raise the flags, help with the education program, work in the art barn and so much more. Still more volunteers helped afterward — buttoning everything up until next year comes around. We want to express our deepest appreciation and thanks to all who helped make this year’s trial a success. Each of you made an important contribution to your community.
We all should be especially proud of the young people who pitched in to help out. The Meeker High School football team, cheerleaders, FFA Chapters from Meeker and Rangely, FCCLA, golf team, 8th Grade Washington Focus group and 4-H clubs spent countless hours helping prepare and stage the Meeker Classic. These young people represent our future and are a remarkable commentary on the youth of our community.
We received a thank you from a volunteer who was passing through Meeker and spent five days with us. Her words speak of the magic that surrounds the community. We would like to share them with you:
“Just wanted to thank you for the great opportunity to help out at the Meeker Classic and experience a great event with such wonderful people.
I also wanted to let you know of all the positive things I heard from people throughout the week! Many people commented on the success of the event year after year, how well-organized everything is, and they know that you all volunteer your time and efforts throughout the year and at the event, and they truly appreciate you ALL! I spoke with many people who came from all over who just love this Classic and they look forward to it year after year. Congratulations on creating a lifelong legacy of sheepherding competition and lifestyle!
I enjoyed the town of Meeker, it reminded me of what all of Colorado used to be, you have been able to hold onto the small town of old, where children can play outdoors without constant supervision, people care about one another and treat each other with respect and familiarity. What a great place loaded with great people!”
Meeker is a special place with special people. We are grateful to be part of that. We thank each and every one of you for what you do.
The Meeker Classic Board of Directors
Thanks from Lancaster family for 6th annual memorial game
Dear Editor,
The family of Nick Lancaster would like to thank the Panther Football coaching staff; Head Coach Keenan LeBleu, Jeremy Lohry, Andy Kracht and Gabe Polley and the entire 2023 Panther football team for hosting the sixth annual Nick Lancaster Memorial Game. Keenan: Nick would have had two words to say about you being named the head coach for the Rangely Panthers football program and that would be RANGELY BLOOD! He would definitely have wanted to be on your coaching staff. We also want to mention how incredible the field looks thanks to Jeremy Lohry. You brought this field back to life! The Lancaster brothers would have been so honored to have their number painted on it as it was on game night and the family was very touched by the gesture.
A huge thank you to Justyne Peters of Heifer Gang Clothing and Sylvia Dembowski, owner of Get Your Stitch On, for designing and making the game swag again and for generously donating a portion of all merchandise sales to the Bleed Green Lancaster #17 Foundation six years in a row! You ladies outdo yourselves year after year! A special thanks to Gary and Kathy Staley of Sweetbriar for selling Bleed Green Lancaster #17 merchandise in their store.
Also, thanks to Jeff “Buck” LeBleu for continuing to be the voice of Panther football and delivering Nick’s family’s message each year. We were able to hear you loud and clear this year thanks to the new sound system making its debut at the season opener, paid in part by the Re-4 School District, The Bleed Green Lancaster #17 Foundation, the Panther Booster Club, Matt and Beth Scoggins, Jon and Amorette Hawkins and Simply Essential Business Solutions’ Beth Schofield.
We would also like to thank Mike and Nick’s Uncle Terry Lancaster for representing the family by delivering the game ball.
We can’t possibly thank Beth Schofield enough for all the work that she does for the foundation as well as for coming up with great ideas for thoughtful things to do for the players and for always making the trip to be here for all the events.
A giant thank you goes to Kramer Carlson for making and donating a base for the firepit; it is perfect!
We also greatly appreciated former Panther football head coach Paul Fortunato coming to the game and supporting the team this year. We will never forget the traditions that you started or your encouragement in setting up the foundation.
A final thank you to all the businesses, friends, family, extended family, classmates and Panther football fans who have donated to the Bleed Green Lancaster #17 Foundation. The support and generosity of this community is unwavering!
Bleed Green Panthers!
The Family of Nick Lancaster & the Bleed Green Lancaster #17 Foundation
Thanks for Grand Marshal honor
Dear Editor,
We would like to express our absolute surprise and sincere appreciation in being named Grand Marshals of the 2023 Septemberfest parade. We generally do not like to be in the spotlight, but must admit that we had a blast! It may have rained on our parade, but it only added to the fun! Thanks to all who were involved in the selection process. Rangely is a place that we both love to call home!
Thanks,
Jon and Amorette Hawkins
