Thursday, 01 April 2010 04:31

 

It started when a few Post Office co-workers and Old Snowmass neighbors ignited a viral planning effort for a stupendous send-off for Mike Gonzalez -- the world's most revered Postmaster -- as his March retirement was approaching.  It was our own March Madness and within weeks became the event of the season.  

Close to two-hundred "81654'rs" crowded into the warm and rustic barn at Julie Wyckoff's Old Snowmass Cabins on the banks of the Roaring Fork, just above its confluence with Snowmass Creek.  An old fashioned pot luck was publicized as a 5-to-7 pm drop-in event on Saturday, March 13th.  When the day arrived waves of neighbors started arriving early, bringing scores of sweet and savory delights to share.  Then nobody wanted to leave, and the party was still going strong at 9 pm with a bonfire and plenty of desserts and libations.  

SnoCap Caucus stalwart Bob Throm lead a singalong of American the Beautiful, and spontaneous toasts and proclamations followed.  Commissioner Jack Hatfield recognized the neighborhood of Old Snowmass as the best example of community in Colorado, and his Board later presented Mike with a formal plaque at their next BOCC meeting.  To recognize Mike's love of auto mechanics and his uncanny talent for keeping all the mail carriers' clunkers running, Jimmy "Midstate" Hunter presented Mike with a hilarious plaque from the International Brotherhood of Shade Tree Mechanics.  Finally, thanks to generous contributions from all who so appreciated Mike's "Just Say Yes" attitude -- to always go the extra mile with a smile -- Katie Kitchen presented Mike with a hefty retirement bonus.

Thanks to everyone for rallying!  And special thanks to Julie Wyckoff for opening her beautiful riverfront barn to the neighborhood; to artist Jill Sabella for the great drawing of Mike that adorned the invitation; and to the Event Planning Queens --  P.S. Keran, Katie Kitchen, Barbara Reese and Donna McFlynn.

 

Postmaster Mike's March 13th retirement bash and the first (more or less) Annual 81654 Party at the Snowmass Cabins' great Barn	A radiant Mike with Yvonne Thompson, Barbara Reese, Sherry Spikerman and other friends
Patty Lecht with our beloved Postmaster Mike	Virgina and Rick Newton with Dr. Jack Caskey
John and Suzanne Clark with County Commissioner Jack Hatfield	Patsy Batcheldor and Kris Marsh with Tim McFlynn
Hosts Juliie Wyckoff and Rob Van Pelt with Steve Child and Jill Sabella	Katie Kitchen and Paul Kovack
Midstate Motors Jim Hunter presenting the Proclamation from the International Brotherhood of Shade Tree Mechanics with County Commission Jack Hatfield looking on.	Mike and Little Elk Creek artist Jill Sabella who did the drawing for the invitation and framed the original for Mike

Click here for more photos from the party.

< Prev		Next >