Pagosa Lakes Newsletter - Winter 2024|Volume LIV by Digital Publisher

Winter 2024 | Volume LIV

PAGOSA LAKES N E W S L E T T E R

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PHOTO: JENIFER PITCHER 1

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BOARD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D AN MAY ER

President (2026)

L ARS SC HN EI DE R Vice President (2025)

ERICKA BAILEY Treasurer (2025)

MON T Y W HITM A N Secretary (2024)

W AD E LU N D Y

Director (2026)

ADMINISTRATION 230 Port Ave Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5 PM plpoa@plpoa.com (970)-731-5635 plpoa.com

Our Vision: To be the best POA in the state by enriching the lives of our residents, protecting property values, providing sound financial management and creating a harmonious, wellmaintained and beautiful community.

PAT RIC K MOOR E Director (2026)

SASHA KIN G

Director (2024)

AL L EN ROT H General Manager

COMMITTEES ECC COMMITTEE Dave Butcher, Ericka Bailey, Daniel Musgrove, Linn Moore & Leslie Rosczyk

COMMITTEE CHAIRS ANDREW GUSZCZA Finance Committee

KU RT RA Y M OND Parks, Trails & Outdoor Recreation Committee

RO G ER F LY NN

Our Mission: To protect property values, further and promote community welfare, protect and enhance the civic, social and recreational interests of PLPOA Owners. plpoa.com

Lakes & Fisheries Committee

DENNY M IN G O Recreation Committee

TONI GALLEGOS

Community Garden Committee 3

2024 BUDGET SUMMARY BY GENERAL MANAGER ALLEN ROTH, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®

As required by the Bylaws, the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Board of Directors adopted the 2024 budget for the association at their regular meeting on December 14, 2023. The 2024 annual assessment will increase by $2.09 a month increasing the dues by $25/ year to $325. The total operating budget is $2,884,156. The General Reserve Fund transfer amount is set at an additional $460,345 with the Trails Reserve Fund transfer at $56,400. The Capital Improvement Fund transfer is set at $313,740. The General Reserve Fund expenditures are budgeted at $861,799 and the Capital Improvement Fund is scheduled for $347,208 while the Trails Reserve Fund has $208,346 scheduled. The total budget amount for the Operating, Reserves and Capital funds is $4,301,509. Property owners’ assessments account for $1,951,625, or 67% of the income. Time-share owner dues account for 11% and Short-term rental owners’ dues account for 9 % while a myriad number of other methods of income including funds generated from our recreation amenities, community events and service fees account for the remaining 13.0%. The budget process begins in September with the first draft presented to the Finance Committee for review and to provide recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors review the budget during their regular scheduled meetings in October, November and December, plus additional work sessions open to the membership. The 2024 budget break-down is as follows: Capital Improvement and Reserve Funds (for improvements to and major repairs and replacement of existing capital assets, such as our buildings, recreation center, lake improvements/docks and parks and trails and new construction) = $1,417,353

Administration (overall administration and accounting, Insurance, human resources, legal, property owner records, market fund accounts, licenses & certifications, elections, computer tech and postage) = $841,442 Community Standards (administration of property owner applications for improvements/construction, covenant enforcement and community enhancement) = $487,017 Property & Environment (management and maintenance of buildings and grounds, including the lakes, parks and trails) = $799,698 Recreation Center (operations & management, maintenance, utilities and programming for the recreation center campus) = $634,449 Lifestyle & Communications (recreation programs & events, clubhouse rental, clubs, website, newsletter, e-blasts, brochures, software programs, Board packets & Annual ballots) = $63,000 Utilities (electricity, natural gas, telephone, internet and waste collection for all property other than the recreation center) = $58,550

SO, WHAT DOES MY DUES ASSESSMENT PAY FOR? Department of Community Standards

$45

Department of Property & Environment

$78

Department of Administration

$71

Department of Lifestyle & Communication

Department of Recreation & Amenities

Utilities minus the Rec Center

Cover the cost of Delinquents

General Reserves

$59

Trails Reserves Capital improvements

$7 $40 $325

FINANCE REVIEW PLPOA faces the universal challenge of rising operational costs due to inflation, impacting everything from utilities to insurance, staffing, and services. While the 2024 budget doesn't mirror the 3.7% index hike, it does reflect pervasive inflation across all expenses. Staff salaries need inflation-adjusted raises amid heightened competition for skilled workers. Insurance costs, especially health insurance, are slated to surge by 18%. Rising building materials and labor costs escalate insurance premiums for property replacement. Legal expenses, pine needle pick-up, electric, gasoline and fish stocking show significant increases too.

Besides inflation, the Association contends with factors like lot consolidation reducing assessments by $10,400 annually and a burgeoning population leading to increased usage of amenities without proportional revenue. A critical budgetary impact of $25 stems from the Reserve Fund, with $15 attributed to a needed $700,000 Recreation Center dehumidification HVAC system replacement that was unexpected, threatening the fund's balance for future maintenance. The Reserve Study guides allocations for 150 common reserve components and 14 trail components over 30 years, preventing special assessments and sustaining property value. The Capital Improvement Funding Plan outlines projects and costs, crucial for budgeting purposes. The 2024 budget earmarks $861,799 for general reserves, $208,346 for trail maintenance, and $347,208 for capital projects. To balance expenses, recreation fees are being adjusted. Responsible fiscal management requires covering costs without solely burdening dues. Even seemingly minor fees, like the $10 boat permit, need revision to align with operational costs. Despite these challenges, PLPOA remains committed to its Strategic Plan, ensuring fiscal stability while striving for community growth. Efforts to keep assessments low among similar-sized associations continue, reflected in the forthcoming budget presentation on January 20th, 2024, open for review online at plpoa.com.

SPECIAL OWNERS MEETING

The 2024 budget was approved by the PLPOA

House Bill 18-1342, effective since July 1, 2018,

on January 20, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the Vista

amended the CCIOA, compelling pre-CCIOA

Conference Room, 230 Port Ave., Pagosa

communities

Springs, CO, aligns with the state statute. The

CCIOA's

(pre-July

new

budget

1992)

veto

process.

Board on December 14th. An owners meeting

This

2024 budget is viewable on plploa.com, with

process demands the board to adopt a

a summary provided for you on the previous

budget, allow owners to veto it within 90

page. Owners unable to attend can vote by

days, and if unsuccessful, the budget passes.

proxy, accessible on our website or at the

PLPOA needs over 2,500 owner votes to veto.

administration office.

SPECIAL OWNERS MEETING AGENDA: Owners have opportunity to ratify or veto the 2024 budget Presentation of the 2024 budget & PLPOA Financial System Question & Answer Period WHEN: January 20, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. WHERE: PLPOA Administration Building, 230 Port Ave. PUBLIC DISCLOSURES The Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act 38-33.3-209.4 requires all associations to make certain public disclosures to owners. This information can be found on the Association’s website plpoa.com . Go to the Resource Center tab, click and then choose the Public Disclosure Tab which will take you to all the required information to be disclosed to the owners of PLPOA. plpoa.com

THE PURPOSE OF COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Many property owners are unaware of the significance of a POA or their property's inclusion in one. Community Associations are integral to residential property ownership, providing continuity, preserving architectural integrity, maintaining common properties, and safeguarding property values. According to the Community Association Institute (CAI), these associations are designed to fulfill specific functions:

Enforcement Manage property interests of owners such as covenant & rules enforcement

DUES ASSESSMENT/BUDGET COMPARISON

By Allen Roth

In a 2020 survey by the Community Managers International Association focused on large-scale communities akin to PLPOA, insights were gathered from 77 such communities. To qualify as "large-scale," these communities needed a full-time on-site manager, a minimum of 1,000 units or acres, and an annual budget of $2 million. PLPOA, meeting these criteria with 6,334 lots, spanning over 14,000 acres, and operating on a $2.9 million budget, exemplifies this category. The survey revealed significant disparities: in the eastern half of the country, annual assessments were 25% higher than in the west, averaging $3,364 and $2,715 respectively per unit/lot. PLPOA's assessments stand at $325, notably lower. Additionally, large-scale communities averaged a $4.76 million capital improvement fund, contrasting with PLPOA's $705,266, while reserve funds averaged $1.23 million, where PLPOA's reserve fund totaled $1,206,549. Operating budgets among these large-scale communities averaged $8.95 million, while PLPOA operates at $2.9 million, indicating a gap between PLPOA's budget and the average seen in the survey.

Maintenance Manage and maintain the common areas of the property and the facilities

Services Provide services to owners such as pine needle pick-up

Recreation Develop a sense of community through social activities or amenities, such our Lifestyle programs, events and classes and the Recreation Center

The Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association aims to enhance civic, social, and recreational interests for residents. Balancing individual preferences with the community's, is a priority and especially challenging due to diverse lots and subdivisions. Membership is automatic upon property purchase, entailing financial responsibilities for assessments tied to association maintenance, along with adherence to covenants and regulations. 6

plpoa.com

As we step into the new year, we would like to recognize all of you who have made our progress possible and say, simply but sincerely,

thank you "Amy Johnson was and is a life saver from the beginning

"Ivy and the entire team at JCPRE were supportive,

of our transaction to closing and beyond. Amy found the

professional, and dedicated throughout the entire process

time to respond to our many questions regarding the

of selling our home. We could not have chosen a better

property (we were out of state buyers). I’m sure it took

team to work with." - David & Stewart Bellina

extra time, but she never acted as if she was too rushed or unwilling to help us. Buying or selling a property can be overwhelming, so do yourself a HUGE favor and hire AMY!!!" - Diane Ward

"Blue was everything we could have asked for. She is incredibly detail-oriented, down to earth, and a great communicator. She made us feel well-informed, as if we were her only clients. Best experience we could have ever

“My wife and I have been on both sides of 15 or more real estate transactions and never have I experienced a more efficient and professional dealing than this one. David and Mary Helen made this a smooth and effortless experience for me. David kept me updated daily and his work ethic produced the best possible outcome for us. I am happy to recommend and endorse Jann C. Pitcher Real Estate to anyone." - George Diestelkamp "Lauren was very responsive. She answered all of our questions and met with our cousins to be our eyes. We were really happy with her - so many Realtors just ‘let things happen.’ Lauren proactively helped us and we

dreamed of!" - Lisa & William Peterson "We have worked with over a dozen Realtors over the years, but Kalei is clearly the best. He has amazing knowledge of the Pagosa market, he is always thoroughly prepared and goes the extra mile to ensure the process goes smoothly. Plus he makes it fun to buy and sell real estate in Pagosa Springs." - Charles & Sarah Riehm "Lee is always on point. He's one of those agents who always picks up the phone. He thinks ahead and works tenaciously on your behalf. Can't find a better ally in the home buying/selling process." - Stephanie Harley

appreciate her work!" - Mark & Rebecca Miller JANN C PITCHER REAL ESTATE | 2261 EAGLE DRIVE, PAGOSA SPRINGS CO 81147 | 970.731.4065 | JANNCPITCHER.COM

plpoa.com

PLPOA COMMON AREA IMPROVEMENTS

Last year, PLPOA made substantial enhancements to benefit owners, notably with new restroom buildings at Hatcher and Pagosa Lakes, replacing portable toilets. These restrooms, open yearround, but locked from sunset to dawn. Collaborating with North Village Lake Subdivision residents, PLPOA formed a committee to prioritize settlement funds for a project, securing board approval to match these funds for constructing a trail along Northlake Avenue from North Pagosa Blvd. to Antelope Ave. Meeting the rising demand for mailboxes due to Pagosa Lakes' growth and increased postal box costs, PLPOA continued to upgrade mailbox sites, building a new one at Highlands Park and expanding and paving the Sweetwater Dr. site. With over $250,000 spent, these upgrades addressed safety, size, accessibility, and logistical concerns. Continuing their fire mitigation efforts, PLPOA worked on four greenbelts last summer, receiving a grant covering 40% of the $30,000 total cost. This work in Pagosa Highlands and Martinez Mountain Estate II will persist over the next few years until their five-year plan is fulfilled. In early 2023, the Recreation Center locker rooms underwent a necessary renovation, including replacing wall tiles, flooring, sinks, fixtures, and fresh paint, receiving positive feedback from members. Following strategic plans and improvement guides, PLPOA aims to further enhance Pagosa Lakes Community to meet resident needs.

plpoa.com

2023 Welcome Santa Event Once upon a time (last month), visitors of the 2023 Welcome Santa event, embarked on a one-of-a-kind adventure. At first glance, it appeared to be an enchanting gingerbread house, but as they stepped inside, they were transported aboard a spaceship. The destination? None other than the North Pole. This extraordinary journey unfolded through a tailor-made digital experience. The voyage began in Pagosa Lakes, whisking travelers through outer space, with a spectacular landing at Santa's residence. Amid this magical expedition, adventurers had the chance to interact with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, seize precious moments in photographs, receive a thoughtful keepsake, and then reboard the spaceship for their return journey. And so, as this incredible journey came to a close, the memories lingered, leaving smiles etched on the faces of all who partook. For those who missed this magical expedition, fear not! We promise to recreate and enhance this experience next year. Stay tuned by following us on social media and signing up for PLPOA's weekly updates. Adventure awaits, and we'll ensure you're in the know of all upcoming events and happenings.

plpoa.com

Thank you Sponsors!!!

PLPOA & The Claus’ plpoa.com

Environmental News

By Department of Property and Environment Manager, Larry D. Lynch I would like to wish all our owners a Happy New Year going into 2024. This past year was definitely a busy one for the Department of Property and Environment crew and brought some challenges with unusual weather patterns. The winter of early 2023 brought us some exceptional snowpack in the mountains and a heavy runoff this past spring along with some minor flooding and a good recharge of the lakes. This was followed by an exceptionally hot and dry summer where our monsoon weather patterns almost completely missed us and we saw several weeks of temperatures in the upper 90’s, a real cooker. As a result, the lake levels were lower than normal this fall and the fishery experienced an extended stress level through the late summer. Things did cool down a little in the fall and the lakes were stocked with large numbers of rainbow trout and anglers were reporting excellent conditions through October and November. The PAWSD is running a small amount of water into Hatcher Lake via the Dutton pipeline diversion and with any amount of snowpack this winter we should be in good shape going into the spring. Some improvements were made this past summer around the lakes including brand new vault restrooms installed at Hatcher Lake and Lake Pagosa near the boat ramps, entirely concrete structures sitting on large underground vaults, a big upgrade from the portable restrooms. The excavations and site prep were all made in-house by the crew with a new backhoe attachment on the tractor, some large deep holes. A new floating dock was purchased for Hatcher Lake that will be installed at the west side jetty of the lake which will allow for a yearround dock to be situated at that location. Upcoming projects for 2024 will include a significant trail maintenance project as part of our reserve parks and trails fund replacement schedule. A couple of trail segments on North Pagosa Blvd (the southerly most segment) and the southerly third of the Lake Forest Circle trail are scheduled to be re-surfaced with a new asphalt overlay where the trails are showing signs of cracking and edge failure. Additionally, the asphalt trails on Vista Blvd and the northerly segment of North Pagosa Blvd trail will be crack filled and seal coated as part of our regularly scheduled maintenance plan.

Wildfire Fuel Reduction A big push was made this past year on wildfire fuel reduction projects and assistance to homeowners who were safeguarding their properties. The Association brush collection area was very active beginning last spring and summer with close to 1000 sign-ins and drop-offs by owners hauling in heavy brush and limbs. Over 5000 cubic yards of material was processed with our 200HP Rayco horizontal drum grinder producing significant amounts of usable landscape mulch for the community. Once again local wildfire activity was a serious concern with significant wildfires nearby in the Turkey Springs area on Chris Mt and later fires on Middle Mountain just a few miles to the northwest. It’s important to make sure your home is protected.

The Association contracted out the thinning and wildfire fuel reduction of large greenbelts in Highland Estates and Martinez Mt this past year where close to 40 acres was mitigated at zone II and III State Forest Service standards removing understory fuels and thinning overcrowded pine stands to achieve more natural spacing. Additional work is planned next year as we continue to mitigate the newly acquired open space and green belt properties. The US Forest Service also conducted a significant brush mastication project along our west boundary this past summer and fall where large swaths of understory forests were heavily mitigated near Highland Estates and Martinez Mt Estates reducing wildfire fuels along our west flank. Several prescribed burns have been initiated as well in the past few years. A big appreciation to the forest service is deserved for their efforts over the past 20 years or so to significantly mitigate forest lands to the west of us. With our predominant westerly wind patterns the Pagosa Ranger District has always viewed Turkey Springs as a plpoa.com critical management area.

Winter Activities We are all blessed to live here in southwest Colorado, and specifically Pagosa Lakes. There is a wide variety of winter activities to keep active during those cold winter months. Whether you like higher aerobic activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing or prefer a mellow day on the ice fishing for that lunker that got away last summer there is always something fun to do. We do have multiple access locations to the National Forest and if you have a pair of cross-country skis or a pair of snowshoes you can easily be in the woods in minutes at Gate 5, Highland Park or the cattle guard on Piedra Road. A map of all the National Forest gate access locations is on the website. The forest service will be grooming winter trails at Coyote Hill once again this winter and there are several miles of groomed track. An 11-mile-long fat bike specific winter trail will also be groomed with a 16-inch set track for adventurous cyclists and access will be in Turkey Springs at the cattle guard at Piedra Road. The parking area and access road at Vista Lake will be plowed and cleared all winter as well, a great place for a quick winter excursion around the lake. The Pagosa Nordic Club will be grooming winter trails at nearby Cloman Park this winter and now that Cloman Blvd is paved it will be much easier access (go to PagosaNordic.com to join the club). Additionally, there are opportunities to recreate on the frozen surfaces of the lakes, many of our owners enjoy snow shoeing or skiing on the lakes when conditions are right. Those conditions include at least 6 inches of solid ice and ample snow coverage. The DPE crew will be working hard this winter to keep the paved trail systems open, around 7 miles of hard surface trails. Last winter was a big challenge for us with the heavy snow in January and February, a lot of effort went into keeping those paved trails clear, at

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several points requiring a large tractor mounted snow blower to throw the snow clear of the trail sometimes taking a day or two to get it done, but it is always rewarding for us to see folks out enjoying a walk in the middle of winter on those paved trails. In addition to the Association parking lots, floating docks and trails, the DPE crew clears a large number of mailbox locations in all the subdivisions. We also apply thousands of pounds of sand on icy areas on community amenities to the best of our ability, but there are always going to be some icy spots in areas on any given day due to winter conditions. We are planning on holding our annual winter ice fishing tournament in February. Keep an eye out for announcements as we get closer to the date. Last year we had over 100 contestants of all ages competing for some great prizes. We were rewarded with a beautiful sunny day and hopefully we will get the same this year. The 2024 season fishing permits are available at the Administration office in Vista and at the Recreation Center. We did implement a small increase in the pricing for fishing and boating permits this year due to large increases in fish stocking costs, we are paying around $6 per pound for rainbow trout and to keep up with increasing numbers of anglers and desiring to provide a quality fishing experience the board felt it was necessary. Funds from fishing permit revenue are used to pay for fish stocking in the lakes. The Lakes and Fisheries Committee also discussed the possibility of recommending reducing the daily bag limit of three trout per day down to two but decided to keep the current bag limits for now and explore options in 2025 depending on how things go this summer.

COMMUNITY STANDARDS

Do you know your neighbors? Their first names, the types of cars they drive or what holidays they celebrate? If you ever got locked out of your house, could you go to your neighbor for a spare key? According to a recent study, roughly a quarter of adults under the age of 30 report that they don't know any of their neighbors. But there's a sense of comfort and safety that can come with knowing them — and building a safe and caring community is a valuable way to stay connected to the place you live.

It may seem obvious, but getting to know your neighbors is the first step to becoming a kind neighbor. Get out of your comfort zone and make an effort to learn their names and what they do for work. And if you feel comfortable, let them know that you're there to help, if they ever need another hand. This is especially important if your neighbors are “part time” or seasonal. Introducing yourself and getting to know them goes a long way towards keeping the peace and being able to communicate issues they may not be aware of.

You can help break the ice by welcoming them to the neighborhood. It doesn't take a lot of money or a grand gesture to be a kind neighbor. You don't have to show up with a fresh apple pie or anything like that. It's truly as simple as saying hello, introducing yourself and asking an open-ended question. Another way to take care of your neighborhood, and to show your neighbors that you care, is by making small acts of kindness a daily practice. This can be cleaning up litter or even cleaning up after the pets on your block. Use the skills and resources available to you — maybe you aren't a baker, but you have an amazing garden. You can ask your partner or kids to help you pick flowers from your garden to give your new neighbor a bouquet. Remember, every small gesture counts. It can feel so easy to just go home, close your door and turn on the TV without having to make small talk, but connecting with others is worth the effort. As nerve-wracking as it is, reaching out to new people can actually boost your mood in the long run. plpoa.com

DCS Manager Keith Cramer Connecting with your neighbors generates positive feedback of your social, emotional and physical well-being. And if you take the first step, your small acts of kindness can encourage others to pay that kindness forward — making even more people feel good. Encouraging your children & grandchildren to get out there and engage with your neighbors is important, but it isn't always easy to balance this with conversations on safety and the so-called stranger danger. Being told you can't trust the people around you doesn't exactly inspire community, and children pick up on that. One way to combat this stranger danger outlook, is by reaching out of your comfort zone and engaging with different people in your neighborhood alongside your kids. Getting to know your neighbors and taking care of your community are valuable ways to feel safer in your neighborhood. Actions speak louder than words, and your attitudes towards your neighbors also set an example for your kids.

So be mindful of the people in your community and actively remind yourself to treat everyone with respect and care. Handle conflict judiciously. No matter how friendly you are, you may have disagreements or quibbles with neighbors. Handling these conflicts with tact is crucial. Generally, if you have an issue with a neighbor, your first line of defense should be to try to resolve the problem with the person directly. This should be done faceto-face, not over text message or email, where messages can get misconstrued. Let’s say your neighbor’s dog is peeing on your garden. Broach the subject by starting with a compliment, and then suggest working together toward a solution: “Duke is such a sweet dog. However, I have noticed that he’s been peeing on our garden, and I would really love to curb that behavior so that my flowers don’t die on me.” Putting forth the effort to be a kind neighbor helps to build a stronger sense of community for everyone. Here are 4 hallmarks of being a kind neighbor;

#1 Kind Neighbors Are Authentic One of the most important qualities of a good neighbor is authenticity. A kind neighbor interacts with you on a genuine level – without any hidden agendas or ulterior motives. They don’t try to create a “project” out of your relationship, but rather simply treat you with kindness and respect. #2 Kind Neighbors Take the Long View Kind neighbors understand that they don’t live in isolation. They understand that their actions and decisions have an impact on the community. They take the time to learn the history and context of the area before offering opinions or solutions. They understand that every community has its own unique set of rules, and they are willing to work with others to find solutions that are best for everyone. #3 Kind Neighbors Are Considerate Kind neighbors understand the importance of practical help, and are always willing to lend a hand when they can. Whether it’s keeping an eye on the house when you are away, shoveling snow from your driveway, or lending you a tool when you need it, they are always looking for ways to contribute. They understand that it’s the small things that make a big difference. #4 Kind Neighbors Want the Whole Community to Flourish Kind neighbors understand that the well-being of the community is interconnected, and that their actions and decisions have a ripple effect on everyone. They care for all and make decisions and initiatives based on the interest of the community rather than just self-interest. They understand that different neighbors have different beliefs/priorities/opinions. They are always looking for ways to make the community a better place for everyone, and they understand that it’s the small actions that add up to make a big difference. Kind neighbors understand that flourishing doesn’t just mean increased wealth. It means a thriving economy, resources for parents and families, and support for folks in all stages of life. plpoa.com

Building Bridges: Bode Miller's Insights on Community and Mental Health Inspire Pagosa Lakes Lifestyle department By: Lifestyle & Communications MGR, Jenifer Pitcher

Back in October I was fortunate enough to attend the community conversation with the legendary Bode Miller. He emphasized the profound impact of community on mental well-being. In his insightful remarks, Miller highlighted the crucial role of support networks in navigating life's challenges and maintaining mental health. He projected a general observation about societal mental health, but then specifically dove into often overlooked demographics, particularly retirees and the elderly. Miller emphasized the significance of intergenerational connections within a community, highlighting their profound impact. "Communities thriving on interactions across different age groups create a robust support system," Miller remarked. "Older adults bring wisdom and experience, while younger generations offer enthusiasm and fresh perspectives, forming a mosaic of mutual support."

Miller emphasized that community involvement plays a pivotal role in promoting mental wellbeing across various stages of life. His emphasis on the value of social connections, shared experiences, and the support found within communities resonates deeply, highlighting the role of these networks in nurturing and sustaining mental health. In listening to Bode, I found myself feeling fortunate to hold a role where I could genuinely make a difference. As the Lifestyle and Communications Manager at Pagosa Lakes, a significant aspect of my job revolves around cultivating community and discovering avenues for our PLPOA members to connect and thrive. Miller's emphasis on the impact of community and social support struck a chord with me, reinforcing the importance of the initiatives we're undertaking. Recognizing the importance of these connections, we're excited to share that we've transitioned a current part-time Rec Center employee into the role of part-time Recreation and Programming Coordinator. This change reflects our dedication to exploring fresh, creative ideas and services aimed at enriching the lives of our community members. At Pagosa Lakes, we're dedicated to creating an inclusive and vibrant community atmosphere. Through diverse programs, engaging activities, and opportunities for meaningful interaction, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing among our members. We're excited about the future possibilities as we expand our efforts. Scan the QR code below to tell us what you would like see offered to you and your community and/or what you might to provide to our PLPOA Community.

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Center employee into the role of par THE HEALING POWER OF COMMUNITY FOR MENTAL Recreation and Programming Coordinato HEALTH IN ADULTS, RETIREES, AND THE ELDERLY change reflects our dedication to exploring The significance of community in fostering mental well-being cannot be overstated. For adults, retirees, and the elderly, a robust sense services of community plays a pivotal at role enr in creative ideas and aimed maintaining and enhancing mental health. Studies consistently reveal the profound impact that social connections have on overall well-being, particularly in these stages of the lives of our community members. life.

At Pagosa Lakes, we're dedicated to creat COMBATTING SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SUPPORT PURPOSE AND AND STRESS ISOLATION: inclusive and REDUCTION: vibrant community atmos MEANING: For many adults, retirement Communities often offer Building connections within a or later stages of life can opportunities for involvement, act Through diverse programs, engaging community creates a safety introduce a higher risk of contributing to a sense of net for individuals to share social isolation. Communities purpose and meaning in life, and opportunities for meaningful interacti their feelings, experiences, provide a crucial antidote to which is particularly beneficial and challenges. This this by offering a network of for retirees and the elderly. aim to foster a sense of belonging emotional support system support, social interaction, Whether through volunteering, and helps in managing stress, mentoring, or participating in and a sense of belonging. coping with life changes, and shared interests, staying Engaging in group activities, being among our members. We're excited reducing the risk of mental engaged in a community social clubs, or volunteer health issues such as cultivates a sense of value and work within a community can the future possibilities as we expand our ef depression and anxiety. relevance, positively impacting significantly reduce feelings mental health.

of loneliness and isolation.

HEALTHYto LIFESTYLE Scan the QR code below tell us wha ENCOURAGEMENT: would offered to healthy you and Interacting with otherslike and engaging see in Communities often promote habits community activities has been linked to better through group activities such as exercise classes, cognitive function and brain health. Social communal gardening, or cooking clubs. These to p community and/or what you might stimulation and mental engagement within a initiatives not only improve physical health but community setting can potentially lower the risk also contribute significantly to mental well-being to our PLPOA of cognitive decline in older adults.Community. by fostering a sense of achievement and BRAIN HEALTH AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION:

camaraderie.

Overall, the positive impact of community on mental health for adults, retirees, and the elderly cannot be understated. The social connections, emotional support, sense of purpose, cognitive stimulation, and encouragement for a healthy lifestyle that communities provide collectively contribute to a fulfilling and mentally enriching life. Recognizing the significance of community and actively participating in it is a fundamental step toward ensuring mental well-being as one navigates through different stages of life.

VISIT PLPOA.COM FOR UP-TO-DATE EVENTS/HAPPENINGS AND A CALENDAR FULL OF ACTIVITIES. plpoa.com

Thank you, Pagosa Lakes Property Owners’ Association, for supporting the work of Habitat for Humanity in Pagosa Springs! Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County was founded in 1994 and averaged one new home build annually for work force families through 2021. Today we’re entering the third year of our current project to build 15 Homes in 5 Years. We’re building all 15 homes in PLPOA, and we couldn’t have made it this far without your support! If you live in the area full-time you’ve probably seen the modular homes that allow us to build faster. We built two homes in Pagosa Highlands in 2022, just off North Pagosa Boulevard. In 2023 we completed three homes in Trails and Chris Mountain Village near the brush mulching facility. We’ve already begun preparations for three more homes next summer, right around the corner on Domicile Circle. Because we build modular homes with rooftop solar, we typically build detached garages to fit within our build envelope. Next year the sun is on our side so we’re taking a crack at our first attached garage. Families who partner to build with Habitat Archuleta purchase their home with dual financing for the full appraised value, so our work does not negatively impact surrounding property values. Applicants must have been in our local workforce for at least a year and qualify for mortgage financing to participate in the program. Their first mortgage covers the cost of construction, and the difference between cost and appraised value is protected by a 30-year forgivable silent second mortgage. A portion of construction funds are reserved specifically for landscaping, which the homeowners take charge of in the spring following their build year. PLPOA’s Environmental Control Committee works with Habitat staff to ensure floor plans and color selections fit in with the neighborhood. We appreciate the assistance that PLPOA’s board of directors and staff provide Habitat throughout the year. They recognize that we build with local volunteers, traveling volun-tourists, local subcontractors, and our partner families, and that it takes a bit longer than a conventional build. We’re always working to streamline our process and get construction done quicker because we know it’s not fun to live next door to a construction site. Partner families and Habitat staff attend New Owner Meetings to learn the ins and outs of being part of the PLPOA, so you may meet some of your new neighbors at one of those events. If you’re interested in making an impact in Pagosa’s work force housing (without added regulations or negatively affecting property values), please reach out to us for more information on volunteering or donating to our cause. We believe homeownership is affordable housing. We’re eager to spread the word about our work that PLPOA is already supporting. If you’re part of a business or organization who wants to help provide homeownership opportunities for our workforce, please contact us to present more information at one of your meetings. 18

970-264-6960

director@habitatarchuleta.org plpoa.com

Winter Activities

AT THE PLPOA RECREATION CENTER By Ryan Grahm, Recreation Center Manager

Looking to make this winter a blast? PLPOA Rec Center has your back with a lineup of activities!

Beginner X Country Class: Ever dreamt of gliding across the snowy expanse, feeling the crisp winter air rush by? Join our beginner X Country class starting late January! We'll meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with exact times revealed once more snow falls. CPR Classes: Safety first, folks! For PLPOA residents, we've got CPR classes lined up. Stay tuned for dates and times; we'll have you ready to be a lifesaver! Card Boat Regatta: It’s coming, the first annual Card Boat Regatta, in the lap pool. Design, speed, and costumes—show off your creativity! Check our website for rules and get ready to sail your way to prizes. Snowman Building Competition: When the snow falls, the competition heats up! Join us for our first annual snowman building extravaganza. Fun, hot chocolate, and a food truck—let's create frosty masterpieces together! Recreation Swim Team: Dive into the 2024 season! Practice starts in March. Want to join? If you can swim a lap without stopping, you're in! Contact us for more details. Youth Swim Lessons: Splash into March with our youth swim lessons! From beginner to advanced, we've got levels for everyone. Keep an eye on our website for detailed info in February. Weekly Fitness Classes: Fitness fanatics, rejoice! HIIT classes now on Wednesdays and Sundays, plus a BootCamp on Thursdays. Get your groove on with us all year long! For more information and scheduling on these exciting events and classes, check out our website at plpoareccenter.com. Winter's about to get a whole lot cooler—join us for some snowy, social fun!

plpoa.com

230 Port Ave. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147-9486

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(970) 264-1250 | WWW.GALLESPROPERTIES.COM

Statistics based on MLS volume and unit sales, 2006-2023, in cooperation with other Brokers.