Dolores returned to its annual celebrations with the traditional spring banquet held by the Dolores Chamber of Commerce.
More than 100 people attended the May 15 party at the Dolores Community Center to enjoy live music on the riverbank, a silent auction, margaritas and a barbecue dinner.
Dolores Parks Committee Chairman Kalin Grigg was awarded the Citizen of the Year award for 2020. Terri’s Hair and Nails was named Business of the Year.
Grigg was honored for his dedication and volunteer efforts to build a new playground in Joe Rowell Park, said Susan Lisak, Chamber of Commerce director .
“He coordinated hundreds of moving parts and people to make the project a reality,” she said.
For more than two years, Grigg helped to lead a large contingent of volunteers toward the goal and dedicated hundreds, if not thousands, of hours in the planning, fundraising and construction phases.
“This is really special, thank you,” Grigg said of the award. “There are so many good people in this community that spent so much time making this possible. Really, Citizen of the Year should go to the entire community.”
Grigg is a retired sociology professor from Fort Lewis College, and has lived in Dolores since 2005. He spent much of career organizing public service projects and jumped at the opportunity to participate in one in Dolores.
The deluxe $280,000 playground is more than just a place for kids to play, he said, it is an important community gathering place where all kinds of people meet to socialize outside work and home.
“A great playground is part of Dolores’ identity and character. People come from all over to enjoy it,” Grigg said. “Hundreds of volunteers helped with the design and the build, and they all deserve credit. Rebuilding this playground was essential for the healing and integrity of the community.”
A portion of the playground designed specifically for toddlers was named “Kalin’s Corner.”
Terri’s Hair and Nails on South Fourth Street was named the 2020 Business of the Year for Dolores.
The salon has been a Dolores mainstay for 20 years, and is a local’s favorite for guys and gals of all ages.
Hairstylist Terri Winbourn and nail technician Janice Heman have served thousands of customers over the years. Hairstylist Angie Boniface recently joined the team, and brings with her 20 years of experience in the business.
“They are a true asset to the town, and have given so much of their time to the community, ” said Lisak.
Besides great salon services, Terri’s Hair and Nails also is known for its support of community events, fun Christmas parties, donations to local schools and frequent cancer foundation fundraisers.
During the pandemic, they delivered care baskets to nurses in Shiprock.
“I’d like to say thank you, we have been in business for a long time and love being part of the community,” Winbourn said. “We want to thank our friends and family and all of our wonderful clients.”
“We are truly blessed to live and work in Dolores, it is something we love,” Heman said.
Especially endearing for Winbourn is being around long enough to see generations of families come through the door for services.
As a traditional hangout hub of Dolores, the staff cherishes the daily conversations and good humor of customers.
“A lot of people come to visit, and we make it a welcome and inviting atmosphere,” Winbourn said.
The business is part of the “Fourth Street Girls,” along with The Ginger Jar and the Flying Pig.
The Chamber Banquet event has a Wild Wild West Steam Punk theme, and many dressed up in stylish historical and industrial costumes.
A costume contest was judged by cheers, and the winnings were split among many contestants.
The 2020 banquet had to be canceled because of the pandemic, so 2019 winners were also recognized.
The Outpost Motel, owned by Ginger Black and Kirk Swope, was Business of the Year for 2019. Local EMT and firefighter Jerry Whited was Citizen of the Year.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
