By Marianne Griffin

Hello Mancos Valley, this is a farewell. Effective Oct. 17, I will no longer be the administrator for the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center.

My husband and I sold our home and we will be moving to a warmer climate next month. Working as the administrator has been the most fun job I have ever had. Visitors to the Valley are usually cheerful folks looking to enjoy themselves. The business community is made up of some of the most optimistic and determined people I've met. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve this wonderful town. Stop by the Visitor Center and say "howdy."

As I prepare to leave this terrific job, I have been going through old records and materials, and I found a wonderful old, piece of Mancos marketing. I thought I would share it with you as a farewell note. It's an old proclamation that has no date on it. If anyone recognizes it, contact me before I leave and give the back story on this piece.

WHEREAS: The town of Mancos, having the desire of sharing the peace and quiet and harmony of its community, TOGETHER WITH the great natural scenic playground of the surrounding mountain valley - DECLARE THAT if you are a hunter, fisherman, sportsman, camera fan, historian, novelist, artist, or just plain people, OR IF you are suffering from overwork, crowding, smog, noise, nerve tension, ill health, itchy feet or a nagging wife - AND YOU THEREFORE, desire release and freedom from the above mentioned conditions and trouble WE HERE BY TENDER: the one and only successful formula of procedure - TO WIT: plan and execute a trip to our Mancos Valley - WHEREBY you are entitled to:

FISH in our lakes and streams - HUNT in our forests of pin spruce and aspen - CLIMB one of your nearby 14,000 foot peaks - DISCOVER abandoned 18th century mines - EXPLORE the wonder of Mesa Verde National Park - SEE the great Navajo Land - PHOTOGRAPH ghost-like Monument Valley - TOUR the fabulous Uranium Country (this is the only note that might indicate this was written in the 1950's).

NOW LET IT BE UNDERSTOOD: these are merely a FEW of the activities you may pursue in one day's time from your MANCOS HEADQUARTERS: .

THIS is your INVITATION and you are ASSURED a hearty WELCOME to visit or come to live in THE BEAUTIFUL Mancos Valley.

Well, I came and made my home in the Mancos Valley. I was given a hearty welcome. And, I say "thank you" once again to all of you in this charming valley.

Marianne Griffin is the director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer Ave. Visit www.mancosvalley.com or call 533-7434. You can also visit [email protected].