Three area residents, Casey Jones, Patrick Donahue and Sarah Wach, submitted letters of interest, requesting appointment to the commission to help fill some of the five empty seats on this seven-seat board, leaving only two seats empty. These letters are posted on the town’s meeting addenda website.

Their letters of interest were read into the record by councilwoman Kathy Beck, the council’s representative to the recreation commission. None of the applicants could be present at this March 5th Council meeting for council questions due to work conflicts. However, they were quickly confirmed by the whole council with minimal comment. Mayor Chuck Davis said he had met with two of the applicants. None of the council members indicated whether they had met with the applicants.

With last month’s resignations, the seven-member recreation commission was down to just two members, the commission’s secretary, Emily Williams, and the town’s recreation director, Kim Hemenway.

Now that they have five appointed members on this seven-member board, and a quorum, they can begin to reorganize the board. This will enable them to get down to the business of planning this summer’s recreation activities and support the recreation director’s many efforts to bring recreation to the town and valley.

The length of terms for each seat was briefly discussed. Mayor Davis said once organized they could work that out, so they don’t all end up needing to be reappointed or replaced at the same time in the future.

Casey Jones’ letter said he “grew up in Saratoga and am now back to finish raising my kids here in this great community. I think my familiarity with Saratoga and the people here, along with my life experiences in coaching and leadership would help add a good voice to the rec. board.”

Parrick Donahue is a seven-year resident in the Valley with “three girls that have all been in the sports offered in the valley and I want to make those opportunities better for them.”

“Some of the things that brought me here are the things that I believe the rec. commission board stands for: physical and mental wellbeing of members of the community through outdoor activity. I would love the opportunity to engage with the community more by serving on the Recreation Commission board.”

Sara Wach came “to the Platte Valley in May 2020, intending to stay for a summer, but fell in love with the valley and the town and so I’m still here almost four years later. I would love to be part of a group that works to support the greater community that has become my home.”

“I love meeting people and getting outdoors and love sharing these passions with others. I feel I could be a supportive member of the group, as well as learn a lot about how to serve our community.”

“I have 10 plus years of professional experience organizing educational, safe, and fun programs/activities for children, including grant funded programs. I worked with the USDA, EPA and UN to develop and deliver curriculums for both children and adults.”

Since Wach is relocating to Encampment, she expressed an interest in one of the commission’s “out of town spots,” and said, “I would really love to be a part of a group that does such great things for the valley.”

Mayor Chuck Davis told the council, “I would like to move forward and appoint these people tonight so we can get the rec. commission back on target so they can help the rec. director and keep moving forward.”

The council approved all three applicants without dissent.