By Dale Johnson
Curtains Up Pagosa has been quite busy with transitions and changes this year. For the past six years, we have been honored and extraordinarily blessed with having Kim Moore as our President, and Walt Moore as our Treasurer. The Moores are well-known locals who have worked here for years, raised their family, and volunteered with many, many organizations. We were thrilled when they chose CUP to give their time and hearts to. They were not your typical Board members, as in addition to their Officer roles and responsibilities, you could find Kim baking her signature cookies and cupcakes for show concessions, coming to rehearsal to give some love to our cast, or helping with productions at the Bus Barn. Walt was always running some show errand, hanging a sign at the Library, or picking up something at Walmart, again!
In the Fall of 2018, during auditions for Curtains Up Pagosa’s “Nutcracker the Musical”, we were delighted to meet a young newcomer to Pagosa, Sophie Martinez, who stole our hearts with her song and dance and kindness. Little did we know then how big a part she and her family would play in our organization.
So this year when Kim and Walt Moore announced they would be stepping back from their Board roles, and we were pondering who might fill their shoes, I went straight to Ricardo and Nora, Sophie’s parents. They had already been active in volunteering with CUP since they moved here, helping out with every aspect of productions. We had already observed their kindness and support with our cast, especially our young actors. We were beyond excited and very grateful when they accepted taking on the responsibilities of Ricardo as President and Nora as Treasurer.
The Martinez family came to us from Laredo Texas, where they both worked in Public Health. They actually learned about Pagosa from an article in Cowboys and Indians Magazine! They came to Pagosa initially to escape the Texas heat, and then like so many of us, fell in love with the mountains, the beauty, the peace of this place. Ricardo and Nora also were touched and impressed with Pagosa’s hospitality and the kindness of its people.
Ricardo is the Clinic Director at Archuleta Integrated Healthcare, part of the Axis Health System, while Nora is the Director of Pagosa Springs Head Start. Sophie will enter sixth grade in the Fall.
When I asked Ricardo why he would be willing to take on this challenging role, he said that while watching many rehearsals and being part of CUP productions that he had “been touched and inspired to see “kids” of all ages, from 9 – 90, give so much of themselves, for the love of performing and music and dance and theater”. Watching them interact, mentor and support each other, seeing self-confidence grow, and watching personal transformations had a big impact on both Ricardo and Nora. CUP is wrapping their arms in a virtual hug around the Martinez family as they step into Curtains Up!
We will always appreciate the endless hours of work from Kim and Walt Moore, and more importantly, their belief in CUP’s Music and their service to kids and community. They gave their love and hearts freely. We will miss the meets in front of the fire, with the dogs at our feet, talking and listening and dreaming and creating. Yes, Kim and Walt have stepped down from their official roles, but will still continue to work with, support and believe in Curtains Up as volunteers. With great love!
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