Greetings everyone as we bring to close another wonderful Central Coast summer. A quick reminder that school is in session on Monday, so please remember to slow down and obey school zone speed limits. Additionally, please always avoid distracted driving on all roadways. As we welcome our students back to school, the Foundation is also welcoming someone new to our organization.


The ABCF is pleased to announce Marina Searcy as our new Project Specialist supporting the Avila Beach Community Foundation in all its community efforts. Born and raised on the Central Coast, Marina brings a lifelong love for the region and a deep-rooted connection to Avila Beach. Her family’s legacy is woven into the town’s history—her father was part of the restoration team following the oil spill that transformed Avila and led to the founding of the Avila Beach Community Foundation. Now, Marina is honored to join the Foundation, contributing to its mission of supporting local nonprofits, fostering community engagement, and helping shape a vibrant, inclusive future for all who call Avila home. Marina’s dedication to the community extends beyond her role at the Foundation. She also serves as Associate Director of the Avila Beach Civic Association, building relationships and supporting the well-being of residents in Avila. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying the beach and embracing the Central Coast way of life.


Traffic Detour Planned at Avila Beach Drive
During Roundabout Construction


Beginning August 18 and extending through September 26, the U.S. 101 Interchange at Avila Beach Drive will be closed for forty days. The closure is required to construct the central portion of the roundabout, which will be located at the intersections of Avila Beach Drive, Shell Beach Road and the southbound U.S. 101 off-ramps and on-ramps. Traffic should use San Luis Bay Drive or Ontario Road as alternatives. All other roads and businesses, outside
of the project limits, will be open through this duration. SLO County Public Works Deputy Director John Waddell said that flaggers will be in place to ensure traffic flows smoothly and roads will remain open to first responders. "We're taking every step possible to minimize disruptions for drivers and to make sure safety
protocols are fully in place," he said. The Public Works Department worked with local businesses and stakeholders to find the least disruptive timeframe for the closure while keeping the project on track and avoiding costly delays. The August-September timeframe avoids the summer season but places completion ahead of the rainy season. "We so appreciate the way residents, businesses, and the contractor worked with our Public Works team to find a timeline that worked for all parties involved," said District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg. "During this time, there will likely be more traffic along the alternate routes in and out of Avila, along with delays. While we always knew the roundabout would need a period of complete closure, Public Works has made plans to keep delays to a minimum. All businesses in the area, and of course the beach itself, are open for business. Please pack a little extra patience during peak travel times into Avila, and we are grateful for everyone's understanding as we improve critical infrastructure." The roundabout itself will be complete and functional when this closure ends. It will ease traffic delays and improve safety at the intersection of Avila Beach Drive and Highway 101, which currently experiences significant traffic congestion, especially during weekends. The final phase of the entire project is the new Park-and-Ride and transit stop. That work will be completed after the closure.


The $13.8 million project includes the roundabout, on and off-ramp improvements, the Park-and-Ride and transit stop, sidewalks, crosswalks,
bike lanes, and a shared path so people can safely walk or bike around the roundabout. It should be wrapped up by the end of the year. The roundabout project is managed by SLO County Public Works with Caltrans and the San Luis
Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) as strategic partners. For more information, visit: SLOCounty.gov/AvilaRoundabout
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Happy 4th of July! As you gear up to celebrate Independence Day, make it a joyful and safe one by planning ahead—keep fireworks in the hands of professionals, be mindful of pets who may be startled by loud noises and always follow local safety guidelines.

Are you looking for a pet friendly celebration? Head to the Avila Beach Pancake Breakfast and Doggie Parade in downtown Avila Beach on Friday, July 4. The breakfast, which includes pancakes, sausage, bacon, fruit, orange juice and coffee, runs from 8:30 to 11 am at the Avila Beach Community Center. The event will provide puppy sitters outside for those who want to bring their dogs to breakfast. The Doggie Parade will kick off at 11 am on the Avila Promenade. All dogs must be registered beforehand and check in between 10:30 am and 10:45 am. There will be a costume contest for best-dressed pups, including the funniest costume, best holiday look and best dog-and-owner look-alike. This fundraiser supports the Avila Beach Civic Association.

If you’re walking along the Bob Jones Trail past the Mallard Green development towards Avila Golf Resort, please take note of the new bench donated by the Goldberg family to remember Saul Goldberg. We gathered last month to again celebrate and share memories of him. This bench pays tribute and honors one of Avila’s finest community members.

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​As I mentioned in my last newsletter, the Highway 101 interchange at Avila Beach Drive will be closed August 18-September 26 (40 days) to complete the next phase of the roundabout construction. Traffic control including signage and flaggers will navigate motorists through the detour. I will provide a more detailed update coming from SLO County Public Works when it is released in the coming weeks.

Finally, I want to congratulate our Project Specialist, Kymberly Fazzio, who announced her retirement from the Avila Beach Community Foundation at the end of this month. Kymberly has been a valuable team member since she joined the Foundation over three years ago and will be missed. We wish her the very best in her new adventures!
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That’s all for now and I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.

Welcome to May everyone. As I write this at the end of April, we’ve probably seen the last of the spring showers and look forward to warmer days.

As the dry season approaches, I would like to remind everyone that preparing for fire season becomes a critical undertaking, especially here in rural San Luis Obispo County. It's time to proactively defend our homes and community against the potential threat of wildfires. This involves creating defensible space around properties by clearing away flammable vegetation like dry brush and grass and ensuring that trees are trimmed back from structures. Hardening our homes with fire-resistant materials for roofs, siding, and vents can significantly increase their ability to withstand a major fire event. It's also wise to assemble an emergency "go-bag" with essential supplies, establish evacuation plans, and stay informed about local fire risks and alerts. By taking these preparedness measures now, we can collectively enhance our resilience and safety during the fire season. Cal Fire has published an outstanding resource for the public to plan and prepare for the upcoming fire season: https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/wildfire-action-plan/

In the coming months, I would like to highlight our first-time grant recipients. The first being Pacific Wildlife Care. This essential organization in San Luis Obispo County is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife. Since 1984, they have grown from a small group of dedicated individuals into a well-established non-profit, operating a rehabilitation center with a full-time veterinarian and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Serving as the only licensed rehabilitation center in the county for a wide array of native species, from birds and mammals to reptiles, Pacific Wildlife Care plays a crucial role in local conservation efforts. Their work extends beyond direct animal care to include public education, fostering a greater understanding and respect for the natural world within the community. With plans underway for a new, larger facility in San Luis Obispo, Pacific Wildlife Care is poised to expand its impact and continue its invaluable service to the region's wildlife. The Avila Beach Community Foundation is proud to support Pacific Wildlife Care’s outstanding contributions to our community.

The Avila Beach Community Foundation is also pleased to announce the continued support of Chevron Corporation. Chevron has generously donated $5,000 in support of downtown Avila’s summer beach maintenance program. We will continue to work with our local partner PathPoint Services to help keep the beach sidewalk free of sand and debris. This non-profit organization has a significant presence in San Luis Obispo County, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and mental health diagnoses to lead fulfilling lives. Established in 1964, PathPoint offers a wide array of person-centered services aimed at fostering independence, building life skills, and promoting community integration. In SLO County, their programs include employment services, supported living services, community access services, and services tailored for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their mission focuses on partnering with individuals to help them achieve their hopes and dreams.

One final update regarding the upcoming road closure at the Avila Beach roundabout. As you may be aware, the County is planning a road closure at Avila Beach Drive for the final construction of the roundabout scheduled from July 7th to approximately August 20th. The County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, April 29th to discuss the impact of the closure during the height of the summer season. The current request from Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg is to delay the closure to mid-August. SLO County Public Works is meeting next week with Cal Portland, the contractor for the roundabout, to finalize road closure dates. More information to follow as we get updates.

Until then, enjoy the warmer weather and we’ll talk again in July!

Happy March everyone as we begin the transition from winter to spring. We certainly were grateful for the much-needed rainfall in February and hope for more to come.  Daylight savings time will begin Sunday, March 9, at 2 am local time in most of the U.S. Remember to set your clocks to "spring forward" by one hour, meaning sunrise and sunset will occur one hour later. It is always a welcome change to have more daylight and warmer temperatures in Avila.
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For those of you who anxiously await my monthly newsletter, I have decided to publish it every other month going forward. With most of us experiencing some level of information overload, this is my small contribution to free up some space in your inbox.

The Avila Beach Community Foundation is pleased to announce two funding decisions that will positively impact our community. The first is establishing the Saul Goldberg Memorial Fund to support maintenance costs of the Trail Identification Project System (TIPS).  Among the many contributions Saul made to Avila Beach, the trail project includes signage markers describing a great variety of plants and wildlife along the Bob Jones Trail. The Foundation will work with SLO County Parks and Recreation to make sure this informative program is maintained for future trail travelers. For detailed information about each sign marker, go to:  https://thebobjonestrail.com/trail-information-project

Speaking of the Bob Jones Trail, the Foundation also voted to grant $15,000 to the Friends of the Bob Jones Trail over the next three years to help bridge the funding gap to complete the current project. The trail connection is a new 4-mile multi-use path that will start at the Octagon Barn on the south end of San Luis Obispo and end at the existing Avila trailhead on Ontario Road. For updated information on this project or to pledge support, go to:  https://thebobjonestrail.com/connection-to-slo

The Avila Beach Roundabout Project is now one month into Phase 2. During this phase, traffic will be routed onto the newly constructed sections of the project allowing CalPortland to work on those portions of the project previously used for travel. Vehicles, bicyclists, and other members of the traveling public are advised that this continues to be an active construction zone and to be aware of speed and construction activities within the work zone.

Have a great March and April everyone. Let’s cross our fingers for some spring showers in the next two months.

Happy New Year everyone!

As another year draws to a close, the anticipation for a fresh start and new beginnings fills the air. It's a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future with hope and optimism. Whether you're gathering with loved ones, watching fireworks light up the sky, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, may this New Year be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Cheers to health, happiness, and prosperity in the year to come!

I want to announce the Avila Beach Community Foundation Board of Trustees for
2025. Continuing as Board President will be Barbara Nicholson, and assuming the role
of Vice President is our previous Board Secretary, Ellen Pitrowski. Patrick Corrigan
continues as our Treasurer and Tim Luken is stepping into the role of Secretary this
year. Returning Trustees are Bev Aho, Lucinda Borchard, Joe Caradonna, Percy
Jones, Paul Prather, Deb Pritchard and Rick Cohen. This insightful group of volunteers bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to our organization.

As we begin a new year, let’s review the historic connection between our town and
the Avila Beach Community Foundation. In the early to mid-1990s, oil was
discovered to have seeped into our town’s commercial and residential zones, and onto
our beach front. Through litigation, UNOCAL was found to be responsible for the
contamination and required to “clean up the damages.”  Removing the oil caused most
of the commercial district to be razed and rebuilt, along with a hefty portion of the
residential section. Businesses and individuals were temporarily displaced – and some
never returned. In addition to the penalties incurred and costs of repairs, UNOCAL was
required to write a check for $3.2 million to create an endowment to be used for future
support of Avila Beach. For a brief period that sum was held temporarily by the Avila
Beach Community Services District as a new organization was formed in 1998 (the
Avila Beach Community Foundation) to accept, house, invest and allocate monies
from the fund. The Foundation continues to invest in local organizations and
enhancement projects for the community.

For those of you looking for a fun family-friendly New Year’s Day activity, the annual
Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge is a celebration of fitness, nature, and camaraderie.
Leave your wet suit at home and come with friends and family to the Avila Beach Pier.
Bring costumes, floaties, etc, but no dogs, please. Meet on the east side of the Avila
Beach pier at 11:30 am for pictures and encouragement from fellow plungers.
Participation is free and neither tickets nor reservations are required. More
info: www.avilabeachpolarbearplunge.com/

Happy 2025 everyone!

Happy December to everyone as we welcome the festive holiday season. December hosts a tapestry of rich cultural celebrations, with Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa shining brightly and centered around gathering with family and friends. Though distinct in their origins and practices, these December holidays share common threads of light, hope, and unity, illuminating the season with joy and reflection.  

In the spirit of gift giving, this is the time of year when we announce the Avila Beach Community Foundation Grants. This year we awarded 17 grants, totaling over $83,000. Recipients for 2025 funding are the Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach Civic Association, Cancer Well-Fit, Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers, Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards Program, People’s Self-Help Housing, Port San Luis Harbor District, Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, KCBX Public Radio, Cal Fire SLO County Avila Beach Station, Avila Beach Children’s Business Fair, ECOSLO, Pacific Wildlife Care, Surfrider Foundation, SLO Noor Foundation, and Friends of Avila Pier. Additionally, we will continue to support the Free Avila Trolley.

We welcome back the Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards and Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School who were previous grantees and are very excited to be funding both ECOSLO and Pacific Wildlife Care for the first time this year.

Let us celebrate the incredible impact of our community partners! Their service and commitment deserve our heartfelt recognition and appreciation. By providing essential resources, empowering individuals, and preserving our natural environment and its wildlife, these programs create positive change and make a lasting difference in Avila Beach. Our grantees tireless dedication continues to enhance the wonderful place we all call home.

I wish you all a safe holiday season filled with joy and cheer! 
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​Happy November everyone. This month is often associated with gratitude, especially in the United States where Thanksgiving will be celebrated on November 28th. It's a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and express appreciation for the people and things we cherish. While there's no official designation of November as "National Gratitude Month," the spirit of thankfulness certainly pervades this month.


With that spirit of gratitude, I want to thank everyone who made the Avila Beach Town Hall Forum on October 15th possible. A very special thank you to District 3 SLO County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg and the SLO County representatives from the Office of Emergency Services, Fire Safe Council, Planning & Building, Public Works, County Parks, and the State Insurance Commissioner’s Office who presented information about their current projects. Foundation Project Specialist Kymberly Fazzio and Legislative Assistant Kelley Abbas are to be commended for planning and organizing this successful event. Recognition also goes to the ABCF team of volunteers who made the night an enjoyable gathering for everyone who attended. It was great to see so many familiar faces and a great number of new residents gathered to hear the presentations. If you submitted a question during the forum, SLO County staff is working to get each of you responses to your inquiries.


I am pleased to announce that the Avila Beach Community Foundation elected two new trustees to its board at our October meeting: Tim Luken and Rick Cohen. Tim is a retired fire captain with 30 years of service to the Bakersfield community. Rick rejoins our team, bringing his 15 years of experience serving as our ABCF Executive Director. Rick’s knowledge and contributions span over 45 years of leadership in the nonprofit sector. We welcome both of these long-serving community leaders to our board.


Many of you also have been following the Bob Jones Trail gap closure project. While under some tight timelines, last week, the SLO County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal for a new design that reroutes the trail to avoid current easement issues. The project still needs approval by the California Transportation Commission at its January 30-31 meeting to keep the $18.25 million federal grant for the project. If approved, the project will meet its March 2025 funding deadline and hopefully construction would begin within six months. We appreciate the county’s efforts to keep this project alive.


Yesterday while in the Avila Beach Community Center, I saw community members setting up for the November 5th election. If you have not already done so, remember to get to your polling station and cast your vote.


Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

​With a heavy heart, I share the passing of our esteemed board member and vice president of the Avila Beach Community Foundation (ABCF), Saul Goldberg. Saul was a guiding force within our organization and a dedicated servant of the community of Avila Beach. His unwavering commitment to our mission and thoughtful leadership helped shape our path. Saul was a career educator at Cal Poly School of Engineering and a generous community member serving on the Avila Beach Community Foundation, Avila Advisory Council, and various other nonprofit organizations and projects in Avila Beach.  Saul also loved Bob Jones Trail and had a vision to enrich the trail experience by placing signage markers along the path that identify various plants and wildlife. He led the implementation of this project and today everyone can enjoy and learn from these signage markers as they traverse along the trail.  Saul’s remarkable vision and compassionate spirit will be deeply missed. 
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September is a month rich in holidays and celebrations around the world. In the United States, Labor Day on the first Monday of September honors workers' contributions and often marks the unofficial end of summer with picnics and parades. Meanwhile, September is a time for cultural and historical observances in various countries. For example, Brazil celebrates its Independence Day on September 7th, commemorating its independence from Portugal. In the Jewish calendar, the New Year, Rosh Hashanah, usually falls in September, a time for reflection and renewal. September also features a host of other observances, such as International Literacy Day on the 8th and the autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

Save the date!

Save the date for an upcoming Town Hall with District 3 SLO County Supervisor, Dawn Ortiz-Legg on Tuesday, October 15th, from 6:00-8:45pm at the Avila Beach Community Center. More details to follow in the coming weeks.

ABCF Community Spotlight

This month, the ABCF spotlights the Avila Beach Civic Association. The Avila Beach Civic Association is a community-focused organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Avila Beach. This local group works to address the needs and interests of residents through various initiatives, including organizing community events, advocating for local issues, and fostering a sense of unity among residents. By hosting activities such as doggie parades, spaghetti dinners, and other annual social gatherings, the Civic Association plays a crucial role in maintaining the charm and vibrancy of Avila Beach. Their efforts help build a robust and engaged community that values the natural beauty and the communal spirit of our picturesque coastal town. Avila Beach Community Foundation proudly supports the Avila Beach Civic Association to assist with funding for their management services.  

Other News

Finally, as the new school year begins, we want to remind all drivers to be extra vigilant and cautious in school zones. With children heading back to school, it's essential to obey speed limits, watch for crossing guards, and stay alert for students walking or biking to school. Please remember to stop for school buses with flashing lights and refrain from using your phone or getting distracted while driving. Our collective vigilance ensures the safety of our young students and helps create a secure environment for their return to learning. Let’s work together to make this school year safe and successful for everyone on the road.

Be safe out there, and have a great September.

August, the eighth month of the year, is a time of transition and celebration. Named after Augustus Caesar, it often brings the height of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, with long, sun-filled days perfect for vacations and outdoor activities. Many people take advantage of this warm weather to travel, relax, and enjoy festivals and gatherings. In various cultures, August is marked by significant holidays and observances, such as India's Independence Day and the Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary. It is also a month of harvest and agricultural fairs, celebrating the bounty of the season. As August progresses, the days begin to shorten, signaling the approaching change of seasons and the eventual return to routine and work. This blend of leisure and preparation for the coming months makes August a unique and vibrant time of year.

This week, I was browsing the magazines at the Avila Bay Club and picked up a recent issue of the AARP Magazine.  It included some very informative reads for retirees. Here is a great resource provided to prevent frauds and scams.  The AARP has produced a handbook with very informative information we can all share with family members:  AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook.  The link for the PDF is: aarp-fraud-watch-network-handbook-2022.pdf. Additionally, I suggest that you add your phone numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov or 888-382-1222.  Registering can significantly reduce the number of spam calls an individual will receive on their cell or personal phone.

This month, we are going to bring recognition to an athlete rather than one of our grant recipients. We are spotlighting a former Cal Poly Swimmer who is participating in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games.  Here is an excerpt from the SLO Tribune about Olympic Triathlete, Taylor Spivey: “A former Cal Poly swimmer is headed for the world’s biggest athletic stage, representing the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics this month. Taylor Spivey, a 2014 Cal Poly grad and triathlete who was a five-year member of the Mustang swimming and diving team, learned on June 5 that she was selected to compete in her first Olympics by USA Triathlon. The 33-year-old was named to the team based on her triathlon performance over the last two years. “I grew up watching and admiring the Olympics and always felt that it was so out of reach for me,” Spivey told The Tribune in an email. “To qualify for the Olympics in Paris is surreal and a dream come true.” Spivey will compete in the individual triathlon event — a 1500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike ride and 10-kilometer run. The swim will take place in the Seine River, before the athletes bike and run along the Champs Elysées. In the same email, Spivey said if she performs well in the individual event, she will also be selected for Team U.S.A.’s mixed-team relay, a team of two men and two women who complete a shorter triathlon that takes about 20 minutes. Spivey said her experience training as a collegiate swimmer and studying architecture at Cal Poly wasn’t easy. “I was the only collegiate athlete in what was known as ‘Architorture’ who completed the five-year program,” said Spivey. “I woke up before 5 a.m. to get in a bigger block of swimming with the distance team, before I spent the rest of the day in the architecture studio.” Spivey said she had to adapt her schedule to get training hours in, planning her day accordingly. “Like doing swimming and architecture, triathlon is a full-time job,” Spivey said. “It’s very different than single-sport training. For the triathlete, most days consist of training in all three sports: swimming, biking and running. Spivey said the sport requires “time management, diligence and the ability to grind.” In a USA Triathlon virtual press conference, Spivey said she first got into triathlon training while studying abroad in Florence, Italy, during her college years. “I’ve been competing in triathlon ever since,” Spivey said during the conference. Spivey is already in southern France training in Font Romeau. In mid-July, she will continue training at sea level at a U.S. base camp in Vichy, France, until the Olympics begin. “I’m looking forward to pouring my heart into this race, along the historical course, with so many of my friends and family coming out to watch and cheer,” Spivey said.  The men’s individual triathlon will take place on July 30 while the women’s event will happen the following day. The mixed relay will take place on Aug. 5. All triathlon events will be aired on NBC and USA Network. The events will also stream on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms.” We wish her and the team all the best in the upcoming competition. Read more at: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/sports/olympics/article289346385.html#storylink=cpy
  
Avila Beach Trolly

As we are nearing the end of the summer months, we continue to have a high volume of visitors.  Please consider using our local trolley system as limited parking is available. 
https://www.slorta.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/AvilaTrolleySchedule-2023.pdf

“Catch of the Central Coast” 

A Benefit for the Central Coast Aquarium, is back this September!
The Central Coast Aquarium is excited to announce the 9th “Catch of the Central Coast” fundraiser dinner, Saturday September 7th, 5:00 PM at the Central Coast Aquarium's Ocean Discovery Park in Avila Beach. 

We hope you will join us in supporting the aquarium and celebrating 30 years of marine science education!

“Our goal is to inspire people to think, act and to feel connected to the ocean and the life within it,” says executive director Christy Kasarjian. “Holding our fundraiser steps from the ocean is the perfect place to celebrate marine education.”

To find out more and purchase tickets, please visit:
https://www.centralcoastaquarium.org/visit/2024-catch-of-the-central-coast/

Avila Beach Community Center
Exercise/Fitness Class
Free to the Community
 
Lisa D. Wagner is a Certified Health & Wellness Coach and has demonstrated wellness coaching proficiency that meets the standards established by Wellcoaches Corporation. This certification is endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine.
 
Lisa will begin teaching free exercise/fitness classes at the Community Center, 191 San Miguel Street, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10. The classes will:

• Balance your workout
• Help you to stay fit for your outdoor sport
• Enhance flexibility through mindful movement
• Strengthen your core to prevent lower back issues
• Improve posture through yoga poses
• Maintain bone-density and build whole body integration through weights
• Increase your vitality

 For more class information, call Lisa at 970-710-1412.