SOUTH FORK — South Fork has been the place to be on Saturday nights for the past several weeks and this past Saturday proved to be even more successful as the community came and helped a family and an injured dog.

The South Fork Visitor Center in partnership with the Town of South Fork and the South Fork Friends Foundation (SFFF) created the Saturday Night Skate Parties to get the community together for an evening of good old-fashioned winter fun. While this type of event had been tried in the past, this year it took off and became popular bringing families, neighbors and friends to Rickle Park every Saturday.

Not only has the community shown up for the event, but local businesses also such as the Holy Grill and Tiny Timbers along with several others have sponsored the events, bringing free food, live entertainment and much more.

During the most recent event on Feb. 24, South Fork Friends Foundation served food while collecting donations for a dog that was recently injured and the family who needed help with veterinary expenses. On Feb. 17, Ruger, a loveable dog from the South Fork area, was hit by a car and thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the South Fork community, Ruger and his family are well on their way to recovery.

“Ruger, the injured Australian Sheherd, is doing well since he was hit by a car on Saturday, Feb. 17. Great news, but at the same time it’s sad because he really wants to play. He wants to run…he wants to jump…tomorrow he has to get his bandage off and have the cone of shame put on for the remainder of his healing…but it's so great that he’s healing,” said South Fork Friends Foundation President Luke Brennan.

Brennan added, “Ruger’s family is so thankful for all the help and love that has poured in during this time. Dr. Baker at Alpine Veterinary Hospital did an amazing job. The surgery wasn’t easy and took longer than expected, but despite that it went really well. Dr. Jodi Duff from South Fork Veterinary Clinic treated him with so much love and care in his initial time of need and will also be continuing with his follow-up care. Ruger's family wishes to express their gratitude for all of the wonderful, giving people who have helped with the unexpected financial burden that this has caused. Ruger is in great spirits and is filled with that young pup energy, joy, love and innocence. Thank you to all the many who are helping with his healing! Donations to help with Ruger's existing medical bills can be dropped off at South Fork Vet Clinic or mailed to Ruger Recovery Fund, c/o SF Vet Clinic, 138 Ponderosa Dr., South Fork, CO. 81154.”

Now with weather changing and with spring on the horizon, the South Fork Visitor Center is looking to host one more skating party before the rink can no longer be used. The great news is that once it is no longer an ice-skating rink the new basketball courts will be up and available for people to enjoy during the summer and fall months.

The South Fork Friends Foundation is also switching gears and for the first time ever, will be offering a local scholarship to five schools in Rio Grande County. Seniors attending Upper Rio Grande School in Del Norte, Creede, Monte Vista, Sargent or Center school districts will have a chance to receive a $2,000 scholarship to a school of their choice.

“We are really excited to be able to offer this to our wonderful local students,” said Brennan.

For more information or to apply for the scholarship, email SFFF at [email protected].