A 50th anniversary deserves a good party. On Friday, Oct. 7, after Ignacio High School's homecoming parade, Southern Ute Community Action Programs hosted dinner, live music by the Transplants, and a silent auction to thank employees and supporters for their years of service.

Employees were honored for five, 10, 15 and 20 or more years of service. Three long-time supporters also were honored, including Donna Young, who was named SUCAP executive director in 1969 and stayed on for 35 years.

Young was "the soul" of SUCAP who kept the organization on the right path during her tenure, said Eileen Wasserbach, current executive director of SUCAP.

Wasserbach also commended Emma Shock, who has served on the SUCAP board since 1989, providing "sage advice" to the 15-member board, Wasserbach said. "She keeps us connected to our roots."

Finally, Wasserbach thanked Alex Cloud, who had previously served on the SUCAP board. After his election to the Southern Ute Tribal Council, he is now the council's representative to the board.

SUCAP operates the following programs, which are available to all residents of the Ignacio School District:

Southern Ute Head Start and Early Head Start provides early childhood education and family support to 140 families every year.Peaceful Spirit is a residential and out-patient center for treatment of addictions to alcohol and other drugs. Ignacio Senior Center has activities, meals, exercise programs and transportation for senior citizens.Training Advantage provides employment and training services to help people gain economic self-sufficiency.Youth Services helps teens develop self-confidence, self-awareness and develop leadership skills.Road Runner operates transit services between Ignacio, Bayfield, Durango and Aztec, as well as bus service from Durango to Grand Junction.More information about SUCAP services is at www.sucap.org or at 563-4517.