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Colorado natives Jon and Sandy Dolak adopted Huerfano County as their home,
and
now they're spreading the love. Sandy felt so deeply about LaVeta, she
patiently and methodically enticed friends and family with pictures,
websites,
and subscriptions to the local newspaper. Her efforts piqued the interest
of
friends, Roger and Linda Reed from Wyoming, who visited LaVeta last
February,
and knew they'd found their final destination. "We've been searching the West for 20
years looking for our little piece of heaven, and…better weather!"
Shortly thereafter, the Reeds began negotiations to purchase an office
complex
that included the town's only laundromat, which had been closed for
several
months. After closing the transaction in April, the Reeds made numerous
trips,
hauling their belongings, and re-opened the facility. With over 50 years in
business combined, the Reeds revamped the image and operation, renaming it
"The Gathering Place." When asked about the name, Linda replied,
"It's what we do…gather people together…throughout history people have come together,
sometimes at river beds and streams to wash their clothing, and share their
experiences."
Plans are currently under way to completely renovate the laundry facility,
then
focus on the office spaces for local businesses. During peak tourist
season, the
laundromat was busy with locals and returning visitors impressed with the
cleanliness, plants and flowers, and service provided. Jon Dolak got
involved as
the Reeds began their "on-the-job training in Laundry 101." Jon could
be
found cleaning, trimming trees, sharing opening and closing duties,
painting,
and being the all around go-to guy. Jon's now the laundro- mat manager,
while
the Reeds completed their move before the serious snow falls. "Our
business in
Wyoming is for sale, as well as our home. We just love LaVeta and Huerfano County;
it's our place to be!"
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