Congratulations to Gus & Christine Halandras
Honorary Chairs to the Meeker Classic and 2022 Meeker Chamber Citizens of the Year
Gus and Christine Halandras receiving their Honorary Citizens of the Year Award – photo by RBHT
There are so many folks amongst us that have been instrumental in Meeker Classic,
how it functions and its basic existence. Without the work, dedication and love of their endeavors the Meeker Classic would not and could not exist. It does take a village – a widespread collection of people dedicated to creating the magic of this event.
Spearheading the charge are a few people
whose efforts have given direction in the growth and sustainability of the Meeker Classic. These people are recognized as Honorary Chairs to the Meeker Classic Board of Directors. We’ve come to rely on these people for their infinite wisdom and support. Gus and Christine has been Honorary Chairs for some time now and we’re happy to add Ellen Nieslanik to the group!
Gus and Christine Halandras are the Meeker Chamber of Commerce’s designated Citizens of the Year for 2022 for their many decades of service to the Meeker community.
No more heart-felt words can best describe their contributions than what their son Regas Halandras (Meeker Classic Chairman) wrote:
“Two people that work tirelessly to support Meeker. As teachers, as local business owners, as promoters, they have always put Meeker first. These two people never quit giving to the community; it is a passion and mission they embrace and live. This year, we want to recognize Gus and Christine Halandras as citizens of the year.
For almost 60 years,
they have worked together to help promote Meeker as the best place to be. The Rambullinn B&B was one of the first true Meeker B&Bs where they opened their house, and dinner table, to the world. They successfully “sold” this town to a number of Meeker’s “soon to be” newest members of the community.”
Planning meetings for the Meeker Classic included a meal at the Halandras dinner table
In 1986 over a cup of coffee at that table,
“conversation with community leaders spurred what is now the world’s biggest and best known Sheepdog Trials. The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials has made sheepdog trialing a whole new game. For 19 years, until 2006, they, along with what continues to be, an amazing committee and 100s of volunteers, made Meeker the “Sheepdog Capital” of the world for 36 years. Every meeting was a meal at that infamous table.”
Gus and Jack Knox in 1997 – photo by TK
Christine volunteering at the art reception.
With an in-home, fully inspected, commercial kitchen,
“Halandras Catering became the only place to order a catered meal. With over a million satisfied customers, NW Colorado was taken care of. Christine never said no and every cater was over the top perfection whether it was for 5 or 500.
And, while they have stepped back from the B&B, the catering, and the Sheepdog Trials, they have been continuously committed. They volunteer at the Meeker Classic and the last 10 years have been spent assisting Hope West to develop an outstanding hospice program. The “catering” now an augmented version with personal delivery of meals for those in need, her children and the Tuesday High School Lunch Club!
There is rarely a week that goes by when the doors of the house aren’t open and and the leaves aren’t in the table. The Halandras kitchen never stops and the idea never fades, Keep Meeker Strong!”
Congratulations to a great pair.
“A partnership of life committed to making the lives of those around them a better and more vibrant place to be. We appreciate you both and thank you for your commitments; what you have done and continue to do.”
Today, Gus and Christine volunteer tirelessly at the Meeker Classic – hosting the visiting judge and other trial officials at their home. These folks are treated to their hospitality during the trial. Picking up trash, concessions stands, running errands and more – no job is too mundane or too tough for Gus and Christine.
Congratulations and Thank you Gus & Christine!
