It’s Thanksgiving weekend in Summit County, and may you all enjoy a wonderful time with family and friends.

Many of us are still giving thanks for that party thrown by Moose Jaw owners Lynda “Mama Moose” and Jim Colety to mark their 40 years on Old Main Street Frisco.

Making the whole night official was Frisco Mayor Gary Wilkinson, who read a lengthy proclamation that had some in tears.

“I could not believe I got the whole place to be quiet,” recalls his honor, accompanied by bride Joyce Burford that night. “Lynda truly appreciated the recognition.”

Here are a few highlights of the town proclamation:

“WHEREAS, the citizens of Frisco and the town council are indebted to the Moose Jaw for recognition brought to Frisco for the many times being highlighted as a unique place to eat; and

“WHEREAS, the citizens of Frisco and the town council are grateful to the Moose Jaw is a place where family and friends can gather; and

“WHEREAS, the citizens of Frisco and the town council are indebted to the Moose Jaw that it is a place where no one is a stranger (we are all strange); and

“WHEREAS, the citizens of Frisco and the town council are grateful to the Moose Jaw that on any given week it is not uncommon to see someone walk in and announce that they haven’t been in here since the ’70s, ’80s or ’90s and spend lots of time scouring the pictures on the walls looking for fond old memories.”

Others sending their well-wishes via Facebook included Suzanne Ripp, Rick Godin, Gary Lindstrom, John Lafabregue, M. John Fayhee, Art Hyde, Craig Kneuper and Ryan Wondercheck.

Former world champion speed skier John “CJ” Mueller of Breckenridge wrote: “Thanks, Miles. I had been trying to remember the name before the Moose Jaw. We stopped in also one evening in 1966 on the way to Vail in a snowstorm. Our scout leader said they had the best hamburgers he had ever had — they were truly great. Fun memory.”

Jack Renard, Lynda’s ex-husband: “Hey, Miles. Read the article. Make sure you give Mama Moose a big hug for me.” Spike! did.

Marge Epp Hettenbaugh of Tucson: “Thanks, Miles, send my congrats to Lynda.”

In an email, ex-Friscoite Claudia Alster of Grand Junction and North Palm Beach, Fla., wrote:

“I’m sending this to all my friends that were from Summit County. Nice article on the Moose Jaw. Congrats to Lynda Colety and Jim. Wish I could be there. I spent many, many nights there after I got off work, to relax and catch up with many, many friends. Party on.”

Helping to mark the Jaw’s four decades was a 6-liter bottle of Perrier Jouet Grand Bruit presented by Rick and Judi Amico, Tom Connolly, Paul Connelly and Bobby and Stephanie Kato.

Making their celebratory appearances at the popular establishment were:

Leadvillians Dan and Robby Seibel, Mark Dzubay and Jim Mykleby; Chris “Big Air” Burandt of X-Games snowmobiling fame with wife Sandy Thompson and her dad Steve, and other daughter Ashley; Alicia and Peter Dunn, Heidi Maike, Brian, Lindy and Phil Wilson, Liz and Mark McManis, Jack Craig IV, Mary Margaret Motsinger, Kurt Morscher, Linda Roberts and Rick Hein, Terri Sue Golden, Larry and Judy Sawyer, Chuck Polhemus, Monte Lowrance, Lauren and John Fisher, Steve Smith, Mark Lewis, Linda Simon and Jimbo Deines, B and Frank Casapulla, Trish Nicholson, Mark McCrerey, Andy Hayes, Dan Pitner, Mikey Meindl, George and Lisa Tousey, Christy and Tom Eble, Bob Helton, Melinda and Woody VanGundy, Earl Picard, Kelli Kleeberger, Sue Downen, Nancy Peterson, Tom Hronek, Teri Booth, Jonny “Jonny G’s” Greco, Dan Reisdorph, Karen Woodrow, Doug Maynard, Paulie Werner, Keith and Sue Feldmann, Colette Smith and Greg Dietl, Dannette Petersen, her parents (Kay and Neil) were the owners of the Jaw before Lynda purchased it, then known as the Cast Iron Stove; and Lori Sakiewicz.

Miles F. Porter IV, nicknamed “Spike,” a Coloradan since 1949, is an Army veteran, former Climax miner, graduate of Adams State College, and a local since 1982. An award-winning investigative reporter, he and wife Mary E. Staby owned newspapers here for 20 years. Email your social info to milesfporteriv@aol.com