The President’s Corner

As I write this, it is still officially summer, but the kiddos are back in school and our weather is just a little bit cooler, so I feel like “Fall” is already here. Our Foundation meeting will be held on Thursday, September 3rd at the Civic Center at 6 PM. Vice-President Gary Hanson will be leading the meeting as I will be out of town visiting my son and daughter-in-law. At our August meeting we listened to Master Arborist, Tom Williams, from the City Parks and Recreation Department educating us about their tree propagation program taking place. The Foundation has agreed to partner with the city on this project. The propagation program consists of gathering seeds from local native trees that are flourishing in our area under our climate and soil conditions. These seeds are planted in special containers and are ready to be transplanted within3 years. The cost of 20 trees comes at a cost of just $410 total. Not all 20 trees will be planted in Animas and Berg Parks, but many will be spread out to our other parks needing shade. We are blessed with a great number of beautiful parks, so the Foundation feels that this is a project that is in tune with our mission to protect, promote, and enhance.

It is with deep sadness that both Dr. Bob Lehmer and Gloria Lehmer have concluded that they must resign as Board members due to Bob’s health. Gary Hanson has provided a tribute to Bob, which is included in this newsletter.

River Reach Foundation News

Michael Vodopich, who spearheads the Fishing Derby, informed the Foundation that due to the severe drought and high temperatures this year, the Fishing Derby cannot be held. There just isn’t enough water in the river and what water there is, is too warm for restocking fish for the derby. Hopefully, we will be able to hold this event in 2027. Riverglo will be held on Friday, December 4th this year. Our first meeting for this event will be on Tuesday, September 15th at 6 pm at the Civic Center. Anyone wanting to help with this event is encouraged to come to this meeting. Also, at this meeting, the Riverfest Committee chairs will be discussed and hopefully assigned.

Anita Brooks has agreed to be our Foundation Secretary filling out Bernadette Alarid’s term. She will be voted on at the Board of Director’s retreat. Also, Earleen Dudley has agreed to take responsibility for putting together the Ripples Newsletter. Thanks to both Anita and Earleen for stepping up to the plate. The Semi-annual Board of Directors retreat was held on Tuesday August 18th. A recap of that retreat will be presented at the Foundation meeting on September 3rd.

Other News

DR. ROBERT “BOB” LEHMER

Dr. Robert C. (“Bob”) Lehmer arrived in Farmington in 1972 to open Farmington’s first orthopedic clinic. He founded Orthopedic Associates in 1974, a clinic in which he was a partner until his retirement in 2012. The clinic is ongoing, providing the highest level of care throughout the Four Corners region.

In 1986, having recognized the Animas River for its potential, Bob was one of the founding members of the River Reach Foundation. The river had been allowed to become a waste site, blighted by trash and junk. Bob saw past the rusty cars, appliances, and trash that polluted the river and imagined what it could become – the crown jewel of the city, available to everyone for boating, hiking, biking, and every manner of outdoor recreation. The foundation soon generated enormous local support, growing to several hundred members. In partnership with the City of Farmington, the foundation received donations, purchased and/or facilitated acquisition of numerous tracts of land for trails and other park improvements. It led the way with funding for many improvements, including river rapids construction, a children’s splash pad, and many others. The improved river park trails now extend over 8 miles and are used daily by hundreds of people. The foundation, also in partnership with the city, hosts Riverfest, the largest festival in the Four Corners region with estimated attendance in excess of 25,000 over Memorial Day weekend. It also hosts River Glo, a family friendly event kicking off the holiday season.

All of this could not have been possible over the past 40 years without the vision, leadership, and hard work of City of Farmington elected officials and employees and River Reach Foundation members. But the inspiration, guidance, and dedication of Bob Lehmer to this cause throughout this time has been a constant. Without him, it is not an exaggeration to say that the river trails and parks in Farmington might still be a dream Bob Lehmer tendered his resignation to the River Reach Foundation Board on August 6, 2026, citing health reasons. His contributions cannot be overstated, and he will be greatly missed.

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