Discovery Festival introduces science careers

FARMINGTON — The organizers of this year’s Discovery Festival hope to build upon the foundation of last year’s inaugural event to get children excited about career possibilities in science, technology, engineering and math fields.

Sam Schoser, of Bloomfield, volunteers
during the 2014 Discovery Festival
at the McGee Park Convention Center

The second annual Discovery Festival will take place at the McGee Park Convention Center Friday and Saturday, where more than 40 booths will provide activities for children of all ages to learn about local career opportunities in STEM.

Christine Garcia, chief executive officer of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of San Juan County, said about 2,500 children attended last year's event, and she expects this year’s turnout to increase.

“To have an event like this in our community that is educational and can get kids excited about learning, it’s really inspiring,” Garcia said.

More than 1,700 students are expected to attend on Friday, and the event is open to the public on Saturday.

The poet

We are proud to announce that there is a poet among Schosers: Sam E. Schoser of Aztec, New Mexico. Let's go straight into the matter and present a sample of Sam's art from his blog!

The Storm

Clouds loom on the horizon
Thunder clashes
Winds blow
Loneliness takes hold


My mind goes to you
Safe in the distant land
Wondering if you think of me


Panic strikes
Fear sets in
Doubt builds like the dark clouds above
What if she doesn't think of me?
What if she has forgotten the wonderful feeling we share?


Then I see her face
And the fear yields
Like the sun returning after the storm
Peace settles in
And doubt drifts away

By Sam E Schoser (2006)

Obituary for Frank Joseph Schoser

Frank Joseph Schoser, of Durango, died of natural causes on Wednesday, May 5, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center. He was 89. Mr. Schoser was born Nov. 15, 1914, in Durango, the youngest child of Ludwig and Dora Schoser. He married Howeta Roacher on Sept. 5, 1938, and in 1942 the couple moved to California where Mr. Schoser worked in the shipyards during World War II. They returned to Durango when his father became ill.

The Schosers had five children, Frankie, Sandi, Sharon, Carol and Tom. Mrs. Schoser died in March 1957.

Mr. Schoser bought an auto repair shop in Durango in 1944 and ran it with his brother John until 1947. He met Gordon and Priscilla Burnett in 1948 when he supplied logs for their house, and the following year went to work for Mr. Burnett's construction company as a heavy equipment operator and crusher foreman. He worked for the firm until it was sold in 1968.

Mr. Schoser went to work immediately for Hamer Construction where he worked for 12 years. Throughout the years he worked in construction, Mr. Schoser cut and hauled firewood.

Mr. Schoser married Ella Virginia Ashridge on April 12, 1960. The couple had one son, Sam.

Mr. Schoser is remembered by his family for his love of fishing, hunting and baseball. He also built many clocks, which have become treasured by family members.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Schoser is survived by sons, Frankie and Tom Schoser both of Durango and Sam Schoser of Bloomfield, N.M. He also is survived by daughters, Sharon Hamer of Durango, and Carol O'Donnal of Mesa, Ariz. Stepchildren Michael Cordary of Grand Junction, Roger Cordary of Hesperus, Kathy Gardner of Salt Lake City and Sylvia Reynolds of Kearn, Utah, also survive Mr. Schoser.

Mr. Schoser is survived by grandchildren Scott and Butch Hamer, Jeff O'Donnal, Sean Waddell, Chance and Chase Schoser, Tracie DeBoer, Darell Cordary, Alicia Cordary, Laurie Hartley, Joustin Cordary, Terry Schoser, Tyke Schoser, Samantha Schoser and Frank Frank" Schoser. He also is survived by nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by brothers, John, Barney and Leo Schoser; sisters, Mary Schumacher and Emma Redman; and a daughter, Sandi Waddell.

A memorial service is scheduled at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Iron Horse Inn in Durango. Memorial contributions may be made to the La Plata County Humane Society, P.O. Box 2164, Durango 81302 or the Four Corners Rehabilitation Center, 2911 Junction St., Durango 81301.

The Durango Herald, May 2004