Elbert County News 0701

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July 1, 2021

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 126 | ISSUE 20

Fiber artists thrive amid pandemic Local artisans create community through shared struggle BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

For the majority of local businesses and artists, COVID-19 had a harsh impact on operations and sales. Fortunately, local alpaca fiber artists Kathleen and Dave Dalgleish of Raisin Bred Alpacas quickly learned how to maneuver through the pandemic restrictions to help their small business thrive. Kathleen and Dave Dalgleish moved to Kiowa from California in 2015 to continue their fiber business in the beautiful rolling hills of Elbert County. They quickly made friends with other fiber artists in the area. Raisin Bred Alpacas, along with other local fiber artists, created an informal cooperative organization called Fibernatics, which is designed to help each of their businesses thrive both individually and collectively. “Going through the pandemic has made our group much closer. We help each other on the ranch,” said Dave Dalgleish. “The pandemic has made us all much closer.” Fibernatics holds regular openbarn events at the Dalgleish farm in Kiowa for people to come visit the alpacas, learn about fiber arts, interact with the fibers and the tools to makearit, meet local fiber artists, and peruse vendors and the handmade products they have for sale. In an interview on May 23, Dave Dalgleish became emotional when describing his visitors’ experiences at the open-barn events. “People come from all over! SEE ARTISTS, P11

Forward Together a state tool for parents, youths Website aims to empower, connect struggling young people with tools, resources BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Long before the behavioral health crisis reached the public spotlight, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment saw a need for more public outreach to help parents and teens. In collaboration with the Colorado Department of Human Services, the state health department unveiled the Forward Together program in 2020. As state health-care providers are reporting drastic increases in mental health emergencies among the state’s adolescents, Forward Together works to empower adults to support mental health for teens and youth. Lena Heilmann, the youth suicide prevention coordinator for the Colorado Department of Health, said Forward Together aims to help parents and their children become more connected. An alpaca at Raisin Bred Alpacas.

INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 12 | CALENDAR: PAGE 13

PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN ANDERSON

SEE WEBSITE, P16

SPARKS WILL FLY

A regional look at July Fourth events

P12


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