Pushing our luck
elegraph the durango
FREE March 14, 2019
Vol. XVIII, No. 11 durangotelegraph.com
inside
T H E
O R I G I N A L
I N D I E
W E E K L Y
L I N E
O N
D U R A N G O
&
B E Y O N D
Pounding pavement
High country hope
Not just for St. Patty’s
Ballot battle begins as City takes second shot at street tax p10
Pam Houston checks in with new memoir, Deep Creek p14
Elevating lowly cabbage, with no corned beef in sight p16
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lineup
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4 La Vida Local
On the road again Debate revs up as City takes another stab at streets tax
4 Thumbin’ It
by Tracy Chamberlin
5 Word on the Street
12-13
6 ReTooned 6-8 Soapbox
Going green
Spring is on the doorstep in Southwest Colorado, we promise
9 Mountain Town News
photos by Stephen Eginoire
12 -13 Day in the Life
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16 Flash in the Pan
The Cowboys girl
17 Top Shelf
Pam Houston reflects on new memoir – and growing up
18-20 On the Town
by Zach Hively
21 Free Will Astrology
Beyond corned beef Elevating cabbage from its reviled St. Patty’s day side dish role by Ari LeVaux
23 End of the Line Yes, that’s a Prius in the snow. Don’t laugh – apparently the new AWD version is legit. On the cover: Members of the Purgatory Ski Team race en masse to the bottom of Chapman Hill this past Tuesday./ Photo by Stephen Eginoire
Signs of spring The return of Mexican Logger and festival season run-down
by Chris Aaland
boilerplate
RESIDENT FORMULA ONE FAN: Tracy Chamberlin (tracy@durangotelegraph.com)
T
he Durango Telegraph publishes every Thursday, come hell, high water, beckoning singletrack or monster powder days. We are wholly owned and operated independently by the Durango Telegraph LLC and
22 Classifieds 22 Haiku Movie Review
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ADVERTISING AFICIONADO: Lainie Maxson (lainie@durangotelegraph.com)
The endless winter
No doubt the snow gods have smiled upon Southwest Colorado this winter. Some may even go so far as to say they are laughing somewhat maniacally at us. But locals can have the last laugh – Purg has announced an extension to the ski seasons, both on the mountain and at Hesperus. With Purg surpassing 300 inches – and counting – for the season, the resort has decided to keep the bullwheels turning on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) beyond the scheduled closing day of April 7. A firm closing date has not been set. Down the road at Hesperus – which was scheduled to close this Sun., March 17 – operations will continue through March 31, Fridays – Sundays only. Hours will be Fridays from 4- 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Hesperus has seen 188 inches this season and is sitting on a 36-inch base. Chapman Hill has also announced an extension of its season through at least Sun., March 24, with amended times and prices. Hours of operation are 3 - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, and 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Lift ticket prices will be adjusted as well: $8 ages 6 and up; kids 5 and under ski free.
20 Ask Rachel
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EDITORIALISTA: Missy Votel (missy@durangotelegraph.com)
Ear to the ground: “If you gotta be stuck in a decade, that’s a good one to be stuck in.” – In defense of the statement that some locals seem not to have progressed beyond the ’80s
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RegularOccurrences
STAR-STUDDED CAST: Lainie Maxson, Chris Aaland, Clint Reid, Stephen Eginoire, Jesse Anderson, Zach Hively, Ari LeVaux, Missy Votel, Tracy Chamberlin and Shan Wells
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friend or dog, we will accept full responsibility in a public flogging in the following week’s issue. Although “free but not easy,” we can be plied with schwa, booze and flattery.
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telegraph
The roll-y grail? For mountain-dwellers holding out for an allwheel-drive hybrid vehicle, your prayers have been answered – for the most part. For 2019, Toyota has introduced the all-new Prius AWD-e to snowy American roadways. Starting at just over $26,000, the all-wheel drive version of the beloved (and oft ridiculed) gas teetotaler gets between 48 to 52 miles to the gallon. Getting the job done is an extralight, 7.1horsepower motor that powers the rear wheels whenever traction-control sensors dictate. However, what could be a sticking (or non-sticking be it as it may) point for some: the AWD only engages up to 43 mph. After that, the Prius reverts to its 2WD roller skate ways. But for Kelly Bastone, who recently wrote in Outside online about testing the Prius AWD-e at the Bridgestone Driving School in Steamboat, it’s not a deal breaker. In the plus column, she noted the car’s “snappy” and “road-hugging” characteristics as well as an ample hatchback for all manner of gear. “Sure, my test car got a boost from Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires,” she wrote. “If that’s all it takes to make this Prius stick like Velcro to snowy roads, the combination is a clear winner.” March 14, 2019 n
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opinion
LaVidaLocal The old heave-ho Generally speaking, a frost heave is prompted by freezing conditions. It has nothing to do with vomit. Moisture penetrates the soil and as the ice expands, the ground swells. It’s a natural phenomenon, especially in Vermont. Nothing to worry about, unless you are pouring concrete in the winter, or spending way too much time visiting Robert Frost shrines along the poet’s old country roads. I’ve been there, and it’s impossible not to overstate how many parks and public pull-offs host tourist displays of Frost’s most memorable poems, shellacked onto plaques, burned into birchbark, or fastened to various shrubs and trees along any number of nature walks in the tame northeastern woods. April is National Poetry Month, and in my opinion many otherwise literate readers suffer from an often justifiable aversion to picking up a book of poems. They re-experience a sort of gag reflex from their school days when they were forced to memorize the likes of “So doth the spring rise forth,” etc. If you think I’ve been unfair or even deceptive in leading you toward a discussion of next month’s poetry celebration, I apologize. I couldn’t think of a less poetic way. It’s no secret that poetry is not a current best-selling commodity. The New York Times, for instance, does an admirable job covering living poets and adding commentary about the genre, but if a volume of poetry showed up on its list of weekly best sellers, I’d buy stock in that book. Of Amazon’s 50 top-selling poetry books, some of them are not even poetry, and quite a few include Dr. Seuss books alongside Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, which were written around the ninth century B.C. For some reason, the love of poetry seems to have skipped far more than one generation. I was thrilled to see Mary Oliver’s poetry appear in the top 50, but I’m also sad to learn of her death this January. She’s by far America’s best-selling poet, and for good reason. Readers understand her without the aid of an interpreter. If you’re inclined to do one thing to celebrate National Poetry Month, maybe look up one poem she’s written. Chances are, whichever one you choose, it will be a good one. Chances are, you will want to read it to someone else. For many decades, the Robert Frost estate aggressively pursued copyright infringements for any unauthorized use of his literary publications, but the new year marked a poetic change: Frost’s most famous poems entered the public domain. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” – likely his most recog-
nized and beloved poem – became your property too. You can print it, paste it, or paint it on the side of your house with no dire consequences, except perhaps a few curious looks from your neighbors. You can even sell a copy of it, properly attributed, if you can find anyone willing to pay hard-earned cash for something that’s free. For the sake of exercising my spirit of ownership, I want to legally reproduce the poem in its entirety right here, right now, just in case you’re not sure which one I’m writing about. Frost once offered a compelling rationale for sampling a little poetry now and then: “Unless you are educated in metaphor, you are not safe to be let loose in the world.” Many of you who originally read the poem as part of a school assignment can at least recall the last two lines just before, perhaps, waking up beside a puddle of drool on your desktop. So here goes: “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer
A local affordable-housing waitlist for people with disabilities opening up for the first time in several years New Mexico taking the lead on gun safety, with a new law that expands background checks to firearm purchases between private parties and another bill that would keep domestic abusers under restraining orders from possessing guns
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He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. There. I’m finished promoting poetry until next year, and I promise not to sneak another poem into a column until you forget I said I wouldn’t. But don’t write off the entire month of April because you fear you’ll become sleepy. And don’t read anything sinister into the presence of that woods where the man and his horse decide to make their contemplative stop. There’s always hope. National Comic Book Day arrives in September, National Newspaper Week unfolds in October, and National Novel Writing Month eats up November, which ought to make the possibility of reading just one short poem next month feel pretty good.
– David Feela
This Week’s Sign of the Downfall:
Thumbin’It Efforts by Sens. Michael Bennet and Sherrod Brown to tackle the country’s childhood poverty problem with a bill that offers a $2,000 child tax credit for all families and not just the wealthy
To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year.
What’s turned into an apocalyptic avalanche season across the state, with massive and historic slides burying roads and homes, and overwhelming crews tasked with clearing them The possibility that drugs, alcohol and excessive speed played a role in Sunday’s deadly crash on Wolf Creek Pass, which claimed one life and closed down one of the only northern arteries in and out of Southwest Colorado for hours An oil spill of more than 1,100 gallons in Southeast Utah wending its way to the Sand Island put-in on the San Juan River, resulting in a large containment and cleanup effort at taxpayers’ expense
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Silent but Friendly Competition in the adhesive fart pad industry is so fierce that manufacturers are starting to invest heavily in marketing. The “Subtle Butt” disposable gas neutralizer made by Fashion First Aid is the top-seller with its “takes the bad part out of the fart” slogan. But the “Butt Muffler,” which is made by a competitor, is catching up because they’re “saving the world one fart at a time.” There’s no doubt this could be an indispensable part of any yogi or church-goer’s repertoire. And of course, thanks to the research I did for this Downfall, can you guess what Facebook just suggested I buy for $21.95?
WordontheStreet With St. Patrick’s Day this Sunday, the Telegraph asked, “What has the luck of the Irish brought you?”
Q
Debbi Betwee
“Incredibly good health for my 70 years.”
Debby Reber
“A new career and a new place to live.”
Jerrod Blackketter
“Not a damned thing.”
Laurel Campbell
“An appreciation for Celtic festivities.”
Monica Fuson
“A dreamy new boyfriend.” telegraph
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SoapBox
ReTooned/by Shan Wells
The 1A benefits are self-evident To the editor, Understanding the truth can be difficult today. Winston Churchill said, “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.” This got me thinking. Why are people who are against the ballot initiative to maintain our streets telling everyone the City has plenty of money and officials just need to budget better? Many want to believe it, but I can’t. The City doesn’t have the funds to maintain our roads, it’s the simple truth. Incredibly, some people don’t want to pay a minimal ½-cent on a dollar to ensure our streets and sidewalks are in good repair, even though it will have no affect on their standard of living. Others may feel that voting against the ballot issue is a good way to “get back” at city hall. Maybe they don’t like a certain council member or had a parking ticket they didn’t like. Unfortunately, it’s not city hall that their vote hurts, it’s their neighbors and the community as a whole. I change the oil in my car as a form of preventive maintenance that will save money in the long run. Funding our street maintenance is the same principle. I will complain when the streets are crumbling with pot holes and sidewalks are decrepit. Only I won’t complain in clear conscience if I don’t first try to be a responsible citizen and be part of the solution. For that reason I support this ballot issue. The benefits are self-evident. – Edward Horvat, Durango
A well-tailored political hypocrisy To the editor, Cuff links, you ever think about ‘em? Me neither. Not until I see some politician on Youtube preening around
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like a peacock with a hard-on wearing a custom-made shirt and cuff links, then I go straight to pissed. Seems to me if politics is supposed to be about “the people,” it should be represented by “the people.” I don’t
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know anyone who wears custom-made shirts that take cuff links, probably because all the people I know are thrashing out a survival living that requires money be spent on the frivolities of food and shelter.4
Now, I know that some of these “burros” had jobs before being elected, and if by careful money management they can afford custom-made shirts, cool. They don’t need their full salary $174,000+. Let’s vote that they donate two-thirds of their salary to feeding, clothing and housing children in this country. It’s funny that these “do-good” sumbitches that want you and me to pay more, more, more out of our seriously overburdened budgets, will fight like hell, full of righteous indignation, about doing it themselves. In light of the recent government shut down (which I didn’t know was going on until it was over) I would urge everyone, no matter what race, color, creed, sexual orientation or political party, to get on the internet machine with a calculator handy and do the math on what these cuff link-wearing predators and their staffs are costing the American public in salaries alone. There is not a senator or congressman/woman that somewhere in their district a child doesn’t go to bed at night hungry and cold while they and their staff cost the people millions. They should be ashamed, but they’re not. In the words of Steve Goodman, “It was all that I could do, to keep from cryin,’ sometimes it seemed so useless to remain. You don’t have to call me ‘darlin,’ darlin.’ You never even called me by my name.” – Tom James, somewhere between Bayfield and Ignacio
Knowing the facts about 1A To the editor, The supporters of Ballot Question 1A are backpedaling because “misinformation” came out that refutes the argument that more tax money is needed. The piece of information they are calling “misinformation” is that sales tax revenues have been increasing since 2011. Supporters of 1A have incorrectly been stating sales tax revenues are decreasing. They even had the audacity to include it in the ballot informational booklet that went to every voter. But
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that isn’t all the misinformation the supporters of 1A are using to try to get more money. With the revenue argument debunked, supporters of 1A now say that expenses related to capital projects such as asphalt and concrete are increasing too fast. But this year, the City isn’t spending any money on capital projects. Last year they said they didn’t spend any money on capital projects either. Rising construction costs would only be relevant if they spent money on construction projects. The money the City made from increased sales tax revenue and the savings by foregoing construction projects was largely spent on increasing personnel costs. The City knows that it is easy to hire people, but very difficult to fire people. The City intentionally increased their personnel costs the last few years so that this Council would have the best opportunity to increase taxes. They inflated the Parks and Rec personnel from 24 employees to 36 employees the last eight years because many people consider Parks and Rec sacred. They added five new Parks and Rec employees last year. Couldn’t we have discussed our priorities and that another police officer might be more important than five more Parks and Rec employees? I believe it is intellectually dishonest that the supporters of 1A use the declining oil and gas revenue problem to support this tax. Voters should know that the City doesn’t directly receive significant revenues from oil and gas like the County. The City is trying to use the County’s problem to garner support for 1A. This isn’t “strictly streets.” The City admits that if this tax passes, they will be able to replenish general fund reserves to be spent on things other than streets. Replenishing the reserves will be possible because streets already receive millions of dollars, and the new tax money will supplant the money already spent on streets. The beneficiaries of this tax will be other departments like the City Manager, Parks and Rec or Finance. If the City would have taken public comments on the ballot language, we could have limited this tax to only capital projects.
The City Manager recommended three members of the community to serve on the citizen’s budget advisory board. Doesn’t it make more sense to select members of the community who may not agree with the current direction of the City? And have the board report to the Council, not the City Manager? The advisory boards have become support boards. There is rarely a discussion where there is back and forth between people with different opinions. The City is asking you to trust them with your money because after years of delay, they formed a substandard advisory board. Before you vote on 1A, make sure you know why the City needs the money and what they plan to do with it. I voted to increase taxes back in 2015, but I didn’t know of all the problems that were being created. Vote no on 1A. And be sure to vote; don’t just throw your ballot away because you don’t agree with the tax increase. – John Simpson, Durango
Popular-vote bill needs vetting To the editor, It was the unintended consequences question that affected my vote last week. As one of the most difficult, but researched, votes I have taken this year, I voted no on the National Popular Vote bill, SB19-042. According to the mail I received, as well as one person who chose to call me at 5:45 in the morning, the vote should be simple, either a yes or no with no discussion. But that isn’t the way I saw it. Some of my peers at the Legislature argued that they have been advocating for this issue for years. But in all the town halls I have held or attended in District 59, all the mail and email I have received (up to this year) and all the constituents I have met, no one mentioned this issue. Discussions may have been happening elsewhere. The U.S. Constitution, in Article II, Section 1, gives each state’s Legislature the ability to determine how its
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electoral representatives are chosen. This bill basically says that Colorado will join with other states to elect the president and vice president of the United States by an agreement called the National Popular Vote. Currently, if Candidate A receives 60 percent of Colorado’s votes, all electoral votes are delegated for that candidate. The other 40 percent of votes are irrelevant. With the National Popular Vote, Colorado’s 60 percent would be added to all the other votes in the nation for Candidate A. The 40 percent would be added to all the other votes for Candidate B. One vote. One person. The electoral tally will follow the voters, and the candidate with the most votes wins. Sounds easy, but it apparently isn’t. I have had many in-depth discussions with Democrats, Republicans and Independents, and they all had strong opinions for both sides of the issue. This issue is all new to me, so my learning curve was steep. I question what some say is tweaking the Constitution. I question if this new way of delegating electoral delegates will work. I question if this will finally induce candidates to visit every state, not just those with the largest number of electoral votes, as promised. It feels like we should discuss the issue more. If Colorado votes to join this group, we will join 11 other states and the District of Columbia in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which will take place once it has 270 electoral votes, the number needed to win the presidency. The Senate passed it 19-16, the House passed it 3429, and the Governor said he will sign it. Colorado, with nine electoral votes, will raise the current total to 181. So, unless several other states join in, this compact won’t take effect until, perhaps, 2024. I would like to see much more discussion before then. Many opponents said this is a Democrat Party issue, and I can see their point. In the last election, Democrat Hillary Clinton won 3 million more votes nationally than Republican President Trump. In 2000, Democrat Al Gore
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won the popular vote, but lost to Republican George W. Bush. But, they join winning candidates Democrat-Republican John Quincy Adams in 1824, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876 and Republican Benjamin Harrison in 1888. Others say that until the United States has uniform registration and voting rules, we will all be subject to voter fraud. Colorado, as many pointed out during debate, has an excellent record of clean elections, but they feared other states would taint our positive results. I’d like to list the unintended consequences but, then, they wouldn’t be unintended any more. The premise of SB19-042 is interesting, but I want more discussion, more debate and more data. – Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango
COGCC claims its hands are tied. Here’s the systemic problem: existing environmental laws do not account for the new development of rising carbon levels causing irreparable climate damage. Instead, our laws “balance interests,” overall protecting the “right” of business to use our common, boundary-less atmosphere as a dumping ground for its waste. We clearly need a legal paradigm shift. Our state Supreme Court’s narrow, lockstep ruling does not protect us citizens but rather protects indefinite carbon release by industry, no matter how harmful to our Earth – or to future life on it. – Miriam Barton, Durango
Protecting industry, not people
To the editor, Just in case you aren’t aware, we have a City Council election coming up – ballots will be mailed March 14 and need to be voted by April 2. I am encouraging every eligible voter to support Kim Baxter and Barbara Noseworthy! I met Kim before she even moved to Durango when she was on a road trip checking out the area. Her focus is on multi-generational growth – how do we make sure our kids can get good jobs and housing affordable enough to live here? I have worked with Barbara on several committees over the past years and you will not find a more focused and clear leader. Her expertise is working with tight budgets to prioritize needs and stimulate economic diversification. They’re both running because they LOVE our community and want to make sure it keeps its character. Please come and hear from them for yourself Sat., March 23, 3:15 p.m. at the library! You will be impressed! Promise! – Sarah Musil Burris, Durango
To the editor, Our Children’s Trust is a group of climate change workers seeking to “elevate the voice of youth to secure the legal right to a stable climate and healthy atmosphere for the benefit of all present and future generations.” www.ourchildrenstrust.org/colorado OCT has originated an extraordinary set of lawsuits now making their way through federal court and the courts of nine states, including Colorado. On Jan. 14, in the case of Martinez v. Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), the Colorado Supreme Court denied the plaintiff’s motion to make the COGCC condition oil and gas development on protecting public health, safety and welfare, and the environment. (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/571d109b0442627 0152febe0/t/5c3cbbfaaa4a994017464835/1547484155208 /Colorado+Supreme+Court%2C+Martinez+Decision.pdf Consider this ruling. It says that citizens’ rights to life, liberty and property are subordinate to industry’s right to pursue profit – no matter what dangers industry creates in the process, such as global ecosystem collapse.
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Noseworthy & Baxter for council
MountainTownNews Exceptional snow comes with high cost CRESTED BUTTE – The Colorado Avalanche Information Center described the snowy torrents thundering over the weekend as historic. There were deaths, there were bizarre circumstances. And at least one snowslide occurred at a scale perhaps not seen since 1910. “The avalanches are running much larger than they have, in some cases, for maybe 50 to 100 years,” Spencer Logan, an avalanche forecaster with the center, told the Summit Daily News last Friday, soon after the avalanche cycle began. First, the bizarre circumstances of the death of a 25-year-old man who was shoveling a low-angle roof with a companion on Saturday at a housing development near Crested Butte. According to a preliminary report by the avalanche information center, no one noticed the roof avalanche for about 10 minutes. Help was summoned, and their bodies were located by probes. The second snow shoveler, a 37-year-old man who had not been buried as deeply, was treated for hypothermia. They had been buried for 20 to 30 minutes. This was in a subdivision about a mile south of the town of Crested Butte. Another roof avalanche buried a 28-year-old man the evening before in Mount Crested Butte. He was treated for low core-body temperature. Yet another roof shoveler had been rescued from a roof avalanche the weekend before. CBS4 in Denver said the Crested Butte area had received more than 4 feet of wet, heavy snow in the days prior to the weekend avalanches. More snowfall was predicted for this week. Before the Crested Butte death, avalanche.org had reported 20 avalanche fatalities in the United States this winter, all but one since January. Of the victims, 12 were on skis and eight were on snowmobiles. Colorado led the death toll with seven deaths. It leads all states in avalanche fatalities, with 257 from 1950 - 2017. Alaska is second with 152 during the same period, followed by Washington, Montana and Utah. Not all avalanches in Colorado last week resulted in loss of lives. The Aspen Times reported a snowslide in Conundrum Valley, near the Aspen Highlands ski area, that was a mile wide and tore down the valley, snapping mature trees, for 3,000 vertical feet. “This is as big of an avalanche as this terrain can produce,” Brian Lazar, deputy director of the CAIC, said. “This is a landscape-changing event.” In Summit County, A Basin was closed for two days as a precautionary measure. Probably a good thing, said the Summit Daily News, as notorious avalanche paths called The Professor and The Widowmaker ran, burying the highway to the ski area. More notable yet was an avalanche in the Tenmile Range above Frisco. There, a slide in 1910 took out a mining camp called Masontown. In local lore, everybody had been off to the bars in Frisco when the slide occurred. In reality, the town had been abandoned. Regardless, it was a big slide, but experts say the slide that occurred last week might have been even bigger. Finally, U.S. Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton remained indefinitely closed as of March 5. The notorious Riverside slide had claimed many lives over the years until a snowshed was erected. This time it wasn’t enough. There were 20 to 30 feet of snow on the pavement before crews intentionally triggered more slides, leaving up to 60 feet of snow. The new slide filled in the snowshed, too.
Skier responsibility at stake in slides JACKSON, Wyo. – Jeff Brines owns up to having disrupted the lives of many people who travel between Wyoming and Idaho. He’s sorry. He was skiing above Teton Pass on the Wyoming-Idaho border on March 1. He’s done so 1,000 times, beckoned by the wonderful snow especially in an area called Glory Bowl. Brines and his dog were unhurt when he triggered an avalanche that closed the highway for most of a day. He had no immediate knowledge of whether the avalanche might have buried somebody below. “That was one of the darkest moments of my life,” Brines told the Jackson Hole News&Guide. “That feeling that you might have hurt somebody else is something I hope I never feel again.” Nobody on the highway was hurt or even hit by the slide. But there was great inconvenience. The slide occurred at 7:30 a.m. The highway, which connects Jackson to the commuter towns of Driggs
and Victor, remained closed until 5 p.m. There’s another way, through a town called Alpine, but it adds more than an hour to the trip. The News&Guide reports rising tension between backcountry users and Wyoming transportation officials. Local resident Jay Pistono, who spearheads much of the outreach work with skiers, says he has pushed the idea that those slide-prone areas, as delicious as the skiing can be, should be off-limits. “You just don’t ski those runs,” he said.
Climate shift in ski resorts of the future FRISCO – Climate change probably does not rank as the top worry for skiers and snowboarders this winter. After all, how long has it been since nearly everybody had snow like this? But climate change does show up as a consideration frequently in a profile of SE Group, a Colorado-based firm that has been designing ski areas since the 1960s. Chris Cushing, the principal, says warming temperatures have altered ski area design. Runs have become narrower, because wider ones are more expensive to maintain, and expansion areas have fewer south-facing, sun-exposed trails. The story in Architecture + Design magazine also points to Deer Valley as an example of a resort where climate change has altered plans. Various factors, including climate change, resulted in a new base village being located farther up the mountain than is currently necessary. But, as Cushing puts it, there may be snow now, but wait a decade. The story also points out that the greatest shift in ski resort design has been the almost mandatory contemplation of non-winter activities. “Having a business model that operates one season out of four is just not a good model,” Claire Humber, the director of resort planning and design for SE Group, said.
How to keep recyclables from landfills KETCHUM, Idaho – Oh, what to do with those copies of the Idaho Mountain Express, Skiing or just about any other paper in Ketchum, Sun Valley and other communities of Blaine County. China doesn’t want the bundles of mixed paper that local residents have faithfully carted to recycling centers – and hardly anybody else does either. The Atlantic explains that the county eventually stopped collecting the mixed papers when the pile had grown to 35 bales. Instead of being recycled, the papers were taken to the landfill. “For decades, we were sending the bulk of our recycling to China … to be made into goods such as shoes and bags and new plastic products,” The Atlantic explains. “But last year the country restricted imports of certain recyclables, including mixed paper – magazines, office paper, junk mail – and most plastics.” There are no easy answers. Burning recyclables, such as plastic, produces energy, but also pollution. Some studies have found the incineration facilities release more harmful chemicals, such as mercury and lead, into the air per unit of energy than do coal plants. Too, there’s a problem with contamination. Most of us do a very poor job of sorting through the recyclables we place into the bins. The contamination reduces their value. In Ketchum, the Mountain Express reports that Blaine County lost $24,000 on its recycling program last year. Paper was part of the problem. Bales, which not long ago sold for $100 each, were worth nothing. Last week, county commissioners agreed to pursue a limited form of paper recycling focused on easily identifiable types. If the contamination can be reduced from 5 percent down to almost zero, a firm in Twin Falls, about two hours away, will pay $65 per ton. To that end, only newspapers and office papers will be accepted.
Income gap prominent at ski areas ASPEN – While ski passes have supposedly made skiing affordable, the income levels of core skiers also have been rising. The Aspen Daily News, in an article about the heartburn caused by the Ikon and Epic passes, points to a report by Kelly Pawlak, the president of the National Ski Areas Association. In the winter 2019 edition of the magazine, she points out that skier days are flat, with fewer than 60 million visits since 2011.
– Allen Best
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Following the wet winter, the city is faced with even more deep potholes and damaged roadways, like these found along East Third Avenue downtown. The question for voters is how the City should pay to fix these issues./Photo by Stephen Eginoire
Pounding the pavement Ballot battle begins as City takes second shot at streets tax
by Tracy chamberlin
W
ith spring comes Durango’s unique opportunity to hold elections outside of the madness and mayhem of November. It’s an opportunity for the community to choose its leaders on the Durango City Council and focus on local issues, like Question 1-A. This April, two term-limited council members, Mayor Sweetie Marbury and City Councilor Dick White, will leave open seats. Four newcomers, Kim Baxter, Jaime McMillan, Barbara Noseworthy and Marcos Wisner, are vying for the chance to fill those spots. In next week’s edition of the Telegraph, we’ll give these candidates a chance to tell our readers a little bit about themselves and how they feel about some of the Council’s most pressing issues. This week, we’ll shine a light on Question 1-A. The tax act Following a defeat by more than 20 percent in November, the City Council is coming back to voters with a trimmeddown version of its previous request for a tax increase.
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For a two-minute video on the election process, candidates and issues, check out www.durangogov.org/election.
Vote Yes on 1A campaign www.A1Durango.com
Vote No on 1A campaign www.facebook.com/NoOnDurango1A/ This ballot measure, referred to as Question 1-A, is a proposed sales tax increase of .5 percent that sunsets in 10 years. It will be dedicated to the construction, operation and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, alleys, gutters and other roadway needs. With a current sales tax rate of 7.9 percent – 2.9 percent state tax, 2 percent county tax and 3 percent city tax – the street tax would raise the overall rate to 8.4 percent. In the first year, it’s expected to raise about $4.7 million. Also included in Question 1-A is the creation of a commu-
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nity advisory board that would be tasked with making recommendations to the City Council on which street projects to prioritize. Campaigns have sprung up to oppose and support Question 1-A. Those opposed to the tax increase are called United for Durango’s Future. Those in support of the tax increase are Citizens for Making Durango A#1. Number crunch Voters will notice lots of numbers littering the literature and social media sites for both campaigns, as well as data offered by the City of Durango. However, not all the numbers match. As an example, in the official Municipal Election Informational Booklet – which is mailed to all Durango voters – the “Total City Fiscal Year Spending” is listed from 201519. The number for 2019 is $55 million. Yet, the City Council approved the 2019 budget last December with $92 million in total operating expenditures. The difference in the numbers is often about enterprise funds and dedicated taxes, which are different from 4
the general fund. An enterprise fund, like the city’s trash and recycling services, pays for itself with fees and other charges. It is considered its own entity, even though it’s under the umbrella of the City of Durango. The money used for the maintenance and construction of the city’s streets, however, does come out of the general fund. So although the funds raised from Question 1-A would be dedicated to street maintenance and repair, its passage would have the greatest impact on the general fund. Some proponents of Question 1-A have focused on the general fund because this is, currently, the only way to pay for street repair and maintenance. Opponents have highlighted the total budget because it speaks to all of the city’s expenses and services, including police, fire, parks, administration, permitting, trash, recycling, water, sewer and street maintenance. Movin’ on up One number that never gets nailed down but is always talked about is the cost of living in Durango. Neither campaign has disputed this is an ongoing issue for the community. What is disputed is how adding – or not adding – a sales tax increase would affect the cost of living here. During a debate over Question 1-A hosted by the La Plata County League of Women Voters on Monday night, former mayor and local business owner Christina Rinderle spoke on behalf of Citizens for Making Durango A#1. Rinderle said, currently, 37 percent of the city’s streets are in need of immediate repair and it is far more costly to repave a street once it’s beyond repair. She said it could cost more than eight times as much to rebuild a roadway. “Doing this now is the most cost-effective way,” she explained. “I feel like we’re actually saving the community money.” Proponents, like Rinderle, have pointed out the sales tax increase would only be adding 50 cents to a purchase of $100, yet have the potential of saving the community millions. On the other side, longtime resident John Ritchey spoke on behalf of the United for Durango’s future campaign,
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Break out the ballots Ballots hit the mail this weekend and will be available to pick up in person as of Mon., March 18. Election Day is Tues., April 2. Ballots can be mailed back or dropped off, but all ballots must be received by 7 p.m., April 2. Postmarks do not count.Ballots can be dropped off at the Durango City Clerk’s office (open weekends from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.), the La Plata County Administration Building (with a 24-hour drop box) and the La Plata County Clerk & Recorder’s office (also with a 24-hour drop box). If you don’t receive your ballot or have any questions, contact the City Clerk’s office at 375-5010. Next week: The Telegraph’s Candidate Questionnaire featuring the four candidates running for City Council: Kim Baxter, Jaime McMillan, Barbara Noseworthy and Marcos Wisner. which opposes Question 1-A. Ritchey said the tax increase is not small to many area residents who are struggling to stay afloat in Durango. “Ask the low- and middle-income voters if they think this is a trivial amount of money,” Ritchey said during the debate. Opponents of Question 1-A believe the answer to funding street projects is not in more taxes. The answer, they say, is in better management of the city’s $92 million budget. Put it in park Although the two sides have debated the merits of this particular tax, the most contentious issue isn’t even about Question 1-A. Following the defeat of the November tax ask, the City hosted listening sessions to find out why the measure went down. One of the suggestions made during those sessions was to ask voters to redirect funds previously dedicated to Parks and Recreation and, instead, spend some of those funds to fix the city’s potholes and streets.
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The Council chose not to go that route and moved forward with Question 1-A by a vote of 4-1. Mayor Pro Tem Melissa Youssef was the only dissenting vote. City councilors Chris Bettin, Dean Brookie and Dick White joined Durango Mayor Sweetie Marbury in voting to approve Question 1-A for the ballot this April. Although the Council decided against asking voters to reauthorize a portion of the taxes dedicated to Parks and Rec, the debate still lingers in the community. It was a topic addressed during the Monday night debate. “Since 1999, $89 million has been spent on Parks and Recreation projects with an additional $235 million scheduled to flow into Parks and Recreation over the next 20 years from two sales taxes and general fund transfers,” Ritchey explained Monday night. “This means if nothing changes between 1999 and 2039, an astounding total of $324 million will go only to Parks and Recreation.” Opponents of Question 1-A would like to see the matter put to a vote because although 70 percent of voters approved the Parks and Recreation tax in 2015, they say those voters were not aware of the impending need for streets. Proponents of Question 1-A, however, have said asking voters to redirect the funds could break their trust. They’ve also pointed out redirecting those taxes could hurt the city’s ability to receive grant funding from organizations like Great Outdoors Colorado. Rinderle said the city has a positive reputation when it comes to grant applications. If Parks and Recreation taxes were redirected, she feels it could jeopardize that reputation and damage the city’s ability to receive grant funding in the future. In addition, she explained the Parks and Recreation activities Durango offers – from the Rec Center and library to open space and trails – is something that attracts visitors and businesses to this area. “We need to be very careful as a community not to take away the golden goose of our Parks and Recreation,” she said. n
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March 14, 2019 n 11
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Grown in the Rocky Mountains
12
n March 14, 2019
teleg
ope springs eternal by Stephen Eginoire
ophyll makes a triumphant rn to the Animas Valley! Yes, n pigment never looks as hen the first leaves emerge y depths of winter. With snow
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still covering all but the sunniest patches of earth, our trajectory toward the spring equinox promises a verdant and lush beginning to a favorite season in Durango. Here’s a look:
March 14, 2019 n 13
thesecondsection
Hope in the high country Author Pam Houston brings her memoir ‘Deep Creek’ to Maria’s Bookshop by Zach Hively
C
elebrated author Pam Houston is no stranger to these parts. After all, she lives just over the Continental Divide in Creede, and her five previous books are popular both with critics and with local readers. But this Tues., March 19, is the first time she’s rolling into town with a memoir under her belt (and, more importantly, on bookshelves). She is holding a talk and booksigning at Maria’s Bookshop to celebrate the release of Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country.
Pam Houston’s ranch near Creede, complete with slightly leaning barn, serves as the inspiration and backdrop for her new memoir, Deep Creek. She will be at Maria’s Bookshop next Tues., March 19, to sign copies and read from the book.
Houston “It’s a book that is really wholly dedicated to Southwestern Colorado in so many ways,” Houston said in a phone interview. “A lot of events are going to be really familiar to people in the area, including the West Fork Fire, which plays a big role in the book. Also, just
14 n March 14, 2019
what it’s like to live in the high country, tent, and this idea that she needed to do real estate agent in this one showed her and in the Southwestern Colorado high something important with her $21,000 a 120-acre homestead, complete with country in particular.” advance – which, her agent said, she late-September aspens. Houston is widely recognized for her ought not spend all on hiking boots. “There is a hundred-year-old barn fiction, beginning with her first leaning slightly and a creek and a book, Cowboys Are My Weakness. She great big meadow,” Houston said. JusttheFacts wrote that novel while in graduate “Aspens and pines all around on the school in her late twenties, during Who: An evening with author Pam Houston 12-thousand-foot peaks that surwhich time she also led a life more When: 6:30 p.m., Tues., March 19 round it. My $21,000 represented romantic to many of us than grad Where: Maria’s Bookshop just under five percent down of the school: she guided river trips and What: Book talk, Q&A, reception, light refreshments asking price of this property, which hunting expeditions and generally I had no business even looking at.” spent as much time out of doors as Yet the real estate guy had a hunch possible. That summer, she found herself in the widow selling the homestead would Even after she sold Cowboys, she drove Creede, like she had found herself in a like the idea of Houston. Sure enough, she around the West and lived out of her lot of other mountain towns. But un- bought the ranch with her advance and a Corolla with her dog, her North Face like a lot of other mountain towns, a signed hardcover copy of Cowboys 4
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Are My Weakness. And thus begins the story of a life told within Deep Creek. Houston said she didn’t realize until she started writing this book about six years ago that buying her ranch was the greatest thing that ever happened to her. Of course, she found a location where she could both inspire and seclude herself as a creative person. But she also gave herself an immediate and pressing need to make her mortgage payments. “I learned to work hard,” she said. “I learned to buckle down, I learned to hustle. I learned that I could write on demand. It wasn’t this, ‘Oh, if the muse hits me.’ It turned me into a grownup and it gave me a place to be in the world. It gave me a place to stand. It parented me into adulthood, the ranch did.” Not all 300 pages of the book take place on the ranch, though. And that is fitting, because Houston herself doesn’t spend all her days there. She counts herself as a teacher, first and foremost, and she teaches as a Professor of English at UC Davis two semesters a year and works with students at workshops and low-residency programs around the world. This lifestyle suits Houston just fine. She recognizes the multiple facets of herself that cannot be sated at 9,000 feet. She likes sushi and art films and other delights of city life right alongside getting mud on her boots. So this memoir takes readers along with Houston to other places. A boat in the Arctic among a migration of 800 narwhal. A bar in Pittsburgh. A childhood of vigilance. And it always brings readers back home with her – sometimes with a deep sense of comfort and belonging, and other times with intense anxiety, as when she returns home during the 2013 West Fork wildfires within sight of her windows. Whatever the sense of each homecoming, Houston writes of her ranch with such familiarity that we join her in that sensation of dropping our bags at the door and greeting the Irish wolfhounds. The animals at this ranch
are written at least as vividly and distinctly as the fullest of the human characters. No chattel here – the half-wild cat, and the horses, and the chickens, and the Icelandic ram named Wooly Nelson who needs to be wrassled into the back of a 4Runner so he can be de-horned, are all fully-fleshed figures that don’t rely on stock assumptions about breeds and species. “Animals are the center of my life,” Houston said. “I really believe that animals in general, and certainly dogs, know how to live and love better than we do. I say in this book, Fenton (one of the wolfhounds) had a wider range of emotion than anyone I dated in my twenties. That’s true. That’s on me, but that’s true. I don’t know if dogs have exactly the emotions and the intelligence we think they do, but they certainly have a wide range of emotion and intelligence. I know that from living with them.”
The stories in this book are patient and saturated; Houston had to learn that the action of memoir is different than the action of fiction. To stay committed to her truth, she had to wait for the meaning in her memories, her imagery, her metaphors, to complete itself and reveal itself. Yet they are still punctuated with moments of intense action, of wringing grief, of hair-trigger suspense, of wonder in every direction at what a human being is capable of. Yes, through it all, like the sky through the trees, Houston finds hope. She’s lived on this homestead for 25 years now, and while Deep Creek took five of those years to write, in some sense, she’s been writing both the book and herself that whole time. “I’ve been writing this book since I wrote the last word of Cowboys,” she said. “And even though I’ve written many books in between, this book is a talk-back to Cowboys. Whatever happened to that Cowboys girl? Well, here she is. Here she is after all this time, and hopefully she knows a little more. I have great love for that girl. That girl got me out West and got me out of a lot of trouble. So yeah, it took a long time.” n
BORN AND RAISED,
READY TO LEAD
MARCOS
WISNER
CITY COUNCIL
VOTE APRIL 2ND Paid for by Marcos Wisner for City Council.
www.ElectMarcos.com
telegraph
March 14, 2019 n 15
FlashinthePan
Caesar the day by Ari LeVaux
A
t a Vietnamese restaurant during college, my friend Wayne observed that most of the world’s meals could be divided into “substance and sauce.” That night, for example, rice was the “substance” of nearly every menu item, either in the form of whole white grains or noodles, and was dressed in an array of curries, soups, dips, and other synonyms for “sauce.” Wayne’s paradigm is not perfect by any means; one could have a field day finding exceptions. But the formula contains a kernel of truth that has given me years of insight into the structure and function of food. Inevitably, the “substance” is something that, for a variety of reasons, we should be eating, while the sauce makes us want to eat it. Rice is an affordable way to fill a belly with calories, therefore it is good and we should be eating it. In a dish like pizza, the sauce makes the cheaper but relatively bland crust more interesting. In a sandwich, the sauce in the middle gives more purpose to the bread. A pat of salted butter is the only sauce a baked potato needs, while a fried potato gets ketchup. Cheap white carbs aren’t the only type of substance to which “Substance and Sauce Theory,” as we called it, can be applied. Vegetables are not as cheap as grain-based calories, and many people are even less inclined to eat them. Yet we “should” eat them because they have vitamins, fiber and other good stuff. Unfortunately, a plate of naked greens won’t appeal to most omnivores. Ditto for a serving of steamed broccoli. And then there is cabbage, a vegetable that is at once belly-filling, cheap and flush with vitamins, minerals, a sweater’s worth of fiber, and unbound versatility. Cabbage can be served raw, cooked or fermented, with a flavor that can range from sweet to spicy to pungent, and a
texture that can be crunchy or tender. In 2018, the European vegetable distributor Ribambelle built a machine that cuts cabbages in half and wraps each half in plastic, showcasing a beautiful cross section of its many tight layers. This sales tactic is as old as it is new. Parents have known forever, and research has recently confirmed, that kids will eat more apple if it’s served in pieces, rather than whole. Ribambelle credits this “cutting machine” for the 5 percent increase in cabbage sales it saw last year, and I wondered if cutting up a mess of cabbage at home would likewise increase my own consumption. I chopped two large heads, crosswise from tip to heart, removing the core from the slices that contained it. This filled a large mixing bowl with ribbons of fettuccine shaped cabbage slices. Using that cabbage was practically effortless. I kept the bowl in the fridge, tightly covered but at the ready to be deployed on demand. I started with an Asian orientation, tossing it into the speckled broth of a fancy packet of instant Ramen, in place of noodles. Lightly cooked in this brothy sauce, the cabbage barely lost its crunch. This was followed by stirfried cabbage slices in bacon, garlic and oyster sauce like I would cook rice noodles. But cabbage is less filling than rice noodles, and you can eat heaping serving after delicious serving. Eating sliced cabbage is one of the few instances where chopsticks offer a distinct tactical advantage. Real noodles can be eaten with a fork, but crunchy cabbage, not so much, as the shards are unwieldy for either a fork or spoon. Fork AND spoon work, if you use both hands. But real chopsticks allow you to nab any shard of leaf you wish. If you aren’t good at chopsticks, chop it finer. That sliced cabbage straight up begged me to make fish tacos, and I could only comply. Soon, I added the
cabbage as a base for most lunch and dinner plates. It would cling to other pieces of food and sneak into the kids’ mouths while they were chewing, and they wouldn’t spit it out. That bowl of sliced cabbage is a recipe unto itself – many, in fact – and having it around will teach you how to use it. But I will leave you with one specific substance & sauce combination: Caesar slaw. Coleslaw is practically synonymous with picnic but excels in many other situations and a variety of seasonings. My favorite is Caesar slaw: chopped or grated cabbage with Caesar dressing. This Caesar sauce, which comes from farmer Lucy, contains mustard powder, which compliments the mustardy undertones in cabbage. This, counterintuitively, dulls the sulfury flavor. It also includes mayo (or Vegenaise) in place of the raw egg used in a typical Caesar dressing because I find it less icky. For a final bit of mojo, it also contains Worcestershire sauce, which rhymes with je ne sais quoi, especially when pronounced by Wayne, a lifelong resident of California. Finally, DO NOT neglect the lemon zest. I like to leave the cabbage in large, chopstick-friendly strands that recall the large chunks of romaine with which Caesar dressing is typically served. But chopping the cabbage to a narrower width is good too, and easier to eat with a fork. Caesar Slaw Eight servings 1 lb green cabbage, chopped head-to-core to ¼-inch slices 2-4 cloves fresh garlic ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest ½ teaspoon mustard powder ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (or whole anchovies, or fish sauce) ¼ cup olive oil ½ cup mayo ¼ cup of lemon juice ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Fresh ground black pepper Add the chopped cabbage to a mixing bowl and gently break it apart and tousle it, like you’re trying to make it look like Meg Ryan’s hair. Blend the garlic, salt, zest, mustard powder, Worcestershire, anchovy and olive oil. When smooth, add the mayo, lemon juice and half of the cheese. Toss the cabbage in the dressing, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and black pepper to taste, and serve. n
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TopShelf
Annual drinking of the green & festival season rundown by Chris Aaland
A
ll aboard the Shamrock Express! The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad hosts a St. Patty’s Day train to Cascade Canyon from 9:45 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m. Sunday. Irish beer and drink specials abound, with BREW Pub & Kitchen crafting a special Irish red beer for the occasion. The Kitchen Jam Band will play on the platform in front of the Depot before departure as well as on board the train, where they’ll move from car to car. Other St. Patty’s Day highlights include a traditional Irish music jam session at the Irish Embassy Pub at 12:30 p.m. (it’s a weekly occurrence, but with extra flare on the holiday) and corned beef & cornhole at the American Legion Post 28 at 1 p.m. Christmas comes early this year, as Ska hosts its annual Mexican Logger release party at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the World Headquarters. This year, Lawn Chair Kings will perform, meaning the first pairing of Durango’s favorite party band with its favorite summer beer. But let’s not get carried away yet. Summer is still months away, and the powder keeps building up in the San Juans. If you’re heading up to Telluride, catch Galactic at 7 p.m. at the Sheridan Opera House. New Orleans mainstays for more than 20 years, Galactic has fused jazz, funk, rock and hip-hop. Their 10th and brand-new record, “Already Ready Already,” features vocalist Eric Falls (who joins them in Telluride), as well as Princess Shaw, Miss Charm Taylor, David Shaw (of the Revivalists), Nahko (of Nahko & Medicine for the People) and Boyfriend. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you already purchased your tickets to KDUR’s Cover Night at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Animas City Theatre. If you’re new to the game, more than a dozen local bands unite to support community radio while covering a chosen band. This time around, it’s the Talking Heads. Tickets sold out nearly instantly, but if you’re hoping for a miracle, bother Rachel at 970-247-7628. KSUT’s spring membership drive is nearly done, but you still have a chance to pledge your support and win a trip for two to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. At 6 p.m. Friday, one lucky member will be drawn to receive a pair of weekend passes, airfare for two and lodging for five nights. This year, the winner will attend the first weekend (Thurs.-Sun., April 25-28) and see the likes of Van Morrison, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Katy Perry, Taj Mahal, Robert Cray, Leon Bridges, the Doobie Brothers and hundreds more. There’s also nearly a dozen morning, afternoon and day prizes to be drawn the next two days. Pledge now at www.ksut.org to support public radio in the Four Corners. 3rd Ave. Arts hosts the weeklong 12th annual Durango Bach Festival starting on Sunday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Dozens of musicians will perform during seven concerts spanning six days, with more than 50 students at two dedicated student concerts. Another highlight is Bach’s Lunch, a series of noon recitals with luncheons following, taking place daily from Monday through Friday. “Noon concerts offer the opportunity to hear a large variety of music over the week in fun, short bursts,” executive director and festival founder C. Scott Hagler said. “Audiences can hear everything from the flute, violin, cello, harpsichord, organ and vocalists to a trumpet ensemble.” Bestselling author and Comedy Central alumnus Kyle Cease brings laughter and personal evolution together from 9 a.m. ‘til 4
p.m. Sunday at the Community Concert Hall. This daylong event features frequent breaks, including one for lunch. Elsewhere: Andrew Schuhmann plays Ska Brewing at 5 p.m. tonight; Plursday at the Starlight brings Spark Madden from 9 ’til close tonight; and Matt Rupnow is at the Starlight from 6-9 p.m. Friday, followed by DJ Hakan from 9 ’til close. Now getting back to summer. Many of the regional festivals have started announcing lineups. Here are a few highlights: 1. SBG Productions – the fine folks who bring us Telluride Blues & Brews and Telluride Jazz – just announced the lineup for the second series of Durango Blues Trains (Aug. 16-17). Tickets went on sale Wed., March 13. The highlight is Duwayne Burnside, a singer, guitarist and one of 14 children born to legendary North Mississippi musician R.L. Burnside. Other performers include Nashville quartet the Blackfoot Gypsies; self-professed “One Whoaman Band” Molly Gene; veteran Blues Train artist Low Volts; Durango’s own Kirk James; and multi-instrumentalist Randall Conrad Olinger. This thing always sells out, and quickly! 2. Durango Bluegrass Meltdown (April 12-14) features Junior Sisk & Friends, Songs from the Road Band, the Larry Keel Experience, John Reischman & the Jaybirds, Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, FY5 and Halden Wofford & the HiBeams. 3. Pagosa Folk’n Bluegrass (June 7-9) includes the Del McCoury Band, the Travelin’ McCourys, Sierra Hull, and Sam Reider & the Human Hands, among others. 4. Telluride Bluegrass (June 20-23) has all the usual suspects returning, plus Grammy darlings Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves, Lake Street Dive, and a Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band reunion (they once ruled the Durango bluegrass scene more than a decade ago before splintering into Leftover Salmon, Greensky Bluegrass, the Infamous Stringdusters and other groups). 5. The Ride (July 12-14) presents two nights of Widespread Panic, plus Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Rose Hill Drive and more. 6. RockyGrass (July 26-28) finds the Soggy Bottom Boys, Punch Brothers, Sam Bush, Del McCoury and I’m With Her along the banks of the St. Vrain River. 7. Rhythms on the Rio (Aug. 2-4) spins the jams with Fruition, the Travelin’ McCourys, Jeff Austin Band, Kyle Hollingsworth Band and Bill Nershi along the Rio Grande in South Fork. 8. Telluride Jazz (Aug. 9-11) welcomes back Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Lettuce, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Victor Wooten and Turkuaz. 10. Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (Aug. 16-18) has Ben Folds, Ani DiFranco, and St. Paul & the Broken Bones gracing the Lyons’ stage in its initial lineup announcement. 11. Four Corners Folk Festival (Aug. 30-Sept. 1) brings the Earls of Leicester, Billy Strings, Darrell Scott, Amy Helm, Molly Tuttle, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, and many more to Reservoir Hill. A few others haven’t yet announced their lineups, but the dates are included so you can plan your musical itinerary: Music in the Mountains (July 6-28) and Telluride Blues & Brews (Sept. 13-15). ‘Tis like the morn in spring? Email me at chrisa@gobrainstorm.net. n
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March 14, 2019 n 17
onthetown
Thursday14
Fairgrounds. 799-1632.
10th annual Mancos Melt, featuring art, music, wine, events, family fun run and more, March 14-16. www.mancoscreativedistrict.com.
Avalanche Workshop with CAIC veteran Dale Atkins, 6-8 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio. www.thesanjuans.org.
Here to Hear: Office Hour with Councilor Dick White, 9-10 a.m., downstairs at the Irish Embassy, 900 Main Ave.
“Ghostchasers,” a play by the Escalante Drama Department, 7 p.m., performance also runs March 15, Escalante Middle School Cafetorium.
Baby Meetup with Durango Café au Play, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 2307 Columbine. 749-9607.
Rob Webster performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.
Durango Friends of the Arts Membership Meeting, 10:30 a.m., Durango Arts Center Theatre, 802 E. 2nd Ave.
“Canyon of the Ancients: Out After Dark” with Lanny Wagner, past artist-in-residence, Mancos Public Library, 7 p.m. 533-7600.
Spring Break Jewelry Trunk Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Alpine Chic at Purgatory Resort.
“The Colorado Longitudinal Study (COLS) and What It Means to You” with Phyllis Wise, part of the Life Long Learning Lecture Series, 7 p.m., Noble Hall at Fort Lewis College, Room 130. www.fortlewis.edu/profes sionalassociates.
Robby Overfield performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.
Open Mic & Stand-Up, 8 p.m., El Rancho Tavern, 975 Main Ave.
Danika & the Jeb perform, 7:30 p.m., Sunflower Theatre in Cortez. www.sunflowertheatre.org.
Karaoke, 8 p.m.-close, Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. 2nd Ave.
Saturday16
Business Improvement District (BID) meets, noon-1 p.m., 850 ½ Main Ave. “Pictures at an Exhibition” free lecture on the works of Viktor Hartmann and Modest Mussorgsky, 4-5:30 p.m., Durango Arts Center Theater, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangoarts.org.
Submit “On the Town” items by Monday at noon to: calendar@durangotelegraph.com
“Doc Swords,” PTSD Social Club for Veterans, 4-6 p.m., VFW, 1550 Main Ave.
Plursday featuring Spark Madden, 9 p.m.-close, Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.
Launch Event for Go Code Colorado, sponsored by SCAPE and FLC’s School of Business, 5-6 p.m., School of Business at Fort Lewis College.
Summer Enrichment Fair, hosted by Liberty School, Durango School District 9-R and San Juan BOCES, 5-7 p.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds. swgtcommunity@gmail.com.
STEAM Lab, for ages 5-12, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Durango Public Library.
Sitting Meditation, 5:30-6:15 p.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave.
Spanish Speaking Parents & Littles Fridays, 4-6 p.m., Durango Café au Play, 1309 E. 3rd Ave., Room 201. durangocafeauplay.org. “Imprint” by Andrea Martens, opening reception, 5 p.m., exhibit runs thru April 27, Friends of the Art Library at Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.du rangoarts.org.
La Plata Quilters Guild, 6 p.m., La Plata County
& $$$
Innastate performs, 6:30 p.m., Mancos Brewing Co.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Durango Public Library.
Science Open House, walk-through interactive science displays, 12 – 4 p.m., Chemistry, Berndt and Sitter halls, FLC. www.fortlewis.edu/chemistry/openhouse.
Conversational American Sign Language, 5:30 p.m., Pine River Library in Bayfield.
&
Matt Rupnow performs, 6-9 p.m., DJ Hakan, 9 p.m.-close, Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.
Free yoga, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Lively Boutique, 809 Main Ave.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Durango Public Library.
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The Badly Bent Duo performs, 6-8 p.m., Durango Craft Spirits, 1120 Main Ave.
VFW Indoor Flea Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 1550 Main Ave. 247-0384.
Tim Sullivan performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
Open Mic Night, 6 p.m., Eno Wine Bar, 723 E. 2nd Ave.
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, featuring screenings of award-winning films, raffles, silent auction and more, 7 p.m., event also runs March 16, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.du rangoconcerts.com.
Durango Early Bird Toastmasters, 7-8:30 a.m., LPEA, 45 Stewart St. 769-7615.
Zumba Gold, 9:30-10:15 a.m., La Plata Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale, members only preview sale, 5:45-8 p.m., Durango Library.
Terry Rickard performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
Henry Stoy performs, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Jean-Pierre Restaurant & Wine Bar, 601 Main Ave.
Friday15
Andrew Schuhmann performs, 5-7 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard St.
conjunction with the Mancos Melt, 5-8 p.m., Outlier Cellars in Mancos.
“81328: A Retrospective Gathering,” art show in
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Annual Book & Author Event, hosted by American Association of University Women and featuring Kathy Fine-Dare and Dexter Cirrilo, salad buffet 11 a.m.; speakers begin, 12:15 p.m., Student Union at Fort Lewis College, Vallecito Room. Register at jung_m@fortlewis.edu. Hispanic Heritage Day Celebration, featuring crafts, activities, demonstrations and more, 1-3 p.m., Farmington Museum. 505-599-1174 or www.farmington museum.org. DJ CodeStar spins, 2-4 p.m., The Beach at Purgy’s. dj codestar.com. Distillery Tour and History Talk, 4:30 p.m., Durango Craft Spirits, 1120 Main Ave. Register at 247-1919. Adam Swanson performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond4
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Donut Happy Hour 1 - 1:59 p.m., Monday through Friday • All donuts are buy one, get one free! Perfect for refueling after a busy day at the mountain! !
Durango Doughworks • 2653 Main Avenue Open Seven Days: 6:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
18 n March 14, 2019
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Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Crooked Measures performs, 7-9 p.m., Outlier Cellars in Mancos. 13th annual Cowboy Luau, benefit for Bayfield Early Education featuring live music from Wild Country, 6 p.m., Billy Goat Saloon, Gem Village. Billy and the Kidd perform, 6 p.m., Mancos Brewing Co. Black Velvet Duo performs, 6-8 p.m., Dalton Ranch Restaurant off Highway 550 north. Kirtan, 6-8 p.m., Studio 10, Smiley Building, 1309 E. 3rd Ave. Leah Orlikowski performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave. KDUR “Talking Heads” Cover Night, 8 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Drive. SOLD OUT. Comedy Cocktail open mic stand up, 8 p.m., Eno Wine Bar, 723 E. 2nd Ave. DJ Zirk, 9 p.m.-close, Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.
Laughing at yourself Inspirational speaker Kyle Cease brings humor to self-evolution What: Comedian and motivational speaker Kyle Cease When: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun., March 17 Where: FLC Community Concert Hall What’s so funny about personal transformation? This Sunday, local audiences can find out when comedian Kyle Cease brings his daylong “Evolving Out Loud” event to Durango. With two No. 1 Comedy Central specials to his credit Cease brings wit, laughter, inspiration and compassion to the journey toward a better self. “You are not your story!” is Cease’s mantra as he encourages audience members to transform old stories into Kyle Cease new paths of possibility. The comedian-turned-motivational speaker is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and has sold-out venues across the country with his events aimed at personal evolution. With a clever but easy-going
message of love, forgiveness and self-acceptance, Cease has also spoken at thousands of colleges, conferences and wellness festivals around the country. In addition to leading his own events, Cease has shared the stage with such renowned luminaries and celebrities as Jim Carrey, Michael Beckwith, Tony Robbins, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Louie Anderson and Dick Gregory. In 2009, he earned a No. 1 ranking on Comedy Central’s “Stand-up Showdown” and has appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and “Chelsea Lately.” “He’s so entertaining, you don’t know you’re growing while you’re laughing and crying! I love it!” said one recent show attendee. To find out more about Cease or see a trailer to his event, go to kylecease.com.
Sunday17 St. Patrick’s Day Durango Bach Festival, March 17-23, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave. www.durangobachfestival.com. Shamrock Express, 9:45 a.m., Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. www.durangotrain.com.
Monday18 Yoga Storytime, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Smiley Building Studio 10, 1309 E. 3rd Ave. Watch Your Step class, 10:15 a.m., Durango Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave.
Zumba Gold, 9:30-10:15 a.m., La Plata Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave. Terry Rickard performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle. Talk to Us: What Does Your Library Look Like? discussion with library director Shelley Walchak, 6 p.m., Pine River Library in Bayfield.
Veterans Breakfast, 9-11 a.m., Elks Club, 901 E. 2nd Ave. 946-4831.
Bach’s Lunch Concert Series, part of the Durango Bach Festival, noon, daily thru March 22, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave. www.durangobachfestival.com.
Henry Stoy performs, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Jean-Pierre Restaurant & Wine Bar, 601 Main Ave.
Joel Racheff performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
Traditional Irish Music Jam, 12:30-4 p.m., Irish Embassy, 900 Main Ave.
Metal Clay Jewelry Presentation and Demo, 7-8:30 p.m., Four Corners Gem & Mineral Club, Brookside Park in alley between 23rd and 24th streets. www.durangorocks.org.
Women Outside Adventure Forum featuring ultrarunner Kelly Halpin and journalist Morgan Tilton, part of the 4th annual Women Outside Adventure Forum, 68:30 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio. www.womenoutside.org.
Contiki Party with the Aussies, 9 p.m.-close, Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.
Super Ted’s Super Trivia, 6:12 p.m., Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave.
Tuesday19
The Trivia Factory, hosted by Ben Bernstein, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Roost, 128 E. College Dr.
4th annual Women Outside Adventure Forum, March 19-21, Powerhouse Science Center and Henry Strater Theatre. www.womenoutside.org.
DJ Crazy Charlie, 6:30-10:30 p.m., Billy Goat Saloon, Gem Village.
Writers’ Workshop, 2 p.m., Ignacio Library. DJ CodeStar spins, 2-4 p.m., The Beach at Purgy’s. dj codestar.com. Milo and Hawk host Open Mic, 3 p.m., Mancos Brewing Co. Blue Moon Ramblers, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
Rotary Club of Durango, presentation by Animas Museum Director Jeff Hutchinson, 6 p.m., The Strater. 385-7899.
More “On the Town” this way4
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March 14, 2019 n 19
AskRachel Interesting fact: Many Muppets are built on patterns. For instance, Forgetful Jones was built on the same “Large Lavender Live Hand” pattern as Count von Count. This discovery blows my mind more than any 23 And Me results ever could. Dear Rachel, I’m notorious for missing meaningful occasions, like anniversaries, graduations, birthdays (meaning first birthdays, when people I’m responsible for are actually born). I don’t forget them, per se. I just don’t think in terms of calendar days. I’m starting to wonder if perhaps I run on a lunar calendar instead of a solar one. Like how Chinese New Year and Hanukkah fall on different days each year, can I start celebrating these things on my own time scale? – My Days Aren’t Numbered Dear Forgetful Jones, Did you know that “lunatic” and related words for crazy, like “loony,” actually derive from the Latin “luna” for moon? It’s where we get words like “lunar” as well. Crazy people were believed to be unduly influenced by the moon, much like werewolves and artists are today. I present all this information without commentary. But, by the power of juxtaposition, I suspect that the general consensus will be that, yup, you’re on your own lunar calendar. – Howling, Rachel Dear Rachel, So back in the early ’90s, a friend of mine dressed up as Oprah Winfrey for Halloween. I
OntheTown
guess technically this entailed making her skin brown with makeup. Does this constitute “black face,” and should I be worried pictures could surface of me standing next to her and ruin my career? - Guilty by Association Dear Live and Learn, The short answer: Yes. That constitutes black face. Do you even have to ask that? Really? Your friend may have been looking to honor and celebrate Oprah rather than demean her, but even so, non-black people dolling themselves up as black people does not have a pleasant or flattering history. As for your career? You’re probably OK, so long as you didn’t dress that Halloween as a white-sheeted ghost. – Boo, Rachel
Dear Rachel, I have developed a severe crush on a local radio personality. Her shows are must-listen programming for me, and I imagine us winning a pledge drive giveaway to some far-away exotic locale, like Telluride during festival season, and falling madly in love. She could read to me every night before bed, and I would be happy. Of course, I am afraid to learn anything else about her, like her age or her politics. But I did call in and request a song once. How can I either take a bold step or learn to let go of the fantasy? – Tuned In
Dear Papa Razzi, Video killed the radio star, but you’re doing your weirdest, creepiest and oddly quite touching best to bring it back again. You’re not the first person to fall in love with a voice. I mean, whenever I hear Tom Waits (yeah, that Tom Waits), I feel like I found the power jet in the hot tub. But you’re entering stalkerish territory, my friend. Change your presets for a month, and see if your feelings simmer down, you loon. – Don’t touch that dial, Rachel
Loki Moon – Raw Experiments, 6-8 p.m., Eno Wine Bar, 723 E. 2nd Ave.
Upcoming
from p. 19 Tim Sullivan performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave. Latin Social Nights, 8-11 p.m., Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. 2nd Ave. 375-2568. Open Mic Night, 8 p.m.-close, Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.
Wednesday20 Free Trauma Conscious Yoga for Veterans and Families, noon-1 p.m., Elks Lodge, 901 E. 2nd Ave. “Mexican Logger” Release Party, 5 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard St. Durango Young Progressives meet, presentation from La Plata County Clerk Tiffany Parker, 5-6 p.m., happy hour, 6-7 p.m., March 20, R Space, 734 E. 2nd Ave.
Bayfield District Plan Update, hosted by La Plata County Planning Commission and staff, 6-8 p.m., Bayfield Senior Center. 382-6263. Women Outside Adventure Forum featuring National Geographic adventurer Hilaree Nelson and big wall climber Madaleine Sorkin, part of the 4th annual Women Outside Adventure Forum, 6-8:30 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio. www.womenoutside.org. “Outside the Bachs,” featuring works by other Baroque masters, part of the 12th annual Durango Bach Festival, 7 p.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave. www.durangobachfestival.com. Karaoke, 8 p.m., Blondies in Cortez. Karaoke with Crazy Charlie, 8 p.m.-close, Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. 2nd Ave.
Thank the Veterans potluck, with Peter Neds and Glenn Keefe, 5:30-8:30 p.m., VFW, 1550 Main Ave. 828-7777. Terry Rickard performs, 6 p.m., The Office. Bayfield Real Estate Market Update, trivia games, prizes and more with real estate agent Rebecca Parnell, 6 p.m., Pine River Library in Bayfield.
20 n March 14, 2019
Women Outside Adventure Forum featuring US/Mexico Border thru-hikers Tenny Ostrem & Claire Wernstedt-Lynch, part of the 4th annual Women Outside Adventure Forum, 6-8:30 p.m., Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave. www.womenoutside.org. Moon Hooch Aramboa performs, 9:30 p.m., March 22, Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Drive. www.ani mascitytheatre.com. Energy 101: Navigating the New Energy Market, panel discussions from local leaders, LPEA & City Council candidates, 3:15-5:45 p.m., March 23, Durango Library. Festival Grand Finale, commemorating Johann Sebastian Bach’s 334th birthday, part of the 12th annual Durango Bach Festival, 7 p.m., March 23, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave. www.durangobachfestival.com. Thunder from Down Under, 7 and 10 p.m., March 23, Sky Ute Casino, Ignacio. www.skyutecasino.com. Glenn Miller Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., March 23, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
Greg Ryder performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon. “A Garden on Paper: Drawing on a Scientific Legacy,” lecture by FLC Professor Amy Wendland, 5:30 p.m., Center of Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College, Room 120. 247-7456.
Email Rachel at telegraph@durangotelegraph.com
Ongoing Student Juried Exhibition, runs thru March 26, FLC Art Gallery. 247-7167. After-school program, 4:15-5:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Mancos Library. Free Morning Yoga with YogaDurango, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays, Durango Mountain Institute at Purgatory. Karaoke, 8 p.m., Thur-Sun, 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E 8th Ave.
telegraph
Deadline for “On the Town” submissions is Monday at noon. To submit an item, email: calendar@durango telegraph.com
FreeWillAstrology by Rob Brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): During the coming weeks, everything that needs to happen will indeed happen only if you surprise yourself on a regular basis. So I hope you will place yourself in unpredictable situations where you won’t be able to rely on well-rehearsed responses. I trust that you will regard innocence and curiosity and spontaneity as your superpowers. Your willingness to change your mind won’t be a mark of weakness but rather a sign of strength. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the animated kids’ film “Over the Hedge,” 10 talking animals come upon a massive, towering hedge they’ve never seen. The friendly group consists of a skunk, red squirrel, box turtle, two opossums and five porcupines. The hedge perplexes and mystifies them. It makes them nervous. There’s nothing comparable to it in their previous experience. One of the porcupines says she would be less afraid of it if she just knew what it was called, whereupon the red squirrel suggests that from now on they refer to it as “Steve.” After that, they all feel better. I recommend that you borrow their strategy in the coming weeks. If a Big Unknown arrives in your vicinity, dub it “Steve” or “Betty.” GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I urge you to locate a metaphorical or very literal door that will give you access to a place that affords you more freedom and healing and support. Maybe you already know about the existence of this door – or maybe it’s not yet on your radar. Here’s advice from Clarissa Pinkola Éstes that might help. “If you have a deep scar, that is a door,” she writes. “If you have an old, old story, that is a door. If you love the sky and the water so much that you almost cannot bear it, that is a door. If you yearn for a deeper life, a full life, a sane life, that is a door.” CANCER (June 21-July 22): Musician Carole Kaye is the most famous bass guitarist you’ve never heard of. Over the course of five decades, she has plied her soulful talents on more than 10,000 recordings, including gems by Frank Zappa, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Simon and Garfunkel, and the Beach Boys. Twenty-seven-time Grammy winner Quincy Jones has testified that Kaye has written “some of the most beautiful themes I’ve ever heard in my life” and that she “could do anything and leave men in the dust.” I trust this horoscope will expand the number of people who appreciate her. I also hope you’ll be inspired to become more active in spreading the word about the gifts that you have to offer the world. It’s high time to make sure that people know more of the beautiful truth about you.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “When you want happiness, what are you wanting?” asks aphorist Olivia Dresher. The repeat of an event that made you feel good in the past? A sweet adventure you’ve thought about but never actually experienced? Here’s a third possibility. Maybe happiness is a state you could feel no matter what your circumstances are; maybe you could learn how to relax into life exactly as it is and feel glad about your destiny wherever it takes you. In my opinion, Leo, that third approach to happiness will be especially natural for you to foster in the coming weeks. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): There are old traditions in many cultures that pay special attention to the first brick or stone that is laid in the earth to initiate the construction of a future building. It’s called a cornerstone or foundation stone. All further work to create the new structure refers back to this original building block and depends on it. I’m pleased to inform you that now is a favorable phase to put your own metaphorical cornerstone in place, Virgo. You’re ready to begin erecting a structure or system that will serve you for years to come. Be sure you select the right place for it, as well as the best building materials. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Born under the sign of Libra, Ivan Kharchenko (1918-89) was a military officer and engineer for the Soviet army. His specialty was disarming explosive devices before they detonated. Over the course of his career, he defused an estimated 50,000 bombs and mines. Let’s make him your patron saint for the coming weeks. Why? Because I suspect you will be able to summon a metaphorical version of his power: an extraordinary capacity to keep volatile situations from blowing up. You’ll be a virtuoso at waging peace and preventing strife. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): There was a time, less than a century ago, when pink was considered a masculine color & blue a feminine hue. In previous eras, many European men sported long hair, wore high heels and favored clothes with floral patterns. Franklin D. Roosevelt, one of America’s most prominent 20th-century presidents, sometimes wore skirts and feather-bedecked hats as a child. With these facts as your keystone, & in accordance with astrological omens, I encourage you to experiment with your own gender expressions in the coming weeks. It’s time to have fun with the way you interpret what it means to be a man or woman – or any other gender you consider yourself to be. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): According to estimates by population experts, about 109 billion humans have been born on planet
Earth over the millennia. And yet I’m quite sure that not a single one of those other individuals has been anything like you. You are absolutely unique, an unmatched treasure, a one-of-a-kind creation with your own special blend of qualities. And in my prophetic view, you’re ready to fully acknowledge and celebrate these facts on a higher octave than ever before. It’s high time for you to own your deepest authenticity; to work with extra devotion to express your soul’s code; to unabashedly claim your idiosyncratic genius. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): We don’t know as much about European history between the sixth and ninth centuries as we do about other eras. Compared to the times that preceded and followed it, cultural and literary energies were low. Fewer records were kept. Governments were weaker and commerce was less vigorous. But historians don’t like to use the term “Dark Ages” to name that period because it brought many important developments and activities, such as improvements in farming techniques. So in some ways, “Lost Ages” might be a more apropos descriptor. Now let’s turn our attention to a metaphorically comparable phase of your own past, Capricorn: an era that’s a bit fuzzy in your memory; a phase about which your understanding is incomplete. I suspect that the coming weeks will be an excellent time to revisit that part of your life and see what new evidence and insights you can mine. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Why do some American libraries ban certain books, ensuring they’re unavailable to local readers? The reasons may be because they feature profanity or include references to sex, drug use, the occult, atheism and unusual political viewpoints. Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis is one of the most frequently censored books. Others are Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Beloved, by Toni Morrison, and The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. In my astrological opinion, these are exactly the kinds of books you should especially seek out in the coming weeks. In fact, I suggest you commune with a variety of art and ideas and influences that are controversial, provocative and intriguing. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): At the age of 97, Piscean cartoonist Al Jaffee is still creating new material for the satirical Mad magazine, where he has worked since 1964. There was one 63-year stretch when his comic stylings appeared in all but one of Mad’s monthly issues. I nominate him to be your role model during the next four weeks. It’s a favorable time for you to access and express a high degree of tenacity, stamina and consistency.
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March 14, 2019 n 21
classifieds
Deadline for Telegraph classified ads is Tuesday at noon. Ads are a bargain at 10 cents a character with a $5 minimum. Even better, ads can now be placed online: durangotelegraph.com. Prepayment is required via cash, credit card or check. (Sorry, no refunds or substitutions.)
Ads can be submitted via: n classifieds@durango telegraph.com n 970-259-0133 n 777 Main Ave., #214
Mommy and Me Dance Class Come join the fun! Now registering for classes. Call 970-749-6456. mom myandmedance.com.
HelpWanted
Approximate office hours: Mon., 9ish - 5ish Tues., 9ish - 5ish Wed., 9ish - 3ish Thurs., On delivery Fri., 10:30ish - 2ish please call ahead: 259-0133.
Lost/Found Found: Ring on River Trail On Sunday, near the White Rabbit bookstore. Call to identify, 505-322-9160.
Announcements End Your War With Weight Former pro athlete turned counselor, Marisa Asplund, will give a free talk to discuss how we can end the struggle with body weight and food. Free to all. Durango Public Library, March 19th 6-7 pm. Email for more info: marisa@marisaas plund.com In-Depth Healing By donation 970-317-5379 The Perfect Gift for your favorite dirtbag. Literature from Durango’s own Benighted Publications. The Climbing Zine, The Great American Dirtbags, American Climber, Climbing Out of Bed and Graduating From College Me are available at: Maria’s Bookshop, Pine Needle Mountaineering, the Sky Store, or on the interweb at www.climbingzine.com.
Wanted Ecopreneurs Home business helping others improve drinking, shower & garden water quality: multipureusa.com/ltallent
Bird’s Is Now Hiring! Accepting Resumes for all positions! Come join our award-winning team. Resumes to lisa@peakfnb.com Phlebotomy Certifications (Blood Drawing) $350, Farmington, March 16-17, sw phlebotomy.net 505-410-7889 6th Street Liquors Hiring PT Evening/day shifts avail. Bring in resume, current ref., ask Jason or Gin for interview Mon-Fri. Exp. preferred, but willing to train right person. Reruns – Sales Associate High energy person needed to start in April. Approximately 30hrs/week. Stop by and drop off a resume. 572 E. 6th Ave.
Classes/Workshops Energy Awareness & Yoga Classes Parent + child (2-6) Tuesdays 10-11am. Parent-only class Tuesdays 12-1pm. Kid-only class starting in April www.energyawarekids.com
Starts out cleverly mocking art snobs, but ends up trashed like a Banksy – Lainie Maxson Massage with Kathryn 20+ years experience offering a fusion of esalen style, deep tissue massage with therapeutic stretching & Acutonics. New clients receive $5 off first session. To schedule appt. call 970-201-3373.
Services
RealEstate
Spring Break Spray Tans Organic & beautiful. Meg Bush, LMT 970-759-0199. Wedding Officiant for Hire Life cycle celebrant available to design ceremony for any of life’s rites of passage and to officiate weddings. www.fourtrees.live. tara@fourtrees.live Marketing Small & Local Businesses Media, social media, website content, SEO, etc. for small, local, independent or startup businesses. Email jnderge@gmail.com Life Coaching for Women Womanfriend, are you ready to get your goddess on? Gain clarity, reach your dreams in career/business, relationships, parenting, health, life purpose with Tara Frazer, Certified Life Coach. tara@fourtrees.live, www.fourtrees.live. Harmony Organizing and Cleaning Services Home and office 970-403-6192.
Small Electric Wizard To repair lamp, table fan that have both mysteriously stopped working. Would rather fix than trash. 970-7492595.
Massage for Every Body! Traditional, Ashiatsu, hot stone, Thai. www.durango.massagetherapy.com 970946-3724
Turn Vehicles, Copper, Alum, Etc. Into Cash! at RJ Metal Recycle, also free appliance and other metal drop off. 970-259-3494.
Metal Clay Jewelry Free talk 3/18 and upcoming classes. Nancy Conrad 303-681-4399, nancyfconrad@gmail.com
massageintervention.life Voted best massage in Durango 2018. Couples, sauna, outdoor shower, cupping. Reviews on FB + Yelp. 970-903-2984
telegraph
‘Velvet Buzzsaw’
Tame Your Inner Critic and … Tame your inner critic and find peace and balance: Mindful self-compassion Date: 8 Wednesdays: 4/3 - 5/22 Time: 5:30 - 8pm The Smiley Building, #105 Sliding scale fee- $250 - $350 - Payment plan available. Register by e-mail MyahMindfulness@gmail.com or by phone- 970-946-5379. Myoung Lee, Certified Mindfulness Teacher.
Hope Chiropractic and Yoga Presents New grace, gravity and grit pain relief workshops: A new paradigm for helping heal low back, hip, sacro-iliac, sciatica and nerve pain, Sat March 23rd 9:3012:30 Smiley Studio 10. $55 early bird ends Sat March 16th. Must preregister. Class size limited. More info Dr Keneen Hope DC 970-3053239 www.hopechiroyoga.com
22 n March 14, 2019
HaikuMovieReview
BodyWork
Massage by Meg Bush, LMT 30, 60 & 90 min 970-759-0199.
Radon Services Free radon testing and consultation. Call Colorado Radon Abatement and Detection for details. 970- 946-1618.
CommercialForRent Commercial Space for Rent Office space for rent near Bread 1200.00 per month includes HOA (water, sewage, snow plow and landscape) contact Sean for more info 970-759-6374.
ForSale Rossignol Soul 7 Skis 163 cm, 106 cm under foot. Red and black 2014s. Drilled twice but skied minimally. They’re hole-y but will still work for the right person/set up. $50 OBO. Text for pics: 970-749-2495. Reruns Home Furnishings Winter sales in both stores! Custommade midcentury maple sideboard; side tables; lamps & coffee tables; and lots of cool art. New great stuff and daily markdowns. 572 E. 6th Ave. 385-7336.
CommunityService Naturalist Training Want to help connect the next generation to the natural world? We are recruiting volunteers to serve as naturalists for spring experiential education programs. Training starts March 20 @ 6pm. durangonaturestudies.org
EndoftheLine
A pilgrimage to Ski Mecca
H
ave you ever noticed the talk around Durango’s social gatherings always centers on the next season of fun? For example, in the fall we start talking skiing and equipment. In the winter, we talk rafting (the permits we didn’t get) and upcoming water. In the spring, it’s biking and far-away adventures. This must be human nature to look ahead to the next thing. It’s what keeps us going and looking forward. That’s why many of us planned our pilgrimage to Ski Mecca last year by buying one of the passes that gets you access at some of the great ski areas around the world. Whether it’s the Mountain Collective, ICON or EPIC pass, they all work for some type of pilgrimage to the promised land of skiing. The talk intensified as winter got closer. Everybody started naming dates and itineraries. I wish I could have fit every trip into my busy retirement schedule. But we finally settled on a mid-February trip. It started out in a Durango snowstorm that would eventually be measured in feet. As we drove north, we wondered what were we doing leaving such wonderful powder, and shoveling. But we justified it, saying “it’s too deep for Purgatory.” We were in search of the steep and deep. As many pilgrims have done before, we stopped in Sandy, Utah, for the Snowbird/ Alta experience. It was great, but not deep, just steep. Snowbird has a unique snow pattern with lake/city effect snow, where the top of the mountain receives 2” and the bottom 8” from that cloud that hangs over the city and creeps up valley to dump snow on the lower portions of the ski area. No line on the tram made for very tired legs and smiles all around. We then headed to Snowbasin, northeast of Salt Lake,
which is an awesome area on a powder day, before driving three hours to Driggs, Idaho, which provided home base for Jackson Hole, Targhee and Teton Pass. Again, great skiing but the start of the “cold line.” By this I mean, the point where one starts to use ski clothes never needed in Southwest Colorado, like face masks, neck gaiters, and boot and hand warmers. Any exposed part of skin seems to be stabbed by pins and needles, which this Southwesterner didn’t realize was the start of frostbite. Days later, the scabs would start forming on my face. It may be why people from that part of the world look so weathered. Just sayin. Finally, another after-skiing four-hour drive gets you to Montana, Big Sky and Bridger. Wow! so much steep terrain. We wondered why there are only young people skiing the ridges and bowls. Most of us retired folks were only good for a few of those hikes for extreme turns. Then, we went back to the moderate slopes where untracked powder was available all day. After making our final turns and prayers, it was time to leave Ski Mecca, but a snowstorm and wind had closed most of the roads leading south. So, some stayed to pray and play more, and some started to drive around the storm. We realized that the pilgrimage was a long way from home. The vastness of our empty West is realized when taking remote roads in Idaho. But like all road trips, we made it back to D-town, and skiing Purgatory’s cruisers felt pretty good. I’ll let my frostbite heal, and start planning next year’s trip to Ski Mecca. There were rumors on many chairlift rides of a totally different pass arrangement for next year. Stay tuned, and keep tuned.
Back on top.
– Bill Koons
Drinking&DiningGuide Himalayan Kitchen 992 Main Ave., 970-259-0956 www.himkitchen.com Bringing you a taste of Nepal, Tibet & India. Try our all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. The dinner menu offers a variety of tempting choices, including yak, lamb, chicken, beef & seafood; extensive veggies; freshly baked bread. Full bar. Get your lunch punch card – 10th lunch free. Hours: Lunch, 11am-2:30 p.m. & dinner, Sun. - Thurs., 5-9:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. ‘til 10 p.m. Closed 2:30 to 5 daily $$ Crossroads Coffee 1099 Main Ave., 970-903-9051 Crossroads coffee proudly serves locally roasted Fahrenheit coffee and delicious baked goods. Menu includes gluten-free items along with bullet-proof coffee, or bullet-proof chai! Come in for friendly service and the perfect buzz! Hours: Mon.- Fri., 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. $
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BREW Pub & Kitchen 117 W. College Drive, 970-259-5959 www.brewpubkitchen.com Experience Durango’s award-winning brewery & restaurant featuring unique, hand-crafted beers, delicious food made from scratch, and wonderful wines & cocktails. Happy Hour, Tues.- Fri. 4-6 pm & all day Sunday with $1 off beers, wines & wells & enjoy select appetizers at 20% off. Watch the sunset behind Smelter Mountain as the train goes by. Hours: Wed.-Sun., Noon - 9p.m., Tues. 4p.m. - 9 p.m. Closed on Mon. $$
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March 14, 2019 n 23
24 n March 14, 2019
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