The Durango Telegraph, April 7, 2022

April blows!

­elegraph the­­­­durango

FREE April 7, 2022

Vol. XXI, No. 14 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

The Animas Quill

Vinyl geeks rejoice

Sushi sojourn

Homegurl, deep thoughts from Farkas & case for less school p9

The record swap is back – this time with beer p17

Being a food writer is hard work, but someone’s gotta do it p18

LPEA ANNUAL MEETING Thursday, May 12, 2022, 5:00 p.m.

LPEA Durango Truck Barn (Bodo Park) or via Zoom

Join us to learn more about LPEA’s major 2021 accomplishments. Snacks!

Door prizes! Live Q&A session.

More at: lpea.coop/annual-meeting.

www.lpea.coop | (970) 247-5786

Always Always Great Great Deals & The Best Best Selection In Town!

T To own!

Find us a at: t: 72 72 Suttle St. St. Unit B Bodo Park Park Durango Durango

(Advertise in the Telegraph.)

The ar area’s ea’s bes bestt selection of vaping vaping products products

Premium e-liquids, e-cigs, local glass Premium glass water water pipes, dab rigs & accessories accessories

To learn more about our golden advertising opportunties, email: telegraph@durangotelegraph.com or call 970-259-0133

Your Your Sour Source ce for for CBD Products Products T Tinctures inctures • E Edibles dibles • L Lotions otions • C Concentrates oncentrates

970-247-1261 9 70-247-1261 inf info@swvapor.com o@swvapor.com

2 n April 7, 2022

telegraph

lineup

4 La Vida Local

Overgrazed

New survey finds cattle have taken a big bite out of federal lands

4 Thumbin’ It

by Jonathan Thompson

5 Word on the Street

8

6 Soapbox 7 Land Desk

Cryptic crypto Polis wants the state to be a pioneer in the currency – but first, what is it?

by Sarah Mulholland / Colorado Public Radio

8 State News 9 The Animas Quill

9-16

17 Local News 18 Let’s Dig In

The Animas Quill All the news that’s fit to print at Animas High School

Ear to the ground “If I’m not back in 10 minutes, just keep partying.”

– Famous last words we can all rally behind

All aboard?

thepole

7

RegularOccurrences

OK, we’ve covered a lot of head turners in this space – from the woman who spilled chicken nuggets in her lap and almost crashed, the guy hiking who got lost twice in two days on the same trail, to all the reasons people end up in the emergency room on Thanksgiving.

So to say we’ve been desensitized to the absurdities of the world would be, to say the least, an understatement.

Yet here we are again, shocked, baffled and bewildered by a report on Yahoo.com entitled “Gas Prices Are Soaring – Here’s How Much You Can Save on Train Travel Instead of a Road Trip This Summer” with a photo of none other than the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad charging up the San Juan Mountains.

Are we crazy here, or is Yahoo suggesting people can save money by taking the D&SNG, an expensive tourist attraction, instead of making the 48-mile drive between the towns?

19 Murder Ink 20-21 Stuff to Do

17

21 Ask Rachel

Record time Vinyl nerds rejoice! The record swap is back – this time with beer!

by Jonathan Romeo

Sushi survey

On the Cover Local ski instructor Deb Hall basks in the glory of crushing the Purgatory pond skim on Sunday, complete with helmet hula girl./ Photo by Missy Votel

Sometimes, being a food writer is hard work, but someone’s gotta do it

by Sinjin Eberle

boilerplate

23 Classifieds 23 Haiku Movie Review

18

EDITORIALISTA: Missy Votel missy@durangotelegraph.com

22 Free Will Astrology

STAR-STUDDED CAST: Jonathan Thompson, Jeffrey Mannix, Lainie Maxson, Clint Reid, Jesse Anderson, Luke Mehall, Sinjin Eberle and Rob Brezsny

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 332 Durango, CO 81302 PHONE: 970.259.0133

ADVERTISING AFICIONADO: Meleana Young ads@durangotelegraph.com

VIRTUAL ADDRESS: www.durangotelegraph.com

STAFF REPORTER: Jonathan Romeo jonathan@durangotelegraph.com

REAL WORLD ADDRESS: 679 E. Second Ave., Ste. E2 Durango, CO 81301

MAIL DELIVERY AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: $3.50/issue, $150/year

distributed in the finest and most discerning locations throughout the greater Durango area.

We’re only human. If, by chance, we defame someone’s good name or that of their family, neighbor, best

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 schwag, booze and flattery.

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

E-MAIL: telegraph@durangotelegraph.com

telegraph

“For Americans looking to plan their summer travels, that raises the question of whether road tripping is really the best way to see the country right now,” Yahoo asks. “Could train travel emerge as the alternative? It might just make financial sense.”

Oh boy, here we go.

For a typical car that averages 25 miles per gallon, the trip from Durango to Silverton and back costs about $18 (based on the average price of gas at about $4.50 per gallon, as of Wednesday).

A round-trip ticket to ride the D&SNG, however, for an adult runs $100 and $65 per child.

So, for a family of four, you’re pushing nearly $350 for the excursion. Oh, and it also takes about nine hours instead of two.

So, does the D&SNG have a future in commuter travel? No, of course not. Sure, back in the day, the train was the quickest and most efficient way to get to Silverton from Durango, whether to go work in the mines, deliver supplies and yes, even for tourists to get to the 9,312-foot mountain hamlet. But then, you know, a highway was built and cars replaced trains.

Still, the D&SNG is a beautiful ride to experience a sliver of the San Juan Mountains most people don’t get to see, and also offers access to the backcountry for hikers and rafters alike. (And to be fair, Yahoo didn’t specifically suggest using the D&SNG for commuter travel; they just used a photo for the story.)

But if you live in any of these towns, and have to get to work in the other, we don’t recommend the D&SNG if you want to clock in on time. Or, as one Twitter user commented, “At least it isn’t a Google maps shortcut.” Yeah, because we know how those situations usually go.

April 7, 2022 n

3

opinion

LaVidaLocal Rogue hoes and gargoyles If there’s a hill I’m willing to die on, it’s in the land we call Indian Creek, a part of Bears Ears National Monument.

With all the insanity in our country during the past five years, I’ve really focused on this single place. Like many outdoor athletes, I am an obsessive. I need something to be obsessed about, something healthy to pour all my energy into.

Usually out there it’s all about climbing, camping and friendship, but last month I had the opportunity to help out with some trail building, led by the Access Fund.

Since I started climbing more than two decades ago, climbers have largely evolved from an outlaw misfit group to one that gives back to our public lands and works closely with government agencies and tribal leaders to do so.

The original climber trails up to the walls of The Creek are almost all fatally flawed. They usually go straight up the hillside and become victim to erosion when big storms roll through.

This is bad for the hillside, as well as potentially those hiking up. Once, my trail guru Tim Foulkes, who spent years on trail crews, got off route on our way up to the Scarface Wall, slipped on a rock and tumbled backwards. It was one of the scariest experiences I’ve had out there, in a situation that shouldn’t have been dangerous at all. (He escaped with a cut on his hand, which ended his climbing day, but otherwise he was OK.) Years later, both Tim and I volunteered with the Access Fund to help build a beautiful, erosion-proof staircase trail up to the Scarface Wall. While helping out, I developed an immense admiration for the trail crews that spend months on these trails, building something sustainable one rock at a time.

Last month, the Access Fund was working on the Sparks Wall trail, another one that had become loose and unsustainable. Unlike the Scarface trail, which was in the middle of construction when I helped out, this one was just at the beginning stage of its rebuild. It was fascinating to see the process and all the considerations and materials that go into rerouting a trail.

The first day, I was mostly helping out with a crew of six or so gathering large rocks for future steps. We trundled rocks down a hillside – avoiding killing plant life and cryptobiotic soil – and then carried them over to the trail using a large, webbed

netting called a rock carrying device. It was a heck of a workout and gave me more admiration for those who do this day in and day out, often climbing after their work day.

The second day, I was lower on the trail, right at the beginning. At the guidance of my friend Andrea, who works for the Access Fund, we were decommissioning the old trail. Again, this process was super interesting. We used rocks referred to as gargoyles to block off the trail, digging up the soil so it would revegetate faster. Fun fact: the tool I was using to do this was called a rogue hoe; trail-building tools have the coolest names, and it’s always fun to pick up new slang.

We also cleaned up an overused fire pit, with nails and micro trash in it, and built a proper start to the new trail, which will be a work in progress for the next year or so. These trails take a lot of time, but, in the end, they are a work of art (and hard work).

This experience was super important for me to zoom in on and get my hands dirty. As a writer who works on a computer, it’s easy to get pessimistic about things, including Bears Ears National Monument, which seems to be stuck in a political game of football. At the moment our team – the one on the side of conversation and preservation – has the ball, but things can turn quickly.

Just a couple weeks ago, it was announced that the Outdoor Retailer show will return to Salt Lake City. (It left a few years ago to Denver in protest over the Trump administration’s massive reduction in the size of Bears Ears, a move supported by the governor of Utah.) The return drew the ire of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and other businesses like Patagonia and REI. Politics aside, I like the show better in Salt Lake than Denver, but, as The Dude says, that’s just like my opinion, man.

Recently I was listening to an interview with climber Tommy Caldwell on the “Enormocast” podcast, hosted by my friend Chris Kalous. I also recently interviewed Tommy for my “Dirtbag State of Mind” podcast, and it was cool to hear questions that Chris asked him that I didn’t. But one statement in regard to environmental issues stood out over everything else: “The fight is never over.”

So, whether it’s a fight against erosion through trail building or the fight to protect Bears Ears in the political arena, let’s all keep digging in and fighting the good fight.

– Luke Mehall is the publisher of The Climbing Zine and the author of five books. More of his work can be found at climbingzine.com.

This Week’s Sign of the Downfall:

Thumbin’It Colorado Parks and Wildlife voting to approve the installation of at least two electric car charging stations at every state park in Colorado. Help save the melting ice caps while going for a hike? On it.

A new bill that allows Colorado mountain towns to redirect lodging taxes traditionally used to attract tourists to instead help issues surrounding affordable housing, child care and recreation, according to the Colorado Sun. President Joe Biden extending a moratorium on student debt loans until August.

For just a little while longer, we can pretend the greatest four-year party of our lives was a free ride. Ahhh…

4 n April 7, 2022

The passing of country legend C.W. McCall, who wrote several classic hits based on the San Juan Mountains, including “Silverton Train,” “Black Bear Road” and “Wolf Creek Pass.”

One of the most comprehensive studies to-date finding Americans are having less sex than ever compared to decades past.

Researchers believe it’s due to a number of reasons, but what the hell people?

Let’s make America sexy again.

The FDA investigating illnesses linked to Lucky Charms after a rash of people reported becoming sick after eating the sugary cereal, with some vomiting and saying their poop turned green. OK, I think we know why no one is having sex.

telegraph

Ogreasm Shreklesque is exactly what it sounds like: a burlesque show starring rotund characters based off the movie “Shrek.” This abomination was born in Australia where everything is scary, from the saltwater crocodiles to the naked female Gingerbread Man. But shows are also planned in New Zealand, so this thing is spreading. The timing couldn’t be worse for the original franchise, because a second “Puss in Boots” movie is set to debut this summer, but then again, there’s no such thing as bad toxicity.

WordontheStreet With the Durango Record Swap on Tuesday, the Telegraph asked: “What’s your desert island album?”

Q

H HYROYH Y R O YH Y

:HOOQHVV :H : HOOQHV VV V : HGQHVGD D\ \V :HGQHVGD\V / /2/$ 2/$ 6 6 3/$&( _ 3 0 3/$&( _

($67 6(&21' $9(18( ($67 6(&21' $9(18(

5WJXJSYJI G^ 5WJXJSYJI G^ 5ZWF ;NIF -JFQYMHFWJ 5 ZWF ;NIF -JFQYMHFWJ

&UWNQ a 9MJ &WY 8HNJSHJ FSI &UWNQ a 9MJ &WY 8HNJSHJ FSI 2 FLNH TK 1N[NSL >TZSL 5FWY 2FLNH TK 1N[NSL >TZSL 5FWY

&UWNQ a 9MJ &WY 8HNJSHJ FSI & UWNQ a 9MJ &WY 8HNJSHJ FSI 2 FLNH TK 1N[NSL >TZSL 5FWY 2FLNH TK 1N[NSL >TZSL 5FWY &UWNQ a :UQJ[JQ >TZW 1NKJ G^ & UWNQ a :UQJ[JQ >TZW 1NKJ G^ + JJINSL >TZW 8TZQ +JJINSL >TZW 8TZQ

Summer

“I’m taking Bob Marley’s ‘Greatest Hits.’”

2F^ a <MFY (FS &HZUZSHYZWJ 2F^ a <MFY (FS &HZUZSHYZWJ ) )T +TW >TZ$ T +TW >TZ$ 2F^ a 3TY 8QJJUNSL$ *]UQTWJ 2F^ a 3TY 8QJJUNSL$ *]UQTWJ >TLF 3NIWF >TLF 3NIWF 2 2F^ a 'QJSINSL YMJ 'JXY TK F^ a 'QJSINSL YMJ 'JXY TK * FXYJWS <JXYJWS 9WFINYNTSX KTW <JXYJWS 9WFINYNTSX KTW *FXYJWS 4 UYNRFQ -JFQYM 4UYNRFQ -JFQYM

!" " !# ###

!! $ !&$

% #

!!

#

2F^ a 'ZNQINSL 7JXNQNJSHJ 2F^ a 'ZNQINSL 7JXNQNJSHJ

$ "#!'

+TW RTWJ NSKT [NXNY + TW RTWJ NSKT [NXNY \\\ QTQFXUQFHJ HTR \\XUWNSL \ \\ QTQFXUQFHJ HTR \\XUWNSL

Hannah

“‘Flow State’ by Tash Sultana.”

!

)$

# ") * & * " ! ( "% !

#

* *[JSY UWJXJSYJI NS UFWYSJWXMNU [JSY UWJXJSYJI NS UFWYSJWXMNU \NYM TZW XNXYJW UWTUJWY^ \ NYM TZW XNXYJW UWTUJWY^

!

Josh

rA l d e m e icKe t

“‘This is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About’ by Modest Mouse.”

FIND THE

t

t

AND W IN A DIAM WIN DIAMOND OUNCEE DIAMOND OUNC FOR A PENNY! PENN FOR PENNY!

James

“The Nickelback album with the muscle car on it (‘All the Right Reasons’). That’s right, I’ll say it out loud: I actually like the band Nickelback.”

(

CELE BrAT E 4/2 / all m20 on long th !

EME r TIC A L D K (1) D ET AT T IAMOND HE P

RICE SHELF O U OF A PENNNCE Y!

a pril april 1-30 30 th

Find Gold cket et old and Silver Ticke ts t0 Win W Prizes such as...

DE GOL

CKE

N TI

T

RAM ELF G NY! LD SH A PEN (1) GEOPRICE OF AT TH

Joint Gram Grams, Pre-Rolls, e-Rolls, olls, EEdib Bubble Bubble Joints, Joints, Grams, Pre-R Edibles, dibles, Topicals, Tinctures, Concentrates T inct inc tures, C opicals, T oncentrates more, Penny! for a P Pe enny! and m ore, for

Stevie

“‘Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust’ by David Bowie.”

DURANGO・DAILY 8 AM-10 PM

730 S. Camino Del Rio・970.247.2420

SCAN FOR OUR MENU

PAGOSA SPRINGS・DAILY 8 AM-9 PM 270 E. Pagosa Street・970.264.4420

telegraph

TheGreenHouseColorado.com TheGreenHouseColora do.com

April 7, 2022 n

5

SoapBox

D-Tooned/by Rob Pudim

A Lot of Bull Through the soaked marshes emerges a stud Sauntering, his pointed toes through gummy mud Displaying his wide, patterned, humongous rack Giving an uprooted stump, a definition smack He is obviously searching, seeking out trouble He snorts, nostrils flaring, emitting a bubble A second stud emerges from out of somewhere A nonchalant persona, not disturbing the air His nostrils flare up, in an immediate flash Unexpectedly, a split second, makes a mad dash The confident one contemplates a sudden retreat The least he wants is to lose, experience defeat Won every battle while inhabiting this earth He backs up, humps up, displaying his girth Lowering his rack, pawing the mud, forges ahead Could be extremely not worth it, ending up dead – Autumn Cameron

Get ready for the wave Funds in the U.S. are lacking to cover the next COVID19 wave, according to a recent New York Times article.

This includes lack of life-saving pills and having to pay out-of-pocket for future shots in a month.

Ukraine deserves to have their democratic government, but the majority of their war costs is on our tab.

Once this war is over, Russia should rebuild Ukraine, and hopefully, pay off our entire war tab.

In the meantime, could the U.S. at least be prepared for the next COVID-19 surge?

– Sally Florence, Durango

J Q L U S 6

\ +DSS (1-2< +$33< +285 (1-2< +$33< +285 21 7+( 3$7,2 21 7+( 3$7,2 0 0RQ 6DW SP RQ 6DW SP

Summer Hours - Now Open Until 9pm! *Bodo (Rec. Store) & *Cortez (Rec. & Medical)

3 3æÝğHaͨͥïï ͫΪaØğàùØ æÝğHaͨͥïï ͫΪaØğàùØ GREAT STRAIN SELECTION SELECTIO ON • HASH & CONCENTR RA ATE • EDIBLES E • SEED • CLONES PIPES • SMOKING ACCESSORIES • APPAREL • MJ LITER RA ATURE & CONSULTING • ATM ON SITE

Grandview Grandview (Durango) RECREAATIONAL ONL RECREATIONAL ONLY LYY 9am - 8pm 3377 CCounty ounty RRoad oad 232 (9 70) 426-438 (970) 426-43811

Park Bodo Park

(Durango)

MED 9am - 6:45pm / REC 9am - 9pm 7722 Sut tle SStreet treet UUnits nits F & G Suttle (9 70) 259-36 74 (970) 259-3674

Cortez Cortez MED & REC 9am - 9pm 11013 013 E. Main SSt.t. CCortez, ortez, CCOO 881321 1321 (970) (9 70) 565-6500

The Alter native Resource 6 n April 7, 2022

telegraph

)UHVK SDVWD ) UHVK SDVWD ΖΖWDOLDQ :LQH WDOLDQ :LQH JHODWR IRU JHODWR IRU WKH HYHU\GD\ RFFDVLRQ WKH HYHU\GD\ RFFDVLRQ ZZZ SULPLGXUDQJR FRP ZZZ SULPLGXUDQJR FRP

0DLQ $YH 0DLQ $YH

LandDesk

Grazed to death Public lands are sick, according to new research

by Jonathan Thompson

L

the BLM to add to the national monument. Both allotments and the private land contain a number of intermittent streams, shallow canyons and numerous cultural sites. They had been grazed relentlessly for decades prior, and showed the wear and tear – much of the cryptobiotic soil had long before been trampled and destroyed and invasive cheatgrass had infiltrated the grazed areas. An archaeological assessment

ast week, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility delivered the results of its deep dive into data on the health of America’s public lands. The diagnosis: The patient is in ill health, due in large part to too much beef – i.e. livestock grazing – on drought-stricken rangeland.

PEER drew on 22 years of Bureau of Land Management data for some 21,000 allotments across 155 million acres. Here at the Land Desk, we’re going to zoom in on the Four Corners Country.

According to the research, a good chunk of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument gets a failing-health diagnosis and nearly all of Canyon of the Ancients National Monument is sick, with cattle grazing as the number one cause. (The research only uses BLM data and doesn’t include Forest Service grazing allotments).

Most national monuments forbid grazing. But the proclamations establishing Grand Staircase-Escalante, Canyon of the Ancients and Bears Ears national monuments allowed it to continue as before. While one might hope that national monument status would induce the BLM to manage grazing in a way that ensures the health of the land and antiquities, that is often not the case.

The problem is especially pronounced in Canyon of the Ancients, as the PEER research makes clear. President Bill Clinton established the mon- The Escalante Pueblo in Canyon of the Ancients./ Courtesy of BLM ument in 2000 to up protections on 164,000 acres (it has since grown to 174,000 acres) of conducted later found grazing had damaged dozens of senpublic land containing the highest known density of archae- sitive and cultural sites in the areas. ological sites in the nation. The area had been heavily grazed In 2010, the BLM, which manages the monument, issued historically, and the dominant Montezuma County culture a new resource management plan, which allowed for continand Sagebrush Rebel ideology was centered around ranching, ued grazing, but also opened the door to permanently retirso stopping grazing altogether would have been politically ing vacant grazing allotments if they fail to meet BLM unpalatable, to say the least. So the proclamation, like those rangeland health standards or when grazing is negatively imfor Bears Ears NM and GSENM, allowed grazing to continue pacting cultural sites. Five of the 28 allotments in the most according to regular BLM policies. heavily visited areas – including Sand Canyon – were canIn 2005, a rancher gave up the large Flodine Park and Yel- celled, but not the Flodine and Yellow Jacket allotments, low Jacket allotments, north and south of McElmo Canyon, which were still in retirement at the time. respectively, and sold 4,500 acres of adjacent private land to Instead, the local county commissioners and a group of

telegraph

ranchers pressured the BLM to reauthorize grazing on both allotments – to bring them out of retirement, if you will. The BLM acquiesced, but environmentalists and tribes with roots in the area fought back, forcing the agency to do a more thorough environmental analysis of the proposal.

Meanwhile, a team of scientists came in and assessed the healing process on the Flodine Park and Yellow Jacket allotments, which by then had been cowfree for 11 years. They compared biocrusts on those allotments to a fenced enclosure that hadn’t seen grazing for 53 years and a plot that was being actively grazed. What they found was both predictable and remarkable: The longer a plot went without cows, the healthier it was.

The Yellow Jacket and Flodine Park allotments remain in limbo.

Now BLM is hoping to enlarge the monument further by purchasing two privately owned inholdings, totaling 647 acres, in the Yellow Jacket Canyon drainage. Environmental groups and tribes support the acquisition. But they are not so keen on the plan to wrap land into the Yellow Jacket Canyon allotment (which is different than the aforementioned Yellow Jacket allotment). The sentiment is best summed up by Stewart B. Koyiyumptewa, of the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office, in a letter to the BLM: “We do not support permitting livestock grazing back in these areas and we support permanent retirement to best protect the lands, waters, plants and animals, and cultural resources within Canyon of the Ancients National Monument.”

We have reiterated that livestock grazing is not a permitted use in most National Parks and Monuments because of its known impacts on natural and cultural resources, and it is currently resulting in use and preservation conflicts.”

As it stands, more than 150,000 acres in the national monument are open for grazing, and the entire area is gripped by severe to extreme drought.

The Land Desk is a newsletter from Jonathan P. Thompson, longtime journalist and author of River of Lost Souls, Behind the Slickrock Curtain, and the newly released Sagebrush Empire. To subscribe, go to: www.landdesk.org.

April 7, 2022n 7

StateNews

Behind the crypto curtain Polis wants you to be able to pay your taxes in crypto, but how does it all work?

by Sarah Mulholland Colorado Public Radio

O

n a recent Wednesday evening, about 50 people who buy, sell, market and create cryptocurrency gathered at a brewery in Downtown Denver to network.

Colorado is a welcoming place for these market enthusiasts. Gov. Jared Polis wants the state to become the first to let residents use cryptocurrency to pay taxes. He signaled a hands-off approach to regulation of it when he signed a law in 2019 that exempts so-called digital tokens from securities laws that govern things like stocks and bonds.

Still, the technology remains somewhat intimidating to most Coloradans. So, what is cryptocurrency? The people at the crypto event had a lot of different answers.

“I would say it is a digital ledger. That’s the way it originally started. … It’s a ledger where you can see absolutely every single transaction,” Orsain Larrahondo, who works in IT security and trades crypto on the side, said.

“And then you have … other chains, like Ethereum, that came on where you can actually bring in a smart contract. … So it’s like a programmable smart contract.”

Maxwell Saul, a molecular biologist, who is not much of a trader but is drawn to the underlying technology of crypto, put it in simpler terms. “Essentially what it boils down to is the concept of verifiable digital ownership, which I think is actually a much bigger revolution than a lot of people might realize,” he said.

Crypto 101, and why Polis wants in If you’re still a little confused, you’re not alone.

“It’s hard because … it’s everything you don’t know about computers and everything you don’t know about math rolled into one,” Chris Wallworth, a software engineer, explained.

Basically, cryptocurrency is virtual money. But unlike the dollar, euro, peso or pound, there’s no government standing behind it, securing its value. Instead, there are people all around the world virtually minting coins on computer processors. The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, but there are thousands others.

Proponents say the lack of government intervention is a big part of what makes cryptocurrency appealing. But that view has yet to catch on in the mainstream.

One of the biggest differences between cryptocurrency and regular currency is that you can’t use crypto to buy most things.

Since there’s no central authority behind it, and it’s completely unregulated, the value hinges entirely on what you can sell it for.

That makes it hard to pinpoint what it’s worth, hence the reason most businesses won’t take it.

8 n April 7, 2022

Cryptocurrency developer Mitchell Valentine in the sports car he bought with proceeds from selling crypto in Denver on April 1./ Hart Van Denburg, CPR News In fact, the state of Colorado doesn’t really want to take it either, despite Polis saying people will be able to use cryptocurrency to pay taxes by summer.

The state plans to work with a third party to convert the crypto into dollars before it goes into the state’s treasury.

“It's exciting, but I don't (want to) make it sound like more than it is, because we still budget and spend money in dollars. That's still where the world is,” Polis said in February while speaking to a crowd at the EHTDenver Convention, an annual meeting for Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency behind Bitcoin.

The details of the tax plan are still hazy, but the message is clear: crypto is the future, and Polis wants Colorado on board.

One thing that’s certain is that some people have made a lot of money in the crypto market. Of course, some people have lost a lot of money, too. People in the industry will tell you that fraud is a big problem.

“A lot of exchanges try to protect people from the scams, but … throughout the last five or six years, you can look at the number of major projects, and it's a very large percentage of people that got scammed,” crypto consultant Steven Pattison said.

“They’re not gonna get rich quick. It’s the

Wild West.”

There are also environmental concerns, because the powerful processors used to create and store this stuff use a lot of electricity. In addition, crypto mining uses huge amounts of energy to run the math problems needed to decrypt transactions on what’s called the blockchain, the running ledger of who buys what and when.

Polis didn’t agree to an interview with CPR News on the topic, but a spokesperson said those mining crypto in Colorado are encouraged to use renewable energy.

Meanwhile, believers in cryptocurrency say it's worth the financial and environmental risks. True believers swear that behind the impenetrable jargon and the unsavory characters is a technology with the power to change the world.

They point to the blockchain as a way to democratize the financial system. They think crypto can be part of a decentralized utopia, where people take back control of the internet – and their money – from giant corporations and the government.

But this is the part that is even harder to explain.

“This is like climbing a fourteener,” Mitchell Valentine, a computer programmer and developer in Denver, said. “There's

telegraph

a lot to it. I was trying to explain this to my wife last night, too. And she was asking me like, how do you explain all these … things? And it definitely turns into sort of like a swirling ‘Which trail do you want to go down?’”

Valentine won a prize for his blockchain project at the conference Polis was speaking at. To simplify his idea, his application allows people to connect things like digital concert tickets with their real-world identity while protecting their privacy.

Valentine has also been lucky with crypto in a way most people can understand. He sold a bunch of it just before the value of cryptocurrencies tanked last year.

“I bought a pretty cool sports car with it.

And I bought a boat with my buddy. And then the price crashed … lost about twothirds of its value basically a month after I did all that,” Valentine said.

Since then, values for some cryptocurrencies have started to climb again. But Valentine says he’s more interested in building the underlying technology, as opposed to looking to make another big profit in the space.

“That was just luck,” he said.

For more from Colorado Public Radio, go to www.cpr.org. ■

Animas High School

animasquill.org

April, 2022

AHS Sophomores Get Inspired Through Week of Connection and Service

Sophomores Caitlin McCullough, Haley Hurst, Porter Bleu, Nora Olivier, Niko Peterson, Gisella Hughes, Brayden Harms, Mia Macon, and Zoell Lhomi are all smiles after their service week at the Juniper School.

Photo courtesy of Lori Fisher

By Maddie Tharp, Illyria Brunner, Bella Rodriguez, and Mia Macon Another amazing Sophomore Inspire Week is in the books! During the week of March 7-11, instead of going through their usual class schedule, the sophomore class delved into an exploration of future college and career options. They did this by participating in a variety of meaningful community service projects with local organizations.

The week was focused on introducing students to prospective careers, their own aptitudes, and how these align with their interests. The first two days were spent educating the students about options after graduation as well as looking at possible career choices. Over the following three days, the students broke up into several groups and headed off for their community service immersion. The purpose of these experiences was to give students a chance to test the waters of careers and internships, to find out what they like and don’t like, and to give back to the community.

The week was planned and executed by the sophomore teaching team and College Counselor Erin CumminsRoper, who focused on the outreach for the community service projects. Erin explained, “Sophomore Inspire Week was super successful. We were able to complete five projects and touch on a variety of different ways to engage with the community. Students seemed to have a really good

time and they learned a lot. I was really stressed leading up to it that it wouldn’t fall into place and work out, [but] the magic of Animas came to life, and it turned out to be this really amazing thing.”

Erin took her group of sophomores to the Durango Early Learning Center (DELC) to design and build a mud kitchen and fairy houses for their playground. The first morning they got to know the little ones, playing and collecting feedback about design ideas and how the preschoolers wanted everything to look. After spending time at DELC, sophomores consolidated all of the ideas and made a list full of supplies they would need to make the children’s ideas come to life. With help from a volunteer parent, some of the students were able to build a professional mud kitchen, while also learning how to properly use power tools. While some worked on the mud kitchen, others worked on building and beautifying tiny fairy houses, full of magical touches for the little ones. They took a trip to the Humane Society thrift store and got little pots and pans along with cooking utensils and measuring cups for the children to play with. They then loaded up the houses and mud kitchen and delivered it all to the DELC, much to the amazement of their new little friends. DELC Director Becca Trefry remarked, “The best part of the experience was seeing the connections made between the AHS high schoolers and the DELC students. The children’s faces seeing the final products of the mud kitchen and fairy houses was pure delight! I love that our children were able to have role models in ‘the big kids’ that came to visit!”

Bennett, age 5, offered, “I liked playing the zombie game with the teenagers. We were trying to eat one of them!”

Story continued on page 4

Zander Albers, Caleb Bates, Pierce Beyer, and Adrian Tyler gather with their new DELC friends for the inaugural play session of the mud kitchen.

Photo courtesy of Erin Cummins-Roper

Dear Homegurl

The Way of the Osprey Since our last issue came out, AHS has endured a tremen-

dous amount of loss. We are still in the stages of grief after the sudden death of one of our classmates and the departure of some pivotal teachers. The winter months were dark for us, but we are beginning to emerge into the light. Because of the pain of these losses, the Ospreys have grown more resilient, much like the bird for whom we are named.

During the Missionary Ridge Fire, the osprey population of Vallecito found resilience within each other. Instead of leaving their nests and trying to escape, they hunkered down and stayed together to weather the storm. Likewise, during our traumatic times, the AHS Ospreys were able to lean on each other and the community for strength. There is always beauty to be found in darkness, and I think that there was a lot of unruly beauty to be found in the loss we had.

We are also coming out of the darkness of the pandemic, as local cases are plummeting. It’s refreshing to see some of the faces behind the masks again. We have also begun to recover from the feral state that many of us had sunken into during hybrid and online learning. To address the ailing school culture, a group of students led us in cultural reset

Roses and Thorns Roses

After two years of pandemic cancellations, we get to have a prom again.

Scarlett’s Quill Media video edits lighting Instagram on fire.

Thorns Taking the SAT means we have to miss a week of Steve’s gymnastics X-block.

Feeling some painful nostalgia after another canceled Osprey Week.

The Animas Quill Staff

Ski season is ending and wildfire season is beginning.

Ospreys Overheard “The electron went boop. Why did it go boop, Christine?”

Social Media Editors

Scarlett Moore and Zoe Ramsey

Photo Editor

Maya Olivier

Webmaster

Jai Fallows

Advisor

Jessica McCallum

April, 2022

Dear Desperate Driver.

Gas prices are getting outrageous, I too am facing this problem. Did your car actually make it to school today?

Most cars don’t normally run on biofuels. I asked Steve Smith about the sugar and coffee grounds, and he just laughed for a long time in that way he does, so I’m guessing it’s all good. I am not sure though, so I put it in his car first and will let you know what happens. SCIENCE! :) Another great, more eco-friendly solution for this is using public transportation, carpooling with friends, or riding a bike or skateboard to school. No matter how you get to school, just be sure to curse Vladimir Putin the whole way there.

Peace and blessin’s, Homegurl

“You all are responsible for the lack of space whales.”

“Maybe I just have wants and needs and value, intrinsically, and shouldn’t be stabbed.”

“I don’t mind if you cry, but if all you’re doing is crying then we’ve got a problem.”

“Look up ‘government cheese caves.’ Or ‘big government cheese.’”

“I, too, am addicted to the scroll. I, too, think TikTok is hilarious.”

“We’ve gotta get our galactic game on. Come on, humans!”

“No, you should be stressed. Very stressed. Unhealthily stressed is what we’re going for. Toxic levels.”

“Are you doing math in my class?! That means Ande wins!”

“I love how many times you were able to call Harold a goober in this seminar. Props. Extra credit.”

“All I want is a long beard, a robe and a staff.”

Reporters

Editor-In-Chief

Mya Oyler

The Animas Quill

Original Bathroom Art by Gavin Davis

day to reestablish “The Way of the Osprey.” Students and teachers were able to address the issues and come up with potential solutions to strengthen our culture and reconnect with each other. The student leaders worked vehemently to come up with ways to reinvigorate us with inspiration. So although second semester began on a difficult note, it has pushed our community to become stronger and support one another. Ospreys rise out of the fire together, stronger.

Teacher Edition

How present we are with each other when we put our phones away!

2

Dear Homegurl.

Gas prices have gotten so high that my parents have stopped giving me gas money. But I still need to get to school, so this morning I poured canola oil in my gas tank, crossed my fingers and hoped for the best! I am almost out of oil now. Any ideas of what else might be safe to use??? It’s still too cold to compost, so should I put that stuff in there?

Like a biofuel? How about sugar or some coffee grounds?

Those give people energy, so cars too?

- Desperate Driver

Zander Albers Amelia Baca Molly Bachman Za Barrett Caleb Bates Nizhoni Benally Illyria Brunner Rio Edmondson Bryan Gnehm Adrian Griffith Roan Harvey Cy Holt Mia Macon Scarlett Moore Bella Rodriguez Jack Tescher Madalynn Tharp

World News Haiku

By BGnehm and JMac

World Cup qualified!

Despite loss to the ticos Go Team USA! Russian oil worthless Oligarchs yachts being seized What is the long game?

Did y’all know? Questlove Won Best Documentary Right after the slap

Website

animasquill.org

Social Media

Instagram @ahsquillmedia Facebook The Animas Quill

Email

quill@animashighschool.com

The Animas Quill strives to be an exceptional and relevant source of news and student perspectives, connecting the Ospreys of Animas High School to the Four Corners community and the world beyond.

Opinion: The Case for a Shortened School Week

By Mya Oyler

Picture this: it’s April 2020. Spring has come in full swing and you take daily long walks to absorb the crisp air. The smell of sugar and vanilla fills your kitchen as you attempt new baking endeavors, a creative outlet you never sknew you needed. Despite the dire circumstances of the early days of the pandemic, the hecticness of our working and educational lives was replaced with a slower pace for a while. Covid showed us the benefits of freeing up more time in our lives.

In a workaholic, grind-driven culture, the idea of parting with the 40 hour work week may sound counterproductive to some; however, there is evidence to show that there is more productivity to be found with shortened hours. An eight hour day stretches our ability to focus and it was found that on average in 2015, employees spent 2.5 hours per day doing off-task online activities. In a study conducted by the BBC in Iceland, 2,500 working citizens reduced their weekly hours from 40 to 30-36 and kept the same pay. It was found that this increased productivity for many employees. This has led to a cultural shift where tnow roughly 80% of the working population in Iceland has shifted to working fewer hours.

AHS Humanities teacher Lori Fisher discussed the discrepancies between our work model and such in various different countries. “The United States is not the norm for the educational and work model among Western, industrialized nations.” she concurred. “In the United States our teaching load is typically 30 hours a week of face to face instructional time. When you look at Scandinavian countries you’re looking at closer to 18-20 hours per week.”

In schools, students and teachers face the challenges of burnout that lessens the quality of their work. We often

STEM Starcast

By Dave “Deep Thoughts” Farkas

Aries The night may feel like a safe time to put on a Unicorn onesie and run through the local city streets, however, some may oppose your freedom. The life of a party you most certainly aren’t this weekend.

Taurus Don’t believe anything you read today. The number of times you walk into a door today will cause you to seek out new ways of thinking.

Comb Overs will suddenly attract you this week as you attempt to get a hospital appointment for an eye problem.

Gemini Exciting developments may be keeping you up at all hours, but everyone needs a break…so get off TikTok and do something!! Stop running through the halls complaining to everyone!

find ourselves wasting time in the day doing unimportant tasks that don’t contribute to our overall productivity.

Lessening the instructional hours would be beneficial for the quality of work and productivity for both teachers and students. Lori backed this sentiment adding, “[a shortening of instructional hours] leaves teachers more time to plan curriculum and carry out more thorough assessments and meet with students.” She continued, “This would benefit not only the work-life balance of teachers but also heighten the quality of interactions between teachers and students.”

Students, especially those who participate in extracurriculars, feel the same sense of burnout and distraction at school. Our existing school week is 35 hours and once you allot time for sports, extracurriculars, and homework, we face up to 50 hours of dedicated work time. A 2014 study conducted by Stanford University shows that productivity significantly plummets after 50 hours a week which means many students are facing perpetual stress and burnout; something that significantly contributes to the mental health crisis of our youth.

There are many benefits to our wellbeing that can be found in a shortened work week. Lori highlighted the luxuries we assumed during the height of the pandemic that allowed us more time to focus on our wellbeing. “While teaching online was kind of soul sucking and less enjoyable than in person teaching, I had the space in my day where I could work out, pick up hobbies, go for walks and that was really lovely.” Many people experiencing lockdown felt this same sense of increased time making the shift to full time work and learning difficult. Lori added, “Coming back to this very regimented schedule was a cold shock to the system. All of that space and additional time is gone.”

Shortening the work week would reallocate time for these

Cancer You might be a bit confused this month Cancer, due to how often you fall in love with just about everything. Don’t let the gravitational force of attraction formula (F=G(m1+M2)/D2) deter you from your current path.

Leo Feel free to match your plaid pants with your paisley shirt, Leo. Let the oddball within you shine brightly!

Here at AHS, we celebrate everyone by letting our freak flags fly :) Just be careful around town, they’re a different breed out there.

Virgo You could be missing out on ordering others around and taking credit for it. The Moon-Jupiter tug of war helps you establish why “me” is more important than “we”. Go through your A-list of favorite supporters, then delete the rest. You don’t need them. You’re in charge…do it your own way.

self care intentioned activities to be more permanent in our lives.

Many European countries have been able to make the shift to a shorter week while American schools and companies are still moving towards it. Recently the Bayfield school district announced that next year, they will be moving to a four day school week, cutting Friday out. This switch is likely not motivated by the benefits the shorter week has but rather for financial reasons. However, to make up for lost time, they are extending the school day by an hour so the weekly hours are not being changed. Colorado leads the nation in terms of schools with shortened school weeks. In Colorado, schools are required to have 1080 hours of face to face instructional time per year, and cutting down the school week could make the hours too low for state regulation. Lori explained this dilemma adding, “Schools hands are somewhat tied in this situation because of the mandated hours, so for there to be a change in the structure of our work week, there needs to be statewide political action.”

Animas High School has begun to move towards a shortened school week by experimenting with modified schedule for Juniors. On Wednesdays, students go to their core classes during the morning periods and spend the afternoon with their advisors and getting physical education credit through X-Block. Instead of attending morning classes, Juniors with above a 75% in all their classes were given the morning to work from home only required to attend a short Google Meet in the morning. For those with below a 75%, they were required to come to school to do their work which allowed them time to work individually with teachers and get the support they needed.

AHS Junior Julia Earley supported the workblock and Story continued on page 5

Libra The future is what you make of it - and if it’s anything like what you made of the rest of your life, I’d consider buying materials for the nuclear winter. I’d start investing in a Roth IRA. They have huge returns, and based on your current path and future income…you’ll need it.

Scorpio Share your innermost secrets with your entire family and network of friends. They will adore you for your spectacular honesty and may only exclude you from everything they say or do for the next decade.

Sagittarius It’s all about you!!!! And you know it. You light up the room when you enter…that’s if your head will fit through the door. People accept your arrogance as enlightenment and humor you while you boast about your accomplishments.

Don’t worry, you’re well liked and accepted by all.

April, 2022

Capricorn You love to be told how wonderful you are…and sometimes you are :) But most of the time you aren’t, and we’re saying that to get you to stop talking about yourself It’s ok though, we’ll accept and support you through your journey.

Aquarius Your curious and creative nature is going to get you into a lot of hot water, so be on the lookout.

Avoid temptation and stay away from peer pressure. It’s never as bad as you think it is. Remember to smile…

Pisces Does it always feel like you’re going nowhere, just banging your head against the dam? According to the BLM, the dam has a shelf life of 500 years, so hang in there and maybe some of your offspring will make it. Until then, keep your head up and watch out for the eagles.

The Animas Quill

3

Zoell Lhomi, Brayden Harms and Niko Peterson conduct a focus group with Juniper School 5th graders to gather input on designs for the sensory garden.

Sophomore Service, continued from Page 1

Humanities teacher Lori Fisher’s group worked with The Juniper School to plan and design a sensory garden to be constructed in the fall. The Juniper group began by observing and getting to know the 4th and 5th-grade classes. Ms. Andrea, a 5th-grade teacher from Juniper, reflected, “It may be called Sophomore Inspire Week, but it really inspires the 5th graders. They were really excited to work with older students as mentors and teachers.” In addition to designing the garden, Animas students planned and taught lessons relating to the wildlife and plants of Colorado. The interaction with the students allowed the sophomores to gain communication and leadership skills while having a larger product in mind. Niko Peterson reflected, “Seeing the little kids so excited to learn gives me hope for the future because knowledge is power, and their enthusiasm

Photo courtesy of Lori Fisher

was electric. I also have a newfound respect for teachers who plan and execute lessons.” Throughout the week the Animas students worked together to design, market, and plan ways to create the sensory garden that incorporated all five senses. The garden is designed to foster an interactive experience so the students will have a new nature element.

The result of this week will allow for a beautiful, fun experience for everyone who comes to the garden!

Lori’s student teacher Katherine Pamplin rallied her group to design and create a beautiful large mural for the Rainbow Youth Center at the Commons Building near Albertsons. They created the mural on one of the walls in the office building hall to brighten up their community. The students painted an Earth with a rainbow rocket coming out of the 4 corners area, and they let their imaginations

Bella Ogden, Sophia Prestipino, and Jo Downing add their contributions to the beautification efforts in their group’s mural at the Rainbow Youth Center.

Photo courtesy of Katherine Pamplin

4

The Animas Quill

April, 2022

Shea Davis shares a bonding moment with Tigger.

Photo by Lana Bodewes

run wild embellishing the space around the Earth. All supplies were donated from parents, Animas, and Handcrafted House who generously donated paint. The mural can be seen outside the office of the Rainbow Youth Center and all that visit the Commons building. After three days of hard work, the people of the Commons now have something beautiful to see every day. Katherine shared her perception of the experience: “It went really great. I left all of the design and work up to the students, and I was pleasantly surprised with the result. They were able to add their own inspiration to the mural, which left us with a beautiful final product.”

Physics teacher Madi Neukirch took her group of sophomores to Weaselskin Farm and Equestrian Center to work with horses and learn more about conservation with

Lana Bodewes and Maddie Tharp haul bails of hay at Weaselskin Equestrian Center.

Photo courtesy of Madi Neukirch

Shortened Week continued from Page 3

Mae Loebig, Teo VanTyn, Tristan May, Julian Dugas, Toby Philipp, and Quinn Gaver pose proudly with their Free Little Library.

Photo courtesy of Ande Lloyd

owner Jennifer Thurston. Each day started with the students helping Jennifer and her assistant with feeding and watering the horses and cleaning the pens. Interspersed with working with the horses, Jennifer shared her plentiful knowledge and wisdom with the students, teaching them about business as well as her philosophy of handling horses. She reflected, “Our group worked very well! It was nice to see a different kind of career path represented and learn about what goes into agriculture. It was nice to connect with community members involved to see agriculture specific to this area.” The first day ended with Jennifer walking the students around the property she has been working to conserve over the past few years. She explained the ecological, archaeological, and cultural significance of the space and the amazing fact that the land hadn’t been disturbed for nearly 1000 years. The second day was slightly derailed by a freak snowstorm that hit. Instead of spending the day working on the organic garden, the class learned how to handle, walk, lunge, and harness horses.

Although gardening wasn’t possible on the second day due to the weather, by Friday enough snow had melted to move large pieces of fencing and survey where a new irrigation system would eventually be placed. The last few activities of the internship included fencing with swords, as Jennifer is a Pentathlon coach, and reflecting on the activities and what the students had learned.

Math teacher Ande Lloyd’s group gave back to the community by building and distributing Free Little Library Boxes to be placed around Durango. They spent a few days drafting designs for the boxes, which they would be building themselves. The group stayed at Animas to build the boxes shaped like little houses, allowing students to learn how to use power tools and work with wood. After painting and other refinements to the library boxes, the group was able to collect a plethora of books to be placed in the boxes. They finished three libraries to be placed at choice locations. Ande shared, “It was really cool for the

explained how it worked for her. “As a student that’s taking concurrent enrollment classes and studying for the SAT, I use the workblock to take the day to prepare myself for success.” She continued, highlighting how it benefits students’ wellbeing. “I’m also usually able to sleep in a bit which allows me to be energized for X-Block and Advisory.

Because of the morning check in, I’m able to set goals for myself and prioritize what I need to get done.”

An ideal schedule would be to give Wednesday morning workblock to all AHS students, but there are precautions that need to be taken to ensure that students are using this time accordingly. Lori explained this dilemma adding, “The level of independence and agency that it will take for students to execute this is high, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable. Teenagers are certainly capable of way more than what we ask them to do, but we need to critically think about how we teach students how to do this.” This type of reflection on time management and study skills could be promoted in advisory, particularly sophomore and freshman year.

With an emphasis on this type of education, a shortened work week at Animas High School could be accomplished.

Lori concluded with the sentiment, “In an ideal world, we should all have a four day work week and have time to spend with our families and have time to have hobbies, and time to pursue things that are not just working to grind and survive.” The Covid pandemic has been incredibly indicative of the need for change, so we must take small steps in our society to reach the goal of a shortened work and school week.

Cash Lettieri and Hudson Curry joyously assemble the Free Little Library in the AHS Makerspace.

kids because they got to create something to benefit the community. It was great to come together and make something for other people that they can use and enjoy.”

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has strained this community and the interconnectedness of the whole world. It has been hard to function as a school, let alone a city and a society. However, after these difficult times, many individuals are coming together stronger than ever. Sophomore Inspire Week has been a chance

Photo courtesy of Ande Lloyd

for students to contribute to their community and see themselves as young adults in the world, learning about their own skills. This year, not only did the sophomores get to discover new things about themselves, but they were also genuinely involved in strengthening and rebuilding lost connections in the community as a whole. Animas students have the power to rebuild this community after such a global challenge, and Sophomore Inspire Week is a spectacular example of how this school can contribute.

April, 2022

The Animas Quill

5

Rising Interest in Stocks

By Adrian Griffith and Jack Tescher Kyle Edmondson’s Economics of the Stock Market class is all the rage at Animas this year. After years of working to prototype it, students have finally completed a self-contained stock market simulation game and all AHS students were given the opportunity to participate. According to Kyle, “Four classes have had a hand in designing, coding, and testing this simulation. This marks the final stage where we get to see how well it can model real markets.”

The game currently includes 40 players, with 46 different stocks. Each player starts out with $150,000 in cash and stocks. After two months, the player with the most money will win a $50 gift card.

Kyle’s students are not the ones playing the game; instead, they help the participants understand and play.

They oversee the entire project, fixing the game’s spreadsheet when it breaks and making sure people don’t cheat.

“This game allows students to interact with the stock market,” Kyle described, “thus being able to see firsthand the complex topics around the stock market.

Freshperson Kira Lemley analyzes the stock By building a market simulation spreadsheet. Photo by Cy Holt

self-contained market, our players will be able to manipulate our market in ways similar to what is done by large players in the real stock market: hedge funds, brokerage firms, etc. We will know we have succeeded if we can simulate the kind of bubbles, crashes, and speculative frenzies that have characterized Wall Street trading.”

The stock market class has allowed students to learn about the market itself in order to simulate it. They started by playing a game where they could purchase, sell, and trade stocks. The students also researched how companies have been doing over the past, in order to know what trades to make. Kyle explained “I started by having students play a regular stock simulation, MarketWatch, that tracks prices in reality. I coupled that with research and discussion of recent market events, like the Gamestop shorting scandal from last year. These anomalies cannot be recreated in MarketWatch, as the students’ trades do not impact the pricing of real stocks, and so the need for our self-contained market was apparent.”

Through taking this class, students have learned strategies to effectively trade and to understand market manipulations, which they can then try to replicate in their simulation. Creating their own stock game has allowed students to see firsthand how the actions that players in the game make affect the stock market like they would in a real life scenario.

At All School Exhibition on May 19, students will reveal a final winner, demonstrate the inner workings of the code, and reflect on how well the simulation was able to replicate reality.

Wilderness Self Rescue Class Imparts Survival Skills

By Nizhoni Benally

Animas Students have had an opportunity this semester to learn important survival skills and mindsets in Ande Lloyd’s Wilderness Self Rescue (WSR) elective. WSR is an outdoor class meant to teach students how to make good decisions while in the backcountry, as well as how to respond in the case of an emergency. Although it does not end in any type of certification, the class is meant to help further their knowledge in the mountains and backcountry.

Ande explained, “I’ve always loved being in the mountains… but like anything, there’s risk involved… I wanted to give back to the younger generation and teach them how to be safe and respond when things do go wrong.”

This class is covering three main courses over this semester: Avalanche Rescue, Wilderness First Aid, and On Rope Skills. Ande continued, “It feels really important to me that I’m teaching these kids something they can use in their [outdoor] pursuits.”

Avalanche Rescue and Wilderness First Aid started with lessons and demonstrations on the gear that could be used during rescues and instruction on what to do in certain situations.

In Avalanche Rescue, students practiced finding beacons buried in the snow and went through every step that was required of them to find the victim effectively and safely.

At the end of the unit, they had an exam where they had to follow all the steps to a rescue and find a beacon in under 10 minutes.

Wilderness First Aid taught students to determine if a situation is safe or not, how to run through patient assessments, how to fill out Subjective, Objective, Assessment Plan (SOAP) notes in order to determine what would be their best plan of action for rescuing a patient. The final practicum was a full patient assessment where they had to follow all the steps to rescue the patient and get them out of the 6

The Animas Quill

April, 2022

Ande Lloyd instructs the students in his Wilderness Self Rescue elective on avalanche rescue techniques.

Photo by Scarlett Moore

situation safely.

Ande explained that the goal of On Rope Skills is to teach students how to “transport a patent from [point] A to [point] B through difficult terrain.” On Rope Skills will follow the same structure as the previous two units with lessons, practice and a final exam to demonstrate what the students learned from the unit.

WSR had a guest speaker during the First Aid unit, Leo Lloyd. Mr Lloyd spoke to the class about his experiences in the backcountry and situations that have happened in the backcountry, situations where you would need to act quickly, and common mistakes someone may make and could cost someone their life. Mr. Lloyd believes that the new class will “give a student something to think about and help them make good decisions when they’re presented with specific hazards related to being in the mountains here.”

Wilderness Self Rescue is sure to be a class that will help the AHS students better enjoy the outdoors while still being safe and making good decisions.

Beautiful Work

Excerpts from Lori Fisher’s Creative Writers

By Porter Bleu It’s not like anyone notices when I’m not picking up my weekly deli sandwich and pack of cigs. Well, maybe the fat old guy who works at the convenience store around the block. I shouldn’t be so mean- he’s actually not so bad, every time I leave he yells, “give me a smile baby”. And on the rare occasion that I do leave my apartment complex, I always try and look my best. I mean if I’m going to have to socialize with average middle-class Americans, then I mustn’t let them think that I’m anything similar to them.

So that means- “wipe the f*#$ing drool off your chin, Veronica because we have to go pick up our prescription.”

There’s just nothing chic about looking like a troll in public... even if you’re wearing Saint Laurent, money can’t buy you sanity.

Somehow, after every single one of my outings I still manage to come home tired, like, didn’t I just sleep for 48 hours?! Honestly, this must be a sign from God confirming that I truly am just the best dressed Anthropophobe (afraid of people) in the entire world! You must think I’ve got my life all figured out, right? Like, you must think I am super like- innovative and smart. C’mon, tell me that’s what you’re thinking… please? If I wasn’t- I mean, I shouldn’t have to work so hard just for you to not believe me.

Why don’t you believe me?

Here we go again.

By Christine Howe Find a distraction.

An autumn cold spell forged its way across the western part of the country, rearing its head above the mountains.

Each morning for the past three days, the golden aspen leaves around my little cabin in the woods sparkled with a glaze of frost, illuminating the biting morning air with a rejoicing exclamation of late September. It gilded the light wood of the log outer walls of the 20 by 20 ft. building and coated the windows in a silvery curtain. It glimmered on the poles of the corral, massing in delicate strings on the long whiskers of the palomino mare who stood within it.

All this I observed from the window above the steel sink. Clancy, his black and white border collie body still clumsy from sleep, sat at my feet looking up at me. His front feet kept sliding forward on the polished oak floor, bumping against my socked foot. I sipped black coffee from my only mug, the turquoise one my mom gave me for my 20th birthday–Happy Birthday Chrissy, love Momma was inscribed on the bottom in steady italics. I cradled the mug in both hands close to my face, and the steam curled around my shoulders like my momma’s warm arms enveloping me. I folded around it as if to contain every sliver of warmth from the steam and memory before venturing into the chill outside. I recoiled from a wave of nostalgia, shaking myself and beginning to don the many layers that would protect me from the cold, the armor that would apprehend backward glances.

Don’t remember.

By Sophia Prestipino Fingers with the texture and shape of sunflower petals Wrapping around a bottle, the way sunflowers close up for the winter Wood chipped off the old steps when sacred energy still holds within the center like the sight of a crackling fire.

Why are you sitting out here alone?

The clouds hovered over their head as they responded “This is where we used to sit.”

Helping Ukraine at Home

By Maddie Tharp With the attacks on Ukraine by Russia, many people in Durango, although quite far away, are worried about the safety of people in Ukraine. Over 10 million people have been forced to flee their homes; there have been over 3,000 casualties, and at least 45% of the population there are in danger of going hungry.

Citizens of Durango are acting upon their concerns, in particular, Alena Yaremchuk and Vladimir Koshevoy, both originally from Ukraine, are taking up the call for action.

Vladimir has lived in the US for a while, but his wife, Alena has only lived here for about a year. They both still have many family members and friends back in Ukraine who are now in direct danger, and Alena is fiercely passionate about helping the people still in Ukraine.

In recent weeks, Alena has led a group of concerned local residents to meet and discuss actions that can be taken on the matter. Alena first organized a gallery with purchasable art donated by local artists. “This money will go to support people great[ly]! We have family in this place [Ukraine] and now it is really dangerous,” she explained.

“My brother must sleep in the bomb shelters, so we are trying to help raise money for [the] creation of bomb shelters.”

Alena next planned to hold a march downtown. Instead a small fundraiser was held in the Durango Rug Company.

And she has held many more fundraisers and events since then. For more information about how to get involved,

Sophomores Shea Davis and Maddie Tharp are part of a group of locals working to provide a helping hand to Ukraine. Photo courtesy of Maddie Tharp

Très Chic! Le Projet de la Mode Française

By Maddie Tharp and Roan Harvey

The AHS French class is moving into the final days of their fashion project, Le projet de la mode. They have been creating original fashion designs sourced from materials from the thrift store and their own closets. The goal of this project was to repurpose and upcycle the clothing into something new and tres chic, with a bit of original flair from each of the students.

The final project will be putting their designs into a fashion magazine, the second issue of Sa, Son, Ses, a publication of the AHS French 2 class. The magazine is due to be finished and printed by late April.

Each of the students have spent the last three weeks creating and photographing their own collections and designs. “We had so much fun taking fashion photos with our friends to display in our magazine, even though it was very cold!” said étudiante Lucy Donnaway.

The students will also be writing short articles, both in

Maddy Glotfelty models an avant garde look collaged from upcycled thrift items.

Julia Glotfelty (above) in a repurposed romper.

Lucy Donnaway (right) sports a balaclava made by Julia Glotfelty.

contact Alena on Facebook Messenger at Intellectual Leadership - Ukraine Forever.

These aren’t the only actions that Durango community members are taking. If you walk through Downtown Durango, you will see little cans painted with the bright blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag for donations. Not only this, but some AHS students are interested in doing a fundraiser. Junior Za Barrett is one of the students workshopping ideas, though there’s nothing solid yet. “There are so many things we could do! I was thinking maybe a craft fair. I want everyone to be involved in this!” Za exclaimed.

She already has a few other students on board and they are currently brainstorming what exactly they want to do.

There have been conversations about working with the AHS Student Council as well.

Supporting Ukraine has become even more key as the situation spirals downward with already 10 million refugees fleeing the country or internally displaced. And the number of people in danger grows day by day. Ukranians need support from us from home to try to make their situations a little more bearable; there are many charities local and international that are taking donations now, the international rescue committee (help.rescue.org) and the UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) are just a few.

Photography Portraits

By Amelia Baca Photography students exhibited their talent in this year’s Portrait Project. The task was to experiment with value, color, focus, design, and space, and the students are finding success and joy in this independently-designed project.

“Class is very different this year, after coming back from COVID we did not receive the hands-on experiences we have now. We have so much work to show this year and I know we are all so proud, ” shared senior Olivia Gilden.

Although the class has had some difficult times this year after the departure of their teacher, they have risen to the challenge of creating beautiful work. Senior Roxy Ladin reflected, “This has given us a time to grow and get to use our knowledge of photography. Each and every person in our class produced a beautiful project.”

French and English, about their fashion collections, what inspired them in the curation of their designs, and random fashion-related events and things around Animas and in the world at large. Some of the articles that can be expected are: AHS Fashion Dos and Don’ts, Fashion and Fencing, and Finding Sustainable Fashion in a world of “fast fashion.”

The creation of outfits and the magazine is the second phase of the project. First semester, the French students learned how to draw “croquis” and design outfits while also learning the vocabulary to describe the outfits and looking into the work of famous French designers such as Coco Chanel. The students now have the opportunity to apply what they have learned while they sew and write about their projects. “We have been working on the fashion project since the beginning of the semester. We shopped, we sewed and we styled! Now we are in the thick of creating our final magazine!” exclaimed French teacher Susy Raleigh. Come check out their work at All School Exhibition on May 19, where the designs will be on display along with copies of the magazine.

Above: “Home” by Roxy Ladin Left: “How She Kills Me” by Maya Olivier Below: “Crown of Flowers” by Kenzie Galloway

Photos and Styling by Harper Jones April, 2022

The Animas Quill

7

Featured Artist: Chloe Sturm

By Caleb Bates Junior Chloe Sturm embodies the Animas ethic of speaking your mind and exploring your passions. As a visual artist, her personal style could be recognized by her experimentation with color schemes and high contrast lighting. She plays around with a lot of different media, but her favorites include charcoal, water color, and oil pastels. “My favorite thing about exploring new techniques is when it works out and I produce something I am proud to show.”

Chloe often derives inspiration from scrolling the pictures on her phone. According to Chloe she has around 20,000 photos in her phone’s camera roll. She loves rendering images of human beings because she is fascinated by their anatomy.

She prefers to draw and paint subjects to whom she has a connection. Chloe said, “I find inspiration from the beauty around me and my friends. When I create art of people I care about, it inspires me to perfect the work because I want them to see the beauty that I see in them.”

Little Ballerina (Acrylic on canvas)

Image courtesy of Chloe Sturm

Upcoming Events

Creativity Festivity: A Celebration of Children’s Art

What: Grand Opening and Artists Reception When: April 7th, 5:30-7:30pm Where: Durango Arts Center

Eight students from Britt Blasdell’s Studio Arts classes were accepted to show their work this year: Asher Rehman, Kristina Bodewes, Chloe Sturm, Savanna Templeton, Porter Bleu, Col Hinds, Haley Hurst, and Eila Lance.

The exhibition will be ongoing from April 5th-April 30.

Original Art by Porter Bleu (left) and Kristina Bodewes (right)

8

The Animas Quill

April, 2022

Portrait of the Artist: Chloe’s talents stretch across many genre.

Photo by Katie Rydz

Desert Scene at the Wedding (Oil Pastel)

Image courtesy of Chloe Sturm

Chloe’s main artistic inspirations are her older sisters, Lily and AHS class of 2018 alum Maddie. When they were young, they played around with storytelling and creative dramatics, including performing plays, dance routines, and homemade films and animations. Chloe said, “My sisters inspire me because they are the most artistically talented in my family.

They both pursued it past high school, and they have found successes in the real world beyond art class.”

Chloe strives to translate her passion for art into her future career. She aims to be a tattoo artist, so right now she is practicing her skills in realism. She shared, “I feel excited about continuing my career in tattoo artistry because I want to love the work I do, but I don’t want to be left with pennies.

I feel passionate about entrepreneurship so a tattoo studio feels like a good way to satisfy my wants as an artist and my needs as a consumer.” She and her sisters talk about opening a tattoo studio that would also sell other artistic merchandise, such as graphic T-shirts with original artwork.

She doesn’t let many people see her art. Most of the time she gives it to her dad to hang up in his room, or it is sitting in her own room. But you can check out her work on Instagram at @manicpixiedreamgirldoesart and her portfolio website at chloesturmart.weebly.com.

Allison (White Charcoal)

Image courtesy of Chloe Sturm

10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse

AHS All-School Exhibition

The VAM Theatre class will perform a multigenre comedy mash-up of “10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” by Don Zolidis. Admission is donation-based, along with a canned food drive for Durango Food Bank.

Mark your calendar! In what will likely be our last exhibition in our current building, the entire student body will present beautiful work from this year.

What: Osprey Theatre Company’s Spring Play When: April 28th, 7pm Where: Animas High School Commons

What: A Celebratory Extravaganza of Projects from the year When: May 19th, 4:00-7:00pm Where: AHS Campus, 271 Twin Buttes

VinylRevival

Audiophiles, unite!

Durango Record Swap returns, this time with beer

by Jonathan Romeo

D

o you love music, talking about music and drinking beer with people who also love music? Don’t worry – this is not a too-good-to-be-true “missed connections” Craigslist ad. This is to let you know about the return of the Durango Record Swap happening next Tues., April 12.

After a bit of a hiatus during the pandemic, the Durango Record Swap is back, this time at Ska Brewing, featuring vendors with a ton of records to buy, a DJ spinning music and, of course, all the beer you could want.

“This is taking our little club to the next level,” Philip Gallacher, organizer of the Four Corners Vinyl Record Club, which is organizing the swap, said. “We hope this builds momentum, and it becomes a big community event.”

About 10 years ago, Robert Stapleton, the owner of Durango’s longtime music store, Southwest Sound, started organizing record swaps around town. But when Southwest Sound closed in 2018, Gallacher and other vinyl aficionados started the Four Corners Vinyl Record Club to keep up the events.

But then, you know, COVID. “We were gaining a lot of traction,” said Gallacher, with the last swap in March 2020 right before the shutdown hit. “But then with the pandemic, everything just died on the vine.”

Gallacher, however, ran into his old buddy Dave Thibodeau, co-owner of Ska, during Snowdown (when else?). Thibodeau is also an avid record collector, so I think you can see where this is going.

“We’re a music-focused brewery; music plays a big role for us, and I thought it would be fun to have a swap here,” Thibodeau said. “You can come, have a beer, hang out and talk about records while looking through records. It just seemed so fitting.”

From 4-7 p.m., there will be about 10 vendors from all over the region selling vinyl.

Local musician Rob Webster will be spinning some music, especially ska records.

With the resurgence of the popularity in vinyl, Gallacher hopes the Four Corners Vinyl Record Club can start to host other events, like a vinyl club night where you come with your own records and put ’em on the turntable. Already, the club plans two more swaps in August and November at Ska. “This is a test run,” Gallacher said of the upcoming swap. “If all goes well, we will probably start planning other events.”

Interest in vinyl dramatically dropped off with compact discs splashing onto the scene

in the 1980s/’90s. But CDs have subpar music quality, get scratched and skip when you go jogging. And regardless, they were subsequently replaced by MP3s and streaming services, also of subpar quality.

In recent years, however, vinyl has made a surprising comeback, for a variety of reasons. Some people like the physical copy of a record compared to a streaming service, with its liner notes and album art. Others enjoy the nostalgic feel of putting a record

on a turntable. And, for some, it just comes down to the fact records have superior sound to any other platform.

In 2021, vinyl sales jumped more than 50%, surpassing both digital and CD sales, according to Statista, an industry-tracking website. Last year, about 41.7 million records were sold in the U.S. (in 2006, when the vinyl revival started, sales were hovering around 1 million). Even Walmart offers vinyl now, so, there’s that.

The people of Durango have always loved their vinyl. Having a reliable store, however, has been an issue.

For years, Southwest Sound and Record Man (which was located where Raider Ridge

Cafe is now) were the go-to spots for music.

But the Record Man closed in 2003, due to people losing interest in vinyl and Walmart dominating the CD market.

“When Walmart came to town, that really put a hurting on me, because you can’t compete with them,” the Record Man himself, James Kanagy, said.

That left Southwest Sound, which opened in 1977, as the only music store in town. But that shop, too, felt the increasing pressures of the internet and digital downloads, and closed in 2018.

For three sad years, Durango was a town without a dedicated record store, until Toast Records & Tapes opened this past summer in the 600 block of Main Avenue (though there are a number of second hand options, like Dunn Deal, the Humane Society, Durango Antique Market and the Flea Market in the summer).

“It’s been going great; there’s been a lot of community support,” Josh Bensik, owner of Toast, said. “A lot of people are just stoked to have a record shop back in town.”

Bensik said the store hopes to expand to offer more of a selection (and a bakery is opening there May 1). Since opening, his customers have run the gamut, he said, from teenagers to people in their 70s.

“A lot of that age group (teenagers) are tired of streaming,” he said. “They just don’t feel connected, and so they’re getting away from screen time and slowing down, listening to more music, reading.”

Even Kanagy, the Record Man, said he has continued to sell vinyl on consignment ever since his shop closed, and his customer base has increased significantly.

“There definitely has been a resurgence in vinyl,” he said. “And the interest is really from all demographics. And I think it’s because vinyl is the antithesis of digital. It’s something tangible.”

Gallacher, for his part, is just ready to be back in person with people who all share a love of music.

“Music, beer, that social aspect – that’s what we’ve been missing,” Gallacher said. “I think everyone is ready to get together to talk about great music while listening to great music.”

For those interested, join the club on Facebook at Four Corners Vinyl Record Club.

telegraph

April 7, 2022 n 17

LetsDigIn

Mmmmm... nigiri at East by Southwest./ Photo by Sinjin Eberle

Feeling fishy Our food writer ‘takes one for the team’ on a tour of Durango’s sushi

by Sinjin Eberle

O

pinions about sushi range from rank repulsion (Raw fish? Disgusting!) to absolute obsession. Having grown up on a farm in a small, western Colorado town, my opinions about sushi did not take shape until after college when I was living in Albuquerque. My more “cultured” friends coaxed me away from familiar burgers and green chile enchiladas to Asian-inspired restaurants. Gradually, I became bolder, learning what I liked, and, quite honestly, what I was scared to try (salmon roe, no thanks!). Then I moved to Denver and got to dine at the likes of Sushi Den, its sister restaurant Izakaya Den, and Sushi Sasa. I was hooked. When I traveled to coastal cities – Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland – I would seek out their top-notch sushi establishments.

Now, my mouth waters when I think of the silky, delicate texture of perfectly prepared raw tuna, yellowtail or salmon, laid on a soft pillow of rice with just a dip of soy and wasabi. Assuming the ingredients are fresh, sushi is the pinnacle of taking simple components and combining them in beautiful, flavorful and healthy meals. The umami (yeah, say it: “oooo-mommy!”) punch to the tastebuds can be addicting.

When I moved to Durango in 2013, I found the sushi options here leaner than in larger cities, but not disappointing. The newest arrival to our sushi scene was brought to my attention last month when my girlfriend brought home ramen and poke bowls from Akami Poke and Noodle Bar, in the Albertson’s parking lot. After devouring both delicious bowls, I hatched the idea of a Durango sushi tour for a Telegraph column. I know – it’s a hard life being a food writer! For the tour, I would sample dishes from each place, but then try a common denominator – the ubiquitous spicy

18 n April 7, 2022

tuna roll, an obvious choice. Game on!

Akami opened in 2021 as a food truck but is now located at 309 W. College Dr. Walking in at lunchtime, I was struck by the prompt, engaged greeting I got and the clean, orderly layout of the dining room.

That day, the patio was too cold, but it should be great in spring. The menu is posted on a board above the kitchen, and you can see the staff hustling in the back as orders come in. Since I already tried one of their awesome ramen bowls (shoyu ramen with pork belly, egg and vegetables) and a crave-able poke san bowl (tuna, salmon, crab and veggies), I went for appetizers – shrimp shumai steamed dumplings, crispy veggie egg rolls with a sweet chili sauce, and the requisite spicy tuna roll. The shrimp and fish were fresh, vibrant and firm. I especially liked the shrimp shumai, with a steamed cabbage base. The spicy tuna roll had just the right spice level for a heat wimp like me.

On the other end of downtown is Rice Monkeys, a fast casual concept for sushi, rolls, and noodle and ramen bowls that opened in 2012 in the 1000 block of Main Ave. The space is small and intimate with additional outdoor seating provided by the seasonal bump-outs. I’ve probably had more ramen and rice bowls from Rice Monkeys than all other places in my life combined; they are always hot, fresh and satisfying.

The fish is great and the staff energetic and friendly. Unique to Rice Monkeys is their amazing pho bowls. The flavors in the dark meat ginger chicken pho literally jump out of the bowl. Their spicy tuna roll has cucumber, avocado and Japanese 7 spice.

In 2017, the owners of Rice Monkeys created Pop Sushi to give Durango diners a more expansive and traditional restaurant experience. Since opening on Florida Road, Pop Sushi has been my frequent choice, with plenty of nights either sitting at the

telegraph

bar with the sushi chefs, at a table with friends, or out on the patio. The menu features a variety of rolls and a wide selection of fish for nigiri (raw fish over rice) and sashimi (naked, sliced fish), always fresh and artfully prepared. They have a small selection of poke and ramen bowls, but the selection of maki (rolls) is the star of the menu. It keeps choices interesting over time for sushi newbies and seasoned pros. The spicy tuna maki packs a little more heat, but not over the top. Pop’s presentation of this classic is artistic and refined. The bar is well stocked and excellently tended, with arguably the best sake selection in town.

East by Southwest on College and E. 2nd Ave. is a Durango icon. On a recent Saturday night, the dining room was bustling, with both the cocktail and sushi bar nearly full. Taking my seat at the sushi bar, I was greeted immediately by a friendly, playful server who was on top of everything I needed as was the sushi chef across from me. I ordered a selection of nigiri – yellowtail, tuna, salmon and octopus, along with pork dumplings and my spicy tuna roll. The fish was great, as it always is, but what really set the meal apart was the crisp, elegant presentation of the meal and the quality of the rice. In sushi, the rice is one of the hardest parts to get right. Chefs may toil for years over rice before they even touch a knife. At “East By,” as it’s known to locals, the rice’s flavor is prominent, and its texture fresh and succulent. Next level! I’m not sure how they do it – perhaps a little more mirin (a low-alcohol, sweeter sake) or a bit of vinegar? I’ll have to ask their secret next time.

It may surprise you that a sushi-loving foodie like me could be so delighted by the offerings in our land-locked mountain town. Whether you crave poke over rice or raw fish or varieties of rolls, Durango is lucky to have four great establishments. Get out there, and try something new!

MurderInk

Eavesdrop into the underbelly Heavyweight Colson Whitehead returns with rich glimpse into Harlem’s culture

by Jeffrey Mannix

C

olson Whitehead is a 53-year-old writer of nonfiction and fiction, born and living in New York City with a wife and two children. He’s a Harvard graduate and has won two Pulitzer Prizes for fiction, a National Book Award, MacArthur and Guggenheim fellowships, the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction and the Arthur C. Clarke Award, to name a few. In fact, he’s been a finalist too many times to list at all the above as well as by university and European prize-givers who appear too selfconscious to give their top award to the same author year after year.

So how come many have never heard of Whitehead, or perhaps have heard the name but weren’t sure where or why? And why are you hearing it now in a “Murder Ink” column devoted to pedigreed crime fiction?

Through the resplenWhitehead dence of his prose and chiseled essays for the NY Times, The New Yorker and Harper’s Magazine, Whitehead – who is Black – is an ambassador of people of color. His writing advances a justice whose time should never have had to come.

He joins the ranks of Ralph Ellison, Richard Wright, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Toni Morrison – and the many dozens of lesserknown but influential writers and orators before him.

Whitehead has written eight exquisite novels that qualify to be considered among the pantheon of such crusaders. But unlike most of the other change-makers, his message seeps in through scenes of imaginary stories and people. What brings Whitehead’s work to “Murder Ink” is Doubleday’s September 2021 release of Whitehead’s “Harlem Shuffle.” Nearly qualifying as crime fiction, it’s a clear eavesdrop into the daily life in the notorious uptown section of New York City’s Harlem,

which shares a reputation for crime, poverty, jazz nightclubs, street music and bent cops.

Ray Carney has risen modestly above the siren call of the street hustle and fell-offthe-back-of-a-truck wholesaling, even though his father kept his hand in the life and wound up behind bars. He started a used and inexpensive furniture store selling sofas and TVs, radios, kitchen tables and chairs, beds and lamps and rugs recycled from those who skulked away or moved up, as well as midtown dealers who couldn’t move cheap quality. Carney was an upand-comer on 125th Street in Harlem. A proud man with a wife and kids and ambition to move to Riverside Drive where there were trees and shrubbery and the mighty Hudson River to gaze upon while the sun set.

Carney paid off his precinct detective every week to ensure that his storefront windows didn’t get broken. He eventually expanded the store when the one next door went vacant. He had a beer on occasion at his local bar. And he fenced stolen TVs and radios to Aronowitz downtown on 23rd Street on Radio Row. Slowly but profitably, Carney made almost as much dealing in small, stolen goods as he did selling home furnishings. He wasn’t a thief, as he saw it; he was a businessman with the brains and contacts to do a little side business that kept the borough fed, clothed and prof-

Things that are good for your mental health: 1. Reading the Telegraph 2. Going to therapy Anne Hosey, MA, LPC Juniper Tree Mental Health 970-422-3107

Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation @ junipertreementalhealth.com

itably unemployed. That all changed when his cousin Freddie popped in one day after another stint in lockup.

Freddie was working for Miami Joe, doing occasional robberies, working toward being trusted and matriculating to bigger jobs and real money. He tended the furniture store for Carney when Carney had to visit downtown. He was good-natured, a natural salesman, but Carney believed that “Freddie’s common sense tended to fall out of a hole in his pocket.” As the presumptive father figure, Carney fenced a few odds and ends for Freddie – hey, a guy’s got to make a living.

Suffice to say, Freddie and Miami Joe and Chink Montague and Lancelot St. John and Delroy and Yea Big and Biz Dixon and Chet Blakely and another half dozen denizens of Harlem were to change Carney’s sleepy side hustle. This came primarily from Freddie’s heist of Lucinda Cole’s heirloom diamond necklace from the Hotel Teresa’s creaky vault (the Waldorf of Harlem and the “theater for daily and sometimes hourly spectacles”).

“Harlem Shuffle” is a rich and redolent story of Harlem’s Black culture. It’s an endearing, normal and necessary glimpse into the workings of a colorful and functioning community of very real people doing all the wrong things.

If you consider yourself an inveterate reader and know the difference between literature and commercial whodunits, don’t miss this one. And don’t forget to ask Maria’s Bookshop for your Murder Ink 15% discount.

Put some spring in your strings.

Hours: mon - Fri 11-6 & Sat 11-5: www.jimmysmusic.supply 1239 Main Ave • 970-764-4577

telegraph

April 7, 2022 n 19

StufftoDo

Thursday07

Creativity Festivity – A Celebration of Children’s Art Throughout Our Community, grand opening, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. Events run thru April 30, more info at durangoarts.org Live music, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Ben Gibson Duo plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Smelter Mountain Boys play, 6 p.m., Durango Hot Springs.

Bingo Night, 5 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Powerhouse Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio. Geeks who Drink Trivia, 8 p.m., The Roost, 128 E. College Dr.

Friday08

Gary Walker plays, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Jean-Pierre Bakery & Restaurant, 601 Main Ave.

Deadline for “Stuff to Do” submissions is Monday at noon. To submit an item, email: calendar@durangotelegraph.com

Free legal clinic, 4-5 p.m., Ignacio Library, 470 Goddard Ave. Live music, 4:30-6:30 p.m., James Ranch, 33846 U.S. Highway 550.

Fish Fry Fundraiser, 5 p.m., VFW Post 4031, 1500 Main Ave. Jack Ellis & Larry Carver play, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Live music, 5:30 p.m., The Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Freestyle Friday, 5:30-7 p.m., The Hive, 1500 Main Ave. Ru Paul’s Drag Race watch party, every Friday, 6-8 p.m., Father’s Daughters Pizza, 640 Main Ave. th

Pete Giuliani Duo plays, 6-9 p.m., 11 Street Station.

Elder Grown with Ben Brock play, 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 129 E. College Dr.

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Cousin Curtiss plays, 8 p.m., Avalanche Brewing, Silverton.

Beatles Uke Jam, 6:30 p.m., Smiley Building, 1309 E. 3rd Ave.

Saturday09

Animas Museum’s Second Saturday Seminar Series, presentation on Gold Rush to La Plata Mountains, 1 p.m., register at animasmuseum.org

Last Nickley, 5 p.m., Mancos Brewing Company.

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Bilateral Stimulation , 6-8 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Pulitzer prize poet Natalie Diaz, 6 p.m., Fort Lewis College Ballroom.

Durango Elks Lodge Pub Trivia, 6:30 p.m., Durango Elks Lodge, 901 E. 2nd Ave. Non-members welcome.

Open mic night, weekly 7:30-9:30 p.m., Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Ben Gibson Duo plays, 6-9 p.m., Derailed Pour House, 725 Main Ave.

Comedy Open Mic, weekly, 8 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Kirk James Band plays, 6-9 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

The One Stand Band, 6 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Wednesday13

Community Yoga, 6-7 p.m., Yoga Durango, 1485 Florida Rd., C-201. Donations accepted.

CSU Extension Gardening webinar, 12 noon, featuring talk on landscape irrigation. Register at fortlewis.edu/oldfort

Bee Yourself Art Performances, 6:30 p.m., The Hive, 1150 Main Ave.

Green Business Roundtable, featuring talk by Dan Harms of La Plata Electric Association, 12 noon, Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio.

Durango Youth Shakespeare presents “The Story of the Tempest,” 7 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

Open Bluegrass Jam, every Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon and Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Sunday10

Durango Youth Shakespeare presents “The Story of the Tempest,” 2 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

The Wilder Trio performs “All That Jazz,” 7 p.m., Roshong Recital Hall, Fort Lewis College. $15 at the door - proceeds go to the FLC music scholarship fund.

Open Mic, 2 p.m., Mancos Brewing Company.

San Juan Symphony Pride and Passion Concert, 3 p.m., Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Open Mic Night, 5 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

Local First Member Celebration, 6-8 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio.

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Durango Youth Shakespeare presents “The Story of the Tempest,” 7 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

Durango Record Swap, 4-7 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard St. Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

Jack Ellis Band plays, 5 p.m., Fur Trappers Steakhouse, 701 E. 2nd Ave.

Ben Gibson plays, 6-9 p.m., Fur Trappers Steakhouse, 701 E. 2nd Ave.

Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering fundraiser, 6 p.m., Durango Cowboy Church, 1867 Highway 172.

Tuesday12

th

Jazz/Funk/Soul Jam, 6 p.m., 11 Street Station.

Monday11

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

"% '

Ongoing

Storytelling & Songwriting night, every second and fourth Thursday, 6-8 p.m., Mountain Monk Coffee, 558 Main Ave. More info at iAMmusic.us The Hive Indoor Skate Park is open, offering open skate and skate lessons. Waivers required. For schedule and online waiver, go to www.thehivedgo.org Shock Wave Drag Night, first and third Friday of every month, 9 p.m., Father’s Daughters Pizza, 640 Main Ave. 18+ 61st Annual Student Juried Exhibition, with guest juror Derrick Velasquez, The Art Gallery at Fort Lewis College. Exhibit runs until April 12.

'

'

& !

20 n April 7, 2022

telegraph

" # '

&

!

&

& $ %

AskRachel

Drinking to Ukraine, sticker shock and grand dilemma Interesting fact: I Snopes’d myself, and nope, produce stickers are edible only in the sense of “technically you can swallow it if you don’t choke on it.”

Dear Rachel, Rachel, we love you in Durango. I work at a bar in Durango and don’t like the drink name Moscow Mule. I suggested to my boss that we should call it Ukraine Kick Ass Mule and use only vodka from the USA. What are your thoughts on this? Cheers to Ukraine. P.S. I will give my tips to Ukraine.

– Bar Tender Dear Suggestion Box, I have met some Russians myself, most often in bars, and they are an awesome people. In real life, at least with me, they use just one name instead of the 18 names each person has in a Russian novel. Let’s not muddle anything here but the mint in the mojito; my vote is to keep the Moscow Mule, knowing it doesn’t benefit the real Moscow ass one way or another, and to invent another drink for the blue-and-yellow. Maybe, I dunno, ask a real Ukrainian what it should be.

– Budmo, Anastasia Polina Ekaterina Rachel Dear Rachel, I understand retailers need a way to convey the price of items being sold, but is it necessary to use price tags that require an act of God & kerosene to remove? The same is true about produce stickers placed on vegetables & fruits. I

know for certain that the chemical makeup of that sticky substance on those stickers isn’t organic.

– Coming Unglued Dear Mild Adhesive, Not organic? Most definitely probably not! But absolutely edible. Kids who sniffed glue make notoriously poor adults. If produce stickers were detrimental, we’d have found a way to use it as an insult, like, “Man, Rachel swallowed a few too many banana peels with the Dole still on ‘em,” or “Don’t mind my dog, he’s a sticker-eater.” So maybe try the oral approach for all your stubborn UPC code needs.

– Stickers and all, Rachel Rach, This might be a question for Ann Landers to answer. My granddaughter is engaged to a man and will marry him in 2024. She told me he has been married three times, had a mistress and porn stars as girlfriends in the past. She says he plays golf but cheats and lies, and no one complains. She said he has connections with a few felons as they are his friends, business only. She said he was into gambling but gave it up and was fired from his last job. She told me he was going to make it all great again and to trust him. She said she will help support him. I need your help, I respect you more than Ann. Should we step in? Nona says step in.

– Grand Pa and Nona

Upcoming

19, 11:45 a.m., register at lwvlaplata.org

San Juan Basin Archaeological Society presentation, April 13, 7 p.m., Dr. Lexi O’Donnell talks “Our Teeth Tell Tales: Living and Moving during the AD 1000-1200s in New Mexico.” Register at SJBAS.org

Author Kevin T. Jones, April 20, 6 p.m., Rochester Secret Garden, 726 E. 2nd Ave.

SkyWords Student Creative Writing Open Mic, April 14, 4 p.m., Fort Lewis College Busby Amphitheater.

20MOONS Dance Theater, April 15, 16, 22 & 23, 7:30 p.m., 1316 Main Ave, Suite C. More info at www.20moons.com I and You (a play), April 15-17, 21 & 23, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Carute Roma, Six Dollar String Band & Jenn Rawling play, April 16, 6 p.m., 2-7 p.m., Handcrafted House, 1323 East 2nd Ave. The Diné Reader, book presentation & signing, April 16, 6 p.m., Fort Lewis College Ballroom.

Sacred Smokes, book presentation & signing, April 16, 6 p.m., Fort Lewis College Ballroom.

Great Decisions 2022, topic is “Demographics,” April

Email Rachel at telegraph@durangotelegraph.com Dear Gramps, Sounds like your granddaughter ate a few too many apple stickers as a kid. I’m sure it’s the fault of whichever parent you didn’t raise. If it’s any consolation, if her boyfriend consummates their November marriage, it won’t be long until women like her aren’t allowed to choose their mates anymore. I’m curious, did you also write the same letter to Ann? I hope you told her it was a question for Rachel.

– What a hack, Rachel Stampede Trail Run fundraiser, April 23, fundrasier for Miller Middle School. Register at ultrasignup.com Earth Day Parade, April 23, 10 a.m., starts outside the D&SNG depot.

Smelter Mountain Boys, The Scrugglers, Benny “Burle” Galloway & Kindred Spirit play, April 21, Animas City Theater, 128 E. College Dr. Paula Poundstone, April 21, 7:30 p.m., Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Earth Day Celebration, April 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Rotary Park. Featuring Southern Ute Bear Dancers, live music by the Pete Giuliani Band, kids activities food and more.

Language Justice Training, April 26 & 27, register at https://bit.ly/3NN11sw

Earth Day at Ska Brewing, April 22, 4-8 p.m., featuring live music and roll-out of Trail Crew Brew. 225 Girard St.

Then I Fly (ska) & The Batteries play, April 27, 7:30 p.m., The Hive, 1150 Main Ave.

Heartwood Cohousing tour & potluck, April 22, 5 p.m., 800 Heartwood Lane, Bayfield.

Shitstormtrooper, Decapitation of a New Day & Paranormal Slaughter (hardcore/metal), April 29, 7:30 p.m., The Hive, 1150 Main Ave.

Performing Arts Extravaganza, April 22, 6 p.m., Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Celebrating launch of new Performing Arts Department.

Curtis Stigers plays, April 22 & 23, shows at 5 p.m. & 8 p.m., The Lift at Cascade, 50827 Highway 550.

Spring Craft Bazaar, April 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., DurangoLa Plata Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave.

Devo Bike Swap, April 30, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Chapman Hill.

Spring Into Summer Arts & Crafts Fair, April 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bayfield Old Middle School, 110 South St. The Powerhouse Amplified: A Guitar Gala, April 30, opening reception 6-8 p.m., music by Tyler Simmons, Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio.

Deadline to submit for “Stuff to Do” is Monday at noon.

Email your stuff to: calendar@durangotelegraph.com telegraph

April 7, 2022 n 21

FreeWillAstrology

by Rob Brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): To provide the right horoscope, I must introduce you to three new words. The first is “orphic,” defined as “having an importance or meaning not apparent to the senses nor comprehensible to the intellect; beyond ordinary understanding.” Here’s the second word: “ludic,” which means “playful; full of fun and high spirits.” The third word is “kalon,” which refers to “profound, thorough beauty.” Now I will coordinate those terms to create a prophecy in accordance with your astrological aspects. Ready? I predict you will generate useful inspirations and energizing transformations for yourself by adopting a ludic attitude as you seek kalon in orphic experiments and adventures.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I love your steadfastness, intense effort and stubborn insistence on doing what’s right.

Your ability to stick to the plan, even when chaos creeps in, is admirable.

But during the coming weeks, I suggest you add a nuance to your approach. Heed the advice of martial artist Bruce Lee: “Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.”

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini basketball coach Pat Summitt won Olympic medals, college championships and presidential awards. She had a simple strategy: “Here’s how I’m going to beat you. I’m going to outwork you. That’s it. That’s all there is to it.” I recommend that you apply her approach to everything you do for the rest of 2022. You’re on course for a series of satisfying victories. All you have to do is nurture your stamina with unwavering focus and resilient intelligence.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In Britain, 70% of the land is owned by 1% of the population. Globally, 1% of the population owns 43% of the wealth.

I hope there’s a much better distribution of resources within your own life. I hope that the poorer, less robust parts of your psyche aren’t being starved at the expense of the privileged and highly functioning aspects. I hope that the allies and animals you tend to take for granted are receiving as much of your love and care as the people you’re trying to impress or win over.

!

22 n April 7, 2022

prise.” Soloway’s Emmy Award-winning work on Transparent, one of the world’s first transgender-positive shows, suggests that their formula has been effective for them. I’m recommending this same approach to you in the coming weeks, Leo. It will help you summon the extra courage and imagination you will need to catalyze the necessary corrections and adjustments.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain,” wrote mythologist Joseph Campbell.

I don’t think his cure is foolproof. The lingering effects of some old traumas aren’t so simple and easy to dissolve. But I suspect Campbell’s strategy will work well for you in the coming weeks. You’re in a phase of your astrological cycle when extra healing powers are available. Some are obvious, and some are still partially hidden. It will be your sacred duty to track down every possible method that could help you banish at least some of your suffering and restore at least some of your joie de vivre.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You know who Jimi Hendrix was, right? He was a brilliant and influential rock guitarist.

As for Miles Davis, he was a Hall of Fame-level trumpeter and composer. You may be less familiar with Tony Williams. A prominent rock critic once called him “the best drummer in the world.” In 1968, those three superstars gathered in the hope of recording an album. But they wanted to include a fourth musician, Paul McCartney, to play bass for them. They sent a telegram to the ex-Beatle, but it never reached him. And so the supergroup never happened. I mention this in the hope that it will render you extra alert for invitations and opportunities that arrive in the coming weeks – perhaps out of nowhere. Don’t miss out!

Expect the unexpected. Read between the lines. Investigate the cracks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Poet Anne Carson claims that “a page with a poem on it is less attractive than a page with a poem on it and some tea stains.” I agree. If there are tea stains, it probably means that the poem has been studied and enjoyed. Someone has lingered over it, allowing it to thoroughly permeate their consciousness. I propose we make the tea-stained poem your power metaphor for the coming weeks, Scorpio.

In other words, shun the pristine, the spotless, the untouched. Commune with messy, even chaotic things that have been loved and used.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): TV show creator Joey Soloway says, “The only way things will change is when we’re all wilder, louder, riskier, sillier and unexpectedly overflowing with sur-

telegraph

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Sagittarian author Martha Beck articulated the precise message you need to hear right now. She wrote,

“Here is the crux of the matter, the distilled essence, the only thing you need to remember: When considering whether to say yes or no, you must choose the response that feels like freedom. Period.” I hope you adopt her law in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. You should avoid responses and influences that don’t feel liberating. I realize that’s an extreme position to take, but I think it’s the right one for now. Where does your greatest freedom lie? How can you claim it? What shifts might you need to initiate?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I’m glad you have been exploring your past and reconfiguring your remembrances of the old days and old ways. I’m happy you’ve been transforming the story of your life. I love how you’ve given yourself a healing gift by reimagining your history. It’s fine with me if you keep doing this fun stuff for a while longer. But please also make sure you don’t get so immersed in bygone events that you’re weighed down by them. The whole point of the good work you’ve been doing is to open up your future possibilities. For inspiration, read this advice from author Milan Kundera: “We must never allow the future to collapse under the burden of memory.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian historian Mary Frances Berry offered counsel that I think all Aquarians should keep at the heart of their philosophy during the coming weeks. She wrote, “The time when you need to do something is when no one else is willing to do it, when people are saying it can’t be done.” I hope you trust yourself enough to make that your battle cry. I hope you will keep summoning all the courage you will regularly need to implement its mandate.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What’s the leading cause of deforestation in Latin America? Logging for wood products? Agricultural expansion?

New housing developments? Nope. It’s raising cattle so people everywhere can eat beef and cheese and milk. This industry also plays a major role in the rest of the world’s ongoing deforestation tragedy.

Soaring greenhouse gas emissions aren’t entirely caused by our craving for burgers and milk and cheese, of course, but our climate emergency would be significantly less dramatic if we cut back our consumption. That’s the kind of action I invite you to take in the coming months, Pisces. My analysis of astrological omens suggests that you now have even more power than usual to serve the collective good of humanity in whatever specific ways you can.

(PS: Livestock generates 14.5% of our greenhouse gases, equal to the emissions from all cars, trucks, airplanes and ships combined.)

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 679 E. 2nd Ave., #E2 Approximate office hours: Mon., 9ish - 5ish Tues., 9ish - 5ish Wed., 9ish - 3ish Thurs., On delivery Fri., gone fishing. Please call ahead: 259-0133.

experience is a plus. Send resume and salary history to smoore@sme-env.com No phone calls please.

Wanted Seeking Hypnosis Volunteers!

Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique Level 2 intern seeking 12 volunteers for free hypnosis sessions as part of my certification process. Safe & interesting! Call or text Louise at 970-823-4487 for more information!

Announcements Earn Your Master of Social Work (MSW) From the University of Denver (DU) here in Durango – for the two-year program starting in fall 2022. Classes on Fridays and Saturdays. For more info contact Janelle.Doughty@du.edu or www.du.edu/socialwork.

The Perfect Gift for your favorite dirtbag. Literature from Durango’s own Benighted Publications. The Desert, 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.

HelpWanted Seeking Office Manager FLC Counseling Center seeks Office Manager and assistant to the Director, full time during academic year, part time during summer. $35k + great benefits. For detailed job info, qualifications, competencies and online application process please visit our website at www.fortlewis.edu/jobs and go to Faculty & Staff Positions page, click on Office Manager job link. FLC is an AA/EEO employer. Application questions can be sent to OfficeManager-Search@fortlewis.edu.

Environmental Professional Durango-based environmental consulting firm seeks qualified environmental professional for PT position (possibly FT for right person). Applicant must have at least two years of consulting experience in CWA, ESA, NEPA or hazmat compliance work. BS/BA min. in biology, botany, geology, soil science, or related field is required. Must have good written/verbal communication skills and GIS

at Eso Terra Cider. Sunday April 24th | 14 p.m. Register at our website www.mag gie-emerson.com/earring-making-at-etc

Walking Softer An environmental nonprofit is seeking a full-time Event & Logistics Coordinator.

Learn more by visiting our website at https://walkingsofter.org/careers Work Outside This Summer!

Lawncare company hiring reliable, friendly laborer for mowing, trimming, yard cleanup. Pay DOE. Must have valid drivers license. Full time M-F April-Nov. Call Pat 970-946-8823 PA or NP Position Basin Clinic in Naturita, CO, is looking for a full-time or part-time PA or NP to join our team. Benefits and limited housing available. Send CV to or request information at cpierce@basinclinic.org or call 970-865-2665 x3.

Sales Help Wanted Looking for sociable self-starters to join our professional sales team. Prior retail exp preferred, beading exp a plus!

Wage DOE. Apply in person 840 Main Ave.

Classes/Workshops West Coast Swing Dance 6-week class starts April 20. Learn the basics of West Coast Swing. Registration is required at www.westslopewesties.com.

Free Child Support Presentation Presented by Colorado Legal Services Tuesday, April 19th from 5:30 pm – 7 pm at the Durango Public Library and via Zoom. Please call 385-7378 ext 251 for details on how to attend or visit our website at www.durangovap.com/events Earring Making Class Join Maggie Emerson, local earring designer, for an afternoon of earring making

Searching for House and Pet Sitter Must be mature, kind, responsible and trustworthy for one small and sweet dog.

The home is located on Delwood Avenue in Durango. Willing to pay $45 per day.

Minimum of one week at a time. If you are interested, please send an email to sonnyjonz@gmail.com. Serious inquiries only please.

Cash for Vehicles, Copper, Alum, Etc. at RJ Metal Recycle. Also free appliance and other metal drop off. 970-259-3494.

ForRent For Rent 1 bedroom 1 bath off grid cottage 35 minutes to Durango 15 to Bayfield 4wd necessary $1000/month utilities and internet included Text 970-769-0416 Studio Apt. In-Town Cozy studio apt. Full bath, privacy in a lovely setting. $975/mo. utilities incl.

Email: specula1@gmail.com.

HaikuMovieReview ‘The Harder They Fall’ With reverence to King and Elba this film just ran long and fell short – Lainie Maxson Mini-Crib and Organic Mattress This Babyletto Gelato mini crib (washed natural/white) and Naturepedic organic breathable mini-crib mattress are literally the gold standard of non-toxic, sustainable, and consciously manufactured products. Each have been used by a newborn for less than 6 months. Condition of each is like new. Please visit Babyletto.com or Naturepedic.com for more info. Please call (303) 941-2841 if you are interested. $450 for both (obo).

Reruns Home Furnishings New inventory including patio sets, bistros, garden pots, yard art, two awesome Sundance pouf, new Mission style furniture, benches, side tables, lamps, rugs, art and more … Come in today! 572 E. 6th Ave. Open Mon.-Sat. 385-7336.

Services RSE Handyman Service Home repair - Yard work - Odd Jobs 970-903-0449 Harmony Cleaning and Organizing Residential, offices, commercial and vacation rentals, 970-403-6192.

Lowest Prices on Storage!

Inside/outside storage near Durango and Bayfield. 10-x-20, $130. Outside spots: $65, with discounts available. RJ Mini Storage. 970-259-3494.

BodyWork ForSale Healthy Mice Homegrown mice. $3 each or four for $10. 505-419-9849 Catahoula Pups Ready for new home. $150, cash only.

2 girls, 1 boy left. Located in Durango. 970355-8897

telegraph

Lotus Path Healing Arts Now accepting new clients. Offering a unique, intuitive fusion of Esalen massage, deep tissue & Acutonics, 24 years of experience. To schedule call Kathryn, 970-201-3373.

Massage by Meg Bush LMT, 30, 60 & 90 min., 970-759-0199.

April 7, 2022 n 23

G U( bjµ jb W(

ƀƀƀȟéŧŏÉīĂĴĩïĠŠéĴƀīȟãĴĩ

24 n April 7, 2022

telegraph