The Durango Telegraph, Dec. 21, 2023

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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

Bird calls

In a different boat

Naughty and nice

Common songbird giving hints of what’s to come p6

Former lakeside restaurant moves inland p8

The glitter and grit of this year’s local music scene p10

2 n Dec. 21, 2023

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lineup

How a 1987 DIY recording became the soundtrack of a revolution

5 Soap Box

4 La Vida Local

Press rewind

Game on

by Kirbie Bennett

6 Writers on the Range

6

8 Top Story 10 Between the Beats

A bird told me The declining junco is trying to tell us something – are we listening?

11 Flash in the Pan

by Pepper Trail / Writers on the Range

12-13 Stuff to Do

8

13 Ask Rachel

Setting sail Beloved Boathouse docks in Mancos, this time with a Spanish flair

by Missy Votel

You’re welcome On the cover A larger-than-life Santa Claus lords over E. 4th Avenue. He seems jolly enough, but remember he’s watching. Always./ Photo by Missy Votel

This year’s naughty and nice list of local music scene

boilerplate

by Stephen Sellers

STAFF REPORTER: Scoops McGee telegraph@durangotelegraph.com

T

he Durango Telegraph publishes every Thursday, come hell, high water, tacky singletrack or mon-

No more squinting or craning your neck to see the action at Fort Lewis College’s Ray Dennison Field. The school recently upped it’s game day uh, game, with a new, fullcolor 13-by-25-foot LED video display.

While not exactly the Jumbotron at Ball Arena, the new display will offer replays, live action, stats and information, graphic special effects and general crowd pumping-upping, all in “115,000 vibrant pixels” according to a press release.

FLC purchased the display from Nevco Sports, a U.S.-based scoreboard company that also provided scoring upgrades to Whalen Gymnasium in 2018.

“We are focused on building a premier program of excellence … Projects like this enhance the student-athlete experience and assist our recruiting efforts,” FLC Director of Athletics Travis Whipple said. “Fort Lewis students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and the community will benefit from this state-ofthe-art video scoreboard.”

No word on whether the new display will feature the always-popular “kiss cam,” but maybe bring some breath mints just in case your neighbor wants to plant one on you at half time.

15 Haiku Movie Review

Glitter and grit

ADVERTISING SALES: telegraph@durangotelegraph.com

14 Free Will Astrology 15 Classifieds

10

EDITORIALISTA: Missy Votel missy@durangotelegraph.com

Ear to the ground: “I don’t think I’m cut out to be a Zwiftie.”

– Sometimes, it’s hard to keep up with the bandwagon, whether it’s a pop star or the latest virtual cycling craze

thepole

4

RegularOccurrences

STAR-STUDDED CAST: Kirbie Bennett, Jennaye Derge, Rob Brezsny, Lainie Maxson, Stephen Sellers, Ari LeVaux, Jesse Anderson & Clint Reid

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telegraph

It’s a Christmas miracle – or at least a really nice present. After several years of taking the week between Christmas and New Year’s off for some well-deserved R&R (aka “ripping” and “riding”), the Telegraph will be printing next week, Dec. 28.

“We decided, if we work all week, it pretty much guarantees that it will dump the entire time we are chained to our stand-up desk or out shlepping papers,” Telegraph owner Missy Votel told no one. “That’s usually the way it works. You can thank us later.”

But this doesn’t mean the Telegraph will be all work and no play. Look for our annual winter hiatus a few weeks later, on Jan. 18.

We repeat (and will probably repeat it a few more times so everyone gets the memo), there will be no paper the week of Jan. 18.

That means you will have to find something else to start your fires, plan your weekend or start your fire weekend.

Not to worry, we’ll be back in action for all the groovy Snowdown shenanigans on Jan. 25. Hopefully with a really good goggle tan and quads of steel.

Dec. 21, 2023 n 3

opinion

LaVidaLocal Disco and revolution Dear reader, how is your heart? How are you holding? It’s been a heartwrenching season, to witness footage of civilians, doctors and journalists in Gaza fighting for their lives as the Israeli army razes everything in sight with armaments provided by the U.S. In my mind, I’m building new rooms of memory to hold these despairing, mournful moments.

When I need to renourish my soul, I’ve been finding solace in a few things.

One is a photo of Riad Awwad playing drums in his living room in 1987. Based in Jerusalem, Awwad was a Palestinian electrical engineer with a passion for music. Awwad built his own instruments and recorded his music at home.

Dec. 8, 1987, was a pivotal moment for Palestine. That day, an Israeli truck driver collided with a car, resulting in the death of four Palestinian workers. After decades of enduring Israeli occupation, which involved raids, curfews and deportations, Palestinians responded with the first major uprising against Israeli occupation. It consisted of protests, general strikes, boycotts and protest art. It would come to be known as The First Intifada.

Riad Awwad wanted to get involved. In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, his sister Hanan described those early days, saying, “He gathered us as a family in the living room ... and asked us to help him ‘sing the song of the intifada.’”

With his three sisters and a poet friend, Riad recorded 11 songs in his family’s living room. In this photo, Riad is behind the drum kit, caught in a trance while performing. A cigarette dangles from his mouth. When I look at the photo, I notice Riad is looking away from the camera. I want to believe he’s looking at distances we can’t see. I want to believe he’s envisioning a Free Palestine.

The week-long recording session resulted in a cassette simply titled, “Intifada.” On the tape, you can hear futuristic synth lines from the keyboard Riad built. There’s a jazzy-disco beat throughout as Riad and his family sing love letters to Palestine, celebrating Palestinian indigeneity and resilience. It’s disco and revolution all at once.

The other thing nourishing me is the richness of Riad’s lo-fi recordings. It’s pure analog, hardcore-DIY. For me, it surpasses what the best recording studios can

offer. And there’s a tape hiss all throughout the songs – I love a good tape hiss. It offers a sense of intimacy. If you listen to “Intifada” while viewing that photo of Riad, it feels like you are in that living room. All the vocals have a reverb effect, creating an echo that only grows. When Riad sings, “I will fight/ to liberate the land and the people,” it reverberates with urgency into the present.

After recording, Riad retreated to his bedroom where he spent days duplicating thousands of copies of the album. He then distributed the tapes to shops around the Old City of Jerusalem. Some even made their way to the West Bank. Years later, his sister, Hanan, would reflect on this moment. In various interviews, Hanan recalls walking through the Old City and hearing the music in shops, homes and cafes. Riad’s music became a soundtrack for the revolution.

But the tapes soon caught the attention of Israeli authorities. The Israeli army confiscated any and all tapes and eventually arrested Riad. He was detained and tortured for months.

The detainment and torture left an impression on Riad. After his release, he continued making music but maintained a lowprofile. By 1993, the Intifada ended with the Oslo Accords, an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Riad would spend the rest of his years as a music teacher for children in the West Bank. Tragically, he died in a car accident in 2005. To this day, the majority of his “Intifada” cassettes remain in the Israeli military archives, along with other Palestinian resistance art.

But the thing about resistance art is it can never be fully repressed. All it takes for a rebirth is one or two stray tapes left behind, waiting to be found.

In 2020, a Palestinian filmmaker named Mo’min Swaitat came across thousands of tapes in a record shop in the West Bank. It’s largely due to Swaitat’s passion to preserve Palestinian art that the story and music of Riad Awwad lives on. Today, Riad’s home recordings live under the album title, “The Intifada 1987,” which is available on the usual streaming services.

The journey of Riad’s music into the present reminds me that resistance can be resurrected. Today, there’s a clustering darkness around us, but in his music I hear the possibility of a better world. In Riad’s joyfully defiant music, I see a Free Palestine waiting to be born.

– Kirbie Bennett

SignoftheDownfall:

Thumbin’It After several months of heading back to the stone age – or at least the 1950s – we’re headed forward again. Pope Francis just announced that Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples. They still can’t get married in the Church – but a seismic shift nonetheless.

Tailwind Nutrition donating product to local fire departments and sports groups in an effort to give back and make sure everyone is hydrated and in tip top form.

What’s in your water bottle?

Colorado working to combat the difficulties many tribal residents face when voting by becoming the first state to expand automatic voter registration to Native Americans.

4 n Dec. 21, 2023

Here comes Little Red Riding Hood – with this week’s wolf release, people are spouting the same tired topes about wolves coming for their women, children and Shih Tzus. Let’s leave the Brothers Grimm out of it. Plus, shouldn’t you be more worried about mountain lions, bears and rattlesnakes?

Normally, Trump left off the 2024 Colorado ballot for his leading role in the insurrection would be an upper. But, in the new upside down, legal woes only seem to bolster his narrative of victimhood and galvanize his base. Egg nog, anyone?

Whoever took Stephen Sellers’ prized black leather jacket. If you’re reading this and don’t want to suffer the guilt and karmic retribution, please return.

telegraph

Slaying Reindeer Merriam-Webster took to Twitter/“X” Tuesday and accused Santa of bestiality due to his reindeer’s names. M.W. gave him a pass on Dasher and Dancer because the verbs make sense, and for Donner and Blitzen because the names mean “thunder” and “lightning” in Dutch. But when it came to Vixen, which M.W. defined as a “sexually attractive woman,” things took a dark turn, and then after Cupid, which was defined as “the Roman god of erotic sex,” M.W. told Santa to “ho-ho-hold on a minute.” When asked for his response, Santa said, “Oh yeah? Well MerriamWebster puts the ‘dic’ in ‘dictionary.’”

D-Tooned/by Rob Pudim

SoapBox Seeking young artists In recognition of National Rural Health Day (Nov.16, 2023) the Western Colorado University Master of Behavioral Science (MBS) in Rural Community cohort has announced the Rural Life Multimedia Art Contest for youth, grades 6-12. Thanks to local sponsors, prizes will be given to winners.

This is a chance for adolescents to share what rural living means to them, what aspects of their lives bring meaning and joy, and what connects them to their communities. Rural children tend to have higher rates of positive childhood experiences and similar or higher rates of adverse childhood experiences (household violence, parental separation/divorce, economic hardship, etc.) compared to children living in urban areas.

With the Rural Life Multimedia Art Contest, we are soliciting creative works that lean toward the positive such as having a safe and nurturing social engagement, supportive social ties and physical environments that promote a meaningful sense of place. Durango has a range of youth and school-based programs to engage youths. Whatever kids may be into, there are opportunities promote social connectedness and resiliency at any age.

It is important to be aware of how to promote more positive experiences to foster a continued future of resiliency for rural youth. We hope to showcase this through local participation in this contest.

Deadline to submit artwork is Jan. 28, 2024. For guidelines, please email spencer.busick@western.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/5n6zznw3.

– Spencer Busick, Western Colorado University and FLC alum

World rules under duress Since WWII, the United States and allied countries have developed and implemented a “rules-based international order” in the world, which has kept world civilization safe from destruction.

But the world order is now being threatened by Xi Jinping, of China, who claims sovereignty over the South China Sea, threatens to attack Taiwan, is conducting genocide against Uighur Muslims, imprisoned many dissidents and started a COVID pandemic in the world.

Putin, of Russia, went to war against Georgia and is now attempting to conquer Ukraine in a bid to expand the Russian empire in Europe. And he has thoughts of occupying Poland and other European countries. He continues the dictatorship in Russia.

North Korea continues to threaten South Korea and the United States with nuclear war.

Iran sponsors terrorist groups in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Gaza; and it threatens Israel with annihilation.

The United States must continue to support our allies against the forces of tyranny and evil through

telegraph

defense agreements to prevent the collapse of the “rules-based international order.” A collapse could lead to a major war with many millions of people killed and the doubling of U.S. defense budgets.

Note: The information in this letter was derived from Alan W. Dowd’s article in The American Legion Magazine, June 2023.

– Donald Moskowitz, Londonderry, N.H.

Dec. 21, 2023 n 5

WritersontheRange

‘Canary in the world’ Decline of ubiquitous bird could be harbinger of what’s to come

by Pepper Trail

N

o, this isn’t about those folks who spend their winters in Arizona or Florida. The snowbird behind this warning is an actual bird, the dark-eyed junco, a small creature you probably know if you have a bird feeder and maybe even if you don’t.

Trim, gray sparrows that flash white tail feathers as they take flight, juncos are called snowbirds because they arrive in our towns with the coming of snow.

Come spring, they head back up into the mountains or north to Canada and Alaska for nesting.

Juncos are among the West’s most familiar birds, reliable companions on summer hikes and winter days. The total population of the species is estimated to be around 200 million. Juncos are in no danger of extinction, so, what warning are they giving us?

Juncos may be abundant but they are also in sharp decline. According to the Breeding Bird Survey, a Pepper Trail decades-long monitoring of the nation’s birds, junco populations are down by 42% since the surveys began in the late 1960s.

But here is the peculiar part: There is no obvious reason for this loss of millions of birds. Juncos are adaptable, not requiring some disappearing habitat.

They don’t make long-distance migrations to the tropics.

Poisons or toxins don’t seem to pose a special threat.

What seems to be killing juncos is simply ... everything.

Based on numerous studies, the leading humanrelated cause of death among birds is predation by cats: over 2 billion (yes, billion) birds killed per year in

Generally a winter-weather bird, the Junco is in sharp decline./Cristina Glebova courtesy Unsplash North America.

This is followed by collisions: windows, 600 million birds; vehicles, 200 million; powerlines and communication towers, 43 million.

Then there are: pesticides and toxins, 72 million; lead poisoning, 12 million; and oil and wastewater, 1 million. That’s more than 3 billion dead birds per year.

Nothing on this list is a deliberate effort to get rid of juncos or other birds. They’re just byproducts of the way we conduct ourselves in the world.

These dangers, of course, are not faced just by juncos. A review of North American bird populations documents that we have lost almost one-third of our birds since 1970. The researchers summarized their findings in no uncertain terms: “This loss of bird abundance signals an urgent need to address threats to avert future avifaunal collapse and associated loss of ecosystem integrity, function and services.”

It’s not hairy shopping at Jimmy’s.

Hours: Tues. - Fri. 11-6; Sat. 11-5 • www.jimmysmusic.supply 1239 Main Ave., Durango • 970-764-4577 6 n Dec. 21, 2023

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It’s not just bird populations that are collapsing.

Insect populations are crashing as well. Studies from the United States, Europe and Asia over the past 10 years document shocking declines in insect populations, as much as 50 to 75%.

If you’re plagued by swarms of mosquitoes in the summer, you might think fewer of them is not such a bad thing. But insects are crucial to the functioning of just about every ecosystem on Earth, serving as pollinators, decomposers and as food for countless species higher up the food chain.

Is there an exception to this relentless litany of population declines? Why, yes. It’s us. Since 1970, the human population of the United States has grown by more than 60%, while bird populations have fallen by a third. That doesn’t seem like a coincidence.

Everyone has heard of the canary in the coal mine: the bird that miners brought underground to alert them to dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide.

With its small size and fast metabolism, the canary would collapse before the gas reached levels fatal to humans, giving the miners just enough time to escape.

We need to see the humble snowbird for what it is: Our “canary in the world.” When even the commonest wild species are suffering drastic declines, do we really believe that a world inhospitable to our fellow creatures will continue to be hospitable to us? As one species after another dwindles away, the structure of the ecosystems that sustain life on Earth is weakening.

The familiar flash of a junco’s white tail feathers as I hike along a mountain trail always brings a smile to my face. It’s a reminder that keeping common species common is essential to keeping this beautiful planet livable, and for that, I say thank you, little snowbird.■ Pepper Trail is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, a nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He is a biologist and writer based in Ashland, Ore.

telegraph

Dec. 21, 2023 n 7

TopStory

Sketches of Spain The Boathouse on Grand draws upon local, international influences

by Missy Votel

W

ith a cidery, alpaca raft business, new artist spaces and new trail system, some may be wondering, is Mancos having a moment?

Well, if the latest restaurant in town is any indication, then the answer is yes.

Last October, The Boathouse on Grand opened its doors on the eponymous main drag in what could be called downtown Mancos. And while new to this town of roughly 1,110, the Boathouse is hardly new to the restaurant scene. Local foodies will remember it from its stint at Electra Lake from 2017-19. Although the restaurant received rave reviews for the inventive and exquisite cuisine of Chef Dave Stewart, it was forced to close the summer of 2019 when the lake was drained for dam repair.

“We had no water at the restaurant,” explained Jenn, wife of Dave and front-of-house maven. “We’ve been searching for a place ever since.”

And much to the delight of local diners, the Boathouse found a home in Mancos at 115 Grand Ave. The space was formerly occupied by Olio, another highly regarded restaurant that closed in 2022.

“We never really closed, we just relocated,” said Jenn of the move west to the M.C. “For the past three years, people kept asking, ‘When is the Boathouse reopening?’

Finally, I can say, ‘Yeah, we reopened … in Mancos.’”

With the closing of Olio, not to mention a local hamburger restaurant and the Millwood Junction years ago, Dave said there was a real void – and golden opportunity – in the town’s restaurant scene.

“It was pretty limited for dining for a while, so I think people are excited there’s more options,” he said.

And it’s safe to say, Electra’s loss is Mancos’ gain. Stewart’s 30-year career in restaurants reads like a who’s who of fine dining. In addition to 10-plus years at Seasons in Durango (where he met Jenn, who was a baker) he also cheffed at the now-defunct Cyprus Cafe, Primi and Dunton Hot Springs, and has also worked as a personal chef.

And while Dave has the chops for high-end fine dining, he and Jenn emphasize they want the Boathouse to be a hub for the Mancos community – where they recently relocated from Durango after one too many latenight drives home.

“We’re still just a friendly local neighborhood restaurant,” said Jenn. “People come in and get a bowl of soup

Jenn Stewart, owner of The Boathouse on Grand, stands next to the restaurant’s latest offering of imported jamón. Formerly located at Electra Lake, The Boathouse relocated to Mancos, where it opened in October./ Photo by Missy Votel and a glass of wine and call it good.”

But there is definitely an international, old world flair at the Boathouse as well. The menu and decor are prominently influenced by the couple’s travels abroad, notably Spain – where they honeymooned and return to regularly.

“Working in restaurants, we would work our asses off straight for six months and then have the time and money to travel,” said Jenn.

And although they traveled extensively throughout Europe, Spain – particularly the south of Spain – was one area they returned to again and again.

“I love the food; I love the wine,” said Jenn. “So we brought some of our favorite things from there, here.”

For starters, the Boathouse has a whole keg (!) of

Four Corners Slow Money

New Year’s Eve Party

Sun., Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

2024 loan application for local organic farmers

Featuring DJs Bad Goat, Baby Del & Spark Madden

Now available at www.fourcornersslowmoney.org

8 n Dec. 21, 2023

sherry from Manzanilla, Spain. And if the thought of sherry conjures images of cooking wine or some sort of sweet, fortified nightmare – you are missing out. This is the real deal – a straw-colored dry wine that Jenn describes as salty, light and crisp. (Yes, I sampled it at 11 a.m., but in Spain, they drink all day long. At least that’s what I’ve heard.)

“We’re teaching people. A lot of people don’t know or haven’t been exposed to Manzanilla sherry,” said Jenn.

And, as it turns out, it’s a great way to kick off your meal or evening (or morning) out.

“It’s a great starter with olives, nuts or ham,” said Dave.

Yes, ham, otherwise known as jamón in Spain, where it is ubiquitous and served for breakfast, lunch, linner

1135 Main Ave. • DGO, CO

telegraph

Tickets available on Eventbrite

and dinner. Jamón is featured prominently on the Boathouse menu as well – but this is no honey-baked, pineapple-studded, salt-drenched abomination, mind you.

The Boathouse features what could be called artisanal bone-in hams – one from a farm in Virginia and the other from the motherland, in Jabugo, Spain. Known as Iberico ham, it comes from hogs that forage on – no lie – acorns from the forest floor. (And no, you cannot order it on Amazon. At least not the good stuff.)

“It’s one of the most delicious things in the world,” said Dave, a man who no doubt has known some delicious things in his life. “It’s richer, darker, more intensely flavored than prosciutto.”

In addition to the jamón – which is always prominently hanging Euro-style in the restaurant (don’t worry, it’s cured for several months) – the Boathouse offers otherworldly offerings. Its ever-rotating menu includes everything from Spanish anchovy toasts and fresh oysters to rabbit and wild Icelandic cod. (There are veggie options, too – including mushroom and leek risotto and a cheese plate to die for.)

With limited storage, Dave said he orders smaller quantities, which keeps the menu fresh and creative.

And while there is much on the menu from overseas, he also strives to feature local products as much as possible when in season. He said he currently has enough produce from Montezuma County to get him through the end of the year, and gets his beef from a ranch in Hesperus and features cheese from James Ranch.

“My approach is local farm-to-table and the rest incorporating the best ingredients I can get from around the world,” he said.

And then there’s the wine list, which Jenn describes

as “badass.” (And judging by how long it was, I will take her word for it.) That, like the food menu, is constantly rotating.

“We buy small quantities, just a couple bottles at a time,” Dave said. “It differs week to week. There’s just so much cool wine out there. We have a lot of stuff that maybe you won’t find on other lists in the area.”

The couple honed their wine chops during their multiple visits to Spain, where they frequently visited bodegas (which over there are sherry wineries and not somewhere you buy Taqis and get gas.)

“We’ve been to a lot of the bodegas featured on our list, so there’s really a personal connection,” he said.

And many of the folks who come in feel a personal connection, as well, Jenn said.

“We’ve had multiple locals come in and say, ‘We walked the Camino’ or ‘Our daughter lives in Madrid …

Yes, give me a glass of vermouth and a slice of jamón.’”

And while the Boathouse definitely beckons far-off lands, it also has a warm, downhome feel.

“Last night was like locals night in here,” said Jenn, saying every table was full with neighbors and friends. There is even a communal table – affectionately known as the pig trough, because that’s what it was in a former life – where folks can share a meal. “We have people pop in just for a glass of vermouth and some oysters or dessert.”

If you feel like popping into the Boathouse – whether for manchego and sherry or a pan-roasted Iberico pork loin – they’re open for dinner Thursday - Sunday. But be forewarned, after an extensive building reno last summer (most of which they did themselves) and expending everything they had just to get the doors open, the Stewarts will be taking a much-needed break the first

telegraph

Chef Dave Stewart slices into a side of jamón for a mid-morning sampling./ Photo by Missy Votel week of January. “We’re going to regroup and figure out what the next three or four months look like,” said Dave. “As they say, I’m going to take some time to work on the business, not in it.”

Oh, and after working seven days a week for the last several months, there will be some down time, too. And, as anyone who has ever owned and run a restaurant can identify with, Jenn added, “I’m gonna take a nap.” ■

Dec. 21, 2023 n 9

BetweentheBeats

The nice and naughty list Doling out lumps of coal and candy canes for 2023

by Stephen Sellers

S

eason’s greetings, dear readers! May this holiday missive find you warmly cozied up next to the fire, enjoying a second helping of whatever syrupy decongestant you’ve drummed up underneath the bathroom sink last weekend.

(Takes a swig.) Ah, resplendent!

I’ve been fueling the holiday cheer while also paying tribute to the miniature Grinch-like virus sleighing through my frazzled body with a vintage “Nyquil” varietal. I’d describe the batch as a full-bodied, yet racy COVID-era non-organic that pairs quite nicely with the maximum-strength Sudafed ol’ Santa left on his cookie plate last year. If I could taste or smell, I’m sure I would be living inside a Winter Wonderland all my own!

To round us out this year, I’m putting on my Santa hat and giving you the top three naughty and nice things on my local music journalist radar. Ho ho ho! Here we go: NAUGHTY: 1. Tinnitus. Imagine silver bells are shaking in your head, never ceasing. I’ve got a touch of it, myself. That’s the price of the bluegrass/techno/psych rock lifestyle, I suppose. It is something that you can learn to live with. And, it can even become a teacher, much like any chronic health issue can.

But, I’d recommend getting some great earplugs at Jimmy’s Music Supply as a stocking stuffer downtown and steering clear of the whole scenario.

2. Vapin’ on the dance floor. Vape guys, gals and nonbinary pals: we honor your quest from a time immemorial to take nicotine levels in the human body to bold new heights.

You are truly the Niconauts that will push our culture’s productivity and anxiety levels to glorious new levels. But, for the sanctity of the dance floor, or just being a respectful venue attendee … consider going outside to enjoy the subtle complexities of propylene glycol alongside your analog tobacco compatriots.

3. Whoever stole my black leather jacket at Roxy’s.

I did just leave it on my chair to go dance during SONA’s DJ set, which was killer. You must be tall, too. Long arms, right?

Thing is, you didn’t just lift an essential piece of my murdered-out capsule wardrobe. You took the rugged exterior that I had grown dependent on in recent years to project an image of myself as a tough, tall guy – someone who definitely didn’t grow up wearing Eddie Bauer and white New Balances, riding shotgun with Mom in the minivan on the way to the Speech and Debate tournament. A public crier who laughs even quicker. That’s cold, stranger. Real cold.

Now, I’ve gotta go do some personal work. Most likely EMDR. Maybe psychedelics. Try to integrate all this as I walk jacketless through the dark night of my cold little soul.

Thanks for nothing, bub. Bigger picture, though, keep an eye out for each other out there, and don’t be all Grinch-like stealing things at shows!

NICE: 1. Having a kickass record store called Toast Records and Bakes. Owners Josh and Kyra Bensik are legends. They’ve hosted some of the most intimate, special musical experiences this town has ever offered just in 2023 alone. And more is on the way. Go. Linger. Dig. Dialogue.

10 n Dec. 21, 2023

telegraph

The author looking both naughty and nice for the holidays./Photo by Renee Cornue Studio @reneecornue_studio Learn. And buy a dank cookie while you’re at it. There’s some exciting changes on the horizon in 2024 both musical inventory and hot beverage-wise. Give them a follow on IG at @toast.record.and.bakes to stay in the know.

2. The Animas City Theatre booking like there’s no tomorrow. And who knows, maybe there is no tomorrow. If there is, can the rent be a little cheaper and can Billy Strings come play the Meltdown? If that tomorrow should never come, at least we went down in a blaze of glory in 2023 thanks to the ACT. The Theatre is back and stronger than ever thanks to the hard-working owners and team they’ve steadily built. Eclectic programming spanning all genres, the crew is friendly, and the sound system is proving to have every frequency covered in spades. May we all dance around this indispensable cultural May Pole for many moons to come.

Lock in at www.animascitytheatre.com 3. Jimmy’s Music Supply. For my money, a music community is only as robust as its brick-and-mortar music store. And, we are rich, my friends. Robert, Alex and the handsome, encyclopedic, smooth-operator himself, Jimmy, work hard to keep all of your favorite musicians well-stocked and supplied in a beautiful tapestry of vintage amps, pedals, instruments, and yes, incredibly high-quality earplugs.

Jimmys’ listening room concerts are a unique, intimate, Durango musical experience and worth keeping an eye on as we creep toward spring and summer. From the bottom of my heart and the deepest parts of my inner ears, thanks, Jimmy and company. You are the warm, fuzzy distortion beneath our wings. www.jimmymusic.supply Wishing you all kindness, peace, health and safety as we step into 2024. May your nights be bright and filled with great music, good company and a deep feeling of belonging to our amazing musical community. Because you do, whether a dancer, player, attendee, promoter … and we’re all the better, stronger and more beautiful because of what you bring. See you on the new dance floor next year, dear readers.■

FlashinthePan

Holiday beet-down

by Ari LeVaux

T

his time of year, the Missoula winter farmers market rocks a rare energy. Crafty growers have figured out ways to make summer linger, and the bounty remains near full-on.

You can bring home the bacon, lettuce, tomato, bread and eggs for the mayo, and a plate on which to serve your sandwich.

And then there are the beets, larger than softballs, grown by a Belarusian family, the Lemezas. A six-bag of these hard orbs felt heavy enough to feed my family for a week. Feeling goofy, I had to ask, “Do you have any beets that are, like, any bigger?” I held apart my hands to demonstrate big.

I broke the tension with a laugh. He punched me in the shoulder. Ouch. I asked them how they like to eat their beets. He leaned in conspiratorially.

“Grated,” he said. “With Italian dressing.” He kissed his leathery fingertips.

Her recipe was more complicated.

Lots of things cut up “cute,” she explained, including cutely cubed beets, carrots, potatoes, onions and pickles, all tossed in olive oil. A salad-like dish that triples as a side and condiment, I call it “Christmas Sweater,” because it’s busy and somehow cute.

As for grated raw beets, I was not expecting to like them. It turns out, grated beets are just as sweet than cooked and make a crunchy, juicy bite. You can play around with the dressing and other grated ingredients. I prefer my grated beets with grated carrot and a little grated garlic, olive oil, salt, white and red balsamic, and goat cheese.

But perhaps my favorite thing of all is to fry them into pancakes, like the potato ladkes my mom would serve for Chanukah. The beets melt into a sweet, savory brown mouthful. I thought that I invented this recipe, but of course, there are plenty of recipes on the internet.

Whatever pickles your beet, the next time you come across a big ole sack, you will have the tools to handle it. As you

would expect from something high in sugar that tastes like dirt, beets will keep you grounded and going, for the holidays and beyond.

Beet Ladkes Serves 2 1 cup coarsely grated beet ¼ teaspoon of salt 1 egg 1 tablespoon flour Couple dashes of pepper 1-2 tablespoon XVOO Garnish idea: fresh dill and sour cream or mayo Grate the beet. Measure out a loose

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cup, and mix thoroughly with the salt.

Let sit about 15 minutes, and then squeeze out the salty beet juice, leaving a golf ball-sized wad of grated beet.

Whisk the egg and milk. Add flour and mix again. Then add the grated beets, along with the pepper. Mix well, and let it sit 10 minutes.

Heat oil and butter in a pan on medium. When sizzling, add tablespoon or larger-sized glops of mixture, and press them into pancakes. After about five minutes, flip. When nicely browned on both sides, serve with dill and your choice of crème. ■

Dec. 21, 2023 n 11

StufftoDo

Thursday21

7 p.m. dance-of-the-month lesson; 8-10 p.m. open dancing, VFW, durangodancing.com

Tuesday26

Live Music by Rob Webster, 5 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard St.

Aria PettyOne presents Aria’s Pizza Party, 8:30-9:30 p.m., Father’s Daughters Pizza, 640 Main Ave.

Slow Bluegrass Jam, 5:30-7:30 p.m., General Palmer Hotel, 567 Main Ave.

Solstice Bonfire, 5-7 p.m., Pine River Library, Bayfield

Thursday Night Sitting Group, 5:30 p.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E 3rd Ave., Ste. 109 Bluegrass Jam, 6 p.m., Durango Beer & Ice, 3000 Main Ave.

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

Poetry Night, 6 p.m., Durango Sustainable Goods, 1259 Main Ave. Solstice Party, 7-10 p.m., The Subterrain, 900 Main Ave., Ste. F Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1330 Camino del Rio. Drag Trivia Night, 7:30 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Friday22

DJ Party, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Roxy’s, 693 Main Ave.

Saturday23 Holiday Holler: Pop-Up Caroling, 12-1 p.m., Durango Welcome Center, 802 Main Ave. Live music by Ben Gibson, 5:30 p.m., The Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. The Black Velvet duo, with Nina Sasaki & Larry Carver, 6 p.m., Derailed Pour House, 725 Main Ave. Karaoke, 6 p.m., Durango Beer & Ice, 3000 Main Ave. Community Yoga, 6-7 p.m., Yoga Durango, 1485 Florida Rd. Donations accepted.

Free Friday Yoga, 8:30 a.m., Lively (a boutique), 809 Main Ave.

Live music by Pete Giuliani, 6 - 9 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

Gary B. Walker, 10:15 a.m.-12 noon, Jean-Pierre Bakery & Restaurant, 601 Main Ave.

Ugly Sweater party, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Roxy’s, 639 Main Ave.

Sitting with Peace meditation, 12 noon, Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E 3rd Ave., Ste. 109 Santa & Mrs. Claus Visit, 2-3:30 p.m., Purgatory Resort

Silent Disco, 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m., 11th St. Station.

Sunday24 Feed the People! free aid for homeless community members, 2 p.m., Buckley Park.

Live music by Pete Giuliani, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Public House, 701 E. 2nd Ave.

Monday25 Christmas Day

Friday Dance! 6 p.m. West Coast swing lesson;

12 n Dec. 21, 2023

Open Mic Night, 7 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave. Live music by Jason Thies, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave

Wednesday27

Morning Serenity: Small Group Meditation, 8-9:15 a.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave., Ste. 109

Restorative Yoga for Cancer, 9:30-10:45 a.m., no cost for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers, Smiley Building, 1309 E. 3rd Ave. Info and register at cancersupportswco.org/calendar Live music by Ben Gibson, 5:30 p.m., Public House 701, 701 E. 2nd Ave. Open Mic, 6:30 p.m., EsoTerra Ciderworks, 558 Main Ave. Trivia Night, 7 p.m., Bottom Shelf Brewery, 118 mill St., Bayfield.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 8 p.m., The Roost, 128 E. College Dr. Karaoke Roulette, 8 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Christmas Eve

Fanny Pack Fridays, 3 p.m., The Nugget Mountain Bar, HWY 550, south of Purgatory.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver play, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

Community Yoga, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Yoga Durango, 1485 Florida Rd. Donations accepted.

Community Christmas Brunch, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Manna – the Durango Soup Kitchen, 1100 Avenida del Sol.

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Ongoing

The artwork of Louisa Palmer in the Recess Gallery, Studio &, 1027 Main Ave. Exhibit runs thru Dec 31.

The Polar Express, thru Jan. 1, 2024, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave. ”Ec(h)o,” woodwork and art of Ted Moore, thru Jan. 5, 2024, 11th Street Station.

AskRachel

Strip mining, out of fashion and singled out Interesting fact: Chex Mix was the creation of the Ralston Purina Co. Chow down, puppy dogs. (But of course, it was reportedly first popularized by the wife of an executive, once again shelving the accomplishments of a woman and a goddamn American hero.)

Dear Rachel, It’s my job to make the Chex mix for the holiday family gathering. Every year. And every year, my sister sits there with a martini in one hand and the other in the Chex mix bowl, plucking out all the peanuts and leaving behind pre-handled everything else. It’s so gross and no one wants to take home her leftovers (including me). How can I effectively deter her this year so she never does this again?

–All Mixed Up Dear Social Mixer, Ugh, the strip miners are the WORST. I used to work with one in an office where someone brought in the big barrel jugs of Chex Mix, and this guy strip mined all the bagel chips. No one puts bagel chips in their homemade mix. What gives? Probably because their sisters would strip mine them. I think you have to go for the rancid peanuts. Or soak ’em in turpentine before you mix the batch.

– Chexmate, Rachel

Dear Rachel, I see women are wearing bell bottoms and high top shoes. Converse was my choice for playing B-ball. I think the old bells are worth a lot of money like the old Levis. Do you have some your mother gave you? You may be holding a lot of $$$$. What’s next? Lamb chop sideburns? I hope not. How about large lapels?

– Good Vibes Dear Excitations, Why do you assume my mother would have given me her old bell-bottoms and tennis shoes? What if it was my grandmother? What if I lived through that era like you, old-timer? What if I don’t even have a mother?? You should be more circumspect in making even soft remarks about a woman’s age or fashion era.

– Ring them bells, Rachel Dear Rachel, I’m the ONLY single sibling left in my rather large family. And I am NOT looking forward to all the direct and indirect remarks about not landing a partner by age 35. What self-preservation tips do you have for me to get through the holiday gatherings with good cheer intact?

– Flying Solo

“The Return of the Force,” art exhibit exploring the influence of “Star Wars” on Native artists, FLC’s Center for Southwest Studies. Thru August 2024.

New Year’s Eve party, featuring DJs Bad Goat, Baby Del & Spark Madden, 8:30 p.m., 11th St. Station, 1135 Main Ave.

Toy Drive, Durango Treasures and Twilight Toys, 900 Main Ave., Suite A ,or 600 Main Ave., #105

Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College.

Dear Autopilot, This sounds like the perfect opportunity to bring back the tradition of Christmas ghost stories. You know, Dickens and “scary ghost stories and tales of the glories” and all that. Every time your relationship status bubbles up, stare off into the middle distance. Mutter to yourself, “She’s not… able to cross back over… yet.”

And if anyone presses you further, just bemoan, “She should never have eaten the peanuts. Don’t mention the peanuts. It’ll make her angry.”

– Deez nuts, Rachel

HEY!

Taking m ore 1 paper than stealing!is

Desert Child plays, 9 p.m., Dec. 31,

Cascade Canyon Winter Train, thru May 2024, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave.

telegraph@durangotelegraph.com

Landscapes of Light by Matthew Sievers, 5-7 p.m., Jan. 5, Blue Rain Gallery, 934 Main Ave.

This holiday season, care for those you love ... include yourself.

Upcoming

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show & Torchlight Parade, 6-7 p.m., Dec. 31, Purgatory Resort.

New Year’s Eve Performance, 6-9 p.m., Dec. 31, Strater Hotel, 699 Main.

New Year’s Eve Gala, 7 p.m., Dec. 31, The Subterrain, 900 Main Ave. Suite F.

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

E-mail your stuff to: calendar@durango telegraph.com

If you need extra papers for fire-starter, piñatas, hamster cages or insulation, we keep back issues at many of our racks around town including:

• The Durango Post Office • Peerless Tire • Tele HQ in the Mayer Bldg, 679 E. 2nd Ave. Or give us a call at 970-259-0133 & we’ll try to hook you up.

Buy 2 Massage Gift Certificates (55 or 85 mins.)

and Get 1 Free (25 mins.)

*Some restrictions apply

970-247-3939 • 230 College Dr. www.amayamassage.com

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Dec. 21, 2023 n 13

FreeWillAstrology

by Rob Brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): Booker T. Washington advised, “Do the common thing in an uncommon way.” That’s a useful motto in the coming months. If you carry out ordinary activities with flair, you will generate good fortune and attract excellent help.

As you attend to details with conscientious enthusiasm, you will access your finest inner resources and exert constructive influences on the world. Be thorough and unique, persistent and imaginative. Adore your chores in 2024!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806–73) was among the smartest people who ever lived.

As with most geniuses, he believed in liberty for all. He was a feminist long before the word existed. Like another genius, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, he thought individuality “is the supreme attainment of the human soul, the master-master’s work of art.” I nominate Mill to be a role model in 2024. This could be a time when you reach unprecedented new heights and depths of self-expression.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Emotionally and spiritually, you will ripen at a robust rate in 2024. Your intelligence will mature into wisdom in surprising and gratifying ways.

Harvesting rich lessons from long-smoldering confusions and long-simmering mysteries will be your specialty. PS: Some of you Geminis joke around and say you never want to grow up. But I hope you minimize that attitude in the coming months.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Indigenous people study the intelligence of animals and incorporate it into their own lives. I suggest elephants as a source of inspiration for you.

Here are a few fun facts. Problem-solving is one of their strengths. They are experts at learning how to get what they need and passing that knowledge on to their offspring. They seldom suffer from sickness, but if they do, they self-medicate with plants. Elder females are the knowledge keepers, retaining inner maps of food, drink and resources locations.

14 n Dec. 21, 2023

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Writer Janet Champ speaks about the joy of locating “the big wow, the big yesyesyes.” It happens when you find something or someone you regard as “better, greater, cuter, wiser, more wonderful than anything you have ever known.” I predict you will encounter a big wow and yesyesyes in 2024. Will you know what to do with it? For best results, cultivate a vivid vision of how the big wow and big yesyesyes will benefit others as well as you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In your year ahead, I see you searching for treasure. It’s not a wild, wandering exploration but a diligent, disciplined quest. You are well-organized, carefully gathering research and asking incisive questions. You ruminate on the possibilities. You meditate on how you might make adjustments so as to become fully available for the riches. Your gradual, incremental approach gives you strength. And it all pays off by the second half of 2024.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In 1916, most women could not vote. Many men considered women to be inferior, lacking in courage and initiative. That summer, sisters Augusta and Adeline Van Buren rebelled against the stereotypes by riding their motorcycles across America. Roads were poor, rains frequent and police arrested them for wearing men’s clothes. Male-dominated media derided, with one newspaper criticizing their escape from “their proper roles as housewives.” I nominate them to be your role models in 2024. It will be a favorable time to transcend conventional wisdom, override decaying traditions and be a cheerful rebel.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “All the things I really like to do are either illegal, immoral or fattening,” quipped Capricorn author Alexander Woollcott (1887–1943).

Since he was never arrested, I conclude he didn’t get to enjoy the activities he relished. Was he immoral? Not exactly, though he could be caustic. Offering his opinion about a famous pianist, he said, “There is absolutely nothing wrong with Oscar Levant that a miracle couldn’t fix.” The good news for you is 2024 will be mostly free of the problems Woollcott experienced. You will be offered an abundance of perfectly legal and moral enjoyments.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): For hundreds of years, European nations stole land and resources from Indigenous people. Among the thefts were art, ritual objects, cultural treasures and human skeletons. But in recent years, some museums have begun to return the loot. Germany sent back hundreds of artifacts to Nigeria. France restored many objects to the African country of Benin. Let’s apply this as a useful metaphor in 2024.

Is there a part of your past that was hijacked? Memories appropriated? Rightful belongings poached or feelings infringed upon? It’s time for corrections and healing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Author Augusten Burroughs is a devoted urban dweller.

He says, “When I get a craving for nature, I turn on TV’s Discovery Channel.” Martial arts master Morihei Ueshiba had a different perspective. “Mountains, rivers, plants and trees should be your teachers,” he advised. “Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks.”

I recommend Ueshiba’s approach in 2024. You will have no dangerous encounters with nature, will learn from the wild world, and your spiritual life will thrive.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I suggest we choose brilliant Scorpio physicist and chemist Marie Curie (1867–1934) as your role model in 2024. She is the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two different fields. She managed to pursue a rigorous scientific career while raising two children and having a fulfilling marriage.

Being of service to humanity was a central life goal. She grew up in poverty and suffered from depression but worked hard. May the spirit of Marie Curie inspire you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A study done at Union College in New York found that being in a fraternity raised students’ future income by 36 percent but lowered their grade point average by 0.25 points.

Would you make a similar trade-off? Would you pursue a path that made you more successful in one way but less successful in another? I suspect you will encounter unusual decisions like this in 2024. Be alert for the provocative riddles.

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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 www.durangotelegraph.com n classifieds@durango telegraph.com n 970-259-0133 n 679 E. 2nd Ave., #E2 Approximate office hours: Mon-Wed: 9ish - 5ish

Found: Ski poles found Molas Pass Parking lot, Sunday Nov. 26 call to describe 9703855480

ForSale

Friday 7pm Dancing now at VFW Go to DurangoDancing.com to get on notification list.

TaoTronics 4k Action Camera New and in the box. Comes with all accessories that came with it: waterproof housing, handlebar/pole mount, mounts, battery, tethers, protective back cover, USB cable and lens cleaning cloth. $50.

J.marie.pace@gmail.com

KDUR is Celebrating 50 years of broadcasting in 2025 and is on the hunt for past DJs. If you have a fond memory, a story or even some recorded material, please email station manager Bryant Liggett, Liggett_b@fort lewis.edu or call 970.247.7261

Reruns Home Furnishings Brighten up your space. Lots of new inventory including serving and glassware for the holidays, and cool furniture, lamps and decor. Looking to consign smaller furniture pieces. 572 E. 6th Ave. Open Mon.-Sat. 385-7336.

Classes/Workshops

Services

Intro Aikido Series Aikido boosts self-discovery through self-defense. Find the true you in the new you 2024. 4-week intro class M 6-8pm begins Jan 8. Register durangoaikido.com.

Text/call questions to 970-426-5257.

Marketing Small/Local Businesses Media, website building and content editing, copywriting and editing, newsletters, blogs, etc. for small, local, independent or startup businesses. www.the saltymedia.com or email jnderge@ gmail.com

West Coast Swing Dance Dance more in 2024! 6-week class starts January 3. Learn the basics of West Coast Swing. Registration is required at www.westslopewesties.com.

Harmony Cleaning and Organizing Residential, offices, commercial and vacation rentals, 970-403-6192.

Announcements

Wanted Cash for Vehicles, Copper, Alum Etc. at RJ Metal Recycle. Also free appliance and other metal drop off. 970259-3494.

Lost/Found Lost: Man’s Ring Lost in P.O. parking lot, inscribed, reward 970-375-7616

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

Lotus Path Healing Arts Unique, intuitive fusion of Esalen massage, deep tissue & Acutonics, 24 years of experience. To schedule call Kathryn, 970-201-3373.

CommunityService

HaikuMovieReview ‘Leave The World Behind’ What’s worse, to be stuck in a dystopia with “Karen” or to die?

– Lainie Maxson more, go to www.themakerlab.org or email info@themakerlab.org

The Maker Lab in Bodo Park Community-led nonprofit provides collaborative workspace, tools, learning opportunities and equipment featuring metal and woodworking, laser cutting, 3D printing, electronics and sewing.

Classes for all levels. To join or learn

MOLAS Scholarship Application available for first-generation college students from La Plata County.

Deadline to apply is March 1 and decisions will be announced in early April. swcom munityfoundation.org/scholarships.

POWER IT FORWARD

WITH LPEA’S GIVING TREE

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 Compassionate, Informed myofascial massage and structural integration, offering well-being and mindbody connection for 17 years. Now Receiving new clients. Melanie Higbee LMT, 970.238.0422

telegraph

Donate and help your neighbors keep the lights on this holiday season.

1.

Venmo us @GivingTree_LPEA (or scan the QR code) 2. Call us at (970) 247-5786 3. Drop off your donation at our office in Durango or Pagosa Springs.

Donations will be accepted through January 31st, 2024.

www.lpea.coop | (970) 247-5786 Dec. 21, 2023 n 15

16 n Dec. 21, 2023

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