Roaring Fork November 2015

Roaring Fork NOVEMBER 2015

RoaringForkLifestyle.com

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Of Harvests, Hunters

&Hallows

THE SPIRITUAL LESSONS OF HUNTING THE ROOTS OF PAINTED MOUNTAIN CORN BALLET FOLKLÓRICO & THE DAY OF THE DEAD

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Lifestyle Letter

Life & Death, Birth & Harvest A

murder was committed in my yard recently. I witnessed it, but haven’t been able to identify the slayer.

The attack was sudden. The blackbirds around our feeder flushed away in panic. A sickening thud against our sliding glass door jerked my eyes upward in time to see an airborne chase. An adolescent blackbird crashed into the irises. There, it was skewered by the attacker's long, straight beak.

Then the predator – it looked a bit like a sapsucker but didn't behave like one – flew off with its prey in its talons.

Fall is harvest time, but with harvests also come deaths. The ripe raspberries fall, the canes die. Young birds mature, but some become sustenance as other creatures prepare for winter.

November's magazine repeatedly prompted me to think about the cycle of life and death, birth and harvest.

In Mexico, November begins with Dia de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. In England, it's called called All Soul’s Day and it follows All Hallows Eve (Halloween). In France, to my bemusement, the day is called La Toussaint. We pay tribute to that holiday with stories about Dia de Los Muertos and about Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico, a dance troupe that performs at Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

This issue also celebrates fall's harvest with a story about Painted Mountain corn, a grain with roots that reach back to the nearly-extinct Mandan Indian tribe.

With fall also comes hunting, and I find my views about that conflicted. I abhor trophy hunting, but I'm a carnivore. I'm friends with not one, but three, hunters – all of them people I admire. The hunting stories in this issue helped me explore the ethical complexities that underlie hunting and ecological balance.

This issue also brings you a story of how trainer Denise Latousek brings folks back to life after physical trauma. It includes a book review by local author Evan Zislis and a look at the time Dr. William and Nancy Bo Flood spent in Navajo country.

There's so much life in our pages! Enjoy!

NOVEMBER 2015 publisher Rick French | RFrench@LifestylePubs.com

editor Nicolette Toussaint | NToussaint@LifestylePubs.com

copy editor Mason Ingram

contributing writers Caitlin Causey, Bridget Grey, Jerry L. Neal, Nicolette Toussaint, Geneviève Joëlle Villamizar, Jessica York, Evan Zislis

contributing photographers Julie Albrecht, Michael Alvarez, Jane Bachrach, Charles Engelbert, Richard Lyon, Illene Pevec, Kelly Thompson, Nicolette Toussaint, Geneviève Joëlle Villamizar, Hal Williams

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor editorial director | Nicole Sylvester ad coordinators | Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker copy editor | Kendra Mathewson application architect | Michael O’Connell web developer | Hanna Park it director | Randy Aufderheide

Nicolette Toussaint , Editor

by Community ™

RoaringForkLifestyle.com ON THE COVER “Villacarra” dancer from Aspen Santa Fe

Ballet Folklorico.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL ALVAREZ, COURTESY OF ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET 4

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

join us

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Roaring Fork Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Roaring Fork’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Roaring Fork Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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Kids’ photography Contest DON’T FORGET.... YOU MUST PLAY BY THE RULES !

Contest is open to individuals 16 and under who live in the Roaring Fork Valley with a zip code that begins with 816XX. Each contestant may enter up to 2 photographs in the contest.

Entries must be high-resolution color photographs (size should be at least 12 by 9 inches at 300 dots per inch and larger sizes are desirable because a landscape photo may need to be cropped for cover presentation). Low-resolution photos are not eligible for publication or for the contest.

Photos must be the original work of the contestant and not of a teacher, parent or other adult. Photos should not be the product of classes or workshops, but should be the young person’s independent work.

Photographs must be submitted by email to the editor of Roaring Fork Lifestyle magazine – ntoussaint@lifestylepubs.com – and electronically postmarked by 5 p.m., Mountain Time, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015.

prizes to be

awarded

Contestants must state their age along with the work submitted as photos will be judged in three divisions: Elementary Division, ages 5 to 8 Junior Division, ages 9 to 12 Upper Division, ages 13 to 16 Entry into the contest will give Roaring Fork Lifestyle permission to publish photographer-credited photos anytime after January 1, 2016.

The publishing permission granted to Roaring Fork Lifestyle magazine is non-exclusive, so the photographer may also use his or her photos for any purpose s/he desires at any time.

Winners will be chosen by a panel of independent judges that includes professionals in the photography and publishing business, among others.

Winners will be announced on Dec. 5, 2015. Decision of the judges is final.

Family members of judges are not eligible for the contest.

The first-place winner will have his or her winning photograph published on the cover of Roaring Fork Lifestyle magazine in January 2016.

All photos that receive at least an honorable mention will be published in a story that will run in that same issue, and all youth photographers will receive a photo credit in print.

November 2015

16

Departments 8

Publisher’s Letter

10

Good Times

14

Around Town

16

Locally Owned

24

Local Limelight

46 Lifestyle Calendar 50 Parting Thoughts

16 A Guide for the Road Back after Surgery

Trainer Denise Latousek of Burn Fitness lights the spark.

20 Celebrating the Day of the Dead

Sugar skulls, marigolds and "ofrendas" for the dearly departed.

44 Walking in Beauty in Navajo Country

Bill and Nancy Bo Flood reflect on giving back.

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Publisher’s Letter

Backcountry in the Fall THE BEAUTY, THE HIKES, THE DANGER

W

e all have our reasons to hike the Colorado Mountains in the fall.

Most of us are called by the beauty of the fall colors, others for the exhilaration of a chilly fall hiking trail and still others the thrill of hunting big game.

Publisher's son during a recent hunt.

Regardless of your reason, the Colorado outdoors also offers the element of danger. We all have heard of daring mountain rescues that happen every year necessitated by injury, lost hikers and the ever changing weather patterns.

Here’s my personal story. During his first elk hunting season, my son announced that he was setting up a hunt camp complete with a canvas hunters’ tent with a chimney stove. The camp would comfortably sleep four hunters and shelter all their gear. In mid-November, he was excited to get in the back country with his hunting buddies. The only catch was that he would hunt alone for the first four days until his friends could join him.

Needless to say, that did not sit well with me. Even though I did trust his back country skills, I was a normal father, which means that I was overwhelmed with all the thoughts you do not want to think about! All of the possibilities for what could go wrong: he could get lost, be injured or caught in an unexpected snowstorm.

After days of worry, I found a solution online. It was small, programmable GPS satellite device that not only sent up trackable signals every 10 minutes to track his path on a topographical map, but it would also hold four programmable messages. I could receive those messages on my laptop as well as my cell phone.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

The messages we prearranged for my son to send were short and meaningful. One was “Back in Camp.” That was to be sent at the end of the hunting day. The second said, “Need Help. Not Hurt” – a message that meant I should come to his camp to help with whatever. The third message said, “Got my Elk.” The dreaded fourth message was “SOS – Send Help.”

That little device was the answer to my prayers. The only messages I ever received were number one and three.

I got the joy of tracking my son’s progress on a topo map and looking at the satellite images of the terrain he was covering. I almost felt like I was in the back country hunting with my son.

Then I thought of another application. Giving the device to my two daughters when they were on their dates. Trackable is good!

Enjoy the hunting features in this issue of Roaring Fork Lifestyle.

Whether or not you hunt, go see the colors out in the high country and wear something that’s at least as bright as the trees. Carry your cell phone and or a personal tracking device, and be prepared for changes in the weather. We love our readers, and we want you back to read another issue next month!

Rick French, Publisher RFrench@LifestylePubs.com

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Good Times

Second Annual Sacred Fest

True Nature Healing Arts' Sacred Fest in September featured Kirtan singers, yoga, massage, drumming, African dance, mud puppets, high-prana food tasting and an ice cream social. PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAL WILLIAMS

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

A boldly designed car deserves a boldly designed world.

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Learn more at audiusa.com/A7. The Audi A7 is here.

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NOVEMBER NOURISH

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Good Times

Glenwood Springs Chamber Plays Bizopoly

The Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce's annual Bizopoly fair included networking, a business expo and job fair, plus great food and prizes. Attendees also enjoyed presentations about branding and harnessing the power of mobile devices.

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Janelle Parington from doTERRA Essential Oils; photo by Gina Sheldrake

Deana Hermanson from ANB Bank

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Around Town SYMPHONY IN THE VALLEY PLAYS DEC. 12 & 13 Two Christmas concerts will be offered by Symphony in the Valley (SITV) next month. On the evening of December 12, SITV musicians will gather onstage at the Ute Performing Arts Theatre in Rifle to present Christmas classics. The program will be repeated at 4 p.m. on December 13 in the Glenwood Springs High School Theatre with seasonal favorites for young and old alike.

Symphony in the Valley has given local classical musicians opportunities to perform for hometown audiences for 21 years.

Players are drawn from betwenn Aspen and Glenwood Springs, and from Vail to Grand Valle. To encourage local residents to enjoy live orchestral music, admission is kept affordable. For more information, visit SITV.org.

Howe, who was featured in the Dance Initiative’s final 2015 dance residency at the Launchpad, has danced professionally with the critically-acclaimed Limon Company and has served as faculty at the Laban Institute. She currently teaches yoga in Carbondale and Denver and curates the Justice Snow’s Salon in Aspen.

KIDS’ PHOTO CONTEST DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 1 Youngsters under the age of 16 are invited to submit two photographs for a photography contest that is being sponsored by Roaring Fork Lifestyle magazine. Contestants must live in a zip code beginning with the digits “816” and will be judged in three divisions: Elementary Division, ages 5 to 8; Junior Division, ages 9 to 12 and Upper Division, ages 13 to 16. Photos must be submitted by December 1st via email to the Lifestyle editor: ntoussaint@lifestylepubs.com.

Winners will be chosen by a panel of local judges that includes professional photographers, members of the media and local business people. The photos of all division winners and honorable mentions will be published in the January issue of Roaring Fork Lifestyle, and the overall winner will be featured on that issue’s cover.

VENDORS INVITED TO APPLY FOR EL JEBEL WINTER MARKET This winter, Eagle Crest Nursery will again become a winter wonderland, hosting the El Jebel Winter market in its greenhouse. The market will be open every Saturday between December 7 and March 15, and it will feature local produce, meats, prepared foods and artisans.

Artisans and food purveyors are invited to apply to be part of this festive gathering. Applications are on Eagle Crest Nursery’s website at EaglecrestNursery.com.

DANCERS AND VACUUM CLEANER CHOIR AT LAUNCHPAD In October, choreographer Alya Howe plugged in to local talent by orchestrating a multimedia work called “Vacuum” that involved dance, film and music. "Vacuum" will be performed at Carbondale’s Launchpad on Nov. 6 and 7. The piece explores why we clean, what we want to clean and what tools do we choose to do the job. (See Lifestyle Calendar for details.)

Howe interviewed local figures for a short film on vacuum cleaner choice, A vacuum cleaning choir provides accompaniment and professional dancers explore becoming a vacuum cleaner. Dancers include Emily Fifer, Cindy Gottlob, Sean Ericson and Cynthia Giannini, a past soloist with the Joffrey Ballet. The Vacuum Choir features local stars Deborah Colley, Kirsten Frantzich, Collette Newell, Michelle Greenfield and Meagan Londy Shapiro.

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ONE WOMAN FLASH MOB ON THE DIVIDE Carbondale singer/songwriter Ellen Stapenhorst traveled to the top of Independence Pass in September to film a video of her song “Beyond the Great Divide.” The song was inspired by the political climate and by a Rumi poem that says, “Out beyond right-doing and wrong-doing is a field – I’ll meet you there.”

Stapenhorst says, “It seemed the perfect place to sing about the divide in our country, and it was definitely higher ground!” Singing the lyrics – There are wars around the world, battlegrounds at home / The air is full of bullet speech, the rapid fire of stones / It’s hard to hear this hatred coming from all sides / Will we ever find a way across the great divide? – on top of the pass, she says she “felt like a one-woman flash mob.” People pulled out their cell phones, listened and cheered. “It made me realize again what a powerful tool music is for bringing people together,” she commented. The video is posted at EllenStapenhorst.net and on YouTube.

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING QUARTET IN LOCAL RESIDENCY The La Catrina Quartet, 2012 winners of the Latin Classical Grammy Award, will be Roaring Fork Valley resident artists between November 1 and 3, thanks to a collaboration between the Basalt Regional Library, the Aspen Music Festival and the School’s Musical Connections program, English in Action, the Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra and local schools. The quartet's schedule begins at the Basalt Library with an "Informance." That performance/lecture will allow the musicians to explain and illustrate their repertoire, which includes Latin American classical contemporary composers who incorporate traditional folk music in their compositions. (See Lifestyle Calendar for details.) On Tuesday, the Quartet will hold a workshop with the Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra at the Aspen Middle School, and the group will

work in local schools from Monday through Wednesday. La Catrina's mission is to promote Mexican and Latin-American music worldwide and to perform string quartet masterworks.

Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Royalty for 2015-16. Photo by Julie Albrecht.

RODEO ROYALTY FOR 2015-16 SELECTED In September, five young women were selected to be Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Royalty for the 2015-16 season. The new royalty will begin their reign on April 1, 2016, and will continue for one year.

Contestants for the various royalty positions – queen, queen attendant and princess – range from ten to 21 years old, and are judged with a written application and a personal interview.

More information about the rodeo and its royalty can be found at CarbondaleRodeo.com.

LOCAL ART STUDENTS SELECTED CARBONDALE’S BEST SCULPTURE This year, for the first time, art classes from Carbondale schools selected the Best of Show winner of the 2015-16 Art aRound Town exhibition. After viewing and discussing the 14 sculptures in this year’s exhibition, the students voted “Purgatory/China” as the grand winner. Carbondale Public Arts Commission Chair Ashley Todey announced their decision at the First Friday Carbondale Library Lit Crawl in October.

The thought-provoking sculpture of recycled cast glass and stainless steel was created by artist Matthew Duffy of Washington D.C. In addition to being able to add this award to his resume, Duffy will receive an award check for $1,000.

Relax and unwind with your family in our comfortable rooms, splash in our water park, and explore Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, located just steps away!

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DOS GRINGOS TURNS 15 This month Carbondale’s Dos Gringos Burritos celebrates its 15th birthday, sharing the November 11th date with this magazine’s editor (who is considerably older than 15). The cafe’s success – as evidenced by the many community meetings and friendly gatherings that take place at Dos, including bluegrass musicians who gather there to jam each Sunday night – could not have occurred without the support of many loyal employees and customers. Dos gives a shoutout to employees Mike Chavez for 14 years of dedicated service and to Kenna Steindler, the current manager, who has been at DOS for 11 years. (She started when she was 16; you do the math.)

November 2015 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

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Locally Owned

Denise Latousek & Burn Fitness Studio THE ROAD BACK FROM RUIN

Latousek and Instructor Stephanie Patterson

ARTICLE BRIDGET GREY | PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLETTE TOUSSAINT

I

t’s hard to reconcile today’s smiling, energetic Denise Latousek with the 2008 version she’s talking about. “I was angry. I was depressed. I couldn’t work. I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t parent.”

Back then, Latousek looked like a winner – or at least her bank account did. She was making six figures after selling her very successful event-planning business.

But she was in debilitating pain. The doctor who reviewed her X-rays said that a 90-year-old former linebacker's hips would look like that.

But Denise wasn’t 90; she was the 39-year-old mother of a twoyear-old and a newborn. “I saw that I really did have 90-year-old hips!” she exclaims. “I was walking like a cripple! I thought that maybe that was why it hurt so much to ski! Up until then, I thought that maybe Greeks like me were just missing a skiing gene.”

Denise’s hips had been crushed by osteoarthritis and deformed by bone spurs. To fix them, she had to have both hips totally replaced, one surgery at a time.

But a year and a half later, she was still in pain, limping and handicapped. She tried acupuncture, water therapy, physical therapy, bodywork, mat activation technique, hypnosis and an excruciatingly painful ozone shot therapy. Vitamins. Minerals. Nothing helped. And her doctor’s response – “Here’s another prescription for pain meds” – put her on the road to ruin. Although she never exceeded the prescribed dosage, she was taking Valium, Vicodin, Oxycodone, Demerol, Lexapro and Oxycontin — and sliding into drug dependence.

It turned out that both hips had been installed at the wrong angles and a screw was slicing into her sciatic nerve. To repair the damage

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

would require a new doctor, two more operations and a detox process that sounds like something from Trainspotting or Clean and Sober.

Denise, who was physically dependent on pain meds, but not emotionally addicted, checked herself into a detox facility. She was still unable to walk; her hip revisions would heal only if she kept weight off the bones. She had to stay on crutches, but she was determined to rehab her hips and kick the meds. “The minute my husband left, I was treated like an addict,” she recalls. “I was crying for two days, locked up and treated like a criminal.” She was losing weight. There was no heat and no medical, chemical or emotional support to help with the jarring process of withdrawing from the opiate medications. What’s more, because of her crutches, she was unable to open doors, use the pool or even shower in privacy. Despite its claims, the facility was not handicapped accessible!

After eight nightmarish days, Denise checked herself out of the facility and into a luxury hotel. She rested, ordered room service (real food!) and began to slowly crawl out of a deep, dark pit.

She never looked back.

As she learned to walk again and slowly rebuilt lost muscle mass, Latousek also had to battle Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, called PAWS. Denise, who had already been certified as a physical trainer for years, had an important insight: “You need endorphins to get through this.”

It took her about two years to work her way back. “Last year, I skied 25 days, biked all summer and taught 13 classes a week,” she says. She also provided clients with 15 hours of private coaching each week.

Latousek started Burn Fitness Studio in March, 2014. Burn now employs 14 instructors and offers 45-plus classes each week.

The schedule is based on lessons learned from Denise’s personal training background.

Burn’s mom-friendly layout includes a kids' movie room, dressing rooms, showers and a studio equipped with stationary bikes, mirrors and a “booty barre.”

Bootybarre® incorporates ballet-type exercises along with other moves, and Latousek regularly mixes up new music and choreography. The studio also offers Les Mills Bodypump, TRX Suspension Training, MOi Cycle, Boot Camp, small group personal training, boxing, Pilates and yoga. (See full schedule at BurnFitnessStudio.com.)

While Burn’s instructors are happy to help clients drop a dress size or prepare for ski season, Latousek’s speciality is training people with health problems such as heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic pain and post-surgical recovery. When possible, she works in conjunction with their doctors and physical therapists. She says, “There are so many modalities available today to treat injuries and rehab from surgeries. I am so compassionate to people going through rehab. It can be a long road back. I have been there, and I know the way.”

Burn Fitness Studio Founder Denise Latousek November 2015 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

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Dia de los Muertos Illuminating How This Traditional Festival Uniquely Celebrates the Living and Those Who've Passed ARTICLE CAITLIN CAUSEY | PHOTOGRAPHY JANE BACHRACH

M

exican legend tells of a beautiful mother called La Llorona, or The Weeping Woman, destined to wander the earth for all eternity in search of her drowned children. Forever remorseful of their deaths, her white-cloaked spirit is said to appear along rivers after nightfall, wailing in the dark.

The myth of La Llorona has lurked within the marrow of Mexican lore for centuries. Much like the Boogeyman of Anglo-American tradition, her tale is often utilized by parents throughout Mexico and other regions of Central and South America to spur mischievous children into better behavior. Her folk song – in its many variations – is popularly sung on Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Now observed in many places around the world, this Mexican holiday is a complex celebration of life, death and all the inexplicable links between the two. La Llorona fits right in.

“La Llorona is a big icon of Dia de los Muertos,” says Alejandra Rico, Carbondale artist and member of newly-formed theatrical company El Colectivo. Together with Thunder River Theatre Company, the Valley Settlement Project and the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities (CCAH), the group presented during Carbondale’s annual Day of the Dead celebration on October 30. El Colectivo’s teatrino performance, or small puppet show, featured La Llorona as a central character in their play; this was not only a nod to tradition, but an example of how the legend is constantly evolving as new artists explore the significance of La Llorona’s story. Rico recalls that she first heard the tale as a child in Chihuahua, Mexico.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

“She is a huge part of Mexican culture. In our puppet show, La Llorona meets a witch. The story is told by her granddaughter,” Rico says. “Its purpose is to remind us of who we are and where we come from. It’s about sharing a connection to the spirit world.”

The Day of the Dead is actually observed over the course of three days: October 31 and November 1 and 2, which align with the Roman Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Eve, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. November 2 holds special significance.

“In Mexican tradition, November 2nd is the day that the dead are allowed to visit the living,” Rico explains. “It is a beautiful time when family members honor their deceased relatives.”

A blend of indigenous traditions and Catholic rituals infused during Spanish colonization, the Day of the Dead is a living piece of Mexican history. Today, many regions of Mexico still observe Dia de los Muertos as a religious holiday; elsewhere, the lens of religion is lifted to reveal a cultural celebration of the shared human relationship with death.

Although Day of the Dead celebrations coincide with Halloween in the United States and similarly feature skeletons, candy and tales of the deceased, Dia de los Muertos is not intended to inspire fear.

The holiday makes a fiesta of death, pokes fun at it and recognizes it as the one truly guaranteed part of every life.

The festival also gives the living a chance to openly connect with loved ones who have passed before them. Honoring a dead family member in the traditional Mexican manner at this time of year includes building a special altar for that person and leaving ofrendas, or special

offerings. These might include small toys for children, liquor for adults, favorite foods, trinkets, photographs, incense or candles. Other traditional items include yellow marigolds, thought to attract the souls of the deceased, sugar skulls and pan de muerto, or bread of the dead.

Altars can be built in the home, church, or at a loved one’s grave.

“The altars are a special way of honoring that person’s life on earth,” Rico says.

While some Day of the Dead traditions are nearly universal, many of the holiday’s festivities are not. Celebrations vary from region to region especially now that the holiday is observed in so many areas outside of Mexico. For the past 11 years, even Carbondale has hosted its own unique celebration.

“Company members Valerie Haugen, Richard Lyon and I developed the event here,” says Lon Winston, Thunder River Theatre Company’s Founder and Artistic Director. Before the theatre company’s permanent space was constructed downtown, the celebration was originally held in the Carbondale Middle School cafeteria. Soon the event included Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s Folklorico program, musicians, performers, and other guests. “Over the years it grew to standing room only at our new theatre,” Winston recalls. “As the celebration grew, we focused on the history and spiritual aspects of the event. Richard [Lyon] always does a benediction and ritual closure welcoming the souls of the dead.”

Five years ago, the theatre partnered with the Carbondale Council for Arts and Humanities (CCAH) to expand the event further. A community-wide parade was added, along with festivities at Carbondale’s Third Street Center. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico regularly performs during the celebrations as well.

“The Day of the Dead celebration has really grown to be such a lovely integrated evening,” says CCAH Executive Director Amy Kimberly, noting that the event is a time when the valley’s English and Spanish speaking communities come together to celebrate. “At the Third Street Center, we feature samples of traditional foods prepared by ladies of the local Latino community, face painting, Mexican hot chocolate, art from local school kids. We also have altars on display in the round room from October 29 through November 6,” she says.

“And then of course the parade through town is so wonderful.”

The Valley Settlement Project, a new non-profit that works alongside low-income families to engage them in the local schools and community, also participated in the event for the first time this year.

“We have 30 or so staff who are involved, and we encourage members of the Latino community to participate in this event that is celebrated in their home countries,” says Valley Settlement Project Executive Director Jon Fox-Rubin. “This is such a great opportunity to share this piece of their culture with the rest of the community.”

Each autumn, when the nights have turned cold and the earth has laid itself to rest for another season, Carbondale’s Day of the Dead festivities light up the town with a colorful remembrance of those who have passed. A dazzling mix of life and death, whimsy and sincerity, cheer and melancholy, the night – in Carbondale as in Mexico and other locations around the world – never fails to inspire a sense of wonder in the living. The lines of La Llorona’s plaintive song bear repeating: ...I can no longer love you, Llorona; but I will never forget you.

Thunder River Theatre's Founder/Executive Artistic Director Lon Winston with Founding Member/ Board Member Valerie Haugen. Photo by Richard Lyon.

“LA LLORONA”

No sé que tienen las flores Llorona, Las flores del camposanto, Que cuando las mueve el viento, Llorona, Parece que están llorando.

Ay! de mí Llorona, Llorona, Tu eres mi chiquita, Me quitarán de quererte, Llorona, Pero olvidarte nunca.

I don’t know what’s in the flowers Llorona, the flowers of the cemetery, that seem to be crying when the wind blows.

Alas, Llorona, Llorona, you are my sweetheart.

I can no longer love you, Llorona, but I will never forget you.

Words from “La Llorona,” a traditional Latin American folk song

November 2015 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

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Local Limelight

A dancer thanks Paco following the performance.

Photography Steve Mundinger, courtesy Aspen Santa Fe Ballet 24

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

Building Confidence, Character and Cultural Bridges ARTICLE NICOLETTE TOUSSAINT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A

dozen brightly dressed grade-school children cluster outside an open door leading into the Basalt Library. They’re quiet, as is appropriate in a library, but the standing-room-only crowd inside is anything but.

A blare of trumpets followed by shouts and the rapid rat-a-tat-tat of booted feet rhythmically drumming out patterns on a specially built plywood stage tumble through the open doorway. A peek inside reveals six middle- and high-school-aged dancers who are whirling like white butterflies on a summer’s day. Flourishing their fans and petticoats, they sweep the audience up in a wave of enthusiasm. They’re the senior dancers of the Aspen-Santa Fe Ballet (ASFB) Folklórico, a dance ensemble that showcases the cultural dances of Mexico.

Many of the grade school dancers standing outside are Folklórico veterans. Juan Lemus, who is 8, has been dancing for four years – half of his young life. In marked contrast to the horseplay one often sees amongst grade-schoolers waiting at a classroom door, Juan and his ensemble evidence composure and self-discipline. They know not to upstage the performers on stage – and how to wow the crowd when it’s their turn.

Claire Johnson, an alumna who began dancing with Folklórico when she was in fourth grade and continued into high school, commented, “Folklórico classes teach hard work, patience, endurance and seriousness. I think one major life lesson that most kids learn through Folklórico, myself included, is the self-confidence that comes from being a performer. As a dancer, one learns to be comfortable with one’s self and one’s abilities. Then when it comes to performance time, you give 100 percent to make yourself and your group proud.”

The grade schoolers give it their all, performing 360-degree swirls, weaving through lines of other dancers and stamping out complex rhythms with their booted feet. Everyone stays on beat. No one forgets the pattern. They earn a rousing round of applause.

Their Basalt Library appearance marked the kickoff to Folklórico’s 201516 school year and featured dancers from Ross Montessori, Glenwood Springs Elementary, Crystal River Elementary, St. Stephen’s, the Basalt and Carbondale middle schools, Aspen High and Roaring Fork High, among others. The troupe performs frequently and is an integral part of local Day of the Dead celebrations.

Claire Johnson fondly recalls performing at local festivals and international competitions. She says, "One of my fondest memories was performing in my last end-of-the-year recital, in my senior year of high school. All the years I spent dancing came down to one final show that couldn’t have been more perfect. I beamed with pride for what I had accomplished and with love for the friends who turned into family.”

CONTINUED >

November 2015 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

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ASPEN BALLET (CONTINUED)

Folklórico Director Francisco Nevarez-Burgueño, affectionately called “Paco,” introduces each of dancers at the show's end and gets plenty of hugs. When he introduces Tavia Teitler, currently in her eleventh year and the company’s senior dancer, she’s beaming with the senior-year pride Johnson described. “The thing I enjoy most is to teach our young generations,” says Nevarez-Burgueño.

“To transmit our Mexican heritage, culture, dances and traditions and to see how much they enjoy dancing. I am so happy to see the pride they show in their faces at every single performance.”

Nevarez-Burgueño understands young dancers because he was one. He joined the Compania de Danza Folklórico in Chihuahua, Mexico, at the age of 12. Performing with Leonor Avalos ASFB Folklórico company, photo for another 14 years, he learned a large repertoire of Mexican dances, as well as costume deby Charles Engelbert, courtesy of Aspen-Santa Fe Ballet. Folklórico sign, choreography, lighting and set design. In 1992, he founded the Mexico: Images and Tradidancers often perform in Dia de tions Folklórico Group in New York City, then served artistic director for Princeton University’s los Muertes celebrations.

Ballet Folklórico. He joined ASFB Folklórico in August 2002 and has taken the troupe to present at workshops in New York City, Chicago and Santa Fe. He has participated in conferences in Mexico and will be a guest speaker at an International Folk Festival in Costa Rica this year.

ASFB Folklórico, founded in 1998, offers after-school classes to more than 120 kids scattered from Rifle to Aspen, and about the same number in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The troupe seeks, as their website states, to “teach artistic excellence” and to “transcend cultural barriers through the art of dance.” Judging from the camaraderie among parents and young dancers – who range from dark-eyed darlings chattering away in Spanish to the blue-eyed, blonde Tavia Teitler – the ensemble does those things well. And by drawing dancers from communities as disparate as Rifle and Aspen, it also crosses economic barriers.

Johnson says that’s one of program's key lessons. “Folklórico taught me cultural awareness and accepting those that are different than me. I learned to believe in myself, to push through difficult situations and to be a role model for the little ones. It taught me to appreciate music, cultural history, rhythm, passion and pride for one’s heritage. I owe a lot of who I am today to Folklórico.”

Elementary school kids performing a Parents who enroll their children in Folklórico pay a $25 registration fee and must buy dance from Baha. dance shoes, but Aspen-Santa Fe Ballet provides the instruction, the tuition and the costumes – which are nothing short of spectacular – free of charge. After-school classes meet twice a week at the Red Brick Studio in Basalt, at Third Street Center in Carbondale, at Glenwood Springs Elementary School and in the Annex Gymnasium at Rifle Middle School.

During her time with the troupe, Johnson transitioned from student to teacher, working with Tavia Teitler to instruct kindergartners and beginners. “Teaching was surprisingly difficult,” Johnson says. “I hadn't danced for about two years, so remembering moves to teach the Shanik Zamkids, explaining them properly and keeping the kids focused was a lot harder than I thought brano shows it was going to be. I learned how much energy and patience Paco has to give every stuoff her skirt. dent, during every class period. I enjoyed watching that ‘Eureka!’ moment that happens when you are teaching someone a new move, when they suddenly do it correctly and feel so confident that they continue to perform it because they are so happy that they have it mastered it!

I loved watching those moments with kids as young as five and six years old.”

During Folklórico’s Basalt performance, the ensemble performed dances from Colima, Baha, Sinaloa and Jalisco. Eighth-grader Shanik Zambrano, who has been dancing with the troupe for four years, says she knows about ten regional dances. Her favorites are “a very feminine dance from Vera Cruz” and a dance from Jalisco which she likes “because of the skirts”.

Shanik’s younger sister, second-grader Gianna, joined Folklórico after watching Shanik practice for a year. Gianna says that it’s “not scary” on stage. She likes Folklórico because “it’s fun to dance” and “it’s a good experience to learn about our culture.”

Grown-up Folklórico alumna Claire Johnson sums up the rewards this way: “I think one major life lesson that most kids learn through Folklórico, myself included, is the self-confidence that comes from being a performer. You learn teamwork and social skills as a member of a dance group that practices for hours upon hours each week. The experience can be difficult, but the reward of long lasting relationships and a community of dancers that are like family is amazing!”

Grade school dancers waiting at the Basalt Library door.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

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Photo by CSKK, courtesy of Flickr

Saving Heirloom Seeds for Food Security ARTICLE BRIDGET GREY | PHOTOGRAPHY ILLENE PEVEC

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

I

ndigo blue, ruby red, scarlet, orange, yellow and ivory kernels shine along the sides of the cobs that local food activist Sue Gray donated to the community garden at Roaring Fork High School (RFHS).

Families from the Valley Settlement Project worked in partnership with Fat City Farmers to grow the corn this past summer.

As hardy as it is beautiful, this Painted Mountain corn is specially adapted to high, arid regions. Its historical roots reach back to an iconoclastic and devoutly Christian Montana farmer and to Native Americans who grew multicolored corn for thousands of years.

Their corn persisted through frosts, droughts and famines that would quickly kill off the kinds of corn we see in the supermarket.

Gray explains why she began growing Painted Mountain corn: “I wanted a high-altitude corn that could provide a nutritious staple for the Roaring Fork Valley population, the long-range goal being to help provide food security in the event of a global agricultural crisis. Painted Mountain corn is genetically diverse, making it more adaptable to changing climate conditions than modern hybrid and GMO corn.”

In 2011, Gray bought a couple packets of Painted Mountain corn from Territorial Seed Company, one of several seed catalog companies that offer it. Gray has been saving seed from that batch and growing it each year to adapt it to our Roaring Fork Valley conditions, so she wanted to save that specific strain. “I had nowhere else to grow it this year, so I was fortunate for the opportunity to use the RFHS garden to continue the seed line,” she says. “Corn seeds only remain viable for one to two years, so growing it out every year from last year's seed is vital to continuing the genetic line.”

Gray is one of a small, quiet army of contemporary farmers who are dedicated to saving heirloom seeds. Gray spearheaded and manages an heirloom seed-saving project with the Mount Sopris Historical Society. For the past three years, she has saved seed from the MSHS Heritage Garden, which showcases heirloom varieties that were grown one hundred or more years ago. Some of the seeds used to plant the garden in 2012 came from descendants of Carbondale's pioneer families. The seeds are packaged by volunteers and offered to MSHS donors.

Why are activists so concerned about heirloom seeds? Writer Annie B. Bond, author of five books on green living, warns that “the loss of genetic seed diversity facing us today may lead to a catastrophe far beyond our imagining.” As an example of what can happen, Bond cites the Irish potato famine, which led to the death or displacement of two and a half million people in the 1840s. She writes, “One blight wiped out the

Local growers examine their corn at the RFHS community garden.

Local grower Sue Gray

single potato type that came from deep in the Andes mountains; it did not have the necessary resistance. If the Irish had planted different varieties of potatoes, one type would have most likely resisted the blight.”

Over the past decade, gardeners in search of both ornamental and edible plants have scoured graveyards and ghost towns in search of old-fashioned plants and seeds. Exchanges have sprung up, and seed libraries have been established in many places, including one at the Basalt Library.

Today, more than 300 seed libraries dedicated to saving heirloom plants are housed in public libraries in 46 states. In some places, however, seed libraries have faced legal hurdles. In Pennsylvania, the seed library at the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library in Mechanicsburg was informed that it was in violation of the Pennsylvania Seed Act of 2004.

Sparked by big agricultural companies that are patenting seeds, the European Union has also erected barriers to seed saving and swapping.

In the U.S. and abroad, a struggle is going on between big agriculture and food activists like Gray. The battle has reached the pages of The New Yorker, which in August 2014 published an article critical of India's environmentalist Vandana Shiva called “Seeds of Doubt.” Shiva, who has accused multinational corporations such as Monsanto of attempting to impose “food totalitarianism,” calls the patenting of life “biopiracy” and has waged legal battles against attempted patents of several indigenous plants.

Closer to home, Montana farmer Dave Christensen spent more then 40 years working to save corn originally grown by the Mandan Indian tribe. Modern corn, which descends from eastern varieties, wouldn’t grow where he lived. So Christensen cross-bred western native corns, developing hardy varieties like Painted Mountain corn that would produce food in Montana’s cold, dry, high-elevation conditions.

Christensen has taken his corn to some remote and challenging corners of the globe, including North Korea, which has a climate similar to Montana’s. Korea’s steep hillsides, rocky soils and scarce rainfall ensure that starvation has always remained a threat. Farmers there were able to grow only barley, and only an average of 1,000 pounds per hectare. After Christensen transported 3,000 pounds of Painted Mountain seed corn to them, they were able to increase that yield to 2,600 pounds of grain per hectare.

Christensen’s corn is now growing in Siberia, the Ukraine, the Argentine Andes, New Zealand – and here in the Roaring Fork Valley.

The sweet corn usually planted in the U.S. takes 100 or more days to mature, but Painted Mountain corn takes fewer than 90 days. By late September, when this article was being written, some cobs had already been harvested from the RFHS garden for eating.

“This corn can be eaten fresh off the cob, boiled or roasted,” says Gray.

“Some of the dried kernels will be ground into corn meal or masa, and some will be saved to plant next year. Painted Mountain corn isn't sweet and tender like commercial corn. It is what corn used to taste like before hybrid sweet corns were developed. Most people don't grind their own cornmeal, so right now, it's more of a novelty. But for people who want to grow corn above 5,000 feet, this is a fun and easy crop to grow. The corn cobs are beautiful and can be used for fall decorations if nothing else!”

“My hope is to someday grow enough to distribute to local gardeners so they'll start growing, using and saving the Roaring Fork Valley Painted Mountain corn seed,” adds Gray. “The end goal is to contribute to sustainable local food production.”

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Author Evan Zislis of Carbondale. Photo by RebeccaStumpf.com

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.“ -Nelson Mandela

Local author's book urges readers to "choose love."

ARTICLE EVAN ZISLIS 32

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

L

et us speak plainly. Either we have forgotten or never under stood our place on this planet. For all our posturing and bravado, we are an immature species, indescribably new to the cosmic nature of things. And it shows.

As I write this, my five-year-old daughter examines a fat caterpillar on the steps of our front porch. With autumn’s breeze blowing sandy curls across her spellbound face, she watches a hundred tiny feet exploring the contours of her hand. All at once, I am filled with overwhelming joy – and unsettling fear of what may cross her path. A father’s love for his daughter is an awe-inspiring thing. However misguided, it drives us to summon survival instincts dormant and long forgotten. When I consider what fathers face every day around the world to protect their children from harm, I am utterly disheartened.

We are endlessly bombarded by news of fear, hate, despair, greed, pain, and terror. In spite of how overwhelming the troubles of the world may seem, we must understand that what we do matters – and we must choose love. It is the only thing that will give our children a chance at a better future.

The alternative is a world at war over scarce resources and a perpetual clash between those with power and those without. To watch the evening news, we have already chosen that future. As the global consciousness shifts towards equality and sustainability, there are those who would bully the masses into submission in exchange for power and influence.

But, collectively, we must choose love.

As the world population balloons toward nine billion people over the next three decades, we must choose the virtues of kindness, compassion and generosity over the dangers of fear, hate and greed.

What we do matters, and the ripple effect of our intention has the power to lift us up or tear us apart.

Love starts with an intention to honor the inherent goodness in others. For us to survive the relentless onslaught of fear and hate-mongering, I believe that love must be humanity’s next great revolution.

I am no one special; I am just one man. My sole purpose in life is to protect my child from harm and guide her in a direction of health and happiness. To succeed, I must walk my talk with heart and integrity. Almost five years ago, I took a leap of faith and started my own consulting firm – helping others to simplify, so they can focus on what matters most, and that is: who we love, what we do, how, and why we live…because everything else is just stuff. Primarily working with households and businesses as a professional organizer, I discovered that so much of who we are revolves around what we have. It turns out, those things have become toxic distractions from what matters most.

This year I published my first book, written to help inspire American families to become more aware of their stuff. ClutterFree Revolution: Simplify Your Stuff, Organize Your Life & Save the World is not about tidying up. It’s a tough-love practical guide for becoming conscious consumers committed to understanding the global impact we have when we shop.

It asks us to become more intentional about what we buy, why we buy, where we buy, and from whom. Not only does it encourage a renewed commitment to environmental sustainability, human rights and the op-

portunity to reuse items through second-hand economies – it inspires and instructs, specifically, how to simplify and get organized at home, so that we are more prepared to help solve the world’s problems.

One in five American children live in poverty. Twenty-two United States veterans commit suicide every day. One in five undergraduate girls on American college campuses will be the victim of sexual assault. The United States has only five percent of the world’s population, but over 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. On average, 31 Americans are murdered with guns every day. More than two million children have fled war-torn Syria, among the 11 million others representing the single largest refugee crisis since World War II. Choose a cause and do something – anything to contribute to the global solution.

We must re-prioritize what matters most – and that starts at home.

We must teach tolerance, empathy, compassion, generosity, and collaboration if we are to survive a shrinking planet with more people in it.

In the end, only love will win the day.

EVAN ZISLIS' CLUTTERFREE REVOLUTION

A

uthor Evan Zislis is a strategies consultant and professional organizer and the founder of Intentional Solutions. He works with households, businesses, teachers, and people in life transitions in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.

His bestselling new book, ClutterFree Revolution: Simplify Your Stuff, Organize Your Life & Save the World is a conscious consumer’s guide to living a more meaningful, more purposeful life.

Casey Sheahan, former president and CEO of Patagonia, Inc., calls ClutterFree Revolution a “must read for every household in America.”

Rod Stryker, local bestselling author and American yoga master, advises to “apply its sage-like and practical wisdom.”

In an enthusiastic foreword, Dr. Melva Green, the psychiatrist from the critically acclaimed TV series Hoarders, writes “ClutterFree Revolution does more than demystify the complexity of our stuff. It guides us through an honest conversation about what matters most. Evan shows us how the power of intentional simplicity can transform ourselves and help change the world.”

Closer to home, Denise Latousek, founder and owner of Burn Fitness Studio in Basalt says, “Intentional Solutions is the real deal! Evan is fast, effective and inspiring. I finally have a functional home office, an organized creative arts studio, and a home gym. Evan’s system is easy to understand and easy to apply right now – in any space, with dramatic results after every single session. Worth every penny!

Evan’s practical strategies have transformed my home, my business, and my life. You won’t find comprehensive services this good anywhere. The best investment I’ve made.”

November 2015 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

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Author Geneviève Villamizar and her daughter

The author's dog Zoë.

SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES: THE SPIRITUAL LESSONS OF HUNTING ARTICLE GENEVIÈVE JOËLLE VILLAMIZAR

I

started hunting in the autumn of my 30th year, compelled by conflicting desires.

As a horticulturist enamored of growing my own food, I have pulled trout from lakes, dug and roasted white knuckles of garlic that glazed the lips and fingers of friends through bread and pasta by candlelight.

To have clean meat – born of berries and grass, nuts and leaves – seemed a glimmering goal. It spoke of completed cycles.

But I was intimidated by stereotypes.

I still hold notions of the Coors-swilling, overweight, bearded redneck, ablaze in orange and camo. I sense extreme political and religious views, an ignorant drive for dominance and death. Even now, after 15 years of hunting, the myth lingers. I cling to my side of the chasm between “them” and “me”.

But the friendships I have shared during the hunt say otherwise. They remain rich and meaningful, and I write this to share memories of those who have taught me.

It was my friend Toby who first saw my fire and took me out. As I kicked through the golden October leaves and soil, lighthearted and naïve, he pointed out the twin sweep of tom wings and the “j” curls unique

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

to turkey droppings. He animated the battle between two bucks, their hooves, knees and antlers gouging and striking the ground. Toby made thickets, watering holes and streams come alive with stories of growing up scouting and hunting in the La Plata Mountains near Durango.

Later, I learned that Andrea, a combination honeyed Hawaiian surfer girl and badass Colorado horsewoman, someone I had already met, was an accomplished trainer of hunting dogs – and I needed one. I had opted for my dog Zoë because I dreamed of chasing pheasants and grouse.

Andrea lives with menagerie of cats and dogs, manages 23 horses and raises sheep. She has trained more dog species than I can name and scored 104 percent on her Hunter Safety exam. As we were training Zoë, I would chase her around lakes and wetlands in awe, amazed by the woman I wanted to be. It was she who whipped out her scalpel and helped me to gut my very first solo-hunted buck.

Andrea and her husband Matt now live on a 30-acre spread where they are raising a daughter, Penelope, who will know where her food comes from. From them, I have

earned not only about hunting, but also something of canine connection. And we have agreed that when Zoë’s time comes, he will be buried on their property.

I met Lancey when I was a Division of Wildlife volunteer, cleaning hatchery trout runs once a week. Profanity belied her intelligence; her love of beer challenged my love of Zins and Cabs. The kinship was immediate. We practiced target shooting at the Red Feather Lakes, sharing stories of our dead mothers.

Maxwell provides a counterpoint to the Coors-swilling stereotype. He’s a wine distributor and also a former English professor, pianist and single-track long distance runner. I adore not only his dark humor, but also his deft cooking skills. He will roll his eyes in disgust and spit out a deflective joke if he reads this description of him a “foodie,” but that he is. Thanks to his bird dog, Madrid, a Spanish pointer, a somnolent Disney character with drooping red eyes, I’ve had the pleasure of both pheasant and grouse prepared à la Maxwell.

Some hunters, like Anthony, are driven to connect with all that is earthly, real and sensual. He’s a yoga and ballet instructor, CONTINUED >

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SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES (CONTINUED)

Grouse feathers and currents, the grouse's favorite food

as well as a contractor. Anthony handbuilt a mountain home, installing a Japanese hot tub and converting a satellite dish stand into a solar panel tracker with all the panache of Macgyver. Anthony has grown food in his sunroom; spear-fished and caught lobster off the Cali coast. A few years ago, he began to hunt elk in his backyard at Marble. I ran into him last season when he had had an elk in his sights.

But he only wanted the sight. And he let that one go.

Yes, we want the meat, but often, the spirit of the moment overrides that.

When I make a kill, I know that I’m looking at the same guts, tissue and meat that are inside me. I have a spiritual teacher who has taught me the same lesson, forcing me to examine my own grossness, my smallness in relation to the cycle of life and death, of birth and harvest.

My friend Lancey almost walked away from hunting when a baby elk returned and stood watching as she field-dressed its mother. I have cried alongside the body of every sentient being I have shot, feeling an incredible hypocrisy.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

I don’t hunt female big game any more – carriers of life are they. But young males, well, they’re delicious! (I tell myself I’m furthering the gene pool).

At first, as I quarter an elk or deer, the large, warm expanse of gray and tan hair is a horror. That very first cut as I unzip his belly is both humbling and empowering. Because the immensity of the life I’ve taken overwhelms me, I must honor it and revere the meat I harvest. A soul has moved on through me into its next iteration in the universe.

I have stolen nothing. But I will share this nothing with loved ones and others who have both less and more than I. There is nothing like the feeling of giving savory bits to a loved one. Every hunter shares the backstrap and tenderloins, small cuts on a large beast. To present an elk lasagna or grouse bourguignon is a priceless, rare treat. We do this not so much to brag, but to say, “My beloveds, I honor you. Will you share with me?”

Often, hunters will give friends frozen meat that has “expired.” Well-wrapped wild meat lasts far longer than store-bought. For

people like me, a solo-flyer mommy, it’s not a left-over, but a blessing during dark winter months of less income.

I feel the pull of hunting every fall.

Pregnancy and mothering took me away for a while, but now, my daughter and I wear our Wildlife Goggles every time we drive a county road or engage in a walkabout. As she grows, her questions prompt me to dig deep, deliberating the hows and whys in this cycle of life and death, of birth and harvest.

I originally hunted as a way to break my own mold: bookworm, artist, writer. I wanted not only to break loose, but also to harvest my protein. I wanted to meet my own opposite and to embrace the contrast.

I got way more than that.

While hunting has forced me examine my own double standards, it has also enabled me to find “The Moment” — a time when perspective shifts and life’s irrelevancies fall away. In that time, I become an animal myself. I understand that – as it is with all creatures in this cycle of life and death, of birth and harvest – my priorities truly are food, shelter and water.

RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES OVER $400,000 NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL LIST

SOLD PRICE

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BASALT Aspen Junction Aspen Junction Lazy Diamond A Emma/Sopris Creek Riverside Meadows River Ranch Summit Vista Summit Vista Townsite Basalt Willits

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83% 95% 90% 88% 88% 100% 96% 100% 96% 93%

470 252 91 410 84 55 351 51 116 54

3 4 7 3 4 4 4 2 4 4

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85% 97% 74% 95% 96% 100% 100% 98% 101% 88%

205 111 68 115 41 76 37 121 48 511

4 4 4 4 5 4 4 4 3 3

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(This data is a sampling of sold properties from 8/1/15 to 8/31/15, Source: Aspen Glenwood MLS)

My goal is to keep you informed.

I’m watching your market and here to help!

As your guide to real estate, my monthly statistics offer a glimpse of trends and sales data today to help you make the best real estate decision for you.

Contact me when you’re ready to make your move.

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LOS ADOBES

RIVER VALLEY RANCH

Energy efficient adobe style residence perched above the Roaring Fork Valley. Privacy among the trees with unobstructed views of Sopris. Media room, steam shower, hot tub and many other special features. Deck and patio areas for outdoor living. Convenient mid valley location. $849,000 MLS: 141057

Finished with modern energy efficient touches, designed by Poss Architecture. Comfortable, traditional ambiance. Main level master suite, magnificent Sopris views, adjacent to championship golf.

Wonderful amenities. $1,235,000 MLS: 137809

NANCY EMERSON

Previews Specialist 970.704.3220 nemerson@masonmorse.com

NANCY EMERSON

Previews Specialist 970.704.3220 nemerson@masonmorse.com

CALLICOTTE RANCH

CATTLE CREEK

Just minutes from the valley floor, this newly constructed home has stunning finishes, clean lines and amazing views. The thoughtful, open floor plan provides an elegant kitchen, expansive master suite and envy-inspiring outdoor living. All in one of the mid-valley’s finest neighborhoods. $2,250,000 MLS: 139728

Fall asleep and wake up to the calling of the birds and the year round murmur of our valley’s most kid friendly creek at this private, five-acre sanctuary. Well-constructed four-bedroom home for your family and one bedroom ADU to lease out or have for your guests or caretaker. Come experience it and you won’t want to leave! $850,000 MLS: 139541

ROD & SARAH WOELFLE

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the source for real estate in the roaring fork valley

ARTICLE JERRY L. NEAL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A

lthough hunting has been an integral part of Colorado’s outdoor heritage for centuries, it remains a polarizing topic in today’s social and political climates. For myriad reasons, there will always be those who choose to hunt and those who choose not to hunt. And that’s OK. Whether you are a vegetarian, or someone who can’t imagine getting your meat from anywhere other than your local supermarket, it’s important to understand the critical role hunting plays in wildlife management and the many ways it benefits our state.

1. HUNTING SUPPORTS ALL OF COLORADO’S WILDLIFE SPECIES

It may seem contradictory, but hunters are the primary reason why Colorado is home to such an abundant and diverse wildlife population.

Because the Colorado Parks and Wildlife department does not receive general tax dollars to fund its wildlife management programs, these projects are paid for almost exclusively by sportsmen. Revenue from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses supports all of the state’s wildlife management efforts, including threatened and endangered species programs, wildlife re-introductions and habitat conservation.

Did you know that in the early 1900s, only 40,000 elk remained in all of North America? Today, thanks to conservation programs funded by sportsmen, Colorado’s elk population has boomed to more than 280,000 animals.

Many other species, including lynx, turkey, moose and black-footed ferrets, have benefited from these same contributions. Hunters are truly an economic force for conservation who support all wildlife with open wallets.

2. HUNTING BENEFITS LOCAL AND STATE ECONOMIES

In addition to funding wildlife management programs, hunting (combined with fishing) provides an even bigger economic juggernaut to Colorado’s economy. The facts are truly staggering. Hunting and fishing contribute more than $1.8 billion in economic activity, rivaling the ski industry in total revenue generated.

Hunting and fishing also support more than 21,000 full-time jobs and are the only recreational activities that benefit every county in the state. For many of Colorado’s rural communities, business generated during hunting season is the lifeblood of their economy.

So the next time you see someone wearing hunter orange, think “green” for the money they are contributing to Colorado.

3. HUNTING MANAGES WILDLIFE POPULATIONS

Did you know that recreational hunting is the state-mandated method for managing Colorado’s big-game populations?

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

In fact, Colorado law states: “The state shall utilize hunting, trapping and fishing as the primary methods of effecting necessary wildlife harvests” (Colorado Revised Statutes 33-1-101).

In simple terms, hunters manage elk, deer, moose, sheep and goat populations to ensure that herds do not grow beyond the carrying capacity of the habitat.

Without hunting, animals become overpopulated and are more susceptible to starvation, chronic wasting disease and other health threats.

Additionally, over-abundant deer and elk herds can degrade habitat, causing damage to ecosystems and other wildlife. For big-game species like bear and mountain lion, which have no natural predators in the wild, hunting is the only means of controlling populations. As an added benefit, hunters keep Colorado’s wildlife populations in check without placing additional burdens on taxpayers to fund expensive (and often ineffective) chemical or surgical methods of fertility control.

4. HUNTING IS ETHICAL AND HUMANE

There’s no getting around it: Nature can be harsh and unforgiving for wildlife. In the wild, animals face starvation, succumb to disease and perish in periods of extreme weather. Most of these fates are not particularly kind. If you’ve ever watched a nature documentary and seen an elk or deer brought down by a pack of wolves you know that animal suffered terribly before it became food for the pack.

In contrast, the majority of animals that are dispatched by hunters are done so quickly and humanely. Whether an animal is taken by a rifle, bow or muzzleloader, a hunter’s well-placed shot is far more humane than most of nature’s perils. Hunting remains an ethical form of obtaining food for those who choose to eat meat.

5. HUNTING PROVIDES ORGANIC, LOCALLY GROWN MEAT

The locavore and organic food movements are more popular than ever. As a result, more people are taking to Colorado’s fields and forests to put meat on their tables. Hunting provides an alternative to the grocery store that can provide truly free-range and organic meat for families, instead of their buying livestock raised in commercial feedlots.

The health benefits of game meat are also undeniable. In comparison to lean cuts of pork and beef, game meat has about one-third fewer calories and far less saturated fat. Game birds have about half the fat and calories of commercial poultry. Game animals are also free of hormones, steroids and other chemicals that are often used to promote growth in animals raised on largescale commercial farms.

As part of a broader experience, hunters tend to develop a deeper appreciation for meat and where it comes from than those who purchase food from a supermarket. For a unique perspective, see Tovar Cerulli's book “The Mindful Carnivore: A Vegetarian’s Hunt for Sustenance.” Cerulli shares his unlikely journey from a strict vegan turned deer hunter, and he explores whether vegetarians and hunters can be motivated by similar values and instincts.

6. HUNTING HELPS MANAGE HUMAN/WILDLIFE CONFLICTS

“wild” in wildlife and helps maintain a healthy boundary between wildlife and people.

7. ALL GAME ANIMALS HARVESTED BY HUNTERS ARE CONSUMED

Hunting is often misrepresented solely as a quest for a trophy. Contrary to what you may have seen on some televised “hunting” program or in the news, there is no trophy hunting in Colorado. Under Colorado law, every game species that is harvested by a hunter must also be processed and consumed. The wanton waste of game meat results in stiff penalties and fines. So, whether someone chooses to harvest a cow elk, a large-antlered bull elk or purchases a license to hunt bighorn sheep, moose or a mountain lion, the end result is the same. All edible portions of the animal are eaten or are donated to a local food bank. Although pursuing an elk or deer with exceptionally large antlers may be part of what motivates some hunters (similar to anglers who like catching big fish), it’s an insignificant part of a much broader and meaningful experience. Moreover, Colorado hunting licenses are only allocated for game species that can support hunting.

Like it or not, Colorado’s population is growing rapidly. In most areas of the state, humans and wildlife share the same habitat. Therefore, managing human/wildlife conflicts becomes an even greater challenge for state wildlife agencies. Conflicts tend to be more prevalent in areas where hunting is not permitted.

Animals that are not hunted become habituated to humans, resulting in an increase in unwanted and potentially dangerous encounters. Although most people enjoy viewing wildlife (it’s one of the great things about living in Colorado), it’s important that wild animals maintain an innate fear of humans and stay Author Jerry L. Neal clear of urban environments. Elk, deer, bears and mountain lions that show up in suburban backyards can pose a serious risk to pets and public safety. Hunting keeps the

The author is the editor of Colorado Outdoors magazine, which originally published this article. Jerry Neal is an information specialist for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife department.

November 2015 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

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N

Annie Dodge and her mother, Keehanabah (aka Mary Shirley Begaye-Dodge) near Ganado, Arizona - Navajo - circa 1920

Bill and Nancy Flood Walking in Beauty in Navajo Country

ARTICLE NICOLETTE TOUSSAINT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Navajo women with babies on Awéétsáál, or cradleboards, circa 1960 44

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

ancy Bo Flood smiles over a cup of chai as she shares a favorite memory from the many years that she and her husband, Bill Flood, M.D., spent in the Navajo Nation. “One of my favorite images was walking into the clinic at Inscription House through the waiting room. A mother was there with her little boy, about three or four years old. Next to him, a cradle board was propped up against the wall, and he was reading his little sibling a book while they waited for the doctor.”

“We were warned that as non-natives and outsiders, we might not be welcomed, but the reality was quite the opposite,” adds Bill.

During the 13 years he worked as physician on the reservation, serving as a pediatrician at the Indian Health Services hospital in Chinle, Arizona, they felt welcomed. The Navajo would dress up to see the doctors.

Women would don velvet skirts and jewelry, while the men would wear their best jeans, western shirts and broad-brimmed hats.

“The Navajos were very patient with our social bumbling,” he says. “We had to learn a completely different culture. I arrived not speaking the language and left the same way.

We didn’t even know how to say goodbye properly, but they invited us to their homes, took us for hikes and allowed us to be present during their ceremonies.”

The couple, who have lived in Glenwood Springs since 1974, recently invited this reporter to a coffee shop to share memories of “time on the rez.”

Before moving to the Navajo reservation, the Floods had already lived in Samoa, Saipan, Haiti and Malawi. The couple volunteered to work abroad every third or fourth year because, in Bill’s words, “We wanted to give our kids the experience of giving back.”

They spent 10 years in Saipan – he worked as a doctor, she as a teacher – then came back to Colorado when their kids began to marry and their aging parents needed attention. But medicine had changed.

“We heard that working for the Indian Health Service (IHS) was like being in a different world,” says Nancy.

“And that was for us!” adds Bill.

They intended to stay for one year, and wound up staying for 13. Bill liked that fact that every Native American – almost every-

one on the reservation – was covered by the Indian health system. That meant that he was not dealing with insurance. “You might think that because they aren’t paying for it, the Navajos might take health care for granted,” says Bill. “But you would be in error. I never felt taken for granted. The Navajo appreciated us and the care we were able to deliver.”

Nancy chimes in. “One of the Navajo’s amazingly strong cultural values is called ‘walking in beauty.’ It’s both about compassion and gratitude. And it’s something they practice.”

While Bill was working as a pediatrician – and later designing an electronic records system for the IHS – Nancy taught at the Navajo Diné Community College and worked as a distance education instructor for grad students of Northern Arizona University. There’s admiration in her voice as she says, “I had students who were Head Start teachers who would get up at 4:30 to water the stock. They took care of grandma’s breakfast and fed their own kids. They would drive the bus, pick up Head Start kids from around the reservation, fix breakfast for them, teach them during the school day and get them back home by about 3:30. Then it was time to feed and water the sheep, goats and cows and fix dinner for their own children and families.

After all that, they would come to my class! I would shake my head thinking that I couldn’t do all that, especially with no running water and no electricity!”

“The Navajos have a matriarchal society and women are expected to provide leadership,” she says. “I was inspired by the women in my classes and from the clinic. They were strong. Physically, yes, but also strong in taking care of extended family. They are just strong women.”

Nancy, who was the spark behind inviting a Roaring Fork Lifestyle reporter to “talk story,” turns out to be an accomplished professional storyteller herself. Among the 15 books published under her byline are a number of award-winning children’s books: The Navajo Year, Walk Through Many Seasons was named Arizona Book of the Year and Warriors in the Crossfire, a novel about a young boy’s experience on the island of Saipan during World War II, was chosen Colorado Book of the Year. Her newest book, Cowboy Up, Ride the Navajo Rodeo, has been named a Junior Library Guild Selection. Nancy is “mostly retired” but teaches a writing workshop at Colorado Mountain College when she is not writing books.

Nancy and Bill met in high school, then attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned a Ph.D. in psychology and he was in medical school. At that point, Nancy had already completed an undergraduate degree in psychology in Beloit, Wisconsin, and Bill had a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.

It was probably that engineering degree that got him involved with computerizing electronic health records. “Because of my engineering background, when the IHS first started with electronic records, around 2000, I was asked to help,” he says. “I got more involved as I moved toward retirement. It was a good fit.

Flood says that the project used the Veterans Administration’s system as a starting point.

“The data didn’t quite fit,” he chuckles. “There were few women or children in the VA, and we didn’t need a date of deployment, but we worked from there…” Nancy jumps in and says, “Bill won’t toot his horn, but I will! He was invited to the White House to talk about all this!”

The records system that Bill helped develop has become the model for the nationwide American Indian Health system, and Flood, who works half-time from his Glenwood Springs home, was recently invited to give a presentation about it at a White House conference on the use of technology in medicine.

The invitation came from President Obama.

Bill modestly deflects Nancy’s enthusiasm with a gentle smile.

“The idea was to go and share input and ideas. We were chosen, and it was a compliment.”

“Now, he adds, “it is time to be back in Glenwood Springs.” Nancy agrees, “It feels good to be home.”

Bill Flood, MD Author Nancy Bo Flood

November Lifestyle Calendar

NOVEMBER 1-17

NOVEMBER 14

THANKSGIVING PIE SALE

LET'S JUST DANCE HARVEST BALL

YOUTHENTITY IN CARBONDALE

CARBONDALE OR GLENWOOD

Apple, pumpkin and pecan, oh my! Bring home delicious pies handmade by Pastry Chef Kelly Yepello and YouthEntity's YouthChefs baking and pastry arts students. Orders taken until midnight November 17. Pies available for pickup on November 25, 3 to 6 p.m. Order at YouthEntity.org.

Let’s Just Dance is sponsoring an evening of western dancing, think Texas Two Step. No partner is needed to come enjoy the Caleb Dean Band, non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks. For more information, call Bill at 970.366.6463 or Sherry at 970.948.5505.

NOVEMBER 1

NOVEMBER 19 BASALT & CARBONDALE CHAMBERS OF

LA CATRINA STRING QUARTET

NOVEMBER 6

BASALT REGIONAL LIBRARY

DANCE CONCERT/VACUUM CLEANER CHOIR

EAGLE CREST NURSERY

The faculty quartet in residence at New Mexico State University promotes Mexican and Latin-American music worldwide and performs the masterworks of the string quartet repertoire. The 2012 Latin Classical Grammy Award winners, La Catrina performs November 1 at 4:30 p.m. and November 2 at 5:30 p.m. in Basalt. Free.

LAUNCHPAD, CARBONDALE

Kick off the holidays at the annual joint Business After Hours (BAH) event co-hosted by Eagle Crest Nursery, Names & Numbers, Bank of Colorado. Includes festive foods and refreshments, the “prize wheel” spinning out gifts, holiday shopping specials and good times. RSVP to info@BasaltChamber.com.

BasaltChamber.org and Carbondale.com

NOVEMBER 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Multimedia performance, choreographed

by Alya Howe, explores why we clean, what we want to clean and what tools we choose to do the job. Dancers include Emily Fifer, Cindy Gottlob, Sean Ericson. Choir features Deborah Colley, Kirsten Frantzich, Collette Newell, Michelle Greenfield and Meagan Londy Shapiro. Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday 6 p.m. LaunchpadCarbondale.com.

CARBONDALE MINDFULNESS GROUP

NOVEMBER 7

THIRD STREET CENTER

TASTE OF BASALT

A group meditation followed by mindfulness practices each Monday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Manage stress, improve attention and acquire emotional and mental balance, as well as cultivating peace and well-being.

Anyone is welcome regardless of experience. No registration, $10 suggested donation. Hosted by the Mindful Life Program.

MindfulLifeProgram.org or 970.633.0163

ROARING FORK CLUB

NOVEMBER 6

The midvalley's premier autumn event, the 20th annual event benefits the Basalt Education Foundation, features food samples from area restaurants, wine tasting, dancing to DJ Mayfly, and a silent auction and raffle.

Tickets are $100 each; purchase online at TasteOfBasalt.com. Guests must be 21 or over.

NOVEMBER 13 WINTERFEST OPENING

CLUTTERFREE REVOLUTION LAUNCH

GLENWOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS

MARBLE DISTILLERY, CARBONDALE

The Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts partners with the Glenwood Springs Chamber Association to offer a Business After-Hours event and opens WinterFest, an arts, crafts and goods show. Look for great gift ideas such as handmade jewelry, pottery, sculpture, paintings and more from 40+ local artists. Details at GlenwoodArts.org.

Carbondale local Evan Zislis recently launched his bestselling new book, ClutterFreee Revolution: Simplify Your Stuff Organize Your Life & Save the Word. Public is invited to a 6 p.m. launch party; autographed copies available.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

COMMERCE HOLIDAY BAH

NOVEMBER 20 DECK THE WALLS OPENING EVENT LAUNCHPAD, CARBONDALE

For the holidays, Carbondale Council for Arts & Humanities transforms the R2 Gallery into a shop filled with local and regional artisanal goods through Dec. 24.

NOVEMBER 28 HOTEL COLORADO HOLIDAY LIGHTING HOTEL COLORADO

The hotel's free, annual lighting ceremony features more than one million lights and brings the historic hotel to life. Live entertainment, St. Nick, a holiday fine art, craft and gift show. For more details visit HotelColorado.com.

NOVEMBER 28 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE WITH SANTA EAGLE CREST NURSERY

Eagle Crest Nursery hosts Santa at an opening party for its Holiday Open House on November 28.

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business directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE

Alpine Animal Hospital (970) 963-2371 alpinehospital.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ORGANIZATIONS

High Tails Dog and Cat Outfitters, LLC (970) 947-0014 hightailsco-op.com

Glenwood Chamber of Commerce (970) 045-6589 glenwoodchamber.com

R.J. Paddywacks (970) 963-1700 rjpaddywacks.com

ReStore - Habitat for Humanity (970) 945-7733 habitatroaringfork.org

Willits Veterinary Hospital (970) 510-5436 willitsvet.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Jack B. Hilty (970) 945-1185 hiltyortho.com

AUTOMOTIVE

Murray Dental Group (970) 945-5112 murraydentaldg.com

Sculpture By Dahl (970) 987-0350

Audi Glenwood Springs (970) 384-5330 audiglenwoodsprings.com

Glenwood Vaudeville Revue (970) 945-9699 gvrshow.com

Berthod Motors GMC - Buick (970) 945-7466 BerthodGMC.com Jim’s Automotive Service (970) 945-6666 jimautomotive.com

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Bellini’s Fashion (970) 945-9448 bellinisfashionandbeauty.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Bay Equity Home Loans (970) 309-2911 bayequityhomeloans.com/glenwood-springs

Mountain Chevrolet (970) 928-9777 mtnchevy.com

B & H General Contractors (970) 945-0102 bandhgeneralcontractors.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Burkholder Homes, Inc (970) 948-7044 burkholderhomesinc.com/

Burn Fitness Studio (970) 379-7403 burnfitnessstudio.com Crystal River Spas (970) 963-2100

Hot Springs Pool & Spa (970) 945-6571 hotspringspool.com Midland Fitness (970) 945-4440 midland-fitness.com

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

Berthod Motors Equipment Division (970) 945-7466 Berthodmotors.com

Cornerstone Home Lending (970) 945-2011 donaldziegler.com

True Nature Healing Arts (970) 963-9900 truenatureheals.com Weight Management of the Rockies (970) 945-2324 wmrockies.hmrdiet.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS 3 G Construction (970) 984-7046

Ace Roofing & Sheetmetal (970) 945-5366 aceroof.co

Janckila Construction (970) 927-6714 janckilaconstruction.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS CAPCO Tile & Stone (970) 963-7320 capcotile.com

Chamberlains Closets & Cupboards (970) 945-1209 Down Valley Design Center (970) 625-1589 Gotcha Covered Roaring Fork (970) 945-4010 Gotchacovered.com

HOME SERVICES Apex Security (970) 945-2152 apexsecurity.com

Tom Roach Hardwood Floors (970) 274-0944 tomroachfloors.com

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

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Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays.

Tom’s Carpet Care & Restoration (970) 379-4142 tomscarpetcare.net/

LEGAL SERVICES

The Noone Law Firm PC (970) 945-4500 noonelaw.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES Win Health Institute (970) 279-4099 winhealthinstitute.com

OTHER

Aspen Glen Club (970) 704-1905 aspen-glen.com Colorado Pool & Spa Scapes (970) 945-8775 coloradopoolscapes.net JBC Agricultural Management (970) 319-8962 crystalrivergrassfedmeats.com

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Photo Contest - House Ad (970) 618-8981 Spring Creek Land & Waterscapes (970) 963-9195 springcreeklandandwaterscapes.com The Fireplace Company (970) 963-3598 thefpco.com The Glass Guru (970) 456-6832 theglassguruofglenwoodsprings.com The Hotel Denver (970) 945-6565 thehoteldenver.com

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PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate (970) 963-3300 masonmorse.com Re/Max Mountain West (970) 963-1940 coloradohomesranches.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS Bethel Party Rentals (970) 947-9700 bethelpartyrentals.com

Framing Expressions (970) 230-9193 framingexpressions.com

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49

Parting Thoughts

Giving Thanks Throughout the Season WORDS JESSICA YORK

T

hanksgiving can be a difficult holiday. Not all family gatherings are harmonious. There might be pressure to prepare “the perfect meal” just like a parent used to make. Then there is that business with Europeans spreading their empire and claiming new lands – even though those lands were already inhabited – that should cause us to pause in our celebration. Despite all that, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

My African-American culture never played up the historical part.

Thanksgiving was a time for family to be together to express our gratitude for our blessings. As a child growing up in the projects of Birmingham, in a household headed by a single mom who worked six days a week as a cook in a nursing home, you might think I didn’t have much to be thankful for.

You would be wrong.

I loved my life. I was always aware that there were families worse off than mine. I was never hungry or without shelter. I had a loving family and great friends. I got good grades. I was grateful.

Sometimes having only a little makes you more grateful for what you have.

In 2005, spent several days in Honduras with Heifer International. Our accommodations were simple, but still better than most homes in the area. Our host prepared us local dishes, always served with bottled water to prevent dysentery, all fruits and vegetables washed and peeled. No one wanted to get sick and spoil the trip.

We visited sites of local projects. One stop was abuzz with a great deal of activity, people chattering away and coming in and out of rooms behind us while we talked with village leaders. After the talk, an elderly

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | November 2015

woman spoke to the interpreter, who turned to us, with mock distress, saying, “Oh my! They’ve killed and cooked a Heifer chicken for us!”

We were ushered into a room where a long table had been set, with over a dozen mismatched chairs, plates, silverware and handmade lace tablecloths. Dishes of wedged cucumbers and tomatoes, beans, and stewed chicken awaited us. Beside each plate were tall glasses of water, also mismatched. It was beautiful. For a moment, I could not move, I was so humbled.

The spell was broken when one trip participant leaned over and whispered to the group, "Can we eat that? Raw vegetables? And we don’t know where that water came from!” Another participant and I exchanged glances, pulled out chairs and sat down for the meal.

I admit: I have never had dysentery. It is probably awful and I know it can have serious complications if untreated. But what could be worse than refusing such spontaneous generosity from people who had so much less material wealth than we had?

Sometimes having only a little makes you more grateful for what you have.

On this Thanksgiving Day, I hope you will have something to be grateful for. Even more, I hope you are able to carry the feeling of gratitude with you throughout the season and the year.

Jessica York serves the Unitarian Universalist Association as director of the Faith Development, Office of the Ministries and Faith Development.

Shop with us to BUY, BUILD and SAVE GREEN. When you buy high-quality, gently-used building materials and furniture at one of our three ReStores, you’ll not only save money and help make the world a lot greener—you’ll give area families in need a hand up.

It’s a win-win for everyone involved. For hours, addresses or to schedule a FREE pick-up, please visit HabitatRoaringFork.org or call 945-7733.

Member FDIC

Proud Partner of Habitat for Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley

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