Roaring Fork June 2016

Roaring Fork JUNE 2016

RoaringForkLifestyle.com

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GO

OUTSIDE AND PLAY!

STRAWBERRY DAYS FOREVER TRAILS TO EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO GO RODEO TIME: GET YOUR COWBOY GETUP AND GO!

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

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June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

3

Lifestyle Letter

Uniting Vocation and Avocation in One Sight

"W

hat's it going to be?"

"What are you working on?"

My neighbors were dying to know why my driveway was piled high with river rocks ranging in size from cantaloupes to watermelons. What was I building?

They probably have considered me a little eccentric ever since I moved in. Right off, I dashed outside to attack my spruce tree with a reciprocating saw I had inherited from my stepfather. The tree's lower limbs were so thick they blocked the sidewalk. Soon, my neighbors and their dogs could pass by without detouring into the street.

Each spring, as soon as the weather warms, the outdoors sings a siren song that makes it almost impossible for me to concentrate on my writing, which is done on a lovely Mac and gorgeous 24-inch Apple Cinema display. Those are probably the tools I use most.

But I also love what writer Genevieve Villamizar calls "Man Tools". I'm the proud owner of both a cordless electric drill and a tool belt, both gifts from my husband. When warm weather calls to me, it says just what our moms used to tell us: "For heaven's sake, go outside and play!"

So there I was, mixing concrete with a favorite tool—a combination weed digger and garden knife—that's perfect for both mixing and spreading. What I built was a passive fountain, one that catches runoff from a newly-installed gutter that will prevent icicle stalagmites from barricading the car into the garage next winter. In the summer, the gutter will sluice rainfall runoff into my fountain where it will provide a drinking pool for birds and bees.

My neighbors asked what I was "working on" because it looked like labor. But for me, garden work is a joy—a joy akin to what the Forest Conservancy volunteers must feel when they're out "working" on the trails, or what Steve Wells feels when he's sweating through a good workout. You can read about both of those labors in these pages.

In his poem Two Tramps in Mud Time, Robert Frost wrote: My object in living is to unite My avocation and my vocation As my two eyes make one in sight.

May your all summer pursuits feel like labors of love, whether the sun calls you outdoors to work on projects, or just to "play." Playing is a kind of work too. As Seth Brown reminds us in his Parting Thoughts, it's the work of being mindful and present so that we don't miss the miracle of being alive in this beautiful place we call the Roaring Fork Valley.

Nicolette Toussaint, Editor

JOIN US

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

publisher

Rick French | RFrench@LifestylePubs.com editor

Nicolette Toussaint | NToussaint@LifestylePubs.com copy editor

Mason Ingram contributing writers

Angie Anderson, Seth Brown, Bridget Grey, Diana Lambdin Meyer, Andrea Palm-Porter, Nicolette Toussaint, Geneviève Joëlle Villamizar, Steve Wells contributing photographers

Ann Althouse, Bill Klyn, Rhonda Mock, Aaron Rogers, Nicolette Toussaint

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

| Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore

| Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Megan Seymour

LAYOUT DESIGNER DESIGN SPECIALIST

| Nicolette Martin | Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

by Community ™

RoaringForkLifestyle.com

4

JUNE 2016

TALK TO US

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.

The people working on your mortgage

W RO

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SOURC

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When did somewhere else start to matter more than here at home?

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June 2016

26

26 The Volunteer Rangers of the

Forest Conservancy

Departments 8

Publisher’s Letter

10

Good Times

14

Around Town

20

Local’s Choice

22

Animal Kingdom

24

Hometown Hero

40

Road Trip

42

Healthy Lifestyle

44

Lifestyle Calendar

50

Parting Thoughts

Helping Hands for the White River National Forest

32 Greatest Trails of the Roaring Fork Valley

Where to Hike, Bike, Ride and Glide

34 The Mystique of Beloved Tools

The Thingamabobs that Connect and Level Us

24

32 Lifestyle Publications

Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Missouri | Montana North Carolina | Ohio | Oklahoma | Tennessee | Texas | Utah

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Summer

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Publisher’s Letter

Neighbors Helping Neighbors I

'm breaking away from my traditional publisher’s letter to tell a story, and to ask readers to help us to lend a helping hand to some neighbors.

A tragic event happened the other day in Glenwood Springs. It kept me thinking well after I went to bed, and it’s still on my mind.

From the front window of my office, I watched a home become totally engulfed in flames. I will not mislead you. It was mesmerizing. You cannot look away from flames swallowing a home. But my fascination quickly turned to concern as I thought about the poor folks who were watching their home burn to the ground.

I could not help but wonder if the residents were safe. I later learned that two people who were living there were actually at home at the time of the fire. Five other residents were gone at the time. Our local Glenwood Springs Post Independent newspaper reported that neither the residents nor our brave first responders from Glenwood Springs and from neighboring communities suffered any injuries.

As you would expect, the second line of responders was our local chapter of the Red Cross. They quickly stepped in to offer shelter and food to the victims. Even though that is only a temporary act of kindness,

it is a service we can give thanks for. Red Cross is there in communities across the country when disasters of all kinds strike.

But the question that continues to gnaw away at me is: What are these people going to do now? They have lost everything. That morning, their lives were normal. A matter of hours or maybe even minutes later, their lives were destroyed as they knew it. Everything turned to ashes: clothing, furniture, keepsakes, photos of their family and friends. All gone. Recovery must seem almost impossible.

We read or hear about such tragedies daily in the news. The next day, the news cycle moves on to new tragedies. It’s rare to ever learn what has become of those poor people two or three months later.

I am not sure what can be done. Or maybe something is being done and I just don’t know about it. I do know that this valley cares about its people.

We would like to publicize any longer-term efforts to help the fire victims in the pages of this magazine, so if you know about efforts to help them, please write to me at rfrench@lifestylepubs.com.

Rick French, Publisher

TLF !

THINK LOCAL F I RST CHECK OUT THE

BUSINESS

DIRECTORY!

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

WHEN YOU SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESSES IN ROARING FORK

LIFESTYLE, YOU GET TO: Shop Businesses Conveniently Located Near You Enjoy Special Offers Only Available to Our Readers Support Our Local Economy

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We also carry a large selection of Socks, Handbags, and Shoe Care products

Spring Footwear arriving weekly SEE YOU SOON!

June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

9

Good Times

Art Walk Rocks in Carbondale

On May 5, Carbondale opened the Colorado Creative Industries summit with an Art Walk that rocked the whole town. From drumming in the park to dancing in the street, from galleries to potters, artists and sculptors workshops, both local and hundreds of visitors had a great time.

Showing off Carbondale's new creative district signage.

The mini burning man prior to the flames.

Roaring Fork Valley Co-Op Contractors -Builders-Landscapers We’ve got what you need for your next job!

Oscillating Tool Blades - Jigsaw Blades - Rebar and Accessories Grout- Concrete Block- Ramset - Rooong Nails to Anchor Bolts

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If we don’t have it we’ll get it!

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

Twenty-first Century Diagnostics Close to Home The NewTom Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scanner will give you and your veterinarian powerful information regarding a variety of conditions which may be affecting your pet.

Each Boarded Radiologist reviewed study takes just 18 seconds to produce. Ask your veterinarian if your pet can benefit from the Advanced Computed Tomography technology now available from Willits Veterinary Hospital.

Effective diagnosis is a powerful tool.

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We Have Your Favorite Programs: BODYPUMP, BootyBarre, TRX Suspension Training, MOi Cycle, HIIT, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga & More!

Walk to Whole Foods, restaurants, wellness ctr.

Gas fireplace & stove, W/D, stainless steel appliances. Storage room for your gear & parking in underground garage.

Workout room & elevator in building.

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We Offer Over 45 Group Fitness Classes Each Week, Including Early Mornings, Evenings and Weekends.

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970-948-8722 createorsink@yahoo.com June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

11

Good Times

Gala Raises Funds for Blue Lake Preschool

Teachers, parents and community leaders recently gathered for the annual "Date Through the Year" fundraiser for Blue Lake Preschool. The evening consisted of amazing food, great drinks, dancing, a silent auction, and a celebration of young kids in our valley. PHOTOS BY AARON ROGERS.

Basalt Middle School teachers Melissa Goodman, Little Blue teacher Laura Jolgren and preschool Tiffany Robinson and Karen Hillebrand and Neil Basalt Elementary Assistant Principal Marisol parent Lynn Merriam.

McComb pose in the Aspen Photo Booth.

Henriquez and Enrique.

Blue Lake parents Stacey and George Kelly, Ana Preschool parent Aaron Hoover and Neil McComb. and Tommy Mineo and Lolly Kelly.

Blue Lake teacher Judy Musser and Karla Torinus.

My Dad always told me, ‘All we need to do is provide a service to the community in which we live and work. If our service is needed and embraced by this community, the profits will take care of themselves.’ - John Lindsey

2602 South Glen Ave. | Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 | (970) 945-5345

BIG JOHN’S MISSION STATEMENT: This is the philosophy that drives us everyday: Provide the community with the best quality and selection of hardware at a fair price, and to provide the best quality of customer service available in the valley.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

Spring is the time for plans and projects!

Let Aspen Grove Property Services help you enhance your outdoor space.

F U L L S E R V I C E L A N D S C A P E D E S I G N , I N S TA L L A N D M A I N T E N A N C E

goal

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June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

13

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

GLENWOOD DOWNTOWN MARKET OPENING JUNE 7

COWBOY CORRAL SINGING LOCALLY IN JUNE The Cowboy Corral, a local Westernthemed choir, will be singing old-time cowboy songs at multiple venues over the summer. The 11-member local group shares the history of the cowboy era, tells stories of cattle drives and even throw in some mighty fine cowboy

Glenwood's Downtown Market begins its twelfth season on

poetry from time to time. The group’s

Tuesday, June 7 with local songwriter and musician Frank Martin per-

members and their personas are: Trail

forming that evening. His performance begins at 5:30 p.m.

Boss, aka Kate Friesen; Hollybelle, aka

The Glenwood Downtown Market, located at 9th and Grand

Holly Richardson, the music direc-

Avenue in Centennial Park, includes thirty to forty vendors: Z's

tor; Hattie Lou, aka Hattie Branson; Donna Sue, aka Donna Dale;

Orchard and Early Morning Orchards provide farm fresh produce

Sassafrass, aka Natasha Seedorf; Deputy Lassoo Loo, aka Deputy

each week. Colorado Mountain Honey offers locally harvested honey.

Loo, aka Shelly Merriam; Shellbelle, aka Shelly Franklin; Barbewire,

Artists, soap makers and many more crafts people and growers fill

aka Barbe Chambliss; Wildcat, aka Brian Colley; Big Dave, aka David

the street and park. Hot food vendors provide healthy options; local

Franklin and Pecos Pete, aka Peter Westcott.

musicians perform and cooking demos are given by area chefs and cookbook authors.

The market accepts credit cards, debit cards and WIC vouchers and doubles the value for Ebt SNAP benefits. The volunteer-organized market will continue every Tuesday from 4 p.m. until dusk through September 13, opening at 4 p.m. For more information, email glenwoodmarket@gmail.com.

WILD WEST RODEO OPENS The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo begins June 2 and Rodeo Royalty will be on hand for the opening festivities. Queen Shannon Weeks is a graphic design student at the Spring Valley Campus of Colorado

The Cowboy Corral will offer a free performance on June 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carbondale Library/]. They also perform at 7 p.m on June 11 at the Silt Historical Park, where a donation is requested.

RIDE FOR THE CHILD ON JUNE 25TH The Sopris Century Ride for the Child, a fundraiser for CASA of the Ninth, rolls out on Saturday, June 25th offering endless miles of paved, gently rolling, scenic country roads with spectacular mountain and riverfront views.

The Ride for the Child

Mountain College. Princesses

now hosts four different

Shannon Pitout and Laiken Groom

distance courses: 100-

are locals from Glenwood Springs

mile, 60-mile, 31-mile

and Carbondale, respectively. They

and a 12-mile family/fun

will be joined by Queen Attendants

course, starting and ending at Sopris Park in Carbondale. Riders’ entry

Anna Lassiter and Hannah Cole.

fee will support the critically important cause of CASA of the Ninth,

This year, the Carbondale

which provides well-trained, court-appointed volunteer advocates

Wild West Rodeo will be held

to support abused and neglected children in Colorado’s 9th Judicial

every Thursday night from June

District. Visit CASA online to learn more and to register for the Ride

2nd through August 18th, rain or

for the Child: SoprisCentury.com

shine. It features 13 great rodeo events ranging from a children’s calf scramble and mutton bustin'

RIDE THE ROCKIES BIKE EVENT STARTS JUNE 12

to macho bull riding and the popular ranch bronc riding and cowhide

Bike race enthusiasts can view the Ride the Rockies bicycle tour

race. Slack events begin at 6 p.m. and the main performance at 7:30

from several local vantage points this year. The Ride will begin in

p.m. Advance tickets are available at the Roaring Fork Valley Coop.

Carbondale, roll through Aspen and then continue on to Copper

Purchase a book of 6 for $50, a savings of $2.00 off the gate price of

Mountain, Grand Lake and Estes Park, finishing in Fort Collins on

$10. The rodeo takes place at the Gus Darien Riding Arena on County

June 17. On June 11, a 47-mile preview ride will run through Aspen,

Road 100 (Catherine Store Road) just outside Carbondale.

Snowmass and Woody Creek before going on to the Watson Divide.

CONTINUED >

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY. WE’VE GOT ROOM.

Summer in the Valley means fun for everyone at the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool. Our waterslides are open all summer!

HotSpringsPool.com

glenwood springs, colorado reservations 800-537-7946 (swim) lodge 970-945-6571 spa 970-947-3331

JUNE 25, 2016

SOPRIS CENTURY RIDE FOR THE CHILD 4 DISTANCE OPTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY/FUN COURSE! (100 MI, 60 MI, 31 MI, 12 MI) Ride through the spectacular scenery of the Roaring Fork Valley for a great cause! Ride starts & ends at Sopris Park, Carbondale, CO. Proceeds benefit CASA of the Ninth!

Visit us online to learn more and to register at:

www.sopriscentury.com

Our Sponsors: Tito Liotta M.D. Glenwood Orthopaedic Center

June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

15

Around Town

d Tom Roach Har wood Floors A Reputation You Can Stand On

tomroachfloors.com

970-379-4959

Sales

I nstallation

(CON TI N UED)

Thousands of cyclists join this tour, which is sponsored by the Denver Post. Bicyclists traverse 403 lung-bursting miles, covering nearly 30,000 vertical feet over famed passes and scenic roadways.

On day one, the riders will trek 50 miles from Carbondale to Aspen along the Rio Grande Trail, climbing 4,253 feet. From there, they will climb Independence Pass and then Fremont Pass, tackling the most elevation gain of any single day in the race.

REGISTER FOR JULY 4TH FIRECRACKER 4K RUN The third annual Firecracker 4K run, sponsored by Lion’s Club, will trek along the beautiful Rio Grande trail on Independence Day with all the money raised going to providing eyesight care for those less fortunate. The run will start at 7 a.m. at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. The race is open to runners of all ages, who will be broken

SUMMER SIZZLE!

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Owner operated and serving the Roaring Fork Valley since 1993 Complete Dust-less Refinishing & New Installations Hardwoods, Engineered Wood, Laminates

into nine age groups. Participants may register at 7 a.m. the day of the race, or sign up early by contacting Darryll Stanley at 970.618.0596 or ddstanley2@msn.com.

SKICO AWARDS LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS Aspen Skiing Company (SkiCo) and its employees’ environment foundation awarded the Basalt-based Roaring Fork Conservancy $50,000 in grants to jumpstart Basalt’s stalled plan to build a river center near downtown. In a news statement, Roaring Fork Conservancy Executive Director Rick Lofaro said, “Planting roots at Old Pond Park

Certified Organic

Colorado’s Four Season Family Farm Since 1992

allows the Conservancy to promote its work in a public setting while providing a space to analyze river health and allow visitors to experience wetlands through an on-site living lab just outside of our doors.

The River Center is not just a building; it is an innovative concept to demonstrate, experience and share the actions and interactions necessary to protect these exceptional rivers and our watershed.”

SkiCo also gave $10,000 to the White River National Forest to fund four wilderness ranger interns for the summer of 2016. SkiCo donated $5,000 to Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers’ trail and restoration projects while giving another $3,404 to the Colorado Outward Bound School for its Marble Basecamp.

Grower’s of Fine Organic Culinary Herbs & Tomatoes

Available locally at Whole Foods Market Basalt, Carbondale Food Coop, Roxy’s Market, Clark’s Market, Vitamin Cottage and our farm store.

CARBONDALE FOOD CO-OP CHANGES NAME At a meeting in April, member-owners of the Carbondale Community Food Co-op voted to change the name of the natural and local foods store to “Dandelion Market.” Decision-making is democratic in cooperatives, so all fully vested member-owners were eligible to vote on the rebranding effort, which passed overwhelmingly.

Changes have already taken place around the store; a reorganization and remerchandising project took place in late March.

On May 1, a sign with

the

co-op’s

new logo and name 36730 River Frontage Road New Castle, CO www.osagegardens.com | 970.876.5445

16

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

CONTINUED >

The NooNe Law Firm reaL esTaTe

•

waTer righTs

•

BusiNess

www.noonelaw.com

The Tamarack Building 1001 Grand Av. Glenwood springs, Colorado 81601

970 945-4500 Fax 970 945-5570 rnoone@noonelaw.com

Since 1982

Are you ready to create your life, living, and body? Is now the time?

Not your regular spa massage. We’re the home of dynamic massage therapy and transformational coaching using tools to create change.

Janelle Forbes, owner of Cardiff Therapy, LLC, is a native of the Roaring Fork Valley and has been working with bodies for over a decade. She uses her extensive experience with medical massage, soft tissue techniques and transformational coaching to actualize lasting ease and change. If you’re seeking a dynamic change and a totally different way of working with the body, you’re invited to schedule an appointment today. What if there is another possibility available?

“

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Thorough, intuitive and effective. I always feel like I got many hours of work in one session. -Aarin

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DOWN VALLEY DESIGN serving C A B I N E T S

|

C O U N T E R T O P S

|

the valley since 1983

F L O O R I N G

2 1 3 6 A I R P O R T R OA D | R I F L E , CO | D OW N VA L L E Y D E S I G N .CO M | 970 - 6 2 5 -1 5 8 9

|

W I N D O W

C O V E R I N G S

Salina, Kansas

June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

17

Around Town

JUNE IS FOR...

Planting! Everything including tender annuals and vegetables, herbs, perennials, trees and shrubs. Get out and plant something Roaring Fork Valley!

And Getting Inspired by a Visit to Eagle Crest!

P Garden Supplies P Annual & Perennial Flowers P Vegetable Plants & Seeds P Trees and Shrubs

We assist you in creating the garden of your dreams.

Eagle Crest Nursery...the Gardener’s choice.

400 Gillespie Drive El Jebel, Colorado 81623 970-963-1173 EagleCrestNursery.com

(CON TI N UED)

went up above the store’s entrance. “While some people think of the dandelion as a weed, we in Carbondale know it's a resilient, nutritious flower—and Carbondale’s town flower to boot,” said Emily Steers, chair of the co-op’s board. “We think it's a perfect name for our community food cooperative.”

Dandelion Market is located at 559 Main Street and is open seven days a week. Everyone is welcome, but member-owners receive discounts and other benefits. Visit CarbondaleCommunityFoodCoop.org or call 970.963.1375 for membership information.

STUDENTS RECEIVE ORDER OF THE DANDELION During Dandelion Day in May, the 2016 Order of the Dandelion was awarded to the Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) Energy Club for the promotion, planning and execution of the RFHS solar array. The 385-kilowatt 1,242 solar panel array went online in late January 2016. It will provide all of the high school’s annual electric needs as well as feed electricity into Xcel Energy’s grid. The array is expected to produce nearly 613,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, which is the amount of electricity used in a year by 85 homes.

The first order of the Dandelion award was given in 2011. It recognized John Philip, aka Doc Dandelion, for citizen activism that resulted in ridding the schools and parks of toxic herbicide, and to former Carbondale Mayor Randy Vanderhurst for his proclamation naming the dandelion as the Official Flower of the Town of Carbondale.

HOUSING ISSUES FORCE TWO LOCAL MAYORS TO RESIGN Both New Castle and Carbondale have recently due lost their mayors due to local housing pressures. The civic rules of both towns require that mayors live within the town limits.

In April, New Castle Mayor Bob Gordon resigned due to his impending relocation to Battlement Mesa. Gordon said that he recently sold his New Castle home and had been planning to build a new one before discovering an appropriate retirement home in Battlement Mesa. Gordon took over as mayor in 2014 when New Castle’s municipal election was canceled because of a lack of candidates.

Carbondale Mayor Stacey Bernot resigned after her family received a housing opportunity in Redstone. Bernot was elected in 2014 to her second term as Carbondale mayor. Bernot, who is a fifth-generation Bonedalian, recently told Randy Essex, editor of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, that native Carbondale families are “an endangered species” because of rising housing costs. Bernot said that she wasn’t sure that her children could afford to live in the town if they wanted to.

18

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

17776 Hwy 82 970-963-2371 Carbondale, CO 81623 alpinehospital.com

Healthy Pets Preventative Healthcare for the Newest Member of Your Family.

Feel assured that you are addressing all of your little one’s health care needs in the first year of life. Alpine offers an affordable bundled plan with a predictable schedule and payment plan.

Let us keep you on track with your little ones health care needs and provide you with consistency of care. Puppies and kittens receive 20% off their first year of primary care.

Call us at 963.2371 or visit our website at alpinehospital.com to learn more and to SIGN UP.

Interiors

NETWORK

Hardwood | Tile | Doors | Carpet | Fireplaces | Cabinets | LVT/LVP | Stone | Blinds | Counter tops : Granite and Quar tz

Come see the biggest showroom on the western slope featuring over 500 hardwood samples.

Featuring DuChateau Old Dutch 7 1/2” Oak (pictured) for $7.25 per sq. ft. (order before June 30th).

BSL 3/4” Solid Hardwood Maple from Canada pre-finished starting @ $5.00 per sq. ft.

(970) 984-9100 | 3768 Hwy 82 Suite 101, Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601 June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

19

Local’s Choice

COWBOY UP AT THE CO-OP!

GETTING GEARED UP FOR RODEO SEASON ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLETTE TOUSSAINT

S

ummer rodeo season opens June 2, and there's no better excuse to wear rhinestones, beads and Western bling! And there's no better place to round them up than at the newly remodeled Roaring Fork Co-Op. Having just celebrated its grand opening in mid-May, the Co-Op is flush with goodies.

Local cowgirl and writer Anita Witt and Candace Blanc, the Co-Op's Western wear queen, and Co-Op tack manager Cody Griebel recently helped Roaring Fork Lifestyle cut a few choice rodeothemed items out of the herd for your viewing pleasure.

So come on over, get geared up and get out to the rodeo. It's happening every Thursday night all summer long. Each week, you'll enjoy 13 great rodeo events ranging from a children’s calf scramble and mutton busting to macho bull riding and bronco busting.

Advance rodeo tickets are $10 each or $50 for a book of six, available in advance from your neighbors at the Roaring Fork Co-Op.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

COMMERCIAL SHOP SPACE - RETAIL OR OFFICE SPACE You can pick your configuration, one or two story units, 12’ overhead doors, end units, upstairs office suites with incredible views of the valley and Mt. Sopris!

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Perfect location for the Up Valley Tradesman!

Call Plan B Real Estate or your favorite Broker and come have a look!

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June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

21

Animal Kingdom

S R O T P RA THE

Bald eagle

S Y A D Y R R E B W A R T S OF ON A 30-YEAR TRADITI ARTICLE BRIDGET GREY

O

n the north side of Sayre Park, a rapt group of kids and adults have crowded around an unusual Strawberry Days booth.

In front of the white tent, a bald eagle—the familiar bird inscribed on the Great Seal of the United States of America—sits quietly on a wooden perch. Nearby, a large horned owl languidly opens its huge orange eyes and scans the crowd.

The eagle suddenly turns its white head to the side and flexes its wings, revealing chocolate brown and ivory feathers underneath.

The wings stretch six and half feet from tip to tip and a gasp ripples through the crowd.

“Why doesn’t he fly away?” asks a little girl.

“She can’t fly very well because her wing was hurt,” replies one of the HawkQuest volunteers.

“Is it a girl?” another child asks.

“Yes. She’s a female bald eagle. She was born in Alaska. She was in a bird hospital there after she injured her wing on a tree branch. Then she came to us so that we can take care of her,” the volunteer replies. “All of these birds—that owl, the turkey vulture, the eagle, the falcon over there—are birds that can’t live out in the wild. We take care of them so that they can teach people about birds of

Great horned owl

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

prey, and how they need our help to survive.”

HawkQuest, a nonprofit based in Parker, Colorado, has thrilled locals with its booth at Strawberry Day every year since 1986.

Founded that same year by master falconer and environmental educator Kin Quitugua, the organization believes that environmental awareness is a key to the survival of the world as we know it.

To teach people about the key place raptors occupy in our ecosystem, HawkQuest volunteers migrate widely each summer, appearing at fairs and events around the country. By 2015, the organization had presented its feathered teachers—hawks, falcons, eagles and turkey vultures—to more than 12 million people.

Kin Quitugua, who grew up in Guam, became fascinated with raptors after watching The Vikings, a 1958 movie starring Kirk Douglas.

During one scene, a Viking releases a trained hawk that catches a pheasant in mid-air. Awed, the nine-year-old Quitugua vowed to himself, “I’m going to do that someday.” He was about 24 when he made good on that childhood vow.

As an adult, he has trained, handled and flown birds of prey as diverse as the Bald and Golden eagles and the Saw-whet owl.

Quitugua often presents in classrooms, bringing live birds of prey with him. For example, his kindergarten-through-fifth grade HOOT presentation (Hands-On Owl Teaching), includes three live owls. Students use an Owl Discovery Kit and they undertake an imaginary mouse hunt. “You can bring slides, photos and film into classroom, but I feel it’s much more exciting to see the real thing,” says Quitugua. “I just love birds of prey; I just need four more lifetimes to figure them all out!”

HawkQuest cares for 35 different raptors, representing twenty-one different species.

They include three bald eagles, one golden eagle and a turkey vulture. Their falcons include two American kestrels, an aplomado falcon, a gyrfalcon, two peregrines and a prairie falcon. There are two barn owls, a barred owl, a burrowing owl, an eastern screech owl, a Eurasian eagle owl, two great horned owls, a long-eared owl and a spectacled owl. Of these raptors, four will be coming to this year’s Strawberry Days.

American kestrel

“The people in Glenwood Springs love us,” says Quitugua. “Strawberry Days was our first booth show in 1986, and the people there have always been so gracious. Now when we come, we are seeing folks who first saw our raptors as kids. But now, they're bringing their own kids.

They have a kindred spirit with the birds.”

“We have made a lot of friends over the years,” he continues. “We put out a new t-shirt every year and people collect them.” Quitugua says that locals can help HawkQuest by buying a t-shirt, making a donation at the Strawberry Days booth or donating at HawkQuest.org.

Over 100 years ago, our founders realized that visitors delight in a friendly smile, unexpected touches, and perhaps a cold beer. We couldn’t agree more.

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1319 Grand, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 • 970-330-5010 104 Midland #102, Basalt, CO 81621 • 970-279-7095 June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

23

Hometown Hero

Wally h c a b n e l l a D an d t he Colorado 500

I

n 1974, professional motorsports racer Wally Dallenbach put his son on the back of his dirt bike and spent the next few days tooling through the San Juan Mountains, exploring their new home state.

That father and son jaunt was so wondrously fun that Dallenbach invited his buddy Sherm Cooper to ride the summer after. “The next year it was nine of us, then 38, 56, 85… and that’s how the Colorado 500 grew,” Dallenbach chuckles. It became “The Ride”, not a race. “We were just riding through the mountains having a ball; it never got old. It’s world-known now, with people from all over. The Colorado 500 is nothing more than a big story about sharing. I had such a great time, I had to share it with people.”

When asked how the Colorado 500 became a philanthropic venture, Wally thinks back a few decades to an accident. “Right out here,” he says, gesturing to the Frying Pan River across his lawn. “What happened, I was away racing one night. A pickup truck went off the road here, into the river. The guy was pinned in the truck.” The wasn’t a Jaws of Life around; Basalt didn’t have a rescue squad. It was a long time before a state trooper even arrived, let alone Aspen and Carbondale rescue teams. “It was 25 degrees out,” he adds, shaking his head.

A Hall of Famer several times over, Dallenbach raced thirteen years in the Indianapolis 500, coming so close, so many times. He knew firsthand the formula: speed + autos = danger. That accident was all it took for Dallenbach, at the age of 39, to lead 20 volunteers into securing EMT trainings, to get three other investors to secure a $20,000 loan with him, and to start the Basalt Rescue Squad.

With his radar out, Dallenbach found a used ambulance in Indiana. After his Indy 500 race, he literally hopped into the ambulance that same night, driving it all the way to Colorado. To see that ambulance cruise in Basalt’s 1976 Fourth of July Parade is a source of immense pride for Dallenbach .

The first Colorado 500.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

Gianinetti Spring Creeks Ranch From then on, Dallenbach continually saw need in the community, and repeatedly the generosity of the Colorado 500 riders rose into service. This was formalized in 1981 with the Colorado 500 Charity Fund; in 1983, the Art Lamey Scholarship Fund (to mention one of many that exist to date); and in 1993, with the Colorado 50 0 Left to right: Colorado 500 President Janet Scholarship Fund.

Lohman with Wally and Peppy Dallenbach.

In the last 40 years, the Colorado 500 has given more than two million dollars to organizations and shelters in Colorado’s small mountain towns, plus over half a million dollars in scholarships.

“The Colorado 500 is nothing more than a big story about sharing. I had such a great time, I had to share it with people.”

The benefit in making the Colorado 500 an invitational is being able to manage the direction of its growth. Dallenbach treats the 500 as an extension of his family, laying claim to “a strong camaraderie and friendship that can be new and/or renewed each year.” Some riders have waited six years to get in on it. People have written to ask for a sponsor. Fathers invite their sons. “It’s nothing to see ten-, twenty- and thirty-year riders,” Dallenbach says. “People can’t buy their way in and spoil it. Anyone can invite someone in, because they know what it’s all about, the personality that does or doesn’t work. That is the magic. It wasn’t like ‘Here’s the money. Where do I go?’” Dallenbach laughs and rolls his eyes, pointing out they’ve only had to ‘un-invite’ perhaps two riders in all these years.

With such a good group of people, the 40-year legacy of giving is no wonder.

“I was not rich,” says Dallenbach. “My parents were not rich. Everything it seemed that I wanted, I had to work hard for.”

In 2015, five Basalt students received $42,000 in college scholarships from the Colorado 500.

“As time went on,” he adds, “I thought, ‘Hey, I gotta share this’— whether it’s money or stories or experiences. It’s become part of my character to a point where I don’t even notice it. It’s the way I am. I don’t raise my hand and say, ‘Hey, I did something good.’”

The list is too long to detail—in our valley, in Ouray, Silverton, Crested Butte or Lake City­—many partook of the $82,950 the Colorado 500 raised and donated in 2015.

“I feel good when I give. That’s a big reward to me. I just enjoy quietly moving people into a smile,” says Dallenbach. “And that’s a big thing.”

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June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

25

Hikers at Maroon Bells, photo by Nicolette Toussaint

The Volunteer Rangers of the forest conservancy

Serving as the “Eyes and Ears” of the White River National Forest ARTICLE NICOLETTE TOUSSAINT PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

A

s a vacationing family of three approaches Maroon Lake, they spy a table covered with a bearskin, claws, photos and even some scat. The child squeals and runs forward, eager to touch the rough brown fur.

“Is it from a real bear?” he asks, round-eyed with wonder.

“Oh yes! And there are real bears around here. It’s good to know what to do if you meet one,” answers the woman behind the table.

She’s dressed in a khaki cap and shirt adorned with a familiar pine tree logo flanked by the letters U.S. As she poses with the boy and dad snaps a photo, the sun glints off of her name badge: Ruth Frey.

It takes a sharp eye to note the word “volunteer” engraved beneath her name.

Ruth Frey is one of 130 volunteers who make up the Forest Conservancy, a local nonprofit that strives to be the “face of the White River National Forest.” These volunteers provide information at visitor centers, answer questions about nature, care for trails and hikers and create hands-on learning experiences like Frey’s display on “close encounters of the ursine kind.”

Odds are that the thousands of visitors who will flock to the Maroon Bells this summer are far more likely to encounter a bear than a federally-employed forest ranger.

Although the White River National Forest covers 2.3 million acres (including the Roaring Fork Valley), and although it’s the nation’s most-visited national forest, budget cuts have forced the Forest Service to decimate the number of rangers. In the past 15 years, they have had to slash visitor services, eliminate conservation education programs and contend with a backlog of trail maintenance. The numbers are grizzly: Between 2010 and 2015, while recreational visits doubled, reaching more than 13 million, the White River Forest’s funding dropped more than 65 percent! On top of that, federal funds are unremittingly redistributed to fight forest fires nationwide. That has put face-to-face forestry on the endangered list.

“We are one of the only forests that has folks out on the trails in official uniform interacting with people,” says Forest Conservancy executive director Marcia Johnson.

Judy Schramm, who co-founded the organization with Joanne Lyon in 2001, adds, “The Aspen-Sopris Ranger District has just one full-time wilderness recreation manager now. In 2001, there were 20-plus rangers.”

“The need for volunteers is unquestionable,” Johnson remarks.

Schramm and Johnson recently gathered at Roaring Fork Lifestyle’s editorial office along with volunteers Ruth Frey and Patti Stranahan.

All arrived neatly uniformed, kitted out in khaki shirts and olive green pants, complete with forest ranger insignia. Frey even wore Smokey Bear earrings.

“We are unique in that our volunteer rangers officially represent the Forest Service,” Johnson explained. “When we’re out on the trail, we look just like rangers.”

Stranahan added, “The Forest Service trusts us to wear the uniform because of the rigorous training we get.”

Volunteer Ranger Donna Grauer assisting hiker.

Discovery station near the Maroon Bells.

CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

27

VOLUNTEER RANGERS

(CON TI N U ED)

Volunteers trekking out trash near Avalanche Creek.

Indeed, the Forest Conservancy selects and prepares volunteers with a rigor atypical of most nonprofits: First, there’s a job interview.

Then references are checked. New volunteers take a day of classroom training followed by a day of field training. They complete CPR and first aid certifications; many also complete an advanced wilderness first aid course. Then they work with a mentor to gain hands-on experience.

None of us would be here without Judy,” comments Stranahan.

“She had the foresight and vision to see the need.”

Stranahan is one of the organization’s newer volunteers, and because she pitches in on public relations and fundraising as well as on the trails, the others warmly refer to her as “our Swiss Army knife.” But even an adept multi-tasker like Stranahan has a lot to learn; Stranahan says that she has taken the orientation twice and is still learning.

After an initial 40 hours of training, the organization begins teaching its volunteers environmental science, free of charge. They learn about wildflowers, birds, butterflies, weather patterns and orienteering.

They study botany and geology, and they continue learning as the organization adds new classes.

In addition, volunteers can follow a curriculum leading to a national certification. Frey is certified as a master naturalist; she must complete a new research and outreach project every two years to maintain that certification. Frey has completed two ursine projects, one on black bear safety in the wild and one on bear safety at home.

Although the Forest Conservancy works in partnership with both the Forest Service and other nonprofits, notably the Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, which builds and repairs trails, its unique niche is face-to-face outreach. “I really enjoy interacting with people on the trails,” says Schramm. “You’re doing something good by educating people, and that protects nature, so it’s a win/win for me.”

“I have had my photo taken so many times I can’t count them!” laughs Frey, noting that hikers are surprised to actually meet a ranger on the trail.

Schramm adds, “I give them candy, sunscreen lotion, water, whatever they may need in a pinch.”

28

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

Odds are that visitors to the Maroon Bells are far more likely to encounter a bear than a federally-employed forest ranger.

At this, Frey demonstrates how well prepared these volunteer rangers are by unloading her daypack: She has maps of the Maroon Bells, Conundrum Valley, Marble and Hanging Lake. There’s a headlamp for dark-hours map reading and a filter bottle that enables her to safely get water from the rivers. For rescues large and small, she carries a space blanket, band-aids, antibiotic spray, insect repellent, an after-bite stick, ibuprofen, Gatorade, sunscreen, an extra hat, gloves, socks, a poncho and a towel, plus a pen and paper so that she can write out hiking directions or first aid instructions.

She has a dog leash and a poop bag. She carries a camera, a tape recorder and extra batteries.

That kit pretty well communicates what services the volunteers provide, but not how well informed they are. Each day, Forest Conservancy rangers tape-record trail reports, take photos and file bulletins online, so that the next volunteer going out knows if there’s snow, downfall on the trail or any other problems. This makes them, in Johnson’s words, “the eyes and ears of the White River National Forest.”

“The budget keeps getting slashed and the visitor numbers keep growing. I can’t imagine how Hanging Lake and the Bells would get by without volunteers,” comments volunteer Patti Stranahan.

This month, the Forest Conservancy will celebrate its 2015 accomplishments with a potluck and awards ceremony. Volunteers completed nearly 11,000 hours of service to the White River National Forest last year and aspire to break that record this summer.

“What’s important is that we all share this commitment to protect the forest and to connect other people to it,” says Johnson. “We love each other, love the forest, and we love the visitors.”

Stranahan, who notes that Forest Conservancy is always looking for funding and new volunteers, says, “I have volunteered for lots of organizations over the last 40 years, but I have to say that this one is extraordinary. Every day I give so much, but I get so much. It really feeds my soul.”

To learn more, visit ForestConservancy.com.

RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES OVER $400,000 NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL LIST

BASALT

Frying Pan Village $980,000 Elk Run $1,049,000 The Wilds $1,800,000 9 Total Sold in Basalt $419,000--$1,800,000

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ ORIGINAL

DAYS ON MARKET

$945,784 $875,000 $1,800,000

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CARBONDALE

Aspen Equestrian $760,000 $740,000 Hendrick Ranch $799,000 $779,000 Cerise Ranch $1,459,000 $1,260,000 11 Total Sold in Carbondale $315,103--$1,260,000

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

Sunlight View $664,350 $664,350 WestBank Ranch $725,000 $685,000 Pinyon Mesa $749,000 $732,000 21 Total Sold in Glenwood Springs $95,000--$732,000

BEDS

BATHS

SOLD PRICE/ SQ. FT

87 456 288

3 6 4

1 5 3

$393 $238 $594

97% 97% 86%

88 0 338

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100% 94% 98%

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3 3 3

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(This data is a sampling of sold properties from 4/1/16 to 4/30/16, Source: Aspen Glenwood MLS)

Here are a few of my listings:

GLENWOOD | Beds: 3, Baths: 3.5 $1,350,000 | WebId#: RF138046

CARBONDALE | Beds: 5, Baths: 4.5 $1,135,000 | WebId#: RF141355

GLENWOOD | Beds: 6, Baths: 6 $985,000 | WebId#: RF143172

GLENWOOD | Beds: 4, Baths: 3.5 $919,900 | WebId#: RF143335

GLENWOOD | Beds: 4, Baths: 4 $875,000 | WebId#: RF137826

GLENWOOD | Beds: 3, Baths: 3 $599,000 | WebId#: RF143157

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LOS ADOBES MISSOURI HEIGHTS

HYLAND PARK

Make every day remarkable in this stunning residence situated on two acres with majestic bird’s eyes’ views of Mt. Sopris and panorama views of the Roaring Fork Valley including the river. Find sunlight filled rooms, fine finishes, extensive and private decks, an elevator with handicap accessibility and caretaker unit. Only minutes from Carbondale. Come enjoy the luxurious living and embrace the outdoors. $1,395,000 WebId#: RF140368

A masterpiece on Hyland Park Drive, with many development possibilities! Private, lush setting on 1.06 acres of flat buildable land.

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House on 1.06 acres offered for $1,099,000 WebId#: RF130837 .61 acre adjacent parcel offered for $600,000 WebId#: RF139342

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GLENWOOD SPRINGS MISSOURI HEIGHTS Beautiful mountain contemporary home located in the gated Elk Springs community. This custom built home sets the standard for quality and craftsmanship. Incredible Sopris Mountain and the valley floor views. Step into the open kitchen, living room, dining room and enjoy the two sided glass rock fireplace. Kitchen includes all professional grade appliances. Main level master with beautiful views throughout. $919,900 Web Id#: RF143335

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BASALT - 970.927.3000 | CARBONDALE - 970.963.3300 REDSTONE - 970.963.1061 | IRONBRIDGE - 970.384.5021 GLENWOOD SPRINGS - 970.928.9000

the source for real estate in the roaring fork valley

T S E T A E GR S L I TRA OF THE RK O F G N ROARI Y VALLE

ARTICLE ANDREA PALM-PORTER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

View from the Glenwood Canyon Trail.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

C

olorado rates as one of the nation’s fittest states due to its multitude of outdoor activities and amazing weather. Garfield and Pitkin Counties enjoy a hub of trails that are used year-round for hiking, biking, backpacking, walking, running, equestrian, commuting, in-line skating, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, cross country and AT skiing, snowshoeing and even dog sledding.

We love our trails and want more so that we can connect and explore new places. Well, here’s good news!

Colorado State Governor John Hickenlooper announced the “16 in 2016” initiative this past January. The project targets the state’s 16 most important trail gaps, missing trail segments and unbuilt trails.

Hickenlooper said in his announcement, “We need the kind of outdoor access that more easily brings all of us—especially our young people—into the fresh air and away from indoor distractions. Getting more Coloradans

outdoors more often is good for our health and a refreshing reminder of how fortunate we are to live in Colorado.”

One of the “16” projects is the local Lower Valley trail, a multi-use, non-motorized trail that will travel through the Colorado River Valley. Beginning in Glenwood Springs, it will connect New Castle, Silt, Rifle and Parachute, and when completed, the paved trail will end at the Mesa County line. The LoVa trail will intersect with the existing Rio Grande and Glenwood Canyon Trails beginning in Glenwood Springs. Kevin Batchelder, county manager for Garfield County comments, “The Lower Valley Trail is an essential 47-mile missing shared-use path that would… further maximize existing regional trail systems in Eagle, Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin Counties.”

LoVa, a non-profit that was established in 1999, has been working for more than 15 years to plan and build what it eventually

envisions as a continuous trail running parallel to Interstate 70 all the way out to the Utah border. In a letter sent to Hickenlooper, LoVa stated, “In addition to being the most needed regional trail in this area, the LoVa Trail is part of a much larger dream. It is a key component to a bike trail system, running east to west, paralleling I-70 through the entire state from Kansas to Utah.”

The Rio Grande Trail, which lies on the former trackline of the historic Denver and Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) railroad, is walked, pedaled and skied by an average 85,000 users annually and, at 42 miles in length, is the longest rail-trail in the state.

D&RGW trains ceased running in phases between the 1960’s and the mid-1990’s, and in 1997, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, the Valley’s local bus company, completed a rails-to-trails conversion and took on the job of caring for the continuous multiuse trail that runs from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. The Rio Grande is protected from vehicular traffic except at intersections and its scenery is spectacular. The Rio Grande Trail needs your vote this month; it’s one of five trails in the running to be inducted into a national Hall of Fame. Vote at RailsToTrails.org.

Another trail connecting with the Rio Grande that’s worthy of mention is the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail. This 14-mile trail takes you through beautiful Glenwood Canyon following along the Colorado River towards Dotsero.

The West Elk Multi-Use Trail, located on White River National Forest land north of Rifle, Silt and New Castle, is used for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. The West Elk trails are maintained by the West Elk Multi-Use Club (WEMUC) a volunteer group that grooms them for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. This trail has three loops, totaling approximately 12 miles. The West Elk trails start on Forest Road 819 on the Buford Road. That’s located in the Flat Tops Mountain Range, west of Glenwood Springs.

Even though winter has passed, the Aspen Fat Bike Loop is also one to mention. The City of Aspen’s Park & Open Space Department collaborated with the Roaring Fork Mountain

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Bike Association to introduce the Aspen Fat Bike Loop this past winter. A 4.5 mile looped designed for fat bike users, it starting at three trailheads: Marolt Open Space, Aspen Recreation Center and Buttermilk’s Tiehack parking lot. This trail can extend to the Cemetery Lane bike path so that fat bikers can enjoy a section of the Rio Grande Trail that is groomed all the way to Basalt. The same area offers many other trails for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and walking.

In mid-valley, the Prince Creek Trails are local favorites for weekend warriors and afterwork adventures. Hiking to the top of Mount Sopris or to Thomas Lakes is a must for living in our valley, and still more trails—Basalt Mountain, Rocky Fork Trail and the Hay Park Trails—will be found in the Basalt area.

Upvalley, the trail systems are in abundance, too. The City of Aspen has a trail guide that notes trail and their uses for various activities: ABC Trail, Ajax Trail, Aspen Mountain, Difficult Trail, East of Aspen Trail, Government Trail, Hunter Creek Trail, Lani White Trail, Old Stage Trail, Owl Creek Trail, Red Butte Trail, Smuggler Road, Stein Trail, Sunny Side Trail and Ute Trail.

Snowmass offers some very popular trails for summer activities: Rim Trail, MaroonSnowmass Trail, East Snowmass Trail, West Snowmass Trail, Elk Camp Trail, Highline Trail and Capital Peak Trail to name a few more.

In fact, it’s nearly impossible to name all our local trails. AllTrails.com is an excellent resource for finding the right trail for your experience level and sport. The views and tranquility that can be experienced while enjoying our Roaring Fork trails are simply unmatched.

If time allows, don’t forget about the biggy: The Colorado Trail. It runs down the spine of the Continental Divide, takes four to six weeks to hike and runs a distance of 485 miles. It starts just outside Denver in Waterton Canyon State Park and ends just outside Durango, and it’s not just for hikers. The Colorado Trail is also open to horses and mountain bikers. It’s one for your bucket list.

Mount Sopris seen from the Prince Creek Trails.

June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

33

THE MYSTIQUE OF

TOOLS ARTICLE GENEVIÈVE JOËLLE VILLAMIZAR | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

W

hat is a tool but a thingamabob, something used with the hands and mostly used to make or fix a doohickey, right?

Eons ago, tools launched mankind into richer possibility and complexity. Elemental materials such as stone or wood made possible fire, food and shelter. Tools were dang important.

The tools of today’s average Joe are incredibly different. Our survival needs are pretty much met, so what do we use most nowadays?

We cry, “I couldn’t live without my phone!”

That’s such a far cry from the archetypal tools of even a decade ago. Remember Gerbers or the Leatherman? Every manly guy had one.

After all, there’s something so satisfying about owning a tool that someone needs to borrow.

More so if it’s a quality tool—well made, an implement that has lasted forever.

Is tool idealism still around? Pondering my guy friends, extraordinary men with sharp minds and well-honed purpose, I grew curious. In this cushy era of ease, what Man Tools do they value most?

My buddy Bill Kight has written a newspaper column for years; that’s how we met.

Over a beer, I recently snagged a pen from his chest pocket to illustrate a thought. Usually a gentleman, Bill snatched it right back with no compunction whatsoever. I threw out a surprised “Whoa!” He just smiled and said, “This is more than just a fountain pen. It’s the tool I write with, it’s an extension of who I am.”

34

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

As a public figure, Bill’s known for his poetry, and he sometimes shares it through his trademark “Poetry Postcards”. At death, those cards will be the required ticket to Bill’s memorial celebration. As he explains, “You’ll have to pick the one that means the most to you and read it aloud.” I’ve received two so far, gifts written in an organic, living line, words solely for me. Bill’s pen has a delicate, flexible nib. “It’s been broken into my writing, and mine only,” he says. No wonder it’s so special to him.

If letters and language have elevated human from beast, numbers have been a game changer too. They free us from the tangible, enabling us to leave earth and touch space or to dive inward, infinitely, encountering Source in both, perhaps.

“This is more than just a fountain pen. It’s the tool I write with, it’s an extension of who I am.”

My landlord Jim values his calculators: an HP41, c. 1985, and his HP48, c. 1993. As a scientist, he has developed and stored significant programs in them. “The older one, I actually cloned it, just in case it broke,” he said. “It was so important to me in doing certain

kinds of calculations.” With a humble smile, he adds, “One of the things we designed was the infrared sensor on the Rosetta spacecraft—for its spectrometer—which is still orbiting the Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko.”

Former Patagonia CEO Casey Sheahan is an avid angler who still gallivants about the

business world. Amidst the hurly burly of innovation, profits and global citizenry, what keeps Casey on track?

A ribbon of water and a gifted reel.

The fly fishing reel that Casey received from Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard is his go-to. “It’s a tool bringing lessons from a Zen master, driving away the distractions of ego and obligation so I can focus on what really matters... It will always remind me of Yvon and of my time learning from one of the great environmentalists and savvy businessmen of our time.” And that’s just Casey, keepin’ it "reel" in corporate America.

David Powell studied blacksmithing with the late, great Francis Whittaker, a master noted globally for reviving the dying 3,000year old art form and locally for founding a blacksmithing program at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale. From geomancy to Burning Man, engineering to Buddhism, the worlds David holds within are impressive. Yet what he holds dearest is seemingly ordinary: a hand-wrought hammer.

He made it with Whitaker during their six years together. The hammer wields both of their marks.

“Iron has strength no other material has,” Whitaker once said, “and yet it has the capacity for being light, graceful and beautiful. It has this capacity—but no desire. It will do nothing by itself except resist you.” Not only was Whitaker a master blacksmith, but also to David, a humbling and inspiring teacher. As for the hammer, one of the thousands of tools David owns, Photo by Bill Klyn. he says, “Whenever I pick it up, I am flooded with memories of our time together.”

When asked about his most sacred tools, my caustic but idealistic bro-friend Shakra Vendatta shared quite a tale. “I made both of these during separate, very sad, extremely stressful periods of my life. I had no money and I was facing a task that seemed overwhelming.” Un-nameable, clearly jerry-rigged but solidly built, these tools are raw and hefty. They’d make for really cool paperweights. “I took an old clutch plate and cut it into pieces; took this splined collar, and

Shakra Vendatti's jerry-rigged tools.

Casey Sheahan's fishing reel; photo by Sheahan.

welded it into a socket to get the transmission apart and then to put it back together.” On devising the larger of the two, he explained, “My father had just died. I had no one to help me with either one of these jobs. I was completely alone and exposed.”

Each was used but once, and never to be used again.

Shakra’s chunks of scrap metal are a reminder of the alchemical power of grit on angst.

“Iron has strength no other material has,” Whitaker once said, “and yet it has the capacity for being light, graceful and beautiful.

It has this capacity— but no desire. It will do nothing by itself except resist you.”

CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

35

THE MYSTIQUE OF TOOLS (CON TI N U ED)

Let’s admit that modern tools quickly become scrap.

Generations ago, tools were forged, tempered, built to last. As a landscape designer and woman of the dirt, I know at a glance or touch the quality of a tool.

I earned my Tool Ph.D. (piled higher, deeper) living and working with men such as Dr. George Wallace.

George and Nancy, his wife of 50 years, created Soldias Farm. It’s George’s life's work. In the field, George often shared his views about many things.

Views ranging from fencing pliers—“Every aspect of these pliers has a job!”—to his favorite conservation reads, such as “The Meadow,” by James Gavin.

In that book, Gavin tells the story of Lyle, a pioneer living near Red Feather, Colorado a generation or two before George. George had always felt he’d been born in the wrong generation, and Soldias Farm was his way of addressing that. Despite the age gap, George and Lyle had been close friends. “When Lyle was dying, he asked me what tools I wanted,” recalls George.

“It was a sacred shovel. Like Bill, George had actually removed this tool from my hands after he discovered me using it. To me, it was a no-brainer; you choose the good shovel. But I knew not to use it after that. To George, the Pony was a connection to an era he felt he’d missed.”

David Powell's hammer carries both his blacksmithing mark and the mark of Francis Whittaker.

All he wanted was Lyle’s irrigating shovel.

“It’s called the Pony, which is a medium-sized shovel that has a straight handle and blade.”

It was a sacred shovel. Like Bill, George had actually removed this tool from my hands after he Dr. George Wallace's Pony shovel. discovered me using it. To me, it was a no-brainer; you choose the good shovel. But I knew not to use it after that. To George, the Pony was a connection to an era he felt he’d missed. “I would remember Lyle, his life, and the place each time I used it.”

A pen, calculators. A fly reel and a hammer. Welded scrap metal and a shovel. What a random collection of things, each so vital to the owner.

Thingamabobs and doohickeys.

But they connect us to greatness, creation, possibility. Held in the hand, they are an extension of the heart.

36

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

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y r r e b w Stra Days to k c a B s G oe e r u t u F e th

ARTICLE ANGIE ANDERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I

f given the opportunity to travel back in time or ahead to the future, would you do it? In the hit movie series “Back to the Future”, Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel back in time and into the future from the year 1985.

Let's say that Doc and Marty were to take a short side trip in their DeLorean time machine to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, traveling to the date June 18, 1898. Upon landing, they would experience the community’s first-ever Strawberry Day. In comparing the original and the 2016 event, they would find that although the festival has grown and evolved over the years, the heart of the celebration remains the same. The community and visitors get together to celebrate the beginning of summer with food, music and fun activities for the whole family.

On June 18, 1898, Doc and Marty gather alongside 3,000 visitors to Glenwood Springs who traveled by train for a reduced fare in honor of the event.

In the late 1800’s, because strawberries were produced in abundance in the area, the entire state was invited to view and taste the display of crops. Doc and Marty fill up on strawberries, cream and homemade cake served by the women of Glenwood Springs. Flower arrangements are on display at the opera house on “Riverfront.”

Folks dance to the music of the Colorado Midland Band at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue.

Doc and Marty then generate 1.21 gigawatts of power and get their DeLorean traveling at 88 miles per hour so they can travel to

38

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

the upcoming Strawberry Days Festival on June 18, 2016. They time it perfectly and land on Grand Avenue during the parade.

Spectators are elated to discover that a small Colorado town can pull off Hollywood special effects like that! Doc and Marty can’t believe how impressive the community floats are, though they do find it strange that people are dressed like them, and that some of the floats look like their DeLorean.

Unfortunately, Doc and Marty missed the kickoff to the festival on Friday night. That’s when the Glenwood Springs Post Independent Locals’ Choice awards were announced, Miss Strawberry Days was crowned and the Strawberry Princesses appeared. The Fab 4, A Tribute to the Beatles took the crowd back to a time when four lads from Liverpool ruled the world of music. Luckily, with 2016 technology, the time-traveling duo can utilize their smartphones to watch videos on Facebook and read all about it on the Post Independent’s responsive website.

After the parade, Doc and Marty follow the crowds to Sayre Park, where they again fill up on free strawberries and ice cream, just like they did in 1898. Strolling through over 100 arts and crafts booths, they are immersed in beautiful one-of-a-kind creations. They see that

there are some fresh, Colorado-grown strawberries for sale this year, so they make a mental note to get some of those before they leave.

They head over to FamilyFest to catch a performance by Chad Juros, the award-winning magician. Juros was recently honored on Good Morning America as an everyday hero. The FamilyFest schedule is packed with entertainment all day Saturday and Sunday. Jammin’ Jim will be there all weekend long keeping the audiences laughing.

There’s also the Strawberry Princess Celebration, story time, family yoga, 11-year old singer and songwriter Emma Marie, a display of live birds of prey and so much more. In the peripheral area, there are Sopris Soarers aerialists, the Bubble Fairy, Vern’s Mini Train, pony rides, a petting zoo and other children’s amusements.

Festival-goers ask where the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association found characters that look so much like the original Doc and Marty from “Back to the Future.” Throughout the day, people ask Doc and Marty if they can take a “selfie” with them. Doc and Marty don’t know what a “selfie” is but they play it cool and oblige.

By now, the strawberries and ice cream have worn off, and our duo heads to the food court to grab a bite to eat. From gyros to funnel cakes, Navajo tacos and giant turkey legs, the decision isn’t easy.

They relax in the summer sun and enjoy some of the main stage entertainment. Doc decides it’s about time for beer, but at the last minutes tries one of the new wine slushies he’s been hearing about instead. Marty is underage so he goes for a fresh-squeezed lemonade.

All around the park, people have been talking about how excited they are for Saturday’s headliner. Since Doc and Marty are from 1985, they have never heard of Brothers Keeper featuring Jono Mason and John Popper. Apparently John Popper is the front man of Blues Traveler and Jono Mason is a New York City rock and blues pioneer. Doc and Marty decide they might as well stay and listen to Ashley Red, a regular on the Strawberry Days stage.

After a full day of fun, Doc and Marty contemplate the plan for the next day. Should they head back to 1985 or stay for another day?

Sunday starts early with the Strawberry Shortcut Race and the Rotary Pancake breakfast so they better get to sleep early.

Entertainment on the main stage begins at 9 a.m. with performances by local music and dance groups. The two want to see the Battle of the Bands winner, and they don’t want to miss Boulder-based Quemando Salsa Band. Plus, they heard on the radio that they can get free salsa dance lessons before the band plays.

Marty has his eye on a necklace for his girlfriend, Jennifer, and Doc wants to get a bonsai plant. They both want to try some more food. They haven’t even had a

chance to head out to the carnival at Glenwood Springs Mall, so they decide to stay one more day to experience it all.

When they finally get back to 1985, Marty says, “Well Doc, how do you think the 1898 Strawberry Day compares to the 2016 festival?”

“Great Scott! They were both so fun! It’s amazing that a celebration started in 1898 has continued for over 100 years! Let’s set the DeLorean to Strawberry Days in 2117 and see what it’s like!”

Angie Anderson is Vice President of Operations for the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association and coordinates Strawberry Days.

Glenwood’s Strawberry Days Festival celebrates its 119th year June 17, 18 and 19 at Sayre Park. The theme for this year’s festival is “Back to the Future.”

While the community festival has grown and seen lots of changes throughout its history, the heart of the celebration has remained the same: to gather with friends, welcome visitors and enjoy delicious food, music, fun activities and now art. The weekend will celebrate the past, present and future of Glenwood Springs.

For more information, visit StrawberryDays.com.

The author and Roaring Fork Lifestyle magazine thank the Frontier Historical Society Museum for assistance with the historical references.

June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

39

Road Trip

Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Ridge Road, courtesy of National Park Service.

ARTICLE DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

L

ast September, Rocky Mountain National Park celebrated its 100th birthday. Congress created the park on January 15, 1915, a full year before the National Park System itself was created.

Soon, folks from around the world were heading to Colorado to experience one of our nation’s most fabulous playgrounds. For that reason, and with urging from concerned citizens, Congress decided it was time to protect our beautiful mountains from a little too much love.

The legislation that created Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) set the stage for the Organic Act of 1916 that created the National Park Service, which celebrates its centennial this year. Barbara Scott, the park ranger who was responsible for coordinating RMNP’s anniversary celebration says, “Right from the beginning, it was a crown jewel in what would become our national park system.”

Rocky Mountain National Park was among the first of the national parks to issue back-country permits to manage user impact on resources and to use shuttle busses to minimize carbon emissions. It has one of the country’s largest volunteer forces, with nearly 1,900 people signing on for duty each year.

More than a third of RMNP’s 415 square miles is located above timberline with elevations ranging from 8,000 to 14,250 feet. Many of the 360 miles of trails are original to the Ute and Arapahoe tribes, the region's original residents. Around nearly every turn, the magnificent vistas of ponderosa pine and juniper contrast with tranquil images of bubbling mountain streams and wildflower-filled meadows. From powerful bighorn sheep to elk, moose, black bear and cougars, the park’s abundant natural resources remind us that the humans are simply visitors here.

Three and a half million people visit RMNP each year, and about three million of them enter gates on the south and east side at Estes Park. Many visitors never travel much farther than to the Alpine Visitor Center, at elevation 11,796, about halfway across the Trail Ridge Road. (Like Independence Pass, Trail Ridge is closed in the winter and opens around Memorial Day.) But it's a shame not to follow Trail Ridge Road all the way across Milner Pass to our western side of the Continental Divide because 40

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

there’s so much more to RMNP. One place not to miss is Lily Lake, one of the best wildflower-viewing destinations, particularly during early summer. This is where Enos Mills, who was considered RMNP's founder, lived and documented the mountains' splendor in an effort to achieve national park status for the land he loved.

With changes in the tree cover caused by mountain pine beetle infestation, the forest floor now receives more sunlight. That, in return, is shaping the wildflower presence in the park, which according to rangers, is more spectacular than ever.

The best wildlife viewing, of course, takes place in the early morning hours or the evening hours just before sunset. It seems that the elk, nearly 1,000 of them, prefer to hang out on park's east side. Their bugling during mating season in September has become one of the best reasons to visit the area after the summer crowds disappear.

There are close to 400 bighorn sheep in the park, and some of the best places to see them are around Milner Pass or by hiking a few miles up the Colorado River Trail.

It seems that the moose and the black bear prefer the west side of the park, accessed through the community of Grand Lake. Just before you pass the sign welcoming you to the park, on the right-hand side of the road, a number of low bushes conceal a little stream dearly loved by moose. Drive slowly and look closely. There are almost always a couple of moose hanging out there.

One of the rangers we talked to called Grand Lake the “natural” side of the park. Of the three and half million visitors a year to RMNP, only about a half million or so enter through the west gates at Grand Lake, home to Grand Lake Lodge. Billed as “Colorado’s Front Porch,” the scenic view of the mountains and the wildlife here rivals anything else in the park.

Built from timber cut when Trail Ridge Road was built through the park in 1919, the Grand Lake Lodge is a National Historic Landmark because of its early contributions to tourism in Colorado and preservation of Rocky Mountain rustic stick-style architecture.

The lodge restaurant, known for its exquisite preparation of wild game and fresh Colorado trout, is a destination in itself.

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41

Personal trainer Steve Wells.

Healthy Lifestyle

I

have been in the gym business for far too long and I have heard too many creative excuses for not attending one, especially during the summer. “The mountains are my gym,” is a typical quote. I often chuckle at that.

But I get it. I live here because I love the outdoors too. As a trainer, I have perfected doing the absolute minimum necessary maintenance in the gym —because your gym is my work. I love what I do, but I also love my time out of the gym. I use my gym only to keep me tuned up enough to continue mountain and dirt biking.

Coincidently, the phrase “the gym” is about doing some type of conditioning and maintenance for your body to counteract the damage done in the outdoor gym. This conditioning doesn’t have to take place at an inside gym, but the chances of conditioning and maintenance actually occurring increases with the use of some kind of gym, yoga studio, physical therapy clinic or spa.

I see the best results from people who “check themselves in” to some kind of program or activity that is supervised by a qualified pro, a program that supplements their fun activities.

We humans tend to gravitate to activities we enjoy and totally ignore ones we don’t.

After more than 25 years in the business, I can confidently recommend that you must do the required maintenance if you want any machine to run well. That’s especially true for the machines we call our bodies. Just being a little more active or hiking a little over the summer is a great start, but it’s often too little to maintain the body, let alone improve it.

Outdoor Athlete Basic Techniques for Success Corrective Exercise—Most of us have sustained a few repetitive injuries. If you are an outdoor athlete, I would almost guarantee that you can benefit from some preventative and corrective exercises. These exercises 42

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

PREPARING FOR THE

OUTDOOR GYM ARTICLE STEVE WELLS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

address repetitive injuries, instead of just ignoring them. Finely-targeted corrective exercises will make a big difference both now and over the long haul.

Stretching—You will not stretch on your own. That’s ok. Once you accept this truth, you can move on to a solution. Every top-level athlete stretches to maximize the range of motion in joints, to speed recovery and to reduce the effects of injuries. In my opinion, this is by far the most avoided activity and the one that causes the most problems.

Self-Myofascial Care—This kind of care has evolved from foam rolling into the detailed flossing of tissue to improve mobility. Athletes across the board are seeing major benefits from various myofascial techniques. The outdoor

athletes I coach use the indoor gym for this care because the indoor gym is equipped with the right tools, the equipment and know-how.

Strength Training—You may have heard that stronger athletes have a huge advantage.

Almost all joint dysfunction has its roots in muscle weakness. Endurance athletes who previously avoided strength training and stretching like the plague are changing their tune. Almost all modern athletes work on strength training because it works.

So go ahead and make the mountains your gym—it’s the best one out there. Just do your maintenance so you can stay there!

Steve Wells is the head trainer at Midland Fitness in Glenwood Springs. You can read more of his articles at Midland-Fitness.com.

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June Lifestyle Calendar

JUNE 2

JUNE 4, 16 & 21 NORTH STAR ROARING FORK RIVER FLOAT CARBONDALE Spend a morning with Roaring Fork Conservancy staff and river ambassadors as we float the Roaring Fork River! Afterward, join us at Coryell Ranch for a cook-out, music and the opportunity to try stand-

BAROQUE CHAMBER CONCERT

up paddle boards, kayaks, fly rods and the latest gear from local out-

BASALT LIBRARY

fitters. See Roaringfork.org for details and registration.

The Roaring Fork Chamber Players, a baroque ensemble, plays “Bach and More.” Free 5:30 p.m. concert features Brittni Brown on

JUNE 6-9

violin, Sarah Graf on cello and Charlotte McLain on harpsichord.

YOGARTS CAMP FOR KIDS

Basalt Library.

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Sign your kids up for multiple summer camps sponsored by Carbondale Council for Arts and Humanities (CCAH). YogArts, for ages 5-9, kicks

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off the summer with four days of yoga integrated with arts experiences!

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Camp is $150 for non-members, $125 for CCAH Members. See more

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upcoming camps and sign up in advance at CarbondaleArts.com.

The Carbondale Public Arts Commission invites you to tour the 14

JUNE 7

new public sculptures selected for

GLENWOOD DOWNTOWN MARKET OPENS

the 2016 Art aRound Town public

CENTENNIAL PARK

exhibition. Hear from the artists

Glenwood's Downtown Market begins its 12th season with Frank

in person. Free tour starts at 5:30

Martin, local songwriter and musician performing during the first

p.m. at Town Hall and ends at the

market on June 7. Begins at 4 p.m.

Marble Distillery with a reception with the artists. See the May 26 Sopris Sun newspaper for a tour map.

JUNE 3 & 4

JUNE 9 COLORI PAINTING PARTY COLORI IN BASALT

DANCE RESIDENCY PERFORMANCE

Looking for an exciting Thursday night event? Join us at the

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Colori Gallery & Studios Painting Party. Socialize and connect with

Come see the fruits of labor and creative efforts from the spring

your inner creative soul. Everything included: 16x20 inch canvas,

residency during two intimate studio performances at the Launch-

paint, brushes, easels and yummy snacks for only $35. BYOB. 6:30-9

pad. CoMotion dancers Alya Howe, Chloe Burton, Emily Fifter and

p.m. Call for reservations at 303.258.6236.

Deborah Colley will perform intersections of improvisation and composition. Meg Madorin will perform a solo. Begins at 8:15 p.m. Cost:

JUNE 16

$10 online and $15 at the door. Seating limited.

BASALT CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

JUNE 4

BASALT BUSINESS CENTER Discover the Diversity of Basalt Business Center! Party with refreshments

CROWN SUMMERFEST SOCCER TOURNAMENT

by Ho Palace, Avalanche Cheese Company and Jimbo’s Fine Wines & Li-

CROWN MOUNTAIN PARK, EL JEBEL

quor. Music by Blues Fuse. Hosted by the Basalt Business Center Associa-

Come see the first annual U6, U7, U8 valley-wide soccer tournament

tion. A benefit networking event for Basalt Chamber members and guests

at Crown Mountain Park! Join in and afterward, have your family en-

of the event co-hosts. RSVPs required. For Chamber membership infor-

joy the free bounce house for kids, free hot air balloon rides, free mu-

mation and to RSVP contact info@BasaltChamber.com or 970.927.4031.

sic and a movie in the park. Details at CrownMtn.org

JUNE 25 & 26

JUNE 17 & 18 GRAND OPENING

PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

BASALT FIREARMS & TRAINING

CROWN MOUNTAIN PARK

Join the Basalt Chamber of Commerce for a grand opening and ribbon

Come Join us at Crown Mountain Park's tennis courts for our first Annual

cutting for Basalt Firearms & Training. Both days will include food and

Pickleball Tournament. All proceeds will go to funding four new courts

refreshments in the Riverwalk Courtyard. Come see the expanded show-

at Crown Mountain Park. On Saturday we will start the tournament with

room in downtown Basalt. Ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Grand

men’s and women’s doubles followed by Sunday mixed doubles: 3.0, 3.5,

opening both Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

and 4.0+. Food will be provided both days! Details at CrownMtn.org 44

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

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Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N U ED)

JUNE 18, 24, 25, 26, 30

a live auction! Join us for an uplifting and inspiring evening benefitting

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YouthEntity and the kids in our community. Details at YouthEntity.org.

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JUNE 26

This famous Japanese tale is fashioned around con-

SOPRIS CENTURY –

tradictory versions of an event reenacted at a trial

RIDE FOR THE CHILD

by a bandit, a wife, a dead husband and a witness.

SOPRIS PARK,

Each version is true in its fashion. A 1,000-year old

CARBONDALE

story about human nature, directed by Lon Winston

Ride for the Child, a bene-

and "as relevant today as it was then." For times and

fit for CASA of the Ninth,

details, see ThunderRiverTheatre.com.

offers rolling, scenic coun-

JUNE 21

try roads with spectacular mountain and river views.

NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE CIRCLE

Enjoy a 100-mile, 60-mile,

COLORI GALLERY IN BASALT

31-mile and a 12-mile family/fun course. Discover what bike riding is all

Are you interested in learning the Native American flute? Are you an

about while helping a nonprofit that supports abused and neglected

experienced flute player? Colori Gallery & Studios hosts a month-

children in Colorado’s 9th Judicial District. Visit SoprisCentury.com

ly Native American flute circle open to all levels of participants on

for info and registration.

the third Tuesday of the month. If you don’t currently own a flute, we will have flutes available to try out. Reservations 303.258.6236.

JUNE 25

JUNE 26 FESTIVAL OF MANY CULTURES BURNING MOUNTAIN PARK

8TH ANNUAL YOUTHENTITY PIG ROAST

Celebrate your culture with a table; include food, posters, tell what it was

ASPEN GLEN CLUB IN CARBONDALE

like growing up. Enter the contest to identify the flags. Prizes awarded to

YouthEntity's annual pig roast fundraiser is a celebration of fun people,

the best three tables. An evening of eating, music and games sponsored

delicious food, live music from the Manuel Molina Trio, a bucket raffle and

by the Town of New Castle and the Chamber of Commerce.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

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June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

47

business directory CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

MORTGAGE

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

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

OTHER

CASA of the NINTH (970) 618-3999 casaoftheninth.org

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

Murray Dental Group (970) 945-5112 murraydg.com Verheul Family Dentistry P.C. (970) 963-3010 verheulfamilydentistry.com

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Country Rose Boutique (970) 319-8894

3 G Construction (970) 984-7046

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

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Down Valley Design Center (970) 625-1589

HOME SERVICES Seamless Design (970) 876-2232

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES LANDSCAPING & PLANNING

Liberty Home Financial (970) 945-7210 libertyhomefinancial.com Ajax Mechanical Services (970) 984-0579 ajaxmechanical.com AV by Design (970) 945-6610 avbydesignllc.com Big John’s Ace Hardware (970) 945-5345

Gianinetti Spring Creek Ranch (970) 379-0809

Iron Mountain Hot Springs (970) 945-4766 ironmountainhotsprings.com

Brown & Brown, P.C (970) 945-1241 brownandbrownpc.com

Midland Shoe (970) 927-0902 midlandshoe.com

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

Network Interiors (970) 984-9100

Hot Springs Pool & Spa (970) 945-6571 hotspringspool.com Midland Fitness (970) 945-4440 midland-fitness.com True Nature Healing Arts (970) 963-9900 truenatureheals.com 48

LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE Midvalley Auto Body (970) 366-0793 midvalley-auto-body.com

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

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

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

Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate (970) 963-3300 masonmorse.com

Balcomb & Green P.C. (970) 945-6546 balcombgreen.com

Crystal River Spas (970) 963-2100

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

Eagle Crest Nursery (970) 963-1173 eaglecrestnursery.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Cardiff Therapy (970) 379-8217 cardifftherapy.com

PET CARE

REAL ESTATE

Aspen Grove Property Services (970) 279-5530 agps.biz

Burn Fitness Studio (970) 379-7403 burnfitnessstudio.com

The Hotel Denver (970) 945-6565 thehoteldenver.com

Dwyer Greens & Flowers (970) 984-0967 dwyergreens.com

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

LEGAL

The Glass Guru (970) 456-6832 theglassguruofglenwoodsprings.com

Green Tech Electrical (970) 618-2163 green-techelectrical.com

Osage Gardens. Inc. (970) 876-0668 osagegardens.com Roaring Fork Valley COOP (970) 963-2220 Spring Creek Land & Waterscapes (970) 963-9195 springcreeklandandwaterscapes.com

Charmaine Locke (970) 963-0501

RAD Development Glenwood, LLC (970) 309-1540 The Property Shop (970) 947-9300 propertyshopinc.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Sopris Liquor & Wine (970) 963-5880 soprisliquor.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS Bethel Party Rentals (970) 947-9700 bethelpartyrentals.com Bleu Door Boutique (970) 945-3070

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June 2016 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

49

Parting Thoughts

M IND YO U R LI N E WORDS SETH BROWN

at least, any time we choose. Our minds are constantly distracting us, dragging us through myriad thoughts and images, demanding our attention, breaking our line to the present.

When I was a student at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School, my dorm parent, Jesse Boyce, wrote to my parents, “Seth behaves in the dorm like a gibbon on acid.”

Honestly, I think that’s a pretty fair description of my mind.

Sometimes this relentless mind activity causes me to miss whole episodes in my life. I’ve had mornings where I can’t remember taking a shower, but my hair is wet, or, much worse, times where my children are speaking to me while I’m someplace else.

But I’m getting better at practicing paying attention to the present.

When I do, I sometimes experience that same vividness that I get on the river. The fish are there to be caught… and gently released.

But each of us must mind our own lines.

T

here’s an old adage: “All fishermen get the same number of bites. The difference between those who catch the fish and those who don’t is whether or not they pay attention to their line.” The fly fishermen among us are already preparing a litany of reasons why this is a woefully incomplete adage, but I think they would all agree on the virtues of paying attention.

I’m a terrible trout fisherman. I’ve only caught a few fish in my career, mostly tiny browns. Despite this lousy track record, I went through a period of obsession with fly fishing. As the saying goes, “If I’m going to not catch fish, I’d rather do it with flies.” I’ve stood for hours in the Roaring Fork and in the Frying Pan and cast, watching my fly hit the surface of the water. I’ve carefully mended my line to match the currents and eddies, subtly negotiating my footing in the strong, cold current.

I’ve stared below the shimmering surface into the murky brown depths waiting for the delicious tension to break with a strike.

Standing in the river, I’ve always felt a profound sense of vividness.

Everything around me comes into sharp relief. My mind stops. Time slows down and opens up, as if suddenly given more space to exist. It’s as though, instead of one elusive minute, I’m given 60 vivid seconds.

As I’ve done more and more mindfulness meditation with John Bruna and the Mindful Life Program in Carbondale, I’ve come to believe that this vividness of experience is available all the time, or if not all the time, 50

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | June 2016

“

All FIfis hermen get the same number of bites. The difference between those who catch FISH and those who don’t is whether or not they pay attention to their line.”

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51