Spoke+Blossom Magazine | Summer 2019 | Issue #8

T H E

H U B

O F

A D V E N T U R E

I N

W E S T E R N

C O L O R A D O

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORM CELLAR 12 CHILL OUT SUMMER RECIPES 22 POWERS ART CENTER IN CARBONDALE 34 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S TRAIL SUMMIT 48 DARK SKIES AND BIG DREAMS 68 SUMMER 2019 / ISSUE 8

DREAMS COME TRUE ON THE WESTERN SLOPE

WE PROTECT THE DREAM

WATCH TANITH’S STORY AT RMHPSTORIES.COM

% Achieving Remission (HAMD 17)

Depressed

Non-Depressed

40 35 30 25 20 15

Li deckeliho line od o s w f ac ith eac hievin h su g re cce miss 27.5% ssiv ion e tr i eat s limit me e nt a d and 21.2% ttem pt

16.2%

10

6.9%

5 0

First Line Treatment Effect

One Prior Treatment Failure

Two Prior Treatment Failures

Three Prior Treatment Failures

CO N T what’s up in the west + what’s in season

lifestyle

20

2

8

VOICES OF WESTERN COLORADO Locals weigh in on Balance

9

WHAT’S UP IN THE WEST Sweet Kiwi: Home Sweet Home Coming Soon: Riverfront Park at Las Colonias

12

FROM SOMMELIERS TO WINEMAKERS The Story Behind The Storm Cellar

16

BLOSSOM Sustainable Gardening in Grand Junction

18

HOME+GARDEN How to Host a Pop-Up Party

20

THE SCRAP-CRAFTED COCKTAIL Syrups, Infusions and Salts

22

BOYCOTTING A HOT KITCHEN Chill Out Summer Recipes

44 26

BOOK+BEVERAGE The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi Gose by Kannah Creek

27

OUR FAVORITE INSTAGRAMS

28

STYLE High Desert Authentiques

30

MAKER Brian Crandall: The Art of the Horseshoe

34

ART Powers Art Center in Carbondale

38

MUSIC Red Clay Roots Music Camp

40

FOOD Fuel Up On I-70: Six Stops to Make the Journey More Fun

42

FOOD Destination Dining: The Evolution of Bin 707

44

Q+A Hot Tomato Owners Jen + Anne

E N TS adventure

features + events

48

68 64

SPOKE International Women’s Trail Summit

WESTERN COLORADO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Identifying Issues, Developing Solutions

68

50

GRAND OUTDOORS Humans and Wildlife: A Roommate Agreement

GRAND MESA OBSERVATORY Dark Skies and Big Dreams

72

52

ETIQUETTE The Not-Quite-Right Guide

CHILD & MIGRANT SERVICES Happy 65th Birthday!

77

54

FAMILY Head Uphill to Go Downhill at Powderhorn

EVENTS Summer Events in Western Colorado

80

58

TAKE A HIKE Mesa County’s Highest Point: Leon Peak

WHO WE ARE Grand Valley Students United

60

GETAWAY Colorado’s “Great Spirit:” Manitou Springs

46

SUMMER STOKE Gear for the Season

48

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

3

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

BALANCE It’s with great excitement that I introduce myself to the Spoke+Blossom community.

A couple years ago I picked up a copy of this magazine in Edwards, Colorado, and immediately fell in love with the quality of storytelling behind it. It’s the kind of publication that really engages in the heart of a place and its colorful characters — a true work of art that honors journalism and the publishing industry in a such a revered and authentic way.

It’s because of you that this publication exists and has the opportunity to thrive and evolve. Thank you to the Spoke+Blossom readers and partners for supporting the creativity and commitment that is behind this magazine, and for believing in the platform that it provides.

Myself and my partner in publishing and soon-to-be husband, Bobby L’Heureux, are both so grateful that we can become connected to Western Colorado in a deeper way through Spoke+Blossom. Cat Mayer has been incredibly kind, thoughtful and helpful in the transition process, from one publisher to the next, and I’m excited that her photography and her generous advice will continue to grace the pages of this publication for as long as she will have us.

Bobby and I also produce CO YOGA + Life® Magazine, and we look forward to introducing you to that publication as well. May this summer edition of Spoke+Blossom be one way that we acquaint ourselves to you, and a way to still see so many names and faces that continue to contribute.

As seasons shift, years go by and things change, we come to accept the inevitable nature of transition, and it’s important to share that Bobby and I are committed to moving Spoke+Blossom forward with balance and grace.

This issue has so many wonderful stories of lifestyle and adventure, with spreads that highlight seasonal recipes and full features on inspiring community organizations.

There’s inspiration on every page, really, and that’s why I love this magazine so much.

Thank you for staying connected, and we commit to doing the same.

Happy Summer!

Founder Robin Brown Publisher Kim Fuller + Bobby L’Heureux Editor-In-Chief Kim Fuller Editorial Manager Lexi Reich Art Director Kitty Nicholason Staff Photographer Cat Mayer Advertising Hannah Odneal + Bobby L’Heureux Interns Jenna Kretschman + Naomi Allen Contributors Rose Marie Binger Robin Brown Jordan Chavez Lindsay DeFrates Olivia Emmer Vicki Felmlee Isaac Garfinkle Jayme Henderson Sarah Johnson Jenny Kellner Jenna Kretschman Kristen Lummis Mike McKibbin Josh Niernberg Hannah Odneal Gabriela Reitz Kaylan Robinson Richard Rosenblatt Carrington Schaeffer TJ Smith Steve Steese Sharon Sullivan Mykan White Melanie Wiseman

Cover Photograph

Brittany Bowen after an afternoon road ride on Little Park Road, Grand Junction, by Andy Bowen

Kim Fuller

Owner + Publisher

Join the Spoke+Blossom Community facebook.com/ spokeandblossom

Instagram @spokeandblossom

twitter.com/ spokeandblossom

Keep in touch with us between issues! Check out our website, spokeandblossom.com, for updates and events, and follow us on social media.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to be taken directly to our website

This magazine is shareable and recyclable. Please don’t throw it in the trash.

Spoke+Blossom Magazine Jaunt Media Collective 2077 North Frontage Road / 103A Vail, CO 81657 For advertising, contact ads@spokeandblossom.com Get in touch! We would love to hear from you. Please send your comments to letters@spokeandblossom.com Copyright © 2019 All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission. Printed in Colorado.

Colorado inspired, Colorado sourced tacos SELLING BUSINESSES IS OUR BUSINESS Businesses for Sale | Business Valuations Private Equity Group

ERIC PAYNE • KEVIN BROOKS

@tacopartygj #thenewwest 126 S 5th Street Downtown GJ Daily lunch 11:30-3 Daily dinner 5-9pm

970-255-8000 • 346 Main Street • ventureadvocates.com Guiding companies through transition

YOU ARE COLORADO ! e w e r a So

You’re proud to call Colorado home. So are we. Since 1973, we’ve been giving back to the communities where we live, work and play across our great state, and we’re here to stay. If you are looking for an independent, locally managed community bank, where the employees are also the owners, we would like to be your bank.

We’re Alpine Bank. alpinebank.com | Member FDIC

I N D E P E N D E N C E • C O M M U N I T I E S • C O M PA S S I O N • I N T E G R I T Y • LO YA LT Y

contributors

SHARON SULLIVAN Sharon is a freelance writer and editor whose stories have appeared in local, regional and national publications. She lives in Grand Junction with her husband, John, and is an avid hiker and backpacker of the Colorado Plateau.

OLIVIA EMMER Olivia Emmer of Olive & West Photography specializes in showcasing the talents of “people who make and grow things.” Her images have been featured in national and regional publications. oliveandwest.com

ISAAC GARFINKLE Isaac is a social worker turned astronomer who has been serving as assistant director at the Grand Mesa Observatory since its official inception in 2017. He also serves as vice president of the local astronomy club in Grand Junction.

MYKAN WHITE A native of the west, Mykan is a selfdescribed “community junkie” who loves Colorado skies, live music, gardening and rusticating in the mountains. After years of editing, she is excited to return to her first love of writing.

ROSE MARIE BINGER Rose Marie has lived in Grand Junction almost all of her 29 years and is in love with the Grand Valley she calls home.

She spends her time enjoying local patios, reading, cooking and working on her podcast Babes.Books.Brews with her friend Emilie Stickley. Catch Rose Marie at Out West Books.

6

VICKI FELMLEE Vicki Felmlee owns TCS Aerial Visuals, offering free demonstrations to schools and consultation to other businesses; she also promotes and organizes drone (quad/FPV) racing.

She is a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the Grand Junction Modeleers.

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

—John Lubbock

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

7

voices of western colorado

BALANCE We asked these Western Slope locals to weigh in on this topic.

Compiled by Jenna Kretschman

MARCUS STRAUB

ANNA STOUT

ANDY BOWEN

I have a phrase that I use: “life-

Balance is not some magical

When I was kid, I never had to

work balance.” I don’t believe in

calculation of time spent doing

think about a sense of balance.

work-life balance; I believe in life-

“have-to-do” tasks versus “want-to-

I believe this was because I

work balance, because I believe

do” activities. Balance is a mentality

was outside every day, healthy,

life is first, and work is second.

that starts with appreciating having

creative and always experiencing

A

perspective

meaningful work to do and ends

new things. As an adult, I have

truly

takes

balanced

consideration.

with honoring the thoughts and

to make a conscious effort to

I constantly strive to excel in

that

into

needs you have from moment to

make this stuff happen. Plus,

both areas of my life, always

moment. I try to look at everything

you know, capitalism. Thanks

paying attention to whether I feel

on my plate as something I “get to

to where I live on the Western

imbalanced. I intentionally seek

do,” even when it’s not fun stuff,

Slope, getting outside, staying fit

to bring more balance to those

because a “get-to-do” mentality

and enjoying new things comes

areas of my life. I’m a business

removes the weight of obligations

pretty easily, but how I make a

owner, I’m very busy, and I make

and converts them to privileges. I

living can take a little more effort.

conscious efforts every day to

find balance in small things during

I constantly check in with myself

bring time for myself into my

the day, like breathing consciously,

and make sure the work I do for

life and to use that time wisely to

acknowledging grateful thoughts

my businesses provides me with

refresh, recharge, reboot, to take

or noticing small smells and

the opportunity to be creative,

care of me, just like I work to take

sensations. But the most important

expressive and excited, and it

care of people and businesses, so

part of feeling balanced is practicing

allows me to feel like I am going

that I actually feel better, happier

self-compassion, which allows you

somewhere. My mind craves

and more capable of living a more

to work passionately toward your

progression and achievements.

full and rich life.

goals while simultaneously being

If I can get outside, eat well,

kind to yourself when you are tired,

be creative and make progress

unmotivated or less productive

towards my goals, I find balance

than you’d like to be.

comes naturally.

Anna Stout is the executive director of Roice-Hurst Humane Society, a Grand Junction City Council member and local business owner.

Andy Bowen is an artist, media director, adventurer and local business owner in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Marcus Straub is a life coach and founder of Life Is Great Coaching in Grand Junction, Colorado. He loves the Grand Valley for its plethora of outdoor recreational activities.

8

what's up in the west

HOME SWEET HOME Words by Mykan White | Photo by Kaylan Robinson

A

fter five years of delivering their signature baked goods to Grand Valley residents

and restaurants, Sweet Kiwi Cookies finally has a place to call home. In April, co-owners La Rae Biocic and Melissa Mulford teamed up to share space in the storefront of Palisade Pies. Customers can now enjoy goodies from both bakeries, a full-service espresso bar with house-made syrups and breakfast bites (we recommend the excellent quiche). Located at 3415 C½ Road, along the Palisade Fruit and Wine Byway, it’s a perfect pit stop during a day of eastend biking or orchard touring. To hear about upcoming offerings and events, including cakeand cookie-decorating classes and kids’ baking camps, follow @sweetkiwicookies.

COMING SOON: RIVERFRONT PARK AT LAS COLONIAS Words by Robin Brown | Photo courtesy Robin Brown

Anchor tenant Bonsai Design, a company

that builds aerial canopy tours all over the world, will break ground on their 20,000-squarefoot headquarters next month. Once their headquarters is complete, they’ll build a zipline over the Colorado River beginning at Eagle Rim Park and ending in Las Colonias park.

RockyMounts, a Boulder-based company that manufactures bike racks, announced their relocation to Grand Junction last summer and will be joining Bonsai in the park.

I

With the Colorado River Trail snaking

f you’ve driven down Riverside Parkway along

through the park, and immediate access to

the Colorado River lately, you’ll see quite a bit

the Colorado River, this is the perfect area for

of construction just east of the amphitheater

a restaurant and retail area that will fill out

— the finishing touches of Riverfront at Las

the western edge of this new “river district.”

Colonias Park — a 140-acre city park with a

This project transforms the formerly blighted

15-acre business park focused on the outdoor

riverfront area into a center for commerce and

recreation industry embedded within it. The

recreation that the whole valley can enjoy.

park will include a festival area, dog park, a

series of ponds for SUPs, a boat ramp and a

business, contact Robin Brown at GJEP at robin@

whitewater recreation area.

gjep.org or 970.245.4332. :

For more information on relocating your

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

9

what's up in the west

DRONES IN THE DESERT Words by Vicki Felmlee | Photo by Andrew Marjama

D

10

rone racing has been rapidly gaining

money. TOG will return to provide equipment

popularity throughout the nation, with

and tech know-how.

thousands of racers showing up at fields, parks

This year the event will also host a

and arenas to display their skills. It is one of

demonstration from the Drone Championship

those rare phenomena that combines the highest

League’s Quadforce 1, a national racing team.

of technologies, psychological skills, athletic

Co-chairs are Sherry Ficklin and Vicki Felmlee.

abilities and even art. It is mesmerizing to watch.

“We are really excited to have members of

Three years ago, a few drone advocates,

Quadforce 1 come to DITD,” says Ficklin, “They’ll

members of the Grand Junction Modeleers flying

bring a level of adrenaline and knowledge that is

club and the Academy of Model Aeronautics

going to be amazing.”

asked, “Why not here?” At that time, there were

no official or sanctioned drone races in western

custom computer coding with FPV goggles so that

Colorado.

they can “see” what the drone is seeing. Reaching

All racers build their own drones and combine

The club partnered with The Other Guys

speeds of 80 to 100 miles-per-hour, drones veer

(TOG) First Person View (FPV) Drone Racing Club

and slice the air, through, over and under gates

in Longmont to bring this sport to the Grand

and obstacles. The racer and drone work as one.

Valley. TOG is considered one of the best flying

Races are monitored by human watchers, but

clubs in the country. They had the expertise, and

because drones move with a lightning blur, they

the GJ Modeleers had the perfect place — a 17-

are also wired into computers that track speed

acre field with no trees, no power lines and lots

and accuracy from gate to gate. If a drone hits

of parking just off of 32 Road on Whitewater Hill.

or misses a gate, the computer catches it and

Drones in the Desert (DITD) was born.

penalties are deducted from the score.

The first year hosted 25 pilots with cash

At only 19, Jonathan Ficklin of Grand Junction

prizes and lots of free food. The racers were

is one of the rising stars in professional drone

challenged by the desert environment, but the

racing. He was tapped by the prestigious Drone

event was so much fun that all agreed DITD was

Champions League and has already competed in

one of the best races in Colorado. The second

European events. His future plans are to compete

year hosted 37 pilots, more free food and a

all around the world, continue to grow the sport,

mountain bike giveaway.

and “do all [he] can to make a living doing it,

because it’s what [he] love[s] to do.”

Now the third annual Drones in the Desert

is scheduled for August 31 - September 1. More

DITD is free to the public. Spectators are

than 45 entrants are expected. Local racers will

encouraged to ask the racers questions. Visit

be joined by pros and amateurs from the Eastern

dronesinthedesert.com or their page on facebook.

Slope, Wyoming and Utah, vying for $600 in prize

com/Dronesinthedesert/. :

what's up in the west

DESTINATION BASECAMP Words by Melanie Wiseman | Photo courtesy Palisade Basecamp

W

elcome to Palisade Basecamp RV Resort,

then come back home. Our guests love the fresh

the

alternative

produce, the 360-degree views and the twilight

camping destination. This quaint, 14-acre

Grand

Valley’s

new,

hours which are magic. It’s not your average

property borders the Colorado River, nestled

RV park.”

between fruit orchards and vineyards. Just a mile from historic downtown Palisade, Basecamp opens the door to the pleathora of outdoor adventures, festivals, dining, concerts, wineries, distilleries and breweries the valley has to offer.

Co-owners Keith and Brandi Ehlers and Bart

and Brooke McElley are all Grand Valley natives.

They pride themselves in repurposing riverfront land not being used for agriculture, warm collaboration with other Palisade neighbors and businesses, and creating such a unique experience.

“It’s meant to be your ‘Base Camp,’” says

Keith Ehlers. “Come here, go and enjoy the area,

Available Amenities •O ver 100 riverfront and upper terrace RV and tent sites, eight cottages and two Country Home Suites •C olorado River access •P ool, pet park, laundry facilities • On-site peach orchard and fresh produce greenhouse •M odern private showers and restrooms •C ommunity shade and game shelter •T wo event sites for weddings, family reunions, club outings and corporate retreats Palisade Basecamp RV Resort 985 North River Road Palisade, CO 81526 970.462.9712

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

11

blossom

FROM SOMMELIERS TO WINEMAKERS

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORM CELLAR Words by Jayme Henderson + Steve Steese

A

12

s sommeliers in the Denver culinary scene

to the Redstone Vineyard, which was listed for

for many years, we spent any vacation time

sale, for the very first time. We took some time

that we had in wine country — most frequently

together and walked the property, and when we

on the West Coast. We tasted wines at hundreds

reached the most breathtaking vista, we knew

of wineries, visited numerous vineyards and

in our hearts that this was the spot where we

even interned with a handful of our favorite

would realize our dream. As white wine fanatics,

producers. We were continually dreaming about

we fell in love not only with the incomparable

the idea of managing a vineyard or starting a

views but also with an entire vineyard property

winery in California or Oregon, but we always

dedicated exclusively to white wine varieties.

felt that taking a leap of that magnitude would

happen in the future.

raising funds and laying out our business model

In the spring of 2016, however, on the

before purchasing the Redstone Vineyard in

back seat of a bus in the middle of California

February of 2017. We left behind our suits, our

wine country, we realized that although we

evening hours, our cozy home we’d worked so

loved regions like Sonoma and the Willamette

hard to renovate, and our steady careers as wine

Valley, we did not want to leave Colorado. Two

directors, sommeliers and restaurant managers.

questions crossed our minds: how can we make

Ready or not, we took the precarious leap to

our wine dream happen now? Do we have to

farming full time.

leave Colorado to achieve it?

Immediately after arriving home, we

we acclimated to a totally new working skill

booked a trip to the North Fork Valley. After a

set while figuring out the intricacies of a very

couple of visits, we met Rob Kimball of 5680’

unique vineyard property. Together, we have

Wines, who drove us up the steep, winding road

renovated the old, dilapidated farmhouse we

We spent countless hours researching,

During these first years at the vineyard,

OLIVIA EMMER / OLIVE & WEST PHOTOGRAPHY

Jayme and Steve toast their marriage during a private ceremony (just the two of them) amongst the dormant Chardonnay vines, February 2019.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

13

COURTESY JAYME HENDERSON

Steve inspects the quality of the fruit-set in one of the blocks of Chardonnay at the Redstone Vineyard.

now call home while teaching ourselves to farm

group of influential chefs and beverage

with help from our neighbors, a lot of books,

professionals — whose roster includes Josh

online courses and many YouTube videos.

Niernberg of Bin 707 — we have a specific

Subjects like irrigation, wind machines,

goal of promoting both the Western Slope and

tractors, fencing, pruning, training and trellising

Colorado wine. This exciting opportunity allows

have all required extensive research and a lot of

us to present our wines and many of our favorite

trial and error.

Colorado wines to a broad culinary audience at

Because we did not have a winery license our

a unique series of summer events, culminating

first year here, we sold all of our harvest in 2017

at a dinner in the legendary James Beard House

to a few of our favorite Colorado wineries and

in Manhattan this October.

began the process of transitioning our vineyard

into a functioning winery. Last fall, a mere five

the vineyard, winery and business tasks, as well

days before our first harvest, we finally obtained

as our lives, together. We have known each other

our winery license. We brought in over 18 tons

for a long time, but on a cold, snowy afternoon

of grapes from our estate vineyard, which we

this past February, we exchanged our vows right

fermented, matured and nurtured into the wines

at the very spot where we knew we wanted to

of our inaugural 2018 vintage.

begin this project almost three years ago. We are

Although we are now farmers and

breaking ground for our new winery and tasting

winemakers, we are still sommeliers. As

room there this summer, and we are so excited

members of the 2019 Colorado FIVE, a select

to share this special place and our wines with

We are a true team together. We share all of

the rest of Colorado. :

14

COLORADO HEMP SOLUTIONS

After Dark

Join us for dinner!

Experience inspiring dishes from Executive Chef Marez.

sun.soil.water

HEMP Full Spectrum CBD Oil Supplements, Salves, Softgels, and Animal Supplements

Fish and Shellfish Creations

Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday night

Slow Roasted Prime Rib

Thursday, Friday or Saturday night Monday - Saturday | 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SpoonsBistroAndBakery.com • (970) 255-7237 3090 North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506

www.coloradohempsolutions.com info@coloradohempsolutions.com

Facebook/coloradohempsolutions • Instagram/colorado_hemp_solutions

blossom

SUSTAINABLE GARDENING IN GRAND JUNCTION

HOPING TO G.R.O.W. Words by Mike McKibbin | Photos by Cat Mayer

W

16

ith more interest in healthy, home-grown

lined up, grow our name,” Breeden says. “My

foods, a fledgling nonprofit group hopes

vision is to expand into greater Grand Junction

to help teach people in the Grand Valley how to

and elsewhere.”

garden sustainably.

For example, Breeden says volunteers to do

Landscape architect Rob Breeden created

the heavy lifting on garden projects are hard to

Gardens Restoring Our World (GROW) at the

find in hot summer months, so GROW might help

start of the year.

organize those events.

“It dawned on me that there was a disconnect

A logo contest among local middle schools

and a need to fill a gap,” he says.

produced several entries and the three-member

GROW board of directors will pick a winning

GROW wants to provide garden education,

installation and maintenance services to the

design, Breeden says.

public and private sectors, as well as offer

hands-on

GROW also works with the Lowell Valley

gardening.

Townhomes project, behind the Lowell School in

Breeden, who consulted on the Mesa County

downtown Grand Junction, near Seventh Street

Libraries Discovery Garden, says it is important

and White Avenue, formerly the R-5 High School.

to re-educate people about the importance of

The project includes 36 townhomes in one city

sustainable gardening, much of which has been

block, where Breeden proposes using public

lost to over-mechanization and commercial

right-of-way for community gardens.

chemical production.

“Responsible care and stewardship of our

landscaping and brought up the idea of

natural resources are of primary importance,”

integrating food instead of flowers,” Breeden

he writes in an email. “We need to get volunteers

says of an edible landscaping approach.

experience

in

urban

“I started talking to the developer about

The Lowell Village community is

hoped to be instrumental in creating at least two community gardens downtown, Breeden says. Future plans include building a greenhouse at the site to hold year-round activities.

The Grand Junction Downtown

Development

Authority

is

the

property owner, and Breeden says he has talked to authority officials about GROW managing the site.

East Middle School near the

Lowell site and GROW hosted a planter-building

workshop

with

the help of area business’ material donations. Around 20 people showed up, Breeden says, and built a raised garden bed “in the shape of a curvy snake.”

Breeden hopes to work with the

school on before-class gardening workshops and notes a teacher at nearby Chipeta Elementary School is interested in a similar program for her fifth-graders.

GROW also hosted workshops

on soil health and cover crops, a subject Breeden helps the Mesa Conservation District promote as a member of the district board of directors.

As GROW moves forward into

the downtown and greater Grand Junction area, Breeden wants to see

blighted

areas

turned

into

community gardens.

“Places

where

people

could

come and teach and learn with others about sustainable gardening and growing their own healthy food,” he says.

To learn more about GROW

(website

coming

soon),

call

Breeden at 970.210.2155 or email gardensrestoringyourworld@gmail. com. : The “curvy snake” raised garden bed is in progress at East Middle School/Lowell Village townhomes.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

17

home+garden

HOW TO HOST A

POP-UP PARTY Words by Carrington Schaeffer

BE THE XPERIENCE

W

e’ve all been there.

of its popping up out of nowhere, lending it a

While scrolling through social media,

limited-time-only quality. We usually associate

we stumble upon the dazzling photographic

pop-up parties with interesting locations such as

evidence of a pop-up party. Its effect is breezy

industrial buildings or organic produce farms.

and magical, seemingly as effortless as if the

While choosing a venue is important (and the

wind blew it in and then back out again four

more creative or surprising, the better), planning

hours later, leaving behind its shimmery social

a pop-up party first begins with figuring out

media afterglow. Maybe you’ve wanted to host

what your goal is.

a pop-up party yourself, but its almost mythic nature feels daunting.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?

Do not be intimidated.

First, ask yourself what you want to accomplish

All you need are a few pointers to demystify

with your pop-up party. Are you a new company

the pop-up party.

who wants to get your name or product out there? Are you raising money for a charity

18

WHAT IS A POP-UP PARTY?

you love? Whatever your intention, keep your

A pop-up party is all about creating a unique and

original goal in mind throughout every stage of

unexpected experience for your guests that is

the planning process.

strategically centered around your organization.

Much of its excitement is due to the implication

with the details. Make sure all elements, from

Next, you can begin to get more specific

ELIZABETH WELLS

venue to cuisine, reinforce your overall goal. For

your party apart. If you choose to give your guests

example, if you want to create awareness for

something tangible, make sure it’s either useful,

a new bicycle model you’ve just released, you

beautiful or — ideally — both.

might want to host your pop-up outdoors where your customers can take your bikes for a spin. If

POP-UP AFTERGLOW

you decide serving food makes sense, you might

After your pop-up party is over, it starts to

want to serve more casual fare like tacos and

take on a virtual life of its own through social

craft beer rather than caviar and champagne.

media. Kate Ryan, owner of Gold Leaf Design &

However, if your goal is to create buzz

Production, recommends hiring a photographer

over your vintage-inspired jewelry line, caviar

or videographer to capture the event and then

and champagne at a sultry speakeasy-themed

sharing the photos or videos online to generate

cocktail party might be just the right choice.

excitement. You can also encourage your guests

Shiara Caubarreaux, owner of Stonewood

to share their “Instagrammable moments” on

Rentals + Events, says every time she plans a

social media and to tag them with your unique

pop-up party, she walks through the entire event

pop-up’s hashtag.

from the perspective of her guests to ensure

they’re getting the best possible experience.

of who you are as a brand or organization. The

The pop-up party should be a direct reflection

event is about more than just the pop-up.

THAT EXTRA SHINE

What can you give your guests that will make them

communicate who you are and what you stand

remember you? According to Josh Niernberg,

for,” says Meehan Fee, owner of Telluride

owner of Bin 707 and Taco Party, great hospitality

Unveiled. “Your guests are buying not only your

will always create that extra shine that will set

product, but the ethos of your company.” :

“Your

pop-up

party

should

always

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

19

drink

THE SCRAP-CRAFTED COCKTAIL Words + Photo by Jayme Henderson

M

ost of us pride ourselves on growing,

two weeks. Syrups can be used in a variety of

sourcing and purchasing the very best

culinary creations. I recently made a strawberry

produce that we can find. Considering how

shortcake and reserved the tops of the berries for

difficult it can be to acquire quality produce, it

an infused syrup. I incorporated this vibrantly

makes sense to utilize every part of each plant.

hued strawberry top-infused syrup in a classic

At our house, when we cut off the tops of carrots,

French 75 cocktail.

peel away onion skins or chop the bottom off a celery bunch, we set aside these “scraps,” toss

INFUSIONS

them in a bag and freeze them until we have

For infusions, I usually begin with a more basic

enough to make a batch of stock.

spirit, like white rum or vodka; however, one of

I apply this same philosophy of upcycling

my favorite scrap-crafted concoctions is an apple

scraps to my cocktail arsenal. I think that a lot

peel-infused bourbon. When I am peeling apples

of people feel obligated to use the best parts of

for pie, I toss the peels into a mason jar, add a

produce for their stocks or infusions. While

cinnamon stick, and top it off with bourbon.

I am not disagreeing that doing this may yield

Taste every day or two and strain the solids once

superior results, the practice is unnecessary and

you are satisfied with the flavor intensity. This

inefficient. These scrappy pieces might not be

particular infusion is a delicious base for an Old

the most beautiful in appearance, but they are

Fashioned.

packed with flavor that can be further extracted and maximized.

SALTS

Here are a few ways to incorporate kitchen

Whenever I am juicing citrus for a recipe, I make

scraps into your summer cocktails that would

sure to always zest the skins first. If I do not have

otherwise be discarded.

an immediate use for the zest, I make a simple citrus salt. Salt is an excellent preserving and

20

SYRUPS

extracting agent. Tossing citrus zest into a small

For my infused syrups, I use a basic ratio of one

jar of salt and shaking it up can provide you a

part each: sugar, water and fruit or vegetable.

summer’s worth of delicious rimming salt for

Bring these ingredients to a low simmer,

margaritas. I also love to season grilled Olathe

remove from heat, let cool and strain the solids.

corn with a dash of this zesty salt or sprinkle a

Syrups can be kept in the refrigerator for up to

little on freshly baked shortbread. :

Feeling Creative?

If you’d like to participate, post photos of your upcycled cocktail creations using the hashtag #scrapcraftedcocktails and be sure to tag @spokeandblossom.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

21

eat

BOYCOTTING A HOT KITCHEN

CHILL OUT SUMMER RECIPES Words + Photos by Jenny Kellner

I

22

t’s pretty much a given that the long, sunny

the summer shine, as well as taking everyone’s

(and downright hot) days of summer don’t

mind off peaches with a hint of off-season fruit

quite put you in the mood for cranking up the

in the Peartini.

oven for hours to make a pot roast or beef stew.

Moreover, who wants to cut short an afternoon

hot-weather meal, which starts with a zingy

fishing on the Mesa or floating down the Colorado

cocktail based on homemade pear vodka. (You

to come home and stand over a hot stove?

can substitute a brand-name vodka if you

didn’t think of this last week.) An assortment of

Boycotting the kitchen from Memorial Day

Some advance prep work is the key to this

to Labor Day is perfectly understandable.

purchased olives makes a fine accompaniment.

On the other hand, an entire meal of cold

We love Grilled Olathe Corn Pudding with

food, while convenient, is not terribly exciting. If

Poblano Peppers and Asiago served warm or at

you’re having a couple of friends over sometime

room temperature, but it’s good cold if you want

in say, late July, keep in mind that grilled hot

to do everything way in advance. Alongside,

dogs and macaroni salad likely lost their appeal

serve a platter of sliced local tomatoes with a

weeks ago. And you can’t bring yourself to lug

sprinkling of fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic

home yet another watermelon from the market.

glaze, some French bread, and finish everything

And let’s not even mention zucchini.

off with our twist on a summer classic, Mint-

With a modicum of effort, you can take

Basil Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.

advantage of the abundance of local produce

Consider it a celebration of the summer

here in the Grand Valley (or perhaps even your

and the sweltering days we’ll be longing for

back yard!) and put forth a meal that will make

soon enough!

PEARTINI

ASSEMBLE THE COCKTAIL

MAKES FOUR

4 tablespoons of the boozy pear puree from the pear-infused vodka or pear puree 6 ounces of the pear-infused vodka or pear-flavored vodka 6 ounces elderflower liqueur, such as Bols or St. Germain Prosecco or other sparkling wine 4 slices of pear, for garnish

PEAR-INFUSED VODKA (PREPARE IN ADVANCE)

5-6 pretty ripe pears, peeled and cut into chunks A fifth of decent vodka

Put the pear chunks in a clean, wide-mouth glass jar, fill with vodka and cover. Put it in the fridge for up to a week, shaking it up every now and then. When you run out of patience, strain the vodka through a coffee filter into another vessel. Afterward, puree the boozy pears in a food processor or blender.

I n a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, shake together the pear puree, vodka and elderflower liqueur. Strain into well-chilled martini glasses.

Float some Prosecco on top and garnish with a pear slice.

GRILLED OLATHE CORN PUDDING WITH POBLANO PEPPERS AND ASIAGO SERVES FOUR

6 ears of fresh young Olathe corn, enough for about two cups off the cob 3 poblano peppers 2 beaten eggs 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup whole milk 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 rounded teaspoons flour 2 big pinches sea salt 4 tablespoons Asiago cheese, shredded A few fresh grinds of pepper

1. T urn on the grill and roast the corn and the peppers for five to seven minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn has a bit of char and the peppers are nicely charred all over. Remove the veggies and set the corn aside to cool; place the peppers in a paper bag or in a bowl covered with plastic wrap, let sit for 10 minutes, then skin and seed. You can do all this ahead of time.

2. When you’re ready, heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8- by 8-inch baking dish with a bit of the melted butter. Finely chop the peppers and scrape the kernels off the corn into a large bowl. Add the peppers and remaining ingredients to the corn and pour into the baking dish.

3. Place that dish into a slightly larger pan with enough water to touch the side of the baking dish. Carefully place in the oven and bake for a half-hour; check to see if the center is almost set. If not, bake a few minutes more.

4. Let it cool and serve.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

23

MINT/BASIL CHOCOLATE CHIP ICE CREAM MAKES 1 QUART

1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, torn 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn 1 cup milk 2 cups heavy cream 3/4 cup sugar 4 egg yolks 3 ounces dark chocolate chopped into bits or use semi-sweet chips

1. W arm the milk in a saucepan, and when bubbles gently form on the side, add the basil and the mint leaves. Turn off the heat, cover and steep for 30 minutes or so. I don’t think longer would hurt, but I’ve never had the patience to wait!

2. W hen ready, strain the basil-mint milk through a sieve into a small bowl, squeezing any remaining liquid out of the leaves. Return the milk to the saucepan and reheat along with one cup of the heavy cream.

3. M eanwhile, beat the sugar and the egg yolks together. Take 1/2 cup of the hot basil-mint milk/cream from the saucepan and temper the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Add the tempered yolks to the saucepan along with the remaining cup of heavy cream.

Mint-Basil Chocolate Chip Ice Cream comes from the book Ice Cream and Friends (2017, Ten Speed Press).

Other recipes were published online by Food52.com — (Peartini in 2012; Corn Pudding with Poblano Peppers in 2011).

24

4. H eat over a medium flame for three to five minutes, stirring/whisking all the while and being careful not to let it boil. When the custard coats the back of a spoon, remove from the heat and pour into a chilled metal bowl. Refrigerate for at least four hours, preferably more, until completely cold.

5. F reeze according to your ice-cream maker’s directions, adding the chocolate bits or chips at the end.

Scrape into a freezable container, press wax paper or plastic wrap onto the surface, cover and freeze for two hours before serving.

6. S erve in cute bowls with a sprig of mint, basil or both. :

WE SPEAK TO

WESTERN COLORADO

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADVERTISING AT SPOKEANDBLOSSOM.COM

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

79

book+beverage

Words + Photo by Rose Marie Binger

THE BOOK

THE WATER KNIFE

I

BY PAOLO BACIGALUPI n May of 2015, Paonia author Paolo Bacigalupi published his sixth novel, “The Water Knife.” This

science fiction story of a near-dystopian future feels a little too scary and hits close to home considering the drought conditions we faced on the Western Slope last year. Bacigalupi depicts a world where “Big Daddy Drought” hits, and the Colorado River is no longer sustaining. His story follows the three characters Angel, Lucy, and Maria in Phoenix, Arizona as they face dry conditions, regulated water use, gruesome murders, slumlords and ethical questions regarding humanity and the fight over water. When legality and ethical questions arise over water rights, not only do the states turn on one another, but so do our main characters.

As a woman, I enjoyed seeing such powerful and

diverse female characters. My particular favorite was seeing the Queen of the Colorado, Catherine Case, kick

THE BEVERAGE

butt and take names for Nevada’s access to water, securing their wealth over Arizona. Being a behind-thescenes influence, I didn’t question the fact that she was the one in charge. Despite not seeing much of her, I was ecstatic to see such a powerhouse of a female character.

26

N

KANNAH CREEK GOSE ot only do I recommend this book, but I also suggest reading it on the patio of Edgewater

Brewery. Kannah Creek’s second location sits right

I also read in shock, awe and horror at how fiercely our

on the River Front Trail on the Colorado River and

other two main ladies fought to survive in this brutal

is a complete must. The wonderful patio and grassy

dystopian world. They had what it takes to live in a

area are a perfect place to enjoy our superb summers.

world where people work the streets just to get a decent

Reminiscing on how lovely and full of water our river

shower and an opportunity to wash their clothes. When

is, I just had to stop by and enjoy a good brew.

I read the scene where the Californians destroy the Blue

Mesa Reservoir, causing the immediate evacuation of

pairing it with Kannah’s Gose. As a traditional German

Hotchkiss, Delta, Grand Junction and Moab, I couldn’t

ale, it not only looks light and crisp but tastes like

help but pause and wonder how I would handle a

it too. This ale is meant to start off with a slight sour

disaster if one were to ever hit Grand Junction.

taste caused by a natural reaction to the salt, citrus and

Upon completion of this insane page turner, I’ve

coriander added to the brew. The Gose isn’t too sour,

decided to be glad that I don’t live in a Mad Max-esque

but just enough to appreciate the flavor as you first sip.

world where slumlords and lawyers control the water

It then leaves you with a slightly sweet and crisp finish.

and put you in a cage with ravenous hyenas if you

Drinking this beer is just like reading a dystopian novel.

make them angry. Thank goodness this is fiction. I’ve

It’s a little sour, good for reflection, but slightly sweet

found myself enjoying my showers a lot more lately,

at the end. I certainly find it incredibly sweet knowing

and I might also wish for some more spring showers

that while we get to enjoy some impressive craft brews,

to head our way. Personal reflections aside, this action-

we also still have the ability to really enjoy, love and

packed thriller is non-stop and does its genre justice.

take care of our rivers. Cheers! :

If you choose to read this novel, I highly suggest

OUR FAVORITE INSTAGRAM PAGES

DOWNTOWN GRAND JUNCTION @downtowngj

VELA APPAREL @velaapparel

JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS @jazzaspen

At the heart of the valley is historic Downtown Grand Junction. This charming area features locally-owned shops, delectable dining, art galleries and fun for the whole family. Take a relaxing stroll downtown to window shop, attend a farmer’s market or admire its dozens of street sculptures and historic architecture.

Vela Apparel is a casual clothing company based in Vail, Colorado and was founded in 2016 by Elise and Matt Holmes. Perfect for creative adventurers, Vela’s casual attire is both comfortable and artistic. Each clothing piece features a unique, screen-printed piece of artwork. Visit Vela Apparel online at velaapparel. com or in person at 41149 Highway 6, Avon, Colorado.

Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes and preserves jazz and related forms of music through world-class events, performances and education programs. The popular JAS Labor Day Experience is an annual three-day music festival in Snowmass Town Park.

This year’s festival is Aug 30-Sept 1 with a lineup headlined by Weezer, John Mayer and Sting.

OUT THERE COLORADO @outtherecolorado

BLUEBIRD ORGANIC FRUIT @bluebirdfruit

GO FRUITA, COLORADO @gofruita

This Instagram feed shares gorgeous scenery of our beloved state from photographers everywhere. Get lost in snowy mountain peaks, basins full of wildflowers, iconic waterfalls, beautiful stretches of highway, charming mountain towns and, of course, ski slopes. The feed is a lovely compilation of some of Colorado’s best landscape photographs.

Bluebird Organic Fruit Co. is a family owned and operated, transitional peach orchard in Palisade. Their four varieties of peaches (Redhaven, Glohaven, Contenders and Cresthaven) will be available for purchase late-July through mid-September. Follow them for a look inside life on the farm, organic growing practices, recipes and more.

Fruita, Colorado is a charismatic town full of some of the valley’s most outdoorsy residents. Fruita’s Instagram feed features stunning local photography, outdoor experiences, information about upcoming festivals, restaurant recommendations and local activities to enjoy.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

27

style

HIGH DESERT AUTHENTIQUES

HIGH DESERT, HIGH STYLE Words by Mykan White | Photos by Cat Mayer

E

28

ntering High Desert Authentiques in

A short, post-high school internship at

Downtown Grand Junction, many assume

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater made a

that owners Fred Grinnan and Missy Burns

lasting impression on Grinnan’s sensibilities. Of

travel to bigger cities to source the shop’s vintage

midcentury design and quality construction, he

wares. “People say, you can’t be finding this

says, “It was always in the back of my mind. I

around here,” Grinnan notes of their assortment

recognized these things, but I didn’t know why.

of furniture, fixtures, art, jewelry, clothing and

Now [modern furniture] is popping up in every

miscellany. “But people came here in the 60s

commercial and TV show. There’s always one

and 70s. They retired here after the boom in

little piece of midcentury furniture.”

California in the 50s and 60s. They wanted out of

California, so they came here. It was cheap and

necessarily

didn’t snow a lot.”

provenance. Rather, his purchases are guided by

He should know. Originally from West

fine construction and timelessness. “It’s more of

Virginia, Grinnan migrated to Colorado as a

a sense of quality than a sense of what it actually

river guide and, after passing a dozen years in

is,” he explains. “I buy a lot of things that I’m,

Summit County, settled in the Grand Valley for

like, this is really neat. It’s made out of really nice

its temperate climate. It was also a convenient

materials. I’ll figure out what it is later.”

home base for his job repping outdoor and

bike gear throughout Colorado, Utah and New

of inventory, Grinnan opened High Desert

Mexico. While traveling for work, Grinnan kept

Authentiques in August of 2018. It was a natural

an eye out for items of interest, vending them at

next step, given Grinnan’s lifelong interest in

shops in Grand Junction and Fruita.

ceramics, architecture and design — as well as

For Grinnan, an item’s appeal isn’t about

its

trendiness

or

even

Needing more space for his growing stockpile

his knack for repair and refinishing pieces that have seen better days.

Now focused on the Western Slope,

Grinnan finds his merchandise through happenchance, downsizes, digging around in old barns and estate sales. “I meet some really interesting people,” he says. “It’s a shame, because a lot of people you ‘meet’ after they’re gone. It sounds corny, but you find a bunch of stuff about this person and their life, and it’s interesting. But it’s sad that you don’t get to meet them in real life.”

Fortunately, plenty of fascinating living

people come his way as well, attracted to his eclectic collection. “It’s an interesting crowd,” Grinnan says of his customers.

“I’m finding there’s a lot of really good craftsman and people who build interesting things around town — guitars, trailers, world-class cellos, furniture, metal stuff ...

Hobbyists come in here for dials and knobs and pieces and parts. You never know.” :

Owners Fred Grinnan and Missy Burns and their dog at High Desert Authentiques, 518 Colorado Avenue, Grand Junction. Contact the store at 970.985.4096 or @highdesertauthentiques .

Full-service Aveda Salon

970.241.1422

urbangirlssalon.com 2493 Highway 6&50 (COTTONWOOD MALL)

maker

BRIAN CRANDALL

THE ART OF THE HORSESHOE Words by Richard Rosenblatt | Photos by TJ Smith

G

30

ive him some shoes — horseshoes, that is

— and Brian Crandall will turn them into

charging at you,’’ says Crandall, who does much

“Right now, I’m working on a 6-foot-tall bull

works of art.

more than simply weld together horseshoes.

A popular farrier in the Grand Valley for

“For a while, that was okay,’’ he says, “but I’ve

more than 15 years, Crandall has also been

had more fun shifting the shapes of shoes to

forging a name for himself as a horseshoe

make what I make now.”

sculptor.

They call him the Horseshoe Art Guy.

graduated from Wittenberg University with

Crandall grew up near Cleveland, Ohio, and

He’s used hundreds of shoes to create a

degrees in biology and history. He recently had a

yucca tree for a woman in Tucson, Arizona, and

gallery built on his property, a way to showcase

used a single horseshoe to create a hook. “I split

his work to potential customers and keep plenty

the top of the shoe and make a heart out of the

of art on-hand to take to shows around Colorado

two pieces,” says Crandall.

and other states. It’s filled with wine racks, candle

Crandall, who lives with his wife Caren, their

holders, wall sculptures, occasional tables and

dog and five horses on a 40-acre farm in Loma,

much, much more — all created with used shoes

Colorado, sculpts to order. No two pieces are the

of all sorts of shapes and sizes.

same, and if a client has an idea, he’ll head over

to his workshop, which is tucked away inside his

tasted the West as a kid when his parents used

stable area, pick from a variety of shoes and get

to take him and his brother to a dude ranch

busy with his forge and anvil.

in Loveland.

Crandall may have grown up in Ohio, but

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

31

“I absolutely fell in love with the mountains,”

picking up outside work, and it blossomed into

says Crandall. Then he fell in love with horses

Brian Crandall Farrier Services. He says he has

after working for a year at that same dude ranch.

about 150 clients and takes care of about 400

horses in the Grand Valley, and some in Utah.

He ended up buying a few horses and

moved to Littleton to work as an environmental

consultant. By 1999, Crandall had moved to

Colorado Plateau Horsemen’s Hall of Fame,

Grand Junction and was so infatuated with riding

which honors horsemen, horsewomen and

he left the hazardous waste business he was in.

horses that have made significant contributions

He began raising, showing and breeding quarter-

to the equine industry in Western Colorado and

horses and Arabians, and he became a champion

Eastern Utah.

in several disciplines — prominent among them

was the 2009 National Championship in Working

all his roles. However, he adds: “It would be nice

Cow Horse.

to expand my art work. Shoeing is hard on your

“We had a lot of success competing, but it

body, and so would it would be nice to back off

was costing a fortune to shoe our horses, so I

on that a little when I’m ready. I also need to

decided to go to horseshoeing school so I could

practice my skills so I’m good enough that the

do it myself,’’ says Crandall.

artwork sustains itself.”

So he did. In 2004, he took an eight-week

For now, Crandall has managed to balance

For more information about Brian Crandall

course at Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School

Farrier Services, call 970.260.6411 or visit

in Sacramento, California, and it paid off. In

briancrandallart.com. :

addition to handling his own horses, he started

32

He’s also the founder and president of the

Seasonal American cuisine from local, Colorado and domestic sources

Dreaming of a new home?

Your perfect home awaits.

Welcome home.

@bin707foodbar #thenewwest 225 N 5th Street Downtown GJ Daily 11:30am-10pm Happy Hour 2-6pm

we aim to please

AnnaRickenbach.com • 970.260.8362 • #AnnaSellsGJ

34

art

CARBONDALE

POWERS ART CENTER Words by Olivia Emmer | Photos by Olive & West Photography

P

owers Art Center sits prominenetly in a

pasture just outside of Carbondale, Colorado,

center honoring the memory of American

Powers Art Center is a museum and study

but despite its small town locale, this sleek,

collector John G. Powers. Powers amassed a

modern art hub would not feel out of place in

significant collection of contemporary art,

a metropolitan area. The building is striking

especially the art of Jasper Johns, a friend of

and modern, a major work by Tokyo-based

Powers. The art center has over 300 of Johns’

architect Hiroshi Nanamori. The building mixes

limited edition works on paper that rotate in

contemporary design with local flavor. It features

display sets of 100.

local sandstone, and was designed to frame

views of nearby peak Mount Sopris. In summer,

artist of the 20th century who currently lives in

a reflecting pond adds to the building’s visual

rural Connecticut. Johns is a painter, sculptor

impact and interplay with the natural landscape.

and printmaker whose work is relevant to the

Jasper Johns is a significant American

abstract expressionism, NeoDada and pop art movements.

While

his

work

has

often

been assumed to be infused with political meaning, the artist himself seems to loathe explaining his pieces.

While the focus of the Powers

Art Center is Johns’ works on paper,

one

gallery

space

is

dedicated to a rotating exhibit of works by other artists in the former John and Kimiko Powers art collection. In May, the space featured prints by Andy Warhol.

Powers was also passionate

about

Japanese

art

and

developed a relationship with famed Karatsu potter Takashi Nakazato. Nakazato’s ceramic pieces are displayed throughout the galleries. Nakazato practices

36

his family’s traditional Karatsu techniques that

solidified their connection to the Roaring Fork

began in the 16th century and have continued

Valley, and they eventually made Colorado their

with unbroken lineage to this day. Nakazato

primary residence.

teaches around the world and has recently

been a visiting artist at another Roaring Fork

Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Center

Valley art institution, Anderson Ranch in

closes annually around May through early

Snowmass Village.

June to rotate exhibits and on major holidays.

Powers Art Center is open Monday through

The Center is located on property purchased

Additionally, the Center may not open during

by the Powers family in the 70s. While Powers

significant winter storms. It is advisable to call

and his wife began collecting during their time

ahead (970.963.4445) when planning your visit.

in New York City, visits to the Aspen Institute

Admission is free. powersartcenter.org :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

37

music

RED CLAY ROOTS

MUSIC CAMP Words by Hannah Odneal | Photos courtesy Red Clay Roots

F

38

or the second year in a row, Eric Law of Erth

Studios is bringing a group of his professional

music education is a departure from classical

Law’s unique, award-winning approach to

music colleagues from around the country to

methods — it focuses heavily on improvisation

teach at Red Clay Roots Summer Strings Camp

and contemporary genres. It is the inspiration

from July 24-27 at Colorado Mesa University in

behind the summer camp and his teaching

Grand Junction. Up to 75 middle and high school

studio.

string students will rehearse under the direction

of a hand-selected faculty with a very impressive

and diverse line-up of faculty is that we’ve all

collective resume, including work with Eminem,

performed together very extensively,” says

Hanson, Willie Nelson and Disney.

violinist Josh Knowles, also noting that they are

“The most special part of this stacked

all very good friends. “It’s always been a priority of mine to delve into as many genres and playing styles as possible. As I’ve gotten older though, I definitely appreciate the technical foundation I was given to do this through classical training. I think striking a unique balance between the two is the new and exciting challenge of our generation of string teachers.”

Adrianna Ciccone is also a violinist with a

combination of classical and Ottawa Fiddle Tradition training. She and Law worked together on her award-winning album, “The Back of Winter,” which

Big Firm Competence, Small Firm Attention

Specializing in planning for tax reform and beyond.

is available on iTunes. “I love introducing children who have a traditional classical background to the freedom of learning by ear and creating their own music through improvisation,” Ciccone says. “It

OUR TEAM OVER 40 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE

doesn’t have to be a scary process, and in fact, is pretty freeing when you realize there really aren’t any wrong notes!” The friends Ciccone made at fiddle camps growing up have been her biggest musical inspirations and are some of her closest friends to this day.

“Gosh. I wish I would have had the opportunity

to focus on improvisation and pop music as a kid.

I would have devoured it,” says cellist Ro Rowan.

“I had no awareness of or exposure to string players doing anything but classical music. I was the young cellist looking around the orchestras I grew up playing in feeling like I did not belong.

I would practice just long enough to race into my room and transcribe Alphaville and Peter Schilling synth parts.” Most recently, Ro performed in FOX’s production of “Rent: Live.”

“The gift I wanted to give to the Grand Valley

is an opportunity to study with this powerhouse faculty,” says Law, noting that no time is wasted on the unmusical in the camp schedule. “These are long days, and we’re really heavy on the music aspect. It’s not one of those camps where you play music a little bit and then go hike in the woods; it’s music from 8 to 8!”

To learn more about the faculty and enroll your

student, visit redclayroots.org. :

Stephen A. Stranger

Gina B. Tallman

Janet M. Lautz

521 Rood Avenue / Suite A • Grand Junction, CO 81502 Office 970.241.1116 • Fax 970.241.8299 • stlagj.com

food

SIX STOPS TO MAKE THE JOURNEY MORE ENJOYABLE

FUEL UP ON I-70 Words by Kim Fuller | Photo courtesy Hovey & Harrison

I

f you’re heading to Denver or coming home

EDWARDS

westbound, it’s best to plan on some great

Hovey & Harrison

food and drink breaks along the way. Here are

This bakery and café has established itself as

some establishments where you can belly up or

the community hangout in the Vail Valley. Stop

get down on some grub.

in early for a hearty breakfast and a homemade pastry to share, or come for an afternoon pick-

IDAHO SPRINGS

me-up with a turmeric latte. Wine, beer and

Westbound & Down Brewing Company

cocktails are also available at the bar, and a

Westbound & Down has made Idaho Springs a

full selection of grab-and-go prepared food, a

great craft food and beer stop. Taste the Den’Var

produce section and homemade bread can help

Pils for a refreshing yet full-flavored beer, and

you cross some things off your shopping list

the Fruit Squad is a golden sour blend aged on

while supporting local purveyors.

Palisade Peaches. For some appetizer options

56 Edwards Village Blvd / Unit 120

to share, try the Buffalo Chicken Nachos with a

Edwards, Colorado

brew to wash it all down.

970.446.6830

hoveyandharrison.com

1617 Miner St, Idaho Springs, Colorado

720.502.3121 westboundanddown.com

GLENWOOD SPRINGS The Pullman

SILVER PLUME

The Pullman is a must-stop in Glenwood Springs.

Bread Bar

Located just a block from The Hotel Denver on

Housed in an 1800s-era bakery, Bread Bar honors

7th Street, the eatery prides itself on refined

its rich history and the Silver Plume community

American comfort food, drawing its dish

as a whole. Open Fridays at 4 p.m., Saturdays at

inspiration from seasonal ingredients. Along

2 p.m. and Sundays at noon. Every drink is

with their twist on well-done comfort food, The

named after famous figures of Silver Plume and

Pullman is known for unique and impressive

the region, like the Clifford Griffin, made with

cocktails.

rye whiskey, Colorado amaro, lemon and a red

wine float.

970.230.9234

thepullmangws.com

1010 Main St, Silver Plume, Colorado

720.772.7323 breadbarsp.com ​

40

330 7th St, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

PALISADE

FRUITA

Palisade Brewing Company

Hot Tomato Pizza

The Palisade Brewing Company is a staple watering

A summer day in Fruita is only complete with a stop

hole in the area, with craft beer favorites like the

at Hot Tomato Pizza. Grab a slice, full pizza, stromboli

Dirty Hippie, a crisp and full-bodied dark American

or calzone, and choose from a number of local beer

wheat. Grab an order of the House-Smoked Pulled

and wine options. Start with homemade breadsticks

Pork Nachos to enjoy on a bed of locally-made tortilla

served hot and chewy straight from the oven and

chips topped with house-made beer nacho cheese and

then dive into The Hot Mess, made with spicy chipotle

pickled jalapeños.

pesto sauce, mozzarella, spinach, tomatoes, bacon,

garlic and bleu cheese.

200 Peach Ave, Palisade, Colorado

970.464.1462

palisadebrewingcompany.com

970.858.1117

124 N Mulberry St, Fruita, Colorado

hottomatopizza.com :

LOCAL SHUTTLE DashGJ.com

c at c h a f r e e r i d e E V E R Y T H U R S D AY + F R I D AY + S AT U R D AY f r o m 4 : 1 5 P M - 1 2 : 1 5 a M

food column

DESTINATION DINING

+ THE EVOLUTION OF BIN 707 Words by Josh Niernberg | Photo by Cat Mayer

I

42

n 2011, farm-to-table wasn’t a thing. The

Bin 707 Foodbar as “the best meal of his life,” and

Grand Valley, still slow to recover from the

in only a few short years, our little restaurant

recession, was a tourism destination that hadn’t

went from a model designed to feed 150 guests a

realized it yet. After trying to find the perfect

day to over 500.

destination to open our concept, we decided that

the Grand Valley had everything we needed:

passion project to turn into what it has. Its

an abundance of produce, access to ranchers,

journey, like all independent restaurants, is

a couple of breweries, a distillery. Our concept

constantly changing. Bin 707 Foodbar sees food

was simple: “Local, Colorado and Domestically-

deliveries six days a week. Every invoice, price

sourced Seasonal American Cuisine.” I was naïve

and yield of product brought in changes daily.

to think that “simple” ethos was all we needed to

We serve lunch and dinner seven days a week,

start a restaurant.

and feature more than 50 wines and beers in a

We never expected our little, locally-sourced

By 2014, local sourcing had become a thing.

full bar with some of the rarest bottles legally

Farm-to-table, the style of minimal intervention

for sale in Colorado. We have employed about

of produce cooking by sourcing without a

50 people year-round since our original location

distributer, had turned into a catchphrase all too

opened 10 years ago.

often thrown into a conversation. Tourism in the

Grand Valley was growing as outdoor recreation

transforming the industry as quickly as record-

enthusiasts discovered the #WestSlopeBestSlope.

low unemployment creates a need for skilled

Jared Leto (just after winning an Oscar) took to

employees county, state and country-wide. Our

the Nerdist podcast to describe his experience at

prospering cannabis industry in Colorado and

Ou r minim u m w ag e incr eases ar e

the rise of ride sharing industries have created

built tables that can seat more guests per table

a demand for a workforce that didn’t exist

while being far more conducive to sharing

even five years ago and was mostly filled with

dishes. We added photography and artwork

candidates from the hospitality sector.

and additional climate-controlled wine storage.

Finally, and most importantly in this case, the

Finally, we rebuilt a space we want to work

cost of food rises daily. Meanwhile, our mission

in as well as frequent. The redesign is more

has always been a commitment to source the

efficient and flexible. It’s calmer, and the food

most sustainable and best products available.

is better. We can take greater liberties and risks

These are the same products used at the most

with our menus now that old-school French

expensive restaurants in Aspen, Denver, San

techniques are no longer the basis for our sauces

Francisco and Las Vegas. Yet, our menu pricing,

and stocks. We have an expansion plan for our

comparatively, doesn’t reflect it.

wine and cocktail programs, hopefully adding

In 2011, we designed a lively-feeling

a sommelier/beverage director in the coming

restaurant: small tables, a color palette of

months to double down on the level of service

copper, wood, yellows and reds. Fast-tempo

we are able to provide daily.

music. Mismatched stoneware. Deliberately

uncomfortable seating. We designed for high-

built upon our locally-sourced ethos. We, like all

volume, as we don’t have enough seats to pay

of our counterparts, are always evolving just to

the bills if we couldn’t turn them all one time. I

stay afloat. The new Bin, one with flexible and

decided that I would rather lose guests because

more comfortable seating options, cooler tones,

the restaurant was too loud than to lose them

slower-tempo music and some riskier, more

because it wasn’t loud enough, and that thought

experimental cooking, in a way, actually renews

has guided the decisions we’ve made throughout

our commitment of constant evolution. We have

We are a small restaurant with a foundation

the years.

Those concepts and ideas worked, but

In 2011, farm-to-table wasn’t a thing ... our

through the years, our labor costs continued to

mission has always been a commitment to

climb. Our food costs continued to climb. And

source and the most sustainable and best

our talents also continued to climb! At some

products available...we are a small restaurant

point, the food began to excel past the wines

built upon our locally-sourced ethos.

we offered. The small tables were too small and we could seat only four people at most, creating waitlists of more than an hour every day of the

always been and will always be a chef-driven,

week. The crowds and the busy ambiance of the

locally-sourced, seasonal American restaurant.

restaurant began to backfire, and all of a sudden

our guests were feeling rushed, our price per

new spot with a weird name and cursed location

person dropped, our profits dropped, and I

into both a destination restaurant helping to

expected to see our margins diminish to zero as

promote tourism and a local staple. We are a

our costs continued to rise, all while having a

“Good Food 100” restaurant, a leader in the James

line out the door.

Beard Smart Catch initiative and a member of

In 2019, Bin has evolved from an unknown

We temporarily closed Bin 707 Foodbar

the Slow Food Chefs’ Alliance. Our menus would

during the first week of January 2019. We

resonate in any big city, yet all provide a sense of

remodeled our dining room and changed our

place that is definitively western Colorado. We,

menus — not just with new dishes, but with an

like every one of our counterparts, make these

entirely new framework on which the menu

adjustments every single day. But unlike most,

is built. All of the plates are new. The wine

we are lucky to have the advantage of making

program is new. The cocktail list is new. The

our home Colorado’s fertile Grand Valley. Our

uniforms are new. Even the music playlist and

evolution mimics that of our community and is

sound system are new. We designed and custom

the backbone of the hashtag #thenewwest. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

43

interview

S+B Q+A

HOT TOMATO OWNERS JEN + ANNE Interview by Mykan White | Photo by Cat Mayer

P

artners in life and work, Jen Zeuner

JZ: So, the origin story: Anne and I moved to

and Anne Keller are the adventuresome

Fruita in 2002, and we were working at Over the

visionaries behind Fruita’s Hot Tomato Pizza

Edge [bike shop]. We kept hearing when tourists

and Bestslope Coffee. They spoke with S+B

came through, “Where can you find a good place

about building community and culture, being

to eat or something to drink?” because people

intentional and the new Patagonia film that

want to hang out and talk about where they rode

features their story.

and what their next thing is. So we were like,

S+B: For those who aren’t familiar with the Hot Tomato, can you give us the basics — maybe starting with where you learned to make a phenomenal pie, and how you ended up offering it in rural Colorado?

how do we do this?

[How they did it: In 2005, Jen drew on her

New Jersey pizza-loving roots, communitymindedness and a loan from a friend to buy the equipment from an existing pizzeria and start her own. Anne eventually came on board,

44

and after a ton of teamwork, taste-testing and tinkering with formulas, the Tomato as we know it came into being.]

S+B: The Hot Tomato has become a local icon, and many consider it pivotal in helping to make Fruita the town it is today. Is the sense of shaping your place intentional, something you think about as you consider future projects?

AK: Yes, absolutely the shaping of the Tomato was completely intentional. The idea of shaping the town? No, I don’t think we would ever put that much importance upon ourselves. I think

S+B: The Hot Tomato and Bestslope are known for being a special kind of workplace, too. How do you make this magic happen?

JZ: Servant leadership. Basically, instead of a top-down approach, it’s a bottom-up approach.

AK: So, your job is to support everybody else. It makes such a huge difference to your workers how you manage people and how you lead people. We’re not too good to do anything in there. If dishes need to be done and we’re available, that’s what we do.

feel like if we have helped complement that

S+B: What can you tell us about “Life of Pie,” the Patagonia-sponsored short film in which you are featured?

evolution, then we feel good about that. It wasn’t

AK: There’s a couple of filmmakers that we’ve

like we wanted to bring this thing to town. It was

become friends with over the years. They

like, how do we create something that everyone

approached Patagonia with the idea of telling

can feel comfortable and welcome at? That part

our story.

the town has evolved naturally. If anything, I

was really intentional.

JZ: They were like, you guys are helping change

JZ: The thing I’m most proud of is when you

the narrative of this town — and they’ve seen it,

come into the Hot Tomato at any given time of

because they’ve been coming to the Hot Tomato

the day, the diversity of people there is huge.

since we opened in

S+B: How do you create spaces where people feel welcome? Does that come naturally to you, or is that another thing you crafted?

AK: It needs to be intentional. I think the natural tendency is to gravitate toward people that fit your niche, right? It’s not always as easy to connect with the person outside of that demographic. What we’ve learned over the years is you have to work with people to be just as welcoming to that person. That goes a long way to creating space.

JZ: You never know what someone is walking in with, if they’re having the best day of their life or the worst day of their life. If they’re choosing our place to come to, that says something about what we’re doing. Who’s going to make you feel the most comfortable? We want to be that place. That’s what built the culture. Now you see the non-bikers

2005 — and we think that your story really resonates with what [Patagonia]

is

with

outdoor

the

doing

For “Life of Pie” tour dates or to see the film, go to patagonia.com.

The tour ends June 20 in Boulder.

industry, and public land and community. And they’re doing this biking line and you guys love to bike ...

AK: They got the green light, and it’s finally done.

JZ: Patagonia is taking it to about 10 or 15 cities all over the country. It’s crazy, but it’s awesome.

S+B: Just one more thing: There are people whose summer isn’t complete without a piece of your Palisade peach pizza. We’re wondering, what are your favorite slices?

JZ: My favorite slice is the old standby, just a slice of cheese. Maybe some pepperoni.

sitting at the bar sharing a pie with the bikers. The

AK: I kind of gravitate to just a pepperoni slice.

place is full with all that positive energy. That’s

My favorite specialty slice we do is the Stash —

been a really cool thing to see take off.

it’s prosciutto, fig, bleu cheese and truffle oil. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

45

spoke

GET OUTSIDE!

GEAR FOR THE SEASON Compiled by Kim Fuller

Zeal Manitou Sunglasses

Tecnica Plasma S Hiking Shoes

As the first sunglass to combine

Make “break-in time” for your

Zeal Optics Z-Lite thin injection

hiking shoes a thing of the past.

frame and photochromic Auto

Grippy and nimble, the Tecnica

Sun, Manitou is an adventure

Plasma S hiking shoes have

partner that will give you the

heat-moldable uppers and

grandest view in any condition

footbeds for a customized fit

without weighing you down.

from day one. $150

$219 zealoptics.com

tecnicasports.com

Stio OPR Short + Divide Tank

Kate’s Real Food Stash Bar

Streamlined, stretchy and

With only eight simple

designed for technical mountain bike performance, these shorts feature a clean, tailored fit, specialized features and integrated ventilation. The relaxed, athletic Divide Tank is a summertime staple while biking on the trail or chillin’ around town. OPR Short $139; Divide Tank. $49 stio.com

46

ingredients, this Peanut Butter TrailFork Backpacking Meals

Hemp & Flax bar will keep

These are better tasting (and

you fueled and satisfied when

better for you) dehydrated

you’re at work or outside

meals, perfect for backcountry

playing. The natural sugars

trips or quick and delish meals

and protein provide sustained

at basecamp. The company

energy, while the amino acids

uses 100-percent compostable

from the hemp seeds help your

packaging and focuses

body use it. The flax seeds give

on vegetarian and vegan

you an added boost of omega 3

offerings. $8.50 - $11.50

and antioxidants. $2.99

mytrailfork.com

katesrealfood.com

Wildsyde “The Beast” Electric Bike (at left) This fat tire bike is versatile in all terrains.

Take a ride on The Beast to maneuver around town, commute to work and meet friends for happy hour. You can use some of your own pedal power while also enjoying some electric assistance — perfect for afternoons spend touring Palisade’s wineries. $2,995.95 wildsyde.com

Kelty Low Loveseat Camping never felt so cuddly. The lower base on this double-seat means no one is towering over the campfire or blocking anyone’s view, and the relaxed, slightly reclined design means you’re about to get your fill of chill.

This quality piece has a durable steel frame, insulated beverage holders and a roll-tote carry bag. $99.95 kelty.com

Hydro Flask 18-liter

Insulated Soft Cooler Tote

Carry cold with you this summer with this insulated, waterproof tote. The design lets you bring icy cold drinks to a neighborhood party or into the woods. Load up with your favorite food and drinks and keep them cold for up to 48 hours. Storage pockets keep dry things dry and side pockets give you a nice place to stash keys or a phone. $224.95 hydroflask.com

August 3, 2019 – Grand Junction, CO October 12-13, 2019 – yakima, wa For more information call

(970) 200-1443

HempAndHopsEvent.com

spoke

SPREADING WESTERN COLORADO’S OUTDOOR SPIRIT

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S TRAIL SUMMIT Words by Sarah Johnson | Photos by Matt Janson

W

48

hen Elisa Janson turns 40 this fall, you

won’t find her being pampered in a fancy

the idea on a mountain bike ride after Janson,

spa or dining in a high-end restaurant. She will

who is also a musician and educator, created

be hiking her way down to Phantom Ranch, at

a successful virtual conference for music

the bottom of the Grand Canyon, to mark the

teachers. The online format allows people to

completion of 400 trail adventures during her

attend or present from anywhere in the world

40th year.

and to view the sessions in real time or later,

without the expense and travel of a traditional

This is a fitting celebration for the co-

The two Western Slope women hatched

founder of the International Women’s Trail

conference.

Summit (IWTS), a two-day online workshop

that debuted in February. Janson and her IWTS

women was an easy one.

partner, Melinda McCaw, established the Summit

to educate, motivate and inspire women around

everything: to be a mom, to have a career, to be

the world to get outside.

the best,” Janson explains. “There are all of these

amazing

“We want to reach the women who are busy,

The decision to gear the conference toward “These days, women are so pressed to be

physical,

psychological,

emotional

who are struggling to get out, who want to build

benefits which have been proven time and time

that type of [outdoor] culture for themselves and

again to be connected to outdoor recreation and

their family,” Janson says.

exercise, and not enough women see that value.

Having watched the benefits of it in my own life,

times) envision a hybrid of online and in-person

I wanted to share that with other people.”

experiences, perhaps spread out over time, with

a group of women around the world.

Randi Hitchcock, executive director of

Colorado Springs nonprofit UpaDowna, attended

IWTS after hearing about it at the Outdoor

should be somewhere bigger,” Janson says, they

Although some people “seem to think we

Retailer expo in Denver. She says the IWTS

see the Grand Valley as a natural home base for

online model aligns with her organization’s goal

IWTS, with its burgeoning outdoor recreation

of providing access to outdoor adventures for all

industry and easy access to trails, mountains

by offering women a non-threatening venue to

and rivers.

learn about outdoor recreation.

IWTS will likely look different in the future,

outdoor culture that we do here, and our efforts

not in small part because the Summit’s outdoors-

in the Summit are to spread that culture around

loving founders had a hard time sitting inside at

the world for the benefit of all busy, crazy,

a computer for two consecutive weekend days.

working, high-pressured women,” says Janson.

Janson and McCaw (who has completed the

“We want to bring a little Western Colorado

567-mile Colorado Trail on bike and foot three

spirit to the world.” :

“We are so amazingly blessed to live in the

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

49

grand outdoors

HUMANS AND WILDLIFE ON THE WESTERN SLOPE

A ROOMMATE AGREEMENT Words by Lindsay DeFrates | Photo by Constance Mahoney

R

50

esidents of the Western Slope of Colorado

in different places, we share all outdoor spaces

come in all shapes and sizes. Some have four

including parks, campgrounds and our own

legs, some have two; there are those who are quite

backyards, and, just like human roommates,

furry and those who are less so; some residents

we don’t always get along. Sometimes, wildlife

love Netflix and others prefer hibernation. The

is like that roommate you never see who has a

one thing we all have in common is that we can’t

completely different schedule and keeps entirely

wait for summer.

to themselves. Most are more active at night,

Beautiful weather gives both wildlife and

brushing through our lives at dawn or dusk.

humans more reason to be outside, living and

While we can usually close the door to our house

playing in the same areas. Animals are often

or RV, or zip up the tent and expect a certain level

referred to as our neighbors, but in reality, they

of privacy, whenever we step outside, we need to

are more like our roommates. Although we sleep

be aware that we are living in the common area.

Much like roommates sharing a crowded

4. Keep common areas clean.

house, as the population grows, humans and

If we trashed the TV room or kitchen in our

wildlife often find themselves stepping on

home and left the mess for our roommates,

each other’s toes. If we do not work hard to

conflict would inevitably occur. We would also

respect each other, dangerous and unfortunate

never walk into their bedroom, eat a sloppy joe

interactions can occur. For example, in 2018, a

and leave barbecue sauce where they sleep.

five-year-old girl was attacked by a bear in her

We need to treat our campgrounds and trails

yard, a mountain lion was killed on Highway

like the bedrooms of our animal roommates.

340 and several other nuisance predators had

Those outdoor spaces are their homes, dens

to be relocated or euthanized by Colorado Parks

and nests. The mess we leave destroys habitats

and Wildlife. Grand Junction residents regularly

and sets the stage for future conflict.

report deer in their yards, skunks under their porches and coyotes on their ranches.

Despite these past conflicts, however, there

are ways for the human residents of the Grand Valley to get along with their wildlife roomies and respectfully share the same space.

Below is the roommate agreement for local

humans and wildlife.

5. Don’t lock them out of the kitchen.

Resources, especially water, are essential to the health of our animal roommates. Food is most plentiful in areas near rivers, lakes and ponds, and animals will actively seek those out. Share access to these resources by maintaining greenspaces and undeveloped corridors and not trashing water sources with

1. Always put away food.

litter. If animals cannot find their natural food

Don’t want your roommates to steal your

sources, they will start to look for it in our

favorite treats? Don’t leave them lying around on the kitchen counter where the temptation may be too much. This means lock away your trash at night, and always clean up your campsites and picnics.

dumpsters, backyards and livestock.

6. Sometimes things go too far.

Unfortunately, even the best efforts sometimes cannot maintain a healthy relationship between roommates, and changes have to

2. Be extra considerate during busy times.

happen. If predators act aggressively toward

Every roommate has a busy time of day when

humans, attack livestock or consistently

they are trying to get where they need to go.

attempt to break into cars or trash cans,

Conflicts arise when those roommates focus

they need to find a new place to live. When

only on their own haste and needs and forget

this happens, residents should immediately

to be aware of the needs of others. Wildlife is

contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office

most active at dusk and dawn. As we drive,

with information about the incident. Problem

hike or ride during those times, we need to

animals are tagged, like a warning, but may be

move more slowly and pay extra attention to

relocated or even euthanized if their behavior

the presence of animals.

constitutes a threat to human life. This is

3. Respect privacy.

In the same way that humans need space from each other and the ability to rest in a quiet environment without people just barging in, wildlife need their space. Don’t chase animals for photographs. Respect wildlife closures on

obviously the worst-case scenario, and one which our respectful actions and choices can do a lot to prevent.

Get to know your roommates, learn about their habits and needs, and respect their privacy. :

trails, and don’t stress herds and flocks by approaching them.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

51

GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ETIQUETTE Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed by our etiquette expert do not reflect the views of S+B staff. In fact, in most cases, we probably would advise doing the opposite of what is recommended here.

I’ve seen some very wellknown people this year enjoying Colorado ski vacations with their families.

My wife gets embarrassed and pretends not to know me when I say hello to anyone famous.

What are the rules when running into celebrities on the slopes? Should I continue to be friendly or pretend they don’t exist?

Say “hello” — who cares? Most are very friendly and don’t mind.

After all, I’m told every starlet just wants a “normal guy with a good sense of humor,” but next thing you know, they’re filing a restraining order! They put their much more expensive, though not any better, snow pants on one leg at time just like us schlubs.

Be friendly; the world needs more of it. As for your wife being embarrassed and pretending not to know you … BONUS! How far should you be from another fellow fly fisherman on the river? I’m new to the sport, and it seems that being far enough away so your lines don’t cross isn’t far enough from a courtesy perspective.

What’s the unwritten rule on this?

A bit of life advice: never cross lines, streams or let anyone see your tackle. Capisce? For a more focused, but not necessarily better answer, I turn to the man

52

who is more Mr. Quint than Mr. Quint ever was. Mr. Brown says, “Depends on the size of the river and number of anglers. Big rivers could be 50 yards, smaller rivers could be 20 yards or less.

Be respectful. Additionally, it is okay to sit and wait for an angler to leave. If another angler is not fishing but watching a spot, ask if they are ‘resting’ the spot before you dive in. Best case, blow off work and fish on Wednesdays.”

Mr. Brown is a wise man. Seek him for counsel.

My girlfriend is convinced that mountain lions and bears are lurking in the woods, waiting to pounce on us the second we set foot on a trail. How can I convince her they actually don’t want to eat us?

Buddy, you have no idea how crazy she will be once she says, “I do.” It sounds like “Pam” has gotten in her ear and there may not be much you can do (I am glad to share my “Pam” theory with any man who buys me a drink, but I digress). Here are two options for you. Option one: leave her at home and enjoy the peace and quiet of the trail (I have a feeling you are going to “hear it” either way, so you might as

well carve out a little you time).

Option two: without telling her, mix up some water and red food coloring. Put it in a container marked “raw meat juice,” and when you’re at the furthest point from your car, douse her with it.

She’s either going to calm down and enjoy the woods or you’re going to find a new girlfriend who likes to hike. Problem solved; seek Mr. Brown for counsel.

Last summer, I saw a few people walking out of basin hikes with flower crowns and bouquets. What’s the best way to let visitors know it’s not okay to pick the wildflowers without sounding like a jerk?

Be a jerk. Maybe comment, “Wow, there must be lots of flowers for everyone to enjoy! I can’t wait to see the one left behind!”

What is the deal with the stacks of rocks on trails?

Typically, they are trail markers.

They are called cairn, from the Gaelic word cárn, meaning “heap of stones.” Who really cares though; did you see I figured out how to get the accent mark over the “a” above? Á BOOM! Did it again in capital letter form. I, like van Gogh, will probably only be appreciated in death. :

DownTownHome.

MODERN DOWNTOWN LIVING, COMING IN 2019.

ONE TOWNHOME LEFT IN PHASE 1. NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR PHASE 2.

lowellvillage.com

We love sharing the generous bounty from our family farm.

It’s a Peach of a Place where you can kick back, slow down and savor the hum of nature. Relax in the shade with a cool beverage or latte.

Then take home country fresh fruits, veggies, Z’s preserves, pickles and local honey. Visit Z’s at our Orchard Store and area Farmers’ Markets in season. We ship peaches across the U.S.

315 33 3/4 Road • Palisade CO 81526 • 970.261.5809 • 970.434.6267

family

HEAD UPHILL TO GO DOWNHILL AT POWDERHORN Words by Kristen Lummis | Photos courtesy Powderhorn Bike Park

T

he Grand Valley is a popular year-round

NEW THIS SUMMER

destination for mountain bikers and cyclists.

As soon as the snow melts, Powderhorn will

But come summer, when the weather gets hot,

get to work constructing two new trails: a top-

smart bikers go higher — to Powderhorn.

to-bottom beginner trail and a top-to-bottom

Offering cooler temperatures, long

intermediate trail. These new trails will expand

mountain views and downhill biking trails for

the park from three to five trails, each descending

riders of all ages and abilities, the Powderhorn

over 1,600 vertical feet.

Bike Park is a summer “must-do” for families

that enjoy exploring, learning new skills and

area will be built at the base, and a beginner

riding together.

cross-country loop trail is planned at the top of

In addition, a pump track and learning

the resort.

54

Finally, pending Forest Service approval,

body armor might seem alternatively silly or

Powderhorn will construct a connector trail

intimidating depending upon your point of view,

from the top of the Flat Top Flyer chairlift to the

protective gear will enhance your safety and

new Palisade Plunge trail.

comfort on the trails.

MacKennea Broyles, a Powderhorn first-

GETTING STARTED

timer, explains why she wears body armor.

New to downhill biking? Here’s what you need

to know.

controlled environment for me to practice things

“Downhill mountain biking provides a

like turning and dealing with momentum. With a 1. Rent a Bike.

full-face helmet and full pads, it’s easier to feel in

Downhill biking is not just riding a mountain

control and safe,” Broyles said. “Plus, everyone

bike downhill. It’s a chairlift-served, gravity-

else is wearing the same gear, it’s not just you.”

driven experience that you control via braking and balancing on specialized bikes.

3. Take a Lesson.

While you don’t have to have a downhill

This summer, Powderhorn is offering two-

bike to ride at Powderhorn, you’ll have more fun

hour “Learn to Downhill” lessons on weekends

and be more stable on the trails if you do.

for $49. This includes a half-day bike rental,

protective gear and a full-day lift ticket.

Full-day rentals, including helmets and

protective gear, are $69, while half-day rentals

As with learning to ski or snowboard, taking

with helmets and protective gear are $49.

a lesson will help you and your family have more fun, more quickly. Plus, it’s a really good

2. Wear the Body Armor.

deal, and the skills you learn can be used at other

While wearing a full-face helmet, gloves and

western Colorado bike parks.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

55

So you’ve tried the Powderhorn Bike Park and you’re hooked? Here are three additional western Colorado downhill parks to experience.

DOWNHILL DETAILS The

Powderhorn

Bike

Park

welcomes

riders of all ages, with one caveat: everyone must be able to get on and off the chairlift independently.

The bike park is open Fridays and

weekends from mid-June through midSeptember,

snowmelt

and

weather

conditions permitting. Full-day tickets are $25 and single rides are $12.

Events including kids’ bike camps,

women’s

clinics,

a

local

race

series

and professional racing are scheduled throughout the summer.

In addition to the bike park, Powderhorn

offers scenic chairlift rides, hiking and free parking lot camping on summer weekends.

For more information visit powderhorn.

com. :

Crested Butte Evolution Bike Park: As befits one of the towns where mountain biking is said to have originated, Crested Butte has a killer bike park with 29 downhill and cross-country trails covering 30 miles. Hotdogger is the trail to try first. Although rated green, it is fun for everyone and satisfying to ride on repeat.

From here, the challenges go up and up. bike.skicb.com Snowmass Bike Park: Snowmass Bike Park serves up primarily intermediate and advanced downhill biking on six trails. Valhalla is the resort’s premier downhill trail, a smooth winding wonder with jumps, step ups and wooden features. Verde is the park’s beginner trail, a mellow 3.5-mile route good for working on skills like cornering. aspensnowmass.com Telluride Bike Park: New for 2019, the Telluride Bike Park combines Telluride Ski Resort’s existing cross-country and technical mountain bike trail network with new downhill-specific freeride trails. The smooth freeride trails will emphasize flowing turns, dips and dives, as well as challenging features. tellurideskiresort.com Bike and safety gear rentals are available at each of these bike parks.

56

e

The way healthcare should be.

What does Trailhead Clinics offer our patients?

Unlimited, personalized primary care Compassionate, board-certified physicians No-wait appointments, after-hours access In-house labs and pharmacy One low monthly fee, no insurance required

JOIN TODAY!

970-644-5999

ROBERT BOYER, M.D.

When you join our membership-based clinic, your family doctor will always have time for you.

trailheadclinics.com

take a hike

MESA COUNTY’S HIGHEST POINT

LEON PEAK Words and Photos by Melanie Wiseman

58

A

t an elevation of 11,236 feet, Leon Peak is

lightning strikes forced abandonment after the

the highest point in Mesa County, and is

summer of 1915. The superior mortise and tenon

just 91 feet shy of being the highest point on the

log frame construction has withstood decades of

Grand Mesa. Crater Peak in Delta County holds

snow and brutal winds. For the sake of history

this distinction.

and public safety, the Forest Service requests

you do not climb on it.

At Leon Peak’s pinnacle are remnants of

one of the earliest fire lookouts in Colorado.

Clay Withersteen built the lookout in 1911 with

mile round-trip low-traffic trail primarily used

the help of Roscoe Bloss, a local seasonal Forest

for access to bird watching, fishing, hiking and

Service employee. Logs and sheet metal were

wildlife viewing. It is best used from July until

carried to the summit by backpack. Constant

October during clear weather conditions.

Leon Peak is a moderate to difficult 5.9

The majority of the 1,250-foot elevation

gain follows the initial easy hiking, where it is gradually dominated by a jumble of large volcanic boulders. Adults and older kids enjoy the challenging scramble to the peak. Dogs are allowed, but beware of surfaces which may be undesirable for their paws.

From I-70, take Exit 49 and follow Highway

65 to the Collbran turnoff, Highway 330. At Collbran, turn right on Country Road 58-1/2, jog left on NE Road, then right on County Road 59 for eight miles where it becomes Forest Service 121 for another eight miles. Turn left on FR126 for three miles to the Weir and Johnson Campground for parking.

Take the Leon Lake Trail 717 and continue

around Sissy Lake, ascending and following the rocky ridge to the peak. Picking your way across the large boulders, you’ll make your own trail and eventually see the peak and fire lookout.

Allow at least a half day, as the bouldering slows you down even though the elevation gain is gradual. Bring plenty of food and water.

Your efforts will be rewarded at the top

with 360-degree views encompassing the Grand Mesa’s expanse of forest and lakes in both Mesa and Delta counties. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

59

summer getaway

PLAN A VISIT TO COLORADO’S “GREAT SPIRIT”

MANITOU SPRINGS Words by Kim Fuller

60

COURTESY SUNWATER SPA

J

ust outside of Colorado Springs and beneath the majestic Pikes Peak is Manitou Springs. This quaint

city combines historic roots and resort attraction with a vibrant local community, and it’s a Colorado destination that’s certainly worth a visit.

“Manitou” is a Native American word for “great

spirit” — a more than appropriate description of the energy the area holds. Manitou Springs was considered sacred by the Cheyenne, Mountain Ute and Arapaho tribes who had originally settled there.

Since the late 19th century, the town’s mineral springs

established the area as a health resort, attracting large numbers of tubercular patients, medical professionals, celebrities and tourists to Manitou.

For wellness enthusiasts today, natural mineral

springs can be found throughout the town and are available for the public to use. Take the “Springabout” tour to learn about the unique mineral qualities in each location, and continue to fill your water bottle throughout your stay.

SOAK + STAY SunWater Spa is a top-notch yoga and wellness facility in Manitou Springs. This sanctuary gives guests the opportunity to relax in the area’s sacred mineral waters, receive a rejuvenating spa treatment and connect to your spirit in the yoga and movement studio. Founder Kat Tudor is the visionary for SunWater Spa and is active in leading yoga classes for visitors and the local community.

For the ultimate private spa experience, the Nirvana

couple’s treatment starts with a 30-minute outdoor soak, followed by a divine 80-minute side-by-side massage in The Nest.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

61

SunMountain Center is a creative sanctuary

that’s ideal for a personal getaway or a group retreat, featuring two historic homes and situated on six acres of terraced gardens and biodynamic farms, with access to walking and meditation trails. The SunMountain kitchen serves guests farm-to-table cuisine, and all overnight reservations include an organic, gluten-free vegetarian breakfast (per reservation night) and a complimentary two-hour mineral water soak at SunWater Spa.

Another great bed and breakfast in Manitou is

Blue Skies Inn. Tucked away while still located just minutes from the town center, this option is ideal for couples looking for a sweet getaway. A lovely breakfast is dropped in a basket at your door every morning, and each unique suite offers its own artistic touch.

PLAY Adventurous spirits can play on the edge with Adventures Out West. Their three-section zipline course lets you soar in the air (upside down if you want) from the edge of a cliff. More exhalation can be found on the Terror-Dactyl ride at Cave of the Winds, and get your fitness on the Manitou Incline, an advanced hike that gains almost 2,000 feet of elevation in less than one mile of distance.

Once you’ve accomplished your adventure

for the day, visit the Manitou Brewing Co. for one or more of their flagship brews, such as the Manitou Common, or any of the many guest taps they populate. The cozy spot offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a food menu with burgers, sandwiches and white queso nachos. For wine lovers, D’Vine Wines is just a short walk away and has tastings, snacks and bottles for sale.

Don’t leave before a walk around town for

some shopping and a proper candy tasting. Kids of all ages will love the classic arcade area and all the piles of sweets in the display cases of nostalgic stores like Patsy’s Candy and Gift Shop, Pikes Peak Chocolate and Ice Cream and Goldminers Nuts and Candy. Pelindaba Lavendar shop will fill up your senses with handcrafted home and selfcare products. And before you head out of town, grab a cappuccino or chai at Good Karma Café. manitousprings.org :

62

KIM FULLER

KIM FULLER

COURTESY SUN MOUNTAIN CENTER

KIM FULLER

63

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

feature

WESTERN COLORADO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

IDENTIFYING ISSUES, DEVELOPING SOLUTIONS Words by Kristen Lummis | Photos by Cat Mayer

S

64

ummer is childhood’s dreamtime, a three-

and the successful Kids Aid Backpack Program

month idyll, a respite from schoolwork, with

provides food on weekends, these programs are

long days made for simple pleasures. At least

tied to schools.

that’s the ideal. For many children, especially in

Mesa County where 50 percent of K-12 students

came upon the idea of summer food trucks

receive free or reduced lunch, summertime is a

delivering meals to children in their local

hungry time.

neighborhoods and parks. While food trucks are

Searching for innovative solutions, WCCF

Five years ago, the board of directors of

not a new concept, having been successfully used

the Western Colorado Community Foundation

in cities like Denver and in rural areas, it was

(WCCF) identified summertime hunger as a

a new approach for Mesa County. And it was a

critical issue. While eligible children receive

solution that would create a unique partnership

breakfast and lunch during the school year,

between WCCF and School District 51.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

65

In 2015, WCCF provided School District 51

In 2017, WCCF distributed $3.5 million in

with funding to purchase a food truck and the

grants and scholarships. Yet of this amount,

Lunch Lizard took off. In its first summer, this

less than one percent went to environmental,

brightly colored vehicle, adorned with a cartoon

outdoor recreation or conservation purposes.

collared lizard, served over 4,000 lunches at five

sites to children ages 18 and under. Last summer,

beautiful landscapes, a wonderful climate,

three Lunch Lizard vehicles served almost

outdoor recreation and outdoor opportunities.

40,000 meals at 17 stops along three routes and

We have funders who care about these things and

at six school sites.

plenty of nonprofits working on conservation,

To address summer hunger, WCCF used a

outdoor recreation and environmental projects,”

four-part leadership model that can be replicated

explains Wenzel. “Yet we need a way to connect

for future projects: identify a need, investigate

these groups.”

solutions, bring in appropriate partners and

take action to address the need.

new WCCF fund, with contributions from

“Here in western Colorado, we have

This realization led to the creation of a

eight founding donors, including Barb and Ed

TURNING ATTENTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Chamberlin.

Based on the success of the Lunch Lizard, the

preserving Western Colorado outdoor spaces

WCCF board of directors recently identified

for current and future generations to enjoy,”

a new area of need: conservation, outdoor

explains Barb Chamberlin, who is also a member

recreation and the environment.

of the Community Foundation board.

“My husband and I are passionate about

When Executive Director Anne Wenzel

largely of donor-directed funds from seven

THE CONSERVATION, OUTDOOR RECREATION AND ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVE

western Colorado counties (Mesa, Delta, Eagle,

Chris Herrman, a long-time conservation

Garfield, Montrose, Ouray and Rio Blanco), tops

professional and fundraiser, joined the WCCF

$75 million.

staff in December as the conservation, outdoor

joined WCCF in 2001, the foundation had assets of $1 million. Today, WCCF’s assets, comprised

recreation and environment initiative director.

66

Herrman is charged with identifying and

The Community Foundation board and staff

connecting appropriate groups within WCCF’s

are currently exploring issues and identifying

seven-county reach, many of whom are narrowly

areas where a modest amount of funding

focused on individual areas of interest.

can catalyze a new initiative with significant

“A lot of groups working in this space are

community benefit. Potential areas of focus

small, all volunteer endeavors,” says Herrman.

include expanding outdoor recreation activities

“They tend to work in silos. Because of this

for youth to provide an active alternative to

initiative, I’m able to fly at 30,000 feet and

screen time and reducing food waste, an effort

identify who needs to talk to whom.”

which addresses hunger and saves landfill space.

Last year, 30 grants were made by WCCF

Notes Herrman, “As the population of

donors to organizations that fall under

western Colorado grows, the Western Colorado

the conservation, outdoor recreation and

Community Foundation can help insure good

environment umbrella. These grants included

stewardship of our limited natural resources,

funding for the Palisade High School Endangered

the lands we love and the place we call home.”

Fish Hatchery, a challenge grant to fund trail

and amphitheater improvements on Colorado

Herrman at 970.243.3767. :

For more information, contact WCCF’s Chris

National Monument, and a donation to Colorado Canyons Association to purchase rafts for riverbased environmental education programs.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

67

Observatory director Terry Hancock checks the telescope’s alignment in the science and research dome.

68

feature

GRAND MESA OBSERVATORY

DARK SKIES AND BIG DREAMS Words by Isaac Garfinkle | Photos by Barton Glasser

T

he field of astronomy has always held a

even for the most well-equipped astronomer

power over the imagination that is unique

there is no substitute to clear, dark skies. It was

among scientific disciplines, but modern

this inherent limitation of urban living that

technology has allowed us to explore the

originally birthed the Grand Mesa Observatory

wonders of the night sky like never before. For

(GMO), but what began as the dream of an

the first time in history, this incredible hobby is

individual quickly evolved to become a world-

genuinely accessible to the masses. On both the

class center for community outreach and

amateur and professional levels, there is now

astronomical education.

access to equipment that represents a cost and

quality unlike anything we’ve ever seen, but

observatory’s founder, John Mansur, who had

The idea was first proposed by the

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

69

Staff members of the Grand Mesa Observatory enjoy a clear sky from the the main facility floor. L to R: Isaac Garfinkle (Assistant Director), Terry Hancock (Director), and Nancy McGuire (PR and Outreach).

70

always wanted to place a remote observatory

to the surrounding community and academic

on his wife’s family’s land up against the

institutions across the country!

Grand Mesa. John and his wife Vicki currently

reside in Florida, and although he has a fully

certification as a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational

operational astrophotography setup at his

facility. Not even two years later, GMO is reaching

permanent residence, the skies of Florida can

hundreds of students each year in Mesa County

hardly compare to those we enjoy out here in

and beyond through both their in-class and on-

the West. Eventually, the opportunity presented

site programs, along with nearly as many adults

itself, and when the timing was right, Mansur

through their public outreach events. They

approached his teacher, good friend and world-

also offer a wide variety of paid astronomical

renowned astrophotographer Terry Hancock

services to clients around the world including

about picking up and moving from Michigan

hobbyists, commercial enterprises and academic

to Colorado to run this new facility. At first, the

or government institutions. These services

idea was to have a small, private operation that

include monthly data subscriptions for amateur

would house equipment belonging to Mansur,

astrophotographers, on-site hosting of complete

Hancock and one or two friends. However, as

telescope setups which can be remotely controlled

the buildings began to take shape, so too did the

from anywhere in the world, and even the on-site

true potential of GMO. With the right team, the

construction of fully-functional observatories

right equipment and the right strategy, Mansur

such as the Falcon Telescope Network, a joint

and Hancock realized that this organization

venture between Colorado Mesa University and

could provide genuinely unique opportunities

the United States Air Force Academy.

The first step on this journey was their official

None of these services would be possible

of events throughout the year for both the general

without the observatory’s fantastic selection

public and private parties. These events provide

of equipment, and it does not take long while

an opportunity for guests to marvel at pristine

touring GMO to appreciate the magnificent

skies, check out the observatory’s facilities,

craftsmanship that has gone into their precision

interact with members of the local astronomy

optical and scientific instrumentation. In fact,

clubs and get a feel for what the hobby is all

visitors are oftentimes just as awestruck by

about. Thanks to the support of the Western

the appearance of the equipment as they are

Colorado Astronomy Club (WCAC) and the Black

by the resulting images! From the funds this

Canyon Astronomical Society (BCAS), these

equipment brings in, to the tangible experiences

public events also offer visitors the opportunity

it provides its guests, this preeminent selection

to catch some incredible views of the night

of telescopes, mounts, cameras and facilities

sky through telescopes of all shapes and sizes.

make up the backbone of GMO’s operation.

GMO also encourages guests to bring their own

With the expert processing techniques of the

telescopes, cameras or other equipment to set up

observatory’s director and the hard work of

alongside the club members, and with outreach

their volunteers, GMO has produced images that

being such a big focus at the observatory, they

appear in publications around the world, has

installed a 2,500 square foot concrete pad,

received recognition by NASA, and now attracts

complete with 18 power outlets and enough red

student interns and visiting professors from

lighting to find your way over to the snack table.

colleges around the country.

information

Despite the majority of GMO’s work being

photographically based, they also host a number

For a full calendar of events and more about

the

observatory,

visit

GrandMesaObservatory.com. :

Assistant Director Isaac Garfinkle sets up and aligns his personal telescope for the public to use during one of the annual star parties hosted on-site (the telescope pictured is the Celestron CPC925 Deluxe).

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

71

feature

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHILD & MIGRANT SERVICES Words by Sharon Sullivan | Photos by Kaylan Robinson

Palisade nonprofit celebrates 65 years welcoming farmworkers far from home.

E

72

ach winter, Sergio Campos Martinez says

goodbye to his wife and five children in San

Victorian-style house at 721 Peach Avenue — it’s

Luis Portosin, Mexico to begin a weeklong bus

visible from the highway that cuts through town.

trip — first to the city of Monterrey to gather his

Throughout the summer, The Hospitality Center

work visa and other paperwork and then on to

serves hearty, homestyle meals three times a

the United States. His destination is Colorado,

week to farmworkers and their families.

where he spends eight months tending orchards

in Palisade. Campos Martinez has made the

farmworkers have already arrived in Palisade

annual journey for the past 12 years.

to prune and thin fruit trees, workers enter

“[He’s] a really good boss; he’s always treated

the Hospitality Center’s dining room. They’ve

us really well,” Campos Martinez says about his

come for a hot meal and camaraderie. Child and

longtime employer. Child and Migrant Services

Migrant Services Executive Director Karalyn

(CMS), a nonprofit in Palisade founded to provide

Dorn greets Campos Martinez and his co-

basic necessities to the Grand Valley’s migrant

workers. “Buenas tardes, bienvenidos,” (“Good

farmworker population, helps workers feel at

afternoon, welcome,”) says Dorn, a former Peace

home, which benefits landowners who depend

Corps volunteer who became fluent in Spanish

on migrant labor to tend and harvest their crops.

while serving in Guatemala.

Sixty-five years ago, around a kitchen table,

CMS is housed in a tall, white with blue trim

On a spring day, after the first wave of

The men sit together at one of the long

three Palisade farmers’ wives — Margaret Talbott,

dining tables set with small bowls of salsa.

Vera Foss and Dorothy Powers — discussed how to

Volunteers serve plates of rice, beans, meat and

make their employees’ lives easier during an era

a stack of warmed tortillas. The farmworkers

when treatment of farmworkers in the U.S. was

help themselves to the salad and lemonade on a

often dismal. They and other community leaders,

side table.

many of them women, enlisted the help of area

churches in providing food, clothing and other

food,” Dorn says. “The meals really help us to

basic needs for those who work in the orchards,

connect with the workers in different ways. We

farms and ranches throughout Mesa County.

are providing food to people who are laboring

“It’s always hearty and filling; it’s comfort

Benito Mantes prunes peach trees at Talbott Farms in Palisade.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

73

74

very hard. We’re also demonstrating that we

people to go to coordinate with employers.

recognize them, care about them and want to

Palisade is a preferred area to come to. People

reach out in partnership with them.”

who come here to work are treated very well.

At another table, Rosa Ruiz eats dinner with

Child and Migrant Services are a part of that.

her daughter. Ruiz works in the orchards with

To have a homecooked meal for solo men 2,000

her husband and also volunteers at CMS, whether

miles from home, that’s a welcoming thing.”

it’s helping with the meal program or making

tamales — one of CMS’s ongoing fundraisers.

statewide contributions. Both individuals

“Everybody likes coming here; we don’t feel so

and businesses donate to CMS, as well as civic

alone here,” says Ruiz, a native of Mexico.

groups, various foundations and United Way

CMS is supported through local and

During harvest season, Campos Martinez

of Mesa County. More than 100 community

climbs up and down ladders all day long, picking

volunteers donate their time over the course of a

the ripened fruit and placing it in a container

year. The nonprofit is also funded by the sale of

strapped to his body. It’s eight hours of hot, labor-

tamales — chicken, pork or veggie — which can

intensive work under a blazing sun. Afterward,

be purchased at the center or via their website,

he’ll often head over to the packing shed for

migrantservicesgv.org, for either pickup or

another three to four hours of work. At the end

delivery to a central Grand Junction location.

of the day, Campos Martinez returns to a mobile

home he shares with four other men.

Center ’s front entrance is “the mother

organization” — the Mesa County Migrant

“Farmworkers do much more than harvest

Just around the corner from the Hospitality

crops,” Dorn says. “They plant, prune, thin the

Ministry

buds, spray, weed, pick the fruits, sort it, pack it

volunteer-run secondhand shop that contributes

and more. They are crucial contributors to our

all proceeds to CMS and offers clothing and

livelihoods and the vitality of our community.”

household goods at low prices. “The farmworkers

(and locals) love it,” Dorn says.

Most of the solo men are supporting families

Community

Thrift

Store,

a

fully

back home in Mexico or Central America. “Every

[payday,] the first thing they do is set aside money

Boulder-based salsa band Quemando performs

to send home,” says Peg Martinez, community

outdoors at Grande River Vineyards, located at 787

health worker.

Elberta Ave. Quemando plays every year for this

In addition to the meal program, CMS

helps farmworkers and their families access community services like healthcare from MarillacHealth. When a landowner called CMS recently seeking help for one of his employees with a “killer toothache,” Martinez was able to help the farmworker make an appointment with MarillacHealth’s Dental Clinic.

CMS’s biggest fundraiser is in July when the

CMS also hosts various activities and special

“Farmworkers do much more than harvest crops. They plant, prune, thin the buds, spray, weed, pick the fruits, sort it, pack it and more. They are crucial contributors to our livelihoods and the vitality of our community.”

— Karalyn Dorn, executive director of Child and Migrant Services (Shown left at CMS office)

celebrations throughout the year, like Dia Del Nino (Children’s Day), a traditional holiday

festive event that draws both longtime locals and

celebrated in Mexico on April 30.

farmworkers. Homemade Mexican food, as well as

“It’s in our [grower’s] interest for the

Grande River wine, are for sale during the concert.

farmworkers’ stay to be enjoyable and more

Concertgoers place their lawn chairs in front of the

comfortable,” says fifth-generation farmer Bruce

stage at this lovely venue surrounded by closeup

Talbott, grandson of CMS co-founder Margaret

views of Grand Mesa and the Book Cliffs. This

Talbott. “Over time, [CMS became] a place for

year’s concert will take place on July 6. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

75

Rocky Mountain PBS supports Spoke+Blossom in their like-minded work to tell important, beautiful stories of Western Colorado.

Local. Trusted.

Watch us anytime on the PBS app or video.rmpbs.org.

New Homes Starting at $319,000 Escape the rat race... relocate to Colorado’s #1 desert mountain town, Fruita CO Epic trails at your doorstep / Small town vibe

LivePlayFruita.com

Call or Text 970.985.8247

summer events

GET OUT THERE!

IT’S COLORADO ... THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON JUNE Kiwanis Pancake Day & Fun Fest Grand Junction, CO June 1 Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction at Two Rivers Convention Center, this fundraiser is fun for the whole family, including a pancake breakfast, live music, bump ‘n’ jump, silent auction and children’s activity booths. kiwanis-gj.org

GoPro Mountain Games Vail, CO June 6 – 9 The country’s largest celebration of adventure sports, music, yoga and the mountain lifestyle.

Professional and amateur outdoor adventure athletes from around the world converge upon the mountains and rivers of Vail. mountaingames.com

Telluride WOW Summit Telluride, CO June 6 – 9 This “Weekend of Wellness” is for those who are ready to get back to the simplicity of life and enjoy the beauty of nature, good food, healthy activity and good company. telluridewow.live

Country Jam Festival 2019 Grand Junction, CO June 13 – 16 The biggest country music event on the Western Slope returns again

this year with performances from artists like Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and many more. countryjam.com

North Fork Uncorked North Fork Valley, Colorado June 14 – 16 This Father’s Day weekend, join the winemakers of Paonia and Hotchkiss for a variety wine tasting events throughout the North Fork Valley area, including a luau, live music, barrel tasting and more. westelksava.com/north-forkuncorked

Palisade Bluegrass and Roots Festival Riverbend Park, Palisade, CO June 14 – 16 Alongside the Colorado River, spend the weekend enjoying live music, paddle boarding, yoga, local wine and distillery tastings, painting workshops, lavender tours, camping and more. palisademusic.com

Rhythm & Brews Concert Series Grand Junction, CO June 20, July 25, Aug 22, Sept 5 This monthly concert series presented by Rockslide Brew Pub and Restaurant takes place on four nights throughout the summer, directly after the Grand Junction Downtown Farmers’ Market. Enjoy a beer and live entertainment! downtowngj.com

Telluride Yoga Festival Telluride, CO June 27 – 30 A four-day yoga and wellness gathering featuring worldclass presenters and more than 100 offerings including yoga, meditation, music, hiking, dining, SUP yoga, social gatherings and more. tellurideyogafestival.com

Crested Butte Bike Week Crested Butte, CO June 27 – 30 A four-day celebration of all things mountain biking with skills clinics, a bike movie night, the Chainless Downhill Championships, beer and lots of parties. This is the longest running mountain bike festival in the world. cbchamber.com/events/cb-bikeweek

Colorado Lavender Festival Palisade, CO June 28 – 30 This annual festival celebrates lavender and its many uses. There are coach tours with culinary delights, an open vendor park and self-guided tours. coloradolavender.org

JULY Old-Fashioned Fourth of July in Ouray Ouray, CO July 4

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

77

Celebrate Independence Day in the beautiful mountain town of Ouray, Colorado. Begin the day with a pancake breakfast to support the Ouray School, race in the annual OURAYCE 10K scenic loop course and watch the annual Main Street Parade, water fights, jeep glow parade and more. ouraycolorado.com

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival Crested Butte, CO July 5 –14 Surround yourself in the symphony of wildflowers that is Crested Butte.

This festival has been sharing Mother Nature’s colors with flower lovers in fun, fresh ways since 1868. crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com

Child & Migrant Services Benefit Concert Grande River Vineyards, Palisade, CO July 6 This annual fundraiser event celebrates and honors local farmworkers and their families in a night full of dancing, food and live music performed by salsa band Quemando. migrantservicesgv.org/annualbenefit-concert

Music in The Mountains Festival Durango, CO July 6 Enjoy classical live music performances, including orchestra, chamber and solo artists, by worldrenowned musicians in a variety of venues. musicinthemountains.com

Mesa County Fair Grand Junction, CO July 17 – 20 This year’s Mesa County Fair includes goat yoga, wine tasting, demolition derby, live music, a

78

mountain bike stunt show, home brew competition, children’s activities and much more. mesacountyfair.com

The Music of the Eagles at Botanical Gardens Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, Grand Junction, CO July 26 Turn back time to the 1970s at the sixth annual concert held by the Botanical Gardens featuring The Eagles tribute band, The Boys of Summer. boysofsummertribute.com

Mountain Fair Carbondale Carbondale, CO July 26 – 28 An annual mountain tradition with vendors, live music, performing arts, interactive and creative experiences for children and good eats. carbondalearts.com/mountain-fair

Vail Dance Festival

An all-inclusive three-night stay in a newly built mountain lodge nestled in the striking San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Your expert guides will take you from yoga flow to the top of one of Colorado’s incredible 14,000-foot peaks throughout the weekend. vailrelationshipinstitute.com/ adventure-to-connection-1

Fun on the Uncompahgre (FUNC) Fest Montrose Water Sports Park, Montrose, CO August 9 – 10 Don’t miss this weekend full of family fun in Montrose! FUNC festival features river competitions, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, camping, live music, food trucks, craft beer, giveaways, camping, races and more. montrosesummermusic.com/msms

Escalante Days Bike Race Dolores, CO August 10

This two-week celebration of dance includes a variety of performances in various venues throughout Vail, featuring brilliant dancers from all over the world. vaildance.org

Presented by the Rotary Club of Dolores, the proceeds from this annual bike race benefit children’s programs, scholarships and youth leadership opportunities. Choose between five races and bike through beautiful ponderosa pines, aspen groves and canyons. doloresrace.com

Grand Junction Air Show 2019

Ridgway Rendezvous Art & Craft Festival

Grand Junction, CO July 27 – 28

Ridgway, CO August 10 – 11

Vail, CO July 26 – August 10

Watch the United States Navy Blue Angels soar, twist and rip through the sky, as well as enjoy a variety of other air and ground performances and interactive aviation displays. gjairshow.com

AUGUST Adventure to Connection Retreat Red Mountain Lodge, Ouray, CO August 1 – 4

Spend the weekend in this beautiful mountain town enjoying artist demonstrations, live music, children’s magic shows and train rides, food, drinks and all things crafty. ridgwayrendezvous.com

The Winery Comedy Tour/ The Brewery Comedy Tour Palisade and Grand Junction, CO August 10 – 11

We’re here for you!

970-208-1301

academymortgage.com/grandjunction

1114 N 1st Street / Suite 101

CORP NMLS # 3113

Grand Junction, CO 81501

| MAC 818-1458094

Need a laugh and a drink? Join nationally-recognized comedians for a night of hilarious comedy and adult beverages. Wine lovers can join the fun on August 10 at Mesa Park Vineyards, and beer drinkers on August 11 at Edgewater Brewery. herronentertainment.com

Palisade Peach Festival Palisade, CO August 15 – 18 Celebrate western Colorado’s pride and joy, our local peaches! Enjoy chef demos, peach vendors, peacheating contests, live music, a car show, kids’ activities, and of course, Palisade peaches! palisadepeachfest.com

40, which funds all-expensespaid adventures for United States veterans, first responders and their families. The event features live music, guest speakers, live and silent auctions, camping and beer. bc40hunts.org/events/pickin-on-thepinyon

population of 400 and an altitude of 8,671 feet, nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. The race is about 50 miles and benefits the Lake Fork Valley Conservancy, a local environmental sustainability group. lakecityalpine50.com

Just Peachy Run Races

Four Corners Folk Festival

Palisade, CO August 17

Pagosa Springs, CO August 30 – September 1

This family-friendly activity offers 1K, 5K and 10K races and takes place in the morning before the Palisade Peach Festival. A ticket to the festival is included in race registration. justpeachyrun.com

Spend a weekend listening to live folk music and camping, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. Performers include The Mammals, Billy Strings, Earls of Leicester, Maybe April and more. folkwest.com/ fourcornersfolkfestival :

Pickin’ on the Pinyon 2019

Lake City Alpine 50 Bike Race

Glade Park, CO August 16

Lake City, CO August 24

This annual two-day music festival fundraiser benefits Base Camp

Bike in the beautiful mountain town of Lake City, with a

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

79

who we are

L to R: Rebecca Dilbeck, Gabriela Reitz, Annika Johnson, Katie Fry and Johneth Price

GRAND VALLEY STUDENTS UNITED Words by Gabriela Reitz | Photo by Jordan Chavez

“If you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu.”

T

80

he youth of the Grand Valley have long

Grand Valley in Aspen at the Ideas Conference.

neglected their voice and relegated their

During the school year, they continue to hold

advocacy to the adults. In the process, the needs

voter registration drives. At Palisade High School,

of the youth have often gone unheard and unmet.

they have registered more than 40 percent of the

Grand Valley Students United (GVSU) was founded

senior class. They also hold community forums,

over one year ago to fill this gap in representation.

participate in marches and represent youth in

GVSU is a non-partisan nonprofit that brings

Denver during lobbying trips and in Washington

a student voice to the politics of the Grand Valley.

D.C. to meet with legislators at the federal level.

It was started by five teens, representing the four

This past election season, members spent hours

stand-alone high schools in Mesa County.

canvassing and making calls in support of the

Community Center initiative.

“We understood that as students, we had an

ability to enact real change by working together.

We are not focused on antiquated ideas or set in

organizing and brainstorming. These experiences

“GVSU is a manifestation of hours of meeting,

our ways; rather, we are open to new ideas and

help me value the work I do, and I could not be

innovative thinking,” says Venice Miller, founding

happier to work with others my age wanting

member of GVSU and former Fruita Monument

to make a change,” says GVSU member Liliana

High School student. The goal of the group is to

Flanigan of Palisade High School.

promote student activism through five pillars:

youth voter registration, common sense gun

Upcoming projects include a march for mental

laws, environmental conservation, education

health and a partnership with Powderhorn to

and supporting the community. Today there are

raise money to keep winter cold.

30 core members.

While all members of GVSU are high

their commitment to the environment, safe

schoolers, they don’t just work during the

schools and student well-being. You can find out

school year. Last summer, they worked nonstop

more at gvstudentsunited.org or contact them

registering youth to vote and representing the

at gvstudentsunited@gmail.com. :

GVSU continues to work on its five pillars.

Through these efforts, GVSU demonstrates