February 7, 2020 | Winter Park Times

Grand Concerts:

update: event results page 20

classical series Valentines Day Page 11

Vol. 3, No. 31 February 7, 2020

Local news means the world to us. We are published in the Fraser River Valley. FREE

NORDIC TEAM DOMINATES AT SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH M IDDLE P ARK P ANTHER S ENIORS The Nordic team had the right wax at the home meet last weekend

W EEKEND FORECAST PAGE 19

Winter Park Resort Snow Report: Total Snowfall 210” Snow off and on this weekend with more snow on the way next week.

LET’S GO SKIING! February is the snowiest month of the year...”We’re ready” (L>R): Miles Ringwood, Phoebe Keintz-

Smith, Amelia Keintz-Smith, Olivia Ringwood Photo by Ken Ball

Page 19

Photo Courtesy Shawna Deplata Cover Photo of MPHS Nordic Team Seniors (L>R): Vinny Troccoli, Selena Stoncius, Avery Mutch (team manager), Emily Deplata, Kimo Sullivan. Not pictured: Sebastian Brower.

OHV ACCESS: Winter Park Town Council reviewed results of a citizen survey on off-highway vehicles (OHV) at Tuesday night’s meeting Page 2

HOME AT LAST:

The newest Habitat for Humanity home has been completed and a new family has moved in thanks to many helping hands. Page 14

Page 2

WinterParkTimes.com

February 7, 2020

Winter Park Town Council

by Casey Malon I Winter Park Times

At Tuesday’s Workshop, council members resumed discussion on regulation of OHVs on town streets. A citizen request in the fall had prompted the generation of a survey which was conducted by the towns of Fraser and Winter Park in January.

Town Manager Keith Riesberg presented the results, explaining the limitations of the free Survey Monkey software utilized to gather data.

In total, 524 responses were received.

260 responses had been submitted on the first day. 163 responses came from visitors (31%), 14 respondents had never visited the area (3%) and 78 were from residents of Winter Park (15%).

The remainder of the responses came from Fraser residents and were not included in the survey results.

Of the responses received by Winter Park residents, 44 opposed allowing OHVs on town streets (56%), 31 were in support (40%), and, 3 were undecided (4%). The majority of responses submitted by non-residents supported allowing OHVs on town streets.

“To me, the most telling was input received via the comments,” said Riesberg. He noted that there were more comments in opposition than in favor. Concerns expressed included environmental impacts, trail degradation, conflicts between trail users and impact to existing activities.

Regulating and enforcing OHV regulations would add to an already stressed workload of the police department, and emergency services could also be impacted by the added traffic.

Council discussed where logical connections could be made. Riesberg pointed out that Vasquez Road will be closed this summer for a water main project and the water board road also has access limitations. OHVs crossing US 40, while allowable, could lead to illegal travel on the highway corridor.

Headwaters Trails Alliance Executive Director Meara McQuain explained that there are no trails accessible for OHVs

out of town. “They are treated like every other vehicle, and limited to Class 1 or 2 improved forest service roads, which limits them to about 11 miles in the area.” Mainly Leland Creek, Corona Pass and Meadow Creek Reservoir are the local access points. “People wanting to access have to trailer their UTVs to Forest Service roads and then ride from there.”

McQuain added, “Grand Lake has designated trails for this access type.

They have over 100 miles of trail and road access compared to 11 miles. I can’t say it’s not possible here. Looking at the survey results, some indicated they would come here if Winter Park and Fraser opened up all their roads. I question whether that would be worth it to them - if 11 miles is worth it to them. I am not sure we have that Moab model here right now. We advocate for all recreational users of trails. I don’t feel the time is right.” McQuain said logging would continue for another year on Leland Creek and Jim Creek would also be under repair this summer. “The places for people to access are not going to be accessible in summer 2020.”

Another point is that Fraser already has designated snowmobile routes, which could also be potential OHV routes. “Winter Park doesn’t have that,” said McQuain. She added, “This is bigger than just what summer use is going to be. You need to look at this as year-round. Enforcement- wise, we have seen if you don’t provide adequate outlets for people to use, they will go, regardless of posted signs. Motorized or not, it happens all the time.”

Mayor Jimmy Lahrman observed, “For me, the way I look at it is we need to be way out in front of it and I feel we are already behind.”

Councilman Art Ferrari said, “If this is getting bigger, rather than allowing them anywhere in town, larger, more accessible trailheads where they can drive their trailer and park, with some facilities would be a good middle ground.” He added, “Are we doing this because we are trying to be everything to everybody? Are we trying to be Moab?”

Police Chief Glen Trainor said, “You need to look at what other resort communities are doing. There’s not a single one that allows this and many have more accessible trails. They don’t want that negative interaction. There is no question in my mind this would increase calls. We get about 4-5 calls a year right now. I have very big concerns letting this happen in any way is opening Pandora’s box.”

seeing, as of today, we are not looking to make changes to our regulations.

At a staff level, we can continue conversations and will continue those discussions. I would recommend Grand Places 2050 gives a strong venue. It brings all of the partners to the table.

We will continue researching this, see what others are doing and recommend we use Grand Places 2050 as the venue.”

Chamber Executive Director Catherine Ross referred to the Town’s recently adopted Master Plan. “The branding program focused on quiet and natural surroundings. We are a big county.

There are places where federal and state dollars have been spent. Grand Lake has been designated for this. We do have maps with routes. We show guests where they can park. We don’t get pushback from guests on this.

They’re expecting to have to trailer to access. Right now, we have challenges with bikes on sidewalks. I’d like to see that resolved. I don’t know how much neighbors would appreciate it if you opened it up. We are excited for them to enjoy their sport on our trail system.

We spend time educating them. As far as the branding pillars, I’d be hard pressed to fit this in.”

East Grand Fire Impact Fees East Grand Fire Protection District No. 4 Chief Todd Holzwarth presented the council with the results of the Impact Fee Nexus Study. The town and the district operate under an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and the study is conducted to quantify the reasonable impacts of proposed development on existing capital facilities.

Mayor Pro-Tem Nick Kutrumbos said, “At this time, this is not a type of priority. If advocates come back with a logical route that makes sense, we can reconsider. We are open to discussion, but bring back something that could work.”

Mayor Lahrman said, “We don’t want to message that motorized vehicles are not welcome.”

Maire Sullivan, with HTA, offered, “With the Trails Smart Sizing project, part of Phase 2 is signage, trailheads and parking enhancements. It is slated 2.5 years out, but could happen sooner, depending on funding.”

“Parking issues, trash issues, waste issues all trickle down from parking issues. We need to plan for all types of user groups,” said Lahrman.

Riesberg said, “The consensus I am

In 2000, when the first study was conducted, the residential impact fee was set at $254 per residential unit or commercial equivalent. Most recently, the study conducted in 2014 resulted in a residential impact fee of $483 and $268 per 1,000 s.f. of non-residential development.

The study, completed December 20, 2019, calculated the maximum justifiable impact fee at $632 per residential unit, a 31% increase, and $280 per 1,000 s.f. of non-residential development, a 4.5% increase.

Holzwarth told the council he had a good conversation with Steve Jensen of the Grand County Builders Association regarding the study results. He said Jensen had no concerns with the rates proposed, as they are part of the cost of new development, and less than most other expenses such as water, sewer and utilities.

“We are a very capital intensive district,” said Holzwarth. He clarified that impact fees can only be used for capital expenses.

East Grand Fire Protection District No. 4 provides service to the towns See Winter Park Updates, page 15

February 7, 2020

Winter models predict more of the same well into spring

WinterParkTimes.com

Page 3

Enjoy your day on the slopes...

New Accuweather forecast models predict great skiing and riding well into April and May for some Resorts across the mountain region incluing Winter Park.

Courtesy Winter Park Resort

F

or those hoping to thaw out and enjoy a spring filled with beautiful sunny days, the annual spring forecast models are starting to show signs that old man winter’s grasp on the Rockies is not going to let up anytime soon. Though Punxsutawney Phil recently declared the end of winter in some areas, meteorologists are calling for a delayed start to the season across much of the United States especially in Colorado.

The season will be split in the West as some areas will experience a prolonged winter season and others may seemingly skip the season altogether and jump ahead to summer according to AccuWeather Expert Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok March and April will remain active across the central and eastern Rockies this year, providing both regions with mountain snow and rainfall in the valleys.

The extended winter weather will be good news for skiers and snowboarders, who may be able to hit the slopes much later than expected throughout Colorado.

“They’ve had a busy central Rockies ski season this year, and I think that will continue to be the case into spring,” Pastelok said.

While the Northwest also had a good season, temperatures rising quickly in the springtime may lead to the snowpack diminishing faster than normal and additional flooding around streams and rivers. Temperatures will also rise quickly in Southern California, where dry conditions will dominate.

“There are some drought concerns this spring, especially for Southern California,” Pastelok said. “If we don’t start to see any precipitation here on the back end of the winter season, Southern California will get drier much quicker than expected.”

While furry family members relax in your new mountain home!

Overall, much of the West will experience above-normal temperatures this spring, with the exception of the central and northern Rockies where snow will continue to blanket the region for the next 60 days.

THEMEADOWS WILLOWS THE

Townhomes

For a complete look visit AccuWeather. com

Colorado water may take another hit from policy change T

he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is moving forward with removing protections for Colorado streams and wetlands.

“The EPA’s announcement last week is alarming as it puts our precious waters at risk. Every Coloradan, and so many others from neighboring states, are dependent on Colorado’s healthy waterways. At the department, regardless of what happens at the federal-level, we’ll always be committed to the health of our waters. Healthy waters mean healthy Coloradans,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

“In the absence of federal leadership, we are going to do everything possible to protect streams and wetlands in Colorado. It’s sad that we have to step up in

modern farmhouse

contrast with our federal government on something so basic as protecting our water, but we must,” said Patrick Pfaltzgraff, director, Water Quality Control Division.

The roll back removes huge swaths of Colorado’s waters from federal jurisdiction, waters used by 19 states and Mexico. It’s estimated that almost 70% of our Colorado Waters could be impacted by this rule. Additionally, the change will impose significant burdens upon the State of Colorado.

Earlier in the year, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and Colorado Department of Agriculture collectively rebuked the EPA’s proposed rule change.

Homes starting in the high 300s. RESERVE TODAY!

www.grandparkco.com

CALL TODAY

970.726.8700

Page 4

WinterParkTimes.com

February 7, 2020

Grand County Economic Development: “Exciting Times” A

t Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, Economic Development Coordinator Diane Butler presented a biannual update.

WorkInGrand The website launched in April 2019.

Butler reported that since the launch, the site has had over 71,000 page views, 12,000 unique visitors, has 176 active employers in Grand County utilizing the site and 436 jobs have been listed. Next steps include working with the anchor employers to look at ways to continue to fund the operation of the site. “We want to scale it to a model where the employers take ownership.” Butler estimated the annual cost to be about $20,000 to keep the site refreshed and moving forward.

“What’s really happening is there have been some really cool exchanges,” said Butler. For example, Devil’s Thumb Ranch and Winter Park Resort got together and planned an appreciation night for seasonal and J1 visa employees at the end of February. “The whole concept is to make Grand County a place where employees feel connected.” She added as a side note that she’d been asked to help with the Census 2020. “This is one of the events I thought would be great to connect employee’s with the Census.

Seasonal employees are more difficult to connect with.”

Community Reinvention Working with Darcee Kissler of Grand County Higher Education, they’ve come up with a whole theme of monthly topics for 2020. “I am hoping it becomes an annual thing, get us in a routine” she said.

January was all about Marketing. For February, Freeport McMoran granted $12,000 to offer Business Plans and Planning through Dreambuilder, a 13week online program. March will focus on Access to Capital. April will cover Regulatory License and Insurance Requirements. May’s topic is ‘Employees or Independent Contractors?’. June is ‘Right Time to Expand my Business?’. July examines Location Neutral Businesses.

For August, Growing Community, Civic Leadership. September brings the annual Economic Development Summit. In October, ‘Is it time to sell your business?’. The last subject of the year is on Local Small Business Impact to our Economy.

Commissioner Rich Cimino said that

by Casey Malon

Darcee had asked him to look at the limitations imposed by Grand County falling within the service area of Colorado Mountain College. Cimino said he had gotten feedback from Eric Bergman of CCI. “My interpretation is that there is no limit for other colleges coming to Grand County,” he said.

“That has been her hurdle,” said Butler.

“She hears that from different colleges.”

Commissioner Merrit Linke said, “If colleges are saying no, they probably have legitimate reasons. I would like to get a definitive written statement that says these colleges can do this.”

“CMC has at times said they would release their rights,” said Butler.

the companies relocate from another state, not from within, and, they are focused on rural relocation. “That is to our advantage right now.”

are putting together a marketing plan, identifying funding sources and hope to develop an app to identify and map county tours of areas of interest.

Butler said she had identified that they needed some lifestyle and information assets for the county to use in first introduction meetings on the state level to show draw them to Grand County. Butler said she was working with Grand Innovators to develop a piece, and could be reimbursed up to $5,000 for the effort and have distribution through the state.

“There are a lot of tax incentives to relocate.” She added the businesses that benefit would have to provide primary jobs, 10 or more, on a year round basis.

Space to create Butler stressed that only 9 regions get a creative designation. The project is in the stage of predevelopment at a cost of about $650K. Grand Lake contributes $20K and the rest of the funding will be through grants from entities such as DOLA, Boettcher and Daniels Funds.

“This has really been a great program for Grand County,” said County Manager Kate McIntire.

“It has been my baby for 7 years,” said Butler. “The creative economy is broad and deep in rural areas. Enhanced downtowns provide stability.” She added that the Town of Grand Lake pays the county $26K per year for her work. “I eat and breathe it because the potential is so huge.”

Butler said she had been working with nonprofit Artspace on the live/work space. “They have over 50 projects throughout the US. It has truly been amazing to work with them. They have a passion for wanting to do what’s right for the town. They are strictly nonprofit. The maker’s space could be anything from welding, pottery, all kinds of things. This opportunity ties into the Homegrown Talent Initiative in both School District’s. We are looking at creating work-based opportunities for kids to get connected with businesses and mentors to learn skill-based things. We hope we are accommodating things that the schools need. We want to make it very authentic to us, I am always looking at how it ties to Grand County.”

“It has never been officially stated,” said Linke.

Butler said, “I will continue to talk with Darcee on this. This has been a huge hurdle in identifying other colleges. Meetings end up flat because they can’t seem to get past that.”

Linke stated, “We can start there for sure. If we can get past that, then we are good to go.”

Grand Enterprise Initiative Butler told the commissioners she was working with USDA on another grant for the nonprofit. “I hope to get a match to what was taken from the budget.”

Commissioner Chair Kris Manguso reminded Butler that funding for GEI would be cut from the 2021 budget.

“I have to say, it is a huge integrative piece. I would hate to see us lose having that available to businesses in Grand County,” said Butler.

Location Neutral LONE Grant Program OEDIT and DOLA have a program to attract Location Neutral Businesses, companies that can locate anywhere.

Butler explained the benefits are when

Butler also stated there was increased access to Capital through Four Points Funding and the Northwest Colorado Loan Fund. She is also on the lookout for ‘Angel Investors’ - people looking to invest in our community.

CRAFT 101 & 201 The program provided by the Colorado Tourism Office is helping bring to light Grand County’s hidden gems: heritage, cultural, historical, and creative.

Working with Grand County Historical Association and the Tourism Board, they

In closing, Butler said she was heading to meet with the Kremmling Town Manager to talk about the DOLA Main Street program. “We’ve provided the framework and I have offered to help them get things going. We’ll see where that goes.”

The Grand County Board of Commissioners formed the Grand County Economic Development Department (GCED) in June of 2012. Since then, GCED has built a thriving community of local leaders who work to retain, expand, and attract businesses in the county. If you are interested in the work of this department, contact DiAnn Butler at (970) 5311343 or email: gced@co.grand.co.us.

No dinner plans? We just made them.

SUNDAYS | 5 - 9 PM | PIZZA AND A PITCHER | $22 any pizza and a pitcher of your favorite beer

THURSDAYS | 5 - 9 PM | FAMILY NIGHT SUPPER Just like mom used to make. comfort food and family fun!

THE GRILL AT GRANBY RANCH www.granbyranch.com

February 7, 2020

WinterParkTimes.com

Page 5

The Fridge Drop helps provide some local relief

by Michael Turner

Volunteers from East Grand Fire, WPFraser Police Department and Fraser Valley Lions Lions Club place Hunger on the ice by Safeway January 16th, 2020.

Photo Courtesy Town of Fraser

H

unger, the refrigerator, has been placed on the Lions Pond in Fraser next to Safeway and tickets are now available to make your guess as to when it will fall through the ice.

The Fridge Drop is a fundraiser that was originally started by Deb Ruttenberg and the non-profit, Grand Futures, over a decade ago. It had been several years since the fridge was placed on the icy pond and, in 2018 Mountain Family Center (MFC) started thinking about resurrecting it for their organization.

Helen Sedlar, Executive Director for Mountain Family Center said, “We thought the refrigerator theme tied in nicely with our food pantries and hunger relief.” Sedlar spoke with Ruttenberg and Deb thought it was a great idea, “She graciously helped point us in the right direction,” said Sedlar.

In 2019 a team from Mountain Family Center reached out to the Fraser River Valley Lions Club to see if they would partner on the project. “They were happy to jump on board, and with the assistance of the East Grand Fire Department helped, place the refrigerator on the ice a couple of weeks ago.”

MFC operates three food pantries in Grand County, plus a “good neighbor” pantry in Jackson County (Walden). If you need food, simply walk in, complete an intake form, and they will give you a box. There are no income checks or other qualifications required. “We provide food to all who need it.”

MFC moved from Hot Sulphur to their current location on mainstreet in Granby in 2013. “Our food pantry numbers have doubled since then.

We attribute this growth to several different factors including population growth (about 8% since 2013), rising cost of living (especially housing) and increased awareness of our programs and services,” said Sedlar.

According to the latest stats by Feeding America, the Food Insecurity rate in Grand County is 11.5%. This has actually decreased over the last few years and Sedlar attributes some of this reduction to the increased use of available local food resources such as the food pantries.

Students in Grand County go to school Monday-Thursday, and while the threeday weekend offers many benefits to families, it can also be difficult for those children facing food insecurity at home, who may not have much to eat between

one school meal and the next. Thus, the School Totes program was born.

Every Thursday, over 525 grocery bags (“totes”) packed with nutritious snacks are delivered to schools throughout Grand County. Students sign up as needed, and can take home a snack tote every weekend, as well as at the local libraries during the summer.

Approximately 1 in 4 Grand County students participate in Totes. According to Sedlar, TOTES numbers have stayed pretty steady over the past few years at around 550. “This past year, we gathered total student enrollment numbers from the schools we serve and figured out that approximately 1 in 4 students participate in totes.”

About 80% of MFC’s food is ordered/ purchased through Food Bank of the Rockies, and paid for with funds from grants and individual donors. Sedlar clarified the numbers, “We spend around $70,000-$75,000 per year on groceries. The other 20% of our food comes from local food drives and individual donations, as well as surplus food from the local grocery stores.

Each week we have volunteers pick up meat, dairy, produce, bakery items and other donations from Fireside Market, Safeway, City Market, the Kremmling Mercantile and Kum and Go. This is part of the Food Rescue program, overseen by the Food Bank of the Rockies. We distribute close to 300,000 pounds of food per year in Grand County.”

The food insecurity rate in Grand County is 11.5%. Through food pantries, Kids Totes, nutrition and cooking classes, Thanksgiving Baskets and more, MFC is working to alleviate local hunger.

Become a volunteer, make a donation or make a guess when the refrigerator will fall through the ice. The Fridge Drop is just another way to help stop hunger in our community. Keep your eyes on the prize as the Fridge sinks lower in the ice. The closest guess, to the minute, wins half of ticket sales. Mountain Family Center receives the other half, so it’s a win-win!

Fridge Drop tickets are available at Mountain Family Center, their thrift store, Main Street Thrift, or at Grand Foundation in Fraser. Additionally, there will be some pop-up sales at local grocery stores over the next few weeks as well. You can also buy tickets online at mountainfamilycenter.org.

GO TUBING!

OPEN EVERY DAY & NIGHT Please check website for hours and any scheduled maintenance.

Single & Double Tubing (3 & up) Fire Pits | Snowshoe & Trails Kid’s Mini Snowmobiles & Tack Stay RIGHT after bridge on to cty road 721.

Lots of parking at BOTTOM of tubing hill.

RIDE THE LIFT! Emerald Line/West Fraser Express theliftwp.com

BOOK ONLINE TODAY!

coloradoadventurepark.com 970-726-5779 | 566 County Road 721 | Fraser, CO 80442

OPINION

Page 6

February 7, 2020

Dippity doo-dah...

Winter is here and there’s not a whole lot we can do about it. So, like many others I have to find a way to get outside and experience spring’s bounty in its frozen, crystal form before lengthening days and a favorable tilt transform the frozen white to a rushing foam.

Although I came to the Colorado Rockies to ski and snowboard, I became part of the resort exodus thrust on the working ski bums and have had to get pretty creative with my housing. I would still jump at the opportunity to make turns in the Cirque or to drop into Sky Pilot on a powder morning, but a restrictive bank account has limited my resolve to continue skiing my brains out.

Getting out on a pair of crosscountry skis has provided me with a whole new appreciation of the valley and its frozen ecosystems. What started out as a quest to stifle cabin fever has morphed into an infatuation with a winter landscape teeming with life. The slower you go, the more you see. The farther you get from the real world, the sweeter the air. For me, an escape into a frozen fantasy is as close as a five minute walk to the trails near the ball fields in Fraser.

Air is what I’ve been looking for and finding. Air that has swept

LeTTer To The ediTor: A

through the boughs of a 200-yearold spruce tree tastes different than the air on US Hwy 40. When you are in the woods on a trail and the wind is pushing the storm over the mountaintops, it swirls and eddies through the fir and spruce and aspen.

Sometimes, when the trees are heavily laden with new-fallen snow, some snow shakes loose and infuses the current with weightless crystals and freshly manufactured pine tree oxygen which creates a blend of chilled vapor that is a profound pleasure to consume. When I feel one of those gusts creaking the trees I often pause and turn my face upward so that I can feel, see and breathe the crystal air all at once.

I’m doing oxygen experiments in the Experimental Forest!

I still like to fly through a glade of aspen trees, pointing the boards straight down and feeling the rush of risk, gravity and athletic isolation.

But slowing down and smelling the pine trees has shown me a whole world that was once flying by in a green, tan and white blur.

After a new snow, the freeway of life is revealed on the winterscape in the form of tracks. A look to the treetops can reveal ravens, eagles, owls, jays, woodpeckers, finches and

even porcupines. You have to look up or you could miss it. This makes me wonder how many close calls I’ve had with a white weasel over the years or how many times I’ve streaked past a great horned owl.

My small dog Chooch has been quick to point out that there is another world teeming just under the surface of the snow. He is easily distracted and plunges his nose into snowdrifts and snowbanks until he can barely see out of his mooshed-up face.

Mountain pocket gophers are actively burrowing, surviving, even occasionally mating right under my dog’s very sensitive nose and it peaks his curiosity. Deer mice do their best to hibernate for the winter but are often disrupted by savage weasels who find great pleasure in biting into their skulls at the base of the neck.

Weasels are vicious. Who knew?

One of my favorite animals working the winter is the American Dipper, a small, dark-gray bird that inhabits winter wetlands. These are tiny birds that blend into the rare dark strips of exposed moving water you find in the high country woods. They are hard to see, but if you look close you might find one bouncing down and up, down and up, 40 to 60 times per minute.

Then the fearless featherweight

CheCK YoUr ATTiTUde

iN reSPoNSe:

fter being referred to as A) an oblivious weekend warrior, B) a “Jerry Jackoff ”, and C) a “BUD” by Josh Nussenfeld in his childish online rebuttal of my Sky Hi News letter to the editor of 1/26/20, I hardly know where to start to refute the idiocy of his juvenile posts.

I’m not an “oblivious front range warrior”, I’m a long time Grand County resident and please know WP couldn’t exist without the front range, DIA, I-70, etc. Most assuredly, I’m not his “BUD” nor his derogatory “Jerry Jackoff ” . I’ll bet the tens of thousands of WP weekend visitors appreciate his references to them.

True, ski school teaches lots of turning and going back and forth,---its called skiing under control and adhering to the well established Skier Responsibility Code. Try having someone read it to you sometime Josh.

I’ll bet the beginners/intermediates you try to dazzle with your “50+mph” speed don’t appreciate your self centered irresponsible thundering recklessly down the hill. We both know there isn’t a skier on the mtn. who hasn’t made a mistake and fallen. The problem with pathetic immature riders/skiers like you is that you may well take 5-6 innocent people with you.

“Come and take my pass, if you can catch me”---hows that for an attitude? The WP ski

Serving the Fraser Valley and Grand County “We live it. We get it. Let’s talk.”

patrol has your name and description and can easily radio ahead to the lift ops to confiscate your pass. Problem solved! I’d like to hear WP mgmt. participate in this discussion, beyond a tepid statement of “We strive to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all our visitors, etc.” How about it WP? A further imbecilic Josh quote: “its not supposed to be safe for you, its the mts. Accept the mts. can be dangerous or stay off the hill. Being on the mtn. everyone has the right to enjoy it how they please. Everyone has the right and freedom to do what they want, go how fast they want, and do whatever they want,.......it also means I can ride the way I want.” “You don’t deserve to share the freedom the mts. offer, if you look to limit the freedom of others. Accept the risk or please go back to your safe space at home and stay there” Sounds like quite a business plan to me! Does WP endorse this philosophy? Unfortunately, Josh, you give a bad name to the majority of skiers/riders who enjoy the mountains responsibly. This sanctimonious self righteous insufferable twit needs to grow up and act civilized.

Pete Peterson/Tabernash

will dive to the bottom of the pond snatching protein from an underwater world of Steve Skinner suspended animation before emerging from the water seemingly dry and happy.

Dippers, also known as ouzels often travel in pairs and can be seen flying low over the water, landing often. A baby dipper needs just 18 days or so before leaving the nest and flying, bobbing, dipping and diving on its own. These fast learners are also an indicator species. If you see ouzels, the water quality is good. Is it any surprise that they like clean water?

People still have a lot to learn from nature.

When I see these things I realize that I am in danger of becoming a birdwatcher, a nature nut or some kind of recluse. These silent respites from the hustle and bustle of human life provide perspective and balance and stability. And I can use all of that I can get right now.

Steve Skinner watched an owl swoop down and haul off a snowshoe hare and found the experience humbling.

T

his is in response to Ronald Fischer’s letter in the 31 January paper. It appears to me that Ron and several other folks who have written recent letters condemning Senator Gardner have had their Trump Derangement Syndrome morph into a broader GOP Derangement Syndrome.

Their premise that the Senate and specifically Senator Gardner failed to conduct a “real trial” on the question of President Trump’s impeachment is without merit. It is my understanding that is the responsibility of the House to hear testimony and review all pertinent evidence when considering whether or not to bring articles of impeachment to the Senate for consideration. If the House failed to conduct a satisfactory prosecution of their case to the Senate, that is not Senator Gardner’s fault.

While I did not agree with much/most of President Obama’s conduct, I never once thought he should be impeached. In contrast, some House Democrats (Al Green, Maxine Waters among others) advocated for impeachment before Trump was inaugurated. That House leadership allowed these radical anti-Trump representatives to prevail without presenting a satisfactory case for the Senate to impeach is indeed a low point in the history of this great country.

Hopefully, future leaders in the House will not go down the same path.

Regards, Steve Gregory, Grand Lake, CO

Editor & Publisher/Michael Turner mturner@winterparktimes.com For Advertising contact us: sales@winterparktimes.com Editorial Board Chair/Drew Munro dmunro@winterparktimes.com Journalist & Reporter/ Casey Malon cmalon@winterparktimes.com

Contributors

Steve Skinner, Columnist Jeff R King, Cartoonist Polly Gallagher, Director GCLD John DiGirolamo, Right Stuff Felicia Muftic, National Politics Marissa Lorenz, News Reporter Diana Lynn Rau, Grand Nordic Corner Patrick Brower, High School Sports

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters may be emailed to: editor@ winterparktimes.com or submitted online under the “letters” link. Letters should be 600 words or less and include the author’s name, address and telephone number for verification purposes.

February 7, 2020

WinterParkTimes.com

Page 7

NAT IONAL POLI T IC S : What to expect next from Washington

A

s that baseball legend, Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over till it’s over”. The Ukraine saga is only in the 7th inning. The Senate Impeachment trial of Donald Trump may have ended, but there is more to come as leaks and House oversight hearings and the November presidential elections complete what the Senate failed to do in their half-baked, pseudo trial. It was the only trial in the history of impeachments to be conducted without witnesses and evidence. For that matter, it was the only trial of any kind I ever heard about that did not have witnesses and corroborating evidence. What’s next? There is still much to come •Expect between now and November voters will hear a constant drip of new information revealed by media and House hearings.

•Expect Donald Trump to crow to the high heavens he was not only acquitted, but he was also exonerated.

That he was cleared of any wrongdoing will have little credibility since the Senate trial itself lost credibility when it denied witness testimony and evidence that had not been included in the House inquiry. Many GOP Senators post-trial have stated they believed the House managers had proved their point, that Donald Trump used his power to get political favors from a foreign government to help him in 2020, but they still voted to acquit him for a variety of rationales such as too close to an election, not a bad enough to justify removal from

office, the process was flawed, unfair, too rushed. In reality, it has always been a foregone conclusion the Senate vote would be to acquit because twenty GOP Senators would have had to join all Democrats to reach the two-thirds threshold vote to remove him from office. Any defections from party discipline were expected to be too few. What was unexpected, but not surprising, was that all but two GOP Senators would vote to prevent anyone hearing the whole story from newly emerging witnesses and evidence. The GOP leadership pulled a fast one on the voters. 70% of voters wanted to hear witnesses and see documents that had come to light since the House impeachment vote.

•Expect John Bolton to finally get his opportunity to testify under oath. Bolton, Trump’s former national security advisor, had finished a manuscript of his book that somehow was leaked to the media in the middle of the trial. He wrote that Trump told him he withheld bipartisan military aid to Ukraine until the Ukrainian president announced in the media of the personal favor of investigations Trump had asked him to do as a condition of getting military aid Trump had frozen.

Bolton, the darling of Senate anti-Russian hawks, would have been the most credible first hand, direct witness, of Donald Trump’s single-minded intent. It was not about Trump’s unexpressed concern about corruption in Ukraine; it was to get the favor of the investigations announced.

The riGhT STUFF ... Wake up call for Democrats!

T here is an old saying that if you don’t do it right, you’ll have to do it over. The reasoning is that if you take your time, pay attention to what you are doing and focus on your task, you’ll have a good outcome. And it won’t require going back and taking more time to fix it. I remember as a teenager being assigned the chore of yard work, which I hated to do. My father would come out and inspect my work, shake his head and point out all the weeds I “forgot” to pull.

In all honesty, I was just hoping he wouldn’t notice. And he made me go back to finish the job correctly.

He would tell me that the job I was doing had my name on it. Like my own signature. And if the activity has “your name” on it, it better look good, and it better be done right.

This is what quality is all about in the business world, and successful companies go beyond having a quality product, they also provide a positive customer experience. Companies that don’t care about quality and the customer experience tend to fail. In political terms, the voters are the “customer” and the “customer experience” is how our lives are impacted by our politician’s decisions. Our American experience is shaped by where our elected officials are focused.

One of the reasons Donald Trump was elected president in 2016 was the elitist attitude of Hillary Clinton exemplified by her comment about Trump supporters being a “basket of deplorables”. The Democrats made a political mistake in 2016 and they haven’t learned anything.

In fact, they are worse. The Democrats just can’t understand how

or why anyone could vote for Mr. Trump. If you did vote for him, well, there must be something wrong with you. Their attitudes haven’t changed, as shown in the recent episode with Don Lemon, a Democratic activist and CNN host (is there a difference?). Mr. Lemon, the most condescending person on cable news just can’t help it. He and his guests don’t want to debate policy or put forth convincing ideas about what actions will improve our lives. No, he and his friends just wants to make fun of you, and Mr. Lemon couldn’t stop laughing on live TV. What do you think a Trump supporter or an independent voter is going to do? They must plan on voters thinking, “Oh, golly gee, I guess I should vote for a Democrat so the really smart people on CNN don’t make fun of me.” The Democrat candidates for president have the same attitude and haven’t learned anything from Hillary Clinton’s defeat. They don’t seem to like half of their potential customers.

When Joe Biden was asked about Trump supporters, he dismissively responded, “They like him because of the tax cut, they like him because he’s a racist.” When Pete Buttigieg was asked whether the Trump Administration’s immigration policy is racist, he responded, “Anyone who supports this is supporting racism.” They don’t make persuasive arguments, they just bully you by calling you names. They don’t think you have a valid point of view.

They won’t tolerate you. They don’t want to hear other viewpoints. Only approved woke opinions can be included. The people who lecture you about “tolerance”, “inclusivity” and

•Expect 2020 to be about rigged elections. Foreign actors, especially Russia, got the green light to use their psyche warfare to help Donald Trump win again. The GOP Senators were not disturbed enough by foreign interference in our elections to oust Trump from office.

•Expect an out of control presFelicia Muftic ident to act out of control. Sitting in the Oval Office is a President who believes he can do anything he wants, laws and norms be damned. There is no way to check him. He ducked the Mueller probe. He beat removal even though impeached. His Department of Justice still proclaims a sitting president cannot be indicted for a crime.

The Senate trial only added to his belief he can issue blanket orders to ignore Congressional subpoenas and would not be impeached for it. The courts are hopelessly too slow-moving to make much difference before November. The only recourse Americans have left to keep this president who would be king (dictator, strong man, autocrat) in check is for the GOP to lose the presidential election and control of the Senate in November.

For more, visit www.mufticforumblog.blogspot.com

The opinions, letters and columns in this publication are not a representation of our values or beliefs. If you have something to say, submit it to us at: submit@winterparktimes.com

John DiGirolamo “anti-bullying” are doing the exact thing they accuse you of doing. They are putting the “cuss” in customer experience.

The Democrats didn’t get a wake up call after the 2016 election. I guess they only got “woke” and continue to show their disdain for middle America. Did you know “Heartland” is now a racist term?

It is hard to keep up. I guess Heartland values such as God, Family and Country are replaced with Climate Change, LGBTQ+ and Open Borders.

The Democratic Party has gone far Left in a few short years and many of their ideas are just kooky. But it is worse than that. They aren’t listening to the voters; they focus on progressive platitudes instead of trying to solve real problems.

Take Elizabeth Warren’s pledge that as president, she’d let a 9 year old transgender child pick her Secretary of Education. I wouldn’t let a 9 year old decide what’s for dinner.

Who needs competency, just as long as you’re “diverse”. Talk about being out of touch with regular people.

I’d hate to see what the customer experience would look like under President Warren’s administration.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER

********* Contribute, Donate or Buy an ad today. contact us at: sales@winterparktimes.com

Elizabeth Kurtak Art Gallery Originals and Fine Prints

201 Eisenhower Drive In beautiful Fraser, Colorado

Open 1-6 pm Daily Closed Sunday & Monday www.winterparkart.com

Page 8

WinterParkTimes.com

February 7, 2020

VALLEY BRIEFING ”One for the Ranch” Exhibit Opening Join GCHA for an exhibit opening and fundraiser this Saturday, February 8 at Cozens Ranch Museum in Fraser from 4-7 pm. John Henley’s fantastic artwork will be available for purchase during the month of February. In addition to 50% of the profits going to GCHA, all of John’s work is available at generously discounted prices.

John Henley is a nationally-recognized art metal sculptor and Granby local who uses reclaimed and recycled materials in his work. To learn more about the artist, visit johnhenleydesigns.com.

If you are planning on attending the opening reception, please email erica@ grandcountyhistory.org or call (970) 726-5488 to RSVP.

EV Charging Stations in demand Thinking about electric vehicle (EV) charging for your property? You can now do it for a fraction of the cost with Charge Ahead Colorado’s incentives.

With this program: You can save up to $9K per Level 2 charger or up to $30K per DC Fast charger Eligible properties include workplaces, apartment and condo communities, fleets, retail locations, government agencies, and more With over 1,600 charging spots already installed in the state of Colorado, ChargePoint is a preferred charging network for local EV drivers.

Your CO ChargePoint team is ready to help you benefit from this program and are committed to building strong relationships with participants and will support your project each step of the way. For more information, visit chargepoint.com.

PRC Fundraiser Banquet The 16th annual Pregnancy Resource Connection fundraising banquet, featuring comedian Mike Williams, takes place at Young Life Crooked Creek Ranch on Sunday, February 16 at 5 pm. All are welcome to attend this free banquet and fundraiser, and childcare is available, pre-registration is required. To register, visit pregnancyresourceconnection.org or call (970) 887-3617.

PRC Childbirth Prep Classes Calling all parents to be with due dates in March, April, May, and early June..... PRC will be hosting Childbirth Preparation Classes on Saturday, Feb 15th, Saturday, Feb 22nd and Saturday, Feb 29th from 11 am to 2 pm. Classes will be held at the Pregnancy Resource Connection. Dress for comfort. The classes are FREE, pre-registration is required. Please call (970) 887-3617 to reserve your spot!

Uphill skiing at Granby Ranch New this season, skiers earning their turns must have a special Uphill Ski pass and are only able to utilize certain runs. The pass is free and available at the ticket office located at the base. For more information, visit granbyranch. com.

3 Lakes Fishing Tournament Final stats This year’s event brought in more than 1300 anglers - about 150 more participants than last year, and almost 800 people fished all 3 days of the tournament. According to registration data, anglers came from 13 states: Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Minnesota, Illinois, Montana, Michigan, Florida, Texas, California, Indiana, New Jersey, and Iowa.

A total of 691 fish were weighed during the three-day tournament, including one tagged fish caught on Friday.

The Granby Chamber is already planning for next year’s tournament. To learn more, visit granbychamber.com.

Volunteer Opportunity The Headwaters Center is in need of volunteers for next Friday’s Brett Dennen concert, February 14 from 6-10 pm. If you are able to help out, email andrea@headwaterscenter.com.

Park-and-Ride Reminder Riders on The Lift Transit buses are reminded that the only approved park-and-ride parking is located in the parking garage at Cooper Creek Square.

People parking in other lots, including Safeway and the Murdoch’s Center, may be towed at their own expense. For more information, call dispatch at (970) 7264163.

J1 Visa and Seasonal Employees Appreciation

As a Thank You from the Winter Park community, the Headwaters Center is putting on a social night just for you on Tuesday, February 25 from 6-8 pm!

Join us for music, light refreshments, games, and raffle prizes. Cash bar will be available. Please bring your valid ID. Employers! We are asking for your support in two ways for the J1 Visa & Seasonal Employee Appreciation Night: First, we are happily providing the venue and staff, but greatly need your help with in-kind donations of food and beverage and/or raffle prizes. If any of your J1 Visa employees are a part of your culinary department, we would love for them to participate by preparing their local cuisine for the event.

We would love your support in making this a “GRAND” event!

Learn more / RSVP: headwatersriverjourney.com.

February 7, 2020

Local municipalities prepare for 2020 Elections

W

hile state and federal elections are still nine months away, several local municipalities are preparing for their local elections, which will take place on Tuesday, April 7.

Town of Fraser Four seats on the Town’s Board of Trustees were open for the 2020 election: Mayor and 3 Trustees.

Mayor Philip Vandernail, Mayor Pro-Tem Eileen Waldow and Trustee Parnell Quinn all submitted materials to pursue reelection and Trustee Herb Meyring will end his term in April.

Brian Cerkvenik was the sole Fraser resident to submit his nomination packet.

As a result, the Town will be introducing a resolution at the February 19 meeting to cancel their election, since they did not have more candidates than open seats.

On April 7, the following Fraser residents will be declared elected: Trustees: Eileen Waldow, Parnell Quinn and Brian Cerkvenik Mayor: Philip Vandernail The Mayor and Board of Trustees are all elected at-large for four year terms of office.

Town of Grand Lake Five seats on the Town’s Board of Trustees are open for the 2020 election: Mayor and 4 Trustees.

Two Grand Lake residents are running for

the position of Mayor: current Mayor ProTem Steve Kudron and Robert Canon.

Five candidate are running to fill the four Trustee positions: current Trustee Tom Weydert, Ernie Bjorkman, Melissa Ratzmann, Jonah Landy, and Michael Arntson.

Three of the candidates will be elected to four-year terms and the candidate with the fourth highest vote total will serve out the remaining two years of former Trustee, Phyllis Price’s term. Mayor James Peterson and Trustee John Rourke did not seek reelection.

Town of Winter Park Four seats are open on the Winter Park Town Council.

Councilman Mike Periolat and Mayor Jimmy Lahrman have submitted materials to pursue reelection and Councilmen Charles Banks and Jim Myers will end their terms in April.

Winter Park residents Jennifer Hughes, Prescott Sutcliffe, Al Furlone, Jeremy Henn and Mike Davlin will join Lahrman and Periolat in the run to fill the four council seats.

Towns of Granby and Hot Sulphur Springs The Towns of Granby and Hot Sulphur Springs moved their municipal election to coincide with the coordinated election in November. Municipal election information will be available closer to that date.

WinterParkTimes.com

To the Editor: A

s a longtime Granby Ranch resident I’ve been a keen observer of the sale and subsequent foreclosure of Granby Ranch. The $62 million debt disclosure was eye-opening. What strikes me most is the fallacy of “ownership.” It’s become overly apparent, especially since the 2008 recession, that very few individuals, builders/ developers, and specifically development LLCs actually have their own capital to buy anything; it’s all a house of cards.

Throughout Grand County there are half-finished or unrealized developments; promises made, but never kept. Development LLCs with supposed “deep pockets” and dollar signs in their eyes roll into the county like modern day gold rushers, start digging and then, after running out of financing or customers, leave houseless foundations and excavation mounds for others to clean up. Why is there no cleanup escrow fund required of developers for these scenarios? Where’s their responsibility to the community?

I’m sure the Orvis Shorefox “developers” presented as

Page 9

having deep pockets, but they left an eyesore of an unfinished golf course and a ruined landscape. Luckily, as it turned out, the town of Granby has a team of creative thinkers that turned that lemon into lemonade for the community.

Now there are rumors of several “deep pocketed” developers lining up to buy Granby Ranch. Do they really have the $62 million to pay the debt owed and then the capital to further develop and make improvements? Will they walk away from the sale title in hand or will they be just another LLC bankrolled to the hilt by another lender collecting interest on bad debt?

Given the scope of the sale and economic implications for the town/county, hopefully there’s much due diligence by all interested parties during this financial courtship so that a foreclosure by a future owner of Granby Ranch may be avoided. And, just maybe, given the town of Granby’s financial stake in the property and its recent successes, it will result in a fresh helping of Granby lemonade.

H.L. (Herb) Cork Granby, Colo.

Page 10

WinterParkTimes.com

February 7, 2020

Friday, February 7 - Wear Red Day

Conversational Spanish Group meets weekly from 9-10 am at Paella Restaurant in Winter Park. For more information, contact Lori Myers (970) 531-0006.

Ranger-led Beginner Snowshoe at Rocky Mountain National Park. The 2-hour Snowshoe with a Ranger starts at 1:30 pm. Open to ages 8 and up. To register and reserve a spot(s), call (970) 586-1513.

Juniper Library in Grand Lake presents a live stream of Colorado Ballet’s ‘Peter Pan’ at 1:45 pm. Open to all ages. gcld.org Vertical Bistro in the Village at Winter Park has live music with Matt Brown, from 2 - 5 pm.

SNOWga on the plaza stage at the base of Winter Park Resort. Free 30 minute class from 4-4:30 pm.

First Friday at the Dean Public House in Hot Sulphur Springs starts at 4 pm. 10% of proceeds benefits Grand County Pet Pals.

Grand Elk Golf Club hosts a Full Moon Snowshoe, starting at 5 pm.

Westside 40 in Granby hosts ‘First Friday: Abstracts’ opening at 6 pm.

Brickhouse 40 in Granby has live music with Brian Wiedl, from 7pm.

Ullrs Tavern has live music with Tenth Mountain Division, starts at 9pm

Saturday, February 8 - Laugh & Get Rich Day

Grand Nordic hosts the 7th annual Ranch2Ranch 12K XC Ski Trek. Park at the Montana Lot at Ski Granby Ranch and take the shuttle bus to the start at Snow Mountain Ranch at 8:30 or 9:30 am. For information and to register, visit grandnordic.org.

3rd annual Pond Hockey Classic kicks off on Grand Lake at 9 am.

Cozens Ranch Museum in Fraser hosts the February Art2020 Exhibit. featuring artist John Henley’s works in ‘One for the Ranch’. Opening reception at 4 pm. grandcountyhistory.org Pole Creek Golf Club in Tabernash hosts a Full Moon Ski and Snowshoe from 4:30 - 8:30 pm. For dinner reservations at Bistro 28 (recommended), call (970) 887-9797.

Grand Lake Nordic Center hosts a Full Moon Ski from 5 - 9 pm. $10 trail passes.

Strip & Tail in Winter Park has live music with Alona .C., at 5:30 pm.

Bingo at Carver’s in downtown Winter Park. This week’s fundraiser benefits Habitat for Humanity. Doors open at 6:30pm, first game at 7pm.

El Pacifico in Grand Lake has live music with Martin & Taylor, at 6:30pm Trailblazers Snowmobile Club hosts a Moonlight Ride at the Idleglen Trailhead in Grand Lake, starting at 7 pm.

The Parshall Inn has live music with Weston Smith, starting at 7 pm.

Grand County Blues Society hosts their membership drive show, with live music by the Taylor Scott Band at Ullrs Tavern, starting at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, February 9 - Pizza Day

House Speaker KC Becker hosts a Town Hall Meeting at the Fraser Valley Library at 10 am.

Yoga with Tracie at the Morgan Mercantile in Tabernash at 10 am. $10, bring your own mat. Discounts available at Jackpot Resale following the session.

Grand County Community of Writers Critique Group meets at the Granby Library at 2 pm. (303) 819-5955 Grand County Astronomy Club meets at the Granby Library at 4 pm.

Ullrs Tavern has live music with Zach Deputy, starting at 8 pm.

Monday, February 10 - Clean Your Computer Day

Church of the Eternal Hills in Tabernash hosts YouTHursday at 6:30 pm.

Open to 6th-12th grade students. For information, email: education@ eternalhills.org.

Friday, February 14 - Valentine’s Day

Conversational Spanish Group meets weekly from 9-10 am at Paella Restaurant in Winter Park. For more information, contact Lori Myers (970) 531-0006.

Granby Library hosts ‘Craft Afternoon: Make a Valentine’ 1pm. gcld.org Ranger-led Beginner Snowshoe at Rocky Mountain National Park. The 2-hour Snowshoe with a Ranger starts at 1:30 pm. Open to ages 8 and up. To register and reserve a spot(s), call (970) 586-1513.

Hot Sulphur Springs Library hosts ‘Story Time’ at 11:15 am. (970) 725-3942.

Vertical Bistro in the Village at Winter Park has live music with Brian Wiedl, from 2 - 5 pm.

Pancho & Lefty’s in Grand Lake hosts Texas Hold ‘em games, starting at 6:30 pm.

Granby Ranch ‘8350 Live’ has music with Jessica Jones in the 8350 Bar & Bistro, starting at 2:30 pm.

Tuesday, February 11 - Make a Friend Day

Local artist Karen Vance teaches a Watercolor Workshop every Tuesday, from 9 am - 3:30 pm at her Club Meadowridge Studio. For information and reservations, call (970) 726-5837.

Granby Library hosts a Tech Training Class at 10 am. For more information and to register, call (970) 887-2149.

Taco Tuesday at the Winter Park Pub starts at 5 pm.

Tune Up Tuesday at The Basement in Winter Park (downstairs from Strip & Tail) starts at 6 pm.

Wednesday, February 12 - Darwin Day

Granby Library hosts ‘Story Time’ at 10 am. (970) 887-2149.

Granby Rotary Club meets at noon at Maverick’s Grill. granbyrotary.org Wylie’s Paints & Games in Fraser hosts Magic the Gathering Commander Night, starting at 5:30 pm.

Camber Brewing Co in Fraser hosts Trivia Night, starting at 6 pm.

Thursday, February 13 - Radio Day

Fraser Valley Library hosts ‘Story Time’ at 10 am. (970) 726-5689.

Granby Library hosts a Tech Training Class at 10 am. For more information and to register, call (970) 887-2149.

Juniper Library hosts ‘Story Time’ at 11 am. (970) 627-8353 The Winter Park - Fraser Valley Rotary Club meets at noon at the Crooked Creek Saloon in Fraser.

Granby Ranch ‘8350 Live’ has music with Andy Straus in the 8350 Bar & Bistro, starting at 2:30 pm.

Celebrate ‘Galentine’s Day’, a multi-vendor event at Mountain Parks Electric’s Community Room, from 6-9 pm.

SNOWga on the plaza stage at the base of Winter Park Resort. Free 30 minute class from 4-4:30 pm.

Free Community Dinner at Cranmer Memorial Chapel in downtown Winter Park, from 5-7 pm. On the menu is Homemade beef stew, green beans, fresh rolls and the famous Valentine Cupcake competition (you’re the judge) for dessert. This week’s meal is sponsored by the Fraser River Valley Lions Club. All are welcome!

Grand Concert Series presents classical artist Hanzhi Wang at the Church of the Eternal Hills in Tabernash. Performance begins at 7 pm.

For tickets and information, visit grandconcerts.org.

Brickhouse 40 in Granby has live music with Weston Smith, 7 - 10 pm.

The Parshall Inn hosts an Anti-Valentine’s Day party, starting at 7 pm.

The Headwaters Center in Winter Park presents the Brett Dennen Lift Series from 8 - 10 pm. Tickets available at headwatersriverjourney.com.

Have entertaining events to share?

Let us know at submit@winterparktimes.com

Meme of the Week

Grand Concerts

“Something for Everyone” Hanzhi Wang Valentines Day Show T

hose looking for a unique evening to celebrate Valentine’s Day will be treated to a rare performance by groundbreaking young musician Hanzhi Wang from China. Hanzhi is a classical accordionist, the only one in 59 years ever to be placed on the roster of Young Concert Artists Roster.

This unique Valentines concert will be followed by a complimentary champagne reception hosted by Wild Horse Catering.

Coming up February 28th, the next generation Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado (BCOC) will be delighting music lovers with a varied program of popular classics. The 13-piece orchestra

7pm

is comprised of violins, Violas, Cellos, Bass and Harpsichord. The BCOC was founded in 2005 and has established itself as a unique and vital presence in Colorado’s performing-arts scene.

Tickets are $25 at the door and all performances are followed by a complimentary reception. Concerts are at 7pm at Church of the Eternal Hills, 100 Meadows Blvd., Tabernash.

Grand Concerts, Inc is a non-profit organization bringing world-class performers in classical music to Grand County at an affordable price for residents and guests since 2004. Learn more at grandconcerts.org.

Blues Society Membership Drive

T

he Grand Country Blues Society (GCBS) was created to enhance the cultural existence of Grand County residents and to be a beacon for friends and visitors that love escaping to the shadow of the Continental Divide. The organization has produced 17 annual Blues Festivals and over 300 individual blues concerts, and has provided educational the students of Grand County with musical experiences through their Blues In The School program.

The group has done all of this and much more with an all-volunteer board, and a very loyal and generous membership. The locally based society relies on membership fees to support the many programs that they offer in Grand County and beyond. Blues In The Schools, Check Out The Music, & Blue Star Connection are just part of their outreach and it is time for their annual membership drive.

Member benefits at certain levels include free tickets to the annual Blues From The Top festival and free admission and other perks at sponsored blues shows throughout the year in Grand County. For the kickoff of this year’s

drive the GCBS is bringing the Taylor Scott Band and special guests to ULLR’s Saturday night February 8th. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 7:30pm.

The Taylor Scott Band transcends musical genres by joyously embracing a raft of them. Funk, Soul, Rock and R&B all come together in this Denver-based band’s repertoire, and never more so than on his new album release, All We Have produced by Steve Berlin (Los Lobos).

Onstage, the road-tested Taylor Scott Band simply kills it night after night.

Good luck trying to sit down or stay still.

In addition to touring and recording with his own band, Scott has recorded and toured the US, Canada and Europe with blues legend Otis Taylor and in 2015 played alongside the likes of Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule) on Otis Taylor’s critically acclaimed release, “Hey Joe Opus: Red Meat.”

The show tomorrow night is going to be a very special event you don’t want to miss. For more information about membership in the Grand County Blues Society, visit www.grandblues.org

February 7, 2020

CHURCH OF THE ETERNAL HILLS

WinterParkTimes.com

Page 11

Page 12

WinterParkTimes.com

February 7, 2020

Grand County Library District:

Search“ Trail Guide”

P

art of the reason I live in Grand County is cross country skiing. My partner in skiing, Anna, and I are never very good at our timing or navigation. We always think we can squeeze in a quick ski before book club, a storm rolls in, or darkness falls. Our navigational skills are also a little on the questionable side. We always have a general idea of where we are and know where we want to get to, but point A to point B is rarely a straight line. Take the trail to the High Lonesome Hut as case in point.

This is one that we start on the main trail and then veer off and follow along the creek.

Now, our reasoning always makes us think this is a loop as our side trail should meet up with the main trail on the far side of the first ridge, but book club, storm, or darkness always rolls in causing us to feel the need to cut up the hill and then back down (generally in a terrifying manner) to the main trail on the other side. Neither of us feels particularly good about this, but there you go.

By Polly Gallagher, Executive Director Lonesome isn’t a 10th Mountain Hut, so no luck. I did discover that there are quite a few books about huts and hut trips, but decided to put those on hold as my goal was to find out where Anna and I were skiing, and if we could get through.

I glanced around. Aha! I forgot GCLD stocked the fabulous National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map. Checking through the Winter Park, Central City, Rollins Pass, Colorado, USA, I found our route. Hmmm.

Nope. In fact, the trail we were following does not connect back up to the High Lonesome Hut trail but instead peters out about 1 mile further up the road towards Meadowcreek Reservoir, whereas the High Lonesome Hut trail curves in the opposite direction as it heads towards Arapahoe Bay on Lake Granby.

Anna Winkel Szczepanski and Polly Gallagher enjoying the great outdoors. GCLD offers a wealth of trail guides and maps to help you plan for your next cross country skiing adventure.

So, imitating Hermione Granger, I recently followed the adage, “When in doubt, go to the library.”

Doing a quick catalog search, I found Grand County Library District (GCLD) has quite a large selection of trail books tucked into either the Reference or NonFiction sections. Anything from trails for twitchers (birding), trail running (613), or even the International Mountain Bicycling Association guide to building single-track trails (796.6).

Of course, whenever I’m in the catalog, I fall down the rabbit hole. While searching for a local hiking guide, I

Courtesy Photo

clicked on the “Explore More” widget. I came across a series of old newspaper stories about people (“Daisy of Strawberry Park”), ranching (“Our main goal isn’t to get rich off any of this, but to be able to stay on the ranch”), and even technique (“The Art of Cross-Country Skiing and Waxing”) circa 1977.

Okay, focus Gallagher. I headed to the 790s and 917s.

I grabbed Colorado 10th Mountain Huts & Trails and Colorado’s Continental Divide Trail off the shelf. The rough area of where we were was included but High

Good to know. Do a search for “trail guide” and who knows where it might lead you.

February 7, 2020

West Grand School District Getting Electric Bus

WinterParkTimes.com

Page 13

Ranch 2 XC Ski Trek Fest

Ranch Presented by

12 Km

Saturday, February 8, 2020 Cross Country Ski from

T

his fall, West Grand School District (WGSD) plans to add an electric school bus to its fleet – a 78-passenger Bluebird All American with a 120-mile range, to be used on daily routes. Perhaps the best thing about it, if you were to ask a WGSD board member, aside from its superior torque (v. standard diesel buses) and eco-friendly attributes (no tailpipe or exhaust), is the fact that the district will acquire the bus at no cost. That’s because it is being entirely funded by a state grant and contributions from its local and regional electric providers.

“We really appreciate everyone’s help on this project,” said WGSD Superintendent Darrin Peppard, “especially Mountain Parks Electric, for encouraging us to apply for the state grant and for providing additional financial support.”

In late December, the Colorado’s Regional Air Quality Counsel (RAQC) announced its grant award of more than $250,000 to West Grand School District.

The grant was open to all public, private and non-profit fleets statewide, earmarked specifically for the replacement

O

of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including buses. RAQC awarded a total of 20 grants in this cycle.

The remaining funds needed to purchase WGSD’s school bus came from Mountain Parks Electric (MPE), a notfor-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Granby, which contributed a portion of its members’ unclaimed patronage capital from years past, and from Tri-State G&T, MPE’s power provider. “We are thrilled to see the school district go electric,” said Mountain Parks Electric GM Mark Johnston.

“Mountain Parks Electric’s power supply is becoming increasingly renewable. And one of the best ways to put that renewable energy to work is to replace fossil fuels with electric alternatives, like this school bus.”

WGSD expects to receive its new bus - the first electric bus in Grand County – in August. The bus will be used on daily routes beginning in the 2020-2021 school year.

To read more about Bluebird electric buses, visit blue-bird.com/electric.

Kremmling Police Chief charged with multiple counts

n November 25, 2019, the Grand County Sheriff ’s Office asked the District Attorney’s Office to investigate the handling of a felony animal cruelty case that occurred in unincorporated Grand County. The investigation was completed by the Fraser-Winter Park Police Department at the request of the District Attorney’s Office.

Based on the information obtained in that investigation, the District Attorney’s Office charged Jamie Thomas Lucas with four counts each of 1st degree official misconduct (class 2 misdemeanor), 2nd degree official misconduct (class 1 petty offense), and official oppression (class

2 misdemeanor), as well as 3 counts of false reporting to authorities (class 3 misdemeanor) on January 31. A court date has not yet been set for first appearance.

“We want to thank the community for your patience during this process. Kremmling is a thriving part of our county and we will continue to work with the Kremmling Police Department and Town Board during this time,” said the Grand County Sheriff ’s Office, adding, “The Grand County Sheriff ’s Office will not comment any further on this case in order to respect the legal process and the parties involved.”

NEW GRAND COUNT EMS CHIEF CANDIDATES

<L-R> Debra Hopgood, Jeanne Power and Robert Good

Community members were invited to Granby Town Hall to meet the three finalists in the search for a new EMS Chief this week. All three candidates are highly qualified and have careers filled with experience.

Interviews were held Wednesday by a panel of peers in the field and county officials. A tentative decision has been made but a formal offer has yet to be finalized.

Snow Mountain Ranch to Granby Ranch

• PARKING: Montana Lot at Granby Ranch, Granby • TAKE SHUTTLE BUS: to Snow Mountain Ranch at 8:30 or 9:30 am • REGISTRATION & START: Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center upstairs at 9-10:30 am • EVENT: Untimed event on marked route, Snow Mtn Ranch to Fraser-Granby Trail to Granby Ranch • SKI TRAILS: Groomed for cross country skiing & snowshoeing. Ski over & back for the same cost!

• 2 AID STATIONS with Medical Personnel available • EQUIPMENT: Skate, classic, touring skis and snowshoes welcome • RENTAL EQUIPMENT available at Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center • FOOD & FUN: Lunch included with registration. Turn in your bibs at our tent at the base & get a wristband for $3 beers at the Grill & free Nordic trail passes valid for the rest of the day.

A Fundraiser toward Youth XC Skiing in Grand County Register online at www.GrandNordic.org or call 970-887-0547 $40 members / $55 non-members / add $5 day of race GrandNordic.org • SkiGrandNordic.org • More K’s, More Days SPONSORS:

DON’T FORGET! Grand Nordic supports Nordic Ski

programs throughout the county, with free lesson days, special events & youth programs.

Grand Nordic Members save on registration fees & get local discounts!

Join for $50 / family or $30 / individual ~ Join online today!

Special thanks to our ad sponsor

Page 14

WinterParkTimes.com

February 7, 2020

Habitat for Humanity making a difference

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT?

We got you covered.

Offering the Best in Wine, Beer and Spirits from Around the Globe.

O

“Just look for the liquor sign”

Hours: Sun - Thurs: 8am - 9pm | Fri + Sat: 8am - 10pm Located in

46 Market Street, Fraser, CO 80442 970.726.4704 | IceboxLiquors.com NE W LY M RE OD EL ED E! OR ST

SKI & BOARD RENTALS CHOOSE FROM BASIC, PERFORMANCE, AND DEMO PACKAGES!

BIKE RENTALS

WE HAVE FAT TIRE BIKES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!

n Wednesday evening, a group of friends, neighbors, volunteers, board members and well wishers gathered in the recently completed Habitat for Humanity home of Maria Archuleta Jones to celebrate. A prayer of dedication and thanks was offered, and announcements were made acknowledging the many people who contributed to the project.

The Grand Quilters of Grand County were also on hand to present Maria and her two youngest children with three beautiful hand made quilts. Each one was specifically designed for its recipient. So it turns out that while one small group of workers has been working for many months to build the home in Hot Sulphur Springs, another small group of workers has been quietly working to create lasting keepsakes for the family. Steve Morrison, President of the board of Habitat for Humanity of Grand County, said, “This spirit of generosity and cooperation is what makes our community such a special place!”

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home.

“We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable

communities,” said Morrison. Since 1976, Habitat has helped more than 29 million people build or improve the place they call home.

Habitat for Humanity of Grand County (Habitat) will hold their second annual fundraiser, “Birds Of A Feather” at Church of the Eternal Hills in Tabernash on Friday, March 6 from 7-9 pm. All are invited to join Habitat for their festive birdhouse-themed fundraiser, featuring an assortment of sweets, savories, adult beverages, music by Eagle Wind Sound, and a unique silent auction of beautiful hand-decorated birdhouses created by local artists.

In support of Habitat, the fifth-grade classes at Fraser Valley Elementary School are painting smaller-version birdhouses. These houses will be available for purchase at the event or at the City Market entrance on February 15th and 29th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tax-deductible tickets to the event may be purchased for $25 each online at eventbrite.com (search for Birds of a Feather), at the Granby Visitor Center (516 E. Agate Ave, cash only) or, at the door (if not sold out).

Questions? Call (970) 887-9138 or visit habitatgrandcounty.org.

SKI, BOARD, & BIKE RENTALS MADE EASY! WE’RE YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS!

SNOWSHOE RENTALS

RENT OR DEMO THE NEWEST HIGH-TECH GEAR TODAY!

FAST & FRIENDLY KID RENTALS

WE OFFER MORE THAN RENTALS!

RETAIL OPENING SOON!

WE’VE DOUBLED OUR INVENTORY! BOOK AHEAD ONLINE OR STOP BY TODAY!

SKIBROKERWINTERPARK.COM 970.726.8882 • 601 Zerex Street • Fraser, CO 80442

Fifth-grade students at Fraser Valley Elementary School work hard to paint birdhouses to be sold at the 2nd Annual “Birds of a Feather” fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Grand County on March 6.

Photo thanks to Julianne Hennings

February 7, 2020

WinterParkTimes.com

Winter Park Town Council Updates of Fraser and Winter Park and unincorporated Grand County to Tabernash. Holzwarth told the council he would be presenting the rates to the county planning commission next week and the BOCC following the commission’s recommendation for approval. The Town of Fraser has him on their agenda for the first meeting in March. Holzwarth clarified the new fees would not take effect until all three entities approve them.

Town Manager Riesberg said he would bring an Ordinance to the council in a future meeting for their consideration.

“We want to be consistent with other entities,” he said.

Police Officers commended for life-saving efforts Chief Glen Trainor and Commander Donnie Ransom presented Officer Johnnie Stensvad, Sergeant Paul Finley and Officer Tyler Kupser with the department’s Lifesaving Award. Trainor explained, when the officers responded to a call on August 17, they found an unconscious 71 year old female. The officers removed the woman from her vehicle and performed CPR until EMS arrived, transporting her to Middle Park Health where she was helicoptered to a Denver hospital. “They showed exceptional strength of character during a chaotic time by doing the right thing at the right time. It is a great honor to present them with the Lifesaving

Award,” said Chief Trainor.

Special Event Permits Council approved two Special Event Permits submitted by Winter Park Resort for their Mardi Gras celebration to be held on February 22 and St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 14.

Both events will be held in the Village Plaza and will feature live music, crafts and face painting.

Transit receives more grant funding Transit Manager Michael Koch presented Resolution 1749, a resolution approving a grant agreement with the State of Colorado to accept State Bill 267 grant dollars to council. Koch explained that he had responded to a consolidated call for capital projects from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in late-fall of 2018 and completed a grant application to help fund the creation of design and engineering documents for the new transit storage, maintenance, and administration facility to be located on CR 5.

With an estimated total project cost of $400,000, he submitted an application requesting the reimbursement of $200,000 of the total funds. In February 2019, the Transit Department was notified it had received an award for the amount requested. After successful correspondence and scoping of work with the Grants Unit in the Division of Transit and Rail (DTR), town staff received a grant agreement so the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) may establish a grant account on behalf of the Town of Winter Park in which the Town may take advantage of the awarded funding.

Koch explained that by approving the agreement, the Transit Department will be able to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design of a new transit storage, maintenance, and administration facility.

Council approved Resolution 1749 unanimously.

Chief Glen Trainor and Commander Donnie Ransom presented Officer Johnnie Stensvad, Sergeant Paul Finley and Officer Tyler Kupser with the department’s Lifesaving Award.

Courtesy Casey MalonPhoto

ROW Easement for Mountain Parks Electric Community Development Director James Shockey presented Resolution 1750, a resolution granting an easement to MPEI to install conduit for electric within

town-owned right-of-way (ROW).

Mountain Parks Electric (MPE) had requested the easement from the Town for underground electric along a short section of Rendezvous Way. The easement is required to get electric from the existing underground conduit to the Rendezvous Center, currently under construction.

Shockey explained that, as part of the project, MPEI will also be removing a transformer in the Rendezvous Way right-of-way. This will allow for easier installation of a sidewalk along the south side of Rendezvous Way in the future.

“This is a win: win,” said Mayor Lahrman.

Council approved Resolution 1750 unanimously.

Fraser River Trail Interpretive Trail proposal Manager Riesberg told council that, at the workshop held on January 21, representatives from the Headwaters River Journey and Fraser River Development Company presented a proposal to install interpretive signage and play features along the Fraser River Trail. The improvements would be placed from CR 804 in Fraser (replacement of existing signage) to Winter Park Resort. The presentation submitted showed a proposed budget of $536,000.

The majority of the funding ($350,000) could come from a GOCO grant from the State, and the Town would have to be the applicant. GOCO requires a match of 10%, which is not in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) or staff work plan. The funding sources for the balance of the project are yet to be determined. “We took this to a workshop to get direction on how to proceed,” said Riesberg.

Jeff Vogel with Fraser River Development Company clarified, “What we are requesting is approval to move forward with the GOCO grant. It is roughly $50K in match. Our intent is reaching out to a variety of stakeholders to participate financially on the match and shortfall.” He told council their authorization to proceed with the grant would give them more leverage to move forward with stakeholders. The GOGO application is due in October. He told them the Town of Fraser is supportive and are pursuing a GOCO grant for the Cozens Ranch Open Space project which includes provisions for signage and would collaborate with them on the project. “Without the application for the grant, it pretty much goes nowhere,”

Page 15

continued from PG 2

said Vogel. He added that the project could be phased as gap funding is secured.

“There’s funds for paving the trail, but as I understand, there are no provisions for signage. This would make for a better experience. We’d like to start somewhere - I think we have good stakeholder support,” said Vogel.

“What’s the downside?”, asked Councilman Jim Myers.

“The downside is we need a clear understanding,” said Riesberg. “As the project moves forward, short term maintenance, construction, picnic, trash, maintaining and also long term liability replacing assets. None of this has been identified in our plans. As a staff, we adopt the budget and work into our plans.”

“I think the scope of the project, it looks like a cohesive plan. It joins the ski area to Fraser. I guess my question is, if we support the GOCO grant, we need to establish our responsibilities. I don’t want to get into a situation where it costs more. We need to establish responsibility. The paving of the trail is our #1 priority,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Kutrumbos.

“This is where we are looking for direction,” said Riesberg. “We have an obligation for paving the trail. Does council want to direct staff to figure out working logistics and start building this into our scope of work?”

“In my opinion, everything they are proposing, there are boxes we need to check. We need to invest in that,” said Kutrumbos.

“To summarize, similar to what staff felt, it’s a great project, but there are still some things we have to work through. We will continue the dialogue, formalize structure, budget and phasing,” said Riesberg.

Mayor Lahrman said to Vogel, “Give us another month for staff to review.”

Vogel replied, “I think that’s fair. We’ve got a little bit of time here. I’d like to keep it moving forward.”

Winter Park Town Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm and are open to the public. To learn more, visit wpgov. com.

Page 16

WinterParkTimes.com

February 7, 2020

We are looking for your contributions! Photos, announcements, birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, or other community news you would like to share! submit@winterparktimes.com or email: mturner@winterparktimes.com

February 7, 2020

WinterParkTimes.com

Page 17

Kremmling Hosts Wolford Ice Fishing Event next weekend

By Marissa Lorenz

Cool Collection of lake trout from the 2019 Wolford Mountain Ice ishing Contest.

Photo Courtesy Kremmling Chamber

I

n spite of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, hunting season, and snowmobile days, winter months represent a slight lull in Kremmling Town and Chamber events. Once the summer festivities come to a close, there is a pause during which event organizers are allowed a brief respite. But February’s cold is the obvious time for a return to fun and fundraising, with the perfect conditions for ice-fishing addicts and amateurs alike. The Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce (KACC) will kick off the escapades on the 15th with the 23rd Annual Wolford Ice Fishing Tournament.

“The thing we love about the Wolford Ice Fishing event is that people look forward to it every year, it has been so long-running,” says Tara Sharp, KACC Executive Director. And the enthusiasm is clear in the consistent success. The event is the first major fundraiser for the Chamber every year and, according to Sharp, one of the most important.

She reports average participation to be around 500 contestants and average funds raised to be around $20,000. She says the vast majority of participants are paid attendees, with a couple dozen free youth registrants each year.

The Chamber partners each year with the Grand County Tourism Board, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Colorado River District to put on an event that is sure to thrill any outdoors enthusiast. Cash prizes are offered for first tagged fish recorded at the tent ($5,000), second through fifth tagged fish ($250), largest fish ($1,200), next nine largest fish ($75 to $800), and largest crayfish prize ($150). All paid participants will be entered into drawings for door prizes, and raffle tickets are offered for $5 a piece or $20 for five. This year contestants can look forward to such enticements as two Clam ice huts, ice augers, insulated Clam bait boxes, an ice fishing lounge chair, hotel and cabin giveaways, and a bevy of

gift certificates.

“We are always excited for all of our events,” enthuses Sharp, “but this one is going to be really great.” She goes on to explain the impact of the event on the town. “The event fills lodging during a slightly off season, increasing tourism and local business and bringing in additional revenue that the town wouldn’t otherwise see.” Finally, she points to support the event receives from area businesses as a sign of success, recognizing major sponsors such as Keller Williams Top of the Rockies, Blue Valley Ranch, Grand Fence, and Muddy Creek Cabins. “Jeff Miller [of Muddy Creek Cabins] gets his own shout-out,” she says. “Jeff does an incredible amount of work and the event truly wouldn’t be possible without him.”

The official contest will run from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the 15th, followed by an awards ceremony at 4:30 PM at the Chamber Building. Cost to register for the event is $35. Early registration can be done at the Chamber building or online at the Chamber website. There is an additional $2 online fee, but it will save any waiting in line! The day of the event, contestants can register at the Chamber between 5:00 and 7:00 AM or onsite in the Judging Tent at the Reservoir from 6:00 AM to noon. Those 15 and younger are free, but only qualify for cash prizes if registered as paid contestants.

Ice conditions are currently good and snow-mobiles and ATVs are expected to be allowed on the ice. Cars and Trucks will not. For more information or to register online, go to www.

KremmlingChamber.com. And look for Wolford Reservoir Ice Fishing Tournament on Facebook to keep updated on ice conditions and other promised surprises.

Professional designs with friendly service Website Design & Development • SEO • Social Media Print Design • Advertising • Marketing • Publishing Planning & Consulting • Training • Workshops

Lisa Bornfriend, owner Lisa@FirebirdDesignWorks.com 62801 Hwy 40, Granby, CO

FirebirdDesignWorks.com • 970.887.1181

Page 18

WinterParkTimes.com

February 7, 2020

SUDOKU

RIDDLE ME THIS I have eight to spare and am covered with hair.

LAST ANSWER :

hUMor MiLL ...

A library has the most stories?

BY JEFF R. KING When is enough, enough?

This photo is Barney McLean, an Olympian who lived in Grand County. This is a classic postcard. The post office cancellation says December 15, 1947. In the message on the back of the card someone states. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Have been jumping all day. Need snow. About two feet.â&#x20AC;?

This and many other classic ski photos are archived in the Grand County Historical Association collections in Hot Sulpher Springs.

Submitted by: Serena Fanning, Pioneer Village Museum Grand County Historical Association Archives

February 7, 2020

ENVIRONS Friday Saturday

Sunday

WinterParkTimes.com

Page 19

THE WEEK AHEAD IN THE FRASER VALLEY

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

PM Showers

Hi 29, Low 19

Hi 37 Low 17

Hi 20 Low 13

Hi 29 Low 11

Hi 35, Low 14

Hi 21, Low 4

Hi 18, Low 7

Sunrise: 7:05 Sunset: 5:30

Sunrise: 7:04 Sunset: 5:31

Sunrise: 7:03 Sunset: 5:32

Sunrise: 7:01 Sunset: 5:33

Sunrise: 7:00 Sunset: 5:35

Sunrise: 6:59 Sunset: 5:36

Sunrise: 6:58 Sunset: 5:37

MPHS Nordic and Alpine Teams dominate at home races

by Patrick Brower

Last week, Middle Park High School Alpine and Nordic Teams hosted their home meets at Winter Park Resort and Snow Mountain Ranch.

On Thursday, the boys Alpine team took first place, with racers James Briggs (1st), Zach Niedzwiecki (3rd); and Nate Myers (10th) securing spots in slalom for state.

The girls Alpine team placed second and Ella Wiser (2nd); Bethanne Droll (5th); Sofia Olsson (7th) and Ryley Hofsetz (21st) all qualified for state slalom.

Middle Park boys take two first place finishes in home meet at Snow Mountain Ranch Following the lead of Kimo Sullivan, who earned firstplace and third-place finishes, the Middle Park High School boys Nordic ski team won its two home races Saturday at Snow Mountain Ranch.

The races took place on a near-perfect day with excellent snow conditions and a well-run race put on by scores of enthusiastic local volunteers and coaches.

Top finishes in classic race The Panther boys took first place in the classic-technique race, besting second place Steamboat Springs and third place Aspen.

Sullivan was the top Panther skier in the classic race, finishing in 3rd place with a time of 10:06 and 23 seconds behind first place. The next Panther skier was Sebastian Brower with a 5th place finish (10:15) and Alex Holinka in 9th place (10:39).

The Panther boys continued to do well in the standings, with the following finishers, the first five of which finished almost together: Gray Barker, 13th (10:55); Guy Granger, 15th (10:59); Ethan Callarman, 16th (11); Vinny Troccoli, 17th (11:02); Graydon Walker, 18th (11:04); Chance Hein, 57th (12:54); Will Kuhns, 63rd (13:11); Andy Troccoli, 64th (13:12); Ewan Gallagher, 83rd (13:45); Calvin Ciccarelli, 93rd (13:53); Kyle Vogelbacher, 98th (14:05); and Jack Nesvara, 154th (21:03).

“I think it’s great to note that eight of the top 18 skiers in the classic race, out of 161, were from Middle Park,” said head coach Dan Jamison. “That’s great team skiing.”

Sullivan wins the skate race The Panthers skied strong in the skate race in the afternoon following the classic event. Kimo Sullivan was first overall with a time of 12:56. Next in line for the Panthers was Alex Holinka, 5th (13:03); Sebastian Brower, 7th (13:13); and Graydon Walker, 12th (13:34).

The Panther boys continued to dominate the top places with the following finishes: Vinny Troccoli, 16th (13:55); Ethan Callarman, 26th (14:31); Guy Granger, 27th (14:32); Gray Barker, 332rd (14:44); Will Kuhns, 64th (16:08); Ewan Gallagher, 83rd (17); Kyle Vogelbacher, 87th (17:13); Chance Hein, 88th (17:14); Andy Troccoli, 90th (17:24); Calvin Ciccarelli (105th (18:03); and Jack Nesvara, 147th (24:37).

A total of 154 boys and 13 teams competed in the skate race.

Panther girls take 4th in home skate race The girls skied hard in an effort to maintain top positions in the two races Saturday. They took 4th place against 14 other teams in the skate race.

Sylvia Brower was the top skier, taking 5th place with a time of 15:39, 22 second behind the winter, Izzy Glackin of Vail Mountain School.

Other top finishers for Middle Park were: Elizabeth Hammond, 11th (16:11); Maggie Barker, 39th (18:40); Gabrielle Pellini, 56th (20:03); Selena Stoncius, 60th (20:17); Ellen Osborne, 61st (20:21); and Sierra Jamison, 67th (20:36).

A total of 115 girls and 13 teams vied in the skate race.

The girls also finished third place in the classic race in the morning, right behind Aspen and Battle Mountain.

Freshman Sylvia Brower put in a strong performance, taking 3rd place overall with a time of 11:58, 20 seconds behind the winner, Lola Villafranco of Colorado Rocky Mountain School.

Other top Panther skiers were Elizabeth Hammond in 16th place with a time of 13:10 and Maggie Barker in 30th place with a time of 14:20.

The rest of the Panther team helped bring in the points: Gabrielle Pellini, 36th (14:53); Ellen Osborne, 48th (15:33); Emily DePlata, 50th (15:43); Selena Stoncius, 56th (16:05); Sierra Jamison, 67th (16:47).

To total 121 skiers and 13 different teams competed in the classic race for the girls.

This was the final Home Race for seniors Emily Deplata, Kimo Sullivan, Sebastian Brower, Selena Stoncius, Vinny Troccoli and Team Manager Avery Mutch.

For the season, heading into the last regular season meet in Aspen on Saturday (skate race), the Panther boys are in a close race for first place. The girls are also near the top of the league rankings.

Hammond of East Grand was next in 4th place with a time of 13:37.

Other boys for East Grand finished well: Carter Chamberlain, 7th (14:19); Russell Pellini (11th (15:14); Logan Walker, 12th (15:39); Samuel Zieschang, 14th (16:09); Michael McCay (18th (16:54); Patrick McCay, 20th (17:14); Colvin Villup, 28th (18:54); Braden Burns, 33rd (20:47); Peyton Burns, 34th (21:09); Franklin Stine, 37th (23:14); and Egan Osborne, 38th (24:20).

For the East Grand girls Anna Lantermans was the top skier, taking 6th place with a time of 16:07. Next for East Grand was Paige Vecchiarelli, 12th (19:38); Haley Miller, 14th (19:49); Lena Moss, 15th (21:53); Sabra Forquer, 16th (22:01); Reese Kervin, 19th (23:34); and Kaylee Hoover, 20th (25:05).

The middle school team finishes its season with a meet in Aspen on Saturday in the skating (freestyle) technique.

East Grand Middle School Nordic team Boys take first place at home meet The East Grand Middle School boys Nordic ski team took first place at its home meet last Saturday at Snow Mountain Ranch.

The girls team took a third place finish.

Dane Jensen was the top East Grand skier, finishing the 3.5-K classic course in 13 minutes and taking second place. The next East Grand skier was Kadin Kimo Sullivan at the start of the 5K Skate race, placing first and winning by nearly 4 seconds.

Starr, who came in 3rd place Photo by Maire Sullivan with a time of 13:22. David

Page 20

WinterParkTimes.com

February 7, 2020

Grand Nordic News later duking it out for 4th. Lead woman was Ella Dewolf at 59:03 chased by Maria Wik about 30 seconds later. Lightly snowing, it was cold enough for great classic skiing on well-prepared tracks followed by the best potato bar ever!

Ranch 2 Ranch this weekend.

Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center is a hub of activities this weekend and next.

W

inter is here with a force! The recent snows make me think of old times when every winter was like this. Maybe best when snow is deep in high country and maybe not where we have to shovel day after day. But then I am telling my age…

But this fluffy white stuff is the heart of our economy. It is the reason we live here in this winter wonderland!

And this year, we feel blessed. Grand Nordic’s mission is to promote all aspects of Nordic skiing in Grand County. We want to see people outside enjoying this world we live in and feeling comfortable in this environment.

We start the preschool with appropriate Nordic gear to let the kids learn to slide and glide. We support Learn to ski programs on the Elementary level. We support the Middle School and High School Nordic teams as well as programs at the Nordic Centers who teach the kids both to ski and to compete along with the discipline needed to succeed.

The top step of that progression is to support the Competition Center Nordic program where training is available to attain the highest level of competition.

Then we go back to train the trainers and offer a coaches clinic each year to go over new skills and techniques to make sure our local coaches are on the same wavelength and give them a chance to up their own skills.

The steady improvement in the performance of our kids has been amazing! Last weekend, the home race for the MPHS and EGMS was hosted at Snow Mountain Ranch on a beautiful Colorado bluebird day! The event was live-streamed via drone by a volunteer from the Grand County Sheriff ’s Dept thanks to the MP Booster Club. The locals came out in force to volunteer providing a wonderful, well-run event for the 14 schools that attended.

Our kids did not disappoint – the boys took first place across the board while the girls had a wonderful showing as well. Many personal bests were recorded for the likes of Kimo Sulivan who won the 5k Skate for High School Men (we had 3 in the top 7!) and Dan Jensen who took second in the 3.5k

Middle School Mens Classic. In fact, almost half of the top 20 finishers in the Middle School 3.5k Classic were East Grand boys! We just need more girls racing as Sylvia Brower, Liz Hammond, Maggie Barker and Anna Lantermans were holding their own against the other girls Congrats to Maire Sullivan and the entire crew of volunteers for a race well-run and totally organized. It was an inspiration to all the almost 300 kids that competed and their families that were here to cheer them on. What a tribute to our past and current coaches who mostly volunteer their time with these kids. Good luck to all of them at State Ski Championships Feb 27 and 28 in Maloit Park in Minturn!

by Diana Lynn Rau Rental equipment is available at Snow Mtn Ranch and must be returned there as well. Cutoff for registration on www.grandnordic.org is about 5pm this evening or you can register event day for an extra $5.00. All proceeds go to Youth Nordic programs in Grand County.

The World Masters games Diana Lynn Rau held ever 4 years was hosted in This weekend is the full January in Seefield, Austria. It moon and Pole Creek is was yet another stage for Grand offering another full moon ski and County Biathlon leader Dave Cleveland snowshoe Sat Feb 8 on their free packed who once again medaled, this time trails from 430p – 830p. Dogs are bringing home an individual bronze in welcome and the trails offer tiki torches the 10K and a bronze in the 7.5k Sprint. to mark the path. Bistro 28 is offering a Dave said, “The uphill approach to the special menu including shrimp rellenos, range offered a challenge to many of the port belly tacos, prime rib and much competitors, but the perfect conditions more. and hero snow made for fantastic events.” More on the making of such Snow Mtn Ranch is offering a free individual champions in a later column. youth skiing program for local youth grades K-6. Sundays until March 15 UPCOMING NORDIC EVENTS (no class Feb 23) the program runs Considered one of the most fun events 230p-4pm. Come early if you need the of the season, join Grand Nordic this free equipment that is provided. Call the Saturday Feb 8 for the 7th Annual Nordic Center at 888-573-9622.

Ranch2Ranch cross-country point-toGrand Lake also has a full moon ski on point ski trek from Snow Mountain Feb 8 from 5p-9p with complimentary Ranch to Granby Ranch via the Fraser hot chocolate at the bonfire. Feb 14, to Granby Trail. Enjoy the 12 Km trek they are offering the annual Valentines or ski 24 km-out and back for no extra Day two-for-one Trail pass as well as charge! The Trek features some of the a romantic lunch special at the Sly Fox best scenery in Grand County with open Restaurant, famous for home-made vistas of Blue Ridge and the Continental soups and chili. Feb 16 is the Romp Divide as well as intimate passages thru and Stomp Pet Pals fundraiser from groves of aspen and conifers! Skate, 10a-12noon. For details visit gcpetpals. classic, touring skis and snowshoes are org. welcome. Snowshoers should plan on starting by 9:30 to avoid cut off times.

CLASSIC JANUARY RESULTS Classic January started with the Annual Snow Mountain Classic with a 15k, a 7.5k and a kids race. Eric Meyer won the Mens 15k handily in 50.39 with the pack of Logan Miyauchi, Matt Rossman and Matt Klick within 40seconds of each other following a few minutes behind. Maria Wik led the women at 1:01:54 with Lillian Marcione and Tina Larter 3 and 5 minutes behind respectively. The kids race was won by 9-year old Kajsa Wik. The Grand Lake Classic had a record number of skiers and definitely proved a family event. Low-keyed with fun the main mission, it was the perfect opportunity for new racers. The kids event with well over 20 racers was led again by 9-year old Kajsa Wik with Sabra Forquer and Barrett Acker a couple minutes behind. The 7.5k was won by Amy Shertzer in 34:05 with Lucan Wik (the Mens winner but only age 12! ), Marie Ange Anderson and Eric Meyer in a tight race a minute behind and Will Kuhns and Rich Shertzer only a few seconds later. Racers ranged in age from 12-82 and variation led to many an exciting finish between older experience and youth sheer strength! Ty Scholl led the 15k at 49:48 with Trevor Willoughby and Matt Williams a minute behind in The Rowley Homestead, the home site of a hardy family that moved to Grand County from Denver in 1919. a close race for second. Silas Goetz and Courtesy of Snow Mountain Ranch Odd Bersvendsen finished two minutes