pushback: centura health page 3
GOLD: special olympics team page 13
Vol. 3, No. 34 February 28, 2020
Local news means the world to us. We are published in the Fraser River Valley. FREE
A WINTER TO REMEMBER SNOTEL REPORT: UPPER COLORADO RIVER BASIN SNOWPACK AT 125%
WEEKEND FORECAST
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Winter Park Resort Snow Report: Total Snowfall for season 286� Friday and Saturday looking beautiful but breezy. More snow Sunday and Monday.
Cover Photo by William Miller
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WinterParkTimes.com
February 28, 2020
Census 2020: Funding Grand County
he 2020 Census is an important part of Grand County funding. Every man, woman and child counted during the 2020 Census means about $1,500 in federal funding comes to the county each year. 15,000 residents amounts to about $22,500,000 in annual funding. To help get the word out on the importance of participating in the census, Grand County received a grant of $60K to put toward community outreach and education. County Communications Coordinator Alexis Kimbrough also acts as the County’s Complete Count Committee Chair. “This is the first time Grand County has organized a Complete Count Committee,” said Kimbrough. “It is so important that everyone is counted. Every person not counted costs the county about $15K over the course of ten years.” Challenges Second homeowners, seasonal employees and the homeless population can all be counted as Grand County residents during the census, provided they are not being counted somewhere else. Kimbrough says there is no threshold for length of residence (e.g., 6 months + one day). The location of residence on April 1, 2020 is what people should use for the count. According to Kimbrough, only 5% of the nation gets hand-delivered census ‘invitations’. Because the US Census Bureau will not mail Census 2020 ‘invitations to respond’ to PO Boxes, 95% of Grand County residents will receive their invitation from a census taker at their door. Latest reports show that only 39% of census taker positions have been filled in Grand County. The temporary positions start in April, after training, and can go through the end of July. The positions allow schedule flexibility, can bridge the gap between seasonal employment and pay about $20 per hour on average. Kimbrough hopes local employers with seasonal staff will share the employment opportunity with their employees.
by Casey Malon I Winter Park Times
Interested individuals (the true heroes) can learn more and apply at 2020census. gov/en/jobs. Census scams have already begun to surface. “A census taker will never ask for personal information such as a social security or bank account number. They will have a badge that identifies them as official census takers,” she said. Some residents decline to participate because they suspect their information will be shared with outside entities. Kimbrough stresses that the information collected by the census is protected by law under Title XIII and is not shared with any other entity, governmental or otherwise. She added that there are also no citizenship questions on the 2020 Census Questionnaire. “It’s a simple ten question form (for each resident counted).” Every person, whether a family member or tenant/boarder, needs to be counted to determine current population numbers. Education County Manager Kate McIntire said, “There are statistics that show people will be more likely to complete the census if they receive information from a position of trust. That is why local outreach is very important. It is the goal of the work Alexis is doing.” McIntire shared that while the data collection responsibility falls solely on the shoulders of the US Census Bureau, it benefits the county greatly to have accurate numbers. Kimbrough has
already begun to meet with Grand County residents and employers to educate them on the importance of this year’s census. On February 12th, she spoke to the middle schoolers at West Grand. “It was a fun event,” said Kimbrough. “I was their age last time the census came around.” She said that children are often undercounted in the census. Helping them understand the importance and delivering the message to their parents is a way to engage families. At Monday’s Economic Development Community Conversation, ‘Let’s Chat!’, Kimbrough hosted a ‘Lunch and Learn’ for a group of residents and employers at the Granby Library. She asked attendees to send her their ideas on ways to get the message out. “It’s going to take every person to make this successful. We have funds available. Keep thinking about those ideas to engage participation,” said Kimbrough.
She also plans to give presentations to each Town Board/Council over the next month, conduct a ‘Census 101’ in conjunction with Senior Nutrition on March 19, and send an educational mailer out to residents advising them of what to expect. Response Methods The physical ‘invitation’ is just one way residents can respond to the US Census. Once you have received your invitation to respond to the 2020 census, you can respond online, by phone or by mail. In order to be counted, responses must be given by July 31, 2020. Alexis Kimbrough welcomes all thoughts and ideas for spreading the word on Census 2020. Send them to AKimbrough@co.grand.co.us. To learn more about the census, visit 2020census.gov
February 28, 2020
Centura Health pushes back on Alliance A
WinterParkTimes.com
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Wide open, cross-country trails outside your doorstep,
by Kim Cameron Grand Gazette
mid ubiquitous struggles with health care and health care costs, Centura Health announced this week that they were withdrawing from discussions with community-based Southwest Health Alliance plan in southwestern Colorado, a move that may have wider consequences, even reaching as far as Grand County. The plan had been in negotiations for several months between the health care provider and Southwest Health Alliance, an offshoot of Peak Health Alliance in Summit County, which also partnered with Grand County government for the County’s 2020 health care benefit plan. Centura Health has been affiliated with the now-called Middle Park Health as far back as 2011 and has had a management agreement with Grand County’s largest health care provider since 2014. And in an attempt to keep health care costs and insurance premiums low and keep care local to the community, the Grand County government has invested substantial time and money in the last year, to build a partnership with Peak Health, first to bring “affordable, quality, local health care” to Grand County employees and then, in 2021, to the greater community, including individuals and small business. To address some of the immediate concerns prompted by Centura’s seeming about-face, Grand County Commissioner Rich Cimino issued a statement to Peak Health Alliance Members, the Grand County workforce, and the “future Grand County Public who should be able to consider joining Peak Health in 2021,” assuring, “Grand County Peak Health Alliance has not changed.” “We have heard from many of you wondering if Grand Peak Health Alliance and its health plans are in jeopardy given the recent news surrounding our partners in the Southwest part of the state. It is true that Centura was in the process of cooperating with Peak Health Alliance to offer Peak Plans in 2021 or 2022 for four Counties in Southwest Colorado. Last week Centura abruptly pulled out of those conversations. Peak Health Alliance is extremely disappointed with Centura’s Denverbased leadership decision to walk away from negotiations in Southwest Colorado. However, current contracts with Centura and current insurance plans for Peak members in Grand County have not been changed because of this pull out from Southwest Colorado. The current contracts and plans are still in force for Grand County. Peak Health Alliance will continue to work with local communities to develop health plans that help the local people get cheaper and better health insurance,
while also helping local hospitals and independent providers succeed and improve. Locally-led healthcare solutions are the best hope for Colorado. Peak Health Alliance and Grand County Government remain as committed to working together in Grand County on behalf of you, our members.” And when interviewed, Cimino said that the current situation is the result of “a big political power play” by advocates for an as-yet unknown “public option” for health insurance, anticipated to be introduced to the Colorado legislature as soon as next week, and promoters of a recently presented model from the Colorado Hospital Association, of which Centura is a member, focused on “total cost of care. The first new option comes at the direction of state lawmakers and would allow private insurers to sell plans under the supervision of the Colorado Division of Insurance and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. No such public plan has been enacted anywhere else in the country and there are little to no details as of yet as to what it would look like or how it would work.
Along with space for all your outdoor gear!
The hospital-presented option seems to come as push-back against what they fear is an attempt to regulate and/ or cap hospital fee schedules. It was just put forth on Tuesday and proposes a “health spending budget” for the state, over which an independent commission would work to set limits on how much health care spending could expand each year. Similar plans are in place in Massachusetts and Oregon with reported success, though critics point out that spending is already “out of control” and must be scaled back before being growth-restricted. And indeed, the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission’s Executive Director David Seltz stated last fall that “Even with this moderate overall growth rate, the burden of health care costs on Massachusetts employers and residents continues to grow.” So back in Grand, Commissioner Cimino reiterates his support for a third option, that of local purchasing alliances such as Peak Health Alliance. “My position is that for too many years insurance companies have been represented by lobbyists and lawyers; hospitals have been represented by lobbyists and lawyers. But the regular person doesn’t have any lobbyists or lawyers at the table. Local health care alliances and government officials are now trying to band together to give a voice to those people and make sure their interests and needs are met through an alternative option.”
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February 28, 2020
Granby Board Meeting Notes Casey Malon Winter Park Times
At Tuesday night’s meeting, the first item on the Granby Board of Trustees’ agenda was the appointment of new members to the Recreation, Open Space and Housing (ROSH) board. Mayor Paul Chavoustie told the crowd in attendance that the town board had limited authority and scope of the ROSH, explaining their only business was to appoint new members. The trustees discussed what number of appointees they should appoint that evening. Several applicants resided in Granby Ranch, but none within the Edgewater community. Since the ROSH foundation is primarily funded by 1% transfer fees generated from a second sale of homes in both communities, it was the town board’s goal to have representation from both developments. With that said, the board opted to fill seven (of nine) ROSH board positions, to allow a vacancy for future Edgewater board members, and, as Trustee Natascha O’Flaherty pointed out, “The advantage of 7 is you cannot have a tie.” A total of 16 Granby residents had completed the questionnaire for appointment. Several of the applicants were current board members, several were residents of Granby Ranch and several were absent from the meeting. The candidates were given two minutes to tell the town board why they would be a good ROSH board member. Following the presentations, no public comment was given and the trustees cast their first vote for 7 appointments. Following the first vote, five candidates received enough votes to be appointed: Robert Blay, Pete Gallo, Elaine Henrekin, Susie Peterson and David Sardinta. A second vote was cast and Connie Gerlach was added to the list. Following a third vote, Katie Hale took the seventh seat on the ROSH board. The newly appointed board will select officers at their next meeting. “Congratulations everybody,” said Mayor Paul Chavoustie. “I know the ROSH board can do great things.” Public Works Manual closer to completion Town Manager Ted Cherry presented Ordinance 930 to the board for consideration. The new version of the Town’s Public Works Manual had been modeled by town engineer, SGM, after
the Town of Basalt’s manual and the trustees had requested the 338 page document be cleaned up to reflect the town’s policies. Trustee O’Flaherty was the only trustee who had read the entire document. Noting a number of discrepancies, she offered to meet with Manager Cherry to go through suggested revisions. Granby Ranch resident Matt Gerard asked that the road acceptance standards be written to include standards for roads that are not asphalt and address base and soil type as well. “We did think we would have to put this on hold for a while,” said Cherry. “We would ask (the trustees) to make a motion to continue to the March 24th meeting, if that’s acceptable to the board. This gives us time to revise and correct.” The trustees approved the continuation of Ordinance 930, the town’s Public Works Manual, to the meeting on March 24. Granby Sanitation District Easement Manager Cherry presented a nonexclusive utility easement located on the SunSmith Creek Crossing property. “These easements are for Granby Sanitation District,” said Cherry, adding, “the sanitation lines are already in place. The easements just need to be filed - it is pretty straightforward.” Town Attorney Scott Krob added, “There is no blanket for a large area, it is very specific. As Ted said, they seem to be in order.” He also confirmed there was no downside to the approval, since it was a non-exclusive utility easement. The trustees approved the easement unanimously. Trustee Becky Johnson was absent from the meeting. Town enters into Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Manager Cherry next presented an MOA with Colorado Headwaters Land Trust (CHLT) to the trustees for their review. Following up on previous discussions related to the sale of a 739 acre conservation easement to CHLT, Executive Director Jeremy Krones had prepared the MOA which outlined the terms. The acreage, collectively known as
the Granby Trails Highlands Property, is made up of 3 parcels located just north and adjacent to Sun Communities. Portions of Parcels B & C border about one mile of the Colorado River. The town held an Open House on February 21 to discuss the conservation easement and hear from residents on what they would like to see the land used for. About 40 people attended the gathering. Most responded positively to the town’s conservation efforts. Activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fishing were identified as preferences for land use. An appraisal of the property showed a value of about $4.25 million. The MOA indicated the town would donate 30% of the property value and a purchase price of 70%, at $2,985,500, would be paid to the town upon closing. Funds from the purchase would go toward trail construction and maintenance, and would leave enough for other town projects as well. The date of closing proposed is December 31, 2021. To raise funds for the purchase, CHLT will apply for grant funding from various sources including the County’s Open Lands, Rivers and Trails fund, GOCO, CPW and Gates Capital. The town would also pay $60,500 in transaction/due diligence costs. Krones told the trustees those funds will show grantors the Town has “skin in the game”. Within 30 days of signing the MOA, a payment of $32K will be due to CHLT to cover title commitment, baseline documentation report, mineral remoteness report, Phase I environmental assessment and finalization of the appraisal ($25K); and, $7K toward the CHLT Project Fee. Trustee O’Flaherty asked Krones if there would be restricted use of the land, such as closures for wildlife migration. “Anything extra is extra,” said Krones. “Most of the extra points come from the grant. If I apply to CPW, there might be winter closures. “ He said every type of activity of the property will come out as it is developed. “I think this land was designed to be a green space,” said O’Flaherty. “In past meetings we talked about this. I would like to maintain as much access to Granby residents and visitors (in
summer and winter) as we can.” Mayor Chavoustie said, “At the open house, CPW was there. They see the northern side of the Colorado River as Elk habitat and are asking for closure. The intent is to give public access and also to see wildlife.” He said if it was all opened, some wildlife may not return. “We have a pretty nice selection of trails. The actual trail closure is what CPW has always asked for, even when it was Shorefox.” Trustee Cathy Tindle said she had reservations with the conservation easement. “I work in the (County) Assessor’s office. I deal with conservation easements all the time and I have seen some good ones and some bad ones. I have to ask why we are going so fast with this? The amount of stuff we’re not allowed to do, control, I have an issue with that.” Tindle recommended a 99 year lease instead to keep the land in the Town’s name. “I didn’t think we were desperate to make that money,” said Tindle, adding later, “I don’t see why we are spending money when we can do our own.” She suggested developing an adopt-a-trail program and letting residents work on the trails instead of turning the land over to CHLT. “Conservation easements scare me.” Mayor Chavoustie said, “This is not really fast, although we did speed it up. In 2019, we knew we needed to get this rolling since there are grant cycles coming up.” He explained the Town had purchased the land at $4.5 million and ended up selling a parcel to Sun Communities for $6.2 million. “Thankfully, we got out over and above.” The town purchased the land to preserve and protect open space and lands. Chavoustie said he wanted to avoid a future board, 10-20 years down the road, trying to balance the budget by selling it off for development. The density on 739 acres could be as high as 2,000 homes. “We would lose the character (of the town).” “While there are land trusts that do take the access, we do not,” said Krones. “The amount of ownership is in the conservation easement, the property would still be yours. Up until closing, you can dictate the usage” (e.g., no more than xx miles of trails, square footage of restrooms, etc.). See Granby page 11
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February 28, 2020
Mixed-Use Development set to break ground soon
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“Roam-Winter Park” has received the Town of Winter Park’s approval for its final plat. Roam, a sustainablyfocused, mixed-use development located on a former dude ranch along the Fraser River in the heart of Winter Park, is scheduled to begin residential construction in the first quarter of 2020. Comprised of 218 residential units and 23,000 sq. ft. of commercial space in the first phase, Roam is an extension of the stewards of the land vision set forth by Roam president, Bob Fanch, also coowner of the sustainably-focused Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, and his partner, Chip Besse. Roam is among four major recent projects associated with Fanch in the Winter Park and Fraser Valley area. Roam features a unique design concept committed to considering the land, environment, and preservation first -- practices that have been embraced by the Fanches for the past 18+ years. Other local responsible development projects include Hideaway Station, a mixed-use condo and commercial real estate development that was the recipient of a 2018 Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence, The Ranches at Devil’s Thumb, a high-end residential development at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, and Headwaters River Journey, located within the off-the-grid, nonprofit Headwaters Center. The River Journey offers a singularly unique and fun water educational activity through 31 interactive exhibits exploring the wonder of, and need to protect, Colorado’s rivers, environment, and wildlife. The vision for Roam is a vibrant, walkable community where people will have diverse choices for how they live, work, and shop, including easy access to the adjacent Arapahoe National Forest. Also driving Roam’s unique appeal is Winter Park’s accessibility as one of the closest mountain resorts to the Front Range, and the only ski town in the U.S. with daily train service to and from a major city and airport. Almost 70 percent of Roam’s footprint will be retained as open space. This includes special care to conserve and restore the Fraser River’s habitat. According to Fanch, “Attention to the river’s health, as well as energy-
efficient homes, walkability, and environmental education are all part of our commitment to creating an environmentally-conscious way to live and access the amazing resources at our disposal. Roam is a terrific opportunity for all who seek the restorative experience of mountain living in a moreflannel, less-fur lifestyle.” “Nobody is more acutely aware of the effects of climate change than those who live in a mountain town,” said Fanch. “To that end, every effort will be made to create an appropriately eco-conscious place.” Roam is also an important project to link the town of Winter Park to Winter Park Resort by way of the Fraser River Trail that will run right through the community. “Roam is a major achievement for Winter Park, and this is a defining moment in the growth and future of our town,” said Catherine Ross, executive director of the Winter Park Chamber. “This development will help ensure that as we evolve, we do so smartly, respectfully, and with the same “Colorado Unfiltered” spirit we’ve had here for generations. With Roam, we continue the legacy of doing right by the town and people of Winter Park.” With easy access to 765,000 acres of public land and North America’s top Nordic ski resort (Devil’s Thumb Ranch) and alpine ski resort (Winter Park Resort) as voted by readers of USA Today, Roam is ideally situated to serve as a home base for accessing Winter Park’s limitless outdoor adventure including hiking, biking, Nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, sailing, watersports, and some of the best river and lake fishing in the state. Enhanced amenities will include an on-site swimming pool, clubhouse, and fitness facility. Locally owned shops, businesses, and restaurants will create added appeal to a thriving community experience. For more information about Roam, visit: roamwinterpark.com.
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Opinion
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February 28, 2020
It’s time for Grand County to Go Green
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onfession: I’m an environmental whacko. I turn off my car when I’m not using it. I recycle. I sometimes bring my own plate to events and when I get to-go orders at restaurants. I avoid single use plastics whenever possible and I order my drinks without straws. Until I moved here full time in October I would compost all my biodegradable waste. I also would buy local food products whenever possible and avoid Amazon.com like the plague. I rarely buy any new clothing and keep the heaters off, often sporting icicles in my own dwelling. Everyone has a carbon footprint but I am aware of mine and try to keep it down to a dull roar. I feel like individuals can and should make a difference. From my lofty perch in my Tower at Grandma Miller’s I feel that Grand County could do much better when it comes to environmental stewardship. Almost everyone who lives here loves the environment on some level. Even if you don’t belie that the climate emergency is real you probably don’t want to see this beautiful valley degraded by locals or visitors. Compared to many resort communities, ours is slow to embrace green opportunities. This is particularly apparent when it comes to events. From small business luncheons to full blown
festivals, plastic is still king. It can be different, way different. I have approached some of the event leaders in the community but have not really made any inroads. I’m not an expert at this but know some people who are and I have attended many “Zero Waste” events, mostly in the Roaring Fork Valley. Yes, Aspen and Pitkin County are wall to wall with empty second homes spewing greenhouse gasses into the air and the Aspen Skiing Company still has a lot to learn and implement. But many valley events are Zero Waste. It’s amazing to go to a festival, fair or concert and not see one plastic water bottle or foam plate or plastic fork. When a Zero Waste event is over and there is not one thing going into a local landfill it feels good. We can and should do this now and forever going forward. I just attended a wonderful event last weekend at a local resort and saw free plastic water bottles, plastic cutlery, lots of aluminum cans and plastic bottled drinks and even styrofoam cups being used. There were no clearly marked recycling containers and all the waste receptacles were full of food, plastic bottles and the rest, all mixed up and all bound for the landfill I assume. We Americans are lazy. Many don’t recycle at all and we often don’t think twice about putting a half-full single-
THANK YOU
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raser River Valley Lions Club would like to thank Winter Park Optical owner Scott Lynn and his team, Dr. Jennifer Pelaez, Loreta Silverio, Julie Hay, and Daisy Waggoner for their efforts to support the Lions Vision Assistance program. Helping people solve their vision problems has been a core mission of Lions Clubs worldwide since its inception 104 years ago. With the help of Winter Park Optical the Fraser Valley Lions Club invested $11,000 last year to help 46 Grand County residence to receive vision exams and glasses at no cost. Lions Foundation president Kent Wehmeyer explains, “We receive client referrals from Mountain Family Center and school nurses from both East and West Grand schools. These clients need glasses but don’t have the financial means to just go get an exam and new glasses. So Winter Park Optical provides the services and Lions covers the cost. Without Winter Park Optical we just could not provide this service here in the valley”. So Fraser River Valley Lions sends a great big thank you to Scott and his staff at Winter Park Optical.
Serving the Fraser Valley and Grand County “We live it. We get it. Let’s talk.”
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use water bottle right into the trash. They probably don’t get recycled anyway, right? Our best hope is not to use these things at all. With proper coordination our large events can be Zero Waste events. Some friends of mine in Carbondale have a company called “Evergreen Events.” They take the lead on coordinating waste and ensure that not one thing from the event goes to a landfill. Their website is evergreenzerowaste.com and I encourage you to take a look at how fun, affordable and easy it is to produce a major event without any horrible, earth-destroying waste. According to their website, their mission says, “EverGreen ZeroWaste is a social enterprise, using commercial tactics to produce community & environmental improvements regarding resource recovery & upstream waste diversion, while educating communities to improve program participation.” “Zero Waste events are a reflection of a community’s values. We provide successful event greening for any occasion, from backyard parties to sporting events and community festivals. We accommodate your specific needs, bringing the Zero Waste world to you and your guests through operational management, vendor coordination, collection stations, compostable products,
In Response:
his is my delayed response to comments made by Steve Gregory (Feb. 7) about the Impeachment Trial of Donald J. Trump . He and I may never interpret Trump’s Impeachment the same, but I’m with Bruce Coville (author) that, “Withholding information is the essence of tyranny. Control of the flow of information is the tool of the dictatorship.” Steve … what pertinent evidence was withheld from the House and Senate, and by whom? But moving on … how about what followed Trump’s acquittal. Was it the regret, remorse, repentance and contriteness predicted by Republicans? Not so much. More like childish vengeance in firing Sondland and Vindman for heroically choosing truth over power; adolescent tantrums, as when his Intelligent Agency reported that Russia is interfering already to get him reelected; un-Constitutional interference in the Justice Department; and continuous, unending, monotonous, relentless self-indulgent
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
material hauling, staff and outreach. We also deliver a post-event report including Steve Skinner diversion rates and other environmental benefits that result from working with us. Let us help you produce the maximum amount of fun with a minimum impact!” These peace-loving hippies are making a real difference all around the state and we should be next. I’d wager that if we advertised that our events were “Zero Waste” we’d attract even more participants. I remember when this company started with curbside compost collection and moved into helping produce really high end events. It’s a joy to be part of this easily reachable ideal. I implore our festival directors, ski company executives and community leaders to look into making our local events Zero Waste as soon as possible. Start with my friends at Evergreen Events. Tell them Steve Skinner sent you and they will probably give you a discount.
Steve Skinner thinks Grand County is late to the party. But it’s not too late. Reach him at nigel@sopris.net.
To Steve Gregor y Februar y 7th, 2020 rhetoric. Republican Senators avoided Trump being emboldened after they let him get away with crimes. They wholeheartedly took the Kool-Aid from their cult leader and Dictatorin-Chief. Those kinds of self-serving, spineless actions facilitate autocratic leaders to politicize the rule of law (Roger Stone sentencing) and suppress information (“the Press is the enemy of the people”). Blindly following, like bobble-heads, have brought the likes of Putin, Kim Jong-un, Saddam Hussein, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, et alia to power; and kept them there. Trump followers are following the same play book. Steve also voiced a boring conspiracy theory about Democrats out-to-get Trump from the beginning; a favorite distraction tactic and “alternative reality” (Kelly Ann Conway) statement. The clear reality is Trump committed crimes. “When there is no distraction, there is clarity” (Lorii Myers, senior manager, controller, business owner, Contributors
Steve Skinner, Columnist Jeff R King, Cartoonist Km Cameron, Healthcare Eric Sandstrom, GCLD John DiGirolamo, Right Stuff Kris Holinka, MPHS Booster Club
and award-winning author). And, like any dictator and those who support him, Trump needs distractions. “The key element of social control is the strategy of distraction – that is to divert public attention from important issues … through the technique of flooding continuous distractions and insignificant information.” (Avram Chomsky, American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, social critic, and political activist). The remedies to this national migraine are fact-based information and engaged citizens. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) May Thomas Jefferson’s words prevail: “Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of the body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.” It can’t come too soon. Ronald Fischer Fraseer, Colorado
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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February 28, 2020
THE RIGHT STUFF ... L
Democrats think of themselves as the party that fights racism and values women, especially women of color. So why did six minority women resign from Elizabeth Warren’s Nevada campaign? They cited being “tokens” and not valued for their ideas. A former staffer, Megan Lewis, said “there was something wrong with the toxic culture.” How could this happen in a Democrat’s presidential campaign? Shouldn’t this be the last place you’d find racist and sexist attitudes? When asked about it, Senator Warren cited on MSNBC “racism and oppression in this country have a long legacy.” So, she just blames America, while the left wing activist media host nods his head in concurrence. The real question to ask Warren is why is she hiring such deplorable people that treat minorities so badly. I’m surprised she didn’t say that Trump supporters infiltrated her campaign office. Mayor Pete Buttigieg worships the God of Diversity, so he made sure diversity was a top priority when hiring for his campaign. His new campaign slogan should be “Diversity Trumps Competency”. Somehow, there are problems within the campaign and he recently sent a micro aggression survey to only those staff members of color, asking about their experience with their white colleagues. The survey included questions, such as whether people were “being interrupted” or “left off
an email chain” or “idea was ignored”. Mayor Pete sees this behavior as a problem only if a white person does it to a minority. I guess it’s not racist if a “person of color” doesn’t include a white person in an email chain. Behavior can be racist, but it specifically depends on your skin color. I always thought that treating people differently simply because of their skin color was the definition of racism. But this is liberal logic. More importantly, the broader implication Mayor Pete is practicing is that if you’re a minority left off an email chain, you’re a victim and should be aggrieved. Is he also saying that minorities are so mentally weak, that email chains need to be tracked for “micro aggressions” in order to avoid “triggering”? Isn’t that a broad stroke stereotyping minorities? Isn’t that racist too? But Mayor Pete along with the other Democratic candidates believe that America is inherently racist, which is unfair and untrue in my opinion. The real question to ask Buttigieg is why is he hiring such deplorable people that treat minorities so badly. I’m surprised he didn’t say that Trump supporters infiltrated his campaign office. Why wasn’t there enough support for the presidential campaign of Julian Castro, Corey Booker, Kamala Harris and Andrew Yang? The answer is the same as always, racism and sexism. Joy Reid, an obscure MSNBC host said just after Kamala Harris dropped out of the race, “people, including the media but also would be voters,
The Best Thing Inside a Library Is Not a Book By Eric Sandstrom
A library serves as a refuge from all of the chaos out there. It’s a place of tranquility. Once inside, we tune out distractions with the greatest Shakespeare or the latest Springsteen. Libraries are gold mines of information—facts and fiction--from all corners of the globe. (What do you mean globes don’t have corners!) In my lifetime of experience with libraries, none of that essential stuff—books, computers, tranquility—holds a candle to the librarians themselves. Without these experts, a library is nothing but a chilly warehouse of essential stuff that nobody else knows how to find. Quick story. Long ago, I took a subway to Fifth Avenue and East 41st Street, intent on becoming just one more famous writer in
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ARE THEY JUST FULL OF IT?
iberals like to tell you that they are full of virtue. A few examples:
It’s no secret that public libraries offer more than books, computer access, and whatever publications we need to stay abreast of vegan recipes, medical research, quilting techniques, vacation deals, technology innovations, fly fishing secrets, and so forth.
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New York City. I climbed steps between two stone lions and passed marble columns into what appeared to be a museum. Nope. The revered New York Public Library drew more than 30,000 visitors on its first day of operations in 1911. There must’ve been a whole lot of sshhhh-ing going on that day. Once inside, I hunted down a special collections’ librarian. She was unfazed to learn that I wasn’t there for a famous manuscript. I explained my interest in a piece of furniture instead. “Let me guess,” she said. “Dickens’ writing table.” She obviously noticed her library’s copy of A Tale of Two Cities in my hand, then led me into another room. Voila! If only I could touch this tiny table, who knows what Great American Novel might emerge from me someday. She didn’t laugh as my fingers rubbed polished mahogany. Time to go. She wished me good luck, just being nice (which all librarians are trained to do) but nobody’d ever done to me before.
If Dickens actually wrote the likes of A Tale of Two Cities on that tiny table, I would have no excuse for failure. After all, my fingerprints were left upon an artifact of literary greatness, possibly overlapping his very own fingerprints. I returned to my apartment in Brooklyn confident that the old typewriter on my plywood desk was now an instrument for fame, if not fortune. However, it produced nothing but schlock, the sort that no editor in her right mind would publish. Rejection slips poured in from magazines, making it clear my typewriter wasn’t entirely at fault.
punished and refused to even consider Kamala Harris.” She is blaming Harris’s lack of support on the media and Democratic voters (is there a difference?). Obviously, the media didn’t push and voters didn’t choose the most diverse candidate, and the John DiGirolamo only conclusion Ms. Reid can come up with: racism and sexism. Did a bunch of right wing conservatives suddenly take over major media outlets? How is it possible that the very fine woke liberals in the Democratic party are racist and sexist? They must be, since Bernie Sanders, an old white guy, is the frontrunner. Is there something wrong with members of the Democrat party? How could the party of “diversity” and “inclusion” not support a minority candidate? After all, who needs competency when you have diversity? The real question Ms. Reid should have asked is why are Democratic voters and her friends in the media such deplorable people that treat minorities so badly. I’m surprised she didn’t say that Trump supporters infiltrated the media and the Democratic party.
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Undeterred, I typed relentlessly. Day after night after day, the light at the end of a proverbial tunnel finally lit up. Time for a dose of reality. I became an award-winning journalist, typing stories based on fact, not my imagination. I’m indebted to that librarian in New York City. She let me touch Dickens’ table (probably violating library rules) and never once laughed at that young kid. The rest is history. Mine.
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
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February 28, 2020
TER PAR IN K W
VALLEY BRIEFING Visitor Information position available in Granby
Free Alignment Check* *With any service. Must present coupon and make appointment, sale ends 3/13/2020.
8am - 6pm Monday - Friday
970-726-4437
Attached to the Shell station in Fraser, Next to Sharky’s
The Sulphur Ranger District is looking to fill a permanent Customer Service Representative for the Visitor Information Center in Granby. This position provides services such as greeting the public, providing visitor information, answering phones, selling maps and permits, updating the Forest website, networking with other information outlets, recruiting and supervising volunteers, and creating/ updating handouts.Interested applicants should send a resume and the outreach response form to Reid Armstrong at katherine.armstrong@usda.gov by COB Feb. 28, 2020.
John Henley Art Exhibit at Cozens Ranch John was born in rural Indiana, and was raised by depression era parents, who values simplicity and function, something he tries to continue to value today. As a young man, John began his artwork in photography. John has traveled the world, mostly Asia and the Pacific, and greatly attributes his outlook on life to this period. Johns Exhibit at Cozens Museum in Fraser is closing to make way for the next artist. There are still a couple of days left to see John Henley’s fantastic art! Through the end of the month, 50% of sale proceeds go to GCHA. Stop by Cozens Ranch and pick up your one of a kind piece from this nationally recognized artist! See more of his incredible art at https:// johnhenleydesigns.com/ To learn more about history and art please email erica@grandcountyhistory.org or call 970-726-5488
TIPS Volunteer Training Be a TIPS Certified Volunteer at Blues From The Top Music Festival. Why not, it’s free to get trained! The Fraser Winter Park Police Department is hosting FREE Responsible Alcohol Vendor Classes the second Tuesday in March, May, and June. Participants will receive a Responsible Alcohol Vendor Certification (equivalent to TIPS training) valid for three years. It is required for all bar volunteers to be Responsible Alcohol Vendor Certificated. For more information, email Town Clerk Dani Jardee or visit the class calendar at wpgov.com
Census 2020
Did you know that the 2020 Census website can easily be translated into many non-English languages? With the simple click of a button, our content is readily available in Spanish and many others. Simply mouse over the dropdown option in the upper righthand portion of the screen, choose the language you want, and that’s all there is to it! Hopefully this is helpful for your local outreach activities. Any questions just give me a shout - cheers!
Pole Creek Golf Club ranked #1 In their 18th CAGGY Awards for 2020, Colorado AvidGolfer ranked Pole Creek Golf Club in Tabernash their top pick, #1 Best Mountain Course, followed by #2 Breckenridge Golf Club, Breckenridge, and #3 Red Sky Golf Club-Norman, Wolcott.
Daffodils fundraiser is March 10 Northwest Colorado Health is holding its Hospice Daffodils fundraiser on March 10 to support hospice and palliative care services in Grand County. Bunches of 10 or more can be ordered online at northwestcoloradohealth.org/ daffodils. Online orders will be delivered March 10. Daffodils also may be purchased 12 to 5 pm, March 10 at City Market in Granby. Daffodils are $5 for per bunch, $24 for five bunches and $46 for 10 bunches. For more information, call (970) 871-7609.
Fireside Market and Eatery Sushi “Za” the Sushi Chef for Fireside Market is moving back to his home country of Japan. They are actively searching for a new sushi chef and hope to offer more hand rolled fresh sushi in the future but for now sushi has been discontinued. No more $5 Friday Sushi!
Educational Opportunity for teachers Are you a teacher looking for a fun and interactive way to teach your students about geology or dinosaurs? Join Dinosaur National Monument for a virtual field trip! Park rangers will bring your class on a journey to Dinosaur National Monument to learn about fossils, dinosaurs, and paleontology of the late Jurassic environment revealed in the rock layer known as the Morrison Formation. One of the most famous dinosaur quarry sites in the world was discovered here in 1909. Fossils from the dinosaur quarry are on display in museums throughout the world. A section of the quarry was preserved with many bones left in place as they were found. Today, the quarry still contains 1,500 fossilized dinosaur bones preserved in place. Bones are visible of Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus and Stegosaurus. In this lesson, students can learn about fossils, dinosaurs,geology, geologic time, earth history, and adaptation. Applications are currently being accepted through the end of March, and available times can be found at: education.skype.com.
You have a brief to or news tip to share? newstip@winterparktimes.com
February 28, 2020
T
ou may have noticed the cool refrigerator on the Lions Pond in front of Safeway, or read about “Drop Hunger” in the paper. That’s right, MFC and the Fraser River Valley Lions Club have resurrected this popular local fundraiser and YOU could be a big winner! For $5 per guess, let us know when you think the fridge will drop through the ice. The closest guess wins half of ticket sales and MFC receives the other half! The food insecurity rate in Grand County is 11.5%. Through food
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BLM accepting comments for June Oil & Gas lease sale
The Fridge “Drop Hunger” Mountain Family Center
Y
WinterParkTimes.com
he Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will offer 12 parcels, totaling approximately 3,902 acres in Jackson, Lincoln, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Weld counties at its June 2020 quarterly oil and gas lease sale. The public comment period on associated environmental documents ends March 16, 2020. By statute, the BLM is required to offer quarterly oil and gas leases sales of available Federal lands. BLM state Photo by Turner offices conduct lease sales quarterly when parcels are available for lease. pantries, Kids Totes, nutrition and These lease sales represent parcels cooking classes, Thanksgiving Basthat cleared environmental review and kets and more, MFC is working to public comment. The BLM issues both alleviate local hunger. We can’t do competitive and non-competitive leases it without your help! Together we for a ten-year period. The leases are can DROP HUNGER in Grand County. a contract to explore and develop any Purchase guesses online and read potential oil and gas. The lease may be extended if the production is established official rules, or purchase guesses at Mountain Family Center, Main Street on the lease, otherwise the lease will expire after the primary term of ten Thrift or the Grand Foundation. Also years. be on the lookout for Lions Members Responsible energy development selling tickets at pop up locations includes thoughtful consideration of throughout the county! Deadline to parcels nominated for leasing as well as enter guesses is March 31st, 2020. potential resource impacts of decisions to lease. An additional environmental
review will take place during processing of an Application for Permit to Drill (APD), when site-specific Conditions of Approval will be placed on the permit in addition to the stipulations attached to the lease. The BLM generated a record $1.1 billion from 28 oil and gas lease sales in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. Revenues from onshore oil and gas production on federal lands directly fund the U.S. Treasury and state budgets, and support public education, infrastructure improvements, and other state-determined priorities. The oil and gas industry on public lands in Colorado contributed over $6.9 billion in total economic output in FY 2018. Continuous exploration, development, and site restoration is required to sustain production rates, jobs, income, and royalties. Comments on the environmental assessments (EAs) must be submitted through the June 2020 ePlanning Site. The environmental documents, lists and maps of the parcels, and attached stipulations are online on the ePlanning Site.
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February 28, 2020
Friday, February 28 - Floral Design Day
Sunday, March 1 - Barista 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.
Yoga with Morgan at the Morgan Mercantile in Tabernash at 10 am. $10, bring your own mat. Discounts available at Jackpot Resale and Simple Coffee Co following the session.
Mountain Parks Electric & Tri-State host ‘Free Burritos for Renewable Energy’ at the base of Granby Ranch from 11 am - 1 pm.
The Parshall Inn hosts a Jam session, starting at 2 pm.
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. Vertical Bistro in the Village at Winter Park has live music with Kenny Lee Young, from 2 - 5 pm.
Polestar Pilates in Fraser hosts an Introduction to Meditation at 5:30 pm. Ullrs Tavern has live music with Spafford, starting at 8 pm
Monday, March 2 - Read Across America Day
Hot Sulphur Springs Library hosts ‘Story Time’ at 11:15 am. (970) 725-3942.
Granby Ranch ‘8350 Live’ has music with Tara Rose & Danjo Harris in the 8350 Bar & Bistro, starting at 2:30 pm.
Hideaway Park Brewery has live music with Weston Smith from 5-8 pm.
SNOWga on the plaza stage at the base of Winter Park Resort. Free 30 minute class from 4-4:30 pm.
Pancho & Lefty’s in Grand Lake hosts Texas Hold ‘em games, starting at 6:30 pm.
Free Community Dinner at Cranmer Memorial Chapel in downtown Winter Park, from 5-7 pm. On the menu is fresh baked ham, scalloped potatoes, tossed salad, bread basket and homemade desserts du jour. This week’s meal is sponsored by the Lord of the Valley Lutheran Church. All are welcome! Grand Concert Series presents the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado at the Church of the Eternal Hills in Tabernash. A lively lecture, presented by Artistic Director Frank Nowell, begins at 5:45 pm, performance begins at 7 pm. For tickets and information, visit grandconcerts. org. Grand Manor Restaurant in Granby has live music with Glen Tompkins, starting at 7 pm. Ullrs Tavern has live music with Spafford, starting at 8 pm.
Saturday, February 29 - Leap Year 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. Granby Ranch ‘8350 Live’ has music with Marty & Drew in the 8350 Bar & Bistro, starting at 2:30 pm. Bingo at Carver’s in downtown Winter Park. This week’s fundraiser benefits MPHS Interact Club. Doors open at 6:30 pm, first game at 7 pm. Cash only. El Pacifico in Grand Lake has live music with Martin & Taylor, starting at 6:30 pm.
Tuesday, March 3 - World Wildlife 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. Winter Park Christian Church hosts Abide, with guest speaker Alina Bell. Program starts at 7 pm.
Wednesday, March 4 - Grammar Day
Granby Library hosts ‘Story Time’ at 10 am. (970) 887-2149. Rotary Club of Granby 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. Hideaway Brewery in Winter Park hosts Prana & Pints ‘Flow Vibe’ at 5:30 pm. $10 Camber Brewing Co in Fraser hosts Trivia Night, starting at 6 pm.
Thursday, March 5 - World Book Day
The Fraser River Valley Lions Club meets at 7:30 am at Carver’s Restaurant in Winter Park. fraservalleylions.org
Grand Manor Restaurant in Granby has live music with Glen Tompkins, starting at 7 pm.
Fraser Valley Library hosts ‘Story Time’ at 10 am. (970) 726-5689.
HBMG Foundation presents ‘Singing in the Snow: A Cabaret of Songs’ at the Grand Lake Center, starting at 7 pm.
Granby Library hosts a Tech Training Class at 10 am. For more information and to register, call (970) 887-2149.
KFFR 88.3 COMMUNITY RADIO
Juniper Library in Grand Lake hosts ‘Story Time’ at 11 am.
The Winter Park - Fraser Valley Rotary Club meets at noon at the Crooked Creek Saloon in Fraser. Granby Ranch ‘8350 Live’ has music with Matt Brown in the 8350 Bar & Bistro, starting at 2:30 pm. Grand County Democrats host ‘Happy Hour Blues’ at the Summit Bar & Grill at River Run Resort in Granby from 5-7 pm. Ducks Unlimited hosts their annual Grand County Dinner at Ranch Creek Spa at Devil’s Thumb Ranch from 5:30 - 9:30 pm. 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, March 6 - Employee Appreciation 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. Vertical Bistro in the Village at Winter Park has live music with Matt Brown, from 2 - 5 pm. Granby Ranch ‘8350 Live’ has music with Tara Rose in the 8350 Bar & Bistro, starting at 2:30 pm. Cozens Ranch Museum in Fraser hosts an ‘Expressions of Nature’ exhibit opening, featuring the works of Linda V.G. Kelley, at 4 pm. RSVP to erica@grandcountyhistroy.org. First Friday at Dean Public House in Hot Sulphur Springs benefits Grand County Historical Association, from 4 - 9 pm.
Have entertaining events to share? Let us know at submit@winterparktimes.com
Grand County Concerts Presents
TONIGHT 7pm
A
professional period-instrument ensemble with core musicians primarily based in Colorado, the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado brings to audiences the musical riches and spirit of improvisation of the 17th and 18th centuries. The ensemble’s imaginative programming strikes a balance between familiar masterworks and hidden treasures of the Baroque. The orchestra
CHURCH OF THE ETERNAL HILLS
provides an innovative educational program focusing on musician development, youth outreach, and building the audience of the future. Before this concert, there will be a very informative and lively lecture presented by Artistic Director Frank Nowell. The lecture commences at 5:45 pm, the concert begins at 7 pm. For tickets and information, visit grandconcerts.org.
Granby Meeting Notes The motion to agree to enter into the CHLT MOA passed in a 4-2 vote, with Trustee Tindle and Mayor Pro-tem Deb Shaw dissenting. Grand Places 2050 In December 2019, the trustees had approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), electing to participate with thirteen other entities including the towns of Winter Park, Fraser, Grand Lake and Kremmling, Grand County, USFS, BLM, Winter Park Resort and Headwaters Trails Alliance in the Grand Places 2050 initiative. Manager Cherry explained the goal of the organization is to recognize the growth the county will be faced with in coming decades, change the way public lands are managed, focusing on stewardship, conservation and sustainability as well as watershed health and wildlife management. Each of the participating entities were asked for a $1,500 contribution to fund 2020 planning efforts and leverage grant funding. Although the funding was not in the 2020 budget, Cherry recommended approval of the funding via supplemental budget appropriation.
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“There are projects being identified and priorities,” said Trustee O’Flaherty, who had been attending the monthly meetings. She said they are looking at impacts on things like trailheads, restrooms and parking. The funds will also help with a meeting facilitator. “The next step is to identify projects we want to proceed with. It is a consortium of stakeholders.” While the goals are mainly long-term solution driven, O’Flaherty said Winter Park Resort CEO Sky Foulkes also wanted one-year and five-year action items. “Is this a worthwhile expenditure?” asked Trustee Nick Raible. “It’s money well spent,” said O’Flaherty. “We have the opportunity to get some of these projects. We will be the beneficiaries.” The trustees approved the $1,500 contribution for Grand Places 2050 unanimously. Town of Granby Board of Trustees meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 pm and are open to the public. To find out more, visit townofgranby.com.
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February 28, 2020
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February 28, 2020
Grand County Blues Society making some changes Please join us for our F
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Membership Announcement The Grand County Blues Society recently sent out the following message to the members: “The Grand County Blues Society has continued to grow in recent years with increased attendance at Blues From The Top, more Blue Stars served than ever before, and expanding our local school and library programs. Your continued support has been instrumental in our success.
Saturday, March 7th | 6-11PM River Run RV Resort Granby, Colorado
As we continue to grow, we are refocusing our efforts on Blues From The Top and Blue Star Connection. Part of that process is transitioning out our membership program. We will no longer offer Grand County Blues Society memberships. Current memberships will expire on their anniversary date. Members whose memberships expire on or after June 27, 2020 will still get receive their free tickets that are part of their associated membership package.
A fundraising event to support Middle Park Health with the purchase of new equipment, the expansion of facilities needed to provide expanded services to our communities as well as medical educational scholarships.
Tickets $150 For tickets and more information please visit http://events.handbid.com/auctions/bash-2020 Contact Tiffany Freitag at tfreitag@middleparkhealth.org or call 970.724.3176 for more information.
In the next 2 weeks we will send an email to members whose memberships expire before June 27, 2020, the first day of the Blues From The Top festival. This email will include a discount code for a $10 off the Early Bird price of the 2-day general admission festival ticket.
We hope you can join us!
M IDDLE PARK
We will continue to produce and grow our signature music events like Blues From The Top, New Year’s Eve show, Blue Star Connection shows, and additional shows throughout the year.
MEDICAL
Thank you to our sponsors IDDLEby PARK M Presented
The Grand County Blues Society’s mission is to promote the American musical art form known as “The Blues” by hosting live performances by Blues musicians and providing events to educate the public about the history of Blues music.
MEDICAL
We encourage you to support the Grand County Blues Society and our programs, by donating at www. GrandBlues.org”.
DIAMOND
RUBY
SAPPHIRE
OPAL
OPAL
TOPAZ
EMERALD
If you have questions about your membership regarding his change, please contact us.
February 28, 2020
Special Olympic Team brings home medals
WinterParkTimes.com
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Ranch 2 XC Ski Trek Fest
Ranch Presented by
d edule Resch to
12 Km
Saturday, February 29, 2020 Cross Country Ski from
Snow Mountain Ranch to Granby Ranch
Hayley Reichert (left) brought home the gold and Caleb Kissler (right) brought home a silver medal for the Grand County Blizzards (NSCD’s Special Olympics Alpine Team) Photo provided by Darcy Kissler
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en (10) athletes from the Grand County Blizzards (NSCD’s Special Olympics Alpine Team) competed in the State Special Olympics last weekend at Copper Mountain. Jen Gold, National Sports Center for the Disabled head coach said, “We had lots of success at the state competition due to the hard work and dedication of the athletes, parents, volunteers, and coaches.” Over 200 athletes competed in this year’s competition - 2020 State Winter Games were hosted at Copper Mountain. The two day event included races, torchlight parade, ski down, dinner and dance. The NSCD Special Olympics program consists of 5 practices at Winter Park through NSCD where athletes are paired
with volunteers and practice running slalom, giant slalom and super giant slalom race courses. Then they compete in a regional competition and then finally the State competition. Gold said they had three sit skiers and seven standing skiers and Hayley Reichert brought home a gold medal in all three events GS, Super G and Slalom. Caleb Kissler also brought home a silver medal for the NSCD team in the Advanced Level Giant Slalom event. “It has been amazing to watch the athletes progress over the season. For some this was their first time skiing and they finished at State with a gold medal! It was great to see their self confidence flourish through training and bonding with their teammates.”
Left to right in picture: NSCD volunteer Marco Leonardi, NSCD intern Amaris Hornbuckle, athlete Caleb Kissler, head coach Jen Gold, NSCD intern Siera Becker Photo provided by Darcy Kissler
Colorado Avalanche Update S
ince Sunday night, strong northwest winds have drifted snow onto easterly and south-facing slopes. This is true on a statewide scale. No matter where you travel, you will have to identify and avoid these freshly drifted slabs. When we dig down beneath these fresh slabs, we see a snowpack that looks different from zone to zone. The avalanche danger is mostly Moderate (Level 2 of 5) in Colorado today but big differences exist from the north to the south as we dive into the details. In the Northern Mountains and most of the Central Mountains, forecasters described the danger as the upper-end of Moderate or “scary” Moderate. The concern is that if you trigger an avalanche on
a wind-drifted slope, it could be very large, wide, and potentially deadly. Easterly and south-facing slopes are where we have this combination of newly wind-deposited snow over deeply buried weak layers. The avalanche danger in the Southern Mountains is also Moderate. Although the avalanche danger level is the same, the conditions are quite different. The chance that an avalanche breaks down on deeper layers is much less. Forecasters in the Southern Mountains continue to point to east and southeast-facing slopes where past loading events have produced a few deeper avalanches. If you are traveling in the backcountry, Know Before You Go and visit colorado.gov/avalanche.
• 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 MISS! Upcoming Nordic Ski Races • Latigo Loppet - March 1st • 36th Annual SMR Stampede - March 14-15th
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
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February 28, 2020
February 28, 2020
WinterParkTimes.com
Spotlight on Local Author
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ASHLEY KRUPP CREATES A COLORFUL BOARD BOOK FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS
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magine a mat filled with baby toys: colorful, musical, cuddly objects. Now enter baby… playing with a plastic lid. This is the scene that brought Ashley Krupp to write her first children’s book, Special to You, Special to Me. Although their home was filled with wonderful age-appropriate toys for their then oneyear-old daughter, often times Krupp found that her baby would forego toys in lieu of any random household item. She was far more interested in a water bottle, a hat, or a pair of sunglasses. Initially, this sparked frustration, until Krupp had an “ah ha” moment. Maybe her daughter was more interested in her personal items for just that reason: they are hers. Maybe the baby wanting to explore her purse or dig through the cupboards was simply her wanting to be like mommy. A phrase popped into Krupp’s head, “Mommy, can’t you see? If it’s special to you, it’s special to me.”
books are fantasy, depicting animals that can talk and walk on two feet. While such books are great for little imaginations, babies and young children learn best through reality. Books with photographs are vital for development, allowing children to develop empathy and learn to appreciate the beauty of the real world around them. Such books can be difficult to find or are associated with dull textbooks. This led Krupp to enlist the help of her sister, Angela WIhelm, an award-winning photojournalist based in Asheville, North Carolina.
“A sweet reminder that the most important thing to your child is you!”
Soon, Krupp’s rhyming tale was written. Intended for babies and toddlers, the speaker of this story is the child, talking to the parent. It is a sweet and humorous reminder that our children are always watching and learning from us, no matter how young they are. As parents, we are our children’s first and main role models.
Photo by Angela Wilhelm Cover Design for new book aimed at infants and toddlers.
The two held a photoshoot in Asheville and Wilhelm captured bright, crisp photos of a diverse group of families to illustrate Special to You, Special to Me. Caitlin Sullivan, a kindergarten teacher in the Asheville area, was among the first to volunteer to participate in the project. Her husband, John, and son, Brayden, are among three other parent/child duos highlighted in the book. Sullivan said, “We wanted to participate because we feel so blessed with our little family, and we wanted to share that love with others! We are so honored to be a part of a children’s book that celebrates the special bond between children and parents!”
Special to You, Special to Me is filled with rhyme and repetition, both important components for early literacy. Books with repetition are wonderful for little ones, allowing them to participate in reading. Repetition creates familiarity and anticipation, making story time exciting and enjoyable for young children. Repetition Ashley Krupp reading her new book, Special to You, Special to Me, to a group of students at also supports brain Determined the Fraser Elementary. Courtesy Photo development, creating to bring their strong neural pathways in the brain. Memory and project to life, without waiting for an unlikely “Yes” sequencing skills are strengthened by repetition and from a publisher, Krupp and Wilhelm decided to it helps to build vocabulary. self-publish their book. After tedious book design, endless communications with a printing company, During her eight years as a teacher and Assistant the purchase of an ISBN number and copyrights, Director of a Fraser nonprofit preschool, Krupp saw their work finally came to fruition - in the form of the academic benefits of offering children books an actual board book. with photographs, rather than only illustrated fiction and cartoon-like fairy tales. Nearly all children’s Krupp has donated the book to Grand County
libraries and is in the process of reading at all local story times. Special to You, Special to Me can currently be purchased at Lion Head Coffee in Granby or online at www.ashleykrupp.com. A project fueled and completed with love by two cross-country sisters, Krupp and Wilhelm have endless ideas and have already begun on future companion books. Stay tuned!
Photo by Angela Wilhelm
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February 28, 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
Who is ready for the 38th Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival! We can promise it will be another world-class weekend lineup at Rendezvous Event Center on July 18-19, 2020. Tickets went on sale yesterday, Thursday, February 27, 2020. LINEUP INCLUDES: • KEM • BELL BIV DEVOE • PETER WHITE, MINDY ABAIR, EUGE GROOVE • TOWER OF POWER • ELAN TROTMAN’S MARVIN GAYE TRIBUTE WITH DW3 • DARREN RAHM with JAZMIN GHENT • AVERY SUNSHINE • SAX TO THE MAX featuring MICHAEL LINGTON, VINCENT INGALA and PAUL TAYLOR • JULIAN VAUGHN • Plus more to be announced! This event typically sells out so if you are a Jazz fan get your tickets early. Organizers will be looking for dozens of volunteers. Become a volunteer. It is a great way to see great music and give back to the community. For more information, visit PlayWinterPark.com
Public Health update on novel coronavirus-2019 Currently in Colorado, there are NO cases of COVID-19. The risk for Coloradans is low at this time. People who are at the greatest risk for this virus are: • People who recently traveled from China; or, • Close contact with people that have been diagnosed with COVID-19. There are many types of coronaviruses currently circulating in Colorado and the U.S. that cause respiratory illness. These illnesses are NOT COVID-19. As with other respiratory viruses, it
is recommended that people protect themselves and others by practicing everyday actions: • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub when soap and water is not available. • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. • Avoid close contact with anyone that is experiencing symptoms of illness. • Stay home if you are sick. • Get an annual flu vaccine if you have not had one.
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SUDOKU
RIDDLE ME THIS
If two snakes marry, what will their towels say? LAST ANSWER :
She is a photographer
Ski Cup Raises $250k for NSCD
HUMOR MILL ...
BY JEFF R. KING Mother knows best
The 45th annual Wells Fargo Ski Cup wrapped up on Sunday with the Kid’s Snowplow Sprint and Waner Construction World Disabled Invitational. Denver Broncos mascot, Miles, rallied fundraising efforts for the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) 50/50 raffle. The lucky number drawn on Sunday afternoon was 1488834 and the winner has until March 24 to collect their half of the over $12K pot. NSCD.org Photo Courtesy of Diane Eustace / NSCD
February 28, 2020
ENVIRONS Friday Saturday
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THE WEEK AHEAD IN THE FRASER VALLEY
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
PM Showers
Hi 35, Low 19
Hi 35 Low 22
Hi 33 Low 18
Hi 27 Low 11
Hi 26, Low 12
Hi 18, Low 6
Hi 23, Low 9
Sunrise: 6:37 Sunset: 5:54
Sunrise: 6:36 Sunset: 5:55
Sunrise: 6:34 Sunset: 5:56
Sunrise: 6:33 Sunset: 5:58
Sunrise: 6:31 Sunset: 5:59
Sunrise: 6:29 Sunset: 6:00
Sunrise: 6:28 Sunset: 6:01
Panthers Ski Team gets a police escort
T
he Middle Park High School Ski Team received a police escort through town as they headed west to the 2020 state skiing championships in Vail and Beaver Creek on Wednesday the 26th. The Vail team is the host of this year’s event, which are scheduled for Feb. 27-28. Alpine events will be at Vail Resort and the Nordic events will be at Maloit Park in Minturn Thursday and Friday this week. Middle Park is scheduled to host the State competition next year!
Mountain Family Center Cooking Classes
Photo and Story Courtesy Kris Holinka
In addition to a strong field for the state competition, two Nordic Team members have qualified to compete in the Cross Country Junior Nationals race at Donner Summit in California in mid-March. Sylvia Brower and Alex Holinka have both qualified through the national points system to compete in the events and Sebastian Brower will be an alternate for the national event scheduled for March 8th-14th, 2020. Congratulations Panthers!!!
Each week, Miss Bailey and Miss Jordyn (the MFC Nutrition and Wellness team) bring fun and interactive nutrition classes to over 40 students in Grand County. They teach 3-4 classes per week, covering topics such as food exploration, basic preparation and cooking skills, healthy food choices and movement/physical activity. For more information, visit MountainFamilyCenter.org.
Strong showing at Winter Fest for Fraser Valley Hockey’s Peewees Earlier this month the Fraser Valley Eagles, Peewee Hockey team competed in the Arvada Winter fest tournament. The Peewee B bracket that the Eagles were in consisted of 11 other team ranging from California, Nebraska and a variety of Colorado teams. The games started Friday the 14th at 7am sharp against the Lakewood Lakers. The Eagles pulled out an early morning win to build their tournament momentum. They later went on to beat Aspen (8-2), Vail (4-3) and in the final pool play game were bested by Omaha 3-1. Picking up 5 points from earlier wins the Eagles qualified for the semi final game against the Velencia Flyers (CA). Monday morning’s 6am semi final game was a good contest for both teams but the Eagles pulled out the victory 5-1! The Eagles moved on to the Championship game against Omaha. Using the prior knowledge from the last game the Eagles were ready for the challenge at hand. The game was an even match and proved to be a hard first period. Heading into the second period the Eagles were down by one and fought back to tie the game at 1-1. As the game continued the Eagles got a few penalty’s that allowed Omaha to go up 3-1. With two minutes left in the game the Eagles pulled their Goalie to get within striking distance. The six players on the ice gave everything they had and were able to get a goal! Unfortunately, the score board had 10 seconds left in the game and the Eagles came up short. “It was a great team effort and every player gave it their all! The kids have a lot to be proud of and get a nice banner to hang at the rink” said Head Coach Matt Sullivan. The Peewee Eagles have finished their regular season in second place and will compete in the Divisional Playoff tournament the final weekend of February. FV Eagles Peewees pictured on their home ice. Dylan Martinski, Jacob Ducklow, Carter Conroy, Logan Kielly, Keaton Fox, Wilson Tatman, Jack McDermott, Kyle Bosshard, Henry Waldorf, Rome Smolleck, Bridget Aither, Mitch Fody, Wyatt Boeckers, Emma Bendrat, Jackson Purdy, Kasen Moon, Jaden Cavera, Millie Smolleck, Payton Fosha (not pictured), Coaches: Matt Sully Sullivan, John Bendrat and John Cavera
To learn more about Fraser Valley Hockey visit their website. https://www.fraservalleyhockey.com/
Photo Courtesy Cathleen Olson-Conroy
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