Durango Telegraph - Feb. 20, 2020

Giving up for Lent

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FREE Feb. 20, 2020

Vol. XIX, No. 8 durangotelegraph.com

inside

T H E

O R I G I N A L

I N D I E

W E E K L Y

L I N E

O N

D U R A N G O

&

B E Y O N D

Not your papa’s Post

Making history

Something wicked

75 years strong, Durango’s VFW adapts to changing times p8

Celebrating some kick-ass women p11

Merely Players puts modern spin on Shakespearean drama p16

! # ! " "# '$ !" ! ! "# !# ! % $" (% # #' &#! " *Yes, it is fine if you want to take a few for friends, neighbors, family, etc. Just don’t poach the whole stack.

That’s lame.

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“Helping you burn brighter since 2002.”

Rock on.

(Issue 12 is coming soon.)

Wherever you find the Telegraph or at www.gulchmag.com.

To find out about advertising opportunities, e-mail: steve@gulchmag.com

2 n Feb. 20, 2020

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lineup

8

4 La Vida Local

Not your papa’s Post

Blades of glory

75 years strong, Durango’s VFW adapts with changing times

4 Thumbin’ It

by Ken Wright

5 Word on the Street

10

6-7 Soapbox

Short-term solution Law would give counties power to regulate vacation rentals

by Bente Birkeland/ CPR

8 Local News 11-14 Yocal

15

15 Day in the Life

The Yocal

16 On Stage

Celebrating Women’s History Month local style

17 Top Shelf

by Local First

18-19 On the Town

15

Blast from the past A look at some of Durango’s iconic businesses that have come & gone

by Stephen Eginoire

21 Free Will Astrology 22 Classifieds 22 Haiku Movie Review

16

23 Ask Rachel On the Cover

King for a day

None other than Telegraph columnist Luke Mehall scales the cliffs of East Animas recently./ Photo by Stephen Eginoire

Merely Players stages modern take on Shakespearean tragedy

by Zach Hively

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EDITORIALISTA: Missy Votel (missy@durangotelegraph.com) ADVERTISING AFICIONADO: Lainie Maxson (lainie@durangotelegraph.com) RESIDENT FORMULA ONE FAN: Tracy Chamberlin (tracy@durangotelegraph.com)

T

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Ear to the ground: “I thought New Mexico was paying for it.”

– Discussion of the $4M 32nd Street Bridge

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We’re only human. If, by chance, we defame someone’s good name or that of their family, neighbor, best

friend or dog, we will accept full responsibility in a public flogging in the following week’s issue.

Although “free but not easy,” we can be plied with schwag, booze and flattery.

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thepole

RegularOccurrences

Sometimes in the throes of ski season, it’s easy to forget about Durango’s other winter sport. No, not road riding – ice hockey. And there’s no better time to catch the action as the DHS varsity team’s season heats up.

This Sun., Feb. 23, the second-place Demons, who are one game behind cross-mountain rivals Telluride, take on third-place Los Alamos in the Demons’ last home stand of the year in the Rio Grande High School Hockey League (made up of teams from Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.)

The puck drops at 8:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. at Chapman Ice Arena, and games are free and open to the public. It’ll be a great time to cheer on the home team while watching the league’s two top scorers – the Demons’ Zak Wentworth and Braden Lyons – light up the board. The later game will also be the Senior Recognition Ceremony, where the five graduating seniors are given a fond farewell (which may or may not include a good hockey shirting or two.)

Playoffs happen Feb. 28 – March 1 in Santa Fe.

Tricky Rick Well, it’s taken more than 10 years, but the Telegraph finally got Rickrolled.

Readers who tried to click on the 9-R school lunch petition link in Shan Wells’ “Retooned” last week may have found themselves singing along to British crooner Rick Astley’s 1987 megahit, “Never Gonna Give You Up” instead.

For those not in the know (which, sad to admit, included a few of us here at Tele HQ) “Rickrolling” is a phenomenon whereby unsuspecting web perusers are high-jacked and treated to a video of Astley’s guilty-pleasure earworm.

True, there are much worse fates to befall unawares internet surfers. For example, our Rickrolling merely took us to a Youtube site, whereas past forms have been known to take over entire computers, playing in perpetual rewind until one reboots (adding new meaning to “Never Gonna Give You Up.”) And we can probably all agree baby-faced Astley and the parade of ’80s hairdos (and don’ts) are much preferable to the “bearding” rampage of the early 2000s.

Of course, Astley, who was made a millionaire at the age of 22 by the song, is having the last laugh. “I think it’s the cheesy video,” he told Chicago talk show “The Jam” of the song’s longevity. “It’s nuts – but it’s been amazing to me. … it’s nice that that song got kind of taken out from under its rock.”

Even Astley himself – who admits to wearing all his own clothes, including the iconic trench coat, in the video – has fallen prey to the prank.

“I’ve been Rickrolled by a few friends,” he said.

And, he’s in good company. Since 2009, the Rickrolling Youtube site has had 652M views. Apparently no one else wants to give it up either.

As for the non-Rickrolled partial-lunch petition website, go to: chng.it/G8wtYyRCjd. Feb. 20, 2020 n

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opinion

LaVidaLocal Nothing to fear but fur When I resided in the country, dogs often rushed down their driveways to meet me as I bicycled past, growling, barking and having themselves a canine tantrum, objecting to my presence on the road. I understood then and now that dogs have a wider view of what constitutes their territory.

Drivers may need to slow down and make sure they don’t accidentally hurt the frenzied beast chasing their car, but when out bicycling a lonely road, I use a different strategy: If I see the dog early enough and there’s no traffic, it becomes a race, the dog and me, and sometimes I win.

Still, it’s important to take the rural dog situation seriously. One time an untethered dog caught me unawares and nipped at my front tire, perhaps thinking of it as a chew toy. Things could have been worse if he’d become preoccupied with my pant leg or ankle.

The times when I couldn’t win the race, I turned around and, with an equally fierce determination, chased the dog back up its own driveway.

Rarely did an owner step outside to exclaim, “bad dog!” More often, nobody came out to check on the commotion. A few times as I approached the house, I noticed a curtain fall back into place, and then I knew I’d found a home where a human lacked the courage of a dog.

These days I live within the city limits where dogs are restrained by ordinance. A leash, a fence, a gate – some kind of control governs unexpected encounters between people and dogs. It’s a near perfect solution, except I know how deeply within a dog the instinct to run still exists, like that primal urge to howl.

Whoever first remarked that a dog’s bark is worse than its bite might have been walking beside me through my neighborhood where a pedestrian on the sidewalk can’t avoid encountering a dog lunging at a fence.

Some neighbors who have two, three or even four dogs need to look up the word cacophony in a dictionary.

I’m not worried as I walk by that the dogs will leap the fence and eat my shorts. And it’s not that I don’t have any compassion for their situation, being stuck in the yard. It’s more like a car alarm honking by accident when the owner doesn’t understand how to turn it off, or a child screaming at the top of his lungs in a store as the parent ignores the out-

burst and simply continues shopping. You know, that kind of annoyance.

Moving out of earshot, I feel sympathy for the next-door neighbor who doesn’t own a dog but is subjected to intermittent periods – day or night – of dog yapping, often a substitute for giving the dog a proper exercise. Historically, people kept dogs for hunting and protection, especially to function as a kind of alarm should their livestock or even their lives be menaced by marauders. These days security cameras do the same thing, quietly. Even a simple porch light can behave so it suddenly sprays a pool of light at anyone who steps too close to its motion-activated detector. Dog owners may also be thinking of their pets as organic alarms, or maybe they’re simply not thinking.

But the fidelity of a dog is admirable. These companions recognize the sound of their owner’s approaching vehicle and are anxiously awaiting, tails wagging, excitement rippling under the fur, even before the motor can be shut off.

I came close to owning a dog once, one that wandered into my rural acreage as I set off for a morning walk along an irrigation ditch. I unfastened the chain and he joined me, as if opening my gate signaled an invitation. Once through, he led the way, running ahead but always looking back, waiting for me to catch up. The dog’s name turned out to be Doogie, according to a neighbor who pointed up the road to where the dog lived.

That neighbor’s name was Doug.

Doogie showed up almost every day I went for a hike, and he didn’t come along because I offered treats, though he graciously accepted a little water. With the freedom to wander anywhere he chose, for some reason he latched onto me. He liked to chase rabbits and birds or whatever twitched at the side of the ditch, but his heart wasn’t in it. Then, after a couple months, he just disappeared. I walked up the road to see if he was home.

The man who lived there told me he didn’t own a dog.

I’m telling you this because your dog pretends to have just met me every time I walk past your yard. I’ve been by a hundred times, maybe more. And if I step up to the fence to re-introduce myself, the barking gets worse.

Maybe you noticed. Maybe not. Either way, this golden rule applies: a bark that goes unheeded is a bark that is unneeded.

This Week’s Sign of the Downfall:

Thumbin’It Signs of an engaged electorate for the 2020 election, with more than 1,300 ballots already returned to the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder’s Office in the presidential primary

4 n Feb. 20, 2020

– David Feela

The MTDCCSBRP Durango’s extended brown season, with a lack of snow at lower elevations which could spell trouble later when parched lands suck up the spring run-off

Police nabbing three teen suspects in connection with last weekend’s crime spree, which included more than 80 reports of property damage and vandalism between Durango and Farmington

The proposed Forest Service land swap that would give 472 acres of scenic valley floor near Wolf Creek Pass to a ranch owned by the oil and gas billionaire of Dakota pipeline fame to expand private “recreational” opportunities, in exchange for 900 acres near Chromo

SASO’s Kelsey Lansing being named Colorado’s 2020 recipient of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s Visionary Voice Award for her advocacy work for Native American women

Trump continuing to offer clemency to corrupt politicians and white collar criminals, with the pardon this week of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who had served eight years of a 14-year sentence

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The “men’s turndown collar crotch shirt bodysuit romper pajama” is finally here, which proves that fashion has turned into nothing but nonsensical words strung together randomly. This… thing was originally listed for $99 on Wish (but it’s on sale for $15), and it comes in two trendy colors: black and man-baby blue. The MTDCCSBRP is designed to prevent collared shirts from coming untucked, but what it really did was answer the question as to why some guys use the urinals, while others always seem to use the stalls.

WordontheStreet

Q

With the Durango super-cold going around, the Telegraph asked: “How are you fighting off the crud?”

Gabrielle

“By taking Echinacea Immune Boost and snuggling.”

Brendan

“I’m staying active and taking vitamin C.”

Rob

“I don’t get sick.”

Angie

“Using lots of Lysol and hand sanitizer.”

Tina

“Smothering it with whiskey and vodka.” telegraph

Feb. 20, 2020 n

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SoapBox More hospital double-dipping To the editor, This is the second installment of my double billing saga with Centura Health, the supposedly nonprofit corporate overlords for Mercy Medical Center. Last fall, I and Medicare were double billed for a routine office visit on Sept. 9 to a provider with an office in the hospital complex.

The top line charge to see the provider was $387, and the second charge was $308.92, bringing the top line charge for a routine office visit to almost $700!! I called Centura and was advised the second charge was a “facility fee” for the privilege of setting foot in their hospital. This is a new charge that looks like basic corporate price gouging.

While I and Medicare didn’t pay the top line charge, people with high-deductible health insurance might, I’ve been told.

On Dec. 12, I had another routine visit with the same provider in the hospital building. I just got the bill for that. More double billing to me and Medicare. It’s $387 to see the provider and $189.82 for what’s called “clinic – general classification.” I called Centura again and confirmed that is indeed another “facility charge.” So this time the top line bill for a routine visit is only $576.92, a screamin’ deal, right?

Interestingly, my co-pay after Medicare is the same as the Sept. 9 visit - $24.72 for the facility charge and $13.70 to see the provider. Also interesting – both charges were on one bill instead of two separate bills for the earlier visit. Is that so the patient and Medicare might be less likely to notice the double billing? Or if it’s on the same piece of paper, it’s not double billing?

The Jan. 30 Telegraph had an article from Colorado Public Radio about the role of hospitals in our state’s above the national average health care costs. The story cited a Denver Metro woman who spent two hours in the ER and was4

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hit with facility fees of $650 and $7,000. It doesn’t say if this was a Centura hospital. Do other hospitals do this?

The article ended with comments by Centura president and CEO Peter Banko. “Price is only one small part of the equation,” he said. “We’ve been able to partner with health plans and deliver greater savings and more affordability.” How do these facility fees fit in there?

Because of this corporate rip off, I’ve suggested people should schedule their health care with someone other than Mercy if an alternative is available. Is it true that the facility charge is only applied when there is no local alternative? I had an office visit with another provider located in the Mercy complex in late fall. I got the bill for that visit, but so far no facility fee bill. There are local alternatives to that provider.

Fortunately, an alternative is available for a test I need, and I’ll be doing that at Animas Surgical Hospital.

– Carole McWilliams, Bayfield

Our tough health-care choice To the editor, Current system: 1) Find a doctor: visit your insurance company’s website for a list of “preferred providers” in network. Locate a doctor, hopefully near you. Call your insurance company, be placed on hold, then find out if that provider is still in network. Call that doctor (as instructed by the insurance company) to ensure that she is in network.

2) Make an appointment with the network doctor, or an out-of-network doctor if no network doctors are available soon or near enough.

3) Call your previous doctor to have your medical information forwarded to your new doctor. Call your new doctor’s office to make sure it received your information.

Expect to be placed on hold twice.

4) Show up at your new doctor appointment, fill out forms and HIPAA statement.

5) Is this doctor one you want to continue seeing? If not, repeat steps 1-4.

6) If your doctor recommends a line of treatment, call your insurance company to find out if it covers the treatment, and to what extent. You will be given an “estimate” of coverage, together with a disclaimer that what you are being told does not bind your insurance company to actual payment.

7) If the estimate would deplete your savings, return to your doctor to find out about optional treatment, and repeat step 6.

8) If you decide on a course of treatment, you will need “pre-authorization” by your insurance company. Groove to the hold music, which you know well by now. Pre-authorization does not ensure actual payment for your procedure. If your treatment is expensive, consider your odds of getting the “coverage denial run-around,” as frequently happens. (See “bankruptcies,” step 11).

9) Receiving treatment may involve locating a specialist or surgeon, which will require repeating steps 1-4.

10) If you need surgery, or any procedure requiring anesthesia, you must ensure that both the facility and all other specialists involved such as anesthesiologists are also in network. If they are not, good luck lining up a full team that is covered by your provider. Your costs can easily be many thousands, even for preventive check-ups like a colonoscopy.

11) After your procedure, office visit or check-up, expect to receive bills months later with only obscure codes explaining what the bill is for. Search “surprise medical bill” when your coverage “didn’t happen.” Call your insurance company, be placed on hold, request information about the charges, then endure the multi-step process of appealing your lack of coverage. Your wages could be garnished, leading to one of America’s 500,000 “medical bankruptcies.”

12) During “open season” your policy will almost certainly change its details. To learn about your new coverage limits, you’ll have to read through a thick brochure of

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obscure terms, qualifications and exclusions. Your option is to read other similar obtuse brochures of competing plans. Better coverage costs more; bring your wallet & magnifying glass.

NIMA - National Improved Medicare for All (Bernie Sander’s bill S.1129): 1) Since you are covered from birth by comprehensive benefits, you will never have to forward your information from one doctor to another or fill out legal documents. All facilities will have your entire family’s complete medical history, greatly reducing medical error or fraud. All facilities will still be privately run; NIMA only pays costs, like Medicare.

2) Since all medical personnel, hospitals and clinics will be “in network,” you can simply make an appointment anywhere throughout the country. Planning a procedure requiring anesthesia will take one step, not 20. You can sleep well at night: your children, spouse, siblings and parents will have life-long coverage.

3) No confusion will exist about coverage for any medical intervention or procedure. One comprehensive plan will cover everything – far more than Medicare does now.

Your sole out-of-pocket cost – for drugs – will be capped at $200/person annually. You will never need separate insurance. Ambulance services, prosthetics, mental health, long term care, vision, dental, hearing and more will be covered.

4) Providers will not be juggling the details of 60+ different insurance policies that change every year. Nor will they repeatedly have to submit payment requests to insurance companies or wrestle for authorization for best-practices treatment, as they do currently.

5) Say goodbye to “open season.” Coverage benefits will remain comprehensive despite your financial situation. You can find employment anywhere, not based on benefits offered. Your costs in taxes will be substantially lower than now and based on your income. No one will be excluded for any reason.

– Kirby McLaurin, Durango

Feb. 20, 2020 n 7

TopStory

The Durango VFW’s iconic neon sign has become a landmark on Main Avenue. Built in 1945, the bricks were hand-made and laid by local veterans from a six-brick mold twice a day./ Photo by Stephen Eginoire

Standing strong After 75 years, Durango’s VFW finds new ways to meet its old mission

by Ken Wright

I

t’s a Main Avenue landmark. For the past 75 years, when most people drive past the squat, grey-stone building along the shore of the Animas River, they recognize it as “the VFW.” What most people don’t see, though – unless they’re a veteran or family of a veteran – is the multi-generational legacy of camaraderie, caring and community that thrives inside. Or the efforts under way to keep that legacy alive for a new and growing generation of veterans.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars was formed in 1899, following the end of the SpanishAmerican War. The goal was to create awareness about and honor those who served overseas and provide services for them and their families. Today, there are 6,160 VFW posts worldwide with more than 1.6 million regular and auxiliary members.

Durango’s VFW Post 4031 was chartered in February 1945. At that time, a volunteer force of veterans fresh from WWII constructed the building that still stands at 1550 Main Ave. on a reclaimed flood channel above the Animas River.

8 n Feb. 20, 2020

Local Vietnam veteran John Malarsie’s father, who was a WWII veteran, was among the volunteers who helped construct the building. “The bricks that face

the building were made in a six-brick mold twice a day,” Malarsie recalls. “A few guys would come in in the morning and mix the concrete for the bricks. Then another group

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of folks would come in in the afternoon, take those bricks out of the mold and make six more. Then on Saturday or Sunday, they would come in and put them up until this whole building was faced. It was amazing.”

That teamwork created a building that has held strong for 75 years, much like the organization itself, even if most people don’t see that from the outside.

“The perception of the VFW is it’s just a place where old veterans go to drink and tell war stories,” Post Commander Fritz Shry explains. “That stereotype is also the perception of many younger veterans. But this is so much more than that. We’re a veteran-service and civic organization, and we’re also trying to engage the community.”

The Durango post currently has around 240 members, plus many more auxiliary members who had family in the military.

The organization raises awareness of veterans in the region through representation at events like school sports, honor guards at funerals for service members, Memorial Day flagging on veterans’ graves in Greenmount Cemetery and managing the flags on Main Avenue for holidays and events. The 4

VFW also organizes semi-monthly veterans breakfasts at the fairgrounds, although plans are to move it to the VFW once a kitchen renovation is complete.

The VFW building itself has long been a sort of community center, as well. There is a bar, of course, which goes by the military name “the Canteen,” where Friday night karaoke is still popular. But today, the VFW is also home to the Durango Karate Club and a dance group, and hosts a range of community events, such as annual Eagle Scout awards, political gatherings, high school reunions, wedding receptions, bands, parties, quinceañeras and Snowdown events.

In addition to an inside hall with a bandstand and a covered outside picnic area alongside the Animas River Trail, the VFW is adding a second venue by remodeling the basement. As mentioned earlier, it is also upgrading its commercial kitchen.

Despite all the changes, as a new generation of veterans have settled down – “the largest pool of veterans that have been eligible to join the VFW since the Vietnam War,” says Shry – the challenge is making the VFW relevant to today’s vets.

“Part of the answer to that is in something they don’t know that they’re missing,” says Shry. “They don’t yet understand that their life is now missing the camaraderie and accountability of being with like-minded veterans or service members.

But how do you help somebody realize that they’re missing something so intangible?”

The answer to that question may lie in fresh additions to the VFW’s offerings, like the All Veterans Ball and Thursday After-

noon Social Club.

“A few years ago, a guy wanted to start a PTSD support group,” former post commander Steve White says. “I said, ‘Fine, but let’s not call it PTSD.’ So it became the Thursday Afternoon Social Club. Anybody is invited, and no one is obligated to do anything. No pressure.”

Shry, who took over as post commander from White in 2017, agrees. “The Thursday Afternoon Social Club has become the heartbeat of the changes that are going on here,” he adds. “It’s like a good-idea factory, like a subcommittee of a committee that doesn’t exist. It’s just where good stuff comes from.”

One of the successful ideas to come out of the Thursday Afternoon meetings is the All Veterans Ball, which was held for the second time this past fall. Along with being a fun and festive night – in a very military way – open to all veterans whether post members or not, the event is also a unique way to unite a range of military experiences across generations.

“For those of us who spent a lifetime in the military, military balls are very formal,” Shry explains. “But for some service members, like a lot of the Vietnam-era guys, they got drafted, went to boot camp, flew to Vietnam, and when their tour was over, they just flew back home and the army let them go. So they never got any of the neat things. This is a way for all of us to share that.”

It’s that spirit of unity, sharing and caring that has made the VFW more than just a building and a bar for 75 years – and which the new and younger leaders of the

Members new and old gather for the VFW’s Thursday Afternoon Social Club, which has become the unofficial “heartbeat” and “good-idea factory” for the Post, according to Commander Fritz Shry./ Photo by Stephen Eginoire VFW hope will continue to bring together veterans for another 75 years.

Post Quartermaster Meg Vanasse was stationed for 20 years as an Army helicopter pilot in South Korea, Kosovo and Afghanistan. After retiring from the Army, she moved to Durango in 2014 to earn an accounting degree from Fort Lewis College under the G.I. Bill. In the process, she

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found an unexpected home at the VFW. “In the military, you have this community of people who would lay down their lives for each other. And then when you leave the military you come into the civilian world, and it’s just different,” she says.

“So coming to a place like the VFW, it’s sort of like, ‘OK, I’m back among people who get each other and help each other.’” n

Feb. 20, 2020 n

9

ColoradoNews

Reining in short-term rentals New bill would allow counties to set rules for vacation rentals

by Bente Birkeland Colorado Public Radio

A

third of Summit County homes are at least occasionally used as Airbnb-style short-term rentals, according to county commissioner Thomas Davidson. As with elsewhere in the state, that brings disagreements between neighbors, landlords and guests.

“We’ve had open sewage running down a driveway because someone had overrun a septic system at a house, a crazy loud party, a bear eating overflowing trash,” Davidson said.

Right now cities can set rules on everything from parking to trash, but rules for short-term rentals operating outside of a city’s boundaries aren’t enforced in the same way.

House Bill 1093 would allow counties in Colorado to license VRBO, Airbnb and other short-term rentals that are outside cities limits in unincorporated areas. The main sponsors are from rural parts of the state that rely heavily on the tourism industry and say there have been numerous complaints about how short-term rentals are managed, from too many cars to too much noise to overflowing trash bins.

“We hope to be far more responsive, be able to address these particular problems around parking, trash, snow clearance, septic and well use,” Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, said.

According to AirDNA, a website that tracks the industry, there are currently 2,739 active short-term vacation rentals in the Dillon area alone. In the Durango area, there are nearly 900 short-term rentals, according to the site.

La Plata County does not regulate short-term rentals, and property owners are not required to notify neighbors or get an inspection, as is the case in Durango city limits.

Property owners are, however, required to remit sales and lodgers tax – although many do not. County officials have recently announced plans to crack down on vacation rentals to ensure they are paying the proper taxes. The county expects to net $370,000 in lodger and sales tax for 2019.

“We want to be able to address those out of the gate so that our short-term rental owners are aware of their responsibilities before we end up with these problems,” McCluskie said. “It is not to dampen the short-term rental market. We know they’re essential to Colorado’s very vibrant and thriving tourism economy.”

Rep. Jim Wilson, R-Salida, another sponsor of the bill, said it wouldn’t require counties to regulate short-term rentals, but he said many already are doing it through their land use regulations.

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10 n Feb. 20, 2020

A house and accompanying accessory dwelling under construction in the Animas Valley. A new law making its way through the state Legislature would allow counties to license and regulat short-term vacation rentals. La Plata County has nearly 900 short-term rentals but no laws regulating them./Photo by Stephen Eginoire “That’s the problem: ‘What (are the) county commis- ularity of people, that are looking to do different functions sioners going to do this week to regulate it?’ There’s no on their private property.” guidelines. Municipalities have it. Counties do not.”

Rep. Shane Sandridge, R-El Paso County, said his district, Davidson also said land use regulations aren’t enforced near the United States Air Force Academy, has a lot of peoin the same way as licenses. ple who temporarily rent out homes or rooms.

“Any sort of enforcement is a lengthy, time-consuming “The people in my district don’t want this,” Sandridge process that involves heading off to court. With licensing said. “They don’t need increased taxes. They don’t need inyou have the ability to immediately suspend a license, write creased regulation and they want local control. To say this someone a ticket and provide an immediate response,” won’t dampen the market when you increase regulation Davidson said. and taxes is fundamentally not true.”

During a debate in the House on Feb. 10, several RepubThe measure passed its first committee 9-2 and is exlican lawmakers expressed concerns about added govern- pected to handily clear the House. ment involvement in issues like the number of cars parked A different proposal dealing with short-term rentals is in front of a house. not expected to pass the Legislature. Senate Bill 109 would “I would just ask, is it really the government’s business, increase the taxes on short-term rentals to the same rate as whether it’s a large family reunion over the weekend or if commercial properties. it’s something else?” Rep. Tim Geitner, R-Falcon, said. “I Missy Votel contributed local content to this story. Read more just don’t know that we need to dive into that level of gran- from Colorado Public Radio at www.cpr.org.n

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dayinthelife

Gone but not forgotten

by Stephen Eginoire

S

trolling the sidewalks of downtown Main Avenue, longtime locals can’t help but reminisce about a few businesses that have etched their names in Durango’s storefront history. Hogan’s and Model Tire Store, in particular, provided our community with much-loved services since the 1930s. Although both have recently come to pass, it’s not hard to remember the sights, sounds and smells that once inhabited these Durango classics. Here’s a look:

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Feb. 20, 2020 n 15

OnStage Jason Lythgoe in full regalia as Macbeth in Merely Players’ staging of the Shakespearean tragedy./ Courtesy photo

The local Scottish play Macbeth trains Durango’s actors of tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow

by Zach Hively

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omething wicked this way comes – and such things will continue coming this way, if Mona Wood-Patterson has her way with “Macbeth.” For the Merely Players director, staging the famously cursed Scottish play is about more than bringing William Shakespeare to Durango. It’s about training local actors to perform the Bard’s works for years to come.

“I’m convinced that Shakespeare needs to be in a community,” WoodPatterson said. “In the past with Merely Players, we have brought in actors to do Shakespeare. I haven’t Lythgoe and “the dancers.”/ Courtesy photo ever done it with a local cast primarily She had to face her intentions and desires: because it takes a certain degree of training Was it more important for her to stage a play to perform Shakespeare.”

No longer. While this production of with the most experienced cast she could as“Macbeth” – running this weekend and next semble? Or to open the door to these enthuin Durango, but already sold out – continues siastic community members?

She opted for the latter. This rendition of the tradition of bringing homegrown actors back to town, the director decided to start “Macbeth” would be bigger than the play itcultivating the latent Shakespearean talent in self. It would be about the community.

“I am over the moon as a director and a the local acting scene.

The actors here already have the skills to local artist that so many people want to be stage Shakespeare, if not the experience. performing these brilliant words,” she said.

Wood-Patterson offered an acting course last “I love the idea of involving the community. summer to test the waters, and a shocking 28 People of all ages and professions. Some seapeople came. Realizing her aspirations were soned actors, some neophytes.”

The end result features the whole gamut completely doable, she held open auditions of actors. She cast L.A.-based actor Karina for “Macbeth.” Thirty-six people showed.

16 n Feb. 20, 2020

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Wolfe as Lady Macbeth in her third turn with Merely Players. Alongside her, local celebrity actor Jason Lythgoe plays the titular Macbeth (and is responsible for the requisite one-third of the total lines in the play). Other seasoned actors and dancers fill out the card, as well as actors who are brand new not only to Shakespeare but to the stage.

“At this point, I feel like it’s more important to give all these people in the community who want to play with Shakespeare an opportunity, because you can’t just go around doing that by yourself,” she said.

Wood-Patterson identifies a raw edge to the play because of this broad range of experience. She suspects that Shakespeare himself would approve, because his own performances likely veered away from a slick polished finish, too.

“I feel so lucky. I think Shakespeare would totally approve,” she said.

“Macbeth” presented a prime opportunity to invite both performers and audience members into the wild world of Shakespeare.

It’s one of his better-known plays and certainly among the top of the political tragedies. It tends to excite anticipation, if for no other reasons than its witches and its legendary curse – anyone in the business is not supposed to say the name of the play or the character out loud within the theater (though Wood-Patterson assures us that 4

exceptions are made when the play itself is being produced). And, like many of ol’ Willie’s plays, the themes are universally understood and eternally relevant.

Ambition. Impatience. Greed. Darkness, light, fighting the natural order. Fate and chaos. Violence begetting violence. WoodPatterson lists these traits alongside the intersection of the spiritual and natural world that lead audiences to so many questions: Is there such a thing as fate? Can we choose our own destinies? Can power and decency coexist, or are they always exclusive?

Macbeth, after all, is a good, brave man of action who destroys himself. His moment of decision propels him (and, in Shakespearean fashion, everyone else) into his downfall.

SPOILER ALERT: “Macbeth” is not a comedy.

The idea of unchecked power – and the fear of losing it – intrigues Wood-Patterson, yet she is adamant that Merely Players did not choose “Macbeth” as a commentary on current political affairs. “But,” she says, “we live in these times, and it’s up for an audience to take out of it what they will. Always in the world, there are questions of what happens when a person comes into power.”

Her productions reflect new angles into all of these questions. The Macbeths are often portrayed as a couple at the end of their useful careers who must make their move immediately or risk never knowing royalty. Instead, Merely Players cast the Macbeths as a younger couple – what if they are mean and hungry?

That led to Wood-Patterson casting Lythgoe and Wolfe as the leading couple. She admires Lythgoe a great deal, citing his range, depth and work ethic, and trusting his ability

to deliver some of the most famous lines in the world. And Wolfe? “People are going to love her Lady Macbeth,” Wood-Patterson says. “She’s edgy. She’s willing to take risks, and she’s on fire about her dream role here.”

The production team also unmoored the play from time, partly to show its relevance across centuries. The goal is to tell the story in a way that eliminates any kind of distance.

People can be intimidated by Shakespeare – just mentioning “iambic pentameter” takes many of us back to the worst grinds of high school English.

So Wood-Patterson leans on a certain amount of minimalism and mimed props to allow the audience’s emotional participation.

For instance, the sword fights happen without any swords. It’s not a cop-out – the cast trained with swords, then took them away, stripping these scenes down to their language and the story.

Ultimately, her choices are driven by whatever serves the moment. If Lady Macbeth dons a Renaissance gown in one scene and a hot evening gown with red knee-high boots in the next, that’s what’s happening.

“It’s really a modern style of presenting a time-honored play,” Wood-Patterson said.

Whether he would or not is perhaps inconsequential. We can expect to see more of his work staged in Durango in the coming years, increasingly with local cast members who are strengthening their chops at this very moment.

“I just believe with all my heart that theater is evidence of a vibrant community,” Wood-Patterson said. “I feel so grateful that we can work and do this play here, and I appreciate having that validation.” n

Caught in a trap: DHS presents Gregg’s psychological thriller If you missed the boat on Merely Play- schools to perform,” Mattson said. Alers’ “MacBeth,” not to worry – there is though that phrase may elicit eye rolls or plenty of theater to go conjure cheesy “after’round. Opening Feb. 28, school specials,” Mattson Durango High School said Gregg’s plays are Troupe 1096 stages the quite the opposite. “They modern psychological are fantastic, imaginative thriller, “Trap,” written and create some of the

by Stephen Gregg. most exciting theatre exThe “play-within-aperiences I’ve come play” centers around an across,” he said. incomprehensible event: Gregg showcased the every person in the audiplay at the 2018 Internaence of a high school tional Theatre Festival, play falls unconscious – which Mattson attended every person but one. with some of his stuWhat follows is a docudents. The play had the mentary-like series of instudents and chaperones JusttheFacts terviews with witnesses, on the edge of their seats.

What: “Trap,” by Stephen loved ones, first respon“We thought it fit in well Gregg, performed by Durango ders and investigators. As with our season and proHigh School Troupe 1096 the strands weave tovided something differWhen: 7 p.m., Feb. 28-29 and gether into a treacherous ent than we’ve done March 5-7 web, it becomes clear before,” he said. “It is litWhere: DHS Theatre that the events might erally unlike any theater Tickets: $16, available at not be entirely in the people have seen in Dutroupe1096.weebly.com/ past. rango.”

Troupe 1096 Director Mattson said “Trap” riBen Mattson said “Trap” is an ambitious vals some of the experimental work in his undertaking, but students are more than earlier years working in fringe theatre in up to the challenge.

Chicago and Minneapolis. “Still, I’ve never “Stephen Gregg, writes a lot of plays seen this concept played with in such an that are specifically written for high exciting way,” he said.

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Feb. 20, 2020 n 17

TopShelf

The Hammer of Gods, Latin grass and $13 Buds

by Chris Aaland

W

Putting the pieces together is my passion.

Let me help you with the real estate puzzle.

Gillian Arnwine 970-749-3704 gillian@wellsgroupdurango.com 18 n Feb. 20, 2020

e came. We saw. But the event kicked our ass. On Saturday, Uncle Steve and I took young Otto to his first-ever NHL game, nearly 40 years after I saw my first NHL game when the L.A. Kings skated against the Colorado Rockies at McNichols Arena in Denver.

The drive sucked (my buddy David Smith lives 5 miles away, but the drive home to his house was nearly two hours). The weather was cold (32 at opening faceoff, 25 by game’s end). The lines were long for both concessions and bathrooms. Beers cost $13 each (your choice, 24 oz. of Bud or Bud Light!) Two of our top players suffered injuries. And the Avs blew it against the worst team in the Western Conference, allowing the game-winning goal with 55 seconds remaining.

But it was worth it. We made new friends and rekindled old friendships. Sharing the day with my boy at the United States Air Force Academy was a once-in-alifetime experience.

KSUT Presents opens its busy 2020 season with Grammy-nominated Che Apalache at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Henry Strater Theatre. Che Apalache has quickly become a festival favorite around the country for its fusion of Appalachian old-time and bluegrass with the Latin sounds of Argentina and Mexico. The group was started by North Carolinaborn multi-instrumentalist and former Town Mountain fiddler Joe Troop, who moved to Argentina in 2010. There he taught bluegrass and old-time for a living and soon met Pau Barjau (a banjo player from Mexico), Franco Martino (guitarist from Argentina) and Martin Bobrik (mandolin, also from Argentina), who became three of his most dedicated students. They quickly became picking buddies, and in 2013 decided to form a band.

The group dropped its debut album, “Latin Grass,” in 2017 and its follow-up, “Rearrange My Heart,” two years later. Béla Fleck produced the latter, which melds Uruguayan murga, candombe, flamenco and Spanish Sephardic Jewish music with mountain gospel, old-time string band music and Stanley Brothers-style bluegrass harmonies. They don’t shy from revolutionary lyrics, either, with tunes like “The Dreamer” and “The Wall” attacking Trumpian politics head-on.

Zoso – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience returns to the Animas City Theatre on Wednesday. Formed in 1995, Zoso is much more than a tribute. Its members touch a golden era in music, capturing the live energy of Page, Plant, Jones and Bonham. Each Zoso member was carefully selected to portray both the appearance and playing styles of their Led Zeppelin counterparts. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for those anxious to swing their own hammer of the gods early.

Magic Beans and special guest Cycles plays the ACT Sunday night. The Boulder-based group led by Scott Hachey (guitar, vocals), Chris Duffy (bass, vocals) and Casey Russell (keyboards, vocals) have burst onto the national scene in a remarkably short period of time. Their combination of funk, soul and rock quickly set them apart from the pack of Colorado jam bands, making their Red Rocks debut last April. Their latest record, “Off Leash,” dropped last June. Doors open at 7:30.

The Actor’s Gang Theatre stages a powerful production, “The New Colossus,” at the Community Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday. Directed by Academy Award winner Tim Robbins, the play reflects on America’s immigrant history as

telegraph

the ensemble of 12 tells its ancestors’ stories, struggles and journeys from oppression to freedom. “The New Colossus” celebrates the courage and character of the refugees who have come to this country over the last 300 years.

It must be unofficial songwriter’s week up in Telluride. Two legendary folkies – Shawn Colvin and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jackson Browne – perform the second of two sold-out nights at 8 p.m. tonight (Thurs., Feb. 20) at the Sheridan Opera House. In what’s billed as “Sharing Songs and Stories,” expect two guitars and a combined eight decades of literate, moving lyrics and music. Tickets still remain, though, for Saturday’s Donavon Frankenreiter show, which begins at 9 p.m. His Record Player Tour finds Frankenreiter tapping into more than a dozen full-length records, hundreds of songs and 20 years on the road.

The Four Corners Musical Theatre Co. presents “DISASTER! A ’70s Disaster Movie Musical” at the Farmington Civic Center nightly through Sunday. Straight from Broadway and set in the wildest decade ever (sorry, Millennials), “DISASTER!” delivers earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos and unforgettable ’70s hits like “Knock on Wood,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Sky High,” “I Am Woman” and Che Apalache “Hot Stuff.” Crowds and critics alike have gone wild for this hilarious homage to the era of bell bottoms, platform shoes and the hustle. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. tonight through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Durango Celtic Festival (March 12-14) hosts a whiskey tasting fundraiser at 6 p.m. Friday at the Irish Embassy Pub. The $50 ticket includes six high-end whiskey samplings with appetizers.

San Juan Symphony’s Elegance & Intensity season continues with a Beethoven@250 program on Saturday (7:30 p.m. at the Henderson Performance Hall in Farmington) and Sunday (3 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall). The SJS will perform Beethoven’s monumental “Eroica” symphony, his Leonore Overture played side-by-side with student musicians, and the world premiere of “Something Deeply Hidden,” written by David Biedenbender to honor Ludwig on his 250th birthday.

Seasons hosts its annual Burning Down the House fundraiser from 4-9 p.m. Saturday. The annual event benefits Durango’s emergency responders through the 100 Club, which provides financial assistance to families of law enforcement and firefighters who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

In February 2008, a fire in the 700 block of Main Avenue destroyed three businesses, including Seasons. One year later, Seasons reopened and owners Karen & Wayne Barger have hosted the anniversary fundraiser every year since 2010. Executive chef Shane Lovelady and his team will maintain the fire theme by creating a special smoky and spicy menu. Space is limited, and reservations can be made over the phone or through Seasons’ website.

Elsewhere: Robby Overfield strums and sings at Ska Brewing at 5 p.m. tonight; Sunny & the Whiskey Machine return to Durango Craft Spirits at 6 p.m. Friday; the Badly Bent trek over to Mancos Brewing at 7 p.m. Friday; the Smelter Mountain Boys play Ernie’s 11th Street Station at 7 p.m. Saturday; and the Dolores River Brewery celebrates its 18th anniversary at 7 p.m.

Saturday with live music from Middle Ground.

They storm the crease like bumblebees? Email me at chrisa@gobrain storm.net. n

onthetown

Thursday20

Friday21

Groove & Grow, music, games and more for young children and their caregivers, 10:30 a.m., Pine River Library, Bayfield.

22nd annual Dave Spencer Ski Classic, fundraiser for the nonprofit Adaptive Sports Association, Feb. 21-23, Purgatory Resort. asadurango.com.

Living Your Best Life with Disabilities: Emergency Preparedness, co-hosted by Southwest Center for Independence, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Durango Public Library.

The Seven Rivers Farmers Market, meat, cheese, eggs, baked goods, crafts and more, 2:305:30 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio. 315-0589.

Thursday Afternoon Social Club for veterans, spouses and supporters, 4-6 p.m., VFW, 1550 Main Ave. Robby Overfield performs, 5-7 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard St.

Submit “On the Town” items by Monday at noon to: calendar@durangotelegraph.com

Tim Sullivan performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Sitting Meditation, 5:30-6:15 p.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave. Self-Support Kayak Clinic, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 4Corners Riversports, 360 S. Camino del Rio.

Dustin Burley performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Sheryl and Beau performs, 5:30 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave. Sunny and the Whiskey Machine performs, 6-8 p.m., Durango Craft Spirits, 1120 Main Ave. 247-1919.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., DJ Hakan 9 p.m.-close, Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave. Karaoke, 7 p.m.-close, VFW, 1550 Main Ave. Ecstatic Dance with DJ Omega, 7-10 p.m., VFW, 1550 Main Ave. “Four Weddings and an Elvis,” presented by Farmington’s Theater Ensemble Arts, 7:30 p.m., show also runs Feb. 22, and 2:30 p.m., Feb. 23, Totah Theater, Farmington. 505-326-2839.

Saturday22

Open Mic Night, 6-8 p.m., Eno Wine Bar, 723 E. 2nd Ave.

Pine Needle Langlauf: Nordic Ski Marathon & Festival, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Durango Nordic Center. duran gonordic.org/langlauf.

“Origin Stories,” inspirational conversations with local creatives, 6-8 p.m., Barbara Conrad Gallery, Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangocre ativedistrict.org.

Henry Stoy, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Jean-Pierre Wine Bar, 601 Main Ave.

Gary B. Walker performs, 6:30 p.m., JeanPierre Wine Bar, 601 Main Ave. “Advice from the S/He Shed: A Re-Evaluation of What it Means to be Mas©uline,” part of the Life-Long Learning Lecture series, 7 p.m., FLC Noble Hall, Room 130. www.fortlewis.edu.

Robin Davis performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main.

Karaoke, 8 p.m., Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. 2nd Ave.

Coffee and Conversations: A shared meal with local homeless and food-insecure residents, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Schneider Park. www.communitycompassio noutreach.com.

“Burning Down the House,” benefit to support Durango’s emergency responders with proceeds going to the 100 Club, 4-9 p.m., Season’s, 764 Main Ave. www.seasonsdurango.com.

Adam Swanson performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. “Two Old Guys,” works from Peter Alphonso

Martin, opening reception, 6-7 p.m., exhibit runs thru March 21, Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangoarts.org.

Jeff Solon Jazz Trio, 6-10 p.m., Seven Rivers Steak House, Sky Ute Resort, Ignacio.

The Durango Voice semi-finals, fundraiser for Manna Soup Kitchen, 7 p.m., Henry Strater Theater, 699 Main Ave. www.mannasoupkitchen.org.

Smelter Mountain Boys perform, 7-10 p.m., 11th Street Station, 1101 Main Ave. Magic Beans perform with special guest Cycles, 8:30 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Dr. www.animascitytheatre.com.

DJ Side Affex, 9 p.m.-close, Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Sunday23 Free Skiing, also runs March 29, Kendall Mountain in Silverton. www.skikendall.com.

Henry Stoy, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Jean-Pierre Wine Bar, 601 Main Ave. Irish Music Jam, 12:30-4 p.m., Irish Embassy, 900 Main Ave. Blue Moon Ramblers, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Joel Racheff performs, 6 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Open Mic Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Hermosa Coffee Roasters, 738 Main Ave.

Monday24 Joel Racheff performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Meditation and Dharma Talk on mortality and the poignancy of life, 5:30-7 p.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave., Suite 109. www.durangodharmacenter.org.

Rob Webster performs, 6 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave. 4

Get to work in winter style!

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from p. 19

Thank the Veterans potluck, 5:30 p.m., Peter Neds performs, 7-8:30 p.m., VFW, 1550 Main Ave. 828-7777.

Contiki Party with the Aussies, 9 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Terry Rickard performs, 6 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.

Tuesday25 “Red Sea Security,” part of the Great Decisions Discussion Group, 11:45 a.m., Durango Public Library.

“Colorado Experience: Western Water – and Power” screening, panel discussion to follow, 6-8:30 p.m., Fort Lewis College Ballroom. Register at www.fortlewis.edu.

Ribbon Cutting for the Durango Creative District, 5 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangocreativedistrict.org.

Open Mic Night, 7:30 p.m., The Roost, 128 E. College Dr.

Terry Rickard performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

Karaoke with Crazy Charlie, 8 p.m.-close, Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. 2nd Ave.

Rotary Club meets, presentation from Heath Nero, of The Wyss Foundation, 6 p.m., Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave. 385-7899.

ZOSO: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience, 8:30 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Dr. www.animascitytheatre.com.

Super Ted’s Super Trivia, 6:12 p.m., Union Social House, 3062 Main Ave.

Ongoing

OntheTown

“Soil Health: What is it, why you should care and how to improve it,” 6:30 p.m., Animas Valley Grange, 7271 CR 203.

DJ Crazy Charlie hosts Karaoke, 6:30-10:30 p.m., Billy Goat Saloon, Gem Village.

Leah Orlikowski performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave. Che Apalache in concert, presented by KSUT, 7:30 p.m., Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave. ksut.org.

The Actors’ Gang: “The New Colossus,” directed by Tim Robbins, 7:30 p.m., show also runs Feb. 26, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com.

Latin Dance Night, 8 p.m., Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. 2nd Ave. Open Mic Night, 8 p.m.-close, Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Wednesday26 Donny Johnson performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

20 n Feb. 20, 2020

“Retrospective Art Show: 1960-2020” by Peggy Cloy, thru March 24, Smiley Building 2nd floor, 1309 E. 3rd Ave. “Inside Out: Visions from the Artist’s Mind,” thru April 2020, Southern Ute Museum. www.southernutemuseum.org.

Upcoming Paws for Celebration, annual fundraiser for Lisa Parker’s Puppies, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Feb. 27, Wild Horse Saloon, 201 E. 2nd Ave. lisaparkerspuppies.com.

The Met: Live in HD, featuring Handel’s “Agrippina,” 10:55 a.m., Feb. 29, Student Union Vallecito Room, FLC. www.durangoconcerts.com.

Community potluck and farmer presentation for 0% loans, 4:30 p.m., Sat., Feb 29, Manna Soup Kitchen, Durango. www.fourcornersslowmoney.org.

Lawn Chair Kings perform, doors open, 6:30 p.m., show begins, 7-9 p.m., Feb. 29, Sunflower Theatre in Cortez. www.sunflowertheatre.com.

Mr. B’s Vaudeville Show, hosted by the Secret Circus Society, 8 p.m., Feb. 29, The Garage, 121 E. 8th St. secretcircussociety.com.

telegraph

Joint Advisory Meeting on E-Bikes, 5-7 p.m., March 4, Durango Rec Center. www.durangogov.org.

Donny McCaslin performs, 7:30 p.m., March 4, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com.

15th annual Durango Independent Film Festival, March 4-8. www.durangofilm.org.

One-Man Trunk Show and Native American Film Reception featuring Ray Tracey, March 5-6, Sorrel Sky Gallery, 828 Main Ave. 247-3555.

Veterans Breakfast, 9-11 a.m., March 5, La Plata County Fairgrounds. 946-4831.

“Come to Your Senses,” presented by Pilobolus Dance Theatre, 7:30 p.m., March 9, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangocon certs.com.

Leftover Salmon performs, 7:30 p.m., March 12, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durango concerts.com.

Free Legal Clinic, 4-5 p.m., March 13, Ignacio Library.

Dirtwire performs, 8:30 p.m., March 14, Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Dr. www.animascitythe atre.com.

Yarn performs, 7:30 p.m., March 15, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangocon certs.com.

Deadline for “On the Town” submissions is Monday at noon.

To submit an item, email: calendar@durango telegraph.com

FreeWillAstrology

by Rob Brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do you feel ready to change your mind about an idea or belief or theory that has been losing its usefulness?

Would you consider changing your relationship with a once-powerful influence that is becoming less crucial to your lifelong goals? Is it possible you have outgrown one of your heroes or teachers? Do you wonder if maybe it’s time for you to put less faith in a certain sacred cow or overvalued idol? According to my analysis of your astrological omens, you’ll benefit from meditating on these questions during the coming weeks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When she was alive more than 2,500 years ago, the Greek poet Sappho was so famous for her lyrical creations that people referred to her as “The Poetess” and the “Tenth Muse.” (In Greek mythology, there were nine muses, all goddesses.) She was a prolific writer who produced over 10,000 lines of verse, and even today she remains one of the world’s most celebrated poets. I propose that we make her your inspirational role model for the coming months. In my view, you’re poised to generate a wealth of enduring beauty in your own chosen sphere. Proposed experiment: Regard your daily life as an art project.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Have you ever dropped out of the daily grind for a few hours or even a few days so as to compose a master plan for your life?

The coming weeks will be an excellent time to give yourself that necessary luxury. According to my analysis, you’re entering a phase when you’ll generate good fortune for yourself if you think deep thoughts about how to create your future. What would you like the story of your life to be on March 1, 2025? How about March 1, 2030? And March 1, 2035? I encourage you to consult your soul’s code and formulate an inspired, invigorating blueprint for the coming years. Write it down!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian novelist William Makepeace Thackeray (1819– 75) is famous for “Vanity Fair,” a satirical panorama of 19thcentury British society. The phrase “Vanity Fair” had been previously used, though with different meanings, in the Bible’s book of Ecclesiastes, as well as in works by John Bunyan and St. Augustine. Thackeray was lying in bed near sleep one night when the idea flew into his head to use it for his own story. He was so thrilled, he leaped up and ran around his room chanting “Vanity Fair! Vanity Fair!” I’m foreseeing at least one epiphany like this for you in the coming weeks, Cancerian. What area of your life needs a burst of delicious inspiration?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Who loves you best, Leo? Which of your allies and loved ones come closest to seeing you and appreciating you for who you really are? Of all the people in your life, which have done most to help you become the soulful star you want to be? Are there gem-like characters on the peripheries of your world that you would like to draw nearer? Are there energy drains that you’ve allowed to play too prominent a role? I hope you’ll meditate on questions like these in the coming weeks. You’re in a phase when you can access a wealth of useful insights and revelations about how to skillfully manage your relationships. It’s also a good time to reward and nurture those allies who have given you so much.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Doom and gloom dominate the forecasts made by many prophets. They experience perverse glee in predicting, for example, that all the rain forests and rivers will be owned by greedy corporations by 2050, or that extraterrestrial invaders who resemble crocodiles will take control of the U.S. government “for the good of the American people,” or that climate change will eventually render chocolate and bananas extinct. That’s not how I operate. I deplore the idea that it’s only the nasty prognostications that are interesting. In that spirit, I make the following forecasts: The number of homeless Virgos will decrease dramatically in the near future, as will the number of dreamhome-less Virgos. In fact, I expect you folks will experience extra amounts of domestic bliss in the coming months. You may feel more at home in the world than ever before.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I don’t require everyone I learn from to be an impeccable saint. If I vowed to draw inspiration only from those people who flawlessly embody every one of my ethical principles, there’d be no one to be inspired by. Even one of my greatest heroes, Martin Luther King Jr., cheated on his wife and plagiarized parts of his doctoral dissertation. Where do you stand on this issue, Libra? I bet you will soon be tested. How much imperfection is acceptable to you?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio comedian John Cleese co-founded the troupe Monty Python more than 50 years ago, and he has been generating imaginative humor ever since.

I suggest we call on his counsel as you enter the most creative phase of your astrological cycle. “This is the extraordinary thing about creativity,” he says. “If you just keep your mind resting against the subject in a friendly but persistent way, sooner or later you will get a reward from your unconscious.” Here’s another one of Cleese’s insights that will serve you well:

“The most creative people have learned to tolerate the slight discomfort of indecision for much longer, and so, just because they put in more pondering time, their solutions are more creative.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Sagittarian philosopher Baruch Spinoza (1632–77) developed a vigorous and expansive vision.

That’s why he became a leading intellectual influence in the era known as the Enlightenment. But because of his inventive, sometimes controversial ideas, he was shunned by his fellow Jews and had his books listed on the Catholic Church’s Index of Forbidden Books. Understandably, he sometimes felt isolated. To compensate, he spent lots of time alone taking wide-ranging journeys in his imagination.

Even if you have all the friends and social stimulation you need, I hope you will follow his lead in the coming weeks by taking wide-ranging journeys in your imagination. It’s time to roam and ramble in inner realms.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Absolute reason expired at eleven o’clock last night,” one character tells another in Henrik Ibsen’s play “Peer Gynt.” I’m happy to report that a different development is on the verge of occurring for you, Capricorn. In recent days, there may have been less than an ideal amount of reason and logic circulating in your world.

But that situation will soon change. The imminent outbreak of good sense, rigorous sanity and practical wisdom will be quite tonic. Take advantage of this upcoming grace period. Initiate bold actions that are well-grounded in objective rather than subjective truth.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Renowned Aquarian composer Franz Schubert (1797–1828) created more than 700 compositions, some of which are still played by modern musicians. Many of his works were written on and for the piano, and yet he was so poor that he never owned a piano. If there has been a similar situation in your life, Aquarius – a lack of some crucial tool or support due to financial issues – I see the coming weeks as being an excellent time to set in motion the plans that will enable you to overcome and cure that problem.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 1908, British playwright W. Somerset Maugham reached the height of success. Four of his plays were being performed concurrently in four different London theaters. If you were ever going to achieve anything near this level of overflowing popularity or attention, I suspect it would be this year. And if that’s a development you would enjoy & thrive on, I think the coming weeks will be an excellent time to set your intention & take audacious measures.

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Feb. 20, 2020 n 21

classifieds

Deadline for Telegraph classified ads is Tuesday at noon.

Ads are a bargain at 10 cents a character with a $5 minimum. Even better, ads can now be placed online: durangotelegraph.com. Prepayment is required via cash, credit card or check.

(Sorry, no refunds or substitutions.)

Ads can be submitted via: n classifieds@durango telegraph.com n 970-259-0133 n 777 Main Ave., #214 Approximate office hours: Mon., 9ish - 5ish Tues., 9ish - 5ish Wed., 9ish - 3ish Thurs., On delivery Fri., 10:30ish - 2ish please call ahead: 259-0133.

Announcements

Accounting Services Payroll, sales tax, bank & credit card reconciliations, HR & support. 970-4035339.

Hey Guys...

Looking for a great hairstylist? Consistent and reliable you found me Denene at Shampoo Salon 970 247 5620 accepting new clients appointments preferred walk ins welcome.

Lowest Prices on Storage!

Inside/outside near Durango and Bayfield, RJ Mini Storage. 970-259-3494.

Harmony Organizing and Cleaning Services Home and office 970-403-6192.

Himalayan Kitchen 992 Main Ave., 970-259-0956, www.himkitchen.com. Bringing you a taste of Nepal, Tibet & India. Try our allyou-can-eat lunch buffet. The dinner menu offers a variety of tempting choices, including yak, lamb, chicken, beef & seafood; extensive veggies; freshly baked bread. Full bar. Get your lunch punch card – 10th lunch free. Hours: Lunch, 11am-2:30 p.m. & dinner, Sun. Thurs., 5-9:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. ‘til 10 p.m.

Closed 2:30 - 5, daily.

The Perfect Gift for your favorite dirtbag. Literature from Durango’s own Benighted Publications. The Desert, The Climbing Zine, The Great American Dirtbags, American Climber, Climbing Out of Bed and Graduating From College Me are available at: Maria’s Bookshop or on the interweb at www.climbingzine.com.

HelpWanted Seeking PT Labor, Comfortable in tight crawlspaces, oppt for growth, good people & good pay.

Must have building or const exp. 970903-6642

Services TriBody Wellness Life aligned discover, reset, renew Dannielle Arceneaux 435.229.9705 tri bodywellness.com

22 n Feb. 20, 2020

Marketing Small and Local Businesses Media, social media, website content, SEO, etc. for small, local, independent or startup businesses. Email jnderge@ gmail.com Advanced Duct Cleaning Air duct cleaning specializing in dryer vents. Improves indoor air quality; reduces dust and allergens, energy bills and fire risk. 970-247-2462 www.advanced ductcleaninginc.com

Wanted Cash for Vehicles, Copper, Alum, Etc. at RJ Metal Recycle. Also free appliance and other metal drop off. 970-259-3494.

Classes/Workshops Hula Dance Workshop Series: Basics Live your aloha. Learn Hawaiian culture, hula dance & chant. Four Sundays: Feb 23 - March 22 (no class on March 1).

11am.

Smiley Building.

Ananda 970.403.5402 Salsa Dance Classes Come check out the best salsa dance classes in the Four Corners! A new 6 week session begins at the Wild Horse this Tuesday, February 25th. Levels 3-5 at 6:30-7:15; Levels 1/2 at 7:15-8pm. Cost: $80/person, drop in: $15. Couples & student rates too!

Practice time/Latin Dance Night begins

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after 8pm, open to the public. Contact Lou at salsadancedurango@gmail.com, visit salsadancedurango.com for more info, and like us on FB @Salsa Dance Durango. See you on the dance floor!

Mommy and Me Dance Class Come join the fun! Now registering for classes. Call 970-749-6456. mommy andmedance.com.

BodyWork Massage by Meg Bush, LMT 30, 60 & 90 min dwntwn Dgo 970759-0199. massageintervention.life Voted best massage in Durango 201819. Couples, cupping, local CBD. Reviews on FB + Yelp. 970-903-2984 Massage with Kathryn 20+ years experience offering a fusion of esalen style, deep tissue massage with therapeutic stretching & Acutonics. New clients receive $5 off first session. To schedule appt. call 970-201-3373.

ForSale 2002 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Great condition V6 automatic with standard wear and tear Rhino lined bed mud tires with tons of tread shocks recently replaced K&N aftermarket air intake $7,850 970-769-1621.

Reruns Home Furnishings New arrivals: beautiful artwork, lots of mirrors, side tables, lamps, rugs, night stands, glassware and linens. Cool vintage dishes – Pyrex & Fiestaware.

Storewide sales. 572 E. 6th Ave. 385-7336.

RealEstate Radon Services Free radon testing and consultation.

Call Colorado Radon Abatement and Detection for details. 970- 946-1618.

ForRent Affordable Housing Homes for sale, less than $20K. Homes for rent, less than $800/mo. Mobile home

HaikuMovieReview ‘Zion’ Think your life is tough?

Take ten minutes, watch this, and get over yourself – Lainie Maxson sites, $285/mo + W/S. Clean, safe, family friendly community in Aztec, NM. Only 45 min from Durango. 505-334-7100 sunsetvillagemhc.com. We can help you move your home!

CommunityService DAC Announces 10th Annual 10– Minute Play Contest The Durango Arts Center invites both emerging and professional playwrights to submit 10-minute plays by Feb. 29. A staged reading of the top five finalists takes place in the spring followed by the 10–Minute Play Festival, featuring the winners and finalists, in the fall. Visit www.DurangoArts.org. For more info on the 10–Minute Play Contest, contact Mandy Gardner at mandy@durango arts.org.

Alternative Horizons is currently looking for volunteer advocates, including those who are bilingual, to staff our 24-hour hotline. AH supports and empowers survivors of domestic violence. Make a difference in the lives of others, come join us for a free comprehensive training. Next volunteer training March 4th and 5th. For more info call the office at 970-247-4374.

The Free Bag, Bag Free Project Needs old T-shirts to turn into reusable shopping bags. There are now T-shirt collection bins at the Durango Public Library and Smiley Building. Help also needed sewing. Sewing days at Stitch the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 1:30-4:30 p.m. durangobeyondplastic@gmail.com La Plata Thrive! Living Wage Coalition is seeking steering committee members! Are you passionate about social justice? Do you have a knack for nonprofit organizing? Apply today at thrivelaplata@gmail.com or visit thrivela plata.org!

AskRachel Interesting fact: Turns out there really isn’t such thing as a sugar allergy. But there is sugar intolerance … and plenty of people who are sugar-intolerance intolerant.

Dear Rachel, My friend says she has a sugar allergy, and so she can’t eat anything sweet or anything with added sugar, period. I know we’re not supposed to question people’s medical needs. But this just feels fishy. If she’s allergic to sugar, why can she eat non-added sugar? And I’ve never heard of a sugar allergy. Should I call her bluff on this one?

Slip her some of the refined stuff and see what happens?

– Sweet or Sour Dear Sugar Baby, Yeah, a sugar allergy sounds suspicious. But here is what I’ve learned. If you choose not to eat something, like sugar or meat or dairy or anything the texture of cottage cheese, people give you endless crap and pressure you to break your rules. So if you say you’re allergic to things the texture of cottage cheese, it shuts them up. In most cases. Except yours. It literally (and I mean literally) does not affect your life if she abstains from the sweet.

You’ll be much less an ass if you just let it slide.

– Raw and unrefined, Rachel Dear Rachel, Have you ever had some woo-woo warrior tell you that all the bad things happening in your life (sickness, being broke, tough boss, etc.) are because of your bad energy? So systemic poverty isn’t because of insufficient social support sys-

tems and a top-heavy wealth distribution? It’s just because billions of people worldwide have negative downer thoughts? That’s such bull honky. And it just pisses me off.

– I’ll Give You Bad Thoughts Dear Woo-woo Poo-poo, You make sound points. But … bull honky? How can anyone take you seriously with vocabulary like that?

“Honky” isn’t even a faux-polite word for “feces.” It’s a derogatory word for white people. So, you might as well have said “bull cracker.” Though a lot of white people are full of it, which is a leading contributor to that systemic poverty you’re going on about… so maybe it’s apropos after all.

– Honky tonk woman, Rachel Dear Rachel, I’ve noticed jigsaw puzzles are making a comeback. Now they’re being marketed as a Zen activity. I’m starting to wonder if my grandparents were way ahead of the curve on the whole mindfulness thing. Either that, or it’s now just hip to be old. I just don’t get the appeal of staring at a thousand pieces of a broken image and trying to put it back together. The picture is on the box, so there’s not even any surprise. What the what is the big deal here?

– Call Me Puzzled Dear Puzzled, Pretty sure the point of a Zen activity isn’t to be surprised. Pretty sure it’s also not to accomplish anything.

Email Rachel at telegraph@durangotelegraph.com Some people like to center themselves and dedicate moments to an activity whose sole purpose is to calm them.

Some people find joy in relaxation and contentment in the simple task of completing a jigsaw puzzle. Maybe it’s a way to deal with the toxic effects of a sugar allergy.

Who knows? But seriously, what did a jigsaw puzzle ever do to you?

– Missing some pieces, Rachel

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Feb. 20, 2020 n 23

24 n Feb. 20, 2020

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