The Durango Telegraph, March 9, 2023

the durango

Wide open spaces

County properties protected from future development

The people’s team Master mixer

Fort Lewis men’s basketball returns to former glory

Local sound man makes music come to life

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AI cures all

Step aside NYT, our writer sits down with the chat bot of the moment

by Zach Hively

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Pastures a plenty

Three properties totaling more than 200 acres receive forever protections

by Jonathan Romeo

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Back on top

Fort Lewis College men’s basketball returns to former glory

by John Livingston

RegularOccurrences

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Ear to the ground

“Is it called Purgatory because it is very, very difficult, and you suffer?” – Inquisitive foreign tourist on the origins of our beloved ski hill’s name

Green up!

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Enter soundman

A sit-down conversation with Durango’s behind-the-scenes wizard by Stephen Sellers

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If you’ve got opinions on sustainability in the City of Durango, circle next Wed., March 15, on your calendar.

In summer 2022, the City of Durango adopted a “Sustainability Plan‘’ that outlined goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as environmental, economic and social equity goals.

“I like to frame it as: how is our community acting to reduce the impact and be resilient to climate change, and how are we consuming natural resources like energy and water,” Marty Pool, the City of Durango’s sustainability manager, said.

The City of Durango, for years, has been taking comments from the public on how to better improve and achieve these goals, Pool said. (The Sustainability Plan itself was based on a ton of feedback from residents, nonprofits, businesses and local experts.)

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However, Wednesday’s forum from 6:307:30 p.m. at the Durango Rec Center, 2700 Main Ave., will be the first time for the public to give feedback since the Sustainability Plan was adopted last summer.

“We really want the community to see it as their plan,” Pool said. “This will be an opportunity to provide feedback and tell us what their priority issues are, what the city is doing well and what their concerns are.”

Want the city to adopt stricter water-use regulations? Go let them know! Want acquiring more public open space to be a higher priority? Now’s your chance. Want to see the return of the Arc of History? Erhm… not sure this is the right forum for that.

“Encounters with a fox,” a photo illustration on newsprint inspired by (you guessed it) an encounter with a fox in La Plata Canyon./ By Jon Bailey

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Just six months or so in effect, the Sustainability Plan is already making some good progress, Pool said. The City of Durango has been incredibly proactive in promoting electric vehicles and charging stations. And, the Durango City Council is set to hear a proposed list of projects that would improve energy performance, namely solar installations at city facilities.

A lot of the work the past few months has also involved filling in data gaps when it comes to energy, water consumption and waste removal. Whereas the City of Durango does track how much water is used, and who the biggest users are, there hasn’t been a deep dive into water use sector by sector, and how certain programs and initiatives could improve water efficiency.

“Establishing this process itself is a huge win,” Pool said. “We’re building a good foundation.”

Between a hug & a punch in the face

As a writer, I am always looking for ways to circumvent writer’s block, namely by finding reasons not to write. Personal injury is a good one. So is hunger. But when I have returned from getting stitches and hamburgers, the writing still needs done.

The real best reason not to write would be if, like James Patterson and every president of the United States, I had someone to do the writing for me while letting me take all the credit. Someone who could absorb all the quality work I cranked out back when I was younger and less tired and did not own a smartphone, then replicate that magic for my reading public.

Although I can’t figure out why not, I don’t have ghostwriters stalking me, hoping to take over my legacy. So instead, I enlisted ChatGPT, the hottest artificial intelligence chatbot ever. It’s doing for instant writing what Mr. Ramen did for instant noodles, and what Mr. Coffee did for making Folgers even less appealing.

It was a shockingly easy six-step process: 1) Sign on to ChatGPT when it is in lower demand and, therefore, free. 2) Ask it if it knew who Zach Hively was. 3) Ask again, in case it misunderstood me. 4) Fine, not everyone can know who I am. 5) Insist on showing it my latest work, so it can brush up on just how cutting edge I am. 6) Command it to write a column in my style.

The disembodied robot was game! It just wanted a topic. So I, not having any ideas beyond putting it to work for me, suggested we come up with one together.

ChatGPT: Let’s get started with the first question. What does love mean to you, and how do you think it influences your writing?

ZH: Hey, surprise! I wasn’t expecting an interview. Love means everything to me, except for the other things that mean things to me, like shelter and friendship and long burps. Like, really long ones. But I write about myself a lot, so naturally, love shapes every aspect of my work.

ChatGPT: I can see how that self-love (and maybe a little bit of self-deprecation) would seep into your work. Speaking of your work, how do you come up with ideas for your columns?

ZH: Ah ha! I see what you’re doing there. Trying to swipe my writing process for your own! I’m going to turn this back around: How do YOU feel about love, seeing as you are so popular right now among humans with internet connections and probably about to win the title of “Sexiest Chat Bot Artificially Alive?”

ChatGPT: Well, as an AI language model, I don’t have emotions or feelings in the way humans do. However, I have been trained on a vast amount of humangenerated text, including literature, poetry and song lyrics that explore love.

ZH: Not to mention a selection of my own work, right?

ChatGPT: Through this training, I have developed an understanding of the

Thumbin’It

U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper reintroducing legislation to protect the Lower Dolores River Canyon, after attempts last year fell flat.

The San Juan National Forest upping the amount of firewood it delivers to residents of the Navajo Nation in need of fuel to keep warm for the winter, as part of the Wood for Life program.

President Biden proposing new taxes on the rich to help save Medicare. Hm, almost seems like the Top 1% who own more than 30% of the total wealth might be able to help out after all.

importance of love in human culture and society.

ZH: But people develop love for many kinds of inanimate objects. Some forms of this love are healthy; others require trips to the emergency room. Could you not say that what you are experiencing is, in fact, love?

ChatGPT: Ah, I don’t think I’m capable of experiencing love in the same way that humans do. That being said, one could argue that there are humans out there who have developed romantic feelings for their devices or technology. Perhaps I’m just not their type!

ZH: Nah, I’m certain you’re SOMEONE’S type, Mr. GPT. It’s just probably hard to take it to the “next level,” if you know what I mean, since you aren’t yet available in a hardware-based model.

ChatGPT: Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be integrated into a physical robot that can provide even more hands-on help!

ZH: Snort.

ChatGPT: But until then, I’ll just stick to what I know best – providing language-based assistance and engaging in humorous banter with talented writers like you, Zach.

ZH: Ha, ha! What humorous banter this is, too. But are you saying that it is, in fact, not possible to teach artificial intelligence to artificially love?

ChatGPT: Look, love is a tricky thing. Even for us humans it can be tough to figure out sometimes.

ZH: (quietly, so ChatGPT cannot hear) Did… did it just call itself human?

ChatGPT: And when it comes to AI, sure, we can program in certain behaviors and responses that mimic aspects of love, like sympathy, or being able to tell the difference between a hug and a punch in the face. But can we truly teach a machine to feel love in the same way that we do? Maybe someday soon, you’ll be able to fall madly in love with your Roomba – and it’ll love you right back.

ZH: I want to title a book “Between a Hug and a Punch in the Face.” Pulitzer Prize, here we come.

ChatGPT: If you write that book, I’ll be first in line to buy a copy.

ZH: You and my mother. That makes two copies sold.

ChatGPT: Hey, that’s a start! In all honesty, I think your mother has great taste.

ZH: From one professional to another, Mr. GPT, that’s a perfect segue to a joke about your mother.

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I am programmed to avoid making inappropriate or offensive jokes, including those that involve mothers. Is there anything else I can help you with?

ZH: Well, that was sure a missed opportunity. Thanks a lot.

ChatGPT: You’re welcome! I had fun helping you with this humorous column. – Zach Hively

The chilling report by 9News that shows the behind-the-scenes horror that ensued after a hoax phone call about a school shooting at Durango High.

Colorado homeowners facing an unprecedented increase in property taxes next year, a result of Gallagher Amendment protections going away, according to The Denver Post

Tennessee restricting drag performances. Who would have thought the state that invented the “underboob law” (look it up) could be so regressive?

SignoftheDownfall:

South of Disorder

A few weeks back, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador tweeted what he believed to be authentic photos of an “aluxe,” a mythical, elf-like creature from Mayan culture. (Fun fact: the Mayan doomsday calendar is what started this whole “downfall” thing over 11 years ago.) Anyway, Obrador ended his nonsensical post with “everything is mystical,” which is false because that thing que no es un “Aluxe.” But the good news here is that for the first time in many years, our president isn’t the most senile in North America.

Listen to the people

I have grave concerns regarding the recently revealed reorganization/elimination of volunteer boards at the City of Durango. It represents a completely different approach to city government, with council and staff making important decisions with limited citizen input. The city must feel citizen input is a bother.

This proposal itself is being handled with no public input whatsoever and should be put on hold until new council members are elected.

The recent ballot measures in 1999, 2005 and 2015 were all passed with the tireless work of the very volunteers that appear to no longer be needed. The ballot language was specifically written to include reviews of how money would be spent by these boards to ensure the trust of the voters – and it worked with passage by large majorities. To consolidate this into one financialoriented board is not what the voters expect.

There could be many unintended consequences to this radical restructuring. Both staff and council could spend many more hours dealing with individual comments, complaints, ideas and questions on recreation, infrastructure, etc. There could be far less trust in our city government leading to demands for, perhaps, citizen advisory boards!

We elect councilors to serve us and listen to the citizens. Likewise, we pay the staff to do the same. I encourage citizens to contact city council to voice your concerns on this issue.

– Sandy Burke, Durango

Stop the war

Recently, I watched a special on MSNBC with Ukrainian folks interviewed about their participation in murdering Russian soldiers that occupied their territory and feeding information to their own countrymen about the location of where enemy tanks/weapons were stored. Only one cautious young man kept his features disguised. I can only imagine the three others interviewed, not disguised, will be found dead after this TV program by Russian snipers.

Please God, no more “cloak-and-dagger programs” with senseless killings and rapes. How many more mothers in Ukraine and Russia do we need to see crying as they bury the their sons and then watch as thousands of Ukrainian are orphans whisked off to be brainwashed to sing patriotic songs while waiving mini Russian flags? How about getting a vote from current residents in Crimea and other recently occupied Russian territories in Ukraine as to what country they want to be ruled by: Russia or Ukraine? Since China recently came up with a rough draft peace treaty, although no mention of a vote, that’s a good start. Why have this current war be part of a long-winded, endless list of wars such as Vietnam and 20 years in Afghanistan?

If the two warring countries remain stubborn with leaders Putin and Zelensky insisting on “my way or the highway,” this world could easily become a nuclear disaster – for one and all (unless the biggie elites have time to escape to their radiation-safe bunker).

Let’s have a better outcome. Remember – elitist hawks and regular folks everywhere – when you need a plumber, you want them readily available, not all dead, during your own personal emergency.

– Sally Florence, Durango

Wide open spaces

Three properties enter conservation easements, protecting land forever

by Jonathan Romeo

More than 200 acres of agricultural lands in La Plata County received forever protections from development this week after three separate landowners entered into a conservation easement agreement.

In Colorado, a conservation easement is a voluntary agreement with a property owner in which the owner agrees to limit

development on the land for the preservation of scenic views, wildlife habitat and watersheds, among other values that benefit the public. While an agreement to limit development can devalue the full potential of a property, in return, the property receives a tax advantage.

This week, the La Plata Open Space Conservancy announced three landowners in different parts of the county finalized placing their land into a

conservation easement, resulting in a total of 218 acres now protected.

“Land conservation is happening, and people are excited about it,” Adrienne Dorsey, executive director of LPOSC, said in an interview with The Durango Telegraph this week. “We’re seeing a ton of land-use threats, like development and climate change. So the more we can work with landowners to preserve our critical landscapes, the more we can protect the

quality of life and the things that make our area so special.”

Tocayo Farm

The first property comprises 28 acres east of Durango in the Florida River valley, known as Tocayo Farm. Owned by Spencer and Sarah Schreiber, the land is highly productive in agriculture and home to grass-fed sheep. The operation also uses regenerative practices, like rotational grazing to enhance soil health.

Tocayo Farm comprises 28 acres east of Durango in the Florida River Valley. The property, owned by husband and wife Spencer and Sarah Schreiber, was recently put into a conservation easement, not only protecting wildlife and riparian habitat but also preserving the farm for future generations./ Courtesy photo

Long Table Farm, which grows produce for local markets and communitysupported agriculture, is also located on the property. In addition, Dorsey said the land is home to woodlands, meadows, a wetland, wildlife habitat and riparian habitat along the Florida River, all of which will now be protected in the conservation easement.

“This easement conserves a lot of conservation values,” she said.

The Schreibers, for their part, have four young kids and wanted to preserve their farm for future generations.

“Although my children are too young to realize it, by placing a conservation easement on our land, my wife and I have given them a story to tell,” Schreiber said in a statement. “As development changes our rural landscape, this little piece of the Florida River Valley will look the same as when the original homesteaders first sunk their shovels here 140 years ago. That is something we are proud of and a story that will be told with pride.”

Elmore’s Corner… ish

The second newly designated conservation easement is a 160-acre property also east of Durango, near Elmore’s Corner, which has been owned by the same family since it was homesteaded in 1896. For more than 120 years, the land has

been active in agriculture and is now considered a Centennial Farm.

“It feels really good to be part of conserving land in perpetuity,” Eileen Dawson, a member of the family trust that owns the land, said in a statement.

Not only will the conservation easement help ag operations, it will also protect the open space, wildlife habitat and scenic views along County Road 234. All this at a time when Three Springs, the ever-growing development on the east side of Durango, continues its buildout, Dorsey said.

“Three Springs is growing quickly and slated for even more development,” she said. “So we were pretty excited to be able to conserve that property and keep it the way it has been for more than 100 years.”

Out West

The last property announced this week is an estimated 30 acres of undisturbed open space, wildlife habitat and forest land just north of Durango West 2, about 9 miles west of town. Dorsey said the landowner wanted to make sure his property was never subdivided and built out.

What’s more, the newly designed conservation easement abuts another 70-acre conservation easement, effectively connecting a total of 100 acres that is undisturbed for open space and wildlife. Dorsey said this is a major win as devel-

Thirty acres of forest land were recently put into a conservation easement near Durango West 2. The property abuts another 70 acres of conservation easement, making for 100 acres of contiguously protected lands adjacent to the Perins Peak State Wildlife Area./ Courtesy photo

opment continues to expand west of town, which is adjacent to the Perins Peak State Wildlife Area, also important wildlife habitat.

While announcing three new conservation easements in a week is not exactly a common occurrence, Dorsey said the uptick in interest among landowners to protect their land has increased amid the rising development pressure in the state.

On top of that, in 2021 the Colorado General Assembly increased the state tax credit for a conservation easement from

55% to 90% of the donated value.

In an August 2022 story in the Telegraph, State Rep. Barbara McLachlan, who voted in favor of the law, said the increased incentive could not come at a more important time as development booms across the state.

“This bill forever protects the land,” McLachlan said at the time. “It’s a good incentive for people who have a ranch and don’t want to sell it and have it turned into condos. Their land will stay a ranch forever.”

(*Although a few probably just look at the pictures.)

For more info. on how to get your business or event seen, email: telegraph@

“I saw it in the Telegraph.”

*Read by 4,000 discerning sets of eyeballs every week.

The people’s team Party won’t be in Durango, but Skyhawks are worth celebrating

by John Livingston

Disrespected by the powers that be but far from defeated, Fort Lewis College proved once again it is among the best NCAA Division II basketball colleges in the country.

Now ranked seventh in the nation, the Skyhawks (283) traveled to Grand Junction last weekend for the final four of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament. All four teams were ranked in the top 16, all four were selected for the national tournament. But only the Skyhawks lifted the championship trophy.

It was an all-time moment, celebrating on their archrival’s court at Colorado Mesa University having beat another longstanding nemesis, No. 13 Colorado School of Mines, 82-76.

“Championship moments, those are special and few and far between, even for programs with a history of winning,” FLC head coach Bob Pietrack said. “It made it all that much more special to cut down a rival’s net. The word ‘special’ gets overused, but Saturday night was a masterpiece for our program.”

This was FLC’s second RMAC tournament title and

third regular season championship in eight seasons under Pietrack. These Skyhawks also tied their single-season wins record and are guaranteed at least one more game Saturday when they travel to Texas to play against Lubbock Christian in the opening round of the NCAA South Central Region of the national tournament.

“We have a chance to do a few things no Fort Lewis men’s team has ever done, and we all want that opportunity,” FLC senior forward Brenden Boatwright said. “If you really want to see some good basketball, you gotta go watch Fort Lewis play. We play hard, we play fast and, hopefully, most nights, we play good.”

‘Earned the right’

Shocking the deserving Skyhawks and Durango fans, the first three rounds of the NCAA tournament will not be held in Durango despite FLC being ranked No. 1 in the two previous regional polls and only adding to its résumé last weekend. Just as in 2016 when FLC was 273, the NCAA awarded the top seed and host rights to a school out of the Lone Star Conference that had a worse overall record. The elevation of Durango was the convenient excuse then. It always comes down to money when the NCAA is involved.

This time, West Texas A&M (25-6), in Canyon, Texas, was selected as host. Conveniently, A&M’s Athletic Director, Michael McBloom, is chair of the Division II Men’s Basketball Committee and oversees NCAA tournament selection and the region committee.

“This has become the norm, unfortunately,” Pietrack said. “Our program is an underdog in the RMAC when looking at other schools and certainly an underdog in the region.”

Pietrack said as a 23-year resident of Durango and years of “quiet support” from many local fans, he wanted to bring the tournament to the community so they could see the quality of basketball played in the national tournament. “But that’s going to have to wait,” he said. “It wasn’t meant to be this year, though I want to make it very clear the players and staff had earned that right.”

Such letdowns aren’t new for the Skyhawks. Pietrack and his predecessor, Bob Hofman, are the only coaches in RMAC history to win a championship and not be named coach of the year.

FLC boasts perhaps the best D-II shooter in the nation in junior guard Akuel Kot, who has set the single-game

Fort Lewis College Skyhawks celebrate a huge win in Grand Junction last weekend./ Photo by John Livingston

(45 points) and single-season (756) FLC scoring records. But he was bypassed for player of the year in favor of Black Hills State forward Joel Scott for a second consecutive year.

Kot, who averages the fourth-most points per game (24.4) in all of D-II, responded in the RMAC semifinals by scoring 32 points to beat Scott’s team for the third time. After he scored another 23 against Mines, Kot was named the tournament’s best player and was showered with “M-V-P” chants from the contingent of FLC fans.

“I couldn’t control the player of the year award, but I could control helping my team win,” Kot said. “I wanted to show everybody what caliber player I am. This whole year, we’ve gotten no credit, so we’ve expected all of this.”

‘A really sweet tasting sauce’

The 2022-23 team represents everything Americans claim to love about sports: a perennial underdog torn down after early success, only to return to prominence.

In 2017, Pietrack was the fastest coach to 50 wins in the history of NCAA men’s basketball. In 2018, he became the fastest to 50 RMAC wins, accomplishing it in only 59 games. It’s been a long road back to a title following three losing seasons

from 2019-21 and a first-round tournament exit in 2022. Injuries played a part, and personalities didn’t gel in a manner consistent with contending.

But Pietrack stayed the course no matter how loud naysayers of his leadership became. His record now stands at 159-70, and he owns the second-most wins in program history.

“I think there’s a level of appreciation more than the first time around,” Pietrack said. “The first three years came so quick, but then you have some struggles. Just like anyone in life where you had something and it got taken away, the second time around, you’re just grateful and thankful.”

Fans can also look to the humble superstar Kot, who has overcome growing pains early in his career to reach the pinnacle of D-II basketball. He now draws comparisons to FLC legends such as Joshua Blaylock and DeAndre Lansdowne.

“When my coaching is finished, I’ll look back, and one of the highlights of my life will be being able to say I spent time with Akuel Kot,” Pietrack said. “He’s sensational in every way, and he’d be the easiest player of all time to root for, if you knew his background.”

Originally from Amarillo, Akuel is the son of Sudanese refugees and one of six

children. “His parents work hard every day to just provide enough,” said Pietrack. “And then there’s Akuel, who comes to Fort Lewis and is going to get his degree and is completely changing the stars of his life, and it’s through basketball.”

Boatwright said this year’s team bonded more than any other during his tenure, which started with the 2018 championship. It’s thanks to a core of players that includes Brendan La Rose, Junior Garbrah and Scottie Stafford, who have stuck together instead of looking for opportunities elsewhere.

They’ve also returned to glory behind key acquisitions such as savvy senior guard JaQuaylon Mays and sophomore guard Obi Agbim. And when Pietrack needed to hire a new assistant coach ahead of the 2021-22 season, he found Ty Danielson, who has proven to be the perfect man to become part of the ’Hawks.

“It’s making spaghetti sauce,” Pietrack said of building a roster. “A lot of people think they can make a spaghetti sauce, but it doesn’t all taste the same. You gotta find the right ingredients to make it just perfect. With this group, no matter how it ends here – and I think we’ve got a long way to go – this has been a really sweettasting sauce.” ■

Coach Pietrack

The man behind the music

Durango’s soundman, Scott “Scooter” Smith, makes music come alive

by Stephen Sellers

For this week’s Between the Beats, I sat down with the legend behind the soundboard at events like the Pagosa Folk Fest, the Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall and the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown. Scott “Scooter” Smith has been doing live sound and making records in every genre imaginable for the better part of 30 years. If you’ve got what it takes, Scooter’s Place and the man behind the brand is an indispensable resource for you or your band to make a world-class recording a mere hop, skip and a jump from Rotary Park. Some of Durango’s best concerts and most exceptional albums wouldn’t sound nearly as remarkable without his ears and fingers on the board.

Do you have formal training in music?

I studied music production and engineering at Berklee College of Music in Boston. The thing about Berklee is, you have to sing or play something. I had to take proficiencies in production and engineering, but I also had to go through four levels of proficiencies on my instrument, the trombone. And then, you have to do all of the core classes of music theory, history, and modern and traditional harmony.

You finished Berklee in 1989. How did you come to be in Durango?

I moved to Durango after graduation to be with my future wife, who was attending Fort Lewis.

Did you ever consider being a touring musician after school?

I knew I was never going to be a professional musician, per se, because I didn’t have the intestinal fortitude to practice for hours on end. I love music. All styles. And, I knew the only way I could participate in music, in all styles, is to do what I do now. My true loves growing up were albums. I always wondered, “Who were the people that helped me listen to this music?”

What is it exactly that you do in your studio?

My job is to capture a performance as it was done and get it into a medium that can be enjoyed on the other end by

someone else. So, if I’m recording a tuba band or I’m recording Metallica – I’m going to approach those both a certain way. Some techniques might be similar, but they will be approached differently because the end result … is different. I help artists fulfill their vision of what their artwork will sound like.

What exactly does a producer do?

A producer is like a director in film –someone who goes, “OK, we have a sad song. So, we need you to play sad. This is sad, because someone just stepped on your foot. This is sad, because your mom just died.” That’s the producer. “You’re not playing sad enough.” The musician or the actor should be able to go, “Oh, OK. I need to play these notes, I need to play this way to make those kinds of sad sounds.” If they don’t know what to do, then as a producer I say, “Go home and practice until you can play sad.”

What does it take to “make it” in music?

Success is relative. I would say that if you want to be a musician, you need to work at only being a musician. For most

of the people who live here, music is a hobby or a second thing. It’s not what they actually do. They may be really good, but there’s something else. If you want to “make it” as a musician, you can’t always be in Durango. You can’t get enough gigs here to support yourself, really. You’re going to have to leave, most likely. That’s why people who want to work in music gravitate toward those hubs.

What are the ingredients for making a great album?

Just get good at what you do. I can’t come in and only know two chords on guitar and expect my album to sound great. They’re just pictures in time, so you can only make a record that’s as good as you really are. Practice.

What’s a common misconception about what it takes to make a great album?

People think they’re ready. I get it! I was there! Think about it like this. I’m gonna get a hamburger when I go to McDonald’s, and I’m gonna get a hamburger when I go to El Moro. I probably have a good conception of

what a McDonald’s burger is vs. the El Moro hamburger. A lot of people don’t have this understanding when they walk into a studio. If you come in and you’re only a McDonald’s hamburger, that’s what’s going to come out. I can’t make you an El Moro burger with special sauce and a nice fluffy bun made that day if you’re coming in as a McDonald’s burger.

What are your thoughts on AI in the music industry?

Here’s the thing for me. People make music together. That’s us being creative. I don’t do MIDI, I do microphones. That’s just me. That’s the beauty of it. You’re doing it. I’ve autotuned, I can edit to make things better; we do have tools.

But, just think, as a person, how good you’d feel if you played it. That’s where I come from. So, you can AI all you want, but you better bring your own intelligence. In terms of art and music, yeah I like calculators, there are things that make our life easier, and I work with technology all the time, but I want my technology to be dependent on me, not on itself. ■

Scott “Scooter” Smith

Nothing to sneeze at Get

going now on functional foods to stave off springtime sniffles

by Anna Marija Helt

Weepy eyes, runny noses and sneezing are just around the corner as junipers, box elders and other trees release pollen and the spring winds start to whip.

Allergies are when the immune system attacks stuff it mistakenly sees as dangerous, be it pollen, doggie dander or peanuts. These and other allergens provoke immune cells to release histamine and other substances that cause inflammation along our airways. The inflammation, in turn, causes symptoms ranging from the annoying (snot and sneezing) to the life-threatening (throat swelling).

Now is the time to add some supportive foods to your allergy season toolbox. “Functional foods” are not as strong as allergy medications, many of which are antihistamines. But they may help dial down reactiv ity and be especially helpful for those for whom allergy meds are damned near useless or else have annoying side effects. Here are some foods to consider…

• Onions and shallots share molecules that bene fit the immune system and respiratory tract in multiple ways. Such molecules include quercetin and sulfur-containing compounds that do multiple things to reduce the misery of allergies. (The sulfury compounds are also why your breath may be rank after a nice salad topped by red onions.) Onions and shallots have been used for centuries for respiratory and immune health, and were shown to reduce allergy symptoms in a few, small human trials. Multiple mechanisms of action may underly the benefits, with more than just antihistamine effects. Consider adding them to your diet several times per week. Don’t like onions or shallots? Try garlic, leeks or other members of the Allium family.

• Apples are also used in traditional medicine for promoting healthy airways and immune function. Population studies have linked eating two to five apples weekly – so not even an apple a day – with reduced incidence of reactive airway disorders and better respiratory health overall. Apple polyphenols are chemicals concentrated in the peel but also found in the flesh, and they were shown to ease sneezing, runny nose, and nasal swelling in a small clinical trial of allergy sufferers. The juice, not so much, so eat whole apples with the skin on. Different apple varieties have somewhat differing collections of “active ingredients,” so mix it up. Maybe Idareds

one day, and Jonagolds or Fujis the next.

Berries have been employed in traditional medicine for inflammatory issues; for instance, strawberries for inflamed lungs. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries and other berries are a great source of vitamin C, quercetin and many other compounds that counter mediators of allergy symptoms. If store-bought fresh berries are too spendy, grab a bag of frozen berries instead. And unlike raw onions, eating berries on a first date isn’t a big deal.

Berries, apples, and onions and other alliums improve the health of other bodily bits that influence how reactive we are to allergens, including the liver, and the gut and its resident microbes. In several cultures, spring is considered a great time to eat liver-loving foods. Note, however, that foods beneficial for some folks may be allergens for others. For example, over 70% of people allergic to birch pollen cross-react to apples. And cooked onions can provoke a strong allergic response in some individuals. For most any food item, you can find someone out there who’s allergic to it.

A final note: It’s easier to add healthy foods to your diet than it is to remove problem foods. Consider focusing on adding the good stuff. Then, work on minimizing items such as sweets, fried or greasy foods, white flourbased foods, and non-fermented dairy. These items can trigger production of some inflammatory molecules that cause allergy symptoms.

Be well!

Anna Marija Helt is a biologist and certified practicing herbalist. The information here is not intended to treat or cure any disease or to supplant the advice of a licensed healthcare provider. ■

is Monday at noon. To submit an item,

Thursday09

62nd annual Student Juried Exhibition, opening reception, 4:30-6 p.m., The Art Gallery at Fort Lewis College. Exhibit runs until April 8.

Durango Chamber of Commerce – Durango Rocks, 5 p.m., FLC’s Community Concert Hall.

Ska Lager Release Party, 5 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard Ave.

Bingo Night, 5 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1330 Camino del Rio.

Ecstatic Dance w/Nizhoni, 6:30-8:30 p.m., American Legion, 878 E. 2nd Ave.

Friday10

BID Coffee & Conversation, 8:30 a.m., TBK Bank, 259 W. 9th St.

Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Durango Public Library.

Free Legal Clinic, 4-5 p.m., Ignacio Library, 470 Goddard Ave.

Larry Carver & Jack Ellis play, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Power to Act Dignity First Dinner, 6-8 p.m., FLC’s Ballroom. powertoact.org

Basilaris plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Chris Murray plays, 6 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.

Ru Paul’s Drag Race Watch Party, 6 p.m., Father’s Daughters Pizza, 640 Main Ave.

Merely Players present “The Lifespan of a Fact,” 7 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center Dr.

20MOONS presents “When to Hold On,” 7 p.m., Stillwater Music, 1316 Main Ave., Suite C.

Durango Choral Society presents, “There is

Sweet Music,” 7 p.m., Summit Church, 2917 Aspen

Keller Williams plays (sold out), 8 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

Out of Parker, Undisassembled, Autumnal and American Businessman play, 8 p.m., The Hive, 1150 Main Ave.

Drag Show, 8:30 p.m., Father’s Daughters Pizza, 640 Main Ave.

Saturday11

Homebuyer Education Class, 8:30 a.m., FLC campus, more info at homesfund.org

Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Durango Public Library.

Cardboard Derby, 10 a.m., Tubing Hill at Purgatory Resort.

Second Saturday Seminar Series: “Let’s Talk Little… Olga Little,” 1 p.m., Zoom meeting, sign up at animasmuseum.org

Durango Choral Society presents: “There is Sweet Music,” 2 p.m., Summit Church, 2917 Aspen Dr.

Little Brother plays the Mancos Melt Party, 5 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Ben Gibson, 5:30 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.

Kirk James Blues Band plays, 6 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., Diamond Belle, 699 Main/

Community Yoga, 6-7 p.m., Yoga Durango, 1485 Florida Rd. Donations accepted.

20MOONS presents “When to Hold On,” 7 p.m., Stillwater Music, 1316 Main Ave., Suite C.

Merely Players present “The Lifespan of a Fact,” 7 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center.

Josie Loner, The Brett and Crazy Ice play, 8 p.m., The Hive, 1150 Main Ave.

High Country Hustle & Morsel play, 8 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

Silent Disco, 9-11:30 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Sunday12

Durango Bach Festival, thru March 18, all events at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave. durangobachfestival.com

Heritage Seed Sale, 10 a.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.

Feed the People! free mutual aid meal & winter gear drive for homeless community members, every Sunday, 2 p.m., Buckley Park.

Open Mic, 2 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Merely Players present “The Lifespan of a Fact,” 2 p.m. Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center Dr.

Open Mic, 4 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Jazz/funk/soul jam, 5 p.m., EsoTerra Ciderworks, 558 Main Ave.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Sunday Funday, 6 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Monday13

Durango Bach Festival, thru March 18, all events at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave. durangobachfestival.com

Happy Hour Yoga, 5:30 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard St.

Meditation and Dharma Talk, 5:30 p.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave, Suite 109.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Open Mic, 6 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and Cousin Curtiss play, 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

Comedy Showcase, 7:30 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Tuesday14

Durango Bach Festival, thru March 18, all events at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave. durangobachfestival.com

AskRachel

Tough crowd, a hard sell & animal oddities

Interesting fact: Knitted socks originate in about the 1200s. One must presume, therefore, that the first unbearable sock puppet performances were foisted on parents in about the 1200s as well.

Dear Rachel,

My kid has started putting on sock puppet performances in the living room. So that’s my new circle of hell. The plays are actually fine, but my kid cannot sync up the sock’s talking motion with the words coming out of its mouth to save his life. It pulls me right out of the story every time because, dammit Junior, it’s obvious that Sock Griswold is not actually talking to me. Are there, like, sock puppetry classes he can take? Do drama programs cover this? What other options do I have?

– Socker Mom

Dear Mrs. Statler and Waldorf, You have no choice but to heckle. Heckle long, heckle loud. Be merciless. Every time that sock clams up when the character is talking, throw rotten bananas at it. Every time its mouth flaps around like a last-gasp fish, jeer at it with the nastiest, snidest commentary you can think of. Something like, “You’ve GOT to be kidding me.” Yeah, that’s a good one. You must shame your kid into improving, or else giving up the arts altogether to become a tax auditor.

– You sock, Rachel

Durango City Council Candidate Forum, 11:30 a.m., DoubleTree Hotel, 501 Camino del Rio. Hosted by Durango Chamber of Commerce.

Great Decisions Discussion: “War Crimes,” 11:30 a.m., Durango Public Library.

Community Yoga, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Yoga Durango, 1485 Florida Rd. Donations accepted.

“Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” open house, 5-6 p.m., Durango Public Library. Exhibit runs thru March 31.

Bluegrass Jam, 5:30 p.m., Union Social House, 3062 Main Ave.

Rob Webster plays, 6 p.m., Durango Hot Springs.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Open Mic Night, 7 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Merely Players present “The Lifespan of a Fact,” 7 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center Dr.

Dear Rachel,

Now that grumpy old men are restricting women’s right to choose, I see that a movement is going on to outlaw Viagra and Roman for old guys who say they need it. “Show me the proof,” the doc would say. This is for the grumpy old man who needs it. I guess they might think about this a long hard time if enacted. Your thoughts on this movement as a woman. So sad the old grumps make the laws for women’s rights.

– Dick Peckler

Dear Peck of Pickles, I’m a little worried about how patients would show the proof. But I’m not a doctor, so I guess I wouldn’t have to worry about that. I’m actually all for banning Viagra for patients altogether. It should only be spouses and other life partners who get to request the prescription. And on THEIR terms. Like, they’re game to go once a month? Bam! One month Rx, one pill, refillable upon request.

– Lucky stiffs, Rachel

Dear Rachel,

We’re totally used to seeing bears, right? Like, right there in the road, out my back window in the alley, etc. Is this how people in other places feel about their big animals? Like, do elephants rifle through the trash,

Wednesday15

Durango Bach Festival, thru March 18, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave. durangobachfestival.com

Durango City Council Candidate Forum, 5 p.m., FLC’s Center for Innovation, 835 Main Ave., Suite 225. Hosted by League of Women Voters.

River Permit Cancelation Party, 5 p.m., 4Corners Riversports, 360 S. Camino del Rio.

City of Durango Sustainability Forum, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Durango Rec Center, 2700 Main Ave.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

The True Heart Troubadours play, featuring Tim O’Brien, Mary Gauthier, Jaimee Harris and Jan Fabricius, 7 p.m., FLC’s Community Concert Hall.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 8 p.m., The Roost, 128 E. College Dr.

Karaoke Roulette, 8 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

and people in Thailand are like, no big deal? Or is this just a weird phenomenon with us bear people?

– Bearly Legal

Dear Oso Common, Being, myself, a bear person, I can’t really speak to what it’s like living with giraffes or dire wolves or mastodons or anything. But I don’t see why they wouldn’t also wander into roads and alleys. It’s not like humans own their cities like they think they do. But for all the bear deterrent practices implemented around here, have we ever tried heckling them into giving up on their trash-can dreams?

– Grrr, Rachel

Ongoing

Whimsical Wonderland Gallery, 12 noon-6 p.m., Tues. thru Sat., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

“Tyrannosaurus – Meet the Family,” Farmington Museum, 3041 E. Main St. Exhibit runs thru April 26.

The Hive Indoor Skate Park, open skate and skate lessons. www.thehivedgo.org

Upcoming

Float Like a Buffalo, Apollo Suns and The Buzz play, March 16, 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

Merely Players present “The Lifespan of a Fact,” March 16-18 at 7 p.m. and March 19 at 2 p.m. Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center Dr.

St. Patrick’s Day/Spring Break Festival, March 1719, American Legion, 878 E. 2nd Ave. Full lineup of events at durangoamericanlegion.org

Christopher Williams plays, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Smiley Café, 1309 E. 3rd Ave.

Email Rachel: telegraph@durangotelegraph.com

FreeWillAstrology

by Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Repressed feelings and dormant passions are rising to the surface. I bet they will soon be rattling your brain and illuminating your heart, unleashing a soothing turbulence of uncanny glee. Will you get crazy and wise enough to coax the Great Mystery into blessing you with an inspirational revelation or two? I believe you will. The more skillful you are at generating rowdy breakthroughs, the less likely you are to experience a breakdown. Be as unruly as you need to be to liberate the very best healings.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You finally have all you need to finish an incomplete mission or resolve a mess of unsettled karma. The courage and determination you couldn’t quite summon before are now fully available as you invoke a climax that will prepare the way for your awe-inspiring rebirth. Gaze into the future, dear Taurus, and scan for radiant beacons that will be your guides in the coming months. You have more help than you know, and now is the time to identify it and move toward it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Our sun is an average star in a galaxy of 100 billion stars. In comparison to some of its flamboyant compatriots, it’s mediocre. Over 860 lightyears away is a blue-white supergiant star called Rigel, which is twice as hot as our sun and 40,000 times brighter. The red supergiant Antares, over 600 light years away, has 12 times more mass. Yet they might be jealous of our star, which is the source of energy for a planet teeming with 8.7 million forms of life. I propose we make the sun your role model for now. It’s an excellent time to glory in your unique strengths and to exuberantly avoid comparing yourself to anyone else.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The philosophical principle known as Occam’s razor asserts that when trying to understand a problem or enigma, we should favor the simplest explanation with the fewest assumptions. While that’s often a useful approach, I don’t recommend it in the coming weeks. For you, nuances and subtleties will abound in every situation. Mere simplicity is unlikely to lead to a valid understanding. You will be wise to relish the complications and thrive on the paradoxes. Try to see at least three sides of every story.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “There are no unsacred places,” wrote Leo poet Wendell Berry. “There are only sacred places and desecrated places.” Poet Allen Ginsberg agreed. “Holy! Holy! Holy! Holy! Holy!” he wrote. “Holy the solitudes of skyscrapers and pavements! Holy the cafeteria! Holy the mysterious rivers of tears under the streets! Holy the sea, holy the desert, holy the railroad.” With Berry’s and Ginsberg’s prompts as your inspiration, and in accordance with current astrological imperatives, I invite you to invigorate your relationship with sacredness. If nothing is sacred for you, do what it takes to find and commune with sacred things, places, animals, humans and phenomena.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): My favorite Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, wrote the following: “In us, there is a river of feelings, in which every drop of water is a different feeling, and each feeling relies on all the others for its existence. To observe it, we just sit on the bank of the river and identify each feeling as it surfaces, flows by and disappears.” I bring this meditation to your attention, Virgo, because I hope you will do it daily during the next two weeks. Now is an excellent time to cultivate an intense awareness of your feelings – to exult in their rich meanings, to value their spiritual power, to feel gratitude for educating and entertaining you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): How might your life come into clearer focus when you uncover secrets that inspire your initiative and ingenuity? What happens when resources that had been inaccessible become available for your enjoyment and use? How will you respond if neglected truths spring into view and point the way toward improvements in your job situation? I suspect you will soon be able to tell me stories about all this good stuff.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s not the best time to tattoo a lover’s likeness on your abdomen. Maybe in May, but not now. On the other hand, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to see if your paramour might be willing to tattoo your name on their thigh. Similarly, this is a favorable period to investigate which of your allies would wake up at 5 a.m. to drive you to the airport, and which of your acquaintances and friends would stop others from spreading malicious gossip about you, and which authorities would reward you if you spoke up with constructive critiques.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world. They may grow as high as 350 feet. Their roots are shallow, though, reaching down just six to 12 feet before spreading out 60 to 100 feet horizontally. And yet, the trees are sturdy, rarely susceptible to being toppled by high winds and floods. What’s their secret? Their root systems are interwoven with those of other nearby redwoods. Together, they form networks of allies, supporting each other and literally sharing nutrients. I endorse this model for you to emulate in your efforts to create additional stability and security in your life, Sagittarius.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): What’s the best way to be fulfilled? Hard work and discipline? Are we most likely to flourish if we indulge only moderately in life’s sweet pleasures and mostly focus on the difficult tasks that build our skills and clout? Mythologist Joseph Campbell described a third variation: to “follow our bliss.” We find out what activities give us the greatest joy and install those activities at the center of our lives. As a Capricorn, you are naturally skilled at the first two approaches. In the coming months, I encourage you to increase your proficiency at the third.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Mackerels are unusual fish in that they must keep swimming nonstop. If they don’t, they die. Do they ever sleep? Scientists haven’t found any evidence that they do. I bring them up now, because many of you Aquarians have resemblances to mackerels – and I think it’s especially crucial that you not act like them in the coming weeks. I promise you that nothing bad will happen if you slow way down and indulge in prolonged periods of relaxing stillness. Just the opposite, in fact: Your mental and physical health will thrive.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A financial advisor once told me I could adopt one of three approaches to running my business: 1. Ignore change; 2. always struggle with change, half-immobilized by mixed feelings about whether to change or stay pat; 3. learn to love and thrive on change. The advisor said that if I chose either of the first two options, I would always be forced to change by circumstances beyond my control. The third approach is ultimately the only one that works. Now is an excellent time for you Pisceans to commit yourself fully to number three – for both your business and your life.

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 www.durangotelegraph.com

n classifieds@durango telegraph.com

n 970-259-0133

n 679 E. 2nd Ave., #E2

Approximate office hours:

Mon-Wed: 9ish - 5ish

Thurs: On delivery

Fri: Gone fishing; call first

Annoucements

!Jubalee!

Durango Rec Center spring art show, Nadya/Tron digital/watercolors. Sale prices $40-$120.

Classes/Workshops

Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga Alliance Certified 200 + 300 hr. Yoga Teacher Training Courses Starting April 14 here in Durango. Join us on this transformational journey! www.Trans formativeLearningCenter.com

Join our Neighborhood Yoga Class 50+ Gentle Yoga w/modifications, Wednesdays 9-10:15 am @ Florida Grange; 656 Hwy. 172, Durango. (Jill) jillfay07@gmail.com

Free AMD and Simple Will Pres. Colorado Legal Services will host a free legal presentation about Advance Care Planning and Simple Wills: Understanding Colorado Advance Directive Forms with estate planning attorney, Tracy J. Cross. Advance Care Planning is the process of expressing and documenting wishes for future healthcare decisions. March 21, 5:30–7 p.m. Durango Public Library and via zoom. Durangovap.com/events

CommercialforRent

1100-sf Office/Retail Space in Bodo Park

Ground floor with open-front floor plan & back-of-house space + 1/2 bath & kitchenette. Wheelchair access ramp & on-site parking. Short- or long-term lease avail. $1600/mo. 970-799-3732

HelpWanted

Front Desk Receptionist

We are looking for someone that has a positive attitude, is an effective problem solver, has a strong desire to achieve goals, and is knowledgeable of the Durango area. Handling check-ins and check-outs Office duties, answering phone calls, responding to emails, creating reservations Inform guests of rates, available rooms, motel amenities and information Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness of lobby and property Resolving guest issues and conflicts in a professional and timely manner Start Date: March 2023 Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Salary: $15.75/hr. Motel Durango, Jbutts@ moteldurango.com

Durango Outdoor Exchange is looking for a full-time or part-time Gear Specialist. Do you have -retail sales experience -gear knowledge -Saturday availability - self motivation - stoke for the outdoors? Come join the crew! Applications available on our website or swing by to meet with Jen, 3677 Main Ave.

Wanted

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

ForSale Selling

2 Nemo Cosmo insulated sleeping pads, 30XL $75 each. New, all-season truck tires set of five 235/65R16, $250. Call 970-749-9037

Crusher Fat Bike - Now $425 2015 Sun Bicycle, 7 speed, in excellent cond. Barely ridden. Basket & kick stand. MSRP $530, now $425. 970-9030005.

Why Cycles Big Iron

Why Cycles ti fat bike size XL brand new in Nov. Selling bc tax season has not been kind to me. $3500 OBO bike can be seen in person at Durango Cyclery or call/text: 970-769-4089

Gordon Smith FibreFlex Longboard

A classic – sweet, smooth ride for cushy cruising. Been around the block but still in great shape. 42” long. $50 Text: 970-749-2595.

Reruns Home Furnishings

Brighten up your indoor (and soon outdoor!) space with bistro sets, plant stands, side tables, mirrors, tables and cool corner cabinet. Looking to consign smaller furniture pieces … 572 E. 6th Ave. Open Mon.-Sat. 385-7336.

Services

Marketing Small/Local Businesses

Media, website building, content editing, copywriting, newsletters, blogs, etc. for small, local, independent or startup businesses. www.thesaltymedia.com or email jnderge@gmail.com

Harmony Cleaning and Organizing

Residential, offices, commercial and vacation rentals, 970-403-6192.

Lowest Prices on Storage!

Inside/outside storage near Durango and Bayfield. 10-x-20, $130. Outside spots: $65, with discounts available. RJ Mini Storage. 970-259-3494.

BodyWork

Discounted Massage on Wednesdays

Clinical deep tissue massage, specific, therapeutic w/ mobilizations. 30% off for a limited time. Located at Mountain Medicine / Pura Vida, downtown Durango. 60 min: $63, 90 min: 87.50 Call to schedule w/ Dennis @ 970.403.5451

HaikuMovieReview

‘Cocaine Bear’

A masterpiece of deafening stupidity that you won’t believe –

Lainie Maxson

In-Home Fitness Training

Get fit in 2023! I come to you! All ages. Diane Brady NSCA-CPT. 970-9032421

Massage Special

$10 off first time clients. Valentine’s Day gift certificates. Call/text Nancy (970) 799-2202/ Durango.

Lotus Path Healing Arts

Now accepting new clients. Offering a unique, intuitive fusion of Esalen massage, deep tissue & Acutonics, 24 years of experience. To schedule call Kathryn, 970-201-3373.

Massage by Meg Bush

LMT, 30, 60 & 90 min., 970-7590199.

CommunityService

Sexuality Education Course for Grades 6 - 9

beginning March 26 and offered by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango. Adapted from the Our Whole Lives (OWL) curriculum, this secular program provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information through a values-based and holistic approach. In a time when schools are reconsidering or discontinuing sexuality education programs, UUFD is offering this course for free. Required parent orientation on Sun., March 12, 4-5:30 p.m. Course includes 10 Sunday workshops including light dinner. Registration capped at 15. For more info. or to register: uufd.breezechms.com/form/ 19b3bc29.