The Durango Telegraph, Sept. 2, 2021

Smelling like wet dog since 2002

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FREE Sept. 2, 2021 Vol. XX, No. 34 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

Lights, camera, action

On board

Vinyl revival

Reflections on the biggest little film festival in the West p7

Locals partner to make SUPS with some mountain flair p8

After 3-year void, Durango now has a new record shop p11

Coming in hot Issue 17 of The Gulch is out soon!

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

To find out about advertising opportunities or get a subscription, email: steve@gulchmag.com

2 n Sept. 2, 2021

telegraph

lineup

7

4 La Vida Local

From stars to sunsets, reflections on 28 years at Telluride Film Festival

4 Thumbin’ It

Roll ’em

by Monica Castillo Colorado Public Radio

5 Word on the Street 6 Soapbox

8

7 Regional Story

SUPer fun

Artist, owners of Outdoor Exchange, partner on paddleboard venture

8-10 Local News

by Jennaye Derge

Ear to the ground: “I didn’t micro dose; I macro-dosed.”

– Local woman lamenting the fact that she failed to heed the “start slow” edible consumption advice

Pulling out

thepole

RegularOccurrences

In a world where politics have infiltrated nearly every facet of daily life, even the ski world is not immune. Recently, iconic outdoor sportswear company Patagonia, which has never shied away from political and environmental activism, announced it would pull its products from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

The announcement came after resort’s owner Jay Kemmerer hosted a fundraiser for the far-right “House Freedom Caucus” group.

According to a report in WyoFile, the event was attended by controversial figures like former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and U.S. Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has supported conspiracy theories of election fraud and that the Parkland and Las Vegas shootings were planned, and, on more than one occasion, said Democrats eat babies.

11 Murder Ink

10

12-13 Stuff to Do

Back in the groove

13 Ask Rachel

After three-year void, Toast record (and tape) shop opens on Main

by Jon Lynch

14 Free Will Astrology 15 Classifieds

11

15 Haiku Movie Review

Killer debut

On the cover: Bodie, the Brittany spaniel, makes quick work of a downed log during a recent trip to the high country./ Photo

by Alex Krebs

Emerging mystery writer makes her mark with first novel

by Jeffrey Mannix

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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.

telegraph

Patagonia, for its part, mostly took issue with the caucus’ denial of climate change and alleged efforts to suppress voter rights. “This is very much about staying true to our strong feeling and our responsibly as a benefit corporation to stand up for and advance our priorities, our policies to protect our planet and our communities,” a Patagonia spokeswoman said.

This is certainly not the first time Patagonia has put its priorities over profits. The company has long donated 100 percent of sales on Black Friday to environmental groups and even sued the U.S. government in 2017 after Trump reduced the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. More recently, Patagonia stopped advertising on Facebook and Instagram to protest the spread of misinformation on climate change.

In a statement, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort said it has a long history of reducing energy consumption, recycling and protecting habitat. The resort also said it is the largest mountain resort operating on 100% wind power. In an email to employees, Kemmerer defended his “personal beliefs and values” and underscored that the event was not hosted by the resort but was a private event.

Boycotting or supporting brands and businesses because of political beliefs is increasingly the new normal, on both sides of the political divide. But politics in the ski industry? It does happen. Back in 2017, Purgatory Resort pulled its ads, which were part of a larger media buy, from the controversial far-right website Breitbart News. Also at the time, Vail Resorts was accused of supporting an anti-climate-change super PAC. So where can we escape the polarization of politics? Maybe something innocent and sweet that we can all agree on, like … frozen yogurt.

Oh, wait. Crap… Maybe just turn off your phone and hit the slopes.

Sept. 2, 2021 n

3

opinion

LaVidaLocal Silver linings “It’s a shame that something that takes such little time to deface takes so long to clean up,” a member of our group said, and we all nodded in agreement.

A group of 15 of us were spending our Saturday morning cleaning up graffiti at X-Rock, a local climbing spot that has been getting trashed by irresponsible users.

Though the graffiti was unfortunate, I was doing my best to focus on the positive.

As I looked around, it wasn’t hard to find a silver lining.

We had volunteers from our newly formed Durango Climbers Coalition (DCC), employees from La Plata County, and Stephen, of Keeping Colorado Beautiful, who came all the way from Colorado Springs just to help us.

The process of removing graffiti is complicated and involved. It requires nasty, yet biodegradable chemicals, massive amounts of water, pressure washers and good, old-fashioned elbow grease. For our group, the DCC, we had to spend hours coordinating with the County and other various entities to make it happen. As I looked around that day and saw so many people volunteering, it made me proud to be a part of this community.

The scene in the parking lot was more negative.

Two broken-down vehicles that looked like they came from a “Breaking Bad” scene were parked there, and they were surrounded by trash. The owners of said vehicles were clearly abusing our local public lands, while also threatening the safety of the general public. Used needles have been found in this area. Clearly this is a problem for our community, and the DCC is committed to helping keep XRock clean and safe for visitors and residents alike.

On a more personal note, I’ve spent a lot of time establishing new routes in our beloved Cascade Canyon. Its been another fun way to give back to our community, by creating new climbs that people can enjoy. Cascade is such a good summer refuge from the heat, and while cleaning new lines is hard work, I absolutely love dangling from a rope on the limestone cliffs.

People who walk by are always curious or supportive. Climbers usually express gratitude for the work that leads to the new climbs, and the tourists are usually like, “What the heck are you doing up there?” One even asked me, “Have you seen the movie ‘Free Solo?’”

What I’m doing couldn’t be more different than Alex Honnold climbing El Capitan without a rope. It’s slow, and aside from the cleaning of the loose rock, relatively safe.

Often, for safety reasons, I’ll have to leave a rope hanging for a day or two, while I remove loose rock and install bolts. A week or so ago, I was headed down into the canyon, and to my dismay my rope had been taken. I was pissed off and angry.

Luckily, some friends were climbing nearby, so I was able to calm myself down in

the moment. But soon, I started looking around like everyone was a suspect. As I walked around with the crowbar that I use to clean off the loose rocks, I had thoughts of what I’d do if I came across the person who stole my rope.

Eventually, I remembered I had another rope in the truck, so I just rappelled down, and continued my work. After a couple hours, my anger had left, and I started wondering if someone had mistakenly taken my rope. Many climbers aren’t aware of the process of establishing a new route, perhaps it was someone who didn’t realize what the rope was there for.

Later that day, I made a post on Instagram about my experience. Various people showed support, and one guy even offered to send me an extra static rope that he had lying around.

A couple days later I finished up the climb, and gave it the name “Labor of Love.” Even if my rope had been stolen, I was going to focus on the positive of the experience: everyone I’d come in contact with saw the labor I was putting in, and showed me love for it.

It was good timing to wrap up the climb that day, as I was boarding a plane to the East Coast the following morning for a major occasion: I was going to meet my twin nephews.

I landed at Newark in the early afternoon, and after meeting my nephews, my brother and I snuck out for a rare night on the town in New York City. We went to my favorite comedy club in Manhattan – the Comedy Cellar – and the host of the evening roasted me briefly after he found out I was a climber from Colorado.

They required everyone in the club to be vaccinated, and the entire experience was incredibly refreshing. Comedy has certainly changed over the course of the last couple years, and the whole night felt like a breath of fresh air.

That evening after we took the train back to the suburbs, I checked my email before going to bed.

What did I see? In my subject line read: Cascade Static Line!!!!

As a fellow over-user of exclamation points, I figured this must be good news. Turns out it was a fellow climber who had mistakenly taken my rope. He must have found out through the social media grapevine that I wanted my rope back, and he was writing to apologize and return it. His name was also Luke!

I wrote him back, sent him my address and a couple days later he returned the rope; putting a happy ending to a summer dedicated to a labor of love.

– Luke Mehall Luke Mehall will be presenting at the Rochester Hotel’s Secret Garden on Thurs., Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. to celebrate 10 years and 20 volumes of The Climbing Zine. The evening is also sponsored by Maria’s Bookshop and Pine Needle Dry Goods. For more information visit climbingzine.com.

Sign of the Downfall:

Thumbin’It Durango’s Christopher Blevins bringing home a World Mountain Biking Championship in the inaugural short track competition, the first time a Durangoan has brought home a title since the days of Ned and Tomac.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Nora giving a good dousing to Southwest Colorado, which apparently isn’t out of the wildfire woods yet, as evidenced by this week’s fire near Mancos.

La Plata County asking for the public’s input on how to spend more than $10 million in COVID-19 relief money.

4 n Sept. 2, 2021

MAGA-net U.S. Census data showing Silverton’s home vacancy rate at nearly 53%, with La Plata County clocking in around 17%.

Kinda hard to have a town when no one is living in it.

Nearly 50 years of abortion rights stripped away in Texas by a draconian new ban on abortions after six weeks.

The law also sickeningly encourages people to turn on their fellow citizens for a $10,000 bounty.

The passing of legend Ed Asner, aka Mr. Grant, who in the movie “Elf” offered the sage advice: “If you see gum on the street, leave it there. It isn’t free candy.”

telegraph

Dan Ball (a huge tool) from One America News (a far-right platform for huge tools) interviewed Amelia Miller because she claimed the Pfizer vaccine turned her magnetic. Miller is the latest idiot in a string of them to claim that a liquid injection can make flesh magnetic, and the “proof” is that if you hold your arm at a 45-degree angle and press something metal onto it, it’ll stick there for a second. During the interview, Miller failed to get the metal to stick to her arm on live TV, but her newfound title as this week’s sign of the downfall seems to be sticking just fine.

WordontheStreet

Q

With Labor Day this Monday, The Telegraph asked: “What’s the worst job you have ever had?”

Dan

“I worked at McDonald’s for three days. They never paid me but I still have the uniform.”

Dave

“At a chicken farm.

My job was to pull the eggs out, and I lasted a good four months. I do struggle with chicken and eggs now.”

Heather

“Well, I’m a nurse right now in the middle of a pandemic.”

Enjoy Labor Day weekend with the fruits of our labor.

Holiday Promos + Sales!

Jenna

“Manager at an indoor trampoline park. It’s not a business anymore if that tells you anything.”

The Alternative Resource Lori

Variety of Strains • Hash/Concentrates • Edibles • Tinctures • ATM

“Cleaning toilets at the Best Western.”

telegraph

Bodo Park (Durango)

Grandview (Durango)

Cortez

REC: 9am-9pm MED: 9am- 6:45pm 72 Suttle Street, Units F/G 970.259.3674

REC ONLY: 9am-8pm 37 CR 232 970.426.4381

MED & REC: 9am-9pm 1104 E. Main St., Cortez 970.565-6500

Sept. 2, 2021 n 5

SoapBox The unsung Rolling Stone Charlie Watts, the rock steady drummer for the Rolling Stones, died Aug. 24 at 80.

Charlie held himself apart from the other members of the Stones. While their indulgences became legendary, he lived quietly in Devonshire, England, with his wife of nearly 60 years, Shirley, and daughter, Seraphina, raising Arabian horses.

Charlie was rock’s original “sharp dressed man,” being named one of the world’s most elegantly tailored men. Charlie’s first love was jazz. He formed several successful jazz groups that played when the Stones weren’t touring. Charlie’s drumming was legendary. He provided the heartbeat and Charlie Watts backbone that drove the Stones’ signature sound, often playing just off the beat. He was renowned for his amused detachment while on stage.

Trained as a graphic artist, he helped design the Stones’ sets and contributed to many of the group’s album covers. Charlie shunned publicity. His terse answers in interviews became his hallmark, but they hid the real Charlie Watts who was considered one of the most decent people in the music industry.

Keith Richards, the Rolling Stones guitarist, famously said, “Charlie is the key (to the band’s sound). When he’s gone, it’s over.” Above all Charlie was respected by fans, critics, musicians and not least by his band mates. Music critic Gene Seymour wrote, “(Charlie Watts) was rock and

6 n Sept. 2, 2021

roll’s best and most respected drummer … there were millions of fans who aspired to be Rolling Stones, (whereas) the actual Stones aspired to be Charlie Watts.” The Stones resume their No Filter tour in St. Louis on Sept. 26 with Steve Jordan replacing Charlie Watts.

– john van becay, Aurora

Unions fight for us all Labor Day is upon us, with parties and parades. This year, we celebrate the proud history of our American Labor movement. Mother Jones advised, “Mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the living!”

We at the Western Colorado Trades and Labor Assembly intend to do both. We hope to educate others about the roots of Labor Day, to understand why we have so much to celebrate – and so much to fight for.

The long weekend we’re celebrating was paid for by the blood of striking workers. In 1894, it was common for employees to work 12 or more hours per day, seven days a week. Despite early child labor laws, children as young as 5 still worked in mines, mills and factories. When the American Railroad Union called for a nationwide boycott of Pullman cars, President Grover Cleveland called in 12,000 federal troops to break the strike. Resulting riots led to the deaths of dozens of workers. In 1894, Labor Day was created to heal the breach between the government and the American worker.

As we mourn our fallen, we see a dawning hope in the rise of unionism in our country. New unions are organized daily, and union membership is on the rise. This generation of workers understands union membership is a pathway to a solid career, great benefits and a living wage. Unions fight for ALL of us and create safe workplaces where workers are treated with respect. We will always fight for workers’ rights.

telegraph

The Western Colorado Trades and Labor Assembly would like to welcome all Western Slope unionists to join our organization, to strengthen the Labor movement in Colorado. For more information, please contact mander son@coaflcio.org.

Wishing you a safe and happy Labor Day – from our family to yours.

– Molly J. Anderson, Affiliate Union & Allies Organizer, Colorado AFL-CIO

Veg out this Labor Day weekend Labor Day offers a powerful reminder of the crucial gains experienced by American workers in the past century.

In 1894, when President Grover Cleveland proclaimed the first Monday in September as Labor Day, Americans worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in abysmal conditions to eke out a living. They were treated as animals.

A century later, animals in factory farms still are.

Mother pigs suffer a lifetime in tight metal stalls. Their babies are torn away, mutilated without anesthesia, crammed into crowded pens for six months, and then slaughtered in the dawn of their lives.

Dairy cows spend their lives chained on a concrete floor. Each year, they are artificially impregnated to keep the milk flowing. Their babies are torn from their grieving mothers at birth and slaughtered for veal, so we can drink their milk.

As it did for American workers, relief for these sentient beings is in sight.

Our supermarkets offer a rich variety of convenient, healthful, delicious plant-based burgers, veggie dogs and meat-free nuggets along with nut-based cheeses, ice creams and other dairy-free desserts. This Labor Day let’s all celebrate these plant-based options.

– Diego Horvath, Durango

RegionalNews

Lights, camera, action Volunteer reflects on 28 years behind the scenes at Telluride Film Festival

by Monica Castillo Colorado Public Radio

C

aryn Sanchez is a true believer in the Telluride Film Festival. This year’s edition, held Sept. 2-6, will be the 28th festival for Sanchez, who is one in an army of volunteers and gig workers at the storied festival. She started attending after moving back home to Colorado to work on her own independent films.

“I was working at a granting organization at the time, and the executive director was so concerned that if I moved away from L.A., I would just completely fall off the map in terms of filmmaking,” Sanchez said. “So he said, ‘You have an amazing film festival in Colorado. It’s the Telluride Film Festival. I want you to promise me that you’ll get in touch with them when you get there and become involved because it will help you stay in touch with the film culture, and it’ll keep you engaged in what’s happening outside of Colorado.’”

Sanchez arrived at the festival in 1993 as an intern. She bunked with three other women in a boarding house. Two of her first roommates have since gone on to become a producer and filmmaker.

“In the past I would, if I had the time, arrive early, and I’d help them actually construct stuff,” Sanchez said. “One year, I was so happy because I actually made a concessions cabinet. I’d never used power tools before … All during the festival, I was annoying everyone. Like, ‘Oh, come see my concessions cabinet!’”

The Telluride Film Festival – like many around the state and country – relies on people to do everything from take tickets, set up parties or concessions, and act as traffic cops for patrons getting to and from theaters. For many, it’s a way to stay connected to the film industry or have some celebrity sightings. For others, it’s an annual and indispensable fixture in their lives.

“The thing I love most about Telluride is it’s always been a very sort of down-to-earth

The infamous Telluride welcome sign greets guests attending the 2021 Telluride Film Festival. Low key in comparison to other film festivals, the event is a time for regulars to reconnect with old friends, see the latest films and, of course, spot a few incognito stars./ Photo by Hart Van Denburg/CPR News place, very unpretentious in a weird way,” Sanchez said. “Everybody’s like sitting on the sidewalks, drinking their coffee and checking out the sunset over the canyon at night, it becomes sort of this real magical place.”

Sanchez’s description of a magical place that appears once every so often brings to mind the musical “Brigadoon,” about a Scottish village that appears once every 100 years. The festival’s hospitality center even takes its name from the musical.

Part of that magic is also spotting movie stars, which for a festival known for its in-

timacy, is easier than at many of the larger festivals. Sanchez remembers working at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride when Janelle Monáe, a rapper and actress in the 2016 Academy Award winning film “Moonlight,” stopped by to take pictures with Barry Jenkins, the film’s director.

“She came over to me and she asked, ‘Can you recommend any films?’” Sanchez said. “I said, ‘Oh, we’ll be showing a wonderful silent film here today, a Fritz Lang silent. It’s actually one of his lesser-known ones that will be showing here with a musical accompaniment.’”

telegraph

Sanchez said later that night, she was pleased to see Monáe and a couple of her costars from “Moonlight” show up to watch the obscure film.

But for Sanchez and many of the volunteers, the real appeal of Brigadoon in the San Juan Mountains is the chance to see other returning faces. It’s a recognition that extends to pass holders and returning guests as well.

“I’ve been there 28 years, and I’m not a senior member,” she said. “There are people who’ve been there longer than I have.”

For more from Colorado Public Radio, go to www.cpr.org. ■

Sept. 2, 2021 n 7

LocalNews

Artist Tim Kapustka, left, and Chase and Jen LaCroix, of Durango Outdoor Exchange, model some of their paddleboards from the locally based Colorado Paddle Co. The three are partnering on the business, with the LaCroixes selling the boards at their store and Kapustka doing the design work./ Photo by Jennaye Derge

On board to have fun Colorado Paddle Co. offers SUPS with a decidedly Durango vibe

by Jennaye Derge

I

don’t know when I first heard “Durango” used as an adjective, but the first time I used it as such was in a very “Durango” fashion.

“Durango” as an adjective describes any person who arrives to meetings on a bike and in their river shorts, usually unshowered and 10 to 15 minutes late. The term can also be used to describe the phenomenon of running into 10 people you know in the grocery store, usually still in your river shorts.

“Durango” as an adjective is an interchangeable way to describe the town’s general outdoorsy vibe, the friendly people who live here and more recently, the new local paddleboard company, Colorado Paddle Co. Colorado Paddle Co. is all the above characteristics, including the way it was formed – by a buncha outdoor-loving, bikeriding, river-loving, friendly locals who you always run into in the grocery store.

8 n Sept. 2, 2021

Its founder is former resident Nico Foster, who in 2015 was building tiny homes.

One day he decided to fashion himself a paddleboard using leftover roofing material from a job site. Just for fun. Which is so “Durango.”

He started manufacturing the boards en masse (outsourced and from materials other than roofing scraps) and sold them online for a few years until he decided to sell the company and move from Durango to Silverton.

This is where Jen and Chase LaCroix stepped in. Owners of the Durango Outdoor Exchange, a gear and consignment shop, the couple had been crossing paths with Foster and eyeballing his company.

They loved it was a local business and that the boards were well-made. But still, a paddleboard company is a strange thing to sit on the edge of your seat for, so why were they so excited?

From the time they opened, Jen and Chase had a consistent demand from cus-

tomers for paddleboards, but because of popularity and wholesaler logistics, had none to sell. When the chance finally came in 2019 to obtain Foster’s business, the LaCroixes scrambled to scoop it up.

Colorado Paddle Co. can, so far, be boastful for many reasons, but one thing it really takes pride in is the usability and simplicity of its boards. Being built at dimensions that are known to enthusiasts as an “all around board” – 10 feet long, 33 inches wide and 6 inches thick – these boards can make any putz (such as myself) feel like they’re ready for the rough seas of life. And look good doing it, too.

Looking good is local graphic designer Tim Kapustka’s role in all of this. Coming in as the third and newest partner of Colorado Paddle Co., Kapustka brings his skill set of design, business ownership and gritty antics to the table. His arguably most infamous graphic, “Have Fun,” is already showing up on the paddleboards and is also his general wish for users.

telegraph

“Championing ‘fun’ isn’t exactly a risky, controversial stance on my part, and it goes with so much of what this town is – that you choose your own adventure: biking, hiking, reading. Everybody brings their own flavor of fun. And being on the river is a huge one that is shared by a lot of people in this town,” Kapustka said.

And it was pretty simple for Kapustka to go into business with Jen and Chase to begin with. Having already spent time with the LaCroixes to design the logo for Durango Outdoor Exchange, it was natural to bring him on board to help with the new logo and branding for the paddleboard company. But the branding discussion (which was presumably over a couple Durango beers) led to a joke about partnership, which turned into a serious offer just a handful of hours later.

“They called me early the next morning, while I was getting ready to go fishing, and asked me if I was serious about being a partner and I said, ‘Ok, let me go fishing and4

think about it,’” Kapustka recalled.

The whole exchange was all so very “Durango.”

After briefly thinking about it, Kapustka agreed to their terms and joined as the creative director, completing what the team agrees is a great Venn diagram of skills.

“To me, when you’re in a partnership – especially small partnerships – if there is a lot of overlap in skill set it’s almost wasted … but this is pretty awesome from what I see of it,” he said. “Everybody has strong high points and they don’t really overlap.”

The trio agrees Kapustka’s designs are a big selling point of the boards. So far, there are seven unique designs, all of which try to speak to purchasers on an individual level.

There is a Colorado “C” board, New Mexico and Texas flag boards, a rainbow board, a “wood” board, a columbine board and more. All to connect users to their individual tastes and personalities while still holding true to the company’s roots and keeping the business very “Durango.”

And they’re open to suggestions.

“We want to understand what the locals want, what they want to see and what type of board they want,” said Jen. “I really have respect for all the different paddleboard companies, but I like ours in that it’s one style of board with really fantastic designs and it’s user friendly; it’s really meant for everyone.”

And soon, everyone, even if they aren’t in Durango, is likely to start seeing these boards floating rivers and lakes or tied to the top of cars and trucks. Though the trio hasn’t combed out the details yet, their goal is to expand the company to water lovers everywhere, and maybe even eventually expand beyond paddleboards – but that’s a conversation that’s “still in a bag.”

“It’s exciting, all three of us have owned businesses, but this is a new type of business for all of us,” Jen said. “The manufacturing business does feel like there is a different risk – not huge risk and we’re not really vulnerable – but it is new and different,” In the meantime, they’re taking things one paddle stroke at a time, and, as Tim so appropriately stated, they’re

So far, there are seven designs for the boards, which were deisgned by Kapustka, which includes his signature “fun” logo, a rainbow, a columbine and yes, even a lone star for our Texas friends./ Courtesy photo “just getting their feet wet.” In fact, wading through the pandemic manufacturing pauses actually gave them the gift of time to slow down and brainstorm, but now they’re ready to provide that “Durango” vibe to anyone interested in having fun.

“I think that’s kind of our take on it,” Jen said. “Just get out there and have fun with each other on the water. We’re not aiming to be a company with many different technical

"

aspects ... We really just want to have a simple, excellentquality, great-looking board to get out there and have fun.”

To see a Colorado Paddle Co. board up close and in person, check out Durango Outdoor Exchange’s Labor Day sale Sept. 4 and 6 (they’re closed on Sundays.) As an added bonus, the boards will be 20% off. The boards can also be viewed and purchased virtually from the safety of your own home at: www.coloradopad dlecompany.com ■

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telegraph

Sept. 2, 2021 n

9

GrooveDaddy

Vinyl revival After three-year void, Durango now has a new record shop

by Jon E. Lynch

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t seems to me, that as of late, I’ve been complaining an inordinate amount. If you’ve been on the receiving end, I’m truly, mostly, sorry. It isn’t on purpose, and it certainly is not confined to a single topic.

That said, it does tend to circle back toward the drastically shifting dynamics in the (no longer) sleepy southwestern town I’ve somewhat surprisingly called home for nearly 20 years.

One of the many tendrils of frustration (along with the complete and utter absurdity surrounding the real estate market, local wage inequity and the incommensurate cost of living, the current maddening state of the pandemic, traveler vs. tourist, and on and on and on) was the absence of a real, proper brick-and-mortar record store. On July 14, 2018, Robert Stapleton and co. shuttered the doors on our beloved Southwest Sound, which had been more than a record store in Durango since 1977.

Like any local record shop, Southwest Sound was a beacon on Main Ave. that served as community hub, meeting place, water and dog treat stop off for many of our favorite furry friends, time killer and wallet lightener.

The changes within the music industry over the last decade or so, most of which (in my opinion) can be traced back to the internet & streaming services, have slowly killed off store after store around the country.

Thus began a lament I repeated over and over, to those willing and not so willing to hear me spout some version of, “I don’t think I want to necessarily live in a town without a record store!?”

Thankfully, we can all breathe a communal sigh of relief with the opening of a brand-new record store here in Durango.

Josh Bensik has been a genuinely loveable fixture in this town since the mid-90s wearing a variety of hats. Josh was one-time talent buyer and general manager of the Abbey Theatre (now The ACT) and is perhaps known to many, recently, as the gregariously affable (and now former) manager of the newest Bread location downtown.

After 30-plus years of wishing, considering and pondering, Josh and his partner Kyra have made the store a reality. Prior to the pandemic, Josh had been carefully scoping various spaces to potentially open a multiplepurpose storefront. For two-plus months, Bensik has put every bit of free time, sometimes pulling all-nighters, to build the store out from the ground up. On Monday, Aug. 16, Toast Records & Tapes opened at 643 A. Main Ave. in what used to be the old-timey photo store front, Thru The Lens.

Scraping, priming, painting and building the record bins from scratch with the help from friends and family, he appears to be loving every minute of being his own boss and offering up a space that is sure to be the next downtown spot to meet up with friends and fellow music lovers. His opti-

Toast Records & Tapes opened in the 600 block of Main Ave. in August, becoming Durango’s first and only record store since Southwest Sound closed in 2018. / Photos by Jonathan Romeo mism and gratitude are infectious. In the short time we hung out, chatting about his new venture, each time someone entered the shop, Josh stopped whatever he was doing, smiled and warmly, genuinely greeted incoming patrons.

“Honestly we’re putting everything we have into this space,” Josh said, beaming with pride. “I mean, we’ll see what happens and I just don’t know. It’s challenging and it’s terrifying, but it’s also so much fun and I’m so happy to get to do it. Its been my dream since I was a kid, and I’m doing it.”

Josh said eventually the space will also feature a functioning bakery and cake shop for Kyra to offer pastries and even some special orders, likely by November. There’s even some space to dish up coffee and espresso for customers hanging out. “Hopefully it gives people yet another reason to come in,” Josh said.

Only a few weeks in, Toast Records & Tapes intends to grow and evolve. Josh al-

telegraph

ready has plans to build more racks for more records, and he wants to have a used vinyl section, too (most of Toast’s records are new reissues and some of Josh’s personal collection). And, just as important, Josh said, is to be able to hold live in-store performances in the shop. In fact, Toast Records & Tapes hosted its first show in August with Esther Rose and Nathan “Kickin” Schmidt. “It was fantastic, it was perfect…and it never felt crowded or out of hand,” Josh said.

The current selection of albums and tapes (compact discs *can* be special ordered) reflects his own varying tastes, and clearly resonates with his clientele. The latest release from Sturgill Simpson, “The Ballad of Dood & Juanita,” plays softly in the background as purchases from Built to Spill, Wilco, Melvins, and GZA leave the store.

New releases will be made available every Friday and hours are “Monday-Saturday. Maybe Sunday. Noon-Six O’clock. Give er take.”

MurderInk

The mind of a psychopath Emerging mystery writer makes her mark with debut novel

by Jeffrey Mannix

B

efore we get to the main event – a spectacular mystery debut by social psychologist Vera Kurian and published by Park Row Books of Canada – there is a rare offering by the eminent illustrated-book publisher Thames & Hudson that any unfeigned mystery reader should, if necessary, steal to own.

Murder Maps: Crime Scenes Revisited by crime historian Dr. Drew Gray is a compendium of historic maps, photographs, newspaper excerpts, court papers and police reports, as well as analysis of phrenology to fingerprints, from 1811-1911 of 100 notorious murder investigations. Organized in sections covering Europe, North America and Australia, Murder Maps is perhaps Gray’s magnum opus, or certainly a book so packed with illustrations and photographs and documentation that any inquisitive reader will dedicate a hundred nights to savor an absolutely fascinating documentary. A must-own book for all Murder Ink readers.

Signaling the end of a grueling summer of catastrophes, Kurian’s debut novel Never Saw Me Coming will be released Tues., Sept. 7 in cloth cover at 400 pages.

I know, books are an investment that could otherwise be spent on a restaurant lunch or a bottle of wine. And the extra cost of cloth-bound books bumps the equivalence up to a restaurant with cloth napkins and gin fizzes. But dropping $28 on lunch isn’t cheap, and mostly forgotten before you get home. But a good book – well, a good book is nonpareil nutriment that will keep your mind alive long after that lunch has clogged your arteries.

Kurian has a PhD in social psychology and works the field with an insatiable itch to write and a nagging jones for writing fiction, which she has had published in a number of magazines. A writer is born a writer, no matter what academia professes or what someone does to pay the rent. And Never Saw Me Coming will burnish Kurian’s belief in her talents, and we’ll expect to see more and even better from her.

Now, Chloe Sevre is an 18-year-old freshman at Adams College in Washington, D.C. She’s been given a

full-ride scholarship along with six others in Dr. Leonard Wyman’s psychology program. All have been through rigorous interviewing, testing and background checks and are functional psychopaths.

We learn from Kurian that psychopaths are not always axe murders, although axe murders are always psychopaths. But fundamentally, psychopathic person-

ality disorder presents as a lack of empathy and thoughtless detachment from others, often an ability to charm and influence others, a distinct lack of emotion or guilt or regard for others’ feelings. It can also include impulsive nonconformity, risk taking with little or no fear of consequences, inability to take responsibility for one’s actions, stress immunity, etc.

Kurian obviously has overarching knowledge of the psychopathic mind, and she’s cobbled together a fascinating chain of events around the day-to-day lives of these seven coeds in Wyman’s study group. Each are counseled separately, each wears a digital wristwatch where impromptu questions about current moods and activities are quizzed. And, each begins to exhibit deviant thinking and activities as disinhibition and social assertiveness prevail unchecked, a clear failing of Wyman’s scripted study and intended rehabilitation.

Chloe has accepted a place in the study because Bill Bachman is an upperclassman on campus and she plans on killing him for raping her when she was 12 years old and filming the assault.

Chloe pilots this narrative in the first person, with chapters in the third person voice of what Chloe is doing. It’s very clever how this story is told, and it’s probably churlish to say that it’s fascinating to learn and watch the nuances of the psychopathic mind as cruel and petty plotting takes place. Then, another and another of the study group are murdered for no apparent reason – too typical of the psychopathic disorder.

We learn that the wiring of the psychopathic mind takes some time to develop classic idiosyncrasies, but is present at birth. It can be channeled into precocious talents and pursuits, and Kurian carefully spoon feeds the reader to appreciate the inventiveness of the psychopath. Perhaps this book is a little too long, perhaps it’s over-edited and maybe it’s best to not string the reading along over weeks. Nonetheless, this is a fascinating story told by a competent writer who predictably will join the top echelon of young mystery writers occupying the best-selling lists.

And the foregoing of common restaurant wine to purchase this book will be doubled by a 15% Murder Ink discount at Maria’s Bookshop.

Fall into Jimmy’s Hours: mon - Fri 11-6 & Sat 11-5: www.jimmysmusic.supply 1239 Main Ave • 970-764-4577 telegraph

Sept. 2, 2021 n 11

StufftoDo

Thursday02 Purgatory Nature Hikes, 9:25 a.m.-noon. More info. at 970-715-1092.

Cafe au Play free outdoor baby group, 10 a.m.12 p.m., 495 Florida Road (behind Christ the King church). 970-749-9607 for info.

Mancos Farmers Market, 4 p.m., 145 Grand Ave., Mancos.

SkaBQ, 5 p.m., Ska Brewing headquarters, 225 Girard St. Live music, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Live music, 6-8:30 p.m. every Thursday, James Ranch, HWY 550, Hermosa.

High Altitude Blues, 6 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

Trivia night 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Powerhouse, 1333 Camino Del Rio.

Deadline for “Stuff to Do” submissions is Monday at noon. To submit an item, email: calendar@durangotelegraph.com

Beam Me Up Starlight Trivia, weekly 7:30-9:30 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave. Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 8-10 p.m., The Roost, 128 E. College Dr.

Denver-based high-energy funk-rock band Float Like A Buffalo takes the ACT stage on Wednesday night, Sept. 8. Until further notice, the ACT is requiring proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within the last 72 hours for entrance to shows. For info. or tickets, go to: animascitytheatre.com.

Friday03

Blue Moon Ramblers, 6 p.m., James Ranch, HWY 550, Hermosa.

by Jeff Solon, 6-9 p.m., 5513 CR 321, Ignacio.

Gary Walker plays, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Jean-Pierre Bakery & Restaurant, 601 Main Ave.

Ben Gibson Band plays, 6-9 p.m., Gazpacho, 431 E. 2nd Ave.

Four Corners Folk Festival, Sept. 3-5, Pagosa Springs. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result required. www.ksutpresents.org

Family Magic Show with Mysto the Magi, 7 p.m.

Fridays thru the summer, Tico Time Resort, 1 mile south of the stateline.

Four Corners ReggaeFest, Sept 3-5, Tico Time Resort, 1 mile south of the stateline.

Gary Walker plays, 6-8 p.m., Dandelion Café, 724 E. 2nd Ave.

DJ Spark Madden plays, 7 p.m.-12 a.m., 11th Street Station.

Four Corners Motorcycle Rally, Sept. 3-5. More info. at fourcornersmotorcyclerally.com

Durango Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., TBK Parking Lot, 259 W. 9th St. Live music from Pete Giuliani.

RC Hall & Crooked Sky play, 5 p.m., Mancos Brewery.

Bayfield Farmers Market, 8:30 a.m., 1328 County Road 501, Bayfield.

The Crags play, 5-8 p.m., The Nugget Mountain Bar, south of Purg.

Disco Night, 6-9 p.m., Chapman Hill Roller Rink.

Sunday05

Saturday04

Silverton’s First Friday Artwalk, 4 p.m., Silverton.

Ben Gibson Duo plays, 6-9 p.m., Derailed Pour House, 725 Main Ave.

Veterans Benefit Breakfast, 9 a.m., VFW Post 4031, 1550 Main Ave. Durango Art Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 11th Street Station. www.durangocreativedistrict.org.

Labor Day Parade, 11 a.m., Main Ave.

Ska anniversary party, featuring The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, 4 p.m., 225 Girard St. SOLD OUT

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

Motorcycle Hill Climb, Sept. 5, Purgatory Resort. www.purgatoryresort.com.

Eric & the Other Troublemakers, 5 p.m., The Nugget Mountain Bar, Highway 550.

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., The Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Open Mic, 1 p.m., Mancos Brewery.

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon and Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Live Music on the Range: Pete Giuliani, 2-5 p.m., Hillcrest Golf Club.

Larry Carver & Jack Ellis play, 6 p.m., Fur Trapper’s Steakhouse, 701 E. 2nd Ave.

Ben Gibson solo plays, 4-8 p.m., Balcony Bar & Grill, 600 Main Ave.

Disco Night, 6-9 p.m., Chapman Hill Roller Rink.

Friday Nights at Fire Fox Farms, featuring music

Free Divorce and Custody Clinic Presented by Colorado Legal Services

Tues., Sept. 21, 5:30-7 p.m. via Zoom "% '

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12 n Sept. 2, 2021

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Spanish interpreting available.

For more information, call: 970-247-0266

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telegraph

AskRachel Seat shifters, the worst fans ever and short people, redux Interesting fact: John Harington, the inventor of an informally eponymous flush toilet in Britain during Elizabethan times, is a distant relative of Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow in “Game of Thrones,” which although I have never watched, I know ended with a finale that should have been sent to the septic tank, thus bringing things full circle.

Dear Rachel, Any time my car is in the shop, the mechanics readjust my seat. Oil change or transmission repair, doesn’t matter. Old days, you used to just move the seat forward or back. Now you can adjust height and tilt and temperature. And they muck with all of it. Particularly for the work that requires them to move the car 20 feet into the bay and another 20 feet out of it, why is this necessary? Do the mechanics get off on the power trip?

– Seatbacked in a Corner Dear Maladjusted, The position of one’s seat is a highly personal matter.

This is the sole reason I could never share a car with a partner, or a spouse, or a fellow taxi driver. I would straight up hire someone to murder them. The truth is, there are probably a dozen seat configurations that would all serve me well. But when the seat gets moved, I spend the next week agonizing over whether it’s right or wrong and tweaking it constantly. That’s probably enough for my passengers to straight up hire someone to murder me, too.

– Upright and locked, Rachel

Open Mic night, 4 p.m. every Sunday, Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon and Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Black Velvet Duo play, 6 p.m., Dandelion Café, 724 E. 2nd Ave.

Monday06 Meditation and Dharma Talk, 5:30-6:15 p.m. Online at www.durangodharmacenter.org Smelter Mountain Boys play, 5 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Dear Rachel, Driving through another city recently, the morning radio shock jock opined that the worst fans in sports are baseball fans. This, because some Mets fans are booing the Mets. I presume solely for being the Mets. I cannot imagine that baseball fans really are the worst, when there are Raiders and Chiefs fans both in the same sport. Are they really the worst, though? And if not, who is?

– Teamster Dear Groupie, I’m inclined to put in a vote for golf fans. I cannot think of a way someone could be a GOOD golf fan. Are you so passionate that you get a golfer’s face stickered on the rear windshield of your car? Are you so dedicated that you attend every one of Tiger’s tee-offs? Do you calculate the correct volume to clap in relation to the impressiveness of a putt? But then I remember football also has Cowboys fans, and so yeah, that’s definitely the worst.

–Boooooooo, Rachel Dear Rachel, You kiss short people on the top of the head.

That is both endearing and condescending.

– john Dear Toilet, Forget the worst fans. You have the worst innocuous name. John seems so harmless, but it’s actually

Bitcoin Study Group, 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Zia North patio. For info., call 970-426-2464 or email bitcoinstudygroup@protonmail.com Acoustic Music Jam, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Rotary Park, all instruments and singers welcome. For info: 970-259-3408.

Live music, 6-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday, James Ranch, HWY 550, Hermosa.

Wednesday08 Bayfield Night Out, Sept. 8, 5-7 p.m., Bayfield Town Hall, 1199 Bayfield Parkway.

Purgatory Nature Hikes, 9:25 a.m.-noon. More info. at 970-715-1092.

Twin Buttes Farm Stand, 3-6 p.m., Tuesdays thru October, 165 Tipple Ave., www.twinbuttesfarm.com Bingo night, 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

slang for so many terrible things. Plus, why would you write in this statement without any context to remind me and both my readers what sage advice I offered?

Because I know I would never suggest kissing short people on the top of the head. That’s an offense on par with failing to capitalize your own name. Seriously, dude. That lowercase letter just looks like a kiss atop an uncomfortably short J. – Port-o-Rach, Rachel

Upcoming Civic Winds Jazz Orchestra with vocalist John Rubano, 5:30 p.m., Sept. 9, Buckley Park Author Scott Graham speaks about his addition to the book Canyonlands Carnage, Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m., Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave. Larry Carver & Jack Ellis play, Sept. 9, 7-10 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Unison Fest, Sept. 9-12, Tico Time Resort.

Trail work on Cutthroat Trail, Sept. 10-11, connector trail between Purgatory and Hermosa. durangotrails.org.

Trivia night, 6 p.m., every Wednesday, Mancos Brewery.

Aikido, 6 p.m., 121 W 32nd St. #B, durangoaikido.com

Tuesday07

Email Rachel at telegraph@durangotelegraph.com

San Juan Basin Archaeological Society presentation on “Reconstructing the Pueblo Bonita Mounds: New Data and Models,” by Prof. Wirt Wills, 7:30 p.m. More info. at SJBAS.org.

Concerts in the Plaza, featuring Rob Webster, Three Springs Plaza, 175 Mercado St. Float Like A Buffalo plays, 8 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Dr. www.animascitytheatre.com

Black Velvet Band plays, Sept. 10, 6-9 p.m., Fire Fox Farms in Ignacio.

Lake Nighthorse Sprint Triathlon, Sept. 11, ages 15 and above. For info: thedriven.net/durangotriclub.

The Yoties play, 5 p.m., Sept. 11, Mancos Brewery.

The Whole Expo. holistic & ecological products, services & seminars, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 11-12, La Plata County Fairgrounds. www.wholeexpo.com

Deadline to submit items for “Stuff to Do” is Monday at noon.

REAL radio, REAL people

E-mail your stuff to: calendar@durangotelegraph.com DURANGO COMMUNITY RADIO AT FORT LEWIS COLLEGE

91.9 93.9

KDUR.ORG

telegraph

Sept. 2 , 2021 n 13

FreeWillAstrology

by Rob Brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries poet Anna Kamienska wrote, “I’ve learned to value failed conversations, missed connections, confusions. What remains is what’s unsaid, what’s underneath. Understanding on another level of being.” In the coming weeks, I suggest you adopt her perspective as you evaluate both past and present experiences. You’re likely to find small treasures in what you’d assumed were wastelands. You may uncover inspiring clues in plot twists that initially frustrated you. Upon further examination, interludes you dismissed as unimportant or uninteresting could reveal valuable wrinkles.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): After studying your astrological omens, I’ve decided to offer you inspiration from the ancient Roman poet Catullus. I hope the extravagant spirit of his words will free you to be greedy for the delights of love and affection. Catullus wrote, “Give me a thousand kisses, then a hundred; then another thousand, then a second hundred; then yet another thousand.” I’ll add the following to Catullus’s appeal: Seek an abundance of endearing words, sweet favors and gifts, caresses and massages, help with your work and fabulous orgasms. If there’s no one in your life to provide you with such blessings, give them to yourself.

14 n Sept. 2, 2021

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 2016, the International Garden Photograph of the Year depicted lush lupine flowers in New Zealand. The sea of tall purple, pink and blue blooms was praised as “an elegant symphony” and “a joy to behold.” What the judges didn’t mention is that lupine is an invasive species in New Zealand. It forces native plant species out of their habitat, which in turn drives away native animal species, including birds like the wrybill, black stilt and banded dotterel. Is there a metaphorically comparable phenomenon in your life, Leo? Problematic beauty? Some influence that’s both attractive and prickly? A wonderful thing that can also be troublesome? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to try to heal the predicament.

spond to. 2. Keep a notebook by your bed and transcribe at least one dream each time you sleep. 3. In the morning, have fun imagining what the previous night’s dreams might be trying to communicate to you. 4.

Say prayers of gratitude to your dreams, thanking them for their provocative, entertaining stories.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “I often wonder who I am and where is my country and where do I belong and why was I ever born at all,” wrote Virgo author Jean Rhys (1890–1979). I don’t think you will be agitated by those questions during the next eight weeks, Virgo. In fact, I suspect you will feel as secure in your identity as you have in a long time. You will enjoy prolonged clarity about your role in the world, the nature of your desires and how you should plan your life for the next two years. If for some inexplicable reason you’re not already enjoying these developments, stop what you’re doing and meditate on the probability that I am telling you the bold truth.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “I could do with a bit more excess,” writes author Joanne Harris. “From now on I’m going to be immoderate – and volatile,” she vows. “I shall enjoy loud music and lurid poetry. I shall be rampant.”

Let me be clear, I’m not urging you to be immoderate, volatile, excessive and rampant every day for the rest of your long life.

But I think you will generate health benefits and good fortune if you experiment with that approach in the coming weeks. Can you think of relatively sane, sensible ways to give yourself this salubrious luxury?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini author Elif Batuman writes that the Old Uzbek language was rich in expressions about crying. There were “words for wanting to cry and not being able to, for loudly crying like thunder in the clouds, for crying in gasps, for weeping inwardly or secretly, for crying ceaselessly in a high voice, for crying in hiccups, and for crying while uttering the sound ‘hay hay.’”

I recommend all of these to you in the coming days, as well as others you might dream up. Why? It’s prime time to seek the invigorating release and renewal that come from shedding tears generated by deep and mysterious feelings.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Several states in the U.S. have statutes prohibiting blasphemy. Saying “God damn it” could theoretically get you fined in Massachusetts, South Carolina and Wyoming. In the coming days, it’s best to proceed carefully in places like those, since you’ve been authorized by cosmic forces to curse more often and more forcefully than usual. Why? Because you need to summon vivid and intense protests in the face of influences that may be inhibiting and infringing on your soul’s style. You have a poetic license to rebel against conventions that oppress you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A blogger named MythWoven imagines an “alternate universe where I literally go to school forever (for free) so I can learn about art and literature and history and languages for 100 years. No job skills. No credit requirements. No student loans. Just learning.” I have longings like hers. There’s an eternal student within me that wants to be endlessly surprised with exciting information about interesting subjects. I would love to be continually adding fresh skills and aptitudes to my repertoire. In the coming weeks, I will give free rein to that part of me. I recommend you do the same, my fellow Cancerian.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Everyone dreams at least three dreams per night. In a year, your subconscious mind generates more than 1,100 dreams. About this remarkable fact, novelist Mila Kundera writes, “Dreaming is not merely an act of coded communication. It is also an aesthetic activity, a game that is a value in itself. To dream about things that have not happened is among humanity’s deepest needs.” I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because September is Honor Your Dreams Month. To celebrate, I suggest the following experiments. 1.

Every night before sleep, write down a question you’d like your dreams to re-

telegraph

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In her autobiography Changing, Sagittarian actor Liv Ullmann expresses grief about how she and a loved one failed to communicate essential truths to each other. I propose we regard her as your antirole model for the rest of 2021. Use her error as your inspiration. Make emotionally intelligent efforts to talk about unsaid things that linger like ghostly puzzles between you and those you care about.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): While wading through the internet’s wilder terrain, I found a provocative quote alleged to have been uttered by the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. He supposedly said, “My ultimate goal is to look totally hot, but not be unapproachable.” I confess I have sometimes been fooled by fake quotes, and I suspect this is one. Still, it’s amusing to entertain the possibility that such an august personage as Socrates, a major influencer of Western culture, might say something so cute and colloquial. Even if he didn’t actually say it, I like the idea of blending ancient wisdom with modern insights, seriousness with silliness, thoughtful analysis with good fun. In accordance with astrological omens, I recommend you experiment with comparable hybrids in the coming weeks. (PS: One of your goals should be to look totally hot, but not be unapproachable.)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “If you don’t know what you want,” writes Piscean novelist Chuck Palahniuk, “you end up with a lot you don’t.” Very true! And right now, it’s extra important to keep that in mind. During the coming weeks, you’ll be at the peak of your ability to attract what you want and need.

Wouldn’t you prefer to gather influences you really desire – as opposed to those for which you have mild or zero interest? Define your wants and needs very precisely.

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 679 E. 2nd Ave., #E2 Approximate office hours: Mon: 9ish - 5ish Tues: 9ish - 5ish Wed: 9ish - 3ish Thurs: On delivery Fri: Gone fishing; call first

Announcements 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, Pine Needle Mountaineering, the Sky Store, or on the interweb at www.climbingzine.com.

Lost/Found Lost: Gold Chains w/Black Hardware Fell out of truck on corner of Florida & E. Third Aug. 10th. Black milk crate containing gold chains, aerial essentials, black carabiners, swivels and spreader plate. Used for aerial acrobatics by performer for Secret Circus Society. Please return if found! The show must go on!

Email rubistarr@gmail.com.

tional questions please contact Kelli Fries at kfries@silverton.co.us.

Are You Sales-y?

The Telegraph is searching for a new advertising sales aficionado. Strong command of English language, broad knowledge of pop culture and darkish sense of humor a plus. Good hygiene and local knowledge also required. Great pay and fun times! 30-40/hrs a week. Commission + base pay. Send resume to: telegraph@ durangotelegraph.com Dietz Market is Hiring full-time, part-time and shipping!

Come join our team. Stop in or email resume to: info@dietzmarket.com

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

RealEstate

Caregivers $20/hr Disabled man needs help with care.

Call Johnny, 970-749-2692.

Historic Bayfield Victorian House In-town 1905 former Elk Hotel will be for sale soon. Great corner location, 3story with large front porch. Perfect for B&B or home, mixed-use zoning. 2200 sq ft. Price $450K Contact owner by email: ciaojayne@gmail.com

Classes/Workshops

Services

Spanish Classes Now accepting students for in-person beginner thru advanced Spanish. 970309-5966 or www.espanolahora.net

ForSale

Found: Large Necklace On post by edge of Rim Drive, July 31.

Describe to claim: 970-317-8856

Reruns Home Furnishings Modern and retro desks, nightstands, barstools, lamps, chairs, tall bookcase, West Elm rugs, side tables, dressers, kitchenware and lots of décor to warm up your space. Come in today! 572 E. 6th Ave. Open Mon.-Sat. 385-7336.

HelpWanted

Wanted

Yoga and Pilates Teachers Wanted Hiring yoga or Pilates teachers. $35$60/class. jolieensign7@gmail.com The Town of Silverton is hiring for a Town Clerk/Treasurer Interested applicants may obtain job information at Silverton Town Hall or at https://townofsilverton.colorado.gov/employment where the job description and application are available for download.

This is a full-time position. Pay starts at $22.50/hour. Applications must be delivered to Silverton Town Hall, 1360 Greene Street or via email to Kelli Fries at kfries@silverton.co.us by 4:00 p.m. on 9/20/21. The Town of Silverton is an equal opportunity employer. For addi-

Want to sell your home to a hardworking local?

Longtime Durango Telegraph writer Luke Mehall is looking to buy a modest condo/small home in Durango. Please contact Luke at luke@climbingzine.com or 970-376-3116.

Friendly Carpentry and Painting Stucco repair, 707-806-3456.

Guitar Bass Voice Lessons Fun, student-centered learning for students of all ages, abilities and styles. Call Pete Giuliani 385-6713 or email info@petegiuliani.com RSE Handyman Service Home repair - yard work - odd jobs, 970-903-0449.

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

Surfer Seeks Female Snowboarder Malibu surfing coach seeks female snowboarder to coach me. In return, I’ll teach you how to surf! Please be 45-60 years old Aloha- and let’s have some fun together! dacat1@yahoo.com

telegraph

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., 970-759-0199.

HaikuMovieReview ‘John Bronco’ Quite possibly the best 38 minutes that you will have today – Lainie Maxson massageintervention.life Voted best massage in Durango 18/19/20. Couples, cupping, local CBD. Reviews on FB + Yelp. 970-903-2984

CommunityService Help support survivors of domestic violence by participating in Alternative Horizons’ First Annual “Drive Out Domestic Violence Golf Tournament.” The tournament takes place Sat., Sept. 18 at Hillcrest Golf Club. For information on how to register a team or become a tournament sponsor, please visit www.alternativehorizons.org or call 970-247-4374. If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the Alternative Horizons’ free and confidential hotline at 970-247-9619.

SJBPH Vaccine Clinics Free vaccine mobile clinic provided by San Juan Basin Public Health and Jogan.

Pfizer (12+) and J&J (18+) provided. Moderna (18+) available for those who have already started that vaccine series. No ID or insurance required. Walk-ins welcome. Incentives and/or promotions provided while supplies last. Contact 970-247-5702 or visit https://sjbpublichealth.org/covid-19-vaccine/ for more information.

• 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturdays, Fort Lewis College Student Life Center, Durango • 9 - 11 a.m. - Thursdays, Manna Soup Kitchen, Durango • 4 - 8 p.m. Fri., Sep. 3, Animas Valley Grange, 7271 CR 203, Durango • 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Fridays, Purgatory Resort • 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturdays, Durango Farmers Market, Durango • 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Sundays, Durango Flea Market, 2500 Main Ave., Durango • 5 - 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 2 - 6 p.m. Saturdays, Old Main Post Office, 1060 Main Ave., Durango Sept. 2, 2021 n 15

16 n Sept. 2, 2021

telegraph