Durango Telegraph Oct. 8, 2020

Jamie’s cryin’

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FREE Oct. 8, 2020 Vol. XIX, No. 37 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

Un-presidented

Meet the candidates

Vital signs

Think ‘Idiocracy’ is just a movie?

Think again ... p4

Weighing in on the pressing (& not-so pressing) topics p8

New – and cheaper – local health plan on the horizon p10

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lineup

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4 La Vida Local

The last run

The king and I

4 Thumbin’ It

Yes, we are living in an idiocracy – and here’s the proof

by David Feela

5 Word on the Street 6-7 Soapbox

8

8 Top Story

The final four

Get to (really) know the county commissioner candidates

10 Local News 11 Flash in the Pan

10

12-13 Stuff to Do

Vital signs Southwest Health Alliance prevails in mission for lower-cost local plan

13 Ask Rachel

by Missy Votel

14 Free Will Astrology 15 Classifieds

11

15 Haiku Movie Review

Getting sauced

On the cover: The cottonwoods along the Animas are well on their way to peak color this week at Oxbox Park./ Photo by Stephen Eginoire

Stocking up for a robust shot of summer all winter long

by Ari LeVaux

boilerplate

EDITORIALISTA: Missy Votel (missy@durangotelegraph.com) ADVERTISING AFICIONADO: Lainie Maxson (lainie@durangotelegraph.com) STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Stephen Eginoire (steve@gulchmag.com)

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he Durango Telegraph publishes every Thursday, come hell, high water, beckoning singletrack or monster powder days. We are wholly owned and operated independently by the Durango Telegraph LLC and

Ear to the ground: “Why couldn’t it have been Sammy?”

– Distraught local over the loss of rock’n’roll legend Eddie Van Halen

STAR-STUDDED CAST: Lainie Maxson, David Feela, Ari LeVaux, Shan Wells and Clint Reid

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

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

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

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thepole

RegularOccurrences

It’s time to hoist those tattered, ducttaped ski pants up the flagpole and run ’em at half mast. In case you haven’t seen the eulogies pouring out across mountainland, Powder is dead.

Of course we’re talking about the iconic 48year-old publication revered by ski bums and soul skiers for its exceptional photography, realistic reflection of ski-town life and endless pursuit of fresh tracks. Last week, A360 Media, aka American Media which owns Bike, Powder, Snowboarder and Surfer, gave walking papers to staff at Bike and Surfer. Staffs of the snow titles were told they could stay on until November. Powder will print its remaining 2020 issues, with the photo annual dropping in mid-November and the gear guide being released later. Snowboarder will also print its remaining issues and maintain a website and social media presence. Curiously enough, A360 will continue to publish its flagship but highly insipid, Men’s Journal.

“Today is a tremendously sad day for fans of high-quality enthusiast publications,” Steve Casimiro wrote on Adventure Journal’s website.

Casimiro worked as editor at Powder for 12 years before moving on and eventually launching AJ. Over the years, the iconic titles have changed hands more times than skiers change long underwear, but Casimiro, who was editor from 1987-99 (arguably ski bumming’s heyday), fondly reminisced about the glory years, including colorful former owner Bud Fabian, and many a hazy, late-night debaucheries and office shenanigans.

Casimiro went on to rail against corporate media, reserving special vitriol for Men’s Journal.

“What’s left is too often … junk shows like Men’s Journal,” Casimiro wrote, calling it “a firehose of pandering listicles, lowest-common denominator pap, and nakedly commercial gear roundups designed to get you to click on affiliate links.”

He also took a stab at the internet for producing a “bottomless soupbowl of ‘content,’” which can never replace the “special magic” that happens when passionate, talented editors, writers and photographers pour their hearts and souls into telling stories. “These titles did more than just fill their pages with stoke, they conveyed philosophies … they showed that adventure could be more than just recreation, that it could be the path to lives better lived,” he waxed.

Casimiro concluded his homily by imploring readers to do their part in raging against “uninspired, formulaic” editorial. “Nothing is free,” he wrote. “We publishers need to give you an awesome product, but if we do, you need to step up and pay for it. And by ‘pay for it’ I don’t mean with clicks or likes, I mean by subscribing. It’s too late for Bike, Powder, Snowboarder and Surfer, but there are numerous independent publications that could use your support.”

Amen.

Oct. 8, 2020 n

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opinion

LaVidaLocal Un-presidented behavior “Karhide is not a nation but a family quarrel.”

– Ursula LeGuin, The Left Hand of Darkness A group of politically fueled friends consuming a few beers at a local brewery engaged in a spirited debate about whether we Americans live in a true democracy. They went back and forth asserting their positions, arguing how terminology makes all the difference. Qualifiers like “direct” and “representative,” and “constitutional” were added to the word “democracy,” then batted back and forth like ping-pong balls. The idea of a republic briefly surfaced only to be grabbed by the political bad boys of socialism, aristocracy, oligarchy, dictatorship and tyranny, then challenged to a tableside arm wrestling match.

I politely listened but stayed out of it.

Instead, while the fray frazzled, I googled the word freedom. I hoped that whatever form of government emerged as the most likely culprit for defining us as Americans, it would have to include this concept, and I wanted to be better prepared for what freedom really means without simply launching into a refrain of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee.” Unfortunately, my research proved unsatisfying. But if I’d spoken up, I would’ve defended a word that hadn’t yet surfaced, the notion that we are living in a idiocracy.

An online dictionary defines such a form of government as one “...that is based upon abstract theory,” but I much prefer the dictionary’s alternative usage: a government ruled by idiots.

For the sake of clarification, I’ve constructed the following addendum for quick reference. It is not intended as a guide for living in an idiocracy, but more like a list of symptoms to help readers recognize how seriously the ideals we once held as necessary to form a more perfect union have deteriorated.

You see, in an idiocracy... ...some citizens vote, but nearly half of them remain silent. ...outspoken voters in favor of ousting the ruling party are discouraged, simply by judging them to be ineligible. Outright chicanery and bureaucratic red tape surface to obstruct an election if any of those citizens actually show up to cast their ballots. ...entire districts are gerrymandered to lean heavily toward an outcome that favors one party, race or class. ...foreign governments are invited to influence the election outcome, which is only a step away from having the foreigners themselves participate as members of the cabinet. ...aspiring public office holders launch political campaigns that require enormous influxes of cash if a candidate can ever hope to be elected. ...the concept of “one dollar, one vote” converts too easily into successful election mathematics, legitimatizing a system of cashflow politics.

...wealth multiplies influence, and lavish donations to the winning party result in cushy, unqualified appointments to public office. ...criticism of the ruling class prompts government reprisals, starting with namecalling, then morphing into outright lies – language designed to ridicule and dehumanize – which can swiftly transform into policy, resulting in orders that mandate detention and/or deportation. ...injustice defends itself with a rousing refrain from its sweet anthem: “America: Love it or leave it.” ...when citizens ask their government to take action, such as trying to enact laws that will reduce gun violence, they are reprimanded for having a partisan view of the problem and answered with a barrage of loaded questions. ...freedom of the “fake” press is revered as an “optional” Constitutional amendment, chiefly when the press reports on investigations critical of the ruling party. ...transparency of governmental actions is tossed out the window, and then the windows are replaced with brick. ...nostalgia substitutes for science, and a fact can be substituted for that other four-letter word in a political argument. ...statistics – which are nothing more than numerical facts – contain an elasticity, and they can be stretched like bungee cords, anchoring one’s jumping off position when talking politics. ...social media platforms once valued for the contact they provide between friends and family become blunt instruments for generating advertising revenue and manipulating the masses. ...the state of one’s health depends entirely on the system’s fiscal prognosis, and until the insurance providers are offered enough money, the patient will have to be patient. ...the climate is understood to be how comfortable the board room is during a meeting, and climate change is nothing more than some unauthorized person fiddling with the thermostat. ...regulations for the safety of citizens are either legislated and not enforced, or they are deemed “unreasonable burdens” by those who benefit from ignoring them.

Meanwhile, back at the bar the alcohol keeps coming and the political discussion boils down to a sporting event, the side that’s ahead versus the one that’s trying to make a comeback. The future leans back in his chair, bored with the banter and beer. He suspects it doesn’t matter what anyone decides to call any system of government. It will be known by its compassion or its terror, by its ability to accept responsibility for its failures or to shift that blame by lying and covering them up.

Like the sun, a system of government will predictably rise and then set, but it will inevitably earn its reputation.

In an idiocracy one thing is certain: it’s the idiot who thinks he’s king.

Thumbin’It Predictions that La Plata County may have turned the corner on the worst of COVID-induced financial woes

Southwest Health Alliance going back to the table and coming up with a healthinsurance plan based on community input – all at a lower price than last year’s plans

Facebook taking a bold stand against fake news bots and disinformation by banning all QAnon groups

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– David Feela

Sign of the Downfall: Trump, yet again, downplaying the pandemic by telling Americans “Don’t be afraid of COVID-19” – all this despite a hospital stay and litany of drugs for his own COVID complications Yet another deadly virus for locals to be concerned about, with the first case of human West Nile virus reported in La Plata County The demise of Powder magazine, a trusted, authentic, entertaining and inspiring voice (and cherished bathroom reading) of ski culture for nearly 50 years

telegraph

Tide Pods for Boomers Glenlivet recently introduced “cocktail capsules,” which are little transparent packets made from seaweed that contain scotchbased cocktails. The idea is that you pop one in your mouth, bite it, drink the cocktail, and then swallow the bag, which they tried to make sound normal by using the hashtag “#noglassrequired.” It didn’t work, of course, and Glenlivet looks to be backing off the idea after being accused of making “whiskey pizza rolls” and “grownup gushers” by online haters. But personally, I’m holding out for the Glenlivet IV bag.

WordontheScreen

Q

“All of the regrets of my life.”

With fall cleanup in full swing, The Telegraph asked: “What do you wish you could throw on the pile?*”

“Trump and his whole cabinet.”

*Disclaimer: Remember, fall cleanup is only for yard waste like trees and leaves and stuff

Patty

“Alternative layers of soiled masks, political strife, racial injustice, social inequity and every physical and digital copy of ‘Gemini Man.’”

“24/7 news programs.”

Jane

John

Jonathan

“2020.”

Anne

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Oct. 8, 2020 n 5

SoapBox

ReTooned/by Shan Wells

Crash course in cults, autocracies To the editor, Although his corruption predates his presidency by far, I am shocked at Trump’s enthusiastic effort to destroy our democracy in order to enrich himself and his bedfellows. His impact on the American political scene includes the debauchment of millions of voters who embrace illegal, unethical behavior by this celebrity cult hero and his operatives.

When Trump publicly and brazenly breaks the law and sneers at calls for integrity and accountability, his supporters are silent. They thereby follow him down a road hard to return from, for many reasons. For one thing, cults are addictively exciting and can provide a missing sense of worth. Trump cult indoctrination bars followers from considering information outside their small news bubble, so they won’t willingly consider other perspectives. Even then, their ability to think critically has likely been replaced with a single reactive us-them flashpoint.

And horribly but clearly, Trump’s aim is to destroy democracy itself – which removes everyone’s democratic choice. Lastly, those they call “libtards” – meaning we who are former friends – will remember the angry extremism, the threats and acts of violence, with understandable fear.

Trump hopes to disappear millions of ballots in the November general election, since he’s not favored to win.

That’s why he installed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a multi-millionaire whose investments in market competitors to the Post Office total $75 million – a flagrantly unethical conflict of interest. Trump hired DeJoy to gut this vital institution then profit when it fails entirely. DeJoy is systematically destroying our Post Office by defunding it, then removing 671 high-speed sorting machines and thousands of mailboxes in blue-voting cities.

Please research ballot drop-off locations, vote as soon as you can, encourage friends to vote, and volunteer. If we fail to remove this wanna-be dictator, we will learn all

about autocracies – a “crash course.”

– Kirby MacLaurin, Durango

Need to light your fire?

Complement the beautiful fall colors with our lovely green flowers.

The Telegraph stocks old issues to burn on the lower racks at many of our locations, including: • Durango Post Office • 10th & Main (in front of El Rancho & the Boarding Haus)

• Peerless Tire • Mayer Building, 679 E. 2nd Ave. • Bayfield Post Office • Star Liquors plaza • N. City Market *Just try not to set the night on fire. And please do not take the current issue or leave a big mess.

It makes Jim sad.

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6 n Oct. 8, 2020

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Hoodoo you think you are?

To the editor, I was shocked to see the image on the cover of the September 24, 2020, issue of the Telegraph! A woman standing ON TOP of one of the hoodoos at Bisti Badlands!

These land formations are VERY fragile and should NEVER be climbed on and stood upon. Bisti is a fragile wilderness area that needs to be preserved, not destroyed. I hope you’ll think twice in the future about how you influence people through photography.

– With concern, Barbara Grist, Durango Editor’s note: Dear Barbara, thanks for your concern. Indeed, the BLM advises against “climbing on delicate geologic features.” We would argue our photo was taken atop a stable outcrop – guess it all depends on one’s definition of “delicate” and “climbing.” That said, we certainly would never condone positioning oneself atop a teetering rock spire – which could not end well for rock or person. Again, people: common sense.

Marsha will get things done

To the editor, Thanks to COVID-19, getting to know our candidates for La Plata County commissioner is much more challenging this year. That’s a shame because if anyone spends five minutes with Marsha Porter-Norton, it’s clear she’s done her homework and would be very good for this county. As a longtime resident, Marsha is knowledgeable about all aspects of this area and has plenty to say about priorities moving forward. Even her website is full of great information, plans and priorities should she be elected. Not sure I can say the same for her competition. Marsha has a history of serving this community and getting things accomplished with diverse groups. I admire her ability to listen to everyone. I’m excited Marsha threw her hat in this race, and I’m definitely voting Marsha this November.

– Char Day, La Plata County

Apathy is not the answer

To the editor, The leadership of the Republican Party has shown increasingly brazen contempt for our democratic process, and the ideals of justice, fairness and equality. All the while vociferously posturing otherwise, and occasionally playing the role of victim in a stunning show of cynicism.

Make no mistake: these actions are an assault on we the people and our trust, not their tired but perennially favorite bogeyman, big government. This is not fake news from the liberal media. Listen to any of them: the pretense is mostly gone. They’ll say or tweet it, without apology.

As their response to the Supreme Court vacancy with the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg demonstrates, the president and his congressional appeasers have no respect for principles or their constitutional responsibility to the public they were elected to govern. They only respect power, and it’s well beyond time we took it away from them.

The coming election requires neither excitement about the Democratic Party candidate, nor full agreement with his platform. What is needed is an urgent consideration of the future of our democracy that translates into participation in our most sacred democratic institution. There is much about our system of government that needs fixing, but the answer is more citizen engagement not apathy. It is my belief the significant challenges we face as a country are inseparable from those faced by the entire planet, and blind partisanship to the increasingly irrelevant ideologies of the past is leaving us ill equipped to face them. Will we re-

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emerge as a leader in setting the course for a better, more sustainable future for all of us, or remain a self-consumed, belligerent follower ultimately relegated to obscurity? That is the choice that now confronts us all. This coming election day please cast a vote that speaks truth to power.

– Michael Brown, Durango

Salka: qualifications and more To the editor, Throwing your hat in the ring to run for La Plata County commissioner takes knowledge, long hours, flexibility, honesty and willingness to listen to the residents of the county. I have attended the majority of town meetings in Bayfield while Matt Salka was mayor here. He has all of the qualifications I have mentioned plus more. He is running on the Democratic ticket but I must say, he serves ALL people, no matter what party they belong to or even if they belong to none. If he doesn’t know the answer to the problem he will work on it until it can be solved. Matt is also a respected business man and still finds time for serving the public. Good luck Matt!!

– Phyllis Ludwig, Bayfield

Stop trashing the high country To the editor, We live in a beautiful place, and that has brought many visitors here this summer and fall. In so many cases, we have experienced a blatant disregard for our precious Earth that sustains us all. She is our “momma,” our manna, and we must take care of Her. She gives us everything! To see our beautiful hillsides and fragile tundra torn up by ATVs, side-by-sides and dirt bikes has brought many tears. It will take 100 years to regenerate, according to the Durango Herald. There will not be changes unless we start making it a criminal offense to deface this precious Earth. We can hire officials who charge large fines and will thereby be paid as well. Let’s come together on this. If interested, email me at: alpenhike@gmail.com.

– Calida May, Durango

A thoughtful problem-solver To the editor, I will be voting for Marsha Porter Norton for La Plata County commissioner. I believe her leadership skills and long-term efforts working in many capacities in La Plata County make her the right choice moving forward. My support is based on a friendship of over 20 years where I have witnessed her inspired leadership in public service with extraordinary vision based on a well-grounded ethos in SW Colorado. Marsha is a bright, energetic and independent thinker who held listening sessions (over 50) with county residents to learn of their concerns and needs.

As we move forward from an epic upheaval in society, we must look to the ingenuity of individuals, profit and nonprofit organizations, and government to work together to build a stronger La Plata County. Marsha’s connection to the various stakeholders and unique skills in listening, facilitation and collaboration will foster solid sustainable solutions to create healthier communities and a thriving, diverse local economy for all.

We will need strong leaders like Marsha Porter Norton to move us forward in a very uncertain society that will include working to increase good jobs, affordable housing, vital county services, public health and safety, clean energy and smart growth.

– Bill Dodds, Durango

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Helping us move forward together To the editor, On a hot summer night 28 years ago, I met an amazing woman at a conference on homeless and runaway youth in Arizona. We shared our passions in working with youth, especially those who were oppressed and marginalized. That woman was Marsha Porter Norton, and I also learned that, while she was living in Denver, she was originally from SW Colorado and planned to return to her roots to work in the community.

Since that first meeting, Marsha and I have been neighbors, friends and colleagues sharing our commitment to social justice, community development, rural policy and service to others. This is what Marsha is committing to in her campaign for La Plata County commissioner. Marsha understands how formulating, developing and soliciting input, and implementing policy is critical as we move forward as a county facing many challenges.

She can bring people together to look at all viewpoints.

She understands the rural/urban perspective and how to advocate for local interests. Marsha has a holistic approach to her work caring about the social, economic, psychological, physical and financial health of our community. She will utilize all these aspects in her decisionmaking as a county commissioner. I will cast my vote for Marsha and hope you do the same.

– Wanda Ellingson, Durango

Stakes too high for Prop 115 To the editor, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death has been a sobering wake-up call. We cannot take anything for granted, including the right to a safe, legal abortion. Justice Ginsburg was a champion for reproductive rights and now that she’s gone, abortion rights could be more at risk than ever. The backers of Proposition 115 have already admitted that they are using this ban as a foot in the door to ban abortion outright in our state – something voters have fought hard to prevent in years past. The stakes are too high to let this ban pass.

Prop 115 is a one-size-fits-all ban on abortion later in pregnancy that leaves no room for the complexities of pregnancy or personal health-care. There are no exceptions for rape and incest or if there is a lethal fetal diagnosis. Women in Colorado deserve more. As women, we deserve to have access to all of our medical options throughout a pregnancy, especially if something goes wrong.

As voters, we’ve already weighed in on this issue and have decided over and over again that the government shouldn’t play a role in these personal decisions. We have already said “no” to three abortion bans in Colorado – in 2008, 2010 and 2014. Now, with the recent passing of Justice Ginsburg, the constitutional right to a safe legal abortion may hang in the balance. Colorado voters must not take any chances this November.

We must vote NO on Proposition 115.

– Katharine Young, Durango

Our mailbag runneth over Due to an extremely high volume of letters, all letters related to the Nov. 3 election must be received by Mon., Oct. 12, to ensure inclusion before the election. Please send letters to telegraph@durangotelegraph.com and keep to less than 750 words.

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Oct. 8, 2020 n 7

MeettheCandidates

Unplugged Commission hopefuls sound off on the pressing issues and burning questions

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his year, there are two seats up for grabs on the three-person La Plata County Board of Commissioners, with Gwen Lachelt (District 2 - Durango) and Julie Westendorff (District 3 - Bayfield, Ignacio) term limited. Commissioners are elected “at large,” meaning all voters can vote for a candidate in each of the two district races, regardless of which district they live in. Commissioners serve four-year terms and are term limited after two terms.

The two new commissioners will join Clyde Church (District 1 - western, southern and northern La Plata County, including Redmesa, Kline, Marvel, Hesperus, Bondad, Hermosa and Purgatory.)

Here, commissioner candidates weigh in on some of the pressing issues and burning questions of our time. Answers appear in the order in which they were received.

fridge: Cream for coffee.

Now that the land use code has passed, what do you see as the next biggest issue facing La Plata County and how do you plan on addressing it? I will work for healthy communities and a strong economy. We must get through COVID-19. It has wreaked havoc on too many businesses and families especially, those in the service sectors.

County government needs to continue to respond by advocating for more CARES Act money; by continued support to San Juan Basin Health; and by providing important services for county residents.

Affordable housing: I am calling for a countywide action plan/investment strategy. We need more tools in the tool kit, more political will and to leverage resources of all kinds. This needs to be a top county priority to benefit Telegraph readers’ futures and everyone.

Economy: For young people and families to make it here, we need to work for jobs that allow a good quality of life. I will work with all groups currently aiming to improve our economic future. We can bring in good jobs through local food, sustainable outdoor recreation, renewable energy, creative arts, sustainable timber harvesting (especially in beetle-kill areas), helping light/ clean manufacturing businesses find a home, streamlining planning, and improving internet and airport services.

Growth: this county is slated to have 70,000 people in about nine years.

Where will they live? What type of road system will they drive on? Where will water come from? Where will they work and play? How can we protect what is special but still grow? These challenges require a trusted, proven leader who will work for everyone and stand up for progressive values.

District 2 Marsha Porter-Norton (Democrat)

Day job: I own my own business Marsha Porter-Norton - District 2 and have for 20 years. I am a professional meeting facilitator helping mediate public issues. I do this work across the Western Slope and the Four Corners working primarily on public lands and water issues.

On the weekends you can find me: Two ways to answer this ... Before I ran for office: hiking, xeriscape gardening, traveling the Colorado Plateau doing fun things, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends.

While running for office: calling people, walking neighborhoods, typing letters off my keyboard, going to events (COVID-19 safe of course), listening to what you care about.

One thing people may not know about me: I started driving farm equipment when I was 5 years old as I grew up on a cattle ranch/farm in Lewis, north of Cortez.

Favorite podcast or last book read: “Here and Now” on NPR. Favorite “Caddyshack” line (or other favorite ’80s movie quote): “Snakes! Why’d it have to be snakes?”

– Indiana Jones from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” One thing always in your Matt Salka - District 3

Jack Turner - District 2

Jack Turner (unaffiliated)

Charly Minkler - District 3

Day job: I don’t have a day job. I have multiple jobs like lots of other folks. See www.ElectJackTurner.com.

On the weekends you can find me: Someplace where hopefully you can’t find me. 4

Come by for a delicious cup!

You deserve it, and we’d love to see you!

Proudly serving Fahrenheit Coff ffe ee, Espresso, baked goods, teas and more!

1099 Main Ave., under the big clock Mon.- Thurs., 7am-3pm and Fri., 7am-1pm

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telegraph

One thing people may not know about me: I organized and led a snowboard expedition to the Islamic Republic of Iran for TransWorld Snowboard Magazine (1997).

Favorite podcast or last book read: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande Favorite “Caddyshack” line (or other favorite ’80s movie quote): “The best time to be is now, and all’s we can say is ... Let’s rock!” (“Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” – 1989). Note: This film and line are symbolic of our campaign in so many ways.

One thing always in your fridge: Stuff I probably should have eaten two days ago.

Now that the land use code has passed, what do you see as the next biggest issue facing La Plata County and how do you plan on addressing it? The 377-page Land Use Code was approved, but it’s far from being settled. No project has been through the new process.

Its efficiency and impact are unknown.

The code is central to housing, employment, public safety and almost every aspect of keeping La Plata County a “real” place to live and work.

Technical issues aside, my concern is that the code was written to isolate commissioners from the public and vice versa.

Virtually all power is vested in planning staff and the county attorney until a project comes to the commissioners for final approval – a process that drives up costs that are passed on to the public.

The code must be dynamic and subject to constant review by the public, elected officials and staff. I believe a commissioner must be able to listen, collaborate and assist citizens rather than just being judge and jury at the end of a process.

There is no “next big issue.” Recovery and reinvention from the wrath of 2020 will take years. EVERYONE, not just the commissioners, is mightily challenged to address a long list of known issues ranging from workforce housing to employment to protecting the natural resources of our home.

And there is the unknown. Who could have predicted the full impact of the 416 Fire, the Gold King Mine spill or coronavirus? What’s next?

The talent and experience of the county commissioners play a role in our future, but long-term solutions rest in our working together.

District 3

Matt Salka (Democrat) Day job: Computer tech On the weekends you can find me: When I’m not campaigning, I’m boating or camping.

One thing people may not know about me: When I was 16, I worked for NASA. Favorite podcast or last book read: The new Land Use Code Favorite “Caddyshack” line (unless you have another ’80s movie you’d like to quote): “So I got that going for me, which is nice.” – Carl Spackler One thing always in your fridge: Iced tea Now that the land use code has passed, what do you see as the next biggest issue facing La Plata County and how do you plan on addressing it? Our local businesses need our help more than ever. We need to secure the success of their future to help keep jobs in La Plata County. In turn, this will assist our many residents who work hard to earn a living here.

Second, I would address affordable and attainable housing for first-time homebuyers. I know all too well how tight this housing market is. My experience with Bayfield’s planning commission has helped me understand that there needs to be a better relationship between developers, landowners and government.

Third, infrastructure is key to smart growth. County roads and bridges need to stay maintained. Broadband is a huge issue in La Plata County, let me bring my experiences to help fight for better broadband access in the county. As mayor of Bayfield, I helped secure a $1 million grant for a waterline replacement project after meeting with the Department of Local Affairs expressing how important this project was for Bayfield.

As county commissioner, you can count on me to seek grants, strategic partnerships and always look out for La Plata’s best interests when it comes to infrastructure.

Charly Minkler (unaffiliated) Day job: Rancher, home builder On the weekends you can find me: Working on my ranch or enjoying the San Juans One thing people may not know about me: I grew up in Denver and attended an inner-city high school. After I

moved to La Plata County, I married into agriculture. Best thing I ever did. Never would have guessed I would be riding horses, cleaning ditches and baling hay.

Really has helped me to get an insight into both worlds.

Favorite podcast or last book read: Team of Rivals, The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin, about how people of differing views can work together for the common good.

Favorite “Caddyshack” line (unless you have another ’80s movie you’d like to quote): “Be Good” from “ET,” and “Wax on, Wax Off” from “Karate Kid.” One thing always in your fridge: Jalapeño stuffed green olives Now that the land use code has passed, what do you see as the next biggest issue facing La Plata County

and how do you plan on addressing it? Economic development. Especially now because of COVID-19, we have a lot of businesses that will need help. Federal and state funds have been available to help businesses, and now the county has an opportunity to help even more. “La Plata Cares” grants will soon be available to qualifying businesses to offset expenses related to the coronavirus. Looking at the bigger picture though, I think we do a great job helping new businesses get off the ground, but we do a terrible job keeping them here as they grow (Osprey). I will strive to keep businesses in La Plata County as they grow and need to expand, and to attract the kind of new businesses that bring jobs to our county, especially higher paying career jobs that will allow us, our children and our grandchildren to afford to live and work here. n

Ballot 911: League offers help, resources and can even drop off your ballot for you The League of Women Voters of La Plata County has volunteers to help voters, especially seniors and those with health issues who may not be able to easily leave their homes, this election season. The LWV can help in many ways, including: • Picking up ballots and delivering to a ballot drop box (no stamp needed) • Checking or updating voter registration info., address, etc.

• Helping voters register • Getting voters their ballots if they haven’t been received in the mail by Oct. 16 • Answering questions about the statewide ballot with the LWV Colorado Ballot Issues Pamphlet (lwvco.clubexpress.com) look under “Voter Support for 2020 Ballot Issues”); or the Colorado Blue Book. (leg.colorado.gov) • Helping voters track their ballots • Answering any other questions For help with any of these things, contact Jan Phillips, janp@sofcorp.com or (970) 749-6507; or Karen McManus, cajunmc@gmail.com or (301) 706-6636

telegraph

Some other important dates: • Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. – Statewide Ballot Issues Forum including Durango 9-R School District Ballot Issue 4A. Sponsored by LWVLaPlata and Fort Lewis College.

For more information or to “attend” virtually, go to www.lwvlaplata.org • Oct 26 - Ballots should not be mailed after this day to ensure timely delivery • Nov. 3 - Election Day, ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Ballots can be returned by mail or by depositing into any designated ballot drop box or voter service/polling center location Some important websites and phone numbers: • www.govotecolorado.gov to verify or update registration information • www.laplatacountyclerk.org, La Plata County Clerk & Recorder’s office, 679 Turner Drive, Suite C, Durango, 970-3826296 to get answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” such as ballot drop box locations and voter service and polling centers.

• Vote411.org for election information including candidates for all offices.

Oct. 8, 2020 n

9

LocalNews

A healthy outlook Southwest Health Alliance perseveres, announces new plan with 35% savings

by Missy Votel

A

fter going on life support early last year, efforts to bring a communitybased health insurance plan to Southwest Colorado are alive and well. Quite well, actually. According to the Southwest Health Alliance, a newly hammered out plan, which will debut on the state’s insurance marketplace Nov. 1, is expected to offer savings of about 35 percent compared to the average price of plans last year.

“We’re really pleased to share the good news,” Monique DiGiorgio, director of the Local First Foundation, which spearheaded the effort, said Tuesday. “I think the community’s voice was heard loud and clear.”

But it’s not just the Southwest Health Al-

Dollars and sense The Southwest Health Alliance will be holding two upcoming Zoom meetings to introduce the public to the new plan.

• Tues., Oct. 13, 8 a.m., with the Economic Development Alliance, tinyurl.com/ y2mxtqfa • Thurs., Oct. 22, 11 a.m., with Local First, tinyurl.com/y33qosb9 You can also get the scoop on everything from plans, premiums and ICHRAs on the SHA’s “Healthcare Playlist” on SoundCloud at soundcloud.com/local-first/sets/ healthcare. liance’s premiums that will be lower. DiGiorgio said across the board, premiums for Southwest Colorado residents are expected to drop by 35 percent over last year. “We’re not sure exactly what the savings will be because the Division of Insurance hasn’t finalized rates yet,” she said. “But, you will probably see that the SHA is one of the most competitively priced.”

The SHA plans will be offered in conjunction with Bright Health Plan, a Minneapolisbased company that offers plans throughout Colorado. In addition to likely being the least expensive option, the SHA plans will offer

10 n Oct. 8, 2020

Primary care visits, like checkups, would have a very low or $0 copay under a new health insurance plan through the locally based Southwest Health Alliance. The new plan, which is being done in conjunction with Bright Health, would also have premiums about 35% lower than last year./File photo other local-centric perks, such as access to both Animas Surgical Hospital as well as Mercy Medical Center. “We were willing to work with any local provider that was interested,” DiGiorgio said.

In addition to offering more local choices, she said the SHA will have a $0 copay for mental health visits. “We worked really hard with mental health practitioners on that,” she said.

And for those wanting no deductible at all, there’s a plan for that (which likely will result in a higher premium.) “I had to wrap my head around that,” DiGiorgio said.

“Overall, people will save money off the bat.

It’s a trade-off, people will need to decide what’s most important to them.”

After about a year of community meetings and negotiations with local providers, including Mercy’s parent company Centura Health, the plan was almost dead in the

water last February. That’s when Centura announced its own plan to reduce costs by 20 percent by bargaining directly with insurance companies and cutting out “thirdparty” packages, ostensibly referring to the SHA. The news caught many, including DiGiorgio, by surprise. “We are extremely disappointed in this response because Centura’s plan cuts the community out of health care entirely,” she said at the time.

However, all hope was not lost – and the SHA and Centura continued meeting over the next several months to reach a deal.

“We met once a week for six months, looking at what a plan would look like,” said DiGiorgio. “Everyone came to the table.”

The SHA is based on a similar model in Summit County, Peak Health Alliance, which partnered in crafting the local plan.

Both models were borne out of frustration among Colorado’s rural residents, who

telegraph

found plans on the state exchange were prohibitively expensive (and much more expensive than elsewhere in the state) and often limited to only one option. When the SHA was launched, more than 5,000 local residents and business owners expressed support for the idea.

DiGiorgio said the new plan won’t just offer relief to existing plan holders, but hopefully will bring in customers who left the marketplace in favor of cheaper, nonACA compliant plans. Although premiums are lower on those plans, they often don’t cover basic services, like preventive visits, have higher out-of-pocket costs and can preclude existing conditions. “I hope it encourages people to look at an ACA-compliant plan and not take the risk,” she said.

“People may want to take time this year to reconsider their options.”

The SHA will also offer something for business owners in the form of ICHRAs (pronounced “ick-rah,” also known as an individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement). Through the new option, businesses can give employees a monthly allowance, tax-free, for them to put toward the cost of a health plan of their choosing. “The days of employers being locked in are gone, it offers more flexibility,” DiGiorgio said.

The SHA/Bright plans will be available to all residents of La Plata, Montezuma, Dolores and San Juan counties starting Nov. 1 on the state exchange, www.connectfor healthco.com. Enrollment will be open through Jan. 15, 2021.

DiGiorgio urges local residents to log on and do some shopping (something we’ve all gotten good at during the pandemic). “If you don’t shop, you won’t know what’s out there,” she said.

And, of course, she encourages folks to “look local first,” even when it comes to health insurance. “It was the community’s voice that we brought to this process,” she said. “This will only be a success if people shop and use the plan. We stepped forward to create this, now we need the community to step up too.” n

FlashinthePan

Getting sauced

by Ari LeVaux

W

hen summer ends, after I’ve eaten as many of the ripest, juiciest, most delicious tomatoes I could get my face on, I also make time to stash away those glorious fruits for year-round enjoyment. This comes in the form of a simple oven-roasted tomato sauce. I freeze this universal ingredient – shooting for quantities that will stretch through winter.

If my soup needs a little more tang, my sauce is just the thing. If it’s eggplant parmesan, tomato sauce is in the equation. On top of spaghetti, snuck into deer curry, make a whole pizza to feed the family, or toast my sauce on bread with cheese when I’m feeling lazy. With frozen sauce on hand, I’m a culinary man.

Toward the end of tomato season, the glorious red spheroids that are best for sauce are at their very cheapest. Anyone with a garden – or anyone with a neighbor with a garden – has tomatoes of their own right now, even as farmers are bringing more boxes than ever to market.

I don’t often go for deals at the farmers market. I usually don’t like bargaining with farmers, because they work too hard.

But this time of year, they don’t want to bring home any boxes of tomatoes any more than you want a sauce-free winter.

Wait until the tail end, and see if you and your favorite farmer can find a confluence of interests. They get some freedom from a

box of tomatoes, and cash, and you get a project, and sauce.

For every 4 pounds of tomatoes, you’ll need an onion, three cloves of garlic, a red or yellow sweet pepper and a half-cup each of grated carrots and zucchini, so pick up those items while you’re there.

Don’t mess around with heirlooms because they have too much water and not enough acid. The shiny round orbs the color of sports cars are the tomatoes that make the best sauce. Big red tomatoes,

small red tomatoes, red paste tomatoes.

This oven tomato sauce is a blank red canvas, ready to be customized as a sauce, or incorporated as an ingredient into something else.

Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce Makes 1 quart 4 pounds small red tomatoes, cut in half; or larger tomatoes cut into quarters 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

1 cup minced onions 2 sweet peppers, cleaned, cut in quarters Optional: ½ cup shredded zucchini and 1/2 cup shredded carrots ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary ½ teaspoon fresh thyme Lay tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut sides down. Sprinkle with the salt, drizzle with olive oil, and bake in center of oven under the broiler on high, until the peels start to shrivel and shine – about 40 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the tomatoes to cool to the point where you can pick off the skins. If the pepper skins are willing to come off, take them.

Add the peppers, onions, garlic and optional other veggies and herbs and stir it all together and return the sheet to the oven.

Turn it from broil to bake at 400, and bake another 30 minutes, stirring once or twice more as the sauce cooks down.

When all of the tomatoes have completely left behind their former shapes, and the mixture approaches a homogeneous consistency, turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature in the oven, ideally overnight. In the cool morning, puree the sauce in a blender for a smoother, prettier look that I believe freezes better than chunky sauce.

Transfer the sauce to freezerware or bags, filling each container to leave as little air as possible. Freeze great quantities.

Roast and repeat. Thaw early, thaw often, all the way through the winter. n

It’s coming back around ...

Look for Issue 14 in October!

Available wherever you find the Telegraph or at www.gulchmag.com To find out about advertising opportunities, email: steve@gulchmag.com

telegraph

Oct. 8, 2020 n 11

FlashinthePan

Getting sauced

by Ari LeVaux

W

hen summer ends, after I’ve eaten as many of the ripest, juiciest, most delicious tomatoes I could get my face on, I also make time to stash away those glorious fruits for year-round enjoyment. This comes in the form of a simple oven-roasted tomato sauce. I freeze this universal ingredient – shooting for quantities that will stretch through winter.

If my soup needs a little more tang, my sauce is just the thing. If it’s eggplant parmesan, tomato sauce is in the equation. On top of spaghetti, snuck into deer curry, make a whole pizza to feed the family, or toast my sauce on bread with cheese when I’m feeling lazy. With frozen sauce on hand, I’m a culinary man.

Toward the end of tomato season, the glorious red spheroids that are best for sauce are at their very cheapest. Anyone with a garden – or anyone with a neighbor with a garden – has tomatoes of their own right now, even as farmers are bringing more boxes than ever to market.

I don’t often go for deals at the farmers market. I usually don’t like bargaining with farmers, because they work too hard.

But this time of year, they don’t want to bring home any boxes of tomatoes any more than you want a sauce-free winter.

Wait until the tail end, and see if you and your favorite farmer can find a confluence of interests. They get some freedom from a

box of tomatoes, and cash, and you get a project, and sauce.

For every 4 pounds of tomatoes, you’ll need an onion, three cloves of garlic, a red or yellow sweet pepper and a half-cup each of grated carrots and zucchini, so pick up those items while you’re there.

Don’t mess around with heirlooms because they have too much water and not enough acid. The shiny round orbs the color of sports cars are the tomatoes that make the best sauce. Big red tomatoes,

small red tomatoes, red paste tomatoes.

This oven tomato sauce is a blank red canvas, ready to be customized as a sauce, or incorporated as an ingredient into something else.

Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce Makes 1 quart 4 pounds small red tomatoes, cut in half; or larger tomatoes cut into quarters 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

1 cup minced onions 2 sweet peppers, cleaned, cut in quarters Optional: ½ cup shredded zucchini and 1/2 cup shredded carrots ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary ½ teaspoon fresh thyme Lay tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut sides down. Sprinkle with the salt, drizzle with olive oil, and bake in center of oven under the broiler on high, until the peels start to shrivel and shine – about 40 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the tomatoes to cool to the point where you can pick off the skins. If the pepper skins are willing to come off, take them.

Add the peppers, onions, garlic and optional other veggies and herbs and stir it all together and return the sheet to the oven.

Turn it from broil to bake at 400, and bake another 30 minutes, stirring once or twice more as the sauce cooks down.

When all of the tomatoes have completely left behind their former shapes, and the mixture approaches a homogeneous consistency, turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature in the oven, ideally overnight. In the cool morning, puree the sauce in a blender for a smoother, prettier look that I believe freezes better than chunky sauce.

Transfer the sauce to freezerware or bags, filling each container to leave as little air as possible. Freeze great quantities.

Roast and repeat. Thaw early, thaw often, all the way through the winter. n

It’s coming back around ...

Look for Issue 14 this month!

Available wherever you find the Telegraph or at www.gulchmag.com To find out about advertising opportunities, email: steve@gulchmag.com

telegraph

Oct. 8, 2020 n 11

StufftoDo

Thursday08

Blue Moon Ramblers, 5:30–8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

“Resources for Creative Entrepreneurs to Survive COVID-19,” virtual presentation, 9-10 a.m.

Presented by Durango Creative District, First Southwest Community Fund and Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center. www.durangocreativedistrict.org.

Joel Racheff plays, 5:30–8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Monday12 Meditation and Dharma Talk with Kate Siber, 5:30-7 p.m. online at www.durangodharmacenter.org/

Hoodfoot plays, 5-8 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Jose Villareal plays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Rob Webster plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Adam Swanson plays ragtime piano, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main. Also plays Oct. 5-10.

Joel Racheff plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

“What is the Fake News Crisis and How Do We Face It,” a Zoom event with FLC Philosophy Professor Justin McBrayer, 7 p.m. part of the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series. https://tinyurl.com/y57vl6s6

Tuesday13 “Cybersecurity for Your Website,” e-commerce web series, 9-10:30 a.m. Presented by the SW Colorado Small Business Development Center. $10/workshop. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/y57v7xd9

Laugh Therapy Open Mic, comic sign-up at 7 p.m., show starts at 8, Union Social House, 3062 Main.

Cylus O’Connor, 5-8 p.m., 11th Street Station.

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

Friday09

Terry Rickard plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

Eat Local Month Harvest Dinner, Fridays thru Oct. 16, 5-7 p.m. Each week, pick up a gourmet take-out dinner from a participating restaurant, farm or local purveyor. $75 ticket includes three courses, an alcoholic beverage and a special gift. Proceeds benefit Local First and local food businesses. Tickets at: local-first.org/eatlocalmonth.

Sean O’Brien plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. “Jersey girl” Tina Ooley, founder of EveryPedal MTB, shares her story as part of the Professional Women’s Network’s Virtual Inspiring Speaker Series, 5:30 p.m. Pre-register and become a member at pwndurango.com

Jack Ellis plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

A vintage outtake from the 1982 Farmington Road Apple Rally.

Rotary District Gov. Forrest “Chip” Ecks, Adam Swanson plays ragtime piano, 5:30-8:30 The longest continually run mountain bke race in the country, the iconic Road Apple returns for its 40th year this month, albeit presented by Rotary Club of Durango, 6 p.m. Email: p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main. Also plays in a COVID-friendly format. Racers are asked to ride the course mtnman16@gmail.com.

Oct. 5-10. on their own and send in a screenshot of their Strava or MTB ”Drinking Rituals and Politics in Chaco Project results by Oct. 18. Deadline to register is Oct. 17 at: Canyon” zoom talk, 7 p.m., presented by the San www.fmtn.org./Photo courtesy City of Farmington Juan Basin Archaeological. For linfo: sjbas.org.

Durango Farmers Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.Sheryl & Beau play, 6-9 p.m., 11th Street Station.

12 noon, TBK Parking Lot, across from the Transit Center.

Facemasks required. www.durangofarmersmarket.com.

Adam Swanson plays ragtime piano, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main. Also plays Oct. 5-10.

Henry Stoy plays piano, 9 a.m.-12 noon, Jean Pierre Wednesday Wine Workshop, “Sutcliffe Vineyards” Wine Bar, College Drive and Main. with sommelier Tracy, 4-5 p.m., PRIMI Pasta & Wine Bar, 1201 Main Ave. Reserve your spot at primidurango.com Henry Stoy plays piano, 9 a.m.-12 noon, Jean Pierre Free Jedi training, learn the Japanese weapons and Wine Bar, College Drive and Main. techniques seen in “Star Wars,” 9-10 a.m., Claire Viles Backyard fruit harvesting with the Good Food ColPark. Masks required. www.durangoaikido.com lective, Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. Meet at Manna Soup Chad MacCluskey, 12-2 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Kitchen. Bring water bottle, face mask and boxes/bags for 12th Annual Apple Days Festival, at the Durango any fruit you want to take home. Info at: www.goodfood“Higher Ed in Rural Colorado: A Virtual Event,” Farmers Market. Visit www.goodfoodcollective.org/applecollective.org/get-involved 4-5:15 p.m., featuring State Rep. Barbara McLachlan, Tom days to pre-order fresh cider.

Stritikus, president of Fort Lewis College, and Greg SalsFree Jedi training, learn the Japanese weapons and bury, president of Western Colorado University. Tune in Chip Huntoon Memorial Food Drive, 9 a.m.-1 techniques seen in “Star Wars,” 5-6 p.m., Claire Viles Park. live on Facebook, www.facebook.com/barbaraforthe59th/ p.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds. Sponsored by DayMasks required. www.durangoaikido.com break Rotary - masked Rotarians will collect donated food Outdoor Hawaiian luau, 4-7 p.m., a benefit for SOS right from people’s cars to be donated to Manna.

Free circuit workout, every Wednesday, 6 p.m. lead Help Brittny Beat MS, music by Island Style, silent auction, by physical therapist Andre Botha. Masks required. Ohana Wines of the San Juan, Blanco, N.M. Reservations reDustin Burley plays, 12-2 p.m., 11th Street Station Physical Therapy, 130 Rock Point Drive, Unit C in the Tech quired. $50/person 505-632-0879 and 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Center. RSVP at: 970-247-7895.

Saturday10

Wednesday14

Sunday11

Free Divorce and Custody Clinic Presented by Colorado Legal Services

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 5:30-7 p.m. via Zoom For more information, call: 970-247-0266 12 n Oct. 8, 2020

telegraph

AskRachel

Fashion victim, heavy thoughts and cornfusion Interesting fact: Each kernel of candy corn has its own unique shape. No two are alike. It’s like hell’s version of a snowflake.

Dear Rachel, Ah, autumn. It’s finally becoming turtleneck season. Every year I pull my favorite turtleneck out of the plastic bin under the bed, shake it out, put it on, and remember how much I hate turtlenecks. It could be the finest cashmere; it still squeezes my neck like the softest serial killer. Do people actually like going around being choked all day? Is fashion really worth the slow death?

– Coming Out of My Shell Dear Hero in a Half Shell, I know you are a man. You know how I know? Because women die the slow death for fashion’s sake every god-forsaken day. A turtleneck choke would be sweet relief to end the agony of high heels, dental-floss thongs (not the flip-flop kind), and an ill-fitting bra. Why do you think we all ended up in Durango? It’s not for the views, I can tell you that. It’s for the flannel, the baggy jeans, and the stereotyped lesbian vibe. I mean, we already drive Subarus. Why not go all the way?

– Turtle power, Rachel Dear Rachel, Rock sales have got to be the weirdest scam

Virtual Forum on Ballot Issues & the Durango 9R bond, 5:30-7 p.m. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters and Fort Lewis College. Listen on Four Corners Broadcasting 930AM & 97.3FM or watch on facebook.com/ lwvlaplata.org/ or DurangoGov.org/DGOV Terry Rickard plays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Donny Johnson plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

Ongoing Girls on the Run Fall Virtual 5k, thru Oct. 11. $15/individual, $50 for a family of four and $10/canine. To sign up or for more info, go to www.gotrwesterncolorado.org Virtual Road Apple Rally, thru Oct. 17, racers will use Strava or MTB Project to track and record their times on the course. Register online by Oct. 17 at noon. Take a screenshot of your results and submit by Oct. 18. Details: www.fmtn.org.

“Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas,” a traveling exhibit from the American Museum of Natural History, Powerhouse Science Center.

Sunnyside and Fort Lewis Mesa libraries are open, providing books, movies, music, audio books and internet, Mon.-Fri., 2:30-7 p.m. Curbside service also available.

on the planet. They are literally selling you what your yard is already full of, just with the dirt already sorted. And it’s also the cheapest stuff on the planet. We just bought five times the weight of my car for 1 percent of the price.

And most of that was delivery! So they’re selling you what you already have, for mere dollars per ton… who is getting rich on this scheme?

– Stone Cold Confused Dear Rocky Balboa, They ain’t getting rich off of you and your $400 order, that’s for certain. Though think about it. Someone dug up all that rock with a heavy piece of machinery in under an hour. It got fed into another dirt-sifting machine for 10 minutes. Put in a truck, driven to you in mere moments. That’s a better profit margin than writing advice columns. And you’re small pea-gravel compared to the boulder boys. Don’t question Big Rock.

Every step you take … they’re there.

– Stone me, Rachel Dear Rachel, I swear that it’s the cool thing to rag on candy corn. What, just because we live in an age of organic tortilla chips and local tofu, we can’t enjoy the most classic candy ever made? No one, not even my yoga teacher, eats perfectly. And candy corn is sooooo delightful. And it’s only really available once a year. Unlike those sellout Peeps

Fort Lewis College 2020 Faculty Biennial exhibit, viewing every Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appt. thru Nov. 19. For info: www.fortlewis.edu/art-design/artgallery.

Durango Playfest presents “Actor’s Journal,” free recordings of original works, essays, poems, remembrances by various actors. Six new actors featured every month. www.durangoplayfest.org/actors-journal Durango Public Library Activity Kits available for curbside pickup every Tuesday. Kits include supplies for one project for preschool, elementary and teen-age students. A new kit is released every Tuesday while supplies last. To request, email reference@DurangoGov.org.

Email Rachel at telegraph@durango telegraph.com that change shape for every holiday. Won’t you help me sing the praises of candy corn?

– Changin’ My Name to Candy Corn Dear Candace Korn, O candy corn, o candy corn, how vulgar is thy sweetness. O candy corn, o candy corn, how vulgar is thy sweetness. Your orange so fake, it hurts my eyes. You say you’re corn, what a lame disguise. O candy corn, o candy corn, how vulgar is thy sweetness. Hip hip, hooray! for singing the praises of candy corn! I’d rather wear a turtleneck made of goatheads than let you pass my lips again.

– Knock knock knockin’ on candy corn, Rachel

Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. “Saving Creation: The Story of the Sixth Extinction,” a Zoom event with environmental scientist Robin Smith, Oct. 15, 7 p.m., tinyurl.com/y57vl6s6 USA Cycling Collegiate MTB National Championships, Oct. 16-18, Purgatory Resort.

CO1301

, Durango,

Aftergrass Reunion, Oct. 16, 6-9 p.m., a benefit for SOS Help Brittny Beat MS, bonfire and food trucks. Camping available with reservation. Wines of the San Juan, Blanco, N.M. $25 suggested donation. 505-632-0879 DJ Calvin Duo, Oct. 16, 6-9 p.m., 11th Street Station.

PIVOT: Skateboard Deck Art exhibit, over 100 skateboard decks painted by 30 different Native American artists, on view by appointment through spring 2021, Center of Southwest Studies. swcenter.fortlewis.edu/ Lacey Black/Dale Elliott play ragtime and honky-tonk piano, thru Oct. 11, 12 noon – 2:30ish, daily at the Grand Imperial Hotel’s Lone Spur Cafe in Silverton.

Upcoming: Tim Sullivan plays, Oct. 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

Rob Webster plays, Oct. 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office

telegraph

Terry Rickard plays, Oct. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Black Velvet Duo plays, Oct. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

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

E-mail your stuff to: calendar@durangotelegraph.com

Oct. 8, 2020 n 13

FreeWillAstrology

by Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “A person’s best ally is someone who takes care of herself,” actress Susan Clark says. I heartily agree. The people with whom you can cultivate the most resilient bonds and most interesting synergy are those who have a high degree of self-sufficiency – those who take rigorous responsibility for themselves and treat themselves with tender compassion. In the coming weeks, Aries, I think it’s especially important for you to emphasize relationships with allies who fit that description. Bonus! Their exemplary selfcare will influence you to vigorously attend to your own self-care.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): According to my reading of the astrological potentials, the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to take a vacation in reverse. What’s that? It’s when you devote yourself to renewing and reinvigorating your relationship with the work you love. You intensify your excitement for the vocation or job or long-term quest that teaches you important life lessons.

You apply yourself with sublime enthusiasm to honing the discipline you need to fulfill the assignments you came to earth to accomplish.

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Perfect for adventures out in the wild or covering up that man sweater back in civilization.

Order yours today: 970-259-0133 or email: telegraph@ durangotelegraph.com

14 n Oct. 8, 2020

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach to immortality,” author Norman Cousins wrote. Whether or not you believe the “immortality” part of his formulation, I’m sure you understand how fabulous it is when you help activate beauty and vitality in someone. You may even feel that inspiring people to unleash their dormant potential is one of the most noble pleasures possible. I bring these thoughts to your attention, Leo, because I suspect that you now have exceptional power to perform services like these for your allies, friends, and loved ones. I dare you to make it one of your top priorities.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “The messiah will come when we don’t need him anymore,” author Franz Kafka said. In that spirit, and in alignment with current astrological omens, I will tell you that the precise help you wish you could attract into your life will show up as soon as you make initial efforts to provide that help to yourself. Here are some additional nuances: The gift or blessing you think you need most will be offered to you by fate once you begin giving that gift or blessing to yourself. A rescuer will arrive not too long after you take steps to rescue yourself.

You’ll finally figure out how to make practical use of a key lesson as you’re teaching that lesson to someone you care for.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “If you are not having fun you are doing something wrong,” comedian Groucho Marx said.

He was exaggerating so as to drive home his humorous point, but his idea contains some truth—and will be especially applicable to you in the immediate future. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you have a temporary exemption from feeling frantically dour and unpleasantly dutiful. As crazy as the world is right now, you have a cosmic mandate to enjoy more playtime and amusement than usual. The rest of us are depending on you to provide us with doses of casual cheer.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran author Ursula K. Le Guin said that we don’t just naturally know how to create our destinies. It takes research and hard work. “All of us have to learn how to invent our lives, make them up, imagine them,” she wrote. “We need to be taught these skills; we need guides to show us how. If we don’t, our lives get made up for us by other people.” I bring this to your attention, Libra, because the coming weeks will be an excellent time to upgrade and refine your mastery of these essential powers. What can you do to enhance your capacity to invent your life?

Which teachers and information sources might be helpful?

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Leave the door open for the unknown, the door into the dark,” Cancerian author Rebecca Solnit writes, adding, “That’s where the most important things come from.” I think this is good advice for you in the coming weeks. What exactly does it mean? How and why should you do what she advises? My first suggestion is to reframe your conception of the unknown and the dark. Imagine them as the source of everything new; as the place from which the future comes; as the origin of creative changes. Then instruct your imagination to be adventurous as it explores brewing possibilities in the dark and the unknown.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1984, hip hop group RunDMC was the first to achieve a gold record in their genre, meaning they sold more than 500,000 albums. Their next album sold over a million. In 1986, legendary producer Rick Rubin encouraged them to do a remake of “Walk This Way,” a song by the hard rock band Aerosomith. Run-DMC didn’t want to do it; they felt the tune was in a genre too unlike their own. But Rubin eventually convinced them, and the cross-pollination was phenomenally successful. The Run-DMCmeets-Aerosmith collaboration launched a new genre that sold very well. The song was later voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

In this spirit, and in accordance with cur-

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rent cosmic rhythms, I urge you to try a bold hybrid or two, Scorpio: blend elements or influences that may seem a bit improbable. They could yield big dividends.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You Sagittarians periodically go through phases when you specialize in stirring up fresh intuitions. I mean, you’re always one of the zodiac’s Intuition Champions, but during these special times, your flow becomes an overflow. You have a knack for seeking and finding visions of the interesting future; you get excited by possibilities that are on the frontiers of your confidence. From what I can tell, your life in recent weeks has been bringing you these delights – and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Take maximum advantage. Aggressively gather in the gifts being offered by your inner teacher.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Calling on my expert knowledge of healing language and imaginative psychology, I have formulated a mantra for you to use in the next six weeks. I suggest you say it five times after you wake up, and again at mid-day, and before dinner, and before sleep. It should help keep you intimately aligned with the dynamic groove that the cosmos will be conspiring to provide for you. For best results, picture yourself as glowing inside with the qualities named in the mantra.

Here it is: StrongBrightFree ClearBoldBrisk DeepNimbleKind AdroitSteadyWarm.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles features displays that extol the musicians who’ve won Grammy Awards over the years. A few years ago, a distinctly unfamous musician named Paz Dylan made professional-looking fake posters touting his own magnificent accomplishments and managed to sneakily hang them on the museum walls. They remained there for a month before anyone noticed. I’m going to encourage you to engage in similar gamesmanship in the coming weeks, Aquarius. It’ll be a favorable time to use ingenuity and unconventional approaches to boost your confidence and enhance your reputation.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Relationships never stop being a work in progress,” author Nora Roberts writes. That’s bad news and good news. It’s bad news because even for the most loving bond, you must tirelessly persist in the challenging task of reinventing the ways the two of you fit together. It’s good news because few activities can make you more emotionally intelligent and soulfully wise than continually reinventing the ways the two of you fit together. I bring these thoughts to your attention because the coming weeks will be a fertile time for such daunting and rewarding work.

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Deadline for Telegraph classified ads is Tuesday at noon.

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Oct. 8, 2020 n 15

Presents Presents The 12th Annual

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16 n Oct. 8, 2020

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