Durango Telegraph, Oct 22, 220

We voted

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FREE Oct. 22, 2020 Vol. XIX, No. 38 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

American pie Finding common ground in the messy, gooey middle p4

L I N E

O N

Finding Kylo How to catch a husky? Trail cams, rotisserie chicken and time ... p9

D U R A N G O

&

B E Y O N D

Getting corny Think of this Southwest delicacy as nature’s candy corn p11

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lineup

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4 La Vida Local

American pie Meeting in the gooey, messy middle

4 Thumbin’ It

by Missy Votel

5 Word on the Street

9

6-7 Soapbox

Doggone it

9 Local News

How to find a lost husky? Trail cams, rotisserie chicken and lots of patience

by Missy Votel

11 Flash in the Pan

12-13 Stuff to Do

11

13 Ask Rachel

Feeling corny Nature’s candy corn, in a few easy steps

14 Free Will Astrology

by Ari LeVaux

15 Classifieds

12

15 Haiku Movie Review

America’s every man

On the cover: Hot air balloons color the sky over the Animas Valley last weekend./ Photo

by Stephen Eginoire

Delving into the relatable genius that was George Carlin

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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

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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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Ear to the ground: “It was kind of like a nasal pap.”

– Local commenting on the discomfort of the giant COVID-test swab

Club car

thepole

RegularOccurrences

Leave it to Mountain Village to come up with a novel solution to the er, novel coronavirus. The ritzy upstairs neighbor to Telluride has announce plans to refurbish gondola cars for socially-distanced dining in the Mountain Village plaza.

According to a story in the Denver Post’s “The Adventurist,” the cars, which are being called “cabins,” will have lights, heating and ventilation, cushioned seats with black leather coverings, wooden dining tables, easy-sliding doors and sturdy floors that can withstand wear and tear from ski boots.

“The dream is that eight people could fit. I think, comfortably, it will be more like six,” Zoe Dohnal, business development and sustainability director for the Town of Mountain Village, told The Adventurist. “We see it being an après ski element in the future (after the pandemic).”

For this winter, though, the aim is to offer added dining space and keep wait staff employed while restaurants are restricted to 50 percent capacity due to the pandemic. The town will erect yurts and temporary “pavilions” in the plaza as well.

Tables will have QR codes that show menu options from 12 restaurants in the village center.

Some will send wait staff to your gondola or yurt, while others will allow you to order takeout.

In keeping with health department guidelines, guests are asked to restrict their dining to “related or associated parties,” Dohnal said.

In the brainstorming that led to the gondola idea, the idea of clear “igloos” made of plastic or glass was also floated. However, there was concern over whether they could stand up to high winds and heavy snow loads – the gondola cars solved that issue.

The cars are being restored by The Gondola Shop, in Fruita. Owner Dominique Bastien said the cars were originally bought from Steamboat and Killington Resort, in Vermont.

She said the company mainly restores gondolas for private owners. “Some people turn them into offices with light and tables and heaters,” she said. “We make saunas, and party ones with fridges inside and lights and speakers. We did some for backyards for kids with a swing, ropes you can climb and a little slide that comes out of the roof. We can do anything.”

The base model will run you about $9,500 whereas a tricked-out sauna goes for about $25,000 if you can sweat it.

Bastien’s been in business for 22 years and said she and her eight full-time employees have been “crazy busy” this year. They typically refurbish about 100 gondolas a year, with each one requiring about 100 to 150 hours of labor. “They’re 30 years old,” she said “so they need work.”

Oct. 22, 2020 n

3

opinion

LaVidaLocal American pie It was the stuff of weenie mountain biker nightmares. Coming home from a glorious Sunday ride in the Gulch, we decided to go out the backside and ride home along the river. As we crested the last steep, rutted gravel road before reaching a flat landing and then the highway, we saw the flags waving. Then came the big trucks and the crowd of people, gathered around a speaker.

My heart sank into my thankfully un-Lycra’d chest. Much to our dismay, we had accidentally ridden directly into a Trump rally.

To say a couple of two-wheeled, fanny-packed, funny-shoed interlopers stuck out was an understatement. Needless to say, I was a little nervous. Would we get coalrolled? Heckled? Chased and savagely beaten with our own pumps?

One thing’s for sure – after a good three hours in the saddle that day, I wasn’t about to ride back down that hill. So we pulled our helmets down low and tried to nonchalantly pedal through.

Of course, as evidenced by the fact I am writing this today, I survived the party crashing. But, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I stole a curious glance at the crowd as I rode by – as I’m sure they did to us. It’s rare you get such an up close look at the “other,” let alone happen into the inner sanctum of Trumpliness.

Yes, I do know some Republicans. I even consider a few to be my friends. In fact, up until the last election, my own dear father was a card-carrying member, and I wouldn’t doubt it if there was a photo of Ronald Regan on his nightstand. (In his defense, he also has one of JFK hanging on his office wall.)

But the Trump phenomenon is something I fail to grasp, no matter how hard I try to walk in the other guy’s MAGA hat. Sure, I love my “freedoms” and my gun, a Red Ryder Daisy rifle.

I bristle when anybody dares to tell me what to do and probably own way more camo than a girl should (I like to think of it as the “new neutral.”)

However, I also drive a sensible Subaru, have been known to eat tofu and own several pairs of Birkenstocks – including a pair of “Birken-Crocs.” I would rather juggle an armful of groceries than accept a plastic bag and have no problem putting a cloth mask over my face when I go out in public. I think police should stop killing innocent, unarmed black people and am saddened and disturbed when I see people in our own town, waving Trump flags and protesting an indigenous people’s march. People, I might point out, who lived here first and make the Southwest the amazingly unique, rich and diverse place that it is.

I guess that makes me a sissy, “libtard” or a snowflake (which might be true, as I do not tolerate heat well.) Of course, there’s plenty of name-calling and scorn to go around for the other side – although these days, “Trumper” usually suffices.

Which is all really sad when you think about it. Has the situation in our country grown so untenable that all we can resort to is name calling and insults, like a bunch of schoolyard imbeciles (which technically, is also an insult)?

But here’s the thing, when we’re done chanting whatever the slogan du jour is

until we’re red in the face and blind with rage, have we ever sat down to just talk?

That is, from a safe distance and with proper ventilation? Because we might be surprised to find out the other side is not as awful, evil or disillusioned as we think.

Take my new friend, who I’ll call Eric, because that’s his name. We met recently when he had the misfortune of sitting down to enjoy his pizza at a large outside table at the Enterprise in Rico. Little did he know he was about to be invaded by a posse of ravenous, PBR-swilling female mountain bikers. We had just ridden over from Durango and perhaps did not have the best of manners or smell all that great.

(Let me preface this by also saying Eric bore the telltale signs of being, well, “one of them,” with a flag shirt and a Texas accent. Profiling maybe – but for the sake of the story hang with me here.)

Anyway, after five hours of consuming nothing but bland sawdust passing as “energy bars,” we were circling his pizza like vultures. In our defense, it was pineapple and jalapeño, a chick magnet if ever there was one. It was at this point that most men in Trump Nation or otherwise would have gotten the hell out of Dodge, and roared off in their monster truck before losing a limb.

But you know what? Eric not only stayed but shared his pizza with the dirty hippie chicks. Gladly.

Before long we were chatting it up – and although the stereotype proved correct, it was OK. Turns out he was a cool, normal, interesting person – and we actually LIKED him. He had recently moved to the area and was drawn here for a lot of the same reasons we were: the mountains, beer, pizza, beer and pizza in the mountains. We talked about our families, our jobs and rearing teen-agers, our other jobs. (*Little known fact, Eric was one of the original “Pawn Stars” which scored him even more points.) We even somehow convinced him to drive us to the hot springs – which was totally PG, this is a family paper after all – and the trailhead the next morning, saving us a grueling, hungover 8-mile ride on the highway.

In other words, he treated us like friends. In fact, the “T” word never really came up, except when he offered me a Trump facemask. I briefly considered it, for the irony alone, but then politely declined saying something about liking my teeth. This comment, incidentally, launched a discussion about our candidate’s teeth and plastic surgery, and his candidate’s, well, everything else.

Then we had a chuckle and left it at that, realizing that neither point could be denied. In the end, he would vote for the orange guy, and we would vote for the guy with the taut eyelids. And hopefully, we’d still all be friends – or at least civil.

Because as a wise friend pointed out, it’s all about finding commonalities – things you agree on, even if it’s just pineapple and jalepeño on your pizza. Sure – to take the pizza analogy further than it probably should go – there can be some crusty, burnt, undesirable parts around the fringes that leave a bad taste in your mouth. But for the most part, maybe we all sort of meld somewhere in the greasy, cheesy, messy middle, no matter how you try to slice it.

Sign of the Downfall:

Thumbin’It Some 200 people turning out last Saturday for the Durango Women’s March, which paid homage to the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg and commemorated the passing of the 19th Amendment The leader of the Catholic Church making a bold step into the 21st century, with Pope Francis endorsing same-sex civil unions this week The “s” word actually appearing in the local forecast for the first time in weeks, giving hope to skiers as well as folks looking for a respite from smoky air

4 n Oct. 22, 2020

– Missy Votel

Buttload of trouble This “third wave” of COVID closing in on Southwest Colorado, with a significant rise in cases in La Plata & Archuleta counties, including at local schools and restaurants An unprecedented late fire season in Colorado, including the state’s now-largest CalWood fire, as well as the Cameron Fire and the Ice Fire all burning across the state Reports that border detention center officials have “lost track” of the parents of more than 500 children being held in the centers, essentially leaving them orphaned

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It’s election time here in the U.S., and I know many (or one) of our politicians seem like cartoon villains, but the downfall is never about them (or him) because it’d be too easy (and repetitive). However, take solace, it could always be worse: Brazilian Senator Chico Rodrigues was caught in his house with cash stuffed between his butt cheeks during a police raid to investigate the embezzlement of public funds meant for COVID-19 relief. This is all very embarrassing for Brazil because their president, a close friend of Chico’s, claimed to have “ended corruption” in Brazil just two weeks before the senator was caught with dirty money. Like, really dirty.

WordontheScreen

Q

With election day still two weeks away, the Telegraph asked, “Where will you be hiding out until the results come in?”

Nikki

"Riding the back roads on my Harley."

Marina

"In books, art, and hiking and camping while the weather is nice."

Hunter

"Behind my tie-dyed DOinfused mask."

Carolynn

"Behind my wall with 99 bottles of beer on it."

Sam

“Oh Hi, wait ... what?”

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Oct. 22, 2020 n 5

SoapBox

ReTooned/by Shan Wells

Climate change and the election To the editor, “Climate Change is not a hoax. It is real and it is a firebreathing dragon blowing fire at our doors” – Terry Tempest Williams.

Nearly 60 percent of Americans are “alarmed” or “concerned” about climate change. And it is on the ballot.

Nov. 3 is your chance to take decisive climate action by electing leaders at every level of government who understand the urgency of acting now to forestall even worse climate impacts.

Do other issues matter more to you? Think twice, because climate change is a threat multiplier. Economic recovery? What happens when the next “biggest” wildfire comes again to La Plata County? The pandemic? Climate change makes emergence of new diseases ever more likely. Health care? Climate change itself is a public health challenge. Racial equality? Poor urban and rural communities, especially communities of color, fare worse in a changing climate – as they have in the pandemic.

Locally, climate change threatens agriculture, water supplies and forest health – key elements of La Plata County’s economy.

Under Democratic leadership, Colorado is addressing the issue; under Republicans, Washington has stalled (“it’s happening, but it’s not us” or “I’m not a scientist”). Take responsibility for climate leadership: elect Democrats.

– Dick White, Durango

Mitsch-Bush: the adult in the room To the editor, If you aren’t familiar with our candidates for U.S. Congress, here’s a quick compare and contrast.

Diane Mitsch Bush is the adult in the room. She’s ded-

6 n Oct. 22, 2020

icated, whip-smart and has tons of experience as a county commissioner, state representative and state senator. She works across the aisle to get legislation done. She works

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for the people she represents. She’s a dedicated public servant – exactly the kind of person you’d want representing you in D.C. Lauren Boebert is a joke. She has zero 4

experience, knows nothing about how government works and has no platform or plan other than guns and “freedom.” She’s refused to participate in candidate debates unless she’s given the questions in advance. She’s on the record as saying that she’s “tired of compromise.” Despite running as a law-and-order candidate, she’s had numerous run-ins with the law, failed to appear on two separate summonses, and failed to obtain a food service license at the 2017 Garfield County Rodeo where her pork sliders allegedly sickened 80 people.

The choice really is that stark. Please let’s elect an experienced professional who would represent western Colorado with intelligence and fairness: Diane Mitsch Bush.

– Dave Reed, Carbondale

My values are not for sale.

To the editor, The only debt I owe to campaign supporters is respect, gratitude and fair treatment. It should be unnecessary to state such, but my opponent for county commissioner, Marsha Porter Norton claims, “Jack Turner is the Republican nominee de facto … I am running against someone that is predominantly backed by Republicans and that brings a certain value set with it just like being a Democrat does.” Listen yourself in a recording she posted to Facebook (Aug. 13).

Porter-Norton’s claim is disrespectful to the Democrats and Independents that signed my nomination petition, posted signs and/or contributed. It’s condescending to local Republicans. The implication is that none of these people can think for themselves, hardly a way to demonstrate respect for ALL citizens.

Her false statement is based on who she says donated to our Independent campaign.

I never thought to look up donor registration, but we did so afterward. Turns out that 61 percent of our contributors are Democrats and Independents; 39 percent are Republicans. It’s a good cross-section of the community.

If Porter Norton believes money influences candidate values, she’s accrued huge political debt having out-raised and out-spent all local candidates. The Democrat Committee is her single largest contributor and provides additional support and advantages not available to Independents.

The hyper-partisan campaign to label me as Republican is predictable and the centerpiece of traditional party politics – vilify the opposition with zero regard for the truth.

I seek to bring out the best in all citizens regardless of their political affiliation.

– Jack Turner, Independent candidate for county commissioner (District 2)

Commissioner all can work with To the editor, I really like Marsha Porter-Norton for La Plata County commissioner because she knows how to get along with people. I’ve known her for over 20 years, and one thing I’ve known for sure is that she’s honest, and we sure need that right now. She’s a fourth-generation Coloradan and comes from an agricultural background that gives her an appreciation for our farming and ranching roots. She’s worked in the nonprofit sector and realizes the importance of those organizations to the community members who are supported by them, and to our local economy. She’s run her own business as a community facilitator and has brought many divergent interests together to reach consensus. As a facilitator, she’s worked with governmental agencies, community groups and individuals, and has a talent for listening, synthesizing ideas and congenially bringing folks to compromise and agreement. She would be a county commissioner we could all work with!

– Deedee deHaro-Brown, Durango

Republican in ‘unaffiliated’ clothes To the editor, In a recent LPEA Board meeting while Jack Turner was still on the Board, the candidate of the same name who is

running against Marsha Porter Norton for county commissioner spoke during the public comment period. Perhaps the word “spoke” is too kind; so too is the word “comment.” Rather, he lambasted, falsely accused and seethed with anger at an honest public servant who, for personal reasons, forfeited the Board seat to which he had been elected more than once. I later found out that Marsha’s opponent has joined the attempt by Republican candidates to mislead voters by registering as “unaffiliated,” saying they will be non-partisan. In 2018, the county Republican Party chair stated in the Durango Herald that Republicans can no longer win in La Plata County.

While researching the judges who are on the November ballot, I came across a website that said in more than one place, in bold red letters, that the “Reds” need to take back Colorado. Each judge was listed based on who appointed her or him, and either endorsed or rejected based on that alone. Sobered by the partisan politics that has gripped our country, I did exactly opposite what the website suggested.

During the summer of 2017, I participated with SJMA, Great Old Broads, Backcountry Horsemen and others in a project to haul out trash – big trash like heavy metal stoves – left in abandoned hunting camps after the Hermosa Creek Wilderness was formed. Marsha joined us and was asked to recount her involvement in the protection of this spectacular Wilderness. It was truly impressive to learn of her success at bridging the differences and bringing both sides to consensus in order to protect the land they both loved.

During this unprecedented time in La Plata County, across Colorado and in the United States, remember that your vote counts; do not be misled by attempts on the part of partisan politicians to garner your vote with misinformation. Marsha Porter Norton and Matt Salka are the honest candidates who will continue to stand up for the voice of the people, all the people, in La Plata County.

– Dr. Lauri Costello, Durango

Vote as if your life depends on it To the editor, As a pediatric physical therapist in Durango for over 30 years, I have witnessed the exclusion of health-care coverage by insurance companies to children who were born with pre-existing medical conditions. This created severe emotional and financial hardship for their families. Each year, many children are born with medical diagnoses that are considered “pre-existing conditions” from the moment they are born. Examples include heart defects, premature birth, hydrocephalus, in-utero stroke, genetic and neuromuscular disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome, etc.

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act became law and made it illegal for insurance companies to deny insurance coverage to all individuals with “pre-existing medical conditions”. Over the past four years, President Trump, Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colo., have voted numerous times to repeal the ACA with no replacement plan and thereby eliminate protections for preexisting conditions. Now suddenly, these same politicians say they will protect pre-existing conditions but their record is completely opposite.

Don’t be fooled by their outright lies. We deserve honest representatives who are committed to improve the ACA and protect Americans who have “pre-existing” medical conditions. I urge you to vote as if your life depends on it! Joe Biden for president, John Hickenlooper for the U.S. Senate, and Diane Mitsch Bush for the U.S, House of Representatives.

– Cindy Kraushaar, Durango

Don’t need a ‘grenade thrower’ To the editor, Jack Turner seems to thrive on controversy and the last thing we need is someone who is described as “a friendly grenade thrower” (Durango Herald, Oct. 2 editorial endorsing Marsha Porter Norton.) Even though he tried to walk back his remarks, he publicly stated in the Chamber of Commerce forum that he would be an “unpredictable

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Stop the evil pumpkin head & make Halloween great again (A Halloween poem)

Liar, liar climate denier National forests on fire Tax evader, racial escalader Orange Darth Vader Womanizer, human divider Fake news supplier Draft dodger, tabloid fodder Dictator massager, treasonous faker Emolument breaker, greedy, greedy taker Restore the trust Biden/Harris or bust Vote him out: we must stop the evil pumpkin head – Gregg Dubit, Durango commissioner.” Add to that his own web page where he admits “my big mouth has given me trouble more than once” and I’m not seeing a pattern of someone I want leading our county, especially now given the very real challenges we face.

We need leaders who have the skills to bring us together to bridge our political, philosophical and pragmatic differences. Who better than a professional like Porter Norton who has spent an entire career as the “goto” facilitator for dozens of local initiatives and who has won numerous awards for her community service? “She is approachable and a good listener,” (Herald). In other words, she is the skilled collaborator and proven problem solver we need.

I choose collaborative over controversial. Join me in electing Marsha Porter Norton as county commissioner.

– Dave Masse, Bayfield

A Republican for Salka

To the editor, I would like to urge everyone to consider voting for Matt Salka for county commissioner. As a registered Republican, this letter may seem a little outside the “lines.”

However, I am confident that Matt has all of La Plata County in mind when making decisions. When Matt was the mayor of Bayfield, he truly cared about the community, and not party lines. He was there for the people and did what was best for the town. He will take those same values and bring that to the county level. While others will have to build relationships if elected, Matt can hit the ground running and continue his hard work for everyone in La Plata County. He brings knowledge and experience that will be an asset for us all. Matt has achieved many accomplishments for the Town of Bayfield at no additional cost to the residents. I have no doubt he will do what’s best for La Plata County. Vote Matt Salka for county commissioner.

– Justin Hogue, Bayfield

Our mailbag runneth over Due to an abnormally high volume of political letters, the Telegraph is no longer accepting letters related to the Nov. 3 election.

Oct. 22, 2020 n 7

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LocalNews

Local dog finder Kim McRae, left, and Kylo, the husky, and owner Joyce Zuo, of Austin, Texas, reconnect at the Durango Comfort Inn on Tuesday. After being spooked by a mountain biker on Junction Creek on July 22, young Kylo went on the lam. With the help of McRae and several others, Joyce was able to find Kylo, who was living up near the Tech Center, and coax him back to civilization on Monday, nearly three months after he went missing. (And no, the vacuum cleaner was not on.)/Photo by Missy Votel

Finding Kylo Three-month ordeal ends well for young roaming husky and his dog mom

by Missy Votel

I

f you’re sick of depressing news, here’s an uplifting story for a change. It involves a girl and her dog, and a miraculous, tear-jerking reunion. But first, the heartbreak. We can’t guarantee it won’t make you cry (but in a “Lassie Come Home” and not an “Old Yeller” kind of way.)

But first, the heartbreak. Three months ago, Joyce Zuo, a 27-year-old financial advisor from Austin, Texas, was visiting Durango. She and her 9-month-old Siberian husky, Kylo, and some friends had just spent a week knocking out some hikes around Silverton. They were camping at Junction Creek and decided to take one last, short hike on the Colorado Trail the morning of July 22 before heading home.

Kylo (named for a “Star Wars” character) is Zuo’s first dog. She had adopted him in May from a shelter in Austin where his previous owners had surrendered him, as well as several of his siblings. Needless to say, in his first few months with his first owner, Kylo received little in the way of socialization. As a result, with Zuo, there were many firsts for Kylo: first car rides, first hikes, first runs. And first mountain bikers.

It was the latter introduction that didn’t go so well. As anyone who’s ever had a husky knows, they can be skittish – like giant cats, but with longer legs and insatiable wanderlust.

Being new to the outside world, Kylo was especially jumpy.

“Some mountain bikers came riding down, and he’d never seen a mountain biker before and pulled on his leash,

Zuo extends her hand to an unsure Kylo. Zuo spent three days patiently sitting at the Tech Center, waiting for Kylo to warm up to her so she could place a lead on him./Courtesy photo

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the leash snapped and he ran off,” Zuo recalled.

Maybe it was the lycra, the helmet or the funny glasses, but Kylo bolted, setting off a three-month odyssey – or dogyssey if you will.

Zuo and her friends hung out around Junction Creek for a few more days, hoping the dog would eventually return.

She reached out to San Diego-based dog rescuer Babs Fry, who instructed her to stay in the same place and leave out some of her “scent items” – a polite term for dirty socks, Tshirts and skivvies. And, going against pretty much anything anyone with a lost dog has ever done, Fry also advised her not to call for the dog or try to chase him, which can spook a scared dog even more.

Zuo posted to the La Plata County Lost and Found Pet Facebook page and canvassed the nearby neighborhoods with flyers. Despite all this, Kylo refused to show, and Zuo had to get back to work. She left Durango heartbroken and dogless. Within days, a small posse of volunteers, made up of Kim McRae, Sasha Stauffer and Maya Tei Aurichio, joined the mission.

“I live near Junction Creek trailhead and Joyce left a flyer in my mailbox,” said Tei Aurichio. “I contacted her and said I would be happy to help out.”

For Tei Aurichio – who has no dog of her own but has lots of “dog friends” – this was her first dog-finding mission. “I just thought, this is something I can actually help out with.

There was just something special about Kylo and Joyce.

You could tell how much she loved her dog.” 4 Oct. 22, 2020 n

9

FindingKylo from p. 9 McRae, a more seasoned dog-finder with about six missions under her belt who heard about Kylo on the FB page, echoed that. When Kylo first went missing, she was working on finding another missing dog in La Plata Canyon, but there was something about Kylo. “I just took a special liking to him,” she said.

Perhaps it was that Kylo, while cute as the dickens, was also wily as one. According to McRae, after 48 hours of being out in the wild, dogs begin to lose their domesticity and “flip” to fight or flight mode, interpreting anyone and anything as a potential predator.

Add this to Kylo’s already shy nature and he was as elusive as Bigfoot himself.

“He was a stealth little mother, good lord,” said McRae. Fortunately, dog finders have new tools in their arsenal: trail cams and group texts.

Each time a tip would come in about Kylo, Zuo would text the group and someone would go out and set up a camera (McRae owns several) in hopes of catching him. If footage showed him turning up at the same place and at the same time every day, they would know he had settled into a routine and commence doggie drag net.

Only thing is, the tips started coming in from all over, from Turtle Lake to Rockridge to the Tech Center.

“For all we knew, he could find someone on the Colorado Trail and hike his way to Denver,” said McRae. The women set about knocking on doors, asking residents if it was OK to set up cameras on their property in the hopes of spotting Kylo, possible near a pond or creek. And somewhat to their surprise, the answer was always a resounding yes.

“We weren’t sure if they were going to chase us off, but everyone was ready to help,” said Tei Aurichio.

Alas, although Kylo was spotted on a few people’s doorbell cams, he never showed up

Kylo investigates what all the fuss was about./Photo by Missy Votel on any of the planted cams. Zuo even returned to town for a week in September in the hopes of finding him, to no avail. And then, everything went silent. “At times, it was hopeless,” said Zuo. “I thought maybe by then he had become one with the mountains and wouldn’t want to come home.”

But Fry and the other women didn’t give up. And finally, last week, a sighting came in from a dog walker in the Tech Center.

She had begun to see Kylo during her morning and evening walks, and others had noticed him as well. The cameras were set, and the women noticed he had taken up residence on a ridgel near the old city dump (because what dog wouldn’t?)

The three women began leaving food and water out for Kylo, who would show up like clockwork every day at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. At the recommendation of Fry, Zuo drove back to Durango on Sat., Oct. 17, hoping to catch him for his 7 p.m. dinner.

She arrived (with dirty socks in tow) just as it was getting dark and sat down near his bowl, where Fry instructed her, via phone,

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to sit quietly, and not to look him in the eye or approach him. But darkness fell, and after a few hours, Zuo called it quits for the night – but she was not alone. “When I left, I shined the light from my phone and saw him up on the hill,” she said.

Zuo was back at it bright and early Sunday morning, holding vigil starting at 6:30 a.m. Slowly, she was able to coax Kylo closer and closer by tossing him kibble and rotisserie chicken, and of course acting like she was completely uninterested, a sort of dog reverse psychology.

He warmed up to her “un-advances,” but still was not so sure. Fry urged Zuo to be patient, and she returned yet again Monday, for a third day. And that’s when the “Dances With Wolves” moment happened: Zuo put some chicken in her hand, and Kylo came up to eat out of it. He was still 2 feet away, so she tried to lure him closer.

Eventually, after a few hours, she was able to get close enough to slip a lead over his head. It was at this point that Kylo was close enough to smell and recognize her.

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“I finally secured him and he jumped on me and started licking my face,” Zuo said.

(Please feel free to take a Kleenex break here – we’ll wait.)

As of Tuesday, Zuo and Kylo were resting comfortably in the Comfort Inn (duh).

They both got baths – Fry had advised Zuo not to shower during the “recapture” – and Kylo was looking surprisingly good for a dog having gone through a 90-day ordeal.

He even was still wearing his bright blue Ruffwear harness, which by now was a bit tight since he had grown, turning a year old during his time in the Durango hinterlands.

“He’s super skinny, but from the looks of it, he’s done pretty well for himself,” Zuo said Tuesday.

The plan was to visit the vet – Kylo somehow managed to chip a canine tooth during his adventure, get re-acquainted and then return to Austin next week. Once home, Kylo will 1) get neutered, and 2) get a higher fence.

And while Kylo’s not talking, Zuo said she, for one, is extremely grateful for the outpouring of help from Durango. “I’m really thankful, Durango is such a tightknit community,” she said. “Kim, Maya and Sasha really supported me from the first day, and I had a lot of other people reach out.”

As for the dog sleuths, they say it was all just in a day’s work– and a welcome reprieve from current world and national affairs.

“It was a pretty rewarding thing to be a part of,” said Tei Aurichio, who credits Kylo’s survival to the very thing that made him so hard to find in the first place. “That skittishness is what kept him alive. He spent most of the time hiding out. He’s a tough little bugger.”

As for McRae, she also welcomed the distraction from the news cycle. “It’s really a story of hope and perseverance and dedication. Good things are happening, and people do want to help each other,” she said.

“We have compassionate, animal-loving residents. This is a very good area to lose your dog in. I don’t recommend it, but if you do, it’s a great community.” n

FlashinthePan

Chicos of the corn

by Ari LeVaux

H

alloween, more than almost any other holiday, is about fun, nearly unmatched in its unbridled hedonism. It’s like New Year’s, but with corn syrup instead of booze. Ubiquitous with that theme is candy corn. It didn’t start out as a Halloween treat, but jumped on the bandwagon in the 1950s, as Halloween pivoted into a full embrace of processed sugar. They may only taste good if you’re starving, diabetic or a food coloring enthusiast, but apparently that’s about half of all Americans.

Corn officially became spooky with the release of “Children of the Corn,” a 1984 movie about a Midwestern village where the kids took over and decided nobody was permitted to age beyond 17. In 1993, the world’s first for-profit corn maze was built in Annville, Penn. Since then, the tradition has taken off, and corn mazes – aka maizes – now number in the thousands.

When I lived in New Mexico, I learned about chicos, aka dried corn. “Chicos” means “little boys” in Spanish, as the kernels shrink when dried. The ones for sale at the store were dried to the hardness of popcorn, but when I make them at home, I let them stay a bit chewy, like real-life versions of candy corn – but nuttier and corny-er. Each batch of chicos has a unique character, with different levels of coloring, crunchiness, chewiness and/or sweetness, depending on the corn and how long it’s roasted.

Many Halloween corn mazes are closed this year, thanks to the virus. And door-todoor candy-begging is largely out, too. If treat-seekers are left to their own devices,

I’m fine with that, because processed sugar is poison and a tradition that hinges on giving candy to kids isn’t worth rescuing.

Luckily, nothing about the original spirit of Halloween demands candy.

Spookiness, on the other hand, is in Halloween’s DNA, as is my right to dress like Bootsy Collins. And corn? It’s to Halloween like frost is to a pumpkin. So allow me to tell you how I make chicos, followed by with a few recipes, one sweet and one savory, Chicos: The only ingredient is corn, preferably with the husk on. Traditionally, the process involves a clay oven or “horno,” but other ovens work too. Ulti-

mately, you’re doing little more than drying out the kernels.

Although usually made with fresh corn, I’ve also made chicos with frozen corn, and the operation was surprisingly successful, even if the product lacked the soulful, smoky flavor that a roasted corn husk imparts.

Turn the oven to 300 and place the ears directly on the oven racks, not touching one another, and bake until the husks start to dry out and brown and even smoke a little – about three hours. When cool, peel off the husks. If using husked or frozen corn, skip this step.

Now, put just the cobs on the oven

racks, spaced so as not to touch one another, and bake at 225, until the kernels start to shrink and visibly dry out – about four hours. Let the ears cool completely, and rub off the kernels – try the edge of a spoon if they are stubborn. Store in a plastic bag in a cool, dry place. The drier you get them, the longer they will store.

If making chicos from frozen corn, spread the kernels on a cookie sheet and bake at 225. They will take less time – about two hours – and will quickly turn brown and then black.

Chicos and Milk: Fill a bowl with chicos and milk, with sugar to taste. When the chicos are gone and you sip the milk that remains, you may feel a distinct nostalgia for a time long ago, when you sipped the leftover milk from a bowl of corn flakes.

Beans with Chicos (serves 2) Served alongside rice, you’ve got a delicious meal with complete protein.

1 strip bacon, chopped (optional) 1 tablespoon olive oil if skipping the bacon or if it’s lean ½ cup minced onions 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon fresh oregano or thyme ¼ cup chicos 1 can of plain beans (pinto, white, black, kidney …) including the liquid 1 can of water or stock 1 teaspoon paprika or chile powder Salt, if the bacon doesn’t add enough Fry the bacon on medium heat. When half-crispy, about 5 minutes, add the onions, garlic and herbs. Fry until the onions become translucent. Add the beans and water, and stir together. Season with salt, if necessary. Heat to a simmer, stirring as necessary to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning and serve. n

Proudly serving Fahrenheit Coff ffe ee and Espresso!

Fresh baked goods daily!

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

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Oct. 22, 2020 n 11

StufftoDo

Thursday22 “A Modern Man: The Genius of George Carlin,” a Zoom event with longtime fan and former radio broadcaster Bob Griffith, 7 p.m. part of the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series. https://tinyurl.com/y57vl6s6 “Wakey, Wakey,” a virtual performance by Merely Players, watch when you wish online thru Oct. 24. Pay what you can per household. Tickets at www.merelyplayers.us Gary B. Walker plays piano, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., JeanPierre Bakery & Restaurant, 601 Main Ave. Water & Wine plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

Dustin Burley plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Friday23 Devin Scott plays ukulele, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Jack Ellis and Larry Carver play, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

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

Patrick Crossing plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th Street Station.

This Thursday, long-time fan and former radio broadcaster Bob Griffith will delve into the man behind the “seven words you can’t say on TV,” with his Zoom presentation, “A Modern Man: The Genius of George Carlin.” Part of FLC’s Lifelong Learning Lecture Series, the talk will include video clips from Carlin’s storied career and follow his transformation from “Hippy Dippy Weatherman” to counter-culture comedic icon to senior American social observer. For the Zoom link, go to: tinyurl.com/y57vl6s6

Saturday24

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

Durango Farmers Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 noon, TBK Parking Lot, across from the Transit Center.

Facemasks required. www.durangofarmers market.com.

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

Henry Stoy plays piano, 9 a.m.-12 noon, Jean Pierre Wine Bar, College Drive and Main.

Monday26 Grandma Sue’s birthday

Free Jedi training, learn the Japanese weapons and techniques seen in “Star Wars,” 9-10 a.m., Claire Viles Park. Masks required. www.durangoaikido.com th

Maddy & Kev play, 12-2 p.m., 11 Street Station.

2nd annual Hive Halloween Carnival Fundraiser, 1-7 p.m., a COVID-safe, outdoor event featuring Profetic Calaveras and Fearless Peasants, art, mini skateboard park, talent show, giveaways, online auction, mask painting and games. Union Social House, 3062 Main Ave. Adam Swanson plays ragtime piano, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

Sean O’Brien plays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Jot of Missing Outs plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Sunday25 Henry Stoy plays piano, 9 a.m.-12 noon, Jean Pierre Wine Bar, College Drive and Main.

Meditation and Dharma Talk with Pamela Weiss, 5:30-7 p.m. online at www.durangodharmacenter.org/ Rob Webster plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Joel Racheff plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

Tuesday27 “SEO and Marketing Your E-Commerce 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 Terry Rickard plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

Local author Mandy Mikulencak will interview Browning about her new novel, Shadow Ridge, the first in a new series set in Colorado. Find the Zoom link at: mariasbookshop.com or on Maria’s FB page.

LPEA Virtual Town Hall, District 2 (South and West La Plata County), 7 p.m. Register at www.lpea.coop, and click on the “Virtual Town Hall” link.

Wednesday28 Free Jedi training, learn the Japanese weapons and techniques seen in “Star Wars,”, 5-6 p.m., Claire Viles Park. Masks required. www.durangoaikido.com Free circuit workout, every Wednesday, 6 p.m. lead by physical therapist Andre Botha. Masks required. Ohana Physical Therapy, 130 Rock Point Drive, Unit C in the Tech Center. RSVP at: 970-247-7895.

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

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.

Sean O’Brien plays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Rotary Club of Durango Zoom meeting, 6 p.m., featuring addiction counselor Cecil Gardipe. For link, email: mtnman16@gmail.com.

Ongoing 2020 Devo Online Silent Auction, www.duran godevo.com. Bidding closes 8 p.m., Oct. 29.

Gracie Jessop plays, 12-2 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Blue Moon Ramblers play Americana/bluegrass,

12 n Oct. 22, 2020

Meet the author Zoom Event: former Durango Police captain M.E. (Micki) Browning, 6:30 p.m.

telegraph

Free Book for Every 4-Year-Old, thru Oct. 24 while supplies last, Durango Library. 4

AskRachel

Doggy style, oral armements and Millennial murder Interesting fact: This won’t be the first year “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” won’t air on network TV. In fact, it also was not broadcast for thousands – millions!

– of years before the invention of TV. Dear Rachel, I had my first dog for the past decade of my life. I called her all kinds of endearing nicknames, like Sweetheart, Booger, Peachy, Miss Fluffymutt (Ed. note: list reduced for space). I think I messed up, because now that I finally have two new dogs, I have nothing left to call them. Every nickname already belongs to Sweet Stinker Butt. Am I a rotten dog person if I just call my two new guys by their given names and only their given names?

– Papa Pumpkin Powder Puff Dear In-Fido-lity, You’re not exactly cheating on your first dog by using her pet names again. I mean, I called my first S.O. “baby” but I was in like sixth-grade, and if I could never use that endearment again, I’d be boned (or not boned, as the case may be). You have carte blanche to reuse nicknames however you like. Or come up with some new ones. You seem like a creative type. Just don’t yell out another dog’s name at an inopportune moment. Trust me.

– Who’s a good stinker butt, Rachel Dear Rachel, Do these people really think they are modern revolutionaries, overthrowing the shackles of

“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. or call 970-375-3816. Curbside service also available.

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-de sign/artgallery.

Episode 2 of the “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 Weekly 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 or call.

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, Fort Lewis College. swcenter.fortlewis.edu/

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our overlords who oppress us by trying to ensure our health, life, pursuits of happiness, etc. etc.? Equating mask-wearing to an infringement of personal liberty is … well, about as dumb as I’d expect from people who only feel safe and snug when they’re fellating their assault weapons. It’s getting out of hand. How can we get back to civility?

– Thomas Payne-in-the-Ass Dear Floundering Father, As Winston Churchill once said, “A great many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” But yeah, actively endangering the lives and wellbeing of others simply to avoid the smallest of inconveniences is a weapons-grade d-bag move. There must be a bright side, right? I choose to hope that on the other side of all this, we’ll become a more tolerant world. Now that I’ve walked into the bank with sunglasses and a full face mask, I can’t imagine anyone trying to ban burkas ever again. Oh wait, I can.

– ’Merica, Rachel

Email Rachel at telegraph@durango telegraph.com

Dear Rachel, Of all the things Millennials have killed, the most heinous now must be the Charlie Brown holiday specials. I just learned that the “Great Pumpkin” won’t air on network TV this year, and it looks like the same is true for the Thanksgiving and worst of all, the Christmas episode.

Enough is enough! When will we put an end to this madness?

– It’s a Great Travesty, Charlie Brown Dear Wah Wah Wah Wah Wah, Haven’t you heard that all good things must come to an end? Good news for you though! The Charlie Brown specials aren’t coming to any end. They’re streaming online this year (for free, even!) which means all those cool people without TVs can watch them more than ever before. If any one thing needs to come to an end, it’s this business about Millennials killing everything. After all, who raised them to be the way they are, Mr. Stinky Boomer Butt?

– Good grief, Rachel

Upcoming

Jesse Ogle plays, Oct. 31, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Laugh Therapy Open Mic, Oct. 29, comic sign-up at 7 p.m., show starts at 8, Union Social House, 3062 Main.

Dustin Burley plays, Oct. 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Tim Sullivan plays, Oct. 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

“A Garden on Paper: Drawing on a Scientific Legacy,” a Zoom event with FLC Professor of Art Amy Wendland, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. part of the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series. https://tinyurl.com/y57vl6s6 Black Velvet Trio, Oct. 30, 4-8 p.m., Fur Trapper’s Steakhouse and Bar, Vallecito.

Adam Swanson plays ragtime piano, Oct. 31, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

Halloween at Ernie’s with DJ Bad Goat, Oct. 31, 7 p.m., 11th Street Station.

“Smoking and Vaping: The Real Deal,” free community education class, Nov. 4, 5-6 p.m., Durango Rec Center.

Presented by Durango Fire Protection District and Durango Parks and Recreation. Classes limited to 20; masks required.

Registration: tosh.black@durangofireorg or 382.6014.

“How to Find Happiness in the Age of COVID,” a Zoom event with FLC Psychology Professor Brian Burke, Nov. 5, 7 p.m. part of the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series. https://tinyurl.com/y57vl6s6

Matt Rupnow plays, Oct. 30, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Joel Racheff plays, Oct. 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main.

The Hive’s 4th annual Halloween Skate Comp, Oct. 31, 1-4 p.m., Durango Skate Park. Featuring live music from Your Bones, CNTRL Z and Chimera, prizes and giveaways. www.thehivedgo.org

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

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

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Oct. 22, 2020 n 13

FreeWillAstrology

by Rob Brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I’ve been told that nobody sings the word ‘hunger’ like I do,” Aries chanteuse Billie Holiday testified. She wasn’t suggesting that she had a stylish way of crooning about fine dining. Rather, she meant “hunger” in the sense of the longing for life’s poignant richness. Her genius-level ability to express such beauty was due in part to her skillful vocal technique, but also because she was a master of cultivating soulful emotions. Your assignment in the coming weeks, Aries, is to refine and deepen your own hunger.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Author Renata Adler expresses my own feelings when she writes, “Hardly anyone about whom I deeply care resembles anyone else I have ever met, or heard of, or read about in literature.” I bet if you’re honest, Taurus, you would say the same. It’s almost certainly the case that the people you regard as worthy of your love and interest are absolutely unique. In the sense that there are no other characters like them in the world, they are superstars and prodigies.

I bring this to your attention because now is an excellent time to fully express your appreciation for their one-of-a-kind beauty – to honor and celebrate them for their entertainment value and precious influence and unparalleled blessings.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “If you cannot find an element of humor in something, you’re not taking it seriously enough,” author Ilyas Kassam writes.

That’s a key thought for you to keep in mind during the coming weeks. Levity and joking will be necessities, not luxuries. Fun and amusement will be essential ingredients in the quest to make good decisions.

You can’t afford to be solemn and stern, because allowing those states to dominate you would diminish your intelligence. Being playful – even in the face of challenges – will ensure your success.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’m hoping the horoscopes I wrote for you in late August helped propel you into a higher level of commitment to the art of transformation. In any case, I suspect that you will have the chance, in the coming weeks, to go even further in your mastery of that art. To inspire your efforts, I’ll encourage you to at least temporarily adopt one or more of the nicknames in the following list: 1. Flux Luster 2. Fateful Fluctuator 3. Shift Virtuoso 4. Flow Maestro 5.

Alteration Adept 6. Change Arranger 7. Mutability Savant 8. Transition Connoisseur LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “When one is a stranger to oneself, then one is estranged from others, too,” author Anne Morrow Lind-

14 n Oct. 22, 2020

bergh wrote. “If one is out of touch with oneself, then one cannot touch others.

Only when one is connected to one’s own core, is one connected to others.” In bringing these thoughts to your attention, Leo, I don’t mean to imply that you are out of touch with your deep self. Not at all. But in my view, all of us can benefit from getting into ever-closer communion with our deep selves. In the coming weeks, you especially need to work on that – and are likely to have extra success in doing so.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): My cosmic tipsters told me that you will be even smarter than usual in the coming weeks. As I scoured the heavenly maps, I detected signs that you have the potential to be a skilled code-cracker, riddle-decipherer, and solver of knotty problems and tricky dilemmas. That’s why I suggest you express gratitude to your beautiful brain, Virgo. Sing it sweet songs and tell it how much you love it and find out which foods you can eat to strengthen it even more. Now read Diane Ackerman’s description of the brain: “that shiny mound of being, that mouse-gray parliament of cells, that dream factory, that petit tyrant inside a ball of bone, that huddle of neurons calling all the plays, that little everywhere, that fickle pleasuredome.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I vote in American elections, but I’ve never belonged to a political party. One of my favorite politicians is Bernie Sanders, who for most of his career has been an Independent. But now I’m a staunch advocate for the Democrats.

Why? Because Republicans are so thoroughly under the curse of the nasty, cruel, toxic person known as Donald Trump. I’m convinced that it’s crucial for our country’s well-being that Democrats achieve total victory in the upcoming election. In accordance with astrological omens, I urge you to do your personal equivalent of what I’ve done: Unambiguously align yourself with influences that represent your highest, noblest values. Take a sacred stand not just for yourself, but also in behalf of everything you love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity,” fashion writer Diana Vreeland said.

Here’s how I interpret that: People who care mostly for their own feelings and welfare, and who believe they’re more important than everyone else, are boring and repellent. But those who enjoy looking their best and expressing their unique beauty may do so out of a desire to share their gifts with the world. Their motivation might be artistry and generosity, not self-centeredness. In accordance with cosmic potentials, Scorpio, I invite you to elude the temptations of narcissism as you explore benevolent forms of vanity.

telegraph

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Yes, do let people see you sweat. At least for now, be forthright and revelatory. Let people witness your secret fire, your fierce tang, your salty tears and your unhealed wounds. Hold nothing back as you give what you haven’t been able to give before. Be gleefully expressive as you unveil every truth, every question, every buried joy.

Don’t be crude and insensitive, of course.

Be as elegant and respectful as possible.

But make it your priority to experiment with sacred vulnerability. Find out how far you can safely go as you strip away the disguises that have kept you out of touch with your full power.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Between 2008 and 2017, Southern California had two sizable earthquakes: 5.5 and 5.1 on the Richter scale. But during the same period, the area had 1.8 million small quakes that were mostly too mild to be felt. The ground beneath the feet of the local people was shaking at the rate of once every three minutes.

Metaphorically speaking, Capricorn, you’re now in a phase that resembles the mild shakes. There’s a lot of action going on beneath the surface, although not much of it is obvious. I think this is a good thing. The changes you’re shepherding are proceeding at a safe, gradual, wellintegrated pace.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): No American woman was allowed to earn a medical degree and practice as a physician until Aquarian-born Elizabeth Blackwell did it in 1849. It was an almost impossible feat, since the all-male college she attended undermined her mercilessly. Once she began her career as a doctor, she constantly had to outwit men who made it difficult for her. Nevertheless, she persisted. Eventually, she helped create a medical school for women in England and made it possible for 476 women to practice medicine there. I propose that we make her your patron saint for now. May she inspire you to redouble your diligent pursuit of your big dream. Here’s your motto: “Nevertheless, I’m persisting.”

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Henry David Thoreau wrote, “I fear my expression may not be extravagant enough, may not wander far enough beyond the narrow limit of my daily experience, so as to be adequate to the truth of which I have been convinced.” You’ll be wise to have a similar fear, Pisces. According to my analysis, you can generate good fortune for yourself by transcending what you already know and think. Life is conspiring to nudge you and coax you into seeking experiences that will expand your understanding of everything. Take advantage of this opportunity to blow your own mind!

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 Registration is open for the 17th Annual Festival of Trees A holiday tradition supporting Southwest Colorado’s kids and adults with disabilities. Festival of Trees is Dec. 4-6 at the D&SNG Grange Hall and online. Inquire about Community Foundation/CERF and Alpine Bank financial support and/or hosting a wreath in your business leading up to the event. For info. and to register by 10/30, visit communityconnectionsco.org or contact ellen@cci-colorado.org or 970-385-3453.

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.

HelpWanted Managing Director Local First, a thriving nonprofit organization advocating for the independent, locally owned business economy in La Plata County, seeking dynamic leader w/ admin., financial and communication skills to lead organization of over 250 members.

Info at https://localfirst.org/work , EOE, deadline 10/27.

Wanted

tups, re-frets, crack and ding repair, you name it. Located in N. Durango. www.bluespruceguitars.com 970-9010087.

side table, barstools, chairs and ottomans.

Patio set, tile plant stands, nightstands and much more. 572 E. 6th Ave. Open Mon.-Sat. 385-7336.

Math Help Experienced tutor for grades 5 - 11. $40/hr. 970-560-0737.

RealEstate

RSE Handyman Service Home repair. Yard work. Odd jobs.

970-903-0449.

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.

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

Marketing Small and Local Businesses Media, social media, website content, SEO, etc. for small, local, independent or startup businesses. Email jnderge@ gmail.com

CommunityService Rent a Harvest Kit from the GFC! Want to harvest fruit with your family, friends, or all on your own? The Good Food Collective has the equipment you need!

Visit the www.goodfoodcollective.org for DIY rental kits, how-to videos & more! Reduce food waste, save bears and feed community. Take what you want and donate the rest back to the GFC!

HaikuMovieReview ‘Marley and Me’ Said goodbye to our pup so it seemed like time to watch this sweet sob-fest – Lainie Maxson

NewspaperOrigami

BodyWork massageintervention.life Voted best massage in Durango 201819. Couples, cupping, local CBD. Reviews on FB + Yelp. 970-903-2984.

ForRent Private Cabin Next to Nat’l Forest Off-grid, no pets. 970-422-2622.

ForSale Gear Hauler Spacetrailers.com Used 4x7 covered utility trailer to haul your gear with a car! $3K OBO. 970-749-9037.

Services

Commuter/Gravel Bike 2016 Diamondback Haanjenn XS 47cm, very lightly used, 2x9 drivetrain, can handle up to 700x40 tires. $300 OBO. 970-749-9037

Guitar Repair Services Guitar and other stringed instrument repair, as well as fine custom guitars. Se-

Reruns Home Furnishings Brighten up your space! Quality rugs, lamps & amazing art. Willett midcentury

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

Radon Services Free radon testing and consultation.

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

Residents are Reminded to Report Incidents of Bears Accessing Trash With bears actively foraging for foods in preparation for hibernation and bear activity picking up, residents are reminded that local bear and trash laws only work when incidents are reported.

City residents can call City Code at 3754930 to report incidents of trash accessed by bears. County residents should call Animal Protection via Central Dispatch at 385-2900. Contact Bear Smart Durango at bp@frontier.net for more information.

telegraph

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