The Durango Telegraph Nov. 22, 2022

All for the Animas Stakeholders coalesce on comprehensive river plan

Going to get Ranched

The right notes Local conductor on finding harmony in music, life

The unseen Raising awareness around youth homelessness

THE ORIGINAL INDIE WEEKLY LINE ON DURANGO & BEYOND

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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.

“I want one of those chairs that I can get old in, and when I die, they say, ‘Don’t sit there that’s grandpa’s chair!’”

– Oh the long-term planning after buying your first home

Relax, breathe, marg

If you, like us, have been driving down North Main Avenue recently and wondered, “OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED TO NAYARIT???” – you are not alone.

And it’s true – the sign outside the longtime Nayarit location at 2525 Main Ave. has been covered up and replaced with a banner that reads “Frida’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina” with an illustration of the famous Mexican artist.

But relax! Though times have changed for the incredibly popular Mexican food restaurant, it’s not as dire as it seems.

Mike Schweitz, a founding partner of Nayarit, said he and his business partner, Juvenal Corona, recently had an amicable split. Schweitz took the new Nayarit south location near Walmart; Corona took the north location and renamed it.

“The traditional Nayarit everyone knows is now in just one location (south),” Schweitz.

Nayarit first opened nearly 20 years ago, in the small building at 2477 Main Ave. that now is home to Chang Thai Durango. Over the years, it has become arguably one of Durango’s most popular restaurants in town. Around 2015, Nayarit moved to the spot at 2525 Main Ave.

In 2014, Corona became a partner in Nayarit and managed the restaurant. But, around the time Nayarit opened the south location in 2020, Corona expressed a desire to go his own way.

“That’s the way partnerships roll generally,” Schweitz said. “But we had a great run together and he has my blessing.”

Corona said that, as it stands, Frida’s menu is mostly the same, with some new plates and drinks. Eventually, Frida’s will offer an expanded menu with a focus on traditional Mexican food.

“Now I can put my unique personality into my new place,” Corona said.

Indeed, Corona said the inside of the restaurant will be inspired by Frida Kahlo, with bright colors and a mural. “People have been very excited and happy to see the changes,” he said.

As for the last standing Nayarit location, Schweitz said it’s going to be business as usual with the same staples people have grown to know and love. Since opening in 2020, business on the south end of town has been great, he said, almost identical in sales to the north location.

“We’ve done really well; it was something the south end of town needed,” he said.

Alright, now let’s get our marg on, wherever you find yourself.

Dead or alive

I am a wanted man, and this time I don’t mean in a People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” way. I mean in an outlaw way. Like I can now listen to Willie and Waylon as slightly less of a poser. Like I now have to watch myself, and my speed limit, lest I get hauled off to the hoosegow and hanged.

This circumstance feels strangely fitting. For years, I have been settling into an outlaw lifestyle in many ways, excepting the outside-the-law part. For instance, I recently purchased my very first axe. I did so, because I now live with my very first wood-burning stove, much more effective at destroying wanted posters than the baseboard heaters in my previous rentals, and I must split logs to survive. I then purchased my very second axe, because I’m new to this level of outlawery, and the very first axe was heavier than a funeral on Christmas. Now I’m about to return the second axe, because I apparently didn’t spend enough on a quality piece of equipment, and the head is separating from the handle after successfully splitting about three pieces of wood. Fortunately, I keep receipts.

Meanwhile, I am splintering wood with my camping hatchet, which is great, except that SOMEONE once cut kindling on a rock with it, and now the hatchet is duller than a Ken Burns doc about the history of end credits. That’s not fair. Ken Burns would make that interesting. So now I get to Ken Burns my hatchet and sharpen it myself. This is a thing I have never attempted before. I think it involves a rock? It sure seems like the sort of activity that warrants some whiskey and beans and brooding eyes that make daughters swoon.

Plus, the whole outlaw thing — like having stove soot and pine sap on my arms — just makes me feel like a man. I don’t know what it is, exactly. But when my furnace died last weekend, leaving me only the stove and my dogs as sources of heat, I felt really manly calling up the furnace repair guy and paying weekend rates, because I had log bark scuffs on my knuckles and a warrant out for my arrest.

You see, it was not long before that I was driving home at night, minding my own business in a predominantly not illegal-looking car, when I got pulled over. I knew I had been speeding, but I was not about to tell the officer that, in case he somehow wasn’t aware.

This was not the first time I have sped. (Speeded? Spud?) In fact, speeding is my favorite way to live outside the law, unless you are my insurance agent, in which case I never speeded (spad?) before in my life. Either way, this was the first and, so far, only time I have been busted for it.

I had been pulled over three times before, never for speeding: twice on bogus charges of being young and long-haired, back when both of those were the truth, and once because the trooper pulled over the car next to me, and I thought he meant to pull me over, so I parked on the shoulder and sat there like an imbecile while the deputy drummed up some revenue from the other driver, and I thought, “Well, if I pull off now, I’ll really look guilty,” so I stayed put ‘til the trooper left about an hour later.

This latest officer was the friendliest of all. He called me Boss. This I liked very much. “Know why I pulled you over, Boss?”

“No sir,” I said, planting plausible deniability.

“Got you going 60 in a 45, Boss. Can I see your license and immaculate insurance?”

He took them and, on his way to the squad car, paused theatrically, like he had just remembered something. “Did you know you have a warrant for your arrest, Boss?”

“No sir, I did not,” I said, and I was not making that up.

“It’s out of Texas, Boss. It’s not extraditable,” he said, which was a relief, because I had to pee and did not think I could hold it all the way to Odessa. “Thought you might want to know.”

He was right; I did want to know. I was shocked as a cattle superglued to a prod. I have not even been to Texas since my grandmother’s funeral five years ago, during which I distinctly recall not skipping out on parole, because I had never even been arrested in Texas, let alone convicted. If this kindly officer had not shared that I was wanted, I would never know I was on the lam.

“Here’s the number for the county, Boss,” the officer said to me. “Get it sorted out, if it’s not you.” He then wrote me a ticket for going six -10 over, instead of the 15 I allegedly had been, and I finally cemented my status as an outlaw.

I hope it sticks, even though the man in Texas turns out to have a different social security number and my alibi is solid. I’m thinking of going by Boss. Fits nice and bold on a wanted poster.

– Zach Hively

Thumbin’It

Time to sharpen those edges and get out the rock skis: it’s opening day at Purgatory on Saturday!

Colorado voting to approve a new affordable housing fund that will bring in $300 million a year as well as legalizing psychedelic mushrooms (outcomes still undetermined in last week’s issue). Let the Grateful Dead affordable house parties begin!

Election deniers losing 31 of 46 contested races in November’s election (with some still undecided). For the seven who won, however, does umm … it count? Not sure how that logic works.

Hey, what the hell – when did Joel’s Bar close? Where are we going to get cheap martinis and, as one Yelp reviewer put it, “If you are lucky, you might find girls dancing on the bar”?

Experts telling the AP “there’s not enough resources” given current consumption habits as the world population hits 8 billion. Great, way to put a buzzkill on Thanksgiving, the granddaddy of overconsumption holidays.

Oh god, here we go again. As anticipated, Trump announced his 2024 presidential bid. Our question: How can he run again if he won the 2020 election as many of his supporters believe. Don’t they only get two terms?

Medium Scare

Annie Cooke, of North Carolina, walked into Clyde Cooper’s BBQ last week, ordered pulled pork and then called 911, because the meat looked pink. The restaurant’s owner told Cooke that the pork was pink from the smoke, and she gave Cooke some free chicken and mac-n-cheese before the cops arrived. But that didn’t work, because after the cops rolled their eyes and left, Cooke posted on Facebook that the cheese in her mac-n-cheese wasn’t melted, and she threatened a lawsuit when interviewed by local news. In retrospect, Cooke probably should’ve ordered the beef, because this whole thing is just one big missed steak.

Bronwyn

Annie

by Rob Pudim

Gracious bow-out

It’s an honor and privilege to congratulate Clyde Church on his reelection victory in the 2022 La Plata County commissioner race. To everyone who supported our Independent campaign, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Congrats also to Brad Blake who ran a strong campaign that spoke to many citizens with his experience and good work. Those two and their families deserve our thanks for their work in the past and all that will require their efforts in the years ahead.

While our team hoped for a different result, I’m 100% confident in the integrity of the election. All three county commissioners deserve our advice, support and encouragement to be successful on behalf of the citizens of La Plata County.

My hope remains that everyone embraces their role in making our community, our state, our country and the world a better place.

– Jack Turner, Independent Candidate for La Plata County Commissioner

Back to the grind

Thank you, House District 59 voters, for your strong support of my reelection to the Colorado State Legislature. Redistricting certainly made the election more challenging than in years past, but I believe my practical and bipartisan stances, six years of experi-

ence and positive campaign made the difference. I have enjoyed meeting so many new voters, and will continue to travel the district listening and learning. My team of young campaign workers is fantastic.

During the next two years, I look forward to continuing to work on issues important to Southwest Colorado. I am honored to serve and am gratified we will be working together.

– Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango

The plot of all plots

Democrats spent $40 million in Republican primaries to support six candidates that bought into the Trump conspiracies on the election. All six of these candidates were easily defeated by Democrats in the general election.

Who’s to say that the Democrats might use the U.S. Justice Department to make sure Trump runs in 2024? Does the Jan. 6 committee have evidence that Trump is culpable and violated some laws? Or does the Mar-a-Lago document investigation have proof that Trump broke the law? U.S Attorney General Merrick Garland says no one is above the law, even a past president. If that’s true and there are no charges filed, one could suppose that the Democrats have meddled in the process to make sure they have Trump to run against in 2024.

Just saying.

– Dennis Pierce, Durango

Leave it to beavers

How water-loving rodents can help ward off climate change effects

by Sam Brasch Colorado Public Radio

Beavers could help protect water quality and ecosystem health from the effects of climate change, new research suggests.

The conclusion comes from a new study in the journal Nature Communications focused on a beaver dam outside Crested Butte. In 2017, Christian Dewey, then a doctoral student focused on water and soil science at Stanford University, set out to research shifting stream flows along the East River, a winding tributary of the Colorado River.

Dewey, now a post-doctoral researcher at Oregon State University, hoped the study could add context to a potential threat to western watersheds.

As climate change drives more frequent droughts and drier weather, scientists fear excess nutrients, like nitrogen, could build up in waterways. In normal years, major downpours and seasonal snowmelts flush away such harmful chemicals. But in a drought, they remain, contaminating the water and surrounding ecosystems.

Although a little nitrogen is good, Dewey said too much can trigger harmful algal blooms that deprive fish and other creatures of essential oxygen. Accumulated nitrogen also puts human infants at a higher risk of “blue baby syndrome,” a potentially deadly condition defined by low blood-oxygen levels.

Dewey had no plans to study beavers until the industrious rodents took over his research site. During the dry summer of 2018, a dam appeared across the main channel of the river, slowing the flow into a small pond.

“We were really just in the perfect position to capture the changes the beaver dam caused,” Dewey said. “It was really being in the right place at the right time.”

The beavers maintained the dam for two months until the water swept away the

mud and branches. By carefully tracking stream flow and chemical composition, Dewey found the structure flooded the surrounding soil, allowing microbes to convert excess nitrogen into a harmless gas.

Rain and snowmelt have a similar effect, but nothing close to the benefits of beavers. The research found the dam increased nitrogen removal by 44% compared to the river’s normal seasonal fluctuations.

Those benefits could spread as the amphibious rodents continue to reclaim their range across North America. Natural histo-

ries of the buck-toothed mammals have documented a remarkable recovery: After European colonization, hunters and trappers pushed the species to the brink of extinction as they sought pelts to make hats and coats. The species made a spectacular comeback in the 20th century as fur fell out of fashion and conservationists rushed to preserve the animals.

Ecologists now expect climate change could help beavers expand their range further. As the western United States grows warmer and drier, researchers believe more

places could become suitable for the dambuilders, potentially helping prevent waterways from growing more polluted over time.

Dewey sees it as a rare bit of hopeful climate news. He doesn’t expect beavers will reverse global warming or free humanity from its urgent responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but he thinks they could help buffer some of the short-term impacts.

“There is some pushback here – in the form of beavers, at least,” Dewey said.

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

Floating a plan

Flotilla of stakeholders coalesce on comprehensive plan for Animas

by Jonathan Romeo

Imagine if there was a way to get all the efforts to improve environmental and recreational conditions on the Animas River under one umbrella, and in doing so, open up avenues for funding those projects.

Oh wait, there’s a name for that in Colorado – a stream management plan (SMP). And efforts are under way to see if the community is interested in such a plan and how big the undertaking should be.

For years, several nonprofits, government agencies, citizens and other stakeholders have spearheaded attempts to improve the Animas River. But now, it appears these stakeholders are interested in merging their respective efforts under an SMP, which could better organize projects and increase opportunities for grant funding.

“I think we could be entering a new phase of the Animas River,” Laura Spann, programs coordinator with Southwestern Water Conservation District, said. “(An SMP) might be a way to build a broader vision with all the groups.”

Stakeholders are in the very early stages, just gauging whether there’s public interest to develop an SMP for the Animas. In other parts of the state, the plans have been used to improve fish habitat, increase river access and restore riparian areas.

“These plans are specifically designed to look at the needs of a river basin, or part of a river basin, as it relates to recreational and environmental needs,” Warren Rider, coordinator of the Animas Watershed Partnership, which is leading the SMP process, said. “About a year ago, we started to think now could be a good time.”

The whole river

In 2015, the state of Colorado adopted the “Colorado Water Plan,” which set goals to help manage increasing water demands while protecting natural resources. Within the Colorado Water Plan is an objective to implement SMPs on 80% of river basins across the state by 2030.

Requests for comment to the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the principal funder for SMPs statewide, were not returned. But, the state’s website for SMPs says many communities have an “economic interest in maintaining healthy watersheds and rivers, but few have developed voluntar y strategies to comprehensively protect river health and their flows for ecological and recreational uses.

“At the same time,” the state’s website continues, “there is insufficient data in many places to identify needed actions. SMPs provide a process to fill this gap, col-

The Animas River has received plenty of TLC over the years, but organizers are now trying to put all those efforts under one umbrella with a stream management plan./ Photo by Stephen Eginoire

lect relevant data and plan to meet the needs of water users while maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and fisheries.”

Colorado has multiple watershed management plans, which address issues such as water quality, water usage and pollution. SMPs, however, pertain solely to holistic river health and recreation.

Gauging the temperature Durango’s beloved Animas River has received plenty of TLC over the years, tackled by a number of groups with a vested interest in or love for the waterway that cuts through the heart of Southwest Colorado, from its headwaters in Silverton as it flows into New Mexico.

While those efforts have resulted in a river that has both better water quality and public access, there seems to be a general consensus that it’s now time to channel this momentum into a comprehensive process.

“In the Animas, there’s such broad interests … and hopefully this brings all these groups together into one, single vision,” Steve Wolff, general manager of SWCD, said.

Now in the early stages of Phase 1, an estimated 40 stakeholders have been interviewed by SMP organizers to identify the issues important to them, and if they’d support a plan. These stakeholders represent varying interests in the Animas – including rafting companies, conservation districts, ranchers and farmers, environmental groups, and residents.

“We’re just trying to gather information to think about what scale we should try to wrap our arms around for the actual plan and figure out what makes most sense for the Animas,” Rider said.

Wish list

So what really can an SMP accomplish? Looking to the east, the Upper San Juan Watershed Enhancement Partnership, which formed in 2018, just recently helped leverage funding to improve Yamaguchi Park in Pagosa Springs with river stabilization, boater access and needed

water diversions.

For the Animas, the wish list could go on seemingly forever: more boater access north and south of town; remediation on the stretch near Bakers Bridge impacted by gravel mining; improved habitat for fish and anglers; and riparian corridor health projects, such as Russian olive tree removal.

Peter Butler, co-founder of the defunct Animas River Stakeholders Group, and now chair of the Citizens Advisory Group for the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund site, said an SMP documents these wants and desires, prioritizes projects and shows potential funders clear community support.

“(An SMP) shows people have been communicating about certain projects, and that the community generally knows what they want for the river,” Butler said.

One such project could be improving river put-ins around Durango. In 2013, the city adopted the “Durango Animas River Corridor Management Plan,” which, among other things, helped secure river access at Oxbow Park & Preserve. But, in that plan, the city hopes to improve the put-ins at 29th St., 32nd St. and Santa Rita Park with better parking, ramp access and restroom facilities. The problem, however, is funding.

The city’s plan also calls for in-stream improvements in about 11 spots along the Animas, which could help fish habitat and allow river runners to float at lower flows, which is increasingly important as drought continues to impact the region.

John Brennan, a local boater who has been involved in Animas River-related issues since the 1980s, said the improvements could help rafting companies, one of the biggest economic drivers in the region, extend their season – or at least maintain the status quo as drought continues.

“We’re not going to have high water anymore, and our season keeps getting shorter and shorter, so it’d be nice within (the SMP) to see some in-stream improvements,”

Brennan said. “Don’t forget the users; there’s a lot of things we can do to improve the river that can be done inexpensively.”

A common goal

There’s also a big question that needs answering: Does the SMP include the entire Animas River watershed or just select segments?

Does it make sense, for instance, to include the stretches around Silverton, where the Environmental Protection Agency has a Superfund site addressing mine pollution? Or, the stretch below Silverton to Bakers Bridge, which is incredibly remote with few access points?

Another issue to consider is the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s interest in the plan. With tribal lands dominating the banks of the Animas south of town, is there an opportunity to expand access in those stretches? A SUIT spokeswoman did not respond to requests for comment, but Rider said the tribe is aware of the planning and in some capacity wants to be involved.

Looking at other Colorado communities, the Yampa River, for example, has included the entire basin. The Upper San Juan, on the other hand, has incorporated only the upper stretches above Pagosa Springs.

After organizers complete interviews with stakeholders, they’ll draft a “scope of work” document that outlines what the SMP could cover. From there, it’ll depend if there’s enough community support for the plan to progress into actual work on the ground.

While a lot remains to be determined when it comes to the Animas River’s SMP, one thing is clear: creating one may have incredible benefits, especially as climate change and drought take their toll on environmental conditions.

“The Animas is a culturally critical basin in Southwest Colorado,” Spann said. “A lot of groups are already working on the Animas, but this is an opportunity to coalesce around a common plan, which can also help us access more funding and build more trust among stakeholders.”

BetweentheBeats

Finding harmony

Maestro Rhonda Muckerman on conducting music and life

by Stephen Sellers

For this week’s “Between the Beats,” I had the pleasure of sitting down with local musician, conductor, associate director of the Durango Choral Society, Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner and author, Rhonda Muckerman.

Muckerman recently authored her memoir, “Of Song and Water,” which was published this past spring. In a world filled with trauma, stress and uncertainty, Muckerman’s story (and occupations as both music conductor and healer) offer a path toward union and finding harmony with ourselves and each other. Grab a copy of this formidable work at that badass local bookstore, Maria’s, or at that beautiful bastion of books, botanical gardens and sweet, sweet WiFi – the Durango Public Library. May Muckerman’s words be healing music in your ears. Guys, gals and non-binary pals, I give you the one and only Rhonda Muckerman.

What set you on the path to pursue a career in conducting?

I was a total band kid. I was in the wind ensemble that you audition for, and I knew it all along: “Yep, this is what I’m doing. This is what I’m going into.” I decided to go to Michigan State University, because they had the first Music Therapy Program in the country. So, I went there, and within one week of being there, I changed my major. We had this really beautiful conductor, Stan DeRusha, and I was like, “Oh my God, this is so beautiful.” And, I thought, “I want to be a conductor.”

What are the qualities of the ideal conductor in your mind?

Someone who’s not there to intimidate me. Somebody who is open-hearted, somebody who looks me right in the eye and is so excited about the music. Somebody who is really focused on the union of all of us that are creating something that’s elevated. A person who knows that the way to get to this union and elevation is through love, respect and inspiration.

How did you end up in Southwest Colorado?

I went to this channeler – it’s a little woo-woo (laughs). So, I’m talking to this channeler, and she says, “Your kindred spirit is in the snow-capped mountains of Colorado.” She didn’t know anything about me, what I did professionally, and she started laughing. She said, “I don’t know why I’m seeing this, but I’m seeing you in front of a band with one of those big sticks, conducting.” The moment she said that, it was one of those things I knew to be true. I was meditating one day, and I said, “OK God, where is my spiritual

family? I’ll go anywhere.” And I literally heard the voice say, “Go to Telluride.”

I was in Seattle at the time, and I finished the teaching year, got in my little Suzuki Sidekick, and after a month of traveling, I finally landed in Telluride on July 26, 1994. I set my tent up in Town Park, and there was this moment where I was standing in Elk’s Park looking at the courthouse, and I recognized it from a dream three months earlier. I had never seen a photo of Telluride before. At that moment, I looked to the sky and said, “Yes, sir!” Within three weeks, I had 28 private students, I found a place to live and met my future husband, Peter, in a meditation class. So, the short answer to that question is, divine intervention.

How would you describe the programs you like to put together as associate choral director?

A little bit of pop, a little bit of international flair, a little bit of humor. I hope that a lot of my programs appeal to everyone. I like to have a really diverse program centered on a theme. Oftentimes, my themes are connected with nature, with love, with good messages, because in this world, we need good messages.

How has studying the Japanese healing modality, Jin Shin Jyutsu, complemented your work as a conductor?

It’s all the same energy because, ultimately, what is it that music does for us? It brings us into union, and it heals us. We can get into the intellectual study of music and be inspired and fascinated by that. But, what music really does is, it reaches our hearts, and, for most people,

that’s why they love music. Because we all need healing at one level or another. The interesting corollary is that Jin Shin Jyutsu is performed in silence. I listen for the energetic pulses and listen for the harmony of those in silence, and that’s where the curing happens.

Your jaw-droppingly beautiful memoir, “Of Song and Water,” is about your healing journey in the aftermath of your son’s accidental drug overdose in 2014, as well as your husband’s Parkinson’s diagnosis. How would you define “healing” in the aftermath of addiction, loss and illness?

It means to come to a degree of peace with something where we can leave it in the past and say, “That’s what happened, I’ll miss this person forever.” But, I’m at peace with it, and the trauma that I sustained from that is not going to affect me with regard to how I feel in the present moment. It doesn’t mean that I liked it, but … I have a degree of forgiveness for it; to go on in life with a sense of optimism and hope. Every single one of us has the list of things that have traumatized us. That’s part of being human. But, when we’re able to say, “I accept it, I forgive it, and I’m grateful for what I have now” –that hurt and sting, we can leave it in the past.

When we’ve healed from something, we find that we have more capacity to get through another challenge in the future.

Connect with Rhonda at www.rhondalmuckerman.com to keep tabs on her performances, speaking engagements, author talks and for more details on her memoir.

Rhonda Muckerman knew from an early age she wanted to be a conductor and now is the associate director of the Durango Choral Society./ Courtesy photo

Rising for a cause

by Alex Vick

Poverty comes in many forms. Most often, we think of poverty in a monetary aspect, such as lack of housing, clothes and food. However, monetary poverty also has a ripple effect through our community. People suffering from monetary poverty also often lose their sense of self and community. How can we help not just the root cause of this problem, but also the people affected by it?

I sat down with Carmen Ilisoi, with Oak Tree Youth Resources, and Nicole Burchfield, Durango Public Library Youth Services Librarian, to dig deeper into these questions in hopes of finding answers.

On Nov. 16, Ilisoi, Burchfield and their respective organizations teamed up to host a “Speak Out” event for November Youth Homeless Awareness Month, which gave center stage to homeless youth to talk about the issues they and their families face.

“We wanted to shine a light on (homeless youths’) experiences by highlighting poetry and stories as well as two speakers sharing their experiences of homelessness, incarceration or the relational aspect of being a homeless youth,” Ilisoi said. All presentations were given by youth from Southwest Colorado.

Homelessness has been an issue on the forefront in Durango and has only increased with the displacement of people since the shutdown of Purple Cliffs in September.

“We’ve been finding that in this area, people tend to

think that youth homelessness is an urban problem,” Ilisoi said. “And maybe some people know it’s an issue but don’t yet understand the weight of it here in rural communities.”

Burchfield, too, said homeless youth have nowhere to go, especially because the community shelter doesn’t allow anyone under the age of 18. What makes matters worse is there are few resources in town for homeless youth. The few that are out there, Burchfield said, are not well known, which makes it hard for youths to find help.

“Oak Tree is one of the only resources for youth to receive housing vouchers or supplemental housing costs,” Ilisoi said. “Other organizations help all ages, so what happens is that youth get pushed to the bottom, and receive less help.”

Founded in February 2020, Oak Tree Youth Resources is a youth-serving nonprofit that helps young people reenter school, complete their education, learn job skills, receive employment assistance and seek stability while avoiding homelessness, to name a few of the services offered.

Both Burchfield and Ilisoi hope the Speak Out event will rally the community to take this issue head-on. “We want people to understand more about why youth become homeless and how they can help them,” Burchfield said.

“We want to make people aware of what the actual truth is and dispel myths about youth homelessness. By hearing from actual people and youth who have been in those situations, hearing their stories makes it more relatable.”

Not all difficulties are solved quickly, but by investing

in our communities, especially young people, we are investing in ourselves.

To learn more and contact Oak Tree Youth Resources, visit oak treeyouthresources.org or stop by their office at 1150 Main Ave.

Stuff to Do

Thursday17

Dancing Spirit Gallery Grand Opening, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Dancing Spirits Community Arts Center, Ignacio.

Live music, 5 p.m., Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Live music, 5 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.

Rob Webster plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Third Thursday Speaker Series: Four Corners Writer Extravaganza, 6:30 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio.

Merely Players present “The Half-Life of Marie Curie,” 7 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center Dr.

Drag Queen Trivia, 7 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Friday18

Grand Reopening Celebration, 12 noon, La Plata County Humane Society, 111 South Camino del Rio.

Ted Moore art opening, 5-8 p.m., Stillwater Music, 1316 Main Ave.

Live music, 5 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.

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

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver play, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Ben Gibson Duo plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th Street Station.

State 38 plays, 6 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Starlight Jam Session, 6 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Ron & Susan play, 6-9 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

Telegraph 20th Anniversary Party, Lawn Chair Kings play, 6-10 p.m., El Rancho Tavern, 975 Main Ave.

Noodle plays, 6:30 p.m., The Hive, 1150 Main Ave.

Comedy & Karaoke, 6:30 p.m., American Legion, 878 E. 2nd Ave.

‘90s Video Music Dance Party, 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

Merely Players present “The Half-Life of Marie Curie,” 7 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center Dr.

Southwest Civic Winds – Mystery & Magic, 7 p.m., FLC’s Community Concert Hall.

Pianist Lisa Campi Walters, 7 p.m., St. Marks Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave.

Saturday19

SJMA Christmas Tree Cutting, volunteers needed, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., along Junction Creek Road, sjma.org.

Holiday Artisans Bazaar, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Strater Hotel’s Oak Room, 699 Main Ave.

Durango Farmers Harvest Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., TBK Bank parking lot.

Bayfield Farmer’s Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 480 Wolverine Dr.

Live music, 5 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.

The Lizard Head Quartet plays, 5-8 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Darryl Kuntz plays, 5:30-9 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

Pete Giuliani Duo plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th Street Station.

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

High Altitude Blues play, 6-9 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

Salsa Dance Night, 6:30 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Merely Players present “The Half-Life of Marie Curie,” 7 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center Dr.

24 Hour Theatre, 7 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

A Circus Nutcracker, 7 p.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.

Leviathan Ave, Eyes of a Killer & Anarchy Hammer (metal show) plays, 8 p.m., The Hive, 1150 Main Ave.

Silent Disco, 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m., 11th Street Station.

Sunday20

Veterans Benefit Breakfast, 9 a.m., VFW Post 4031, 1550 Main Ave.

Merely Players present “The Half-Life of Marie Curie,” 2 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center Dr.

Feed the People! free mutual aid meal & winter gear drive for homeless community members, every Sunday, 2-4 p.m., Buckley Park.

A Circus Nutcracker, showings at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.

24 Hour Theatre, 2 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Vigil, 5-6 p.m., Buckley Park.

Open Mic, 6 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Live music, 5 p.m., Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Live music, 5 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.

Jazz/Funk/Soul Jam, 5-8 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Sunday Funday, featuring games and prizes, 6 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Monday21

Live music, 5 p.m., Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Live music, 5 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.

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

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

Ladies Game & Poker Night, weekly starting at 6 p.m., 11th Street Station.

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

Tuesday22

Live music, 5 p.m., Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Live music, 5 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.

Open Mic Night, weekly, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Wednesday23

Live music, 5 p.m., Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Live music, 5 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.

Paint & Sip Night, 5:30 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Trivia Night, 6 p.m., Zia’s North, 2911 Main Ave.

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

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

Ongoing

Patische Art Exhibit, featuring seven local women artists, Smiley Café, 1309 E. 3rd Ave.

“Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure! And Creature Power!” hands on STEM exhibits for children ages 3 to 9, runs until Jan. 7, Farmington Museum, 3041 E. Main St.

I’m walkin’ here, mommy issues & after after-party

Interesting fact: About 2,200 American local print newspapers folded from 2005-21. All the more impressive that we’re still standing. Let’s see how we’re still standing at closing time on Friday.

Dear Rachel,

Urgent question about walking protocol. How should two people match their speeds? Should the speedwalker slow to the pace of the one who appreciates one’s surroundings? Or must the reasonable walker accelerate to the lanky sprint of the speedwalker? Oh wait, the question is suddenly less urgent, since I’ve lost my friend in the distance. But it would be good to know for next time.

Left Behind

–

Dear Southpaw Buttcheek,

I always try to answer urgent questions first. The answer is, you let that friend disappear without a trace, and you look around for the people looking under rocks and admiring flowers and petting dogs tied up to bike racks. These are your people. You walk just as many miles as a speedwalker, but never in a straight line. Which is good. Means you get off the sidewalk for those of us trying to get somewhere already.

Outta my way, Rachel

–

Dear Rachel,

My mother expects to be the first to know everything. Doesn’t matter if it concerns her. I could not tell her about my pickleball game

The Hive Indoor Skate Park, open skate and skate lessons. For schedule and online waiver, go to www.thehivedgo.org

Upcoming

Def-I’s Birthday Party & Showcase “Native Heritage Day,” Nov. 25, 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

Thee Fearless Peasants plays, Nov. 26, 5 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Mancos Art Market, Nov. 27, 11 a.m.4 p.m., downtown Mancos.

Festival of Trees, Dec. 2-4, 12 noon-5 p.m., D&SNG museum, downtown Durango. Trees22.GiveSmart.com

against my best friend and she’ll feed me some guilt about excluding her, or that she could just be happy for me without feeling weird if I would just tell her up front. Oh, and I’m several decades into double digits. Tell me, R, should I just cut her out of my life right now, or wait until she dies someday?

– Mama Mia

Dear Mother Uecker,

You have some serious mommy issues that I recommend you work out with a therapist. Mommy issues are nowhere near as hot as daddy issues, at least as far as the general populace is concerned. Why is that, I wonder? Anyway, I’d love it if you sent me your headshot. I want to make sure I know to swipe left when I see you on Tinder and read how “family-oriented” you are.

– The motherlode, Rachel

Dear Rachel,

I am missing the Telegraph birthday party because of a drawn-out family emergency kind of thing in another state. Kind of bummed, kind of thinking I’m dodging the bullet that always hits me at the Ranch where I end up buying tequila shots for strangers and thinking I landed an invitation to an after party when suddenly I realize I’m on like Fifth Ave. all alone with no idea how I got there. Any chance we could do a Tele party part deux so I can jump in front of the bullet next time?

Email questions to telegraph@durangotelegraph.com

Dear You’re to Blame,

Absolutely, we can do a birthday bash part deux. Just give us 20 more years to forget anything the blackout doesn’t steal from us, wait for our neighbors (who might witness us) to move away or die, and find out if print media can really survive that long. In the meantime, you can practice by partying with people who walk the same pace as you when they leave so you quit getting lost.

– Giving love a bad name, Rachel

Ignacio’s Taste of Christmas Parade, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m., downtown Ignacio.

Holiday Artist Market, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Four Leaves Winery, 528 Main.

Mike Green plays, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., Smiley Café, 1309 E. 3rd Ave.

Silent Sundays with Swanson, Dec. 4, 2 p.m., pianist Adam Swanson plays alongside silent film showings, Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

Artist Reception: Gregg Deal, Dec. 8, 4:30-6 p.m., FLC’s Art Gallery.

Sing-a-Long Sound of Music, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m., Smiley Café, 1309 E. 3rd Ave.

– Shot through the Heart

FreeWillAstrology

by Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Virginia Woolf wrote a passage that I suspect will apply to you in the coming weeks. She said, “There is no denying the wild horse in us. To gallop intemperately; fall on the sand tired out; to feel the earth spin; to have – positively – a rush of friendship for stones and grasses – there is no getting over the fact that this desire seizes us.” Here’s my question for you, Aries: How will you harness your wild horse energy? I’m hoping that the self-possessed human in you will take command of the horse and direct it to serve you and yours with constructive actions. It’s fine to indulge in some intemperate galloping, too. But I’ll be rooting for a lot of temperate and disciplined galloping.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

“The failure of love might account for most of the suffering in the world,” writes poet Marie Howe. I agree with that statement. Many of us have had painful episodes revolving around people who no longer love us and people whose lack of love for us makes us feel hurt. That’s the bad news, Taurus. The good news is that you now have more power than usual to heal the failures of love you have endured in the past. You also have an expanded capacity to heal others who have suffered from the failures of love. I hope you will be generous in your ministrations!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

Geminis tell me they are often partly awake as they sleep. In their dreams, they might work overtime trying to solve waking-life problems. Or they may lie in bed in the dark contemplating intricate ideas that fascinate them, or perhaps ruminating on the plot developments unfolding in a book they’ve been reading or a TV show they’ve been bingeing. If you are prone to such behavior, I will ask you to minimize it for a while. In my view, you need to relax your mind extra deeply and allow it to play luxuriously with non-utilitarian fantasies and dreams. You have a sacred duty to yourself to explore mysterious and stirring feelings that bypass rational thought.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Here are my two key messages for you. 1. Remember where you hide important stuff. 2. Remember that you have indeed hidden some important stuff. Got that? Please note that I am not questioning your urge to lock away a secret or two. I am not criticizing you for wanting to store a treasure that you are not yet ready to use or reveal. It’s completely understandable if you want to keep a part of your inner world offlimits to certain people for the time being. But as you engage in any or all of these actions, make sure you don’t lose touch with your valuables. And don’t forget why you are stashing them.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I know I don’t have to give you lessons in expressing your sensuality. Nor do you need prods and encouragement to do so. As a Leo, you most likely have abundant talent in the epicurean arts. But as you prepare to glide into the lush and lusty heart of the Sensuality Season, it can’t hurt to offer you a pep talk from your fellow Leo bon vivant, James Baldwin. He said: “To be sensual is to respect and rejoice in the force of life, of life itself, and to be present in all that one does, from the effort of loving to the breaking of bread.”

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Many Virgos are on a lifelong quest to cultivate a knack described by Sigmund Freud: “In the small matters, trust the mind. In the large ones, the heart.” And I suspect you are now at a pivotal point in your efforts to master that wisdom. Important decisions are looming in regards to both small and large matters. I believe you will do the right things as long as you empower your mind to do what it does best and your heart to do what it does best.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Social media like Facebook and Twitter feed on our outrage. Their algorithms are designed to stir up our disgust and indignation. I confess that I get semi-caught in their trap. I am sometimes seduced by the temptation to feel lots of umbrage and wrath, even though those feelings comprise a small minority of my total emotional range. As an antidote, I proactively seek experiences that rouse my wonder and sublimity and holiness. In the next two weeks, Libra, I invite you to cultivate a focus like mine. It’s high time for a phase of minimal anger and loathing – and maximum reverence and awe.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio author Sylvia Plath had a disturbing, melodramatic relationship with romance. In one of her short stories, for example, she has a woman character say, “His love is the twenty-story leap, the rope at the throat, the knife at the heart.” I urge you to avoid contact with people who think and feel like that –as glamorous as they might seem. In my view, your romantic destiny in the coming months can and should be uplifting, exciting in healthy ways, and conducive to your well-being. There’s no need to link yourself with shadowy renegades when there will be plenty of radiant helpers available.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): I like Sagittarian healer and author Caroline Myss, because she’s both spiritual and practical, compassionate and fierce. Here’s a passage from her work that I think will be helpful for you in

the coming weeks: “Get bored with your past. It’s over! Forgive yourself for what you think you did or didn’t do, and focus on what you will do, starting now.” To ensure you make the most of her counsel, I’ll add a further insight from author Augusten Burroughs: “You cannot be a prisoner of your past against your will –because you can only live in the past inside your mind.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): How would you respond if you learned that the $55 tshirt you’re wearing was made by a Haitian kid who earned 10 cents for her work? Would you stop wearing the shirt? Donate it to a thrift store? Send money to the United Nations agency UNICEF, which works to protect Haitian child laborers? I recommend the latter option. I also suggest you use this as a prompt to engage in leisurely meditations on what you might do to reduce the world’s suffering. It’s an excellent time to stretch your imagination to understand how your personal life is interwoven with the lives of countless others, many of whom you don’t even know. And I hope you will think about how to offer extra healings and blessings not just to your allies, but also to strangers. What’s in it for you? Would this bring any selfish benefits your way? You may be amazed at how it leads you to interesting connections that expand your world.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian philosopher Alfred North Whitehead wrote, “The silly question is the first intimation of some totally new development.” He also said, “Every really new idea looks crazy at first.” With these thoughts in mind, Aquarius, I will tell you that you are now in the Season of the Silly Question. I invite you to enjoy dreaming up such queries. And as you indulge in that fertile pleasure, include another: Celebrate the Season of Crazy Ideas.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): We all love to follow stories: the stories we live, the stories that unfold for people we know and the stories told in movies, TV shows and books. A disproportionately high percentage of the entertainment industry’s stories are sad or tormented or horrendously painful. They influence us to think such stories are the norm. They tend to darken our view of life. While I would never try to coax you to avoid all those stories, Pisces, I will encourage you to question whether maybe it’s wise to limit how many you absorb. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to explore this possibility. Be willing to say, “These sad, tormented, painful stories are not ones I want to invite into my imagination.” Try this experiment: For the next three weeks, seek out mostly uplifting tales.

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 www.durangotelegraph.com 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

Methodist Holiday Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 19, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Methodist Church, 2917 Aspen Drive.

Classes/Workshops

Improve Your Handwriting!

Write like an architect. Improve your cursive. Go big and write on walls or go small for map-making. 3-week class. Email: heather@letslettertogether.com to reserve your spot!

CommercialforRent

Community Wellness Center

Integrated clinic seeks licensed, insured professionals to rent private offices, shared reception. $950 incl all util 970247-1233

Warehouse/Workshop Space!!

1800 sq. ft +/- near Oxbow. Call or text 970-946-4343.

Wanted

ISO Sewing Lessons

I have my own machine and know just enough to be dangerous. Please help me before I ruin something else. 970-7492595.

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

Free Free Wardrobe Moving Boxes

Three free wardrobe moving boxes available. Must pick up. Text (832) 4747191

ForRent

RV Storage in Durango

We have RV storage available at Durango Riverside RV Park! From Nov-April, prices range $25-$80, electric avail. Call us at 970-247-4499.

ForSale

16’ Canvas Teepee

$700. Call Arthur, 360-756-1040.

Reduced: ‘76 Ford Coachman Camper

Runs perfect, over $4500 in new upgrades. $4950 obo. 970-814-9370

1990 Toyota 4 Runner for Sale

1990 Toyota 4 Runner, 3.0-liter V6, 5speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive, 325,400 miles. Original owner all maintenance records. $2100 770-5474528

2013 Tacoma - Low Mileage

$26,400 obo. V6. Black. Six speed manual transmission. 4X4 towing capacity. Access cab with cargo seats. Full size 6.4’x5.4’ bed. Aluminum alloy wheels. Steering wheel controls. Rear camera video. 115K miles. 970-247-1233

Kawai QX100 electronic keyboard

Your dad was wrong – you can still make it as a musician. Kawai QX100 electronic keyboard for $100 OBO. Comes with owner’s manual, no adaptor. Can be used with AC adaptor or six size C dry cell batteries. If interested, send an email to j.marie.pace@gmail.com

Gordon Smith FibreFlex Longboard

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

Vassago Jabberwocky Singlespeed

17” steel frame, black, hardtail, front Fox 32” fork. Set up for tubeless, decent rubber. Super fun, light and zippy bike –great for in-town rides, Phil’s and more. $750 Text: 970-749-2595.

GoPro Camera

Hero 5. A few years old but only used once or twice and otherwise just sat in a drawer. It is deserving of a more exciting owner! $150 OBO. Text 970-749-2595

Reruns Home Furnishings

Warm up your space with quality preowned furniture, décor and art. Coffee tables, dressers, MCM items, great kitchenware selection, ever-changing inventory … 572 E. 6th Ave. Open Mon.Sat. 385-7336.

Services

Rustic Creations Metal Yard Art

Rustic Creations is your friendly local source for unique, and fun metal yard art, home décor customized signs more. Location 2405 W Aztec BLVD. Aztec NM 87410. PH: 505-330-2460.

Marketing Small and Local Businesses

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

Harmony Cleaning

and Organizing

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

Lowest Prices on Storage!

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

BodyWork

Mtn Medicine Acupuncture Bonds

Holiday wellness gifts to yourself, friends, employees or underserved locals in need. 5 sessions for $350; 10 sessions for $600; 20 for $1100. 970-247-1233

In-Home Fitness Training

Free Consultation. Diane Brady NSCACPT. 970-903-2421.

HaikuMovieReview

– Lainie Maxson

Lotus Path Healing Arts

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

Massage by Meg Bush

LMT, 30, 60 & 90 min., 970-759-0199.

CommunityService

Durango PlayFest Seeks Submissions

by Dec. 1 for its fifth annual festival, June 28-July 2, 2023. Prior playwriting experience not required. Selected playwright will collaborate with local director and actors to develop the work for a staged reading. Plays should be 60-90 pages, with up to four characters. Playwrights must reside within daily driving distance of Durango to attend rehearsals in June. Submit plays in a Word doc or PDF to durangoplayfest@gmail.com with “play” in the subject line. For more info, visit durangoplayfest.org.

Volunteer Advocates Needed for Alternative Horizons

Do you want to make a difference in your community and the lives of others? Alternative Horizons is always in need of volunteers to staff our hotline. AH supports and empowers survivors of domestic violence. Training and ongoing support provided. For more information call the office at 970-247-4374 or visit our alternativehorizons.org

Volunteers needed for SJMA’s Christmas tree lot

Cut, carry, net and haul white fir for our Christmas tree lot, Sat., Nov 19, Junction Creek Road. Volunteers also needed to assist on the tree lot at the D&SNG parking lot. Tree lot opens Fri., Nov. 25, and will be open daily until the trees sell out. For more info visit www.sjma.org/

‘Stutz’

Try to find something meaningful in the pain and chaos that is life