Melissa Plantz
WORD ON THE STREET
NEW LEADERSHIP AT SMRC
In July 1972, five months before the ribbon was cut on a brand-new Telluride Ski Resort, a young couple named Terry Tice and Susan Gulick took a gamble that their little town was onto something big and opened a clothing store, Telluride Trappings and Toggery, on the east 100 block of Colorado Avenue. Fast forward 50 years and the Toggery, owned by Todd Tice (Terry’s nephew) and Wendy Basham since 2004, is a much-loved
Melissa Plantz
Melissa Plantz Melissa Plantz
grand dame of main street, offering women’s and men’s clothing (the store’s vintage Telluride T-shirts are hugely popular), as well as footwear, jewelry and accessories. The Toggery’s loyal, ever-growing circle of fans flock to this lovely and lightfilled spot safe in the knowledge that whether they want something for an afternoon hike, happy hour or a night on the town — or that perfect gift — Basham and Tice have them covered. The pair are sure hands at stocking their establishment with a mix of fashionable, funky and functional pieces, including locally and sustainably made items. HBD, Toggery!
Laila Benitez is the San Miguel Resource Center’s new executive director. Well known locally for her impactful work in government (she is currently the mayor of Mountain Village) and nonprofits, Benitez has been a consistent advocate for support and funding for community services, in areas like suicide prevention, anti-violence advocacy and women’s and children’s safety. Founded in 1993, the San Miguel Resource Center works to empower and advocate for individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, while promoting social change through prevention education and community awareness. To support SMRC’s important work, go to smrcco.org/donate.
TAB’S YOUNG AMBASSADORS
TOGGERY’S NIFTY AT 50
As part of the TAB Student HIV Awareness Project, 18 Telluride High School students traveled to Denver in late August to explore topics in HIV and AIDS that ranged from health equity and stigma to issues facing the unhoused and prevention education with TAB’s key frontline partners, like Children’s Hospital Colorado, the Brother Jeff Health Initiative and Colorado Health Network. Says TAB Executive Director Jessica Galbo, “These student ambassadors are the next generation ready to tackle this disease that still takes over 600,000 lives globally each year. Some of the fastest rates of infection are in youth groups ages 13-24.”
Galbo adds that presenters fielded questions from students and learned about the work they are doing to combat stigma and misinformation through a number of initiatives, including the Colorado AIDS Walk + Run, as well as the TAB Student Fashion Show, which takes place Feb. 16-17 at the Palm Theatre. The students’ work is part of a wide range of TAB programming that culminates each year with Telluride Fashion Week and Gala Fashion Shows. The 30th annual event, which will be held at the Telluride Conference Center Feb. 24-26, is part of a week of celebrations surrounding HIV awareness, education, creativity, philanthropy and, of course, the community’s love of fashion and fun. Can’t wait until February? Event tickets go on sale on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. Visit tellurideaidsbenefit.org for more.
DYNAMIC DUO For nearly 40 years, Telluride Science, the largest independent molecular science center in the world (yes, really), operated primarily in the summer in local classrooms. In 2020, however, this dynamic nonprofit purchased the equally dynamic Depot building, a historic structure on South Townsend Street. Now, renovations are underway that will transform the Depot into the Telluride Science and Innovation Center. It’s a project that is expected to take 16-18 months and culminate in a grand opening in 2024. “We are extremely grateful to our generous donors and supporters who enabled us to purchase the Depot,” says Annie Carlson, director of donor relations for Telluride Science. “Our work is still not complete, though, as we have an additional $4 million to raise to cover the renovation costs.” Learn more at telluridescience.org. telluride.com | 855.421.4360
69
