2021-08

T HE C RYSTAL VALLEY E CHO &

Marble Times

Mission Statement: To provide a voice for the residents of the Crystal River Valley; to bring attention to the individuals and local businesses that are the fabric of the Crystal Valley region; to contribute to the vitality of our small town life.

Editor • Gentrye Houghton gentryeh@hotmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Stephanie Deaton • Amber McMahill Alex Menard • James Steindler

ADVERTISING SALES

Heather Marine at Elephant Mountain Creative heather@elephantmountaincreative.com (970) 718-5848

DISTRIBUTION

The Crystal Valley Echo is published monthly, and is distributed throughout the Crystal Valley.

NEWSPAPER BOX LOCATIONS:

Carbondale (old) City Market • Village Smithy Carbondale Post Office • Redstone Inn Propaganda Pie • The Marble Hub FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS

Please send $40 for print or $25 for digital editions along with address information to: The Crystal Valley Echo 364 Redstone Blvd. Redstone, CO 81623

To our dear readers,

Letter from the Editor

This time last year, we were all on pins and needles due to the unprecedented hot and dry landscape; we were performing our very own versions of rain dances in our yards praying for rain. The Grizzly Creek Fire erupted in early August 2020, and we’re still feeling the effects of its scorching.

At the time of this publishing, I-70 through Glenwood Canyon has seen at least 10 closures due to mudslides or warnings from the weather service. The policy remains that if there is a threat of flash flooding, the interstate will shut down between Rifle and Dotsero.

Bringing all this a little closer to home in the Crystal River Valley, it appears that our monsoon season has returned (and fingers crossed that it continues through August). There are not only delays on SH-133 from rock mitigation, but we’ve seen a few mudslides ourselves.

A mudslide overnight on Tuesday, July 20th just north of Redstone closed the highway, leaving many residents unexpectedly sleeping in Carbondale (at which time, I packed an overnight bag to stay in my car). With an afternoon torrential down pouring just four days later, we saw multiple mudslides near Redstone Ranch Acres subdivision and the Marble turn off that again closed the highway.

We’d like to give a huge shout out to everyone (including those with boots on the ground as well as administrators) within CDOT, CRFPD as well as those working with us from other departments and districts, and to all our emergency personnel (including Sheriffs, Deputies, State Troopers, as well as those from surrounding forces).

As seen on Facebook, Scott Benesh was on his way home from Mountain Fair when he and his wife came upon the mudslide mess that Saturday afternoon just 100-yards from their home in Redstone Ranch Acres. According to his wife, Alicia, “He changed into his work boots and CDOT shirt, and walked through the mud to the loader he’d parked there the other night and started clearing the road.”

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) employees are always on the scene as soon as possible. They’re hard at work getting the highways passable within hours and completely reopening areas often within 24-hours.

The Crystal Valley Echo is growing, and we’d like to know if you’re reaching your customers in the Crystal River Valley?

We’ve teamed up with Elephant Mountain Creative to help you reach over 4,000 people monthly from Marble to Carbondale for less than 5 cents each!

To learn more, contact Heather Marine at heather@elephantmountaincreative.com (970) 718-5848

Kevin Weber, with the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD), told me he brought sandwiches and a bunch of water to one gentleman stopping traffic, organizing locals to go through the slide, and turning those around who would not be able to access Marble due to the cleanup efforts in progress. Weber shared that the gentleman had come from the Grizzly Creek area and didn’t have anything to eat or drink with him on site.

Allen Ingram, former CRFPD Deputy Chief, shared with me that he knew of an individual who told him he’d received over 47-hours of overtime that week. So, it’s not just our CDOT employees going above and beyond to keep us safe and our roads open and clear.

Thank you for keeping us operational, getting us to and from work or play, but most importantly for keeping us safe and all of the unsung things you do!

I’d also like to challenge each of you to show your appreciation to these folks. Buy ‘em a burger, bring them water, give ‘em a high five and a smile — it’s a tireless job with long hours where they deal with lots of unhappy people, so let’s make their day and show them our gratitude.

Sincerely yours,

A Twist of Fate, And Then Power Tools

from Nicole Farrell

My childhood best friend came to visit me last summer, and when she arrived she asked if I knew Madeline Weiner. I didn't. She then asked if I knew about MARBLE/marble Symposium, and I did. So, we went to the site of MARBLE/marble and found Madeline.

The MARBLE/marble is a magical place here in Marble, Colo. So when Madeline invited me to carve in the 2021 season, I immediately accepted. I love trying new things and I have a deep love of all things art.

This summer, I was lucky enough to attend MARBLE/marble’s second session and was able to carve our very own Yule Marble. As the start day of my session drew closer my ex-

citement started to bubble. The day before set up, I ran down to the Symposium and picked out the most beautiful stone to be placed at my carving station. Then I decided it would be a good idea to try and pop up a 12x12 canopy tent in a 10x10 spot and recruited an innocent by standing artist. It wasn't a great idea after all and we abandoned the project, but needless to say, I was beside myself with excitement.

The next day was setup and orientation, where all the carvers from out of town arrive and set up camp. I started to walk around and see all the stones being placed at the individual artist's carving stations. Some of the pieces being brought in had already been started and were stunning!

Students include beginners and master carvers alike. So, as a beginner, I went to the orientation meeting and learned about all the things I could sign up for as well as the session’s itinerary, which would consist of two teaching workshops a day along with other instructors floating around at various times.

Some workshops are mandatory for beginners while others are optional. We started the following day off with safety, and I learned so much about the power tools and how to safely navigate them in relation to the stone. We were all able to try out tools with instructors near by and to really get a feel for how they

would bite into the marble. Then, they turned us loose upon our own stones.

Days three through eight, I came home exhausted! Carving stone is hard work.

My statue started to take shape and day after day I started to watch the way the marble melted away as I worked it with different tools; being the first person to touch that newly uncovered surface is mesmerizing and just takes your breath away. My senses were buzzing, along with my hands and entire body.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished masters in the stone carving world, to be amongst people who carve with such passion and yet still have the time and patience to teach and guide others on their journey.

This amazing opportunity has definitely changed my life. I don't ever want to stop carving!

by Stephanie Deaton

Coal Basin Ranch

Coal Basin Ranch, a mountain bike park located at the top of Coal Basin Road, opened last month. The privately-owned property has been the site of five separate mining operations from 1956 until 1991, the most recent being Mid-Continent Resources.

Coal Basin is a naturally steep and unstable area. Eroding slopes and 50-years of largescale coal mining have had a huge impact on the landscape. One of the main goals of Coal Basin Ranch is to demonstrate how recreational trails can serve as an integral part of landscape renewal.

Trina Ortega, Ranch and Trail Manager, explained that along with traditional restoration methods, “more than 1,000 trees were planted, hillsides were stabilized with native grasses and wildflowers, and tons of mining and other waste was collected and removed.” The hope is to transform the former mine site into a community asset.

Residents of Redstone can expect prime singletrack and accessible, family-friendly riding options right in their back yard. Visitors coming to town for biking can also eat, stay, and shop locally. Mountain bikers are expected to come for the biking but stay and experience Redstone’s charm and small-town appeal.

The park is built on private land, but a part-

“Our memoranda of understanding requires that we meet all of Pitkin County standards for trail usage and design, safety, liability, fencing, data collection and reporting, and more. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (OST) has offered assistance with trail mapping/GIS efforts, providing OST rangers to help ensure trail-users are following rules and are safe,” explains Ortega.

The Ranch features nine total trails. The 3.9-miles recommended route climbs the singletrack Dutch Creek Trail into the woods. After exiting near the Lamp House, it briefly crosses into National Forest until it reaches the newly built Bear Ridge Trail – the 1.75mile descent through Gambel oak and Aspen groves. The park also features jump lines, bermed turns, and a pump track along with several shorter rides around the pond system.

The vision is to provide world-class biking in a beautiful setting while helping to restore the land.

Ortega says, “We want Coal Basin Ranch to remain a community asset, a place where residents and visitors alike can get exercise, spend time with friends and family, and experience nature.”

Redstone Ruffs & Gruffs

by Mazzi the Dog

Coal Basin Ranch, a system of bike trails opened last month. The five miles of trail located on private property at the top of Coal Basin Road are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at no charge. These trails are bringing a paw-some outdoor community to Redstone. Who doesn’t want to play outside all day? As a dog that loves the sniffs up Coal Basin Road, I hope that this new traffic — both bike and car — will be courteous and mindful of four-legged pedestrians sharing the road.

Cars, please slow down on your journey. Bikes, please call out or ring a bell as you pass. My ultra-mutt joy is lunging at bikes that zoom past me. What can I say? It’s in my DNA. Making yourself known protects both you and me.

I love that people are utilizing the area. It sounds like the owners and operators of Coal Basin Ranch are trying to maximize fun while restoring the land, which was once the site of several mining operations.

Grrrrr-eat work guys!

In other dog-related news: It is H-O-T out there this summer. Remember that you’re furry friends aren’t as good at temperature regulation as you are. Walk or hike your pet in the morning or evening when temperatures are coolest. Also, remember to bring plenty of water. As always, when walking your dogs in town or the Wilderness area, leashes are required. They keep the wildlife (both two- and four-legged) safe. Leashes keep your pet safe as well.

“It is amazing how much love and laughter dogs bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” – John Grogan, author of Marley & Me

New Trail Near the Quarry in Marble

Through the joint efforts of the Gunnison County Commissioners and Colorado Stone Quarries, there is a new, short trail available at the Yule Creek Marble Quarry. The trail takes advantage of a public easement and follows the route of the haul road established during the 1990 reopening.

The trail is short, only a third of a mile, and climbs steeply from the parking lot at the end of the quarry road. In no way does it equal the quality of the old trail through the marble blocks along Yule Creek to the historic portals; that trail is fondly recalled by those who walked it years ago. Modern mining regulations do not allow public access to an active mining operation.

However, the new trail allows people to observe above-ground marble mining operations taking place far below during weekdays and is for non-motorized use only. Alpine wildflowers can be observed trailside, with penstemons, raspberries, and thimbleberries are blooming as this is being written.

To access Yule Creek turn right off paved Park Street at the fire station onto West Third and proceed over the bridge. The 3.5-mile graded dirt road is wide enough for passing in most places and climbs 1,200 vertical feet to the quarry. Be aware that semi-trucks may be encountered hauling large marble blocks on weekdays; these semis are always preceded by a pilot car with flashing lights and we encourage you to allow the trucks to take the inside path, which is contrary to ordinary traffic patterns.

The Yule Creek Valley has much to see including spruce, fir, and aspen forests, avalanche paths, distant mountain skylines, historic sites, and waterfalls. The dense, beautiful forests are regularly interrupted by obvious avalanche paths. Downed timber is a testament to the awesome power of some 14 named avalanche paths.

Views of the mountains include the slopes of the unofficial Marble backcountry ski area and up Yule Creek to the Anthracite Range. On the way back down, the views to the north take in the Elk Mountains from Gallo Hill to Mt. Daly.

About halfway, where the steep grade eases up, is an accurate reproduction of the historic rotary

by Alex Menard

station. This was recently constructed by the Bauman family of Treasure Mountain Bible Camp and is exactly the site where the electric tram hauling marble blocks stopped to cool the brakes before the steep descent to the mill. The rotary station was actually a converter, changing AC power to DC for the tram operation.

After the rotary station, the road passes above the bible camp located on the valley floor far below. Across the valley, you can see a zig-zag jack trail that ascends the slopes to the saddle between White House Peak and Treasure Mountain. The jack trail was a burro route used to access the Skyline Mine, which operated until recent times.

Further up is the site of the "other" marble quarry, the Strauss Quarry. The railroad bed is seen on the valley floor passing through the bible camp. Then, a straight path up the slope is the route of the funicular cable tram. Ore cars were pulled up and down this vertical rail line to harvest marble from the steep slopes. You can also see the remains of the power plant for the Strauss quarry next to a nice waterfall.

This new trail will be open year-round for snowshoe or skiing access during the winter months.

Forest Service Seeks Public Comment on Overnight Fee Proposal

by Gentrye

The US Forest Service (FS) is asking for public comment on a proposed special recreation permit fee for overnight camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

This section of the White River National Forest is an iconic wilderness destination that is seeing significant impacts from heavy overnight use, including trash and waste, user conflicts, and loss of vegetation.

Use in the areas observed, Avalanche Lake, Capitol Lake, Cathedral Lake, Conundrum Hot Springs, East Maroon, East Snowmass, Geneva Lake, Maroon Lake, Maroon-Snowmass, and Thomas Lakes, more than quadrupled between 2006 (totally just over 4,000 users) and 2020 (nearing 17,600 annual users).

According to one FS press release, the fees will be used “to generate a sustainable source of funds to address management challenges associated with over-crowding.” Revenues generated by the fee program will provide a sustainable resource to allow the FS to address these impacts, and an overnight permit plan that phases in overnight permits was approved in 2017.

“The biggest things people will see on the ground,” said Kevin Warner, District Ranger, “is site restoration or rehabilitation. As well as an increased presence from rangers. Right now we have three or four folks who cover 3,000 - 4,000 acres, and some funds will help pay for a seasonal wilderness ranger workforce.”

Under the proposal, a $12 per night, per person fee would be charged for an overnight permit for the most-visited areas in the

Maroon-Bells Snowmass Wilderness between May 1 through October 31. Permits would be available on recreation.gov, which charges an additional processing fee (currently $6). Those who choose to brave the cold and snow will still register for permits from November 1 - April 30, but will only be charged the cost of the processing fee.

“We are aware that the fee may be a barrier for some users,” said Warner. “It is not our intent to make it more difficult for underrepresented users in the backpacking world. However, we have not yet found a way within the federal system to where we can take economic status into consideration, and we are trying to work with local organizations to find solutions.”

It will not matter which trailhead you use to start your trip but permits are based on where you’ll lay your head at the end of each day. This permit system only affects backpacking users who plan to spend the night around Conundrum Hot Springs, Four Pass Loop (including Crater and Snowmass Lakes), Capitol Lake, and Geneva Lake.

Warner said that Geneva Lake is actually on the cusp of inclusion for this proposal. While the number of users alone staying at the Lake is on the lower side, the FS felt Geneva could see an

influx of users because of its proximity to the “Four Pass Loop.”

“Public participation is a critical part of our evaluation of the fee proposal, and we encourage people to provide their thoughts and ideas about this,” said White River Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams.

If approved, the fees will go into effect in 2022 for overnight permits at Conundrum Hot Springs (which implemented a permit system in April 2018), the “Four Pass Loop,” Geneva Lake, and Capitol Lake.

Comments need to be received by September 15, 2021. More information about the proposal and how to comment can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver

The Crystal Valley Echo wants to know if you're for or against this proposal, and why. Send your thoughts to gentryeh@hotmail.com.

“The Forest Service is confident that people will have a better user experience once they’re out there,” explains Warner. “We TRULY believe that. We truly believe that we’re doing the right thing for the landscape and environment as well.”

Vintage Valley: The Ute Holy Man

from Larry Meredith with all materials provided by the Redstone

The Ute Indians utilized much of the Crystal River Valley as their home, especially during the summers before the infamous Meeker Massacre in 1879. They were ultimately driven by the U.S. military to reservations in Utah and southwestern Colorado.

Throughout the centuries when they roamed Colorado’s Rocky Mountains much of each band’s existence centered around a spiritual leader who understood the supernatural powers he possessed and how to utilize them most effectively. Most often he (this person was almost always a male) was called either a “Holy Man” or a “Medicine Man.”

Years ago, Don Coldsmith, a friend of the author of this piece who was himself an author [of books about Native Americans] who had nearly six million books in print when he died, read an early draft of This Cursed Valley and said Native Americans preferred the term “Holy Man.”

These Holy Men often visited “power points” in the mountains (where many had first discovered their own power) to pray and ask for help. Many different types of spirits were believed to live there and could provide help or do harm depending on how they were treated.

Also, they believed, inside the Holy Man lived a small being, or powa’a, who directed the use of power and swallowed the sickness when it was removed by sucking from the patient.

In fact, the author’s historical novel This Cursed Valley details how the Holy Man of the story discovers his power on a “power point” near Redstone and, later, how he uses his medicinal knowledge to treat patients.

“One day when the sun was far to the west, blinding him without his being aware of it, he realized that this spot, this vantage point, was where all of his recent discoveries about himself had been made.

“This spot was ihupi’arat tubut, a haunted spot. Inu’sakats had led him there. To ponder. To consider himself. To discover.

“Finally one day he knew. He was, indeed, po’rat, a holy man. Otus asio, the screech owl, came silently in the last light of day. Nearly upon him, otus asio spoke as a man. “You may know,” the owl said, gracefully pointed its leftwing downward and, banking to the north, swept grandly down toward the river where it disappeared into the twilight.

“A sparrow followed, then another and then a dozen, more than a dozen. “You may lead,” they said and they, too, turned in unison and flew toward the valley floor.

“Finally came the eagle, its wingspan wider than a man was tall. It came like the owl, slowly, grandly, proudly. “You may see,” it said. And it disappeared into the darkness below as the sun ended its daily journey and left, as a day-ending gift, a sky red as blood.”

Later Owl Man, the Holy Man of the story, treats patients who have various woes.

“Owl Man dipped his finger in the vinegar solution he had prepared and touched it to his lips. It seemed appropriately foul, so he placed the potato in the liquid and covered the pot with a piece of ancient deerskin. Soon when the potato was thoroughly saturated, he would take it to

Blue Flower, the wife of his friend Two Hawks. By morning, if Blue Flower followed Owl Man’s instructions and ate the potato slowly, her terrible headache would be gone.”

At other times he fed cornmeal browned with grease and water to a patient with diarrhea or packed tobacco into a women’s aching tooth to kill the pain. Now and then he sent those with aches and pains to the hot springs near what is now Redstone to bathe in the soothing healing water.

Illness meant the sick person’s body was out of tune with nature, the Holy Man believed. He told his patients that an evil spirit had entered their bodies. Frequently, he called upon relatives and friends of the patient to join him in chanting to help speed the cure by driving the spirits away.

Now and then, when all else failed, he would press his forehead against the spot on the patient’s body that was determined to be afflicted. Then, with great pomp and ceremony, he would spit the evil spirit from his mouth and banish it forever. Often, the patient, believing he had been cured, would immediately begin to feel better.

Holy Men were Ute religious leaders because the power of healing was such an important aspect of Ute Life. This person often had learned these healing rites through repeated dreams received during the years of puberty. These supernatural teachings could not be denied, but they also could not be divulged, charging him with a lifelong responsibility of service.

A Ute’s life was tied closely to the rhythms of nature and, not surprisingly, water and grass played a dominant role. Just as the deer moved down from the higher elevations in the late fall, the Utes followed the same pattern descending to the valley or canyon floor where shelter and more abundant food were available. Often, the Holy Man guided the tribe to the right location.

Thus, it is believed the Crystal Valley was often a summer home but the Utes left here in advance of the onslaught of winter.

Always, the Utes tried to live by specific moral standards. A Native American elder offered the following: Honor the sacred. Honor the Earth our Mother. Honor the Elders. Honor all with whom we share the Earth –Four-leggeds, two-leggeds, winged ones,  swimmers, crawlers, plant and rock people.

Colorado Wolf Reintroduction Part Two

This is a multipart series dedicated to wolf reintroduction in Colorado, with the first installment appearing in our June issue. This series focuses on the history of the wolf in North America and both sides of the wolf debate. To weigh in, contact The Crystal Valley Echo by emailing gentryeh@hotmail.com. Below is part two of our wolf reintroduction series.

Although gray wolves were taken off the Federal Endangered species list last October, they remain a state endangered species. Harassing wildlife is illegal and killing a gray wolf in Colorado results in a fine of $100,000, jail time, and a loss of hunting privileges.

funding and staffing impacts to CPW when wolves are brought into the state. After the management plan is completed, CPW will have a better understanding of the specific impacts.

CPW has opened an online open house, available at www. wolfengagementco.org/online-open-house-comment-form, and a comment form, found at www.wolfengagementco.org, asking the public to weigh in on the wolf reintroduction issue.

Other public engagement opportunities are offered throughout the state in person and virtually. Recordings of the meetings are available online at https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/CON-Wolf-Management. aspx

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has established a Technical Working Group (TWG) and a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) to assist the agency as they develop the plan to restore and manage gray wolves in Colorado no later than December 31, 2023. According to CPW:

The TWG provides input towards the development of conservation objectives, management strategies, and damage prevention and compensation planning.

Information about TWG members is available on the CPW website, https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/Wolves-Technical-Working-Group.aspx. The SAG provides viewpoints from diverse geographic areas of the state and proposes considerations for plans developed by the TWG. Information about the SAG members is available on the CPW website, https://cpw. state.co.us/learn/Pages/Wolves-Stakeholder-Advisory-Group. aspx

In the timeline for reintroduction, we are still in the hearings and public input phase. Colorado is still a long way from reintroducing wolves, but the December 31, 2023 deadline is fast approaching. CPW urges the public to weigh in online or in person. To fill out an online comment form visit https://www. wolfengagementco.org/online-open-house-comment-form

by Stephanie Deaton

Recently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reported visual confirmation of wolf pups outside of Steamboat Springs. The pups belong to the pair M2101 and F1084, who migrated into Colorado in 2019 from the Snake River wolf pack in Wyoming.

Unlike the wolves that will soon be released, they came to Colorado on their own. Migrating wolves and reintroduced wolves fall under the recommendations of the Colorado Wolf Management Working Group. The document states that migrating wolves should be allowed to exist where they find habitat, without boundaries.

Wolf distribution in Colorado eventually comes down to the relationship between ecological needs and social tolerance. CPW is working with area landowners to minimize potential conflict after it recorded three separate sightings of the wolf pups.

Governor Jared Polis stated in a press conference, “Colorado is now home to our first wolf litter since the 1940s.”

As wolves migrate from surrounding states, questions arise about the Colorado Wolf Reintroduction Plan and how it intends to introduce new wolves into the state. People want to know how CPW intends to fund this plan.

House Bill 21-1243, which passed earlier this year, says the general assembly must appropriate money to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for wolf reintroduction. According to CPW, it also authorizes the money from one or more of the following:

• The general fund;

• The species conservation trust fund;

• The Colorado non-game conservation and wildlife restoration cash fund; or

• The wildlife cash fund (except for any money generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses or from associated federal grants. This money within the wildlife cash fund is not available for appropriation.).

• The division can also solicit, accept, and expend any grants, gifts, sponsorships, contributions, donations, and bequests, including federal funds, for the program.

Once wolves are introduced, fair compensation for livestock losses is to come from CPW’s wildlife cash fund. They will not be taken from the sale of hunting or fishing licenses or from associated federal grants. In short, there will be

Body Fusion with Lisa Wagner

Tuesday & Thursday 9:00-10:45 a.m. in Elk Park Call 963-8240 to confirm.

Redstone CommunityAssociation Bulletin

Redstone's 2021 Fourth of July celebration went off without a hitch! Thanks in large part to the many volunteers who made it all happen. Steve Pavlin, DJ Johnson, Josh Wamboldt, Jimmie Benedict, Ron Phaneuf, Sue Turner, Crystal Chambers, & Cathy Montgomery. To all the pie bakers that brought delicious concoctions to be donated for the pie sale We thank you! To all the businesses that donated to the Ducky Derby race We thank you! To those we have missed, thank you for all your help!

Photos by Cathy Montgomery, Jimmie Benedict, & Katie Lowery.

Photo Essay: RFOV Work Weekend in Marble

from Alex Menard, Photographs by Amber McMahill

As an alternative to Carbondale's Mountain Fair, a quieter group of hard-working participants returned to Marble on July 24- 25 for community service. In recent years, the Roaring Fork Outdoor volunteers have made Marble a regular stop for their events.

Three project sites were included: Marble Mill Site Park, Beaver Lake, and Raspberry Creek trail.

At the Mill Site Park, brush was gathered, chipped, and spread on the trails. Weeding workers attacked the thistle invasion and trail work emphasized directing foot traffic onto trails and away from hazards that still exist at this former industrial site.

At Beaver Lake, assisted and directed by John and Darren of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, willows were thinned to protect the dam structure and invasive weeds were removed.

On Raspberry Creek, the trail corridor was cleared, water bars and check dams were repaired with new ones constructed to control erosion.

Participants camped at the Mill Site Park and dinner was provided by Slow Groovin. Gunnison County sent members of their Sustainable Tourism group to participate. Michael Kinsley, an artist, and former Pitkin County commissioner, did an oil painting demonstration and a sketching workshop. Alex Menard of the Marble museum led a historic tour of the Mill Site Park.

For a time participants were " Marooned in Marble" as mudslides closed the highway between Marble and Redstone from noon on Saturday until after 8 p.m.

Thank you to all participants and sponsors!

Redstone Art Foundation's Labor Day Art Show

from RAF Board Member, Stephanie Deaton

The Redstone Art Foundation (RAF) hosts its 25th annual Labor Day Fine Arts Show Friday, September 3rd through Monday, September 6th. This fourday event held at the Redstone Inn features works by 30 renowned artists. This year, we highlight art by our 2021 scholarship recipients and remember Roberta Stokes, a local talent who devoted her life to her work. All are invited to come and celebrate a quarter-century of fine art in the Crystal River Valley.

The Labor Day Art Show has come a long way since its inception. For starters, the first Redstone Art Exhibition and Sale was held in February of 1996 inside the Osgood Room of the Redstone Inn. John Buchanan, publisher of the Redstone Reporter (now defunct), and his wife, LeeAnne, with the help of the Redstone Inn, the Redstone Community Association, and local businesses organized the event.

Initially, 22 resident artists participated. In the following years, the show quickly grew to the point where displaying artwork in the Osgood Room at the Inn was no longer feasible. The RAF opted for warmer weather and moved the show to the Labor Day weekend and began displaying artists’ works under a tent on the front lawn of the Redstone Inn.   This year, the Art Foundation is still planning on displaying work on the front lawn, but due to COVID restrictions during the planning process, they have spread out to include the wedding tent on the back lawn of the Redstone Inn as well.

“It will be different this year for sure,” said Jimmie Benedict, RAF Board member, “but that’s the beauty of this event. It keeps changing and growing as our needs evolve. What’s in store for the future? We don’t quite know. This is the 25th anniversary. We are seeing so many new artists move to the valley each year. Who knows what the next 25 years will bring?”

Another new feature this year is a set of display panels generously donated by Senator Bob Rankin along with his wife, Joyce. With these light, modular panels artists can display their work easily and professionally.

The Labor Day Art Show is the RAF’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Thirty percent of each sale goes to the Jack Roberts Memorial Scholarship fund, which helps further the education of Roaring Fork High School Seniors who wish to study art.

It was established in 2003 with $1,245 in seed money from the Jack Roberts Memorial. Jack Roberts was a painter who lived and worked in Redstone. His work captured the spirit of the Crystal River Valley and often depicted locals and models for his work. The Redstone Castle houses a collection of his work that was commissioned by a previous owner to depict life around Redstone during the Osgood era. Each year, at least one graduating senior is awarded a scholarship of over $1200.

Art Show Line Up:

» Friday, September 3 — Reception and show opening 6-8 p.m.

Commemorative 25th Anniversary champagne flutes will be gifted to the first 100 guests.

» Saturday and Sunday, September 4 - 5 — Art sale 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Workshops will take place on the lawn of the Inn. For more information go to www.redstoneartfoundation. org

» Monday, September 6 — Art sale 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The RAF celebrates the life of a local artist, Roberta Stokes, at this year’s show. She was a dancer, choreographer, philanthropist, and visual artist. Stokes was a lifelong storyteller, and her work wove a narrative experienced through a lifetime of creativity, hard work, and passion. She was known to say, “I hope that my work creates pathways to seeing and celebrating, with ways to anchor to one’s own humanity.”

The Labor Day Art Show thrives because of wonderful community members like you who are willing to volunteer; if you’re interested in donating your time to this year’s event, please email Cathy Montgomery at cathymontg@gmail.com

To learn more about this year’s show, visit www. redstoneartfoundation.org

Redstone Senior Days

At the Redstone Inn

The Redstone programs are for residents & visitors of the Crystal Valley. RSVP: (970) 920-5432

Programs at the Inn have resumed! AUGUST 10 & 31

• 12:00 p.m. – Restorative Yoga ($5)

• 1:00 p.m. – Lunch ($10)

RSVP one week in advance – space is limited. Plated lunch will be served. There will be a gluten-free option.

• 1:45 p.m. – Program

August 10: Ask a Deputy With Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.

August 31: Retired Senior Volunteer Program With Mary Moon and Anne Sale.

Crystal Calendar

Aug 3 Redstone Community Association’s Board of Directors regular meeting. 6 p.m. The Redstone Inn.

Aug 5 Last day of the MARBLE/marble Symposium. Open to the public.

Town of Marble Board of Trustee’s regular meeting. 7 p.m. Marble Community Church’s Fellowship Hall.

Aug 7 Brad Fitch for Magical Moments at the Redstone Stables. Free. 6 - 8 p.m.

Aug 10 Redstone Senior Days at the Redstone Inn. For information or to RSVP: (970) 920-5432

Aug 12 & 13 Dark Sky Party brought to you by The Marble Hub. $30 includes dinner and astrology program. Tickets available at The Hub, party kicks off with a chili dinner at 7 p.m.

Aug 14 Loveland for Magical Moments at the Redstone Stables. Free. 6 - 8 p.m.

Aug 14 & 15 MarbleFest at the Marble Mill Site Park. Free.

Aug 21 Blue Canon Boys for Magical Moments at the Redstone Stables. Free. 6 - 8 p.m.

Aug 31

Redstone Senior Days at the Redstone Inn. For information or to RSVP: (970) 920-5432.

Marble Goes Dark

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDSA) promotes the preservation of dark skies in communities and parks worldwide. Some Marble residents are in the process of applying for certification as a dark sky community with the ISDA, as many believe that maintaining dark skies in Marble contributes to the preservation of our natural environment and quality of life.

by Alex Menard

Consider the benefits of darkness. First, we can appreciate our place in the universe through astronomy under starfilled skies. Second, the effects on wildlife are well known, with bird migration, insect activity, and higher-order animals being affected by changes in natural biorhythms from artificial lighting. Third, artificial lighting causes humans to also experience negative health effects from changes in their circadian rhythms. Finally, there is energy conservation from turning off unnecessary lights.

The effort to attain dark sky community designation in Marble began several years ago with the unanimous passing of a lighting ordinance by the Town trustees. The second phase of the program is an Astronomy education program. The first star party was attended by over 100 people, but the program was put on hold due to COVID-19. Now, it is safe to resume with star party nights and fundraising for a community telescope and perhaps

even a small observatory building to house it.

Bryan White, of Star Party, LLC, will host an event in Marble on Thursday, August 12, and Friday, August 13 during the Perseid Meteor Shower, when over 150 meteors per hour will be visible.

Both evening's parties will kick-off at 7 p.m. with a Chili Dog dinner (a vegetarian option is available) served at The Marble Hub for just $10; White will present a 3D astronomy program at 8:30 featuring comets, meteors, occultations (when one object is hidden by another as it passes between it and the observer, such as a solar eclipse), and the Northern Lights. The astronomy program is $20 with tickets available at The Hub.

There will also be telescope observation will be from nine to midnight, and White will bring several telescopes including a 22-inch aperture reflector, which is just about the largest portable telescope.

You can expect to see Jupiter, with its bands and moons; Saturn, with its moons and rings;

Marble Motor Works

Marble has a new business in town, one geared towards locals. Marble Motor Works is a full-service and repair shop for Asian and domestic cars, light trucks, and a light service shop for ATVs. Owner Scott Wilson is ASE Certified for over 35 years and is a Master ASE Technician.

Wilson's deep love of cars began in 1985 in a high school auto shop. His dad gave him the 1969 Chevy Pickup that sat beside the house and hauled the family's garbage to the dump. His fascination and skills grew while fixing up the old Chevy and soon blossomed into a passion for building hot rods.

It wasn't long before the high school "Scotty" was driving around in his 1966 Chevelle SS. Over the next 35 years, Wilson always worked on cars and in shops. He became a specialist at A/C repair and servicing at Northwest Air Conditioning, a shop at the forefront of cutting-edge technology at the time. It was a skill that came in handy when he next moved

to Hawaii for five years. As you can imagine, A/C specialists are always in high demand, especially in Hawaii. The skill allowed him to be highly competitive in his field.

From Hawaii, he returned to the Northwest to work for Honda of Seattle. He then managed a Chevron service station by the University of Washington before heading out to Taos, New Mexico. He returned to the Northwest once more when his father fell ill, but his time in Taos spoiled him for city living, and he started dreaming of a small town and a shop of his own.

binary stars; clusters; galaxies; and nebulae. Of course, all this will take place under the bright band of the Milky Way.

Remember to bring warm layers so you’ll stay comfortable for a long time on a cool evening and bring a chair or even better a camp recliner. If you bring a flashlight, it is encouraged to tape a red filter over it; after seeing the bright light it takes around 10 minutes for your eyes to readjust to the dark.

These evenings are a fundraising event for The Marble Hub, for just $30 you’ll be supporting an association of Marble, Colorado, a non-profit that is operated by volunteers. The Hub offers visitor information, a community coffee bar that features local arts, free WiFi, and a Marble market space housed in the historic Marble City State Bank building.

The Hub is always seeking volunteers, contact Nicole Farrell if you’re interested in joining their team at nicole.farrell104@hotmail.com.

the residents of Marble will forever be grateful) and she soon moved.

A year later, they were married. Though, Wilson continued to commute up the valley. As rent increased and employees became more scarce, he went to work for Aspen Public Works but found it harder and harder to leave Marble and Kelly each day.

Finally, just two months ago, Wilson opened Marble Motor Works in the shop he and Kelly built beside their house. As word got around that locals no longer needed to navigate a down valley trip to get their car serviced, business began to boom. Now, Wilson has time and security to return to the root of his car passion, hot rods.

His friend Jeff invited him up to check out Aspen and the Crystal River Valley, and it just felt right. After working a few shops in Aspen, he put the lifetime of tools and skills he had been collecting towards his dream by opening Scottomotive in 2005. Soon after, he bought a house in Marble, about the smallest town he could find. It was then he reconnected to the other love of his life, Kelly.

Willson met Kelly in 1984, even before his car obsession began. She had her driver's license before he did and would pick him up for their dates. However, their lives had gone on different paths, and it wasn't until 2017 when they reconnected.

He forced himself to dive into social media to promote his business, and it was there that Kelly found him. Wilson convinced her to come to visit in July of that year (for which

He owns not one but two 1960's Novas. One, a 1963 model, has been completely modernized and restored by Wilson, whose interests turned to racing it. Kelly wisely advised him to get a second car for racing, and soon he added the 1962 Nova to his fleet. The Nova will run the track for the first time outside of Grand Junction this month!

You can reach Scott Wilson and Marble Motor Works by calling (970) 963-1753.

Marble Fest 2021

by Amber McMahill

During mud season of 2007, as we dreamed of summer to stave off the madness, the idea of a craft show started to circulate town. However, it was a chance encounter in the park that led to the creation of MarbleFest as we know it today.

I was lying on the marble slab that is the Mill Site Stage drifting in and out of daydreams while trying to envision the craft show. The gentle crush of snowshoes in spring snow heralded the arrival of a shadow across my face. The face that emerged as my eyes focused was that of Jessa Young. By way of greeting, I blurted out that I was planning an art show. By way of reply, she responded that she was a musician and would love to help.

With five months to plan, a budget of a thousand dollars, and absolutely no idea of how to pull things off, the idea quickly sucked in everyone around us. Tanya Rice joined in diving in wholehearted to the project. Whenever doubts came in, she was always there to drive them away.

Brian Kline built the stage with scrap lumber and tarps, and we decorated it by stealing rugs, floor lamps, and curtains from my living room the morning of the festival. Larry Good lent us his speakers and sound equipment, and we stood them on overturned planters.

The bands played for tips that year. Vendors came - Becca Branson, who was only a kid at the time, carved names in bits of Marble and made a small fortune. Dawn Rains and Troy Schilling whipped up a batch of Serviceberry jam and sold it along-

side her paintings and Rice's wood burnings.

Woody Norton, who was just beginning the process to open Woody's Cookshack where Slow Groovin' now stands, brought down his smoker and fed everyone - giving all his proceeds to the bands. "Wilde" sold his painted skulls and kept stuffing half the money he made in the donation jar.

It was a ragtag sort of festival that first year, but over the next decade or so, it has managed to become more polished while keeping its homegrown flavor. Much of that can be attributed to Richard Wells, who took up the project after that first year. This year he’s joined by Brent Compton and Lise Leach. Together, they brought in a lineup of bands reflective of what MarbleFest has always been, locally sourced and Colorado grown.

Kicking off the show on Saturday is Western Colorado-based group Feeding Giants, an acoustic trio with a combination of smooth sweet harmonies and acoustic melodies. They cover an eclectic variety of genres from Outlaw and Classic Country, Americana, Classic Rock, Indie Folk, and more!

They’ll be followed by valley favorites Curly Bill and Hop Pickers. Andy Manz from Hop Pickers comes to Marble every summer with his wife, Katie, and their kids. He was excited for the chance to play on the stage down the street from their house.

"There is something wonderful in being able to load up my guitar and equipment on our ATV and driving it down to the park to play," said Manz. Following Hop Pickers will be Ragged Mountain Bluegrass, who has played MarbleFest in the past.

Saturday Night will be capped off with Dragondeer, a Denver band that conjures the rhythm spirits to concoct a blend of Psychedelic Blues, Retro Funk, Soul, and Rock-n-Roll into a genre blur that's aim is to speak to souls and keep the body moving.

One of the festival's most anticipated performances is the David Walker Good Band. Singer/Songwriter David Good is about as local as you can get, born and raised in Marble. He was a toddler when his father, Larry, lent his skills and equipment to pull off the first MarbleFest.

Although he has played in several local venues, this will be his first festival. "Songwriters nights and restaurant gigs just aren't the same as playing at an actual music festival," said Good. "Plus, the freedom a stage like this one gives you to really perform and be an entertainer rather than just a singer is a new thing I've never experienced."

Wooden Rock, one of the two Marble-based bands, is no stranger to MarbleFest. Lead singer Mario Villalobos even built the MarbleFest stage they will be playing on. Along with Villalobos, the all Marble band consists of Tom Bjoraker on the keyboard, Ray Boyd on guitar, and Dan Smith on bass. Larry Good will be joining them on lead guitar this year to add his unique talent to the mix.

Capping off the festival is Boulder-based Bowregard. Bowregard has taken the Colorado bluegrass world by storm, winning both the 2019 Telluride Bluegrass Band Contest and the 2018 UllrGrass Bluegrass Band Contest within a year of forming. Sweet and mournful vocal harmonies join nimble picking and strikingly original songwriting. Arrangements that combine old-time music, progressive acoustic, and bluegrass into a truly unique sound unlike anything else on the front range of Colorado.

Local vendors bring the art and craft part of the festival. Becca Branson will be back, all grown up now, alongside her parents, Rex and Vickie, and husband Alden Laufeyjarson. The Hub will be offering coffee and drinks to accompany Foxberry Sweet's delicious pastries.

Slow Groovin' will also be there. More artists and crafters will be joining in from all over the valley with a wide range of goods. There will even be yoga in the Park to start the day.

Sunday brings "Groovy Grass" band High and Rising out of Western Wisconsin and the banks of the mighty Mississippi with their range of original and jammy cover songs designed to bring good vibes and fun. Although they aren't from Colorado, they have strong ties to Marble. Laura, who plays stand-up bass and vocals, is the sister of long-time local Chrissy Siemon.

Marketing for the festival is minimal, mainly relying on word of mouth. We deliberately try to keep it small and intimate. And so, at its heart, MarbleFest has remained what it was always intended to be: A small festival that highlights local talent, and a chance for the community to come and have fun together after summer's craziness.

Next up is The Cody Sisters Band who has established themselves as a force in the United States and the UK for fans of acoustic, folk, and bluegrass music. Their passion is in creating new music with award-winning instrumentation, stunningly emotional original lyrics, and their beautiful sister harmonies.

This year's MarbleFest is dedicated in loving memory to Randy and Tanya Rice who were both integral to its creation. Thank you for the years of music, welcoming, encouragement, and love. Glad you are together once more. This is for you guys!

MarbleFest 201

The Marble Beat

The following is a summary of highlights from the Marble Town Council meeting which took place on July 8, 2021.

If Mountain Fair wasn’t enough for you, or you simply didn’t make it down the Crystal Valley for the riotous time, well, not to worry because Marble Fest is just around the corner. So polish up those dancing shoes, or if you prefer to dance barefoot then work on those calluses.

by James Steindler

As of the July 8 Town Meeting, Marble Fest organizers accrued $8,000 in donations plus $2,000 pledged for the event ― the goal is $12,500 total. So they’re nearly there as the August 14-15 celebration weekend is steadily approaching.

It was also brought up at the July meeting that one of the bands coming from Denver needs housing. “We’ve got all of our housing for the bands except one important band,” said Marble Fest founder Richard Wells, “The Cody Sisters — it’s a three-piece out of Denver — and we’re looking for housing for them for Sunday [August 15] night.”

Apparently, the potential bid for four port-a-potties was $1,450. Mayor Ryan Vinciquerra and Trustee Tim Hunter said they would check with companies they know because they both felt they could find a better deal.

The musical lineup for Saturday, August 14 is: Feeding Giants, Curly Bill, Hot Pickers, Ragged Mountain Bluegrass, and Dragondeer finishing off the night. Sunday, August 15, expect to see these bands in order from the first to final set: High and Rising, The Cody Sisters, David Walker Good Band, Wooden Rock, and last but certainly not least, Bowregard.

The Millsite Park Survey which the town has had up on its website for folks to complete has returned many responses and comments. The “Items that got survey approval,” according to the July 8 minutes, “include cross country skiing, a nature walk identifying flora and fauna, a history walk, sculpture garden, and disk golf.” The minutes further read that “low impact use and the natural look were considered essential.” Apparently, the ice rink proposal component came back with, “a mixed review.”

The disc golf course is expanding and, as of early July, only three more baskets were left to erect. So take a peek through the trees, or better yet play the course, to see the newly installed frolf (frisbee-golf) holes.

A discussion regarding the Beaver Lake Retreat (BLR) ensued and Vinciguerra acknowledged that the Town had received complaints regarding dogs and open fires on the property. Vinciguerra has been in minimal contact with BLR owner Vince Savage, who various board members hope will make himself present at a meeting. There was not a request at the July 8 meeting to approve the business license renewal. The board discussed putting together a document to keep track of all of the complaints about the resort coming to the Town.

The trustees brought up that there are now two paddleboard businesses in town and one has already talked to Colorado Parks and Wildlife about acquiring fishing licenses. Town Administrator Ron Leach suggested that next year a requirement should be in place that each obtain fishing licenses as a condition of their business licenses renewals. Trustee Tim Hunter said that the Roaring Fork Valley Coop was issuing about 55 licenses a day and 35 of which were being used to fish Beaver Lake.

The On-site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) study has identified properties in town that are below the minimum lot size, have a structure but do not have a functioning OWTS in place. The board will meet in executive session to discuss the OWTS regulations just before the August 5 regular meeting.

To no surprise, the board turned their attention to one of the final items on its agenda: the Lead

Kind Loop (LKL) debacle. They discussed signage needing to be updated to meet state requirements. Currently, the speed limit signs throughout town are five different sizes and according to state code need to be the same size. Other signs needed include ones that indicate a four-way intersections but only have two stop signs with through traffic, and no parking and no truck/trailer signs need to be installed in some places.

Leach shared that the United States Forest Service (USFS) has taken on a larger leadership role on the issue. Apparently, USFS will spend up to $18,000 to hire a facilitator for the LKL meetings.

Leach noted that parking hasn’t been an issue during the week but on the weekends parking is maxed and folks are using the quarry area. Some trustees argued that the quarry parking should not be used for public parking but Vinciguerra brought up that the volunteers would not be responsible for telling people where they can and cannot park. According to the minutes, he said that volunteers are there, “asking for visitors to watch their speed, show respect for the town, offer directions, etc.” The Town is seeking more volunteers. If interested in volunteering, folks can find more information at townofmarble.com

The next Marble Town Council meeting is scheduled for August 5 at 7 p.m. at the Marble Community Church Fellowship Hall.

THE MARBLE TIMES

A LOOK AT LIFE AT THE MARBLE CHARTER SCHOOL

Asian Food Traditions

by Eli Sorensen, written in the 6th grade.

Asians have various food traditions. Some, to us, might seem normal but others can be outrageously foreign. You might be invited to a dinner in India. You see the ways Indians eat and how odd they can be. Or maybe you could be at a market in Thailand seeing all the different foods you can buy that you do not often see here in America. There can be slimy seafood or delicious calamari. Whatever the variety, you can never guess how the locals eat it. You can find different traditions to eat food in different countries of Asia such as India, the Philippines, Thailand, and more.

Indian food traditions are pretty unique. Indians use creative ideas for how they eat their food. They have food like chutney and naan which are a type of relish and bread that you might find popular if you travel to India. Aside from that, Indians’ food traditions are very different. Here are some examples. Rather than animal foods, Indian cuisine developed creative uses for grains, vegetables and legumes. However, milk, cheese and butter appear in some regional Indian dishes. (USA Today) Historical incidents such as foreign invasions, trade relations, and colonialism have played a role in introducing certain foods to the country. For instance, potato, a staple of the diet in some regions of India, was brought to India by the Portuguese, who also introduced chilies and breadfruit. Then there are spices. Spices do more than flavor a dish; They are also used to cool and warm the body during hot or cold weather! People in India don’t eat a lot of meat. Chicken and mutton tend to be the most commonly consumed meats and fish and beef consumption are prevalent in some parts of India. Indian cuisine is still evolving, as a result of the nation’s cultural interactions with other societies. (Spice Garden)

Filipino cuisine is not as healthy as other countries in Asia. Although, they have creative food traditions and ways to eat their food. They use different cultural traditions for how their food is eaten and how they use their utensils. To begin with, the traditional Filipino diet is higher in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than most Asian diets. Meaning, Filipinos are most likely the least healthiest people in Asia. But they’re healthier than Americans! Here are some examples for their food traditions. Lunch and dinner are both large meals that include soup, rice, a crispy or chewy dish, a salty dish, a sour dish, a noodle dish, and often, an adobo dish. Also, dining tables are frequently equipped with lazy Susan turntables so that all food is accessible to everyone. (Adoption Nutrition) The central ingredient in any Filipino menu is steamed white rice, the leftovers of which are combined with herbs and sauces and recycled to subsequent meals. In private homes as well as restaurants, Filipinos take pride in dishes that reflect their indigenous resources and cooking methods as well as foreign fare. (USA Today) Furthermore, Filipinos have mastered how to cut meat using only the edges of their spoon! Leaving little use for the sharper utensil unless bigger cuts of meat, like steak, are served. Lastly, Filipinos don’t like wasting food and are ingenious when it comes to making sure no animal body part goes to waste when cooking up a dish. (Culture Trip)

Thailand has the spiciest food you could ever find. If you are in Thailand you may find a lot of spicy foods. But not only is it spicy, Thais rely on their rules from history and traditions that look royal. For instance, in the early 20th centu-

ry Thais began setting their tables with fork and spoon to affect a ‘royal’ setting, and it wasn’t long before fork-and-spoon dining became the norm in Bangkok and later spread throughout the kingdom. Here are some more examples. Southern Thai cooking is undoubtedly the spiciest regional cooking style in a land of spicy regional cuisines. (Lonely Planet) A common ritual in Thailand is to remove shoes before entering a restaurant or house and to sit cross-legged on the floor to enjoy a meal. (Rickshaw Travel) A typical Thai meal includes five main flavors: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. Indeed, most Thai dishes are not considered satisfying unless they combine all five. In addition, When eating out, or making a meal at home, a group of Thai diners would eat a variety of meat and/ or fish dishes, plus vegetables, a noodle dish, and possibly soup. Last but not least, as early as the 13th century, the Thai people had established what might be considered the heart of Siamese cuisine as we know it today: various types of meat and seafood combined with rice, local vegetables, herbs, and pungent garlic and pepper. (The Spruce Eats)

India, the Philippines and Thailand are specific countries in Asia that have unique eating traditions. There are many more around the world but as I researched these three countries, I found that some affected others which caused us to have similar traditions. I now know that there are amazing food traditions that such a person could come up with. Like eating with a spoon rather than a knife or figuring out that spices cool and warm your body depending on the weather. I also learned that there are food traditions that were caused by history. India, the Philippines, and Thailand are very different for being around the same area and that is what makes history interesting.

Bibliography:

USA Today, Spice Garden, Lonely Planet, Rickshaw Travel, The Spruce Eats, Adoption Nutrition, Culture Trip

Artist Feature: Mario Villalobos

by Rebecca Branson

It’s no secret that our valley has an abundance of talented folks. Everywhere you look there is the work of brilliant authors, sculptors, craftspeople, and musicians. Though we have many masters of their art, a rare find is someone that succeeds in all these mediums.

Enter Mario Villalobos, our Jack of All Trades in Marble. As a published author, frontman of a local band, marble sculptor, builder, and father he's well earned his reputation for someone that gets things done. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him to get to know this multi-faceted artist.

In 1976, Villalobos was planning to travel from Arizona to Alaska for work. He helped Dave and Martha Bemis move into their newly purchased Beaver Lake Lodge. They arrived in the middle of the night but when he saw the mountains the next morning, he thought he had found paradise. With Alaska forgotten, he settled in and found work as a laborer, usually working in mining or construction.

At a Fourth of July street dance, June Blue introduced him to Christy with the endorsement of him being the "only boy she trusted with her,” and it wasn't long before he found himself needing to support a growing family.

Villalobos taught himself to use stone tools and created his first marble wine holder. The beautiful 180-pound piece garnered plenty of attention, but no buyers. Finally, someone pointed out that it might sell if someone other than him could lift it. He started making smaller pieces and they sold as

quickly as he could make them.

In 1987, they bought the Jeep Tours, and when the quarry reopened he signed on. The Quarrymaster spoke little English but between their shared Spanish and Italian the two managed to communicate and Villalobos shadowed him as a foreman for three years. He added lamps, wine coolers, and clocks to his repertoire and worked hard to supplement his wages with marble creations and the jeep tours to support his family.

When his first daughter was born he said that no matter what he wanted them to remember a childhood full of love and laughter. Villalobos spent Sunday mornings making pancakes and regaling his daughters with fantastical tales. It was from one of these stories that his book The Whistler was born. It follows the [mis]adventures of his youngest daughter and a mischievous marmot. Villalobos wanted his daughter to see herself as the hero of a story.

He was inspired to learn guitar as a teen when he saw John Lennon on TV and wrote songs throughout his life. Yet, as his focus was to be a good provider that meant work came before play.

It wasn't until Villalobos retired that he turned his attention to music. His first CD, Colorado Nights, came from a desire to leave something of his voice behind for his family. Later, he joined other locals to form the band Wooden Rock, the crowd-pleasing group that plays original songs and favorite rock covers.

It is impossible to give justice to this fascinating

long-time resident of Marble in just a single article. You can listen to his daughter, Monique, interviewing him on Marble Mo's Adventures podcast on Spotify for more entertaining tales of his life, or if you're lucky stop by and meet him at the Marble Gallery.

Make sure to catch Villalobos on stage with Wooden Rock at Marble Fest later this month!