2025-05

Redstone

Magical Moments Summer Concert Series

JUNE

River Spell

JULY 12

Delta Sonics

REDSTONE PARK 6:00-8:00PM

Chicago Blues based music seasoned with swing, Delta N’awlings and R&B. A show not to be missed with vocals, foot stomping harmonica playing, slide guitar, bass and drums. See why they have been named Colorado Blue Society’s Favorite Blues Band for the last two years.

JUNE 14

Queen Bees

REDSTONE PARK 6:00-8:00PM

From Americana, Country, Indie Bluegrass, and Folk, this magical, all-female, band weaves together original stories and new interpretations of classic covers with stunning harmonies, inspiring melodies, and the perfect feminine touch.

JULY

19

David Brown

COAL BASIN RANCH 6:00-7:30 PM

David Brown (of Rising Appalachia) is a multiinstrumentalist and singer steeped in the traditions of Appalachian and Irish folk music. Brown will be joined by other musician friends, including another local favorite Natalie Spears. A collector of old songs, his performances blend delicate banjo and guitar work with a deep reverence for roots music.

5 Year Anniversary Coal Basin Ranch

AUGUST 16

Shawn Mayer

REDSTONE PARK 6:00-8:00PM

Shawn Mayer is a rock superstar and international country artist whose commanding voice and electrifying stage presence have earned her legendary status in the music world. With a career that spans multiple genres and countries, Shawn’s music blends the raw energy of rock with the heart and soul of country, creating a sound that is both timeless and bold.

JUNE

28

Steve Manshel

REDSTONE PARK 6:00-8:00PM

Steve Manshel returns with a combination of catchy originals, a variety of audience favorite Classic Rock and some of the ‘hits’ from his years with FireFall. He combine his inimitable voice, guitar playing, energy and humor.

AUGUST 2

Blue Canyon Boys

REDSTONE PARK 6:00-8:00PM

The Blue Canyon Boys are equal parts purists and innovators when it comes to Bluegrass: they stay true to the form’s roots while constantly reimagining their relationship to tradition. The result is a toe-tapping mix of haunting standards, genre-bending arrangements, and catchy original numbers—all built on the bedrock of their collective bluegrass mastery.

AUGUST 23

Hand Turkey

COAL BASIN RANCH 6:00-7:30 PM

Hand Turkey returns to Coal Basin Ranch, bringing high-energy, groove-centered tunes that aim to get people moving. With backgrounds ranging from jazz composition to musical theater, the band members create a sound they describe as “a fresh take on classic funk, soul and pop.”

Green Chili Feast at Coal Basin Ranch

Liquor License Battle Ends in Denial

By Gentrye Houghton

In the quiet mountain town of Redstone, a dispute over a liquor license highlighted the delicate balance between business ambitions and community peace. The conflict centered on the Boulevard Barrel, a small retail wine shop owned by Justin Abad, and his request to expand licensing, ending in a denial by the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

Abad opened Boulevard Barrel last summer with a license permitting the sale of packaged beer and wine for off-premise consumption only — meaning drinks could be purchased there, but no alcohol can be consumed on-site. In January, he began seeking a new license to allow on-premise consumption, which would have allowed patrons to drink purchased beer and wine inside and in the front courtyard. This seemingly small change sparked significant controversy.

The path to the new license proved difficult. During the previous three hearings, concerns had been revealed about the business not following regulations, which led to the discovery of land use violations. Issues included improper use of the front yard, non-compliant lighting, and unaddressed landscaping requirements.

Abad made efforts to fix these, such as upgrading outdoor lighting fixtures and adding parking spaces back to the front of the property. Some issues remained outstanding before the

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final decision. Confusion also existed regarding alcohol tastings, which require a special permit that the Barrel still does not possess.

Neighbors voiced strong opposition, citing worries about noise, operating hours, on-site consumption under the current license, transparency, and the potential transformation of the quiet retail space into a disruptive bar. One neighbor described disruptions and feeling unsafe. Tensions grew, leading to nearly 100 public comments submitted to the BOCC.

At the final hearing on April 9th, BOCC Clerk Sam Engen confirmed that reasons for denial remained, primarily focusing on whether the neighborhood needed or desired another liquor outlet and past compliance issues. Abad made a final case, offering to limit hours and the number of patrons if approved. He argued he had community support and contested that his business was primarily a bar.

However, during public comments,

the neighbors noted the compromise brought forth that day to the BOCC. Yet, they were never approached with such proposal changes before the hearing.

The commissioners' deliberation revealed a split. Some, like Jeffrey Woodruff and Patti Clapper, leaned towards approving the license with strict conditions, giving Abad a chance to prove responsible operation. Others felt past actions warranted denial until trust was rebuilt.

Commissioner Francie Jacober argued Abad already had his chance. "I kind of feel like he had that period," she said, citing evidence of on-site consumption under the old license. "I can't ignore the videos and the photographs."

Commissioner Greg Poschman wished for better neighborly relations. "The problem is that it doesn't seem like things have gotten a whole lot better with the neighbors," he observed, leaning towards denial. He also stated that he would want the "blessing" of

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the neighbors before approving any future application.

Board Chair Kelly McNicholas Kury emphasized the nature of the license. "I think liquor licenses are a privilege, not a right," she stated. She believed the responsibility was on Abad "to demonstrate a track record of behavior to justify the extension of the privilege, and I don't feel like that has been done."

Ultimately, Jacober moved to approve the formal resolution denying the application. The motion passed 3-2, with Kury, Jacober, and Poschman voting for denial and Clapper and Woodruff opposing. The official Resolution cited that the application didn't meet neighborhood requirements, existing establishments were sufficient, and an ongoing parking violation was noted.

During the meeting, Engen mentioned that Abad had paid for a concurrent review of the application with the state authority, which was pending their final hearing. In a follow-up email, she explained to The Crystal Valley Echo, "Colorado uses a dual licensing system, which means both local and state must review and approve the application. Even with the concurrent review, since the local licensing authority denied the application, the state will automatically deny it, too."

The Boulevard Barrel is still operating under the original retail license, but the path to on-site consumption has now been closed; Abad will return to the BOCC in June for the renewal of his current license. McNicholas Kury closed the meeting by addressing Abad, "It would be great if you reapplied in the fall and had a glowing summer with community and neighbor support of that application."

RAF Hosts Artist Talk with Linda Loeschen

From the Redstone Art Foundation

The Redstone Gallery is pleased to present a special artist talk with acclaimed local painter Linda Loeschen, on behalf of the Redstone Art Foundation. The event will take place on Thursday, May 22nd from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Redstone Gallery located at 173 Redstone Boulevard. Light refreshments and libations will be served, and all are welcome.

This inspiring event is part of the RAF’s spring membership drive — a chance to become part of a creative, community-driven organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting the arts in the Crystal River Valley.

Known for her expressive depictions of Western life and landscapes, Loeschen will share insights into her creative process, artistic techniques, and the deeper inspirations behind her work. From concept to completion, guests will gain a rare glimpse into the personal and artistic journey that fuels her celebrated paintings.

Membership in the Redstone Art Foundation is a meaningful way to get involved: volunteer at

events, support local artists, assist with educational programming, or help champion the arts throughout the region. Members help bring to life beloved community events such as the annual Plein Air Festival and Labor Day Art Show.

Join us on May 22nd to enjoy art, conversation, and community, and take the opportunity to become a member of the Redstone Art Foundation. Those interested may join during the the event, so please bring a check or credit card to sign up and support the arts locally. More information about memberships are also available on the RAF website.

For more information about RAF’s many events, volunteer opportunities, and more, please visit www.redstoneartfoundation.org

Ivette is a Personal Banking Representative II at the Alpine Bank Carbondale branch and has been with the bank for over a year.

She holds animals very close to her heart. This is why you can see her volunteering for Journey Home Animal Care Center.

On The COver: PiTCO Library Finds COzy COrner in hisTOriC redsTOne inn

By Gentrye Houghton

Tucked inside the historic Redstone Inn, a vibrant library resource that brings books and learning to the Crystal Valley community. Every Sunday morning, the Inn’s Book Room transforms into a welcoming outpost of the Pitkin County Library.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors may connect with a librarian for help accessing library services. For the younger crowd, a lively storytime unfolds at 10:30 a.m., filled with tales, tunes, and counting fun with Librarian Stella McRobbie, who is running the Redstone programming and is pictured on this month’s cover.

McRobbie told The Crystal Valley Echo that she felt the Sunday library services are an important community-building tool for valley residents, especially during the winter months when socialization opportunities become more scarce. She's hopeful the offerings can continue through the

summer.

“The Crystal Valley locals have been very pleased with the Library's Redstone offerings, and we are going to continue having an ongoing presence in Redstone,” explains Madison Ledford, the Adult Services Librarian.

The library team has revamped the Inn's collection and updated it with fresh choices. It now includes children's stories, young adult novels, and even some titles for readers seeking more complex subjects. Fun additions like "Blind Date with a Book," where books are wrapped for a surprise read, and a seed library, offering seeds for planting, add to the charm.

Beyond the Sunday schedule, the book collection invites browsing anytime the Inn is open. “Anyone can come in and borrow and return or take it and replace it with another," says Cherie Morton, Guest Services Manager at

the Historic Redstone Inn.

This open-door policy makes the Redstone Inn's library a true community treasure trove, so stop by and

— all are welcome.

Crystal River Caucus Regular Meeting

The agenda includes:   The Dark Sky Initiative for Pitkin County and what that means for the Crystal River Valley; Be Bear Aware in our valley; An update on the Redstone Castle project; An update on the Redstone General Store Project; A discussion of the culvert issue at Swiss Village; And a discussion of the cell tower at the Redstone Sanitation Station.

Participants may also attend the meeting on Zoom. Links are sent to those on the Crystal River Caucus e-mail list. If you are not on the list but would like to be, please send a request to crcaucus@gmail.com.

Letters to the Editor

redstone magiCaL moments 2025 summer ConCert series

Dear Editor,

The Redstone Magical Moments Summer Concert Series has a few changes in store this year for our live music fans. We have partnered with Trina Ortega and the Coal Basin Ranch Mountain Bike Park to expand the series from six to eight concerts.

This year, there will be five concerts held in Redstone Park and three to be hosted at Coal Basin Ranch. The two crowd-favorite bands will return from last year, and all other acts are brand new to the summer series.

The summer concerts are 100% volunteer-organized and funded by sponsorships and your donations. We have some amazing sponsors on board this year, including The Crystal Valley Echo, Elephant Mountain Creative, Elephant Mountain Wood Shop, Propaganda Pie, Redstone Mountain Mercantile, SGM, Redstone Cliffs

Lodge, Avalanche Ranch Cabins and Hot Springs, Redstone General Store, Redstone Community Association, Wilderness Workshop, the Redstone Inn, Engstrom Home and Garden, and the Redstone Art Foundation. A huge thank you to all the people and businesses for helping to make these concerts the beloved Redstone summer tradition they have become.

The series is still seeking sponsorship opportunities; if you are interested, please call Jake Marine at (563) 2993268. Donations can also be made at redstonecolorado.com, scroll to the bottom to find the donate button. Please reference the “Redstone Summer Concert Series” in the notes to seller field.

We’re looking forward to another great summer in the Crystal River Valley!

Jake Marine Concert Series Organizer

We need to raise just $70,000 to finalize the acquisition ... But all is contingent on the State History Acquisition Grant being awarded.

Dear Editor

Last month, the Redstone Historical Society (RHS) submitted an application to the State Historic fund for a $250,000 Acquisition Grant for the proposed museum on Redstone Blvd. With the owner's gracious donation, Pitikin County's commitment and our local community and members participation, we are close!

rys Tal V alley & Marble Times

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

EDITOR AND ADVERTISING SALES

Gentrye Houghton gentryeh@hotmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS

DJ Sugar Monkey

Amber McMahill

DISTRIBUTION AND LAYOUT DESIGN

Ryan Kenney

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

NEWSPAPER BOX LOCATIONS: Third Street Center • Village Smithy Carbondale Post Office • Carbondale Park & Ride The Marble Hub • Redstone General Store

We humbly ask for your support as we near our financial goal and save this wonderful piece of Redstone History for public use for years to come. Send RHS a message by emailing historyredstone@gmail.com or stop by the Redstone Inn to pledge $500 or more.

With gratitude,

Jeff Bier, President

Practicing Opposite Action

From Emma Bielski

Murphy’s law states an object in motion stays in motion until acted upon by another force. I could, and will morphically argue that indeed our human emotions operate in a very similar way:  Feelings.

By the time we reach adulthood, we have established a well-trodden pathway in our brain that attaches an action or behavior to a feeling. Often, the behavior response can be unhealthy and rooted in survival, avoidance, and/or defensiveness. These well-worn pathways and action behaviors don’t always help a person move through a hard emotion in a healthy way.

For simplicity's sake, we will focus on anger, sadness, and worry; what the evidence-based school program Sources of Strength refers to as “the big three.” Anger as an emotion often coincides with behavior rooted in aggression, violence, and arguing. It can result in hurtful words or actions. To practice opposition action a person must first become aware of an unhealthy behavior response to an uncomfortable feeling, and then intentionally develop a counterintuitive behavior response.

Strangely enough, and as counterintuitive as it may feel in the moment, practicing the opposite action can help a person move through one

of the big three quicker, helping to attain a state of self-regulation and control. An example I use the most may be one attached to sadness and/or depression. My depression response is to pull the covers over my head and sleep more than is healthy.

We know that physical exercise is directly linked to improving a depressed state. So, when I arrive at the uncomfortable place of sadness and depression, I apply the practice of opposite action and demand fresh air and physical exercise of myself. In what ways could you add and benefit from practicing the opposite action as a mental health exercise in your world?

Emma Bielski has lived in Marble for 15 years and, after nine years serving as a Licensed School Social Worker in the Roaring Fork and Crystal River Valleys, she is currently accepting clients to be seen privately and on a sliding scale. She is working towards her LCSW part-time while tending to the needs of her two-year-old daughter. For more information or inquiries you can contact her at  emmabielski@gmail.com

Town of Marble Board of Trustees' April Meeting Recap

A full lineup of Trustees greeted me as I took a seat in the Marble Community Church Fellowship Hall. The usually suave Larry Good cut a relaxed figure sporting a haystack hairdo in stark contrast to Mayor Ryan Vinciguerra’s shimmering dome of chrome. The latter started the ball rolling with a warm welcome to the (four) residents in attendance. The administrative team comprised Marble Town Administrator Ron Leach and Terry “El Tel” Langley.

The fastidious Town Treasurer Amy Rusby declared that as of March 31st, cash and cash equivalent balances stood at approximately $457,000 and that year to date, income was on target at 11-12 percent of budget versus expenses at 19 percent, all in line with expectations. Following Rusby’s pronouncements, Dustin Wilkey made a motion to approve the consent agenda, which was agreed upon swiftly and unanimously.

East Marble resident Kelsy Been (pictured) then took to the floor wearing her “Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Hat” to promote the concept of Marble becoming a Dark Sky

The Marble Town Council meets on the rst Thursday of each month starting at 6 p.m. in the Marble Community Church’s Fellowship Hall.

Town of Marble meetings are open to the public.

Community. Been was involved in Redstone’s certification and explained that the path to Dark Sky designation would involve a commitment by the Town of Marble to adopt best practices around the development of legislation and codes to promote and protect dark skies in the town.

She pointed to research showing how light pollution affected wildlife, plants, and people, and that certification as a Dark Sky Community, which can take several years, would serve to attract more of the kind of visitors that Marble is seeking to court, adding that the Town was fortunate to have four pages of code dedicated to lighting already. Been questioned whether the provisions in the existing code would have to be “beefed up,” revealing that it took Paonia, Colo., six years to implement the necessary changes.

Amber McMahill replied that Marble was “almost there in our existing lighting code.” There is a $250 application fee to initiate the process and Trustees and residents alike were relieved to hear that holiday lights were excluded from a Dark Sky designation.

The entire Board was supportive of “Big Dipper” Been’s efforts, with Mayor Vinciguerra opining that the idea “fitted Marble well,” and that it dovetailed nicely with the groundwork that former Marble resident Alex Menard had done. Larry Good added his own words of encouragement, saying that “not a whole lot of work [on top of what Menard had achieved] needs to be done.” Been generously agreed to be the standard bearer and point person for the initiative.

The next item on the agenda, also championed by Been, was the issue of right of way in the Town of Marble. She pointed out that “no

one knows where these rights of way” exist. Mayor Vinciguerra agreed that there should be some sort of plan to identify their location. Councilman Wilkey spoke to fire mitigation issues and the need to clear abandoned alleys, and Town Administrator Ron Leach added his support enthusing, “These areas are a valuable asset to this town and a part of its charm.”

Been next raised the issue of the poor state of East Third Street, asking, “Will our road ever be improved?” The Mayor replied regretfully that the $20,000 in the Town’s budget earmarked for road improvements was “nothing” and that the paved road through town would have to remain the priority for future improvements.

The next point of business was the approval of 2025 Short Term Rental Licenses, of which “for years” according to Ron Leach, there have been only seven. Leach agreed to send out applications for their renewal. He was followed by Amy Rusby with a brief report from the Parks Committee, who are in the process of putting together a “Master Plan” for the Mill Site Park.

Next on the agenda was a discussion of a “commercial corridor” through the town, proposed by Dustin Wilkey. Wilkey would like to see the matter included in the Master Plan, the public rollout of which is planned for June 20th. He envisaged that adjacent properties to the proposed corridor be designated mixeduse, thereby granting property owners the option to run a business out of their homes if they so desired.

Wilkey’s idea was met with some resistance, initially from the Mayor who repeated his insistence that the Town avoid spot-zoning, of which he saw this as an example. Larry Good

town of marbLe Continued. . .

stated, “Not everyone wants to live here and run a business,” pointing to the fact that Marble was a “community building town” and warning that the plan may give rise to thorny questions about what kind of businesses the Town might wish to turn down. Councilman Wilkey requested that 10 minutes be added to the monthly meeting agenda going forward to discuss the matter further.

Finally, as part of continuing Old Business discussions, the Town Council added some detail to its plan for paid parking in Marble. Mayor Vinciguerra explained that the Council had yet to receive a response from the Small Business Administration despite enlisting the support of the staff of Colorado's State Senators, whom he described as becoming quite “antsy” about the matter.

As a result, the Town Council had decided to move forward on the issue, El Tel pointed out, rather amusingly, “It is easier to seek forgiveness rather than permission.” Larry Good added that “there may not even be an SBA going forward.” A work session was planned for April 17th, with more about this coming out in the The Crystal Valley Echo’s June edition, but the current proposal is to roll out paid parking starting on Friday, May 30th at $35 per vehicle per day.

The next meeting of the Town of Marble Board of Trustees will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 8th at the Marble Community Church Fellowship Hall.

DJ Sugar Monkey is a resident of Marble. You can tune into his music show “Snack Time” on KDNK every other Thursday from noon to 2 p.m.

Redstone Historical Society's Vintage Valley Meeker Massacre: A Bloody Page in Colorado’s History

From Laurel Dewey

The Meeker Massacre of 1879 stands as a tragic testament to cultural misunderstanding and one man's unyielding pursuit of his vision.

As you will recall from the previous two installments, Nathan Meeker, a 61-year-old idealist with a history of founding difficult colonies, became an Indian Agent at the White River Ute Agency in 1878. His mission: transform the Ute people from their horse-centric lifestyle to sedentary farmers.

Meeker's approach was confrontational. He consistently undermined Ute culture, attempting to plow under their prized racetrack and grazing lands. Despite initial cooperation from some Utes, including Chief Johnson, tensions escalated when Meeker demanded Johnson destroy his own racetrack and horses.

The situation reached a breaking point in late September 1879 when Meeker, after being physically confronted by Johnson, called for military intervention. He believed the Utes were on the verge of an uprising.

We find the final details of Laurel Dewey’s original 1993 writing below with the details of the massacre, she makes it clear that Meeker's inability to compromise and respect Ute traditions ultimately led to his violent death, along with 10 other men at the agency.

Dewey portrays Meeker as a complex figure — part visionary, part zealot — whose rigid belief in his own moral superiority blinded him to the cultural differences that would seal his fate.

sePtember 29, 1879

The Utes were several steps ahead of Nathan Meeker and ready for defensive action. An ambush was planned upon the cavalry as well as revenge toward Meeker.

On the afternoon of September 29, 1879, the air was still and unusually warm. After finishing lunch with his family, Meeker walked outside the Agency’s boardinghouse. Down the street, a dozen Agency employees were busy shoveling dirt onto the roof of a new sod house. Around 30 Utes — some armed, some not — mingled amongst the white men. An uneasy calm lace with tension suddenly filled the air. And then it happened.

All content sponsored and provided by the Redstone Historical Society.

miles away,

One hundred forty-five years after the tragic murders and kidnappings took place in the northwestern Colorado ranching town of Meeker, the founder, Nathan Meeker is still considered an enigma.

Without warning, the Utes raised their rifles and started shooting, killing several Agency employees within seconds and mortally wounding six others. Inside the boardinghouse, Meeker’s wife Avella and daughter Josie hurriedly grabbed Josie’s 16-year-old friend Flora Ellen Price and her two babies and rushed to the bedroom where they hid under the bed. Frank Dresser, a teenager who took refuge inside the boardinghouse, grabbed a Winchester rifle, and fired outside, killing Jata, Chief Johnson’s brother. In retaliation, the Utes set the boardinghouse on fire forcing the group to flee outside and across the street to the milk house, unseen by the warring Utes.

For over four hours, they huddled tightly to-

gether inside the milk house, witness only to the sound of screaming and killing that reigned outside on the street.

By sunset, Josie Meeker realized that they had to try to escape or they would surely be slaughtered where they lay. Dresser took off through a nearby hay field and disappeared from sight. Josie along with Price and her two babies raced into the outlying brush while Arvella slowly loped across the fields, desperate to escape but unable to run very fast. The plan was hopeless as several Utes easily spotted the stranded group and fired a single shot toward Arvella which grazed her thigh. The Utes quickly gathered the women and children together, save for Dresser who managed

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Noting a large pile of blankets as well as supplies, Arvella realized that they were going to be taken on a long journey, destination unknown. With her future in grave doubt, she begged one of the Utes named Thompson to let her return to her home to gather blankets and clothes. He agreed and she made her way through town amidst the carnage and smoldering Agency buildings that sent shafts of thick smoke through the night air. As Arvella moved through the halfburned boarding house, she furtively looked for signs of her husband but did not see him.

As Thompson and Arvella exited the house she noted a man’s nude body lying only 100 yards from the building. She moved close to the man and realized it was her husband, Nathan Meeker. He had been shot in the head. A barrel stave was driven down his throat, piercing his back. Arvella was shattered but refused to let Thomspon see her grieve. Instead, she softly said goodbye to her husband of 35 years and continued on with Thompson to join the others.

Unbeknownst to Arvella and her

group, Major Thornburgh had also been murdered along with 20 of his soldiers. Forty men lay wounded on the grassy flats that surrounded the White River Indian Agency. Even Frank Dresser, who had successfully fled into the open fields, had been shot and bled to death in an abandoned mine shaft. For the next 26 days, the three women and two children were completely at the mercy of the Utes who held them captive on the north face of the Grand Mesa.

Those 26 days were said to be filled with torture and abuse, but surprisingly, when the women were rescued by General Charles Adams, they were robust, strong, and strangely composed. They calmly told their stories in detail to government officials as well as to journalists who ate up every word. The publicity served to fuel the fire that finally drove the Utes out of northwestern Colorado and onto a barren reservation in Utah.

To many, this is where the story ends. However, Nathan Meeker has remained an enigma to historians. Some feel if it weren’t for Meeker, there might have been a better chance for the southwestern [Native] population to sustain their culture and remain a part of the Western landscape. Others argue that Meeker is simply being used as a scapegoat and can’t be

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blamed for the entire [tribal] resettlement. And then there are those who revere the man, considering him a “man of strong Christian” values that were grossly misunderstood.

The Board of Trustees of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., thought so highly of Meeker that they named him to the Hall of Great Westerners. In giving him the honor, they described Meeker as “the kind of man whose principles and actions contributed significantly to the development of the West.”  Whether those “actions” contributed positive-

ly to the West as we know it today, is still undecided.

Author Laurel Dewey relocated to rural Colorado from California in the early 1990’s. She first worked as an investigative journalist and newspaper columnist. Since then she has authored several novels and investigative books on plant and alternative medicine and a podcast "The Alchemy of Natural Healing." This article was first published in the Old Roaring Fork periodical, November 1993 issue. It is being re-published with her permission.

The Epidemic of Loneliness Among Men: A Closer Look

From Rob Stout

Is loneliness deadly?

Despite our wealth and internet connectivity, Americans are paradoxically self-describing themselves as lonely, and that includes men – lots of us. According to former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, 50 percent of adults reported a spike in loneliness even before COVID-19. Among men, only 27 percent have six or more close friends, and 50 percent report having none at all.

Moreover, research suggests that chronic loneliness can shorten a person's lifespan to the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. How can men connect and effectively “unsmoke” over 200 packs per year?

Bart Lillie has some simple but profound ideas. The Denver-based marketing executive is also a volunteer with the Restoration Project,

a Denver-based nonprofit helping men learn the social skills of building community. If that sounds like a lot of mushy soft skills talk, fine, but that’s where men need help. Some men don’t know how to make a simple introduction. Some men are fine with the introduction and small chat but don’t know how to pivot deeper. Fewer still know how to keep the discussion going into the pricklier but more meaningful and pressing subjects of difficult marriages, besetting habits, cranky teenagers, career problems, and the rest. Even fewer know how to get beyond mere catharsis and into true healing.

Lillie recently shared on my podcast a three-step approach for men ending loneliness by creating community.

Go First. Lillie says “create” is a really important word. Not find, but create community. If you’re trying

to find an established community of men, remember the original problem – most men aren’t doing relational health well, so you might very well find yourself in the position of having to be the guy who plants the flag and says, “Here I am. Who else wants to stop coughing up a lung?”

Lillie calls this type of person the Go First profile because these are the guys who have concluded they are sick and tired of being sick and tired and want to do something about their condition. They care less about who shows up, and more about just showing up.

Go With. Next is the profile of men who are waiting for the Go First type to come by. If you tell this man about an event, he will more likely agree to the invitation and Go With. The Go With guy will go when he’s explicitly called out, but not before. It reminds

me of Jesus saying to Matthew in the gospel of Matthew, 4:19, “Come follow me.” Matthew craved Jesus’ invitation and responded immediately because Matthew’s wealth from tax collections made for very poor human fellowship. Matthew needed to be approached by a Go First kind of guy.

Go Along. The Go Along profile is a little bit more of a stretch. Lillie says that this profile is assessing, and thinking, “I don't know if I'm going to do that or not." Going Along represents a bigger step.” The Go With guy is almost an automatic response. Go Along means “I'm not sure.” It’s not a “no” but definitely short of a “yes.”

Lillie says that among the men he ministers to in this profile, he has to slightly push them for their own good by getting them to set aside no-

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tions of whether these guys are “his people.” Whether they are too this, too that, too wealthy, too educated, or too whatever, Lillie exhorts this profile to just get going and make the commitment.

Bart says to stretch yourself and in that moment, adopt a Go With mindset and just make the investment.

Ultimately, reversing our epidemic of loneliness lies in cultivating genuine connections, and Lillie’s Go First, Go With, and Go Along ideas can be helpful. If you don’t live in a community of highly relational men, then you may be one who must create it so that others can find it.

By fostering community, Go Firsts, Go Withs, and Go Alongs can come together and help each other “unsmoke” 15 cigarettes per day.

Rob Stout is the founder of the Erie, Colorado-based men’s fellowship Sherpa Unlimited and the host of The Next Stage podcast. See episode 29 for his interview with Bart Lillie here: sherpaunlimited.com/podcasts. Reach out to Stout by sending a message to rob@sherpaunlimited.com

Redstone Senior Days

At the Redstone Inn

Redstone programs are open to all! RSVP: (970) 920-5432

MAY 13 & 27

• 12:00 p.m. – Lunch ($10) RSVP by noon the Friday prior – space is limited. Plated lunch will be served. There will be a gluten-free option.

• 12:45 p.m. – Program

May 13: Wilderness Workshop with Michael Gorman

Wilderness Workshop and community members are working to permanently protect the Crystal River through a wild and scenic designation. Learn more about the benefits of this designation and the current process to protect the river.

May 27: Memorial Day Luncheon with Dan Sheridan

Enjoy a themed lunch menu with musical entertainment by Dan Sheridan.

WANT TO BE KEPT IN THE LOOP?

Send us your email address: (970) 920-5432 • seniors@pitkincounty.com

Independent, Local Journalism Needs Your Support!

We can’t do it without you. In an economic climate where many established news outlets continue to scale back or close, your support goes directly to writers living in the Crystal Valley!

Considering signing up for a subscription, $60 for print or $35 for digital, or making a monetary contribution online or by sending a check to The Crystal Valley Echo 364 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 www.thecrystalvalleyecho.com

THE MARBLE TIMES

A LOOK AT LIFE AT THE MARBLE CHARTER SCHOOL

Amazing Australian Adventure

By Georgia Owings, 4th Grade

Once upon a time a young girl named Jessica had a wish to save the koalas in Australia from extinction in the forest. Jessica was brave, kind, calm with animals, knows a lot about Australian animals, and is very observant. She left her home far away in the United States to sail to Australia.

So, she packed her bag to sail and have an adventure in Australia. Her journey starts in Malibu, California. Jessica went with a guy named Henry,  starting in the U.S.A. all the way to the Australian Outback.

“What are you looking for in Australia?” Henry said, trying to start a  conversation.

“You know how sick the koalas are? I am going to try to save them and help them,” Jessica said.

“I also wanted to save them," he said.

It started to get dark so they went downstairs to the bottom of the boat and went to bed after a while. Jessica was next to the window in her room. That night Jessica could not sleep.

She looked out the window and saw dolphins jumping next to the sailboat.

Finally, after watching the dolphins jump she drifted off to sleep.  Jessica dreamed of having the adventure in Australia.The sailboat had a sudden stop.  Jessica woke with a startle!

“We’re here,” said Henry.

Jessica got out of bed and ran upstairs to see.  “Oh my gosh!” Jessica said excitedly, “ I’ve got to get ready.” She took a shower, got dressed, and did her hair in a ponytail to keep the hair out of her face.

Jessica said, “thank you, Henry,”  and ran off into the Australian forest.

On her way she saw a young baby koala. “Do you have a name?” said Jessica.

The koala squeaked.

“I’ll take that as a no. I’ll name you Ruby. Do you like it?”

The koala squeaked again.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

So, Jessica took her little Ruby on her journey with her.

They were next to a swamp. Jessica and Ruby heard something in the distance.

It jumped out and it was a crocodile.   Jessica took a couple pictures and ran a little off trail to stay safe.

Five hours later Jessica stopped and pulled out her binoculars from her backpack and down the hill she saw a big, big forest with very thorny vines.

Ruby squealed, scared.

“It's ok Ruby, just duck down in my backpack ok.” Jessica said a little scared that Ruby would get hurt.

So, Ruby ducked down and they headed forward down the hill.

“Ouch, ow Ah,” Jessica said, hurting “Ooooow.” Finally, they got out of that horrible thorny forest.

Ruby poked her head out. After the forest Jessica was all scraped up and cold. She did not like being cold. Jessica and Ruby got tired after a while and they saw a big shady tree so they went to rest.  Ruby was crawling all over Jessica.  Jessica woke up and said “Good morning Ruby.”

Ruby said “Good morning to you too.”

“D-Did y-you just t-talk,” Jessica said surprised.

“Ya um sorry,” Ruby said.

“Ok, um don't be sorry, I just didn't know koalas could talk,” Jessica said.

“Oh, only a little bit of us can, we are getting extinct from talking though.”

“We need to save them,” Jessica said with a gasp. “Well, time to walk I guess.”

“Yup,” said Ruby.

So, they set off to save all of the koalas from extinction.

They were walking for almost six hours and they saw so many beautiful things like a big, big rock shaped like a koala bear.

“We are almost there,” said Jessica excitedly.

“Ok, ok, ok, ok, ok, ok, ok yay yay!” said Ruby, very annoying.

After five hours they were five to ten minutes away from the Australian forest.

Finally, they reached the forest. Then Jessica and Ruby saw the sick koalas in the trees.  The koalas looked sad and not that happy. So, Jessica and Ruby climbed up the trees putting the koalas in two big baskets so they were warm and Jessica could carry them. Jessica grabbed the medicine from her backpack to help them.

Ruby heard a big rumble, “Do you hear that Jessica? It sounds weird and harmful,” said Ruby.

Jessica said with a startle, “Run it is a big flood. Ruby, get the koalas out of here!”

“I can't, they're too heavy for me.” Ruby said scared, “Help me!”

“Ok, I’m coming,” Jessica said, turning around to help.

She swooped down and grabbed the basket and put Ruby on her shoulder and ran as fast as she could to save Ruby and the other koalas from the flood in the forest.

“Phew,” Jessica said with her heart beating hard, “are you guys okay?”

They all squeaked and they looked not unhappy and not sad anymore.

“My medicine worked!” Jessica said happily.

They went back to the forest and it was ruined. All of the trees were down on the ground and the grass was flat with mud. Luckily when Jessica and Ruby were walking they saw another big forest- not as big as the one they were at but it was still big enough for all the koalas to live in. So, they walked to the forest for thirty minutes.

It was even prettier than the other forest and all of the koalas loved it and Ruby loved it. She was playing with the young ones.

Ruby came up to Jessica and said, “Thank you for saving them and me, I love you!”

“I love you too!” Jessica said happily.

They both hugged.

That adventure she learned something, “Never give up on your dreams, follow them, you can do anything.” She also faced her fears.

Young Engineers

From Miss Jaime Fiske

The K–2 class at Marble Charter School dove into the fascinating world of simple machines. Through handson exploration and lively discussion, students learned how inclined planes, levers, wedges, screws, wheels and axles, and pulleys help make work easier in our everyday lives.

Students examined real-life examples, tested out each machine in action, and began recognizing them all around the classroom and playground. Whether it was lifting objects with a pulley, rolling items with wheels and axles, or using inclined planes to move things more easily, the classroom was full of

curiosity and discovery.

To bring their learning to life, the exploration culminated in a special project with Miss Lucie: Designing and building their very own playgrounds using simple machines! From slides (inclined planes) to seesaws (levers) and even pulley-powered swings, students used their knowledge creatively and collaboratively to imagine play spaces full of motion and innovation.

It was a joyful blend of science, problem-solving, and play — proof that learning really can be a lot of fun!"

Get ready for a great day of running through the spectacular fall colors in the heart of Colorado’s Elk Mountain range. Run, walk, or hike the 25k loop around Lead King Basin, zipping past the Crystal Mill, and ghost town of Crystal.

MCS April in Photographs

Haiku

By Willa

the PooL has hot sun i Like to run in the sun running is Very fun