2025-07

THE CRYSTAL VALLEY ECHO

Redstone

Magical Moments Summer Concert Series

JUNE 7

River Spell

COAL BASIN 4:00-5:30 PM

A Colorado-based jam band that delivers heartfelt songwriting and extended improvisation. River Spell’s timeless, yet innovative sound encompasses elements of folk, rock, funk, psychedelic and bluegrass music. Held at Coal Basin Ranch in conjunction with RFOV restoration project.

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. Coal Basin Ranch turns 5!

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 combines 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

While Public lands are threatened on a national scale, redstone sees restoration to Public access

By Gentrye Houghton

While national headlines warn of public lands being sold off, Redstone, Colo., locals are celebrating a hard-won victory:  Restored public access to a trail that leads to one of the area's most treasured natural preserves.

After nearly six years of litigation, Pitkin County and the Rock Creek Association (RCA) have finalized a settlement that restores public access to Dorais Way, the gentle riverside path linking Redstone Boulevard to Filoha Meadows. The road follows a corridor with deep roots: once traveled by the Ute people, it became part of the Rock Creek Wagon Road in the 1880s and later the Crystal River Railroad. It’s even rumored that Doc Holliday once took its curves on his way to soak in the healing waters nearby.

“Public access is maintained and restored along this route,” County Attorney Richard Neiley said during the Board of County Commissioners meeting last month.

The conflict centered on a one-third-mile stretch known as Upper Dorais Way, between Redstone Boulevard and the Wild Rose subdivision. RCA, a local homeowners’ association, claims to have purchased the section in 2015 from Mid-Continent and closed it to the public in 2019, citing vandalism, trash, and safety concerns.

“In the summer of 2019… the RCA closed Upper Dorais Way to all public use except by permission,” wrote RCA vice president Terry Knapp. The County then counteracted by filing suit and setting off years of costly litigation.

Though the RCA views the outcome as a forced concession — saying the “fundamentals of the dispute remain unresolved”— it also sees a path forward. “We look forward to a constructive and fruitful private-public partnership,” Knapp said in an interview.

Now, under the terms of the 2025 settlement, RCA has deeded the contested section to Pitkin County. In return, the county has agreed to specific use restrictions and improvements, with input from a Landowner Committee made up of Dorais Way residents.

Public access is open to foot and bike traffic only -- no motorized vehicles -- dogs must be leashed, and hours are limited from 30 minutes before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Seasonal closures will continue in Filoha Meadows to protect wildlife, which is open from July 1st until September 30th; neither dogs nor bicycles are allowed in the meadows themselves.

“It’s one of the few gentle places to go for a walk or a bike ride out of Redstone,” said Dale Will of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails. “Especially if you have small children.”

The trail will also see safety upgrades, signage,

a new emergency turnaround, and the potential for alignment for connection of the Crystal Valley [bike] trail, but, as Will stated during an interview, “Those decisions are in the future.” And for some in Redstone, the outcome is more than just access — it’s a symbol of perseverance.

“A number of members of the public came out and provided affidavits in support of our litigation efforts to keep this road open to the public,” said Neiley addressing the BOCC, “I want to thank all those folks who participated, and provided valuable testimony to getting this case to what I believe is a satisfactory conclusion both for the public and hopefully for the Rock Creek Association”

He continued, offering personal commentary, “What some may consider areas of relatively low use how cherished they are to the few people that do use them and the expenditure and time to maintain public access to these places, I do consider a really valuable use of the County attorney's resources."

At a time when public lands are threatened to be lost in the West, Redstone instead celebrates a victory for public access right here at home.

PUBLIC LANDS SELL-OFF

Removed from Senate Budget Bill

White River National Forest and BLM Implement Fire Restrictions

From the United States Forest Service

All lands managed by the White River National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District are under stage 1 fire restrictions as of Friday, June 27th

"As we enter stage 1 fire restrictions, it's crucial for everyone to understand the importance of fire safety during this dry season,” said BLM Upper Colorado River District Manager Greg Larson. “We urge all residents and visitors to be vigilant and responsible with any outdoor activities that could spark a fire. Remember, fireworks are not allowed on federal land."

Under stage 1 restrictions for the Bureau of Land Management and White River National Forest:

• Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (including the Forest Service Homestake Valley designated dispersed camping sites in Eagle County); this means a metal, in-ground containment structure -- fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable.

• No fires of any type including charcoal outside of developed areas.

• No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in a barren area free of vegetation.

• No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets.

• No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except from an area that has been cleared of vegetation.

• No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order.

Although conditions vary across the area, a longer-term drying trend is expected to continue.

“Fire restrictions are prudent at this time con-

sidering the long-range forecast, fuel moisture conditions on the ground, and the continued high public visitation,” said White River National Forest Supervisor Brian Glaspell. “In developed campgrounds where campfires are permitted, please ensure your fire is completely out and cold before leaving.”

Officials consider several criteria when determining the need for fire restrictions, including current and anticipated fire danger, resource availability, and consistency with neighboring jurisdictions. Local, county, state, and federal officials within this area evaluate and coordinate fire restrictions weekly during fire season.

BLM Grand Junction and Colorado River Valley Field Offices, part of the BLM Upper Colorado River District, and unincorporated private lands in Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin, and Summit counties all planned to also enter fire restrictions the same week, but had not yet done so at the time of printing.

This information was current at the time of printing but may change over the coming days and weeks, for up-to-date information please visit, www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts

For more information about the White River National Forest, call (970) 945-2521 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver. For more information about fire restrictions in the BLM Upper Colorado River District, call (970) 2443000 or visit www.blm.gov/programs/ public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/ regional-information/colorado/uppercolorado-river-district.

Li is an operations supervisor at Alpine Bank in Carbondale. She has been with the bank for 17 years.

Li cares about animals, which is why you will also see her volunteering for Colorado Animal Rescue.

Photo Essay: Summer Enchantment at Redstone's Magical Moments

By Gentrye Houghton

Redstone’s Magical Moments concert series returns for another year of summer fun. Under the helm of Jake Marine, the concerts are seeing a few changes. New this year is a partnership with Coal Basin Ranch, and concerts will be alternating locations between Redstone Park and the mountain bike park located where Coal Creek Road ends. Make sure to check the concert schedule for location information for each event.

BASALT SUMM ER CO NCERT SERIES 2025

JUNE 18 | Ipecac Taylor Shae

JUNE 25 | Co-Stanza Down Valley Sound

JULY 5 | BASALT RIVER JAMS

JULY 9 | Tommy the Animal

JULY 16 | Jill Andrews

JULY 23 | Bella Rayne and Friends Mama Lingua

JULY 30 | Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Cruz Contreras

AUGUST 13 | Graham Good and the Painters The Confluents

AUGUST 20 | 8th St Bus Stop Grupo Ascenso

AUGUST 27 | Big Richard Sopris Sisters Opener: 5:30p | Headliner: 7p

AUGUST 6 | Rootbeer Richie and The Reveille May Be Fern

DeMaestri-Durrett Cottage RHS Acquisition Update

From the Redstone Historical Society

The Redstone Historical Society is pleased to share good news with the wonderful readers of The Crystal Valley Echo!

The History Colorado State Historical Fund has awarded $250,000 for the DeMaestri-Durrett Cottage acquisition to the Redstone Historical Society (RHS). Additionally, the Cottage owners are generously contributing and Pitkin County is also donating funds.

Now, with the local support of 28 “angels," we are inching towards the finish line with possibly some funds for closing and initial expenses. Currently, we are focused on turning the local Pledges into Donations and on executing the historic easement requirements of the Grant.

The DeMaestri-Durrett House is an essentially unaltered example of an Osgood Era cottage. The DeMaestri and Durrett families have been careful stewards of the property since the early 1940s. Having lost our Castle display and storage spaces, RHS has no space to tell the broader story of Redstone as well as a space for community meetings and events. This is a timely opportunity for RHS and is unlikely to happen again.

We thank you for your support, Jeff Bier, President

Photo Essay: RAF Plein Air

By Gentrye Houghton

The Redstone Plein Air Festival returned last month for its second year organized by the Redstone Art Foundation. Twenty-seven artists traveled from all over Colorado, and one as far away as Maryland, to participate in the event. The Quick Draw prize was donated by Main Street Framers, with local residents and lodges offering accommodations to out-of-town artists. New this year, was a Makers Market, resembling the Foundation’s highly successful holiday market. Another 27 vendors were paired with businesses along Redstone Boulevard where they offered art and other handmade wares.

Mental Health Support for the Crystal River Valley

With 10 years of experience supporting youth and families in a school setting, Emma Bielski, SWC is now offering one-on-one counseling services.

Providing compassionate and nonjudgmental support rooted in neuroscience and focused

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

Crystal River Caucus Regular Meeting

Thursday, July 10TH

Ice cream social at 5:30 p.m.

Regular meeting at 7 p.m. at the Church at Redstone

The agenda includes:   A presentation on plans for the Redstone south bridge replacement; A discussion with Colorado Department of Transportation on various topics regarding Highway 133; and Updates on Dorais Way and the Penny Hot Springs Management Plan.

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

Foster families are a bridge - a steady path forward when life has felt uncertain. Fostering isn’t for everyone - but it might be for you, We’d love to talk.

Foster families are a bridge - a steady path forward when life has felt uncertain. Fostering isn’t for everyone - but it might be for you, We’d love to talk.

Foster families are a bridge - a steady path forward when life has felt uncertain. Fostering isn’t for everyone - but it might be for you, We’d love to talk.

You might not have ruby slippers, but your heart could lead a child home.

You might not have ruby slippers, but your heart could lead a child home. 970-920-5235 pitkincounty.com/foster

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.

East Marble Haven

Charming ½-acre East Marble property steps from Crystal River, Beaver Lake, and Slow Groovin BBQ. Enjoy a park-like backyard, greenhouse, and spacious front parking for RVs or gear. The standout 800 sq ft garage/shop/studio offers creative or work potential. Close to the beloved Marble Charter School, this is mountain living with comfort, convenience, and adventure all around. Listed

Dreamy Alpine Homesite in Redstone

RIVERFRONT ELEGANCE AND LUXURY

The epitome of elegance and craftsmanship pairs with an enchanting setting at this “one of a kind” riverfront timber frame home. Step inside a spacious layout featuring 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, gourmet kitchen, lavish primary suite, oversized garage with 2 workshops, and so much more. The 3 plus acre parcel includes a fenced horse corral and 350 feet of Crystal River frontage.

4 BD | 4 BA | 3,720 Sq Ft | Redstone, CO

$3,990,000 | MLS#: 188619

ELEGANCE AND VAST VIEWS

The quaking aspen and lush gardens surrounding this elegant log home lend privacy and a ‘treehouse feel’. Situated to best enjoy vast views of the Crystal River Valley with Mt. Sopris looming to the north, this beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath home has been remodeled from end to end with high quality doors, windows, and finishes that include countless upscale features.

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 3,118 Sq Ft | Redstone, CO

$1,875,000 | MLS#: 187224

HOME WITH EXTRAS

Options abound at this spacious home on one acre in Marble. This home offers easy living with no HOA, community water, and well-maintained year-round access. Crafted by two artists, the home is filled with light and character. The expansive main floor includes a bright studio space that can easily be transformed into two additional bedrooms, perfectly complementing the generous primary suite. Upstairs, a large loft offers flexible space. The downstairs area includes a fully equipped living space perfect for rental income.

3 BD | 3 BA | 3,555 Sq Ft | Marble, CO

$1,485,000 | MLS#: 188481

RHS's Vintage Valley: Aspen's Loss, Redstone's Gain

By Deb Strom

John F. Gilmore (affectionately called JFG) was a 38-year-old insurance salesman from Michigan who had fallen in love with Aspen, Colo. In 1968, he entered into a contract with the Elisha family to purchase the Hotel Jerome, he was the only potential buyer willing to take over two pending lawsuits.

He scrambled to find silent partners and secure a mortgage to purchase the hotel for $300,000. Thus began his career dedicated to the preservation of historic buildings. He moved his wife,

Barbara, along with their five children from Grand Rapids, Mich., into the Jerome for the next two years. It was a rough go at first.

The hotel was really, really run down and Aspen was still seeking its identity as a resort. Main Street was about to add curbs and gutters, and some nearby side streets were still unpaved. The Aspen Institute had terminated its lease of the hotel, which was considered too old, too rundown, and too far from the ski mountain.

After several false starts, the hotel's first floor came to life when Michael Solheim leased the Jerome Bar and Stephan Isberian leased the restaurant that he named the Sayat Nova. The bar became a melting pot where the rich and famous rubbed elbows with the locals; and the restaurant guests, primed with Armenian food and Retsina wine, danced through the old kitchen to the Bedouin Bandits Band.

In 1974, I took over the breakfast portion of the Sayat Nova lease operating it as the Jerome Breakfast Room. A few years later, when the Sayat Nova defaulted on their lease, I became part

A tribute to John f. gilmore mAy 1929 — June 2025

of the Jerome management team. With Dan Baxter, Jim Avery, and Jim Jenkins, we expanded the bar to lunch and evening food service and began our raging bi-monthly themed parties on the entire first floor. The bar had become the hangout for the likes of Jack Nicholson, John Denver, Hunter S. Thompson, and Bob Bradius, to name a few. The J-Bar was the inspiration for Glen Frey's 1982 hit "Partytown." And JFG, now a bachelor, was all in for the fun. His philosophy was "... having fun while making a profit."

On the serious side, collaborating with architects Tom Wells and Sam Caudill and builder Jim Jenkins, JFG relentlessly pursued plans to upgrade the Jerome into a first-class hotel for ten years. In 1984 his plans were finally approved by the City. The plan was to preserve the Hotel as the centerpiece of Aspen, first class but not "international luxury," by seeking local limited partnership investors.

1984 was also an excellent time to take advantage of historic restoration funds that were about to sunset. JFG secured financing from Silverado Savings and Loan of San Diego, Calif. We closed the hotel and moved forward.

Are you old enough to remember the" Savings & Loan Scandal?” Well, this Savings & Loan reneged on JFG's financing and we had to re-open the hotel three months later. By then JFG was financially stressed and he was forced to sell to Dick Butera, and his silent partner Jim McManus in 1985, who redeveloped the hotel.

They started renovations a week following their purchase using JFG's approved plans thus taking advantage of the historic restoration funds. It was painful to lose his great love, The Hotel Jerome.

But life goes on. JFG successfully sued Continued on page 12. . .

The MARBLE/marble Symposium is back with three sessions starting in July!

1st Session: July 2 - 9 2nd Session: July 15 - 22 3rd Session: July 29 - Aug 5

Come carve beautiful Colorado marble with scultors from around the world, or come check out the carvings from students and instructors alike -- many works will be o ered for sale.

We welcome every experience level and artistic style. The 8-day Symposium provides everything including marble, tools, carving sites, workshops, demos, and private instruction.

Registration available online, or come spectate by stopping in at The Marble Gallery for directions.

www.marbleinst.org info@MARBLEmarble.org

T he C rys Tal V alley e C ho & 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 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 throughout the Crystal Valley.

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

Harvest for Hunger Celebrates Grand Opening of New Food Distribution Hub in Pitkin County Harvest for Hunger, an organization dedicated to reducing food waste and combating hunger in the Roaring Fork Valley, has opened its new food distribution center located at the Michael W Schultz Health and Human Services Building in Aspen

Nominations open for 2025 Pitkin County Cares Awards

Pitkin County is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Pitkin County Cares Volunteer Service Awards and Greg Mace Award Community members are invited to submit nominations for people spending their time and energy giving back Nominees do not need to be county residents but their volunteer efforts must have taken place for the most part in Pitkin County

Summer Reading Program

The Pitkin County Library invites all ages to sign up for the Summer Reading Program! As you read, track your progress for chances to win fantastic prizes! There are many ways to read, including books, audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and graphic novels

Senior CSA

The Pitkin County Commissioners recently approved funding for one year for the CSA Farmers Market, an essential program for our older adults This program provides free veggies and fruits from Two Roots Farm, helping to keep our seniors healthy and connected Join every Friday at 11 AM throughout the summer for fresh produce and community fun

Jfg tribute continued. . .

San Diego Savings & Loan, had developed an award-winning restaurant in Grand Rapids, Mich., and was ready for a new Colorado venture. For the next two years, with CPA Mike Otte, builder Jim Jenkins, and myself, JFG vetted many opportunities and finally found the historic Redstone Inn... and the rest is history.

In 1988, we took over with a management contract and consummated sales in 1989. I became the general manager and partner of the Redstone Inn for the next 20 years. Our goal was to re-develop the Inn’s operations by emphasizing the food and beverage operation and adding resort amenities.

JFG did this by adding the Bar-GrillPatio addition with a more casual feel and menu, which opened the building up to the south and stunning views of the upper Crystal Valley. To improve resort amenities, he added a pool, hot tub, and fitness center and updated the tennis court. A few years later, he tore down the defunct greenhouse and replaced it with a banquet tent, and became known as “Wed-stone.”

It worked, by the time the mines closed in 1992, Redstone had transitioned into the tourism market and the Redstone Inn was at its center. Alyssa Ohnmacht, the previous publisher and

founder of The Crystal Valley Echo, recalls that when this publication began in 2002 there were 36 businesses in Redstone, including four restaurants and four art galleries. Redstone was once again in its heyday.

For over 20 years, through snow storms and holidays, JFG made monthly trips from his Grand Rapids base to the Redstone Inn to plan, oversee, and enjoy the ambiance and revelry. He would work all day and partied all night; then would get up early for a run-up Coal Creek road, with a bag to collect trash, and repeat — JFG ran 5k races well into his 70’s.

He always made sure that he knew the names and backgrounds of all employees and would make a point of raking and sweeping the property to show he cared. Occasionally, guests would confuse him as a maintenance employee. On the other hand, in meetings he was tough. For 20 years I was required to write and justify the weekly JFG financial reports. But, he was equally generous with good advice when times were rough.

I retired on my 20th anniversary, September 30, 2008 (and on the eve of the 2008 stock market crash). The Gilmore Collection, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., took on a more active role. As part of the transition, JFG's son Greg oversaw the construction of the first

proto-type chalet on the banks of the Crystal River.

Nicole Richardson of Grand Rapids, Mich., became the general manager with a two-year contract. Cherie Morton transitioned to the front desk, Becky Trembley continued as food and beverage manager, and the kitchen team stayed solid. Together, they saw the Inn through the worst of the 2008 recession. Although JFG's visits became less frequent, he still was very involved.

In 2010, Sara Stanaszek became the general manager, by then, Cherie Morton had become the heart and soul of the Redstone Inn as guest services manager, and the core culinary staff continued their dedication. With this committed staff and the support of the Gilmores, the Redstone Inn successfully emerged from the recession and withstood the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdown.

In 2023, the Redstone Historical Society honored John Gilmore and the Gilmore family’s 35th anniversary of ownership. Over 90 locals and friends came out to honor JFG and the Gilmore family — three children, Greg, Scott, and Tamara, along with several grandchildren were on hand to accept the honor on JFG’s behalf.

Admittedly, the Family was financially

challenged by both the 2008 recession and the COVID lockdown, but as Scott said during the event, “What we haven’t seen as a ‘return on investment,’ we have earned as psychic income. It has been our privilege to be the stewards of this historic property in this beautiful Crystal River valley.”

Through thick and thin, day in and day out, the Redstone Inn has welcomed guests since 1902. Notably, the Redstone Inn is one of only three continuously operating historic hotels in the greater Roaring Fork Valley, and JFG has been a steward for two of them.

JFG’s former 17-year ownership of the Hotel Jerome and the Gilmores' current 38-year stewardship of the Redstone Inn is only a small part of the Gilmore Collection’s dedication to the preservation of historic buildings. In Western Michigan, the Gilmore Collection, now headed by Gregory Gilmore, has preserved 12 historic buildings by re-developing them into over 18 successful restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The Redstone Inn is their only Colorado property.

Author Deb Strom worked for John Gilmore for over 32 years — first at the Hotel Jerome and then as a partner in the historic Redstone Inn and general manager for 20 years. She retired in 2008 and is currently the Treasurer of the Redstone Historical Society.

Redstone

Senior Days

At the Redstone Inn

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

JULY

8 & 22

• 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

July 8: Your Voice Matters

Join this Town Hall session to help Pitkin County create its next Age-Friendly Action Plan. What helps you feel connected, supported and able to thrive?

July 22: National Audubon Society

Delia Malone shares information about local birds, their habitats and how to get started as a bird watcher. Or maybe they’re watching you!

WANT TO BE KEPT IN THE LOOP? Send us your email address: (970) 920-5432 • seniors@pitkincounty.com

You Are Welcome Here

Progress is Never Linear

From Emma Bielski

At some stage, many of us are actively working to become a better version of ourselves. Others, the lucky few, are working to maintain an optimization of self. All to arrive at a place where we feel better physically, mentally, interpersonally, and behaviorally.

If you can identify with the plight of this effort, good on you: Keep going! The specifics matter not when surrounding one’s self-improvement goals. You could be struggling to address an addiction, weight loss, striving for Zen in peace and contentment, working towards professional goals, or working hard to manage behaviors that are not in line with who you want to be in the world. I have had this conversation with almost every human I have worked with: Sorry to say progress is never linear; wouldn’t that be nice, though, if it were?

hyper-organized; this fact may be especially hard for you to bear. Take heart, progress may not be linear, but it is progress towards a desired effect and achieved goal all in the same. All part of the process so keep going with patience and kindness towards yourself.

Whether you are working towards a higher level of mental fitness or working to get in or stay in shape; regardless, just keep moving. And remember, beat yourself with pillows, not bats.

Progress often looks like two steps forward — one step back, three steps forward — two steps back, five steps forward — one step back. It is during the moments when we take a few steps back that we can allow defeat and negative self-talk to take hold, do not let it.

Now for those of you who identify as having a type A personality, someone who by their very nature thinks linearly, is detail-oriented, and

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 twoyear-old daughter. For more information or inquiries you can contact her at  emmabielski@ gmail.com

THE MARBLE TIMES

A LOOK AT LIFE AT THE MARBLE CHARTER SCHOOL

Zoey and Chloe Adventure

By Amira Paris, 3rd Grade

“Mom,” yelled Zoey, the koala, “what is going on?”

Mom replied, ”It is a wildfire and we need to evacuate now!” Zoey was scared but she went down the tree she was on anyway. But then a whole bunch of animals came through and she got lost and couldn't find her mom.

After the fire, all Zoey wanted was to find her mom.  Zoey was really sad because she lost her mom and her home.  Zoey looked around and decided to start walking.  After a while, Zoey got tired so she found the most comfy place she could find and went to sleep.  In the morning, Zoey woke up with a startle. She saw a kangaroo. Zoey screamed, "Who are you?"

“Shh,” said the kangaroo, “I'm Chloe, who are you?”

“I’m Zoey. What are you doing?”

“I was looking for food when I saw you so I went over to see if you were ok. Then, you woke up.”

“Ok,” said Zoey, “Can you help me find my mom?”

“Sure," said Chloe, “I'll help.” So Chloe and Zoey started walking. After

walking a while, Zoey and Chloe saw a river. Chloe said, “All we need to do is cross the river, and we can finally get a drink of water.”

Then they heard a voice say, “I am Snappy and you shall not pass my river.”

“What was that?” they both exclaimed.

“It was me.” the voice said again. Then Chloe and Zoey saw it was a crocodile.

“Oh no, we need to pass the river to find my mom but how are we going to pass it with a crocodile guarding it?" said Zoey.

“I don't know but I'm sure we'll find a way if you want your mom back," said Chloe.

“Maybe we can find a vine and throw it to the other side and swing across,” said Zoey.

“What if the vine breaks while we're swinging across and the crocodile has lunch?” asked Chloe.

“Ok, then what can we do that won't have us dead?" asked Zoey.

“I don't know, I'm sorry," said Chloe.

“Wait, maybe we can  go further down the river where the crocodile isn't and then cross the river safely," said Chloe.

“That is a perfect plan," said Zoey.” I just hope it works.”

Zoey and Chloe said to Snappy “we're going to leave and you can have your river.” But they didn't actually leave the river because they just went further down where the crocodile wasn't and safely crossed the river.

They started walking back to where the crocodile was, but when they arrived the crocodile was gone.  They had been walking for hours and they were really tired. Zoey said “we should probably find some food and take a break.” They stopped and started to look for food. “Look, " said Zoey,” a eucalyptus tree.”

“I don't want eucalyptus," Chloe said.

“If you're sure," said Zoey and climbed up the tree and started to eat. Then Chloe started to eat some grass. After they were done with their food, they heard the bushes rustle.

Zoey and Chloe looked at each other “what was that?” they said.  Then they saw Zoey's mom.

“Mom!” Yelled Zoey. She ran over to her with joy.

“Hi!” said Zoey’s mom, “I am so happy to see you! I was afraid you wouldn’t make it, but I’m so happy you did! Who is your friend here?”

“This is Chloe,” replied Zoey, “she helped me find you.”

Then, Zoey’s mom said, “Let me show you guys this forest. It will be our new home.”

So Zoey and Chloe started looking around and Zoey’s mom showed them a couple places, also. Then Zoey’s mom showed her and Chloe the tree she had been living in.

“Chloe, we can find a nice spot for you to make a home,” said Zoey’s mom. Zoey was happy but also sad that her old home wasn’t there anymore. But she knew she would have lots of fun in her new home.

After the fire, all three of them knew what to do if another wildfire came their way. Except they would not separate next time.

Unwind