Issue 17 - Montrose Mirror
Transcription
Issue 17 - Montrose Mirror
Issue No. 17 Aug. 3, 2011 © Your Source for local Business News and Information Friend us on Facebook! Visit us online at www.montrosemirror.com! LONGTIME DREAM OF A MONTROSE DOG PARK CLOSE TO BECOMING A REALITY Also in this issue… Camelot Gardens...Get the Dirt! Yvonne Meek’s MusicWest! Montrose County Fair Photos! The Montrose Mirror is a Twice-monthly Wednesday publication focusing on local business news and information . Editor: Caitlin Switzer Business Development Lu Anne Tyrrell Editorial Board: Jim Elder Julianne Messenger Darcy Johnson [email protected] Please help support our Advertisers: hdavidson@ farmersagent.com By Caitlin Switzer MONTROSE—The whole idea behind Friends in Dog Ownership (FIDO) Montrose is to give dogs in Montrose a play of their own to run, frisk, play and explore. So what better way to help raise funds for the proposed Montrose Dog Park than to take part—with your pet-- in the Fifth Annual FIDO 5K Fun Run and Walk on Oct. 15? “We’ll be getting fliers up in the next couple of weeks, and we are looking for business owners and others to be sponsors,” FIDO Chair Amy Ondos said, noting that the race is open to both human beings and their canine companions. “We are so close to our goal—we have a location, in Baldridge Park, north of the Duck Pond and behind the bus barn. The City of Montrose has agreed to weed and spray the area if we will put up a fence, so we Participants in last year’s FIDO Fun Run. Courtesy Photo are getting bids from local fence contractors.” FIDO has already raised $10,500 of the estimated $12,000 cost of the fence, she said. “Once the fence is up, the park will open almost immediately,” Ondos said. Cont. on Page 5 www.montroseact.com SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT HELPS WEST SLOPE ECONOMY GATHER SPEED www. dmea. com www.forealliance.org www.rechargecolorado.org www.camelotgardens.com www.co.montrose.co.us www.voa.org No reprints without permission By Caitlin Switzer REGIONAL—Mike Baer of Olathe can recall “shamelessly” driving up to farms in Wisconsin in the early 1970’s, asking questions like, “can I buy eggs?” or “where can I get honey?” “I had a natural foods store in Oshkosh in 1973,” Baer said. “Everyone thought I was nuts. But as a kid, I ate meat, potatoes, gravy every single day. I was overweight, and overstuffed.” Fresh, locally grown foods are not only After a childhood health crisis forced good for you, they’re great for the local him to add fiber to his diet, Baer develeconomy too. Vine fresh tomatoes, above, oped an appreciation for natural, whole are from the garden of Janice Wheeler, foods that has remained with him owner of Pine Cone Catering. Photo by Lu throughout his life. Anne Tyrrell. “Now, I eat beans five days a week,” Www.montrosemirror.com Cont. on Page 3 The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 2 Supporting Community Arts Education… Weehawken Creative Arts By Caitlin Switzer OURAY—Big box retailers may be scarce, but opportunities to appreciate the arts are plentiful in Ouray County, where the breathtaking alpine views are Weehawken matched only by the Executive Direc- numbers of artists and tor Ashley King. photographers who Courtesy photo. regularly capture those views on film, canvas and other mediums, and by the numbers of galleries where works of art by both local and out of area artists are offered for sale to the public. With the upcoming Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvouz on Aug. 13-14, and the venerable Artists’ Alpine Holiday in Ouray celebrating its 51st year from July 29 to Aug. 6 (complete with a Quickdraw Paint Out on Main Street last Saturday), opportunities to view quality works of fine art—and to watch artists create them—are even more plentiful. Performing arts are also a vibrant focus of the local economy, with offerings by the Ouray Performing Arts Guild, Ridgway Concert Series, and other groups providing both entertainment and cultural opportunities. For those who want to do more than appreciate art, however, there is Weehawken. Weehawken Creative Arts is unique among local non-profits; the emphasis is on arts education and hands-on participation for all ages. Weehawken students can learn and take part in adventures ranging from tye- dye to African Dance, from baton twirling to medicinal Weehawken dancers. Courtesy photo. herb identification and collection. All avenues of creativity are explored, from visual and performing arts to culinary offerings and even the martial arts. Formed in 2005 as the Ouray County Arts Center by group of volunteers headed by Susie Opdahl, the organization changed its name to Weehawken in 2006 to avoid being confused with other local arts organizations. In 2008, Weehawken hired its first paid Executive Director, Ashley King. The non-profit organization has grown exponentially since then, offering 325 classes and workshops in 2010, adding Natasha Pyeatte as artistic director for Weehawken Dance, and obtaining its first operational grant from Colorado Council on the Arts last year as well. This summer, Weehawken Creative Arts continues to move forward, and is moving to new classroom space in both Ridgway and Ouray. In Ouray, Weehawken has relocated from the Wright Opera House to space in the former Biota Building at 1900 Main Street. “We’ve been working all summer to get it renovated, knocking down walls and adding a sprung floor for a dance studio,” Ashley King said. “In Ridgway, we’ll be moving into the old Box Factory in the light industrial park on Cora Street. There’s no highway crossing, so kids will be able to walk over, and we have a beautiful, huge, open room with natural and artificial light.” Also included in the new Ridgway space will be an office for King, who has worked from home until now. For King, one of the biggest challenges of guiding the non-profit has been achieving a balance between classes and workshops for adults, and the wildly popular Weehawken Children’s classes and camps. “Our Fun in the Sun Fridays are our most popular weekly classes,” King said. “These are nature-based, all outdoors, and the kids make terrariums, they build things like fairy houses, they even make art projects that are designed to be left in nature.” Weehawken’s instructors provide a strong summer lineup for both children and adults, King said. New for this August is Farm Camp, for kids ages 7 to 11 at The 27th Annual Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous is set to take place Aug 13-14 in Ridgway’s Hartwell Park. Courtesy photo. Buckhorn Gardens in Colona, and taught by Ridgway teacher and local-grow enthusiast Justine Wilson. Weehawken is also moving forward in its management of the Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous (Aug. 13-14), now in its 27th year. Weehawken took over organization and planning of the popular Rendezvous two years ago. “We have wanted to see more fine arts and crafts in the Rendezvous, and I feel that we have had a very active jury this year,” King said. “We’ve had some enthusiastic meetings, and have made some hard decisions—and we will have more fine arts than ever before.” Around 130 vendors are slated for this year’s Arts & Crafts Rendezvous at Hartwell Park, King said. For founder Susie Opdahl of Ouray, who continues to serve as a Weehawken Board member, the growth of the organization has been exciting to see. "I'm thrilled that Weehawken started as a small organization to encourage economic development in Ouray County, and has grown to so much more,” Opdahl said. “Weehawken Creative Arts now offers creative and artistic opportunities for all our county residents--and beyond!" For more information or to register for classes, call Weehawken Creative Arts at 970-318-0150 or visit www.weehawkenarts.org. Weehawken is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization, and donations are welcomed and accepted. Wish list items currently include pottery equipment, a keyboard, and portable walls that open and close. The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 3 SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT HELPS WEST SLOPE ECONOMY GATHER SPEED...Continued from Page 1 Baer, 62, said. “We grow strawberries, potatoes, broccoli, beets, and even Jerusalem artichokes. We do have a microwave, but it might as well be a planter! There are herbs hanging from hooks in the kitchen— oregano, dill, sage.” Advocates of fresh, locally-grown foods no longer fit the Birkenstock-clad stereotypes of decades past—if they ever did. Today, informed consumers of all ages, political persuasions and walks of life seek out farm markets and vegetable stands in hopes of finding fresh, flavorful fruits, vegetables and other artisanal foods. And Western Colorado’s North Fork Valley has become a focus of the international slow foods movement, which began in Italy in 1986. Slow Foods of the Western Slope (www.slowfoodwesternslope.org) has become an active force in the community, sponsoring events such as the July 25 Kids Pasta Project dinner Benefit for the North Fork Historical Society, and the upcoming Food, Farm, Film and Wine Festival (FLIM-FLAM) in Paonia , Aug, 20-21. The International Slow Food Movement, according to the web site www.slowfood.com, is a grassroots membership organization promoting good, clean and fair food for all. The three essential qualities are further defined as, good: a fresh and flavorsome seasonal diet that satisfies the senses and is part of our local culture; clean: food production and consumption that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or our health; and fair: accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for small-scale producers. Like Baer and his wife Frances, who manages the Montrose Farmers Market, many rural farm-to-table advocates discovered the advantages of locally-grown foods years ago. The movement is by no means confined to rural areas, however. Jim Brett, who currently heads Slow Foods of the Western Slope, spent 30 years working in Washington, D.C. before retiring and relocating to Paonia three years ago. “The more media coverage the movement gets, the more social media takes hold, the more realization people everywhere seem to have about what they are putting in their mouths,” Brett said. “Over the past five years we have seen huge growth in the number of organic/naturally-grown and bio-dynamically-grown local crops. The North Fork Valley has the highest concentration of organic farms in the State, and it continues to expand as more people see that conditions here are very conducive to growing Janice Wheeler of Pine Cone Catering has built a successful all types of great food.” The Valley Organic Grow- business serving locally-grown and thoughtfully-presented cuisine to consumers who value good health—and great taste. ers Association Photo by Lu Anne Tyrrell. (www.vogaco.org), founded in 1992 to promote sustainable agriculture thriving niche-market agricultural econoin Western Colorado, currently lists 54 my in the North Fork Valley. When Eumembers, with categories ranging from genia Bone and her husband purchased a nursery plants to meat, poultry eggs and summer home in Crawford more than a milk shares, from vegetables, and wines to decade ago, however, the wealth of local ciders and spirits. The Colorado State foods and home-grown products still Agritourism web site at seemed like a well-kept secret. www.colorado.gov, notes that the most Bone, a nationally-known food writer recent USDA Ag Census (2007) indicated (her work has appeared in the New York that 679 Colorado farms offered agriTimes, Denver Post, Saveur, Food & tourism and recreational services, totaling Wine, Gourmet and numerous other publinearly $33 million in farm income. cations), is the author of four books, inIn Delta County, where cows still outcluding “At Mesa’s Edge: Cooking and number people according to Brett, the ap- Ranching in Colorado’s North Fork Valpeal of the rural lifestyle has become a ley.” She had been a member of the Slow powerful draw not only for producers and Food Movement in New York since its consumers, but for those seeking to learn earliest days. So she rounded up a dozen more about locally-sourced cuisine. Brett friends in and around Crawford, and startuses the example of the August Escoffier ed Slow Foods of the Western Slope. School of the Culinary Arts, formerly “It takes time for the information to get known as Culinary School of the Rockies. out—how slow foods can benefit produc“The school is based in Boulder, but my ers, and bridge the gap between producer wife is the Western Slope coordinator,” and consumer,” Bone said. “It’s about Brett said. “In 2008, the school developed keeping dollars local, and buying straight a five-month “farm-to-table” externship from the farm.” for students to become immersed in the Now that Slow Foods of the Western culinary arts and work more closely with Slope is established, the program can acproducers. tively support things like the local Farm-to “They started out coming here once a -School program, she noted. year; now they come eight times,” Brett “There’s a financial gap,” Bone said. “It said. “They just can’t get enough. It means costs 40 cents to provide a commercial extra work for me, because I end up being meal, 60 cents to provide kids with a locala gofer—but it’s really about agri-tourism, ly-produced meal. Everybody benefits and Boulder spending money in our Coun- from buying locally though—it helps the ty, and supporting our farms. local economy, the food is healthier, and “Promoting agri-tourism just makes children learn healthy eating habits. sense.” “It is encouraging to see the community Obviously, the word is out about the spirit that arises,” she said. The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 4 UVWUA MOVES AHEAD WITH BID PROPOSALS, REPAIRS TO TAYLOR DAM Interim UVWUA Manager Stephen Fletcher hopes project members will pay delinquent accounts promptly. MONTROSE—While the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association (UVWUA) conducts a search for a new Manager to replace Marc Catlin, who resigned in February, the Association has been in the capable hands of Interim Manager and longtime UVWUA Water Master Stephen Fletcher. It has been a busy summer, with water enough that the UVWUA had not even tapped its stored water as of last week, Fletcher said. “The water is still looking good,” he said. “Our runoff is slowing, but we’re finally harvesting corn, and the grains are coming off, which will free up some water. “The outlook for the rest of the year is excellent.” The summer’s abundant rainfall has been a mixed blessing; hard rains can damage drops, and excess water must be dumped from the canals. “We just try to send it on through,” Fletcher said. “The cloud cover is nice though, because it helps keep water from evaporating. “And a nice, steady rain can be a good thing--unless you’ve got hay.” The Hydropower project on which Shaffer Real Estate Company FARMS and RANCHES 970-835-9350 [email protected] www.westernrange.com UVWUA will partner with DeltaMontrose Electric Association (DMEA) is also moving ahead, with bid proposals currently under review. Fletcher said that a contract should be awarded in the first part of August. Also in early August, UVWUA will be conducting repairs at Taylor Dam. “We’ll be making some concrete repairs,” Fletcher said, “just fixing some aesthetic things.” The importance of maintaining the project in top condition is obvious, he added, and should be reflected by prompt payment on behalf of UVWUA members. “We’re sending out water bills, with delinquent notices,” Fletcher said. “Paying for your irrigation water is no different than paying your city water bill, or your electric bill. “It costs money to keep the project going,” he said, “and there are a lot of delinquent accounts out there.” UVWUA includes 545 miles of canal, and covers 80,000 acres in Montrose and Delta counties. The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 5 Regional News and Briefs Montrose ACT Ribbon Cutting for America’s Newest KOA The Montrose RV Resort recently rebranded as the Montrose/Black Canyon KOA. On Tuesday, June 28th, the Montrose Association of Commerce & Tourism gathered to celebrate. Cutting the ribbon is Tom Bell (owner). Also in attendance were their employees, the Montrose ACT staff, and members of the Redcoats. From left: Jenni Sopsic of Montrose ACT; Redcoats John Lindh, Rex Swanson, and Bill Brougham; John Hancock, Juaketa Hancock, Gayle Disch, and Tom Bell of Montrose/Black Canyon KOA; Redcoats Rich Anderson, Dru Weaver, and Denise Swanson; and Ken Brengle of Montrose ACT. Montrose ACT Announces Re-launch of Banner Program MONTROSE--The Montrose Association of Commerce & Tourism is pleased to announce the successful launch of the much loved Main Street Banner program. The program is designed to promote a public event at a public facility or a non-profit organization having an event open to the public at a private facility. The banner hangs over Main Street between Uncompahgre and Park Avenues. On July 19th the program was kicked off by hanging the banner for the Montrose County Fair & Rodeo. Building upon the previous banner program, the Banner Task Force worked diligently to update and implement the new program. “We realized we were missing an opportunity to help promote events to locals and to visitors. If visitors and are passing through Montrose and see there is a fun event happening, they might just stay in Montrose for the night”, says Emily Sanchez, Fair- grounds Business Operations Manager. Members of the task force include Emily Sanchez, Fairgrounds Business Operations Manager, Scott Shine, Community Development Department, Kristin Modrell, PIO for Montrose County, Doug Cox, DMEA, Ken Norris, Montrose County, Bob Brown, Downtown Development Authority and Jenni Sopsic, Montrose ACT. The program is managed by Montrose ACT, questions can be directed to 249-5000. DOG PARK CLOSE TO BECOMING A REALITY...continued from Page 1 “We will continue to accept donations for improvements, such as a memorial area, benches, and agility equipment for dogs.” Dogs that are exercised are more social with humans and other dogs, and less inclined to bark, Ondos said. “A well-exercised dog is better behaved,” she said. “In a dog park, the owners can let their dogs off leash to run, and the other parks will stay cleaner.” A local Dog Park will benefit not only dogs who live in town, but those visiting as well, Ondos said. “When people come in from elsewhere, often they are seeking a place to take their dog,” she said. “People do travel with animals, and more and more they are looking for places that have dog parks.” Those wanting to sponsor or take part in the FIDO Fun Run or hoping to learn more about FIDO can visit the web site at www.fidomontrose.org. A well-exercised dog is more social, and less likely to bark. Courtesy photo. The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 6 Montrose Museum Plans for the Future space, but to promote school programs. With these programs, she plans to expose students to the way their ancestors lived many years ago. Activities like grinding corn, washing clothes, and cooking the “old-fashioned way” would be taught during the day. Johnson hopes to one day have a “Night at the Museum,” in which participants would be able to stay in the “Cowboy Cabin” overnight, and listen to volunteers tell tales around a campfire. This would Mirror Intern Kaylee Isom looks at historic also give the participants a chance to live newspapers with Montrose County Historiwithout electricity, which alone would cal Museum Coordinator Sally Johnson. prove that the “good ol’ days” were much By Kaylee Isom harder than today. Montrose Mirror Intern Johnson has already done a great deal to MONTROSE—History grows as every make the museum more appealing to the day passes. Important lessons lie in histo- public, such as changing a monthly disry, be it from personal struggles or diffiplay. July’s featured display is that of culties within an entire town or country. historical quilts, and August will be “The Without these lessons, mankind is desmonth of Grandparents and the Time Matined to make the same mistakes in the chine,” in which younger generations can future. Sally Johnson, coordinator of the see how their grandparents grew up. AuMontrose County Historical Museum, gust will also have hands-on exhibits as believes that life without much knowledge well as a scavenger hunt. Since these disof history has an even greater impact than plays do change monthly, it is best to just repeating errors. check the museum’s website “Without history, we do not have a fu(www.montrosehistory.org), call the muture,” Johnson said. seum, or check the museum’s bulletin Johnson has been with the museum since board to find out when an exhibit that April, with her desire to teach younger sparks the visitor’s interest will be on generations about their town’s history display. Although it was difficult for her being her main inspiration. This museum, at first, since she was always taught “look, commonly referred to as the “Hidden but don’t touch,” Johnson also arranged Gem,” has gone unnoticed by many lothe current displays to be more visually cals, but Johnson plans on changing this. appealing--a skill she brings from her own She has a five-year plan in which she background as an artist. hopes to not only open up some more Before Johnson was the coordinator, she volunteered at the museum. One of her biggest worries is that once the current volunteers are unable to continue their work, there will not be anyone else to help. She even credits the museum’s current survival to the volunteers. “Without the volunteers, the museum wouldn’t work,” Johnson said. “They not only assist in taking care of tedious jobs such as dusting everything daily and cataloging every item to expand our publicupon-request research library, they also help with arranging displays and researching new items the museum is constantly receiving. “I learn new things all the time,” Johnson said, adding that she hopes others’ thirst for knowledge will bring them to the museum. In September, the Montrose County Historical Museum will celebrate its first century, and Johnson anticipates having a week-long event to mark the occasion. Plans are still being worked out, but she anticipates having activities such as a street dance, a special guest speaker, and other exciting get-togethers to attract more visitors. Located at 21 North Rio Grande, the museum lies close to Main Street, where children, teens, and adults walk around to visit different shops. Why not make a day of it, and head over to the museum? Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for students, with a special donation-only admission price on the last Saturday of every month. Call ahead, 970-249-2085, for group rates or information. MONTROSE COUNTY SEEKS INPUT ON FAIRGROUNDS MASTER PLAN MONTROSE--The Montrose County Fairgrounds Manager is seeking community feedback on the current draft of the Montrose County Fairgrounds Master Plan. Copies of the Master Plan are available at the County administration building located at 161 S. Townsend Avenue, at the Fairgrounds located at 1001 N. Second Street, and on the county website: http://www.montrosecounty.net/ DocumentView.aspx?DID=1608. Submit any questions, comments or concerns to Emily Sanchez at [email protected] or (970) 964-2180 until Aug. 15. The Master Plan will appear on the Board of County Commissioners meeting agenda on Monday, August 15th for adoption. The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 7 The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 8 Abbie’s Energy Answers Generating possibilities: Smart Energy Living in Western Colorado, the 2011 FORE Alliance Conference, will be held Friday and Saturday Oct. 2122 at the Montrose Pavilion. Dear Reader: Are you a business owner or vendor hoping to reach a larger market in Western Colorado’s new energy economy? The FORE Alliance can help you connect with resources and consumers in this dynamic market sector. Generating possibilities: Smart Energy Living in Western Colorado, the 2011 FORE Alliance Conference, will be held Friday and Saturday Oct. 21-22 at the Montrose Pavilion. This year’s event features two days packed with workshops, presentations and opportunities to connect with others interested in shaping the future of our region’s energy economy. Conference topics will include energy efficiency for new and existing buildings; renewables and power generation; advancing the energy economy; buying and selling real estate with energy improvements; rebates and financing for energy improvements; commercial energy audits; and transportation. Energy-related businesses, builders, contractors, retailers, educators and community leaders are encouraged to join us in bringing this exciting event to Montrose. Promotional opportunities include our 2011 Energy Guide, to be provided to all conference attendees and circulated to more than 2,000 readers of the Montrose Daily Press and Delta County Independent prior to the event; the Vendor Expo, a great way to promote your business while meeting potential customers face to face; Event Materials and Advertising are also available, with varying sponsorship levels that range from recognition on conference signage, on-site program materials and on the FORE Alliance web site to opportunities to address the crowd with a two-minute Business Profile, a concise description of your business and services. Thank you to everyone for reading and sharing your ideas with FORE Alliance. If you are interested in learning more about event sponsorship opportunities and Generating Possibilities, give us a call! Best Regards, Abbie Brewer Executive Director, FORE Alliance 970-240-1272 www.forealliance.org FORE Alliance: Developing community-based resources; Facilitating regional collaboration; Promoting the cost-effective use of energy and natural resources. www.rechargecolorado.org Advertisement The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 9 Dressing Up Downtown… Sheree Frede Reflects on SheShe Legacy two Downtown buildings—she had the opportunity to purchase 336 Main Street as well, and it was in that space that SheShe Boutique & Gallery opened on a temporary basis in 2005. Renovations to 340 Main were finally completed in 2006, and the Boutique moved to the space it then occupied until July 23. In the beginning, opening a high-fashion boutique in Montrose was a leap of faith. “I knew what I liked in clothes, and I knew what the ladies in Texas would like,” Frede recalled. “I knew that the Montrose female was eager and ready for a personalized boutique. The Montrose dress scene is obviously different than Texas, so I bought accordingly for our community here.” SheShe Boutique & Gallery proved to be very successful, and the decision to close Closing her popular boutique was a difficult decision for Sheree Frede, who first opened at the business was not an easy one. 336 Main St. in 2005. However, the years of commuting to and By Lu Anne Tyrrell ture—and in Downtown Montrose. from Houston as a business owner had MONTROSE--When one door closes, “I am a romantic at heart,” Frede said, “I been hectic. another opens. have always loved the charm and historic “Sometimes you have to make a tough Although her popular local boutique, beauty that quaint downtowns have, and I decision,” Frede said, “and I have opted to SheShe Boutique and Gallery, closed its had a little money in my pocket from a spend some more time with my husband doors last month, longtime Montrose resale in Tennessee.” and family.” tailer Sheree Frede plans to remain in Frede and her husband Norman reside in Frede remains a strong supporter of town. And the historic Downtown buildHouston, Texas. However, they have Downtown Montrose, however, and deing at 340 Main Street that Frede renovat- owned a ranch on the Cimarron for more scribes herself as very encouraged by the ed in 2006 will remain a charming oasis in than 18 years, and think of Montrose as a recent development of the new Downtown the heart of the Downtown Business Dis- second home. Development Authority (DDA) and its trict. The early stages of restoring the building hiring of its first Executive Director, Scott Like so many of the historic buildings and opening SheShe Boutique were hectic, Shine. Downtown, 340 Main has seen numerous but exciting. What’s next for Sheree and the buildbusinesses come and go since its construc- “I had stock coming in and a building ings? She recently leased out 336 Main to tion in 1893. that wasn’t ready to house it!” Frede reNina Suzanne’s Women’s Apparel store, Frede, who had been selling jewelry and called. and seems optimistic and excited about the fashion items at another area boutique, Eventually, Frede found herself refuture of fashion in the 300 block…stay saw the potential in the venerable strucinvesting roughly $750,000 in not one, but tuned! See you at the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival Aug. 5-6 at the Olathe Festival Grounds!! The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 10 Legislative Update Senator Ellen Roberts It’s hard to believe we’re past the midpoint of summer already, but the start of county fairs tells me it’s true. With so much happening, or not happening, on the national level, it’s important to take time to celebrate the good in America. Southwest Colorado holds a number of county fairs and, hopefully, you’ll have a chance to visit one or more of them. During July, I spent a good amount of time traveling the district to get a personal feel for our current economic times. It’s one thing to read about my district from reports and graphs and it’s something else to get the information from the people in the trenches, that is, straight from the employers, employees and those who want to be employed. What I gathered from my travels in Southwest Colorado over the past month is that the tourism business seems to be doing well this season, which is great news. Those working in real estate are still struggling as is the construction industry, but many are hoping that if Wash- ington, D.C., can get its act together, maybe a rebound isn’t that far away. Particularly exciting is the number of innovative businesses that are created in or have relocated to our corner of the state. Even with a tough economy, people recognize the great quality of life in these parts, with that quality being defined by each person a little bit differently, and it beckons many to live here. Sometimes I’m invited to visit these businesses and sometimes I’ve learned of them and ask if I can come see their operations. Each time, I walk away impressed and encouraged by what I see. Many of these jobs tie into health care, technology, or traditional and renewable energy development and they hold great promise as new and emerging businesses. It’s an education I welcome and I always want to know how Colorado’s state government is helping or hindering these valuable private sector efforts. It’s been very encouraging to see Governor Hickenlooper’s keen interest in our local economies and I applaud his efforts to see our area firsthand, not just relying on reports or staff accounts. I’m also proud of the way citizens in our region work in our public sector and many non-profits and that our volunteers help make our communities shine. That, too, has to come through to the governor on his visits here. We have an incredibly creative population who find ways to overcome the challenges that come from basing their work in a rural remote part of the state. I’ve noticed that our local media are finding ways to highlight area businesses and I’ve no doubt that such coverage will increase awareness of such ventures and help attract more businesses, nationally as well as globally, to our area. From those in agriculture showcasing the fruits of their labor at our county fairs to the creative entrepreneurs in our midst and all of us in between, we’re lucky indeed to call Southwest Colorado our home. CITY MANAGER GETTING TO KNOW OPERATION, BUDGET By Caitlin Switzer MONTROSE—After eight days on the job and fifteen budget meetings, new Montrose City Manager Bill Bell couldn’t be happier. “I love budgets!” Bell said. “It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. And the City is in good financial shape—they have done an excellent job of being fiscally conservative and frugal.” Bell said that he has been spending his non -budget time getting to know his employees and the community. “Right now I am just trying to learn as much as I can about our current operation,” he said. “They have done a good job here, but we are really short on funds for capital improvements, and I don’t like the fact that our City employees have not had a pay increase in three years. “Our employees and the community are my priorities,” he said. “We are a part of the community after all, not a separate entity.” Most recently, Bell worked in Rhineland, Wisconsin, but as a Native of Delta, he already feels right at home. “It feels good to be here,” he said. “It’s nice to be someplace where people know your family. It will be fun to take my son around and show him where I grew up. My wife is a recreational therapist, and she can’t wait to go rock climbing—she has already started working out. “We are rural people,” he said. “Every town we have lived in has been small, and agricultural. The people of Montrose are my kind of people, and the Western way of life is our way of life and the way I was raised.” Montrose has more amenities now than it had when he was young, but some things are still the same. “Now, you have every- Montrose City Manager Bill Bell thing you want within a 15 minute drive,” he said. “But we still have the great Olathe sweet corn, Palisade peaches and apples from Cedaredge…I am really looking forwarding to growing plums in our yard.” Page 11 The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Market Report for July 2011 Click here to catch Montrose Realtor Valerie Meyers weekly Monday Real Estate Market Report...from the road! http://youtu.be/xhwiARmCq1c Valerie Meyers, Realtor, GRI Coldwell Banker Bailey & Co 2023 S. Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401 970-209-1378 Cell 970-257-6748 Direct The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 14 OUT AND ABOUT IN MONTROSE Above, artist Dan Deuter works on an original oil at Around the Corner Gallery during a recent Main in Motion. Above Right, members of the Montrose ACT 21/40 Club enjoyed an evening out at the RnR Sports Bar in July. Photos by Lu Anne Tyrrell. Rob Parish, drummer in the band Heavy Drags, played during the Montrose Musicians Day on July 30 at the Elks Club Park. The event was an all-day free event showcasing local musicians. Photo by Lu Anne Tyrrell. Ileen Slagg, Michelle Pell and Nick Pell admire the rustic 1919 Model T at the Western Slope Honor Flight Benefit presented by the Black Canyon Classic Car Club at Walgreens. The event raised more than $500. Photo by Lu Anne Tyrrell. Above left, the Second Montrose Musicians Day by BlueSky Music Presents drew a strong turnout to the lawn of the Montrose Elks Club July 30. At right, Rusty Strings Band performs. Photos by Bradley Switzer. Celebrating Western Colorado Women in Music Saturday September 3, 2011 11:30 am—7:30 pm Montrose Pavilion on the Commons 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose, Co South Stage 11:30 am Susan Walton & 3 AM 1:00 pm Alternate Route 2:45 pm Opal Moon 4:30 pm Whyld Honey 6:30 pm Gotta Be Girls Old School House Emporium, Carolyn Lescroart The Monitor Mavis Bennett The Montrose Mirror Caitlin Switzer North Stage 12:15 pm Deb Barr 2:00 pm Ellen Stapenhorst 3:45 pm Dee Harthan 5:30 pm Miss Emily & Project Groove Beer & Wine Garden from 3:30-7:30pm Food Vendors — Retail & Craft Vendors — Nonprofit Groups Festival T-Shirts & Artists Signing Booth Tickets Available Online at www.uvmusefest2011.eventbr ite.comAdvance Full Day Pass (until 8/17): $25 Adult / $60 Family Pass $10 Youth / Kids 11 & under Free Online (after 8/18) or at the Gate: Montrose Live Music Camp Robber Canyon Creek B&B 1515 Ogden Road, Montrose, Co 81401 820 E. Main Street, Montrose, Co 81401 970 240 1590 970 249 2886 Live Music in Robber’s Roost & on the Patio (weather permitting) Live Music during Main In Motion Thursday, 6:00—10:00 pm Wednesday, 6:00—8:00 pm August August 03 10 17 24 31 Glenn Patterson AJ Fullerton Danny Shafer Greg Everhart Yvonne Meek Saturday, 6:00—8:00 pm August 06 09 20 27 Jed Kovach No music—Private Event Gloria Palefsky Gotta Be Girls 04 05 11 18 Unbreakable Rob Jones, 7:00 pm String Theory Cliff Dwellers 970 249 6295 www.MusicWestMagazin e.com Check the website at www.HorseflyBrewing.com Available at… Walgreen’s Vic’s Music Around the Corner Art Gallery Old School House Emporium www.yvonnemeek.com 970 208 2456 Fantastic Season! Live Music during Main In Motion Thursday, 7:00—9:00 pm 846 E. Main Street, Montrose, CO 81401 Yvonne Meek for Another 845 E. Main Street, Montrose, Co 81401 Advertise Opportunities Available at … Original music from … Main In Motion Board Coffee Trader Horsefly Brewing Co. Mosaic Thank You … 2011 Remington’s at Bridges 2500 Bridges Drive, Montrose, Co 81401 970 252 1119 970 249 6889 Friday, 5:30—7:30 pm Live Music Year-Round Friday & Saturday evenings August 05 12 19 26 Donny Morales Tony Rosario Donny Morales Zona Wood Ouray & Ridgway Live Music The Wright Opera House 476 Main Street Upstairs, Ridgway, CO 970 325 4235 Joyce Linn at [email protected] www.savethewright.org August 5 & 6, 7:00 p.m. Wise Comedy & Music Revue Fundraiser for the scholarships WISE give annually. Presented by Women in Support of Education August 11, 7:00 p.m. September 3, 7:30 p.m. Boulder Acoustic Society September 10, 7:00 p.m. Diamond D Wranglers Traditional Cowboy Music Concert September 24, 7:30 p.m. October 21-22, 7:30 p.m. Rocky Horror Picture Show Presented by Ouray Co Performing Arts Guild Viewing Two Historic Himalayan Ascents Kelvin Kent Slides and lecture recounting historic climbs 40 years ago—very different before today’s technology. This is a fundraising event to support renovation of the Wright Opera House Four Corners Café (Rooftop Deck) 304 S. Lean Street, Ridgway, CO 81432 970 626 3737 Live Music, Full Bar & Apps Wednesday & Friday Nights, 6:00 pm Thru August 31, 2011 Molly Sweeney A Reader’s Theater production presented by the Timshel Theater Company Carin Mari & the Pony Express August 19, 7:30 p.m. Chipeta Sun Lodge Tickets are available at: Wright Opera House at Blue Pear, Ouray Buckskin Booksellers, Ouray Khristopher’s Culinaire, Ouray Cimarron Books & Coffee, Ridgway Ouray Silversmith, 312 Main Street., Montrose To reserve tickets at Will Call: Email [email protected] Phone: 970.325.4235 Cups of Pleasure 115 N. Lean Street, Ridgway, CO 81432 970 252 1119 Live Music, Full Bar & Apps Saturday, 8:00 pm August 06 13 20 27 Michael Meadows Honey Don’t Funkdafari Shed Nuisance September 10 Bassie & Walter 24 Shed Nuisance Paonia Live Music Delicious Orchards BBQ Paradise Theatre Pickin’ In the Park Hwy 133, Paonia, CO Grand Avenue, Paonia, CO Paonia Town Park 6:00 pm, Free Admission Saturday, 4:00 pm The Paradise Theatre welcomes back one of Paonia's own, Travis Mann Band, performing on Friday, August 5th for a night of original Country Rock and Honky-tonk. Opening the show are Strolling Scones members Rick Stockton and Helen Highwater. Show starts at 9:00 and tickets are $12 adv and $15 day of show, available at The Paradise Theatre Box Office and KVNF . Pickin’ Productions, First Colorado National Bank & KVNF present the 2011 Pickin’ In the Park Concert Series Thursdays in August. Live broadcast on KVNF starts at 7:05 pm. 970 527 1110 August 04 13 17 20 Devon Meyers Michael Meadows Russ Chapman Joealan Revolution Brewing Co. 970 527 6610 325 Grand Avenue, Paonia, CO 970 260 4869 Louie’s Pizza Wednesday, 5:30 pm Open Mic, Thursday, 4:30 pm 2nd and Grand Avenue, Paonia, CO August Friday, 6:30 pm 03 10 17 24 31 Bill Powers Michael Meadows Russ Chapman Sticky Mulligan & the Hooligans Ellen Stapenhorst 970 527 3265 August 05 Howard Berkman This years line up includes: August 4: the March Fourth Marching Band; not your high school marching band from Portland, OR August 11: Shannon Whitworth, gorgeous alt-country infused folk music from Brevard, NC August 18: Old Californio Roots Rock and Roll from Los Angeles, CA August 25: The Black Lillies, Americana music at its freshest and finest from Knoxville, TN 35TH TELLURIDE JAZZ CELEBRATION AUGUST 5—7, 2011 Tower of Power - Allen Toussaint & Rita Coolidge Taylor Hicks & LiMBO - Paquito D'Rivera The Bad Plus - The Clayton Brothers - Robert Walter, Eddie Roberts & Adam Deitch Badi Assad - Melvin Taylor - March Fourth Marching Band - Edmar Castaneda - Andy Narell Lisa Haley & The Zydekats - Alex Brown Quartet - Michael Kaeshammer - Springdale Quartet UNC Jazz Lab Band I - Telluride Student All-Star Jazz Ensemble cal, Funk and beyond. He has received ten Grammy awards and numerous honors throughout his esteemed career. Tower of Power Tower of Power’s rhythm section lays down a groove like no other band. The horn drive sound is unique, and the way the approach everything, from writing and arranging to mixing and performing, is totally their own. Combine all f that with an outstanding lead vocalist and you have one of the most dynamic groups of musicians to ever hit the stage. As Guest of Honor, Paquito will be performing with several artists playing at this year’s festival including Edmar Castaneda and a special Jazz After Dark show with the Alex Brown Quartet. Allen Toussaint & Rita Melvin Taylor Coolidge Melvin Taylor is one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock, blues and jazz. This selftaught master was influenced by many of histories true guitar pioneers including—Albert King, Wes Montgomery, and Jimi Hendrix. So it won’t surprise you to know that Melvin’s ability has been recognized by many of his fellow guitar rock greats. Two of the music industry’s biggest stars are uniting in Telluride for what is sure to be a legendary Town Park performance. Allen Toussaint is one of America’s greatest musical treasures. Toussaint’s songs include “Working the Coalmine”, “Get Out Of My Life Woman”, “Southern Nights”, “Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky”, “I’ll Take a Melody” and “Mother-in-Law”. Robert Walter, Eddie Roberts & Adam Deitch Rita Coolidge has been described as having “the sexiest voice in the world.” The two-time Grammy winner is known for hits like “Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher” and “We’re All Alone”. Taylor Hicks and LiMBO Taylor’s material, with a unique take on souther soul, R&B, country and blues, set him apart from other American Idol contestants. When he’s nor performing with The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra, he is often being invited to share the state with the likes of Willie Nelson, Snoop Dog, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind and Fire, JoJo Hermann and The Allman Brothers. He’s just that good! The Bad Plus For the past ten years, The Bad Plus—Reid Anderson, Ethan Iverson and David King—have broken down the walls of jazz convention and created an uncompromising body of work. Few jazz groups in recent memory have amasses such acclaim, and few have inspired such controversy. Their belief in the band ethos and their personal brand of avant-garde populism have put them at the forefront of a new instrumental music movement, drawing audiences both traditional and mainstream. While the bulk of their output has been original music, they have deconstructed songs in the pop, rock, as well as country and classical music idioms. What do you get when you combine one part Greyboy Allstars keys, one part New Mastersounds guitar and one part Lettuce drums? It’s Walter, Roberts & Deitch, a mash up of well-known artists from your favorite funk bands. And, an extra element of funk is added to this super-project by adding a horn section. Lisa Haley & The Zydekats Lisa Haley & The Zydekats have become one of the world’s most beloved Americana/Cajun/Zydeco bands. Lisa’s 2008 Grammy nominated “King Cake” crashed into Billboard World Chart and the American movement with her blue violin and soaring, compelling “cornbread” voice. March Fourth Marching Band March Fourth is a date, a command, and a band. Imagine Duke Ellington meets Sgt. Pepper in an international big-top Fantasic. Imagine a 1920’s speakeasy where Mr. Bungle meets the Shogun Warriors in a PG Clockwork Orange. Now imagine that running into this giant spectacle marching through Telluride! The Clayton Brothers Quintet John and Jeff Clayton prove conclusively that while blood may be thicker than water, it can carry an unimpeded flow of pure creativity. Their Grammy nominated quintet, The Clayton Brothers, is bristling with surprises, delights and the kind of musical telepathy that could only come from tuned siblings. Paquito D’Rivera ―Guest of Honor‖ The Telluride Jazz Celebration proudly welcomes Paquit D’Rivera as the 2011 Guest of Honor. His life and career are a tribute to the many aspects of his talent—Latin, Jazz, ClassiPlatinum Sponsors Raynier Institute & Foundation Bank of Telluride / US Bank Global Environment Fund Gold Sponsors Camel’s Garden Hotel Elevation Vacations, LLC Hotel Madeline Silver Star Luxury Properties The Hotel Telluride Condominium Downbeat Great Lakes Airlines Ticket Info www.telluridejazz.org [email protected] 970.728.7009 Telluride Resort Lodging Beverage Distributors Bronze Contributing Sponsors Azadi Fine Rugs Montrose Daily Press Mountain Lodge Dworbell, Inc. Telluride Alpine Lodging The Peaks Telluride Mountain Village Owners Assoc. Corepower Yoga Hospitality Sponsors Ste. Michelle Wine Estates/Red Diamond Grantors Telluride Foundation CCSE Town of Telluride National Endowment for the Arts Colorado Council on the Arts Just For Kids Media Sponsors Jazz89 Public Radio KUVO . KVJZ Friends of the Festival Hotel Columbia Oizze Celestial Seasonings Telluride Tourism Board Jagged Edge Brown Dog Pizza Accommodations In Telluride Telluride Colorado Telluride Express Wilkinson Public Library Telluride Yoga Festival Patron Pass … $750 Weekend All Access Pass … $185 3-Day Park Pass … $135 Telluride Resort Lodging Paragon Outdoors BootDoctors Atmosphere Spa Enstrom The Llama Inn at Lost Creekl Mountain Limo Page 17 The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 NEW MEDIA MARKETING WITH MIRROR WEBMASTER PETER FAGEN By Peter Fagen, Elevation PR As a lifelong technology expert and marketing professional, it's my goal through this series of Montrose Mirror columns to ensure that you, as a business owner, choose your investments in technology and marketing wisely. Rather than just build a website and hope it works, I encourage readers to avoid the "shoot first - aim later" behavior and build your marketing plans on the business fundamentals of Mission, Goals, Strategies and Plans. In my previous column, we focused on two of these critical foundational steps needed to implement a cost-effective marketing campaign, Mission and Goals. We did this with the "3 Rs" - Revisit, Reassess, and Reaffirm the fundamentals of your business. Your Mission Statement is your "elevator speech" to yourself, your staff, and your customers: What you provide; Why you stand out from your competition; And why customers should seek you out. You should be able to belt it out from memory in under a minute. Your Company Goals should be a clear, concise and short list of desired business results and achievements that you can en- vision, measure and achieve. They should be based upon your Company Mission. And your goals should have a deadline assigned to each one. With your Mission and Goals in hand, let's start building a strategy to accomplish them. Marketing strategies provide a roadmap to create and deliver true value to distinct groups of customers. All effective strategies are based upon fact-based situational knowledge. That knowledge includes your business environment and conditions, your current and potential customers, and the unique attributes that differentiate your products and services. To develop that knowledge, let's create a "MAP" - your Market, your Audience, and your Position. Market - Thoroughly research and understand your own industry, its recent history and trends, and your competition, especially competitors who are successfully dominating the marketspace. Is your overall market or industry growing or contracting? Is your local market saturated? Are the consumers price-sensitive? Are there product preferences? Are their opportunities for growth or expansion of your product lines? Who are your competitors, and what are their strengths and weaknesses? Google your competition, look at their websites, know their pricing, and consider the effectiveness of their advertising. Do you have potential partnerships or alliances that can be leveraged? As you research your industry, watch for undiscovered opportunities and unmet needs that you may be able to exploit. Audience - All successful marketing strategies begin and end with the customer. Who are they? Where are they? How do they find you? You should have an indepth knowledge of both your existing customers, and potential customers that you can target for business growth. What motivates their purchase decisions (price, selection, availability)? Why do they choose you (convenience, reputation, relationships)? What are their purchasing patterns (spur-of-the-moment, heavily researched, how frequent, how important)? Where do they get their information (friends, online media, print advertising, broadcast)? What are their demographic profiles (location, age, income, education and lifestyles)? Your current and target customers may fall into different groups. Understanding these different groups will allow you to communicate effectively with each of them. Position - This is your value proposition to your audience, or how you want to be perceived in the mind of the consumer. Competitive Positioning is the reason why people buy from you rather than your competitors. It's the bundle of benefits, attributes and pricing that you present to buyers to positively differentiate you, your products and services. Your positioning can offer greater value, strength, performance, prestige and other characteristics, but its primary purpose is to define you and your uniqueness to your audience, and to compel them to purchase from you. Define your positioning from the eyes of the consumer. Attributes can include price leadership, style and design, quality and reliability, features, benefits and advantages, consumer self-identification and self-image, customer service and satisfaction. Even your staff's competence and responsiveness can be included. In my next column we will discuss arranging the above information into a "SWOT" (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) framework. The SWOT analysis is a highly useful step that can provide powerful insight into planning a successful marketing campaign. VISIT THE MONTROSE MIRROR ONLINE AT WWW.MONTROSEMIRROR.COM! The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 16 Advertisement The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 17 REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS JUDGE RULES IN COUNTY VS. HOSPITAL CASE MONTROSE--District Judge Jeff Herron ruled today in the case between the Board of Montrose County Commissioners vs. Montrose Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees that the Board of Trustees have the authority to move forward with the lease to transfer all of the Hospital's assets to a private, non-profit entity. “We would have liked a different out- come because Montrose Memorial Hospital is a significant asset of the people of Montrose County, but we hope to work with the Hospital Board of Trustees in a positive manner to maintain the quality of the hospital,” said County Commissioners David White and Ron Henderson. Commissioner Gary Ellis added, “We took this matter before the court and asked the Judge to rule on the issue, his ruling supported the actions of the Hospital Board of Trustees. I believe the Judge’s ruling puts to rest the legal issues that were raised. “I look forward to a positive working relationship with the Board of Trustees as well as the Board of Directors of the new non-profit hospital.” 2011 AG APPRECIATION AWARDS PRESENTED BY MONTROSE ACT Continuing with tradition, the Montrose Association of Commerce & Tourism presented the 2011 Ag Appreciation Awards on Wednesday, July 27th at the Montrose County Fair & Rodeo. Pictured left to right: Ed and Sheryl Suppes, Farmer of the Year, Polly Hohlenkamp, Montrose ACT, Burton and Teri Bullington, Rancher of the Year. The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 20 Arts & Culture Roundup Alzheimer’s, Caring for the Care Giver—An Author’s Journey By Gwen O’Leary Living full time fear, anxiety, and concern I see in others brings back memories of my three winters as a caregiver. What I share with others is that the journey my mom and I took was difficult but it was also beautiful. Of course with Alzheimer’s there are always exhausting and depressing days. However, we had days peppered with humor, wit, and joyfulness at simple things like listening to the mockingbirds, taking slow walks, and making cookies. I would not have missed those days for the world. I will be giving a reading at the Wilkinson Library in Telluride at 6 p.m. on Sept. 7. Are you a caregiver, or would you like to help support my cause to provide funds for respite care in your community? Please come, I would love to meet you. You can purchase my book at the following locations: Buckskin Booksellers, Ouray; Lady Bugz Quilt Co., 302 Main Street, Montrose; Cimarron Books, Ridgway; Between the Covers Book Store, Telluride; Needle Rock FiberArts, Telluride. I have also donated a book to the Montrose Regional Library, the Ouray Library, and the Wilkinson library in Telluride. Heirlooms for Hospice 435 E Main, Montrose has an apron on display, the baristas at Cimarron Books have one to wear as they brew, and Lori and Kristi at Lady Bugz Quilt Co have an apron made with some of their fabulous fabric. Would you like to help? Would you like to sew aprons? Donate fabric or thread? Every little bit will help your community. Please contact me at [email protected] You can read the prologue to my book and a chapter from my book on my blog: http:// alzheimerhumor.blogspot.com. on the road allows my husband and me the opportunity to select communities to settle in for a few weeks or months. Montrose was our home for the month of July, where we settled our small trailer along the Uncompahgre River under some old cottonwoods. It was a serene place to set up my outdoor sewing room and sew aprons. We came specifically to Colorado’s Western Slope to visit our son in Telluride, and to find anyone who would listen to our story about Alzheimer’s and aprons. While caring for my mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, I discovered she could still accomplish some sewing tasks. Sewing turned out to be a great way to manage her anxiety. We spent many hours sitting quietly, side by side sewing aprons; we each found peace and comfort as we “self medicated with fabric.” I kept a journal of my care-giving experience and with some persuasion from my sister I wrote a book called “When Life Hands You Alzheimer’s, Make Aprons!” I donate all net profits from book and aprons sales to select organizations that provide Alzheimer’s respite care. In Montrose, I’ve found the perfect recipient, “Caregiver Solutions” managed by Barb Bennigsdorf. After mom’s death, I continued to sew aprons. Many people want to purchase the book and an apron. They tell me they are giving them as gifts to a sister, friend, uncle, or aunt who is facing the challenge of being an Alzheimer’s caregiver. My project, and my gypsy life, puts me in contact with so many people across the country, it Gwen O’Leary donates all net profits from her book, ―When Life Hands You Alzheimer’s, is hard to find anyone who does not have a Make Aprons,‖ to organizations that provide respite care, such as Caregiver Solutions in sad Alzheimer’s tale to share with me. The Montrose. Page 21 The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 DIAMOND W WRANGLERS RETURN OURAY/MONTROSE—The Diamond W Wranglers are returning to Ouray & Montrose September 9, 10, & 11, 2011 for performances of “Cowboy Mountain High”. Come along for the ride! You’ll clap your hands, stomp your feet, sing along and laugh all through the performance, we promise! The music they will be performing is a mixture of traditional Western music that pays homage to several Western greats along with their New West originals like “Deep In the Saddle” and “Seven Nights”. You’ll also enjoy the group’s rendition of several of John Denver’s pop- ular songs. “Deep in the Saddle”, written by the group’s arranger Jim Farrell, was the title song of the album that received the Will Rogers Award for “Western Music Album of the Year” from the Academy of Western Artists in 2008. The Diamond W Wranglers were acknowledged in 2010 by Western Way Magazine for the release of their CD “The Old and the New” as “continuing to establish their standing as some of the most accomplished creators of music on the planet”. The Wranglers led a troupe of Western entertainers to Carnegie Hall in New York City twice to sell-out crowds. They were the first musicians from the western hemisphere to perform cowboy music in China as well as the first musicians to have a concert ON the Great Wall of China. They performed recently at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Theater in Branson, and at several shows in Germany and throughout the western U.S. Call or email now for advanced ticket purchase and reservations, John or Virginia Ast – 970-325-7255/970-9018515; [email protected] The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 22 STAY INFORMED— ―LIKE‖ MONTROSE COUNTY ON FACEBOOK Many of us have become accustomed to a steady stream of media devoted to the federal government. As a result of this focus on federal issues, many of us remain unaware of the issues being discussed in our own community. Every day your local leaders (City/Town/County/ Hospital) and districts (Schools/Fire/Recreation) conduct operations on the citizens’ behalf. The decisions made by these organizations can impact us in a variety of ways and in many instances are just as significant as the actions of the federal government. Local government is designed to be representative and as such relies on our participation as citizens. If we don’t participate, we are not represented. Voting is a critical aspect of participation, but is only one of several requirements for assuring that our government works for us. Below are three important reasons why you should participate in, or at least stay informed about your local governments/ districts: You can see it. When you look at a road, softball field, fire truck or school building you’re looking at a locally owned and managed asset which you control. You can be part of it. Because of its small size and geographic proximity, individuals can be heard locally. You can’t go to a meeting and speak to Congress, but you can certainly speak with the school board, city council, county commissioners, etc. You are paying for it. When you pay property or sales taxes you are directly funding these governments and districts. As an organization, Montrose County realizes that citizens are busy. You may not have time to attend meetings or review documents. With that in mind, the County would like to encourage citizens to stay updated on county business through Facebook. The County’s Facebook page is frequently updated with information about local issues, events and decisions. If you choose to “like” the County’s Facebook page you will receive these updates. It is an easy way for you to keep track of what’s going on with your local government when it’s convenient for you. Remember, nobody can represent your interests as well as you. Please visit us at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montrose-County/129274483774555 Please Attend the Commissioners Town Hall Meeting Next Tuesday, in the Pioneer Room at Friendship Hall Advertisement The Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 23 FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN AT THE MONTROSE COUNTY FAIR By Molly Nelson Montrose Mirror Family Columnist MONTROSE--A slight scent of barnyard lingered in the air. It was a hot summer day in Montrose Colorado, and I had two small children to entertain. The sight of even more dirty, old pickup trucks than usual pulling trailers down Main Street could mean just one thing…time to pull on the cowboy (and girl) boots, and head for the Montrose County Fair! This turned out to be a great family outing. There was plenty to see at this year’s fair. Everywhere we turned there was an animal getting brushed, eating, or laying down to take a rest. As we walked through the heifer area, we (my two-year-old, my one-year-old and I) saw one getting Heifers, above, can be fascinating to young children. Photo b Molly Nelson. cleaned up for her judging with a scrub down, followed by a nice blow-dry from her owner. The heifer in front of her was getting the hair cut on her tail. Along with the heifers, there were goats and all kinds of fowl making their different noises and having their say. Across from the heifers were the chickens, roosters, turkeys and Young cowboy Devin Dickensen of Virginia came a long way to attend the Montrose County Fair! Photo by Lu Anne Tyrrell. geese, clucking, crowing, and squawking at us as we passed. is a chance to get dressed up in your westInside Friendship Hall we took in a 4H ern finery and watch cowboys ride bulls fashion show. All the girls, ages five and broncs. through 19, were well dressed and were It’s great fun to watch the cowgirls race very excited to be in the contest. barrels, and to cheer as the cute kids get As we walked around there were new tipped off sheep during the mutton bustin’ trucks and cars and various wares on discompetition and try their strength during play. Not too far from that was the cake the tractor pull. walk. All the cakes looked very tasty! But for me and my girls, a simple walk There were also a few stands with delicious through the Fair turned out to be first rate, looking food and crafts for sale. low-cost entertainment. The Montrose County Fair really does Who could ask for more? See you next have entertainment for all ages—the rodeo year at Friendship Hall! Page 22 Montrose Mirror 7-20-11 Arts & Culture Roundup continued... By Caitlin Switzer REGIONAL—In addition to the Montrose Historical Museum (see story page 6), a number of other museums scattered throughout the region offer rare glimpses into other times and cultures. From the truly magnificent Ouray County Museum (420 Sixth Ave., 970-325-4576)--an extensive local collection housed in a historic building charged with atmosphere --to the Ridgway Railroad Museum (Hwys 550 and 62 in Ridgway, 970-6265181), a free and fascinating celebration of the railroads that helped settle and build the communities of the Western Slope, a range of options await not only visitors, but locals hoping to learn just a little bit more about the places we all call home. www.ridgwayrailroadmuseum.org. Here in Montrose, the Museum of the Mountain West (68169 E. Miami Road, 970-240-3400) focuses on the Old West, from the 1880’s to the 1940’s. The Museum of the Mountain West is open six days a week, year round. The sheer number and impressive character of the more than 500,000 artifacts on display is enough to bring you back again and again. The Museum includes a 10,000 square-foot building and 17 historical buildings outside in the little town of “Adobe Flats.” Knowledgeable tour guides and a fun annual celebration—the Tribute to Western Movies Days—make this an outing that is both entertaining and educational at the same time. Tours are $10 for adults, $5 for school-aged children, ages five and under are free. www.mountainwestmuseum.com. The Ute Indian Museum (17253 Chipeta Rd., 970-249-3098) is a powerful testament to the Ute people, with displays that inform, an excellent museum store, and 8.65 of the original 500 acres where Chief Ouray lived with his wife Chipeta, whose crypt is located on the museum grounds. The beautiful grounds also include sculptures, tipis, a bridge to the Uncompahgre River and a native plants garden. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from July 1 through Oct. 31. Winter hours vary, call for times. Admission is $3.50 for adults, and $3 for seniors. Students and children ages six to 16 are $1.50. Colorado Historical Society members and children under six are free. www.coloradohistory.org. Bells, butterflies and bones and much, much more is the catchphrase of the Delta History Museum, housed in a welcoming building at 251 Meeker St. (970874-8721). The bells alone are worth a visit—but the museum itself is also great source of local information, with informative displays and knowledgeable volunteers, and is a community gathering spot. Summer hours (May 1-Sept. 30) are Tues. -Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winter hours (Oct. 1 through April 30) are Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $1 for seniors, $2 for adults, and free to children 12 and under accompanied by an adult. Also in Delta, Fort Uncompahgre (205 Gunnison River Dr., 970-874-7566) is located at Confluence Park, where the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers meet. Self-guided tours are available April 1 through Sept. 30, Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm. Admission is $3.50. In Cedaredge, Pioneer Town (315 SW Third Ave, 970-856-7554) is located just outside of town on Hwy 62, at the Grand Museum of the Mountain West Founder Rich Fike. Mirror File photo. Mesa Scenic National Byways Welcome Center. Open from Memorial Day Weekend through Color Sunday in September. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Special tours for groups are available year around by appointment. Admission is $3, $2 for seniors age 62 and over, and free to children eight and under. www.pioneertown.org. In the North Fork, the HotchkissCrawford Historical Museum (180 S. Second St. and Hotchkiss Ave, 970-8723780)offers permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as a reference library and bookstore. Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. from May through August. From Sept. through April, hours are Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Children's Philanthropy Workshop Planned Special to the Mirror MONTROSE--If you enjoyed participating in the Summer Reading Program “Minutes for Meals” initiative and would like to learn more about how to share your time, talent and treasures to help others, please plan to attend a “Children's Philanthropy Workshop” presented by Melanie Hall, director of the Community Foundation of Montrose. The program is scheduled Thursday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Montrose Regional Library. Plan to get in the game of giving by attending this informative and worthwhile learning experience. For more information, please call the Marguerite H. Gill Children's Room at 249-9656, option 2. Page 23 Montrose Mirror 7-20-11 Arts & Culture Roundup continued... DEADLINE TO VOTE TO VOTE FOR PAX PEOPLES’ CHOICE IS AUG. 12 MONTROSE— Have a favorite sculpture from this year’s Public Art eXperience (PAX) exhibit? Be sure to stop by City Hall (433 S. First St.), Montrose ACT (1519 East Main Street), or Around the Corner Art Gallery (447 Main St.) to fill out a Sculpture map/ ballot for this year’s PAX People’s Choice Award. The sculptor receiving the most votes will be honored with a $500 cash prize. Last year’s PAX People’s Choice Winner was Ridgway Artist Bill Noland, for his piece “Sonrise.” Other past winners of the PAX People’s Choice Award have included Pokey Park’s “Poco A Poco Se Va Lejos,” and “Leo” the lion cub, (2009); Michael McCullough’s “Red Fox,” (2008); and father/daughter team Dave Webb and Jeremie Amos’ “Daddy’s Favorite Fishing Hole,” (2007). PAX will hold its 2011 Gala Event on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 1 to 5 p.m. in Centennial Plaza. This year’s outdoor PAX sculpture display will be unveiled, and we will announce the winner of the 2011 Daphna Russell raku sculpture raffle. Along with food, music, local artists, family activities and wonderful works of art, PAX will host a wheeled sculpture promenade ($10 entry fee, send to PAX c/o Montrose ACT 1519 East Main St. with name and age of entrant), with two $100 prizes for winning youth and adult entries courtesy of Tracy’s Antiques. PAX, which coordinates a yearly sculpture display Downtown, is a subcommittee of the Montrose Association of Commerce & Tourism in partnership with the City of Montrose. All works of sculpture on loan through PAX are offered for sale to the public. Over the past five years, PAX has Advertisement contributed more than $46,350 worth of sculptures to the City’s permanent sculpture collection. PAX PATRONS for 2012 include the City of Montrose, Four Seasons Investment Advisors, Montrose Association of Commerce & Tourism, Around the Corner Art Gallery and Colorado Creative Industries. 2012 PAX Donors also include Mountain Valley Fish & Oyster, Tracy’s Antiques and ReclaMetals. PAX sculptures have been donated to the community by Montrose Arts Council, Warren and Michelle Young, Carl Michael Short and Montrose Association of Commerce & Tourism (Montrose ACT). For more information contact Michelle Young at 970-240-3031 or Caroline Lescroart at 970-209-3191, or visit the web site at www.cityofmontrose.org/art. Montrose Mirror 7-20-11 Page 24 Montrose Mirror 7-20-11 Page 25 CIVIL SOCIETY GATHERS AT BRIDGES Above, Montrose County Coroner Dr. Thomas Canfield was among those who turned out for the Civil Society Gathering at the Bridges on Monday, Aug. 1. Above right, Montrose Mayor Kathy Ellis introduced new Montrose City Manager Bill Bell to the crowd. More than 140 people turned out to meet new City and DDA officials, as well as new Montrose Daily Press Publisher Francis Wick and Editor Mike Easterling. At right, dancers from the Black Canyon Cultural Arts Center, ages two to 16, performed for the crowd at the Civil Society Gathering. Montrose Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Scott Shine, fresh from his first day on the job, was introduced by DDA Board Chair Bob Brown and Sue Hansen of the Womens’ Business Alliance (center). At right, checking in attendees were Shirley Bradbury, Sharon Woods, Merlin Woods and Kay Smiley. Montrose Mirror 7-20-11 Page 26 REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS Montrose ACT Ribbon Cutting Rex Swanson (Redcoats), Sheree Wanner (Camelot Gardens), Mariah Ross, Keith Obsheatz (Montrose County School District RE-1J), Rachel Schmucker (Owner, Dahlia Flora Design), Bill Brougham (Redcoats) Jodi Shormann (Montrose ACT), and Ken Brengle (Montrose ACT) celebrate the Grand Opening of Dahlia Floral Design at the northwest corner of Main Street and Townsend Avenue on July 7. WANT TO CATCH UP WITH THE LATEST MONTROSE ACT LOCALS CARD INFORMATION AND OFFERS? VISIT THE WEB SITE AT WWW.MONTROSELOCALCARD.COM! HONORABLE MENTION… The Montrose Mirror sends our regards to the following individuals and organizations: To the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival (Aug.5-6, Olathe Festival Grounds)—for promoting agri-tourism and bringing people to Western Colorado for “a little taste of how we live here,” for 20 years! To Eugenia Bone (see our article on Slow Foods, page 1), nationally-known writer and seasonal North Fork Valley resident who has promoted West Slope agriculture to a nationwide audience through articles, books and blogs for more than a decade! To the new DeVries Produce Market on Hwy 50...wonderful fresh produce, friendly service, and easy access have been drawing shoppers here since opening day… To the Montrose High School Marching Band, especially the senior class of 2012 for overcoming many obstacles over the last seven years...good luck this season! To local author and community leader Kelvin Kent, who has just released his fifth book through Amazon Kindle. ―What Really Counts, Leadership for Life,‖ is available for $2.99...a great bargain from a great local writer! And to Bradley Switzer, for finding these early chanterelles. Mmmm... Montrose Mirror 8-3-11 Page 27 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VOTE 2-1 TO APPEAL MMH RULING MONTROSE—The Board of Montrose County Commissioners held a special meeting today to decide whether or not they would appeal District Judge Jeff Herron’s ruling that gives the Montrose Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees authority to move forward with the lease to transfer all of the Hospital’s assets to a private, non-profit entity. By a vote of two (Commissioner Henderson and Commissioner White) to one (Commissioner Ellis) the motion to appeal the ruling passed. “It’s very bothersome to me that when our public hospital goes private, our ability to discuss it as we did in today’s meeting would not be possible,” said Montrose County Commissioner Ron Henderson. “One of the terms of the lease is that all decisions can be made in executive session; therefore there would be no public openness, no oversight by anyone, the new self-appointed Hospital Board could do as they please with our hospital and I don’t believe that’s what the majority of the public wants, that’s why I voted in favor of the appeal today.” Commissioner David White agreed with Henderson adding, “I believe it’s in the best interest of the citizens to file an appeal. Montrose Memorial Hospital is a community, county-owned hospital which was established at the request of the citizens of the County in 1946 by the Montrose County Commissioners.” White continued, “As it stands now, the lease would transfer all assets including cash amounting to approximately $40 mil- lion and the only obligation at the end of the 50 year lease would be to return whatever they have left in the bank to the taxpayers. “If this new entity were to fail or default financially, ultimately all of their accumulated debt would come back to us, the taxpayers, because they don’t have any type of emergency funding sources.” But County Commissioner Gary Ellis differed with Commissioners Henderson and White, “We made our case and at the end of the day we lost our case. I’m comfortable with the Judge’s ruling. “I’m not interested in spending more taxpayer dollars on legal fees. I feel it’s time to say forget it and move on.” The County has 45 days to file the appeal from the date of the final order. VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA EXECUTIVES VISIT WESTERN SLOPE MONTROSE LIBRARY CELEBRATES TEEN READING DELTA--Volunteers of America President and Chief Executive Officer Mike King and Chief Operating Officer Tom Trumbull (above) came to Delta this week from corporate headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, on a tour of the National non-profit’s Western Slope facilities and operations. " ―We have been so impressed by the sense of community and the partnerships that exist here, and by the real commitment to the programs that Volunteers of America serves on the western slope,"King said. Also pictured are local Volunteers of America Program Director Deanna Sheriff and Delta Mayor Mary Cooper. Correction...In the July 20 Issue of the Mirror we stated that ―Volunteers of America Home Health of Western Colorado has undertaken two building additions and four major remodeling projects over the past two years,‖ however, those projects were actually undertaken through other Volunteers of America programs. Angelica Barajas receives a prize from Re-1J Superintendent Mark MacHale on July 25 as part of the Montrose Library’s Teen Summer Reading Program. More than 350 teens registered for the program this summer, and read more than 1,000 books. The Library awarded ten fabulous prize packages, all with literary themes. notes Librarian Tania Hajjar. Montrose Mirror 7-20-11 Page 28 SCENES FROM THE 2011 MONTROSE COUNTY FAIR & RODEO... Montrose County Fair Judge Janelle Hollister has worked at more than 20 county fairs. ―I love it,‖ Hollister said. ―Youth Service programs let the kids and their talents shine through. It’s really important for them to be engaged; we like to see a complete record book.‖ Youthful competitors in this year’s fair included Kara Reeder, left, shown with a skateboard she turned into a shelf, Emily Grater and friend Jo-Jo at lower left, and equestrian Cole Hawkins, above. Enthusiasm and creativity were hallmarks of this year’s Montrose County Fair Parade on July 23. Cassie Jacobson and DeAnne Valencia share a moment of fun at the Montrose County Fair Art Show. More then 340 art/photographic entries were displayed. Harry Switzer, 4, enjoyed seeing the variety of animals at the Montrose County Fair. Montrose Mirror 7-20-11 Page 29 Get the Dirt! By Trina Donahue Camelot Gardens General Manager Your garden is planted, you’ve kept it weeded and well-watered, and the plants are leafy and heavy with blossoms. Now, you’re just waiting to harvest those fresh tomatoes, peppers, corn, zucchini and other delicious summer vegetables…not so fast! After all, you’re not the only one hungry for the taste of summer produce— grasshoppers, worms, rabbits and even raccoons also appreciate a fine, fresh vegetable in season. And just when everything is coming along nicely, here come the squash bugs! How can you make sure that that the rewards of all your hard work are enjoyed by you and those with whom you choose to share the season’s bounty? At Camelot Gardens we have everything you might need to keep your garden growing, healthy, and safe from predators whenever possible. While fencing will help prevent intrusions by deer, rabbits and other animals, you can also use natural and chemical controls to minimize damage caused by worms and bugs. The following array of products will take care of crunchy beetles, bugs, mites, aphids, grasshoppers and worms--without putting a chemical down. An invasion of grasshoppers need not cause heartbreak—Nolo Bait Biological Control (www.goodbug.com) works wonderfully, especially if you apply it year after year. When grasshoppers get this in their system, they pass it along to the next generation. So use it all at once and get it out there—grasshoppers are cannibals, which helps this safe and easy-to-use product keep working year after year. For aphids and mites, we love ladybugs! They are voracious eaters, and we sell them packaged and ready to release. Be sure to let them out at night so they don’t fly away. Not only will they help control minute pests, but they will lay eggs—ladybug larvae are also big eaters and will keep right on working for you. For crawly bugs and the type of beetles I called “crunchy” as a child (don’t ask!), we sell a natural guard known as Diatomaceous Earth. This is a ground fossil product that cuts and dehydrates these bugs, without use of dangerous chemicals. Worms, moths and other chewers can be controlled with a biological insecticide labeled Dipel or Thuricide. Completely organic and safe to use, these products cause chewers to quit feeding. These products are also excellent for big horn worms and the grape leaf skeletonizers that can destroy your Grape Vines and Virginia Creeper. For your tomatoes, we have products that can help boost yield and stop blossom end rot. Sometimes, between the daytime heat and the hot summer nights, tomato blossoms will not set or produce fruit. We have a hormone spray that will encourage the fruit to set. Our calcium-based Tomato and Pepper Set, sprayed once a week, will also boost yield and prevent those annoying black spots known as blossom end rot. Finally, don’t forget about flowers—our perennials are fully stocked and in bloom! There’s still plenty of time to get new plants established. And be sure to shop our sale on big trees—trees make excellent gifts for every occasion, from weddings and housewarmings to memorials. You still have time to plant a beautiful Maple tree for fall color—so come on in! Don’t let the sight of a grasshopper scare you—we can help! Welcome to Camelot Gardens and Gifts, where our greatest privilege is to assist you in all of your shopping needs. Superior product knowledge and selection, and an atmosphere of Promise, Hope, Joy, Peace and Prosperity combine to bring you the ultimate customer service experience. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, we offer the finest of the world’s gardens and gifts. All Seasons...All for You. Camelot Gardens is located at 16612 South Townsend Avenue in Montrose. Our phone number is 970-249-6109. Visit us online at www.camelotgardens.com, email us at [email protected] and follow us on Facebook! Advertisement Region 10 Enterprise Center 300 North Cascade Suite G-2 Montrose, CO 81401 www.montrosemirror.com Stay in touch with commerce in your community...read the Montrose Mirror! Email Us! [email protected] Above, Cody Luttrall, 6, receives his prize at the Kids Tractor Pull event during the Montrose County Fair last week. Awarding Cody’s prize is Marketing & PR Director Jenni Sopsic of Montrose ACT, which sponsored the event. Left, Emily Gomez, 4, shows the prize she won during the Montrose County Fair Fiddle contest. Emily took first prize for her age group. Hold the Date! Upcoming Business & Cultural Events Ongoing—First Mondays of each month, Civil Citizens Gathering at the Red Barn, 5 p.m. Informal Discussion of Montrose issues; Mondays, Chi Gung and T’ai Chi with Elizabeth Roscoe, 5:15 to 6: 30 p.m., Meadowlark Court, 2378 Robins Way. Call 970-249-0397 to learn more. Montrose Farmers Market, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown. Coffee Trader, Sunday Market in the Garden, 10 am – 2 pm every Sunday through fall, for more information contact Dee at 970-2095519 July 29-Aug. 6—51st Artists’ Alpine Holiday art show, Ouray Community Center. Visit www.ourayarts.org for more information. Aug. 5—Main in Motion! Aug. 5-6—Olathe Sweet Corn Festival, Olathe Town Park. Aug. 9—Smokey the Bear’s Birthday Party, Montrose Public Lands Center (2465 S. Townsend) 10 to 11:30 a.m. Call 970-240-5308. Aug. 11—Main in Motion! Aug. 11—Valley Symphony Benefit Wine Dinner at Stone House Restaurant, call 970-240-8899 to learn more. Aug. 11—Montrose ACT Business Development Seminar, noon to 1:30 p.m., Montrose ACT Conference Room. $15 for non-members, free to Montrose ACT members. Call 249-5000 for more information or to RSVP. Aug. 11—The Ouray County Performing Arts Guild, The Telluride Foundation & Ouray Family Medicine present Carin Mari & Pony Express, 7 p.m. at the Wright Opera House in Ouray. Tickets are $15 / $18 at the door for Adults & $5 for Students (16 & under. )Available at Mouse's Chocolates and Buckskin Booksellers in Ouray, Cimarron Books and Coffee House in Ridgway ,The Coffee Trader in Montrose. Also available online at ocpag.org. Aug. 13-14—27th Annual Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous, Hartwell Park in Ridgway, sponsored by Weehawken Creative Arts. Aug. 18—Main in Motion! Aug. 20—Youth Appreciation Day! See Ad inside for more information! Aug. 20—Montrose County Historical Society at the Montrose Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 23—Montrose ACT Business After Hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call 970-249-5000 for more information or to RSVP. Aug. 26—Ouray County Historical Society presents “An Evening with Otto Mears,” 6 p.m., Happy Hour starts at 5p.m. Ouray Community Center. Call Kate or Maria at 970-325-4576 for more information. Aug. 27—Public Art eXperience (PAX) All Day Celebration of the Arts, including wheeled sculpture contest and outdoor art auction in Centennial Plaza, 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 28—Shoot-Out at San Juan Shooting Range to benefit Partners of Delta and Montrose . Call 970-249-1116 for more information. Sept. 7—Montrose County Historical Society presents Leeann Tobin, “A History of Montrose Memorial Hospital After 1949.” 7 p.m. Friendship Hall. Sept. 9—Montrose Fashion Night Out, 6:30 to 11:30 at Montrose Pavilion, Fashion Show by Pollux and Champagne reception. Tickets are $15, available at Pollux (433 East Main St.). Sept. 9—Diamond W Wranglers at Montrose Pavilion. Special appearance by Paul Nystrom. 7:30 p.m., $20 admission. 970-3257255 for more information.