Columns

By Gina M. Barrett. I find that the windy season of spring adds to the challenges we already experience as we navigate the energy vortex here in Crestone. Since I have lived here, the windy season can last about two months. We have been fortunate so far this March. We haven’t had back-to-back days and days of wind. Phew! I’m grateful.   Wind happens when the cold air of winter and the warmer air of spring collide. Wind is necessary to keep the air fresh and clean. However, in an agricultural area like SLV, the wind disrupts and distributes the agricultural...

By Thomas Cleary, Crestone Charter School director. In last month’s article, you read about the enrollment process for the 24/25 school year. The Crestone Charter School (CCS) is the school of choice for over 45% of the public school students in the Moffat #2 District. It might be the right place for your child next year, whether returning or new to the district. See the ad in this month’s paper. Join us May 20 at noon, and see the policy at bit.ly/CCSenroll2023 to find out more. CCS is one of the oldest charter schools in Colorado having opened our doors...

By Gussie Fauntleroy Last month the Crestone End of Life Project (CEOLP) presented book recommendations from its diverse collection at the Baca Grande public library. The CEOLP collection has its own bookcase in the library’s community room and is integrated into the catalogue system, so you can browse and check items out. This month we’re suggesting a few excellent films related to death and dying — and we’re not talking horror flicks. These are thought-provoking, inspirational films, including an Emmy-award-winning HBO series. Serving Life (2011): Actor Forest Whitaker narrates the story of a group of inmate volunteers who staff their own hospice...

By Amy Garoutte, Northern Saguache County Library District We are excited to report we now offer room “telephone” booths in each branch. They provide a space for private telehealth appointments. Each branch has a telehealth kit, laptop and now private space for virtual conversations with medical providers.  These booths can also be used for conducting other virtual meetings. Call the branch for more information or to make reservations. Are you interested in supporting our library as part of a Friends of the Library group? Contact Amy Garoutte for more information. (719-256-4100) Our New Books Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Range Mountains: Hikes, Scrambles, Snow and Rock...

By Kelly Defaye. I know, this column typically discusses current matters in the mountains surrounding the San Luis Valley, but humor me for a moment while we go a little farther afield and a little further back in time. I want to tell you about Patti. In 1998, Patti began volunteering with the San Juan National Forest and their nonprofit partner, the San Juan Mountains Association. She drove the forest roads, looking at them from a visitor’s perspective to see how appealing they were, checking aspects like cleanliness, hazards such as brush obscuring visibility, road and sign damage, and so on....

By Lori Nagel. While Bryan Brattin just started baking at Cloud Station in January, he is far from being new to the kitchen. “My grandmother had me helping her as soon as I could stand upright and be more help than a hindrance,” he laughed. “She probably started even before then, honestly! So, it’s been a passion of mine for a long time.”  An email from resident Philip Tarlow to The Cloud Station illustrates Brattin’s addition to the Cloud’s offerings. “…your new baker is baking the BEST, tastiest, beautifully baked bread we’ve ever had.  Congratulations to you for hiring him and...

By Lori Nagel The struggle for healthy, prepared and affordable food in Crestone is real and it’s not uncommon to overhear local conversations about it on any given day. Those options have recently expanded, thanks to the Ruby Rose Bakery at the Hooper Junction Sinclair gas station (11704 CO-17, Hooper), a short 25-minute drive from the town of Crestone.  There have been rumblings around the community about that terrific new bakery and restaurant, but what many don’t know is, they have healthy, nutritious to-go meals as well.  Angelica Quintana, head chef and baker at Ruby Rose, has enjoyed the culinary arts for many...

By Ramloti February has been a wintery month with fewer visitors and some much needed snow. We commemorated Shri Babaji’s Maha Samadhi (the day He left His body). It was Valentine’s Day, 1984 when He left this physical plane, and this year was the 40-year anniversary. His love and teachings still guide this Ashram and His devotees around the world. On Friday, March 8 we will be celebrating Maha Shivaratri (the great night of Lord Shiva) with late night chanting. We will begin at 6 p.m. with aarati and chanting. At 7 p.m. we will do the first of four lingam...