Extras
Community Blog
OCRA News
Posted at 5:27pm on Mar 11th 2010 by Lora
Official Best Destination for Recreation
Posted at 5:21pm on Mar 11th 2010 by Karen Avery
More Canadian Classics!
Posted at 11:06am on Mar 7th 2010 by Clint Cook
Paul and I continue to be on a good streak up here in Canada. Friday we climbed the "Showpiece of the Canadian Rockies", Polar Circus. 2100 feet WI5. Temps have been quite nice, and the ice is in good shape.
Here is a look at the final 90m WI5 headwall on Polar Circus.

Yesterday we went into the Ghost and climbed the famous Wicked Wanda. She wasn't quite as wicked as in years past, but still super fun!
Paul and I have a couple days yet to go, and then I'll start with a fresh crew!Cheers, CC.
Ice conditions in the San Juans
Posted at 6:11am on Mar 7th 2010 by Kevin
Dexter: Still super fat but likely to have some surface effect from the warm sunny days.
Skylight area: The usual suspects are all in great shape. I hear talk around town of people climbing Killer Pillar. It looks like this area will be good for quite some time.
Ouray Ice Park: FAT CITY! The park is in great shape. Bryson and his crew did an awesome job building things up during the second half of the season. Barring and big rain storms, we'll be climbing in the park for a while. This really is the best time to visit Ouray, the days are getting longer, the weather is great, and the sun actually peeks into the canyon in spots.
Ribbon & Birdbrain: Have seen a few ascents but conditions have been pretty lean. Keep your eyes open though. Many years these climbs will come in quick during March as a result of melt / freeze cycles.
Horsetail: Still in great shape.
Engineer: Hammered by the warm sunny days.
Silverton: Super fat and seeing some traffic since the Avy hazard has calmed down a bit following the previous storm cycles.
Bridalveil & Ames Ice Hose: Still in great shape. First pitch of the Hose is a little thin, the rock start is always a good option.
Thanks for your interest in ice conditions around Ouray. We look forward to seeing you around town.
Happy Trails,
KAK
Canada Ice!
Posted at 5:17am on Mar 6th 2010 by Clint Cook
2010 Ouray Ice Fest Video
Posted at 9:31pm on Mar 5th 2010 by Karen Avery
Chamber Chat 03 03 2010
Posted at 9:30am on Mar 4th 2010 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat
March 3, 2010
Note: 2010 Census jobs are here! Temporary spring jobs! In Ouray County, wages start at $14/hour plus 50 cents/mile. You'll be paid for training and work flexible hours in your local area. The required skills test can be taken in Ridgway or Ouray. To make an appointment for testing, or to get more information, call 1-866-861-2010 or visit www.2010censusjobs.gov .
Testing in Ouray:
Every Thursday (2/25 thru 3/25) at 1:30 PM at the Ouray County Courthouse, 541 4th St.
Testing in Ridgway:
Every Monday (3/1 thru 3/29) at 6:30 PM at the County Land Use Bldg., 111 Mall Rd.
Every Thursday (3/4 thru 3/25) at 10:00 AM at the County Land Use bldg., 111 Mall Rd.
IN THIS ISSUE
Fly Tying Class- Don't miss this FREE lesson before they're all tied up!
CHILI COOKOFF
Fused Glass Workshop.
Business After Hours- Morning Song B&B
"Ouray County's Got Talent"
StoneCircle Celtic Band
AND MUCH MORE?.. What to plan for the rest of winter and early spring?
Links to members
Public Restroom locations
OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices:
OURAY COUNTY CHORUS, under the direction of Andre Wilkins. Rehearsals TUESDAYS, 7? 8:30pm at Ridgway's Church of the San Juans. Spring theme: land, environment and Americana; concert May 14th. All singers welcome. For Information ? call Jim 626-4239.
March 6- Free Fly Tying Class- Rigs Fly Shop- Topic: Tying a better parachute Dry Fly. With guide and commercial fly tier Matt McCannel. 3:00pm- 5pm
Sat. March 6 - CHILI COOKOFF at Ouray Elks lodge. Open to the public, 7 regular classes, 3 commercial classes, no entry fee. Sample the area's best dishes, judging by the public, $10 adults, $5 ages 5 ? 10, $25 family. Bring entries 4:30, dinner at 5:30, Karaoke after. 626-4239 for more information.
Sat. March 6th - Fused Glass Workshop. 2-4pm $30 to make a piece of Jewelry or a hair clip. $50 for a small dish or trivet. Call to reserve a spot, $10 deposit required. Presented by the Painted Marmot.
March 10- Business After Hours-
Morning Song B&B Come, take a tour and socialize! 5:30-7:30, 316 6th Ave Ouray
970-325-4913 morningsongbnb@gmail.com
March 13 ? "Ouray County's Got Talent!" - Ouray Community Center ? 7-9pm Rehearsal dates
are 3/5 & 3/6 Info: susan@suscolor.com. or call her at 970-799-0117. Fundraiser for WISE Scholarships
Sunday, March 14 - Yvonne and Mark's featured guest performance at Backstreet's open mic, Sunday, March 14, 2010. Open mic starts at 3:00 PM; Yvonne and Mark are on from 5pm to 6pm
March 20 - Free Fly Tying Class- Rigs Fly Shop- Topic Tying a better parachute Dry Fly. With guide and commercial fly tier Matt McCannel. 3:00pm- 4:30 pm FREE fly tying class at our shop in Ridgway. Equipment will be provided. People can call RIGS for more details.
March 20 - Stone Circle - Celtic Music ? 8:00-9:30 pm. Wright Opera House. Tickets: $15 This is a benefit for Friends of the Wright.
March 20 - Sculpey Clay Cane Egg. 11-12:30 ages 4-12 make a sculpey clay cane egg. Learn to make clay canes that are sliced to cover an item or make jewelry. These are patterned rolls of clay that can be flowers, spirals, leaf etc. We will make two canes and cover a blown out egg with your own unique patterns to make a one of a kind Easter egg. Cost $13.00 Call to reserve a spot 325-7232. Presented by the Painted Marmot.
April 7-
Business After Hours-
Ouray Family Medicine 1st Anniversary. Come visit and get to know us. 5:30-7:30, 325-9900, 824 Main St. mineralfarmer@ouraynet.com
April 17 ? Trace Bundy, Guitarist ? Wright Opera House, sponsored by Ouray County Performing Arts Guild Concert
April 25 ? Montrose Community Band Spring Concert ? 3pm. Benefit concert for Friends of the Wright Opera House
May 7 ? Valley Youth Orchestra Concert ? Wright Opera House.
May 7-9 ? Varooms and Balloons Festival ? Ridgway, various locations
May 12- Business After Hours-
Blue Pear: 5:30 ? 7:30, 450 Main St, Ouray , 325-0450, thebluepear@yahoo.com
May 14-16 ? "The Golden Ticket" (Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory) Weehawken Dance Program, Wright Opera House
SUMMER FUN!
August 7th-8th, 2010: 26th ANNUAL RIDGWAY ARTS & CRAFTS RENDEZVOUS - Don't miss the 2010 Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous, Ridgway Town Park
Ridgway is located at the junction of Highways 550 and 62, in SW Colorado, Gateway to the San Juan Mountains.
Montrose, Ouray and Telluride are just a few miles from Ridgway. We are an important town on the San Juan Scenic Highway, the most beautiful and popular tourist route in Colorado. We offer artists and patrons a well organized, quality show. We are known for one of the most picturesque locations for booth set-up and for shoppers in our spacious town park and for successful sales for our vendors. The Rendezvous is a juried show with a commitment to quality. We market our show extensively in the region and the state and many patrons plan to attend the show a year ahead of time.
The organizers offer live musical entertainment all day both days of the show and several attractions are geared specifically to children. The event is fun for
the whole family and there is no admission charge. Our show is based on ALTITUDE (Ridgway is 6,987 ft in elevation with cool, clean air) and
ATTITUDE (we treat our vendors and patrons right!). We hope to see you this summer. If you are a vendor and would like to apply for booth space, please call (970) 318-0150 or visit Weehawken.org for an entry form.
Ride The Rockies (RTR) to Celebrate 25 yrs with an overnight stay in Ouray on JUNE 15, 2010! RTR
is one of Colorado's premier cycling events. Join 2,000 cyclists and embark on a fully supported, seven-day trek through some of the state's finest mountain communities. The 25th anniversary tour will include seven impressive climbs and fun at every turn. Lottery applications will be accepted beginning February 7th. All riders accepted will have their room reservations booked by Alpine Cyclists Connection based out of Ridgway. RTR will offer one large scholarship to a local non-profit! Details coming soon! The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 954-6700
For more information: www.ridetherockies.com www.facebook.com/pages/Ride-The-Rockies/277493887188
Requested links for the chamber chat:
City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
OCRA Chamber Chat, February 24, 2010
Posted at 6:52am on Feb 26th 2010 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat
February 24, 2010
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Wine Tasting- Backstreet Bagel and Mountain View Winery
- Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak
- CHILI COOKOFF
- Business After Hours- Morning Song B&B
- "Ouray County's Got Talent"
- StoneCircle Celtic Band
- AND MORE?.. What to plan for the rest of winter and early spring?
- Links to members
- OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Feature and other notices:
OURAY COUNTY CHORUS, under the direction of Andre Wilkins. Rehearsals TUESDAYS, 7? 8:30pm at Ridgway's Church of the San Juans. Spring theme: land, environment and Americana; concert May 14th. All singers welcome. For Information ? call Jim 626-4239.
Feb 27 - Wine Tasting at Backstreet Bagel
with Mountain View Winery - 7-9pm
Wine and delicious appetizers! $20 Call 325-0550 for more information.
Feb 27- Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
March 6- Free Fly Tying Class- Rigs Fly Shop- Topic: Tying a better parachute Dry Fly. With guide and commercial fly tier Matt McCannel. 3:00pm- 5pm
SAT, MARCH 6 - CHILI COOKOFF at Ouray Elks lodge. Open to the public, 7 regular classes, 3 commercial classes, no entry fee. Sample the area's best dishes, judging by the public, $10 adults, $5 ages 5 ? 10, $25 family. Bring entries 4:30, dinner at 5:30, Karaoke after. 626-4239 for more information.
March 10- Business After Hours-
Morning Song B&B 5:30-7:30, 316 6th Ave Ouray
970-325-4913 morningsongbnb@gmail.com
March 13 ? "Ouray County's Got Talent!" - Ouray Community Center - Fundraiser for WISE Scholarships
March 20- Free Fly Tying Class- Rigs Fly Shop- Topic Tying a better parachute Dry Fly. With guide and commercial fly tier Matt McCannel. 3:00pm- 5pm
March 20 - Stone Circle - Celtic Music ? 8:00-9:30 pm. Wright Opera House. Tickets: $15 This is a benefit for Friends of the Wright.
April 7- Business After Hours-
Ouray Family Medicine
1st Anniversary, 325-9900, 824 Main St. , <mineralfarmer@ouraynet.com
April 17 ? Trace Bundy, Guitarist ? Wright Opera House, sponsored by Ouray County Performing Arts Guild Concert
April 25 ? Montrose Community Band Spring Concert ? Benefit concert for Friends of the Wright Opera House
May 7 ? Valley Youth Orchestra Concert ? Wright Opera House.
May 7-9 ? Varooms and Balloons Festival ? Ridgway, various locations
May 12- Business After Hours-
Blue Pear: 5:30 ? 7:30, 450 Main St, Ouray , 325-0450, <thebluepear@yahoo.com>
SUMMER FUN!
August 7th-8th, 2010: 26th ANNUAL RIDGWAY ARTS & CRAFTS RENDEZVOUS - Don't miss the 2010 Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous, Ridgway Town Park
Ridgway is located at the junction of Highways 550 and 62, in SW Colorado, Gateway to the San Juan Mountains.
Montrose, Ouray and Telluride are just a few miles from Ridgway. We are an important town on the San Juan Scenic Highway, the most beautiful and popular tourist route in Colorado. We offer artists and patrons a well organized, quality show. We are known for one of the most picturesque locations for booth set-up and for shoppers in our spacious town park and for successful sales for our vendors. The Rendezvous is a juried show with a commitment to quality. We market our show extensively in the region and the state and many patrons plan to attend the show a year ahead of time.The organizers offer live musical entertainment all day both days of the show and several attractions are geared specifically to children. The event is fun for
the whole family and there is no admission charge. Our show is based on ALTITUDE (Ridgway is 6,987 ft in elevation with cool, clean air) and
ATTITUDE (we treat our vendors and patrons right!). We hope to see you this summer. If you are a vendor and would like to apply for booth space, please call (970) 318-0150 or visit Weehawken.org for an entry form.Ride The Rockies (RTR) to Celebrate 25 yrs with an overnight stay in Ouray on JUNE 15, 2010! RTR
is one of Colorado's premier cycling events. Join 2,000 cyclists and embark on a fully supported, seven-day trek through some of the state's finest mountain communities. The 25th anniversary tour will include seven impressive climbs and fun at every turn. Lottery applications will be accepted beginning February 7th. All riders accepted will have their room reservations booked by Alpine Cyclists Connection based out of Ridgway. RTR will offer one large scholarship to a local non-profit! Details coming soon! The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 954-6700For more information: www.ridetherockies.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Ride-The-Rockies/277493887188
Requested links for the chamber chat:
- City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
- Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
- Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
- Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
- Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
- Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
- Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
- Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
- Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
- Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
- Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
- Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
- San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
- Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
- Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
- Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Chamber Chat February 17th, 2010
Posted at 10:14am on Feb 18th 2010 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat
February 17, 2010
Ride The Rockies (RTR) to Celebrate 25 yrs with an overnight stay in Ouray on JUNE 15, 2010! RTR
is one of Colorado's premier cycling events. Join 2,000 cyclists and embark on a fully supported, seven-day trek through some of the state's finest mountain communities. The 25th anniversary tour will include seven impressive climbs and fun at every turn. Lottery applications will be accepted beginning February 7th. All riders accepted will have their room reservations booked by Alpine Cyclists Connection based out of Ridgway. RTR will offer one large scholarship to a local non-profit! Details coming soon! The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 954-6700
For more information: www.ridetherockies.com www.facebook.com/pages/Ride-The-Rockies/277493887188
IN THIS ISSUE: Public Restrooms List
Wine & Whiskers Carnival
Free Casting Class
Guided Ski Tour of Red Mountain Mine District
CABIN FEVER DAY
Free Fly Tying Class
- Celtic Music
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak
CHILI COOKOFF
Business After Hours- Morning Song B&B
AND MORE?.. What to plan for the rest of winter and early spring?
Links to members
OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices: Look who is featured! http://cbs4denver.com/getaways/ouray.ice.climbing.2.1457648.html
Please feel free to post the below list where guests can see it.... seems a lot of folks are asking about where our public restrooms are....
Where may I find Public Restrooms?
Hot Springs Park (North end of town by the pool)
City Hall (on 6th Ave. just east of Main St.)
Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee (520 Main St.)
Backstreet Bagel & Deli (524 Main St.)
Ouray Riverside Inn & Cabins (1805 N Main St)
Ouray Visitors Center (north end of town next to the pool)
Rotary Park- (north end of town- Ice Skating rink)
February 20, Wine & Whiskers Carnival, 4H Event Center, Ridgway. A Second Chance Humane Society fundraiser ? unique and energizing entertainment for a very worthy cause! An evening of Mardi-Gras-style entertainment featuring complimentary wine and beer, decadent chef samplers, a live & silent auction stocked with hundreds of items, a sizzling Fashion Cabaret, and music and dancing. Doors open at 6 PM - Tickets are $35 at the door or at the Second Chance Thrift Shop in Ridgway. Call 626.2273 for more information or visit: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.
February 20- Free Casting Class- Rigs Fly Shop- Sat Feb 20 3pm ? Sat Feb 20 4pm
Learn how to become a better fly caster. Equipment can be provided if needed.
February 20:
Guided Ski Tour of Red Mountain Mine District
Meet at the Ouray Visitors Center at 10am
Why: Fundraiser to benefit the Ouray County Historic Society and Uncompahgre Watershed Planning Partnership
The tour will take 4 hours, from 10am-2pm, and will include a catered lunch plus a hot toddy/tea and coffee. The cost is a minimum of $25/person (write checks to OCHS) and reservations are required. There is a limit to the tour group size, and we will meet at the Ouray Visitor Center at 10am to carpool to CR 31. Please R.S.V.P. to Andrew Madison at: ridgway.vista@gmail.com , and for questions, please call Don Paulson, 325-0931. Deadline to
RSVP is February 17th.
Sunday, February 21 CABIN FEVER DAY. Voyager Youth Program hosts CABIN FEVER DAY at Top of the Pines from 11 am-3 pm
Games, races and hot drinks. Cross-country ski rentals available. Join us for this FREE family event at beautiful TOP. For more info: Voyager 626-4279
Feb 27- Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
March 6- Free Fly Tying Class- Rigs Fly Shop- Topic: Tying a better parachute Dry Fly. With guide and commercial fly tier Matt McCannel. 3:00pm- 5pm
SATURDAY, MARCH 6TH: CHILI COOKOFF at Ouray Elks lodge. Open to the public, 7 regular classes, 3 commercial classes, no entry fee. Sample the area's best dishes, judging by the public, $10 adults, $5 ages 5 ? 10, $25 family. Bring entries 4:30, dinner at 5:30, Karaoke after. 626-4239 for more information.
March 10- Business After Hours-
Morning Song B&B 5:30-7:30, 316 6th Ave Ouray
970-325-4913 morningsongbnb@gmail.com
March 20- Free Fly Tying Class- Rigs Fly Shop- Topic Tying a better parachute Dry Fly. With guide and commercial fly tier Matt McCannel. 3:00pm- 5pm
March 20 - Stone Circle - Celtic Music ? 8:00-9:30 pm. Wright Opera House. Tickets: $15 This is a benefit for Friends of the Wright.
April 7- Business After Hours-
Ouray Family Medicine
1st Anniversary, 325-9900, 824 Main St. , <mineralfarmer@ouraynet.com
May 12- Business After Hours-
Blue Pear: 5:30 ? 7:30, 450 Main St, Ouray , 325-0450, <thebluepear@yahoo.com>
SUMMER FUN!
August 7th-8th, 2010: 26th ANNUAL RIDGWAY ARTS & CRAFTS RENDEZVOUS - Don't miss the 2010 Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous, Ridgway Town Park
Ridgway is located at the junction of Highways 550 and 62, in SW Colorado, Gateway to the San Juan Mountains.
Montrose, Ouray and Telluride are just a few miles from Ridgway. We are an important town on the San Juan Scenic Highway, the most beautiful and popular tourist route in Colorado. We offer artists and patrons a well organized, quality show. We are known for one of the most picturesque locations for booth set-up and for shoppers in our spacious town park and for successful sales for our vendors. The Rendezvous is a juried show with a commitment to quality. We market our show extensively in the region and the state and many patrons plan to attend the show a year ahead of time.
The organizers offer live musical entertainment all day both days of the show and several attractions are geared specifically to children. The event is fun for
the whole family and there is no admission charge. Our show is based on ALTITUDE (Ridgway is 6,987 ft in elevation with cool, clean air) and
ATTITUDE (we treat our vendors and patrons right!). We hope to see you this summer. If you are a vendor and would like to apply for booth space, please call (970) 318-0150 or visit Weehawken.org for an entry form.
Requested links for the chamber chat:
City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
2010 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Contact information Committees |
|
Karen Avery (2009-2011) President Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs | 325-4094 P.O. Box 439 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Marketing Lodging Compensation |
Jill Schoenebaum (2008-2010) Vice President 4 J+1+1 RV Park | W) 325-4418 H) 325-4864 P.O. Box F Ouray, CO. 81427 | Membership Compensation |
Nancy Wolkin (2009-2010) Treasurer Denim of Antiquity
| Store: 325-4924 P.O. Box 1493 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Retail Festival Compensation |
Clint Boots (2008-2010) Secretary Citizens State Bank 325-4478 | 325-4478 P.O Box A Ouray, CO. 81427 | Compensation |
Rob Megna (2010-2012) Backstreet Bagel | P.O. Box 1466 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Restaurant Festival |
Alan Cook (2009-2011) Timber Ridge Lodge, Mattherhorn Motel, Antlers Motel and Hypoxia Crossfit | 325-4856 P.O. Box 285 Ouray, Co. 81427 | Membership Lodging |
Michelle Poirer (2009-2011) Blue Pear
| Shop: 970-325-0450 P.O. Box 128 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Marketing Retail |
Paul Choate (2010-2012) Outlaw Restaurant | 325-4366 P.O. Box 1227, Ouray, Co. 81427 | Restaurant Ridgway Chamber Liaison Festival
|
Scott Campbell (2010-2012) Riverside Inn &Cabins & Jeep Rentals | innkeeper@ourayriversideinn.com 325-4061 P.O. Box 342 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Lodging Membership CDC Ridgway Chamber Liaison |
Jennifer Loshaw Executive Director (March 2008 present) | Cell- 946-0053 Office- 325-4746 Office: P.O. Box 145 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Membership Marketing
|
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
San Juan Ice Conditions Update
Posted at 7:14pm on Feb 13th 2010 by Clint Cook
Horsetail: Good ice, little snowy. Some guys climbed Bear Creek today as well in "refrozen" conditions.
Skylight: All major flows are good to go. Did all 4 on Friday. Killer Pillar is not fully formed. Tourist Trap and Fractured Fairytales have plenty of ice.
Ice Park: Sweetness everywhere!
Ribbon and Birdbrain: Climbable, I guess. I haven't done either this year.
Engineer: Nada.
Silverton: I'm sure the ice is good, but avi conditions are a bit sketch for us to send guides that way yet.
Bridalveil: Busy, a little different than usual. Definitely IN.
Ice Hose: Good, don't expect gear on the first crux.
Silverpick: Appeared to not be in while driving by.
Ames Ice Hose
Posted at 2:51pm on Feb 12th 2010 by Clint Cook
Climbed the Ames Ice Hose on Wednesday with Paul from Seattle. It was good. The first pillar is pretty much all dry hooking in shallow holes with stubbies in rotten blobs for pro, I put in one on the first pillar. The LZ is looking much better though if you do decide to pitch. We linked 1 and 2 together with 70's. The Chimney is super fun, good screws when you want them. The 3rd pitch is awesome as always, true WI4 for 200 feet.I'm often asked how we break this climb up, so... I like to bring double 70's. Link 1 and 2 to the 2nd set of chains. From there, bump up to the pin anchor high on the upper ledge. 1 more long pitch to the trees on top. I rap with 70's from the lower climber's left tree to the 2nd chain anchor, then to the ground. This is the least shrapnel exposed way to do it. Lot of other variations exist if you only have 60's.
Cheers, CC
Chamber Chat
Posted at 7:30am on Feb 12th 2010 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat
February 10, 2010
Go for a Climb and then Wine and Dine your Valentine in Ouray!
Ride The Rockies (RTR) to Celebrate 25 yrs with an overnight stay in Ouray on JUNE 15, 2010! RTR
is one of Colorado's premier cycling events. Join 2,000 cyclists and embark on a fully supported, seven-day trek through some of the state's finest mountain communities. The 25th anniversary tour will include seven impressive climbs and fun at every turn. Lottery applications will be accepted beginning February 7th. All riders accepted will have their room reservations booked by Alpine Cyclists Connection based out of Ridgway. RTR will offer one large scholarship to a local non-profit! Details coming soon! The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 954-6700
For more information: www.ridetherockies.com www.facebook.com/pages/Ride-The-Rockies/277493887188
IN THIS ISSUE:
Business After Hours at the VIC! Wed. 02/10/2010
Living with Wildlife monthly series
Wine & Whiskers Carnival
Free Casting Class
Guided Ski Tour of Red Mountain Mine District
CABIN FEVER DAY
Free Fly Tying Class
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak
CHILI COOKOFF
Business After Hours- Morning Song B&B
AND MORE?.. What to plan for the rest of winter and early spring?
Links to members
OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices: Look who is featured! http://cbs4denver.com/getaways/ouray.ice.climbing.2.1457648.html
Montrose, CO., (February 4, 2010) ? The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest want to remind ice climbers that there are group-size limits in certain areas of the Forest. These areas, known as Skylight and Horsetails, are within the Ouray Ranger District. Citing the need to protect public safety, reduce user conflict and to provide for better recreation experiences for ice climbers in two popular winter recreation areas, restrictions prohibit.
Feb 10 - Business After Hours- The Victorian Inn- 5:30-7:30, 50 Third Avenue, 325-7222 info@ouraylodging.com
Thursday, February 11, "Wildlife Collision Reduction on US 550," 7 p.m., Ridgway Community Center. Part of the free SJCC Living with Wildlife monthly series. Refreshments provided. Information: 626-4496.
Feb 12-14 Winter Art Festival 2010? This unique event includes original arts and crafts by local artists. Free admission. Wonderful opportunity to purchase artwork for your home or as a gift.
FREE ADMISSION! Demonstrations! Silent Auction Friday through Sunday. Fri. 9:00a-Noon Registration & Set-up. Show hours: Fri. 1:00p-7:00pm; Sat. 10:00a-7:00pm, and Sun. Noon-3:00pm.
For entry rules and registration form: www.ourayarts.org or call Laurie at 970-325-0808.
February 12th: MOVIE - FRIDAY AT THE WRIGHT - 7 PM: ELEGY
Showtime: 7 p.m. Doors: 6:30 p.m. Place: Wright Opera House
Director: Isabel Coixet Stars: Penélope Cruz, Ben Kingsley, and Dennis Hopper
Runtime: 112 min. Rating: R
Categories: Romance, Drama
Synopsis:
Elegy charts the passionate relationship between a celebrated college professor and a young woman whose beauty both ravishes and destabilizes him. As their intimate connection transforms them-more than either could imagine-a charged sexual contest evolves into an indelible love story. With humanistic warmth, wry wit and erotic intensity, this film explores the power of beauty to blind, to reveal and to transform.
Feb. 13: North Face movie being shown. Main Street Theatre 7 PM, Ouray Ice Park event- $10 includes beer. Mountaineering adventure! Cliffhanger! Thrilling! This is a true story.
Feb 14-Cattleman's Banquet & Dance
Annual event celebrating ranching lifestyle on the western slope. Social hour 6pm, Dinner 7pm, Dance 9pm. Ouray County 4-H Event Center, Ridgway, CO. Tickets $25 sold in advance, Citizens State Bank, Ridgway Hardware, Murdochs in Montrose or call Amanda 209-6429/Bruce 626-5407.
Feb 17- Business Round Table- Topic: Financial Resources. San Juan Room at the Ouray Community Center. 8-9:30am
February 20, Wine & Whiskers Carnival, 4H Event Center, Ridgway. A Second Chance Humane Society fundraiser ? unique and energizing entertainment for a very worthy cause! An evening of Mardi-Gras-style entertainment featuring complimentary wine and beer, decadent chef samplers, a live & silent auction stocked with hundreds of items, a sizzling Fashion Cabaret, and music and dancing. Doors open at 6 PM - Tickets are $35 at the door or at the Second Chance Thrift Shop in Ridgway. Call 626.2273 for more information or visit: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.
February 20- Free Casting Class- Rigs Fly Shop- Sat Feb 20 3pm ? Sat Feb 20 4pm
Learn how to become a better fly caster. Equipment can be provided if needed.
February 20:
Guided Ski Tour of Red Mountain Mine District
Meet at the Ouray Visitors Center at 10am
Why: Fundraiser to benefit the Ouray County Historic Society and Uncompahgre Watershed Planning Partnership
The tour will take 4 hours, from 10am-2pm, and will include a catered lunch plus a hot toddy/tea and coffee. The cost is a minimum of $25/person (write checks to OCHS) and reservations are required. There is a limit to the tour group size, and we will meet at the Ouray Visitor Center at 10am to carpool to CR 31. Please R.S.V.P. to Andrew Madison at: ridgway.vista@gmail.com , and for questions, please call Don Paulson, 325-0931. Deadline to
RSVP is February 17th.
Sunday, February 21 CABIN FEVER DAY. Voyager Youth Program hosts CABIN FEVER DAY at Top of the Pines from 11 am-3 pm
Games, races and hot drinks. Cross-country ski rentals available. Join us for this FREE family event at beautiful TOP. For more info: Voyager 626-4279
Feb 27-Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
March 6- Free Fly Tying Class- Rigs Fly Shop- Topic Tying a better parachute Dry Fly. With guide and commercial fly tier Matt McCannel. 3:00pm- 5pm
SATURDAY, MARCH 6TH: CHILI COOKOFF at Ouray Elks lodge. Open to the public, 7 regular classes, 3 commercial classes, no entry fee. Sample the area's best dishes, judging by the public, $10 adults, $5 ages 5 ? 10, $25 family. Bring entries 4:30, dinner at 5:30, Karaoke after. 626-4239 for more information.
March 10- Business After Hours-
Morning Song B&B 5:30-7:30, 316 6th Ave Ouray
970-325-4913 morningsongbnb@gmail.com
March 20- Free Fly Tying Class- Rigs Fly Shop- Topic Tying a better parachute Dry Fly. With guide and commercial fly tier Matt McCannel. 3:00pm- 5pm
April 7- Business After Hours-
Ouray Family Medicine
1st Anniversary, 325-9900, 824 Main St. , <mineralfarmer@ouraynet.com
May 12- Business After Hours-
Blue Pear: 5:30 ? 7:30, 450 Main St, Ouray , 325-0450, <thebluepear@yahoo.com>
SUMMER FUN!
August 7th-8th, 2010: 26th ANNUAL RIDGWAY ARTS & CRAFTS RENDEZVOUS - Don't miss the 2010 Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous, Ridgway Town Park
Ridgway is located at the junction of Highways 550 and 62, in SW Colorado, Gateway to the San Juan Mountains.
Montrose, Ouray and Telluride are just a few miles from Ridgway. We are an important town on the San Juan Scenic Highway, the most beautiful and popular tourist route in Colorado. We offer artists and patrons a well organized, quality show. We are known for one of the most picturesque locations for booth set-up and for shoppers in our spacious town park and for successful sales for our vendors. The Rendezvous is a juried show with a commitment to quality. We market our show extensively in the region and the state and many patrons plan to attend the show a year ahead of time.
The organizers offer live musical entertainment all day both days of the show and several attractions are geared specifically to children. The event is fun for
the whole family and there is no admission charge. Our show is based on ALTITUDE (Ridgway is 6,987 ft in elevation with cool, clean air) and
ATTITUDE (we treat our vendors and patrons right!). We hope to see you this summer. If you are a vendor and would like to apply for booth space, please call (970) 318-0150 or visit Weehawken.org for an entry form.
Requested links for the chamber chat:
City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
2010 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Contact information Committees |
|
Karen Avery (2009-2011) President Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs | 325-4094 P.O. Box 439 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Marketing Lodging Compensation |
Jill Schoenebaum (2008-2010) Vice President 4 J+1+1 RV Park | W) 325-4418 H) 325-4864 P.O. Box F Ouray, CO. 81427 | Membership Compensation |
Nancy Wolkin (2009-2010) Treasurer Denim of Antiquity
| Store: 325-4924 P.O. Box 1493 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Retail Festival Compensation |
Clint Boots (2008-2010) Secretary Citizens State Bank 325-4478 | 325-4478 P.O Box A Ouray, CO. 81427 | Compensation |
Rob Megna (2010-2012) Backstreet Bagel | P.O. Box 1466 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Restaurant Festival |
Alan Cook (2009-2011) Timber Ridge Lodge, Mattherhorn Motel, Antlers Motel and Hypoxia Crossfit | 325-4856 P.O. Box 285 Ouray, Co. 81427 | Membership Lodging |
Michelle Poirer (2009-2011) Blue Pear
| Shop: 970-325-0450 P.O. Box 128 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Marketing Retail |
Paul Choate (2010-2012) Outlaw Restaurant | 325-4366 P.O. Box 1227, Ouray, Co. 81427 | Restaurant Ridgway Chamber Liaison Festival
|
Scott Campbell (2010-2012) Riverside Inn &Cabins & Jeep Rentals | innkeeper@ourayriversideinn.com 325-4061 P.O. Box 342 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Lodging Membership CDC Ridgway Chamber Liaison |
Jennifer Loshaw Executive Director (March 2008 present) | Cell- 946-0053 Office- 325-4746 Office: P.O. Box 145 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Membership Marketing
|
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Posted at 6:35pm on Feb 11th 2010 by ice addict

Climbed Bridalveil Tuesday. Rumors of it being thin are greatly exaggerated. It is a little narrower than usual, but was able to get full length screws whenever I wanted one. The first pitch was the standard cauliflower cone, not pumpy just hard to protect, followed by some 4+ ice by going to the right and then back left around a roof. The belay was in a nice ice cave that is big enough for three and well protected just to the left of the obvious line. The second pitch was the crux. A few sections of 5+ moves with excellent rests in between. By trending right at the end there was another great belay stance. It was wide enough for 3-4 people and had a rock roof, so again very well protected. The third pitch is about a half rope length or less of grade 3. Hope this clears up the info and you have as good a time on it as we did.
Ouray Real Estate and Mining Claims
Posted at 1:31pm on Feb 9th 2010 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
by Gus JarvisFeb 04, 2010 | 237 views | 0 | 8 | | OURAY ? In keeping with their agenda to regulate residential development on patented mining claims, the Ouray County Commissioners plan to begin discussions in March on the practicality of assessing mining claims differently for tax revenue purposes.
Mining claims in Ouray County are generally assessed at $1,000 per acre as opposed to their true market value. They are still assessed as vacant land at 29 percent, which is the same as privately owned land across the county.
The county has close to 1,360 patented mining claims in private ownership that comprise an approximate 11,000 acres. The average size of the mining claims is approximately seven-and-a-half acres.
During last year?s numerous public hearings on mining claim regulations, several residents expressed concern that owners of mining claims, who may ultimately decide to build residential structures on their land, pay far less in property taxes than owners of private land. When last August the commissioners decided to regulate residential mining claim development by tweaking or expanding the county?s current codes, rather than drafting a whole set of codes dedicated to mining claims, they decided to focus strictly on mining claim assessment as a priority for changes.
At Monday?s regular meeting in Ouray, the commissioners told County Assessor Susie Mayfield that they would like to schedule a work session in March to begin looking at mining claim valuations and the practicality of assessing them differently.
After the board decides whether or not to tweak the county?s visual impacts code and sends a recommendation to the Ouray County Planning Commission, Commissioner Keith Meinert said he would like to dive into mining claim assessments.
Meinert asked his fellow commissioners, ?Can I suggest that immediately after we conclude our visual impact work sessions that we schedule that meeting with the assessor as a work session?? He added that he would like Mayfield to educate the board on what all the issues are surrounding possible valuation changes.
Commissioner Heidi Albritton agreed that the board needs all the information it can get before any valuation changes are made. ?We are going to want to know about the cost of undertaking an effort like this,? she said, outlying some of the questions she has going into these discussions. ?How would something like this impact property owners? How dramatic will it be? How have other counties taken this up?? She continued, ?The community is going to be split on this. A good portion wants us to do this in fairness. What does it do for families that have had these properties [for a long time]? Any information you can gather from other assessors will be helpful.?
Once visual impacts recommendation is made, the commissioners agreed they will schedule a work session with Mayfield sometime in March.
The commissioners also discussed their Land Use Code priorities for this year and plan to consider a resolution on those priorities at their next meeting scheduled for Feb. 8 in Ouray.
Colorado Getaways featrues Ouray Ice Park
Posted at 2:51pm on Feb 6th 2010 by Lora
http://cbs4denver.com/getaways/ouray.ice.climbing.2.1457648.html
Chamber Chat 02 04 2010
Posted at 8:58am on Feb 5th 2010 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat
Feb 4, 2010
IN THIS ISSUE: Go for a Climb and then Wine and Dine your Valentine in Ouray! Check the local newspaper for Valentines Specials!
Welcome New Chamber Members:
Café Ouray
Fresh Outlook Snow Removal
Ridgway Mountain Market
Ouray Travel
San Juan Balloon Adventures
Southwest Spirit Antiques
Tellurides Limo Service
True Grit Cafe
Visual Adventures Graphic Design
Index:
Spelling Bee! Get your team together!
Art Classes at Ago Gallery
"write your heart" with Weehawken and Beth Paulson
Business After Hours at the VIC! Wed. 02/10/2010
Living with Wildlife monthly series
Winter Art Festival
Wine & Whiskers Carnival
Guided Ski Tour of Red Mountain Mine District
CABIN FEVER DAY
AND MORE?.. What to plan for the rest of winter and early spring?
Links to members
OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices:
Ago Gallery will offer a 10% discount, (with a coupon from the chamber)
on a complete custom frame that cost $100.00 or more. We will also give a 20% discount on all jewelry that has been hand
crafted by Romagean. This offer will run from now until February 19th. Store hours are 11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Wed. through Sat. Art classes will begin this February!
February Hours:
Open Wed. ~ Fri. ~ Sat.
11:00 ~ 4:00p.m.
Closed Sun. ~ Mon. ~ Tue. ~ Thur.
Art Classes
Every Wednesday
1:00 ~ 3:00p.m.
I will be closed if road conditions are bad
For Questions please call
325-0270
Montrose, CO., (February 4, 2010) ? The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest want to remind ice climbers that there are group-size limits in certain areas of the Forest. These areas, known as Skylight and Horsetails, are within the Ouray Ranger District. Citing the need to protect public safety, reduce user conflict and to provide for better recreation experiences for ice climbers in two popular winter recreation areas, restrictions prohibit:
FEBRUARY
February 6: "write your heart" on February 6th with Beth Paulson and Weehawken!
http://www.weehawkenarts.org/Paulson_Heart.html for more information Also,don't' forget to check out ALL the classes Weehawken has to offer! Thanks Weehawken for contributing so much to Ouray!!
Feb 10- Business After Hours- The Victorian Inn- 5:30-7:30, 50 Third Avenue, 325-7222 info@ouraylodging.com
Thursday, February 11, "Wildlife Collision Reduction on US 550," 7 p.m., Ridgway Community Center. Part of the free SJCC Living with Wildlife monthly series. Refreshments provided. Information: 626-4496.
Feb 12-14 Winter Art Festival 2010? This unique event includes original arts and crafts by local artists. Free admission. Wonderful opportunity to purchase artwork for your home or as a gift. FREE ADMISSION! Demonstrations! Silent Auction Friday through Sunday, Fri. 9:00a-Noon Registration & Set-up. Fri. 1:00p-7:00pm - Show open Sat. 10:00a-7:00pm - Show Open Sun. Noon-3:00pm. For entry rules and registration form: www.ourayarts.org or call Laurie at 970-325-0808.
Feb 14-Cattleman's Banquet & Dance
Annual event celebrating ranching lifestyle on the western slope. Social hour 6pm, Dinner 7pm, Dance 9pm. Ouray County 4-H Event Center, Ridgway, CO Tickets $25 sold in advance, Citizens State Bank, Ridgway Hardware, Murdochs in Montrose or call Amanda 209-6429/Bruce 626-5407.
Feb 17- Business Round Table- Topic: Finical Resources. Meet in the San Juan Room at the Ouray Community Center. 8-9:30am
February 20, Wine & Whiskers Carnival, 4H Event Center, Ridgway. A Second Chance Humane Society fundraiser ? unique and energizing entertainment for a very worthy cause! An evening of Mardi-Gras-style entertainment featuring complimentary wine and beer, decadent chef samplers, a live & silent auction stocked with hundreds of items, a sizzling Fashion Cabaret, and music and dancing. Doors open at 6 PM - Tickets are $35 at the door or at the Second Chance Thrift Shop in Ridgway. Call 626.2273 for more information or visit: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.
February 20, 2010: Guided Ski Tour of Red Mountain Mine District
Meet at the Ouray Visitors Center at 10am
Why: Fundraiser to benefit the Ouray County Historic Society and Uncompahgre Watershed Planning Partnership
The tour will take 4 hours, from 10am-2pm, and will include a catered lunch plus a hot toddy/tea and coffee. The cost is a minimum of $25/person (write checks to OCHS) and reservations are required. There is a limit to the tour group size, and we will meet at the Ouray Visitor Center at 10am to carpool to CR 31. Please R.S.V.P. to Andrew Madison at: ridgway.vista@gmail.com , and for questions, please call Don Paulson, 325-0931. Deadline to
RSVP is February 17th.
Sunday, February 21 CABIN FEVER DAY. Voyager Youth Program hosts CABIN FEVER DAY at Top of the Pines from 11 am-3 pm
Games, races and hot drinks. Cross-country ski rentals available. Join us for this FREE family event at beautiful TOP. For more info: Voyager 626-4279
Feb 27-Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
March 10- Business After Hours- Morning Song B&B 5:30-7:30, 316 6th Ave Ouray
970-325-4913 morningsongbnb@gmail.com
April 7- Business After Hours-
Ouray Family Medicine
1st Anniversary, 325-9900, 824 Main St. , <mineralfarmer@ouraynet.com
May 12- Business After Hours-
Blue Pear: 5:30 ? 7:30, 450 Main St, Ouray , 325-0450, <thebluepear@yahoo.com>
Summer Fun!:
August 7th-8th, 2010: 26th ANNUAL RIDGWAY ARTS & CRAFTS RENDEZVOUS - Don't miss the 2010 Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous, Ridgway Town Park
Ridgway is located at the junction of Highways 550 and 62, in SW Colorado, Gateway to the San Juan Mountains.
Montrose, Ouray and Telluride are just a few miles from Ridgway. We are an important town on the San Juan Scenic Highway, the most beautiful and popular tourist route in Colorado. We offer artists and patrons a well organized, quality show. We are known for one of the most picturesque locations for booth set-up and for shoppers in our spacious town park and for successful sales for our vendors. The Rendezvous is a juried show with a commitment to quality. We market our show extensively in the region and the state and many patrons plan to attend the show a year ahead of time.
The organizers offer live musical entertainment all day both days of the show and several attractions are geared specifically to children. The event is fun for
the whole family and there is no admission charge. Our show is based on ALTITUDE (Ridgway is 6,987 ft in elevation with cool, clean air) and
ATTITUDE (we treat our vendors and patrons right!). We hope to see you this summer. If you are a vendor and would like to apply for booth space, please call (970) 318-0150 or visit Weehawken.org for an entry form.
Requested links for the chamber chat:
City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
2010 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Contact information Committees |
|
Karen Avery (2009-2011) President Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs | 325-4094 P.O. Box 439 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Marketing Lodging Compensation |
Jill Schoenebaum (2008-2010) Vice President 4 J+1+1 RV Park | W) 325-4418 H) 325-4864 P.O. Box F Ouray, CO. 81427 | Membership Compensation |
Nancy Wolkin (2009-2010) Treasurer Denim of Antiquity
| Store: 325-4924 Cell: 596-1079 P.O. Box 1493 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Retail Festival Compensation |
Clint Boots (2008-2010) Secretary Citizens State Bank 325-4478 | 325-4478 P.O Box A Ouray, CO. 81427 | Compensation |
Rob Megna (2010-2012) Backstreet Bagel | Cell: 530-575-1333 P.O. Box 1466 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Restaurant Festival |
Alan Cook (2009-2011) Timber Ridge Lodge, Mattherhorn Motel, Antlers Motel and Hypoxia Crossfit | 325-4856 P.O. Box 285 Ouray, Co. 81427 | Membership Lodging |
Michelle Poirer (2009-2011) Blue Pear
| Shop: 325-9838 Cell: 252-256-4312 P.O. Box 128 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Marketing Retail |
Paul Choate (2010-2012) Outlaw Restaurant | 325-4366 Cell-729-5060 P.O. Box 1227, Ouray, Co. 81427 | Restaurant Ridgway Chamber Liaison Festival
|
Scott Campbell (2010-2012) Riverside Inn &Cabins & Jeep Rentals | innkeeper@ourayriversideinn.com 325-4061 P.O. Box 342 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Lodging Membership CDC Ridgway Chamber Liaison |
Jennifer Loshaw Executive Director (March 2008 present) | Cell- 946-0053 Office- 325-4746 Office: P.O. Box 145 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Membership Marketing
|
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Chamber Chat 01 27 2010-Betty Ball and Full Moon Soak
Posted at 9:43am on Jan 28th 2010 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat:
January 27, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE:
Index:
Full Moon Ski and Soak
Slide Show w. Zoe Hart & Chicks Gear Auction
Betty Ice Ball Hosts the LAST BUS and Gear Garage Sale!
"A Children's Rainforest Odyssey"
Spelling Bee! Get your team together!
Art Classes at Ago Gallery
"write your heart" with Weehawken and Beth Paulson
Business After Hours at the VIC!
Winter Art Festival
CABIN FEVER DAY
AND MORE?.. What to plan for the rest of winter and early spring?
Links to members
OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices: Ago Gallery will offer a 10% discount, (with a coupon from the chamber) on a complete custom frame that cost %100.00 or more. We will also give a 20% discount on all jewelry that has been hand crafted by Romagean. This offer will run from now until February 19th. Store hours are 11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Wed. through Sat. Art classes will being this February!
Certified Folder's Amazing Brochure Distribution BOGO SALE! For a limited time, now till April 1, Certified Folder is offering to give Chamber members double the months contracted for new advertiser, or for a new route with current advertiser (Colorado routes only). For example, if you are a new advertiser with us, and purchase 3 months in a given Colorado route, we will give you 3 more FREE Gratis. If purchasing 6 months you will receive an additional 6 month. If you are a current advertiser with CFDS we will offer the same discount to any new areas in Colorado you'd like to try. Certified offers unparalleled brochure/magazine distribution in routes all over Colorado and throughout the Western US. To find out about our great rates and available routes contact Pam Dansby at 209.8132. To take advantage of this amazing offer, your contract period will not have to start before April, but you need to make the call and lock in your spot by then.
January 29- Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
Friday, January 29*- Betty Ice Ball Slide Show & Gear Auction! $5 entry at the Ouray Community Center. Cover charge includes beer! Guest Speaker Zoe Hart!
Jan 30- Feb. 1 2nd Annual Betty Ice Ball (1/30-2/1)
www.chickswithpicks.net ? Live music by the LAST BUS! Sell your gear at the Chicks Garage Sale on Jan. 30th at the annual Betty Ice Ball. 50% of proceeds go to Chicks to help them continue doing what they do! Garage Sale 6pm, Music starts at 8- 10:30pm. $10 cover for the band includes beer!
Sunday, January 31:
"A Children's Rainforest Odyssey" - The Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) and the Montrose Arts Council are pleased to announce an exclusive performance by the David Taylor Dance Theater. The David Taylor Dance Theatre will perform "A Children's Rainforest Odyssey" considered to be "a delight for children of all ages" on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the Montrose Pavilion.
FEBRUARY
Feb. 2- Mnt. Sneffels Spelling Bee -Special event that raises funds for educational projects throughout Ouray County. Info: www.mtsneffels.org or (970) 626-5726.
Feb 3:
Art Classes at Ago Gallery- Starting February 3rd Drawing and Painting classes will be offered by
Romagean at the Ago Gallery 445 Main ST Ouray. She will teach how to show
distance in a painting or drawing with the use of color. Cost will be
$30.00 per class, and will be from 1:00 to 3:00p.m. Please contact her at
970-325-0270.
February 6: "write your heart" on February 6th with Beth Paulson and Weehawken!
http://www.weehawkenarts.org/Paulson_Heart.html for more information Also, don't' forget to check out ALL the classes Weehawken has to offer! Thanks Weehawken for contributing so much to Ouray!!
Feb 10- Business After Hours- The Victorian Inn- 5:30-7:30, 50 Third Avenue, 325-7222 <info@ouraylodging.com>
Feb 12-14 Winter Art Festival 2010? This unique event includes original arts and crafts by local artists. Free admission. For entry rules and registration form: www.ourayarts.org or call Laurie at 970-325-0808
Feb 14-Cattleman's Banquet & Dance
Annual event celebrating ranching lifestyle on the western slope. Ouray County 4-H Event Center, Ridgway, CO.
Feb 17- Business Round Table- Topic: Finical Resources. Meet in the San Juan Room at the Ouray Community Center. 8-9:30
SUNDAY, February 21 CABIN FEVER DAY. Voyager Youth Program hosts CABIN FEVER DAY at Top of the Pines from 11 am-3M.
Games, races and hot drinks. Cross-country ski rentals available. Join us for this FREE family event at beautiful TOP. For more info: Voyager 626-4279
Feb 27-Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
March 10- Business After Hours- Morning Song B&B 5:30-7:30, 316 6th Ave Ouray
970-325-4913 morningsongbnb@gmail.com
April 7- Business After Hours- Ouray Family Medicine
1st Anniversary, 325-9900, 824 Main St. , <mineralfarmer@ouraynet.com
May 12- Business After Hours-
Blue Pear: 5:30 ? 7:30, 450 Main St, Ouray , 325-0450, <thebluepear@yahoo.com>
Requested links for the chamber chat:
City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
2010 OCRA Board of Directors
| Contact information | Committees |
Karen Avery (2009-2011) President Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs | 325-4094 P.O. Box 439 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Marketing Lodging |
Jill Schoenebaum (2008-2010) Vice President 4 J+1+1 RV Park | W) 325-4418 H) 325-4864 P.O. Box F Ouray, CO. 81427 | Membership Compensation |
Nancy Wolkin (2009-2011) Treasurer Denim of Antiquity
| Store: 325-4924 Cell: 596-1079 P.O. Box 1493 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Retail Festival Compensation |
Clint Boots (2008-2010) Secretary Citizens State Bank 325-4478 | 325-4478 P.O Box A Ouray, CO. 81427 | Compensation |
Rob Megna (2010-2012) Backstreet Bagel | Cell: 530-575-1333 P.O. Box 1466 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Restaurant Festival |
Alan Cook (2009-2011) Timber Ridge Lodge, Mattherhorn Motel, Antlers Motel and Hypoxia Crossfit | 325-4856 P.O. Box 285 Ouray, Co. 81427 | Membership Lodging |
Michelle Poirer (2009-2011) Blue Pear
| Shop: 325-9838 Cell: 252-256-4312 P.O. Box 128 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Festival Marketing |
Paul Choate (2010-2012) Outlaw Restaurant | 325-4366 Cell-729-5060 P.O. Box 1227, Ouray, Co. 81427 | Restaurant Ridgway Chamber Liaison Festival
|
Scott Campbell (2010-2012) Riverside Inn &Cabins & Jeep Rentals | innkeeper@ourayriversideinn.com 325-4061 P.O. Box 342 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Membership CDC |
Jennifer Loshaw Director (March 2008 present) | Cell- 946-0053 Office- 325-4746 Office: P.O. Box 145 Ouray, CO. 81427 | Chamber Representative for any Committee.
|
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Stairway
Posted at 9:00am on Jan 16th 2010 by Grey Squirrel
Climbed Stairway to Heaven - the day after Whore House Hoses - on another picture perfect high pressure day. It was a few degrees below zero when we started, but warmed up pretty quickly as the day progressed.
Chamber Chat 1-14-2010
Posted at 12:57pm on Jan 15th 2010 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat:
January 14, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE: Valentine's Day Specials- please share with the chamber so we can get the word out!
Index:
Chicks with Picks and the new Quickie for climbers on the go!
OURAY ELKS HOOP SHOOT
Business Round table featuring REGION 10's Paul Gray, Paul Dunford and Rhona Keckler!
Complete Chicks
CABIN FEVER NIGHT at the Elks!
Full Moon Ski and Soak
The Ice Ball is back!
"A Children's Rainforest Odyssey"
Spelling Bee! Get your team together!
Business After Hours
Winter Art Festival 2010
AND MORE?.. What to plan for the rest of winter and early spring?
Links to members
OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices:
On Saturday night, January 23rd, the Ouray Elks will present Cabin Fever Night. Event chairman Jim Pettengill explains: "This event is a chance for everyone to shake off the mid-winter blahs and get out of the house for a great evening. We'll have a tasty beef stew dinner with all the trimmings at 5:30, a great silent auction until 7:00, karaoke at 7:30, and a variety of family games available in the parlor. We have a great lineup of items in the auction, everything from Telluride lift tickets to framed photographs, art glass, custom Elks jewelry and more . If you're a singer, you can be the star at the karaoke session ? or just listen. This should be a fun evening for the whole family. It's open to the public, and dinner is just $10 for adults, $5 for kids between 5 and 10, and $25 for the whole family."
Jan 15-17: The NEW Quickie! Jan 15-17- Chicks with picks weekend workshops. 4 to 1 ratio with their infamous Girly Guides!
SUNDAY JAN. 17TH: OURAY ELKS HOOP SHOOT, Ouray School gym on 7th Avenue. Free throw contest open to children in Ouray County and Silverton between ages of 8 and 13. Registration 2 PM, contest promptly at 3PM. A copy of the entrant's birth certificate is required. Information 626-4239.
January 20- Business Round Table- Topic: Fincial Resources. Meet in the San Juan Room at the Ouray Community Center. 8-9:30
The January Ouray Business Round Table kicks off the new year with special guest speakers Paul Gray, Paul Dunford, and Rhona Keckler from Region 10 (The League of Economic Assistance and Planning). Find out specific information on Region 10 business loan funds, tax credits and how to access them. They will also provide brief information regarding local and regional economic trends and indicators. There will be time for questions and discussion following the presentation.
The meeting will begin at 8:00am on Wednesday January 20th at the Ouray Community Center, 340 6th Avenue, with coffee, tea, and snacks and the presentation by Region 10. The presentation will conclude at 9:30.
SAT. JAN 23: CABIN FEVER NIGHT at the Ouray Elks Lodge. 6 PM beef stew dinner, 7:30 karaoke, games. Get out of the cabin for a fun evening for all, open to the public. Dinner $10 adults, $5 children 5 ? 10, $25 for the whole family. 626-4239 for information.
Jan 24-28: Chicks with Picks "Complete Chicks"- www.chickswithpicks.net- Presentations open to the public.
January 29- Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
Jan 30- Feb. 1 2nd Annual Betty Ice Ball (1/30-2/1)
www.chickswithpicks.net
Presentations, dance party and more!
Sunday, January 31:
"A Children's Rainforest Odyssey" - The Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) and the Montrose Arts Council are pleased to announce an exclusive performance by the David Taylor Dance Theater. The David Taylor Dance Theatre will perform "A Children's Rainforest Odyssey" considered to be "a delight for children of all ages" on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the Montrose Pavilion.
FEBRUARY
Feb. 2- Mnt. Sneffels Spelling Bee -Special event that raises funds for educational projects throughout Ouray County. Info: www.mtsneffels.org or (970) 626-5726.
Feb 10- Business After Hours- The Victorian Inn- 5:30-7:30, 50 Third Avenue, 325-7222 <info@ouraylodging.com>
Feb 12-14 Winter Art Festival 2010? This unique event includes original arts and crafts by local artists. Free admission. For entry rules and registration form: www.ourayarts.org or call Laurie at 970-325-0808
Feb 14-Cattleman's Banquet & Dance
Annual event celebrating ranching lifestyle on the western slope. Ouray County 4-H Event Center, Ridgway, CO.
Feb 17- Business Round Table- Topic: Finical Resources. Meet in the San Juan Room at the Ouray Community Center. 8-9:30
Feb 27-Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
March 10- Business After Hours- Morning Song B&B 5:30-7:30, 316 6th Ave Ouray
970-325-4913 morningsongbnb@gmail.com
April 7- Business After Hours- Ouray Family Medicine
1st Anniversary, 325-9900, 824 Main St. , <mineralfarmer@ouraynet.com
May 12- Business After Hours-
Blue Pear: 5:30 ? 7:30, 450 Main St, Ouray , 325-0450, <thebluepear@yahoo.com>
Requested links for the chamber chat:
City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
San juan Ice Conditions Update
Posted at 12:00pm on Jan 15th 2010 by Clint Cook
Dexter Creek Slabs: Good Condition
Bride's Veil aka Skyrocket: Not recommended. Was good for a bit, but fragile and hollow now. the top may have fallen down.
Fall Creek/Talisman: Some guys climbed the Ribbon, Birdbrain, and Talisman. Looked sporting, probably not a good idea for the average mortal. But if you fancy yourself a hardman with something to prove...
Skylight climbs: Good shape, some are wet and growing fast.
Horsetail is good, Bear Creek is getting super hollow with the warmth.
Engineer climbs that were in are getting slushy.
Eureka climbs are fat and moderate.
Ames Ice Hose is thin but picked out, fairly standard for the route.
Bridalveil is getting more traffic, standard WI5 conditions.
Not sure about Silverpick and the Bone, probably in though.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Give a call if you have questions.
Cheers, Clint 970-325-4925
Whore House Hoses
Posted at 5:45pm on Jan 12th 2010 by Grey Squirrel
Lower Ice Park Conditions: Lower Bridge to Shithouse
Posted at 6:46pm on Jan 6th 2010 by Clint Cook
Lots of pros hanging around climbing mixed routes.
Stone Free, TicTac, Dizzy, and the Scottish Gullies
TRing Dizzy with the Vision, one of Ouray's most popular old comp routes.
The modern drytooling training route Le Sauccisson, many folks' "first drytooling route". It get infectious when you're watching all these pros right around you, and noone seems to be climbing the ice!
Right now you can navigate the bottom all the way from the Lower Bridge to the Shithouse Wall, pretty nice access in the bottom this year. Here is the view of the Fingers as you approach from upstream.
The Thumb and Index all merged together, pretty sweet.
The Ventana Buttress showing Icelandic Dream M7+ and Ventana Pillars. The next buttress down, Poodle Sex is not touching, although there are some cool alpine style gullies instead. Fresh descent ropes in the Fingers gully.Ouray Area Conditions
Posted at 6:37pm on Jan 6th 2010 by Clint Cook
Ribbon, BirdBrain, and Talisman are not in.
Horsetail/Bear Creek: Both are great right now. That rare opportunity to tag both in a short day.
Sun Splash and Solar Circus are holding ice, but look to be getting sun affected.
Engineer Climbs appear not in, although Abraxas could probably be climbed.
Stairway, Highway, and Whorehouse are fat city. Watch out for hidden ice dams on the rollovers. Its easy to punch through to some chilly water on stepping off some belays.
Ames is hanging tough, and super fun.
Bridalveil continues to be weird this year, only one reported ascent I know of.
Ingraham is reporting touching, not sure about Silverpick, would imagine its climbable though.
Santa Claus Pillar is reported in good condition.
That's all I know off the top off my head. Hope its useful!
1/6/10 CC
Ouray Ice Park
Posted at 6:26am on Jan 2nd 2010 by Clint Cook
I spent the last couple days climbing in the park with some super nice folks from Texas. They picked it up really fast! Below is Parker smoking up Pick of the Vic early on his second day of ice climbing. Impressive! Good technique helps! Perfect Triangles.
We took a little lunch on the Upper Bridge and watched this gentleman crash his way up Root Canal, WI5 Funky! The conditions in the Lead area will make you work right now!
It was getting busy, so we headed down to the Ventana area where we found this sweet and steep WI5+ pillar formed up and feeling solid. I was pretty impressed to see these guys do as well as they did on it. I climbed it afterwards and found it to be continually off-balance and thought provoking. If you are registered for an Advanced Ice clinic at the fest, you might get coached up it as well. It is fantastic.
We've got a few more projects to finish before the fest, but its going to be good one. Lots of pros in town already getting a feel for our unique rock and tuning up for the comp. Good time to watch some serious climbing go down!
Cheers, CC
Who is open on New Years Day & Chamber Chat
Posted at 3:52pm on Jan 1st 2010 by Lora
IN THIS ISSUE: ? Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!! From your friends at the Visitors Center! Jennifer, Vivian, Virginia, Mary and Cindy!
Index:
Who is open New Years Day?
New year's Eve Parties
Ice Skating Park to open this SAT! Stop by for the party!
Ice Fest
Second Chance Humane Society Wine and Whiskers Fashion Cabaret Sign Up
Chicks with Picks and the new Quickie for climbers on the go!
CABIN FEVER NIGHT at the Elks!
Full Moon Ski and Soak
What to plan for the rest of winter!
Links to members
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices Share with the world ? ice park in the news once again!! Woo Hoo
America's wildest winter adventures
From ice climbing to backcountry skiing, these adrenaline-pumping sports are drawing increasing interest, as active vacationers sign up for novel travel opportunities
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34381626/ns/travel-active/from/ET
This list only contains information from members that contacted the chamber.
Restaurants-
Bon Ton and Buen-
Outlaw Restaurant Closed New Years Day.
O'Briens Pub- Closed New Years Day.
Tundra Restaurant- New Years Day TBA,
Hot Springs Pool- New Years Day-Open 12-9
Retail:
Ago Gallery of Fine Art with Custom Framing and San Juan Pottery January
Hours will be as following. Closed January 1, 8th and 27-30th. Will be
open Wed.- Sat. from 11:00a.m. to 4:p.m. unless road conditions are bad.
Blue Pear will be Closed Christmas New Years Day.
Duckets Market-
New Years Eve until 4pm and closed New Years Day
Drifters Gift Shop Our final day will be Jan 2, 2010 and will reopen May 1st on regular hours.
We will be open occasionally on Saturdays during the winter months.
High Country Leathers will be open 10 till 6 New Years Day.
Ivory's Trading Co.- Open New Years Day 10 am to 4 pm.
Khristopher's Culinaire- Open New Years Day,
Mountain Fever- will be OPEN New Years Day 10AM-5PM
North Moon- New Years Day 10am to 2 0r 3 pm
Ouray Moutain Sports New years Day 9-6
Ouray V&S Variety 10-5 New Year's Day
Wildflower Boutique Open New Year's Day 10:00 ? 5:00
THURSDAY, DEC. 31: Ouray Elks New Year's Eve Party., starting 6:00 PM. Karaoke starts 7:30 PM, with finger food and drink specials. Open to the public. 626-4239.
Beaumont Hotel New Years Party! Contact 325-7050 for more information.
OBriens Pub- You know it! Live music and a great time! Be there or be square!
Tundra Restaurant- New Years Dinner 8-midnight- live music, dinner and more.
JANUARY
Jan. 2:
2nd annual Flat Ice Festival at Rotary park. Saturday Jan 2nd 11 am to late night.
Jan 7 -10: 15TH Annual Ouray Ice Festival This years festival will be hosted by Timmy Oneill and we'll have a great Superhero party on Saturday night with prizes for the best costumes. Online Registration for the 2010 Ice Festival Climbing Clinics begins Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 9 a.m. MST. Live auctions, lectures, and more. Info: www.ourayicefestival.com
January 10th - Second Chance Humane Society Wine and Whiskers Fashion Cabaret Sign Up! We're looking for men and women 18 years or older to be part of the show and it promises to be a great time! Sign up for the fashion show on January 10th from 2:00pm ? 4:00pm at the Ouray County 4H Event Center. The 3rd annual Wine and Whiskers Carnival is on February 20th at the 4H Event Center in Ridgway; 6pm ? 11pm. Please contact Kelly Goodin at 626-2273 for more information or visit our webpage: secondchancehumanesociety.org
Jan 15-17: The NEW Quickie! Jan 15-17- Chicks with picks weekend workshops. 4 to 1 ratio with their infamous Girly Guides!
SATURDAY, JAN 23: CABIN FEVER NIGHT at the Ouray Elks Lodge. 6 PM beef stew dinner, 7:30 karaoke, games. Get out of the cabin for a fun evening for all, open to the public. Dinner $10 adults, $5 children 5 ? 10, $25 for the whole family. 626-4239 for information.
Jan 24-28: Chicks with Picks "Complete Chicks"- www.chickswithpicks.net
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (1/29)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
2nd Annual Betty Ice Ball (1/30-2/1)
www.chickswithpicks.net
FEBRUARY
Mnt. Sneffels Spelling Bee (2/2) ? Special event that raises funds for educational projects throughout Ouray County. Info: www.mtsneffels.org or (970) 626-5726.
Winter Art Festival 2010 (2/12-14) ? This unique event includes original arts and crafts by local artists. Free admission. For entry rules and registration form: www.ourayarts.org or call Laurie at 970-325-0808
Cattleman's Banquet & Dance (2/14)
Annual event celebrating ranching lifestyle on the western slope. Ouray County 4-H Event Center, Ridgway, CO.
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (2/27)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
Requested links for the chamber chat:
City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Karen Avery (2009/11) President
Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs
325-4981
Chris Bonatti (2007-2009) Vice President
The Outlaw Restaurant
HM: 325-4366
Nancy Wolkin (2009-2010)Treasurer
Denim of Antiquity
Store: 325-4924
Cell: 596-1079
Clint Boots (2008-2010) Secretary
Citizens State Bank
325-4478
Rob Megna (2008-2009)
Backstreet Bagel
Cell: 530-575-1333
Festival
Bill Leo (2007-2009)
Ouray Mountain Sports
325-4284
Jill Schoenebaum (2008-2010)
4 J+1+1 RV Park
w)325-4418 H) 325-4864
Michelle Poirer (2009-2011)
Blue Pear
325-0450
Allen Cook
Timber Ridge and Matterhorn Lodges
Cross Fit
325-4856
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Stairway to Heaven
Posted at 8:35pm on Dec 29th 2009 by Clint Cook
Chamber Chat 12 23 09 Who is open this Christmas Eve and Day?
Posted at 3:09pm on Dec 24th 2009 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat:
December 23, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE: ? Wow, what a magical season! Thank you all for your support and I hope you have enjoyed the many special events the season has brought. Be well, shop till you drop, soak in the hot springs, save the left over's and join your friends out in our restaurants/ pubs and know you are all part of what makes Ouray so magical!!!!!!!!! Peace be yours..... Jennifer Loshaw, OCRA Director
Index:
Who is open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day?
Paper Heart- this weeks Movie Club Movie!
Santa
Delivers
Christmas Dinner, Open Hours, etc.
New year's Eve Parties
Ice Fest
Chicks with Picks and the new Quick for climbers on the go!
Full Moon Ski and Soak
What to plan for the rest of winter!
Links to members
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices: Santa Delivers on Dec. 24 courtesy Ouray Elks. To arrange a visit from Santa, call 325-0095 (Ouray Area), 626-5862 (Ridgway area) by December 22nd. We still need Santas ? call if you can help.
Share with the world ? ice park in the news once again!! Woo Hoo
America's wildest winter adventures
From ice climbing to backcountry skiing, these adrenaline-pumping sports are drawing increasing interest, as active vacationers sign up for novel travel opportunities
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34381626/ns/travel-active/from/ET
Christmas & Who is Open?: (we are building this list as we speak!)
Restaurants-
Bon Ton and Buen- Closed Christmas Day.
Outlaw Restaurant will be open for dinner on Christmas Day. Closed Christmas Eve and New Years Day.
O'Briens Pub- Open Christmas Eve, Closed Christmas Day and New Years Day. Hosting New Years party. Live music.
Tundra Restaurant- Christmas Day 12-5 buffet
New Years Dinner 8-midnight- live music, dinner and more.
Reservations highly recommended -6 pm seating , 9 pm seating, $75 includes champagne with dinner.
New Years Day TBA,
Hot Springs Pool- Christmas Eve- Open 12-6, Christmas Day- Open 4-9, New Years Eve- Open 12-6, New Years Day-Open 12-9
Retail:
Blue Pear will be open 10-2 day before Christmas. Closed Christmas day and new years day.
Duckets Market-
Christmas eve until 4pm. Closed Christmas day.
New Years Eve until 4pm and closed New Years Day
Drifters Gift Shop will be open on Christmas Eve Day from 11am to 4pm.
Closed on Christmas Day and reopen on Saturday from 11am to 4pm.
Our final day will be Jan 2, 2010 and will reopen May 1st on regular hours.
We will be open occasionally on Saturdays during the winter months.
High Country Leathers will be open 10 till 6 Christmas Eve and New Years Day.
Ivory's Trading Co.- Open Christmas Eve from 10 am to 4 pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Open New Years Day 10 am to 4 pm.
Khristopher's Culinaire- Christmas Eve, 10:00-3:00pm, Christmas Day, Closed
New Years Day, Closed
Mountain Fever- will be OPEN from 10AM-5PM on Christmas Eve; Closed Christmas Day
Open New Years Day 10AM-5PM
North Moon- Christmas Eve 10am to 2pm or maybe 3pm. Christmas Day closed
New Years Day 10am to 2 0r 3 pm
Ouray Moutain Sports Xmas Eve 9-3, Xmas day closed, New years Day 9-6
Ouray V&S Variety will be open 9-6 Christmas Eve
12-4 Christmas Day
10-5 New Year's Day
Wildflower Boutique on your list: Christmas Eve: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Christmas Day ? closed
Saturday, Dec. 26:
Paper Heart
December 26th, 2009
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Doors: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Wright Opera House
Director: Nicholas Jasenovec
Runtime: 88 min.
Awards: Nom. Grand Jury Prize - Sundance 09 (more)
Categories: Romance-Drama-Comedy
Paper Heart" is the perfect after-Christmas movie, a lighthearted perspective on romance. This film was one of the best at Sundance this year. Bring your out of town guests for this DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS, SATURDAY showing, one night only here in Ouray at the Wright.
Remember, this year's Movie Club profits are being donated to Friends of the Wright Opera House. Some come out and do the Wright thing!
See you at the movies,
Eric
THURSDAY, DEC. 31: Ouray Elks New Year's Eve Party., starting 6:00 PM. Karaoke starts 7:30 PM, with finger food and drink specials. Open to the public. 626-4239.
Beaumont Hotel New Years Party! Contact 325-7050 for more information.
OBriens Pub- You know it! Live music and a great time! Be there or be square!
JANUARY
Jan. 2:
2nd annual Flat Ice Festival at Rotary park. Saturday Jan 2nd 11 am to late night.
Jan 7 -10: 15TH Annual Ouray Ice Festival This years festival will be hosted by Timmy Oneill and we'll have a great Superhero party on Saturday night with prizes for the best costumes. Online Registration for the 2010 Ice Festival Climbing Clinics begins Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 9 a.m. MST. Live auctions, lectures, and more. Info: www.ourayicefestival.com
Jan 15-17: The NEW Quickie! Jan 15-17- Chicks with picks weekend workshops. 4 to 1 ratio with their infamous Girly Guides!
Jan 24-28: Chicks with Picks "Complete Chicks"- www.chickswithpicks.net
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (1/29)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
2nd Annual Betty Ice Ball (1/30-2/1)
www.chickswithpicks.net
FEBRUARY
Mnt. Sneffels Spelling Bee (2/2) ? Special event that raises funds for educational projects throughout Ouray County. Info: www.mtsneffels.org or (970) 626-5726.
Winter Art Festival 2010 (2/12-14) ? This unique event includes original arts and crafts by local artists. Free admission. For entry rules and registration form: www.ourayarts.org or call Laurie at 970-325-0808
Cattleman's Banquet & Dance (2/14)
Annual event celebrating ranching lifestyle on the western slope. Ouray County 4-H Event Center, Ridgway, CO.
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (2/27)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
Requested links for the chamber chat:
City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Karen Avery (2009/11) President
Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs
325-4981
Chris Bonatti (2007-2009) Vice President
The Outlaw Restaurant
HM: 325-4366
Nancy Wolkin (2009-2010)Treasurer
Denim of Antiquity
Store: 325-4924
Cell: 596-1079
Clint Boots (2008-2010) Secretary
Citizens State Bank
325-4478
Rob Megna (2008-2009)
Backstreet Bagel
Cell: 530-575-1333
Festival
Bill Leo (2007-2009)
Ouray Mountain Sports
325-4284
Jill Schoenebaum (2008-2010)
4 J+1+1 RV Park
w)325-4418 H) 325-4864
Michelle Poirer (2009-2011)
Blue Pear
325-0450
Allen Cook
Timber Ridge and Matterhorn Lodges
Cross Fit
325-4856
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Horsetail & Stairway
Posted at 4:46pm on Dec 22nd 2009 by Kevin

funky. All of the rap anchors were burried except the tree at the base of pitch three. Time to put in threads. It was snowing pretty hard when we left today, so things could change a bit for the near future. Enjoy the holidays!msnbc.com: America's wildest winter adventures
Posted at 4:07pm on Dec 22nd 2009 by Lora
Ouray Makes MSNBC.COM
America's wildest winter adventures
From ice climbing to backcountry skiing, these adrenaline-pumping sports are drawing increasing interest, as active vacationers sign up for novel travel opportunities http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34381626/ns/travel-active/from/ET
Chamber Chat 12 16 09 Nutcracker and Festivus... Got Cheer?
Posted at 10:12am on Dec 17th 2009 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat:
December 16, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE: Got Ice and Holiday Cheer? Then you must be in Ouray!
Index:
Ridgway Fire Dept. CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
"NUTCRACKER"!!!!!!!!!!
Opening Day of the Ice Park
Dec. 12- opening early!
Ouray Elks stocking stuffing and potluck
2nd Anuual Festivus Street Party
Santa
Delivers
Christmas Dinner, Open Hours, etc.
New year's Eve Parties
Winter Days of Play? Ice Fest seeks volunteer's. Who wants the coolest swag??
Links to members
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices: Please tell the membership that Alpine Bank is again sponsoring the Ouray Christmas Light Contest this year. The two categories will be Business and Residential and awards for each category will be as follows: 1st Place $100.00, 2nd Place $75.00, and 3rd Place $25.00. 2008 winners will not be eligible this year.
All participants in the contest must be in the Ouray city limits. Judges will be making their rounds Monday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 23 so to be considered, those who wish to participate must have their lights on from 5PM-9PM.
Dec. 17-
Ridgway Fire Dept. CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, Dec 17th , 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Join us for APPETIZERS, BEER/WINE, DOOR PRIZES
AND A FUN SOCIAL GATHERING!!!!!
PLEASE BRING AN UNWRAPPED TOY, KIDS GLOVES, MITTENS, ETC, OR
CANNED FOOD, NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS, (gift receipt if applicable). THIS IS YOUR ADMISSION FEE!!
Thanks to our generous sponsors:
RIDGWAY FIRE DEPT, MOUNTAIN MARKET, OURAY COUNTY NEWSPAPERS
AND HIGH SPRIRITS LIQUORS, and RCP RIDGWAY OURAY HOLIDAY CARES PROGRAM
DECEMBER 18 & 19: "NUTCRACKER"!!!!!!!!!!
Performance will be held on December 18 at 6 pm and on December 19 at 1:30 pm and at 6 pmat the Wright Opera House in Ouray. Tickets will go on sale on December 7th and will be available in Ouray at "Khristopher's Cullinare", "Buckskin Booksellers", and "Mouses Chocolates;" in Ridgway at "Cimarron Books and Coffee".
Reserved Seats and Member Rates are available only through Weehawken Creative Arts directly: 970-318-0150 or www.weehawkenarts.org
December 18th, Weehawken Dance will be hosting a special event and fundraiser at Venue Roscoe Fox tied to "The NUTCRACKER" performance There will be a short live auction at the event. This special event will help Weehawken Dance raise funds for an assortment of dance program equipment needs and should be a great time. If you are interested in helping Weehawken in this endeavor, or would like to attend the special event in conjunction with "The Nutcracker," be sure to mark your calendar for the night of the 18th.
SATURDAY, DEC. 19TH: Ouray Elks stocking stuffing and potluck, 6:00 PM. Help prepare for Santa Delivers.
Dec. 20:
Festivus Street Party- 3pm -9pm or until we slide off the street! 6th Avenue "Street Party", 3-9pm. Cool carols & warm spirits! . . . Hot food and seasonal beverages. . . Fire dance performance by Dessert Embers dance troupe, eclectic holiday music, burn barrels of grievances, feats of strength and bonfires to warm you! Info: OurayColorado.com or 970-325-4746.
Dec. 20: Open Mic at Backstreet Bagel 3 pm ? 6 pm. 325-0550, 524 Main St. Ouray.
THURSDAY, DEC. 24: Santa Delivers courtesy Ouray Elks. To arrange a visit from Santa, call 325-0095 (Ouray Area), 626-5862 (Ridgway area) by December 22nd. We still need Santas ? call if you can help.
Christmas & Who is Open?: (we are building this list as we speak!)
Restaurants-
Bon Ton and Buen- Closed Christmas Day.
Outlaw Restaurant will be open for dinner on Christmas Day. Closed Christmas Eve and New Years Day.
O'Briens Pub- Open Christmas Eve, Closed Christmas Day and New Years Day. Hosting New Years party. Live music.
Tundra Restaurant- Christmas Day 12-5 buffet
New Years Dinner 8-midnight- live music, dinner and more.
Reservations highly recommended -6 pm seating , 9 pm seating, $75 includes champagne with dinner.
New Years Day TBA,
Retail:
Duckets Market-
Christmas eve until 4pm. Closed Christmas day.
New Years Eve until 4pm and closed New Years Day
Drifters Gift Shop will be open on Christmas Eve Day from 11am to 4pm.
Closed on Christmas Day and reopen on Saturday from 11am to 4pm.
Our final day will be Jan 2, 2010 and will reopen May 1st on regular hours.
We will be open occasionally on Saturdays during the winter months.
Ivory's Trading Co.- Open Christmas Eve from 10 am to 4 pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Open New Years Day 10 am to 4 pm.
Khristopher's Culinaire- Christmas Eve, 10:00-3:00pm, Christmas Day, Closed
New Years Day, Closed
Mountain Fever- will be OPEN from 10AM-5PM on Christmas Eve; Closed Christmas Day
Open New Years Day 10AM-5PM
North Moon- Christmas Eve 10am to 2pm or maybe 3pm. Christmas Day closed
New Years Day 10am to 2 0r 3 pm
Ouray Moutain Sports Xmas Eve 9-3, Xmas day closed, New years Day 9-6
Ouray V&S Variety will be open 9-6 Christmas Eve
12-4 Christmas Day
10-5 New Year's Day
THURSDAY, DEC. 31: Ouray Elks New year's Eve Party., starting 6:00 PM. Karaoke starts 7:30 PM, with finger food and drink specials. Open to the public. 626-4239.
Beaumont Hotel New Years Party! Contact 325-7050 for more information.
Greetings on this very icy morning!
Wow! welcome to Winter! I am just back from visiting family in the Caribbean and asking myself why did I come back to Colorado at this time of year??? Oh well! The Ice Park will open on time or earlier this year! and that is a good thing!
The chill of this morning is a definite reminder! Ice Festival!! is 4 weeks from TODAY!
I know most of you are counting the days until Christmas! but I wanted to connect with you before that chaos sets in to wish you a happy holiday! and find out what your availability is for the Festival. I did receive some responses from Mel's earlier email but it would help me out greatly for those of you who did not respond yet to just shoot me an email letting me know if you are available, what you have done in the past and what you are interested in doing this year.
I would encourage you to check out the 2010 festival schedule listed on the ourayicefestival.com It looks like a great line up of events and exciting things to attend as well as work at! We will do our best to make it a great time for all of you as well. As we know and appreciate that we could not do it without you!
In advance.. thank you for all you will do to make this years event the best ever!
Keep warm!
Priscilla
318.6950
Winter Days of Play:
Open Mic. At Backstreet Bagel:
Sundays, Jan 3rd Jan 17th, and Jan 31st 2010!
3 PM until 6 PM
Address: 524 Main Street, Ouray, CO 81427
(970) 325-0550
Call: John Randolph (970) 626-3105
JANUARY
Jan. 2:
2nd annual Flat Ice Festival at Rotary park. Saturday Jan 2nd 11 am to late night.
Jan 7 -10: 15TH Annual Ouray Ice Festival
Online Registration for the 2010 Ice Festival Climbing Clinics begins Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 9 a.m. MST. Live auctions, lectures, and more. Info: www.ourayicefestival.com
Jan 15-17: The NEW Quickie! Jan 15-17- Chicks with picks weekend workshops. 4 to 1 ratio with their infamous Girly Guides!
Jan 24-28: Chicks with Picks "Complete Chicks"- www.chickswithpicks.net
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (1/29)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
2nd Annual Betty Ice Ball (1/30-2/1)
www.chickswithpicks.net
FEBRUARY
Mnt. Sneffels Spelling Bee (2/2) ? Special event that raises funds for educational projects throughout Ouray County. Info: www.mtsneffels.org or (970) 626-5726.
Winter Art Festival 2010 (2/12-14) ? This unique event includes original arts and crafts by local artists. Free admission. For entry rules and registration form: www.ourayarts.org or call Laurie at 970-325-0808
Cattleman's Banquet & Dance (2/14)
Annual event celebrating ranching lifestyle on the western slope. Ouray County 4-H Event Center, Ridgway, CO.
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (2/27)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Ouray Colorado Ice Park
Posted at 1:15pm on Dec 16th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
slideshow OURAY ? With prevailing frigid temperatures and the hard work of ice-making crews, the Ouray Ice Park already has terrific ice for climbing. They are opening for the season this Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 a.m. ? a week earlier than its scheduled opening date.
?So far it has been a banner year as far as making ice goes,? said head ice maker Mike Bryson this week. A cold start to the season and a lack of snowfall are the perfect conditions for creating a good base of ice. ?Relatively speaking, it is going to be a year of much more ice than usual.?
Ice Park crews are currently working on upgrading the water delivery system from a four-inch to a six-inch pipe and they are utilizing the former BIOTA water line. This will allow the park to be run on two separate water systems rather than one. Moreover, this year crews will be making ice seven instead of five days a week, as in the past. Bryson said that once the upgraded water delivery system is finished, the ice park may prove to have the best ice climbing conditions yet.
?The new system will enable us to run water with more pressure, which basically means more ice,? Bryson said. ?The park will be in the best shape it has ever been in due to the fact we will be able to create more ice.?
Bryson said the park will be opening this weekend but warned that early-season conditions will exist with some thin ice in some areas. He added that some areas of the park may not open this weekend depending on conditions. Crews will make that determination on Friday.
Looking ahead, the 15th annual Ouray Ice Festival and Climbing Competition will be held Jan. 7-10. Great slideshows by Andres Marin, Caroline George, Steve House, Majka Burhardt, Timmy Oneill, and Dave Nettle are planned. There will also be a premier screening of the movie The North Face ? a film that re-creates the first ascent attempt on the Eiger.
This year?s Ice Festival will host over 70-plus interactive climbing clinics, including 12 extended-length climbing seminars of six hours each. Nightly slideshows will feature outstanding world-class mountaineers and climbers. Make sure to attend the Petzl/Arcteryx Superhero Party on Saturday, Jan. 9, following a live auction at the Ouray Community Center. The party is always full of surprises and interesting costume, to say the least. All the great evening auctions, parties, fundraisers and meals make the Ouray Ice Festival the premier climber gathering in the world.
Season memberships to the Ouray Ice Park cost $40. Membership fees help keep the Ice Park a free climbing facility and pay for park improvements; those with membership cards receive a 20 percent discount at most member lodges in Ouray as well as a 10-20 percent discount at Ouray?s restaurants and participating retail stores.
For more information about the Ouray Ice Park call 970/325-4288 or visit www.ourayicepark.com.
Posted by Erin Eddy
Written by The Ouray County Watch
Ouray Ice Climbing and new Mammut Clothing!!!
Posted at 7:41am on Dec 11th 2009 by Clint Cook
I've been happily testing out some new pieces from Mammut this Autumn, and have come up with a few new favorites to add to the arsenal. As always the Tripod helmet is the most comfortable and easiest to use helmet on the market, period. Try one on at the fest, you will buy it and wear it everyday.
In the photo below, I'm starting up a somewhat funky first pitch of the classic Skylight climb. Campo Pants and Jasper Pull are a sweet combo for moderate protection and incredible movement.

This is on the Ames Ice Hose. There was a party on the ice already so we took some laps on the 5.9 rock pitch start. I'm sporting the Base Jump Pants (my everyday favorite for ice and alpine) and the new Extreme Baltoro Jacket. This jacket is great. Superb protection from dripping ice and howling wind, and stretches and climbs perfectly. Excellent for backcountry ice climbing and alpinism.

And finally the Direct North Face in South Mineral, another early season mandatory tune up climb. It was a gorgeous day so I went with the venerable Champ pants and Verglas Jacket.

Thanks to Mammut for all the sweet gear! All the SJMG guides are super-psyched on their uniforms this year. We went with the Extreme Baltoro and Stratus Flash pieces this year and they are excellent. Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!
Respectfully Submitted,
Clint Cook
San Juan Mountain Guides
Ouray, CO
Ouray Ice Park 2009 - Open Soon!!!
Posted at 4:40pm on Dec 10th 2009 by Kevin
I walked through the park today scouting for our Mountain Rescue training tomorrow. Things really look great. The river is currently low allowing good access to all areas. I was able to move around in the gorge quite easily. The following pictures were taken this afternoon in the park. It looks like climbers visiting on opening day, this Saturday, will be treated to some fine climbing. Please enjoy the pics. See you all Saturday!!Happy Trails,
KAK
Stump Wall

Below the Lower Bridge

Chamber Chat 12 09 09 Chocolate, Wine, Parade, Movies, Skiing, OH MY!
Posted at 8:02am on Dec 10th 2009 by Lora
IN THIS ISSUE: The Ouray River Trail has been groomed and is ready for cross country skiing! Kudos to Kevin!
Index:
The Ouray Movie Club is back!
GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOPS
Free Matinee to kick off Yule Night!
Yule Night:
Parade in Main, Santa at the Elks
Wine and Chocolate Festival
Open House at Healing Touch Therapy Spa's Beaumont location.
Weehawken fundraiser at Venue Roscoe Fox
Business Round Table
"NUTCRACKER"!!!!!!!!!!
Opening Day of the Ice Park
Dec. 12- opening early!
Ouray Elks stocking stuffing and potluck
2nd Anuual Festivus Street Party
Open Mic at Backstreet Bagel
Santa
Delivers
New year's Eve Parties
Winter Days of Play? Ice Fest seeks volunteer's. Who wants the coolest swag??
Links to members
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices: Movie Club is BACK!
Dec. 11:
The Ouray Movie Club is back at the Wright Opera House for our 2009-2010 Season. We are pleased to announce that at the end of the season, our profits will be donated to Friends of the Wright Opera House. Our premier, Away We Go. 7 p.m. $7.50 per ticket. Come early and purchase a season membership for $60; membership includes a punch card valid for 10 admissions during the 2009-2010 season. Much more information including links to trailers are available at our blog, http://ourayfilm.com. Find us also on Facebook and become a fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ouray-Movie-Club/180269159425
Yule Night -Dec 12- 5pm ? 10 pm Events include but are not limited to: Yule Night Parade, Santa at the Elks, Light up Main St, Wine and Chocolate Festival,
AND
Visit our fabulous retail shops and pick up the gifts that will make you VERY
popular with those you love! Details below!
Dec. 12: FREE MOVIE: The Yule Night celebration officially begins with a movie at the Main Street Theater, 3 p.m. The featured movie is, Christmas with the Kranks, starting Tim Allen and Jaime Lee Curtis. Admission is free. This program is made possible with the support of Twin Peaks Insurance, Alpine Bank of Ouray, Citizens State Bank of Ouray, Morning Song B&B and the Ouray Chamber.
Luther Krank and his wife decide to skip the Christmas and go to the Caribbean, but their plans are changed when his daughter decides to come home at the last minute. They must perform a Christmas miracle to get the presents, decorations and food ready in time.
Dec. 12:
Voyager Youth Program and Weehawken Creative Arts Present: GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOPS registrations now being accepted!
This "free" annual program is limited to 25 families in each community; one house per family and a pre-registration or reservation is required.
The Ouray Gingerbread House Workshop will be held on Saturday, December 12th from 10 am until Noon at the Ouray Community Center. The Ridgway Gingerbread House Workshop will be held on Sunday, December 13th from 1 pm-3 pm at the Ridgway Elementary Schol (Condor Hall).
Dec. 12- Yule Night
Parade on Main Street with a bonfire and caroling 5 pm, and then a visit with Santa at the Elks Club 6 pm. Live Nativity scene. Sponsored by the Ouray Fire Department and the Ouray Elks Lodge. Ouray, CO.
SATURDAY, DEC. 12: Yule Night at Ouray Elks ? 5:15 Santa arrives to meet children; 5:30 spaghetti dinner ($8 adults, $5 ages 5 ? 10, under 5 free). Open to the public. 626-4239.
Dec 12- Wine & Chocolate Festival:
A Celebration of Decadence Wine and Chocolate at it's finest!-Local Chocolatier's, Western Slope Wineries, live music- Free admission to the wine tasting with
$100 worth of receipts
per person from Ouray venues on Yule night . $10 to attend, tickets for chocolate tasting $1 each. People's Choice to be awarded. 7 pm ? 10 pm Beaumont Hotel's Tundra Restaurant.505 Main Street, Ouray, Co. 325-4746 Sponsored by the Ouray Chamber and Morning Song B&B.
Dec. 12- Open House- Healing Touch Therapy Spa located in the Historic Beaumont Hotel- 505 Main St. Ouary, Co. 81427
Spa treatments, gift certificates. Stop in and view this amazing facility! 2-8 pm, 325-0415 for information
Dec. 17-
Business Round Table, 8 am ? 9:30, Ouray Community Center.
Informational seminars presented by the Ouray Community Development Committee with information of interest and value to those who participate in the Ouray Business Community. Call the City Resources Office for additional information - (970) 325-7065
DECEMBER 18 & 19: "NUTCRACKER"!!!!!!!!!!
Performance will be held on December 18 at 6 pm and on December 19 at 1:30 pm and at 6 pmat the Wright Opera House in Ouray. Tickets will go on sale on December 7th and will be available in Ouray at "Khristopher's Cullinare", "Buckskin Booksellers", and "Mouses Chocolates;" in Ridgway at "Cimarron Books and Coffee".
Reserved Seats and Member Rates are available only through Weehawken Creative Arts directly: 970-318-0150 or www.weehawkenarts.org
December 18th, Weehawken Dance will be hosting a special event and fundraiser at Venue Roscoe Fox tied to "The NUTCRACKER" performance There will be a short live auction at the event. This special event will help Weehawken Dance raise funds for an assortment of dance program equipment needs and should be a great time. If you are interested in helping Weehawken in this endeavor, or would like to attend the special event in conjunction with "The Nutcracker," be sure to mark your calendar for the night of the 18th.
SATURDAY, DEC. 19TH: Ouray Elks stocking stuffing and potluck, 6:00 PM. Help prepare for Santa Delivers.
Dec. 20:
Festivus Street Party- 3pm -9pm or until we slide off the street! 6th Ave, Ouray- Fire dance performance by Dessert Embers!, carols, warm beverages and more! OurayColorado.com or 325-4746 for more info.
Dec. 20: Open Mic at Backstreet Bagel 3 pm ? 6 pm. 325-0550, 524 Main St. Ouray.
THURSDAY, DEC. 24: Santa Delivers courtesy Ouray Elks. To arrange a visit from Santa, call 325-0095 (Ouray Area), 626-5862 (Ridgway area) by December 22nd. We still need Santas ? call if you can help.
THURSDAY, DEC. 31: Ouray Elks New year's Eve Party., starting 6:00 PM. Karaoke starts 7:30 PM, with finger food and drink specials. Open to the public. 626-4239.
Beaumont Hotel New Years Party! Contact 325-7050 for more information.
Greetings on this very icy morning!
Wow! welcome to Winter! I am just back from visiting family in the Caribbean and asking myself why did I come back to Colorado at this time of year??? Oh well! The Ice Park will open on time or earlier this year! and that is a good thing!
The chill of this morning is a definite reminder! Ice Festival!! is 4 weeks from TODAY!
I know most of you are counting the days until Christmas! but I wanted to connect with you before that chaos sets in to wish you a happy holiday! and find out what your availability is for the Festival. I did receive some responses from Mel's earlier email but it would help me out greatly for those of you who did not respond yet to just shoot me an email letting me know if you are available, what you have done in the past and what you are interested in doing this year.
I would encourage you to check out the 2010 festival schedule listed on the ourayicefestival.com It looks like a great line up of events and exciting things to attend as well as work at! We will do our best to make it a great time for all of you as well. As we know and appreciate that we could not do it without you!
In advance.. thank you for all you will do to make this years event the best ever!
Keep warm!
Priscilla
318.6950
Winter Days of Play:
Open Mic. At Backstreet Bagel:
Sundays, Jan 3rd Jan 17th, and Jan 31st 2010!
3 PM until 6 PM
Address: 524 Main Street, Ouray, CO 81427
(970) 325-0550
Call: John Randolph (970) 626-3105
JANUARY
Jan 7 -10: 15TH Annual Ouray Ice Festival
Online Registration for the 2010 Ice Festival Climbing Clinics begins Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 9 a.m. MST. Live auctions, lectures, and more. Info: www.ourayicefestival.com
Jan 15-17: The NEW Quickie! Jan 15-17- Chicks with picks weekend workshops. 4 to 1 ratio with their infamous Girly Guides!
Jan 24-28: Chicks with Picks "Complete Chicks"- www.chickswithpicks.net
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (1/29)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
2nd Annual Betty Ice Ball (1/30-2/1)
www.chickswithpicks.net
FEBRUARY
Mnt. Sneffels Spelling Bee (2/2) ? Special event that raises funds for educational projects throughout Ouray County. Info: www.mtsneffels.org or (970) 626-5726.
Winter Art Festival 2010 (2/12-14) ? This unique event includes original arts and crafts by local artists. Free admission. For entry rules and registration form: www.ourayarts.org or call Laurie at 970-325-0808
Cattleman's Banquet & Dance (2/14)
Annual event celebrating ranching lifestyle on the western slope. Ouray County 4-H Event Center, Ridgway, CO.
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (2/27)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
Posted at 2:34pm on Dec 9th 2009 by Kevin
Horsetail Falls
Posted at 9:41am on Dec 8th 2009 by Grey Squirrel
Squeezed in a trip up Horsetail Falls yesterday just prior to the big dump of snow. It had been shaping up nicely this fall and looked to be in superb condition. The river crossing was bomber with around an 8-12 inch ice bridge. Some funky rock steps in the narrows prior to gaining the ice climb proper - the new snow will help that section.
The Snow is here
Posted at 11:08am on Dec 6th 2009 by Andres
We had about 5 inches of new snow overnight
All the ice routes are on very good condition
and the temps are great and looking forward to do some turns.
Come and visit the San Juans,.
Hasta pronto
Andres
Ames Ice Hose
Posted at 8:33am on Dec 4th 2009 by Kevin




More conditions from South Mineral
Posted at 10:53pm on Dec 1st 2009 by Danika
We (Gary and I) were over on Campground and Snowblind today. Both are in great shape and set-up to rappel. Snowblind is definitely a bit harder right now and getting thin around the chockstone. Sundance looked great from the road, but didn't have time to get on it today.
Great ice climbing right now!!
Posted at 3:14pm on Dec 1st 2009 by Kevin


Posted at 10:21am on Nov 29th 2009 by ice addict
While I was there I talked to a party who had just done second gully and they said it was great.
Road to Nowhere and Whorehouse Hoses also looked good from the road. I could see that the top of Hosers' Highway looked excellent but couldn't see the mixed pitch, hope to rememdy that this week.
Friday soloed Campground Couloir, Snowblind, and DNF in South Mineral. All were in better than average condition. I only climbed two small wet steps, the rest were dry and fat. All routes are clearly seeing regular traffic.
Ice Park Conditions and Opening
Posted at 7:06am on Nov 26th 2009 by Clint Cook
Chamber Chat 11 24 09- Thanksgiving dinner at the Bon Ton and Outlaw
Posted at 7:42am on Nov 25th 2009 by Lora
IN THIS ISSUE: Thanksgiving dinner:
The Bon Ton will be open Thanksgiving Day from 3 to 7 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended as we will fill up fast.
The Outlaw will be open for Thanksgiving dinner. We will be doing a turkey, ham, or prime rib dinner. We will be serving from 5 to 8.
325-4366.
Tuesday night dinners return to Backstreet Bagel as of Dec. 1
Turn Black Friday into a Blue Weekend with the Blue Pear!
Business After Hours at Alpine Bank- Dec. 3- 5:30-7:30
Elks Club Arts & Crafts sale
OURAY ELKS MEMORIAL SERVICE:
Updated Seasonal Closures- new list for you! I hope this helps.
Free matinee to kick off Yule Night!
Yule Night- Parade, Santa and oh so much more!
Wine and Chocolate Festival
Open House at Healing Touch Therapy Spa's Beaumont location.
Ice Carvers are coming to town!
Opening Day of the Ice Park Dec. 19
Festivus Street Party
Winter Days of Play? Full Moon Ski and Soak!
Links to members
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices: Turn Black Friday into a Blue Weekend! I am having a storewide sale - 20% off everything- and there is even a special shelf with 50% off items :) Starting Friday, Nov 27 - Sunday Nov 29. Hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving and hope to see you this weekend. If you can't make it....tell a friend!
Michelle Poirier
The Blue Pear
PO Box 128
450 Main Street
Ouray, Colorado 81427
970-325-0450
What has your chamber done for you lately? Check Ouray out at www.officialbestof.com or watch the video at http://officialbestof.com/state/colorado/2009/videos/Ouray.wmv
Thursday, Dec. 3: Business After Hours at the Ouray Alpine Bank. 5:30-7:30, stop in for this popular after hour's event. This event is open to all chamber business and citizen members.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY DECEMBER 5 & 6: OURAY ELKS ARTS, CRAFTS AND FOOD SALE. 10 AM ? 4 PM Saturday, Noon ? 4 PM Sunday at the Ouray Elks lodge. Open to the public. Information: 626-4239.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6: OURAY ELKS MEMORIAL SERVICE: 7 PM at the Ouray Elks lodge. Help remember our departed members. Open to the public.
Yule Night -Dec 12- 5pm ? 10 pm Events include but are not limited to: Yule Night Parade, Santa at the Elks, Light up Main St, Wine and Chocolate Festival,
AND
Visit our fabulous retail shops and pick up the gifts that will make you VERY
popular with those you love! Details below!
Dec. 12: FREE MOVIE: The Yule Night celebration officially begins with a movie at the Main Street Theater, 3 p.m. The featured movie is, Christmas with the Kranks, starting Tim Allen and Jaime Lee Curtis. Admission is free.
Luther Krank and his wife decide to skip the Christmas and go to the Caribbean, but their plans are changed when his daughter decides to come home at the last minute. They must perform a Christmas miracle to get the presents, decorations and food ready in time.
This program is made possible with the support of Twin Peaks Insurance, Alpine Bank of Ouray, Citizens State Bank of Ouray, Morning Song BnB and the Ouray Chamber.
Dec. 12- Yule Night
Parade on Main Street with a bonfire and caroling 5 pm, and then a visit with Santa at the Elks Club 6 pm. Live Nativity scene. Sponsored by the Ouray Fire Department and the Ouray Elks Lodge. Ouray, CO.
Dec 12- Wine & Chocolate Festival: A Celebration of Decadence Wine and Chocolate at it's finest!-Local Chocolatier's, Western Slope Wineries, live music- free admission to the wine tasting with
$100 worth of receipts
per person from Ouray venues on Yule night . $10 to attend, tickets for chocolate tasting $1 each. People's Choice to be awarded. 7 pm ? 10 pm Beaumont Hotel's Tundra Restaurant.505 Main Street, Ouray, Co. 325-4746 Sponsored by the Ouray Chamber and Morning Song B&B.
Dec. 12- Open House- Healing Touch Therapy Spa located in the Historic Beaumont Hotel- 505 Main St. Ouary, Co. 81427
Spa treatments, gift certificates. Stop in and view this amazing facility! 2-8 pm, 325-0415 for information
Ice Carvers- Dec. 18-20th at the Beaumont Hotel Courtyard- Sponsored by Erin Eddy, Beaumont Hotel, River Side Inn and Cabins, Outlaw Restaurant and the Chamber.
Opening Day of the Ice Park Dec. 19
Festivus Street Party- Dec. 20 3pm -9pm or until we slide off the street! 6th Ave, Ouray- Fire performance, carols, warm beverages and more! OurayColorado.com or 325-4746 for more info.
Change of Hours? See below for updates! This list includes CHAMBER MEMBER Businesses ONLY.
Open 7 days a week:
Backstreet Bagel & Deli- Tuesday dinners to return Dec. 1!
Buen Tiempo Mexican Restaurant- always a hot spot!
Swim and Snack at the host springs pool- 12-6- have you tried their salad! ?
Mouse's Chocolate- Yummy all the time!
Closed:
-Bulow's Bistro Restaurant-Closed Oct. 10 until Thanksgiving. Tundra-Closed for winter except for special events.
-O'Brien's Pub-Closed Nov. 1-19
-Outlaw Restaurant- Closed Nov. 8-19. We will be open Saturday the 7th and then reopen on Friday the 20th.
-Western Hotel and Saloon- Closed for the winter, except for special parties.
-Billy Goats Gruff- Closed for the winter
Closures: This list is of our members only!
Mon: CLOSED
Café' Ouray
Outlaw Restaurant
Coachlight Restaurant and Tavern
Tue: CLOSED
Bon Ton
O'Brien's Pub
Coachlight Restaurant and Tavern
Wed: CLOSED
Bon Ton
Coachlight Restaurant and Tavern
Papillion Main
Thurs: CLOSED
Coachlight Restaurant and Tavern
Other updates- closed and open- 11/02/09
*The Blue Pear will be closed Monday, November 2, 2009 - Wednesday, November 18, 2009. Will re-open Thurs, November 19, 2009 ready and decorated for the holidays to come. Please call 325-0450 for hours.
*Ouray Hot Springs Pool Hours: Winter hours begin on Tuesday Sept 8: Mon-Fri. 12-8:45, Sat. Sun 11-9.
*Ouray Mule and Carriage will run tours ALL winter! Details coming! We are now giving tours by reservation and no longer doing the hourly runs. We've had good success in the last couple weeks operating this way so unless the roads are not passable don't hesitate to direct people to call us at: 970-708-4946 to set up a tour.
*V&S: Open 9-9 7days a week thru out Sept
Winter Days of Play:
JANUARY
15TH Annual Ouray Ice Festival (1/7-10)
Online Registration for the 2010 Ice Festival Climbing Clinics begins Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 9 a.m. MST. Live auctions, lectures, and more. Info: www.ourayicefestival.com
Chicks with Picks "Complete Chicks" (1/24-28) - www.chickswithpicks.net
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (1/29)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
2nd Annual Betty Ice Ball (1/30-2/1)
www.chickswithpicks.net
FEBRUARY
Mnt. Sneffels Spelling Bee (2/2) ? Special event that raises funds for educational projects throughout Ouray County. Info: www.mtsneffels.org or (970) 626-5726.
Winter Art Festival 2010 (2/12-14) ? This unique event includes original arts and crafts by local artists. Free admission. For entry rules and registration form: www.ourayarts.org or call Laurie at 970-325-0808
Cattleman's Banquet & Dance (2/14)
Annual event celebrating ranching lifestyle on the western slope. Ouray County 4-H Event Center, Ridgway, CO.
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (2/27)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Ouray is Voted Best Recreation Destination
Posted at 8:58am on Nov 24th 2009 by Lora
Check Ouray out at www.officialbestof.com or watch the video at http://officialbestof.com/state/colorado/2009/videos/Ouray.wmv
Posted at 5:23pm on Nov 20th 2009 by Clint Cook
We climbed Stairway on Wed. It was a little more engaging than usual, but there were a few decent screws and all the fixed anchors were easy to use.
There was a friendly party of 3 on the route as we rapped. Pictured below is their leader topping out on the slightly wet main pillar crux.
We went over and climbed Snowblind thru the first chockstone, the rest looked fine as well, but Davy caught a piece of ice with his nose and we opted for PBR at the Brown Bear.
Slow start, but some climbing can be done. Cheers, CC.
Golf course purchased near Ouray Colorado
Posted at 5:50am on Nov 15th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
The lifestyle resort communities company, based in Dillon, announced in a press release last week that it has moved from management to an ownership position by acquiring all the assets to the golf course.
Seller Gary Tharaldson retains ownership in the real estate inventory of the subdivision, which originated in 1994 as Fairway Pines, as Ouray County?s first recreational planned unit development. The PUD allowed developers to create and sell more than 400 lots smaller than six acres around a golf course on Log Hill Mesa.
H.T. Heritage Inn of Erie LLC, a Philadelphia-based corporation led by Tharaldson, bought the Fairway Pines project in June 2006 for a reported $15 million from Fairway Pines Golf Partners Ltd., Pines Development Group LLC, James A. Willey, and the James A. Willey Living Trust.
The project was re-named Divide Ranch & Club in 2007 and a new clubhouse overlooking the golf course, primarily for use by residents of the development, opened in 2008.
Paul Stashick, founder and CEO of Equilibrium Resorts, said the solid membership base, minimal debt on the property and the opportunity to leverage Equilibrium Resorts? years of experience in the resort business made the purchase a good fit for the company.
?We look forward to continuing to enhance programming at the Divide Ranch & Club and making it the premier club in the southwestern Colorado,? said Stashick. ?The focus of these programs are the cornerstones of our company?s vision: lifelong learning, self-actualization, wellness and relationships.?
Equilibrium also announced that the Divide Ranch & Club will be offering an Invitational Gold Membership for a limited time, which includes unlimited golf privileges, fly fishing, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, 4x4 excursions, guided hikes and cooking classes with clubhouse chef Steve Poland. The membership includes all fees associated with golf cart rental, range balls and discounts at the pro shop.
The 18-hole golf course, which opened to the public in 1993, has a championship rating and received the ?Best Places to Play? award numerous times from Golf Digest magazine.
? Special to The Ridgway Sun
Chamber Chat Nov 10- INS to Audit I-9's, Yule Night and Chocolate
Posted at 7:41am on Nov 11th 2009 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat:
Nov. 11, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE: Yule Night- Get your float together! Spruce up your shop windows! Join the lighting competition! Together we can make this the best Yule Night ever!
Who is hosting dinner on Thanksgiving for the public? Please let the chamber know!
VETERAN'S TURKEY BINGO AND SPAGHETTI DINNER
Business After Hours at Alpine Bank- Dec. 3- 5:30-7:30
Updated Seasonal Closures- new list for you! I hope this helps.
Yule Night
Wine and Chocolate Festival
Open House at Healing Touch Therapy Spa's Beaumont location.
Ice Carvers are coming to town!
Opening Day of the Ice Park Dec. 19
Festivus Street Party
Winter Days of Play? January and on?and on? and on?. On-on!
Links to members
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices: I-9 Audits
INS our of Denver is about to issue a count for random audits on businesses with I-9
employees. The chamber was visited by an officer and auditor who are offering to
help anyone review their I9's to make sure they are accurate and filled out as they need
to be prior to any potential audits. Contact Michael Goodwin for assistance. 303-721-3118
denver.image@dhs.gov.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH: VETERAN'S TURKEY BINGO AND SPAGHETTI DINNER, Ouray Elks lodge, 421 Main St. Dinner 5:30 ? 7:00 PM, Bingo at 7:00. Dinner $10/person, $25/family of 4, Veterans eat free! Bingo $5/card good for 10 games, full turkey dinners for every game winner. All proceeds go to Grand Junction Veterans' Hospital. Open to the public.
Thursday, Dec. 3: Business After Hours at the Ouray Alpine Bank. 5:30-7:30, stop in for this popular after hour's event. This event is open to all chamber business and citizen members.
Change of Hours? See below for updates! This list includes CHAMBER MEMBER Businesses ONLY. (If you are going to host a
Thanksgiving dinner, please let us know!)
Open 7 days a week:
Backstreet Bagel & Deli- Tuesday dinners to return!
Buen Tiempo Mexican Restaurant- always a hot spot!
M Mouse's Chocolate- Yummy all the time!
Swim and Snack at the host springs pool- 12-6- have you tried their salad! ?
Timberline Deli- Thia in Ouray!
-Bulow's Bistro Restaurant-Closed Oct. 10 until Thanksgiving. Will re-open for lunch and dinner. Tundra-Closed for winter except for special events.
-O'Brien's Pub-Closed Nov. 1-19
-Outlaw Restaurant- Closed Nov. 8-19. We will be open Saturday the 7th and then reopen on Friday the 20th.
-Western Hotel and Saloon- Closed for the winter, except for special parties.
-Billy Goats Gruff- Closed for the winter
Closures: This list is of our members only!
Mon: CLOSED
Ouray Café'
Outlaw Restaurant
Coachlight Restaurant and Tavern
Tue: CLOSED
Bon Ton
O'Brien's Pub
Coachlight Restaurant and Tavern
Wed: CLOSED
Bon Ton
Coachlight Restaurant and Tavern
Papillion Main
Thurs: CLOSED
Coachlight Restaurant and Tavern
Other updates- closed and open- 11/02/09
*The Blue Pear will be closed Monday, November 2, 2009 - Wednesday, November 18, 2009. Will re-open Thurs, November 19, 2009 ready and decorated for the holidays to come. Please call 325-0450 for hours.
*Ouray Mule and Carriage will run tours ALL winter! Details coming! We are now giving tours by reservation and no longer doing the hourly runs. We've had good success in the last couple weeks operating this way so unless the roads are not passable don't hesitate to direct people to call us at: 970-708-4946 to set up a tour.
*San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours will run until Nov. 1.
Winter Days of Play:
DECEMBER
Yule Night -Dec 12- 5pm ? 10 pm Events include but are not limited to: Yule Night Parade, Santa at the Elks, Light up Main St, Wine and Chocolate Festival,
AND
Visit our fabulous retail shops and pick up the gifts that will make you VERY
popular with those you love! Details below!
Dec. 12- Yule Night
Parade on Main Street with a bonfire and caroling 5 pm, and then a visit with Santa at the Elks Club 6 pm. Live Nativity scene. Sponsored by the Ouray Fire Department and the Ouray Elks Lodge. Ouray, CO.
Dec 12- Wine & Chocolate Festival: A Celebration of Decadence Wine and Chocolate at it's finest!-Local Chocolatier's, Western Slope Wineries, live music- free admission to the wine tasting with
$100 worth of receipts
per person from Ouray venues on Yule night . $10 to attend, tickets for chocolate tasting $1 each. People's Choice to be awarded. 7 pm ? 10 pm Beaumont Hotel's Tundra Restaurant.505 Main Street, Ouray, Co. 325-4746 Sponsored by the Ouray Chamber and Morning Song B&B.
Dec. 12- Open House- Healing Touch Therapy Spa located in the Historic Beaumont Hotel- 505 Main St. Ouary, Co. 81427 Spa treatments, gift certificates. Stop in and view this amazing facility! 325-0415 for information
Ice Carvers- Dec. 18-20th at the Beaumont Hotel Courtyard- Sponsored by Erin Eddy, Beaumont Hotel, River Side Inn and Cabins, Outlaw Restaurant and the Chamber.
Opening Day of the Ice Park
Dec. 19
Festivus Street Party- Dec. 20 3pm -9pm or until we slide off the street! 6th Ave, Ouray- Fire performance, carols, warm beverages and more! OurayColorado.com or 325-4746 for more info.
JANUARY
15TH Annual Ouray Ice Festival (1/7-10)
Online Registration for the 2010 Ice Festival Climbing Clinics begins Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 9 a.m. MST. Live auctions, lectures, and more. Info: www.ourayicefestival.com
Chicks with Picks "Complete Chicks" (1/24-28) - www.chickswithpicks.net
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (1/29)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
2nd Annual Betty Ice Ball (1/30-2/1)
www.chickswithpicks.net
FEBRUARY
Mnt. Sneffels Spelling Bee (2/2) ? Special event that raises funds for educational projects throughout Ouray County. Info: www.mtsneffels.org or (970) 626-5726.
Winter Art Festival 2010 (2/12-14) ? This unique event includes original arts and crafts by local artists. Free admission. For entry rules and registration form: www.ourayarts.org or call Laurie at 970-325-0808
Cattleman's Banquet & Dance (2/14)
Annual event celebrating ranching lifestyle on the western slope. Ouray County 4-H Event Center, Ridgway, CO.
Full Moon Cross Country Ski & Soak (2/27)
If interested, meet at City Hall 7 p.m. to ski and then soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool 9-10pm.
Ouray Best Place to Recreate
Posted at 6:51am on Oct 25th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
Ouray will be listed on the website and will be featured on the television program The Best of Colorado, which will air Oct. 24 at 12 p.m. on KCNC (CBS 4) in Denver.
Official Best of solicits nominations for award winners on its website, which is intended to provide TV and web viewers with the official best places to visit in a number of states across America.
Ouray Chamber Resort Association President Karen Avery said it?s been quite the month for Ouray. She notes that the ?Best Of? designation comes on the heels of Ouray being named one of the most beautiful towns and villages in the southwest by a book of the same title.
?The Switzerland of America is the perfect escape from the everyday,? said Avery. ?Jeeping, hiking, horseback riding and biking are popular summertime activities. The Ouray Ice Park ? the first of its kind dedicated solely to the sport of ice climbing ? is a huge draw in the wintertime. We host hundreds of the world?s best climbers every January for the infamous Ouray Ice Festival. It?s really quite something.?
Avery noted that there are plenty of cold weather activities for the average Joe, as well. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding are popular options, as well as the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, which is open year round.
Ouray County Watch Staff
Chamber Chat 10 22 09 What do Rocky Horror and Send out Cards have in common?
Posted at 6:37am on Oct 23rd 2009 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat:
Oct. 22, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE: Board of Director's Nominations NOW being sought! Please send suggestions to the chamber and our nominating committee will follow up with those individuals! Make a difference, be an active member of the Board of Directors!
Did you love the flowers this summer? Let the Beautification know with a letter of support!
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Send out Cards with Sendoutcards.com Sat. Oct 24.
Trick or Treat on Main Street Halloween
OURAY ELKS HAUNTED HOUSE SET FOR OCTOBER 31ST
Info on Heritage Tourism
Seasonal Closures- hours and what not
OURAY ELKS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Locals day on the train -- Sunday, November 1st.
Winter Days of Play?
For a complete list visit OurayColorado.com
Get ready for winter activities with a little crossfit with Allen, yoga at Inner Mountain and dance with Weehawken! Ouray, Colorado, we have it all!
Links to members
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices:
The Hot Springs Pool will be CLOSED for cleaning and general maintenance: October 19 - 25, 2009
Ouray is nothing short of Bountiful with Weehawken! Check out their website for a full list of fabulous classes!
The Beautification Committee needs emails/ letters from the community in support of grant and funding requests so they may continue their efforts in Ouray. Letters of support are a very important part of the process and your support in this way would be very much appreciated. Please send email/letters to jossiranch@ouraynet.com . Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room
October 23 &24 Rocky Horror Picture Show- A Benefit for the Friends of the Wright Opera House. Doors open at 9:30 show at 10 pm. $12 donation for your "RHPS" goodie bag at the door, costumes encouraged. Over 21 only
Saturday, Oct. 24- Send out Cards with Sendoutcards.com, just in time for the holidays! We are going to show people the SendOutCards.Com system. You are able to take your photographs and digital graphics and easily incorporate them into your own personal greeting card. When you click "Send Card" we print the card, stamp it, and mail it for you. A card to a group is a feature that allows you to do Holiday cards in minutes. A free gift is given to all attendees and there is no charge for admittance. The event is taking place Saturday, October 24 between 3:00 and 5:00 pm at Backstreet Bagel. Bring a friend and have fun!
Saturday, Oct. 31:
Trick or Treat on Main Street Halloween Night from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: THE CITIZENS STATE BANK OF OURAY . Post the attached poster in your window to let the kiddies know to stop in!
Saturday, Oct. 31: The Ouray Elks Lodge 492 will once again be presenting their Haunted House on October 31st. This is a favorite event for area children and adults alike; this year's theme is the Haunted Mansion, loosely based on the recent Disney film. The fun begins at 6:30 PM and runs until 8:30. Admission fee for one trip through the house and a goodie bag is just $3 per person, with a $10 rate for a family of four. Come experience the Haunted Mansion, complete with the Dining Room, the Library, the Graveyard, the Attic, the Pit, and the singing statues. For more information, call Manette at 325-0095.
Heritage Tourism:
"We are proud to announce the release of a new research study that reveals the popularity of cultural and heritage travel in the United States - travel to the very places that are featured on Gozaic.com!
This study, conducted by Mandala Research and sponsored by Heritage Travel, Inc. and Gozaic.com, is the first of its kind to segment cultural and/or heritage travelers. It reveals that 78% of all U.S. leisure travelers participate in cultural and/or heritage activities while traveling (118.3 million adults each year). Even more important is cultural and heritage travelers spend an average of $994 per trip - compared to $611 spent on the average U.S. trip. This contributes over $192 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
The study delves into the specific habits of cultural and heritage travelers, the reasons why they travel, and the activities they enjoy while traveling - providing detailed and valuable industry information and reconfirming the size of this lucrative market. For more information and statistics from the study, please read our recent press release:
New Study Reveals Popularity of U.S. Cultural and Heritage Travel
If you have any questions about this study, please feel free to contact us at 202-588-6200 or by email at hti_partner@gozaic.com. "
Best regards,
Scott Gerloff
Vice President, Partner Relations
Change of Hours? See below for updates!
Restaurant | Winter Hours | P.O. Box/ |
Artisan Bakery | Closed Tuesdays, closed at noon on Sunday, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. |
|
Backstreet Bagel & Deli | Open Year Round b-fast and lunch Specials: | 1466 |
Bon Ton 325-4951 | Closed Tues and Wed starting late Oct. Specials: Thursday -Pasta Night | 667 |
Buen Tiempo Mexican Restaurant 325-4544 | Closed for lunch Specials: | 667 |
Bulow's Bistro Restaurant 325-7000 | Closed Oct. 10 until Thanksgiving. Will re-open for lunch and dinner. Tundra-Closed for winter | 740 |
Coachlight Restaurant & Tavern | Open 7 days a week at 5:00p.m. thru September and then starting in October we will go to our winter schedule of Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Coachlight Restaurant is now open Tuesday thru Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Our last day for the summer season will be Saturday Sept 26, 2009 | 1051 |
Gold Belt | Closing for the winter | 548 |
Historic Saloon Restaurant | Closed for the winter, open for catering and special events. | 25 |
Maggie's |
|
|
O'Brien's Pub 325-4386 | Closed Nov. 1-19 and on TUESDAY's Specials: Poor and Hungry Monday Dart League this winter! | 864 |
Ouray Café' |
|
|
Ouray Swim & Snack House 325-4813 | Open Specials: | 679 |
Outlaw Restaurant | 4:30 until 9:00 7 days a week until the middle of October and then it will be 5:00-9:00 6 days a week (Closed Mondays). Also we are going to be closed Nov. 8-19. We will be open Saturday the 7th and then reopen on Friday the 20th. Specials: | 59 |
Papillion Main | Closed on Wed Specials: Monday Night Football Buffet, Music on the weekends | 7 |
The Bistro at Billy Goats Gruff | CLOSED for the winter | 486 |
Timberline Deli and Catering 325-4958 | Open 7 days a week. Specials: Thai Dinner on Sat and Sun Fried Chicken 7days a week |
|
* Ouray Hot Springs Pool Hours: Winter hours begin on Tuesday Sept 8: Mon-Fri. 12-8:45, Sat. Sun 11-9. Pool will be closed for cleaning October 19 through October 25, 2009.
*Ouray Mule and Carriage will run tours ALL winter! Details coming! We are now giving tours by reservation and no longer doing the hourly runs. We've had good success in the last couple weeks operating this way so unless the roads are not passable don't hesitate to direct people to call us at: 970-708-4946 to set up a tour.
*San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours will run until Nov. 1.
*V&S: Open 9-9 7days a week thru out Sept
OURAY ELKS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Jim Pettengill, scholarship chairman at Ouray Elks Lodge 492, has announced that application forms for scholarships from the Elks National Foundation and for local Elks scholarships are now available. "There are two principal kinds of national and state scholarships," said Pettengill. "Legacy Awards are available to children or grandchildren of active Elks, and Most Valuable Student Scholarships are available to anyone ? you do not need to have an Elk in the family to apply for a MVS award. In addition, the MVS applications are used by the local lodge to award four scholarships to local students."
Deadlines for these Elks scholarship applications have changed this year. MVS applications must be turned in to either the student's school counselor or to Pettengill no later than November 2, 2009; Legacy Award applications are sent directly to the Elks national office, and are due by January 8, 2010. "This year application forms must be downloaded from the Elks national website at www.elks.org/enf " said Pettengill. "Click on Scholarships and follow the instructions. Anyone needing information or assistance can contact their counselor or call me at 626-4239. The early deadline is approaching rapidly, so students should start the process now. Helping our local students to further their education is one of the most important of our community assistance programs."
What are your winter hours and closures?
Requested links for the chamber chat:
City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Karen Avery (2009/11) President
Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs
325-4981
Chris Bonatti (2007-2009) Vice President
The Outlaw Restaurant
HM: 325-4366
Nancy Wolkin (2009-2010)Treasurer
Denim of Antiquity
Store: 325-4924
Cell: 596-1079
Clint Boots (2008-2010) Secretary
Citizens State Bank
325-4478
Rob Megna (2008-2009)
Backstreet Bagel
Cell: 530-575-1333
Festival
Bill Leo (2007-2009)
Ouray Mountain Sports
325-4284
Jill Schoenebaum (2008-2010)
4 J+1+1 RV Park
w)325-4418 H) 325-4864
Michelle Poirer (2009-2011)
Blue Pear
325-9838
Cell: 252-256-4312
Alen Cook
Timber Ridge and Matterhorn Lodges
Cross Fit
325-325-4856
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Ouray Trail Run Fires Up
Posted at 7:06am on Oct 4th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
Comparable in difficulty to the Imogene Pass Run between Ouray and Telluride, the Ouray Trail Run circumnavigates the City of Ouray using the Silvershield, Ice Park and Portland trails. With the unsurpassed views of Ouray and the surrounding fall foliage, this year?s run will no doubt prove to be one of Colorado?s most beautiful fall events.
?The course is unbelievably beautiful,? race Director Erin Eddy said in an interview on Tuesday. ?This has to be one of the most scenic runs in the state because of its timing. The course is just awesome and it is a great race.?
Participants are reminded that the course follows steep and rugged, single-track trails in the high altitude terrain, with a base elevation of 7,700 feet. The course gains over 3,600 vertical feet and includes many steep and loose sections. Another factor participants should keep in mind is the unpredictable fall weather of the San Juan Mountains, which can range from mild and sunny to cold and snowy in a matter of minutes. Ultimately, runners are responsible for their own safety and are expected to use good judgment with regards to their ability to complete the race.
The course will be marked with flagging, cones and signs, and a number of volunteer course marshals will be strategically located to keep runners headed in the right direction.
Eddy said that last year?s inaugural event raised approximately $2,000 for local outdoor education programs, including the San Juan Riding Program, the Ouray Cross County Team, and the Ridgway and Ouray schools? outdoor education programs. He hopes to raise even more for those programs this year.
?This race is all about getting kids outdoors,? Eddy said.
The $50 race entry fee includes an official race T-shirt, aid-station refreshments, and a post-race barbecue. Prizes, custom made by Ouray glassblower Sam Rushing, will be awarded for overall male and female winners as well as male and female age group winners. Door prizes at the post-race awards ceremony will include Osprey packs, arm warmers, socks and shirts from Sugoi, a sport band for an iPod, and gaiters by JoeTrailMan. Race participants will automatically be entered to win prizes, but they must be present at the ceremony to win.
Race registration will occur on Friday at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool between 5 and 7 p.m., or on race day, between 8 and 9:30 a.m. The race starts and ends at the pool, and has a 10 a.m. start time.
Stick around town after the race for some much-deserved relaxation and revelry at the Ouray Oktoberfest and 45th Annual Jeep Raffle. Popular Bavarian band, The Austrian Connection, will perform, and there will be kids? activities and costume contests with cash prizes. Traditional German food such as brats, potato cakes, apple sauce and German chocolate cake are on the menu, as well as Colorado Boy brews and wine. Call the Ouray Chamber for additional information at 800/228-1876.
The Ouray Trail Run is a 501(c)4 corporation and all race proceeds go directly to local outdoor youth recreational programs and local youth recreational clubs. For more information, go to www.ouraytrailrun.com.
Chamber Chat 9-30-09
Posted at 10:11pm on Sep 30th 2009 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat:
Sept 30, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE:
New Local "Live Sound" Service from our own Red Mountain Radio LLC
Beautification Committee needs to hear from you!
2nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run
Polka Band booked for Oktoberfest!
Living with Wildlife presentation
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Seasonal Closures- hours and what not
Locals day on the train -- Sunday, November 1st.
Winter Days of Play?
For a complete list visit OurayColorado.com
Get ready for winter activities with a little Yoga at Inner Mountain and dance with Weehawken! Ouray, Colorado, we have it all
Feature and other notices:
The Hot Springs Pool will be CLOSED for cleaning and general maintenance: October 19 - 25, 2009
STOP THE PRESSES:
New Local "Live Sound" Service
September 25, 2009 (Ouray, CO) - Red Mountain Radio LLC is pleased to announce the addition of live sound reinforcement to its list of services. This service is appropriate for local live music and events such as conferences, meetings, and theater. Complete packages for live music at small and mid sized venues include an 800 Watt digital front of house (FOH) mix, monitors, microphones, and set-up. A down-tempo music DJ service is also offered for openings, receptions, and music between live sets.
Red Mountain Radio LLC partners Eric and Ethan Funk are both electrical engineers with formal music training and a history of engineering mixes for live music and radio. "We have been asked many times if we can provide this type of service and we are now pleased to have a complete set of equipment in place."
Please visit "sound.redmountainradio.com" for additional information and rates.
Red Mountain Radio LLC specializes in electronics engineering design including radio, wireless, radar, and digital broadcasting for customers throughout the U.S.
# # #
For more information about Red Mountain Radio LLC please call Eric Funk at 970-325-2158x12, e-mail Eric at eric@redmountainradio.com, or visit redmountainradio.com.
The Beautification Committee needs emails/ letters from the community in support of grant and funding requests so they may continue their efforts in Ouray. Letters of support are a very important part of the process and your support in this way would be very much appreciated. showing support it would help their cause. Please send email/letters to jossiranch@ouraynet.com
October 3, 2009, 2nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run
10am ? 2pm, Hot Springs Park, Ouray. 2 nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run - This
run circumnavigates a 13.9 mile loop around the City of Ouray on USFS trails. The run is scheduled to
coincide with the Ouray Oktoberfest for even more enjoyment! Pre-registration required. For information,
visit www.ouraytrailrun.com
October 3, 2009: 45th Annual Jeep Raffle Drawing and Oktoberfest celebration! Beer, Brats
and Bavarian Music: Return of the popular Bavarian band, The Austrian Connection!!!!!!!!
Ouray Community Center 5-10 pm! Join us for spectacular San Juan Mnt Color then stop in for an
evening celebration with live music, local brews and more! Sponsored by the Ouray Chamber Resort
Association.
October 8 : Our next Living with Wildlife presentation on October 8 will feature Brian Holmes, CDOW Conservation Biologist, on the Black-footed Ferret Recovery Project. This project is an interesting model for a species that was thought to be extinct until a small colony was discovered in WY and bred in captivity to produce stock for returning to the wild. Unfortunately, the ferret is dependent on the prairie dog, and they have been attacked by plague in CO this year, so a great many of the reintroduced ferrets have been lost. 626-4496
October 23 &24 Rocky Horror Picture Show- A Benefit for the Friends of the Wright Opera House. Doors open at 9:30 show at 10 pm. $12 donation for your "RHPS" goodie bag at the door, costumes encouraged. Over 21 only
Change of Hours? See below for updates!
* Ouray Hot Springs Pool Hours: Winter hours begin on Tuesday Sept 8: Mon-Fri. 12-8:45, Sat. Sun 11-9. Pool will be closed for cleaning October 19 through October 25, 2009.
*Ouray Mule and Carriage will run tours ALL winter! Details coming! We are now giving tours by reservation and no longer doing the hourly runs. We've had good success in the last couple weeks operating this way so unless the roads are not passable don't hesitate to direct people to call us at: 970-708-4946 to set up a tour.
*San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours will run until Nov. 1.
*Spa Vivante has moved from the Beaumont Hotel and is now called Vivante Spa Therapy.The new office is on 2nd Street. All Riverstone, Massage, and Spa Body Treatments are still available by Sherrah Taylor. In October, Sherrah will also be working at Ouray Medical Center at 824 Main Street. All organic Starflower Facial and Body Products and Shining Mountain Herbs will be sold there. To make an appointment please call 970-209-8387.
Restaurant | Winter Hours | P.O. Box/ |
Artisan Bakery |
|
|
Backstreet Bagel & Deli | Open Year Round b-fast and lunch Specials: | 1466 |
Bon Ton 325-4951 | Closed Tues and Wed starting late Oct. Specials: Thursday -Pasta Night | 667 |
Buen Tiempo Mexican Restaurant 325-4544 | Closed for lunch Specials: | 667 |
Bulow's Bistro Restaurant 325-7000 |
| 740 |
Coachlight Restaurant & Tavern | Open 7 days a week at 5:00p.m. thru September and then starting in October we will go to our winter schedule of Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Coachlight Restaurant is now open Tuesday thru Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Our last day for the summer season will be Saturday Sept 26, 2009 | 1051 |
Gold Belt | Closing for the winter | 548 |
Historic Saloon Restaurant | Closed for the winter, open for catering and special events. | 25 |
Maggie's |
|
|
O'Brien's Pub 325-4386 | Closed on TUESDAY Specials: | 864 |
Ouray Café' |
|
|
Ouray Swim & Snack House 325-4813 | Open Specials: | 679 |
Outlaw Restaurant | 4:30 until 9:00 7 days a week until the middle of October and then it will be 5:00-9:00 6 days a week (Closed Mondays). Also we are going to be closed Nov. 8-19. We will be open Saturday the 7th and then reopen on Friday the 20th. Specials: | 59 |
Papillion Main | Closed on Wed Specials: Monday Night Football Buffet, Music on the weekends | 7 |
The Bistro at Billy Goats Gruff | CLOSED for the winter | 486 |
Timberline Deli and Catering 325-4958 | Open 7 days a week. Specials: Thai Dinner on Sat and Sun Fried Chicken 7days a week |
|
Ouray Massage Therapy has a new location at 8th & Main. (in the Cutting Edge building)
A pleasant healing decor with a Balinese theme. Offering Therapeutic Massage, Spa Treatments and retail Chinese Therapeutic Oils, Homemade Organic Lotion & Aromatherapy Sprays. I will also be teaching some workshops as well. More info on my website: www.bodybybeej.com.
Locals get $10 off all sessions all year. Contact: 318-1113
Best Regards, B.J.
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Ouray's Hydro Plant Bids Farewell to Dick Fowler
Posted at 4:13pm on Sep 28th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
Richard Ezra Fowler, aka ?Mr. Dick,? was an iconic Ouray character, spanning the old and the new as effortlessly as he spun tales from his stool of honor at the Buen Tiempo. The former operator of Ouray?s historic hydro plant passed away last week. He was 67.
As this paper reaches readers? hands, Fowler?s memorial service at the Ouray Ice Park will have taken place ? it was set for Thursday evening. And surely many a margarita will have been lifted afterward in his honor at the Buen, where his barstool has been temporarily retired. And just as surely, many a ?Mr. Dick? story will have been told.
How Fowler ended up in Ouray in the early 1990s is a story worth telling in itself, and is best done so by Fowler?s former employer and good friend Eric Jacobsen, owner of the Ouray Hydro Plant.
?Dick and I go back to the late ?80s when he had a Jeep repair garage in Grand Junction,? recalled Jacobsen, who also owns the famous Bridal Veil hydroelectric plant near Telluride, accessed via Imogene Pass. ?We used old Jeeps for doing all the work (at the Bridal Veil plant),? Jacobsen said. ?Dick had a little shop with a wood stove. We?d drag our Jeeps in, in the fall, and he?d spend the winter fixing them for us.?
At that time, Jacobsen was in the process of getting his bid together to buy the Ouray Hydro Plant from Colorado Ute, a regional utility which eventually went bankrupt. He got the plant for $10 because he was the only pre-qualified bidder. But that?s another story.
Over that winter, Fowler got word of Jacobsen?s new acquisition. ?He showed up with his toolbox in hand and said he?d decided he wanted to be a hydro plant operator,? Jacobsen laughed. ?He said he?d sure be glad if I hired him, but if I didn?t, he?d work for free.?
Fowler was hired, and moved right in. ?He?s basically lived there ever since and has been very intimately involved in every aspect of the operation,? Jacobsen said.
Fowler came by his technical know-how by way of two hitches served in the U.S. Army, starting when he was only 18. He was stationed on the border of East and West Germany, where during formative years, he was in charge of a big truck maintenance garage.
The experience shaped the way he saw the world and lived his life. ?He always had a very military viewpoint toward his work at the hydro plant,? Jacobsen said. ?His idea was to keep the lieutenant happy but kick him out the door as soon as you can. I was always the lieutenant ? Dick was the master surgeon.?
Fowler applied his military mentality to his hydro plant employees, too, including his right hand man, and in Jacobsen?s words ?heavy lifter? of many years, Jimmy Pew. ?Jimmy, unfortunately, was the private,? Jacobsen joked. ?Either they loved Dick or they hated Dick, but he used his military structure on those guys; that?s how Dick ran the power plant.?
Jacobsen was happy to leave the running of the plant largely in Fowler?s hands, and like a good lieutenant, gave him plenty of space to do just that. ?I literally had not been in his apartment since he moved up there in 1992,? he said. ?That was Dick?s world.?
Fowler retired from his position at the hydro plant about 18 months ago. New operator Chris Babbins now keeps things the old thing spinning. But it wasn?t long after Fowler stepped down from his operator position that he found his way back, this time as caretaker, doing maintenance work on an hourly basis.
?I think Dick frankly got tired of being retired,? Jacobsen chuckled.
Fowler?s boots at the plant will be hard to fill. ?He was totally into old equipment,? Jacobsen said. ?He had the perfect personality to keep the hydro plant running. Dick would complain loudly when we had occasion to upgrade old equipment. He liked mechanical things and was very suspicious of anything electronic.?
Now, as for Fowler?s famous story-telling ability? ?He had all sorts of funny stories,? Jacobsen said. ?He had a way of making anything sound funny. It?s hard to do that.?
But interestingly, Fowler talked very rarely about his family.
?Funny stories and mishaps with machinery were more Dick?s thing,? Jacobsen said. ?He was a good storyteller, so you didn?t mind if he?d recycle a story every few months. There?s all sorts of funny stories Dick had about daily life, and he never was the hero in any of them. His stories were always very complimentary of some other person for having patience and humility; listening to him was kind of like having zen lessons. He was very self-effacing. He just loved Ouray and the people here.?
And not surprisingly, Fowler had a knack for tapping into what makes the town tick. In addition to his work at the hydro plant and his estimable position at the Buen Tiempo, he was also a ?de facto? member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team. To this group, Fowler?s snow-cat maintaining skills proved invaluable.
?He hung out with the young rock climber group and took the Ice Park very seriously,? Jacobsen said, adding that Fowler helped build the very first catwalk at the Ice Park in the early 1990s. ?He had really, really good friends in Ouray ? young, old and everywhere in between. He was a very happy, warm Ouray character.?
Fowler was born on a farm in Salida, the town where his mother and sister still live. He is also survived by a brother in Loveland, and his companion of many years, Mary White, who resides in Fruita. (White has bequeathed Fowler?s beloved old Jeep to Jacobsen.)
Prior to his stint as a mechanic in Grand Junction and his long-term gig in Ouray, Jacobsen said that Fowler worked in construction and as a truck driver.
?I think he always wandered a little bit until he found his way to Ouray,? Jacobson speculated. ?Once he found the hydro plant, I think that that?s what he considered he wanted to do for the rest of his life.?
[OCRA Members] Chamber Chat 9 23 2009
Posted at 2:52pm on Sep 24th 2009 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat:
Sept 23, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE:
Runners will be coming into town for the 2nd Annual Ouray Mountain Trail Run. If you would like to put any information about your business of coupons in our race bag please give to Jennifer by the 26th.
Farmers Market on Thursday! 2-6!
Papillon on Main will be opening at 6:00 AM this weekend only.
List of restaurant and deli hours for the winter
Fall Landscape Photography Workshop with Kathleen Norris Cook
Second Chance Humane Society celebrating 15 years
Fall Landscape Photography Workshop
2nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run
Oktoberfest Oct 3 at the Ouray Community Center! Jeep Tickets will be picked up from vendors on Fri. Oct 2.
Locals day on the train -- Sunday, November 1st.
Winter Days of Play?
For a complete list visit OurayColorado.com
Get ready for winter activities with a little crossfit with Allen, yoga at Inner Mountain and dance with Weehawken! Ouray, Colorado, we have it all!
Links to members
2009 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feature and other notices: How is the chamber working for you? This week we arranged for Ouray Colorado- to have High Definition Footage shot (this week) because we KNOW we are the BEST Destination for Recreation! The footage will be aired on KCNC Channel 4 Denver in October and the footage will be available for mutli-media purposes.
Do you have a feature to share? Please send it in! :-)
Change of Hours? See below for updates!
**Bachler' Mine will run tours until October 1!
* Ouray Hot Springs Pool Hours: Winter hours begin on Tuesday Sept 8: Mon-Fri. 12-8:45, Sat. Sun 11-9. Pool will be closed for cleaning October 19 through October 25, 2009.
*Ouray Mule and Carriage will run tours ALL winter! We are now giving tours by reservation and no longer doing the hourly runs. We've had good success in the last couple weeks operating this way so unless the roads are not passable don't hesitate to direct people to call us at: 970-708-4946 to set up a tour.
*San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours will run until Nov. 1.
*V&S: Open 9-9 7days a week thru out Sept
*Spa Vivante has moved from the Beaumont Hotel and
is now called Vivante Spa Therapy.The new office is on 2nd Street. All
Riverstone, Massage, and Spa Body Treatments are still available by
Sherrah Taylor. In October, Sherrah will also be working at Ouray
Medical Center at 824 Main Street. All organic Starflower Facial and
Body Products and Shining Mountain Herbs will be sold there. To make
an appointment please call 970-209-8387.
Restaurant | Winter Hours | P.O. Box/ |
Artisan Bakery |
|
|
Backstreet Bagel & Deli | Open Year Round b-fast and lunch Specials: | 1466 |
Bon Ton 325-4951 | Closed Tues and Wed starting late Oct. Specials: Thursday -Pasta Night | 667 |
Buen Tiempo Mexican Restaurant 325-4544 | Closed for lunch Specials: | 667 |
Bulow's Bistro Restaurant 325-7000 |
| 740 |
Coachlight Restaurant & Tavern | Open 7 days a week at 5:00p.m. thru September and then starting in October we will go to our winter schedule of Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Coachlight Restaurant is now open Tuesday thru Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Our last day for the summer season will be Saturday Sept 26, 2009 | 1051 |
Gold Belt | Closing for the winter | 548 |
Historic Saloon Restaurant | Closed for the winter, open for catering and special events. | 25 |
Maggie's |
|
|
O'Brien's Pub 325-4386 | Closed on TUESDAY Specials: | 864 |
Ouray Café' |
|
|
Ouray Swim & Snack House 325-4813 | Open Specials: | 679 |
Outlaw Restaurant | 4:30 until 9:00 7 days a week until the middle of October and then it will be 5:00-9:00 6 days a week (Closed Mondays). Also we are going to be closed Nov. 8-19. We will be open Saturday the 7th and then reopen on Friday the 20th. Specials: | 59 |
Papillion Main | Closed on Wed Specials: Monday Night Football Buffet, Music on the weekends | 7 |
The Bistro at Billy Goats Gruff | CLOSED for the winter | 486 |
Timberline Deli and Catering 325-4958 | Open 7 days a week. Specials: Thai Dinner on Sat and Sun Fried Chicken 7days a week |
|
SEPT. 25, 26, 27 2009: Fall Landscape Photography Workshop with Kathleen Norris Cook
A PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNING TO ADVANCED STUDENTS IN OURAY, CO. For more information please see: www.weehawkenarts.org
wcaouray@yahoo.com
September 27: Second Chance Humane Society is celebrating 15 years of success and invites the entire community to join with us! There will be two celebrations in two areas of our large service region. On Saturday September 26 we will be celebrating in Telluride at Elks Park and on Sunday September 27 we will be in Ridgway's Town Park.
Both events take place from 3-5 PM and involve "Chip Parties" offering ½ priced micro-chipping for all pets (only $25!) as well as an array of "chip" treats such as chocolate chip cookies and ice cream, chocolate chip cake, chips and dip, etc. Doggie DNA Test Kits will also be available along with live music and giveaways. Contact Kelly @ 626.2273 for more information or log onto: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.
October 3, 2009, 2nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run
10am ? 2pm, Hot Springs Park, Ouray. 2 nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run -
This run circumnavigates a 13.9 mile loop around the City of Ouray on USFS trails. The run
is scheduled to coincide with the Ouray Oktoberfest for even more enjoyment! Pre-registration
required. For information, visit www.ouraytrailrun.com
October 3, 2009: 45th Annual Jeep Raffle Drawing and Oktoberfest celebration! Beer, Brats and Bavarian Music: Return of the popular Bavarian band, The Austrian Connection!!!!!!!!
Ouray Community Center 5-10 pm! Join us for spectacular San Juan Mnt Color then stop in for an evening celebration with live music, local brews and more! Sponsored by the Ouray Chamber Resort Association. (Gypsie costumes are ok ONLY if you got the Bulgarian e-mail last week, you may not win a prize thought.....!)
Requested links for the chamber chat:
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Ouray Bypass in works
Posted at 10:35am on Sep 18th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
The Board of County Commis-sioners on Monday approved the final version of a Tiger Grant application, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, following its review during a special meeting on Sept. 8. The grant application was due Sept. 15.
The proposed 15-mile project would upgrade County Roads 1 from Colona over Log Hill Mesa and CR24 and CR 24-D through the east end of Pleasant Valley. County commissioners conceded after last week?s review that the project could make the route a bypass of Ridgway by funneling traffic off Highways 550 and 62.
?This will be a more efficient bypass road," said Commissioner Keith Meinert last week. But, Meinert noted, issues of speed limits, signage, weight limits and traffic enforcement need to be addressed. ?I may lean toward favoring it when these questions are answered. People will need to know what the implications are.?
BOCC Chairman Heidi Albritton said last week that the BOCC will fully field public comment to see if county residents ?have the political will? for the project, should funding be obtained.
On Monday, Albritton complimented county staff, in particular Administrator Connie Hunt, for putting the grant application together so quickly and so professionally. Albritton said she knows the project may stir controversy.
?But I feel as elected officials it?s important for us to examine all options that will help the community,? said Albritton.
Meinert echoed Albritton?s comments. ?I want to assure the public that it can air any concerns,? said Meinert. ?We will hold a public forum ? if we get this grant. We are not making a commitment today.?
The grant application cites a potential benefit of creating a more convenient and shorter route (by nearly four miles) than the 19-plus miles on the Highway 550 and Highway 62 corridor through Ouray County.
Other benefits include improving safety for school buses and emergency response vehicles, winter travel and by reducing the number of vehicles that use Highway 62 through Ridgway for commuter or delivery travel between Montrose and Telluride; reducing dependence on oil and gas by providing an alternate route that is about 20% shorter; and enhancing air quality by reducing vehicle emissions and particulate matter from (gravel road) dust and the road-surface placement of sand during winter.
?It was a huge project pulling this together,? said Albritton. ?It (the application packet) is really well thought out and pulls the picture together. We have a lot of good information to share at a public forum.?
A complete digital copy of the grant application is available at the Ouray County website: www.ouraycountyco.gov/
? By Patrick Davarn, news editor
Chamber Chat 9-16-09
Posted at 8:29am on Sep 17th 2009 by Lora
OCRA Chamber Chat:
Sept 16, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE:
Jeep Jamboree 9/18-19
Farmers Market on Thursday! 2-6!
Painters of America 5th Annual Great Paint Out
Autumn Color Workshop & Photoshop Elements
Second Chance Humane Society celebrating 15 years
Fall Landscape Photography Workshop
2nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run
Polka Band booked for Oktoberfest!
Locals day on the train -- Sunday, November 1st.
Winter Days of Play?
For a complete list visit www. OurayColorado.com
Get ready for winter activities with a little crossfit with Allen, yoga at Inner Mountain and dance with Weehawken! Ouray, Colorado, we have it all!
Feature and other notices:
Change of Hours?- See below for updates!
*Billy Goat Gruff's will be closing for the season on Sunday the 20th!
We will be doing some great local specials during that last weekend... (we can't keep the beer through the winter). So come down and help us drain our kegs! Our last Thirsty Thursday in the Biergarten is this Thursday, and we will be doing some great $2 and $1 draft specials thru the weekend We will be closed for the winter season, but both the Bistro and the Biergarten will reopen next May! Thanks for a great summer!
*Coachlight Tavern is still open 7 days a week at 5:00p.m. thru September and
then starting in October we will go to our winter schedule of Friday, Saturday,
& Sunday. Coachlight Restaurant is now open tuesday thru Saturday and closed
on Sundays and Mondays. Our last day for the summer season will be Saturday Sept 26, 2009.
*O'Brien's CLOSED on TUESDAY.
*Outlaw open from 4:30 until 9:00 (Instead of 10:00) 7 days a week until the middle of October and then it will be 5:00-9:00 6 days a week (Closed Mondays). Also we are going to be closed Nov. 8-19. We will be open Saturday the 7th and then reopen on Friday the 20th.
*Papillion's now closed on Wed. for the winter.
*Bachler' Mine will run tours until October 1!
* Ouray Hot Springs Pool Hours.Winter hours begin on Tuesday Sept 8: Mon-Fri. 12-8:45, Sat. Sun 11-9. Pool will be closed for cleaning October 19 through October 25, 2009.
*Ouray Mule and Carriage will run tours ALL winter! Details coming!
*San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours will run until Nov. 1.
*V&S: Open 9-9 7days a week thru out Sept
Fall Activities:
Saturday, September 19, 2009 Oil Painters of America (OPA) 5th Annual Great Paint Out, Ouray, Colorado 8am-8pm All PAAC Members and other artist are invited! Hostess: Romagean Personne 970-325-0270; romagean@agogallery.com Paint at a private ranch with lunch served; paint in town in afternoon with opportunity to sell. Dinner will be available.
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009 Ranch History Museum open, 1-5 p.m. in the historic Colona School ¼ mi. west of Hwy. 550 on Ouray County Road 1. Storytelling at 3 p.m. This is the last regular date of the museum's 2009 season. Free; donation requested. Info: 970 626-5075.
September 27: Second Chance Humane Society is celebrating 15 years of success and invites the entire community to join with us! There will be two celebrations in two areas of our large service region. On Saturday September 26 we will be celebrating in Telluride at Elks Park and on Sunday September 27 we will be in Ridgway's Town Park.
Both events take place from 3-5 PM and involve "Chip Parties" offering ½ priced micro-chipping for all pets (only $25!) as well as an array of "chip" treats such as chocolate chip cookies and ice cream, chocolate chip cake, chips and dip, etc. Doggie DNA Test Kits will also be available along with live music and giveaways. Contact Kelly @ 626.2273 for more information or log onto: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.
SEPT. 25, 26, 27 2009: Fall Landscape Photography Workshop with Kathleen Norris Cook
A PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNING TO ADVANCED STUDENTS IN OURAY, CO. For more information please see: www.weehawkenarts.org
wcaouray@yahoo.com
October 3, 2009, 2nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run
10am ? 2pm, Hot Springs Park, Ouray. 2 nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run - This run circumnavigates a 13.9 mile loop around the City of Ouray on USFS trails. The run is scheduled to coincide with the Ouray Oktoberfest for even more enjoyment! Pre-registration required. For information, visit www.ouraytrailrun.com
October 3, 2009: 45th Annual Jeep Raffle Drawing and Oktoberfest celebration! Beer, Brats and Bavarian Music: Return of the popular Bavarian band, The Austrian Connection!!!!!!!! Ouray Community Center 5-10 pm! Join us for spectacular San Juan Mnt Color then stop in for an evening celebration with live music, local brews and more! Sponsored by the Ouray Chamber Resort Association.
Requested links for the chamber chat:
City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings) www.cityofouray.com
Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml
Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;
Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com
Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) ? www.ouraycolorado.com
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) ? www.ocpag.org
Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) ? www.ourayarts.org
Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org
Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com
Ouray Trail Group - www.ouraytrails.org
Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com
Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com
San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes www.ourayclimbing.com/
Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) ? www.weehawkenarts.org
Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org
Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan Room.
Restaurant Info:
Declaimer: This is information that restaurant members have asked OCRA to share with other members. This is a consolidated list or reports and has not been solicited.
The Bistro at Billy Goat Gruff's will be opening for lunches at 11am, Thursday-Sunday. Our lunch menu will feature our fabulous burgers, salads and appetizers, as well as our slow-smoked BBQ Ribs. If you are looking for a great gathering place outside, try the Biergarten, which opens at 11am daily, and offers our indoor seating area with pool table, shuffleboard and foosball.
Are you Gluten Free or is your diet as such?
-Spangler House B&B- Call ahead and let them know (vegan and gluten free)
-Ducketts Market : has lots of available products which are wheat and gluten free. We are also open to bringing in new Wheat free or Gluten Free products on your faves list. Let us know we always welcome your feedback and we're all about happy tummies. 970-325-4397
-Ago Gallery has a new cook book that will be out this May 28th that has 200 gluten
free recipes in it as well as art work by Romagean. This book will be for sale
through Ago Gallery and San Juan Pottery.
-
Khristopher's Culinaire also has Gluten Free products as well as Gluten Free and Food Allergy Cookbooks. Khristopher's Culinaire, 733 Main St/PO Box 1831, Ouray, CO 81427, Phone/Fax 970-325-4089, kc@kcouray.com, www.kcouray.com, www.facebook.com.
Weehawken Dances Classes: Drop-In Dancers Welcome! Drop in rate: $15/class
Ouray Mule and Carriage: provides Stage Coach Rides on MAIN St!!! Call to arrange a guest pick up from your hotel to dinner!
New Service offered by River Side Inn and Cabins in collaboration with Peak to Peak Bikes! Bike rentals, Bike shuttle service and more! Contact River Side Inn or Peak to Peak for more info!
Ouray Massage Therapy has a new location at 8th & Main. (in the Cutting Edge building)
A pleasant healing decor with a Balinese theme. Offering Therapeutic Massage, Spa Treatments and retail Chinese Therapeutic Oils, Homemade Organic Lotion & Aromatherapy Sprays. I will also be teaching some workshops as well. More info on my website: www.bodybybeej.com.
Locals get $10 off all sessions all year. Contact: 318-1113
Best Regards, B.J.
Dog Care for the day and for your yard! Little Paws and Dog Watch can help! Little Paws will take care of your pup when you are working or gone on a trip! Daily, overnight or weekly care @ $15/day per dog. For families with multiple dogs, a discounted price of $12.50/day per dog is given for visits longer than 3 days. Daily walks, playtimes, and any basic grooming needed are included in the fee. Pick-up and drop-off services are available for a small fee.
A pet containment system from Dogwatch is a radio pet fence that uses an electronic radio signal. Our underground dog fence keeps your pet IN a designated containment area, such as your backyard or OUT of an area like your garden! All pet fencing systems are a form of electronic dog fence and should not be mistakenly referred to as an electric fence that contains livestock with an electrified wire. Indoor options also available!
Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service. Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
Ouray Water and Real Estate
Posted at 8:01am on Sep 12th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
Posted by: Erin Eddy
www.ridgwayland.com
www.ourayland.com
With demographers forecasting 35 percent more people in Colorado by 2035 and climate scientists predicting 15 percent less water available in the Colorado River Basin by mid-century, something has to give.
More and more, public officials, business groups and environmental organizations have been talking about additional dams and reservoirs to augment those built in the mid-20th century.
?The water inheritance is running out,? said Josh Penry, the minority leader in the Colorado Senate, in a speech at the summer meeting of the Colorado Water Congress, a consortium of water providers. ?Colorado needs to embark on a new round? of storage construction.
?We study too much. We analyze too much,? added Penry, who is from Grand Junction and a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor.
Representatives of environmental groups concede the need for additional storage but also call for restraint.
?There are projects that have significant adverse environmental impact that we could not support,? said Melinda Kassen, managing director of the Western Water Project for Trout Unlimited. ?And there are projects that have substantially fewer environmental impacts that we can support,? she said, if mitigation measures are included.
Hovering over these conversations is the ghost of Wayne Aspinall. A onetime schoolteacher and lawyer from the fruit orchards of Palisade, Aspinall possessed neither good looks nor a good speaking voice. He did have a solid command of legislative techniques, however, and an ardent belief in the need to harness and regulate the rivers of the Rockies.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973, Aspinall helped obtain authorization and federal funding for a series of major dams in the upper Colorado River Basin. Utah?s Lake Powell was the most massive, but a trio of reservoirs on the Gunnison River also resulted from his legislative perseverance. Today, they are collectively designed as the Aspinall Unit.
Growing populations
But if Westerners saw the yoking of rivers into submission as the major task of the mid-20th century, today a more nuanced challenge exists. The limits of abundance have become more apparent.
Most, if not all, of the best dam sites have been taken. Few reliable water supplies remain unclaimed, and those that are unclaimed, such as on the Yampa River of northwestern Colorado, are far from population centers.
Coloradans in the future, as is already the case, can be expected to congregate along the urbanized Front Range corridor. More than three-quarters of the state?s residents currently live in a narrow swath less than 200 miles long. The State Demography Office projects that the population, now at 5 million, by 2035 will nudge 7.8 million ? an increase roughly the existing size of metropolitan Denver-Boulder.
Even more staggering population growth has been projected by 2035 for what is called the Colorado River system, an area that includes Denver, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. The existing population of 24 to 30 million people will have grown by another 12 to 15 million. Imagine Las Vegas 11 times over.
In contrast to this uphill population climb, climate scientists see a downward slope for water. Temperature is the major driver.
Computerized simulations differ substantially as to whether precipitation will increase or decrease. Further, existing precipitation patterns could change, as increased planetary heat alters flow of the jet stream. In other words, changes in Vail and Telluride might not be uniform.
There?s more certainty about increased heat. Rising temperatures will produce shorter winters, more evaporation and transpiration, and a substantial reduction of total flows in the Colorado River. Scientists in the last two years have settled on a 15 percent reduction as a central figure.
?We are expecting a 39 percent increase in population and, if you want an average, a 15 percent reduction in supplies,? said Taylor Hawes, of The Nature Conservancy, describing the seven-state Colorado River Basin.
?By most standards, that?s a crisis.?
Managing uncertainty
Further confusing water planning is the prospect of drought. Colorado had several significant droughts in the 20th century, but all are overshadowed the mega-droughts of the distant past. Study of tree rings across the Southwest conducted by Connie Woodhouse of Arizona State University and other dendrochronologists shows clear evidence of extended drought periods, from roughly 1,000 years ago, that lasted up to three decades.
The parched summer of 2002, a time of roaring wildfires near Denver, Durango and Glenwood Springs, caught water managers by surprise. Levels in Lake Powell dropped precipitously in 2003, and by late 2004 had left bathtub rings two-thirds below the high-water mark. Many wondered if the reservoir might actually drop to a dead pool, unable to generate any electricity.
Along Colorado?s Front Range, the situation looked equally bleak. Had it not been for a miraculously wet and heavy snowstorm in March 2003, cities and farmers might have faced another withering summer, hot and dry.
Water managers broadly embrace the theory of human-caused global warming. Their meetings for the last several years have focused on the sharp warnings coming from climate scientists.
?The science is all basically painting in the same direction,? says Eric Kuhn, general manager of the Colorado River Water Conservation District.
But if the all signs point toward hotter and drier, great uncertainty remains. Faced with that uncertain hydrological future, Marc Waage, manager of water resources planning for Denver Water, says he has been ?scratching my head for the last two years? about how to create a long-range water plan.
Before, water planning was a lot easier. There was always population growth, of course, but planners assumed a worst-case scenario that resembled a previous drought. Colorado?s documented worst drought came in the mid-1950s ? about the time that Wayne Aspinall was proposing to dam the Gunnison, San Juan, and Green rivers.
Now, water planners realize much more serious droughts are possible and that even the average amounts of water will be less. Runoff will occur weeks and perhaps months earlier, leading to much longer, hotter and drier summers. Combined with population growth, all this suggests that the existing water infrastructure may be inadequate.
The elephant of Colorado
Colorado?s big question mark remains the urban Front Range corridor, especially Denver?s southern suburbs that overwhelmingly rely upon underground water that has become steadily more difficult to extract.
Prairie Waters Project, a major new diversion project to be completed in 2011, will draw water from the South Platte near Brighton several dozen miles south for use in Aurora, located on the eastern flanks of Denver. Short as the pipeline is, this project is expected to cost nearly $700 million.
Far more ambitious projects have been conceived. The most spectacular, proposed by former Montrose farmer Aaron Million, would draw water from the Green River near Rock Springs, Wyo., piping it along Interstate 80 and then down to the Front Range.
More recently, a rival plan employing the same idea has begun to emerge from a consortium of water providers in Denver?s southern suburbs.
Another so-called big straw would draw water from the Yampa River west of Craig. That idea comes from the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, the agency responsible for the Colorado Big Thompson project. The project, which takes water from Grand Lake to Estes Park, was described by Telluride native and historian David Lavender as a ?massive violation of geography.?
These big straws have mostly been painted as saviors of agriculture. The thinking is that without further Western Slope diversions, the cities will end up buying farms for water.
But does the water exist?
Whether Colorado actually has sufficient water under the treaty apportioning the Colorado River Compact is open for debate. Kuhn, for example, has long suggested that Colorado has no more than a few hundred-thousand acre-feet of unallocated water. A study to be completed later this year by the Colorado River Water Board will, it is hoped, answer with greater certainty just how close Colorado is to the last drop.
Another set of studies will attempt to push the science of climate change even more rigorously. Tapping the expertise of scientists assembled in the federal laboratories at Boulder, these studies, it is hoped, will provide a better idea of how much water may exist in a hotter and drier future.
The focus naturally is on the Western Slope, where three-quarters of Colorado?s water originates, mostly in the form of snow. The studies will also attempt to predict how much precipitation regimes will change between basins ? the San Juan, for example, as distinct from the Eagle.
While this gets sorted out, parallel roundtable discussions have been occurring regarding the state?s major river basins. The intent of these roundtables is to reach some larger consensus about water allocations, perhaps similar to the compacts that govern the Colorado River now.
Friction
If the roundtables have improved dialogue, tempers have occasionally flared. Disagreement was evident in one exchange at last month?s meeting of the Colorado Water Congress. Pitkin County Commissioner Rachael Richards complained that Western Slope water had not been given its due in generating revenue in Colorado?s second largest economic, tourism and recreation.
She got pushback from Rodney Kuharich, director South Metro Water Supply Authority. Aspen, he observed, seemed to have done quite well despite the diversion of waters from the Roaring Fork River and its tributaries that began decades ago. Resorts on the Western Slope, he said, have benefited handsomely from customers drawn from along the Front Range.
As for additional storage, future reservoirs will likely be smaller but perhaps at higher-elevation locations, to minimize evaporation. But whereas the reservoirs of Aspinall?s day were all about commerce, today they will be judged against a greater matrix of considerations.
The Nature Conservancy?s Hawes said her group believes that decisions about storage should be guided by multiple uses, ?so that the environmental is part of the planning and not an afterthought.?
OCRA Chamber Chat
Posted at 9:05am on Sep 11th 2009 by Lora
Check out Ouray Colorado Chamber on facebook and post your photos of Ouray!
Sept 9, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE: Ouray Hot Springs Pool Hours. Winter hours begin on Tuesday Sept 8: Mon-Fri. 12-9, Sat. Sun 11-9. Pool will be closed for cleaning October 19 through October 25, 2009.
Feature and other notices:
Bachler' Mine will run tours until October 1!
Papillion's now closed on Wed. for the winter.
What are your winter hours and closures?
· Thistledown Campground to close for the season.
· Farmers Market on Thursday! 2-6!
· Fall hours for the Visitors Center
· Special "dance in the park"
· "Living in Bear Country"
· Ouray County Railroad Days.
· Open House for Indigo Paper Goods Barb Wade
· WATERCOLOR with Meredith Nemirov
· Painters of America 5th Annual Great Paint Out
· Fall Landscape Photography Workshop
· 2nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run
· Polka Band booked for Oktoberfest!
· Winter Days of Play?
For a complete list visit OurayColorado.com
Get ready for winter activities with a little crossfit with Allen, yoga at Inner Mountain and dance with Weehawken! Ouray, Colorado, we have it all!
Miss a feature? The campground host is leaving soon after Labor Day and the season is coming to a close. Fees will not be required for use of Thistledown or Angel Creek Campgrounds from September 14 through late May 2010. The campgrounds will remain open, but no services will be provided and the toilet will be locked. Self-containment should be heavily promoted. Barring that, campers should walk several hundred feet into the forest (away from the creek, campground, roads, and trails) and bury human waste in catholes at least 6 inches deep. This is difficult to do in lower Canyon Creek and there is a lot of private property in the area, so, again, self-containment and removal is strongly preferred.
The six portable toilets further up the canyon will be removed for the season on September 15.
The toilet at Na-gach Day-Use Area, next to Amphitheater Campground, will remain open for an extended season through October. This is the nearest USFS toilet, located just above the City of Ouray.
Fall Activities:
VISITOR CENTER HOURS as of Sept 1-30.
Monday ? Wednesday 9-6
Thursday ? Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-4
September 10:
Living with Wildlife, "Living in Bear Country," Two Videos, Thursday, September 10, 7 p.m., Ridgway Community Center, free monthly series sponsored by San Juan Corridors Coalition, information 626-4496.
The weekend of September 10 - 13 will provide plenty of opportunity for area residents, railfans and history buffs to experience the railroad heritage of the San Juans as the Ridgway Railroad Museum presents the ninth annual Ouray County Railroad Days. This educational event celebrates Ouray County's world famous railroad history with a variety of events for everyone from the most serious railfan to new residents with an interest in the unique history of the area.
Sunday, Sept 13: Barb Wade is expanding her graphic design business to include a line of stationery and greeting cards. To celebrate the launch of her new line, Indigo Paper Goods, she would like to invite chamber members to an Open House on Sunday, September 13th from 2-5pm. 102 Spruce Ct. (bottom of 5th Ave.) 325.4123 for more info.
September 14-16, 2009: WOOD, WATER, ROCK: PAINTING TREES, RIVERS, SNOW, CLOUDS AND MOUNTAINS IN WATERCOLOR with Meredith Nemirov. 9 am to 4 pm each day. At the artist's studio and outdoors ~ Ridgway, CO
Saturday, September 19, 2009 Oil Painters of America (OPA) 5th Annual Great Paint Out, Ouray, Colorado 8am-8pm All PAAC Members and other artist are invited! Hostess: Romagean Personne 970-325-0270; romagean@agogallery.com Paint at a private ranch with lunch served; paint in town in afternoon with opportunity to sell. Dinner will be available. All costs must be paid by September 1st!
SEPT. 25, 26, 27 2009: Fall Landscape Photography Workshop with Kathleen Norris Cook
A PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNING TO ADVANCED STUDENTS IN OURAY, CO. For more information please see: www.weehawkenarts.org wcaouray@yahoo.com
October 3, 2009, 2nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run
10am ? 2pm, Hot Springs Park, Ouray. 2 nd Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run -
This run circumnavigates a 13.9 mile loop around the City of Ouray on USFS trails. The run is
scheduled to coincide with the Ouray Oktoberfest for even more enjoyment! Pre-registration required.
For information, visit www.ouraytrailrun.com
October 3, 2009: 45th Annual Jeep Raffle Drawing and Oktoberfest celebration! Beer, Brats and Bavarian Music: Return of the popular Bavarian band, The Austrian Connection!!!!!!!! Ouray Community Center 5-10 pm! Join us for spectacular San Juan Mnt Color then stop in for an evening celebration with live music, local brews and more!
Sponsored by the Ouray Chamber Resort Association.
Restaurant Info:
Declaimer: This is information that restaurant members have asked OCRA to share with other members. This is a consolidated list or reports and has not been solicited.
The Bistro at Billy Goat Gruff's will be opening for lunches at 11am, Thursday-Sunday. Our lunch menu will feature our fabulous burgers, salads and appetizers, as well as our slow-smoked BBQ Ribs. If you are looking for a great gathering place outside, try the Biergarten, which opens at 11am daily, and offers our indoor seating area with pool table, shuffleboard and foosball.
Are you Gluten Free or is your diet as such?
-Spangler House B&B- Call ahead and let them know (vegan and gluten free)
-Ducketts Market : has lots of available products which are wheat and gluten free. We are also open to bringing in new Wheat free or Gluten Free products on your faves list. Let us know we always welcome your feedback and we're all about happy tummies. 970-325-4397
-Ago Gallery has a new cook book that has 200 gluten free recipes in it as well as art work by Romagean. This book will be for sale through Ago Gallery and San Juan Pottery.
- Khristopher's Culinaire also has Gluten Free products as well as Gluten Free and Food Allergy Cookbooks. Khristopher's Culinaire, 733 Main St/PO Box 1831, Ouray, CO 81427, Phone/Fax 970-325-4089, kc@kcouray.com, www.kcouray.com, www.facebook.com.
Weehawken Dances Classes: Drop-In Dancers Welcome! Drop in rate: $15/class
New Service offered by River Side Inn and Cabins in collaboration with Peak to Peak Bikes! Bike rentals, Bike shuttle service and more! Contact River Side Inn or Peak to Peak for more info!
Ouray Massage Therapy has a new location at 8th & Main. (in the Cutting Edge building)
A pleasant healing decor with a Balinese theme. Offering Therapeutic Massage, Spa Treatments and retail Chinese Therapeutic Oils, Homemade Organic Lotion & Aromatherapy Sprays. I will also be teaching some workshops as well. More info on my website: www.bodybybeej.com.
Locals get $10 off all sessions all year. Contact: 318-1113
Best Regards, B.J.
Historic Ouray Real Estate
Posted at 2:38pm on Sep 5th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
Sep 03, 2009 | 90 views | 0 | 1 | |
The Tanner/Viets house, built in 1901 in the Dutch Colonial Revival style, was owned by Frank and Ida Tanner. Frank was Mayor of Ouray from 1905-1907 and was director of the Bank of Ouray. This and other historic buildings are featured in the Ouray County Historical Museum?s newest exhibit: ?Ouray?s Historic Homes,? on display now through Nov. 21 during regular museum hours. (Photo by Doris Gregory)
slideshow OURAY ? The Ouray County Historical Museum?s newest exhibit originated as one of the OCHS Evening of History programs put together by Ouray resident Carolyne Kelly earlier this summer. Kelly?s program, ?Ouray?s Historic Homes? received such an enthusiastic response that museum curator, Don Paulson, decided to wrap up the summer season with a special exhibit based on her presentation.
The exhibit features 12 homes built between 1877 and 1902 that represent several architectural styles: Pioneer Log, Folk Victorian, Late Victorian, Victorian/Italianate, Victorian/Queen Anne, Edwardian or Dutch Colonial.
?No one architectural style exists in Ouray,? explained Kelly. ?Most of the homes in the Ouray National Historic District were built between 1876 and 1915, during the heyday of mining. These buildings are heavily influenced by architecture of the Victorian era which generally overlapped with Queen Victoria?s reign from 1837?1901.?
According to Kelly, the 12 homes selected for the focus of the exhibit were chosen for specific reasons: Kelly wanted to display a representative sampling of architectural styles, and some of the houses? owners had interesting backgrounds and interconnected family histories.
The quality of available old photographs and the consideration of available exhibit space also dictated her selection.
The ?Ouray?s Historic Homes? exhibit is located on the second floor of the Ouray County Historical Museum, which is housed in a beautiful 122-year-old stone building at the top of 6th Avenue in Ouray. The exhibit will run through Nov. 21. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m. Call the museum at 325-4576 for more information, or go online to ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org.
New Ouray Real Estate Development
Posted at 3:29pm on Aug 22nd 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
by Gus JarvisAug 20, 2009
Posted by: Erin Eddy
www.ridgwayland.com
LAY OF THE LAND ? Lot 3 in the first phase of the RiverSage sits next to cottonwoods that line the Uncompahgre River. It also has magnificent views of the Sneffels and Cimarron mountain ranges. (Photos by Gus Jarvis)
slideshow
slideshow Phase One Lots Now Available
RIDGWAY ? Six years since the inception of the RiverSage subdivision, two miles north of Ridgway near the banks of the Uncompahgre River, seven two-acre home sites are now available for purchase. The sites represent the first phase of the development and provide future residents clear views of the Sneffels and Cimarron mountain ranges as well as access to over 100 acres of surrounding open space and the adjacent 60-acre Dennis Weaver Memorial Park.
The project?s developer Rick Weaver, who has been busy overseeing road paving at the subdivision, said that the process to create and annex the subdivision with the Town of Ridgway was a lengthy, but ultimately is a ?win-win? development for potential lot owners as well as the those who will enjoy the 60-acre park. The development also encompasses the philosophy of Weaver?s late father, actor and environmentalist Dennis Weaver.
?We really wanted to preserve the river corridor, wetlands and wildlife habitat,? Weaver said in an interview last week. ?We tried to keep his vision in approaching this project. The only way we could do this is donate land and develop just enough lots to make it financially feasible. The town got a 60-acre park and we got the lots we needed. Everybody wins with this project.?
Lots in the first phase of the subdivision are priced to sell from $289,000. With its location on the outskirts of Ridgway and within one hour?s drive of Telluride, the subdivision is perfect for those who want to be surrounded by San Juan Mountain beauty but not too far from the conveniences of town.
?What is really great about it is you get a rural country, private feel but you are only four minutes from town,? Weaver said. ?You are also only four minutes from town if you want to ride your bike on the path. People can even go down to the [Ridgway] State Park without even getting into a car.?
The entire RiverSage subdivision is broken up into three phases and will, when it is complete, have just 20 lots on 115 acres of land.
?There is a lot of open space out there and a lot of great mountain views with no homes in front of another,? Weaver said.
In keeping with his father?s vision, Weaver said the subdivision will be environmentally sensitive and wildlife friendly. Guidelines in place ensure that each home is not only elegantly designed but energy efficient and economical.
?One of the things that we are excited to do is have a green development,? he said. ?We have instituted voluntary green building codes that are based loosely on codes that are in effect in Telluride and in Gunnison. Most of it involves good building practices. We felt it is a worthwhile thing to do and we are proud of the fact we have taken those voluntary steps. I think it is absolutely necessary to worry about conservation.?
RiverSage is ideal for those who regularly get outside for recreation and exercise. For mountain bikers, the Eagle Hill loop is adjacent to the development, and for the angler, the fly-fishing on the nearby Uncompahgre River is ?great,? according to Weaver.
?We have had a lot of compliments on the [Dennis Weaver Memorial] Park and its trail system,? he said. ?This project is all about preserving the river corridor and open space while having a limited density and limited visual impact project that includes green building. It is something that is conscious of our environmental needs as well as conservation needs and we think it is the proper way to develop a piece of land.?
Ouray Real Estate and Land Use Issues
Posted at 5:04pm on Aug 13th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
by Gus Jarvis Aug 13, 2009
Posted by Erin Eddy - www.ourayland.com and www.ridgwayland.com
OURAY ? Instead of drafting an entire new section to the county?s Land Use Code to regulate residential development on patented mining claims, the Ouray Board of County Commissioners on Monday generally agreed that they would schedule series of work sessions that would be dedicated to specific concerns surrounding residential development on mining claims in hopes of better enforcing or tweaking existing codes.
Monday?s discussion was the first opportunity for the commissioners to formally discuss what they had heard at a July 27 forum held to discuss possible new regulations on the development of mining claims, attended by close to 200 county residents. It was apparent at the meeting that the community is sharply divided over the need for regulating residential development on mining claims.
While County Commissioner Keith Meinert said he thought that he and his fellow commissioners had clearly defined their concerns and objectives when they first started the process of drafting new regulations, he agreed that the commissioners should specifically outline why they are concerned about residential development on mining claims.
?I think the objectives and concerns still exist,? Meinert said. ?I want to continue to pursue this to achieve clear cut objectives and address clear cut concerns and maybe we need to spend some time enumerating exactly what those concerns and objectives are.?
Meinert continued by saying that there is a possibility of addressing those concerns with existing site development permit regulations and visual impact regulations.
?The possibility of achieving those objectives and concerns by better enforcement and better tweaking of existing regulations is something we need to explore rather than the new section of code, which we had thrown out as a discussion vehicle for the planning commission.?
The commissioners set up a list of ?bite sized? concerns that need to be addressed in future work sessions. First, they agreed to work with County Assessor Susie Mayfield to address the value that mining claims are assessed. Currently mining claims are generally valued by the assessor at $1,000 per acre, rather than the value assigned to other categories of vacant land in the county. ?One issue that, to me, stood out is this taxation issue,? Commissioner Heidi Albritton said. ?The valuation of mining clams is a touchy topic and a bit of a Pandora?s box. We need to have a discussion on how to deal with that.? Albritton added that she understood that it would be an expensive and lengthy process to reassess each mining claim.
Commissioner Lynn Padgett suggested that the first step the county could take is a mass appraisal system of mining clams and that the county look to the U.S. Forest Service as a partner in coming up with a means to survey the mining claims so the county can have ?an accurate picture of where the parcels are.?
Albritton cautioned her fellow commissioners that if the valuations of those properties were to be changed, the board would first need to be completely educated on how the change would affect property owners.
?We also need to be cognizant of the impact to those people who have owned those properties and don?t plan to build on them,? Albritton said. ?I don?t think we have a choice in the matter but there are going to be ramifications and it will affect people in a significant way. It could be the difference of people hanging on to [a mining claim] or putting it on the market.?
The commissioners also said they still had not heard concerns from residents about the visual impacts of unregulated residential development on mining claims and agreed that the current visual impact regulations need to be addresses so they can be better enforced and possibly broadened to more areas. Meinert said their were ?obvious shortcomings? with the visual impact code and that it is currently ?unworkable and is unenforceable.
?It allows a kind of discretion by staff that puts staff in a difficult position,? Meinert said. ?I think we need to put a lot more thought into the visual impact code.?
Albritton agreed by suggesting that the commissioners schedule ?a decent amount of time to workshop our visual impact regulations. We all know there are issues with that section of code and then also have simultaneous discussions about expanding the visual impact corridors.?
Continuing on, the commissioners agreed that road grade issue needs to be addressed as well. Meinert suggested that there be, in the LUC, a variance process to allow for road grades above 12 percent.
?I think there needs to be a variance process and it needs to recognize that some need to be more than 12 percent,? Meinert said. ?The other issue is the need for a permitting process before any blade is put to the earth. That would potentially address some of the issues in getting the right kind of engineering.?
He added that the ?biggest stumbling block? to development in mining claims areas is they are up private roads.
?Our regulations were intended in keeping those primitive,? he said. ?I am not trying to resolve the issue here but it is another area to be addressed.?
Along with that, Meinert said the commissioners need to look into whether or not the county will require owners who develop off primitive roads to sign a waiver that would take away the county?s liability in providing emergency services.
?Something that clearly forces them to recognize that what they are doing in that location may have consequences to them,? Meinert said. Padgett added that she is concerned with what responsibility the county has in taking care of wildfires around those mining claims.
The commissioners directed County Attorney Mary Deganhart to draft a resolution that would specifically outline what the commissioners intend to work on in upcoming work sessions. It was unclear at Monday?s meeting what role the Ouray County Planning Commission would play in each of the work sessions, but the commission would be invited to all of them.
Ouray Real Estate Land Use Issues
Posted at 3:52pm on Aug 8th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
Written by: Patrick Davarn 07.AUG.09
Posted by: Erin Eddy - www.ourayland.com
Unscheduled discussion on the current hot-button topic of residential development on mining claims dominated an otherwise light agenda for the Board of County Commissioners.
Yet more discussion, albeit this time scheduled, takes place during a work session on Aug. 10 between the BOCC and the Ouray County Planning Commission (OCPC).
Last Monday, OCPC member Ken Lipton came before the BOCC during its informal Call to the Public to read a statement of timelines that included summaries of directives by the BOCC and meetings and work sessions since the process began in May 2008.
?The question as to whether or not a new section to the code should be written was already decided by the BOCC and earlier agreed to by the PC and this should not be negated by self-interested parties or ideology or fear of angering a portion of the community that holds unrealistic views on property rights or the county?s right to regulate land use,? said Lipton from a portion of his document.
According to a news report in the July 31 Plaindealer, nearly 200 citizens packed the county courthouse two days earlier to register their views on the issue of restrictions and regulations for residential development on mining claims. Opinions were as diverse as the backgrounds of those in attendance; some owned property in the area currently defined as the South Alpine Zone, some did not.
Commissioner Keith Meinert said at Monday?s meeting that a news report in last week?s Plaindealer needed clarification. County Attorney Mary Deganhart did not write or propose regulations for that zone. ?We need to be careful in the way this is portrayed to the public,? said Meinert. ?I want to dispel completely (any belief) that such work is driven by any individual on the staff. The county attorney is working at the instruction of the board.?
Meinert said he agreed with Lipton that there needs to be a better understanding between the BOCC and the Planning Commission.
BOCC Chairman Heidi Albritton said the county?s six-month moratorium on mining claims development was intended to allow time for discussion and consideration of specific regulations; but the timetable was not realistic. ?We have a large demographic interested in the issue,? said Albritton. ?If there are ways to work with them, we need to do that and get a consensus, understanding that we are not going to please everyone.?
Ridgway area resident Craig Fetterolf, who served on the county?s Study Group that earlier this year completed its report on two separate analysis on the affects of growth, asked why mining claims are not taxed the same as other buildable residential properties. ?It?s unfair to the rest of us who are paying our taxes,? he said.
Meinert said mining claims are being assessed at the proper rate of 29%; there is no special treatment by the Assessor?s Office. Commissioner Lynn Padgett explained that the difference is the land?s valuation. Padgett said the state requires the county to assess all property at market value, but there is simply not enough data on local sales.
Padgett added that while a higher assessment of market value may add to property tax revenues, it may also harm opportunities for the public, such as the Red Mountain Project or the Trust for Public Land, to obtain mining claims. A higher valuation will mean a higher price.
Ouray Land Use
Posted at 10:52am on Aug 1st 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
Posted by Erin Eddy: www.ourayland.com
Having attended the BOCC meeting regarding the Alpine Zone Regulations a number of thoughts come to mind. First and most obviously, the Ouray BOCC is conscientiously performing its duty to the citizens of Ouray County by gathering public thoughts on a difficult and sensitive issue. The issue being one of private property rights versus maintenance of the status quo in regards to potential Alpine Zone development via the mechanics of the ?1872 Mining Law.?
First, it must be said that an increase in the potentiality of the regulatory process is a direct result to an increase in population pressure. No matter what the inherent political persuasion of the individuals involved, these conflicts will occur as finite resources, whatever their stripe or color, become contested. The finite resource here is the wildness and beauty of nature.
If this issue were the relatively simple issue of mining and environmental concerns it would be easy for me to come to a conclusion. I agree whole heartedly with underground, hard-rock mining in Ouray County. The environmental concerns due to mining would be dealt with in a responsible 21st-century manner to protect the quality of our exceptional environment and we would start drilling and shooting, period. End of story. As I said at the meeting, I hard-rocked from ?71 to ?79. I?m pro-mining. In my world, mineral and metals are as necessary as sunshine and clean air.
If one?s head is out of the sand today, all it should take is a cursory look at the nation and the world at large to realize that Ouray County would do well to get back into the business of hard-rock mining. That being said, do not misconstrue my words as license to trash our environment. (Also, period. End of story.)
However, the meeting on Monday evening was not of a topic so easily dealt with, so easily worked through. While the topic at hand is a direct corollary of the ?1872 Mining Law? it is more complex with several permutations. Listening to the 50 or so speakers, I identified four separate groups utilizing four distinct platforms for projecting their points of view. They are:
1. Environmentalists: Their desire is to maintain the status quo without disruption of the back-country reality such as it exists today.
2. ?Old-Time? Ouray County patented mine owners: They are staunch on their use by right of private property as stipulated by the ?1872 Mining Law.?
3. Patented claim owners from out of the area: Their interest lies in building their ?dream second home? in the mountains. This could be a small, secluded low-impact cabin or a neon-pink trophy home perched out on a cliff for the whole world to see.
4. Land Speculators: The claims are strictly and specifically to be used as ?spec? real estate investments to the highest bidders regardless of the impact on the local community or environment. Do not be surprised to see leveraged land trades in this group. Threats to build mega-mansions ?or else? will show up in this group. This is the trophy home contingent.
So what do we do? Protection of private property rights is essential to the American way of life. Protecting the magic of the environmental aesthetics for the alpine terrain of Ouray County is also essential to the citizens of Ouray County. It is also essential to those that come to Ouray County to visit here, to look at, and to travel in our mountains.
? Private property rights
?Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.? These are the words of Thomas Jefferson from our Declaration of Independence. It could be said that Jefferson ?borrowed? or was inspired by similar words from John Locke: ?Life, liberty or possessions.? (Chapter 11, ?The Second Treatise Concerning Civil Government? from ?The Extent of the Legislative Power,? 1690.)
It is thought that Jefferson originally penned ?Life, liberty and property.? The right and concept of property as a ?natural right? of ?natural law? was so strong, so fundamental with the founders. However, ?property? was changed to ?pursuit of happiness? because the founders believed that slaves would be considered as ?property? and so the founders purposefully changed ?property? to ?pursuit of happiness.? The cessation of the abomination of slavery by the founders was an ultimate goal and this explains the substitution of word usage found in the Declaration of Independence.
?First a right to life; secondly, to liberty; thirdly to property.? (?Natural Rights of the Colonists as Men? in ?The Report of the Committees of Correspondence to the Boston Town Meeting,? November 22, 1772, Sam Adams and Ben Franklin.)
The 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads: ?...nor be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.?
As we see from all of this, ?private property? is a very big and serious issue in America. It goes deep into English and Celtic origins. Patented mining claims are private property not to be trifled with lightly.
? The Environmental Aesthetic
To conserve, to preserve, the natural beauty and wildness of Ouray County is a worthy goal. This is a respectful endeavor. The protection of the environment is a sacred duty, as is the protection of private property. I believe those duties are divinely inspired. The perpetuity of the appreciated environment is a belief already well established in Ouray County. It is decades and decades old. When the Europeans first arrived in what is now Ouray County, they ?took? it away from those who were before. The land was ?taken? at this time in an excellent condition. There has always been someone before; there will always be someone after. We haven?t had a monopoly on ownership of these mountains nor stewardship of them. I would venture that we hold these mountains in a trust for the future.
Once again, the questions come back to us, ?What do we do? How do we continue to protect as well as to use the ?Alpine Zone?? I have friends that own mining claims. I know that their intent is to respect that land, those mountains. They will build small, low-impact cabins on their patented claims. Some already have. Zoning regulations ? legal, also ? are an attempt to insure the expression of the will of the people in the use and protection of the land.
Regulations? More regulations? I agree with many at the meeting: we do have way too many! Those that know me know what I think about the barrage of regulations today. Large and potential future growth was alluded to by several people at the BOCC meeting. This is an absolute reality in Ouray County?s future. I do believe that it is with the utmost concern, wisdom and sincerity that all three of the County Commissioners are approaching this situation in the Alpine Zone.
As I said to the commissioners at the end of my two-minute comment period on Monday evening, ?Do your job.? This was not said as a command. It was said as a re-enforcement to pursue the sacred duties, the sacred honor that the oath of your office requires and demands of you.
Joe Ryan owns and operates the San Juan Hut Systems out of Ridgway.
Ouray Foreclosures
Posted at 9:36am on Jul 25th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
Written by: Christopher Pike 17.JUL.09
Posted by: Erin Eddy - www.ourayland.com
There are 40 properties in some stage of foreclosure so far in 2009, according to Jeannine Casolari, Ouray County public trustee.
In a report to the Board of County Commissioners, Casolari said on Monday that her office has been receiving from three to five new foreclosure notices each week.
"And there are several sales and several now continuing. There are four scheduled this week on Wednesday, but three may be continued. One will go through."
Casolari said that in a previous year there might be six foreclosure notices; in May alone there were seven foreclosures and six in June. She added that ten foreclosures have been carried over from 2008.
Despite this, actual sales are not commensurate with the number of filings.
"There have been no bids because everyone's bottom fishing and no bank will accept below the mortgage value," Casolari stressed to the commissioners. She said that a foreclosure is "not a fire sale."
"Once they get it on their books then that is when a fire sale takes place. I'm concerned because we've only seen the tip of the iceberg. I think people need to be look at at what might be poised to happen to property values."
Casolari added that nothing has sold yet because the owners haven't taken the lower value or the value of outstanding mortgage valance. This is telling us to be very aware of what is happening. Perception is not accurate. Foreclosures are not reflecting the true value of properties. "I'm very worried," Casolari said.
Citizens seek to acquire Ouray Real Estate
Posted at 11:51am on Jul 11th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
Posted by Erin Eddy - www.ourayland.com and www.ridgwayland.com
Special to the Plaindealer - written by Ouray Plaindealer Staff
Second home owners and year round residents in Ouray County have a special opportunity this summer to join together on a major project now shifting into high gear - the Campaign to Save the Wright Opera House.
This ambitious fundraising effort is well-suited to involve summer and year-round residents alike, working together on a project that impacts the future economic infrastructure and lifestyle of the community, while preserving the history of the area.
The campaign's goal is to purchase and rehabilitate the Wright, create a county-wide arts center to serve the growing activity of the several arts organizations and eventually provide the premier small performance space in the region.
The Friends have completed the initial preparatory steps needed to assure that going forward to purchase the building is feasible, including an appraisal and an historic preservation structural engineering assessment with projections on needed repairs and equipment following the purchase of the building.
Grant applications are currently being written to several foundations which participate in capital purchases, including the Colorado Historic Society. Huesing estimated that in order to indicate solid community commitment to the foundations in question, about $200,000 will need to be raised or pledged locally by Sept. 1, for intended purchase in 2010. Currently over $80,000 has been raised in cash, pledges, and grants, some of which has been used to pay for the preparatory analyses. Phases of potential development, along with historic details, can be viewed at www.SaveTheWright.org.
Summer residents Kelvin and Becky Kent recently made a pledge to the project.
"Ouray's Wright Opera House is more than just a cultural icon and Victorian masterpiece," They said. "It's an important piece of our history, heritage and connection with the past. It needs to be saved for future generations and put to use as a venue for activities, entertainment and a vibrant Main Street storefront. We think it is right to support the ongoing efforts of the hard working Friends of the Wright Opera House to achieve their goal of securing this wonderful building for posterity."
From the business perspective, a pledge from Box Canyon Lodge owners Rich and Karen Avery noted, "We see the arts as the other bookend, with our fantastic recreation assets, to solidify the economy in Ouray County. An upgraded, fully functioning Opera House will provide the missing link in the spectrum of experiences we offer full-time residents, summer residents, and visitors. In our opinion, our investment in the effort of the Friends of the Wright Opera House is an investment in the future of our own business."
Summer resident Ralph Huesing chairs the Friends of the Wright Opera House, sharing his considerable experience with historic commercial buildings.
Another long-time summer resident, Duane Compton, is helping coordinate participation by other second home residents. Several other seasonal residents are participants in the volunteer corps forming to help with managing events and fund-raising activities. Huesing invites other second home owners to become involved in the project.
"Our current focus is to create awareness by all residents of the project and its potential," Huesing said. "We will provide personal tours of the facility for everyone, whether summer or year-round residents, to show the current status of the building and to further develop the vision and dynamics for best use into future years. We want everyone to enjoy the events currently planned. We need volunteers to help with planning the future implementation of the building to serve the broadest range of the population. And, we want those willing to help with the financial challenge to be well-informed about how their support in purchasing the building will affect the economic and cultural health of their community, as well as the major tax benefits associated with that support."
Several events and activities are planned to specifically bring the summer residents into the long term process to "Save the Wright.
Joyce Linn, chair of the Community Development Committee, has often addressed the need to involve summer residents in the community and its progress. She sees the Opera House project as a perfect vehicle for second home owners and year round residents to work together.
"Our summer home population is as big as our year-round population. That presence significantly adds to the vitality and the economy which we all value, but as a community we don't create adequate opportunities to actively encourage summer residents to feel involved and more fully participate, along with the year-round residents, in the overall progress of the community," she said. "We know that our summer residents bring with them great ideas and knowledge from their experiences elsewhere. The conceptualization and implementation of a project like this can benefit from the combined perspectives of the two components of our population. We hope that anyone who wants to be involved in any part of this project will contact us."
Huesing added his part-time residency perspective.
"The Friends of the Wright Opera House was formed to manage this initiative, and we welcome all residents to join us in accomplishing this major challenge. For second home owners, it is especially workable because we can have involvement year-round as we monitor progress and offer advice even when not in residence. And, of course, our financial support can substantially speed up the process, adding to the contributions of the year round population. It might even provide some bragging rights when returning to our winter residences as we share a bit about what we are helping to accomplish for our summer town. Our help and involvement to create a top-notch venue for a full menu of quality entertainment and arts education will be an added benefit to the community. We will share the pride in 'our Opera House'... restored and fully functioning."
Any category of residents wishing to sign up for a tour, attend events, participate in planning activities or the volunteer group, or obtain information regarding a donation or a pledge should call Huesing or Linn, or other board members Nancy Nixon, Dee Williams, or Jim Opdahl.
Ouray Real Estate Mining Claim Development
Posted at 6:14pm on Jul 3rd 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Panel hears strong pros, cons on proposed Alpine Zone regs
New rules for building home on mining claim parcels in the Alpine Zone need more refinement, according to the county's Planning Commission (OCPC).
A draft of proposed changes to the Land Use Code (LUC) regarding residential development on mining claims and other parcels in the southern end of the county, including creation of a new South Alpine Zone, was tabled by the OCPC following a contentious public hearing on June 18.
Under consideration were modifications and additions to existing zoning regulations and boundaries.
But more than 50 people appeared at the public hearing and at least 22, many of whom own mining claims in the county, spoke in opposition to amending the LUC. Several claimed that language of the proposed regulations was overly broad, constitute an infringement on private property rights and is lacking in protection for miners. Several miners said that the entire document should be scrapped, arguing that their property values will decrease.
"Patented claims are private property. Every person has a right to do what he wants with this property. I don't agree with any of it; we have enough government already. The higher you go the worse it gets," said Ron Williams, who has worked with his son, Ron Jr., in the mining industry for several decades.
Several provisions in the draft document generated criticism from patented mining claim owners - who spoke in solidarity. The 12% maximum limit for the grade of the access road (even though the owner may seek a variance) is too restrictive and arbitrary; the limit of one-half acre for a building footprint should be expanded; the prohibition of construction of a new road or improvements to existing roads on the subject parcel (except where there is no existing access to that property) could impact those who wish to install roads for exploratory drilling; and the maximum, or base allowance, for a house being limited to 2,500 square feet of footprint for the total acreage.
The three principal partners of the Tisdel Law Firm in Ouray - Mike Hockersmith, Mark Howe and Andy Mueller - also were present at the hearing.
Hockersmith said the maximum limit of 7,500 square feet for a home where two or more parcels can be included in the calculation is "a huge issue that ought to be addressed."
Howe, who participated in the workshop discussions as an OCPC member, recused himself at the beginning of the June 18 public hearing due to any apparent conflict of interest. The firm represents some mining parcel owners.
Mueller argued that the regulations are) too cost prohibitive for an applicant. "The cost of studies, site plans and geotechnical prevents someone from being able to afford a house in that zone," he said.
Mueller also said that the standards in the document for items such as site plans, lack specificity and that staff in the county's Land Use Department office would be vested with "too much sole discretion" in their decision-making. He also expressed dismay that fencing restrictions were inappropriate for mining claim properties that have a home situated on it: "Now you're telling owners you can't fence your property. That's not okay."
Eight individuals, including Tammy Randall-Parker, Ouray District Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, spoke in favor of the proposed mine land regulations. But some recommended that the regulations be made more clear and include other considerations. Randall-Parker suggested that the county add language to clarify snow maintenance; the USFS is in the process of developing regulations to require permits.
Howard Greene, a former OCPC member, said the current draft "neither prevents mining or home construction. In fact, (it is) more permissive than in other counties, allowing larger homes and easier variances. They are not a denial of rights and are not a taking."
A six-month moratorium set by the Board of County Commissioners on the construction of residences on mining claims in Ouray County expires July 26.
The BOCC did not take any action during its June 22 meeting to extend that deadline.
Following last week's hearing the OCPC scheduled another workshop on July 9 to discuss whether or not to rewrite portions of the document.
The OCPC wrote the draft proposals pursuant to a request from the BOCC. A total of six workshops were conducted, beginning 18 months ago.
The BOCC asked that the Planning Commission hold another public hearing regarding the proposals on July 21.
- Story by Christopher Pike, correspondent
Ouray Real Estate News
Posted at 10:08am on Jun 27th 2009 by Ridgway Colorado Real Estate Pro
by Greta Stetson Jun 25, 2009
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
Real estate buyers have until August 14 to name their own price on seven pre-furnished luxury residences in Mountain Village. That is, as long as the price they name is $2 million, or more.
The last seven vacant condominiums at See Forever Village at The Peaks are on the market this summer by way of an online bidding system.
See Forever developer John Abrams hopes his ?Developer Celebration Sale? will inject some new enthusiasm into the Telluride real estate market and establish a new mechanism for the purchase of resort property.
Just north of The Peaks, See Forever Village is a set of 24 condominiums and four freestanding residences that overlook the Telluride Valley Floor. The units, fully furnished by The Decorator's Unlimited, are also managed by The Peaks, a contract that gives See Forever Village owners access to housekeeping services, maintenance, membership to the Golden Door Spa, and other amenities.
Construction, which was divided into three phases, started on the project in 2002, and units started selling in 2004. Now, to sell the last seven, Abrams is responding to a changed market.
?It's no longer a seller's market,? he says. ?It's a buyers market.?
Abrams believes that there are still buyers who would like to own Telluride real estate, but they haven't gotten the push they need: a good deal. Marketing consultant Lynette Hegeman says that, rather than just lowering the price, See Forever's new bidding system allows interested parties to name a price they think is reasonable.
Under the system devised by Abrams and Hegeman, buyers can start making bids online after they submit a $25,000 deposit, which is fully refundable if they don't submit a bid that is accepted. Four of the units' starting bids are $2 million, two of the others start at $2.7 million, and the final one is $2.8 million. The condos range from 2,580 to 3,441 square feet.
Abrams also has also established a maximum price for each of the residences; if a buyer reaches the reserve price, the bidding will stop and they will get the condo immediately. Otherwise, the residences will go to the highest bidder, but even that doesn't guarantee a unit. Just because bidding for a unit starts at $2 million doesn't necessarily mean that Abrams will accept that price.
?John Abrams isn't here to give away units,? he says. ?I didn't work this hard to sell these units at a ridiculously low price.?
Abrams adds that he isn't desperate to sell the rest of See Forever; since the units are fully built and his construction loans are paid off, he is not losing money while the condos are vacant. Rather, Abrams wants to sell because that's what developers do.
?My incentive is to turn over units and invest the money in other projects. I'm not in the business of sitting on real estate,? he says. ?This is not a distress sale. This is a marketing model.?
Hegeman adds that anyone considering buying luxury real estate could probably afford one of the condos without the sale.
?A lot of [potential buyers] don't have to worry about financing,? Hegeman says.
The difference, now, is that these ?smart, savvy? buyers are getting a good deal by being able to choose their price, Hegeman says, and if wealthy potential buyers see a good deal, they'll take it.
And in a low-price market, Abrams knows that buyers won't bite without ?all the bells and whistles,? including spacious rooms, furnishings and views.
Abrams entered the real estate market in Mountain Village 15 years ago, when he bought and later sold a penthouse at The Peaks. He went on to build ten homes in Mountain Village and The Lodge at Mountain Village. He started building See Forever Village seven years ago, with the pitch that owners there would be liberated from the chores that go along with owing a single-family home.
?There are a lot of second-home buyers that want the convenience of not having to worry about things like summer yard work and mechanical engineering,? Abrams says. ?They simply buy a unit and move in.?
Hegeman suggests that the online bidding model for marketing resort property could help stimulate the slow economy. While many developers have cut back on marketing, Hegeman hopes the Developer's Celebration Sale will make waves beyond See Forever Village.
?Other developments might see some response,? she says. ?If we sat around and did nothing, nothing would happen.?
Along with advertising in local media, See Forever Village is offering lodging discounts to any buyers who want to visit Telluride to physically tour one of the units. It's also including local brokers, offering them a four percent commission for any of the seven units they sell.
Early in the sale, two of the seven available units have received bids. Hegeman explains that one reason the sale is summer-long is so potential buyers have time to do their ?due diligence,? and research other real-estate opportunities. She adds that the sale, which began Monday, June 15, has received positive feedback from current See Forever residents and past prospective buyers.
Telluride Properties agent Brian O'Neill, who lists condominium units at the Capella Telluride, says that while the online bidding system is not necessarily a new idea, it is a creative one that might turn the market ?a little bit.? At the Capella, units range from $850,000 to $7 million and 850 to 4,500 square feet.
?Two-million is a great value for one of those units,? O'Neill says.
To entice buyers, Capella is offering a 20 percent discount on the price of the condominium, a year's worth of free homeowners association dues and








