Extras
Blog Headlines
- Wow! What a great evening
- Corbett Creek Cirque, First Ski Descent
- Middle Aged "Chicks with Picks"
- Ourayale House Night of Amusement
- Ourayale House Brewery Tour
- Ice park conditions
- Eureka!
- Even Later on Saturday Night -- O'Briens Pub
- All's Well @ Ouray Chalet Inn on Saturday Night!
- Backstreet Bagel March 15th
Community Blog
Wow! What a great evening
Posted at 10:02pm on May 8th 2008 by Karen Avery
The Backstreet Bagel did it again! What a fun evening event. It was promoted as the "African Percussion Band" and it was fun.
The members of the band were from Zimbabwe and the place was rockin'. The evening had a nice crowd, a fun group of performers, and some local flair.
At one point, everyone was standing and dancing with these guys singing and playing their drums. When they took a break, local kids and adults jumped in for some fun. Enjoy the photos.
Karen@ BCL
Corbett Creek Cirque, First Ski Descent
Posted at 5:32pm on Apr 12th 2008 by Matt Wade
Last week Chad Peele and I made the likely first descent of a steep, narrow couloir in the Corbett Creek Cirque. At the headwaters of the Corbett Creek drainage, this rugged cirque is bounded by steep and complex terrain on east side of Corbett Peak. In the photo above, we skied the obvious couloir coming off a small rock peak on the left end of the ridge. While only four miles from Ouray, the approach covers 5000' vertical feet and requires navigation of some steep and convoluted terrain. Despite the effort, it was easily worth the incredible 2000' chute we skied. With knee deep, dry powder and excellent stability, the 40+ degree upper chute was in decidedly perfect condition. Making jump turns through the skinny couloir, with deep powder underfoot and bordered by rock towers and minarets on all sides, was a stunning skiing experience.
Middle Aged "Chicks with Picks"
Posted at 11:03am on Apr 3rd 2008 by Karen Avery
This great blurb showcases the following spirited and lovely gals (if I do say so myself):
- Sandra Boles, longtime Ouray resident, avid swimmer, and owner of Northmoon Gallery
- Dianne Correll, back from Indiana, big time community volunteer, & mother of Jackie Genuit--one of the owners of Ouray Liquors.
- Susie Egyhazi, brand new Ouray resident, down from Minneapolis and trying her hand at all Ouray has to offer.
- Me (Karen Avery), co-owner of the Box Canyon Lodge
All were very successful and we all had a great time! We experienced great camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment. All it took was an experienced guide and some simple "can do" spirit.
Why, you may ask, did these ladies give it a go? Well, you know what they say ---- When in Ouray .....
Ourayale House Night of Amusement
Posted at 9:07am on Mar 30th 2008 by Karen Avery
He makes a great beer and it is quite entertaining. He is opened nightly at 6pm but if you knock at his door and he is around, he typically just lets you in anytime...
Karen@ Box Canyon Lodge
Ourayale House Brewery Tour
Posted at 11:27pm on Mar 29th 2008 by Karen Avery
The Ourayale House is located on 7th Avenue in Ouray Colorado and opened in January 2008.
Enjoy: Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
Ice park conditions
Posted at 5:55am on Mar 23rd 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides
I haven't been up to the skylight in a while, but I would guess that it and choppo's have melted out at the tops. Maybe the Ribbon will come in?
Wear Sunscreen!
Eureka!
Posted at 6:05pm on Mar 21st 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides
Even Later on Saturday Night -- O'Briens Pub
Posted at 1:54pm on Mar 18th 2008 by Karen Avery
From the girl on the scene: Karen
All's Well @ Ouray Chalet Inn on Saturday Night!
Posted at 11:48am on Mar 18th 2008 by Karen Avery
Karen @Box Canyon
Backstreet Bagel March 15th
Posted at 2:01pm on Mar 17th 2008 by Karen Avery
Enjoy...
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
March 15th at the Elks Lodge
Posted at 11:29am on Mar 17th 2008 by Karen Avery
March 9 conditions
Posted at 6:14pm on Mar 9th 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides
The Skylight climbs are all super fat. The top-outs on Skylight and Choppo's are very hollow, be careful as temps warm up. The bottom third of Killer Pillar has fallen away, but the remainder is excellent climbing and the corner below is fun drytooling, it will soon come down in one dramatic crash so watch your belay and get it while you can. There are a number of thin short mixed lines that are rarely formed up along the road as well. Maybe this next winter blast will allow for some ascents.
Some guys went and checked out Bridalveil today, and sent me the following shots. Looked like it hadn't been done in a spell and they found fresh sticky ice with big hollow mushrooms on top. They climbed the right side, there were 3 significant roofs that had to be negotiated. Full Bridalveil Style, never very hard but definitely engaging. Cheers!
Powder.
Posted at 6:50pm on Mar 5th 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides
The skiing on Red Mountain Pass continues to be incredible. We did a short tour up Carbon and down the popular Oh Boy Couloir. Fresh tracks and soft snow, very nice. We are all looking forward to the excellent spring ski season to come, although the ice climbing is still great.
Get out and enjoy! Clint
Ouray Polar Bears
Posted at 5:59pm on Mar 3rd 2008 by Karen Avery
A second pool contains water that is about 96 degrees and many people come Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings for a little water aerobic workout and finish up with a little social hour
Yesterday we received about 12 inches of snow so today with the BlueBird Skies, it was stunningly beautiful.
I hope you enjoy the show!
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
Red Mtn. Pass Ski Conditions
Posted at 8:40am on Mar 3rd 2008 by Matt Wade
Denim of Antiquity
Posted at 9:41pm on Mar 1st 2008 by Karen Avery
She sells one of a kind denim jackets. She purchases denim jackets of all kinds and then uses antique fabrics to dress them up and they are really cool.
Her shop is at 450 Main Street in Ouray Colorado. Take the tour. It is really very interesting.
Karen @ http://www.boxcanyonouray.com
Rocky Mountain Treasures & Gifts
Posted at 10:05pm on Mar 1st 2008 by Karen Avery
Take a tour of their store and tell us what you think.
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
Ice Park conditions
Posted at 3:40pm on Feb 25th 2008 by Danika
Conditions still improving!!
Posted at 6:06pm on Feb 21st 2008 by Kevin
The mid-week climbing in the park has been quite slow. Those who are making it out are finding amazing ice from end to end. Rob and Mike are doing a great job rebuilding and growing what is currently there. If you see these guys around town, buy them a sando or beer!
Happy Trails,
Kevin
Ice Park Condition
Posted at 11:57am on Feb 20th 2008 by Bill
Had a great day of guding in the Ice Park yesterday and the conditions are looking really good for this time of the year.
The schoolroom area in particular is looking great and has healed up very well from the Prez weekend onslaught of folks.
Have at it as this is as good as it gets and the crowds are minimal during the week.
Cheers,
Bill
Eureka climbs
Posted at 7:29pm on Feb 19th 2008 by Chad Peele
In Eureka, things are looking good but the snow has been a major inconvenience. I guided whorehouse hoses which is phat and especially nice now that there is a solid trail going to the base. The lower and upper pitches are great with good sticks and solid ice. There is obvious avalanche debris between the first and second pitch so be aware and make sure to check the avy report for any future ascents in this valley.
Stairway to heaven (which we were hoping to do) does not have a trail kicked in and looks as if you could ski it. If anybody wishes to kick in a trail and clear snow from the route with a large broom, please be my guest!
Bear Creek Ice!
Posted at 4:07pm on Feb 19th 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides
want to say THANKS for the snowshoes last week.
This is what we were up too.... Bear Creek, did solar circus, WI5+ conditions, VERY wet, and extreme daggers over us! a MASSIVE peace broke after we were back to safety! very lucky, it would of killed us.
Long approach, 3 1/2 hours, bit good times.
We tough it was a FA until we rapped down and saw a V thread top of last pitch on climbers right. Must of been an ascent earlier in the season.
we had been looking at it for a while and was formed earlier, broke off and formed again recently.
This was our last mission with Jay before leaving the Ice world. Have to say, Ouray was awesome!!!
anyways, here are a few pics for your blog....
We finally left the cold and made it back to Moab, now in Austin Texas after a long 3 day marathon behind the wheels...
feels good to be in T - shirt now!
Skylight Climbs
Posted at 8:58pm on Feb 16th 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides

The climbs at the Skylight area continue to grow. All are in great shape. A couple parties have been up to the Talisman, although I don't know if anyone has climbed it yet. Here are some views of the addict himself on Killer Pillar in the morning sunshine.
Also climbed Gravity's a few days ago. It was very punky but climbable. It is even warmer now though. Might be done for the time being.
Ophir/Ames area
Posted at 8:22pm on Feb 13th 2008 by Danika
While out and about, we had a look at Ames Ice hose - it looks fantastic. Thick on the upper pitch, and a wee thin at the start. Ames Falls looked good as well, although a tad wet...
The bonus of the day was GREAT CORN SKIING over the talus slopes below Crack Canyon and the Ophir wall. Who would have thought we'd have good corn snow already?? With tonight's storm it will be a bit longer before we get to enjoy that again though. When we left, the storm system was moving in fast with strong winds out of the SW.
Red Mtn skiing and Engineer Pass climbs
Posted at 1:42pm on Feb 8th 2008 by Danika
On the way down, we had a great view of Gravity's Rainbow and the other climbs in the area. Conditions looked fantastic!
The snow and warmer weather has healed and filled things back in. It appears that at least one person climbed Kennedy's this morning, but no tracks up to the other climbs yet. All look very good, despite some strong sun this morning.
Ouray Ice and Snow conditions
Posted at 7:48am on Feb 7th 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides
The ice in the park is in great shape, and there is plenty of swinging to be done if you get off the beaten path. The routes up Skylight continue to fatten up. The road has been gated at Senator Gulch for a while now. Even though they are plowing it much farther. This scenario makes it very difficult for locals to enjoy the road skiing they have come to expect on the Camp Bird Road.
Skyrocket aka. Bride's Veil is in great shape, and the wallow isn't that long. I'm sure the Engineer climbs are healing up, although this week's forecasted sun may change that quickly. The Dexter Slabs are big and solid.
All for now. CC
Dance Classes
Posted at 10:38pm on Feb 2nd 2008 by Karen Avery
In the spring, there will be a Peter Pan production and Natasha told me that all the kids will be able to be in the production.
Here are a few images from the classes from Debbie Clapsadyl. Her daughter, Hunter, is enrolled.
Karen
Box Canyon Lodge
Two new Ouray FAs
Posted at 9:18am on Feb 2nd 2008 by Grey Squirrel

Kevin drew the plum pitch which he dispatched in fine form. A super-sweet pillar with very engaging climbing involving stemming to the neighboring rock and then rounding the corner to two more steep curtains.
The rappels are set on Southern Comfort (mostly trees). If you climb Jambalaya, hop over one gulley to the east and pick up the rappels down Southern Comfort.
Plum TV Spot - Chad Peele
Posted at 3:58pm on Jan 31st 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides
http://telluride.plumtv.com/videos/plums_abby_kingston_tries_out_ice_climbing
Ouray Ice Park
Posted at 6:21pm on Jan 30th 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides



Tuesday was a beautiful break from the continued snows. We all got out and enjoyed the sun. It was a nice reminder of how incredibly pleasant Ouray Ice can be.
It has been super quiet in the park this week so far. Plenty of room and good, solid conditions. No avalanches or long approaches.
Photos are: New Funtier, S$*^house Wall (2-3), Gaxebo, and Abridgement.
Ames area
Posted at 7:27am on Jan 30th 2008 by Danika
Mountain conditions report
Posted at 7:02am on Jan 30th 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides
There were a number of reports of de-lamination on Gravity's Rainbow during the last warm spell. Hopefully this recent blast of winter has re-sintered things to the rock. I'll post once I get a look myself.
CC
Ice Park
Posted at 3:14pm on Jan 27th 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides



The snow arrived right on schedule today, we'll see if we get as much as predicted.
Climbed in the lower park today, and found great conditions. Both Scottish Buttresses are in fine M3-4+ conditions with fun delicate climbing. The Optimator and Popsicle continuing to grow and offer great steep pillar climbing right of the floor.
Yesterday, a few of us took some laps in the lead-only area. We started with Abridgement WI4/5, it really the only route seeing much activity and is a good introduction to the lead-area. There were 2 or 3 parties plugging their way up it after us. The rest of the pillars require a bit more patience and gardening to climb. We then climbed the pillar between Abridgement and Whitt's World. It was a bit delicate and cauliflowered in places, but offered fun WI 5 climbing. We then headed down and plowed up Le Pissoir. It had a nice 2 day stubble, and Mike was raining down some fine margarita makings. All-in-all a fine afternoon.
Photos: 1. Abridgement 2-4. Le Pissoir
Ice Park Conditions
Posted at 8:52am on Jan 26th 2008 by Bill
Also be sure and check out the Shithouse Wall and the Gazebo Wall. The ice is as big and blue as I have ever seen it in these areas and nary a pick mark to be found.
Get out and enjoy it while the crowds are small this week.
Cheers and be safe out there.
Best ice in the Ice Park
Posted at 7:21am on Jan 25th 2008 by Grey Squirrel
Believe it or not the $#%&House and Gazebo Wall are in incredible shape with fat blue, sticker ice. The south facing terrain is often a little sun-leached and thin. Not this season. This has just been one of those years in the San Juans where south facing routes are not only holding on but thriving in these weather conditions.
Catch the $#%^House wall climbs while they are in this type of condition. It is a highly underutilized section of the Park and about a 5 minute walk from the Victorian Inn.
Respectfully submitted,
Grey Squirrel
skylight, gravity's
Posted at 6:21am on Jan 25th 2008 by San Juan Mountain Guides
The Ribbon probably has enough snow packed at the bottom to get up it. The small wintry blasts we continue to get, have kept folks away though. I'm sure some visiting ropegun will soon break a trail up the Talisman as well.
The Engineer climbs are holding in, although definitely showing the effects of the recent sunny spells. Parts of each route are either punky foam or sweet blue goo. Often right next to the other. Still fun, watch the weather.
As we get to warmer weather, be sure to check out fixed anchors before you commit to them. Pitons can loosen, blocks can fail, and threads can melt in the course of a day.
THE PARK is in fantastic shape. There are great sticky blue lines everywhere, and not so many climbers around. Everyone is looking forward to the Chicks festivities, and good conditions. It appears that the holds and draws have been removed from the comp route. So all those hoping to send, will have to wait till next year.
Cheers and Cold Thoughts, CC
Experts Seminar
Posted at 7:34pm on Jan 23rd 2008 by Kevin
It seems like Gravity's will be around for a while. The top of the first pitch of Kennedy's Gully looks to be melting out a bit but I think one might be able to connect Blue Condition and the upper part of Kennedy's for a great outing. The pillars near Over the Rainbow seem to be doing OK as well. Better get on them soon though!
Two more days for the Experts. Thur. will focus on companion rescue. One of those things you never want to use but feel good being familiar with.
Happy Trails!
Grab your skates!
Posted at 3:33pm on Jan 19th 2008 by Karen Avery
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
Saturday Morning, Ouray Ice Fest
Posted at 11:51am on Jan 12th 2008 by Karen Avery
Here is a gal, climbing on the Kids Wall, just learning how to do it.
Spectators watch as the competition heats up
New at the Ice Park this year is the Kids climbing wall. It is easily accessible from the road, has a great pitch, beautiful ice and you can come and test drive the sport before you commit to loving it.
See all the people on the kids wall. In fact, it isn't just for kids anymore! Adults of all ages are learning to climb.
We have competitors from around the world that come to Ouray to compete.
Just another perfect blue sky day in Ouray. We received about 4 inches of snow last night and it left the landscape with a brilliant white sheen. The red building is our beautiful county courthouse.
Getting ready for the gorge.
Vendor tents along the road in the ice park.
Participants watch from viewing stands funded by gifts from Asolo, one of the main sponsors of the event.
Climbing clinics abound during the festival. There are over 80 different clinics sponsored by the various vendors. There is also a bunch of gear that can be demoed for free.
This is Tom Tyler performing cleanup. He was there early but refused pictures until the coffee had been built up in his system. He is not a morning person :-)
All in all, another great day in Ouray!
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
Friday Evening at the Ouray Ice Festival
Posted at 9:10pm on Jan 11th 2008 by Karen Avery
Here are Patrick Rondinelli and his son Brian. Patrick volunteers on the Ouray Fire Department and is our distinguished City Administrator.
Here is Mel Rajokowski. She works for the Ice Park and is in charge of all the merchandising. She is hanging onto her little baby Connor who is just about 8 months old now.
Here is Hans from Denmark. He is here at the festival enjoying all the clinics. This is his fourth or fifth trip to Ouray.
Peter is trying out a sleeping bag that was donated to the silent auction. He is trying to decide if he wants to bid on it.
This is Ken Garard, Sandy and Mike Macleod. They put together the silent auction and without all their hard work, it would be hard to pull it off. You can see they are enjoying a cool one before the bidding begins.
Here is Erin Eddy. He is the Executive Director of the Ouray Ice Park. When he is not helping with the Ice Park, he is a real estate agent too.
Here is Carol Garard with Jason Stadler. Jason works for Asolo, one of the main sponsors of the entire event.
Kevin Koprick of San Juan Mountain Guides and Ouray Entertainment talks with a Vasque Representative
Tomorrow, the big competition begins at the Lower Bridge. It starts at 9:00am. I hope to get up there early and grab some great pictures.
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
Ouray Ice Festival -- It's Here!
Posted at 12:10pm on Jan 9th 2008 by Karen Avery
All of this is in preparation for the Ouray Ice Festival. Tents are being set up today for the vendors and activities really get going tomorrow.
Spectators on the expanded viewing stands with funds provided by Asolo.
Climbing in the snow!
Early pictures from the Ouray Ice Festival!
Rich is out on the Green Barron trying to keep up with the mounds of snow that keep coming. Talk about a winter wonderland. The forecast today is for up to 15 inches of the white stuff. It is getting harder and harder to find places around Ouray for all this snow. There are places just off of Main Street where snow hills exist that are 15 feet high.
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
Cross Country Skiing - A Ton of Fun!
Posted at 3:49pm on Jan 8th 2008 by Karen Avery
Sandra and Dianne taking a short rest!
Laughing as we head up!
Today, Sandra Boles, Kathleen Norris Cook, and Diane Correl went cross country skiing in the Amphitheater. We had a dandy time with Yankee Boy and Nala Dog. We made fresh tracks as we started out at 8:00am.
I took my little camera along for the fun of it, but, it was a bit intimidating taking pictures with Kathleen along. She is, of course, a fantastic photographer and I have such limited capabilities. But, I did capture a few fun shots.
The temperature was a crisp 12 degrees but the sky was a brilliant blue even though we were in the shade most of the time. The snow was about 8 inches deep but it was light champagne powder. Watch my little video of our trip.
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
Ouray Express Comes to Life!
Posted at 10:59pm on Jan 7th 2008 by Karen Avery
This shuttle service could also be used to move people between Ouray and Telluride. Since discounted Telluride lift tickets are available to people that stay in Ouray, a nice shuttle service over to the area might also be a nice treat.
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
PS Please feel free to leave a comment. We love your input!
Ouray Ice Climbing
Posted at 9:31pm on Dec 17th 2007 by Karen Avery
My instructor was a very mild mannered guy named Kevin. He was very nice, easy going and patient. He helped me get equipped (the San Juan Mountain Guides loaned me all the necessary gear) with crampons, boots, and the appropriate hand tools.
With great prowess, he demonstrated and explained a few things and we were off. We were on the Kids climbing wall (It isn't just for Kids anymore!) and we made a couple of climbs. Learning how to kick your feet into the ice, balance on the smallest of edges, maneuver the ice axes, and navigate the terrain were all challenges.
My hands were the sorest part of my body. I gripped the ice axes with a death grip and at the end of the day, they were very, very tired and sore. Other than that, no serious pain!
I am not going to say I am an addict at this point, but, I did sign up for more instruction next week. The 1/2 day intro to ice class is a real winner. For a little more than a downhill ski ticket, you too can experience the thrill and it includes the equipment. I highly recommend it.
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
PS Please feel free to post a comment - we love to hear from you!
Great Skiing!
Posted at 7:38pm on Jan 6th 2008 by Karen Avery
One lap around the town circuit and one lap north in the willows was sufficient as we had some time pressures. Nala ran well, but, seems like she might have strained a ligament in her hind leg. We were going to go enjoy some snow time on the Amphitheater Road today but I decided she needed to take it easy.
Red Mountain Pass was closed later in the day on Saturday so the skiing is going to be great once the road opens. It isn't supposed to open until sometime Monday or maybe even Tuesday. What a storm!
Rich & I worked hard in the snow today. Shoveling turns out to be a thankless job. He is ready to make snow removal a sport so that you can spend a bunch of $$ on equipment.
Karen @ http://www.boxcanyonouray.com
PS. Please feel free to post a comment - we love to hear from you!
Recycling Program Works
Posted at 7:58pm on Jan 6th 2008 by Karen Avery
Initially, I didn't think that Waste Management would collect the stuff as I was a commercial operation. With the help of one of the towns people, Rick Lane, I received a visit from the Operations Manager of the local office. He indicated that they would pick up our recyclables, no problem! About three weeks ago, I received my green container. I spent the next few weeks refining the process and obtaining the necessary equipment.
I spent about $400 on blue recycling waste baskets for each of the rooms, created my own in room placards to explain our program, trained my housekeeping staff and then implemented the program.
It has been 4 days and the response is overwhelming. I already have filled my 96 gallon container. I am amazed and pleased. Now I need to order a second recycling bin to accommodate all the waste. If I can keep two containers per week from going into the regular dumpster, I think it is possible that my direct costs for waste disposal will be 40% less after implementing this program. How exciting! We help the earth and we help our bottom line. What a great combination.
Karen @ Box Canyon Lodge
PS. Please feel free to post a comment - we love to hear from you!
Tracy Bundy, guitarist
Posted at 3:51pm on Nov 22nd 2007 by Karen Avery
Wright Opera House
Posted at 9:00pm on Nov 18th 2007 by Karen Avery
And, we have ?live theater returning to the Opera House? in the form of Dickens? ?A Christmas Carol.? With that, reliably comes all of the expected (and loved) buzz associated with a theater production. Posters to be designed, tickets to be printed and distributed to the bookstores where they will be sold, the program to be designed---with great care to include all the spelled-correctly-names of actors and helpers, costumes to be secured, lighting designed and all the pieces found for it, sound effects to be devised...and a rehearsal schedule, of course, to perfect the most effective delivery of the lines!
Also, it will be really good if the new seats ordered for the Opera House arrive before this and other events planned. As the designated worrier for Ouray, I am concerned that they are not here yet. But the young folks in charge of the Opera House, Mel and Kevin, assure me all will be fine. I love young people.
Auditions were held the other night and a surprising range of talent showed up to try for a part. It?s a shame there is only one Tiny Tim because there were so many adorable children trying out.
Many there are already known for local performances (formerly in the MultiPurpose Room in the school...which has a stage), or in regional productions in other towns. But many new faces appeared. We obviously have attracted some superb new talent to our little town.
The cast has been selected and, indeed, only one could be chosen for Tiny Tim. Scrooge is, in real life, the executive vice president of one of the banks. Sounds fitting, but in real life he would not be a good Scrooge. One of the town?s attorneys wrote this adaptation, with his musical wife, and he is directing the production. Both have been active in theater regionally for many years. I am enjoying working with him on the play, and having the opportunity to chat with him without anticipating a bill for the hours or portions thereof for said conversation. (Just joking, Mike, you are worth every penny!)
Among the other cast members are a semi-retired doctor/hospital administrator/concert pianist (yes that is all one person, he may be a lawyer too as I recall), a high school sophomore who stars in school plays, the wife of one of our newest ministers (she, it turns out, has a degree in Theater Arts and would like to start theater classes for kids), and the new night manager of a local motel, just arrived from Texas a few days before the auditions... and he landed the role of Dickens ( the narrator)! When I first met him and he expressed an avid interest in being involved in the play, he clearly was ?just arrived from Texas.? I asked him if he could ?speak Colorado? and he said he could ?speak British? if we wanted Dickens.
The lighting is being done by another new resident, who also has her degree in Theater Arts...our cup runneth over!
The play is done as an old fashioned radio show, with sound effects and music. It will have a live audience, but also will actually be broadcast live on our own radio station, one that is run by our high school students. It will also be recorded for future broadcasts during the holidays. Concerned about the recording process finally led to the ?policy? that the production is ?not appropriate? for children under 5. I suspect the subject matter and mode of presentation would not be of interest to such young folks anyway.
They had the first read through this week. As I sat and watched, I was reminded of ?The Music Man,? envisioning something no doubt akin to Broadway, that clearly it will be a splendid performance of great pride for us all. It is all in the eyes of the beholder. Dec. 7 will be a special evening as our very own live theater is performed in our wonderful Opera House.
Scrooge couldn?t make it to the first reading because he was at a bank equipment trade show in Las Vegas.
And the Texan sounded like he was born here.
by Joyce
Marketing Seminar
Posted at 9:50pm on Nov 15th 2007 by Karen Avery
Jim presented a few interesting concepts including what he termed as the five pillars of marketing:
1) Advertising -- Print (The written word, used to inform the general public)
2) Promotion (the buzz or excitement you create about the event or product)
3) Public Relations (your standing in the community)
4) Publicity (externally generated, uncontrolled by the business owner)
5) Sales (as in markdowns or something is on sale)
He also spent a lot of time discussing how you define the customers that you have or that you want to have. We did an exercise that really opened up my mind on this subject where we tried to create three profiles of customers. It was very beneficial.
He emphasized the importance of a budget, walked through a sample budget and stressed the importance of a fully integrated marketing plan.
At least 30 people were there representing various businesses and not-for-profits in the community including:
Spare Design
Box Canyon Lodge
Ouray Chalet Inn
Cascade Falls Lodge
Ouray Riverside Inn
Ouray Comfort Inn
Weehawken Creative Arts
Ouray Gallery
Second Chance Humane Society
Khristopher's Culinaire
Rocky Mountain Treasures & Gifts
Exotic Earth Coffee Roasters
Ridgway Outdoor Experience
Ouray Trails Group
Ouray Historical Society
Columbus Hotel
During the meeting a small discussion ensued where people asked about marketing Ouray County as a region as opposed to the two little towns of Ouray and Ridgway. Mr. Kidd seemed to think that a lot more cross pollination would occur and the concept is very forward thinking and would be successful. Mr. Kidd even pointed out that the region from Grand Junction to Durango is just the "Western Slope"... No one but these little towns think of it individually, the rest of the state lumps us all together. Pursuing the question a bit further sounds like a great idea.
I am happy to be part of such a great community where continuous development and improvement are part of the lexicon and so many people are involved!
Karen
http://www.boxcanyonouray.com
Veterens Day in Ouray
Posted at 6:09pm on Nov 11th 2007 by Karen Avery
Yesterday, the Ouray Elks Lodge had a fund raiser for the VA Hospital in Grand Junction and as a tribute to all the veterans that were in the area. On Saturday night, a free spaghetti dinner was available to all the Vets. It was followed up with a Turkey Bingo game. In Turkey Bingo, each game you won yielded a Turkey Dinner including all the fixings!
During the dinner, the Ouray Elks honored one of their own: Bob Wilson. He was a veteran and he also ran one of their charity events for 13 consecutive years. The Charity Ride raises money for their childrens programs including the Easter Egg Hunt, Santa Delivers and the San Juan Riding Program.
This morning, the same folks put on a Brunch with omelets, pancakes, sausages and hash browns. Again, Vets ate free and the money raised was earmarked for the VA Hospital in GJ. Manette Steele, who works for Oracle Corporation, was the organizer and she also donated the food that was used so the event yielded even more money to the cause.
The City of Ouray also had free admission to its Hot Springs for any Vet. The flags were set out along Main Street by the boy scouts. It looked very nice.




