Within the pages of the Register-Call, November 3rd issue was an article by “renowned educator” Resa Steindel Brown titled Do Schools Really Teach Our Children To Think? As an educator myself in an adult field [aviation] and as a former credentialed teacher in another states’ public school system, I would like to comment on some of her points.

  Right off the bat in answer to the question posed by her title, the answer is “No.  Schools do not teach children to think.” Teachers are hampered and ‘schools’ are hindered from this endeavor by just what is mentioned in the article: “…focus(ing) on concrete facts and (memorization) skills that involve more recall than thinking…because we can objectively quantify…and grade them.” Responsible and personal education in public schools has been removed from classrooms under the tutelage of an educator and camouflaged as ‘universal education,’ learning has been standardized by tests which can only be graded by the use of an answer key. Anyone out there recall, in school, the dreaded essay question? It was exactly these questions that enabled us to develop thought patterns and how to put them down on paper. These no-longer-used questions taught us to think.

  The ‘knowledge’ presented in standardized tests is “…easy to test because the answers do not involve opinion…analyzing, synthesizing, and prioritizing information is subjective and much more difficult, if not impossible, to test…or grade.” The reason for this is that teachers then have to utilize their own opinion, their own evaluation and their own judgment as to how well the student presented their own opinions, facts or data. By only teaching to standardized knowledge – and testing – they are only given experience in multiple-guess tests but expected to conceive, author and defend a Master’s or Doctoral thesis. Our children are not, in public schooling, being given or taught the skills for critical thinking. They are being taught at the lowest possible level of learning.

  There are four levels of learning: Rote, Understanding, Application, and Correlation. Rote is pure memorization, monkey see – monkey do. Understanding is evidenced when a subject can be explained in different terms or from different angles than that originally presented. Application occurs when understanding a subject matter, topic or idea can be utilized in a given direction, while Correlation demands the individual can come up with a satisfactory plan of action to a challenge they’ve never seen, experienced or faced before. Correlation is, to use the phrase de rigeur, “Thinking Outside the Box.” [See the exercise at the end of this article]

  Children indeed must learn to “…process information from multiple sources.” And as Ms. Brown further states, “As parents, grandparents, tutors and friends, we can partner with them.” What this means is we who are involved in a loved one’s growth must actively participate in their schooling. We cannot merely look up and ask “What did you learn in school today?” and expect an intelligent answer, or any answer at all beyond “Nuthin’”   The brain records everything the person experiences; sights, sounds, smells, emotions, and more. Most of the time things happen at such a pace that immediate recall is unavailable; the individual has experienced ‘informational overload.’ But after the fact events, words, information, thoughts and feelings can be replayed at a much slower speed, recalled and analyzed at a more deliberate pace where singular items within the experience can be addressed and thought about or discussed in detail. That’s when the real learning takes place.  After the experience is over, the emotions cooled and a more cerebral analysis can occur. This tactic will reinforce and more fully develop the lower two levels of learning; Rote and Understanding.

  Now, how do we as educators, parents, grandparents, et al assist our young Master or Miss to enhance the upper two levels of learning? Application is an activity, a participatory endeavor and not a spectator sport. The learner must use and practice the knowledge gained from their experience at the first two levels of learning. That means exercise and drill; that means doing one’s homework and doing all the problems at sections’ end, not just what the teacher assigned. What it means is the parent, grandparent, and others must actively concern themselves with what the learner is doing and participate along with them. [I came through public schools both in the US and in a number of foreign countries. No matter where we were, after dinner one of my parents would do their bookwork or paperwork at the kitchen table while I did my homework there as well. If I had questions, they were right there to help. We both did our work, but it was also “quality time” – another modern conceptual phrase du jour that few know how to implement].

  Whereas Application requires active participation by all concerned, the last question arising from this diatribe is: How does one develop Correlative skills? How does one teach – and learn – how to ‘think outside the box’?  The simple answer is: Scenarios. Present to the learner a scenario, a possible situation, ethical dilemma, an unclear behavioral challenge and help them reason it out. Why do many young people get in trouble with the law? First of all, it hasn’t been explained to them. Second of all, the ramifications of violating the law haven’t been detailed. Thirdly, the penalties of such transgressions haven’t been laid out. So many people go out into the world with a woefully unclear idea of what is legally expected from a citizen. And they are bewildered by the heavy hand of the law when a transgression occurs.

  One can begin using scenarios with grade-school age children: What would you do if you found a wallet with money in it? [Now you can discuss ethics and morals] What would you do if you found a handgun lying along the side of the road? [Discuss safety issues and danger possibilities]

  Work your way up as they grow older: What would you do if you knew a friend was cheating on a test? [Again, discuss ethics, morals, duties and responsibilities of friendship – and whether it really exists, group or ‘herd mentality’, etc.] What are your options if you saw a younger neighbor being bullied by some older kids?  [Risk vs. Reward, personal honor, citizenship, etc.]

  Now they’re driving: Can you explain some of the dangers of responding to a text while you’re driving? You’re driving some friends to the football game and one pulls out some beer: What are you going to do? Are you willing to risk being the ‘bad guy’ and ‘party-pooper’ while you’re responsible for everyone’s safety?

  Correlative skills are not developed by using “Who, what, when or where?” questions; those reinforce Rote and Understanding. For Application and Correlation levels of learning one can use words that begin a discussion: Why?  Describe…  Explain… Present your thoughts on… Anything that begins an oral essay can be used. Try that.

  This can go on and on, but I’m sure the point is clear. Involve yourself with everything they do. Allow them freedoms and privileges as they earn it, but – recalling Ronald Reagan’s view of the Soviets – “Trust, but verify.” Learning is an activity, not a passive endeavor. Be active with the children; schools and teachers [May God bless them!] can only do so much, and they so often must do a herculean task with at least one hand figuratively tied behind their backs. But the parents, grandparents, tutors and friends can be that other, free hand to show the learner what really lies ahead. There is a wonderful universe of learning no matter which direction one goes or which discipline calls. Of course the learner must supply the effort to proceed down the course(s) of study, but our job, as instructors, teachers-outside-the-classroom and facilitators is to lead them on with an encouraging wave and a “Hey…come on…look what’s down this-a-way!”

About the Writer

  Drew Chitiea lives in Black Hawk, Colorado and is a charter member of SAFE, the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators. He is a flight instructor for single- and multi-engine airplanes, teaching the skills required for mountain flying, aerobatics, air combat and currently is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for all airplane certificates and ratings. He has been awarded the designation of “Aviation Master Instructor” seven consecutive times.

I’ll readily admit to having an ongoing love affair with Black Hawk and Central City. Both have been such a huge part of my life from the very first moment I saw them. I very fondly remember begging Susanne Staruk to hire me for a job at the old Glory Hole Saloon. I remember drinking the evening away with friends at Crook’s Palace, until the bartender would wise up and toss us all out. The party, of course, would simply move to another accommodating establishment much to the chagrin of those we were about to rowdily invade.

When signatures were being gathered to get Amendment 4 on the ballot, I talked up the prospects of gaming to everyone who crossed my path while I stood at the Glory Hole door. I like to feel that I, along with so many others, did our part for the future prosperity of Black Hawk and Central City. We knew that gaming would offer year-round employment and business opportunities. Twenty years later those opportunities still exist, only on a much different and larger scale.

During the gaming transition it was incredible to see the changes that were taking place right before our very eyes. It’s not often that anyone can witness the rapid force of change on a level that took place the year prior to “Opening Day.” At times it seemed as if the entirety of Black Hawk was under reconstruction or rehabilitation all at the same time.

Opening Day came and went, new people arrived and moved on, openings and closings occurred, property changed hands with the speed of a Monopoly board game and gaming itself eventually settled down into what we see today. As with any new industry some mistakes were made during those very early years, sometimes it seemed that the “learning curve” was really a 90 degree angle. But more importantly a tremendous amount of positive things came along with the few disappointments. The three gaming host communities had been given the chance of rebirth, restoration and rehabilitation, some took it but others did not. The City of Black Hawk was one that took those chances and challenges, thriving in the process.

Much has been made of and said about Black Hawk and gaming. Quite a bit of that has been negative and offered up by those that have either forgotten what existed and/or didn’t exist in Black Hawk before gaming. There are those that mistakenly say history was bulldozed and destroyed, forgetting that the existing trailer park was never quite “historic.” Some forget that the Gilpin Hotel had become a burned out shell that was in danger of total collapse. Or that the very few remaining historic business properties and extremely deteriorated residences had become little more than archeological digs, or so neglected they were fire traps just waiting for disaster to happen. Also forgotten was that Black Hawk’sMain Streetwas a dirt road that was rutted out when wet, pot holed and dusty when dry, and impossible to deal with when frozen. At the time, some 75% of Black Hawk’s “historic stock” was all located within the small residential areas. Time had been exceptionally cruel and the little that did remain wasn’t going to last for very much longer. The revenue stream from our newly implemented industry was about to change all that with the decay, neglect and ruin soon to be polished away.

When gaming first began, Black Hawk had an annual budget of just around $125,000. And that was after checking all the couch cushions for lost change just to keep the City
operational. One joke at the time was that the City’s assets included a car that wouldn’t start, a set of keys that no one was sure what they went to, and a flashlight that only had one battery.

During the past 20 years Black Hawk has stayed focused on building and encouraging our singular industry. The ultimate goal is for Black Hawk to be a destination resort community, synonymous with places such as Aspen, Vail, and Steamboat Springs – places easily recognized as being “Colorado.” That goal becomes more certain with each passing year. Presently, Black Hawk has about 74% of the gaming market share and is providing the bulk of all gaming taxes paid to the state.Coloradogaming itself is now a $2.2 billion dollar annual GNP forColorado, producing some 27,000 direct jobs with each of those creating an additional 1.5 non-direct jobs. Within 20 years Black Hawk has risen to the top of the market and became its own economic engine providingColoradowith a sustained and growing revenue stream that will only increase in the future.

In this first 20 years Black Hawk has embarked upon a city-wide revitalization project that continues to this day. Our infrastructure, water and gas lines have been upgraded, electric lines placed underground, and unsightly telephone poles being removed. Residential streets have been paved and new streetlights added. The Post Office, Credit Union, and Sanitation District office also have a new home in a redeveloped commercial area. And our Historic Preservation Grant Program is restoring and rehabilitating all of our historic structures, making it possible for them to last another 100 years and keep our history alive and continuing. Some structures that had decayed over the decades to the point of being barely worth kindling were purchased, moved toMountainCityand restored, also preserving them for the future. Our City’s continuing projects include the revitalization ofGregory Street(beginning in 2012) that will see it transform into a new commercial district, using existing historic properties that will bring additional non-gaming businesses, jobs and opportunities to Black Hawk.

The City of Black Hawk has not dodged its civic duties and responsibilities either. As it became more and more difficult for our Gilpin County RE-1 Schools to continue with ever limited funding, the probability existed that our school district might have to be absorbed by other entities. If that were to happen, local property taxes would have skyrocketed and made it difficult for averageGilpinCountyresidents to continue to be able to afford to live here and would have put a huge damper on any future growth. The City of Black Hawk had a different idea that would help keep those property taxes low and asked city voters to approve a 1.5% Educational Enhancement Sales Tax that to date has provided over $1.6 million dollars in additional and continuing funding for the school district. This also insures that our local children receive the best education possible prior to college. One hope would be that those children will at some point return toGilpinCountyand our communities, possibly taking advantage of the employment opportunities provided by our industry. It is always amazing to speak with industry leaders and managers and learn how so many began their careers parking cars or working in the restaurants as they climbed the company ladder.

At 20 years it’s easy to look back and question some of the early day decisions, but the economic progress and the benefits our industry has brought to Black Hawk and our residents are impossible to ignore. While other places and people may not fully appreciate what has been done, none can say it hasn’t been a worthwhile endeavor. If the past 20 years are any indication of how the next 20 years will go, I would venture to say “we haven’t seen anything yet!”

About the author

Greg Moates is a long-time resident of Black Hawk, serves on the Black Hawk Board of Aldermen, and also serves on the Gilpin County Ambulance Board.

Unique, reasonably priced pottery

Wabi Pottery, the unique little shop in Russell Gulch, is once again open for business. The “Re-Opening Open House” was held July 23^rd and 24^th.  Proprietor and potter, Forrest Anderson, first opened the shop in the mid 1970’s having arrived in Russell Gulch after learning his craft at Colorado State College (now UNC). He and wife, Mary, were looking to move from the Fort Morgan area to be closer to the market, said Anderson, who recalls selling his pottery at the Tommyknocker gift shop in Central, as well as doing commercial wholesale and restaurant orders of hundreds, sometimes thousands of items. It just happened that the big square house near the intersection of Virginia Canyon and Upper Russell Gulch Road was one they could afford. He converted space on the ground level for his work shop and installed a kiln in a walled but roofless area outside. The historic little house next door (official and original address: 41 Oliver Lane), made a fine space to display his wares. It still does.

Terra cotta pots (Anderson’s work) filled with colorful petunias and geraniums line the walk to the door of the shop. The cottage exterior is painted in a warm golden hue. Inside, the house is open; interior walls have been removed so there is one large light room where white walls, tables and shelves provide a fresh, uncluttered backdrop for the baking dishes, serving dishes, mugs, teapots, pitchers, jugs, flower pots and vases that Anderson has shaped on his wheel, glazed and fired on site. There’s a vast selection of terra cotta, including small and large flower pots, wine bottle chillers and the tall vented lidded jars, “potato/onion keepers” that are traditionally used in Germany and northern Europe to store the vegetables without sprouting. Many items are imprinted with Anderson’s “Made in Russell Gulch” seal.

During the decade or so that he wasn’t making pottery, Anderson was hand-crafting wooden furniture instead, and working on home improvements – plus that “honey-do list” he admits. But potters can’t stay away from making pottery too long, he explained, so he began experimenting with clay, “developing a pretty good stoneware body,” he said with satisfaction, and also trying out some different glazing components like local feldspars and aspen ash. It took some time to reconstitute some of his glazes, he said, and there’s one in particular that he rediscovered (and really likes), but will have to think awhile to recall its recipe. Meanwhile, he’s been using a wax resist process using one type of glaze as a base coat and then applying wax to parts of the piece and dipping it in another glaze for a topcoat. The result gives the finished piece depth – a raised look to some areas, a depressed look to others. The finish entices a need to touch, with the resulting discovery that the surface is deceptively smooth. Anderson credits the wax resist and the natural additives in his glazes for the tactile effect. Colors range from creamy whites to opalescent grays, coppery browns, golds, variously hued greens and blues, and dark browns to black. Some pieces are hand-painted with a wildflower motif; others feature undefined swirls of color combinations resulting from the natural flow of the glazes. Some bear evidence of “oil spotting” a characteristic Anderson said is sought after by collectors.

Anderson said he’s having a good time “throwing pots that I wouldn’t ordinarily throw.” He doesn’t have “a line” but instead, “I just satisfy my own desire to make pots on an individual basis.” He’s acquired a new kiln and only recently gave in and motorized his wheel. Until now, he has made all of his pottery on a kick-wheel (even that order of 12,000 mugs back in the wholesale days). But, he conceded, “a week into making pots my foot got sore.” Still, kicking is a hard habit to, well, kick, and Anderson says he continues to do a variation of kicking, even with the electrified wheel. It’s a matter of rhythm. Pitchers and teapots, “things that pour” are the most fun to throw, he said, while plates and platters are the most difficult, “but there’s nothing I don’t like doing.” Mary handles the display arrangements, keeping the merchandising simple so that each piece is shown to advantage. It is amazing how attractive a few stems of Indian paintbrush or a bunch of tall brome looks in one of Anderson’s celadon/tamaku glazed wax-resist vases.

“Wabi” is a Japanese term that Anderson describes as “synonymous with things that come from the earth,” and it also has bearing on the graceful Japanese tea ceremony which Anderson said he’s always admired. Back when he opened his shop the first time, a friend asked what kind of pottery he was going to make. Anderson answered, somewhat off-handedly, “Wabi pottery” and was a little surprised when the friend, who had taken him seriously, presented him with a hand-made “Wabi Pottery” sign. “And that’s how
it got named Wabi,” he said chuckling. The name fits. Anderson said he makes his stoneware “in the spirit of trying to find something in the earth that’s special.” Online research shows the Japanese used the term originally to describe remoteness and living in nature. That has evolved to describe beauty that is imperfect, asymmetric, irregular, simple or austere; an acceptance of transience; qualities of uniqueness and elegance; and the beauty of serenity that comes with age. It is the ability to find even very simple objects to be interesting and beautiful. Anderson’s own description is quintessentially “wabi.” “I make nice useful pots that kind of grow on you,” he said, “Very simple but interesting stuff – the kind of thing you keep looking at over time.”

Many long-time Gilpin County residents recall shopping for Anderson’s unique pottery more than a decade ago, when last the shop was open. Tourists, en route to Oh My God Road (Virginia Canyon), intrigued by the “Wabi Pottery” roadside sign, found it easy to stop in for a look. Word soon spread and the little shop began to have increased drop-in traffic and repeat customers. Anderson’s well-stocked little shop will no doubt again draw the drop-in customer. He also plans to expand into the online market. Prices currently range from $3 to $60 (but might be adjusted/ increased “in a year or so” if a market study finds them too low.) “I just like thinking that my pottery finds its way into people’s homes and kitchens and is used every day and enjoyed,” said Anderson, “that’s my motivation to make pots.”

In addition to the pottery, the friendly proprietors and interesting conversation about this unique area of Gilpin County, an added attraction is the enlarged reprint of a panoramic photograph of the town of Russell Gulch in the mining days, which hangs at eye level along one wall. Wabi Pottery, located at 6287 Virginia Canyon Road in historic Russell Gulch, is open seven days a week. Hours aren’t set but Anderson promises he’s there most of the time, and if he’s there, they’re open. Call 303-582-5492 for information and/or directions.

Award winning artist at work

Just four years ago Claudia Ariss wandered into Mother Earth Gallery in downtown Nederland. She had never been in a stained glass shop and knew immediately that her life was about to change. By the time she walked out, she had signed up for a beginner stained glass class to learn the copper foil (Tiffany style) technique. When the six week class ended, Claudia had developed a passion for soldering; for the personality that the liquid developed as it turned into a solid. The temperature had to be just right, the lines must be smooth, with a nice round bead.

Soon the windows in her new Nederland home were all filled with stained glass windows. She and her husband Brien and three cats had moved to Nederland from Kauai, where they had resided for ten years. There she had pursued such creative endeavors as working in a photography studio and raising palms from seed. Her plan was to look for a stress-free job in the mountains. She never imagined what lay ahead. In late 2007, Claudia took a lead came class – an old style technique – with Linda Ehlers of Great Glass Galore, then located in Broomfield, now in Superior. At the same time, Claudia went to D & L Stained Glass, a supply shop that was a fixture in Boulder for many years. They were relocating to Denver and were selling scrap stained glass. Claudia filled her car that day. The next day she returned for another car load. The following day she was so excited to return to D & L for one last carload, she got a speeding ticket on the way there. She sums up the experience, “This quantity of glass was a fantastic foundation for me to set up a shop in my house. It was meant to be.” Her heated two-car garage first had a six foot bench; now her work station is a large U- shaped bench.

February of 2009 found Claudia studying with glass artist Cathy Claycomb. It was this experience that would make a profound impact on her career as a contemporary glass artist. Most important was the introduction to “ head glass,” surplus glass that used to be cut away and discarded was now being shaped into unique curves and folds in one-of-a-kind pieces. Head glass is found in Kokomo, Indiana at the Opalescent Glass Company.

Another unusual style, “Sticks & Stones,” lends itself to the designing and creating of pieces that sound just like their title. Hardwood branches, feathers, glass beads, shells, wire wrapped glass – these all can be found in her designs. They can be hung in a window or directly on a wall. “Wall Jewelry” pieces are built on one-to-four planes and feature Claudia’s decorative soldering on the front and sides. Using copper wire to form a “foot” effect, these pieces look delightful on a wall and have garnered the interest in glass collectors who wish to have contemporary glasswork in their homes, but may not have available window space.

In 2009, Claudia had several pieces on display at the Mutual of Omaha bank in Nederland. When the bank was looking for wall art for their Cherry Creek branch, they commissioned her to design a triptych entitled “First Snow.”

Early in 2010, Claudia decided to apply to five juried outdoor art shows, with the hope of getting accepted to at least a couple. Carefully researching www.festivalnet.com, Sunshine Artist magazine, and the Colorado Artist Tour helped her decide which five to apply to. She was accepted to all five shows – very rare for a newcomer to the art show circuit. The five were the 29th Street Open Arts show, the Estes Park Memorial Day event, Nederland’s High Peaks Art Festival, The Downtown Boulder Artfair, and the Golden Fine Arts Festival. She won two awards at the High Peaks Art Festival – Best of Glass and the People’s Choice award (where she was the overwhelming favorite, as voted on by art show patrons and her fellow artists). Her participation in the 64th Annual Gilpin County Art Association show earned her an Honorable Mention.

From May – December, over 60 pieces of her eclectic artwork sold, with prices ranging from $55-$2,000. 2011 started out just as successfully, with the Best of Show award at the Nederland Community Center’s “Art at the Center” exhibition. Showing her gratitude to her former teacher Cathy Claycomb, she sent her an enormous bouquet of flowers. “Timing is everything. I can’t imagine not doing this artwork – it is meant to be.”

The yesteryears of Gilpin found in the Weekly Register-Call

It’s been a year and a half since the Weekly Register-Call merged with the Gilpin County News and I began doing the weekly section called, “Turning Back the Pages.” I confess, the days I spend doing “Turnback” are days I accomplish little else, because once I get started, I don’t want to stop; I’ve gone to the decades of long ago and am  immersed in those times. I am “lost” in the archives.

Check the Reg-Call masthead. “Volume 148” tells how many years this newspaper, now the oldest continuously published newspaper in the state of Colorado, has been in business. That’s since 1862. (We’re planning to celebrate the Reg-Call sesquicentennial in 2012.) Before film, computers and now digital technology, newspapers were preserved by saving a copy of each issue and then binding a collection of them together, making a book. Our books generally contain a single year’s worth of issues, but occasionally two years’ worth is bound into one book. The books are large (broadsheet-sized), fragile, and housed in special cabinets custom-built for the purpose. These are our “archives” and, for me, a mine as valuable as any gold-producer on Quartz Hill or the Bobtail.

The first week of our merger, we had little time to get to Turnback and there was so much else going on in getting out final issues of both newspapers prior to combining, that we had to scramble to get everything done. I volunteered to put the column together and my publisher delivered the archival books I needed to my house so I could work on it at home, between my other assignments for the week. That week’s Turnback was similar in length to what had been running prior to the merger and took up about half of one page. In today’s issue reader’s will find Turnback spreading across nearly two full pages. You can blame me for that. Like I said, once I started, I couldn’t stop. I found the archives so interesting I began putting in every little “nugget” that I thought would interest our readers. Sometimes that’s a whole “mini-story” and sometimes it’s just one line. I stay as true to the original writer’s words as possible, even if it means paragraph long sentences (with no comma’s) and archaic language. I figure my editor can always delete as many items as needed to fit available space. As it’s turned out, he rarely deletes any. As it’s turned out, many of our readers say Turnback is their favorite part of the newspaper. Good thing for me.

When I “turn back the pages” I study the issues printed the same week as the current week’s issue date, but from 30, 60, 90 and 120 years ago. Starting this week, I’ve moved into 1981, 1951, 1921 and 1891 and am gleaning the issues of the day from the Gilpinites of those time periods. “Lost” again, in my mind’s eye, I “see” the busy streets of Central with wagons of goods arriving for merchants selling a phenomenal amount of goods (and advertising all of them in the Reg-Call). Trains arrive and depart two times a day, bringing goods and reunions of families and friends. I “hear” the pounding stamps of Black Hawk’s mills and the Gilpin Tram’s shay whistling into the yard. I imagine the sight, sounds, smell and taste of dust as a Gilpin rancher drives his cattle through Rollinsville to pasture. Gilpin County was alive with towns throughout; schools and churches, businesses and organizations. The Reg-Call printed the news from each as it arrived via a society mobile on horseback, wagon and foot. When I open the next book, I find the automobile has arrived (but can’t traverse the snowy road to Apex yet, so mail is still occasionally delivered on horseback). With the next book, I learn that horse travel is recreational only and Gilpinites are visiting family back east or vacationing via “road trips” in their cars. When I open the final book, I discover airplane wings, rather than hooves, transporting folks to and from places far from Gilpin. In the early days of airplanes, Gilpinites in Central, Apex and Rollinsville reported everyone running outside to watch whenever they heard the aircraft’s engines. As each thirty years has gone by, there have been changes in other ways, too. I try to include some of those – the plagues of diseases (Died: Infant child of…); wars – post WWI and WWII and the beginning of the Korean War; economic times-the price of gold, silver and lead with mines booming everywhere to almost all closed; women’s history – getting the vote in 1920 and, 60 years later, still pursuing equal rights; social norms – how people entertained themselves and what crimes appeared in police reports; and technology (have you noted the 1950’s recipes calling for a double-boiler?).

More difficult is trying to convey this passage of time in the lives of the individuals who “made the news” in each era. Even with the generous space my publishers have allowed for Turnback, I can’t possibly include everything, but I try to name names and print the milestones. It’s fun to see what some of Gilpin’s current citizens were “into” as children and to see what our current senior citizens were up to in mid-life. (I’ve received phone calls from some of them who go further back in their own memories, recalling the people I’ve written about in the 60 years-ago segment. They often tell me even more stories of these folks from their childhoods.) The people of Gilpin’s past come alive for me each time I “enter” the archives. Between the book covers, I follow their business successes and failures, the births, graduations and weddings, the comings and goings (military service, exciting vacations, moving to other parts of the state, country, world), and finally, their deaths.

Some of the names recorded in history and described by local historians as “real characters”- Pat Casey for one – are famous. But for me, a lot of the everyday people of Gilpin’s past have become the “real” character. This was brought home to me last summer when I took a visiting friend to some of our old cemeteries. We read the epitaphs as we walked. So many of the names were familiar and I soon made the archival connections, sharing their stories with my friend. “He had a market on Main Street in Central. One time a whole load of strawberries got dumped off the delivery wagon and made quite a treat for the town’s little boys. “She loved having parties and entertaining at her home on Chase Street. They’d dance until dawn.”  “Oh, he was the little boy that was crushed under a wagon. He was so happy to get to go along to town with his dad, and then he fell out and was run over and killed.” Some things just stick with you.

Occasionally I find blank spaces in the archives – literally. Someone, who knows when, has taken a blade to the old pages and sliced away clippings of stories or photographs. This lack of foresight and disrespect for the document always surprises me. Was it ignorance or thoughtlessness, I wonder? Luckily, the Gilpin Historical Society has many of our issues, too. If there are large or many holes in any one particular issue, I pay the Society a visit. If they don’t have it, my next step is the Colorado Historical Society, currently housing their own archives at Denver Public Library. They have much of the Register-Call on microfiche. I paid both the Society and DPL a visit just a couple of weeks ago as our December issues had been excised in numerous places. What was missing? That story about the Chase Gulch women foiling a prowler, for one; and a Christmas poem, photographs and other tidbits that must have been important to whoever clipped them. Perhaps a past editor pasted them in a later issue, but surely no editor would so foolishly violate the archives, not a real “newspaperman” anyway. The early editors, G.M. Laird (1891 and 1921) and R.L. Laird (1951) enjoyed the status of their profession. They were “the” news source of their day, receiving “dispatches” and “exchanges” from other newspapermen (and Havana cigars from local politicians). Some of those great political bits (staunchly Republican) and wise-guy adages (look out women’s libbers) that filled the spaces between stories, and occasionally show up again in Turnback, are all theirs. Would they appreciate the irony that a woman, Kathryn Heider, was sitting in the editor’s seat by 1981? She sounds off only occasionally, usually because someone has offended her sense of fair play. Even if I didn’t agree with yesterday’s editors, I think I would have enjoyed meeting them in person. I’ve certainly enjoyed meeting them in the archives and hope their voices come through to Turnback readers of today.

Just as we’re looking forward to 2011, Gilpinites of 1890, 1920, 1950 and 1980 were looking forward to their New Year(s) with hopes of success and happiness – and I’m looking forward to seeing how they do. I hope 30 years from now, another journalist gets “lost” in the archives, reading about us. (Could we possibly be as interesting?) And I hope that future journalist finds plenty of success and happiness to write about for the Gilpinites of 2011. Happy New Year!

More booths, more attractions

Lil and Kate, and Preston and Heather, were the talk of the town in Central City last weekend. The two couples stopped traffic as they walked the streets wearing bells and bling. Folks at the Tommyknocker Holiday bazaar poured from three sets of tall double doors of the Teller House to take pictures. The four visitors were the center of attention; steamy hot and seemingly oblivious to the stares and children’s pointing fingers, they nuzzled each other’s necks and appeared to whisper gently blown secrets lip-to-ear. The repeated flash of digital cameras never fazed them; they took it all in huge heavy-metal stride. Maybe it was the blinders.

Lil and Kate’s ancestors hail from the English side of the Clyde River; Preston and Heather’s ancestors, from a dale on the Scottish side of that boundary water. Although the four draft horses look a lot alike, that makes Lil and Kate English Shires, while Preston and Heather are Clydesdales (you can tell by their knees). All four, decked out in jingle-bell harness and jeweled tack, were in Central City on Saturday and Sunday providing free transportation in fairy-tale style. Each paired team, hitched to a high-wheeled garland-bedecked white carriage, “jingled all the way” down Eureka, Main and Gregory, and then up Spring and Lawrence streets-round after round with delighted children and adults nestled comfortably on the cushioned seats. Brought to town by Central’s Green Grass Café, the rides were an added Tommyknocker attraction, and a “huge” hit in every sense of the word.

After, before or in-between rides, there was hot chocolate (made with Uncle Charlie’s water) and cookies inside the Teller, and more than 40 booths offering unique holiday shopping. Folks had come from Thornton, Lakewood, Pine, Denver, Highlands Ranch, Conifer, Evergreen-so many this year that the bazaar expanded through the Face Bar and into the Little Kingdom Room. There, Central’s own Mary Lafferty offered one of the more unusual gift items of the bazaar-pillows and fabric wall hangings imported from Uzbekistan. The bright textiles had been woven by women there as part of their dowries, to prove their skills. For those of the Re-cycle, Re-use, Re-purpose persuasion, she offered doggie coats made from women’s discarded wool skirts. Next door, the woof and weft of a different cloth (mainly flannel), was featured in rag rugs (many sizes and colors) at Eva Wilkstrom’s booth. The rugs always lay flat and wear “forever” (the current record is 23 years and counting). Eva said she had inherited her grandmother’s loom and learned the craft, though claimed she wasn’t nearly as skilled. She taught her daughter and is now teaching her granddaughter, making this booth a four-generational representation of pioneer skill. “If Grandma could see me doing this, oh, she’d be proud,” said Eva.

Throughout the four big rooms of the Teller’s main floor folks shopped for toys, apparel, jewelry, food and decorative items. Cooks found colorful salsas and aprons, seasoned salts, spice and chili mixes and pottery platters for serving the finished product. Decorators found flower arrangements, amusingly embroidered throw pillows, candles, quilts (from baby-doll to king-sized), stained glass, pottery and so much more. Jewelry of all kinds- gold and silver, beaded, polished stone, twisted wire-it was all there, including a smooth sleek device called a “Two-Twisted” that secures even the longest hair into a bun or top-knot so simply it was hard to believe. There were carved bird houses and carved walking sticks for the outdoors folk. Bevie Sue’s offered porcelain and glassware as did Betsey Cassell’s booth where a bright orange vintage three-part “tea/coffee pot” drew lots of “What is that?” comments (bottom section is the warming candle, middle spouted-section for coffee, top spouted-section for tea). Of course there were plenty of ornaments and other holiday-themed items and while Tommyknocker has an old-fashioned holiday feel, there were some ultra modern wares, too, like SendOut cards, a service that folks use to create their own greeting cards on their computers, complete with electronic signature facsimile, relay the finished card online to SendOut and they print and mail them, all for about $1.06 per card, postage included.

In the Face Bar, Gilpin Historical Society’s Dave Forsyth had spread the bar with books while a dapper Jimmy Stewart played Christmas music on his classy 100 year-old accordion.  Children’s items included wooden toys, stuffed animals and other fun treasures-like $1 flint-knapped arrowheads at Jack Sliemers’ Moss Rock booth. Jack said he’d known Bruce and Sandy Schmalz “since 1955” during the pre-casino days when Dostal Alley was their rock shop. Sandy was on hand in the Atrium serving up chili, cornbread, potato soup and a variety of sandwiches, desserts and beverages with other Elks ladies. She has been involved in the winter bazaar from way back. This is the thirteenth year of the Tommyknocker, she said, recalling years prior when the event was called Wintershire and was held in Williams Stables or the Belvidere. A primary organizer for this year’s event, Shirley Voorhies, was seen making her rounds in a “Naughty but Nice” holiday shirt, making sure everyone had everything needed. Barbara Thielemann, another it-couldn’t-happen-without organizer, was found overseeing the children’s coloring contest entries while Joann Kerr helped youngsters decorate cookies as they waited to talk with Father Christmas (Robert Tuffing).

This year’s winners for the coloring contest, aged three and under: First Place ($25), Braden Schnider; Second Place ($15), Cedric Auer. For ages 6-8: First, Lorena Auer; Second, Adele Auer; and Third ($10), Nolan Lindberg. Ages 9-12: First, Eli Buckland; Second, Dylan Krug; and Third, Tommy Quaranto.

Diane Needham won $50 for her historically accurate (that means it had an outhouse) Gingerbread House. Jimmy and Colleen Stewart won First Place ($25) as a couple in the Victorian Holiday Costume contest with Gloria Makarevich taking Second Place ($15) and Beth Stephens, Third ($10). Door prizes were awarded at least every half hour. The winners’ names were drawn from a basket overseen by various greeters as well as Minerva, the Teller’s brass newel goddess. (How many people knew to pat her bottom for luck?) Folks really appreciated the Door Men/Boys who swung those heavy doors wide as soon as anyone approached.

This year’s event sponsors, providing facilities, promotional materials, activities, prize funding, etc. were Central City Opera House Association, Red Dolly Casino, Green Acres Café, City of Central, Peak-to-Peak Rotary, Ermel’s Thrift Shop, Prospector’s Run, Central City Elks Ladies, and the Weekly Register-Call.

Part of Golden Gate Canyon State Park

The Civil War. The Sand Creek Massacre. Conflicts between homesteaders and ranchers. The Ludlow Massacre. One high-elevation ranch in Gilpin County intersects all these events influencing Colorado’s history. The 4,000 acres of the Green Ranch are now included in Colorado’s most popular state park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, because of the generosity of the Greens.

All the land in ‘western Kansas’ was little-known and unwanted until John Gregory discovered gold in what is now Black Hawk in May of 1859, and the great Pikes Peak Gold Rush began. Thousands of prospectors rushed west as fast as possible to find their fortune in gold, but many men saw a living could be made feeding the prospectors. They wanted land to farm. The federal government, through the 1863 Homestead Act, awarded as much as 160 acres to a prospective farmer if he fulfilled three requirements – pay a filing fee ($16), build a home on the land, and plant crops within five years – and pay a final fee of $6.00.

In 1859 the land which would be combined into the Green Ranch began to be claimed, and soon 18 families moved onto the land. Charles Hicks was one of these original settlers. Hicks came from New York to try mining in Black Hawk in 1861 and when William Gilpin, Governor of Colorado Territory, advertised for soldiers to fight the Texans coming up the Rio Grande with the intention of seizing the rich gold fields of Gilpin for the Confederate cause, Hicks volunteered. Three regiments were raised; Hicks was commissioned a sergeant in the First Regiment of Colorado Cavalry. These volunteers decisively defeated the Texas troops at Glorietta Pass in New Mexico in 1862 because of the tactical cunning of Colonel Chivington, who was hailed as a hero.

But Rev. John Chivington was widely condemned in his next military action, and Hicks was destined to be part of it also. When Chivington was asked by Gov. Evans to recruit troops to “discipline” the Southern Cheyenne (read ‘exterminate’) in 1864, Hicks enlisted and was again appointed a sergeant. Fortunately for his future peace of mind, he was assigned to the command of Captain Silas Soule. When the troops surprised the Indian camp at Sand Creek, Soule withheld his troops because of the white flag flying and the many women and children in the camp. Thus Hicks never fought in the infamous Sand Creek Massacre. In 1873 Hicks started the paperwork for 160 acres which became the northern part of the Green Ranch.

Another part was homesteaded by an African-American named Samuel Parker. Parker was born into slavery in Kentucky and came west in 1862 to prospect. He was successful enough by 1880 to pay the costs of homesteading 80 acres in the middle of the Ranch. The northern edge of the Ranch was first settled by a Cornishman in 1894; other settlers in the Golden Gate region came from England, Canada, Denmark, Germany and Sweden, all contributors to the melting pot of America.

The first Green purchased land in Gilpin County in 1917. George, his wife Edna, and their two sons were ranching with his parents in Las Animas County in southeastern Colorado. They had come to that dry, dusty prairie to raise cattle, not farm, and to take advantage of the vast swaths of open range. The federal government owned the unclaimed land and leased it to stockmen originally, but homesteaders began filing claims and fencing the land to keep the cattle out. Hard feelings resulted. One day when George Green was riding by a homestead, the owner, with no provocation, shot him. The bullet lodged in his hip. George rode home and was put in a wagon for a rough 40-mile ride to a doctor in Walsenburg. He was bedridden for five months and always walked with a limp after the injury.

That was one warning that it was time to move on. The second was the infamous Ludlow Massacre. Miners working in the Ludlow coal mines went on strike. The Colorado governor called out the National Guard to force the miners to return to work, and the stand-off eventually ended in violence. Unfortunately the Green’s ranch house was adjacent to the land where the miners had erected their tents and dug their underground tunnels. When the shots began on April 14, 1914, George was bed-ridden with typhoid fever. Edna helped him make his way downstairs as the bullets flew. She arranged a pallet on the floor in front of the stone fireplace for protection and laid there with him. The two little boys had been sent with their aunt to the stone pump-house. When the shooting ended, the Greens counted 14 bullet holes in their home and their hired hand was killed as he returned in the afternoon from checking on the cattle.

That was enough for the Greens. They sold their herd and moved to the mountains, staying at the Gilpin Hotel in Black Hawk their first night and renting a team and wagon the next day to inspect their 900-acre ranch. Realizing their auto was not the ideal mode of transportation in the mountains in those times, they sold it and used horses and wagons for years.

Soon the Greens began purchasing neighboring ranches as they came up for sale and eventually the Green Ranch totaled 4,000 acres; another Green holding on Robinson Hill encompassed 1,000 acres. The Green Ranch was sold at a fraction of its value to the state park system in order to keep it intact and preserve its beauty. Kenneth Green, one of George’s sons, married a neighboring ranch girl, Lela White, and they were instrumental in donating the large White Ranch to Jefferson County as Open Space. The Greens only child, Alan, was killed with his wife in a DC-10 crash in Chicago and they created a charitable foundation named for him; the Alan Green Foundation aids non-profits in Gilpin County. The White family also established a charitable foundation.

Starting with Crook’s Palace Saloon

As we settle into the Christmas season, many of us will be thinking about traditional holiday activities. For some, that will mean an annual pilgrimage to one of the metro area’s fine performances of Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet, The Nutcracker.

One of the best of these is David Taylor Dance Theatre’s setting, staged for the last five years at the thriving Lakewood Cultural Center. But how many of those who attend will know the connection between Taylor’s company and some of Black Hawk’s most historic and beloved buildings?

In the summer of 1976, Black Hawk was slumbering. Besides the Black Forest Inn, only a few other businesses were open in the historic business blocks along Main and Gregory streets. City government was struggling along, with a City Clerk, a small public works crew to take care of streets and water, and sometimes a police officer—at other times the City would rely on coverage by the County’s Sheriff’s Office. The big news was a grant the City had received, in Colorado’s centennial year, for the restoration of the decrepit Lace House.

Central City, while not exactly booming, boasted a much larger number of restaurants and shops, most of which relied on the summer tourist business and the “arty” crowd that favored the annual Opera Festival. Maybe that was the reasons that a young choreographer named David Taylor came to the area.

The whole episode was “instigated,” as Taylor later recalled it, by the flamboyant Caroline Ball, at that time the owner (along with her husband, Doug) of the historic Black Hawk saloon, Crook’s Palace. Ball persuaded Taylor to teach dance classes (no doubt to the amusement of the regular patrons) in the venerable watering hole.

“We were literally holding onto the bar as our barre,” Taylor remembered. The space limitations proved daunting, and the class popular, so Taylor sought more commodious digs.

“We then acquired the old school house at the top of the hill, which by that time had gone through a number of incarnations—a church and a gymnasium/activity center. We built our own portable barres and mirrors and I ran classes there for about a year,” reminisced Taylor. “Most of my adult students were the barmaids and waitresses of Central City. I also had a kid’s class, made up from their children.”

The new classes were prominently featured in the September 17^th edition of the local newspaper, the Weekly Register-Call, which called the organization the “Black Hawk School of Ballet.” Adult classes were given on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, with the children’s class after school (3:30) on Tuesday afternoons.

While the building used was owned by the school district at that time, it actually was the old Presbyterian Church, built in 1863, that the nascent “company” was using, not the 1870 school building next door. Conditions must have been primitive, as the building had seen little maintenance since World War I.

The students were diligent, and after all their hard work it seemed only appropriate that “it all culminated when we put on a full evening’s performance. The boyfriends and husbands of my students built a set of footlights, installed black drapes, and got a hundred or so of the original Central City Opera seats and nailed them into the floor,” Taylor fondly recalled. “It was a great performance, with all the cowboys, hippies and miners whooping and hollering at the Black Hawk ‘ballerinas’.”

The Saturday night performance was diligently covered by the Register-Call the following week (May 20, 1977), which described the reaction of the “standing room only” crowd: “The audience was not to be disappointed by the performances given as each of the dancers richly deserved the lengthy applause and frequent ‘bravos’ awarded them at the close of each dance.” The dozen or so dancers had prepared three pieces, which the paper reported “varied greatly in style.”

Despite the success, the performance was a one-time-only event, as the next year Taylor took his ideas to the more genteel surroundings of Georgetown. In 1979, he formed the David Taylor Dance Theatre, and the troupe has had several homes since—the Arvada Center for the Arts, a former elementary school in Denver, Teikyo Loretto Heights College, on Main Street in downtown Littleton, the new Englewood City Center, and the Ascot Arts Academy. Currently they are based at the International Ballet School in Centennial.

Over the years, Taylor and his company have received numerous honors. Taylor himself won Denver’s first Individual Artist Fellowship award for dance for “Anasazi Dreams” in 1987, and earned commissions from Opera Colorado, the Colorado Symphony, the Ascot Dinner Theatre and Town Hall Arts Center of Littleton. Taylor and his company were proud recipients of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 1997.

Taylor’s Nutcracker is a beautifully choreographed combination of traditional dance with striking, computer-generated scenery. The Denver Post raved that “Taylor deserves credit for creating a fast-paced, distinctive version of The Nutcracker that tells the story in a well-integrated, easy-to-follow way.”

Taking his educational mission seriously, Taylor created a one-hour version of the ballet especially for schoolchildren called “The Nutcracker in a Nutshell.”

If you are lucky enough to attend one of these beautiful performances, think back to what a long way the company has come since the days in Crook’s Palace and at the Black Hawk church!

This article was written for and previously published in the Colorado Gambler.

Introducing our hottest citizens

The sound of a siren travels far in the thin air of our mountain communities. That’s usually what folks notice first. Those on the road might see the flashing lights next, followed by the big red or yellow fire trucks headed somewhere in a hurry. As a truck passes by, they might catch its “Colorado Sierra” or “High Country” logo. At the scene, they’ll see the word “Timberline” on these emergency responders’ coats. Ever wonder who’s behind the wheel? Who is that under that helmet and heavy bunker gear? Chances are it’s a friend or neighbor, someone you know but maybe didn’t know was working hard to protect your life and property as a volunteer firefighter. Over the next several months, the Weekly Register-Call will be introducing you to these amazing individuals. In the firefighting world, a “Hot Shot” is a firefighter who specializes in fighting wild land fires, however we’re coining that term for our local jacks (and jills)-of-all fires, firefighters (and considering our location, we’re not out of line). Below is our first-

Hot Shot of the Week

Christopher Patrick, known in the local firefighting world as “Chrispy,” became a volunteer firefighter three years ago. Single (“and available,” he says), Chrispy attended graduate school and now works full-time as a Regional Manager for the United States Government. When he’s not occupied with work or firefighting duties, he still finds time for his other interests – Jeeping, camping, recreational sports, and dogs.

Chrispy said he signed up as a volunteer firefighter because he wanted to be of service to his community (and to drive big red trucks). He describes himself as healthy, physically strong and capable – except “I’m probably a few pounds overweight.” He’s frequently spotted working out at the Community Center after work.

For Chrispy, everything about being a firefighter is work, but it’s fun work, like playing hockey or skiing, and that makes the work easier. Learning all of the technical and procedural knowledge, making the correct radio calls for example, and being able to think through the adrenaline rush that occurs on calls, is what he finds most challenging about the job. The personal satisfaction, “feeling like you’ve done your job,” is the best experience of firefighting, said Chrispy. A successful outcome – a “save” – always feels good. Water supply is challenging in our area and even the department’s largest engines carry roughly a minute to a minute and a half of water on board. That’s enough to “knock down” a fire from outside, Chrispy notes, but not enough for firefighters to safely enter a burning structure. Being part of the teamwork that keeps the water coming, keeps everyone safe and saves a life or property, well that feels pretty good to firefighters. Responding to a call when someone has passed away is Chrispy’s “worst case scenario.” A volunteer responding to that call must deal not only with the deceased, but sometimes with family members and close friends who are under a great amount of emotional stress.

Words of advice for prospective volunteers: Expect to make a commitment of time (in addition to responding to calls, there are trainings and operational activities) and expect to respond to all calls, “not just the “glory” calls like fires, but also the 2 a.m. stomachaches or smoke sightings that turn out to be just fog.”

Chrispy wants the community to know, “We’re here to serve.” He’s Lieutenant of Timberline Station 7, the station located mid-Gilpin County near Taggert’s convenience store/ gas station. “I will do my best to ensure that the folks responding to your emergency will have the proper training, attitude and equipment to deal with just about anything we get called for,” he assured. Asked to provide one word that best describes his experience as a firefighter in our mountain community, Chrispy responded: “Fulfilling.”

Timberline Fire is made up of volunteers from Colorado Sierra and High Country Fire Protection Districts who respond together. The two volunteer departments expect to complete a merger under the Timberline name sometime in 2011. The fire protection district, with seven stations, spans Gilpin County from south of Black Hawk, north into Boulder County (the Magnolia Road area). It borders Jefferson County in some areas to the east, and extends west to the Moffat Tunnel area.

Think you can do this job? Timberline (http://timberlinefire.org) is currently recruiting volunteers. Anyone interested should call 303-582-5786 or 303-582-5768.

Colorado Medical Marijuana

On August 12^th of 1930 Harry J. Anslinger was appointed the first Commissioner of the Treasury Department’s Federal Bureau of Narcotics. With prohibition in force, legal and illegal drugs were gaining in popularity. Previously legal drugs heroin and cocaine’s social ills were well recognized and legislation penalizing the non-medical use or distribution of those drugs enjoyed broad support. They were completely banned in1924. With dangerous drugs addressed, marijuana became Anslinger’s main target. In the United States, cannabis was mostly known as a bottled extract that one’s grandfather used with little fanfare. Mexican immigrants were known to smoke marijuana as were jazz musicians. Anslinger along with newspaper magnet William Randolph Hearst began what could be described as a scare tactic campaign heavily inundated with racial overtones. The 1936 propaganda movie and cult classic “Reefer Madness” was the campaign’s film counterpart. Besides a giggling man who played the piano very fast, it portrayed high school students being lured into a lurid world of manslaughter, rape, madness, and suicide. Hearst had lost 800,000 acres of timberland to Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution. Having invested heavily in the timber and wood pulp paper industries that supported his newspaper empire, hemp (a product of the marijuana plant used in making paper) was financially threatening. Marijuana was known as cannabis in the early 1930’s until Anslinger re-dubbed it “marihuana” to sound more Mexican.

Harry J. Anslinger wrote in his “Gore File,” that “There are 100,000 total marihuana smokers in the U.S. and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others. The primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races. Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users, insanity, criminality, and death. Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as a white man. Marijuana leads to pacifism and communist brainwashing. You smoke a joint and you’re likely to kill your brother. Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind.” In 1937 the “Marihuana Tax Act” made marijuana effectively illegal under Federal Law.

Since then public opinion about marijuana use has mellowed, but Federal laws have not. Possession, cultivation, and distribution of marijuana remain a Class 1 felony. The recreational use of marijuana to attain its euphoric “high” is no secret, and can be debated endlessly. While marijuana doesn’t appear to compare to the social and health problems that alcohol and cigarettes (both legal drugs) create, it still may be harmful to ones health. Marijuana’s active ingredient THC may cause short-term memory loss. Marijuana is usually smoked and smoke contains chemicals some of which are carcinogens. Its smoke would seem innocuous compared to tobacco’s as no known cases of lung cancer from inhaling the drug have been reported. The old argument of marijuana vs. alcohol is hackneyed. It is true however that I’ve never heard of anyone being so stoned that they caused highway deaths or beat their wife after leaving a pot party. Many believe in the beneficial uses of medical marijuana. In a completely different category than recreational marijuana, patients find it effective in treating glaucoma, neurological disorders like Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy, muscle spasms, AIDS, and countless types of chronic pain. Its medicinal uses in China date back five thousand years. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing nausea have found that marijuana restores their appetites at a time when they desperately need to regain their strength. It turns out that the “munchies” can be a good thing.

In 1996 California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Since then, Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Colorado have followed suite. Fourteen states have laws pending. Fifty four percent of Colorado voters approved Amendment 20 to the state constitution on November 7^th 2000 legalizing medical marijuana. With certain restrictions it removed criminal penalties for patients of at least 18 years of age using, possessing, and cultivating medical marijuana. Taking effect on June 1^st 2001, the State of Colorado Dept. of Public Health began accepting applications for medical marijuana registry identification cards. As of mid-2009, around 15,000 patients had applied and met the requirement of a doctor’s recommendation and received their confidential cards.

Providers for medical marijuana remained in short supply as federal laws supersede state laws. Providers mostly relied on their beliefs and a shortage of DEA agents. Representing a major shift in drug policy guidelines, in March of 2009 Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. announced that “It will not be a priority to use federal resources to prosecute patients with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are complying with state laws on medical marijuana, but we will not tolerate drug traffickers who hide behind claims of compliance with state law to mask activities that are clearly illegal.” In October President Obama instructed federal authorities “not to arrest or prosecute medical marijuana users and suppliers who are complying with state laws.” In an ironic twist, the Mexican connection that originally helped make marijuana illegal now may have been a factor in making it technically legal. An ongoing drug war being waged and mostly lost on our country’s southern border saps limited funding. Taxes collected from marijuana dispensaries and caregivers are a bonus. There are now estimated to be over 100 medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado and more than 60,000 registered patients.

Nearby, Nederland has three public dispensaries and two grow shops. A few people have taken to calling Nederland “Nedsterdam” after Amsterdam and their legalized drug culture. Cannabis Healing Arts (formally located at the One Brown Mouse Boutique) has moved their operations down the street to the old Acoustic Coffee site at 95 E. First St. The owners have been marijuana rights activists for over 20 years. Its original location in a boutique was understandably like walking into a store. Patients were able to choose their medical marijuana from a series of trays holding jars of various strains of cannabis. Marijuana is classified in two types-Sativa and Indica. Each possesses different medicinal properties and most of the marijuana for sale is a hybrid of both. The different strains listed on a chalkboard come with names like Northern Lights, Blueberry, Bubblegum, Purple Haze, Bubba Kush, Sour Diesel, Mango Afghanie, AK47, Maui Mist, Meltdown, Grape Ape, and Mr. Nice. Prices run between 14 and 18 dollars per gram. Marijuana edibles such as brownies, lollipops, baklava, and Obama cookies are also offered. For those wishing to “grow your own” marijuana clones can be purchased.

If Cannabis Healing Arts was akin to a store, then Grateful Meds at 110 Snyder St. (lower level) reminded me of a doctor’s office. A buzzer must be pressed to gain admittance to the small waiting room which is almost always filled. Patients enter a second room to purchase their medicine which may include hash or tinctures. The inventory and services are comparable to those of Cannabis Healing Arts and prices are more than competitive.

The Tea Alchemy apothecary/dispensary at 98 Hwy 119 Ste 2 also carries some medical marijuana. The cannabis is locally grown and organic as it mostly is at the other dispensaries in town. Their retail space reminded me of a spa. The emphasis of Tea Alchemy’s business focuses on overall wellness. Beneficial native roots and herbs of most kinds are for sale.