San Juan Silver Stage | June 2021 Volume 25, No. 06
CELEBRATING OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY
as the region’s Premier Lifestyles Publication since 1996
Photography by Gary Radcliff. His new Treehouse Studio opens in Ridgway, Friday, June 4th.
This issue
When you see this icon, click on it or on the STORY LINK next to it for a downloadable, printable version of the story. Many of our readers like to read a printed page. Since we are no longer producing a print issue of the Silver Stage, we’ve found a way for you to still have, hold, and read a paper page.
Gary Ratcliff moves into a Treehouse
in Ridgway
Gary Radliff at his new Tree House Studio. Courtesy Photo.
By Kate Burke. Our cover artist, photographer Gary Ratcliff, is renowned for his beautiful photography of the San Juan Mountains and Colorado Plateau. While Gary likes to spend most of his time in the field, mostly behind a lens, he plans to put some (weekend) time in this summer at his new gallery, the Treehouse Studio, in Ridgway, at 549 Clinton St. The Opening Reception is Friday, June 4th. Read Gary’s story and see some of his beautiful photography. [Story here.]
Jeff Ellingson paints trains—and pictures of trains
Jeff Ellingson, Museum Curator for the Roundhouse Museum, Durango CO. Courtesy photo.
By Kate Burke. Jeff Ellingson has been with the Durango and Silverton Railroad for 37 years, painting trains, restoring them, and serving as an engineer, fireman, and conductor. Since 1998, he has been Curator for the Roundhouse Museum. Jeff is also an acclaimed watercolorist, and his favorite subject matter is—of course—railroads, railroad history, and the San Juan Mountains. Jeff is our guest artist in July for a show at the Montrose Center for the Arts, commemorating Narrow Gauge Railroads and San Juan Mountain history. The opening reception is July 2nd, from 5-8 pm. Come meet Jeff and experience some stellar train art! [Story]
Lavender Festival This Weekend
Friday, June 25. Sponsored by: Sage Creations Organic Farm. Choice of three Self-Guided Farm Tours the Grand Valley (Palisade and Grand Junction). Specially designed activities to immerse you in various aspects of lavender. Lunch included. Friday evening, First Kick Off Soiree at Sweetgrass Cafe featuring A. J. Fullerton with full band.
Saturday, June 26. 2021 Lavender Festival 9 am – 4 pm in Riverbend Park, Palisade. Booths, Crafts, Seminars, Wreath Making Class, live music by Lincoln Pants Band.
Sunday, June 27. Open farm tours, North Fork Valley. Lunch available with pre-order.
Everybody’s out of the house and going places. There’s so much going on, it took me over 36 hours to find out what’s happening and where. You gotta love the Silver Stage, the ONLY source, print and online, that gives you the activity calendar and news. And now, I’m headed out, too. Hope to see out there, listening to some music, cocktailing on a patio or at a picnic, dining with friends… or just hangin’ out.
Way too much to list here. Visit our just updated June Arts & Entertainment page to see what’s going on.
VSA Spotlight
Hartland Clubb Jr.
By Stacey Ryan. Hartland Clubb, Jr., current VSA Board President and owner of Clubb’s Stores in Delta, has been an active member of the VSA in various ways for decades. He played trumpet with the orchestra from 1981-1986, has been singing with the chorus since 2004, and serving on the board since 2010. [Read his story here.]
June 21 is
World Music Day
The Fête de la Musique, also known in English as Music Day, Make Music Day or World Music Day, is an annual music celebration that takes place on June 21st, the first day after the Summer Solstice.
On Music Day the citizens of a city or country are allowed and urged to play music outside in their neighborhoods or in public spaces and parks. Amateur and professional musicians are encouraged to perform in the streets, under the slogan “Faites de la musique” (“Make music”).
In keeping with the tradition, the town of Ridgway plans a festive Sunday, with a wide variety of music performed local musicians. [Story here]
Roberta Nowlin
Threshold Choir
By Roberta Nowlin. Perhaps the most evanescent yet loveliest “thing” about me is that I love to sing. This quality is like water. It takes the shape of whatever situation I happen to find myself in. It is ever flowing, never stale – and often eases pain, brings joy, and expresses deep feeling where words fall short. I share this singing freely with children, adults, audiences big and small, as a soloist or as one voice among many. [Read story]
Community Living Services:
I Made a Difference to That One.
By Eva Veitch, Region 10 Community Living Services Program Director.
By Eva Veitch, Region 10 Community Living Services Program Director. I work with older adults who often call on me when they need some type of help or resources. I often end those conversations with a request for them to consider giving back when they can, not money but the gift of their time, experience, and talents. Just helping one can make all the difference. [Read story]
Time Bank
One member’s story of helping others.
By Roberta Nowlin. Our local chapter usually sings at the bedside of people who are sick or dying (we receive many of our referrals from Hope West). How to describe this simple yet powerful musical experience; and the uplifting, healing quality when a handful of women’s voices join as one in utter beauty, simplicity, and song for “a friend in need”?.[Learn more]
Join the Time Bank
The Montrose Senior Center re-opens June 14th
Virtual Senior Law Series: Medicare 201
