3^rd Annual Grillin & Chillin is right around the corner (Aug 28^th)

…interested in having a booth?

OCRA is now accepting applications for City of Ouray Retailers & Restaurants.

For a small $10 Huckster permit to the city, your business can participate.

(Deadline is August 12^th).

Contact the Visitor’s Center for more info, (970) 325 – 4746.

IN THIS ISSUE: 

• Road closures due to storm- USFS report
  
• Weehawken Creative Arts Seeks Volunteers to Help with the Ridgway Arts and Crafts Rendezvous
  
• Colorado Peace Ride, July 29^th – August 1st
  
• Sheep Day, August 3^rd
  
• Sally Shuffield Concert, Wright Opera House, August 4th
  
• Ridgway Rendezvous Art and Craft Festival, August 7th & 8^th
  
• Treasure Hunt in the Visitor’s Guide – MORE INFO
  
• Wildflower Update
  
• Jeep Ticket Update
  
• Links to members
  
• Updated OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS contact list
  

For an updated and online CALENDER OF EVENTS,

check out www.ouraycolorado.com

Storms and Flooding Close Some Roads/Trails

Delta, CO., (July 28, 2010) – Portions of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and local areas across the Forest have experienced sudden, violent and turbulent thunder and lightning storms, with more forecast throughout the week.  On Tuesday, heavy storms with significant rainfall caused road closures and failures.  

The Goodnough Road (Forest Service Road 618), located off highway 145 was closed by flooding and mud/rock slides on Tuesday evening as a result of the storms.  County crews were working on the road today and are expected to continue work to reopen over the next few days. Also affected was the Dexter Creek Road (FSR 871 and Ouray County Road 14) outside of Ouray, located above the Baxter Mine.  This road completely washed out in sections at the upper creek crossing, stranding people on the opposite bank of Dexter Creek.  County crews were working today to reach stranded individuals, clear the area and to restore access.  This work is expected to take up to two weeks to complete, pending any further damage from additional storms.  This lack of access affects the Horsethief Trailhead and makes it inaccessible.  In addition, Engineer Pass was temporarily closed from the storm and flooding.  The Pass was reopened late last night, pending any future storms and further damage.  

According to forest officials, yesterday’s rain event caused no appreciable debris or erosion in the drainages impacted by the Beaver Fire-including Gutshal Basin and McKenzie Creek.  Fire rehabilitation work conducted immediately after the fire established waterbars and other erosion protection on fire trails, roads and in other fire areas to prevent erosion and damage in the event of storms and severe weather.  

As a safety precaution to citizens, more severe storms and heavy rain are forecast for the area over the next few days. Recreationists are encouraged to avoid high elevations and creek crossings when storms are present and if caught in a storm and flood situation: DO NOT try to cross creeks and/or flooded areas; stay in your vehicle if you are in a safe area to protect you from other dangers; and seek high ground if flooding occurs.  

Weehawken Creative Arts Seeks Volunteers to Help with the Ridgway Arts and Crafts Rendezvous on August 6, 7  & 8  

The Ridgway Rendezvous Arts and Crafts Festival is a major fundraiser for Weehawken Creative Arts — with funds  going towards children’s programs and scholarship availability each year.

Weehawken is seeking individuals who would be willing to volunteer for any of the days of the event (August 6, 7 & 8) to help with vendor check-in, balloons, manning the beer/wine tent, kids arts and crafts, family activities and more.  Volunteers can opt to work in blocks of time, or the really ambitious can sign on for a full day! 

To simplify signing up as a volunteer, we are

trying a new service that’s simple to use and to

see as a volunteer what’s needed called Volunteerspot.  Please click this link to sign up for a duty:  

www.volunteerspot.com 

Or — you can also just give Ashley a call and tell her what you’d like to do too at 970-318-0150 (or better:  email her at wcaouray@yahoo.com)

Colorado Peace Ride

July 29^th – August 1^st

Route: Thursday July 29 – Durango to Ouray – 74 Miles – 6985 ft*
Friday July 30 – Ouray to Telluride – 48 Miles – 3870 ft*
Saturday July 31 – Telluride to Dolores – 60 Miles – 1422 ft*
Sunday August 1 – Dolores to Durango – 56 Miles – 2200 ft*

Benefits: As the primary beneficiary of the profits generated by the Colorado Peace Ride, the Sophia Peace Center supports non-profits by providing them with free or low-cost retreats in a beautiful retreat center in Dolores, Colorado. This service in turn promotes social change by empowering organizations to become more effective and successful in their mission. SPC retreats provide instruction for strategic planning, project facilitation, and team building. They are also designed to encourage and re-inspire nonprofit workers who are typically overworked and underpaid, thereby preventing burnout and contributing to effective work habits and better outcomes for their worthy missions

For more information log on to www.thepeaceride.com

Sheep Day

An opportunity to visit a high country sheep camp along the Alpine Loop!

August 3, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The sheep ranchers, who graze sheep in the Alpine Loop area, invite you to stop at “Open Camp” on August 3^rd between 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Meet the ranchers and learn about the industry. It is an educational opportunity both you and your children will thoroughly enjoy. See the guard dogs and herd dogs and learn the difference. Feel wool on a lamb. Go into the tent and learn about a sheepherder’s life, a tradition unchanged in a century.

USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management officials will be on hand to answer questions regarding public land grazing. There is no charge.

The Alpine Loop is located between the cities of Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City. Engineer Pass is on the northern portion of the loop. The camp will be located just east of the summit on Engineer Pass.

Sally Shuffield Concert, Wright Opera House

August 4^th, 7:30pm

Ouray, Colorado – The Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) in celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of Artists’ Alpine Holiday presents Durango, Colorado, based singer/songwriter, Sally Shuffield. Sally has been compared to Iris Dement and early Nanci Griffith by “No Depression” Magazine and the Colorado Bluegrass Music Association.  She writes and sings songs about growing up in rural Arkansas, as well as traveling and living throughout the West.  With the release of her third CD, “Something in the Water,” she firmly establishes herself as a leading new voice in the Americana/folk tradition.  Her music has been widely played on public radio stations across the country and internationally, charting on the folk and American Roots Charts. Sally recently opened the show for Robert Earl Keen in Durango, Colorado, where the Durango Herald said of her performance, the “sublimely voiced Sally Shuffield is able to make a good tune look easy.”  To learn more, visit www.sallyshuffield.com.

Ridgway Art & Crafts Rendezvous, Ridgway Town Park

August 7th & 8th

The beautiful town of Ridgway is known for spectacular scenery, railroads, ranching, recreation and of course:  the Ridgway Arts and Crafts Rendezvous held every year in August for the past 25 years.

In its 26th year, Weehawken Creative Arts will welcome over 150 artists and vendors on August 7th and 8th in the Town of Ridgway’s historic park. 

All types of fine arts and original crafts will be represented at this show.  Additionally, there will be a diverse assortment of food concessions offering everything from bar-b-que to Gyros.  Additionally, this year’s event will feature the locally delicious brews of the Colorado Boy Brewery (of Ridgway) as well as the addition of wine at the event.

This two-day event offers plenty for you to enjoy all day long throughout each day.  The entertainment on the Main Stage runs continuously on both days of the show with music ranging from bluegrass to bagpipes and rock and roll.  Watch art transpire as demonstrations of all types are scheduled by the vendors throughout each day. 

This is a perfect show for families to attend as well; with this 26th year having plenty of extra special things for families and kids to do.  The children will enjoy riding the Ridgway Fire Department train, free balloons, face painting, two arts and crafts booths and some really fun family creation station projects each day.

For more information, contact Weehawken Creative Arts at wcaouray@yahoo.com or call 970-318-0150.  Or, contact the Ridgway Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-220-4959.   This event is sponsored by Weehawken Creative arts and is a fundraiser for the children’s arts programming offered through Weehawken.   

CONTACT FOR RIDGWAY ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW

Kentee Pasek, Show Director

Phone:  970-318-6673, email:  ridgwayarts@kentee.com

Treasure Hunt in the Visitor’s Guide

There is a wonderful and fun Ouray Treasure Hunt in the Visitor’s Guide. It is a great activity for family’s to do while they are visiting Ouray. The hunt is on page 49.

We encourage you to let your staff and visitors know about the treasure hunt and the awesome poster prize that we have at the Visitor’s Center- upon completion.

We had one interested family complete the hunt and sent us an email…

“I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful visit to Ouray

Recently. My 11 year old daughter saw the treasure hunt in the travel guide

And she and I set out to complete it. What a great way to get to know the

Town! We met so many people and learned interesting details about Ouray that

We would have passed over otherwise. And, the best part was collecting our

Poster at the end. The quality of the print surpassed any expectation we

had! We had the print mounted and now proudly display it in our Dallas home

as a reminder of Colorado. Thank you very much!!!!”

Please encourage this fun activity – we have plenty of posters, so let everyone know.

Thanks,

Mariah DeGear

OCRA Interim Director

Wildflower Update

The wildflowers are approaching their peak. Imogene Basin–Beautiful displays above Upper Camp Bird. Yankee Boy Basin–Beautiful displays. Black Bear–Beautiful displays on west side of the pass.

WARREN BARKER, US Forrest Service

Jeep Ticket Update

For businesses that are selling Jeep Tickets, Patricia Sullivan will be coming by on Fridays & Mondays to pick up and deliver tickets. If you have too many tickets or need more, please call (970) 318-8469.

OCRA is looking for any creative & innovative ideas on how to boost Jeep ticket sales, if you have any, please send an email to ouray@ouraycolorado.com.

Requested links for the chamber chat:

·                    City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings)

www.cityofouray.com

·                    Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml

·                    Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun – www.ouraynews.com;

·                    Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com 

·                    Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) – www.ouraycolorado.com

·                    Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) – www.ocpag.org

·                    Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) – www.ourayarts.org

·                    Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org

·                    Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com

·                    Ouray Trail Group  – www.ouraytrails.org

·                    Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com

·                    Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more http://raysgoodstuff.com

·                    San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes  www.ourayclimbing.com/

·                    Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) – www.weehawkenarts.org

·                    Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org

Grillin & Chillin is right around the corner (Aug 28^th)

…interested in having a booth?

OCRA is now accepting applications for City of Ouray Retailers & Restaurants.

For a small $10 Huckster permit to the city, your business can participate.

(Deadline is August 12^th).

Contact Mariah at the Visitor’s Center for more info, (970) 325 – 4746.

IN THIS ISSUE: 

• TONIGHT – Rolland McCook at the Community Center, 6:30pm
  
• Welcome FJ Summit, July 21^st – 24^th
  
• Kort McCumber Concert, Wright Opera House, July 26^th 7:30pm
  
• Building you Social Media Brand, July 27^th, Business Incubator Center, Grand Junction
  
• Colorado Peace Ride, July 29^th – August 1st
  
• Sheep Day, August 3^rd
  
• Sally Shuffield Concert, Wright Opera House, August 4th
  
• Ridgway Rendezvous Art and Craft Festival, August 7th & 8^th
  
• Treasure Hunt in the Visitor’s Guide – MORE INFO
  
• Wildflower Update
  
• Jeep Ticket Update
  
• Links to members
  
• Updated OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS contact list
  

For an updated and online CALENDER OF EVENTS,

check out www.ouraycolorado.com

TONIGHT – Rolland McCook at the Community Center, 6:30pm

July 21^st, 6:30pm

Meet Chief Ouray Great Grandson in full regalia and learn about connecting legends from the past to our future in regards to protecting and preserving the earth.

Second Stage Proudly Presents… 
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged
Directed by Jeb Berrier
July 25-28, 2010 (Sun. – Wed.)
Sheridan Opera House, Telluride
Showtime: 8:00pm Nightly, General Admission
$15 Adult, $10 Student

Telluride, Colorado, July 15th – 37 plays, 97 minutes, 3 actors, 1 amazing evening of theater and comedy. What is it? It’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). One of the funniest plays you may or may not have ever seen.

Watch as the actors blaze through the Shakespearean cannon in a way that would make Monty Python proud. Local thespians Ashley Boling, Buff Hooper and Jeb Berrier bring the Bard’s words to life like never before.

 “Pithier than Python. Irresistible.” New York Times

“A madcap condensation that features non-stop laughs. Done at a whirlwind pace and with great delight, they are sure to win over even the most skeptical. And there is no doubt that William Shakespeare himself… would approve.” Daily Variety

“If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show!” The Today Show

Kort McCumber Concert, Wright Opera House

July 26^th 7:30pm

Support the Wright Opera House, while enjoying some great music.

Building Your Social Media Brand
Tuesday July 27^th, 4pm – 7pm

Business Incubator Center, Grand Junction, 2591 B 3/4 Road, Grand Junction, CO

Cost is $50

How can you use social media tools to enhance your company’s BRAND recognition?
This workshop will demonstrate how to use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to raise your profile among key industry groups, find and cultivate relationships with your customers, and hone your search techniques and strategies. The objective is to provide a better understanding of how to use social media tools to get involved with the discussion going on in your industry and cultivate your presence in that conversation.
Seats are limited, reserve your seat today. 970-243-5242

Colorado Peace Ride

July 29^th – August 1^st

Route: Thursday July 29 – Durango to Ouray – 74 Miles – 6985 ft*
Friday July 30 – Ouray to Telluride – 48 Miles – 3870 ft*
Saturday July 31 – Telluride to Dolores – 60 Miles – 1422 ft*
Sunday August 1 – Dolores to Durango – 56 Miles – 2200 ft*

Benefits: As the primary beneficiary of the profits generated by the Colorado Peace Ride, the Sophia Peace Center supports non-profits by providing them with free or low-cost retreats in a beautiful retreat center in Dolores, Colorado. This service in turn promotes social change by empowering organizations to become more effective and successful in their mission. SPC retreats provide instruction for strategic planning, project facilitation, and team building. They are also designed to encourage and re-inspire nonprofit workers who are typically overworked and underpaid, thereby preventing burnout and contributing to effective work habits and better outcomes for their worthy missions

For more information log on to www.thepeaceride.com

Sheep Day

An opportunity to visit a high country sheep camp along the Alpine Loop!

August 3, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The sheep ranchers, who graze sheep in the Alpine Loop area, invite you to stop at “Open Camp” on August 3^rd between 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Meet the ranchers and learn about the industry. It is an educational opportunity both you and your children will thoroughly enjoy. See the guard dogs and herd dogs and learn the difference. Feel wool on a lamb. Go into the tent and learn about a sheepherder’s life, a tradition unchanged in a century.

USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management officials will be on hand to answer questions regarding public land grazing. There is no charge.

The Alpine Loop is located between the cities of Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City. Engineer Pass is on the northern portion of the loop. The camp will be located just east of the summit on Engineer Pass.

Sally Shuffield Concert, Wright Opera House

August 4^th, 7:30pm

Ouray, Colorado – The Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) in celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of Artists’ Alpine Holiday presents Durango, Colorado, based singer/songwriter, Sally Shuffield. Sally has been compared to Iris Dement and early Nanci Griffith by “No Depression” Magazine and the Colorado Bluegrass Music Association.  She writes and sings songs about growing up in rural Arkansas, as well as traveling and living throughout the West.  With the release of her third CD, “Something in the Water,” she firmly establishes herself as a leading new voice in the Americana/folk tradition.  Her music has been widely played on public radio stations across the country and internationally, charting on the folk and American Roots Charts. Sally recently opened the show for Robert Earl Keen in Durango, Colorado, where the Durango Herald said of her performance, the “sublimely voiced Sally Shuffield is able to make a good tune look easy.”  To learn more, visit www.sallyshuffield.com.

Ridgway Art & Crafts Rendezvous, Ridgway Town Park

August 7th & 8th

The beautiful town of Ridgway is known for spectacular scenery, railroads, ranching, recreation and of course:  the Ridgway Arts and Crafts Rendezvous held every year in August for the past 25 years.

In its 26th year, Weehawken Creative Arts will welcome over 150 artists and vendors on August 7th and 8th in the Town of Ridgway’s historic park. 

All types of fine arts and original crafts will be represented at this show.  Additionally, there will be a diverse assortment of food concessions offering everything from bar-b-que to Gyros.  Additionally, this year’s event will feature the locally delicious brews of the Colorado Boy Brewery (of Ridgway) as well as the addition of wine at the event.

This two-day event offers plenty for you to enjoy all day long throughout each day.  The entertainment on the Main Stage runs continuously on both days of the show with music ranging from bluegrass to bagpipes and rock and roll.  Watch art transpire as demonstrations of all types are scheduled by the vendors throughout each day. 

This is a perfect show for families to attend as well; with this 26th year having plenty of extra special things for families and kids to do.  The children will enjoy riding the Ridgway Fire Department train, free balloons, face painting, two arts and crafts booths and some really fun family creation station projects each day.

For more information, contact Weehawken Creative Arts at wcaouray@yahoo.com or call 970-318-0150.  Or, contact the Ridgway Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-220-4959.   This event is sponsored by Weehawken Creative arts and is a fundraiser for the children’s arts programming offered through Weehawken.   

CONTACT FOR RIDGWAY ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW

Kentee Pasek, Show Director

Phone:  970-318-6673, email:  ridgwayarts@kentee.com

Treasure Hunt in the Visitor’s Guide

There is a wonderful and fun Ouray Treasure Hunt in the Visitor’s Guide. It is a great activity for family’s to do while they are visiting Ouray. The hunt is on page 49.

We encourage you to let your staff and visitors know about the treasure hunt and the awesome poster prize that we have at the Visitor’s Center- upon completion.

We had one interested family complete the hunt and sent us an email…

“I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful visit to Ouray

Recently. My 11 year old daughter saw the treasure hunt in the travel guide

And she and I set out to complete it. What a great way to get to know the

Town! We met so many people and learned interesting details about Ouray that

We would have passed over otherwise. And, the best part was collecting our

Poster at the end. The quality of the print surpassed any expectation we

had! We had the print mounted and now proudly display it in our Dallas home

as a reminder of Colorado. Thank you very much!!!!”

Please encourage this fun activity – we have plenty of posters, so let everyone know.

Thanks,

Mariah DeGear

OCRA Interim Director

Wildflower Update

The wildflowers are approaching their peak. Imogene Basin–Beautiful displays above Upper Camp Bird. Yankee Boy Basin–Beautiful displays. Black Bear–Beautiful displays on west side of the pass.

WARREN BARKER, US Forrest Service

Jeep Ticket Update

For businesses that are selling Jeep Tickets, Patricia Sullivan will be coming by on Fridays & Mondays to pick up and deliver tickets. If you have too many tickets or need more, please call (970) 318-8469.

OCRA is looking for any creative & innovative ideas on how to boost Jeep ticket sales, if you have any, please send an email to ouray@ouraycolorado.com.

Requested links for the chamber chat:

·                    City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings)

www.cityofouray.com

·                    Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml

·                    Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun – www.ouraynews.com;

·                    Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com 

·                    Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) – www.ouraycolorado.com

·                    Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) – www.ocpag.org

·                    Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) – www.ourayarts.org

·                    Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org

·                    Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com

·                    Ouray Trail Group  – www.ouraytrails.org

·                    Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com

·                    Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more http://raysgoodstuff.com

·                    San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes  www.ourayclimbing.com/

·                    Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) – www.weehawkenarts.org

·                    Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org

2010 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS         
						

CONGRATULATIONS!

People’s Choice- Best of the

 TASTE OF OURAY COUNTY WINNERS

BEST MAIN DISH ~ BON TON RESTAURANT (37 votes)

                                                Runner Up ~ Outlaw (27 votes)

                                                Runner Up ~ Silver Nugget (18 votes)

BEST APPETIZER ~ COACHLIGHT (21 votes)

                                                Runner Up ~ The Saloon (17 votes)

                                                Runner Up ~ Outlaw (13 votes)

BEST DESSERT ~ THE SALOON @ THE HISTORIC WESTERN HOTEL (36 votes)

                                                Runner up ~ Red Mountain Inn (35 votes)

                                                Runner Up ~ Coachlight (24 votes)

We also must mention the Silver Nugget for getting the most improved comments

& recognition as a new upcoming star!

Thanks to all of the volunteers and support for this wonderful event!

IN THIS ISSUE:      

• Feature: Call For Entry!
  
• Jeep Road report from the Forest Service
  
• Jeep Scholarship awarded to Benjamin Anderson!
  
• Railroad Museum Restoration Week- Volunteers to work w. restoration experts!
  
• Business Roundtable – Everything Ride the Rockies,
  

     Answers to All Your Questions, June 8^th

• BAH- Wilderflower Botique & Khristopher’s Culinaire, June 9^th
  
  
• Ride the Rockies is HERE,  June 15^th
  
  
• Links to members
  
• Updated OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS contact list
  

See the attached document for details!

For an updated and online CALENDER OF EVENTS,

check out www.ouraycolorado.com

Feature: Feature:  Call for Entry!

June 1-24 Photography entries accepted for San Juan Memories juried  photography exhibit at the Ouray County Historical Museum (OCHS).  Prizes awarded for First ($75), Second  ($50) and Third ($25) places plus a People’s Choice Award ($25). Interested applicants may submit no more than 3 entries; $5 per photo entry fee; ribbon winners from the past may not submit any previous prize-winning photo, all entries must be framed and received at the OCHS museum at the top of 6th Ave in Ouray by June 24. For more information call 325-4576, or go online to ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org.  

Below info has been provided on behalf of the USFS, Ouray Trail Group, Switzerland of America and the Visitors Center Staff. Updated May 24^th.

OURAY COUNTY

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ROADS

   2010  

OPEN

 Blue Lakes Trailhead (CR 7)

Brown Mountain

Corkscrew

County Road 9 (Box Factory)

Engineer

Owl Creek

Red Mountain Town (CR 31)   

Yankee Boy Basin

 CLOSED

Cow Creek

Governor’s Basin

Imogene Pass

Jeep Ticket Sales have started, May 7^th  

This year the jeep scholarship was awarded to Mr. Benjamin Anderson! Benjamin will be attending the University of Colorado School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He is the son of Lincoln and Heather Anderson of Ouray.  

Please remember-  Jeep ticket sales pay for 100%

             4^th of July and New Years fireworks,

                          $1000 student scholarship

                                      NEW 2010 JEEP   

                                                   Thank you all for your continued support!

June 7:
Railroad Restoration Week

Ridgway Railroad Museum’s annual Railroad Restoration Week will be held June 7 – 11 this year.  Local railroad history enthusiasts will join with several railfans from around the nation to work on the museum’s collection of railcars and buildings.  “We always need help with our preservation mission,” said museum president Karl Schaeffer, “and anyone wishing to join us during this work week will be welcome.  We’ll be continuing our restoration of RGS Galloping Goose 4, painting the caboose, and doing detail painting on RGS Motor 1, the outbuilding and main museum building, among other tasks.  The more helpers we have, the more we can accomplish.  In past years we have completed a phenomenal amount of work in these one-week sessions – for example, one year we completely replaced all of the exterior wood on the caboose, put on a new roof, and painted it, all in one week.  The museum provides most of the tools and lunch each day, so all the workers need to bring is enthusiasm.”

               Although walk-ins are welcome, anyone planning to help should contact Schaeffer at 626-4373 for planning purposes.

Wed. June 9- Business RoundTable – Everything Ride the Rockies

Answers to all your important questions about the event and planning for next seasons BRT meetings.  Ouray Community Center, 8am – 9:30am.

Wed. June 9- Business After Hours- Wildflower Boutique and Khristopher’s Culinaire Join Dee and Khris for a special summer evening Business After Hours-  lighting up Ouary’s very own LoDo.  325-4089 for more information.

Requested links for the chamber chat:

·                    City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings)   

              www.cityofouray.com

·                    Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml

·                    Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun – www.ouraynews.com;

·                    Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com 

·                    Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) – www.ouraycolorado.com

·                    Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) – www.ocpag.org

·                    Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) – www.ourayarts.org

·                    Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org

·                    Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com

·                    Ouray Trail Group  – www.ouraytrails.org

·                    Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com

·                    Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more http://raysgoodstuff.com

·                    San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes  www.ourayclimbing.com/

·                    Weehawken  Creative Arts (WCA) – www.weehawkenarts.org

·                    Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org

 The chamber chat is full of seasonal openings including trails and businesses, meetings. etc. For more details on events, please review the calendar at OurayColorado.com! There is a lot going on such as the Ouray Elks Annual Rummage Sale, May 28 – 31.

IN THIS ISSUE: ????? 

• Welcome New OCRA Board of Director’s member!
  
• Paving update from the city!
  
• Campground, Jeep AND Hiking trail updates.
  
• Business Openings- Updated as of 05/20/2010
  
• Jeep Ticket Sales have begun! Jeep Scholarship to be awarded at graduation!
  
• Payroll: The Process in A Nutshell, GJ Business Incubator Center, 5/25/10
  
• The Alpine Triangle Coalition to meet. Be informed!
  
• Visitors Center USFS, Volunteers and Ouray Trail Group Training.
  
• 3/50 Project meeting- and the beat goes on- G.A.S- just ask!
  
• Taste of Ouray will be hosted 06/02/2010
  
• Last BAH for the summer- Wilderflower Botique & Khristopher’s Culinaire
  
• Ride the Rockies comes to town- June 15!  Be prepared!
  
• Links to members
  
• OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  
•  For many current Calendar of Event items, please see OurayColorado.com
  

New BOD Member Info: Rob Megna of Backstreet Bagel resigned from the BOD in order to spend more time on the growth of his business Backstreet Bistro! Lezah Saunders with Ouray Mule and Carriage has welcomed the opportunity to fill Rob’s shoes on the BOD and complete his term. Thank you Lezah!

Paving update from the city!

All,

 I just met with the project managers from CDOT and United.  They informed me that due to the weather delay on Tuesday, they are a day behind on the paving schedule.  We discussed the options available to us and have decided that paving operations will continue this weekend on Saturday.  Our biggest concern is to have all the project completed before Memorial Day weekend.  In order to regain the lost day, and to ensure there is enough cure time in the asphalt so that the in-laid striping can occur, the work will need to take place on Saturday. 

It will only be for Saturday and will only be the center lane of Main Street.  All parking and driving lanes will be completed tomorrow, so there should be no parking issues or traffic delays.  The only delays that may exist will be at the intersections, only impacting traffic turning out at the intersection, until the paving has passed through, and for trucks to enter or exit.  The crews will do all they can to ensure any impacts are as minimal as possible. 

I apologize for this change in plans and for the inconveniences that people have experienced over the past few weeks.  However, I think everyone would agree that it was a needed project, and more importantly, it needed to be completed before the important holiday weekend.

If there are any further updates, I will pass them along.

Patrick

Patrick Rondinelli

City Administrator

Ouray, CO

5/20/10- Below info has been provided on behalf of the USFS, Ouray Trail Group,  Switzerland of America and the Visitors Center Staff. Thank you for the updates!

Campgrounds:

4 J- OPEN

Ridgway State Park- OPEN year round.

Webbers: OPEN

Local USFS:

Beaver Lake and Amphitheater Campgrounds are open.  Loop 1 of Silver Jack will be opening this weekend.  Loops 2 and 3 are closed pending the removal of a large number of down trees.  Big Cimarron Campground is closed until its toilet is replaced sometime in the next several weeks.  Angel Creek and Thistledown Campgrounds are open with no services (or fees) until Memorial Day weekend.

USFS: Please direct visitors to our website for site-specific information: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/recreation/unc_camping.shtml.  Note that the status information on the website may not be current.

Hiking:

Bear Creek Trail -  Cleared of trees all the way to Grizzly Bear Mine.  Past the mine there is at least one gravel wash out area – be careful there, can be dangerous.  Difficult to get to the Yellow Jacket Mine at this point.

Baldy-
Clear of trees and snow. There is snow about 200 yards before the baldy peak junction.and after the junction for 3 or 4 hundred yards until the meadow where it is clear to the top. the Baldy ridge trail is full of snow.

Chief Ouray Trail- Cleared to just past the cliff. North facing is still snow covered.

Ice Lake Trail –Snow in the tree areas, but the Lower Basin is doable.  Trail is difficult at this time.  The Upper Basin is NOT to be hiked yet – lots of snow there.  For info, call Ron, Public Lands Office, Silverton, at 970-387-5530; his address in Silverton is 1246 Blair St.

Oak Creek Trail- Clear to the junction and 1/ 2mile towards twin peaks. Snow covered for the rest of the way.

Perimeter Trail- OPEN

JEEPING

OPEN

Yankee Boy Basin

Animas Forks and Cinnamon Pass is open now to Lake City.< C.R. 2 from Silverton>

CLOSED

Blue Lakes Trailhead (CR 7)

Brown Mountain

Corkscrew

Cow Creek

Engineer

Governor’s Basin

Imogene Pass

Owl Creek

Red Mountain Town (WORK BEGINNING 5/10) 

Spring Openings!

Restaurants:

?       Backstreet Bagel is OPEN

?       Billy Goat’s, open by Memorial weekend. Closed on Monday. 

?       Billy Goat’s Biergarten- open by Memorial weekend. The Biergarten will be open 7 days a week. Thirsty Thursdays are definitely on! Menus changes AND Artisan Bakery pretzels!

?       Bon Ton is OPEN- closed Tue. & Wed. until Memorial weekend. Then open 7 days.

?       Buen Tiempo is OPEN 7 days a week. Open for lunch on Sat & Sun.

?       Bulow’s Bistro
will OPEN Memorial Day.

?       Café’ Ouray OPEN for lunches only.  Memorial Day weekend through all of summer we will be open from 7am to 10pm everyday.

?       Coachlight Restaurant will open for the summer season on May 22, 2010 7 days a week.

?       Coachlight Tavern OPEN 7 days a week 

?       Hot Springs Swim and Snack is OPEN 7 days a week

?       Outlaw OPEN Tues- Sun.– closed on Mondays until Memorial – will start opening at 4:30 on Friday of Memorial Day weekend. 

?       The Saloon at the Historic Western Hotel will open May 14th for dinner every day from 5 to close. June lunch hours will be posted soon.

Seasonal Businesses:

Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour- OPENS May 13. Breakfast will begin Memorial Day             weekend. 

The Box Canon Falls Park and Visitor Center OPEN The hours are as follows:

 May 8 through May 28 – 9 am to 5 pm daily

 May 29 through September 6 (Labor Day) – 8 am to 8 pm daily

 September 7 through late October – 8 am to dusk

Ouray** County** Historical Society OPEN for the Summer Season —*

Ouray Mule and Carriage- OPEN

Peak to Peak Bicycles- OPEN Rentals and service!

San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours: OPEN

Switzerland of America:
 OPEN

Jeep Ticket Sales have begun!! May 7^th!-   Tricia- cell 970-318-8469

Tickets will be distributed by Patricia Sullivan starting May 7.   Patricia will be responsible for all pick up and drop off of tickets and funds. If you did not sell tickets last year and would like to sell tickets, please contact the chamber and we will be happy to add you to our list of vendors. Please remember-  Jeep ticket sales pay for 100% of the 4^th of July and New Years fireworks, a $1000 student scholarship and a new jeep (yes, we have to buy it).  Thank you all for your continued support!

May 25 – Payroll: The Process in a Nutshell, Grand Junction Business Incubator Center

Hiring your first employee can be an exciting, but confusing adventure if you’ve never done payroll before. This class is designed to help the average small business owner understand the basic process and forms, including how to avoid common pitfalls by paying payroll liabilities in a timely manner. 9am – 11:30am, $50
GJ Business Incubator Center

2591 B 3/4 Road

Grand Junction, CO 81503

(970) 243-5242

May 26^th- The Alpine Triangle Coalition

Be Informed.  Engage in the discussion. Please join us for an informational meeting on the Alpine Triangle Campaign.

Come learn more about this grassroots led, citizen-driven effort to protect the long-term economic, recreational, historical and sporting values of one of our most important regional multi-use public land resources.

Sponsored by:

City of Ouray, Ouray Chamber Resort Association

Gunnison Gorge Anglers and Trout Unlimited

When:  Wednesday, May 26th 2010 at 6:30PM

Where:  Ouray Community Center

For information call: Tony Chelf at (970) 596-4697

or Ty Churchwell at (970) 903-3010  www.alpinetriangle.com

June 1- Visitors Center USFS, Volunteers and Ouray Trail Group Training-  held at the Ouray Community Center 12:30- 3:30.  Lunch will be served at noon for Visitors Center Volunteers. Please join the chamber for an informational session covering the following topics: OHV rules and regs, permits and misc. info, OTG trail updates,  Search and Rescue Cards- what do they cover? Dispersed camping- where can you go? Ridgway State Park- accessible hiking, Visitors Center Resources and more! This meeting is open to all members of the community. Hosted by the Ouray Chamber and the Montrose USFS office

June 2– Taste of Ouray ––Local chef’s and restaurants. Music by Yvonne Meeks, brews by Colorado Boy and Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing Company!  Vote for the Best of Taste of Ouray!  Come give your taste buds a real treat! 5-8 pm Ouray Community Center, 320 6th Ave. Info: www.ouraycolorado.com or 325-4746. Hosted by the Ouray Chamber Resort Association.

June 2, 2010- 9:30 am Ouray County Supports the 3/50 Project- Meeting
Ridgway Town Hall Open to all who support local services, shops and local living!
What services and supplies can you get in Ouray County that is competitive in quality and price with out-of-town services and supplies? – Example- Farm Fresh eggs are priced better at Khristopher’s Culinaire then City Market and Smart Wool Socks are equal in price at Ouray Mnt. Sports and High Country Leathers as it is at Murdock’s! Know the dollar value to our schools, roads and other county services that depend on local tax dollars. Meetings are held every other week- next meeting will be May 19 at the Ouray Community Center.  325-4746 for details.

Wed. June 9- Business After Hours- Wildflower Boutique and Khristopher’s Culinaire Join Dee and Khris for a special summer evening Business After Hours-  lighting up Ouary’s very own LoDo! 325-4089 for more information.

We are pleased to announce we have moved our Grand Junction classes to the Fabric Arts Studio, which is owned by our good friend Jane Aldoretta.

The new location features a spacious, permanent classroom and convenient parking at the door.

The address is 2297 Tall Grass, Unit 9, Grand Junction, CO 81505. It is about 1 1/2 miles west of Mesa Mall. Detailed directions by clicking HERE

For Questions or to Register, call Steve at: 970-245-6700

Upcoming Classes

Click on each class for details (via a PDF)

Or Click for a 2 Page Flyer Listing All The Classes

Sat, June 5: Using your Digital SLR camera Workshop

Sat, June 19: Make Your Own Book with Blurb Workshop

Sat, July 10: Photoshop Elements Bootcamp III (intermediate-advanced)

Tues, July 13: Creative Flower Close-ups

Thurs, July 15: Digital Quick Start (for any digital camera)

Sat, Aug. 7: Adobe Lightroom 3 Workshop

Sat, Aug. 21: Photoshop Elements Bootcamp I (the Basics)

Tues & Thurs, Aug 24 & 26: Mastering HDR Workshop (High Dynamic Range)

Sat, Sept. 11: Photoshop Elements Bootcamp II (The Wow Edition!)

Tues & Wed, Sept 14 & 15: Make Your Own Book with Blurb Workshop

Sat/Sun October 9 & 10: Special Bruce Hucko Workshop details TBA

Sat, Oct. 23: Photoshop Elements Bootcamp III (intermediate-advanced)

Sat, Nov. 6: Adobe Lightroom 3 Workshop

Sat, Nov. 13, Morning: Digital Quick Start (for any digital camera)

Sat, Nov. 13, Afternoon: Presenting Yourself: Canvas prints; Greeting Cards & More!

Saturday Classes are generally 9 to 4 while the weekday classes are 6 to 9.

Small class size. Classes include assistant Dick Colby. Best value in the Valley!

More General Class Info Here