Health + Wellness

A Breath of Fresh Air: HBOT in Durango

Reap the benefits and breathe easier with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Article by George Glass | Photography by Sean Moriarty and George Glass George and Lori Ann Glass arrived in Durango in 2010 with their two daughters Ayana, age six, and Giselle, age two. The decision to move from Vermont to Colorado was a lifestyle choice. “Durango had everything we were looking for in a setting supportive of our family and our professional life.” In 2014 Anna and Lily, our “purebred mutts,” were added to...

Food + Beverage

Fudge Brownie Plus

Indulge Naturally: A Rich, No-Bake Chocolate Treat Packed with Nutrients Article by Heather Hinsley | Photography by Joshua Hoffman Raw desserts have gained popularity for their fresh, nutrient-packed qualities—indulge in sweets without the traditional baking. The guiding principle of raw food, focuses on keeping preparation temperatures low (below 111°F). This helps preserve the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in the ingredients, which can be lost in higher-heat cooking and baking...

Wellness

Durango Elemental Therapy

Unlocking Wellness: The Gentle Power of Craniosacral Therapy Article by Donna Stewart CranioSacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive hands-on treatment that aims to restore balance to the nervous system and surrounding structures. Durango Elemental Therapy combines CranioSacral therapy with deep study in anatomy, physiology, yoga therapy and energy work to guide the tissues of the body back to their natural, healthy, pain-free state.  What it's used for CST can help with a wide range...

Arts + Culture

Act Up, Be You, Feel Better

Improv Classes Go Beyond Giggles, Fostering Growth and Authenticity Article by Jennifer Mason | Photography by Andy Wingerd Boxing matches. A zoo overrun by maniacal monkeys. The grocery store dairy aisle. First day at boot camp. Oh, the places you’ll go in the span of a single class at Lower Left Improv!   “Improv to me is Yes-And’ing,” says owner Mary Quinn, referring to improv’s one immutable commandment: Thou shalt answer ‘yes, and…’ to all statements. Improv actors never reject what...

Wellness

Resilience and Clarity Through Shadow Work

Uncover Hidden Strengths and Inner Peace for 2025 Article by Cindy Schmidt | Photography by Allison Ragsdale Photography and Kyla Jenkinson As we approach 2025, the challenges of our times—political and social divisions, economic uncertainty, and personal struggles—can leave us feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed. Yet amid the chaos lies an opportunity for transformation: reclaiming resilience, finding clarity, and creating a life filled with meaning. I’m Cindy Schmidt, a Master...

Education

Heroes of Service: Non-Profits Creating a Brighter Future

Empowering Lives Through Mentorship, Education, and Wellness Article by Bundy Gomar Susan Hakanson Emilia Majewski | Photography by Kelly Miranda In Southwest Colorado, dedicated non-profit organizations are transforming lives and fostering community connections. Through unyielding dedication, these organizations empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Here’s a look at three remarkable non-profits. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Southwest Colorado...

Food + Beverage

A Christmas Old Fashioned

Connor’s Mobile Pub Gets Party-Goers into the Holiday Spirits Article by Jennifer Mason | Photography by Kaitlin Connor Plink-plockity! Ice cubes tumble into the cup. They are anointed with brown liquor and a spritz of fizzy water. Lastly, the cubes are crowned with a decorative twist of citrus rind. Kaitlin Connor, owner and founder of Connor’s Mobile Pub, winks as she serves up the festive cocktail. “I’m really good at mixing drinks. It clicks for me,” she confides. Before opening the...

Arts + Culture

Creativity and Camaraderie: How Art Revitalized a Community

Celebrate and create with Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts! Article by Kalista Peña | Photography by Andy Wingerd Without fail, without doubt, a strong community can heal a broken heart. Kasey Correia knows this first-hand, and witnesses it each morning when she steps into Dancing Spirit Center of the Arts. Dancing Spirit is a cultural hub that celebrates art, resilience, and creativity. Offering the gift of community, belonging, and creative expression, vital tools used to overcome past...

Entertainment

Holiday High Note

How the San Juan Symphony Bestows the Many Gifts of Music to the Remote Four Corners Region Article by Jennifer Mason | Photography by Ascent Digital and Drew Semel at Illuminarts The curtains part. Ballerinas pirouette and jeté across the stage. The orchestra fades in with sighing violins and whispering flutes. Gradually all the instruments pool in until they crescendo with the trumpet’s calling, TAH TEE-TEE-TEE-TEE TAH-TEE TAH-TUM. The “Nutcracker” ballet has begun!   “It’s almost one of...

Education

Winter Book Round-Up!

Give the gift of a great book! Shop at one of our many local bookstores. Article by Kalista Peña For this roundup, I visited Second Story Books and White Rabbit Books & Curiosities, asking the employees what they enjoyed reading during the chilly months. I also stopped by the Durango Public Library and spoke with a couple librarians receiving great recommendations for children and adults.   A book enthusiast at Second Story Books recommends Kristin Hannah, noting, "Though she’s not a cozy...