theSheetNews.com

By Allen Best

Some brewers have it, others don’t

CANMORE, Alberta – Grizzly Paw Brewing Co. opened its doors in Canmore in 1996 with such sudsy brews as Grump Bear, a honey wheat, and Rutting Elk Red. Since then it has expanded several times, and now is moving into bigger quarters yet, somewhat larger than what is commonly thought of as a microbrewery, says the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

Niall Fraser, the founder, says microbrews hit the spot with 10 percent of Canadians and 19 percent of all beer sold in the United States. “The world is different now than when there were just a few big breweries,” he says.

But brewing is still brewing, an art as much as a science. “It’s kind of like chefs,” he tells the Outlook. “There are a lot of chefs out there, but only a few real chefs. There’s an art to it and you have to learn it.”

Editor’s Note: Mammoth Brewing Co. “has it.” Visit their tasting room at 94 Berner Street to see for yourself!

Idaho brewer gets big-name help

McCALL, Idaho – Salmon River Brewery, which is located in the Idaho mountain town of McCall, is on a roll. It is more than tripling its brewing, to 3,500 kegs a year, and hopes to expand more into Boise and also to Ketchum and Twin Falls.

The reason for this success, reports the Idaho Statesman, is the investment of a fellow named Adolphus Busch IV, of the famous St. Louis family that brought us Budweiser and other suds. Busch came across one of Salmon’s products, Udaho Gold, at lunch one day. “It caught my attention,” he told the Statesman. “I had it a few more times and pretty much thought it was the best beer I’d had in a long, long time.”

So he went to the brewery on one of his rafting trips to Idaho and decided to introduce himself. He now owns 49 percent of the brewery, providing money necessary for the expansion.

The Statesman notes that traditional beer sales have been flat during recent years, but craft beers have grown.

Silver mining to resume

OURAY, Colo. – The long-predicted return of hard-rock mining appears to be moving forward in Colorado. The Telluride Watch reports that 76 people have been at work just a few miles away, as the crow flies, in Yankee Boy Basin, above the town of Ouray. There efforts are underway to reopen the Revenue-Virginius Mine.

The operator, Star Mine Operations, now has a permit from state regulators. Workers have stabilized tunnels in the 125-year-old workings, working shifts around the clock. Mining of silver could begin by summer, and owners hope for a decade’s worth of production, they tell The Watch.

Telluride drinks decarbonized juice

TELLURIDE, Colo. – Bit by bit, town officials in Telluride are plugging away at decarbonizing their electrical supply. The latest stride comes with purchase of 215 panels in a community solar farm in the sunny Paradox Valley, 80 miles to the west, in the canyon country near the Utah border.

The town spent $187,000 for the panels, which will produce about $45 worth of electricity each per year. Mountain Village, the municipality adjoining Telluride, has also purchased panels in the array, notes the Telluride Daily Planet.

Telluride and Mountain Village in 2009 called on their communities to do what’s necessary so that 100 percent of the communities’ electricity will come from renewable sources by 2020.

Gleanings from Aspen: fortunes, small fortunes

ASPEN, Colo. – Gleanings of the Aspen Daily News this week provide two compelling testimonies that Aspen just ain’t like anywhere else.

Consider a local court case in which an heir to one of the continent’s great fortunes sought free legal counsel. The 25-year-old named Cargill says his mother and her boyfriend are blocking his rightful access to a $250 million inheritance.

And then in the public schools, a $100,000 flight simulator has been ordered. Private donors are paying for this and other instruction that will allow students at the school to have access to ground school instruction. Still to be raised is money for an aircraft.

Jackson explores house-sharing 

JACKSON, Wyo. – Does being elderly necessarily need to be a black and white thing. Either you’re in your own home, and then to some institution, usually a nursing home?

A project called Jackson Hole Elders aims for a more comfortable transition. “The standard model is that you’re in an institution with long hallways and there’s a structure for caring for people,” Sandy Shuptrine tells the Jackson Hole News&Guide.

But with a model being examined in Jackson, a house would be shared by 10 to 12 people, each with private bedrooms and bathrooms. But the kitchen, dining and living rooms are all shared space.

For each five to six residents, a caregiver would be available for cooking and supervising. A registered nurse would also be present for most of the day and on call at night.

The model has been pioneered in other parts of Wyoming, including Sheridan. There, four such homes have been built.

Shuptrine tells the Jackson Hole News&Guide that most of the people working on the project are at an age “where we have parents who need loving, personalized care.” But while parents want to stay in their own homes, at some point, friends and family are being called on to become full-time caretakers.

Discount pioneer raises rates

BOISE, Idaho – Bogus Basin, the ski area that introduced the idea of discounted season passes, is finally raising its rates. Since 1997, the cost has stood at $199. But next year the passes will cost $229.

“We need a little extra to pay the bills,” said Alan Moore, the general manager of Bogus Basin. “Everything has gone up, from diesel fuel to seasonal labor to operation of the high-speed quads, since the $199 pass was introduced.”

Recruit China 

PARK CITY, Utah – Smile, as there’s opportunity ahead for ski towns. That seemed to be the take-away message from a presentation by Andrew Busch, who does a CNBC show called “Money in Motion” and recently spoke to a business group in Park City.

As reported by The Park Record, Busch advised his audience to think of the big picture, including international markets. Japan’s stock market is hyperventilating, and China is starting to spend money.

“China is a perfect example. The growth of the middle class there is so enormous, so rapid, and those people want to travel. For Park City, the wealthy in China are already interested in coming here. When I look at businesses, this is a strategy that is often completely undeveloped. If it were me, I would be trying to find travel agencies in China, overseas partners that could help navigate tourists to this town.”

He also said that the United States will slowly grow jobs, but that the European debt crisis is still going to play a significant role in the global market.

Among his listeners, reports The Record, was City Councilman Andy Beerman, who also owns a local hostelry. He said he was encouraged by what he heard, noting that while Park City taps the wealthy, that still requires discretionary income. “Park City, even though we are insulated to some extent, is still tied to the national economy,” he observed.

Rent high, wages low 

BANFF, Alberta – In examining the housing needs for the next 10 years in Banff, consulting firm Housing Strategies has found that Banff is indeed an expensive place to rent a one-bedroom apartment. The cost last year ran $1,051 on average, higher than Jasper’s $1,003 or Canmore’s $934. But Whistler trumps them all at $1,168.

Of course, that’s a small cost if you make lots of money. But the fastest-growing employment sectors are – hold your breath here – in the service arena. The average wages for jobs in food and beverages, housecleaning and those sorts of things average from $10.80 to $13.87 an hour.

“A Twin Falls” book debut

Mammoth resident Terry Gooch Ross has recently published her first novel, “A Twin Falls,” the first in the author’s High Sierra Mystery series. “A Twin Falls” is a story of mystery, fantasy and friendship set in Mammoth Lakes and Portola Valley, Calif. “A Twin Falls” is available in paperback and for e-readers. Gooch Ross will do a book signing at the Booky Joint on Sunday, Feb. 17, from 4-6 p.m. For more information go to Two-Birds-Press.com.

Hospital Auxiliary scholarship

For more than 10 years, Mammoth Hospital Auxiliary has sponsored scholarships for college students pursuing medical or medically-related careers. And this year, the application period is now open. Applicants must meet the following qualifications: 1.) Completed two years of prerequisites in a medically-related curriculum, or worked for two years in a medically-related field in Mono County. Submit verification with application. 2.) Currently in a medically-related course of study. 3.) Is a current Mono County resident (two or more years). 4.) May be a graduate student who wishes to changes career path, or change to a different medically-related profession.

Applications are now available at the Mono County Library front desk in Mammoth Lakes, at the Mammoth Hospital Admission Window and at the Cast Off Cashier’s Desk. The Auxiliary has ample funds for scholarships.

All applications are due by April 30. Awards are issued for the current academic year only, and may not be postponed or reserved for future use. Proof of attendance will be required. If currently attending classes, attach transcripts, even partial ones. Questions: Suzanne Stokes, 760.934.5645.

We’re off to see the “Wizard”

Tickets for Playhouse 395′s Spring Musical production of L. Frank Baum’s classic, “The Wizard of Oz,” are now on sale onine at www.playhouse395.com. The Box Office will be open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Inyo Council for the Arts, 137 S. Main, Bishop.

Playhouse 395 has changed the mix of reserved and general admission seats and established a new pricing structure. When purchasing online, look for the box in the upper right corner of the ticketing screen where you will select reserved seats or general admission. There is a “back” button if you change your mind. There are also options for adult, senior (age 64+) and youth (under 18) pricing. Info/questions: 760.920.9100.

Happy Birthday, Woolly

For Woolly’s birthday, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area will transform Canyon Lodge into a playground for children decked out with balloons galore and plenty of indoor and outdoor fun. Enjoy the fun, including helping Woolly blow out the candles on his giant birthday cake!

Kids will have mega Outdoor Fun, including lots of snowplay areas, Snowcat  & Snowmobile demos near School Yard Express, a Woolly scavenger Hunt on School Yard Express, Snow Man building. Indoor entertainment includes making Woolly a birthday card, a Magic Show, Roaming Juggler and Balloon Twisters, Face painting, Helmet decorating, live music and birthday cake!

The celebration continues with Woolly’s parade in the Village Plaza at 3:30 p.m., and a Tubing Party at Woolly’s Tube Park at 5 p.m.

Manzanar Day of Remembrance

Manzanar National Historic Site hosts a special program in honor of the Day of Remembrance, an annual observation of the anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which enabled the forced removal of more than 110,000 United States citizens or residents of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast in 1942.

On May 9, 1942, Toyo Miyatake, his wife Hiro, and their four children arrived at Manzanar. With a lens and film holder hidden in his luggage, Toyo recorded camp life, and captured thousands of images of the people and place.

Join Alan Miyatake, one of Toyo’s grandsons, to view Robert Nakamura’s award-winning film, “lnfinite Shades of Gray,” and to hear more about Toyo Miyatake’s life and work.

The program is free and open to the public. Info: call 760.878.2194 or visit www.nps.gov/manz.

Sierra Bighorn: 500 and rising

Save the date for this unique event that celebrates the growth of the Sierra bighorn population to 500 animals, as well as the completion of the first mural in Jane Kim’s Migrating Mural project, at the Mountain Light Gallery, 106 S Main Street, Bishop, on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Enjoy fine art, light refreshments, conversation about conservation, raffle prizes and a silent auction.

Funds raised will help to fund the next three murals in the series. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Info: www.sierrabighorn.org or www.sagetosummit.com.

By Clouds McCloud

Aquarius: We recently entered the Chinese Zodiac’s Year of the Snake. That means it should be a fairly interesting and enjoyable year. Snake years can be lucky financial years, but tend to be very malleable and often usher in unexpected changes. To help, try being as prepared as W. C. Fields: “Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite … and furthermore, always carry a small snake.”

Pisces: A recent study estimated that any given moment almost 1% of the world’s population is drunk. Apparently, Ireland, Germany and Mammoth Lakes weren’t included. This just goes to show that statistics can prove anything, especially for people bad with math. To help with your math skills, try listing all the positive things in your life and then turning them into a pie chart.

Aries: This week, Clouds would like you to add the following sets of Grammy nominated lyrics to your life’s soundtrack, and then sing them whenever you’re naked (i.e. in the shower, while making whoopee or when you’re on Facebook). A) “I belong with you. You belong with me. You’re my sweetheart. Hey Ho!” b) “Same? No we’re not the same, but that’s what makes us strong.” C) “Tonight we are young. So let’s set the world on fire. We can burn brighter than the sun.”

Taurus: Sometimes life seems as effortless as trying to carve turns down a freshly groomed ski run. Sometimes life feels as though you’re trying to carve turns down a ski run with moguls the size of minivans. Sometimes life is like trying to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a spork. The key is to enjoy it all and to realize that consistency is overrated and can lead to serious cases of boredom.

Gemini: Here’s your latest installment of Clouds’ Rules for Life. #9: Make love with your eyes open. #33: Make dinner with your eyes open, especially when cutting or frying. #77: Love can cure anything. #123: Hatred cures nothing, but does cause things like back problems, impotence, wrinkles, bloating and a desire to vote Republican.

Cancer: With great questions of all kinds about life being answered this year, your food for thought will come from TV personalities. From Woody Paige: “The city of Happiness is in the state of Mind.”  From Kathy Griffin: “Have no limits, no filter, no class, no poise, no decorum. Just fun.” And from Otto the bus driver from The Simpsons: “They call ‘em fingers. But I’ve never seen ‘em ‘fing.’”

Leo: The Stars report that you’re in the midst of a period when you’d be well advised to start sowing seeds, working the soil and putting some sweat into your work life. Therefore, try to remember that the road to overnight success is usually a long one, but the road to mediocrity is short and has drive-thru liquor stores.

Virgo: The Year of the Snake should usher in an attitude adjustment in your life. Lucky for you, this should be slightly emotional, especially when involving family, but will be beneficial and ultimately should go as smoothly as an adjustment made by a professional chiropractor. Just make sure to adjust your funny bone as well.

Libra: Since the Year of the Snake promises to be a solid one, here are your Libra power statements for the year: from Morrissey: “Life’s full of tricky snakes and ladders.” And from Ross Perot: “If you see a snake just kill it. You don’t need to appoint a committee on snakes.”

Scorpio: If there’s one thing you Scorpios need to work on during the Year of the Snake, it’s to keep a positive attitude and to always keep your eyes on the real prize and stop settling and selling out for crappy consolation prizes. As the old saying goes, “When we focus on the snake, we miss the scorpion.”

Sagittarius: The great part about life is that, even though it likes to occasionally kick us in our patooties, it also loves to reward us for getting back up and going back after it. Sags should keep this in mind, as the next few months will give you clues about what lies hidden in your life.

Capricorn: In Japan, they believe that people have personality traits based on their blood type. For example, blood type As are said to be sensitive, overanxious perfectionists. Type Bs are cheerful, eccentric and selfish. Types Os are curious, generous and stubborn and ABs are artsy, mysterious and unpredictable. If this theory sounds off base to you, perhaps you need to drink more sake.

Pictured: Kate Anderson in the Kittredge Fun Cup./

Results courtesy Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation

Stacey Cook “Oh-So-Close” at World Championships

Sunday, Feb.10, the USA narrowly missed the medals in the women’s downhill at the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Schladming, Austria.  Julia Mancuso Squaw Valley, Calif.) was .15 out of the prizes in fifth with Stacey Cook (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) sixth. In an aggressive race that saw higher speeds than training, the twisty turny Schladming S turn midway down the course took its toll on the USA as France’s Marion Rolland took the surprise gold. During a run that lasted 1:50.91 she was in the medal position the whole course until the last 18 seconds. She gave .4 seconds away in the last part and was only .2 from a medal in the end, but on Sunday it took an absolute perfect run to be on the podium.  Speed Head Coach Chip White (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) defended his girls saying, “This team is always striving for podiums right now. The girls are disappointed. I personally am very proud of them for the job they’ve done to get to this point and they still are the best downhill team in the world. All the cards didn’t fall the way we wanted them to.”  As the day went on, Cook recovered enough to posted on Facebook, “Being oh-so-close to a World Champs podium kinda stings a little, but I’m still proud of the heart I put into the day, the way I skied, and 6th place finish. There was even a minuscule podium step to stand on at awards tonight!!! Leaves me hungry for bigger steps…” After having a few days to digest her 18^th place in the Super Combined, her disappointment in taking sixth place in the downhill and what Cook referred to as a “super fun night time World Champs team event, where her team had a tough draw getting Sweden in the quarter finals” Cook took time to write her supporters at the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation.  “This week was an emotional roller coaster ride, as most Olympics or Worlds have been for me. I just want to do well so bad. When there is the most pressure, my reactions tends to think about the results I want rather than the process it takes to get those results. Luckily I have people around me that know me well enough to rein me in when that happens. I was really disappointed in the way I skied in the Super Combined and it took that poor performance to snap me out of a funk. I was able to change my mindset in time for the downhill to where I was having fun, charging hard, and doing my own personal best rather than worrying about medals or others. That’s when I skied my best. But, I know I’m skiing fast and I have plenty of goals through the end of the season to keep me going.” Cook will be back in Mammoth this spring to take part in the Mammoth Invitational. Now in its fifth year the Invitational is a fundraiser for Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation’s support of educational and athletic programs.

February 8, 2013_CNISSF High School Ski/Snowboard Race

Mammoth High School’s ski and snowboard teams took part in their final regularly scheduled home races on Friday, Feb. 8. The snowboard teams continued their strong showing taking the top three places in the third men’s slalom race and the top four out of five places in the fourth slalom race of the season. Fleur Connolly, MHS’s sole female snowboard team member, won both of the women’s snowboard races. When asked how she felt about her results this season, Connolly replied, “My season thus far has been going well.  In the last eight races I’ve placed first, and now I’m looking forward to training for states.  The skills that I will be working on are carving closer to the gates and increasing my speed.  The greatest challenge is learning how to maintain speed through rutted or icy turns.”  The ski team dominated the two races on Friday, taking the top nine out of 10 places overall, allowing only Stephen Stickells (Bishop, Calif.) racing for Bishop Union High School to take fourth place. Ironically, Stickells was competing against his teammates on the Mammoth Mountain Ski Team. Winner of the first race Justin Wallasch, also a member of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Team, was asked what he thought of his season so far and he responded with, “My season is going pretty well.  I’m sitting in the 22nd spot out of 26 for Junior Olympics which are in Alaska this year – so I need to do well at Super G in Mammoth next weekend to qualify.  For the High School Races I did really well and qualified for States in both GS and Slalom.  I am also on track for Nationals in Ski Cross and have a race coming up in Mammoth for that as well.  It’s really helped my skiing to work with all the different coaches like Pete Korfiatis, Jimmy Morning and James Tautkus as well as my regular coaches, Kerry, JG and Jason.” Wallasch was followed by two other dual MHS/MMST members, Kevin Wolfe in second and Ryan Foulke in third. In the second race for the men Wolfe and Wallasch switch places and Russell Malm another member of the MHS/MMST group took fourth.  In the ladies ski races Elizabeth Heit had a win for race #3 and a second in race #4, with Sierra Gilfoy taking the win in race #4 and Kyra McKee the second place in race #3. The high school athletes will spend the next few weeks training for the State Championships to be held at Mount Shasta in March.Other MHS top results: Men Snowboard Race #3: 1 Cole Brosgart: 2 Kenny Schreiber; 3 Tyler Searles.  Men Snowboard Race #4: 1 Cole Brosgart; 2 Devin Tubbs; 4 Tyler Searles. Ladies Ski Race #3: 1 Elizabeth Heit; 2 Kyra McKee; 3 Becca Albright. Ladies Ski Race #4:  1 Sierra Gilfoy; 2 Elizabeth Heit; 3 Chelsea Foulke

February 8, 2013_CNISSF_North Tahoe Pursuit

While the MHS ski and snowboard teams raced in Mammoth members of the Mammoth Middle School and Mammoth High School Nordic teams traveled north to take part in the North Tahoe Pursuit. The race was described by MHS’s Amanda Kirkeby, as a “fun” race that is “very exciting because it includes both classic and skating technique. The first lap of the race is a 3km Classis race, followed by a transition to skate skis then another lap around the 3 km course on skate skis. The hardest part is the transition.” Kirkeby, who took third in the event, went on the add, “It seems easy in practice, but at race pace, when your heart is pounding and your hands don’t seem to want to do what you want them to, its hard to switch your skis.  On top of that, the coaches aren’t allowed to touch your bindings.  I had a slower transition than I wanted, and when I left the transition area, I was in sixth place due to uncooperative bindings. However, I made up all the time I lost in the transition area on the second lap, passing three people, landing me in a podium finish. All in all, I was very happy with my third place result.” Other top results for MHS ladies were: 16 Patty Hensley and 31 Kylie La Francois. For the MHS men: Philip Oxford was 20^th, Carson Bold 22^nd; Jack Roten 24^th; and Gemin Choi 36^th. Mammoth Middle School racer Meaghan Thompson, who also took part in the North Tahoe Pursuit, commented about her race and the season on a whole, “The Mammoth Middle School team is doing really well this year, mostly because of the great coaching and wonderful facilities at Tamarack.  Friday’s race at North Tahoe was challenging toward the finish with the serpentine downhill section that got rutted by the High School racers.  I’m currently ranked 15th out of 105 girls in the league, and I am working on improving my technique and getting my V2 perfected.  I’m hoping to continue to finish in the top 15 at the Tahoe 1k sprint this Friday, and I’d like to finish strong at Auburn for State Championships.”  Other Mammoth Middle School results from the North Tahoe Pursuit: Middle School Ladies: Meaghan Thompson 15^th; Sophia McKee 19^th; Alexia Craven 30^th. Middle School Men: Connor Kusumoto 3^rd; Trace Calvin 4^th; Jared Mahler 9^th; Eddie Matthiessen 20^th; Jacob Mahler 38^th; Liam Bassler 42^nd; Hayden Mannetter 44^th; and Orion Ellis 83^rd.

Super Junior National Qualifier at Soldier Hollow, Utah

Earlier in the month Amanda Kirkeby, along with Carson Bold, went to The Super Junior National Qualifier at Soldier Hollow, Utah. Kirkeby who thought the event was “great.” Added, “I finished 13th overall for FJ2 on Freestyle Sprint race a field of 85. I went on to the quarterfinals and just missed out on advancing to the semi-finals by one place.  I was very happy with my result, as I had not made it into the heats the last year. The 5km Classic race went well too. I finished 22nd out of 87.  It was a chevron-style mass start, meaning all 87 of us started at the same time.  It seemed like the whole race was a game of passing people at the opportune moment, changing technique the right time, and drafting off the person in front of you.” Kirkeby who has been working on “quicker turnover in double pole starts while still applying all my strength.” She believes that the experience she gained at the Super Junior Qualifier in Utah gave her some great race experience at a high level of competition, which will help her a lot at the Junior Nationals in Fairbanks, Alaska (March 8th-17th).

For more Soldier Hollow results: http://summittiming.com/race_results/2013/soldier_hollow_super_joq/overall_sprint_results_for_soldier_hollow_super_joq_sprints_130201.pdf

February 8-9, 2013_NOR-AM_Beaver Valley, Ont.

Mammoth Ski Cross Team member, Madeline Riffel (Crowley Lake, Calif.) recently returned from competing in Beaver Valley, Ontario, Canada. Riffle writes, “This ski season I am focusing on skier cross, which is made entirely possible thanks to Mammoth Mountain. Not only have they hired a new ski cross coach, but they have also constructed a start and terrain course. With all my races this year I have notice many things that I need to work on such as my jumping, my starts, and my turns, but with the help of my coach, James Tautkus, I am continually improving. My season is going great, I’ve participated in two world cup events and I’m currently racing the NorAm circuit. I just returned from two races in Killington, Vermont and Beaver Valley, Ontario where I placed 4th, 5th, 4th, and 6th respectively. The Ontario race was challenging because of the snowstorm, but the race department did an excellent job maintaining the course. And again, I am fortunate to have the support of Mammoth Mountain and coach James.”

February 9, 2013_Kittredge Fun Cup

Saturday, Feb. 9, saw the youngest members of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Team, the Mighty Mites, race in the Kittredge Fun Cup.  Since the race, which was sponsored by Kittredge Sports, was open to team members, siblings and non-team members from the Mammoth community the age range for the participants end up being from four to eight years old. The weather turned out to be warmer than anticipated and the wind didn’t arrive as forecast making the conditions perfect for the many first time racers.  Enthusiasm and excitement was apparent in the group of Mighty Mites. This was partly due to the outstanding staff and the leadership of team manager Lisa Hickson, who was seen on the sidelines simultaneously directing the race while filming her athletes. Hickson reported that after the race Kate Anderson’s mom told her that her daughter proclaimed, “I have a passion for skiing.” She wasn’t the only racer who expressed her fondness for the sport, Mighty Mite six-year old Piper Wilkison exclaimed, “I love my ski coaches!! They are fun, fast and they teach me a lot.” Alternately, her teammate six year old Grant Schneider, expressed a very competitive approach to the race stating, “I’m working on making my edges go real deep in the snow and putting my knees forward on my boots. My goal for the season was to beat Cooper Hindshaw!  He was my challenge that I overcame!!” Schneider accomplished his goal by beating Hindshaw by .71 in this race, setting the stage for future challenges between the two racers. Top three results from each age group: Four year old female: 1 Lyla Desario (Los Angeles, Calif.); 2 Lyra Manning (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.). Five year old female: 1 Sarah Jeffries (La Canada, Calif.); Six year old female: 1 Piper Wilkison;  2 Gretchen Gooch (Hermosa Beach, Calif.) ; 3 Madeline LeFrancois (Crowley Lake, Calif.); Six year old male:1 Grant Schneider; 2 Cooper Hindshaw (Santa Monica, Calif.); 3 Dylan Jeffries (La Canada, Calif.); Seven year old female:1 Reagan Sewell; 2 Regan Clute (Laguna Beach, Calif.) ; 3 Bella Musurlian Orange, Calif.); Seven year old male:1 Lucas Geyer; 2 Jake Westfall (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.); 3 Bodie MacMillan (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.); Eight year old male: 1 Noah Manning (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.); 2 Shaunt Aboolian. After taking first in her division, Sewell added that she’s “been practicing moguls. It’s kind of hard because I have to go on some that are high, then the next one is low.” She then added, “The race was awesome!  I want to do it again.”

February 9-10, 2013_U14 Parallel Slalom_Squaw Valley

On Feb. 8, twenty-seven Mammoth U14 racers (many coming first from southern California) traveled to Squaw Valley to compete in two parallel slaloms. James Gooch (Hermosa Beach, Calif.) was the top Mammoth team racer on Saturday, Feb. 9 taking sixth place and fourth on Sunday. Gooch exclaimed that he, “Loved the dual races at Squaw!” he then added that he is, “Still working on my slalom techniques to hopefully crank out at the finals.” When asked what she thought of the weekend’s event, Eva Yguico (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) reported, “The weekend was a highlight for me and my fellow competitor, Sarah Ellis (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.) because we finished all of our runs and medaled in the top 15 both days. This has been something I have been working on – consistently finishing runs – so it was a great accomplishment for me.” Mammoth results for Feb. 9_ Men: 6 James Gooch; 9 Erik Eisen (Simi Valley, Calif.); 12 Barrett Calvin (Crowley Lake, Calif.); Ladies: 8 Sarah Ellis; 12 Eva Yguico.  Sunday results_Men: 4 Gooch; 9 Eisen; 10 Calvin; 12 Connor Staley (Thousand Oaks, Calif.); Ladies_9 Yguico; 11 Ellis. Yguico concluded, “The Parallel Slalom was slightly different because no one could tell if it was GS or slalom, so ski sizes varied tremendously. Mammoth kids took a risk by going on our GS skis, but it paid off when we took home a total of 11 medals between the girls and boys.”

February 10, 2013_Junior Village Championships #2

Head U10-12 coach Lindsay Barksdale recounted that Sunday, Feb. 10 “saw another successful JVC race. In a surprising outcome, the same 3 teams went 1, 2, 3 as the first race. Kittredge Kruisers were first, Beach Mint Bombers took 2^nd and Jersey Mike’s Jammer’s were 3^rd.” Charlie Regelbrugge (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) a U12 racer took the fastest run of the day recording a time of 21.57, with Mammoth Outdoor Sports’ Brendan Torrance (Crowley Lake, Calif.) coming in 1.19 behind Regelbrugge.  Regelbrugge stated, “In the second JVC race this past weekend, I tried to ski my best to help my team, John’s Pizza Works, and I was able to ski to the fastest time in the race.” The young racer, who had had an outstanding season, also talked about a change he has made at school, “I am also very lucky to be in the ILC (Independent Learning Center) because now I can focus more on, and put more effort into, skiing and still keep up with my schoolwork.  So far, I have straight A’s.  With the ILC the challenge that has been hardest to overcome is being at school until so late at night and yet still be at school, doing work.  The teachers at the ILC help me to do my best and I would like to thank them, too.” U14 racer Melanie Moyer, who had the fastest time for the ladies in the Jr. VC race, thinks that the Far West races “are far more challenging because I am not as big and strong as the other girls.  But I am doing as best as I can by focusing on my technique.” Moyer who is currently playing Helen in the local production of the “Miracle Worker” explained that, “ Juggling school, skiing and my acting endeavors has always been a challenge, but I always pull through because I love doing them all.  I have had to miss a few Far West races because of my part… but it has been fun to compete in the local races anyway.  Playing the role of Helen is a dream come true for me and I hope you can see it.”

Barksdale finished by saying, “Thank you again to our team sponsors and to Giovanni’s who sponsored the race and donated a small pizza voucher to every athlete.” A reminder from Barksdale, “The last race on March 24 is going to be really exciting as 10 teams battle it out to beat Kittredge by enough points to take the cup.”

February 9, 2013_OutRide Wallride

The event advertisement stated, “Considering the amazing turnout we had for the first Insta-jam, we decided there couldn’t be a better way to debut the new OutRide Wallride feature than with another one! Come out Feb. 9 for the contest whether you want to ski, ride or film. The ski/snowboard portion of the event is open to everyone, and will feature a 45 minute jam session where you’ll be rewarded with sweet mophie and Mammoth prizes as you land cool tricks, so there are tons of chances to win!” Mammoth Snowboard team’s George Scott (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) was one of the local athletes who took part in the event. Scott felt, “The mophie Rail Jam was good fun, seemed like everyone had fun & got some new tricks. We all won some mophie accessories – so everyone left happy.” Scott, who has been working on his “switch riding & setting up for some doubles,” describes his season as, “good. Did well in the Volcom PBRJ so I’m looking forward to the final. The jumps have been great all season so I have been progressing on there a lot.” Not bad for a young man who explained that, “I hardly snowboarded growing up. 3 years ago after only 8 weeks on snow I left England, my friends and family to get the training I needed. The first 3 years I was at CVA in Maine – away from everyone. This season I left my Maine friends behind for my first season in Mammoth – I am a long way from home but THIS is the place to be.”

The European Open in Laaz Switzerland

Head Snowboard coach, Ben Wisner, who just returned from The European Open in Laaz Switzerland reported that the team “had some great results. Chloe Kim 1^st place in both Halfpipe and Slopestyle in the Womens Junior Jam; Spencer Whiting made semi finals and placed 20^th in Slopestyle in Open Mens Division.

(Photos: Susan Morning/Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation)

Pictured: Officer Andy Lehr, Community Service Officer Kari Orr, Sergeant Eric Hugelman, and Sergeant Hugelman’s son, Emmett./

The Mammoth Mountain Ski Area hosted the California Police and Fire Winter Games from Feb. 4-7. This is an annual competition that has been hosted by MMSA for many years in which members of the Mammoth Lakes Police Department have competed.

The MLPD’s “What’s Left” team was smaller than in past years, but still came home with the gold – and silver, and bronze. Sergeant Eric Hugelman, Officer Andy Lehr, and Community Service Officer Kari Orr competed as skiers and Sergeant Hugelman’s son, Emmett, competed in the snowboard class. They represented the Town of Mammoth Lakes and the MLPD admirably. They won the following medals:

Eric Hugelman:  Silver in Super G, Silver in Slalom, Silver in Skier X, Bronze in Cross-Country

Andy Lehr: Gold in Slalom, Bronze in Skier X

Kari Orr: Gold in Super G, Silver in Slalom, Silver in Giant Slalom, Silver in Dual Slalom

Emmett Hugelman: Gold in Super G, Gold in Slalom, Gold in Giant Slalom, Fourth in Boarder Cross

The California Police and Fire Winter Games, like the Baker to Vegas Relay Race in which the MLPD also competes, promotes physical fitness and conditioning, as well as camraderie among public safety professionals. -MLPD

(Photo courtesy MLPD)

On Sunday, Feb. 10, Late-Nite Productions brought Reggae Legend from Birmingham, England, Pato Banton and the Now Generation Band to Whiskey Creek in Mammoth Lakes. Local band Lava Moon opened for the iconic Banton.

According to Late-Nite Productions, “Positive Vibrations abound with a beat to keep you on your dancing feet, while Pato delivers a message that is food for the mind and soul. Many have considered his charismatic performance as live theatre where no show is alike and audience members become participants in the experience. Pato dialogues with the crowd on a range of topics including current day events and spiritual freedom while keeping the vibes upbeat and fun! The direction of the concert is totally based on the feedback Pato receives from the audience as there is no fixed set list. Many have said that the positivity generated from the stage has changed their lives forever. Sometimes Pato invites his fans to join him in a prayer circle after the show, where some have cried while sharing their stories of contemplated suicide, isolation after losing a loved one, struggles with substance abuse and how their personal connection with Pato has given them the strength to ‘Stay Positive’ & ‘Never Give In.’”

Banton played to a full house when he visited Mammoth on Feb. 10.

(Photo: Henschel)

Elizabeth (Beth) Strelneck, 76; resident off Lee Vining, June Lake for 48 years, passed away on January 30, 2013 at Bishop Care Center.

She was born in Hanston, Kansas on April 5, 1936.

She is survived by husband Martin Strelneck of Lee Vining, sons Eric Strelneck of Oakland and David Strelneck of Bath, Maine, granddaughters Isabel Strelneck and Rose Strelneck of Bath Maine, sister Alice Lazzerini of Turlock, brothers James Coiner of Covina, Charles Coiner of Alturas and Melvin Coiner of Baldwin Park.

She was preceded in death by son John Michael Strelneck in 1974, sister Vera Crawford and brothers Stewart Coiner and Robert Coiner.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 9, 2013 in the Lee Vining Presbyterian Church and Rev. Rebecca Watkins to officiate. A community celebration of life will follow at 1 pm at the Lee Vining Community Center. Interment will be at Mono Lake Cemetery.

Pictured: Annie Sullivan (Madeline Roy) tries to break through Helen Keller’s (Melanie Moyer) deafness and blindness in The Miracle Worker by William Gibson, now playing at the Edison Theatre through Feb. 24./

By Allen Best

A joint with that java? 

WHISTLER, B.C. – Ross Rebagliati won the men’s snowboarding gold medal at the Nagano Olympics in 1988, but was almost stripped of the title after minute traces of marijuana turned up in a drug test.

Now, he aims to be associated with marijuana in more than just a small way. He proposes to open two coffee shops in Whistler with the expectations that medical marijuana dispensaries will be added to back rooms when it becomes legal in Canada to do so.

“My name is already synonymous with this,” he tells Pique Newsmagazine. “I’ve tried to maintain my perfect Canadian status and my perfect gold medalist reputation, and it is just not flying. I cannot shake the association, so now that I’m 41 and have a family to care about, I realized it would be irresponsible for me not to play the hand I’ve been dealt.”

Health Canada, the federal agency, has different ideas. Although the federal agency wants to shift distribution of medical marijuana into the private sector, it doesn’t necessarily see the joe-joint model as its vision of the future.

Graying Aspen 

ASPEN, Colo. – At least 23 percent of permanent residents of Aspen and Pitkin County are 60 and older, which makes it distinctly gray – and an obvious place for geriatric research.

The Aspen Times reports that a $1.5 million endowment has been given to help launch programs aimed at serving senior citizens in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.

A symposium was held with talks labeled “Cognitive Impairment: Facts and Fiction,” and “Depression: What to Look For.”

Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? But sponsors promised more entertaining talks than the labels suggested.

Park City yanks bid

PARK CITY, Utah – ESPN has one fewer dance partner for its Winter X Games. Park City has withdrawn its bid, citing timing and financial requirements.

A representative of the local chamber estimated the cost of hosting the event at $5 million to $10 million, if split among the three local ski mountains, plus thousands of free hotel rooms for athletes, staffers and sponsors during the event and the preparations.

The event is currently held in Aspen in late January, but that date is off-limits to Park City because the resort already has its busiest event of the year then: the Sundance Film Festival.

Representatives of the chamber, the three ski mountains, the town government and the lodging industry agreed that the prize wasn’t worth chasing. That leaves Aspen still bidding to continue as the North American host for the Winter X Games when its current contract expires after the 2014 event.

Discounts for poor air quality 

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – In late January, the Salt Lake Tribune reported that “eye-smarting, lung-scarring smog” has enveloped the Salt Lake Valley for a large part of the winter.

Now, it reports that Snowbird is offering discounted lift tickets on bad-air days.

“Although you can’t see it from the valley, the skies are blue and the sun is shining at Snowbird during most inversions,” said Dave Fields, Snowbird vice president of resort operations, in announcing the $20 discount off the normal $84 all-day ticket.

In January, a group called Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment released a letter signed by more than 100 doctors. They called for large pollution sources, such as the Kennecott smelter, to be shut down on days when temperature inversions trap smog in the valley. They also want fares for public transportation to be waived on those days and highway speeds reduced to 55 mph.

Demographic challenge

WHISTLER, B.C. – The easy growth in skier days ended when Baby Boomers came of age, and succeeding generations just haven’t developed the same intense lust and loyalty for the sport.

In British Columbia, Feb. 11 is now Family Day, creating a three-day weekend that should expand business for the ski areas. But Bob Barnett, publisher of Pique Newsmagazine, points out that ski trade organizations in both Canada and the United States have long recognized a fundamental demographic problem.

“Simply put, as Baby Boomers continue to age, they will begin dropping out of the sport at an alarming rate,” says the Denver-based National Ski Areas Association.

“Without an industry-wide effort focused on attracting newer, younger participants and converting them into loyal skiers and riders, ski areas could face dramatic declines in visitation in the not-so distant future.”

Trade groups in both Canada and the United States have set a goal of converting 25 percent of first-timers into long-term participants. The current rate in the United States is 16.7 percent, while the rate in Canada is 18.4 percent.