Edward Jones Financial Advisor Hollis Kelley and his branch team members, Tami Stroud and Vivian Surin, recently qualified for Edward Jones’ premier recognition conference, the Drucker Council.

The conference celebrates the contributions and achievements of 75 of the most successful branch teams from the firm’s more than 15,000, according to a news release. The event takes place in Phoenix on May 10-11.

During the two-day conference, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with firm leaders and one another, sharing ideas and feedback on how the firm can continue to grow its impact for its clients, colleagues and the communities it serves, the release states.

The conference is named after business guru the late Peter Drucker, a longtime consultant to Edward Jones.

“Our Drucker Council attendees exemplify what it means to be purpose driven, setting the standard for excellence and building successful practices based on deep personal relationships. The work they do is making a tremendous impact for their clients and in their communities,” Chuck Orban, an Edward Jones principal responsible for the firm’s recognition events, said in the release.

This is the first time Kelley and his branch team have qualified for the conference, now in its second year.

“We are incredibly honored that our team has qualified for the Drucker Council and can collaborate with our leaders and colleagues,” Kelley said. “But the real honor is knowing our clients have placed their trust in us as we partner with them to help them realize the lives they envision for themselves and their families.”

James joins Kalamaya|Goscha law firm

Kalamaya | Goscha welcomes new associate attorney Nick James to the law firm’s criminal defense and personal injury Glenwood Springs team.

James began his legal career as a public defender in El Paso County (Colorado Springs) where he handled thousands of criminal cases as a senior deputy public defender, a news release states. He took every level of criminal case to trial as a public defender and relishes the challenges that come when handling complex criminal cases.

Later, James took some time away from the law and hiked through the Appalachian Trail before spending the past winter chasing powder through the American West and Canada, the release states. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine School of Law in 2016, earning awards for his pro bono service and winning the school’s trial advocacy competition.

James will be based out of Kalamaya | Goscha’s office in Glenwood Springs.

(Compiled from the Post Independent online calendar submissions.)

• St. John’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Main St., New Castle, 8 a.m.
• Faith Lutheran Church, 1340 Highway 133, Carbondale, Easter Sunrise Service at 8 a.m., brunch at 9 and Easter Festival service at 10:30 a.m.
• New Creation Church, Highway 6, Canyon Creek, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1630 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, 9 a.m.
• Flat Tops Cowboy Church, 289 First Street, Silt, 10 a.m.
• First Presbyterian Church, 1016 Cooper Ave., Glenwood Springs, 10 a.m. followed by Easter egg hunt at 11.
• St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 546 Hyland Park Drive, Glenwood Springs, 10 a.m.
• First United Methodist Church, 824 Cooper Ave., Glenwood Springs, 10 a.m.
• Mountain View Church, 2195 County Road 154, Glenwood Springs, 10:15 a.m.
• Carbondale Community United Methodist Church, 385 S. Second St., Carbondale, 10:30 a.m.

Families who will have kindergarten-age children in the Roaring Fork School District come August can begin registering in March and April.

This applies to district elementary schools in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Basalt, and the district charter schools.

The registration process for the 2022-23 school year can be completed online starting March 7, or in person at the five elementary schools on April 15, a district news release states.

To register online, parents can access a registration link on the district website, and online registration can be completed between March 7 and April 15.

To register in person, parents can go to the school in which they plan to enroll their student (see attendance area map here) between 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on registration day, April 15.

“Children must be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2022 to enroll in kindergarten for next school year,” the release states. “Full- and half-day kindergarten is offered at no cost to parents.” Parents will be asked to submit a copy of their child’s birth certificate and immunization records at registration or prior to their child’s first day of school in fall 2022, the release states. The registration process will include completing forms for the upcoming school year.

Following is a list of the district’s elementary schools:

Glenwood Springs: Sopris Elementary, Glenwood Springs Elementary, Riverview (PK-8) and Two Rivers Community School (K-8 charter)

Carbondale: Crystal River Elementary and Carbondale Community School (K-8 charter)

Basalt: Basalt Elementary

Starting in March, schools will also offer tours where parents can learn about the school and the kindergarten registration process, the release also states. For more information, call the school directly.

Recordings are also to be posted on the school websites as a virtual opportunity for families to learn about each school.

Carbondale Community School, Two Rivers Community School and other local charter schools have a separate application process and visitation opportunities. Parents must apply for admission by April 1. More information can be found here [https://spark.adobe.com/page/tDsWp6hD75IcF/].

The U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Eagle Valley Land Trust are hosting three in-person open house sessions in the coming weeks to collect initial public input on the future management of Sweetwater Lake and surrounding area.

The land trust is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to manage the area, which was acquired in 2021 by the Forest Service through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

According to a news release, the initial public input opportunities will help the Sweetwater planning team in the development of a long-term management plan for the area. There will be other public input sessions once the formal planning effort begins.

Feedback at these initial meetings will be collected via comment cards and a community survey. For more information about the community open houses, email Bergen Tjossem at bergen@evlt.org.

Here’s the meeting schedule:

• Jan. 25 from 4-7 p.m. at the Sweetwater Community Club, 0600 Sweetwater Road.
• Feb. 2 from 4-7 p.m. at the Gypsum Recreation Center Community Room 52, Lundgren Blvd., Gypsum
• Feb. 9 from 4-7 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library Community Room, 815 Cooper Ave., Glenwood Springs.

Stress, stress everywhere: holidays, holiday travel, family, finances, COVID-19, politics, not enough snow, poor road conditions, days are too short, and the list goes on. We often feel that we are surrounded by stressors. Some are self-imposed, and others are not, but the bottom line is that this can be a challenging time of year. Now is when I especially appreciate my pet companions. They are always happy to see me no matter how stressful my day. The wag, the wet nose, the lick, the snuggle tells me I am loved and valued. It brings a smile even on the most difficult days.

Mental health experts recognize that the holidays can be a stressful time. An estimated 75% of Americans have concerns during this holiday season. Underlying these concerns, 37% worry about being able to afford the holiday expenses with travel, gifts and other holiday associated costs; 30% are concerned about getting sick from COVID-19 or spreading it; 23% are concerned with getting along with loved ones; and 21% are worried about loneliness.

Owning a pet is no guarantee that you won’t experience any stresses, but there is evidence that pet companionship provides positive benefits. Surveys estimate 98% of pet owners consider their pet to be a family member. In addition, 74% of pet owners attribute improved mental health to pet companionship, while 75% see improvements in family or friends with pets in their lives. This pet ownership benefit is thought to be the result of increases in secretions like oxytocin that contribute to reduction of feelings like fear and anxiety and promote positive social interactions. Pets provide a feeling of security and daily routine that contributes emotional support. They also facilitate more social interactions that help in forming friendships.

In practical terms, benefits of pet companionship results in an estimated $11.7 billion in human health care savings. These benefits include positive impacts on the ability to respond to infections, maintain healthy blood pressure, manage stress, reduce cardiovascular disease, improve weight management and lessen psychological issues. Overall, pet owners have fewer visits to physicians compared with those who don’t own pets.

It is clear that pet companionship provides a valuable contribution to our health, and they aid us in coping with holiday stress. However, pet ownership is a serious responsibility. Pets require daily care with fresh food and water, exercise and regular medical care.

Like us, pets are also affected by holiday stresses. While our pets help us to cope with stress, they need our help to manage their own response to stresses. As much as possible, keep their daily routines the same. Provide a space in the home where the pet feels safe when company comes for the holidays. Be cautious about feeding unusual foods or too many table scraps, especially ones that have been sitting out for long periods or are under-cooked. Make the home safe from hazards like small ornaments that can be swallowed and cause digestive problems or electrical cords that can be chewed. Avoid access to items like chocolate that can cause toxicities or products with marijuana that pets can be sensitive to.

If your pet is having problems with anxiety, fear or other issues, there are a variety of ways to help using herbs, anti-anxiety nutraceutical products, Bach flower remedies, pheromones and anti-anxiety medications. It is always best to have your veterinarian evaluate your pet to make sure that there are no physical issues like pain from osteoarthritis contributing to the anxiety. For severe anxiety or other behavior concerns, consultation with a behavior specialist may be necessary.

Take time to celebrate the role that pet companions play in our lives and the positive contributions that they make. Recognize that they are individuals with physical and emotional needs that should be addressed during these stress inducing times. Spend a few moments every day with your special companion. It will help them, and it will help you.

Ron Carsten, DVM, PhD, CVA, CCRT was one of the first veterinarians in Colorado to use the integrative approach, has lectured widely to veterinarians, and has been a pioneer in the therapeutic use of food concentrates to manage clinical problems. He is also the founder of Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE). In addition to his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, he holds a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. He practices integrative veterinary medicine in Glenwood Springs.

The city of Glenwood Springs will have modified facility schedules and closures on certain days during the holiday week and into early January and including the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Emergency services will remain available during these times, a city news release states.

The following winter holiday closures will be in effect:

City Hall (including Police Records, Administrative Offices and Municipal Court)

Closed Dec. 23 and 24 and Jan. 3 and 17

Regular business hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Community Center

Closed Dec. 24 and 25, and open with modified hours Friday, Dec. 31, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; open with regular hours Saturday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

South Canyon Landfill

Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

Recycle Center

Closed Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1

For questions about City Hall, contact Public Information Officer Bryana Starbuck at 970-384-6441 or bryana.starbuck@cogs.us. For questions about the Community Center, contact the front desk at 970-384-6301. For questions about the landfill or the Recycling Center, contact Landfill Manager Liz Mauro at 970-384-5375 or elizabeth.mauro@cogs.us.

Winter holiday closures for Garfield County

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Thursday and Friday, Dec. 23 and 24, and again on Monday, Jan. 3, for the winter holidays, a county news release states.

Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed.

The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing airport assistance can call 970-230-1685.

The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 23-25, and reopens on Monday. It will again be closed on Saturday, Jan. 1, and reopen on Monday, Jan. 3, the release states.

Be advised that other local, state and federal government offices in Garfield County will have reduced hours and be closed on holidays.

All Garfield County government offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving, the county said in a news release.

The Sheriff’s Office and other emergency functions will continue, but administrative offices will be closed.

The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance can call 970-230-1685.

The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is also closed Thursday and Friday, and reopens on Saturday, the release states.

In addition, Glenwood Springs city administrative offices and non-emergency services will be closed to the public on Thursday only.

On Friday, the Community Center will be open with modified hours, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and the South Canyon Landfill will be open with regular hours, 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Each facility will resume regular business hours on Monday, according to a city news release.

Other local, state and federal government administrative operations are also closed on Thursday and some may be closed or have limited hours on Friday. Check ahead of time.

In Ben Kirk’s fondest memory of Peyton Garrison, she’s chugging pickle juice.

Garrison had just won her first state championship title in the 100-meter dash, the race she was most concerned about entering the state championship meet in Lakewood in June. After the podium photo, Kirk expected to meet her — and a celebration — at base camp. Instead, she was slamming a half a jar of pickle juice, getting mentally and physically prepared for her next race, the 400 meters — which she also won.

“She didn’t want to take about the 100,” the Coal Ridge athletic director and track and field coach remembers. “She was just ready for the next thing. That’s always her. She never focuses on, ‘I’ve done this.’ It’s just, ‘What’s the next thing I can accomplish?’”

As it turned out, there were a lot of next things for Garrison to accomplish. She’s a two-time all-conference runner and one-time all-conference volleyball player. She won four state championship events.

For Coal Ridge, Garrison accomplished several firsts. She led track and field to its first team championship. She was, as far as Kirk could tell, the school’s first statewide Athlete of the Year.

On Tuesday, yet another accomplishment blazed another trail for her fellow Titans — signing a letter of intent on a Division I full-ride athletic scholarship to Montana State University. Never before had a Titan had their full college tuition paid for by an athletics scholarship, according to Kirk.

Broaching yet another frontier, however, has still not changed Garrison’s mindset.

“It’s exciting,” Garrison said. “I don’t let myself get ahead of myself knowing, ‘OK, I did that, but I know I can do more.’ I’m not going to let that limit myself.”

It’s a mentality that propelled Garrison to being the top running collegiate prospect in the state, as some coaches told Kirk. Early on, Kirk saw what he had in Garrison and pushed the envelope. He ran her with the boys in practice. He tasked her with competing in extra events throughout the season just to better prepare her for state competitions.

Whatever he threw at her, she grinned and rose to the challenge.

“Most kids, if I put them in that kind of situation, they would either complain about it or they wouldn’t run them at the highest level,” Kirk said. “It was just typical Peyton. She’s like, ‘Love it, let’s do it.’”

Even in her other sports of volleyball and basketball (she’s not playing this year), the work ethic bleeds in. She secured an all-conference volleyball spot as the team’s outside hitter this season as the Titans made a late push to reach the regional round of the playoffs.

“There’s always a desire to be better at what she does,” Coal Ridge volleyball head coach Aimee Gerber said. “I’ve never seen her not get along with her teammates. I’ve also always been impressed with … she has this special gift that not everyone gets with her running ability, and she’s very humble about it and grateful for it and just an overall hard worker.”

After compounding on an obvious talent early on to turn into a state champion, the college calls started coming. Colorado Mesa University, Colorado State University, University of Wyoming and others picked up the phone.

But after a trip to Bozeman a week before signing plus a full-tuition scholarship, the temptation to become a Bobcat was too strong to pass up. Garrison will not only continue her running career but will also get to study equine science at no expense.

“Them being very well in agriculture was a big piece in the decision for me to go there,” Garrison said. “Their offer was a big part. also. and them giving me a full-ride was a big part. also. I was like, ‘100%. I’ll take that.’”

The letter of intent may be signed, but there’s still work to be done before the Titans see Garrison off to Bozeman. There’s another track season to try to claim more medals.

Earning a full-ride scholarship would be a sense of accomplishment enough, maybe even prompt a tactical business decision to take the foot off the gas in the senior season for some. But that wouldn’t be ‘Peyton-like,’ as Kirk calls it.

“It makes me almost want to work harder to get those times I want,” Garrison said. “OK, I signed, but I still have goals and achievements that I still need to make.

“Winning state again is what I want.”

Christmas tree cutting permits for the White River National Forest are now available online [www.recreation.gov] and from local ranger district offices and local vendors.

Permits cost $10, with an additional $2.50 fee for online purchases. Trees are to be for personal use, with a limit of five permits per person.

Full details can also be found online [www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver], including vendor locations and the rules and regulations for Christmas tree cutting.

“Cutting your own Christmas tree is a great way to connect with the forest and create memories with your family,” White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams said in a news release.

Tree thinning can also help improve the forest ecosystem, he said.

“Cutting a Christmas tree can help improve forest health by thinning densely populated stands of small-diameter trees, which helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide food for wildlife,” Fitzwilliams said.

In addition, families with current fourth grade students are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid Outdoors program online and at Forest Service offices by presenting a valid pass or paper voucher printed from the Every Kid Outdoors website [everykidoutdoors.gov/].

Forest officials advise that many forest roads close prior to or on Nov. 23. Road closures and maps of available areas for tree cutting that are accessible can also be found on the main White River National Forest website.