‘Black History Live: Maya Angelou,’ comes to CMC Spring Valley, Rifle

February 11, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

Becky Stone as Maya Angelou. Photo Amelia Fletcher

Colorado Mountain College will present “Black History Live: Maya Angelou,” a one-woman performance by Becky Stone in partnership with Colorado Humanities, at CMC Spring Valley Feb. 26 and CMC Rifle Feb. 27.

Come “meet” the late, great writer Maya Angelou, whose voice indelibly changed American culture and literature, in this chautauqua performance. Sponsored by Colorado Humanities and Colorado Mountain College, this chautauqua brings history alive with Stone’s dynamic rendition of Angelou.

This portrayal of the poet and writer is appropriate for all ages and will showcase why her words have become a voice of conscience for the entire nation. In addition to her best-known book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Angelou published numerous books of poetry, essays and memoirs.

“Black History Live: Maya Angelou” will take place Feb. 26 at the New Space Theatre, Calaway Academic Building, CMC Spring Valley, 3000 County Road 114, Glenwood Springs; and Feb. 27 at the Clough Auditorium, CMC Rifle, 3695 Airport Road. Both performances will run from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and the public is invited and encouraged to attend.

For more information about the Spring Valley performance, contact Adrian Fielder at 947-8246 or afielder@coloradomtn.edu. For the Rifle performance, contact Tinker Duclo at 625-6926 or tduclo@coloradomtn.edu. Visit coloradohumanities.org for more information.

Outdoor Students Dig Into Ice Climbing

February 7, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

Ice Climbing Course Introduces Students to Four-seasons of Climbing

Outdoor Recreation Leadership students spend three days on frozen falls in Leadville

photo: CMC Leadville Outdoor Recreation Leadership students in a Leadville Ice Climbing course.

Photo: Kristen Collins

Does hanging onto a wall of sheer ice while suspended 30+ feet over a mountainside sound like fun? If so, you just might belong at an adventure college. Outdoor students at Colorado Mountain College Leadville got an introduction into the world of ice climbing during a 3-day course last month. The class was taught by Dalton Reed and Thomas Davis (Kip), experienced climbers and outdoor instructors.

Ice Climbing 101

“The first day began with some gear logistics, belay practice, and introductory climbing at Chalk Falls,” says Kristen Collins, a 24-year-old Outdoor Recreation Leadership student at Colorado Mountain College, “The second and third day were spent at the Firehouse walls in Vail working on technique and more challenging climbs. The approach was steep but the natural beauty and glissade made it worth it.”

Though Kristen enjoys rock climbing, this was her first time trying its winter counterpart. The experienced outdoor instructors helped her learn new skills and build confidence.

“Kip and Dalton knew exactly how to help us improve our technique no matter what climbing experience we had,” said Kristen, who is originally from Parker, CO, “Trusting the crampons was definitely the biggest challenge because in order to engage them you have to defy your instincts. You have to drop your heels away from the wall and rely on small spikes to hold you so it’s truly a struggle of mind over matter.”

Climbing a Waterfall

Ice climbers endure rigorous physical activity, overcome mental obstacles, and experience breathtaking scenery in a supportive, communal setting.

“The greatest reward was my final climb of the course,” says Kristen, “The day before I had attempted this climb I could hardly get my feet on the wall. The next day I tucked a picture of my G’dad, who passed away 4 months ago, into my pocket and conquered that climb. I stood at the top thinking “I just climbed a waterfall with my G’dad!” It was really emotional and fulfilling.”

Perks of an #AdventureCollege

Thanks to hands-on training and incredible networking opportunities, outdoor students at Colorado Mountain College are prepared for successful careers. Many students become professional guides, wilderness instructors, or outdoor recreation business owners.

“We get to know our classmates over campfires and in ice caves,” says Kristen, “We get to know ourselves mustering up the courage to rappel into a canyon. The teachers and their experience are out of this world and truly care about each of us succeeding.”

Being a woman building a career in the outdoor industry comes with its challenges, but the community is supportive and encouraging. The outdoor industry is growing and changing, and CMC’s Outdoor Recreation Leadership students are guiding that progress.

“If it kind of scares you then you should absolutely pursue it,” says Kristen, “The most growth comes from opportunities just beyond your comfort zone and you are worth the risk. Don’t wait for it to happen, make it happen.”

Build a future in the outdoor industry with an Outdoor Recreation Leadership degree.

Dallas Capozza, Class of 2018

January 24, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

Engineering Graduate Lands NASA Job

Capozza programs fire detection and suppression systems for space station’s moon orbit

Dallas Capozza

Why did you choose to attend Colorado Mountain College?

I wanted to find a community college in Colorado that assisted with living. It turned out Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs had that as well as my major! (I started out going for physics and then switched to engineering.)

Who was your favorite professor at CMC? Why?

I couldn’t chose a favorite. I am so grateful for Steve Craig, Paul McCudden, and Joyce Treulieb. All three of those professors had my back and pushed me to my success. Joyce helped me understand math, Steve inspired me to go into engineering, and if it wasn’t for Paul I never would have made it to NASA.

Where do you currently work? How has CMC prepared you for life after college?

I currently work at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston Texas. I work in the Crew and Thermal Systems Division in the Life Support Systems branch. I am writing the code for an autonomous fire detection and suppression system. This will be used for the space station called Gateway that is going to orbit the moon. CMC has helped me with a better work ethic ( I worked three jobs as an RA and two work study jobs) as well as a better school ethic for going to get my bachelor’s degree.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering your major?

Get involved in anything and everything! Colorado Mountain College was the most involved school I have ever attended, which made it my absolute favorite. Going to school there didn’t feel like a chore or a bummer. Being involved made it exciting to wake up and go to class every day.

Avalanche Science: Continued Education for Ski Patrol Professionals

January 21, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

Eric McCue poses for a shot while skiing. He is a member of Beaver Creek Ski Patrol and an Avalanche Science student at Colorado Mountain College. Photo: Brendan McCue

Ski patrollers are the stewards of the mountain. On a daily basis, patrollers wear a multitude of different hats—from responding to medical issues and maintaining terrain closures to marking hazards and avalanche mitigation. They go to great lengths to keep the mountain a beautiful and safe place for guests to enjoy and their pride and passion is palpable.

Eric McCue is a member of Beaver Creek Ski Patrol and an Avalanche Science student at Colorado Mountain College. PC: Brendan McCue

Three years ago Eric McCue walked away from seventeen years of restaurant experience to pursue his passion in snow safety. He joined the esteemed Beaver Creek Ski Patrol and hit the ground running, eager to learn as much about the industry as possible. When he discovered the Avalanche Science program at Colorado Mountain College, he knew the curriculum and experience would help him navigate this new career path.

Riding in the Front Seat of the Industry

The Avalanche Science program at Colorado Mountain College Leadville is changing the way the industry trains and prepares avalanche professionals. The curriculum was developed by industry experts through a partnership with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

“I am learning the most current and pertinent knowledge as it happens,” says Eric, who will complete the program in spring of 2020, “and I am able to take that right onto the hill. Rather than chasing the industry, I am riding in the front seat.”

The snow industry is quickly growing and changing. Snow science is evolving and the demand for public knowledge and education are at an all-time high. Ski companies are some of the largest corporations on the planet. Education, organization, documentation, and communication are all necessary components of the new industry.

Eric McCue, a member of Beaver Creek Ski Patrol and an Avalanche Science student at Colorado Mountain College, during one of the one site class sessions in Leadville, CO.

PC: Brendan McCue

Students benefit from the collective expertise and experience of instructors from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), U.S. Forest Service, and Colorado Mountain College.

“The faculty are some of the most respected individuals in their fields,” says Eric, “I get to work side-by-side with one of the leading avalanche forecasting centers in the world. My instructors literally wrote the books on snow study and snowpack assessment.”

Flexible Schedule for Working Professionals

The hybrid curriculum is designed for working professionals to succeed without putting their careers on hold. Course work is completed online with three intensive on-campus sessions each year.

“I could not do this if it were not for the hybrid program,” says Eric, “If there had been more programs like this throughout my life I may have pursued further education after high school. Being able to log in a few hours a week from anywhere and turn in some deliverables at your own pace is awesome!”

Eric McCue, Ski Patrol for Beaver Creek and Avalanche Science student at Colorado Mountain College, poses for a photo in a snowpit.

PC: Brendan McCue

The CMC Avalanche Science program delivers in-depth knowledge and experiential learning over two winter-seasons. Students acquire professional exposure while earning a Snow, Weather & Avalanche Field Technician certificate from Colorado Mountain College.

“When I moved to Colorado, I was distracted by the mountains,” says Eric, “Now I am a ‘third year rookie’ for Beaver Creek Ski Patrol. This job asks so much of us but it’s all for the noble cause of loving our mountain. It’s the least I can do for all the things the mountain does for me.”

Sopris Theatre Company brings ‘The Other Place’ to Aspen Feb. 1

January 7, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

Photo: From left, Kelly Ketzenbarger as Juliana, Mike Monroney as Ian and Brittany Bays as The Woman will bring “The Other Place” to the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen Feb. 1. Photo Scot Gerdes

From left, Kelly Ketzenbarger as Juliana, Mike Monroney as Ian and Brittany Bays as The Woman will bring “The Other Place” to the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen Feb. 1. Photo Scot Gerdes

Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College will present an encore performance of its award-winning production of “The Other Place” at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen on Feb. 1. The performance is a fundraiser to take the show to a national community theater competition.

Sopris Theatre Company brought home five awards, including Best Production, when they performed the 80-minute, one-act play at the Colorado Community Theatre Coalition’s 2018 Colorado Theatre Festival last summer. They also received awards for Best Director, Best Actress, Best Set Design and Excellence in Theatre: Supporting Actor.

Proceeds from the Wheeler performance will help cover the company’s expenses when they take the play to compete in the American Association of Community Theatre’s national competition in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in June.

Audience members in Aspen will experience the process of competitive theater as actors and company members set up their own staging, perform the play and break down the entire set – all within the 80 minutes allotted.

The play, written by Sharr White, is a story of contradictory evidence, blurred truth and fragmented memories on the shores of Cape Cod.

The list of notable actors in the production includes Mike Monroney, who has performed and written at the Crystal Palace, and acted and directed with Shakespeare in the Park, Theatre Aspen, Aspen Community Theatre, Aspen Fringe Festival and the Thunder River Theatre Company, as well as Colorado actresses Kelly Ketzenbarger and Brittany Bays.

An interactive reception for donors featuring CMC theater students will begin at 5:30 p.m. Curtain is 7 p.m. The Aspen performance of “The Other Place” is being generously underwritten by U.S. Bank.

Admission for the reception and reserved seating reception is $100. General admission for the performance only is $20. Tickets for “The Other Place” are available through aspenshowtix.com.

The Wheeler Opera House is at 320 E. Hyman Ave. in Aspen. For more information, contact Jeanne Golay at the CMC Foundation at 970-947-8304 or jgolay@coloradomtn.edu.

Colorado AVITalks: 2 Days of Avalanche Safety Education and Training in Salida, CO

January 3, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

Colorado AVITalks: Avalanche Safety Education & Training in Salida

Colorado Mountain College’s Avalanche Science program has partnered with Monarch Ski Area and CO AVITalks to provide two days of Avalanche Safety Education and Skills on January 11 and 12, 2019. This year’s event series is a combination of 2 field days with Colorado Mountain College workshops, Monarch Mountain’s Backcountry Day and an evening social event. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and their efforts to support avalanche forecasting and education throughout Colorado.

“It’s wonderful to provide backcountry users some real information that they can use,” says Roger Coit, Avalanche Science faculty at Colorado Mountain College, “We provide a great model for recreational safety practices and trip planning tools that students can use to make sound decisions for the rest of their backcountry career.”

Friday, January 11th, 8:30AM – 5:30PM

Colorado Mountain College/ AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course with Avalanche Science instructors Roger Coit and Katie MacKnight. The workshop will meet at the Salida High School Kesner Building at 8:30AM and will include a full-day of field work on Monarch Pass.

The cost is 1 credit + $70 course fee. To register visit coloradomtn.edu/registering-information. For more information call 719-486-4292.

Saturday, January 12th, 7AM – 4PM

Monarch Mountain’s Backcountry Day is part of the NSAA January Safety month and holds different activities each year. This year’s activities include the Know Before You Go (KBYG) program, backcountry equipment demos, Dawn Patrol – a skin up/ski down with ski patrol, as well as free workshops on beacon practice, backcountry touring, snowpits and an avi dog presentation.

Saturday, January 12th, 7 -10PM

CO AVITalks will provide an evening educational and networking social event at “A Church” in Salida from 7-10PM with a very special guest speaker, silent auction, giveaways, vendor tables, as well as music, ski videos, and local beverages provided by Soulcraft Brewing.

Uphill Traffic Gaining Traction

Backcountry winter recreation is one of the fastest growing segments of the outdoor industry. According to SnowSports Industries America (SIA), approximately 7 million skiers, riders and snowshoers broke trail through America’s backcountry in the 2016/2017 winter season—a 15% increase from the previous season.

“We are seeing more and more young adults traveling in the backcountry and asking questions about backcountry safety,” says Zach Moore, Director of Ski Patrol at Monarch Mountain.

With the increase of people earning their turns, avalanche education is becoming a critical resource for backcountry users. Colorado Mountain College provides a variety of avalanche safety courses, for recreational and professional applications. Courses typically cost between $200 – $600, and provide vital information to allow someone to travel and explore the backcountry in a safer manner. CMC courses tend to be reasonably priced, especially for residents of CMC’s service area.