Ear to the ground:

“It must have been awkward for George to be in an elevator with such a handsome man.”
– Response to hearing a friend’s tale of sharing an elevator with Hollywood hottie George Clooney.

Local hands help fund Nepal recovery

Durangoans came together after the devastating April 25 earthquake in Nepal to support rebuilding efforts by raising a total of $35,000.

“A Night for Nepal,” when many local restaurants donated a percentage of their proceeds to the Karma & Jyamu Bhotia Foundation, spearheaded by locals Karma and Jyamu Bhotia, netted $15,000.

A second event, held at the Durango Arts Center, with auctions and a screening of “Good Karma,” a documentary of Karma Bhotia’s 2014 return to Nepal, raised $20,000 for the Bhotia Foundation and earthquake relief.

The events have already provided building materials for 61 semi-permanent dwellings, as well as 10 toilets and new water lines for victims in Khare, located northeast of Kathmandu. 

The village of Khare lies in a steep, narrow valley of the Himalayas and was completely destroyed by the quake.

The building materials and supplies were transported to the remote village via a 9-hour busride and 12 hours on foot. The temporary structures provide welcome shelter from the upcoming monsoon season.  

For more information or to donate to the foundation visit www.bhotiafounda tion.org.

Open for business

Riders get ready for something new - Trails 2000 is hosting the official opening of the Chapman Flow Trail from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 25. Built by volunteers and Trails 2000 employees, the 2,100-foot-long trail took a little over two years of planning and a month of construction before becoming a reality.

Anyone looking to enjoy the latest addition to Durango’s network can take a commuter trail to get to the new Flow Trail, which begins halfway up Chapman Hill, and trail guides will be on hand to help riders find their way.

Marked by its smooth singletrack, big berms, and jumps, the trail is touted as a fun, fast downhill track.

One unique feature is that riders can choose their own adventure. At the bottom the trail splits, allowing beginners to finish near the front doors of the Chapman Hill Ice Rink. The other route heads behind the rink and spits out the more experienced riders next to the nearby Lion’s Den trailhead. 

For more information visit www.trails2000.org.