Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Morning Surprise

Recently I have hesitated to hop on my bicycle to ride to work in the mornings. Here's why: black bears. I ride to work when it's still dark outside, at 5AM. On two different occasions I nearly ran into a bear. One of those near run-in's happened this morning, when a small furry creature crossed Mill Street in front of my cycle, near the Aspen Brewing Company. I yelled, "Hip, hip, move outta the way!" The bear went jogging, afraid of what this human on two wheels might do. I was told recently by a Colorado Division of Wildlife official that we Aspen residents are right in the middle of some of the best berry territory in Colorado. But the bears have gone beyond the berries to forage for leftover dinners and wrappers in unsecured trash cans. Homes have been broken into, messes have been made and one person was injured. The bears are a nuisance but we are in their territory and witnessing a bear running across a two-lane street shouldn't be too big of a surprise.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

No Small Feat for Small Businesses

The local businesses that operate in the City of Aspen may have greater challenges than stores in other cities. According to officials at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, rents can cost upwards of $30,000/month in the downtown core. High rents combined with worker shortages and high worker wages can make keeping the doors open, a difficult task. I've profiled two businesses that have been operating for more than 3 decades and the message remains the same: high rents equal tough times. Ute Mountaineer owner Bob Wade says "nationals" or commercial companies, tend to drive up the rent because they can afford the initial price landlords offer. Sandy's Office Supply owner Mike Husaluk says his store is on the brink of owning its building, which will take a heavy weight off Husaluk's shoulders. When asked about paying workers, he said he had never offered minimum wage because that's not enough. The high cost of living requires higher hourly wages. The challenges businesses in Aspen face did not start with this latest recession, they are everyday issues that keep business owners on their feet.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

High Profile in the High Country

One of the hottest athletes in the world right now, lives in the same neighborhood where I work. Cyclist and 7-time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong moved to Aspen last year and since then, has created quite a stir locally. Mayor Mick Ireland suggested creating a "Lance Armstrong Livestrong Day," and Armstrong has participated in some local bike races including last weekend's Blast the Mass in Snowmass Village. I find myself looking for Armstrong on the streets of Aspen and reading articles about upcoming races he plans on participating in. I know I'm not alone. The extremely accomplished athlete has seemed to spark an energy in town, unlike most other celebrities who move here. It's likely due to the high concentration of local bicyclists and their love of the sport. I know when I hop on my mountain bike and speed down the single track, I'm practically mimicking Lance...okay, not even close but I will cheer him on at the Leadville 100 this weekend as a hometown guy.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Swine Flu Back on the Scene

As if there isn't enough to worry about for folks living in the United States right now, another issue is re-emerging after what seems like, a multiple-month hiatus. The Swine Flu, or H1N1 flu virus, is back in the headlines as counties, like Pitkin, prepare to get and give vaccinations. Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are concerned the new H1N1 flu virus could result in a particularly severe flu season this year. The CDC is working on and testing an H1N1 vaccine now, and the Center hopes to distribute doses of it nationwide later this Fall. In Pitkin County, health officials believe the vaccine will be available to citizens by mid-October but they don't know how much.