Author - The Durango Herald

S.W. Colorado’s beauty is more than skin deep

Eleven years ago, wildfire scarred Missionary Ridge and the effects can still be seen. We continually face challenges of extreme weather, pollution, population growth and more. While these c...

DATE: Nov 30, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Tampering with the charitable deduction is a dangerous game

As lawmakers in Washington, D.C., work to reform America’s tax code and address our fiscal crisis, America’s charitable sector faces an urgent threat. Congress is considering limits on the c...

DATE: Nov 30, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Aging and disabilities services unite for community living

Before she died at age 96 last spring, my grandmother used to tell me, “I didn’t mean to get this old.” My response usually was, “And there’s nothing either of us can do about it.” ...

DATE: Nov 16, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

To discover new ideas, be adaptive to change

When you think of innovation, you probably think about slick technology with cutting-edge features. Innovation is exciting and sexy and always seems to be associated with a celebrity genius ...

DATE: Oct 26, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

La Plata County collaborates to ensure residents’ health

Many of you may not be aware that there exists a dedicated group of people in our community working to meet the health-care needs of our residents. The Citizens’ Health Advisory Council (CHA...

DATE: Oct 19, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Durangoan challenges Disney over disability access program

In a move that began Wednesday, Disneyland will be changing the way it accommodates visitors with disabilities. The change has sparked much debate and spurred a local Durango resident to tak...

DATE: Oct 12, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Work together and adapt to changes in health care

Last week at the La Plata Health Summit, Dr. Jay Want said it well when he said, “Health care is at a point of massive change.” He went on to suggest that no matter where people are on the p...

DATE: Sep 28, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

New suicide-prevention resource available for men

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 1,053 Coloradans committed suicide in 2012. This number calculates to a rate of 19.7 for every 100,000 people, a jump i...

DATE: Sep 21, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Direct Support Professional Week celebrated by Colo.

The State of Colorado recently issued a proclamation recognizing the week of Sept. 8-14 as National Direct Service Professional Recognition week. Yet many people wonder, who are these Direct...

DATE: Sep 7, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Good oral health important to everyone, especially kids

My daughter’s proud, beautiful smile yesterday brought a wave of relief. She had just returned from the dentist, who had given the ‘thumbs up.’ No cavities. Great job brushing. Between brace...

DATE: Aug 31, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Does physical activity affect people’s mental well-being?

How many times have you heard that physical activity is something we “ought to do” to avoid developing health problems such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes? Do you th...

DATE: Aug 24, 2013 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

United Way’s first Radiothon an unintentional fundraiser

By the time you read this, the 2013 San Juan Brewfest will hopefully be a pleasant memory and a huge success. Thanks to our title sponsor, Chevron, and all other sponsors, breweries, volunte...