Library corner: The US women pioneers and trailblazers in NASA and space

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is essential to recognize the remarkable achievements of women who have ventured beyond our planet. Among these trailblazers are the women astronauts who defied gravity, shattered glass ceilings as they were literally launched into the stars of the universe and expanded our understanding of the cosmos.

The era of women in space began on June 16, 1963, when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina V. Tereshkova launched aboard the Vostok 6 spacecraft for a three-day mission, becoming the first woman to orbit Earth. She actually orbited earth 48 times. Her courage and determination paved the way for future generations of female astronauts around the world.

Back in the United States, Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician and physicist, played a pivotal role in NASA’s early space missions. Her precise calculations ensured the success of missions like John Glenn’s orbital flight and the Apollo moon landings. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, Johnson’s determination and intellect broke down barriers. 

Check out the book and the DVD “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly, which immortalized her story along with Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson.

Nearly 20 years passed before another woman flew into space. In January of 1978, NASA announced the selection of 35 new astronauts, including six women, for the space shuttle program. These women —Sally Ride, Judith A. Resnik, Anna L. Fisher, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Shannon W. Lucid, and Rhea Seddon —made history by challenging stereotypes and proving that space exploration was not limited by gender. They conducted experiments, repaired satellites and inspired countless young girls to reach for the stars.

Read the rave reviewed “The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts” by Loren Grush, published in 2023.

In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison soared into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, becoming the first African American woman to do so. An accomplished physician, engineer and dancer, Jemison exemplified the spirit of exploration.

Dr. Peggy Whitson holds the record for the longest cumulative time spent in space by an American. Her multiple missions aboard the International Space Station, also known as the ISS, demonstrate resilience, adaptability and scientific curiosity. 

In 2019, Christina H. Koch and Jessica Meir made history during the first all-female spacewalk. Their collaborative efforts outside the ISS symbolized progress and unity. As they floated in the vacuum of space, they carried the hopes of countless women who dream of exploring the cosmos. 

Celebrate these extraordinary women who defied norms, challenged stereotypes and expanded our cosmic horizons. Whether through engineering, scientific research or space exploration, they continue to inspire us all.

Visit the Grand County Library District’s catalog at GCLD.org to explore more resources about these remarkable women and their journeys. Let their stories ignite curiosity and propel us toward a future where the stars are within reach.

Grand Kids Learning Center hosts ribbon cutting at the new Granby location

Executive director of Grand Kids Learning Center, Ashley Bobo, led the ribbon cutting at the new Grand Kids Learning Center in Granby. “We are so happy to have gotten here,” Bobo said.
Emily Gutierrez/Sky-Hi News
Since the closure of Little Sprouts Learning Center in October, the Grand Beginnings staff have been working on getting licensure, remodeling the building and hiring staff for classrooms. In the classrooms, children are learning and being prepared to enter kindergarten.
Emily Gutierrez/Sky-Hi News
Grand Kids staff spoke at the ribbon cutting and thanked all of their supporters in getting the childcare center open. The pictured banner also features a new logo which shows the center’s mission of expanding childcare across Grand County.
Emily Gutierrez/Sky-Hi News
As classrooms are opening, Ashley Bobo says that more families on wait lists will be getting calls about enrollment. While this location isn’t offering infant care yet, Bobo says that hopefully this year the Granby child care center will be able to offer infant care.
Emily Gutierrez/Sky-Hi News

Grand History: This week marks the 75th anniversary of the California Zephyr’s inaugural stop in Granby

During this week in 1949 the first California Zephyr train made its inaugural stop in Grand County. This highly anticipated train was marketed as a scenic cruise through the Rockies, and with its sleek design and fast speeds the steel train became a modern marvel on the railways.

The first California Zephyr passenger train began operations March 20, 1949. The eastbound train left from Oakland, California, while the westbound train left from Chicago, Illinois. Both trains would travel through Granby for the first time the next day, March 21, 1949, according to Amtrak which now operates the train.

The last run of the original California Zephyr departed just 20 years later March 20, 1969. March 21 marks the anniversary of both the first and final stop in Grand County of the original California Zephyr, according to Bob Johnston, a correspondent at Trains Magazine.

The California Zephyr was once advertised as “the most talked about train in the country” and was nicknamed the Silver Lady.

The original operators of the train were the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad; Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad; and Western Pacific Railroad. It traveled from Chicago through Denver, Salt Lake City, Oakland and San Francisco. The groups worked together from 1949 until 1970.

The California Zephyr was a passenger train, meaning it transported people rather than goods. According to old advertisements, guests were pampered with amenities like air conditioning, radio and other entertainment.

Advertisement by Denver and Rio Grande Railroads published on Dec. 10, 1948.
Sky-Hi News Archive

The train was famous for its scenic train cars called vista domes. The vista domes allowed passengers to view some of the most picturesque scenery in the country while traveling. Some of the landmarks that can be seen along the route include the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Pamphlets advertising the California Zephyr’s vista domes dated from 1949, confirmed that the train passed through Winter Park, Granby and Hot Sulphur Springs during its route, according to Tom Whitt of the Burlington Route Historical Society. Granby is approximately 1,114 miles from Chicago and 1,423 miles from San Francisco by train.

In addition to being a comfortable ride for passengers, the distinctive art deco design of the California Zephyr in its early existence made it an aesthetic attraction. The sleek silver exterior was juxtaposed with the luxurious furnishings.

An interior view of a California Zephyr lounge car depicting the posh ambiance. Men and women sit on upholstered chairs, couches and at booths. The men wear suits and ties and the women wear dresses or skirts and sweaters. People sip on drinks in glassware. The windows have blinds and floral drapes and a painting of a mountain landscape hangs on the far wall.
Denver Public Library Special Collections, call no. Z-6358

This was all included in the marketing for the California Zephyr. Old advertisements by Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad were even printed in Sky-Hi News.

The California Zephyr came out after World War II and responded to the increasing popularity of leisure travel in America. However, the original California Zephyr ceased operations due to the growing popularity of air travel. Even though the last run of the train by its original operators was circa 1970, the train service would continue to be operated.

From 1971 to 1983, other trains were operated by different companies along the same tracks.

View of a California Zephyr train on Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad tracks at the east portal of the Moffat Tunnel in Gilpin County, Colorado. Passenger observation cars read: “Silver Bronco,” “D.& R.G.W.” and “C.B.& O.” “Moffat Tunnel, 1923, 1927” is carved in the arch above the tunnel.
Denver Public Library Special Collections, call no. Z5699/Courtesy photo

The first Amtrak-operated California Zephyr rolled into the Granby station on July 16, 1983, after its original route was restored. According to Sky-Hi News archives, the train was greeted by 300 residents, including the county commissioners and the Granby mayor at the time.

“The natural and manmade barriers are now out of the way. AMTRAK will begin its daily train service through Grand County at 10:25 a.m., Saturday July 16 in Granby,” Sky-Hi News wrote in a July 21, 1983, article.

Today, Amtrak continues to run the California Zephyr along an identical route to the original so modern riders can still enjoy the historic journey. The train regularly stops in Granby and Fraser. Many train enthusiasts still fondly remember the original California Zephyr as a legendary luxury train.

The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden is having train rides and programming themed around the California Zephyr on Saturday, March 23 to celebrate. Charlie Giordano with the museum said that they will even have an original locomotive that pulled the zephyr in the days of the Rio Grande open for cab tours and more activities.

The California Zephyr leaving the west portal of the Moffat Tunnel Feb. 1, 1953.
Denver Public Library Special Collections, call no. OP-10998

Rocky Mountain PBS airs Doc Susie segment filmed at Cozens Ranch Museum

Jan. 31 was Doc Susie’s 154th birthday, she was one of Colorado’s first woman doctors.

She gained notoriety locally and regionally for her grit and determination while practicing medicine in the remote Rocky Mountains. Doc Susie was known to snowshoe, hitch a ride on trains and do whatever was necessary to provide medical services for the earliest Grand County residents.

She was also recognized for treating patients regardless of financial status.

For her birthday celebration, the Grand County Historical Association provided free admission to the Cozens Ranch Museum for anyone who dressed like the doctor. Rocky Mountain PBS was there to document the occasion.

Check out the segment and learn more about this infamous Grand County local by going to RMPBS.org.

Tirebiters Ski Club hosts fundraiser at Mary Jane to support ski programs at local schools

One of the oldest ski racing fundraisers in Grand County, the Tirebiters Classic Ski Race, will take place March 18 at Winter Park Resort’s Mary Jane base. The Tirebiters Ski Club traditionally hosts the event on St. Patrick’s Day – for 2024 it will take place the day after the Irish celebration.

The downhill slalom race starts at noon. Participants of all skill levels are invited to ski the Lower Arrowhead Loop.

Freestyle ski legend Bob Singley founded the Tirebiters Ski Club in the 1970s. A Winter Park resident, Singley is known as one of the country’s first “ski bums.” Singley enjoyed racing when he was a youngster. As an adult, he realized the high cost of competitive skiing was a barrier to local kids. The Tirebiters race raises funds for the ski programs at East Grand Middle School and Middle Park High School.

The race earned its name because when the event first began, tires served as the slalom gates.

The races are based on age groups, from 21 years old all the way to octogenarians. Registration for the event begins from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Mary Jane base lodge cafeteria; the cost is $30.

One of the top finishers in the Slow Leaks (ages 80 and older) division receives their medal at the Tirebiters Ski Club’s St. Patrick’s Day slalom race in 2023.
Greg Gallavan/Courtesy photo

After the race, participants can enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day party and awards ceremony at the Mary Jane Club Car. Ski club member Greg Gallavan is helping organize the race.

“I’ve actually been a part of it probably for about close to 30 years” Gallavan said. “I used to be the manager of food and beverage at the ski area a long time ago, so I have connections.”

In 2023, Gallavan organized Shamrock Foods to donate corned beef that the club paid Winter Park’s food services to prepare. Gallavan said every racer got a corned beef lunch and a couple beers as part of their entry fee.

Kyle McCabe contributed reporting to this story.

Age categories
  • 21-29: Inner Tube Nippers
  • 30-39: Racing Slicks
  • 40-49: Radials
  • 50-59: Mud & Snows
  • 60-69: No Treads
  • 70-79: Recaps
  • 80+: Slow Leaks
A participant of the Slow Leaks (80+) division at the Tirebiters race in 2023. The event is for adults of all ages.
Greg Gallavan/Courtesy photo
The 45th annual Tirebiters Classic Ski Race on March 17, 2016, at Mary Jane.
Chas McConnell/Courtesy Photo

Grand County Republicans recognize Fraser Winter Park Police Chief with Patriot Award

On March 3, the Grand County Republican Party hosted a Faith, Family and Freedom Roundup for the community at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains in Granby.

At the event, the Grand County Republicans honored Fraser Winter Park Police Chief Glen Trainor as the first recipient of the Patriot Award.

The Republicans created the annual Patriot Award to recognize conservative values in an individual. They recognized Chief Trainor for his traits of being prudent, humble, and guided by his principles and values, according to a news release.

“He is the epitome of a servant-leader,” the Republican party stated. “He is one of the most respected public servants in Grand County, handling today’s law enforcement challenges with grace and an informed intuition.”

A Colorado native, Trainor grew up in Buena Vista. His law enforcement career began with the Thornton Police Department. However, Trainor and his wife decided they did not want to live in the metro area, so they sought quieter living in Grand County. In 1991, Trainor became an investigator with the 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which serves Grand, Moffat and Routt counties.  

Then he joined the Grand County Sheriff’s Office as an undersheriff from 1993 to 2005. In 2005, he accepted the inaugural police chief position at the newly created Fraser Winter Park Police Department.

“Grand County residents and visitors are fortunate to have a leader of his character, caliber and longevity serving our community,” the Republican party stated.

Trainor was instrumental in creating the police department, and still leads it today. When the police department first began, it shared a space with the sheriff’s office in a small 600-square-foot building. Now, the police department operates in a larger space at the Winter Park Station with more officers.

“I feel both honored and humbled to have been selected to receive this Patriot Award,” Trainor told Sky-Hi News. “I am incredibly grateful for the steadfast support I have received from my family, my peers in law enforcement, the towns of Winter Park and Fraser, and the wonderful citizens of Grand County.”

Also at the roundup, participants enjoyed a barbecue brisket meal and two keynote speakers. Pastor Samuel Ruiz of Winter Park Christian Church gave remarks on the importance of faith, in addition to the opening prayer. Then Greg Lopez, former candidate for Colorado Governor, spoke about the values of family and freedom that unite Grand County community members. David Buckley served as the event’s master of ceremony.

Chief Glen Trainor stands with his wife Robin Trainor at the local Republican Party’s Freedom Roundup while accepting the Patriot Award on March 3.
Emma Trainor/Courtesy photo

K-Town Truck serves Kremmling community

On a February afternoon, a large group of patrons line up beside a white and purple food truck, excited to receive their orders of food. Husband and wife team Darla Reyes and Adan Dzib serve up tacos, tortas, quesadillas and more.

This is K-Town Truck – Kremmling’s newest and busiest eatery. It’s one of the town’s first official food trucks. Customers enjoy the convenience of home-cooked meal right from the road. The food truck offers quality Mexican fare and quick service.

Darla Reyes takes down orders at K-Town Truck. She said that many customers order several meals at a time, walking away with cartons stacked high with food.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News

“We get about 80 customers a day,” Reyes said, who is originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico. “We’ve been really busy and a lot of customers get two or three orders at a time.”

Reyes takes orders as her husband serves up the meals. The truck is parked beside the 1881 Tavern located on Kremmling’s main street. It’s normally open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. They also travel to serve at events; they plan to be at Kremmling’s Kentucky Derby Party in May and the Middle Park Fair and Rodeo in August. When the truck is closed, Reyes and Dzib are still at work, cleaning, ordering and prepping food.

The couple have both lived in Kremmling for the past seven years, where they raise three children. They are proud to call the town home, after moving from Summit County to be in a quieter, close-knit neighborhood.

“We started K-Town Truck because we want to serve our community,” said Reyes.

Asada (steak) tacos and quesadillas, served with green and red hot sauces, sour cream, lettuce, tomato and house-made guacamole.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Courtesy Photo

She has held the dream of owning and operating a food truck for a long time. In late 2023, she decided to make the dream a reality. It officially opened in February 2024. Running K-Town Truck takes a lot of dedication – plus a love for making and serving food, which Reyes and Dzib both have.

Reyes also works for Mountain Family Center’s food pantry in Kremmling. Before cooking for K-Truck, Dzib worked at Mountain Lyon Café, one of Summit County’s most popular restaurants. Now, the team is focused on their new business, serving hungry customers with fresh food and friendly service. 

K-Town Truck is currently located by the newly opened 1881 Tavern at 413 Park Ave.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News

Local Alpine athletes to compete in Western US High School Championships

Five athletes from Middle Park High School will be competing in Alpine events at the Western U.S. High School Championships. The regional competition takes place at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California from March 12-14.

The championship is hosted by U.S. Ski and Snowboarding and Far West Skiing and brings the best high school competitors together from the western part of the country to compete for their state. California, Nevada, Colorado, Oregon and Wyoming are all states that compete in the championship.

The athletes from Grand County competing are Garrett Gillest, Salvador Stokeld, Ashley Bailey, Emma Bellatty and Olivia Niedzwiecki. They will all compete in both slalom and giant slalom events.

Letter from the editor: Special newspaper flag to celebrate Grand County’s 150th anniversary

If you are reading the Wednesday, March 6 print edition of Sky-Hi News you may have noticed something different on the front page. This year in celebration of the county’s anniversary we decided to publish a colorful, illustrated flag that commemorates Grand’s sesquicentennial year. A flag is the image at the top of the newspaper that includes a publication’s logo.

The special flag will run on Sky-Hi’s print edition for the rest of the year. We collaborated with local artist and the 2023 Best of Grand winner for Best Artist, Beryl Harden. She painted the flag with acrylics. Then we scanned the painting and added our logo to it, creating the image you see at the top of the front page.

When the newsroom started preparing for the 150th anniversary months ago, we spent a lot of time looking through archives during our research. We all noticed the old Sky-Hi News flag from the 1940s that was illustrated by R.O Marr. It conjured a nostalgic feeling and depicted scenes that are quintessential to Grand County.

The Sky-Hi News flag from 1946 with a banner that reads “God’s Kingdom for his Majesty the Tourist.” This flag inspired the newsroom to collaborate with local artist Beryl Harden to create an illustrated flag to commemorate Grand County’s 150th anniversary.
Sky-Hi News/Archive photo

Sky-Hi News wanted to capture that nostalgia while creating something that would visibly differentiate the newspaper during our anniversary coverage. Since the newsroom is featuring history content this entire year, it seemed fitting to attach something striking to the publication that marked the occasion.

We asked Harden to illustrate an image that represented the different areas of Grand County and were recognizable landmarks. To the left is the Kremmling Cliffs and a moose. The middle depicts Grand Lake, while the right portion of the illustration represents the ski hill at Winter Park, complete with a skier.

Sky-Hi News hopes you enjoy the illustration from one of the many talented artists in the community. The newsroom would like to thank Harden for collaborating with us and making our vision become a reality.

History corner: More Granby lettuce history

In 1923 Granby lettuce was a popular crop. Lettuce trucks and horse-drawn wagons delivered fresh lettuce to the Villano & Spano Company in Granby.

Remnants of the historic commercial lettuce shed are incorporated into the current Maverick’s Grille at 15 E. Agate Ave. The rich soil in the lettuce fields was cultivated by hand and with horse-drawn plows.

The Kiplinger family was successful with their lettuce harvest. Pictured in the photo are Rete and Hazel with their children, John, Georgia and Elwyn, and three employees. They all look over the huge lettuce crop in the carefully manicured rows on their lettuce farm on the mesa above Granby.

The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs treated guests to fresh Granby lettuce.

Rete and Hazel Kiplinger with their three children John, Georgia and Elwyn tend to their manicured rows of lettuce along with three employees. Fields were tended to by horse-drawn plows and cultivated by hand. (Grand County Historical Association photo No. 6372)
Grand County Historical Association/Courtesy photo

Photographs were provided by author Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D. from her history book “Around Granby” and are courtesy of the Grand County Historical Association.