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Articles by Tom Boyd
Eagle County Commissioners: New mapping tool energizes conversations over land use
When people hear the phrase “land use regulations,” eyes often glaze over. We get it. It sounds technical, bureaucratic and far removed from everyday life. But the truth is just the opposite. Land use decisions shape nearly every aspect of how we and our visitors experience Eagle County.
Opinion | Eagle County Commissioners: New mapping tool energizes conversations over land use
When people hear the phrase “land use regulations,” eyes often glaze over. We get it. It sounds technical, bureaucratic, and far removed from everyday life. But the truth is just the opposite. Land use decisions shape nearly every aspect of how we and our visitors experience Eagle County.
Western Bulldogs 10 Year Premiership Reunion
Celebrate 10 years since the 2016 GF! Meet & hear stories from Bulldogs legends + chance to see the Premiership Cup. One night only! Celebrate a decade of glory with the Western Bulldogs as we relive one of the greatest Grand Final victories of all time. Join us for one exclusive live show only, featuring 6 of the premiership heroes who brought the cup home to Whitten Oval in 2016.
Why Eagle County is considering a lodging tax question
In 2022, voters in unincorporated Eagle County and the town of Gypsum approved a 2% tax on lodging within the county. The state legislature allowed counties to ask voters for a lodging tax to support workforce housing and early childhood care with at least 10% of the tax dedicated to advertising and marketing local tourism in Eagle County.
Eagle County commissioners: Why we’re considering a lodging tax question for the November ballot
In 2022, voters in unincorporated Eagle County and the town of Gypsum approved a 2% tax on lodging within the county. The Colorado legislature allowed counties to ask voters for a lodging tax to support workforce housing and early childhood care, with at least 10% of the tax dedicated to advertising and marketing local tourism in Eagle County.
Eagle County commissioners: Keeping public lands public is not a debate, it’s a requirement
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share via Email Share via SMS Copy Link The large-scale sale of public lands recently proposed in the United States Senate is catastrophic and must not occur, now or ever. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah introduced, this June, a provision into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to sell millions of acres of federal public land, including vast swaths of Vail Mountain and land along the Colorado River.
Eagle County commissioners: ‘Big, beautiful bill’ may greatly impact Eagle County
We write this column to prepare our community for what may come to pass this summer in Washington D.C.: A historic elimination of federal support for many of our longstanding local health, environment, and human service programs; severe cutbacks to Medicaid; and a provision to sell off public lands that includes vast areas of public land in Eagle County.
Valley Voices: The Eagle County building is going geothermal this spring
After years of careful consideration, we are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking initiative: the transformation of the Eagle County Government Building into a functional demonstration of sustainable energy technology. This spring, we’re embarking on a project to replace our aging heating and cooling system with a state-of-the-art geothermal solution that harnesses the Earth’s natural, consistent temperature to provide year-round comfort for our community’s central hub at 500 Broadway in Eagle.
Boyd: Vote for bringing communities together this June
I have a lifetime of wonderful memories from being part of this community, and when I look to the future I feel energized, excited, and optimistic about Eagle County and its amazing people. I am honored to be a candidate for the Eagle County Commissioner District 2 seat, currently held by the tremendous leader, Kathy Chandler-Henry, who is not seeking re-election.
Alexia Jurschak is named Vail Valley Citizen of the Year
A Midwesterner who now calls Beaver Creek home, Jurschak brings optimism and a can-do spirit to everything she takes on If you’re looking for someone who knows how to get things done, look no further than Alexia Jurschak. “I like to think, ‘Yes it can be done, yes there is a way,'” Jurschak said. “It’s like the Nike tagline, ‘Just Do It’. I’ve always liked that phrase and no matter how complicated or difficult something may seem, if it needs to get done, let’s do it.
Sara and Bill Fisher named 2023 Vail Valley Volunteers of the Year
The 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships had come to an end, a major storm had rolled in, and FIS Director of Operations Mike Kertesz needed a ride to the airport for himself and his young family. Fortunately for Kertesz, a calm and seasoned volunteer driver was at hand: Bill Fisher. By the time the eight-hour drive had concluded, Kertesz and his family had safely arrived. More importantly, he had gained a new friend.
AFL player Tom Boyd has travelled the world, Melbourne is still his No.1 Original
AFL player turned mental health advocate Tom Boyd can’t get enough of Indonesia’s surf, or chatting to fellow wanderers. This is his Travel CV: I got my first passport when… I was eight months old. Mum is from Denmark so we often travelled there in my early years. My first and seventh birthdays were celebrated in Denmark. My first holiday memory is… When I was roughly seven years old, my Danish cousins and I were given water pistols for our birthdays, much to the distaste of my mum.
Amanda Precourt is the 2023 Vail Valley Citizen of the Year
There is a seemingly endless string of adjectives that are applied to life as an adolescent girl: tumultuous, ever-changing, challenging, or uncomfortable. For many, these words stir up memories of a worrying time — one filled with confusion and difficulty. Thanks to the vision and leadership of Amanda Precourt, the words applied to life as an adolescent girl in the Eagle River Valley can now take on a different tone: empowering, exciting, wonderful, and memorable.
Sue and Dan Godec named 2022 Vail Valley Volunteers of the Year
Tom Boyd Special to the Daily The Vail Valley is fortunate to have an extremely active nonprofit community. At its core is an extraordinary spirit of volunteerism. Of the valley’s thousands of volunteers, perhaps none give more, or give more widely, than longtime residents Sue and Dan Godec.
Rosana and Johannes Faessler named 2022 Vail Valley Citizens of the Year
Johannes and Rosana Faessler, who own and operate the Sonennalp Resort of Vail, are the 2022 Vail Valley Citizens of the Year. Courtesy photo In the Christmas season of 1979, a cozy, 37-room, European-style lodge near the Covered Bridge opened its doors for the first time. This may not have seemed like very big news in a 17-year-old ski town where new lodges often opened, closed, or traded hands.
Greer and Jack Gardner named 2021 Vail Valley Volunteers of the Year
Tom Boyd Special to the Daily Greer and Jack Gardner are the recipients of the 2021 Vail Valley Volunteers of the Year award. Courtesy photo For more than 20 years, Jack and Greer Gardner have been extraordinary champions of this beautiful community, with a tireless volunteer spirit.
What I've learned from 2,000+ interviews
Andrew: Hey there, freedom fighters. I’ve got a different kind of interview here today. Um, I don’t think that I’ve told you yet, but I’ve got a book that’s coming out. It’s called stop asking questions. It’s full of techniques that I have learned for having better conversations. And, um, well, I haven’t told you enough. But my new friend, Tom Boyd here from the podcast creators, our brands invited me on his podcast to talk about the book, talk about the ideas, talk about my interviewing style.
Sheika Gramshammer named 2021 Vail Valley Citizen of the Year
Sheika Gramshammer and her husband, Pepi, shared the Vail Valley Citizen of the Year honor in 1989. Special to the Daily For her dynamic and selfless contributions to the community, Sheika Gramshammer has been named the 2021 Vail Valley Citizen of the Year. The honor has been handed out since 1981 to deserving citizens who have provided broad support, vision, and leadership to the betterment of the community and its many nonprofit organizations.
Rethinking Cruise’s AV Development Loop During COVID-19
On March 16th, we suspended our on-road testing following the initial guidance issued from Mayor London Breed and the public health officials. This required us to rethink our AV development loop. Our multi-year investments in simulation have resulted in very robust simulation capabilities, which allowed us to continue making rapid progress on AV performance while the majority of our vehicles are off the road.
Boyd: We hope to gather again soon
Many of you have visited the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on a concert night, for a high school graduation, or to see a free concert or a small community gathering among the flowers in the social courtyard. Perhaps a few of you noticed an engraving on a rock just after entering. It contains a message we find extremely pertinent today: “The world is not a lonely place, there is light and life and love enough for all of us.” — President Gerald R.
GoPro Mountain Games pushed back to August
By Tom Boyd March 31, 2020, 8:41 am The GoPro Mountain Games have made Vail the epicenter of the mountain world since 2002, but they’ve never had a year quite like this. Much like the mountain people who make the event special, the GoPro Mountain Games are strong, adaptable, and able to take on major challenges. That’s why today the Vail Valley Foundation, which owns and operates the annual GoPro Mountain Games, announced the postponement of the annual mountain sports, music and lifestyle event.
Climate Action Collaborative: Love the world you’re with
Tom Boyd Special to the Daily By the time these words hit the page it’ll be Valentine’s Day — or somewhere close to it. This means you’ve recently heard the word “love” in about a million different forms: Love is a rock. Love is a battlefield. Love bites. Love is all around you. All you need is love. La la la, la la la, love, love, love.
Education conference at Beaver Creek hopes to create ‘ripple effects’ for rural communities
By Tom Boyd Special to the Daily Sarah Smarsh delivers the keynote address at the Vilar Performing Arts Center for the PwrHrs Rural Afterschool Conference. Smarsh, a National Book Award Finalist, talked about the challenges of growing up in a rural economy to more than 250 attendees representing 26 states. Adam Fenton | Special to the Daily More than 250 representing 26 states attended the PwrHrs Rural Afterschool Conference in Beaver Creek Nov. 13-15.
How to prepare for the Rocky Dog Trail Run at the GoPro Mountain Games
Tom Boyd Vail Valley Foundation The GoPro Mountain Games Rocky Dog Trail Run is Thursday, June 6. Special to The Daily Pre-race training with your dog will help come race time. Special to The Daily Show CaptionsHide Captions If you have run in races solo while your pooch is sitting on your favorite barcalounger at home watching Animal Planet, the Rocky Dog Trail Run at the GoPro Mountain Games on Thursday, June 6, is the perfect opportunity to share your love of racing with your best friend.
Climate Action Collaborative: How small fixes to your home can have a big impact (column)
Tom Boyd Climate Action Collaborative February 6, 2019 Tom Boyd Climate Action Collaborative February 6, 2019 Like a lot of people, I was curious about installing solar power on my roof. Would I save money on my energy bill or would it cost me an arm and a leg? Are there rebates or subsidies out there? Should I lease or buy and, ultimately, is my house in a good spot for solar? I also fundamentally wanted to know: Is solar power all it's cracked up to be? I've got kids.
Where walls came down: The early history of the Vail Dance Festival (part 1 of 2)
2017: The festival simplifies its name to Vail Dance Festival and celebrates a record year in terms of ticket sales, revenue and attendance. 2015: The Community Arts Access Program is established to provide broader access to the arts for those who might otherwise not attend due to cultural or economic reasons. 2007: Woetzel introduces UpClose series, Dancing in the Streets and Village Vignettes and Dance for $20.xx, ushering in a new era for the Vail International Dance Festival.
Boyd: Climate Action Collaborative taking steps to reduce emissions 25 percent by 2025 (column)
How important is climate change to Eagle County? We asked that question, and found that 86 percent percent of 1,100-plus local respondents are "alarmed" or "concerned" about climate change. Other evidence supports this finding, and it's now clear that Eagle County not only considers climate change a serious issue but is ready to do something about it.
GoPro Mountain Games Ultimate Mountain Challenge winners announced
At the GoPro Mountain Games Ultimate Mountain Challenge, women's champion Adriene Levknecht persevered through 10 separate events to take the 2018 title and $2,500 first-place prize. Competitors in the Ultimate Mountain Challenge choose their own adventure through the weekend's four days of athletic events, racking up points based on finishes, placement, difficulty level and a cross-discipline bonus.
Your magnificent seven-in-a-row party matchday guide
THE Bhoys will once again be crowned Scotland’s champions on Sunday (May 13), as a sold-out Paradise hosts a magnificent seven-in-a-row title party when the Bhoys take on Aberdeen in the final SPFL match of another epic season (KO 12:30pm). This is how it feels to be Celtic, so make sure you arrive early to soak up the party atmosphere.
Showtime in the Rockies: Vilar Performing Arts Center celebrates 20 years in Beaver Creek (Part 3)
Editor's note: This is the final installment of a three-part series celebrating 20 years of performances at one of Colorado's most successful performing arts centers, the Vilar Performing Arts Center, located in the center of Beaver Creek Village beneath the Black Family Ice Rink. Read parts one and two at http://www.VailDaily.com/entertainment. Tom Boyd is former editor of the Vail Trail newspaper, and a lifelong valley local who has attended scores of shows at the VPAC.
Many patrons, one masterpiece
Editor's note: This is part two of a three-part series celebrating 20 years of performances at one of Colorado's most successful performing arts centers, the Vilar Performing Arts Center, located in the center of Beaver Creek Village beneath the Black Family Ice Rink. Read part one at http://www.VailDaily.com/entertainment and part three in Saturday's Vail Daily. Tom Boyd is former editor of the Vail Trail newspaper, and a lifelong valley local who has attended scores of shows at the VPAC.
Showtime in the Rockies: Vilar Performing Arts Center celebrates 20 years in Beaver Creek (Part 1)
Editor's note: This is part one of a three-part series celebrating 20 years of performances at one of Colorado's most successful performing arts centers, the Vilar Performing Arts Center, located in the center of Beaver Creek Village beneath the Black Family Ice Rink. Tom Boyd is former editor of the Vail Trail newspaper, and a lifelong valley local who has attended scores of shows at the VPAC.
Oxford Town Hall Wedding Venue Oxford, Oxfordshire
St. Aldates, Oxford Oxfordshire, OX1 1BX Oxford Town Hall is the ideal venue for all wedding celebrations including ceremonies, wedding breakfasts, drinks and evening receptions. Located in the heart of Oxford, this Victorian listed building can accommodate from big to more intimate ceremonies and receptions.
For $20.17, an introduction to a whole new world at Vail Dance Festival
When the lights came up on opening night at the Vail Dance Festival on July 29, it was to a packed house at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. In the 29 years since its inception, word has spread: Our hometown's two-week festival is now ranked among the best in the world by critics near and far. The Vail Dance Festival's renown was common knowledge to the patrons and aficionados gathered in the center seats, but not everyone in that audience was entirely clear on the experience they were in for.
VPAC Scoop: Spirit of Bob Marley comes alive July 5 with The Wailers in Beaver Creek
Editor's note: From time to time, members of the Vilar Performing Arts Center community will provide insights into upcoming art, music and dance performances at the 535-seat theater in Beaver Creek Village. This week, the Vail Valley Foundation's Tom Boyd previews the Wednesday Wailers show. Few cultures have produced a sound as distinctive as reggae, and few genres have created as charismatic an icon as Bob Marley.
Reeves wins Ultimate Mountain Challenge
Gretchen Reeves said when she first heard about the Ultimate Mountain Challenge's new format at the 2017 GoPro Mountain Games, she wasn't sure if she would make an attempt at defending her title. So she left it up to the weather. "The weather turned awesome here and I knew I couldn't sit on the sidelines," she said. It came down to the final moments, but the TriggerPoint Ultimate Challenge winners were made official on Tuesday and the $8,000 prize purse is ready to be paid out.
One Fine Valentine
Looking for a bit of inspiration when it comes to planning a special day or night this February 14th? From multi-course meals to your sweetie's confection of choice, the Vail Valley has plenty to choose from when it comes to marking Valentine's Day as a large or small occasion. Place your orders in advance or stop into the shop's location in Vail Village early as A Secret Garden's East Meadow Drive isn't so secret when it comes to beautiful bouquets for your one and only.
VPAC Scoop column: The magnificent Michael McDonald
Editor’s note: From time to time, members of the Vilar Performing Arts Center community will provide insights into upcoming art, music and dance performances at the 535-seat theater in Beaver Creek Village. This week, the Vilar Performing Art Center’s Tom Boyd previews the Saturday, Aug. 27, Michael McDonald show. “Batman v. Superman”? “Captain America”? “X-Men”? No, this summer’s true blockbusting superhero is none other than Michael McDonald (and his vocal cords).
VPAC winter programming reaches high point with Bryn Terfel on Jan. 27
BEAVER CREEK — Give someone the words, “Figaro, Figaro, Figaro,” and they are very likely to know the tune of the famous opera, even if they don’t know the story and history behind this classic piece. So it should be with the name Bryn Terfel. The world-renowned vocalist has transcended the boundaries of opera, rising from the deep musical traditions of northern Wales to become an international standard-bearer for his art form, even as he gained appeal in mainstream music. On Wednesday, Jan.
Is peace on Earth even possible?
Brace yourself. The season of candy canes, glitter, and pumpkin-spiced lattés is upon us. Especially here in Colorado, where our tourism economy can fill us with a strong need to display our commitment to garlands and holly, we are surrounded by high-octane holiday cheer at every turn. Among all these decorations, one phrase has particularly caught my eye.
Is peace on Earth even possible?
Brace yourself. The season of candy canes, glitter, and pumpkin-spiced lattés is upon us. Especially here in Colorado, where our tourism economy can fill us with a strong need to display our commitment to garlands and holly, we are surrounded by high-octane holiday cheer at every turn. Among all these decorations, one phrase has particularly caught my eye.
Colder weather should benefit elk hunters in fourth season
This bull elk cools off during warm weather in Rocky Mountain National Park. The recent cold snap and snow should benefit hunters by enticing elk to come down from the higher terrain. ( RJ Sangosti, Denver Post file ) If you're looking up at an empty space on your wall, wishing it had this year's trophy elk up on display, you're not alone.
Many factors go into selecting the correct shotgun for hunting
It has been about a thousand years since the Chinese first invented the firearm. Since then, human beings have created thousands of variations on the gun, each with specialized attributes meant for specific purposes. That is part of the reason that picking out a good shotgun can be highly complex. Hunters will want an accurate gun that's not too heavy to carry around in the field all day. Target shooters will want the weight and barrel length of a solid over/under.
With bird seasons at hand, hunters hone their shooting skills
Matthew Olivieri, of Boulder, takes aim at clay pigeons at Colorado Clays Shooting Park in Brighton to prepare for duck hunting season. "The first couple thousand repetitions, you need to think about it, but after that your body remembers and your brain figures it out," says hunter Jason Hou of Lafayette. ( RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post ) "A bird in hand is worth two in the bush," the old saying goes. That depends, of course, on who's doing the shooting.
Detroit Future City: Lessons for the West from a city that learned the hard way
Plus six good reads about Motor City's changing identity By Tom Boyd December 4, 2013, 5:36 pm The Detroit Future City project has involved hundreds of meetings, more than 30,000 conversations and over 70,000 survey responses and comments from participants. (detroitworksproject.com). A great experiment is under way in the American Midwest.
Planned obsolescence all over the living room floor
By Tom Boyd November 16, 2013, 1:47 pm The broken electronic toy. I was mischievously tempted to reveal the strategy of planned obsolescence to my two-year-old as he stared up at me with sad, confused eyes, wondering why daddy couldn’t fix his toy. Poor kid. Not only did a favorite toy stop working this morning, but dad is also a snarky man with an over-inflated sense of his own intellect. I spared him the details.
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