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Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, April 12-14, 2017 An Argentinian snowboard team gets in formation for synchronized competition Aspen Times ASPEN, Colo. — Seth Johns has a solid understanding of the Spanish language, and will use it when need be. Otherwise, he prefers to stick to his native tongue when conversing with the seven Argentinian snowboarders who now call him coach. “I speak English so I can be very clear and concise in my verbiage. And so they have to stop arguing and bickering and pay attention to what I’m saying,” Johns said. “But it is very nice to be able to speak to them in their native tongue and they understand the majority of what I’m saying. When you are bridging cultural gaps, being able to speak the language is great.” Johns was coaching “Los Gauchos,” one of 14 teams who competed last weekend in the 2017 Aspen World Synchro Championships on Aspen Mountain. The team was comprised entirely of Argentinians who all are snowboard instructors at Snowmass. They were the only snowboard team that competed in the skierheavy competition. “I’m nervous,” Ines van der Heyden, the lone female on the team, said during a training session before the competition. “It’s the first time I’m competing or participating in a competition like this with teams from everywhere. Just to make the figure look good. We are not trying to win anything. It’s weird because we are the only snowboard team so I’m not sure how the judges are going to do it.” Some of the riders knew each other from Argentina, while others met here in Aspen. Most have worked at Snowmass for multiple winters, and return to Argentina during the summer, or South America’s winter. The year is the first time they’ve come together as a team, the idea coming from having watched “Argenteam,” a group of Argentinian skiers who have competed in the Aspen synchro competition for the last few seasons. “When we saw the skiers doing that, we got inspired,” said team member Felipe de la Fuente, who has spent seven seasons in Aspen. “This is about synchro, so no matter how good you are, the only thing that matters is if you go synchronizing. We are discovering so much about snowboarding.” It was rough at first for Los Gauchos, which jumped into training earlier this winter with little to no background in synchronized competition and no one to show them the way. A major breakthrough came when they approached Johns, who has long been the overall snowboard lead trainer for Aspen Snowmass and is currently a professional snowboarder, to coach them. Johns has spent a handful of winters in South America, including Argentina, which is part of the reason Los Gauchos members wanted him on their side. “We are entering into a skier’s realm and a skier’s world and we want to see what we can do,” Johns said. “It’s getting me outside of my comfort zone, outside of my realm of normality, and I really enjoy that. It’s been really great to see them come together, see them fight and bicker, see them make amends and see them move forward as a team.” Johns, a native of Idaho who has more of a background in park and big-mountain riding, does have exposure to synchronized competition from his training days in Argentina. But even he admitted he was stepping into the unknown with Los Gauchos. Last weekend’s synchronized competition in Aspen, which included a racing and bumps aspect, was very much a skier’s domain. The snowboard team had to overcome many hurdles, with a couple having to ride switch, and all having to learn to turn and maneuver in tight quarters despite having a blind side skiers don’t have to deal with. But Los Gauchos faced these hurdles head on, training most days before going to instruct in Snowmass, and often studying video at night to analyze their weaknesses. “Being the only snowboard team involved is kind of ooh an honor and a burden at the same time,” Johns said. “They want to see clean patterns. They want to see speed. They want to see accuracy. They want to see rhythm and timing. As snowboarders, These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Fred Marbles Twilight Monserrat Fred is a handsome and affectionate brown tabby and white domestic shorthair. This classy older gentleman is about 11 years old. He loves to snuggle and purrs like an engine when you pet him. Fred is a sweet cat who is looking for a warm and loving forever home. Meet Marbles! He’s a friendly, vocal, 9-month-old kitty who loves to be around people. He’s outgoing and would do well in a house with children, cats and possibly a dog. Marbles is a playful and silly boy who’d be a wonderful addition to any loving home. Twilight is an adorable 8-monthold brown tabby domestic shorthair. She’s playful, sweet and loves to be held. Twilight is very affectionate and friendly with people and other cats. This happy girl is sure to bring years of love and smiles to her forever home. Miss Monserrat is a lovely 11-year-old dilute tortoiseshell domestic shorthair. She’s calm and quiet. She loves to spend her days curled up in a comfy bed. Monserrat would be happiest in a peaceful home where she can relax and feel safe. Goggles Picasso Sandy Blanca Meet Goggles! He’s a very sweet 4-year-old Great Pyrenees mix. He’s a little shy when he first meets someone but he warms up quickly. Goggles would be great as the only pet in the home. He’s dog-selective so a proper introduction with other dogs is essential. Picasso is an adorable 6-monthold Chihuahua mix. This cute little guy has quite the personality. He is super friendly and will wiggle his way right to your heart. He loves to be held but he also loves to play. He is quite energetic and would be a great fit for any family. Sandy is a sweet 3-year-old female pit bull terrier mix. She is a sweet dog who has lots and lots of love to give. Sandy would do best in a moderately active household. She will need some basic obedience training and reinforcement but is eager to learn and eager to please. Meet Blanca! She is a very sweet 3- to 4-year-old Dachshund/Chihuahua mix. Blanca is a little shy at first, but give her a few minutes, and she will be your best friend. She is definitely a snuggler and loves to sit on your lap. Blanca is good with both cats and dogs, too. WANTED: VOLUNTEERS These not-for-profit organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words. Volunteer Drivers Wanted Summit County is looking for volunteers to drive senior citizens to their doctor appointments in Salt Lake City. Any interested individuals need to go through background and driving-record checks. They should expect to dedicate four to six hours on Tuesdays. Individuals interested in volunteering and any seniors interested in using the service should contact Heather Nalette, Summit County senior citizens coordinator, at 435-336-3014. The Utah 1033 Foundation The Utah 1033 Foundation is a statewide nonprofit that provides immediate financial assistance to families of fallen Utah police officers. It also offers educational assistance for the dependents of active officers. The foundation is looking for dedicated volunteers interested in staffing various events throughout the year and/or working with its fundraising team. Interested? Send an email to info@utah1033.org. Youth Enrichment Services YES, Youth Enrichment Services, is a nonprofit of professionals who specialize in local small-business enrichment programs and services for children in the Park City community. The mission of YES is to provide parents with free information and resources, while supporting local businesses. Check out Yespc.org. YES needs volunteers to help with a variety of projects. YES is flexible and would appreciate any time volunteers can offer. The group is also 26 2016 we approach it slightly different. We want to represent our sport, our passion, and we want to be able to represent that within the ski culture.” Committed To Los Gauchos ranked 12 out of 14 at the competition this weekend, but the team held no real dream of winning the competition against the more veteran teams. But they already are eyeing a return to Aspen next winter, where they hope to be more polished and understanding of the elements. They also hope to DEDICA TE D T O PAR K CI TY FO R 26 YEAR S inspire more snowboard teams to get involved. “Everyone is supporting us, so (435) 649-8322 we are very happy about that,” theteam@parkcitytitle.com de la Fuente said. “We want to really do a nice performance. 1670 Bonanza Drive • Park Record Building That’s why we were training really hard. I think next year more teams are going to join us, because it’s really, really fun. It’s really interesting. We are learning a lot of each other.” The team sported the same allblack clothing, and rode on similar Jones snowboards, loaned to them by Four Mountain Sports/ Introducing... D&E. The rest of Los Gauchos included Juan Boracchia, Brian Horecky, Tadeo Leslie, Alberto Vila and Gonzalo Saldanio. “These guys have been working hard all season, training, latrying la 3.5” x 5”, b&w ad “Scalp Massage” to get people involved,” Johns said of his team. “They are excited to compete. We can help shape how the skiers see us and being part of their world every now and then I think is good for both sports.” SOME OF THE PETS AT NUZZLES & CO. LOOKING FOR LOVE Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter needs volunteers. Each Saturday, there are several shifts that support the front desk staff during open hours. Give museum tours, run the climbing wall, greet guests and more. Volunteers must enjoy working with the public and have a passion for the natural world. The EcoCenter also can use office support on weekdays. Call Gail Piccoli for information at 435-7978956 or gail.piccoli@usu.edu. 1990 435-645-7139 www.marketatparkcity.com Please look for our insert in today’s paper! Love. Truth. Hair. AUSTIN COLBERT B-7 The Park Record You had me at scalp massage. It’s the little things. At Ooh La La, your visit isn’t finished until you look fantastic--and feel that way, too. So we sweat the details from style, to shape, to shade. And we don’t just wash your hair. We treat your scalp to its own little moment of Zen. All for you. (435) 655-2680 1811 Sidewinder Dr. Park City, UT 84060 www.oohlalahairparkcity.com Help keep Park City Green and Clean looking for a high school/college intern to help with upcoming growth plans and events. Please contact Rebecca Tibbits at 718916-7136 or rebecca@yespc.org. After-School Literacy Program Spend an afternoon helping a student with reading, writing or a critical-thinking-based project in this fun, free, after-school, one-on-one tutoring center. Mega-Genius Supply Store and IQ HQ needs adult tutors to help children find their inner genius. The center is open at both locations Monday through Thursday, from 2:30-5:45 p.m., for students in grades two through 12. Please contact Jaimie for information: jatlas@parkcity.institute, 435-655-8252. Alf Engen Ski Museum Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation is seeking volunteers to help with museum operation/tours and archive collections. Responsibilities include overseeing interactive and virtual exhibits in the museum, guiding and educating visitors about the history of skiing and snow sports, and digitally archiving museum collections. Volunteers must enjoy interacting with the public and have a passion for ski and snow sports history. If interested, email connie@ utaholympiclegacy.com or call 435-658-4240. Applegate Home Care & Hospice Applegate Home Care & Hospice is welcoming volunteers to join its team of caring professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. The hospice volunteer offers service, compassion and a listening ear to clients and their families. If you would like to volunteer or want to learn more about volunteering with Applegate, please contact the hospice volunteer coordinator at 800-871-0102 or visit applegatehomecare.com. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/volunteers. Look for Green Tips every Wednesday in The Park Record for ways to be eco-friendly in your daily life |