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Show Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, April 22-25, 2017 B-7 The Park Record New filmmakers share quadriplegic skier’s story for Colorado festival By Andrew Travers Aspen Times ASPEN, Colo. — Max Grange is a skier, musician, artist and animal lover. In other words, the 30-year-old Snowmass native is a lot like his mountain town peers. But as the new short documentary “Big Air Max” makes clear, the rest of us have a lot to learn from Grange. A childhood accident left him with spastic quadriplegia. He is confined to a wheelchair and speaks through a computer system. But those limitations don’t hold Grange back, nor do they dampen his bright smile and buoyant, brave spirit. The 10-minute “Big Air Max,” which will have its world premiere Sunday, April 23, at the 5Point Film Festival in Carbondale, Colorado, offers an inspirational profile of Grange, his family and his friends. “It was really scary when he had his accident,” his mother, Katie, says in the film. “We didn’t know if he would survive more than five days or 10 days or what would happen. … When I accepted him for who he was, that’s what changed everything.” The film follows Grange onto the mountain, where he skis with Challenge Aspen, in which he was one of the first participants after its founding 22 years ago. We see him play music with Mack Bailey, with whom he wrote the original song “Big Air Max,” and singing with the Aspen Noise Choir. And we see him working with animals — assisting with adoptions in a shelter. “He’s one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met,” “Big Air Max” co-director Rachel Mayoral said. “He just has this incredible attitude about life and tackling obstacles. He doesn’t let the little things get in his way. … Max does so much with so many obstacles in his way — he doesn’t even view them as obstacles.” The film is the first by Mayoral and three of her Colorado Mountain College classmates: Danny Feria, Ben Hunter and Than Kan Sian Khai. The quartet met at the college’s Isaacson School for New Media. They had been in search of a story that could carry a documentary — a project outside of school assignments. When Grange gave a speech on leader- ship at the school last year, the filmmakers found their match. Co-director Khai was deeply affected by the speech and went to his classmates with the idea. “He brought it to us and said, ‘Guys, we have to tell this sto- He’s one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met. He just has this incredible attitude about life and tackling obstacles. He doesn’t let the little things get in his way.” Rachel Mayoral Colorado filmmaker ry!’” Mayoral recalled. When they proposed the idea to Max and his family in November, they signed on immediately. The filmmakers raised $1,750 via GoFundMe, began shooting in late January, spent a total of 20 days filming and had finished a rough cut by the end of March. “That sounds like a decent amount of time, but we’re all first time filmmakers, so it was intense,” Mayoral said. They split duties. All of them handled cameras, directing, editing and producing, with Feria taking the lead on sound editing and audio. “It was a huge collaboration,” Mayoral said. Mayoral is due to graduate in May. She plans to head to Los Angeles in the hopes of breaking into the film industry. While the “Big Air Max” creative team members are all leaving school and beginning their professional careers, Mayoral said they hope to collaborate again. All four of the filmmakers have been to 5Point as attendees and as volunteers. Having a film on the big screen at the festival is a dream come true for them, made all the more meaningful by bringing Grange’s powerful tale to 5Point’s global community of artists and adventurers. “Just to be up there with some of these great filmmakers is quite an honor,” she said. “And to share Max’s story with that many people is exciting for us. We’re hoping it inspires everyone that sees it.” Some of the pets at Nuzzles & Co. looking for love 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. Sophie Cisco Georgia Verde Sophie is a 7-year-old lab mix who loves to spend time with people. She enjoys going for walks and being outside. Sophie may be a senior by dog standards, but she’s energetic and has a zest for life. Sophie would be a wonderful addition to an active family. Cisco is a very friendly, energetic lab who needs an active family. He’s about 4 years old and would be great with kids, cats and most dogs. He doesn’t jump and is learning basic obedience commands. Cisco is a quick learner and is eager to please. Georgia is a sweet 6-month-old Chihuahua mix who loves to play with people and other small dogs. She may be a bit shy at first, but warms up quickly and will be your very best friend. Georgia is a total sweetheart who needs a loving forever home to call her own. Verde is a happy and playful 1-year-old Chihuahua mix. He’s got lots of energy and would be a great partner for someone with an active lifestyle. Verde gets along well with other small dogs and could possibly live with a cat. This silly boy is one smart cookie, too. Mia King Midas Samurai Nala Mia is a spunky and playful 1-year-old domestic medium hair with a shiny brown tabby coat. This outgoing girl is full of youthful energy. She needs a fun-loving forever home with a family that loves to play and who will keep her entertained. King Midas is a handsome 2-yearold brown tabby and white domestic shorthair. He’s friendly and loves to snuggle. King Midas is an easygoing cat who’ll be a loving companion for years to come. He is sure to be the king of his castle, ahem, forever home. Samurai is a sweet and curious 1-year-old domestic shorthair. She has a gorgeous patch tabby and white coat, and sparkling green eyes. She would be happiest as the only pet in her home, but she promises to love you as much as 10 pets would. Nala is an affectionate 3-yearold orange tabby domestic shorthair. She loves to be the center of attention and is always up for a belly rub. Nala would love a forever home with a family that loves to snuggle and spend lots of quality time together. Wanted: Volunteers These 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. Girl Scouts As a volunteer with a Girl Scout troop, you’ll introduce girls to new experiences that make every day feel like the best day ever. At every turn you’ll be their cheerleader, guide and mentor, helping them develop the skills and confidence that will last long after the meetings are over. For information, visit http://www.gsutah.org/en/ volunteer-role-model.html or call Heather Smith at 801-716-5109. Guide Dogs for the Blind Guide Dogs for the Blind needs puppy raisers and sitters. Volunteers provide a nurturing, well-rounded social environment for puppies 8 weeks old to 15 months. Guide Dogs for the Blind supports raisers and sitters with organized weekly training and socialization meetings. Basic equipment and complete veterinary care is provided for puppies while with their raisers. Meetings are Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Park City/Heber areas. Contact Stefanie at 435-657-0760 for meeting locations or questions. You can also visit Facebook/SummitGuideDogs or www.guidedogs.com. Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties Habitat for Humanity invites you to build sustainable, healthy and affordable housing as a ReStore volunteer. Do you love to tinker and fix things? Find treasures? Are you looking for a regular volunteer opportunity that is fun and makes a lasting difference for local families? Immediate opportunities include cashier, merchandising and customer ambassador roles. For information, call 435-658-1400 or visit habitat-utah.org. readiness program (3- to 5-year-olds at St. Mary’s White Pine Canyon from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday) and in after-school homework sessions at its Parleys Park, Jeremy Ranch and McPolin Elementary Schools, which run 3-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. School readiness will benefit from persons willing to read and work at small group centers. Please contact Miriam Garcia (mgarcia@hcmutah.org) for information on the school readiness program. Contact Franz Montalvo (fmontalvo@hcmutah.org) for information on the after-school programs. Submit event recaps, photos and news about local clubs/groups/ nonprofits to arts@ parkrecord.com You set the scene The Hope Alliance The Hope Alliance is looking for volunteers to process eyeglasses for the vision program. These eyeglasses will be distributed to some of the poorest communities throughout Peru, Guatemala and other impoverished areas, supporting multiple vision campaigns. Volunteers can work at The Hope Alliance’s Park City office during office hours Monday through Saturday. For information, please call 435333-3334 or email info@thehopealliance.org. Jeremy Ranch Elementary Jeremy Ranch Elementary School offers an excellent senior volunteer opportunity. Reading tutors are needed to mentor young readers throughout the school year. This is a rewarding experience and you will receive more than you give. No experience required. We will train you and provide a positive, fun atmosphere. We need you for this wonderful purpose-filled work. Contact Barbara at 801-699-5158. Help Eliminate Alzheimer’s The Alzheimer’s Association’s Utah Chapter has many opportunities for volunteers to raise awareness and promote community events. Areas of particular need are community education, outreach, research, social media, public policy, communications and development. Positions can also be created depending on interest and passion. Many positions are virtual. Please contact Ronnie Daniel, executive director: rdaniel@alz.org. Kimball Art Center The Kimball Art Center seeks dedicated volunteers in a variety of areas at its largest fundraiser of the year: The 47th Annual Park City Kimball Arts Festival on Historic Main Street. Volunteers will have the chance to give back to the community while enjoying an environment of art, cuisine and music. For information about available positions, responsibilities and benefits, please visit ParkCityKimballArtsFestival.org/volunteer or contact volunteers@ kimballartcenter.org. Holy Cross Ministries Holy Cross Ministries has openings for volunteers in both the school For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/volunteers. 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