Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 2, Season 3!

This week Monica talks with Betsy Dittenber. Betsy is the Executive Director for the Chaffee County Community Foundation, a public, non profit organization established to promote and facilitate philanthropy in Chaffee County. CCCF's mission is to act as a catalyst to inspire positive change through the power of philanthropy to enrich the lives of all people in Chaffee County.

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Season 3!

This week Monica talks with Steve Lee about working remotely in Salida, CO. Owner of CoWork Salida. Founded in 2016, Cowork Salida started as a small 3-person office at the old Sherman Hotel building on G street and has grown over the years to several larger locations accommodating up to 24 members with desk or private office spaces. They're currently located on E. 1st street and are planning to open a second location in spring of 2026.

If you're interested in connecting with Monica, whether it's to help you buy or sell a home in Salida or about being on the podcast this season, her info is below.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with GM Chris Haggerty of Monarch Mountain and explores brand-new No Name terrain, the Tamichi Triple lift, and why this addition stands out from other Colorado ski areas. Discover how Monarch Mountain’s 2025 expansion adds 377 new acres across the Continental Divide and what that means for powder days, local businesses, and life in Salida. You’ll see how the extra acreage is planned to reduce crowding, create more variety for skiers and riders, and still protect Monarch’s classic small-resort feel. We also look at how the changes ripple into the community with new jobs, stronger tourism, and local grant programs that support Chaffee County. Chris shares how Monarch is working to keep skiing affordable while planning mindful growth that respects the culture of Salida. Whether you are planning your next ski trip or considering life in this mountain town, this episode offers both insider details and big-picture perspective.

This is the final Episode of Season 2. Season 3 Returns in 2026!

If you're interested in connecting with Monica, whether it's to help you buy or sell a home in Salida or about being on the podcast this season, her info is below.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Watch weekly videos about Living in the Salida, CO area, including market updates, on my YouTube Channel @LivinginSalidaCO (https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInSalidaCO)

Connect with Monarch Mountain: https://skimonarch.com/

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with the founders of Elemental 5, a unique acrobatics and fitness studio that blends ninja training, parkour, aerial silks, and tumbling to create a fun, empowering environment for youth. You’ll hear their inspiring story of how they turned their passion for movement and mentorship into a thriving community hub that helps local kids grow inside and out. Whether you’re a parent looking for exciting activities for your children or someone curious about life in Salida, Colorado, this video offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this mountain town so special. Discover how Elemental 5 is strengthening families, supporting youth, and adding even more adventure to the Salida lifestyle.

If you're interested in connecting with Monica, whether it's to help you buy or sell a home in Salida or about being on the podcast this season, her info is below.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Watch weekly videos about Living in the Salida, CO area, including market updates, on my YouTube Channel @LivinginSalidaCO (https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInSalidaCO)

Connect with Elemental 5:  https://www.elementalfive.com/

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with Eric Lee of Full Circle Restorative Justice.Eric is the Executive Director of Full Circle Restorative Justice a local non-profit that has been serving Salida, Buena Vista & Canon City since 2009. Their mission is to increase the health & safety of the community through restorative prevention and intervention. Eric has extensive experience in leadership and has had a career dedicated to criminal justice reform.

If you're interested in connecting with Monica, whether it's to help you buy or sell a home in Salida or about being on the podcast this season, her info is below.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Watch weekly videos about Living in the Salida, CO area, including market updates, on my YouTube Channel @LivinginSalidaCO (https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInSalidaCO)

Connect with Full Circle Restorative Justice - https://fullcirclerj.org/

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with Jennifer Dempsey, a professional performer and the founder and former director of the Salida Circus Outreach Foundation. Before starting the Salida Circus in 2007, Jennifer spent nearly 20 years performing in circuses including 12 years with the Belfast Community Circus in Northern Ireland. She is currently the Director of Colorado TINTS; "theater in non-traditional spaces" which uses the platform of theater to bring original under reported or unknown stories to the public.

If you're interested in connecting with Monica, whether it's to help you buy or sell a home in Salida or about being on the podcast this season, her info is below.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Watch weekly videos about Living in the Salida, CO area, including market updates, on my YouTube Channel @LivinginSalidaCO (https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInSalidaCO)

For more info about the Salida Circus and CO TINTS please visit: https://coloradotints.com/

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with Ken Brandon, the creative force behind this unforgettable local icon, and hear the fascinating story of how it all began. From his early days moving to Salida in the late 1970s to becoming a driving force in the community through art, business, and his playful alter ego, Ken’s journey is as inspiring as it is entertaining. Whether you’re curious about Salida Colorado’s quirky charm, love hearing stories of creativity in small towns, or just want to know the origin of the famous Salida giraffe, this episode has you covered. You’ll learn about Ken’s decades of community involvement, his creation of Box of Bubbles, and how a simple parade costume turned into a joyful tradition that brings smiles to locals and visitors alike. Stick around for heartfelt stories, unexpected twists, and a celebration of the unique spirit that makes Salida so special.

If you're interested in connecting with Monica, whether it's to help you buy or sell a home in Salida or about being on the podcast this season, her info is below.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Watch weekly videos about Living in the Salida, CO area, including market updates, on my YouTube Channel @LivinginSalidaCO (https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInSalidaCO)

For more information about Ken Brandon visit: https://theboxofbubbles.com/

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with Andrew Bascue, Chief Welcome Home Office with Porchlight Builders. Porchlight Builders is based in Salida, CO and crafts high-end custom homes for Chaffee County. With over 12 years of home building experience, Andrew started Porchlight last year and aims to serve his clients as a guide throughout the entire home building process. If you have interest in living in Salida or you're eyeing this area as a potential place to build your dream home; this episode is for you.

If you're interested in connecting with Monica, whether it's to help you buy or sell a home in Salida or about being on the podcast this season, her info is below.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Watch weekly videos about Living in the Salida, CO area, including market updates, on my YouTube Channel @LivinginSalidaCO (https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInSalidaCO)

For more information about Andrew Bascue and Porchlight Builders visit: https://www.porchlightbuilders.com/

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with Jon Terbush, the Executive Director of Salida Mountain Trails. Today we're chatting about one of the reasons Salida draws people to live and visit here; the trail systems. There are two major trail systems, the Arkansas Hills trails and the Methodist Mountain Trails, which together offer 70 miles of single track that are enjoyed year round by mountain bikers, hikers, & runners.

If you're interested in connecting with Monica, whether it's to help you buy or sell a home in Salida or about being on the podcast this season, her info is below.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Watch weekly videos about Living in the Salida, CO area, including market updates, on my YouTube Channel @LivinginSalidaCO (https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInSalidaCO)

For more information about the trails visit: Salidamountaintrails.org

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with Paul Talley, the Executive Director of the Colorado Trail Foundation. An organization that, in collaboration with the US Forest Service, is responsible for the maintenance and administration of the CO Trail. The abundant outdoor activities is a huge draw for people to visit Chaffee County.

If you're interested in connecting with Monica, whether it's to help you buy or sell a home in Salida or about being on the podcast this season, her info is below.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Watch weekly videos about Living in the Salida, CO area, including market updates, on my YouTube Channel @LivinginSalidaCO (https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInSalidaCO)

Support the Trails: (Coloradotrail.org)