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)

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with Marjo Curgus, the interim Director from the Chaffee County Housing Authority. Chaffee County is in a desirable mountain area with limited inventory and home prices that have risen over the years, causing a challenge for many to afford homes. The Chaffee County Housing Authority is working to help with this challenge as a multi-jurisdictional housing authority working across Chaffee County to ensure it continues to be a thriving community with housing for all.

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)

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with Jessica Downing; the Interim Director for GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) GARNA is an environmental nonprofit organization founded in 1996 as a cooperative association for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area for education and stewardship and works with communities of the Upper Arkansas River Valley.

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)

To get involved with Garna please visit https://garna.org/

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with Scott Hughes, founder of FUN Street Family Arcade. A longtime local and former Boys & Girls Club mentor, Scott shares how he turned a simple idea into a vibrant downtown space for fun, connection, and belonging.

From launching a business in a small town to creating a place where all ages feel welcome, this is the story behind one of Salida’s most joyful community hubs.

Whether you’re a parent, aspiring business owner, or someone who just loves good vibes and old-school games, 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)

Visit FUN Street Arcade at 243 F Street Salida, CO and learn more about them at www.funstreetarcade.com

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Season 2, Episode 4!

In this episode of Living in Salida, we shine a spotlight on the town’s thriving theater and arts scene with the legendary Jan Justis. From international ballet stages to founding her own dance company, Jan brings decades of creative experience to Salida. She shares what drew her to this mountain town, her current work with the Salida Theater Project, and how the arts are making a real impact in the community—including her inspiring dance classes for people with mobility challenges. We also get a sneak peek at the upcoming Salida Theater Festival and how locals (and visitors!) can get involved.

Whether you're an artist, audience member, or simply theater-curious, this is a behind-the-scenes look at small-town performance with big heart.

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)

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

This week Monica talks with Sheri Sauthoff, a retired nurse who moved to Salida from the front range several years ago. Salida is known as having a robust and active retired community. As of 2023 over 12% of the population is 55-64 and over 7% is 65-74. Yahoo Finance also voted Salida, CO as the best town to retire in Colorado. They discuss topics such as meeting new people in the area, dealing with healthcare and what advice can be given to anyone thinking of retiring in 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]

To Learn more about Salida Montessori Charter School or donate to the new school, visit: https://mysmcs.org/

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