The Audissey

 The Audissey is currently docked and needs your help!  Co-host Sean and Producer Adam have both moved on from Mesa County Libraries to further their careers and follow their passions. So the captains of the ship have decided this would be a great time to take a little break and to survey our listeners to see what kind of content you would like to hear from us in the future. The survey will only take a couple of minutes to complete and can be found at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPBHltwX7HsMXRc5eV8JJmngpYbW1D51J9IFPjD_PlarCMsw/viewform. Share this link with your friends and family because the more feedback we get, the better the podcast will be! Thank you for joining us on the various voyages we've taken since the podcast started 3 years ago -- we can't wait to be back with more episodes in the future!

We at Mesa County Libraries are excited to have Charles Walker as our 970West Studio Artist in Residence now through Aug 8, 2022. Charles will offer Meet and Greets Starting May 3, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. every Tuesday at the 970West Studio. Meet and Greets are open on a drop-in basis; no reservation required.Our hosts thank Jessica (Art Librarian) and Charles for joining us on this episode of the Audissey!About the Artist:Charles “ChuckJay” Walker is from San Jose, CA where he and his three sisters were raised by Charles and Felicia Walker. Brought up in the church by a COGIC State Organist father, Charles was heavily influenced by Gospel music. He went on to graduate from Gilroy High School where he started his choir journey, and went on to study music at West Valley College and San Jose State University. He then started producing music and playing piano in 2015, after his father’s passing. He moved to Grand Junction, CO in 2016 for a fresh start and new beginnings.Wave 11, one of Grand Junction’s premiere bands, was formed in 2017 with former bandmate Zack Couron. Wave 11 released an album “Wisdom and Strength” and performed at many big festivals and local venues in Colorado. The band now consists of Derek Suiter and Charles Walker, providing a new high-flying hip-hop show that’s bound to make you jump! Charles also teaches private lessons for vocal singing, music production, songwriting, drums, piano, and music theory. While working at The Winery, he enjoys being able to provide music influence to the community of Mesa County and plans to continue music excellence at the highest plateau possible. He lives with his wife Zoe and daughter Winnie in Grand Junction, CO and enjoys being with family and friends.Charles Walker's dates of residency are May 2 - August 8, 2022. To view all the upcoming Artist in Residence events, visit the Event Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org. https://mesacountylibraries.libcal.com/calendar/events/?cid=1159&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=1159&ct=32821&inc=0Wave 11 on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3nIQMLo0jCUzbtqlPTSZ6G?si=1IsUdqJRS_C8Et76ScpesA

In this episode of the Audissey we're joined by Friends of the Library member Cheryl, and Mesa County Libraries' Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Kelsey. We discuss the library's used bookstore, A Novel Idea bookstore, which is run completely by the generous time and efforts of library volunteers. Kelsey and Cheryl also share all of the volunteer opportunities that are available at the library.Friends of the LibraryThe Friends of Mesa County Libraries is a committee of Mesa County Libraries Foundation, a 501(c)(3) entity formed exclusively to support Mesa County Libraries. The Friends main function is to focus public attention on the library and to stimulate the use of the library’s resources and services.Used Book SalesThe Friends operate A Novel Idea bookstore, located in the west hallway of the Central Library. Additional book racks are at the Clifton, Fruita, and Orchard Mesa branches.Stock up on reading material to add to your home library! The Friends of Mesa County Libraries are hosting weekly clearance book sales 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., each Friday and Saturday, from April 22 through May 14 at the First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St. (across from Grand Junction High School). All sales are cash only.Proceeds from these and other book sale events go to cultural programming and special equipment including:Poetry NightSummer Reading ProgramMesa County Libraries Culture FestMesa County Libraries Comic ConThe Discovery GardenLearn more about the Friends of the Mesa County Libraries:mesacountylibraries.org/aboutus/supportus/friends/Volunteer at the librarymesacountylibraries.org/aboutus/supportus/volunteer/Monetary Donations to the Librarymesacountylibraries.org/aboutus/supportus/foundation/

In this episode of the Audissey we’re joined by local musician and library staff member Kris Petross. Kris shares his passion for drumming and his experiences as a musician from practicing in his youth to being on tour after graduating high school.  We also discuss the upcoming Drum Clinic that Kris will host at 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 11 at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave, Grand Junction, across the street from the Central Library. Stop by and participate in exercises where we’ll learn the basics of a drum kit, different drum styles, and how to keep tempo. Attendees of the drum clinic will have the opportunity to learn different approaches to the instrument, discuss drum techniques with other musicians, or just be entertained. Registration is NOT required to participate. mesacountylibraries.libcal.com/calendar/events/drumclinic2022In part two of the episode, we sit down with library staff members Rachel and Andrea as they share their love of Dungeons and Dragons. We discuss what’s appealing about Dungeons and Dragons from its versatility in the campaigns, the wish fulfillment in building characters, and the sense of community and friendships you can make with fellow nerds.  Rachel and Andrea are hosting a Teen Dungeons and Dragons Dungeon Master Workshop. Teens are invited to learn how to acquire or improve their Dungeon Mastering skills. This 3-hour workshop is designed to cover Dungeon and Dragons Master basics such as basic rules, creating a story, creating a party, and managing a party.  This workshop is designed to help people who may have an interest in Dungeons and Dragons, to explore Dungeon Mastering, and what it takes to create your own story and manage your own party. This event takes place from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, March 5 in the Central Library Monument Community Room. Registration is NOT required to participate. mesacountylibraries.libcal.com/calendar/events/ddmaster

Jill Burkey is a poet, writer, and editor living on the Western Slope of Colorado. In her poems, which circle around the themes of nature, relationships, history, and spirituality, Jill explores the larger existential questions of humanity, and makes connections between life, the natural world, and the passage of time. We are delighted to have Jill as our 970West Studio Artist in Residence now through April 18, 2022.Our hosts thank Jessica (Art Librarian) and Jill for joining us on this episode of the Audissey!About the Artist:Jill grew up on a three-generation cattle ranch in western Nebraska and began writing in high school. She earned a BA in English, business administration, and secondary education at Nebraska Wesleyan University and has taught hundreds of elementary and high school students poetry and writing as a writer-in-residence with the Colorado Humanities’ Writers-in-the-Schools program.Jill’s poems have been called warm, complex, and intensely satisfying, and they have appeared in Sixfold, Pilgrimage Magazine, Paddlefish, Soundings Review, Front Range Review, Grand Valley Magazine, IMPROV Anthology of Colorado Poets, The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, and others. Two of her poems were included in The Untidy Season: An Anthology of Nebraska Women Poets by Backwaters Press, which received the Nebraska Book Award for anthology. Jill’s work also won the Mark Fischer Poetry Prize and other awards and honorable mentions. She is currently working on her first collection of poetry, Enough.To learn more about the programs Jill is offering, visit this link.

In this episode of The Audissey we say farewell to our lovely co-host, Emmi, as she sets sail on her next adventure as the new Library Marketing & Communications Coordinator for the City of Lafayette, CO. Starting as a Library Page to becoming a Library Assistant for circulation, leaving the library to return as one of the Artists in Residence shortly after, then finally marketing all that Mesa County Libraries has to offer as a Communications Coordinator; Emmi shares the impact libraries have had on her life and some of the fun memories she has acquired along the way.  Looking for a job or ready for a career change? Check out: Job Seekers Subject Guide where you can find library and local resources for job seekers, including job search websites, resume help, skills training, and more. Brainfuse JobNow — A versatile online service designed to support every step of the job search process. JobNow features live online coaches who can assist in resume/cover letter preparation, and help patrons prepare for job interviews. User guide (pdf)Are you interested in working at Mesa County Libraries? With eight library locations throughout the county, Mesa County Libraries enrich lives and build community through opportunities to learn, discover, create, and connect. The library also operates the 970West Studio, the Discovery Garden, and the Adult Learning Center. Mesa County Libraries serve a diverse region of western Colorado that is home to more than 150,000 people, several small to mid-size communities, a vibrant arts scene, and vast opportunities for outdoor recreation from mountains to desert. Apply online at mesacountylibraries.org/aboutus/jobs. Don’t see any open positions? We frequently post information about open positions on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

The Forensic Investigation Research Station (FIRS) at Colorado Mesa University is a research, teaching and service center that focuses on forensic taphonomy, law enforcement, and other related fields. Dr. Melissa Connor, Ph.D., the Director of FIRS, was appointed Director in 2012. Coming from Nebraska Wesleyan University where she was director of the Master of Forensic Science program, Dr. Connor brings 30 years of archaeological experience and 20 years of forensic science experience to FIRS. Dr. Connor specializes in forensic archaeology and is the author of Forensic Methods: Excavation for the Archaeologist and Investigator. She sat down with our hosts and shared her experience in archaeology with the National Park Service including the research on the Little BigHorn battlefield, and her work with the Physicians for Human Rights including investigations conducted in former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and Cyprus. We also discussed some of the misconceptions of FIRS, what makes Mesa County an interesting place to host a forensic science investigation research station, and how FIRS provides a variety of important training tools for CMU interns. Thank you, Dr. Connor for sitting down with us and sharing your very important work!FIRS Information:https://www.coloradomesa.edu/forensic-investigation-research-station/index.htmlForensic Methods: Excavation for the Archaeologist and Investigator: https://mesa.marmot.org/Record/.b5177124x?searchId=142654899&recordIndex=1&page=1Academic Journals (Academic Search Premier EBCO)

The Retired Senior Volunteers Program or RSVP works in partnership with over 60 local non-profit organizations to fill important volunteer needs by recruiting individuals age 55 and over.  We’re joined by Maggie Sanders, the Senior Scholar Project & Office Manager at RSVP, to talk through all of the services and resources RSVP provides. In Maggie’s words, “If you’ve gone into a non-profit in Mesa County, you’ve most likely run into an RSVP volunteer.”  Over 600 RSVP volunteers change lives every day by providing their time, service, and expertise to members of Mesa County. Thank you, Maggie, for sharing with us how RSVP has helped our community! Are you over 55 and interested in volunteering with RSVP? The process is easy! Visit rsvpgrandjunction.org and fill out a Volunteer Application. RSVP will work with you to determine the best, most fulfilling role for you!  Looking for ways to help? Donate to RSVP by visiting rsvpgrandjunction.org. SIGNATURE RSVP PROJECTS INCLUDE:SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Assistance Project)Volunteers help Medicare beneficiaries understand their health care coverage and prescription drug plans. Visit the SHIP page for more information.Handyman ProjectVolunteers make minor home repairs and adaptations for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities. Visit the Handyman Project page for more information.Senior Scholar Project Volunteers tutor children in reading, math and science in schools and other education centers. Visit the Senior Scholar Project page for more information.RSVP - rsvpgrandjunction.orgLibrary Resources -Senior Living LibGuide - guides.mesacountylibraries.org/seniorliving

Library staff members Kelley and Jason join us for a discussion about how they used the 970West Studio to create and produce Heartbreak Inn, a cassette tape with Kelley’s original music. They share their history as musicians, how Heartbreak Inn came to be, their creative process for the tape, and a sneak peek of one of the songs. Thank you, Kelley and Jason, for sharing your music with us! Find their masterpiece here: https://heartbreakinn.bandcamp.com/releases970West Studio:https://mesacountylibraries.org/services/970weststudio/Classes and Programs at 970West:https://mesacountylibraries.libcal.com/calendar/events?cid=1159&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=1159&cm=1858&inc=0Digital Conversion Station:https://mesacountylibraries.org/services/conversionstation/

Colorado Legal Services (CLS) offers legal help for low-income Coloradans seeking assistance with civil legal needs. We’re joined by Andrea Rosenberry, Staff Attorney, to discuss some of the incredible resources CLS offers Mesa County Residents. Thank you, Andrea, for sharing with us how CLS has changed so many lives!Colorado Legal Services - https://www.coloradolegalservices.org/https://www.facebook.com/COLegalServ/Community Resources:https://www.courts.state.co.us/Forms/Index.cfmhttps://cdola.colorado.gov/rental-mortgage-assistancehttps://coloradostabilityfund.org/en/ Library Resources:Legal Information LibGuide https://guides.mesacountylibraries.org/legalKanopy Great Courses - Law School For Everyone https://mcpld.kanopy.com/video/law-school-everyoneOPAC Search for Legal Nonfiction materials - https://mesa.marmot.org/Search/Results?lookfor=legal&basicType=Keyword&basicType=Keyword&filter[]=literary_form_full%3A%22Non+Fiction%22&sort=relevance&view=list&searchSource=localCLS, AAA of NW Colorado and Region 10 AAA on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cls-aaa-of-nw-colorado-and-region-10-aaa-30701861094