Working full-time at ACE Hardware, John Carder has limited time to work for The Mountain-Ear, but he puts his camera and his notebook into overdrive as he serves his community using his local experience as a guide.

John moved here and bought his house in 1985. It’s the only one he has ever owned.

Retired now from Timberline Fire, he loves covering the community experience and sharing his beautiful photos within the Peak to Peak region.

“The paper helps to build the feeling of community among us,” said Carder. Aware that many locals moved here to avoid the crowds and pressures of the city, “we educate newcomers, as well.” He is fascinated by the history of the community and how it has changed over the years and continues to change.

As a longtime local, Carder said he is continuously learning about the community; with his extensive knowledge of the fire department, he enjoys sharing what he knows. “Most newcomers don’t realize that the fire department is primarily volunteer,” he points out. He sees part of his job as educating those for whom this is new information.

He adds, “Thank you for keeping The Mountain-Ear alive.” He’s happy to be part of that venture.