• Serving the Crystal Valley since 2002 •
THE CRYSTAL VALLEYandE CHO Marble Times Providing a voice for community-based organizations and individuals that enrich the life of the Crystal Valley September 2011
Inside
Lead King Loop Charity Races page 21
FREE
Volume 8 Number 9
One way out Pyranha Kayak team members call the upper Crystal River "some of the steepest and most beautiful...in the entire state of Colorado." See story page 19.
Labor Day Art Show page 5
Redstone’s powerhouse page 10
Marble Times pull-out section pages 13-16
Pyranha’s Josh Bechtel gets ready to run the inner section of the Crystal Gorge above Marble. “It’s like looking down the pipe,” said fellow Pyranha Photo by Dave Fusilli team member Dave Fusilli.
The Echo Shot & A Beer Special **You must present this coupon to save!** OFFER GOOD DURING MONTH OF SEPTEMBER ONLY
Anchor Bock Beer (6 pk) was $10.49
Only $6.99 with coupon!**
Sheepdog finals page 22
Jack Daniel’s Tennesee Honey (375ml) was $12.99
Only $9.99
with coupon!**
Page 2, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
From the Publisher You may not know this, but The Crystal Valley Echo started out as just The Marble Times... a small newspaper produced by The Marble Charter School (MCS). Once the Echo was born, The Marble Times became its own section of the paper. The kids at MCS create the information that goes into The Marble Times month in and month out, helped along by their teachers and the school staff. With the start of this school year, we’re going to publish the MCS’s Marble Times a little differently. We’ve moved The Marble Times into the center of the Echo, creating an actual pull-out section to highlight MCS and the students’ work. We’re going to be working more hands-on with the kids, showing them about design and layout, why it’s important to include key elements in a newspaper story or photograph, etc. But don’t worry – the essence of The Marble Times will stay the same: a look at life at MCS and the Crystal Valley through the eyes of kindergarteners through eighth graders. To help us showcase these special four pages, we’d like to keep them ad-free – making the focus of The Marble Times the kids’ work. To do this, we’ve created some sponsorship opportunities for individuals and businesses to support our efforts in this endeavor. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor… maybe you’re a grandparent of a student, a strong supporter of place-based education, or a small business owner… contact me at 963-2373, echo@crystalvalleyecho.com, and we’ll include you in our acknowledgement boxes in the next issue of The Marble Times! Here’s to the 2011-12 school year – and here’s to The Marble Times. Alyssa Ohnmacht
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide a voice for Crystal Valleyites; to bring attention to the individuals and local businesses that are the fabric of the Crystal Valley region; to contribute to the vitality of our small town life. Publisher Alyssa Ohnmacht Editor Carrie Click Staff Writer Sue McEvoy Advertising Sales Alyssa Ohnmacht • 963-2373 echo@crystalvalleyecho.com Distribution Dawn Distribution • 963-0874
Contributors to this issue of The Crystal Valley Echo: Dave Fusilli, Kent and Laura Albrecht, Betty Bradley, John Emerick, Karen Mulhall, George Newman, Ron Sorter, Bettie Lou Gilbert, Michael Olander, Melissa Sidelinger, Ross Montessori School, CCAH, Roaring Fork Conservancy, Camp Chair Productions, Jennifer Tuggle, Friends of the Gordon Cooper Library Debra Winston, Bruce Gledhill, Nicole Mansfield, Brian Owens, Ernie Bradley, Craig Macek, Strang Ranch, Kyle Stewart, Connie Lane, Glenn Smith, Ellie Kershow, Alyson Prines, Marble Charter School students and staff
The Crystal Valley Echo is published monthly, and is distributed throughout the entire Crystal Valley.
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Home delivery is available for many locations throughout the valley. Newspaper box locations: Carbondale City Market (inside) • Village Smithy Carbondale Post Office • Dos Gringos • Red Rock Diner Redstone General Store • Marble Charter School The Echo is also available at businesses from El Jebel to Glenwood Springs and throughout the Crystal Valley. For subscriptions Please send $35 and address information to: The Crystal Valley Echo 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 For information Please contact us: 963-2373 echo@crystalvalleyecho.com
All copy submitted to The Crystal Valley Echo will be edited and reviewed by our staff for style, grammar and content. The Crystal Valley Echo reserves the right to refuse publication of any submitted material that does not meet the our standards for a positive, informative, educational community newspaper.
SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 3
H E A LT H
Rabid bat leads to Marble cat’s euthanasia not been vaccinated against the virus. “Rabies is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus that affects the nervous system and is spread through the saliva of an infected animal to another mammal,” Susan says. While bats and skunks are the main carriers in Colorado, foxes and raccoons may also spread the virus to domestic animals or humans. “Symptoms in bats that should make you suspicious is a bat flying around during the day, or erratic, uncoordinated flight,” says Susan. “Never touch a bat that is dead or appears sick.” Susan recommends that all dogs and cats receive an initial rabies vaccine between 12 and 16 weeks of age with a booster given at one year, and subsequent
By Sue McEvoy, Echo staff writer A recent rabies incident in Marble has a local veterinarian concerned about keeping Crystal Valley residents, visitors, and their pets healthy and safe. “On Aug. 7, a cat that lived in the town of Marble brought a dead bat into the house and presented it to her owners as a gift,” says Dr. Susan Weber of Crystal Valley Veterinary Care, which offers home veterinary care. “The other two cats in the household may or may not have had contact with the bat. The recipients of the bat gift had a previous experience with a rabid bat and knew it would be important to submit the bat for rabies testing. The bat subsequently tested positive. Rabies can be lethal, particularly in pets that have
boosters every three years. If a well-vaccinated dog or cat is exposed to rabies, they should receive a booster but are not at high risk of contracting the virus. However, if an under-vaccinated or never-vaccinated animal has exposure, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately. “In this unfortunate incident, it turns out the cats had never had the rabies vaccine,” Susan says. “The cat that had brought the bat in had to be euthanized. Because the other two cats were unvaccinated and may have had exposure, the owners had to decide between a six-month mandatory quarantine or euthanasia.” For more information, contact Dr. Susan Weber at 963-1027.
Save a Life Pitkin County encourages bystanders to take action By Carrie Click, Echo editor
started CPR and used the school’s AED to shock his heart back to rhythm before first responders arrived. Those quick, life-saving actions have prompted a campaign called Save a Life Pitkin County to raise public awareness about what individuals can do to save a life before paramedics arrive on the scene of a heart attack victim. “Sadly, all sudden cardiac arrests in our area haven’t been success stories,” said Jim Richardson, director of the Aspen Ambulance District. “But we’re convinced if more people learn about AEDs and the new CPR, we’ll see more cardiac arrest survivors in our area.” In June 2010, the village of Redstone, working with Pitkin County, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, and Carbondale Rotary, purchased an AED. Carbondale Fire held a training course for about a dozen people who signed up to learn how to use the device. Redstone’s AED is now installed in the lobby of the Redstone Inn, and is available for use. In order to make even more people aware of the value of knowing CPR and how to operate an AED, the Aspen Ambulance District, Aspen Community Foundation, Public Safety Council and Pitkin County government recently launched Save a Life Pitkin County’s website at savealifepitkincounty.com. The
Within the past year and a half, at least three Pitkin County residents have gone into sudden cardiac arrest and are alive today because cardio pulmonary resusitation (CPR) was quickly administered to them by bystanders. And in one case, an automated external defibrillator (AED) was used by bystanders before first repsonders arrived. These bystanders, not medical personnel, were the ones who initially administered aid. Aspen native Tommy Clapper went into cardiac arrest at Little Annie’s restaurant in Aspen in April 2010. He lived because a bystander knew CPR and started chest compressions until first responders arrived with an AED, which was used to revive him. Ed “Undead Ed” Zasacky of Aspen literally died on an Aspen tennis court in October 2010. Ed’s tennis partner started CPR before ambulance crews arrived six minutes later. Had Ed not received immediate CPR, it’s likely he would have suffered brain damage, or that he wouldn’t have lived at all. And Hector Vazquez of Basalt suffered cardiac arrest at a martial arts class at Basalt Middle School this past March. He’s alive today because bystanders
site includes information about the relatively new “compression-only” CPR technique, and the use of AEDs by untrained bystanders. Before the Save a Life Pitkin County campaign was launched, a thorough inventory was taken of the nearly 200 AEDs in commercial operations in the Aspen area. As a result of the door-to-door inventory, the locations of local AEDs have been documented and shared with local 911 operators. When 911 is called in a sudden collapse emergency, operators can now let the caller know if there is an AED in the location of the emergency and help direct them in how to use it. Nearly all police and sheriff patrol cars contain AEDs. “We weren’t surprised to find that some people didn’t know what they were or where they were in their buildings,” Richardson said. “Many admitted they’d be afraid to use one in an emergency. They thought only trained paramedics should touch them, and that’s just not the case.” The public awareness campaign will continue with plans to take the campaign into local schools and schedule CPR and AED trainings locally. Local groups interested in a presentation or training may call Jim Richardson at 544-1571.
W H O Kent and Laura Albrecht Upper Crystal Valley
W E
A R E
“Who We Are” is a Q&A about a Crystal Valley resident or visitor. Our objective is to give community members better connections and familiarity with each other. Name: Dr. Kent J. Albrecht, B.S., Th-M, D.C., and Laura Albrecht, CT, CA; married 29 years Age: Kent: 54 Laura: “29” Occupation: Kent: Chiropractor going on 30 years Laura: X-ray technician, chiropractic therapist and assistant Where do you live? Between Redstone and Marble Birthplace: Kent: North Dakota Laura: Wisconsin We both grew up primarily in Wisconsin, and after being
married, lived in St. Louis, New Orleans, southern Mississippi, and Milwaukee areas.
When did you move to the Crystal Valley and why? We traveled the entire Western Slope for a month visiting virtually every town to choose where to semi-retire in 2009, then moved here from Wisconsin later that same year. (Go Pack! But our favorite AFC team is Denver!) We have great faith in prayer, so along the trip, Laura continually spoke about having gardens, and Kemt was stuck on the word “luscious” for no sensible reason. When we pulled into Marble for the first time, we drove up to Woody’s, and in the overgrown field beside the restaurant was a sign that read “Luscious Gardens,” so for us, it was a confirmation of our journey! Of course we also felt the valley area had the best views, beauty, solitude, and charm. We both enjoy the outdoors, and Kent is a bow hunter, fisherman, and wilderness explorer type, with “cowboy” in his blood.
continued on page 23
Who are you? Would you like others to know who you are and what you’re about? Or do you know someone who lives and/or works in the Crystal Valley who would make an interesting Who We Are subject? Let us know by contacting the Echo at cve@crystalvalleyecho.com, or call 963-2373.
Page 4, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
C RY S TA L
C A L E N D A R Your calendar for goings on in and around the Crystal River Valley
Help the Echo’s calendar grow; let us know. Send event items to echo@crystalvalleyecho.com by the 15th of the preceding month. Be sure to include the five Ws (who, what, when, why and where); contact info, cost and anything else you think readers need to know. • Sept. 1: 1-3 p.m. Time to recycle in Redstone. In front of the Church at Redstone, Redstone Boulevard. • Sept. 1: 7 p.m. The Marble Board of Trustees meeting is at Fellowship Hall at the Marble Community Church. • Sept. 1-3: 7:30 p.m. “Fuddy Meers,” an adult comedy plays at the historic Cardiff Schoolhouse in south Glenwood Springs. $15/person. Call 9456247 for tickets and information. • Sept. 2: 6-8 p.m. First Friday is a tradition in Carbondale, and includes all types of retail businesses, galleries, restaurants, free shuttles, rickshaw rides, maps, and performers along the Highway 133 corridor, Third Street Center, and of course, downtown. carbondalearts.com. • Sept. 2-5: Redstone Art Foundation Labor Day Weekend Art Show is at the Redstone Inn and features a juried selection of local and out-of-valley artists in a range of mediums; redstoneartfoundation.org. • Sept. 4: 5:30-7:30 p.m. The last Magical Moments summer concert is The Defiance String Band, at Redstone Park. 963-8240. • Sept. 4: 4:00 p.m. David Singing Bear does a new moon outdoor flute concert and storytelling time at the Mill Site Amphitheater in Marble, sponsored by The Marble Hub. Free; donations appreciated. Bring blankets to sit on ground. • Sept. 6: 9 a.m. Redstone Community Association meets at the Redstone Inn. Learn about upcoming Redstone events, and help plan for them. redstonecolorado.com. • Sept. 8: 7 p.m. Crystal River Caucus regular meeting at the Church at Redstone on Redstone Boulevard. Agenda includes forest management activities, including cutting and burning, to commence this fall; Highway 133 plans regarding rockfall mitigation/highway realignment by the Colorado Division of Transportation and other issues; planning activities for Coal Basin to improve water quality. 963-2143 for more information.
• Sept. 9-10: 7:30 p.m. “Fuddy Meers,” an adult comedy plays at the historic Cardiff Schoolhouse in south Glenwood Springs. $15/person. Call 9456247 for tickets and information.
• Sept. 10: 9-11:30 a.m. Filoha Meadows Naturalist Walk, hosted by Roaring Fork Conservancy and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails. Free. Registration required. 927-1290, roaringfork.org.
• Sept. 11: Never forget. • Sept. 13-18: National Sheepdog Finals at Strang Ranch, 0393 County Rd. 102, on Missouri Heights north of Carbondale. Herding competition, food, beverages, and more. $10/day and $40/event passes available; free for children under 7. 963-1890, carbondale.com. • Sept. 15: 1-3 p.m. Time to recycle in Redstone. In front of the Church at Redstone, Redstone Boulevard. • Sept. 16: 6 p.m. Cowboy Up Carbondale western barbecue and street dance to celebrate the National Sheepdog Championships at Strang Ranch, and benefit the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce is on Carbondale’s Main Street. cowboyupcarbondale.com. • Sept. 17: 6 p.m. The Local’s Appreciation Block Party, sponsored by the Town of Carbondale and The Pour House to celebrate the National Sheepdog Championships at Strang Ranch, is on Carbondale’s Main Street at the Fourth Street Plaza with complimentary barbecue and a concert featuring The Sirens. carbondale.com. • Sept. 18: Lead King Loop, Quarry Climb and Lake Kids Loop charity races are in Marble; leadkingloop25k.com, 704-1275. • Sept. 23-Oct. 3: 10 a.m. Friends of the Gordon Cooper Library Fall Book Sale is at 76 S. Fourth St. in Carbondale. Volunteers needed. Call 9632889.
ONGOING • Guided tours of the historic Redstone Castle during September and October are Fridays through Mondays at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available at The Crystal Club Café, Tiffany of Redstone, and the Redstone General Store. $15/adults, $10/seniors/children, free for kids under 5 years. More info on group tours: 963-9656 or redstonecastle.us.
• Roaring Fork Combat Veterans Support Group, a safe place for veterans who have served in combat operations to share, meets every Monday at 8 p.m. at the Circle Club, 123 Main St., Carbondale. Contact Adam McCabe, 309-613-6-91, bigmac309@gmail.com.
• Total Body Fitness schedule in Redstone is Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30-10:30 a.m., at the Church at Redstone on the Boulevard. Have a twohour body experience: Sculpt your figure with low impact to burn body fat, weight-bearing exercises to strengthen and breathing and mindful stretching for flexibility and body/mind awareness. Free to the community. All abilities welcome. Since 1995. Personal training available. Instructor: Lisa Wagner, 963-8240.
• The Redstone Community Association meets the second Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the Redstone Inn in Redstone; redstonecolorado.com
• HEARTBEAT – support for survivors after suicide – meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 824 Cooper St. (the Bethel Chapel entrance), Glenwood. Call Pam Szedelyi, 945-1398, or pamsz@sopris.net.
• Every Wednesday, now through Oct. 5, the Carbondale Farmers’ Market is at Fourth and Main from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 704-4190, carbondalefarmersmarket.com. • Want to be "In Stitches"? Every first, third and sometimes fifth Wednesday, bring the stitches (knit, crochet, needlepoint etc.) of your choice to the Redstone Inn Library Room from 4-6 p.m. Beginner to advanced. Call Kay Bell, 963-9811 or Mary Dorais, 963-3862. • Recycling in Redstone is on the first and third Thursday of each month from 1-3 p.m. Bring your cardboard, glass, plastic, newspapers, magazines, aluminum, steel cans and office paper to the Pitkin County bin parked adjacent to the Church at Redstone, Redstone Boulevard.
• Historic walking tours of Marble are available by appointment at The Marble Hub on Main Street in Marble. Donations accepted. Call 704-9482.
• Every Friday through Oct. 5, the Redstone Company Store hosts Fresh Fridays for organically grown produce, meats, poultry, jams, cut flowers and more; from 3-7 p.m. on the Boulevard on the lawn outside the store. 963-3408.
• Mill Site tours are available by appointment at The Marble Hub on Main Street in Marble. $5/person. Call 704-9482.
• Carbondale Recreation offers classes and programs for a range of activities for kids and adults. 704-4190, carbondalerec.com.
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around Redstone. $25/person. 963-2526, redstoneinn.com.
• Redstone and Marble locals can get a Locals Card for discounts at the Redstone Inn at Happy Hours and more. Stop by the inn. 963-2526.
• Sue is out of the country in September so there’s no Pilates in Redstone. She’ll be back. • Registration is underway at Colorado Mountain College for fall semester. Contact coloradomtn.edu/register or visit CMC’s Lappala Center, at 690 Colorado Ave., Carbondale. 9632172.
• Get help: Crystal Valley residents living in Pitkin County (that’s you, Redstonians), are encouraged by the Aspen Counseling Center to pick up the phone if you are in an emotional crisis and need to talk to a trained professional. Don’t wait. Call 920-5555.
SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 5
A R T S
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Redstone Art Foundation presents 16th annual Labor Day art show By Betty Bradley, Redstone Art Foundation
The hours of planning and preparation are over. Now it is time to enjoy a weekend of art, demonstrations, book signings and trying your own hand at creativity. The 16th annual Redstone Art Foundation Labor Day Weekend Art show kicks off on Sept. 2 from 6-8 p.m. with an opening gala on the lawn of the Redstone Inn. Music will be provided for your listening enjoyment by Michael Farrell, and dedicated volunteer cooks from Redstone will entice you with delicious hors d’oeuvres. Spend an enchanted evening visiting inside the enormous white tent with the show’s artists, sipping wine and perhaps finding a piece of art that you’d like to purchase. The show continues from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 3 and 4 and culminates on Labor Day Monday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The talent this year is diversified, unique and exciting. Artists who will be showing their oil, watercolor, pastel or acrylic work are Ida Burnaman, Steve Legersky, Joyce Mack, Kristof and Noemi Kosmowski, Kyle Samuelson, Carol Murphy, Judy Milne, Sue Hontz, Connie Hendrix, Charlie Manus, Patti Cappa, and Laura Porakova. Photographers in the show are Roberta McGowan, Bob Kausch, Michael and Stephanie Askew, and Jim Hontz. Woodworking is being represented by Dale Darnell, Michael Askew, and David Moore. Dian Geist and April Brooks will be displaying their ceramics, both handwork and wheel work. Brigitta Heller and Barbara Sophia are showing silk and velvet clothing, hand-crocheted sweaters, jewelry and hand-dyed silks. Dawn Sudmeier is exhibiting her unique fused glass, while Pam Wadsworth showcases her newest jewelry creations. Karen Alldredge is back with her hand-woven baskets. New this year is Betty Eschenroeder with intricate beading, Olivia Pevec featuring ironwork hooks and sculpture, Jill Scher with felted wearable art and wall hangings, Bill Smith with iron-
work fireplace tools, mirrors and wall art, Megan Crawford showing her painted feathers, and Brian Geist displaying rustic furniture and mirrors. Other surprises are coming from Amber Sparkles, the etchings of Jim Cox, and Charlene Miller showing her talent with collage. And of course we can’t forget the very talented sculpture of Connie Hendrix and Bruce Lemire. Several artists have graciously consented to present demonstrations throughout the weekend. These include learning about oil painting, Redstone’s photography, pastels, basket weaving, weekend. felting, etching, and acrylics. There will also be the added benefit this year of trying your hand at some fun activities. There will be a progressive painting throughout the weekend. Everyone is urged to participate. There are also free mini-classes in collage, beading, watercolor, knitting, and felting. Mary Stanaszak is signing her book, “Jennifer Lynnifer Alphabet Soup” at 1 p.m. on Sept. 3, and Jon Waterman is on hand Sept. 4 at 2 p.m. to sign his latest book, “The Colorado River.” The sponsors for the show this year are
art show brings art lovers to town every labor day
Echo file photo
American National Bank, Colorado Stone Quarries, Nick DeWolf Foundation, Gallegos Corp., the Redstone Inn, and the Redstone Art Foundation. All profits go to fund the Jack Roberts Memorial Scholarship for a graduating senior from Roaring Fork High School who will pursue a career in art. The Redstone Art Foundation is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization. For more information, contact Chuck Logan, the art show chairman, at 963-2310 or log onto redstoneartfoundation.org.
Marble Fest, held Aug. 5-7, brought music lovers to Mill Site Park to listen, dance, hang out, and enjoy barPhoto by Alyssa Ohnmacht becue from Slow Groovin.
Marble Fest rocks and rolls on By Sue McEvoy, Echo staff writer
Marble’s biggest music event of the year had to be Marble Fest, held Aug. 5-7. During the threeday (and night) festival, more than 30 bands appeared on the Marble Fest stage, which consisted of a big marble slab located in Marble’s Mill Site Park. Hundreds of locals and visitors visited the park to hear a wide array of local and statewide bands and solo musicians. Expanding from a more bluegrass foundation, the festival’s event production team – Shanti Gruber and Meagan Goodwin of SMG Connections – scheduled assorted folk, bluegrass, jazz, and rock bands from the upper Crystal Valley, Carbondale, the North Fork Valley and beyond. Ryan Vinciguerra, from Slow Groovin BBQ in Marble, was one of the event’s main sponsors. The restaurant provided food to the fest-goers. “Marble Fest was a great time,” said Ryan. “I thought the event was well organized and a wonderful weekend, music ‘round the clock and a steady flow of visitors to the town. The crew and the town did a thorough job cleaning up afterward. I look forward to next year’s Marble Fest.” Watch for this small-town music festival again next summer by going to marblefest.org.
Page 6, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
C R Y S T A L
R I V E R
Coal Creek Basin again the focus of state and local officials By John Emerick, Vice-Chair, Crystal River Caucus On an overcast and slightly rainy day late in July, 20 people met in the Coal Creek Basin with Steve Renner from the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, to discuss environmental problems that continue to plague Coal Creek and the Crystal River. The participants were from various federal, state, and local organizations including the Forest Service, State of Colorado, Pitkin County, Roaring Fork Conservancy, Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association, and the Crystal River Caucus. The basin has been the site of various reclamation activities since Mid-Continent Resources, operator of the Coal Basin Mine, declared bankruptcy in 1992. Despite these reclamation efforts, Coal Creek perennially dumps tons of fine sediments into the Crystal River that have on occasion reached the Roaring Fork River at Carbondale. Of all the Crystal River tributaries, Coal Creek probably has the greatest impact on the river’s water quality. A legacy of coal mining The Coal Creek situation wasn’t always as bad as it is now. Mike Mechau, a long-time resident of the Crystal Valley who was born near the mouth of Coal Creek, remembers that the creek was a fishable stream. “There were some meanders near the confluence with the Crystal that were very productive and popular with fishermen who lived in Redstone,” recalls
C A U C U S
Mike. “Now I suspect one would have trouble finding any fish in Coal Creek.” Coal Creek Basin gets its name from its history of coal mining that dates back more than 125 years. Redstone founder and industrialist John C. Osgood arrived in 1882 looking for coal for the railroad industry, and purchased some coal mining claims in the basin. By 1899, Osgood started building the coke ovens, the village of Redstone, and another mining settlement, Coalbasin, near the mine itself at an elevation of about 9,500 feet. Also in 1899 another of his projects, the Crystal River Railroad, reached Redstone, and a year later the Highline narrow gauge railroad started running between Coalbasin and the coke ovens at Redstone. As luck would have it, a downturn in the economy forced Osgood to shut down all operations in 1909. Most of the environmental impacts in the basin at that time were probably limited to the area around the mine and in the vicinity of Redstone, and some perhaps from the Highline railroad grade. However, this changed in the late 1950s, when Mid-Continent started operations that eventually included opening four more mine tunnels in the area, establishing a network of 65-foot-wide haul roads, and greatly increasing the volume of waste rock and coal refuse piles at the mining operation. Resulting erosion and sediment movement from these features has meant continuing problems for the creeks draining the area, even though the state reclaimed many of the mining roads and tailings at the site. Ongoing environmental concerns During our July meeting, Steve Renner was quick
M A T T E R S
to point out that the whole basin is surrounded by natural shale bluffs: “Those areas are very unstable, and have contributed sediments to Coal Creek since before mining occurred,” Steve said. All the state could do was to address the mining impacts. There was no argument from the rest of the participants, but the group did observe some unstable areas associated with roads and other activities that might be amenable to additional stabilization. There was also talk of forming a coalition to assess the needs and establish priorities for further work in the basin that might someday allow fish to live in Coal Creek again. Already, the Roaring Fork Conservancy and Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association have undertaken efforts to conduct a water quality study of Coal Creek. The caucus will be discussing Coal Creek further during its September meeting.
Upcoming caucus meeting agenda The next Crystal River Caucus meeting is on Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Church at Redstone on Redstone Boulevard. The agenda will include forest management activities, including cutting and burning, to commence this fall; issues with Highway 133 including the planning of rockfall mitigation/highway realignment by the Colorado Division of Transportation, as well as culvert work; and a presentation on Coal Basin, including activity planning to improve water quality in Coal Creek. For more information, contact the Crystal River Caucus at crcaucus@gmail.com or call 963-2143.
The Church at Redstone We invite you to come and worship God with us in a peaceful and beautiful setting next to the Crystal River in Redstone
NOW OPEN AT THE REDSTONE INN! Worship 9:00 a.m. Nursery provided
In Marble… A salon experience in a natural setting. In Redstone… a convenient location for all your beauty needs. Lower Level of the Redstone Inn • 970-963-2526 170 Crystalline Drive • Marble CO 81623 • 970-963-0998 • 970-319-5716
NOTE: Worship time changes to 10:00 a.m. on September 18th
Bruce A. Gledhill, Pastor • 970-963-0326 www.churchatredstone.com
A community church serving Redstone and the Crystal Valley.
SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 7
G O V E R N M E N T
Marble Board of Trustees
What’s up with Pitkin County?
Twenty business licenses issued in Marble By Karen Mulhall, Echo contributor At its Aug. 3 meeting, the Marble Board of Trustees discussed enacting revisions to its tree ordinance to ban the use of certain chemical insecticides. The board decided more research is needed on specific insecticides, and tabled this item until late fall. In other action, the board approved a driveway modification and a building permit for a shed. The board also reviewed and issued 20 business licenses. Businesses range from Marble’s one food service establishment, lodging, to "cottage" home businesses. The board reviews each license for compliance with the town's zoning code, and then issues or denies licenses. All but one business license was approved, as additional information was needed on that application. Once the individual sewage disposal system (ISDS) capacity has been verified with that application, the board will review the business license application. The board discussed dredging gravel from Carbonate Creek. Dredging is necessary to prevent flooding. The town received written approval from the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the gravel as long as no gravel was returned to Carbonate Creek. The town still needs to check with the Division of Minerals and Geology as to whether a permit to use the gravel is needed. A protest was filed as to the sufficiency of a recall petition. The board appointed Lee Leavenworth as the hearing officer for an administrative hearing. The board held a public hearing to amend the 2011 budget and appropriate additional funds from the general fund to pay for legal fees for the town to enforce its zoning and building regulations. An additional $10,000 was appropriated, which will leave the town with an approximate $300 general fund balance. The Board authorized placing an ad in The Crystal Valley Echo to request bids for snowplowing within the town for the 2011-2012 winter season. The next regularly scheduled meeting is on Sept. 1.
Pitkin County commissioners oppose Crystal River Project By George Newman, Pitkin County District 5 commissioner As reported in the August Echo, on July 27, Pitkin County filed a statement of opposition to the Crystal River Project as proposed by the Colorado River Water Conservation District and the West Divide Water Conservancy District in their renewal application to water court. The history of this project goes back to the 1950s for conditional water rights to export water from the Crystal River to the Divide Creek and Mamm Creek drainages in Garfield County. The intent was to use this water for agricultural needs and municipal and industrial purposes primarily associated with the development of oil shale. This project, known as the West Divide Project, included the construction of five reservoirs and many miles of ditches, canals and siphons to store and transport the water. This included the Redstone Reservoir containing approximately 129,000 acre feet of water, the Placita Reservoir at 62,000 acre feet, and the Yank Creek Reservoir at about 14,000 acre feet. By comparison, Ruedi Reservoir is 100,000 acre feet and Paonia Reservoir is 15,000 acre feet. The federal government withdrew its support for the project in 1982 determining that the potential cost and benefit of the project did not justify its completion as part of the Colorado River Storage Project Act. Faced with the absurdity of a reservoir drowning the historic center of Redstone, and the need to demonstrate some semblance of due diligence to water court every six years to maintain conditional water rights, the districts have revised their current application. They have given up their rights to build the Redstone Reservoir, reduced the size of the Placita reservoir to 4,000 acre feet (and propose moving this to an alternate site upstream near Bogan Flats), and reduced the Yank Creek Reservoir to 5,000 acre feet. In addition, the proposed Avalanche Canal has been reduced to a flow of 250 cubic feet per second (cfs) from 500 cfs and the diversion of water to Divide Creek and Mamm Creek has been eliminated. The newly stated purpose for the project is for hydroelectric power generation and stream management on the lower Crystal River. Given the reduced size of the Placita and Yank Creek dams, it is difficult to imagine their viability for hydroelectric power generation. It is also hard to imagine how stream flow management of low flows on the Crystal can be accomplished with reservoirs of the new sizes, given the fact that current diversions for agricultural use that deplete the river are not satisfied to their decreed amounts. At best, the management of these reservoirs (if they could be filled) for this purpose would see wildly fluctuating water levels similar to Paonia Reservoir. Since the drought of 2002, the growing reality of climate change, and increasing demand for water on the eastern slope, the value of water storage sites in western Colorado has increased. Although the West Divide and Colorado River districts presently have neither the ability nor the inclination to develop this project, these rights could be sold to an entity that might actually construct these or other facilities. Although this revised proposal has been scaled down, we do not feel it is appropriate in size, location, scope, feasibility, need or likelihood of actual completion. Therefore, the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners is New this year… committed to the allocation of resources to oppose the continued renewal of this project in water court. Winter
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Pitkin County commissioners hold weekly work sessions on Tuesdays and bi-monthly public hearings on Wednesdays in the Plaza One building next to the Pitkin County Courthouse on Main Street in Aspen. Agendas are available at aspenpitkin.com. Both meetings are televised live and repeated on locater CG12 TV. They are also streamed live and available on Pitkin County’s website, at aspenpitkin.com. In this column, District 5 Pitkin County Commissioner George Newman offers his take on current matters. You can reach him at george.newman@co.pitkin.co.us.
Page 8, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
L E T T E R S Write us a letter! The Echo welcomes your input, opinions, thanks and whatever else you’d like to share with your fellow readers, provided it’s written in a respectful, civil way. (Please, no unsubstantiated attacks, etc.) Please shoot for 500 words or less. The Echo reserves the right to edit and proofread letters. Send your words to The Crystal Valley Echo, echo@crystalvalleyecho.com, or 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623. Thanks.
Benefit concert a great success! I would like to say a huge Thank You to everyone who attended, donated to and participated with the Johnny O. Band / Team Fox benefit concert for the fight against Parkinson's Disease at the Crystal Club in Redstone on Aug. 14. We raised $2,600 which was over my $2,500 goal! A special thank you to The Johnny O. Band and to the Crystal Club! A big thank you to all of the silent auction donors: Marty Hartman, Susan Markofski, The Redstone Castle, Aunti Grime Cleaning Services, Colorado Mountain Express, Train off Main, Harry Knipe, Redstone Cliffs Lodge, Thunder River Theater Company, The Redstone Inn, Michael Ohnmacht, Kim Amicon, The Crystal Valley Echo, and the Redstone General Store. And, a special thanks to all the people who purchased things from the silent auction! We couldn't have done it without all of you! Because of all of you, we are one step closer in the fight against Parkinson's Disease. Keep a look out for information about Pancakes for Parkinson's, which will be held sometime in the end of October. Olivia Savard Redstone
Letter of thanks Dear Echo: Safety is important. Even when every precaution is taken, accidents do happen. I would like to give my sincerest thanks for the fine job that the Marble Volunteer Fire Department, the Carbondale Fire Department, and Forest Service volunteer John Rameras did rescuing our employee, Kelly Wood, when she broke her leg on Sheep Mountain while patrolling on an ATV. Kelly was coming down a steep hill, hit a rock, and was thrown off balance. The machine rolled, crushing her leg. The area of the accident was in a dead radio zone, and her patrol partner went for help. She had to wait more than three hours for help to arrive. The Marble and Carbondale fire departments acted in a quick, professional manner, and got Kelly out of a dangerous situation on a steep isolated road. The Marble Hub staff was also instrumental in assisting with the response, as well as some motorcyclists. On behalf of the U.S. Forest Service, I would like to again thank the outstanding job that these public servants and volunteers did in responding to this and other emergency situations. Kelly's surgery went well, and she'll be doing office work for a while. Sincerely, Scott Snelson District Ranger Sopris Ranger District White River National Forest Carbondale
Have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!
Left, Dalmatian toadflax, right, Yellow toadflax. Photos courtesy of Ann Larson.
Weed of the Month The Toadflaxes-Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica & L. genistifolia) & Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) DALMATIAN TOADFLAX The toadflaxes are members of the Snapdragon family. Both plants are designated as noxious weeds in Pitkin and Garfield counties. The toadflaxes were introduced as ornamental plants; both have escaped their intended boundaries and are now threats to native ecosystems and agriculture. Both toadflaxes are deep rooted perennials and have similar snapdragon type flowers. Dalmatian toadflax is a larger plant than yellow toadflax and may get up to three feet tall. The leaves of Dalmatian toadflax are waxy, heart-shaped and clasp the stem, and have a blue-green color to them. The leaves of yellow are smaller and linear shaped. Dalmatian toadflax is still rare in Pitkin County. Infestations exist on Capitol Creek Road, along Upper Snowmass Creek road, and on Bureau of Land Management land in the Crown area. It is more common in Garfield County. It is prevalent in and around Glenwood Springs, on Red Mountain, in West Glenwood, and along Three-mile and Four-mile Creeks. YELLOW TOADFLAX Yellow toadflax, also known as “Butter and Eggs”, is common in Snowmass Village and in the City of Aspen along the Roaring Fork River. It may be found along Castle Creek, the Frying Pan, and throughout the Crystal River Valley. In Garfield County, it is found in scattered locations throughout the county. It is most prevalent in the Flat Tops Wilderness area where it is the dominant forb in many sites. Garfield County, in cooperation with the local Conservation Districts, and Pitkin County both offer cost-share programs that provide financial assistance to landowners for noxious weed management.
For additional information or to report a toadflax sighting: Garfield County: 625-8601 x 105 or santhony@garfield-county.com Pitkin County: 920-5214 or melissa.sever@co.pitkin.co.us
SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 9
H I S T O RY
Obituary
Redstone Coke Ovens Update
Lu Duke May 29, 1926 – July 25, 2011 Lu Duke, who spent summers in Marble for many years, passed away on July 25 in Clifton, Texas. She was 85. Lu was born in Camden, Ark., and was a teacher all her life. She married Doyle Duke in 1950 in Eagle Pass, Texas and moved to Graham, Texas in 1963 where they lived most of the rest of their lives. Lu and Doyle loved the Marble area. After their retirement, they were campground hosts at Bogan Flats before purchasing property on Serpentine Trail where they spent summers until about five years ago. They were very active in the Marble Community Church. Lu was preceded in death by Doyle and is survived by three sons and their families. Lu was a great lady and the most positive person you could ever meet. It was an awesome pleasure to know her.
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Masons to stabilize ovens north of stables in September By Ron Sorter, Redstone Historical Society Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of monthly updates about the construction at the Redstone coke ovens. Each one will summarize what’s happened in the last month and what to expect in the future. At the end of August, the masons basically finished the “stabilization” of all the ovens on the highway side, south of Redstone Stables’ access road. All but two of those ovens coke ovens were similar to those used in the coking town of El received the “A” Redstone’s Photo courtesy of Ron Sorter Moro, Colo. above. type stabilization (with a full brick arch over door jamb blocks) while the other two got the “B” type (with mortar pointing and some brick replaced but no arch or door jambs). You’ve probably noticed, like me, all the folks stopping at the site to check out what’s happening. The guys working there have told me it’s surprising to them how many cars go by at speed, then turn around and come back. Folks get out, observe the work for a while then cross the bridge into Redstone. Of course, that was the idea. There’s no way to know if they go on to patronize Redstone shops and restaurants, or just use the public bathrooms, but it’s a start. September will see the masons stabilizing the ovens on the highway side north of the stables’ access road. None of the cinderblock-faced ovens from the 1950s are in this scope of work so they won’t be touched. The six ovens just north of the ‘50's ovens will get the “A” treatment, then the next six (all but one) get the more ruined looking “B” treatment. The last four ovens north of the cottonwood trees will be left in ruins. Once those ovens are done, the masons will begin work on the ovens on the backside of that row. Now let’s talk about the total restoration of the four ovens in front. Look at the picture above, from a coking town named El Moro. Our ovens were similar in many ways. Note the coker using a rake supported by a pully, just like at Redstone. His assistant holds a fork to scoop up coke. Pieces smaller than he could scoop up were classified as slag. As I mentioned last month, on those four ovens, our masons have already placed all the steel, brick and vented arch stones for the access tunnels. To finish the restoration on the center two ovens, the masons will install a second, larger arch (like in this picture) above the current vented arch. That’s to carry the weight of the retaining wall blocks above it. Redstone’s retaining wall had (and will have) a slight angle to it. The full-height retaining wall in front of those two center ovens will step down to the existing height of the retaining wall of the ovens on each side. This is to show how the ovens looked in all phases of their construction. Finally, all the ovens will have native grass growing between them. If you have any questions about anything that’s happening, call Melissa Sever, the county’s project manager, at 920-5390, or me, Ron, at 963-1787.
This column sponsored by an anonymous history aficionado
Page 10, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
H I S T O RY
Open space seeks endangered designation for Redstone’s powerhouse By Carrie Click, Echo editor
When the Redstone Castle Hydroelectric Powerhouse was built in 1902, terms such as “green” and “clean energy” hadn’t even been coined yet. Sitting along the Crystal River, the hydro plant was most likely the least environmentally disruptive power source in Redstone, as coal mining and coking operations belched black soot into the valley’s air around it. Today, you can see what’s left of the powerhouse, across from the Redstone Castle, as you drive along Highway 133. But it’s fading fast: decades of falling trees, runoff and heavy snows have caused the vintage structure to deteriorate. That’s why, in August, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails applied to Colorado Preservation, Inc. for the building to receive Colorado’s Most Endangered Places designation. Pitkin County purchased the powerhouse property in 2009, and is now seeking to preserve the historic structure. The powerhouse is part of the Redstone Historic District, and open space officials say that the structure could be incorporated into a master plan, eventually restoring it and linking it via a riverside trail to other historic and scenic features in the area such as the Redstone coke ovens. Industrialist John Cleveland Osgood built the Redstone Castle – originally known as Cleveholm Manor – and constructed the powerhouse to provide electricity to his mansion. He was among the first to bring electric power to Colorado. Other notable hydroelectric plants built around the turn of the 20th century include the current Aspen Art Museum structure in Aspen, Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride, and Fall River at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. For decades, the castle’s powerhouse pretty much stood the test of time until the early 1990s. Redstonian Bob McCormick, who with his wife Debbie owns The Company Store on Redstone Boulevard, owned the powerhouse property at that time. He obtained permits to place a large boulder upstream of the structure to protect it. Since then, the roof has collapsed, and the building will continue to succumb to the elements unless restoration work can take place. Pitkin County Open Space has a lot of support for its powerhouse “endangered places” bid. Among those supporting the designation are the White River National Forest, the Redstone Community Association, the Redstone Historical Society, Aspen Valley Land Trust, Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association, the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway Steering Committee, and Roaring Fork Conservancy.
Large portions of Redstone’s powerhouse are severely degraded. Pitkin County Open Space is seeking endangered designation on the building to restore it for historical purposes. Photo by Michael Olander
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SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 11
L o c a l F l av o r Food in Frankenstein’s kitchen By Melissa Sidelinger Genetically modified foods (GMOs) are agricultural crops that have been altered from their natural state through biotechnology. These plants have had foreign genes from viruses, bacteria, animals, or other plants inserted into their DNA in order to transfer a particular trait, such as insect resistance, to that plant. The top four GMO crops in the American food supply are soybeans, corn, canola, and cotton. Genetically modified sugar beets have recently joined them. GMO foods and the products that contain them do not have to be labeled as such in the United States. And most non-organic packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients or their by-products, including high fructose corn syrup, corn oil, soybean oil, soy lecithin, canola oil, cottonseed oil, aspartame, and sugar (unless the nutrition label explicitly states “cane sugar” or “evaporated cane juice”). In addition, genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is a drug routinely injected into dairy cows to increase milk production. Residues of this hormone then find their way into milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and other dairy products. And GMO corn and soybeans are fed to most of the commercial livestock that produces the meat and eggs found in American grocery stores. Biotechnology corporations often claim that their genetically
modified creations are safe for both the environment and for human consumption. But GMO foods entered the American marketplace in the mid-1990s without any safety testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Since then, scientific research has confirmed many health risks linked to GMO consumption, including increased food allergies, immune system impairment, cancer promotion, organ damage, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues. Corporations manufacturing GMOs, such as Monsanto, are buying up traditional varieties of seeds and patenting them so that small-scale farmers can no longer legally grow or sell these crops. This forces farmers to rely on Monsanto to sell them GMO seeds, which must then be repurchased every year, since many of them have been engineered to be sterile after the first crop. And GMO seeds require large quantities of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides (created by Monsanto) in order to grow. Additionally, ordinary crops are regularly the victims of cross-pollination with GMO pollen, resulting in contaminated food and seeds that threaten the security of the world’s food supply. If the perils of genetic engineering are to be stopped, people must support the cultivation of safe foods through sustainable agriculture. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is by purchasing locally-grown foods from small farms. Although many of these farms are unable to afford “organic” certification, they are nonetheless practicing the tenets of organic agriculture, which avoids the use of dangerous pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and GMO seeds. To find the safest, most nutritious foods,
By melissa Sidelinger
start patronizing farmers’ markets, join a community-supported agriculture program, stop at roadside farm stands, shop at food cooperatives that get their produce from local growers, or start your own vegetable garden. Minimize your consumption of packaged foods and replace them with home-cooked meals made from unprocessed fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and freerange eggs, meats, and dairy, and you will drastically reduce your intake of GMOs. When you do purchase foods from the grocery store, make sure they are certified organic, since GMOs cannot be added to these products. Also, look for the “Non-GMO Project Seal,” which is printed on supermarket foods that have been independently verified to be GMOfree. And look for “artificial hormone-free” or “No rBGH or rBST” labels on dairy products since many of these items are derived from cows’ milk containing rBGH residues if they’re not certified organic. Together we can make a difference in how foods are grown and produced. GMOs are a threat to our health and the future of our planet, but their existence can be challenged by each bite of food we take. Let’s all become conscientious shoppers and use our food dollars to demand healthful, ethical, and environmentallysound ingredients for our daily meals. Only then can we begin to achieve a just and sustainable agriculture for everyone.
Melissa Sidelinger lives in Marble, and has been involved in organic gardening, community-supported agriculture, local foods, and holistic nutrition for more than four years.
Echo Briefs Carbondale’s Ross Montessori in line for $6.6 million Challenge grant is contingent upon raising $5.2 million The Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant program has granted Ross Montessori School, a Carbondalebased public charter school, $6.6 million in August if the school can raise another $5.2 million by the end of 2011. The money is to be used for land purchase and the construction of a long awaited new school building. The matching funds can come from private donations or money or land and grants. “We are very excited to have been awarded this grant, but now have another major hurdle in trying to raise matching funds by the end of this year,” said Tami Cassetty, Ross founder and school board vice president. Ross had asked for consideration by the BEST board to reduce the amount of their match to $1 million, but this request was not granted. Ross is chartered by the Charter School Institute, not Roaring Fork School District RE-1, and is not able to access any bond or mill levy revenues. – Ross Montessori School
Staff changes at Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities As of Sept. 1, Ro Mead, who moved to Carbondale in 1974 and who’s been the executive director of Carbondale Council for Arts and Humanities (CCAH) for the last seven years, is now the organization’s program director. Amy Kimberly, former CCAH event director, is now CCAH’s executive director. Ro says she’s ready to take on her new responsibilities. “I have loved helping establish CCAH as a strong force in this community over the last seven years,” says Ro, a ceramist in her early 70s. “It's been wonderful, but also a lot of work for a woman who is past retirement age. I’m looking forward to taking it a little easier and focusing on my passions which are art and education.” During Ro’s tenure, she hosted CCAH’s gallery exhibits and helped to launch First Fridays monthly community events. CCAH became more involved in Carbondale’s school system, and the organization started holding a speakers’ series and music concerts. Amy Kimberly has worked for CCAH for eight years. She started as the Mountain Fair director in 2004, and has worked with the Town of Carbondale to expand the Summer of Music series. Amy started the Green Is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza, and helped open the PAC3 Performing Arts Center at the Third Street Center. She also served as development director at KDNK public radio from 2002-2008. A community celebration honoring Ro Mead as well as a Mountain Fair Volunteer Party and CCAH annual membership meeting is on Sept. 20 at CCAH. For more information, visit carbondalearts.com or call 963-1680. – CCAH
Page 12, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
Echo Briefs Next Filoha Meadows Naturalist Walk is Sept.10 Join Roaring Fork Conservancy naturalist Sarah Johnson from 9-11:30 a.m. on Sept. 10 for a morning walk through Filoha Meadows, learning about rare orchids, thermal hot springs, bighorn sheep, riparian habitat, and beaver ponds. Filoha Meadows is in the Crystal Valley, north of Redstone Dress appropriately for the walk, which will happen rain or shine. This free event is underwritten by Pitkin County Open Space and Trails. Registration is required at roaringfork.org/events. Call 927-1290 with questions. – Roaring Fork Conservancy
Cardiff Schoolhouse presents “Fuddy Meers” It has often been said that truth is stranger than fiction; such is the case in this valley premier of a play by David Lindsay-Abaire. “Fuddy Meers” is a roller coaster ride of a show that tells the story of Claire, an amnesiac who awakens each morning not knowing anything about who or where she is. One day she is kidnapped and the strange journey unfolds. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 1-3 and continues at 7:30 p.m. on the following weekend, Sept. 9-10. Tickets are $15. Seating is limited so call ahead for tickets and information at 945-6247. To get to the Cardiff School, drive past Sopris Elementary and look for the event parking signs. Actors include Cindy Hines, Mike Banks, Nick Garay, Jack Green, Chip Winn Wells, Bob Willey and Cassidy Willey. The play is rated PG-13 for language and mature subject matter. – Camp Chair Productions
Carbondale’s Fall Book Sale set for Sept. 23-Oct. 3 Friends of the Gordon Cooper Library Fall Book Sale starts at 10 a.m., Sept. 23 and runs through Oct. 3. The sale will be held during regular library hours in the community room of the library. The Friends of the Library need volunteers to organize and run the sale. Please come to the library at 76 S. Fourth St. in Carbondale to sign up for a shift. Thanks to the generous donations of our patrons, there’s a mountain of choices of books, DVDs, and CDs. Y’all come and support your local library with your book bargains. No early birds please. Call 963-2889 for more information. – Friends of the Gordon Cooper Library
i|á|à exwáàÉÇxVtáàÄx‹ REDSTONE CASTLE TOURS Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday • 1:30 p.m. (Starting November 1st tours will be Saturday & Sunday only)
LOST DOG – MARBLE: White poodle mix. Approximately 20 pounds. Named Alfi. Very Shy. Red collar with tags. Last seen at home in Marble on Aug. 28, 2011. Call 970-963-7171.
Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, $10 children 5-18, Children under 5: FREE (FOR GROUP TOURS CALL 970-963-9656) Tickets available at Tiffany of Redstone, the Redstone General Store and Crystal Club Cafe. CASH OR CHECK ONLY
www.redstonecastle.us
SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 13
SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION
T HE M ARBLE T IMES S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • A L O O K AT L I F E AT T H E M A R B L E C H A R T E R S C H O O L
Enjoying the new playground on the first day of school. The new playground area was installed thanks to a Greater Outdoor Colorado grant and the help of many local contractors and volunteers. Photos by Jennifer Tuggle
Many Thanks
TO THE SPONSORS OF THE MARBLE TIMES!
DAVID PARKS & LAURIE FARBER & FAMILY • ALYSSA OHNMACHT Become a Sponsor of The Marble Times! Sponsorships help off-set the cost of producing this school paper - thus allowing it to remain ad-free, so the students’ work can be the focus. If you would like to sponsor The Marble Times, please contact Alyssa - echo@crystalvalleyecho.com or 963-2373
Page 14, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
Marble Charter School: New year, new classrooms, new goals By Sue McEvoy, Echo staff writer Lots of new and exciting happenings continue to develop at Marble Charter School (MCS) for 2011, with much of them involving the school’s director Debra Winston. Last year, Debra was hired as interim director just four days before school started. Now, Debra is starting this school year with a regular contract.
A heart in education “I had run and started charter schools and I just stepped into it,” Debra says. “The timing couldn’t have been better as I had taken a few years off after working with Outward Bound traveling all over the country. I was ready to get back in because my heart’s in education.” Born and raised in Denver, both of Debra’s parents were educators. Her father founded the Denver Public School’s Cultural Arts Program. “I grew up camping, fishing and skiing – my father hauled us all over the state,” Debra says. “He’d teach summer courses for Adams State or Western State and fish all of the way, taking us with him to camp, and that way we got to know all of these wonderful mountain towns.” Debra’s background is in teacher training. She received her master’s degree at Villanova University in Pennsylvania and has a doctorate in psycho-educational processes. “I’ve worked going into classrooms, observing the way they’re set up, getting the most out of your instructional time, making sure the students are doing the talking, because teaching is listening and learning is talking and figuring things out,” she explains.
New school year, new goals Fall of 2011 sees 38 children attending MCS in grade groupings of kindergarten through second, third through fifth, and sixth through eighth. Debra is excited about the team that has been put together at the school. A new teacher, Dan Poll, takes over the third through fifth grade classroom. A familiar face around Marble, Dan was a guide at Outwest Guides and also takes over as physical education instructor. Also new for this year, Andi Wofford has taken on the job as the school’s office manager and, as head cook, is responsible for the new hot lunch program. Jim Aarts will return as the school’s bus driver after starting that position last March. Gina Cousino continues teaching kindergarten through second grade, and Debby Macek instructs the sixth through eighth graders. Amy Rusby teaches sciences and is the special services staffperson, while Carin Long is a fulltime special education aid to all the teachers. Christy Lee is a part-time aid and Dan’s PE assistant. A new playground has been installed at MCS after former director Wendy Boland secured grants for its construction totaling more than $77,000. And, for the first time since the new building was built, all of the children will be educated in the same building. A grant for $150,000 from the Colorado Department of Education was secured to add classroom space to the downstairs level. This year, MCS’s graduating eighth graders can look forward to more responsibility, according to Debra.
“What we’re looking for with the eighth grade trip is for them to have something that they’ll always
Debra Winston, MCS director
remember and cherish as a final group event,” she says. They will also be taking on a service project, finding something the community or school needs, doing the fundraising, and making it happen. Debra has visions of MCS growing to 60 children and being a big part of the community. “It’s a lovely community and we really want to be the heart of the community,” she says. “We’ve got this great commercial kitchen. We could have cuisine classes in the evening. Let’s expand the hours of our learning. We need to serve the community with a wide variety of educational opportunities up here.”
Highlights from the MCS staff/board retreat…
MCS welcomes Daniel Poll, the new 3rd - 5th grade teacher.
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THE MOBILE MECHANIC, LLC 963-3845
By Debra Winston, MCS director Margy's Hut proved to be a specatular place to get to know new people, reacquaint ourselves with each other and our school board. The retreat was also for curriculum development focusing on concepts and standards, and designing an integrated curriculum specifically for Marble Charter School. We used our upcoming outdoor education trip to Lilly Lake as an example of the range of concepts that we can teach by delving deeply into "bio-diversity." Then we expanded to "diversity" and clustered concepts that we would teach both before and after the trip. We created tasks that the students will do to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts and how we would assess them. It was an intense work session! We were very busy but also had time for lovely walks, campfire talks and laughter. It reminded us of the importance of our students and in designing active, worthMarble Charter School held a staff/board retreat at Margy’s Hut above Lenado on Aug. while learning experiences for them. We 22-24. From left, Andi Wofford, Carin Long, Amy Rusby, Gina Cousino, Becky Trembly, had time for philosophy and topics that need time to discuss. We all feel that we Debby Macek, Debra Winston, Alyssa Ohnmacht, Alicia Benesh and Dan Poll. Photo by Jennifer Tuggle are moving together toward a vision of a school that is based on having worderful learning experiences.
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REDSTONE GENERAL STORE 963-3126
SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 15
Marble Charter School Mission and Ends Mission Statement: Students of MCS meet or exceed state academic standards in a vibrant and nurturing school community where they are given time and space to discover their passions. Ends of the School I. Each student demonstrates at least a year’s academic growth in each school year according to state and local district goals as measured by: • Standardized Testing • Teacher evaluation of student progress - Tri-annual report cards and conferences based on Colorado State academic standards - Tri-annual portfolio presentation • Parent evaluation - Parents will be able to measure and articulate student growth through a map of standards written in student-friendly and parent-friendly language with examples. • Student evaluation - Students will be involved in self-directed learning by setting goals, planning, tracking their progress, and evaluating their success or failure. - Student portfolios will be presentation tri-annually II. MCS is a vibrant and nurturing school community. • Our students are respectful and responsible citizens within their community. • Our parents are actively involved in the school community contributing their talents and resources. • Our staff members are valued and treated with respect. • Our school stakeholders feel like their ideas, suggestions, and concerns are heard and dealt with in a fair and open way. • Our school is an integral part of the upper Crystal River Valley.
Crews create space for the school’s new playground and field areas.
Photos by Jennifer Tuggle
THANK YOUS • CELEBRATION
The Marble Charter School is transformed! From new classroom spaces in the lower area, to a leveled site for our new playground, MCS will never be the same. We have tripled our usable instructional space. Kudos to the many hard-working folks who have built rock walls, filled areas with dirt, moved dirt for installation, installed safety fencing, and hammered deep into the ground to erect the play structures. An extra big thanks to A Hyland Landscape for their time, expertise, creativity and drive to get things done. Thanks to them, the school yard is truly transformed. We cannot forget those that have donated there time to dig, move dirt, and a special thanks to Gary Wagner for all the fill, rock, marble, and patience in getting this project. And then are the amazing craftsmen who lay flooring and make the edging perfect, the cabinet installers, elevator workmen who made ever so many trips up to make it right. The team of builders was top notch, and worked together to get this job done right on time. And of course, special thanks to Jennifer Dockery and Jon Smith – our brave project manager and contractor, respectively. They moved everything along so that our students will come into their new digs right on time – Aug. 29. What an amazing feat. Please join us for an opening and dedication of the new playground and build-out on Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. Bring a dish to share and stay for the 5:30 p.m. potluck. And if you would like to join us for back-to-school night, we will begin at 6:30 p.m. and close at 8 p.m. We’d love to welcome everyone from our upper Crystal Valley to celebrate our expansion. Our heart-felt thanks to everyone who helped as along the way. – Debra Winston
NEW CLASSROOMS • FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2011
III. Each student will show the characteristics of an effective learner. - Respects self, others and property - Respects authority and follows directions - Accepts responsibility for decisions and actions - Demonstrates organizational skills - Works well independently - Works well with others - Maintains self control - Completes homework accurately and on time - Takes pride in careful and quality work - Contributes to a positive school environment - Handles frustration and conflict appropriately - Demonstrates academic integrity - Demonstrates self-confidence - Demonstrates problem-solving skills
All construction, playground and first day of school photos by Jennifer Tuggle.
Top left, Debby Macek’s 6-8 classroom; right, Dan Poll’s 3-5 classroom; bottom left, Gina Cousino’s K-2 classroom; right, check out the new grass.
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Page 16, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
STUDENT GALLERY
KARANA’S CAMP
BOOK REVIEW
By Ralph, Megan, Isabella, and Lucas One of the best books we read last year was “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” one of our core literature books. After many unfortunate events, Karana and her dog, Rontu, were left alone on the island and had to find a way to survive. They had to search for a site to build their camp where they would be safe. We chose to make a diorama of the camp they created where they lived alone together and called the camp their home. Karana’s house was built against a boulder, and she had a shelf to store her food and a fireplace to keep warm. Rontu slept on a mat Karana made, and Karana slept on a large leaf (in our diorama). She built a fence of whale ribs (for sticks) around her house to keep the wild dogs away. She also made a basket to drink their water from and a rock that they used like a stove to cook their fish in the sun. For protection and hunting Karana used a bow and arrow, a club, and a couple of spears she made herself. She had two birds in a cage to keep her company, and lived well in her camp for several years.
A diorama of “Island of the Blue Dolphins.”
ORGAN LETTERS Dear Human Body, Let me introduce myself to you and tell you what I do for you. I am your heart, and I pump blood full of oxygen and nutrients into your body and I bring out waste. I have two chambers in my heart. One is the upper chamber where the left and right atriums are, and one is the lower chamber where the left and right ventricles are located. I take in blood, re-filter it, and pump it back into your body again. I also take in blood from all over body and when I pump your blood back out it’s full of oxygen and the nutrients your body needs. How do you keep me healthy? You keep me healthy by not smoking and not eating fat foods that can build up and block an artery. I get a heart attack when a piece of my muscle dies from a clogged artery that is supposed to supply blood to the muscle. It takes time until the artery dies. So please take care Dear Human Body, of me so we can live forever together! You should know that if you didn’t have your eyes you would be runFrom Your Heart ning into walls and poles. Also you would not be able to see all the beau(Tomas) ty around you such as the beautiful mountains. We are almost the size of a ping-pong ball. Our job is to help you be able to see and to help you read books. We also help you find your way and help you see everything around you. Our pupil gets bigger when it is dark so you can see better and it gets small when there is too much light. We are the dark part of the center of the iris. The white part of our eyes is called the sclera. The iris is the colored part of the eyeball and the retina lets light in, the rods see black, white, and gray and the cones sense color. Our eyelids cover and protect the eye. Please try not to get dirt in us, poke us, and try not to touch us. Another thing to keep us healthy is to get lots of sleep. So now you know all about us and how to keep us healthy. Love, Your Eyes (Katie)
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Marble Charter School phone numbers: 970-963-9550 970-963-1529
Would Marble Charter School Be A Good Fit For YOUR Child? • Small Class Size, High Staff : Student Ratio (typically 5:1) • Kindergarten through 10th grade • Transportation to & from Redstone • Outstanding individualized educational opportunities • Warm, friendly, nurturing and supportive learning environment • We help children to reach their full potential. • Our combination of individualized instruction in core academics with project-based learning allows students to apply their skills in a real-world setting. • 9 & 10th grade selective enrollment, mentorships, individual learning plan, project based learning opportunities, contracted schedule. • New playground • Beautiful new classroom space
MARBLE CHARTER SCHOOL 412 West Main Street, Marble, Colorado 81623 970-963-9550 • Fax 970-963-8435 marblecharter@hughes.net www.gunnisonschools.net
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SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 17
Echo-Logic By Ellie Kershow
The Big Apple: A dramatic contrast to the Crystal Valley PITKIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT Now streaming Board of County Commissioner meetings on the internet! Go to www.aspenpitkin.com
Also on the Pitkin County website: County Commissioner Agendas Vehicle and Title Registration Property Tax Information Maps
On the left hand side of the Home Page look for the blue box that says: Watch Live & Recorded City Meetings County Meetings
Library online services Open Space and Trails Senior Services
Click on the Agenda on only the topic of the meeting you wish to watch.
And More!
Physical Mailing Address: Pitkin County Administration 530 East Main Street, Aspen, CO 81611
QUESTIONS? Call 970-920-5200
By Ellie Kershow
Editor’s note: Ellie visited the East Coast and submitted this Echo-Logic column prior to Hurricane Irene.
This summer, I had the pleasure of going to New York. What fun! This faraway place made me feel like I was in a different country, mainly because it took so long to get there, even by plane. The first leg of our trip was spent on the north shore of Long Island – a beautiful spot. One of the highlights was basking in the sun on my brother in-law’s boat on the Long Island Sound. My husband is an awesome fisherman. He nabbed a couple of blue fish and flukes in no time. The trees on Long Island are amazing; they hang over the roads, making you feel like you are in Tolkien movie every time you drive around the island trying to find the nearest Dunkin’ Donuts. The difference in physical landscape was the most noticeable thing to me compared to Colorado (oh and trying to find the closest Dunkin’ Donuts to Marble). The predominately deciduous trees grow like weeds winding themselves around each other. Tropical plants and water-loving perennials grace every other residence in gorgeous displays. There is a huge landscaping economy on Long Island; they all seem to be working all the time either trimming trees or beautifying front yards. But perhaps the biggest realization I made was seeing the difference between the meanings of protection of natural resources on the industrial east coast compared to the rural/semi-rural west. In New York, especially New York City, environmental protection is a good deal of damage control. There was a fairly major environmental catastrophe when we were in Manhattan, our next stop. A sewage leak was found at a treatment plant and people were warned not to go near the beaches because tons of raw sewage was pouring into the Hudson River. It was advised that it may be hazardous to your health. The streets still smelled the same as they did last time I was there. Stagnant, murky water pooled up along curbs, and trash bags lined the sidewalks. The towns and cities on the east coast have been around longer than in the west, because they were part of the first colonies, and were more heavily developed first. There are pockets of land either for sale as private land or designated as open space or parks on Long Island, but a lot of land seems to be accounted for. And of course there is Central Park, an oasis in the middle of a city of eight million. Back home, I got to thinking about the sheer amounts of public lands surrounding us in the Crystal Valley, from the White River National Forest to the Maroon BellsS n o w m a s s Wilderness to the R a g g e d s Wilderness. Our low population densities compared to the high population densities on the east coast is staggering. As we look to the future, the possibilities are still tremendous in the field of conand servation ecology in the New York City is a whole lot different than the Crystal Valley. Photo by Ellie Kershow Rocky Mountain west. The natural laboratory that many of us are so lucky to live in could potentially aid in the discovery of new things and a better understanding of our natural world. There is nothing like going away to appreciate everything that you have.
Ellie Kershow lives in the Crystal River Valley where she writes about botany and environmental science. She has a master's degree in environmental science policy.
Page 18, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
WILD HORSE ENTERPRISES
As I See It
SEPTEMBER FURNITURE SALE!
A MONTHLY COLUMN BY BRUCE GLEDHILL
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From A to Z
DURING ALL
What links this series of words together? Ash, birch, cherry, dahlia, elm. There are at least three correct answers. First, those words are obviously the beginning of a series where the first word begins with A, the second with B, and so on. Second, you might have noticed that all five words refer to trees or some type of woody plant. Third, if you’re familiar with the part of Denver east of Colorado Boulevard, you’ll recognize this as a series of street names. Many of Denver’s streets have a pattern behind their names. For instance, from the center north, the streets are numbered from 1 through about 150. Many of Denver’s north-south streets follow an alphabetical pattern. The first set of streets west of Broadway is named for Indian tribes, starting with Acoma, Bannock and Cherokee, and ending with Zuni. The series east of Colorado Boulevard is a double alphabet series with two streets for each letter. The first street in each pair is named for a river or city in the eastern United States. The second street is a member of the trees-and-woody-plants series. Grand Junction also identifies streets with an alphabet series. The east-west streets a mile apart are named A Road, B Road, and so on. The smaller streets are designated by fractions of a mile. Although I understand the system, I still have a hard time picturing exactly what “B and a half” is! We call this series of letters the ABCs, but the word “alphabet” comes from just the first two Greek letters, alpha and beta. So when we say “alphabet,” we’re actually calling it just the “ABs.” Once you start looking, you’ll notice how often we intersect with the alphabet in daily life. The alphabet helps us find names in a phone book and files on our computer. That series identifies our grade on a test, and tells us how our insurance company is rated. Another way we use the alphabet is to show that everything possible is included. For instance, a store may advertise that it has everything from A to Z. In one place, God uses that alphabetic measure, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” Using the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet was a symbolic way of saying that God encompasses everything in life, from beginning to end. Bruce Gledhill is the pastor at the Church at Redstone.
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SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 19
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Pyranha team runs the inner Crystal Gorge
you are going downstream.” Along the way, Dave said the canyon Editor’s note: You know those disclaimers walls reached 50 to 80 feet above the kayakyou see on adventure commercials, with peo- ers, and one section of the river was only six ple skiing impossibly steep terrain, or surfing feet wide. They continued over waterfalls enormously huge waves? Well, this story is and rock ledges before eddying out before like that. Don’t attempt Crystal Gorge unless Miller’s Falls and some unrunable water. you know what you’re doing. Enough said. “The gorge is amazing,” he said. “It’s super unique because when you enter the On the road to Crystal, just past Lizard gorge it’s like looking down the pipe; you Lake and down the rocky hill where the just got to get through the rapids and get out Crystal River comes back alongside the road, in that last eddy before falling off the edge of is the put-in for kayakers running the Crystal the planet.” Gorge. Team member Nicole Mansfield is the On Aug. 8, seven members of Pyranha only girl living out of the Pyranha van and Kayaks’ Team Demshitz ran a two-mile sec- was the only female on the Aug. 8 run down tion of the gorge. I interviewed several of the Crystal Gorge. Finally getting to run the them in section was gratiCarbondale the fying. next day. “I’ve spent five “It’s super-comseasons in mitting because Colorado, and when you enter the never gotten to gorge there’s liter[run the Crystal ally no way to get Gorge],” she said. out,” said team “It’s just really cool member Dave to be in such an Fusilli, “so once incredible spot. If you drop the 20you’re hiking, you foot entrance drop might be able to you’re in.” get close to an edge and kind of On the road with see inside of [the Pyranha gorge], but one of A group of the cool things kayakers started about being a Pyranha, the Dave Fusilli, Nicole Mansfield and Jim Hagar in front of kayaker is being B r i t i s h - b a s e d the live-in travelling Pyranha van. able to go down Photo by Brian Owens inside those really kayak and canoe company, in 1971. neat places.” Forty years later, being a kayaker is still pretTeam Demshitz gets its name from the ty much of a prerequisite to work at the members traveling and living out of the van company. and spending lots of time together in close Dave Fusilli, Nicole Mansfield and Craig quarters. Kleckner are all part of Team Demshitz. “We took it from the perspective that pro They travel across the U.S. during summers, kayakers were trying to take the sport too living out of a Pyranha van, and paddling in seriously,” said Dave. “The reality is that freestyle kayak competitions and events. there’s very little money in this sport so we “Pyranha is our main sponsor,” Dave told wanted to show that we’re just out there to me. “We’re team paddlers. We also do a lot have fun because that’s all that really matters of Internet work, so we’re constantly making in kayaking.” little videos and updating all our sponsors’ After numerous screenings of the movie websites with videos, photos, trip reports. “Borat” in the van, they even came up with a And we advertise our summer tour to get hand gesture called the Brown Claw that has people to come to events, basically promot- become their official kayaker wave. ing Pyranha.” “So, if someone’s doing that out the window, you know they’re going to be fun to Back at the gorge paddle with and to hang out with,” said Dave. In the Crystal Gorge, the team demoed They all can’t say enough about their epic the company’s newest model boat – the day on the Crystal River. Shiva – and got to paddle a section of the “As far as kayaking in Colorado,” said Crystal few do. Dave, “Yule Creek definitely [has] the biggest, “The entrance waterfall is about a 30-foot steepest drops in the state, and right next to it, total drop,” said Dave. “You enter upstream, the Crystal Gorge probably [has] the most go over a six-foot ledge, through kind of a ‘committing’ gorge in the state. The upper beefy hole, stay left because the water falls Crystal is some of the steepest, some of the off hard right into this gnarly pocket crack, most beautiful and some of the most commitso you have to charge and stay hard left ting rivers in the entire state of Colorado.” against the wall then slide about 15 feet, and then you hit a free fall about 15 feet that For blogs, bios and more, follow the Pyranha enters you into the inner gorge in which case team on pyranha.com. By Sue McEvoy, Echo staff writer
Dave Fusilli drops into Pine Tree Falls.
Photo by Nicole Mansfield
Nate Craig surfing in the Crystal Gorge.
Photo by Nicole Mansfield
Page 20, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
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Crystal River Valley Fishing Report September: A favorite time to fish the Crystal By Ernie Bradley, Echo contributor
Fishing the Crystal during September can be a mixed bag. For some of us, it’s a favorite time to fish. The Crystal is usually flowing very low and clear at this time of year, giving good access to areas that are difficult to reach during higher waters. The pristine clarity of the small stream sometimes takes our attention away from fishing and makes us just want to soak in the beauty and pick up the camera instead. The number of fishing tourists and weekend outing locals declines significantly during late August. The temperatures are still high enough during most of September for good insect occurrences, including the terrestrials (hoppers and ants). On the down side, the fish can be very wary in the small, clear waters. Also, the fish tend to be more concentrated in deeper waters and sparsely fished areas. Spinner and bait fishermen will continue to do well at times with small to medium-sized spinners, earthworms, salmon eggs and, of course Power Bait. However, with the low water levels, the fish will be more concentrated in the deeper, shaded waters. Overcast days will usually be best. There are a wide variety of flyfishing patterns that can work well during September. Hopper and ant patterns can work well during the mid-day, especially on breezy days. There can still be caddis, pale morning dun and blue-winged olive hatches during overcast days and warm evenings. In general, as the days become cooler, the late mornings and late afternoons can be more productive than during the cool evenings. A favorite combination during September continues to be a large orange stimulator or hopper as the top fly (fished dry) with a small beadhead pheasant tail, copper john, prince nymph or small baetis pattern fished wet about two feet down as the dropper. Dry fly patterns, used as the first fly or as the dropper, include #14-18 red or yellow humpys, renegades, parachute adams, royal wulffs and black or tan caddis patterns. The yellow stone fly nymphs in small to medium sizes are good nymphing patterns. The private catch and release waters of the Redstone Preserve will continue to fish well into October – contact the Redstone Inn for reservations and more information. Beaver Lake, McKee Pond, and Island Lake near Marble have been fished hard this summer. The moss accumulation on portions of these lakes can make fishing more difficult. However, some good fishing remains in these lakes through October. Canoes or small, motorless boats can help to access the center of Beaver Lake where fishing can be somewhat better at times than along the shorelines. A favorite hotspot through September is Avalanche Creek, especially above the campground. From the intersection of Hell Roaring Creek with Avalanche Creek (about two miles up from the campground) upstream for the next five or more miles is fantastic fishing for mostly small to medium-sized brook trout with an occasional rainbow or cutthroat. A leisurely hike into this area in the morning will provide a late morning and afternoon of constant action for the fly, bait, or spin fisher, with average experience fishermen hooking 15 to 30 fish. There are a couple good flyfishing shops in Carbondale, and the Redstone General Store has some fishing supplies. The closest location to buy a fishing license is Carbondale. Remember to take a child fishing, and gently release any fish not wanted for the table.
SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 21
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HUGE PRICE REDUCTION PERFECT CABIN, CLASSY UPGRADES Sheltered by towering evergreens this two-bedroom cabin has been totally and tastefully remodeled. Upgrades include new kitchen, baths, fixtures and finishes. The list is extensive! Was $425,000 Now $275,000! BOULEVARD LOT IN TOWN This well located lot in Redstone is one of very few vacant lots left in town. With flexible zoning, the options are varied and useful. Near the park, the lot is level and all tap fees are paid. $119,000 BIG AND BRAND NEW With over 3,000 square feet on a wooded 1.8 acre site, this brand new home in Hermits Hideaway cannot be duplicated at this price. Vaulted ceilings, wraparound deck, oversized two-car garage and a great value. Was $395,000 Now $375,000 PERFECTLY PRESERVED IN REDSTONE This Redstone Landmark since the turn of the century has been completely renovated and restored to the highest standard. A carriage house with guest apartment and a two-car garage, complete with separate deed. $775,000
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Lead King Loop for hard-core runners and laid-back walkers alike Races are Sept. 18 in Marble and benefit Marble Charter School By Craig Macek, race director, Lead King Loop
The Lead King Loop Charity Races are coming up on Sept. 18 in Marble. The scenic 25k, 12.5k and new kids 2.5k will challenge all participants and the food and prizes will reward your effort. Choose your race and choose your pace. We have elite runners coming from all over the state to compete for the Colorado 25k trail championship. We also have groups of friends coming to hike the loop and support our great Marble schools. Lynn and Norm Hall drove over Independence Pass to participate in last year’s race, calling their involvement “a scenic stroll.” “Walkers – that would be us – or runners who wished to have an early start but not be counted in the race results were allowed to start at 7 a.m.,” they said of race day. “The scenery is beautiful at every turn. Lead King Loop is a beautiful and well run race, supported by a fantastic group of volunteers.” Make this the year that you did it instead of the year you were going to do it. Make time to enjoy the fall colors and our community of Marble. Make it happen this year. Runners may sign up at Independence Run and Hike in Carbondale or online. Pre-registered runners can pick up packets at Independence Run and Hike in Carbondale on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17, or the morning of the race. Visit leadkingloop25k.com or call Craig at 704-1275 for registration information.
ENJOY THE ALPINE LIFESTYLE This 1.5 acre lot is perfectly located on the valley floor near Marble offering easy access with water and power available. Big views yet wooded for privacy and seclusion. Worth a look. $95,000 MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLE With over an acre, this immaculate mountain chalet in Marble offers a great base camp for wilderness recreation. Three bedrooms, two baths, rec-room, huge living room and a generous south facing deck. Great value! Was $445,000 Now $389,500 MOUNTAIN STYLE AND HOSPITALITY This three-bedroom, three and one-half bath, custom home outside Historic Redstone boasts incredible mountain views as well as unique spaces for entertaining or relaxing in privacy. $1,150,000 VIEWS AND PRIVACY Near Beaver Lake, this efficient straw-bale home sits on four-acres with a year round stream, water rights and might views of the surrounding peaks. The home features a built-in greenhouse, active solar system and much more. Was $415,000 Now $369,000 REMARKABLE VIEWS Views in all directions compliment a great hideaway near Marble. With custom stonework, large loft, rock fireplace and ample decks this mountain chalet is a dream alpine retreat. Call it home or a weekend getaway. $395,00
Redstone / 385 Redstone Blvd. / 970-963-1061 www.masonmorse.com
Fantastic scenery is always a part of the Lead King Loop Charity Races each September.
Photo courtesy of Craig Macek
Page 22, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
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The Strang Ranch is hosting the National Sheepdog Finals for the first time. Photo courtesy of Craig Macek
National Sheepdog Finals come to Carbondale Sept. 13-18 Echo staff report For the first time, the Strang Ranch on Missouri Heights north of Carbondale is hosting the National Sheepdog Finals sponsored by the United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA). The finals run Sept. 13-20. In 2009 and 2010, the Strangs hosted sheepdog trials, though this September’s event is the major competition of the year for sheepdogs and handlers. The competition runs right on the heels of the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials held Sept. 7-11 about 82 miles northwest of Carbondale. Now in its 25th year, this long-running event is also sanctioned by the USBCHA. The Strangs’ dog finals feature more than 200 top qualifying border collies from the United States and Canada in herding competition. Handler-and-dog teams square off with yearling sheep for eight days of competition to determine the 2011 National Sheepdog Champion and 2011 National Nursery Sheepdog Champion, and who wins $40,000 in purse money. The finals at the Strang Ranch also celebrate Colorado’s ranching heritage with barbecue, beverages, crafts, live music, and cooking, spinning and weaving demonstrations. Seating and parking are available, but no pets are allowed. Event passes are $40/adults, $20/children ages 8-16 and seniors, and free/ children under 7. Daily tickets are $10/adults, $5/children ages 8-16 and seniors, and free/children under 7. In addition, the Cowboy Up Carbondale western barbecue and street dance to celebrate the dog finals and benefit the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce is on Sept. 16 on Carbondale’s Main Street at 6 p.m. More information is at cowboyupcarbondale.com. And, the Local’s Appreciation Block Party, sponsored by the Town of Carbondale and The Pour House, is on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m., also on Carbondale’s Main Street at the Fourth Street Plaza with complimentary barbecue and a concert featuring The Sirens. The event benefits the Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT), which holds the Strang Ranch in a conservation trust. For more information about the USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals at the Strang Ranch, 0393 County Road 102, outside Carbondale go to carbondale.com, call 963-1890 or e-mail tourism@carbondale.com.
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963-9515 Now Hiring OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER • CLOSED TUESDAYS
SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 23
THE ECHO CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE: FOR SALE: 14K WG Chocolate diamond solitaire ring. 1.15 chocolate diamond and .15 white diamonds. Size 5. Recently serviced by jeweler. Beautiful! 312-399-0782. ninafultz@yahoo.com pd1x $2000 or best offer. FOR SALE: Ebooks by local novelist E.J. Daniel: "Same Moon, Same Sky," "Defective Detective," "Blood Memory," "Nice Ain't Enough & Cute Don't Count" and "Hand in Glove." $2.99/ea. for Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook. See blog: rockymountainghostlywriter.blogspot.com JASPF LOST: LOST DOG – MARBLE: White poodle mix. Approximately 20 pounds. Named Alfi. Very Shy. Red collar with tags.Last seen at home in Marble on Aug. 28, 2011. Call 970-963-7171. pd1x SERVICES: SERVICES: Notary Public: Closing documents, Wills and Sales, Contracts and more. Call Lisa Wagner 963-8240.
FOR RENT: LOWERED RENT - MARBLE: Charming, large onebedroom cabin near river. Hardwood floors, woodburning stove, large deck, full kitchen and bath. Includes storage area, trash, water. $600/mo. plus utilities, security deposit. Pet negotiable, nonsmoker. Available Sept 1. 704-1954. pd1x FOR RENT - MARBLE: Log cabin, 2 bdrm/1 bath, furnished, large deck, great views. $650/mo. includes trash. First, last. Pet deposit if applicable. Available Sept. 1. 963-3747. FOR RENT - BATTLEMENT MESA: 3 BD/2 BA condo, washer and dryer, AC, 1-car garage, lots of storage. Rec center dues included. First month rent ($1,200) and security ($1,200) due upon signing. NS, pets considered. Call 704-0373. HELP WANTED: HELP WANTED: The Town of Marble is looking for an independent contractor to plow snow in the Town of Marble for the 2011-2012 winter season. For details, please contact Karen Mulhall at (970) 274-6105 or the town's website – townofmarble.org.
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v FROM THE PLANET
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Editor’s note: These interpretations are meant to be read and pondered by everyone, not just those who share the astrological sign of the current time period. So no matter what your sign, please enjoy and reflect on this universal knowledge. Astrology is the study of psychological symbology; giving certain meanings to certain things, in this case based upon concepts that go back to time immemorial. It is a way of looking at life, at ourselves and the people in our lives. Astrology is one system, one way of interpreting our feelings, thoughts and actions within the larger sphere of existence. This column is based upon what’s termed “planetary transits”... the daily motion of our solar system as seen from Earth. So I give a snapshot of what’s happening in the sky – now – and what that means in astrological terms. As the renowned late astrologist Isabel Hickey once said, “Transits are the day to day positions of the planets.”
Virgo/Libra The Sun is in Virgo (mutable, earth) until Sept. 23, the autumn equinox, when it moves into Libra (cardinal, air). The autumn equinox is when there are equal
Astrological Interpretations by Kyle Stewart parts of day and night. Libra is the symbol of balance. Early September will be the Virgo attention to detail and hard work. Then, after Sept. 23, the Sun in Libra represents the balancing of self with other. Relationships are highlighted. On Sept. 3, the Sun in Virgo is trine Jupiter in Taurus. A trine in earth signs is a fruitful use of energy. There may be many opportunities for expansion. Also, a positive frame of mind may create many wondrous things. A joy of living colors everything. There’s also much practicality, with the efficiency and effectiveness of the earth signs highlighted. While all this expansion is going on, be sure to not over expand…the downfall of any Jupiter connection. Much self-expression is realized along with a lot of physical energy. On Sept. 23, Mars at 2 degrees Leo is trine Uranus at 2 degrees Aries. If there ever was a time for positive actions and sudden impulses, this is it! Dare to be different. Take the initiative and create in new ways with originality, energy and expression. Create in physical ways due to Mars’s influence. Pay attention to your intuition (Uranus) and let it guide you. This is a great time for exploring new avenues, interests and directions. The Sun at 2 degrees Libra is in opposition to
Who We Are
What three things would you like people to know about you? Kent: 1) I am passionate about natural health care, involving chiropractic with emphasis on proper diagnosis of neurological and orthopedic musculo-skeletal non-surgical conditions, and associated nutritional and biochemical health. 2) I have been a Christian for over 25 years, and have attended Bible College for the last five years, earning an associates degree, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, and currently am working on a doctorate coursework and a 150-page research book. I have given several guest sermons at Marble Community Church. 3) Laura and I, along with Charity Merrill, have started a “Spirit Filled” Home Church in the Crystal River
Uranus at 2 degrees Aries on Sept. 26, denoting sudden changes that may be caused by other people. Be careful who you associate with at this time. Be aware of quick changes and be able to be flexible. This may be a time to grasp innovative ways of dealing with people. Eccentric people may come into contact with each other. On Sept. 29, the Sun at 5 degrees Libra is conjunct Mercury at 5 degrees Libra. This is a big time for mingling with others....exchanging ideas and spinning off of each other. Mercury is the planet of the mind and the Sun is our creative expression, so when the two join together there are a lot of speaking and writing communications. The downside is that there may not be much sensitive, self-awareness. The “me” factor can overwhelm all other things. A certain self-centeredness may be evident. But it’s still a good time for a lot of connections.
Want to know what “the Sun in Virgo is trine Jupiter in Taurus” really means? Want your astrological chart done? Contact Kyle Stewart in Carbondale at 963-5590 for personal consultations.
from page 3 Valley designed after an early church called Crystal River Believers with the basis from Colossians 3:16. We meet at a home in the valley on Monday evenings from 7 p.m. until ? (so new visitors can continue at their home churches). Call for more information at 963-4686. Laura (described by Kent): 1) She’s a very “behind the scenes” woman. 2) She is a virtuous woman. 3) We have three awesome married children, two grandchildren, and one “on the way.” Which living person do you most admire? It would have to be Billy Graham, although we would have some minor theological differences. He
has shown tremendous character and wisdom throughout his life and ministry, affecting many presidents and nations.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? It was regarding my life and the Bible. I was told early in my life – and it has held true to this day – “This book will keep you from sin, and sin will keep you from this book!”
What is your favorite thing to do in the Crystal Valley? There are so many…Jeeping, but then hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, snowmobiling, wildlife, mountain and flower photography, sight seeing, ice cream at Redstone Store… can’t pick the best!
Page 24, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
SEPTEMBER 2011
REDSTONE COMMUNITY BULLETIN www.redstonecolorado.com
REDSTONE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
•••
REDSTONE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS ————
IS IT TIME FOR YOU TO RENEW OR BECOME A MEMBER OF THE RCA? WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES DIRECTLY FUND RCA COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND EVENTS. THANKS!
The next RCA Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6th at 9 AM at the Redstone Inn, Osgood Room Come join us -- we need your support and your input!
MEMBERSHIP DUES Name ______________________________________________________________________________________ Address
____________________________________________________________________________________
Steve Pavlin: President
Phone #__________________________________________ E-Mail ____________________________________
Cathy Montgomery: Vice President
______ Individual/Family $35.00 ______ Business $135.00 ______ Multi-Business $210.00
Harry Reemers: Treasurer
Make Check Payable to: Redstone Community Association Mail to RCA: 303 Redstone Blvd. Redstone, CO 81623
Jacob Robbins Secretary
Barbara Albin Billy Amicon Cary Hightower Debbie McCormick
THE FARMERS MARKET is held every Friday afternoon behind the Redstone Company Store from 3 PM to 6 PM -- fresh delicious fruits and vegetables -- flowers -- and hand raised pork! The Redstone Company Store in conjuction with the Farmers Market also has Wine to taste and buy.
Ann Martin
DON'T MISS THIS MAGIC MOMENTS CONCERT EVENT Sunday September 4th 5:30 - 7:30 PM - Redstone Park - THE DEFIANCE STRING BAND
Alternate Members: Kim Amicon
••• An upcoming Redstone Art Foundation event is the Annual Labor Day Art Show located on the lawn of the Redstone Inn.
Linda Cerf-Graham
Show Hours are:
Bob McCormick
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND 6 PM TO 8 PM Opening night offers live music and refreshments
Marlene Reemers
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD 10 AM TO 5 PM SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH 10 AM TO 5 PM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH 10 AM TO 4 PM
••• “Citizen empowerment and sense of community make people happier.” – Dan Buettner
Karen Alldredge • Hand Woven Baskets
Paid Advertisement
Dale Darnell • Woodturner
SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 25
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Carrie Click Writer + Proofer + Editor
Lead King Basin, Crystal & Schofield Pass
Road Grading • Utilities • Foundations
Help for any writing project 970-230-9178 clickintoplace@yahoo.com
Shane Edmonds • 963-7468 • SERVING MARBLE AND THE UPPER CRYSTAL
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Kyle Stewart Astrological Consultant
963-5590 CALL RICK or SCOTT
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Page 26, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
Echo-Travels‌ Thanks to all who share their travels! Take The Crystal Valley Echo along on your next travel adventure. Send your photo and info to echo@crystalvalleyecho.com.
Last year, two Marble couples took a copy of the Echo with them when they visited the Bovarina Hut in the Swiss Alps in May 2010. From left, Michael Lane, George Smith, Connie Lane, and Sylvia Smith enjoy the Echo and Switzerland.
Bob Provost, Chuck Moore, and Marblites Steve and Cyndi Fowler, and Glenn and Patsy Smith recently visited Telluride and brought their Echo with them. While there, they enjoyed a four-wheel-drive trip with Dave's Mountain Tours in Telluride. Since Patsy and Glenn operate Crystal River Jeep Tours in Marble, Dave is planning to enjoy an exchange tour here with the Smiths in September.
SEPTEMBER 2011 Page 27
A R O U N D
T H E
VA L L E Y
Alyson Prins of Alpharetta, Ga., and a frequent visitor of the Crystal Valley, was in Lead King Basin with her camera on Aug. 2, and took some photos to share with fellow Echo readers. "We thought that the clouds and sky almost made it look like a painting," Alyson writes. "Just awesome! Wildflowers were in full bloom also!" Photos by Alyson Prins
Crystal makes the Denver news – again Saw something funny – as in curious funny – in midAugust while watching Denver’s Channel 9’s 10 o’clock news. During a report on the two bear attacks that took place around the Maroon Bells, (which were decidedly not funny) the station put up a map to show where the Maroon Bells are. There, on a map of Colorado, was a marker indicating the Bells, and two smaller markers showing where the bear attacks took place. Then, just to make sure everyone was clear on where the Bells are, a fourth marker indicated where Crystal City is, the Crystal Valley’s tiniest, off-the-grid hamlet. There was no marker indicating Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale – or Redstone and Marble for that matter. But there was Crystal, giving everybody in Denver a good idea of the bear attacks’ locations. (Or not – the point being Crystal isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis.) The month before, the station had aired a feature on Crystal City and its remoteness, and maybe they worked off that map for the bear story. In any case, it struck me funny. Curious funny. – Carrie Click, Echo editor
Checkmate… Michael Ohnmacht of Redstone did the Crystal Valley proud at the Western Colorado Chess Open in Grand Junction on Aug. 27. Michael returned home with the first place trophy. Congratulations, Michael. Michael Ohnmacht is Echo publisher Alyssa Ohnmacht's dad.
Page 28, Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times
The Echo’s Parting Shot…
See you next month! Sunday Brunch
• September 4th • September 25th
LIKE us on Facebook and look for “Boogie to Redstone” where we feature room specials.
Weekly Specials
BREAKFAST 7 days a week starting at 7:30!
We would like to thank everyone for supporting family night. We look forward to having it again next year.
970-963-2526 • your journey begins at www.redstoneinn.com
Happy Hour: 3 pm - 6 pm • DAILY 1/2 off domestic beer, wine by the glass and select liquors
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