20 02 27

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Topsy Turvy

Volume 12, Number 3 | Feb. 27 - March 4, 2020

Cirque d' Sopris features a wide array of talents, but the aerial silks always seem to steal the show. Photo by Sue Rollyson

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The logic of phobe

A reasonable person is able and willing to reason. Such a person is respectful of logic, not suspicious of it, and is willing to follow the argument wherever it leads.

This requires a certain amount of humility, an acknowledgment that one could be wrong. Such a person is capable of listening to the other side and admits to incomplete knowledge. Now it’s possible to have a discussion.

Both listen. Each is fallible.

Logic is their common master.

Common sense.

The term “phobia” derives from the Greek and means “fear.”

A phobe is a fearful person.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) lists any number of phobias, or unhealthy fears.

Among them, astraphobia (fear of lightning), aquaphobia (fear of water), dentophobia (fear of the dentist), trypanophobia (fear of injections), cynophobia (fear of dogs), ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), entomophobia

(fear of insects), ablutophobia (fear of washing), claustrophobia (enclosed spaces), enochlophobia (fear of crowds), and nomophobia (fear of being without your phone).

Actually, the DSM stipulates that a phobia is not merely a fear; it must be intense and irrational.

To give an example, I’m afraid of lightning. Not the thunderous display of majestic power crackling on a distant mountaintop, such as Mt. Sopris viewed from downtown Carbondale. I relish that kind of display, but not the kind that is up close and personal, that slams down in my backyard.

That kind of fear is intense, but not at all irrational.

A memory from 1970: I was teaching for Oregon Outward Bound School. My patrol of teenage boys had just climbed North Sister, and we had settled down in our sleeping bags on the summit. Suddenly the air was alive with the ominous buzzing of static electricity — a lightning strike was imminent. Panic! We leaped out of our bags and ran down the side of the mountain. There’s something about the crashing of lightning that excites primal fear in me.

I neither detest lightning nor find it repulsive. I don’t have a

hysterical or psychotic aversion to it, nor am I obsessed with it. Rather, I find it majestic; it inspires awe in me. But I do take precautions to steer clear of its path when I’m up in the mountains.

The rule is, don’t hike on the ridges at one in the afternoon. I’ve been in situations where the rattle on distant ridges advanced until it crashed overhead.

There are healthy and unhealthy fears, real terrors and irrational ones. There are shades of negative emotion, from mild aversion to distaste to revulsion. I like spinach and don’t care much for apples, but I don’t panic at the sight of an apple. Some things violate my conscience. Other things I’m not so sure about. We have clarity about some things.

Other things by degrees we approve or disapprove. Being over-conscientious is itself a kind of fault, called scrupulosity.

In this current climate, some people claim they hate President Trump because he is, as they say, xenophobic, homophobic, misogynistic, and so on. I’ve never heard any reasonable discussion about any of these supposed attributes of his. My sense is that people in general are not open to defining terms. Who knows what these terms are supposed to mean?

If they are defined with any kind of rigor, we might discover that they describe us all to some degree.

Homophobia is a compound word consisting of two Greek roots which mean, literally, fear of sameness. The antonym, if there were such a word, would be heterophobia, or fear of difference. There isn’t a sexual connotation inherent in these words. Another phobic term attributed to our President is islamophobia, fear of Islam.

Or, taking the psychiatric view of phobia as articulated in the DSM, an intense, irrational fear of Islam. Not the same as healthy concern, an unwarranted fear.

Yet to be explored: “hate speech,” “Nazism,” “socialism,” “racism,” and “bigotry.” Each of these terms deserves to be investigated. As Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” In our culture these are bandied about without any discussion of their meaning, whereas they should be considered from multiple sides.

Looking at only one side does not constitute an examination. “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” — Proverbs 18:17 Stan Badgett shares this column with fellow conservative Paige Meredith.

Sincerest thanks to our

Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+ Email marilyn@soprissun.com for more information.

Jim Calaway, Honorary Chair Kay Brunnier Scott Gilbert – Habitat for Humanity RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger Carolyn Nelson Jim Noyes True Nature Healing Arts Nicolette Toussaint Jill and Gary Knaus Megan Tackett Ken & Donna Riley Michelle & Ed Buchman CoVenture

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

And all our SunScribers and community members for your support.

It truly takes a village to keep The Sun shining.

LETTERS Misleading title Dear Editor: Why would you mischaracterize long time local, Floyd Diemoz's pro-Trump letter with the title: “Trump's scorched earth?” Does it hurt that much to give an unbiased account?

It's funny how the Democrats can't get over their Russian Interference Psychosis. Going on three years now they've been lying at the top of their lungs about Russian collusion. And now polls say one in three Dems want Crazy Bernie, a communist who wants to emulate Russia, to lead our country.

Go figure.

Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle Editor’s note: Diemoz supplied his own title; we just converted it to sentence case.

Almost there Dear Editor: I just wanted to say thank you to our amazing Valley for all of your support so far with Bruno’s Kidney Transplant Fund.

We are just about $1000 from our goal and as soon as we reach it he goes to the top of the Kidney Transplant list at UC Health in Aurora.

This is going to be an amazing life changing operation for not just Bruno but his entire family.

Please keep sharing and donating and help us get to our goal! There is a Go Fund Me named Bruno Kirchenwitz Kidney Transplant Fund and there is also a bank account set up at Firstbank (Carbondale or Glenwood locations) named

Bruno Kirchenwitz Kidney Fund. Thanks again to all the help so far from our amazing Valley.

Stephanie Kirchenwitz Rifle

Carbondale circulator Dear Editor: I enjoyed Nicollete’s study of transit and the importance of enabling close proximity to us users. Studies have shown that people will walk a quarter mile to get on a bus — but not so much three eighths of a mile.

Carbondale has a unique ability to live up to its transportation goals with a true circulator. At 5 a.m., we fire up a bus and bounce it back and forth between the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the pool every 15 minutes. RFTA has done an excellent job with our shuttle. There has never been an accident. The timing links up with the BRT like a fine Swiss watch.

However, I would love to see an experiment in which the shuttle turned into a circulator, reaching within that magic quarter mile of most everyone in town. Folks will grow to use a circulator. Even folks at Crystal Meadow who can afford to drive, because, well cheap rent/ solar utilities, may feel differently about taking advantage of the socialization and convenience offered by a greater community circulator. As would the folks in the in Crystal Village, Old Town, Thomson Corners, C’Dale South, Santa Lucia, Second Street Apartments, Morton Gratisville, Old Town, Eighth Street, Wheel Circle and around. The plan would cost us the

precision shuttle / BRT link up every 15 minutes through the middle of the day. The proposed 35-minute circulator would still never be more than a 15-minute wait at the Park and Ride. But then we could use it to travel around town from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The question is, do we want that experiment — and is it worth the wait?

John Hoffmann Carbondale

Historical Society thanks Dear Editor: The Carbondale Historical Society (a.k.a.

Mt. Sopris Historical Society) would like to thank the community for its support in 2019.

We appreciated the enthusiastic participation in our public events. Hattie Thompson’s Birthday Party and Cake Contest last June had an attendance of 50 adults and a dozen children, and more than 70 people enjoyed the Ghost Party in October, both held at the Thompson House Museum.

Last year, we opened the Thompson House Museum and Hattie’s Heritage Kitchen Garden for regular public tours June through September.

In addition to out-of-town visitors, many curious locals came to learn the history of this unique 1885 Victorian mansion, which belonged to early pioneers Oscar Holland and Hattie Thompson Holland. We logged more than 350 visitors over the summer and gave additional tours to classes of students from three local elementary schools.

CHS also partnered with Roaring Fork High Continued on page 14

The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • FEB. 27 - MARCH 4, 2020

Donate online or by mail.

P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Tom Sands Current Board Members board@soprissun.com Raleigh Burleigh, President Marilyn Murphy, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer Kay Clarke • Carol Craven Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m on second Mondays at the Third Street Center.

Contact board@soprissun.com to reach them.

Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.

THE COMPETITORS

As basketball heads into the post-season, plenty of Roaring Fork High School students have already been to state competitions — either individually or through other schools.

From left, Ruben Samuelson wrestles for Basalt, Corbin Carpenter skis for the Aspen Nordic team, Sophia Moon swims for Glenwood Springs, Cameron Hermes climbs for Basalt and Izzy Knaus sings for Roaring Fork.

"It's really great," Moon said of competing with another school. "I meet a lot of new people and I'm really good friends with all the girls there. I look forward to it every year."

Knaus was similarly enthusiastic to get outside her comfort zone.

"I think it's a really cool experience that more people could audition for," she said.

Competing in something he loves is just a logical next step for Carpenter.

"I still do it mostly for fun," he said.

And these are just the events arranged by the Colorado High School Activities Association, Principal Lyn Bair pointed out.

"We just have so many talented kids," she said. "How exciting is it that there are so many opportunities for them to find a passion and follow it? It's pretty fun to watch."

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club gears up for Junior Nationals

By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff The Cross Country (XC) Skiing Junior National Competition begins March 9 in Truckee, CA, and the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club (AVSC) Nordic team is ready and raring to go.

Of the 11 skiers representing AVSC at the event, five hail from Carbondale: Kate Oldham from Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS), Lola Villafranco, CRMS, Corbin Carpenter, Roaring Fork High School (RFHS), Ben Oldham, Ross Montessori School Carbondale, and Noah Wheeless, RFHS. Three coaches also call Carbondale home: Rob Russell, Sari Anderson and August Teague, AVSC Nordic program director.

On a crisp, cold, afternoon at Spring Gulch Nordic Center, team members assembled for practice under the watchful eyes of Teague and his fellow coaches.

The Spring Gulch Trail System is a network of 13 miles (21+ kilometers) of professionally groomed cross-country ski trails, available to the Carbondale residents and guests. The Mount Sopris Nordic Council operates the center in partnership with private landowners.

Skier Kate Oldham, a senior at RFHS, explained she was drawn to Nordic skiing because AVSC has such a strong structural program. “I like that all ages can get involved and have terrific instruction.” Kate’s brother Ben also is a Nordic enthusiast.

After graduation she plans to attend Vermont’s Middlebury College and join its Nordic team.

Coach Teague described the AVSC program as attracting people of all ages from Aspen to Glenwood Springs and is a part of the Rocky Mountain Nordic organization which is holding under 14 years ( U14) championships at the Odin Sports Center at Powderhorn Mountain Resort Feb. 29 to March 1. Twentyfour AVSC skiers in the Devo (short for “development”) and Bill Koch programs will be competing in the championships, but races for all age groups are on the docket.

AVSC Nordic skiers practice for the Junior Nationals. From left: Noah Wheelers, Kate Oldham and Ben Oldham. Photo by Roberta McGowan PreDEVO programs bridge between the Aspen Supports Kids program and the alpine and freestyle programs. It teaches mountain safety, lots of all mountain skiing, basic freestyle fundamentals, and an introduction to racing — a well-rounded experience for young skiers ages seven to nine.

AVSC also offers the National Comp Team, a year-round training and racing program for experienced Nordic skiers who have excellent work ethic and a desire to pursue excellence in Nordic skiing.

The Junior Nationals the following weekend will take place at the Auburn Ski Club Training Center, Soda Springs, CA with 11 AVSC skiers participating in these U16 and U18 events.

“We are very proud that such a large number of our kids have qualified to go,” Teague said, “That’s a record for us.”

Teague has directed and coached at AVSC Nordic for four years. Prior to that he skied while attending Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) and later at the University of Denver before returning to the Valley. August led the Nordic programs at both Whitman College and the University of Nevada, Reno.

He then spent four years with the Australian

Ski Team, leading them through two World Championships and one Olympic cycle.

Erin Rigby, mother of Wheeless, praised Teague.

“The program has grown under his leadership,” she said. Since he has been with AVSC last year was our biggest team going to JN’s with eight athletes and this year it grew again with 11! We almost had 12 as one kid missed making it by something like a 1/100th of a second in the last race.”

AVSC Nordic has a rich tradition of success. Recent alumni include two U.S. National Team athletes, two Sochi Olympic team members, two Pyeongchang Olympic team members and hundreds of exceptional alumni. The programs are designed to develop, challenge and engage athletes of all ability levels. All team programs are offered in Aspen at the Aspen High School Trails and in Carbondale at the Spring Gulch Trails.

Also at Spring Gulch is AVSC’s Bill Koch Youth Ski League Programs, designed for kids ages five to 11. It was named for Bill Koch, aka “Kochie,” America’s first cross country skier Olympic medalist.

Additionally, AVSC also runs high school

programs for athletes who want to participate in Nordic skiing on a seasonal basis focusing on training, skills, racing and fun.

Year-round competitive programs that include on-snow training from NovemberApril plus conditioning during the summer and fall months. AVSC believes these “programs allow athletes to train and stay connected with teammates, coaches and AVSC while giving each the opportunity to be the best athlete possible.”

People sometimes use the terms Nordic and cross country skiing interchangeably, but this is not always accurate.

According to Wikipedia, Nordic skiing encompasses the various types of skiing in which the toe of the ski boot is fixed to the binding in a manner that allows the heel to rise off the ski, unlike Alpine skiing, where the boot is attached to the ski from toe to heel.

Technically, Nordic skiing is used more often to reference competitive skiing, and cross country refers more to touring (skiing for fun). Both refer to the same basic two styles of skiing: skate and classic. Nordic recreational disciplines include cross-country skiing and Telemark skiing.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • FEB. 27 - MARCH 4, 2020 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT

Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.

sponsors are needed to ensure its success. Contact sunlighskipatrol@ gmail.com for more information.

I’m melting!

The Gus Darien ice rink at the rodeo grounds is closed for the season. The Fourth Street Plaza rink was still skateable last week, but conditions are subject to change on a daily basis.

Top of the class Sopris 100 Who Care selected the Battlement to Bells Anti-trafficking Task Force as their latest receipient. Marilyn Murphy, Rachel Mende and Cindy Nett were on hand to present the check to Gina Stryker and Beth Klein.

Courtesy photo

Brotherly love Seventh and eighth graders at Marble Charter School are raising funds for their traditional trip to a big city with U.S. historical value and learning opportunities. This year, they’re headed to Philadelphia, and have been hosting pancake breakfasts, game nights, and selling hot chocolate at local events so that they can experience life outside of rural Colorado. If you can’t make it to an event, you can also visit their gofundme page to contribute directly.

Have a seat If you missed out when the Crystal Theatre gave away its seats,

have no fear! The Paradise Theatre in Paonia is selling their ‘50s-era chairs for a suggested donation of $25 each.

Email Director@ParadiseofPaonia. com for more information.

On patrol On March 6, the Sunlight Volunteer Ski Patrol will hold its annual Defiance Challenge ski and snowboard endurance race.

This unique test of stamina and skill challenges participants to see how many of Sunlight Mountain Resort’s toughest Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond runs they can ski or ride in 10 hours. The Defiance Challenge is the biggest fundraising event of the year for Sunlight’s volunteer ski patrol, and

Carbondalians Jacob Bassi and Henry Nadell were named to the Dean’s List at Fort Lewis College in Durango last semester. These students took at least 15 credits of gradable hours and achieved a 3.60 or higher grade point average.

Share your story The Safe and Abundant Nutrition Alliance is a regional coalition working on communitybased solutions to food insecurity.

Do you have a personal experience to relate or would you like to be part of developing solutions? Email dr.judith2004@gmail.com or send the team a message on Facebook.

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Jeremy Dwiggins and Gaby Mata Serafin (Feb. 27); Sean Jeffries (March 2); Bella Frisbie (March 3) and Kurt Trede, Jr. (March 4).

After-Hours Medical Care in Basalt

When you have unexpected medical needs, we are here for you.

No appointments necessary. Walk-ins welcome!

NEW, EXTENDED HOURS! Monday – Friday 3:00 – 11:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 970.544.1250 234 Cody Lane, Basalt aspenhospital.org |

AspenValleyHospital

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • FEB. 27 - MARCH 4, 2020

Health officials step up coronavirus precautions Staff report Key stakeholders in the Eagle County Public Health system have been collaborating for weeks to discuss response options for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, should it arrive in Eagle County.

The group is ensuring that residents are aware of measures they can take to help protect themselves, their families, and the community.

The area has not yet experienced a case of COVID-19.

However, health officials agree that it is only a matter of time before cases emerge in Colorado and locally.

Most illnesses are relatively mild, according to Rebecca Larson, Epidemiologist and Deputy Director for Eagle County Public Health and Environment.

People concerned that they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection should stay home and call their healthcare provider.

After assessment, if healthcare providers are concerned that a patient’s symptoms may be related to COVID-19, they are asked to contact public health officials.

Visit eaglecounty.us/COVID19 for more information.

Information will be posted at ECemergency.org in the event of an outbreak.

To prevent illness: • Avoid close contact with sick people.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and

mouth

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a

tissue and properly dispose of it.

• Clean and disinfect frequently

touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. An alcoholbased hand sanitizer is a good backup.

If you get sick:

• Stay home if you develop a fever,

cough or shortness of breath.

• Wear a face mask or cover your cough

and sneeze.

• Wash your hands frequently and don’t

share personal items (drinking glass or utensils) with others.

• Call your healthcare provider.

Employers should:

• Encourage people to stay home

when they are sick.

• Send home staff who become sick

at work.

• Disinfect surfaces on a regular basis

and promote the availability of disposable wipes for keyboards, and other surfaces that are frequently used.

• Consider flexible work options

Marty Stouffer — Mr. ‘Wild America,’ valley resident

By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent It was nearly two years ago, and my wife and I were trying to figure out how to get a heavy sofa sleeper out of our son’s pickup and into our house. A vehicle pulled up, a fellow hopped out and offered to lend a hand. Moments later, mission accomplished, we were thanking him and asking his name.

“I’m Marty Stouffer, and I’m famous. Look me up!” And with that, he was gone.

That unexpected encounter led to me pulling the assignment to interview the creator of and force behind the highly popular “Wild America” television series that was broadcast on PBS between 1982 and 1994.

On a frosty morning in early February, I found myself on the way to his spacious house a short distance outside of Carbondale. The interior was full of mementos of his lifetime of adventuring and making wildlife documentaries and other programs – mounted animal heads, a spear, old camera equipment.

Stouffer is voluble and cheerfully self-promoting. “I’m an entrepreneur, a raconteur … and probably, more than anything, I’m a storyteller. I believe that was really behind the whole film experience.

The whole film career for me was like, ‘Hey, look at this! Come over here, this is something really incredible, I want to share it with you!’”

For the next couple of hours,

I listened to stories about his background, his career and his long connection to the Roaring Fork valley.

From the start Stouffer was raised in Fort Smith, in western Arkansas on the border with Oklahoma. He and his two brothers learned to hunt and fish at an early age. They also developed a passion for making films with an 8 mm movie camera.

During one of his breaks from college in the late 1960s, Stouffer and two friends spent the summer in Alaska hunting, fishing and looking for adventure. One prized memento of his time there is the head of a Dall sheep (now hanging in his office) that he had killed and subsequently subsisted on for almost two weeks while caught alone at a cabin in a blizzard.

More importantly, Stouffer filmed dozens of reels of film of the wildlife there with his Super 8 camera.

Returning to school, he edited the footage into a two-hour silent “home movie,” dubbed “Alaska – America’s Last Frontier,” that he showed to large audiences in Fort Smith and on his college campus. The success of that venture encouraged him to pursue a career in wildlife filmmaking.

Stouffer’s connection to Aspen began in the summer of 1968, during another college break, when he and friend David Speer came here to work construction. They worked most of the summer for

Marty (bottom) in a staged photo with a captive bear and brothers Mark (middle) and Marshall (top); near Glacier National Park. Courtesy photo

A ram licking salt off of Stouffer’s hand during the filming of “Bighorn!”; early 1970s. Courtesy photo onetime real-estate mogul Hans Cantrup excavating a foundation for Cantrup’s Continental Inn (now the site of the Hyatt Grand Aspen) and staying at the inn with 400 young female music students who didn’t want anything to do with “a couple of smelly Arkansas rednecks.”

Stouffer recounted an incident where he was driving the backhoe down Galena St. and popped a wheelie to entertain a group of hippies watching him.

The extra weight on the ancient tires blew one of them, and in his attempt to repair it, he got his hand stuck and had to wait until Speer arrived with another backhoe to lift up his machine and free it – all to the amusement of his spectators.

After graduating from college in 1970, Stouffer signed on for several months with an African safari company in Botswana, principally as the “second gun” – i.e., he often would be the one to kill and retrieve the heads and skins of hundreds of big-game “trophy” animals for wealthy clients. The experience deeply disturbed him, and he vowed to focus on filming wildlife for its conservation and preservation.

Stouffer did film his experiences in Africa, this time with a 16mm sound camera. However, after returning to Arkansas and completing it, he found that there was little interest in “all these lions and elephants.” He continued, “My lesson from that is people want to see America and American wildlife.”

Stouffer moved to Aspen in January 1973 after having spent two years filming and producing a short documentary on bighorn sheep – creatures he had first encountered on hikes in the local mountains in 1968. His office in Aspen was in the same building as John Denver’s, and he and brother Mark Stouffer ended up filming portions of some of Denver’s television programs.

Mark, who also became a filmmaker, would go on to collaborate with Denver on several other television projects.

Meantime, Stouffer continued

working on wildlife film projects, including his first commercial success, “The Predators,” narrated by Robert Redford, that aired on NBC in 1977. Another documentary, focused on Stouffer’s experience raising a grizzly cub (partly in his Aspen apartment, much to the annoyance of his neighbors) and later releasing it in the wild, was broadcast by ABC in 1978. Its narrator was Henry Fonda (a lastminute substitute for Will Geer, who had died).

The success of those two programs helped pave the way for Stouffer’s association with PBS and the long-running “Wild America” series. It also allowed him and his wife Diane to build a house about three miles east of Aspen in the mid1980s, where they lived for 30 years and raised their two children. He noted, though, “It was a great spot, but it got a lot of snow.”

Keeping busy Since production of “Wild America” ceased in the mid1990s, Stouffer has kept busy with syndication deals (pretty much at any time, “Wild America” is running somewhere on one of the four major broadcast networks), managing his film archive (stored in a vault in his basement) and new projects.

He would like to transfer all 120 half-hour episodes of the series to 4K digital resolution, but a Kickstarter campaign to raise funding for the venture was not successful. He added, “I would love it if there was a rich investor in this wealthy valley who realized the value of [his archive] who wanted to invest a relatively modest sum for posterity.”

Stouffer has also made more wildlife documentaries. “I have 20 new films that have been filmed and edited,” including one of a coyote and roadrunner and another of a jaguar in South America.

“But I don’t have the money … to finish the writing, sound [and] transfer to video. Again, he would welcome help from an investor to finish those projects.

He has also been looking into arrangements with such streaming services as Sling TV and the upcoming Quibi (set to launch in April).

He elaborated, “If I had one focus … it would be to go back to the ‘Wild America’ film library and edit short pieces that could be searched … say a thousand 3-minute pieces.” He believes he has film on nearly every animal in the Americas, engaged in all varieties of activities.

He gave, as an example: one could access a clip of moose fighting or of a baby moose.

Stouffer quipped, “I’m shockingly busy for being unemployed! … A tremendous amount of it is trying to do deals with new media.” He continued, “I just signed up with … Monarch Films … and we’re working to get into this new OTT (over the top)” direct streaming service.

One less pleasant issue for Stouffer has been an ongoing legal dispute with National Geographic.

He filed a federal lawsuit against the organization in December 2018 alleging copyright and trademark infringement. The case has been held up while the judge decides on a motion to dismiss it by Geographic.

Stouffer had expected a ruling on the motion by the end of last year, but that hasn’t been forthcoming yet – much to his annoyance.

As much as Stouffer and his wife loved Aspen, they eventually grew tired of the snow their house received and the constant shoveling. Several years ago, they built their new home downvalley, which is roughly equidistant from Carbondale and Willits.

When asked how he likes living downvalley, he replied, “I love the location. I like sitting out on the porch,” which has a magnificent view of Mt. Sopris, “with a drink in the evenings, something we usually couldn’t do in Aspen because it was too cool.” He continued, “Carbondale and Basalt are great little towns. When I walk down the street of one of them now, I see more friends than I would in Aspen.”

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • FEB. 27 - MARCH 4, 2020 • 5

Valley-wide 'America’s Chamber of Commerce' assuages fears but needs more resources to flourish

By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent

Have you heard the business buzz? There is a new regional chamber of commerce with a goal to lift business persons’ interests regardless of their national origin.

Registered in August 2019, America's Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is meant for any Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valley entrepreneur or business that wishes to be involved and is made up of a dedicated core team whose aim is to enfranchise small local businesses.

It currently has six members.

Businesses can become members at various entrepreneurial, corporate or investor levels.

Someone can become an entrepreneurial member for $189/yr. The highest investor membership fee is $30,000/yr which grants that entity access to everything ACC has to offer.

ACC takes into account the deficit of nonEnglish speakers involved in other local chambers by offering all of its services in Spanish.

It is not just the language barrier that skews this trend; it is also fear. Executive Director John Lopez says “fear is a consequence of no education, legal aspects and other important aspects” surrounding the Hispanic community.

Therefore one of their most important services is business education. On Feb. 22, Lopez and CEO Paulina Navas held a tutorial on information and communication technologies at

the Basalt Library. It was an intimate setting with roughly a dozen attendees. Lopez gave a thorough presentation which was followed by an active Q&A. While such tutorials are commonplace this one was unique, for this region, because it was offered in Spanish.

Toward the end of March, it will facilitate another educational session regarding legal immigration and the reconciliation of mishandled business information. Deportation is of high concern for many people, some of whom have had businesses in the Valley for decades. ACC would like to see people overcome their fears and ultimately obtain legal documentation. .

Navas and Lopez also plan to hold an event for English speakers to learn Spanish terms relative to their line of work. That way someone who works with Spanish speakers can learn how to more effectively communicate within their business.

Part of the networking and education component is teaching companies how to control the market. Without a consensus among businesses prices plummet and the market is compromised. ACC will network between like businesses and facilitate communication to keep prices consistent and competitive.

One successful story is that of Ruby’s Embroidery in El Jebel. The business is run by Nadin Vargas and Maria Navarro and is one of the six members. ACC helped Vargas and Navarro effectively network with various businesses including another member to embroider custom

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Americas Chamber of Commerce CEO Paulina Navas and Executive Director John Lopez are partners in life and in this endeavor. Photo by James Steindler uniforms and logos. To Lopez, part of his pay is the client’s happiness.

Not only will the organization manifest connections between businesses but also with other local chambers. ACC is already working with the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.

At this point, the organization’s only sponsor is Alpine Bank. Its contribution thus far has made it possible for ACC to get off to a good start. That said the new chamber needs more resources and hence more sponsors. ACC was able to afford paying Lopez for the first few months but ever since he has been volunteering his time — which takes up a lot of it.

Lopez sighs, “We need more sponsors this project is a little bit expensive and we can only activate two of eight programs and our intention

is to start all eight programs.”

Navas hopes that the Hispanic people will not be “afraid” to participate in the census. That way the state and region will acquire a larger budget to reflect the actual population which will increase support for local nonprofit and governmental services.

Currently there are four ACC board members and they are seeking a fifth — ideally someone who is familiar with finance and business. The board meets every last Wednesday of the month.

Email info@americaschamberofcommerce.com if you’re interested.

Lopez says, “Our people have a lot of fear for entrepreneurship or the business world because they are exposed.” Navas was quick to add, “We need to break out of that.”

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Finding your sacred places and defending them

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent It is no secret that our public lands are the crown jewel of the Roaring Fork Valley. To walk outside and witness nature at its finest is a gift many of us enjoy after a long work week; from alpine skiing to whitewater rafting, there is no limit of outdoor adventure.

But how do we tap into a greater appreciation for our natural surroundings? How do we protect the lands we hold so close to our hearts?

On Feb. 29, the Carbondale Branch Library will host Dr. Andrew Gulliford, professor of History and Environmental Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango, for a discussion on Native American sacred places and how we, as a society, can give back to the land.

“We now, thanks to the voters, have a budget for programming,” Librarian Lacy Dunlavy said. “We were trying to think of topics all of us were interested in, and one thing we constantly hear about in our communities is history. Dr. Gulliford has so many different topics he can talk about, so it’s really exciting to bring him here and fulfill the need for local history.”

With the approval of Proposition 6A, Garfield County Libraries now

have the financial means to bring in experts from outside of the community. While Carbondale has always had an extensive network of local experts, Dunlavy is excited to facilitate new and diverse learning opportunities at the library.

Gulliford, however, is no stranger to the valley. As a 4th grade teacher in Silt during the late 1970s, Gulliford fostered an appreciation for history in his students when he assigned oral history interviews with local residents. For Dr. Gulliford, it sparked the beginning of a long and rich career as a respected American West historian.

Since then, Gulliford has become an accomplished author focusing on key American West topics in his books "America’s Country Schools," "Sacred Objects and Sacred Places: Preserving Tribal Traditions," "Boomtown Blues: Colorado Oil Shale" (Colorado Book Award winner), and "Outdoors in the Southwest: An Adventure Anthology" (2014 winner of the Arizona/New Mexico Book Award and Colorado Book Award winner).

Most recently, Gulliford’s book “The Woolly West: Colorado’s Hidden History of Sheepscapes” (2019 Colorado Book Award winner and Outstanding Nonfiction award during the 2019 Western Heritage Awards) unveiled the historical archeology of sheep

herding in the cattle-dominated high country.

As a dynamic historian, Gulliford brings a wealth of knowledge to help piece together the intricate connection between man and place.

“It is so important to understand native peoples' perspectives,” he said.

“What is their philosophy? Why is a place considered sacred? At Fort Lewis College, 40 percent of the students are Native American. I have been able to get perspectives from students and what is important to them.”

In "Sacred Objects and Sacred Places," Gulliford compiled 10 years of research in which he traveled 1000s of miles meeting with tribal elders, archeologists, and nonnative curators to highlight cultural preservation issues that are essential to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiins.

While visiting sacred tribal places, Gulliford discovered that the preservation of sacred objects, such as medicine bundles and masks and the repatriation of human remains, are essential to keeping native culture alive in a constantly modernizing world.

“I am a strong advocate for public lands,” he said. “The valley is so important, and we need to slow down and realize value doesn’t have a price tag. Native sacred places can be thousands

of years old. How do we preserve them for the next 800 years? Leave No Trace and understanding how we move through landscapes is the protection.”

At Gulliford’s talk, attendees can expect to hear more about his experiences and case studies in places such as the Wyoming Medicine Wheel, Devil’s Tower National Monument, Mount Shasta in California, Mount Graham in Arizona, and the Sweet Grass Hills in Montana.

With the intention of raising awareness and preservation of sacred objects and places, Dr. Gulliford encourages open-dialogue and audience participation.

Additionally, Gulliford plans to provide updates on Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Escalante National Monument — two sacred places that he is heavily involved with both conservationally and legally.

“I am still learning,” Gulliford said.

“Our ancestors and forefathers had silence, solitude, and darkness — we don’t anymore.

I encourage people to get farther out and take a hike. Think about what we give back and continue to protect and preserve as the volume of people increases especially in sacred places. Find your place, dig in, and defend it.”

Dr. Gulliford is leading the defense to protect our public lands and Native sacred objects and places.

Courtesy Photo

Let's Talk About History: Native American Sacred Places

Who: Dr. Andrew Gulliford (andrewgulliford.net) When: 4:30 p.m. Feb. 29 Where: Carbondale Branch Library (320 S. Third St.)

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • FEB. 27 - MARCH 4, 2020 • 7

SoL isn't children's theatre in the traditional sense. While the actors are indeed kids, they are encouraged to understand and portray ideas that might challenge even adults.

They also helped adapt the latest play, made their own costumes and each wrote a poem as part of the performance.

Photo by Jennifer Johnson

A parable for the ages When Stage of Life Theatre Director Jennifer Johnson set out to adapt “Hope for the Flowers,” she wasn’t sure she’d be able to get permission from author Trina Paulus.

After all, the 88-year-old had written just the one book back in the 70s, and her website hadn’t been updated in years.

But not only did Paulus write back right away, it turned out she had strong local connections through Sustainable Settings and the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute. She’ll have a chance to watch a livestream of the performance and is planning a summer visit.

“Her book is clearly a reflection of who she is, and the things that are important to her are important to me and the kids,” Johnson observed.

“Hope for the Flowers”

When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27-29 & 2 p.m. March 1 Where: The Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) How much: $10 for students and $15 for adults

A year without Amazon Until the end of last year, a Stage of Life Theatre production meant a flood of Amazon boxes.

But after successfully staging “A Christmas Carol” with all repurposed materials, Director Jennifer Johnson decided to try a year without all that.

“I want the kids to see it’s possible and sustainable,” she explained. “I want more of that synergy between local companies, and I’m actually saving tons of money because we’re starting secondhand.”

It depicts a pair of caterpillars who abandon a literal race to the top and settle down together — but where many fairy tells would end there, that’s just the beginning.

The pair are still not happy, and have different ideas about what to do next, prompting a break up and separate journeys toward the same realization. “You have to want to fly so much that you’re willing to give up who you are.”

The piece was adapted with the help of SoL’s students and will be performed by kids with a combination of puppetry, performance and poetry. But the themes, in Johnson’s opinion, are universal.

“It’s one of those stories that’s written in children’s book format but is actually for grownups,” she said.

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Community Thrift & Treasures in Glenwood Springs donated the sweaters for the puppets in the upcoming adaptation of “Hope for the Flowers.”

The lack of prefab props also meant that the actors had a chance to create their own caterpillars, adding another layer of investment.

“They feel so much more connected and involved in this production,” Johnson said.

“Without question, it’s been much more work, but it’s worth it.”

Not only does abstaining from ordering props online mean making most of them from scratch, it also means finding materials close to home.

Director Jennifer Johnson has made a point of starting out at secondhand stores, but considers buying new locally to be a step up from shipping things in from afar, and has formed some satisfying partnerships in the process.

Courtesy photo

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Love and obsession in ‘View from the Bridge’ Review by Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff It’s tough enough being immigrants in the 1950s in New York City, much less an Italian immigrant family fighting for the good life.

Add in complicated and troubling romantic entanglements and you have a recipe for disaster — and tragedy — in this latest Thunder River Theatre Company production.

Set in the Red Hook neighborhood, the Brooklyn Bridge looms large over the dreams and failures of those who live in this city borough. A huge grey steel bridge on stage soars to the top of the high ceilinged room filled with old yet functional furniture. All it lacks is a rug.

It's a barren environment, not exactly one full of love and hope. And one of the plays’ themes, immigration angst, is still relevant today.

The play opens with a poignant monologue by Alfieri, an older local lawyer who occupies the dual roles of attorney and one-person Greek chorus, played masterfully

by Lon Winston.

Italian himself, Alfieri bemoans the uninspiring cases he handles as “The petty troubles of the poor.” Alfieri is bored by his clients’ squabbles as he fruitlessly tries to convince Eddie

Carbone, the protagonist, that the law has no place in his family’s conflicts.

Actor Lee Sullivan, a TRTC alumnus, portrays Eddie initially as a sympathetic longshoreman in the rough and tumble world of the Brooklyn docks, unloading and loading cargo from ships coming from far away. When there’s no work to be had, Eddie goes to the uncertain and seemingly foreign locations of the docks at Staten Island and even “Jersey.”

Sullivan plays Eddie as strong inside and out. But is he too tough to understand the dangerous road he’s travelling by his obsessive love for Catherine, his teenage orphaned niece?

As Alfieri muses, “His eyes were like tunnels; my first thought was that he had committed a crime, but soon I saw it was only a passion that had moved into his body, like a stranger.”

Eddie’s sex-starved wife Beatrice comes to life through the acting skill of Tamela Kenning. She is perplexed by her husband’s lagging mood for intimacy, as he simply says, “I don’t feel well,” unconvincingly.

Sophia Higbie plays Catherine, the blossoming young woman who is both the glue that keeps the family members connected and the wedge that drives them apart.

An interesting touch by director Corey Simpson reflects the

Your Story, Digitized

generational and lifestyle differences between the two women. Catherine wears a short skirt and fashionable shoes — a modern woman. Beatrice dresses much more conservatively, with a long skirt, a shawl and utilitarian footwear, seeming very “old country.”

Beatrice is the first to really see the turmoil taking place. Her facial expressions reflect her growing concerns about Eddie’s attempts to keep Catherine in a cocoon he has figuratively encased her in. Beatrice quickly recognizes that danger lurks ahead.

The main cast rounds out and the plot thickens - with the appearance of Beatrice’s two Italian cousins. Marco, played by Brian R. McIsaac and Rodolpho, played

by Patrick Keleher, arrive — albeit illegally — from Sicily, where food and medicine are in short supply, and families struggle just to survive.

The balance of this excellent cast includes James Coates as Tony/ Submarine, Nick Garay as Mike, Brendan T. Cochran as Louis, Chip Wells as Mrs. Lipari, Willie Moseley as Mr. Lipari, Owen O’Farrell as Immigration Officer 1 and Brian Keleher as Immigration Officer 2.

The cousins are welcomed initially by both Eddie and Beatrice and invited to stay with them. Polar opposites, Marco, the older of the two, just wants

Maybe Eddie Carbone cares about his teenage orphaned niece Catherine a little too much. Photo by Will Grandbois to stay in America for four years to Rodolpho’s charm and vitality lead send money back to his sick wife and him to insist the young man is “just not right,” and Eddie tries to prove starving three children.

Rodolpho, on the other hand, that unsuccessfully. But when his ploy is younger, unmarried and a singer fails, Eddie finally pulls out his ace anxious to buy a motorcycle and in the hole and makes a life-altering decision. Is Eddie just a good guy with stay permanently.

All seems peaceful until Eddie a tragic flaw? Or not?

Throughout the performance, it notices Catherine and Rodolpho are drawn to each other. At seems like the players are tiptoeing the same time, Marco displays between love and the law, similar to physical strength that Eddie sees as sports athletes carefully trying to avoid stepping out-of-bounds. threatening his own masculinity.

Does that effort work out or Eddie’s fondness for his niece takes a dark turn as obsessive love boils over. collapse? Will this slowly-building His anger and outrage over the lovers’ catastrophe dissolve into tragedy commitment and decision to marry and violence? The climax will shock send him into a downward spiral as he and awe the audience as the final moments of this somber yet powerful maneuvers to keep Catherine close.

His desperation over the blonde performance unfold.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR presents

A View F ro m t h e Bridge

BY A RT H U R M I L L E R DIRECTED BY COREY SIMPSON

l o c at e d i n d o w n t o w n c a r b o n d a l e

CARBONDALE IMMUNIZATION CLINIC

THURSDAY FEB. 27

about their changing lives and bodies, and attempting to solve a murder. The free film TALK ABOUT DEPRESSION runs from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. at the Basalt Come and learn how essential oils can play Regional Library (14 Midland Ave., Basalt). an important role in the battle against mood Call 927-4311 or go to basaltlibrary.org for disorders from depression to anxiety to details. despondency and more from 7 to 8:30 p.m. CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). $10 suggested donation. Go to davinikent.org What are the philosophical implications of climate change? Learn from the Philosophy for details.

Club how to adapt to this crisis in a ROCK DUO changing world from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Jesse Porter and Katie Houchin come together Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave. as the dynamic duo Hammered Straight, Basalt). To learn more about this free event playing all your favorite covers mixed with go to basaltlibrary.org or call 927-4311 for innovative, rock originals from 7 to 9 p.m. for information. the first time at the Beer Works (647 Main St.) MUSIC TRIVIA Call 704-1216 or go to carbondalebeerworks.

Come join the fun in four rounds of trivia com to learn more. questions and "Name that Tune" in a team competition (must be 21+) of up to 6 THU FEB. 27 - SUN MARCH 1 members. $5 per player benefits the Andy HOPE FOR THE FLOWERS Zanca Youth Empowerment Program. A $50 SoL Theatre Company (520 S. Third St.) Beer Works gift certificate goes to the team presents an adaptation of the 1972 book by winners. Enjoy the evening from 7 to 9 p.m.

Trina Paulas at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday at Beer Works (647 Main St.) Contact beth@ and Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. azyep.org for more info.

FRIDAY FEB. 28

WEDNESDAY MARCH 4

Experience calm and restoration with the vibrational sounds of gongs and singing bowls. Bring all things comfy (yoga mat, blanket, pillow) for ultimate relaxation and water for rehydration from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) Contact Cashin Chiropractic, PC at 4256256 for information.

Watch “BlacKkKlansman,” the story of an African American police officer from Colorado Springs successfully manages to infiltrate the local Ku Klux Klan branch with the help of a Jewish surrogate who eventually becomes its leader. Based on actual events.

The free event goes from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave.) Go to basaltlibrary.org or call 927-4311 for details.

GONG MEDITATION

REGGAE JAM ROCK

A-Mac & The Height are touring to support the new record, “Finally Woke” from 8 to 11:59 p.m. at The Black Nugget (403 Main St.) Check out amacandtheheight.com for details and tickets.

Garfield County Public Health is offering immunizations at The Orchard Church, 110 Snowmass Drive in Carbondale.

Appointments are available the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Please call Garfield County Public Health at 970-945-6614, ext. 2030, to schedule an appointment.

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BOOKS ON THE BIG SCREEN

IMPROV REPLAY

Watch the TRTC Consensual Improv! comedy troupe riff on the production of "A View from the Bridge." Who knows how they will spontaneously turn this story on its side?

Check this out from 8 to 9 p.m. at the Thunder SATURDAY FEB. 29 River Theatre Company (67 Promenade) $10 BREW AND BUILD tickets available at thunderrivertheatre.com Learn why bamboo makes a better ski or call 963.8200. pole from Colorado’s own Grass Sticks manufacturing company. Poles are 10 percent FURTHER OUT off ($89) and include one free beer with purchase. The event runs from 2 to 7 p.m. THURSDAY MARCH 5 at Batch (358 Main St.). Call 510-5934 for WILD FLIGHT RETURNS information.

Emily, Eric and Jay are back with jazz, light rock KID FLICKS and folk from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Beer Works This film tour features audience favorite (647 Main St.). Call 704-1216 for information and award-winning short films from New York International Children’s Film Festival, THU MARCH 5 - SUN MARCH 8 the nation’s largest film festival for kids and teens in North America. This free event is LAUGH WITH THE ADDAMS FAMILY recommended for kids ages 3-7 and goes This new musical comedy features the from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Basalt Regional humorous trials and tribulations of the TV Library (14 Midland Ave., Basalt). Go to family in this Basalt High School production. tacaw.org for details.

Shows begin at 7 p.m. except for Sunday’s start at 4 p.m. at Basalt Middle School (51 School AMERICAN WEST HISTORY St., Basalt). Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 Learn about Native American sacred for students and are available online at bhs.rfsd. places and public history from Dr. Andrew k12.co.us or at the door.

Gulliford, an award-winning writer and historian with deep ties to the American West. FRIDAY MARCH 6 “Native American Sacred Places”' begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Carbondale Branch Library PAIRINGS (320 Sopris Ave.). Event is free and open to Enjoy this regular event centered on pairing the public. Visit.gcpld.org for information. the handmade with the handcrafted. The community is invited to choose a cup to purchase and “pair it” with tastings of SUNDAY MARCH 1 handcrafted beverages from local businesses WHISKEY TASTING from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carbondale Clay Center Carbondale Beer Works (647 Main St.) (135 Main St.).Go to carbondaleclay.org or call celebrates 10 years from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 963-2529 for details. with Sopris Liquor and Wine’s selection of Marble Distilling, Old Forester, Woody ONGOING Creek, Stranahan’s and Fireside, plus special tequila and food by Chef Peat — all for $45. A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE A riveting modern classic about a 1950s Italian immigrant family and the unbreakable social MONDAY MARCH 2 contracts that help minority communities to BASALT CANDIDATES FORUM survive. Show runs until March 7 at Thunder Learn more about prospective mayors and River Theatre (67 Promenade). Tickets are council members from 6 to 8 p.m. at the adult (40+) - $30, 20/30-something (ages 20Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave.).

39) - $20 and full-time student (with ID) $15. Purchase at thunderrivertheatre.com or call 963-8200.

TUESDAY MARCH 3 TEEN MOVIES

OPEN JUNCTURE

Join a screening of the 1995 coming-of-age girl-gang classic, “Now and Then (rated PG13).” Set in 1970s small-town America, four teenage girls spend their summer avoiding the neighborhood boys, speaking frankly

The Carbondale Clay Center (135 Main St.) showcases works and collaborations from local artists Megan Wussow, Liz Heller, Mark Cesark, K. Rhynus Cesark, Nancy Lovendahl and Scott Keating.

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Marble Distilling's trophy should be changing hands more often now that trivia has expanded to second and fourth Wednesdays at 7 p.m. — to say nothing of music triva at Beer Works, which seems to have settled on the same time slot on First Tuesdays. Photo by Will Grandbois LOSS SUPPORT

RUN AROUND

The Compassionate Friends of the Roaring Fork Valley, a group for parents, grandparents or siblings who have lost a child of any age, meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at The Orchard (110 Snowmass Dr.).

Independence Run and Hike hosts a weekly group run on Thursday nights. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the store, 596 Highway 133 (in La Fontana Plaza) during daylight saving time and at 6 p.m. during the darker months for a four-mile loop around town.

All paces are welcome. Call 704-0909 for more information.

SHOP WITH A DOC

Greg Feinsinger, M.D. will show how to make healthy food choices at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month at City Market in Carbondale and the fourth Saturday at City Market in Glenwood Springs. Free event; contact davinikent.com for information.

HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION

Free opportunities include a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Greg Feinsinger about the science behind plant-based nutrition at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month. Also free one-hour consultations for heart attack and other chronic illness prevention are available by appointment Monday mornings by calling 379-5718. Plus, come to a plant-based wholefoods potluck at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

BLUEGRASS JAM

Bring the instrument of your choice or just your voice for a weekly jam session, first and last Sundays at 6 p.m. at Steve’s Guitars (19 N. Fourth St.) and all other Sundays at the Glenwood Springs Brew Garden (115 Sixth St.).

YOUR STORY, YOUR LIFE

A free facilitated workshop for adults, writing your personal history, one story at a time.

Facilitated by Shelly Merriam, historian/ writer/genealogist. First and third Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, Glenwood Springs Branch Library (815 Cooper Ave.). Visit gcpld.org or call 945-5958 for information.

BOOK CLUB

Join friends and fellow readers to discuss great books at Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) at 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Call 963-2889 for this month's selection.

STORYTIME

Young children (accompanied by an adult) are invited for stories, songs and more, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) — please use the side entrance to the Calaway Room.

ROTARY

The Carbondale Rotary Club meets at the Carbondale Fire Station (300 Meadowood Dr.) at 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays.

PUNCH PARKINSON’S

Rising Crane Training Center (768 Highway 133) offers free boxing and fitness classes for folks with Parkinson’s disease from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 2748473 for information.

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TAI CHI

All levels are welcome to participate in a gentle path to health and flexibility from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays with John Norton. Marty Finkelstein offers a 5 to 5:30 course for beginners before his 5:30 to 7 p.m. class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both classes take place at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

PING PONG

Senior Matters (520 S. Third St., Suite 33) offers a table tennis club for adults from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Contact Marcel Kahhak at 963-5901 with questions.

YOGA

Get a donation-based introduction to Hatha Yoga from 8 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.).

FINESSE YOUR FREQUENCY

Based upon the book by Trina Paulus adapted for the stage by Zach Hanrahan, Sara Gray Kokish, and Genevieve Vickers, and Brooke MacKay and Eliana Durand under the guidance of Jennifer Johnson Thursday, February 27th at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, February 28th at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 29th at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 1st at 2:00 p.m.

The Round Room at the Third Street Center Tickets $15 for Adults and $10 for Students 12 and under

Tickets available at the door or at soltheatrecompany.org

Make more magic in your unique business/ career the first and third Wednesdays, or come as a creative person/artist the second and fourth Wednesdays. Both events run from noon to 1 p.m. at Coventure (201 Main St.). Email mellietest@gmail.com for details.

LOVE ADDICTS

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, a 12-step group will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Holland Hills United Methodist Church (167 Holland Hills Rd., Basalt).

MINDFULNESS IN RECOVERY

An inclusive, peer-led recovery support group open to anyone with a desire for recovery — independent of faith and regardless of race, gender or orientation — meets Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

MOVIES The Crystal Theatre (427 Main St.) presents "Just Mercy" (PG-13) at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 - March 1 & March 4-5; "Pain & Glory" (R, subtitled) at 5 p.m. Feb. 28; "Knives Out" (PG-13) at 4:45 p.m. Feb. 29 and "Honeyland" (NR, subtitled) at 5:30 p.m. March 1.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • FEB. 27 - MARCH 4, 2020 • 11

Trustees dig down the rabbit hole

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff Rabbits are not chickens — and that’s about the only consensus reached on the subject at the Feb. 25 town council meeting.

The board was asked to reconsider the Town’s rabbit policy by rabbit farmer Matt Kennedy last year, and Trustee Erica Sparhawk accepted the task of drafting a new ordinance.

Her proposal was based on the existing chicken policy and conversations with Kennedy and fellow rabbit owner Brett Meredith as well as drawing inspiration from policies in Portland and Austin. It called for a maximum of 15 adults with no more than 30 rabbits total — more than the six and 10 allowed for chickens and much higher than the current cap of three.

Meredith explained that a litter may include up to 15 kits, with the potential for another group of 15 still coming up to weight for slaughter. He encouraged trustees to try the proposed policy and see if it works.

“Rabbits are clean, they’re quiet, they’re cute and they taste good,” he said.

“They’re so cute you just wanna eat ‘em,” Trustee Ben Bohmfalk retorted.

In fact, Bohmfalk had several concerns, starting with the number of rabbits allowed and inclusion of a communal loophole that would allow up to 60 total and expanding to the fencing requirements which Parks and Wildlife have deemed insufficient to deter predators.

Neighbor John Williams had some worries as well. He advocated for a limit based on the size of the run rather than a fixed figure, and encouraged the board to enact a policy they could enforce directly rather than relying on complaints.

“That totally develops neighborhood strife,” he observed.

There really wasn’t an advocate on the board for adopting the ordinance as written.

Marty Silverstein was on roughly the same page as Bohmfalk, Lani Kitching felt that the small farm concept was best applied outside of town, and Luis Yllanes felt that the whole thing opened the Town up to an array of potential problems. Heather Henry wanted to explore the possibility of density restrictions, noting that “rabbits are quite different than chickens in a lot of ways.”

None of this seemed to discourage Sparhawk, who offered to do more research and tweak the draft based on collective input.

The idea of putting off the decision once again frustrated Bohmfalk.

“It’s such a limited problem right now that I don’t want to give it a ton more meeting time,” he said.

But, Mayor Dan Richardson pointed out, the final ordinance might deter or encourage future farmers beyond those already in place.

“I’m willing to have another meeting to try to get it right,” he said.

In other action, trustees…

• Approved use of spot-spray chemical herbicide in the mitigation of specific noxious weeds, a move which has already earned Parks & Rec. and E-Board approval.

• Agreed to submit a Federal Mineral Lease District grant for sewer lining at the Third Street Center.

• Worked with Wilderness Workshop on a possible letter opposing rollbacks to the National Environmental Policy Act. • Discussed opportunities to better label trees on public property.

TOWN REPORT RED HILL ROAD improvements will be the topic of several meetings, starting with residents on March 11, followed by trail users on March 18 and rider-sharers on March 19.

A MINI GRANT for $25,000 to support playground improvements at Gianinetti Park will be submitted to the Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District in an effort to enhance accessibility.

PLANNING & ZONING is interviewing two candidates for an open seat and should be sending a recommendation to trustees. P&Z will also consider a letter requesting a couple of amendments to the Unified Development Code.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION planning is taking place between Roaring Fork Engineering and Utilities staff, with a pre-bid conference for the clarifier project scheduled for March 5.

ARREST CONTROL TRAININGS occupied Sergeant Rodgers and Officer Kirkland while Officer Leach taught a preschool class about 911 calls.

A STOP SIGN at the corner of Hendrick Drive and Main Street was run over by a trailer, and a temporary sign is now in place.

BIDS TO REPLACE a half-ton pickup and backhoe were received.

SUMMER SEASONAL HIRING has begun. Email mdonnelly@carbondaleco.net if you're interested in being a lifeguard or swim instructor and rsissom@carbondaleco.net if you'd like to be on the mow crew.

PROPERTY INQUIRES remain exceptionally high.

From Feb. 7 through 20, Carbondale Police handled 367 calls for service. During that period, officers handled the following cases of note: FRIDAY Feb. 7 at 6:45 a.m. A cold domestic violence report led to the arrest of a 40-year-old man.

SATURDAY Feb. 8 at 1:18 a.m.

Following a traffic stop for expired registration, a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

TUESDAY Feb. 11 at 8:44 a.m. Police tested a pair of vape pens that had been confiscated from middle schoolers, but there was no trace of THC. TUESDAY Feb. 11 at 3:03 p.m. A student was referred for support after complaints of inappropriate touching.

While City Market is the most obvious construction project in town, folks who use the Rio Grande Trail have probably noticed that Sopris Lodge Senior Living is coming right along.

Photo by Will Grandbois

WEDNESDAY Feb. 12 at 12:07 a.m.

Officers responded to an accident on Highway 133 and cited a 44-year-old

woman for driving without a license.

FRIDAY Feb. 14 at 3:17 p.m. Someone called to report child abuse.

SATURDAY Feb. 15 at 2:16 a.m. After pulling over a car with no lights on driving on the wrong side of the road, police arrested the 23-year-old driver on suspicion of DUI. SATURDAY Feb. 15 at 10:26 a.m. A vandalized windshield was reported on Wheel Drive.

SATURDAY Feb. 15 at 11:44 a.m. Police responded to a fight at a self-storage.

SATURDAY Feb. 15 at 11:56 p.m. A traffic stop for failing to yield at a stop sign led to a DUI arrest for a 27-year-old.

SUNDAY Feb. 16 at 12:34 a.m. Following a careless driving stop, a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

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Quarry questions continue

By Heather Sackett Aspen Journalism Colorado Stone Quarries, the operator of Marble’s famed Yule quarry, is facing scrutiny and possible penalties from federal and state regulators after an October diesel spill that shut down operations for nearly two months.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is looking into whether a special permit is needed for the diversion of Yule Creek, which was done to make way for a temporary mining road.

In addition, the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) says it believes the quarry violated state statutes by releasing pollutants into groundwater.

Representatives from state DRMS and the Army Corps visited the site, which is located three miles up County Road 3C from the town of Marble, on Feb. 11, four months after 5,500 gallons of diesel fuel leaked from a tank on the property.

Nearby Yule Creek, which flows into the Crystal River, was spared from the Oct. 11 spill because the waterway had been diverted from its natural channel to the east of Franklin Ridge so operators could construct a temporary access road to the quarry.

Because the access road and creek diversion was supposed to be temporary, officials at Colorado Stone Quarries, or CSQ, claimed the project did not need a permit from the Army

Corps of Engineers. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, a project requires a permit from the Army Corps if it includes the discharge of dredged or fill materials into waters, such as rivers, streams and wetlands.

To qualify for a 404 exemption for the construction of temporary roads for moving mine equipment, CSQ is required to meet 15 best-management practices. CSQ says its activities comply with those practices.

The temporary diversion was approved by DRMS in September 2018 in what’s known as a technical revision to the quarry’s permit.

But because of ongoing cleanup and water-quality monitoring as a result of the spill, the temporary road and creek diversion will be in place longer than intended — until at least the fall of 2022, according to a report from the company. Until then, the old Yule Creek channel also will remain full of fill material, including marble blocks. That means the project might need a permit from the Army Corps after all.

“Given that the subject haul road will be in place for the foreseeable future (i.e., not temporary), the exemption under which the road was constructed may not be applicable,” reads a letter from the Army Corps requesting more information from CSQ. Army Corps officials were alerted to the quarry’s plans for a temporary road and creek diversion when the quarry applied for

the technical revision in 2018, but the agency did not raise concerns about the quarry needing a 404 permit at that time.

CSQ and its consultant Greg Lewicki and Associates are offering the Army Corps three potential options for remedying the situation: Take no action, meaning the quarry would follow the plan for a temporary road and creek diversion laid out in its technical revision and the quarry would not get a permit from the Army Corps; leave the creek in its current alignment to the east side of Franklin Ridge, which would require an Army Corps permit; or return Yule Creek to its alignment on the west side of the ridge but at a higher elevation than the pre-diversion alignment.

The Army Corps has asked CSQ to provide more information on these three scenarios. The affected stream reach is about 1,500 feet long.

State enforcement CSQ also may face fines and other punishment from DRMS, which regulates mining in Colorado.

According to a Feb. 7 letter from DRMS director Virginia Brannon, the agency believes the quarry is in violation of three state statutes: unauthorized release of pollutants into groundwater, failure to minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance with regard to water quality, and failure to comply

m 2020-2021 School Year

EARLY CHILDHOOD registration

The quarry in 2015. Photo by Will Grandbois, republished with permission from the Glenwood Springs Post Independent with the conditions of the permit.

The diesel spill occurred during the relocation process for the generator and associated fuel tanks. The new location was not approved by DRMS. “Therefore, the Division has reason to believe that a violation exists to the Colorado Land Reclamation Act for the Extraction of Construction Materials … and (has) scheduled this matter to appear before the Mined Land Reclamation Board,” the letter reads.

CSQ is scheduled to appear before the board March 25 in Denver. The board could issue a cease-and-desist order or impose a fine between $100 and $1,000 for each day of violation.

The spill at the quarry, which is now known as The Pride of America

Mine, was marked by delays in reporting and cleanup.

Red Graniti, a company in Cararra, Italy, owns the quarry, which employs about 30 to 40 people and out of whose pure-white stone has been carved the Lincoln Memorial, the Colorado Capitol building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

In 2016, the quarry was granted a permit for a 114-acre expansion, for a total of 124 permitted acres. According to CSQ, there are enough marble reserves contained in its six galleries to continue mining at the current rate for more than 100 years.

NOW ENROLLING March 3 School Open House, 5-6pm

Visit our elementary schools anytime on

WEDNESday, MARCH 11, 2020 PLEASE BRING: • A copy of your child’s birth certificate.

• A copy of immunization records.

COST: No deposit is required for early childhood classes; a preschool deposit will be collected upon acceptance into the program.

7 .. 30am — 5 .. 00Pm

AGES: • Toddler program: ages 12 months (and walking) to 3 years • Preschool: ages 3-5 years TOURS: Parents can contact the school directly to set up a convenient time to tour the program.

All paperwork will be available in both English and Spanish, and bilingual staff will be present to assist families with the process.

OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM IS OFFERED AT EVERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT.

Learn more at

rFschools.com enrollment 970.384.6000 • Se habla español

April 3 Application deadline to be included in the lottery

April 8 Lottery occurs RMS is a FREE, PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL SERVING OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY, K-8TH GRADE (Bus service from Glenwood to El Jebel) 109 Lewies Lane, Carbondale, CO 81623 www.rossmontessori.org. 970-963-7199 THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • FEB. 27 - MARCH 4, 2020 • 13

OBITUARIES

Mary L. Davis Sept. 26, 1944 - Feb. 17, 2020 Mary Lou Hammond Rimbach Davis died gracefully at her home on the Crystal River with her

husband by her side.

She was born in Phoenix, Arizona to James Henry and Mary Louise Manshreck Hammond. Her older brother James Franklin Hammond also predeceased her.

Mary is survived by her husband Rick Davis, brothers Larry and Charles and her son Richard Rimbach along with his wife Julie and their three sons Rich, Ryan and Christopher.

Mary worked joyously at Holy Cross Energy for 28 years, electrifying the consumer relations department with screams and peals of laughter.

She is so grateful to her loving, devoted caregivers Maria and Yesenia Gonzalez.

A celebration of her life will occur in the springtime. In lieu of flowers, please donate to alz.org.

Mabel Macdonald May 9, 1935 - Feb. 20, 2020 Mabel Macdonald passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2020 at her home in Carbondale. She was born May 9, 1935 in New York City.

Mabel moved to Aspen with her then husband Neil Macdonald in 1963. She lived in Aspen until 2005 and then lived in the Carbondale and Glenwood Springs area until her death.

Her life was filled with good luck, longtime friends, vibrant family and many dogs. She loved oceans, mountains and deserts.

A bit of a recluse, she traveled the world, was fascinated by other cultures, always returning to the mountains to hike, ski and dance.

And to wonder at the sunsets tinged in gold.

In her last months of her life, she lived to see her book published — a 20-year project in the making, traveled to Croatia, and saw her son remarry.

She is survived by sons Chris Macdonald and Lindsay Macdonald, daughter in-laws Heather and Erin, and grandchildren Lauren, Kelsey and Sierra Macdonald.

A private gathering will be held on May 9 at her beloved home in Mountain Springs Ranch.

Donations in the memory of Mabel Macdonald can be made to the National Organization of Women at

LETTERS School student Madison Thompson, greatgrandniece of Myron, who built the Thompson House. She chose as her senior project to create a display of her family history and genealogy to be displayed at the museum.

And keeping it in the family, another Thompson descendant, who was visiting the old family homestead where she remembered playing with her cousins as a child, received a surprise wedding proposal from her boyfriend.

The romantic proposal took place in front of the red rose bush in front of the Thompson House Museum with beautiful Mt. Sopris in the background.

One of our proudest moments occurred when nine students in our Junior Docent program, in partnership with Ross Montessori School, started giving tours of the museum. The fourth, fifth and sixth graders were quick learners and their youthful curiosity led them to delve deep into the history of this house and family. These junior history buffs gave us a fresh perspective on the Thompson House stories and artifacts.

Other opportunities for community

PO Box 1848, Merrifield, VA 22116 or by going to now.org.

Proceeds from her book “Dancing Between Two Worlds” will also be donated to NOW.

Continued from page 2 education and involvement with the Carbondale Historical Society included a Carbondale History class at CMC, which had a dozen adult students, guided Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Carbondale, and numerous published articles by our volunteer historians.

In 2020, we’ll continue the events and programs mentioned above, as well as introduce some fun new happenings like an “Antiques Roadshow” type event this spring and a Saturday Movie Matinee in the summer. Check our website, arbondalehistory.org, and Facebook page for upcoming info and dates.

Last year, we welcomed many new CHS members from our community and welcomed back some old ones, too. We appreciate all of these supporters. Annual memberships and donations are what keep the engine of historical preservation running.

We’ve recently elected a new president of our Board of Directors; Stephen Shapiro, and added four new board members; Garth Delk, Kim Magee, Amy Fulstone and James Steindler.

Together, we are so honored to have the

The following is an open letter from a Carbondale Middle School student (though she did not identify herself as such in the email) to the Garfield County Sheriff, and his response.

Sheriff Lou Vallario, The recent decision to pass the red flag law is constitutional, and it will have a positive effect and ensure safety for people in Colorado.

The Red Flag Law is a gun regulation law that permits police or family members to go to court and order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who may present a danger to others or themselves. So anyone who is mentally unstable or hostile can have their gun removed and be placed in a facility to help them.

The Second Amendment states, “A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” The Second Amendment was written in 1791. That was 229 years ago. Although this law made sense under the circumstances at the time, it doesn't make any sense to have it now.

In this time, there were the Northwestern Indian War, and the American Revolution, so the colonists had used their guns to revolt against the tyranny of the British, which is why this is a protected right. It made total sense to carry a gun at that time in case you may need some protection, but now there is no danger of war. Because of that, these guns are not bringing us protection, they are simply putting us in danger and regulations need to be set.

The Red Flag Law is important and should be enforced in Garfield County and other counties. This law will completely

responsibility for preserving the history of the Crystal and Roaring Fork valley and celebrating the people who first called this place home.

Thank you to all who love Carbondale’s history, land and people, and have participated or contributed in some way to our organization.

Kudos, also, to our many volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them.

The Carbondale Historical Society Board of Directors

Universal health insurance Dear Editor: What does that mean? It means you take profit-making insurance corporations out of the healthcare equation. United Health Care’s 2019 profit was $13.8 billion, up 15.5 percent from 2018.

I don’t know the exact plan that Bernie has but I know he is impressed by Canada’s system. I lived in Canada for many years. I was grateful to live with single payer government run healthcare.

In a universal healthcare program everyone’s

ensure everyone's safety. According to DW, “The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence estimates that around 114,994 people are shot each year in the US. This includes murders, assaults, accidents, police intervention, suicide attempts, and suicides.”

Enforcing this law in Garfield County could put any possible danger to our schools out of the way. “In Campbell, California, a woman contacted the Campbell Police Department after her husband sent her a threatening text referencing a recent sniper attack in Dallas, then loaded his guns into his car and departed.

After an order was issued, police removed seven weapons, including a scoped rifle, from the man’s place of work.”

This also proves that this law can help save lives. Without this law, the woman could have been killed, but instead the law saved her and removed any dangerous weapons that her husband may have used for bad reasons. This law is important to our state and can help us become a better society. With this law, students and community members will feel safer knowing that there are laws protecting them. Thank you for your attention to this topic. I hope you choose to go along and enforce this law to help make the Roaring Fork Valley feel safe.

Sincerely, Lucianna Phillips Hello Lucianna and Finn, I would like to thank you for your emails concerning the Red Flag Law and your willingness to debate the issue. Most people who oppose my point of view simply try to shut me down.

With that said, I have made it very well known that I oppose this law because you cannot trample on the Constitution in the

14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • FEB. 27 - MARCH 4, 2020

insurance is government administered and only has to break even. Its purpose is to provide you health care, not make a profit. This results in good health care for everyone at a much lower cost.

In 1982, we paid $34 a month to insure our family of six in BC, Canada. When we left in 2002, we were paying $64. A person who is poor pays nothing, but still has full coverage. No matter how many doctor appointments we had we never paid more than our monthly fee. We did pay for prescriptions. We always chose our own doctors.

We had one emergency appendectomy, one baby and the typical broken bones and stitches needed for the falls of childhood, but never paid a hospital bill. It now costs $69.25 per month for a family or individual earning more than $30,000 annually. Don’t be afraid or believe big business health insurance companies. Embrace universal healthcare and save lots. llene Pevec Carbondale

name of public safety. I can provide numerous examples of this happening across this country. Our system of justice is changing from an “innocent until proven guilty” to a “ guilty until proven innocent” requirement.

For example, we know that there are Islamic extremists operating in our country that want to and will do us harm.

To think otherwise is naïve. Since they hide behind the Muslim faith, should we amend the “old” version of the First Amendment and eliminate freedom of religion and outlaw the practice of Islam? In other words, treat all Muslims as guilty until they can prove their innocence? Of course not — and to suggest otherwise is ridiculous.

The same is true with the Second Amendment. You can’t simply re-write or ignore any of our Constitutional rights. They are our founding guidelines and have been successful for over 230 years! Also, you might look into the Heller case out of Washington, DC where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment includes the right of self-protection.

I can continue to support my position, but I will close by saying that we respectfully disagree as to the Constitutionality of this law. Of course, that is strictly opinion for both of us until the Supreme Court ultimately decides on these laws.

Finally, although I oppose this law, let me make it clear that I will enforce it when presented to me by the courts. Although I have a personal opinion about a lot of things, as a law enforcement officer, I do not have the right to pick and choose which laws to enforce. That borders on anarchy.

Respectfully, Lou Vallario

LEGALS

PARTING SHOTS

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID Sealed BIDS for the construction of a project entitled Town of Carbondale Wastewater Treatment Facility Clarifier and Pump Project will be received at the Town of Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado 81623, until 2:00. p.m., Thursday March 19, 2020, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of bid price is required, and Performance and Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of bid, will be required.

Copies of the Bidding Documents may be examined at Roaring Fork Engineering, Inc., 592 Highway 133, Carbondale, CO 81623.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the Town of Carbondale Town Hall, Carbondale, Colorado, to be immediately followed by a site visit.

Electronic Bidding Documents may be obtained from Roaring Fork Engineering on February 20, 2020, for a non-refundable deposit of $25.

Adam Racette, Town Engineer

It's summer somewhere And as if to prove it, there's at least one hibiscus plant in bloom right here in Carbondale — albeit inside.

As for the outside, we're beginning to see the sprouts of crocuses and even daffodils in our office garden.

So take heart — spring is just around the corner.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION FOR THE CARBONDALE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY The Town of Carbondale (Owner) will receive sealed Bids for the construction of the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) Clarifier and Pump Project until 2:00 P.M., March 19, 2020 at the Town of Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado 81623, Attention: Mark O’Meara, Utilities Director, at which time bids will be opened publicly. Bids shall be clearly marked "Town of Carbondale – WWTF Clarifier and Pump Project.”

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623 on March 5, 2020 at 2:00 pm. A tour of the WWTF,

0101 Hwy. 133, Carbondale, Colorado 81623, will follow the pre-bid conference.

Qualification statements and other submittal requirements are outlined in Specification 00310 – Bid Form of the Project Manual.

The Work will include the following, but not limited to: All necessary labor, supervision, equipment, tools, and materials for; construction of one (1) new stainless steel secondary clarifier and fiberglass cover, installation of all associated clarifier piping, replacement of three (3) return activated sludge (RAS) pumps and variable frequency drives, installation of all associated RAS pump piping, all associated by-pass pumping, and groundwater dewatering system.

Providing and installation of all electrical conduit and wiring, motor control centers, programmable logic controllers, and controls. Work includes all associated site work related to the project.

Electronic bidding documents may be obtained from the Engineer, Roaring Fork Engineering located at 592 Hwy. 133, Carbondale, CO 81623 or by calling (970) 3404130 for a non-refundable deposit of $25.

No Bid will be received unless accompanied by a cashier’s, certified or bank check or a Bid Bond equal to at least ten percent (10%) of the maximum Bid, payable to the Owner as a guarantee that after a Bid is accepted, Bidder will execute and file the Agreement and 100 percent Performance and Payment Bonds within ten days after the Notice of Award.

The Town of Carbondale reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, to waive any informality or technicality, and to accept any Bid which it deems advantageous. All Bids shall remain subject to acceptance for 60 days after the time set for opening Bids.

Published by the authority of the Town of Carbondale, Mark O’Meara.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • FEB. 27 - MARCH 4, 2020 • 15

Our ad deadlines have CHANGED Reservations: Fridays by 5p.m.

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