Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper
Carbondale’s weekly
Volume 12, Number5 | March 12-18, 2020
community connector
Get ready for spring sports
By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff
The Rams were all able to practice outside on March 9, with the soccer girls pitching in to move their goals out onto a field they shared with the lacrosse girls (photos by Will Grandbois) while the baseball team occupied its home field (photo by Sue Rollyson) next to the track (see jump, photo by Roberta McGowan).
It’s that time of year again. Snow melts, flowers start to bloom, trees sprout new leaves, and school athletic fields see young athletes popping up all over. Roaring Fork High School Athletic Director Marty Nieslanik said, “We are looking forward to an exciting and fun spring sports season.” Track and Field Coach Ryan Erikson noted, “We did pretty good last year, and we have really good athletes returning including Lily Nieslanik and Patrick Morvek. Our team is young, but we do have a couple of returning seniors. The kids are enthusiastic and very committed.” In 2019, runner Lazaro Cruz ran a 12.02 in the 100-meter race at the Coal Ridge Invitational, and the Relay Team clocked in at 49.24 at the 3A Western Slope League Meet. As to why kids choose track and field, Erickson said they like it’s both an individual and a team sport with a freeflowing and energizing feel.” “We have a big team of about 30 kids,” he reported, “With outstanding members in triple jump and the fourperson girls relay.” Continued on page 8
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OPINION
BRANCHING OUT By Geneviéve Joëlle Villamizar
Making love with a tree With a lifetime of working in nature, I feel like a “holder of secrets” at times. My second favoritest job ever was as an arborist, working for my friends Mickey and Susan as an undergrad. Each morning at a new job site we’d step into our saddles, gear clinking just as it did on the weekends, when my “saddle” was a legit climbing harness. Ropes at the ready, another day with trees. Canopies evoked a multitude of feels. Adulthood fell away as my feet left the earth. Branch to branch, stolid bark beneath my hands, I rose. No office walls or ceiling
True nature revealed fluorescents, computer screens. No, I bucket to bough, balancing on glaze was hangin’ with the most powerful ice. Gripped with fear, I hugged organism on the planet: trees. Light the trunk but a moment: No way. absorbing, carbon storing, oxygen I asked to be lowered back down. exhaling marvels — gentle witnesses There was nothing right about the that had often been alive four, five moment. times longer than I. Despite that one episode, I felt The soul of each was unique. strong climbing trees, earning my Some were magic. Pruning an place with the crew as a safe climber ‘Autumn Purple’ ash in September and adept pruner. Ascending each was like being in candle flame: tree was “connection.” Hooking spacious luminosity. Cleaning an and unhooking my lanyard as I overgrown apple tree was a vintage pulled my rope to the top, the trees Winnie the Pooh illustration come insinuated their beings into mine. to life, minus the honey pot — Out along their limbs (my own mottled, ancient bark, the sparkle dangling or with a steel toe leveraged of shifting shade and sun. And of against a branch) was a floating course all those luscious, dangling choreographed descent: reaching, fruits. leaning, observing, cutting. Feeling Terrifying trees existed, too. I patterns, sensing space, time; energy still recall my in relation to first one — early “Gripped with fear, I other branches, morning single- hugged the trunk but other trees. digit temps; nary What wanted to a cheery spirit a moment: No way.” be revealed? on the crew. My Why, the assigned tree was long past prime; tree’s true nature; every species unto its black, rotted boughs scratched at itself. lowering winter skies. Shaggy bark Pruning still arouses an intimate hung in ghostly strips from broken enchantment. Bodily, it simply feels elbows and limbs. beautiful, powerful to do, be it a In trees so old, the lowest mammoth tree or 12-foot lilac — branches were often beyond a throw that dance with another species, rope. As the bucket truck lifted me determining its future. Never from to its first Y about 15-20 feet up, the outer edges, but always from the the boom just … barely … knocked center, its core, on outward. And it. Bad karma. Reverb entered if you’re good at it, you can’t really through my soles as I stepped from tell it’s been pruned by completion.
But you can see how truly elegant a mere shrub or tree can be. If you’re an openhearted sort, it’s essence will move you: contemplating or merely absorbing the eons of evolution that created this one specific species — in relation to environment, to climate, to the very creatures living in symbiosis with it. To discover and connect with that is indescribable. First approaching a tree or shrub in need, there’s no sense at all; it’s almost intimidating. Where to start in that mess? Who is this? What are we both doing here? There’s nothing to do but take hold and dive in. That first decisive cut. It’s like discovering a new lover, truly — each additional cut builds familiarity, understanding, confidence. I still prune for the absolute love of it, whatever I can get my hands on. I thrill at walking up to an unfamiliar overgrown/neglected/ slaughtered wreck and lovin’ on it. Only nowadays, not in the saddle. Just shrubs and small trees, whatever I can reach from the earth. It gives me the same flush of “happiness hormones” as making love does, or trail running. And I relish that I encounter it in nature, with nature. I don’t need a $4K mountain bike. I don’t need to flash a 5.10 or even have an audience. Just me and a tree. The most miraculous, influential, crucial organism on Earth.
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LETTERS We’re still Mayberry Dear Editor: Carbondale may have grown to 7,000, but I saw a sign the other day we’re not in the metropolis category yet. A woman stopped her car in the middle of Main Street to visit with a friend. A coupla motorists pulled up behind her, but neither of them blew their horn, screamed profanities at her, nor flipped her the bird. They waited patiently until the conversation was concluded. You’ll never see that in Glenwood Springs or Aspen. Now that my big-city roots have been soothed by this culture, I like to pass it along. I was walking along the Grand Avenue sidewalk in Glenwood Springs when I said hello to an unfamiliar face. “Waddya sayin’ hello to me for?” he shot back, “I don’t know you.” “I’m from Carbondale,” was my reply, “In Carbondale when we see a stranger we smile, look him straight in the eye, and say hello.” “Keep it in Carbondale,“ he said as he stormed off in a huff. I don’t think I will keep it in Carbondale, but I’d just as soon he kept his attitude in Glenwood Springs. Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale
Manhattan in Carbondale Dear Editor: The Town Mothers and Fathers should be ashamed of allowing the monstrosity being finished at Seventh and Cleveland!
I don’t care who grandfathered what and with whom; it’s ridiculous! The closeness of the house and ADU to other homes brings Manhattan to Carbondale! This is the West. Shame all around! Leary O’Gorman Carbondale
About rabbits Dear Trustees and Mayor: I am writing to offer some things for you to think about while you consider the rabbit ordinance. First of all, please consider who is to be harmed by not keeping and following the established regulations. Adjacent landowners will see a drop in property values, resulting in less tax money to the town. If there is an increase in the number of rabbit feedlots througout the town, more neighbors will be affected, more lost revenue and more p.o.‘d property owners. Those areas protected by HOA regulations, such as River Valley Ranch, Hendrick Ranch and possibly others will be exempt from the possibility of feedlots in the yards or will these HOAs be forced to accept the new town ordinance? If not, even more of a burden falls on Old Town, which has no HOA. The sense of community, funky or otherwise, in this town is a wonderful blessing. We do so much together — Mt. Fair, Potato Day, Our Town One Table, etc. — and we get
along. We do so by following the courtesies, the thoughtfulness of each other. It appears that there is one person who feels they need to be able to disrupt the harmony of others by having a feedlot. There are hundreds of residents (many of them property owners) who might be affected adversely by changing the regulations in place now. I ask why you are even considering this action. One good thing for me is that I have reread the comp plan. It is refreshing. In the Purpose, page 5, second paragraph, It says” The Comprehensive Plan will also serve as a guide to property owners and developers to help them understand the vision of the community, predict what uses could occur both on or near their properties, set the expectations for the physical form of development, and make informed land use decisions.” If you do decide to change this ordinance, please consider the following: 1. Enforcement issues. Carbondale has complaint based enforcement. This leads to ill will between offenders and those reporting them, causing less quality of life. Is the town ready to hire more enforcement officers to handle this? Can it afford this? The length of time between infractions and cease and desist has proven to be too long. How is this to be addressed? 2. Are there going to be permits or licensing requirements? Continued on page 18
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 • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 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.
Western Coloradans prepare for wolf return By Elizabeth Stewart-Severy Aspen Journalism Since Colorado’s last wild wolves were killed in the 1930s, a few lone animals have been spotted in the state. So, when a pack was spotted in northwest Colorado — several months before Colorado voters decide whether they’ll support a bill to reintroduce gray wolves to the state — it wasn’t a total surprise to Carbondale ecologist Delia Malone. “It does give life to the idea that Colorado has ample suitable habitat for wolves,” said Malone, a member of the science advisory team for the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, which hopes to reestablish a sustainable population of wolves in Colorado. Malone and Colorado wildlife officials agree that the rural northwest corner of the state is well-suited for wolves. CPW isn’t releasing the pack’s exact location, but agency spokesperson Lauren Truitt says there is plenty of prey and room to roam. “With Colorado not having any wolf presence, there’s not a whole lot of competition for them, so it’s very likely that they’ll hang around,” Truitt said. CPW biologists used DNA testing on four scat samples, which revealed there are at least three females and one male in the pack, and those wolves are all closely related, probably as full siblings. “That does not mean there’s a sustainable population of wolves in Colorado,” Malone said. “A sustainable, recovered population is a population that is ecologically effective in their role to restore natural balance; they’re welldistributed throughout Colorado; they’re wellconnected. And six little wolves is not that.” Malone says her work as an ecologist gives her a clear view that Colorado needs wolves. “Our ecosystems are not in great shape,” Malone said. The combination of a warming climate and lack of predators has reduced the resilience of Colorado’s aspen forests and other habitats. Malone said the presence of wolves has tremendous benefits, including improving water availability in the driest months of the year. “They (wolves) move the elk so that they don’t overgraze, so that there’s willow left for the beavers to build their dams, to store their water, to supply streamflows in the late-summer season,” Malone said. Malone and others point to the ecological benefits seen after wolf recovery in Yellowstone National Park as a model. The National Park Service says that without pressure from predators such as wolves, the elk population grew far beyond what was sustainable. The number of elk has since
supposed to do if it has no authority to reintroduce or manage wolves,” she wrote in an email. There is strong support across the state for wolf reintroduction. In an online survey conducted by Colorado State University professor Rebecca Niemiec, 84 percent of respondents intended to vote for wolf reintroduction.
Herd instinct and ranching changes
The Moffat County wolf pack remains elusive, with just a handful of confirmed sightings but plenty of evidence that they're around. Photos courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife reached healthier levels.
Polls show support for reintroduction While a pack sighting indicates the possibility of wolves returning to western Colorado on their own, there are also two potential paths to reintroduction. Sen. Kerry Donovan in January introduced to the state legislature a bill that would take cautious steps toward wolf reintroduction, potentially beginning in 2025. In November, voters will decide on Initiative 107, which would require CPW to create a plan to reintroduce and manage gray wolves by the end of 2023. The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project has been working for years on a plan that would fully restore wolves to Colorado. “Vast areas that are rugged and remote without humans are the ideal reintroduction sites,” Malone said.
The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project identified several potential reintroduction sites, including the Flat Tops Wilderness north of Glenwood Springs; Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests; Weminuche Wilderness in San Juan National Forest; and Carson National Forest. Gray wolves are currently listed as a protected species under the Endangered Species Act, which gives management authority to the federal government. Last year, the federal government petitioned to remove those protections and declare wolves recovered. That would mean that CPW would be in charge of management. If Initiative 107 passes and gray wolves remain listed under the ESA and, therefore, under federal management, Truitt says the next steps are unclear. “The ballot initiative instructs the Commission to develop and implement a plan for reintroduction, but is silent as to what CPW is
Jose Miranda raises water buffaloes, mostly for dairy, in Old Snowmass. He says it would be silly to think that wolves won’t change his operations, but he still plans to vote for reintroduction. “My position is that morally, it’s the right thing to do,” Miranda said. “On the verge of so many species that are facing extinction, if we can do something to help some of them, we just have to.” Miranda acknowledges that wolves would mean major changes for many ranchers, particularly those whose use permits to graze cattle on U.S. Forest Service land. Those permit areas tend to be large, with animals spread out across the landscape rather than gathered in herds. Longtime Carbondale ranchers Bill Fales and Marj Perry use a Forest Service permit to graze up to 900 head of cattle each year in the summer and fall. Perry has been researching ranchers’ experiences across the West, and she worries that wolf predation would be particularly severe during two times of the year: calving season, when wolves tend to hang out lower in the valleys and there are an abundance of calves available; and early fall, when wolf pups are learning to hunt. “It’s a lot easier to learn to hunt a calf than a deer or elk,” Perry said, adding that their cattle are spread out on Forest Service lands during that time of year. Researchers and ranchers have identified ways to minimize the loss of cattle to wolves and other predators. Matt Barnes, a rangeland and wildlife conservationist and a former rancher, says ranchers who use strategic grazing — a process in which cattle are moved from one pasture to another and work is done to encourage herd behavior — lose very few animals to predators. “If they bunch up and stand their ground, the vast majority of the time, they all survive,” Barnes said. “A lone prey animal out there is kinda easy pickings.” Wolves hunt by forcing their prey to run and attacking from the sides. That’s how they are able to kill animals that are four times their weight. But researchers think wolves are only successful about 15 percent of the time, and much of their success depends on how the prey behave — namely, if they gather in a herd. “There is something magic about that herd Continued on page 16
Mother’s Day is not that far away! Now’s the time for moms with babies born within the last year to schedule portraits for our special spread in the May 7 Sopris Sun Call or text Mark Burrows 970-379-4581 for reservations on March 21-22 or 28-29 ¡Se aproxima el Día de la Madre! Invitamos a todas las madres con bebes nacidos dentro del último año que tomen un retrato profesional con nosotros para la edición especial del Sopris Sun, el 7 de mayo Llama o manda un texto a (970) 456-6929 para hacer una reservación para el 21, 22, 28, o 29 de marzo. Fechas adicionales serán agregadas según la necesidad
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2020 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT On the air KDNK is running the gamut with live broadcasts this week. First, tune in to 88.1 FM or KDNK.org to catch the Glenwood Springs Middle School dance from 6 to 8 p.m. March 12 with highlights from students and Station Manager Gavin Dahl. Next, enjoy a live concert from the Aspen Art Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. March 13 with performances from Handmade Moments and Pure Weed! It’s all part of the station’s fundraising drive, which had less than $18,000 to go as of press time.
Get on a bike Challenge Aspen is collaborating with iCan Shine, a nonprofit organization that teaches individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle using adapted bike equipment. The resulting five-day camp, requiring riders to attend only one 75-minute session per day, is taking place June 15-19 at the Glenwood Springs High School. To be eligible to enroll, riders must be at least eight years old, have a disability, be able to walk without an assistive device such as a walker or cane, be able to side-step quickly to both sides, have a minimum inseam measurement of 20 inches from the floor and weigh no more than 220 pounds. The camp costs $250; contact 9230578 or icanbikeaspen@gmail.com for tickets and info.
Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.
includes a Census information presentation and senior lunch on April 1 at Crystal Meadows, "Humanizing Hoarding" May 7 at Basalt Regional Library and the organization's annual Caregiver Conference on May 15 at the Glenwood Springs Community Center.
Almost famous Carbondale was among those featured in Sunset magazine's 2020 "Dream Towns" (March/April 2020 issue). In fact, it was mentioned twice, having "won" in two different categories: Support of Local Arts and Entrepreneurship, and Social Responsibility. There was stiff competition, and most of the other places mentioned have much larger populations and are more well-known. The only other Colorado towns mentioned were Steamboat Springs and Creede.
Tea and sympathy The Carbondale’s P.E.O. Chapter HC. is holding a Spring Tea to provides scholarships for women interested in higher education. The fundraiser, which includes a fashion show and silent auction, is scheduled for 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. April 25 at Spring Creeks Ranch ( 644 Cowan Dr.). Tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under; contact Ina Dlouhy at 404-1809 for tickets or Kate Comer at 319-1892 for more information.
Well aged
Plant a seed
The Garfield County Council on Aging is accepting nominations for the 2020 Senior of the Year and 2020 Friend of the Senior. Email jumartin@garfield-county.com for the form. Other upcoming programming
The Good Seed Community Garden at 110 Snowmass Drive is now accepting returning and new memberships for the 2020 growing season. If you would like to tend a plot of organic vegetables, and share gardening ideas
and camaraderie with like-minded individuals, the GSCG offers this opportunity. Call Fred at 963-0229 for details.
Get in the zone YouthZone, the Colorado Workforce and the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation recently joined hands to give teens at YouthZone a boost in developing a career path.Working with YouthZone’s trained clinical staff, Airen Goodman, the CYCD program coordinator for the 9th Judicial District, will determine which clients will need the additional programming. As the vendor in this new arrangement, YouthZone will start the potential connection the minute a young person goes through an intake. The Youth Workforce program and the youth vocational counseling through Vocational Rehabilitation are model programs for rural communities. If they are successful, this youthoriented program orientation could be used as a template for other rural areas that have less accessibility to programs that are common in Colorado’s urban communities. For more information, visit youthzone.com or call 9459300.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Rose Rossello, Hilary Burgess, Laura Bartels and Dean Bowlby (March 12); Denise Barkhurst, Caitlin Walker, Justin McBride, Jared Kennedy, Mike Cuseo and Nancy Thal (March 13); Athena Wright (March 14); Paula Stepp (March 15); Trae Moxley and Jordan Clingan (March 16) Annie Tempest and John Foulkrod (March 17).
At least two locals are intent on challenging Bob Rankin for Colorado’s Senate District 8. Karl Hanlon (top) a rancher, water and municipal attorney and family man declared almost simultaneously with Arn Menconi, a former Eagle County Commissioner and proponent of Universal Healthcare and the Green New Deal. Look for a full feature whenever either candidate brings the campaign to Carbondale.
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Stay alert and wash your hands Officials respond to COVID-19 By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff As concern grows over infectious diseases here and across the country, local first responders urged residents to remain calm but be cautious. Rob Goodwin, Chief of the Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District, and his team remain on the front lines of any and all emergencies. With frequent meetings with federal, state, county and local health and crisis management organizations, the department stays abreast of all updates and attends regular meetings. “What we’ve all been calling COVID-19 or coronavirus is variation of the cold viruses we see each year. These viruses never go away, they just change and keep circling the globe,” Goodwin noted, “We need to constantly change and adjust to the situation at hand.” Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency after a recent jump in the number of confirmed cases of the virus, urging residents to prepare as if a big winter storm were forecast. If someone needs an ambulance, the fire department takes the call and advises the trained first responders including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or paramedics.
Both professions require extensive training, with paramedic certification requiring significantly more education. Triage begins when the department receives a call requesting emergency transport. “At that time we ask what the problem is, what are the person’s symptoms, has the person travelled outside the United States,” Godwin explained, “Then we can determine what precautions the responders need to take.” Protective gear is stored inside each ambulance including hospital gowns, masks and gloves for situations which may indicate a serious infectious disease and warrant emergency intervention. The department has faced other national epidemics including a normal flu year, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Norovirus — a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea — and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Kelsy Been, Roaring Fork School public information officer, reported the district has formed a task force with representatives of public health organizations within Garfield and nearby counties. “We are all coordinated,” Been said. “Our school-based health departments are well aware of the possible symptoms.” The district has also advised parents that it is staying diligent with flu and cold season cleaning practices like using hospital-grade disinfectant
sprayed on all surfaces. Although many people have mild symptoms and recover quickly, COVID-19 can be deadly. The average mortality rate from COVID-19 hovers around 3.4 percent but can skyrocket to 15 percent for people over 80. People with underlying health conditions — including heart disease, lung disease and diabetes — are at higher risk as well. Signs of the disease usually appear two to 14 days after exposure and include severe shortness of breath, dry cough and fever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Colorado State Public Health Department, emphasized “Like any other virus, no identity, community, ethnic or racial group in Colorado is more at risk for getting or spreading COVID-19.” According to the Garfield County Department of Public Health, there are three circumstances that my prompt testing: If you have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 infection such as fever, cough and shortness of breath and have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19; if you have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 infection and you have recently traveled to parts of the world where infection rates are high or community spread is occurring such as China, Italy and South Korea or if you have severe respiratory illness that requires
Firefighters Cory Close and Ryan Allison check the emergency protective gear kept inside the department's ambulances. Photo by Roberta McGowan hospitalization and other diagnoses such as influenza have been ruled out. More detailed information is available at cdc.gov or by calling 303-389-1687. People who are symptomatic and have traveled to affected areas or have been in contact with a known patient can call the CDPHE general epidemiology hotline at 303-692-2700 or 877462-2911. In a critical health emergency, call 911. Author’s note: I recently travelled to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta and visited its museum. It’s an impressive and educational interactive place which tell the stories of efforts to combat infectious diseases including smallpox and water-borne illness.The museum also has an iron lung on display that was used for critically ill patients during the 1950’s polio epidemic.
HOW TO PREVENT INFECTIOUS DISEASES •
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Wash your hands with soap and water. Cold water will do in a pinch. Stay home if you feel ill. Stay especially diligent if over age 60 or have underlying health problems. Keep all hard surfaces clean and disinfected. Be aware of symptoms of acute shortness of breath, cough and fever. Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue and then immediately discard Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid non-essential travel
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Giving and beer works By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent Beer and good food make for a great time. Giving back to the community also feels great. Carbondale Beer Works (CBW) combines the two to make a concoction truly satisfying. Patrice Fuller bought CBW in 2016 and has used her foothold in the community to help nonprofits fundraise, emphasising the “fun” part. Every year between November and March (approximately) CBW hosts two monthly events: Bingo and Music Trivia. All proceeds made from bingo cards, team entries or just simply benevolent donations go to a benefitting nonprofit. Bingo Night was grandfathered in from the previous owner and Fuller kept with tradition. Before each giving season begins various local nonprofits each request to be a beneficiary of one of the monthly bingo sessions. Fuller has a hard time saying no so the interval is often extended into April or May to welcome more agencies. Fuller laughs, “We just keep squeezing them in, you know? We’ve got to help everybody — if we can anyway.” “Bingo for Mobility” will be hosted on March 11 beginning at 7 p.m. It will benefit the Bridging Bionics Foundation out of Basalt. Bridging Bionics is renowned for
their contribution toward advancing mobility for disabled people. In 2018, for Colorado Gives Day (an annual statewide day of fundraising for local nonprofits), Fuller wanted the percentage of her day’s profits to go to KDNK’s partner program the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP). She called up AZYEP’s Executive Director Beth Wysong who suggested including a night of music trivia at CBW, which they did, and ended up having a great turnout. Badabing badaboom it also became a monthly event. Locals Janet Gordon and Jason Hodges generally host music trivia, “and they’re super fun,” says Fuller. Each team can have up to six members and it is suggested that each member donate $5. AZYEP uses the proceeds to further their mission to give youth a voice via the radio waves and “beyond.” Fuller was recently in the spotlight for her work, along with local April Spaulding, to fundraise in order to pay the bill of any outstanding lunch debt owed by students of Carbondale Middle School. This also began with a bingo night where they raised a third of the lunch debt. They soon raised enough to take care of the total balance and donated the surplus toward a forgiveness fund for future lunch debts in the school district.
"The Melodic Mongeese" celebrate a first-place win at Music Trivia while the second-place team plots its comeback outside. Courtesy photo Following the California fire which wiped out the town of Paradise and devastated surrounding Butte County, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. began a campaign asking breweries to brew a recipe they call “Resilience IPA” and to further donate all its sales to a fund meant for the recovery efforts. CBW was quick to get on the wagon. Fuller explains, “That had come on the heels of Lake Christine [fire] and we were so fortunate here that that didn’t happen. It was kind of cool to donate money to
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help rebuild and give people back some of what they had lost.” She estimated that CBW raised roughly $5,000 for this cause. CBW has hosted probably too many charitable events to count. One more as of late worth mentioning was their “Right to Brunch” event in August 2019 which benefited the ACLU. Fuller pointedly states, “I’ve always believed that everyone should have basic human rights.” Fuller says she is “really grateful to have the platform I have to bring awareness” about various nonprofits.
She believes that there is power in numbers and not just the generosity of one saying, “If a hundred people give a dollar then that’s a hundred dollars more than they had the day before.” Fuller is proud of this community and its support for organizations working to make the world a better place. She was sure to point out her own gratitude stating, “I will tell you I live in a very giving community because people show up everyday for me so I really appreciate that.”
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Ball brewing pours a dram of history into your glass By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff Take a sip, and you’ll realize this is something different. Just a few miles down Highway 82, a new taproom is reaping and sharing the benefits of an unexpected windfall. The phrase “heirloom” — whether seeds or hops, which are essential to brew beer — have become the unique ingredients in Ball Brewing’s on-site production. Owner Bobby Ball, whose bar went live Super Bowl Weekend, was introduced to an incredible find when a friend told him about someone growing hops that had been passed down to family friends for several centuries. That means they’re heirloom. He had become interested in craft beer when he was in college and enjoyed the unique tastes he would encounter in local taverns. That led him to learn to brew his own in his kitchen and garage, win in craft beer competitions and dream of having his own brewery to serve to the public. “I started touring breweries on my travels locally and internationally, and I loved how unique they all were in their own way," Ball said. “We wanted to produce a beverage that is smooth and drinkable. And most of our beers have only four to five percent alcohol.” So why is heirloom important? A quick perusal of available research explained that heirloom seeds or hops have avoided 21st Century chemicals or mutations, taking the phrase “natural” to new heights. This particular bud — an early stage flower of the hop plant — has been dubbed Bootlegger Hops, and there’s quite a story to go
Bobby Ball, owner of Ball Brewing, displays the Bootlegger Heirloom Hops he uses to produce an unusual beer. Photo by Roberta McGowan along with its history. It all started several centuries ago when settlers, primarily from Germany, brought their hops to the United States, as beer was a usual part of their diet. Eventually, these buds ended up in the Roaring Fork Valley. The term bootlegger dates back to the Civil War, when soldiers snuck liquor into camp by hiding it in their tall boots. But it took Prohibition to make the word even more commonplace. And it was a former bootlegger, nicknamed “Uncle Ed, ”who hid a still during Prohibition where he produced alcohol near Snowmass Creek. Selling alcohol to the popular speakeasies (places where people could enjoy illicit liquor) was quite the money maker. He then gave the hop plants to family and friends who also passed on the buds to his great
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nephew in the Valley who in turn let another friend use the plants as a decorative privacy hedge. Hops are known to grow at least 15 feet tall. “Harvest time is fun,” Ball said, “After the hard work, we all sit down and enjoy a barbecue." Ball proudly described another local angle at the brewery, “We use our own well water and only Colorado yeast and grain.” Ball also produces hard seltzer in a variety of flavors including pineapple and blackberry. Besides being a brewery and tap room, he noted, “We also are a homebrew supply store. We provide our customers with a great location to drink beer we brew on-site, and the ability to purchase any supplies they may need to brew at home.” The brewery has also been collaborating
with other sites, including Carbondale Beer Works. “Brewers don’t generally view others as competition,” Ball reported, “ Everyone helps everyone.” Ball also credited his success at being a brewery and sports bar to the four large flatscreen televisions hanging around the facility. Plus, Ball said, “We’re one of the few local places that show Avalanche hockey games. And this month we’ll be highlighting college basketball’s annual ‘March Madness tournament.’” Read the blackboard where the handwritten notes list the creatively named brews: Downtown Charlie Brown, Spotted Elk, Slopeside Pale Ale and Amarillo By Morning (yes, referring to the famous song by country legend George Strait) As one customer noted, “It tastes just like Amarillo, Texas. You know something’s going on, but you don't know exactly what it is.” And Ball added, “We can brew a beer for any special occasion, like a wedding, with customized labels. We call it brew before I do’.” Ball is also quite proud of having a 100 percent renewable energy certificate for advancing wind energy. And the fact that dogs are welcomed, even having 15 pups at one time in the taproom. Although Ball Bar does not currently serve fresh foods, it is something the taproom is working on providing. Go to ballbrewing.com to learn more.
BALL BREWING PHILOSOPHY 1. Beer is art you can drink. 2. There’s a beer for every occasion 3. There’s a beer for every person.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2020 • 7
Sports from cover The track team begins its schedule on March 20 at the Rifle High School Invitational. Erickson explained most of their meets are invitational competitions. The 2020 season ends with the state championships in Lakewood. Last year, the girls soccer team made it to the sweet sixteen level of the state playoffs, said Head Coach Jeff Mohsenin, “And we really expect to do better this season and added that this year, “We have a really good core of competitive athletes, kids who know the game and have great school spirit.” In 2019 3A Western Slope Soccer
Standings, the Rams had a 5-1 record.and also ranked 25th in the state.. “Izzy Knaus and Macey Peery are two top performers,'' said Mohsenin, in his first year as head coach. “Last year,” he said, “We underachieved, playing very well at times, but not so during other games.” As to the toughest teams they’ll face, Mohsesin pointed to Vail and Aspen. The season kicks off with a game against Canyon View at Grand Junction on March 12. Marty Madsen, head baseball coach, remarked that the team’s toughest opponents probably will be Delta and Evergreen, who RFHS plays in the first game of the season in Grand Junction. During the season, he noted,
SCHEDULE
his dad Howard, a former 40-year coach in Michigan, helps with the sport which is mentally tough for players.” Last year, the team stats were above the national averages with .307 in batting, 75 steals, and an on-base percentage of .445. “We have two top players returning as seniors: Franki Harmin at centerfield and Eli Nickman at shortstop. Plus David Good adds a lot to the team by playing several different positions,” Madson noted, “Also, Isabella Hernandez is an excellent infielder.” “It’s a very mentally tough sport,” Madsen added. Madsen also said that the second year of the Trent Goscha Tournament is set for May 1 and 2. The team plays on the Ron Patch Memorial
BASEBALL
TRACK AND FIELD
April 29, 4: Basalt @ RFHS
Mar. 12, 4: RFHS @ Evergreen
March 20, 9: Rifle Invitational
April 30, 3:30: RFHS @ Central
Mar. 16, 3: Salida @ RFHS Mar. 30, 3: Coal Ridge @ RFHS
March 28, 9: Hotchkiss Bulldog Invitational
May 2, 4: Vail Mountain @RFHS
Apr. 1, 3: Hotchkiss @ RFHS
April 4, 9: Cedaredge Invitational
Apr. 2, 4: RFHS @ Buena Vista
April 11, 9: Eagle Valley Invitational (Gypsum)
Apr. 4, 3: RFHS @ Colorado Academy Apr. 7, 4: RFHS @ Meeker Apr. 9, 3: RFHS @ Battle Mountain Apr. 14, 4: RFHS @ Paonia Apr. 15, 4: Olathe @ RFHS Apr. 16, 4: RFHS @ Delta Apr. 21, 3: RFHS @ Coal Ridge Apr. 25, 11: RFHS @ Cedaredge Apr. 28, 3 Moffat @ RFHS May 1, 11 & 4: Trent Goscha Tournament (RF, Cortez, Steamboat, GSHS) Steamboat Springs @ RFHS Cortez @ RFHS May 2, 4: Trent Goscha Tournament (RF, Cortez, Steamboat, GSHS) Glenwood Springs @ RFHS
May 5, 4: RFHS @ Aspen May 7, 4: Delta @ RFHS
April 18, 9: Glenwood Demon Invitational (Glenwood Springs)
GIRLS LACROSSE
April 24, 10: Coal Ridge Invitational (New Castle)
Durango @Canyon View
May 8-9, 9: 3A Western Slope League Meet (Grand Junction)
March 13, 9:30: RFHS vs. March 13, 2: RFHS vs. Telluride @Canyon view
May 14-15, TBA: Tiger Invitational (Grand Junction)
March 17, 4: Battle Mnt. @ RFHS
May 21-23, TBA: State Championships (Lakewood)
Junction @Canyon view
GIRLS SOCCER
March. 31, 4: RFHS @ Grand April 2, 4: Eagle @ RFHS April 4,11:30: RFHS @ Montrose
March 12, 3:30: RFHS @ Canyon View (Grand Junction)
April 7, 4: Steamboat Spring
March 14, 2: Coal Ridge@ RFHS
April 10, 4: RFHS @ Fruita
April 1, 4: CRMS @ RFHS
Monument
April 4, 3:30: Aspen@ RFHS
April 15, 4: RFHS @ Eagle Valley
April 7, 4: RFHS @ Fruita April 11. 11: RFHS @ Basalt
Field, named for Patch and the 14 other miners who died in an explosion at Mid-Continent Resources’ Dutch Creek No. 1 mine at Coal Basin near Redstone on April 15, 1981. The girls lacrosse team, coached by Jason Rusby, is set to play one morning game on opening day in Grand Junction on March 13. Rusby is very enthused for this season, “We have many excellent players, some of whom were able to start playing in fourth grade through the Roaring Fork Lacrosse Club.” Several top players stand out for Rusby including senior Lily Peery and captains Lecsi Glenn and Bella Lee. Last year the team had a 10-3 record in the Mountain Girls Lacrosse Standings and was number 30 in the state.
@ RFHS
April 18, 11: RFHS @ Battle Mnt. April 22, 4: Summit @ RFHS
May 5, 3: Grand Valley @ RFHS
April 14, 4: RFHS @ Coal Ridge
May 7, 5: Rifle @ RFHS
April 17: 4: RFHS @ Delta
May 9, 11: RFHS @ Gunnison
May 1, 4: Montrose @ RFHS
May 12, 3: Aspen @ RFHS
April 21, 4:30: RFHS @ Grand Valley
May 16, 11: RFHS @ Basalt
April 23, 5: Moffat County @ RFHS
May 5, 4: RFHS @ Aspen
April 29 , 4: RFHS @ Montrose May 2, TBA: RFHS @ Telluride
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Climbing ephemeral ice in Redstone By Kathleen Shannon Sopris Sun Correspondent A half hour into our hike up a dry but snowy creek bed, ducking under fallen trees and scrambling up icy chutes, I begin to doubt whether the forest closing in on us will actually disclose an ice wall worthy of climbing. Without Mike Schneiter, so familiar with the path, we wouldn’t have found the packed trail hidden under several inches of fresh snow to peer up at Redstone Pillar, standing 100 feet tall and “really fat.” Choosing a good ice-climbing spot in early March can be a challenge, our guide tells me. Schneiter has been the owner and operator of Glenwood Climbing Guides since 2011 and though he often travels for his work, he frequently guides near home in Rifle and Redstone. He keeps tabs on ice conditions visually and also by understanding how they form. “Ice is very ephemeral. It can be here one day and gone the next,” Schneiter says. “You need the right mix of conditions to make it work.” That is, namely, water and cold temperatures — a surprisingly rare combination. Dry winters don’t produce enough snow to make ice, while very cold winters won’t allow for enough melt. Redstone Pillar, creek-fed and northfacing, appears to be some of the last good local ice of the season. He points out a long horizontal crack about three feet off the ground, several inches wide, running about half the bredth of the ice. My inexperience evokes fear, but Schneiter explains that the crack is a good sign. “The ice at the bottom has settled and relieved some of the tension,” he tells me. Schneiter suits me up in a helmet, harness and crampons and, to my surprise, ropes me in to belay him as he lead-climbs the ice. I am not a particularly experienced climber. I understand some basic technique, but not enough to truly embody it. Though he tells me he has never taken a fall leading ice, my task belaying him technically puts his life in my hands should something go wrong. In those minutes at the base of the ice, as Schneiter reminds me how his belay device works, I feel a thread of trust stretch between us. Schneiter speaks thoughtfully and intentionally,
emanating a sense of confidence. I hadn’t thought much about danger in regards to this adventure until the moment in which I was bodily tied to its possibility. I was grateful for Schneiter’s palpable calm, evidence to the fact that good guiding goes beyond just athleticism and local knowledge. Schneiter coaches me verbally from the ice face. Your feet should make a triangle with your leading ice tool, he explains. Look at your feet while you kick into the ice, then pull your hips up and into the ice as you swing the ice tool above your head. Look for the weaknesses in the ice to throw your tool. As he climbs out of comfortable conversational range, I’m left at the base of the ice in this valley of shadow and quiet. Dripping water is audible from the other end of the mass. I feed rope to Schneiter as he climbs, and bow my face beneath my helmet when he sends off an occasional spray of snow to the sound of small ice chunks clinking down the wall, settling into the powder below with a poof. I imagine myself in the same spot in the approaching spring and consider how soon this ice will again be flowing water. Ice is so fleeting — by the season, under the point of an ice tool and, climate change considered, in the long term. After Schneiter self-belays down the wall, it’s my turn to take hold of the ice tools. Before I approach the wall, he has me swing the tools on either side of my body. In that motion, my arms naturally bend at the elbows and then flick at the wrists — a fluidity I’m supposed to maintain on the wall. I approach the ice, I remind myself that I didn’t come out here to necessarily make it to the top or to track my time. I came to explore this ice and interact with it in a new way. “Here I go,” I say. I send the ice tool above my head and land a grip. I kick in the left foot, give it some weight, and bring up my right to kick in next. My grip on the wall feels tenuous. It’s not that I feel unsafe, but I do know my strength may not last and I use this as motivation to keep moving. My breathing has quickened, but its rate regulates as my adrenaline kicks in. I’m settling into some degree of rhythm, though I can’t imagine it’s graceful. By the time I look down to the base of the ice, I’m almost halfway up the
wall. Distance quickly distorts size and Schneiter looks quite small below me. Ice stretches above me and I continue. Per Schneiter’s instructions, I put one tool over my shoulder and pass the one on the wall from my right hand to my left as I kick in again with my feet, maintaining height as I move laterally to follow the shape of the ice. Hitting a good hold with the ice tool produces a satisfying “thunk” sound, but soon I’m struggling to find those sweet spots. My arms start swinging the tool less assuredly and more wildly as my muscles tire, and eventually I realize I can’t feel my hands at all. I take a few moments to rest shakily on my crampons, moving one arm at a time by my side to get the blood moving with gravity again. Through the final vertical feet are wobbly, but I climb through them and turn to catch a view up the valley from the top of the ice. The sun seems to hit everything except me and this wall. Parts of Highway 133 are visible through swatches of trees and warm red rock that also underlays the seemingly miraculous ice I stand on — strong and stable beneath my weight, in this valley of microclimates, of surprises, of delights. Ice can be dangerous to people, but people endanger ice, too. While his whole family shares his enthusiasm for the sport — one of his four children recently made a name for herself as the youngest person to climb the Nose of El Capitan — Schneiter has had many conversations with his wife about how much they should invest in a business that will see shortening seasons. As rock and ice climbing both become more popular, however, he wants to help people make the link between connecting to nature and conserving it. He also started outdoor education programs at Bridges and Glenwood Springs High Schools, teaches multiple climbing courses at Colorado Mountain College and holds gym-to-crag workshops to educate gym climbers on critical outdoor ethics. “If they’re going to go outside anyway, let’s teach them how to do it well,” Schneiter said. “Get them outside so they realize how important it is to protect it.” Find more about Glenwood Climbing Guides at glenwoodclimbing.com.
Kathleen Shannon takes a break from scaling the Redstone PIllar to warm up and take stock. Photo by WIll Grandbois
Mike Schneiter provides some instruction on proper ice-climbing technique. Photo by Will Grandbois
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Wearing many hats at Green is the New Black By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff Josie Castaldo sees herself as a communal artist, not an individual one. As such, Carbondale’s quirky fashion extravaganza is a perfect chance for her to get creative. “I have this really amazing opportunity to use the skills I’ve developed in my leisure time. It just feels like a path for what I want to do with my life,” she said. “I don’t want to have to vie for a spot. I’d rather work on something because they need the help.” It’s actually the third show in which Castaldo has participated. Two years ago, she helped create a clothing line. Last year, she volunteered behind the scenes — earning an official title by the end of the season. “I just showed up to every
Josie Castaldo works on some of the final touches for her runway pieces while she's not running a rehearsal. Photo by Laurel Smith practice,” she noted. Now, she’s putting it all together, backstage coordinating and codesigning a line with ceramicist Savanna LaBauve.
Titled “Relic,” it features black hemp fabrics and woodsy bone sculpture. “It’s the ingredients of humanity — that cyclical pattern from earth to
life to death to earth,” Castaldo said. Despite the name, environmentally-conscious sourcing is encouraged but not required for Green is the New Black. “I think the really impressive aspect of this experience is the opportunity it provides to local artists,” Castaldo explained. “It’s underdog art, but it’s not always green art.” For this line, however, both women wanted maximum authenticity and integrity. Castaldo had originally hoped to use entirely upcycled fabric, but Glenwood Springs-based Envirotextiles (envirotextile.com) proved a better, similarly sustainable, option. “I’ve always wanted to use it, and then I found out it’s pretty affordable because the wholesale cost is the same no matter how big or small,” she said.
While she missed the designing element last year, it hasn’t been particularly easy doing two things at once. She has a deep backlog of event planning experience to draw on for stage management. The design aspect is more of a stretch, albeit a rewarding one. “I’m such a piece in the puzzle in the production. Being a designer gets your work shared, but it’s also more taxing,” she said. She also plans to showcase her work at the Hemp Expo fashion show in Denver later in the year. But Green is the New Black is the real inspiration and motivation for her work — a sentiment she thinks many of her fellow designers, performers and other supporters share. “It doesn’t matter how much we’ve done; when we get to this point it feels like we’ve finally arrived,” she said.
Norwood designs with purpose By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent Rochelle Norwood's Africana designs are featured in the upcoming 12th annual Green is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza. Her introduction to Africa came 16years ago when she was dancing with the African Dance Ensemble , in Ghana. The leader created the plans for what has become the Africana Village of Peace Project (AVOPP), an endeavor near and dear to Norwood's heart. AVOPP is nine acres of land surrounded by water on the Volta River in Ghana. Norwood describes it as an "eco-arts village." She wants it to become a destination for visitors. A GoFundMe campaign is under way to raise $25,000 to make improvements to water systems and housing. Norwood, a member Carbondale's Seven Stars Rebekah Lodge #91, supported her vision by donating $15,000 to AVOPP. Fellow Lodge member Olivia Pevec says of the donation, "It's a significant chunk of money for us to give, but it goes so much farther there than it does here." Over the years, Norwood has noticed the influx of Western clothing into Ghana. Pevec says the Lodge, which operates the
Near New Thrift Store, takes clothing that does not sell to the Pitkin County landfill for textile recycling. Some of those reclaimed textiles will eventually be shipped across the globe. Norwood explains there is an economic driver behind the popularity of Western clothing, saying, "In the [Ghanaian] markets, you can buy a T-shirt for one dollar instead of your cultural outfit for 15 dollars that's been handmade to your body. So you're gonna buy that T-shirt." In her most recent trip in January, Norwood collaborated with a Ghanaian designer, Stella, who "sewed the clothes, with some of the outfits that are her original designs, as well as my original designs.” She adds, "It's definitely a collaboration across the globe of me sending pictures and ideas and color schemes and then her interpretation of what that looks like." On her recent Ghana visit, she brought caps from Near New. The caps were refurbished by Ghanaians who sewed kente cloth, which uses traditional West African patterns and colors, as patchwork over the cap's logos. Norwood will have 10 outfits on the runway and her wares will be on exhibit and for sale in a trunk show booth at the venue. The outfits will be accessorized with hand-made jewelry and braided fabric necklaces. For her portion of the show, Norwood taught the
Rochelle Norwood finishes up her Ghanaian inspired dress, caling the fabric "an external representation of the brilliance, joy and strength" of the culture. Photo by Laurel Smith models a traditional Ghanaian dance which will be performed to African drumming. Norwood says the work of AVOPP is "keeping the arts and culture of Ghana alive." Visit africanadanceensemble.org for more information or gofundme.com/f/africana-village-of-peace-project to help with the fundraising effort.
Earthy tones debut at fashion show By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent It’s a dress, no it’s a skirt… it’s alive! Valley resident Yoli LaGuerre is bringing a new line of fashion to Green is the New Black and it is about as raw as it can get. She specializes in floral design and applies her innate skill to her fashion pieces. LaGuerre grew up in New York City. When she was 12 years old she would “sneak out” during the early hours of the morning and catch the subway to 28th Street to attend the flower market before school. She pestered the reticent shop owners for work; due to her persistence they eventually let her schlep plants and make coffee runs. From there, LaGuerre's work has blossomed into something extraordinary. She challenges herself to “think outside the vase” and has created awe-inspiring floral forms ranging from intricately detailed structures to — yes — dresses. She has designed massive floral installations across the world and is internationally recognized. She runs most of her business today out of Belgium, New York City and of course the Roaring Fork Valley.
Floral fashion is not widely known but, LaGuerre says, “It’s being done.” She has had her clothing designs modeled outside of Colorado and is looking forward to introducing her aunaturel style to Carbondale. This is the first year Leguerre’s work will be modeled at Green is the New Black. She discovered the fashion show through a friend on the eve of the submission deadline. She rushed to get her application in along with some sketches and photographs of previous work, all of which was excitedly received. Her designs are a combination of art and nature. LaGuerre uses a piece of scavenged bark she collected on a hike up Arbaney Kittle Trail as one of the tops. It’s a process; she has been working on shaping the single piece of bark for a month now. The designer likes to avoid impacting the environment as much as she can, venturing far and wide and acquires all sorts of wild materials from the earth’s surface. Another garment has a tumbleweed as the skirt and is colored a glamorous sparkling blue. LaGuerre laughs, “I will stop my car and pull over and chase a tumbleweed wherever I’ve got to go.” The
Yoli LaGuerre fits model Jennifer Owings into one of her floral designs. This dress represents summer in a set of season-inspired gowns. Photo by Laurel Smith dress’ accompanied top is made from a lotus flower which shimmers to match. Some of her dresses are made from living plants. Generally wardrobes have to be accounted for on site the Sunday before the big opening. In this case LaGuerre had to ask, “Will someone be there to water
my dresses?” The organizers made an exception. When asked how she feels about Carbondale’s art scene LaGuerre replies with one word — “crazy” — in a good way. Visit yoliLaGuerre.com to find out more about her work.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2020 • 11
Aspen Mountain Film Festival presents
THE
LONGEST
WAVE A JOE BERLINGER FILM
Fri, March 20 6:30 PM
COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY MARCH 12 INFECTION CONTROL
An educational event dedicated to current trends and emerging issues related to occupational health and safety and infection control in healthcare settings comes to Morgridge Commons (815 Cooper Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $4. FUNDRAISING WORKSHOP
Join Lisa Raleigh, PhD for a complimentary, high-energy, hands-on opportunity for annual budgets up to $1 million to learn the science and mathematics of successful, annual development strategies from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). BROADWAY TO JAZZ
Refresh your memory on how broadway songs became jazz standards with Cathy Markle, Mike Monroney, David Dyer and Steve Cole from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Basalt Regional Library (17 Midland Ave., Basalt) for this free sentimental journey. Go to basaltlibrary.org or 927.4311. REACH YOUR POTENTIAL
You live in a mountain town -- you have reached your dream. Now what? How can you find meaningful work and reach your potential. This free workshop runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Coventure (201 Main St.) Go to coventure.io for details. HIGH RISK AT HIGH ALTITUDE
WILD & WEIRD BEATS
DJ Benny plays post-Green is the New Black beginning at 9:30 p.m. at Carbondale Beer Works (647 Main St.). MUSIC AT HEATHER’S
Listen to Chris Bank & Mark Johnson from 7 to10 p.m. at Heather’s Savory Pies & Tapas Bar (166 Midland Ave., Basalt).
FRI MARCH 13 & SAT MARCH 14 MUSIC AT STEVE'S GUITARS
Yarn (yarnmusic.net) takes the stage around 8:30 p.m. both nights at Steve’s Guitars (19 N. Fourth St.) — and every show is different.
SATURDAY MARCH 14 WRITING WORKSHOP
Alicia Creyts teaches you the basics of Calligrammatic Poetry for free from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave.). JAZZ, FUNK & SOUL
Patina Bar+Grille (1054 Highway 133) hosts Mark Johnson on sax Josefina Mendez on vocals at 6:30 p.m., then DJ Duo Local Bandits with DJ Pete and Oh So Stepho keep the party going at 10 p.m. and food until 11:30 p.m. in the lounge.
SUNDAY MARCH 15 MUSICAL MASHUP
Come to a free mental health panel discussion Collage and Oran Mor bring Irish, Scottish at 6 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S. and Americana tunes to Carbondale Beer Third St.). Details at aspenpublicradio.org Works (647 Main St.) beginning at 3 p.m. or call 920-9000.
Tickets are just $15!
INTRO TO GENE KEYS
Research has revealed that attitude impacts DNA. After being born, people are influenced by parents, family, the environment and culture, all of which may “hide” the essence of who you really are. RSVP to info@iliveempowered.com to be eligible for a profile printout. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). Call 618-5879 for program information ROCK BAND
TUESDAY MARCH 17
CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE
The American Legion Post 100 (97 N. Third St.) serves up a traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. — $12 per person with everyone welcome. QUILT GUILD
Meet the members of the Roaring Fork Quilt Guild and view their amazing array of quilts from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave.).
Desmond Jones brings melodic guitar riffs, groovy bass lines, funky drum beats, and WEDNESDAY MARCH 18 smooth saxophone to Steve’s Guitars (19 N. ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS Fourth St.) at 8 p.m. Viewers’ Choice “Colorado Experience” episode on the Fairy Caves premieres MUSIC AT HEATHER’S free with a panel discussion and light Listen to Smokin' Joe Kelly & Randal refreshments at 5:30 p.m. at the Hotel Utterbach from 7 to10 p.m. at Heather’s Savory Colorado (526 Pine St., Glenwood Springs) Pies & Tapas Bar (166 Midland Ave., Basalt). before airing live the following day.
THU MARCH 12 - SAT MARCH 14
WINTER MUSIC
Does it seem like winter will never end? Let local musicians lift your spirits by playing Come to the 12th Annual Fashion informal concerts amongst the bookshelves Extravaganza where local and national around 6 p.m. at Carbondale Branch Library designers and artists join together to feature (320 Sopris Ave.). fashion that sparks the imagination and is created from recycled and/or sustainable ARCTIC RHYTHMS materials from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Carbondale Paul D. Miller, known professionally as DJ Recreation Center (567 Colorado Ave.). Spooky draws from his trips to Antarctica Sold out Friday and Saturday; $30 general- and the Arctic Circle for an evocative admission tickets for the Thurs. preview event multimedia voyage through pristine may still be available. landscapes with live local string musicians, projected imagery and live and recorded FRIDAY MARCH 13 hip-hop and electronic music from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Aspen Center for Physics (700 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID Learn the signs and symptoms of mental health Gillespie Ave.). challenges or crisis, what to do in an emergency and where to turn for help from 8:30 a.m. FURTHER OUT to 5 p.m. at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) Free class with limited seat THURSDAY MARCH 19 availability. Go to mhfaco.org to register. WESTERN ART Contact mrandol@mindspringshealth.org or The Ann Korologos Gallery (211 Midland 384-3049 for details. Ave., Basalt) hosts a solo exhibition for Carbondale artist Andy Taylor — still on MAKERS’ MARKET Swing by CoVenture (201 Main St.) at 4 display though the reception was canceled. p.m. for handcrafted goods from artisanal FOOD DOCUMENTARY chocolates to upcycled shoes, jewelry, At 6:30 p.m., Davi Nikent (520 S. Third St.) sustainable fashion. screens “Modified,” following filmmaker Aube WHISKEY TASTING Giroux and her mother on an investigative Study up for St. Patrick’s Day beginning at journey to find out why genetically modified 6 p.m. at the Redstone Inn (82 Redstone organisms are not labeled in the United States Blvd.). $10 per person; reserve your spot at and Canada. 963-2526. GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK
DANCE PARTY 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2020
ROLLICKING MUSIC
Denver-based musician Tiffany Christpher DJ Pinto plays a 9 p.m. fashion show after takes the Steve’s Guitars (19 N. Fourth St.) party at Batch (358 Main St.). stage at 8 p.m. ith Natalie Spears opening.
FAIR&
RODEO join the fair board!
Board members are needed for the remainder of 2020 and future years. In collaboration with Garfield County Administration, volunteer fair board members assist in ensuring the successful promotion, production, and execution of the Garfield County Fair & Rodeo. The fair is the first week of August each year. Fair board members serve three-year terms. The fair board meets the second Tuesday evening of each month, rotating between Garfield County Administration Building in Rifle and the Garfield County Administration Building in Glenwood Springs. Please visit garfieldcountyfair.com/main/board to view the Garfield County Fair Board mission statement, bylaws, orientation process and to apply.
The cancellation of the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic meant the American Legion Auxiliary skipped its annual cookie bake, but the traditional St. Patrick's Day dinner is still on!
FRIDAY MARCH 20 IMPROV COMEDY
Consensual Improv returns to its home stage (67 Promenade) for an 8 p.m. set. MUSIC AT HEATHER’S
Listen to LP Herd from 7 to 10 p.m. at Heather’s Savory Pies & Tapas Bar (166 Midland Ave., Basalt).
SATURDAY MARCH 21 COMEDY
Marble Distilling (150 Main St.) hosts national touring comic Adam CaytonHolland beginning at 7 p.m. BLUES & JAZZ
The Landward Rogues play beginning at 9 p.m. at The Black Nugget (411 Main St.).
ONGOING
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. BUSINESS MASTERMIND
Guided by a facilitator and drawing on the collective wisdom of the group, entrepreneurs discuss a variety of topics related to the unique challenges and opportunities in a free event from 7 to 9 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at Marble Distilling (150 Main St.). COMMUNITY MEAL
A free community meal in collaboration with Carbondale Homeless Assistance goes from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church (1340 Hwy. 133) on the third Saturday of the month. Visit faithcarbondale.com or call 510-5046 for information. MIXED MEDIA
Carbondale Arts displays “Accessed (means of entry),” a solo exhibition by Andrew Rice, and “Clever,” a solo exhibition by found object artist Elizabeth Morisette at The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.) through March 27. 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 whole-foods potluck at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).
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.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MARCH 31, 2020
ROTARY
The Carbondale Rotary Club meets at the Carbondale Fire Station (300 Meadowood Dr.) at 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. 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.). 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 274-8473 for information.
est. 1938
garfieldcountyfair.com/main/board Enchantment Theatre Company’s
Peter Rabbit Tales
RUN AROUND
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 fourmile loop around town. All paces are welcome. Call 704-0909 for more information. 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.). 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).
MOVIES The Crystal Theatre presents "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" (R) at 7:30 p.m. March 13-15 and 17-19; "1917" at 5 p.m. March 13; "Knives Out" (PG-13) at 4:45 p.m. March 14 and "Just Mercy" (PG-13) at 4:45 p.m. March 15.
Thu, Mar 19 I 5:30 PM From the beloved tales of Beatrix Potter. Peter Rabbit, his sister Flopsy and his cousin Benjamin are all grown up!
wheeleroperahouse.com 970.920.5770 THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2020 • 13
TOWN REPORT
COP SHOP
RED HILL ROAD realignment and parking will be the subject of a public open house from 4 to 7 p.m. March 18 at Town Hall. Informational flyers have been distributed around town and information is also posted on the Town’s website. An informational session for commuters who use the existing parking lot on Red Hill Road will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on March 19 at the Comfort Inn & Suites (920 Cowen Drive). Staff from Garfield County and the Town have already met with residents along the road.
From Feb. 21 through March 5, Carbondale Police handled 484 calls for service, including the following cases of note:
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. GRANT REQUESTS were submitted to the Environment Foundation of the Aspen Skiing Company for $10,000 to support the work needed to complete the final design for the Crystal River Restoration and Weaver Ditch Enhancements Project and to Roaring Fork Conservancy for $30,000 as a project partner for a Town of Carbondale request for fishing access improvements through the federal grant program, Fishing is Fun. WHERE MY PEEPS AT Scavenger Hunt Fun Run registration is open. It takes place on April 11 in Sopris Park
Students of the month Noah Smith and Madeline Dean. Courtesy photo
and costs $30 per team of two to six; go to carbondalerec.com to register. REC CENTER CLOSURES for Green is the New Black include the gym from 8 a.m. March 10 through March 14, the activity room from noon March 13 through March 14 and everything at 5 p.m. March 13. SALES TAX was up 1.3 percent in February, for a 7.2 percent increase year over year so far. The Disposable Bag Fee Fund was up 26.9 percent. PLANNING & ZONING will consider an Accessory Dwelling Unit on March 12, as well as potential amendments to the Unified Development code as it relates to offstreet parking for self-storage.
THE CENSUS opens for participation on March 12, with ads in radio, social media and print pending, postcards being mailed — visit a2pcensus2020.com for more information. A FIRE HYDRANT was slated for installation on the Nettle Creek line on Monday between PRV #1 and PRV #2, with a service disruption anticipated. POLICE OFFICERS Ciara Chacon, Ben Mendoza and Executive Assistant Anna Ramirez attended the GlenX job fair at the Glenwood Springs High School. Officer Tade Shively attended a recertification class as our Intoxilyzer Instructor.
“I will participate in the census to show my love for Colorado.” CARRIE BESNETTE HAUSER, PRESIDENT & CEO, COLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
Census data funds community services for all of us from Aspen to Parachute.
Complete your census Complete your census TODAY! starting March 12th.
A2PCensus2020.com A2PCensus2020.com 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2020
SUNDAY Feb. 23 at 12:48 a.m. After contacting two teens for suspicious behavior, police arrested the pair for minor in possession and cited one of them with driving under the influence.
SUNDAY March 1 at 1:46 a.m. After pulling over a 29-year-old for running multiple stop signs and speeding, police ended up arresting him for driving under the influence and without a license.
MONDAY Feb. 24 at 2:57 p.m. A 48-year-old woman was cited for driving without a license after being contacted for a traffic violation at the park and ride.
SUNDAY March 1 at 9:12 p.m. A speeding stop led to a DUI arrest for a 57-year-old man.
WEDNESDAY Feb. 26 at 2:08 a.m. Following a domestic violence call, police arrested a 25-year-old man for harassment and outstanding warrants. WEDNESDAY Feb. 26 at 9:53 a.m. Police documented damage at Sopris Park. THURSDAY Feb. 27 at 8:30 a.m. Someone reported a cold restraining order violation. SATURDAY Feb. 29 at 12:54 a.m. Officers investigated a hitand-run accident. SATURDAY Feb. 29 at 8:52 p.m. A traffic complaint led to a underage tobacco citation.
TUESDAY March 3 at 9:04 a.m. Following up on a harassment call, officers determined there was criminal mischief involved and found the responsible party. TUESDAY March 3 at 12:08 p.m. A 24-year-old man was cited for speeding and jailed on a warrant. WEDNESDAY March 4 at 9:18 a.m. Police investigating a parking complaint discovered that the 31-year-old owner of the car had a misdemeanor warrant and arrested her. THURSDAY March 5 at 5:59 p.m. A call about a hit-and-run accident led to a DUI arrest for a 42-year-old man.
Meet the candidates for Carbondale Police Chief By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff
One of these men will take over from longtime Chief Gene Schilling in the fall after having a chance to spend the summer working with the current leadership. The public will have its first opportunity to connect with them in person in an open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 12 at The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.).
LEE DAMUTH
SEAN DUGAN
DAVID SHAFFER
KIRK WILSON
As Chief Investigator for the 9th Judicial District Attorney's Office, Damuth has had the opportunity to work with Carbondale PD and has always been impressed. He's also involved in the new antitrafficking group and is a longtime supporter of Advocate Safehouse. “I think being familiar with the area and what the town is like and what it expects is my best advantage," he noted. “I think local politics has a much greater influence on people’s daily lives, and I like how involved the citizens are," he added. “It seems like there’s a lot of support for the police department as it is. I don't think it needs any drastic changes." “I’m looking forward to meeting everybody who can make it out.”
Although much of his experience came in Littleton — he responded to Columbine with a daughter inside — and he now runs the Red Rocks Community College PD, Dugan is familiar with the Roaring Fork Valley. He's particularly fond of Glenwood, while Aspen is a bit too rich for his blood. “I have a lot of diverse job experience," he noted. “There’s not much that I haven’t seen in law enforcement, and there’s not much that gets me too shook up.” He likes the idea of settling in someplace quiet and cultivating a great force. “They say the two most important decisions a chief makes is who they hire and who they promote," he said. “We are the community. We are part of the community. It’s never us against them.”
The current Deputy Chief of Champaign, IL has family ties in the area and has long hoped to relocate West. He's certain he can make the transition comfortably. "I've just been waiting for the spot to open so I can apply and be considered," he said. Shaffer has 30 years of experience in law enforcement and worked as a paramedic before that. "Your safety is my responsibility, and I would take that very seriously," he said. "I've worked for a larger agency and a smaller agency, and there are pros and cons to both. This position opens up the door for more interactions with the community. I want to be the visibible face of the department and for people to feel that they can pick up the phone and call me."
When someone stopped through Rifle to recruit applicants for the job, Sergeant Wilson's chief pointed him out. He just graduated with a masters in public administration and is always looking to take on a bit more responsibility — as illustrated by his support of the 4H program "My PI," which teaches high schoolers about emergency response in an effort to build community resilience. “I am a relationship builder by nature. "I kind of feel like I can fit in pretty much anywhere and build trust and rapport pretty quickly," he said. "The Police Department is the most visible face of the Town. My goal is to show that the badge is very human. You have some fantastic officers there that truly have a vested interest in the community."
CARBONDALE IMMUNIZATION CLINIC RED HILL ROAD (CR-107) REALIGNMENT PROJECT
Recreational Users and General Public Open House
When: March 18, 2020, 4-7p.m. Where: Carbondale Town Hall This spring, Garfield County and the Town of Carbondale will be realigning the lower portion of Red Hill Road and moving the parking area. During construction, access to the Red Hill Trail System from Red Hill Road (CR-107) will be closed due to safety concerns. Please stop by Town Hall in Carbondale anytime between 4 and 7p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, to learn more about the project and the impact to trail access. Representatives from Garfield County and the Town will be available during the open house to answer questions.
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.
www.garfield-county.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2020 • 15
Wolves from page 3 effect,” Barnes said. “It’s prey animals’ primary anti-predator behavior.” Cattle — indeed, all kinds of prey — can move the weakest members of the herd to the middle, and defend themselves using their hooves. Miranda, who raises water buffaloes, thinks his animals stand a pretty good chance against wolves because of their herding behavior. “I know that the water buffaloes that I have are probably going to have a better instinct protecting themselves and the younger animals as far as protecting themselves against a pack of wolves,” Miranda said. But Perry and Fales say the landscape where their cattle graze make herding up very difficult. There aren’t many open fields on the Forest Service land where their permit is, and there’s also limited access to water. “We try to not have the cattle in a big bunch in order not to hammer the riparian areas,” Perry said. “Our whole strategy has been to keep cattle strung out. And so far, it seems like it’ll be really hard to remedy that.” Wolf advocates also say range riders can help minimize losses; a rider who is out with the cattle daily can watch for injured or weakened cows or calves that might become targets and keep an eye out for wolves. But Fales doesn’t think that would work, either, especially with the challenges of finding reliable labor. “We do a lot of range riding. There’s never a day when there’s not someone out there,” he said. “But
it would be totally insufficient to manage for wolves.” The management strategy that Perry and Fales think would work in their situation is one that currently isn’t an option in Colorado: killing the problem wolves that prey on cattle. “The only thing I would really advocate for would be lethal control,” Perry said. “You can’t have wolves without forevermore killing them.” Killing wolves is illegal in Colorado because the species has federal protection under the ESA, but the future of that status is uncertain. Some ranchers, including Miranda, are hopeful that reintroduction would mean a larger voice in how wolves are managed than if the animals return to the state on their own. “Some of these programs are very progressive,” Miranda said. “As long as there’s that kind of help and communication, that’s very fortunate.” In fact, the CSU survey found that nearly 80 percent of people who identify as ranchers intend to vote for reintroduction. That number, according to Niemiec, includes people who self-identify as ranchers “a slight amount” (124 respondents), “a moderate amount” (111 respondents), or “a great deal” (74 respondents), and so may include people who identify with a ranching lifestyle but are not currently in the business. The online survey asked respondents a series of questions about how officials could manage wolves — including lethal control and compensation for ranchers for lost livestock — before asking whether
Your Story, Digitized
people support the ballot initiative. The initiative does not include any promise of lethal control, and management depends on a series of questions — namely, if wolves are removed from protections under the ESA. Even then, Barnes said control measures need to be carefully executed. “For lethal control to make sense, it’s got to be targeted to the specific individuals that are involved in the conflict,” Barnes said. “Preemptive lethal control does not work.” Also, he said, the number of cattle and sheep actually killed by wolves in states such as Montana and Wyoming is surprisingly low.
Wolves kill few cattle, sheep In Montana in 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the loss of 71 livestock — 64 cattle and seven sheep — and two dogs to wolves. The USDA received 93 complaints of wolves killing livestock that year, while the state was home to an estimated 2.55 million cattle, 225,000 sheep and 819 wolves. The numbers are similar in Wyoming, where wolves are considered “predatory animals” in most of the state, meaning they can be killed at will. In 2018, wolves were confirmed to have killed 71 head of livestock: 55 cattle, 15 sheep and 1 horse. Wolves do kill livestock but not in big numbers. “The rhetoric, the exaggeration, the myth is our biggest challenge,” Malone said. She said wolf advocates have work to do to assure ranchers that wolves
won’t devastate their livelihood. “We need to do work with the ranching community to be sure that they are whole and that they’re fairly treated,” Malone said. “But we can do that. We have good examples of it.” Initiative 107 includes direction for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to create a plan to compensate for livestock lost to wolves. Similar plans exist in other Western states, including Montana, where the state paid $82,959 to 40 livestock owners. Funding for such a program in Colorado would come from an existing wildlife cash fund, and Malone says the goal is for public input to help shape policy on how to fairly compensate ranchers for their losses. Still, Fales and Perry worry that wolves in Colorado would mean a significant economic hit — and an emotional one, too. “There’s an emotional attachment (to the cattle), even though you’re selling them for a beef animal. You’re taking care of them, we’re with them just night and day when they’re calving,” Perry said. “And to go out and find them just shredded and eaten up is not something I would ever vote for.” If Initiative 107 passes, Perry says she might quit. And her husband, Fales, thinks others might follow suit. “I think a lot of people will quit, and certainly in this part of Colorado, there are a zillion developers ready to help you quit,” he said. Historically, conflicts between ranchers and wolves have not ended well for the predators.
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“Because of their depredations of domestic animals, wolves in Colorado were systematically eradicated by shooting, trapping and poisoning,” reads the CPW informational website on wolves. In recent years, CPW officials say there have been no reports or evidence of people killing wolves in the state, except for a widely publicized incident in 2015 where a hunter shot a wolf that he said he thought was a coyote. While wolf advocates point to the ecological benefits of restoring wolves to their historic range, the social implications might be harder to pin down. Perry says she understands why people might be attracted to the idea of wolves, but she believes the implications on the ranching industry will be far-reaching. “There could be unintended consequences (of wolf reintroduction),” Perry said. “Loss of ranchland, which means more fragmentation, more housing development, more decline for all animals, prey and predator.” Barnes, who has experience in both wildlife conservation and raising livestock, says part of having domestic animals is the risk of predators. “Very little in nature gets to live out its life without the risk of getting eaten,” Barnes said. “Coexistence is possible, but it’s probably not peaceful.”
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OPINION
Special to The Sopris Sun By Tom Gagnon Driving by the sign “Hitchhikers may be escaping inmates,” took me aback. Making an illegal U-turn in front of the medium-security WS Key Correctional Center on a rural Oklahoma highway this February, I drove back to snap a couple of pictures of the sign. Reflecting upon many hitchhiking journeys of my own, through Europe, Canada, Alaska, across the U.S., and even across the length of Central America, and parts of Mexico, too, was I being stigmatized as an “escaping inmate?” Maybe I am an escaping New Hampshirite, from the “Live Free or Die” state of my birth. Besides the state’s motto sounding like something from a suicide cult, the French motto
Hitchhiking, yesterday and today on retreating is more appealing, “Live to fight another day.” Although there are probably many inmates fully deserving of their sentences, perhaps there are some who have been wrongly incarcerated, and I should be honored to help someone escape injustice, which is reportedly a daily occurrence in America’s gulag. The U.S. has 2.1 million prisoners, which is about a quarter of the global prison population. Describing our incarceration network as a gulag is appropriate, because, after all, it does include slave labor. Perhaps I have a “personal problem” with authority, but certainly there is irony in rural America where churches are conspicuous, and bars are shy behind hedges. On another road trip, this time in December in Utah, I stopped for a young man at the edge of Monticello. He needed a lift to Blanding, 27 miles down the road. He was lightly dressed for the weather, without a coat, hat, and gloves. He did not have a backpack with a sleeping bag and tent, as I always had when hitching rides. As I pulled onto the highway and he situated himself with the tricky seatbelt, he said, “Thanks for the ride. I just got out of jail.” He froze. There was a tense moment of silence. We glanced at each other, and we burst out laughing. He had inadvertently said the one thing that he didn’t intend to
say. Although I surely couldn’t top him for the honesty of his humorous statement, perhaps I should have told him that we were in a hurry because I had just robbed a bank. In the many rides that I have received, never did I feel physically threatened. There were a few times that I may have questioned driving skills, but this was never intentional. I never hitchhiked for the adventure of the activity, or because I particularly liked doing it, but because I didn’t have any other way of getting around. Sometimes it was out of a need to get back to my vehicle, after, for example, hiking across a mountain range, or rafting a stretch of river. I neither advocate for hitchhiking nor for picking up hitchhikers, but simply remind people that they themselves may one day be standing on the side of the road. Often I’ve heard the remark, “People used to be able to do things like hitchhike, but with the way things are today, with all the wackos out there, it’s too dangerous.” As crime statistics suggest, however, today is not necessarily more dangerous than in the past. Hitchhikers provide important psychological services for the public. Countless individuals have unloaded upon me their troubles, telling me all kinds of stories about their families, their jobs, government injustices, and a few positive stories, too. What I got from total strangers
A sign of the times. Photo by Tom Gagnon were real images, not tidied up Facebook personas. Some of the most inaccurate information I’ve ever received has been from people who have always lived near where they picked me up. Although this example is unimportant, it is illustrative of my point: The driver lectured me with great authority that the mountain over there was 16,123 feet above sea level. I happened to know, however, that Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mt. Elbert, is 14,433 feet high. Later I learned that Mt. Over There was Mt. Sopris: 12,953 feet tall. Humorously, giving a Colorado ski bum a ride, he said, “The only problem with skiing Jackson Hole is that you have to get through Wyoming.” I didn’t bother to correct his geography.
Taking a road trip this year, for most of February, I drove 5,444 miles in 13 states. I saw a grand total of two hitchhikers, and they were together. Regrettably, I did not write down their names, but they were a young couple. He is from England, and had previously hiked the Continental Divide Trail, and had especially fond memories of Wyoming’s Wind River Range. She is from Canada, Calgary and Victoria. They were taking a few days off from hiking The Florida Trail, which I had never heard of. I drove them from Perry, Florida, through driving rain, for about forty miles along U.S. 99. It’s good to see that there are still some adventurous and philosophical people out there.
Carbondale
EnvironmEntal Board did YoU KnoW? SinGlE-USE PlaStiC is designed to be used one time and then discarded either into trash or recycling. The Town of Carbondale is beginning to develop a StratEGY and PlaStiCS rEdUCtion Plan to reduce single-use plastics in our community.
• This will involve the whole community’s input beginning in March through July 2020.
• We as a town, including residents and businesses, will determine how we can bring lESS PlaStiC into our community.
For more information, please visit: carbondalegov.org/plasticsplan or call: 970-510-6544 THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2020 • 17
LETTERS 3. What about animals in the streets and neighboring properties? Rabbits can burrow large distances. Who will be responsible for catching and dealing with these, both alive and dead, animals? 4. Health hazards including disease and waste products. There needs to be something in place to regulate this. Wastewater is another concern. 5. Raising rabbits commercially has several economic issues. High cost of transportation for slaughter and global warming included. 6. I feel that this needs to be referred to the citizens for a vote, adding another cost to any action. Russ Criswell Carbondale
Let them roar! Dear Editor: An album comes soon. Let Them Roar will bring the tunes. Help if you can, please. Music, whether live or recorded, has the power to lift the people. Right now, people need to be lifted. We need to be lifted out of our bubbles — the ones that make us think we are right and they are wrong, the ones that make us think we are somehow protected from everything "out there," and the ones that insulate us from hearing what others are saying. One of the Valley's beloved bands, Let Them Roar, is recording
Continued from page 2 an album of their incredible “I See My Light” winter solstice show. This show was more than a concert, it was an immersive, interactive drama that took the audience on a journey from the quiet solitude of our beginnings to the raucous cacophony of our collective blossoming. It brought the audience together while allowing each person to consider their personal journey. But there were only two shows of this wonderful experience, and most people didn't get to go on that journey. Now, Let Them Roar would like to bring everyone who wants to join along with them. Music can have a visceral impact on our bodies, minds and souls … and we could all use a little shake up. I say, bring it on! Zuleika Pevec Carbondale
Thank you for the kidney Dear Editor: Thank you! Thanks to a lot of kind-hearted people who contributed to my fund, I have a new kidney. I gratefully thank UC Health, these medical magicians had me in and out and smiling in three days. Loving gratitude to my family who have selflessly sacrificed so much. Thanks to the bosses of my son and his wife. My daughter-in-law's boss is letting her run the office from Denver so that she and my son can help care for me. Thank you Berry
18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2020
Crier. Thanks to the Pour House and Legion for providing donation spots and lots of moral support Thanks to the Lord and Lori who is watching from above. And the deepest thanks and sympathy go to the donor and her family. Thank you. I'm a lucky guy. Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle
CMS thanks you Dear Editor: Carbondale Middle School would like to thank our community for supporting our school throughout the year. In January, Carbondale Beer Works, with a community of donors, raised funds for our students’ lunch program. By paying off student lunch debt, they relieved a great deal of stress from our students’ families. Last week, Carbondale Beer Works along with Bristlecone Mountain Sports, LuluBelle, Sopris Liquor and Wine, Phat Thai, Tonic Juicery, Kallie Carpenter Personal Training & Fitness and Carbondale Recreation Center supported our annual Bingo for Kindness Fundraiser. This generosity is a statement of commitment and support from our communities’ to our children and our public schools. Thank you. Jennifer Lamont, Principal Carbondale Middle School
Thanks to Heady-Smith Dear Editor: Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers is pleased to acknowledge the insightful leadership and tireless dedication of Jamin Heady-Smith to our organization. Over the last decade, Jamin has volunteered countless hours as a crew leader, board member, treasurer and chair. His expertise and thoughtful contributions to RFOV cannot be overstated and we are forever grateful.
By Suzie Brady
As RFOV celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2020, we recognize that our success in promoting stewardship of our public lands by engaging the community in volunteer trail projects, has been fostered by exceptional volunteers like Jamin. Ryan Vugteveen, Board Chair Randy Gold, Vice Chair Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
SUZOKU
LEGALS
PARTING SHOTS
NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE LAWS OF COLORADO
Sopris Labs, LLC Has requested the licensing officials of the Town Of Carbondale to grant a transfer of a retail and medical marijuana infused product license. To manufacture retail and medical marijuana products at Sopris Labs, LLC 500 Buggy Circle LL5 and LL6 Carbondale, Co 81623 Hearing on application to be held at: Carbondale Town Hall 511 Colorado Avenue Carbondale, Colorado Date and Time: April 14, 2020 At 6:00 p.m. Date of application: February 20, 2020 By Order Of: Dan Richardson, Mayor Pro Tem Applicant: Chapman Ducote Information may be obtained from, and petitions or remonstrance’s may be filed with the Town Clerk, Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO 81623
First Friday was the last chance to enjoy the Fourth Street Plaza Ice Rink before it closed for the season — whether you were a kid slip sliding away or a couple sharing a kiss under the lights. Photos by Laurel Smith
SERVICE DIRECTORY eW imaatte Wa ash iitm l sh t CLEAN Ul Cleans Inside U INSIDE & OUT & Out
GreenWalls Painting “don’t trash it – cash it” We pay CASH for METALS! ALUMINUM CANS • COPPER • BRASS • LEAD • STEEL • CARS/TRUCKS APPLIANCES • EXTENSION CORDS • BATTERIES • RADIATORS STAINLESS STEEL *ANYTHING METAL* New Location Glenwood! (2 miles south of Walmart, next to Airgas)
3710 Hwy 82 Glenwood Springs, CO 970-948-0333 Open - Tue-Fri 9-4 • Sat 9-1 • Closed Sun/Mon
Gypsum location accepts large steel quantites please see our Gypsum location by Costco Guaranteed best prices in the mountains!
Trinityrecycle.com
MASSAGE John Ackerman
Licensed Massage Therapist
970-379-0575
Serving the Valley since 2005 Interior/Exterior, new construction, remodels, repaints, and more.
Complete CompleteInterior Interior and and Exterior wash Exterior Washpackage. Package
Call Matt Roeser for a free estimate today! 970-317-7549
Car ash Car W Wash Detailing Detailing Oil changes GreenWalls is an environmentally friendly company. WINDSHIELD Oil Tires Changes We use only non-toxic (low and no voc) paints and finishes.
Weather Insurance Insurance Weather
If it rains or snows bring the vehicle back within If it rains48orhours snowsand bringweback vehicle will the rewash it. within
48 hours and we will rewash it.
970-963-8800 745970-963-8800 Buggy Circle in Carbondale www.sunburstcarcare.com 745 Buggy Circle in Carbondale
REPAIR & OpenTires www.sunburstcarcare.com Mon.-Sat. 8am-5:00pm and on Sundays from 9am-4pm for washes only Open Monday - Saturday 8am to 5:30pm and on Sunday from 9am to 4pm for washes only. AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD
GreenWallsPainting.com
REPAIR & AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENTMo
970-963-3891 970-963-3891
Mobile Service Available
See Thundercat at
CARBONDALE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
bile Service Available
New location! 289 Main Street, Carbondale on the corner of Third and Main Street
(970) 963-2826 Find us on Facebook
Locally Owned by David Zamansky
Dr. Benjamin Mackin
500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO 500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Locally owned bybyJake Zamansky Locally Owned David Zamansky
Do you love to garden but don’t have space to grow your own veggies? teppanyaki & sushi
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OPEN AT 11 AM. CLOSED TUESDAYS. 970 510 5343 | 568 HWY 133, CARBONDALE | 450TEPPANYAKI.COM
There are garden plots available at Demeter's Community Garden located behind the 3rd St. Center. Call the Carbondale Rec. Department at 970-510-1290 for more information. THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2020 • 19
C VID Health Alert: CORONAVIRUS DISEASE
19
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
You have traveled to a country with an outbreak of COVID-19 and are at higher risk. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Stay Home
Symptoms
Stay home for the next 14 days and monitor your health. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and watch for symptoms.
Illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure.
If you feel sick and have symptoms:
Symptoms can include:
• Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room.
Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)
• Tell the doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Cough
• Avoid contact with others.
Shortness of breath
• Do not travel while sick.
Visit the website for more information on monitoring your health and how to contact local public health officials. Visit: www.cdc.gov/COVIDtravel
CS 315649-B February 29, 2020 4:15 PM
For information about COVID-19 and how to monitor your health after travel, open your cell phone camera and scan this code:
코로나바이러스감염증-19(COVID-19) 및 여행 후 건강 상태를 모니터 링하는 방법에 대한 정보를 보려면, 휴대폰 카메라로 이 코드를 스캔 하십시오:
Для получения информации о COVID-19 и о том, как контролировать состояние вашего здоровья после путешествия, включите камеру на вашем мобильном телефоне и отсканируйте этот код:
COVID-19
,
,
:
Pour obtenir des informations relatives à COVID-19 et à la manière de surveiller votre santé après un voyage, ouvrez la caméra de votre téléphone portable et scannez le code suivant : دجتسملا انوروك سوريف لوح تامولعم ىلع لوصحلل COVID-19 رفسلا دعب ةيحصلا كتلاح ةبقارم ةيفيكو، اًيئوض زمرلا اذه حسماو يولخلا كفتاه اريماك حتفا:
Untuk mendapatkan maklumat mengenai COVID-19 dan cara mengawasi kesihatan anda selepas perjalanan, buka kamera telefon bimbit anda dan imbas kod ini:
新型コロナウイルス感染症（COVID-19 ）に関する情報、および旅行後の自 身の健康状態を観察する方法について は、携帯電話のカメラを起動して、こ のコードをスキャンしてください：
Para obtener información sobre el COVID-19 y cómo monitorear su salud después de un viaje, abra la cámara de su teléfono y escanee este código:
Para obter informações sobre o COVID-19 e como monitorar sua saúde após a viagem, abra a câmera do seu celular e digitalize este código:
有关COVID-19 的信息以及如何在旅 行后监测您的健康状况，请打开手机 摄像头并扫描此二维码：
www.cdc.gov/COVIDTravel
