20 04 09

Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper

Carbondale’s weekly

Volume 12, Number 9 | April 9 - 15. 2020

community connector

Don’t fence me in

Mt. Sopris, Chair Mountain, and the Thompson Divide from Missouri Heights on a spring afternoon.

Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

Responsible recreation in the new public health landscape

By Kathleen Shannon Sopris Sun Correspondent For so many Carbondalians, Mushroom Rock feels like a backyard. The COVID-19 stay-at-home order, however, is blurring the boundaries of mountain town backyards and home trails. As local recreation areas see increased use amidst warming weather and residents stuck at home, land management agencies are trying to keep up with rapidlychanging public health information.

Amidst guideline changes, some public areas are caught between the lines of rather contradictory press releases.. For example, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) closed campgrounds, playgrounds, and their associated facilities on March 26 although the State Parks themselves remain open. CPW also recently published tips for trail safety etiquette including “stay regional” and “avoid times and places of high use.” Where, then, do regional places of high use — like Mushroom Rock — fall within these guidelines?

It’s not always clear, either, which agencies are responsible for which areas. Mushroom

*

Rock is a part of Red Hill Recreation Area, which sits on BLM land. Its parking area, however, is owned by the Town of Carbondale.

Who, then, is in charge here? To whom should Carbondalians turn to ensure they are recreating responsibly?

Essentially, these lands still belong to the public and it continues to bear the weight of using them responsibly. For the time being, the conversation around responsibility needs to expand beyond familiar principles like “leave no trace.” Though citizens have a right to use public land under normal circumstances, it should be considered a privilege in the current climate.

Different agencies are staying in touch with each other regarding decisions around public land use. David Boyd of the Colorado River Valley Field Office said the BLM is “trying to find the balance of allowing people to enjoy public lands safely.”

Boyd’s office oversees use of both the Red Hill and the Crown — otherwise known as Prince Creek—recreation areas, the latter of which BLM is planning to open to full use April 15. However, there are multiple

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governing agencies overseeing that space, as well. “When you look at the Crown, it has Pitkin, Garfield, and Eagle Counties all involved,” Boyd said. “We’re keeping in contact with counties and local governments and taking it day by day.”

The Town of Carbondale has been following the results of a weekly National Recreation and Park Association survey.

Recent results showed that 91 percent of responding agencies nationally have closed playgrounds, but the same percentage of trail networks remains open.

“I know that trailheads are a big issue right now, state-wide” said Garfield County Chief Communications Officer Renelle Lott.

Managing the use of the Red Hill area, Lott said, is “a little bit of a public health issue, a little bit of a parking lot issue, and a little bit of an enforcement issue.”

The question of responsible use of the beloved Red Hill recreation area will be a moot point starting later this month. The parking area, Town trails and BLM trails will be closed for four to six weeks for the parking lot construction project funded by Aspen

Valley Land Trust’s recent Save Red Hill fundraising campaign.

As locals seek other trails to satisfy their needs, there are the usual springtime land use concerns to keep in mind. Warm days and nighttime temperatures just around freezing keep avalanche concerns moderate, with increasing risk throughout the day, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s backcountry forecast. The White River National Forest Office asks people to avoid high-risk activities right now, to keep from tying up search-and-rescue teams and first responders.

The Forest Service is also asking the public to respect current trail closures, many of which are necessary to protect wildlife during “the toughest time of the year,” according to a Monday news release. Trail closures in the Crown area are part of wildlife conservation efforts. “Human activities in deer and elk winter habitat can flush them from areas of nutrient-rich spring forage that is essential for females to raise their young in seclusion successfully.” One trail in Vail County closed Continued on page4

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OPINION

By Will Grandbois Editor

Amid the uncertainty of closures and cancellations on March 19, I fear I cast doubt on the future of The Sopris Sun by suggesting that we might temporarily suspend our print edition.

It was, and still is, on the table.

If we had any reason to believe our papers or boxes were a serious vector of disease — for you or our delivery drivers — we wouldn’t hesitate.

Similarly, if the stay at home order was preventing folks from picking them up, we’d have to look at alternatives (although survey results showed only middling support for such measures).

But for now, although we had to nix almost all of our indoor stops, we’re still delivering to our boxes even where other papers have cut back — look for the gold markers at soprissun.com/aboutus/locations to find one near you.

We’ve stopped short of pulling the doors off, but some places we have installed zip ties to make them easier to open hands free.

And folks seem to be picking them up and, what’s more, advertising. That’s a pretty strong message that the paper is valued, and since we’re mostly funded by print ads, we’re not arguing. We will be launching a fundraising campaign in coming weeks, and while even the corporate papers are asking for money these days, we hope our open-book, nonprofit approach will continue to earn us your support.

We can’t thank you all enough for having our backs so far. With the Post Independent cutting its weekend editions and the Weekly Journal suspending publication, it’s not something we take for granted. We were particularly touched at Madeleine Osberger’s shoutout in her farewell column, and hope the people of Basalt will let us know if there’s any way we can fill that void and cover the community that isn’t already being handled by the Aspen papers.

Indeed, we are more than usually reliant on the community to let us know what’s happening so we can share it with our readers.

Please don’t hesitate to email news@soprissun.com with tips or questions, and feel free to follow up if it seems like we haven’t followed through.

These are uncertain times, and I can’t say how things will look for us in a few weeks or months, but for now, we’re proud to carry on.

LETTERS Desecrated nesting zone Dear Editor: I'm disappointed to see that someone has mowed the marsh on the eastside of the CRMS field where the new City Market is being built.

As long as I've lived here, I've only seen it damaged once before, and that was last summer while utilities were apparently being laid for the aforementioned construction. It's irksome because that zone is a haven for the beautiful redwinged black birds whose song resembles a melodically creaking hinge.

On April 1, I passed by and enjoyed their peculiar singing. By afternoon, the whole zone was devastated, presumably for the cows-to-come. Why our specist logic would uproot ancestral homes for beloved creatures, beings who also share this community, is beyond my heart's comprehension.

Raleigh Burleigh Carbondale

Thank you to our caring community Dear Editor: We brought home a very frightened shelter dog last week, who promptly bolted and ran when anyone approached. We finally were able to get her two and a half days later. Thanks to all who reported sightings and tried to contain her — including neighbors in the Crystal Village neighborhood, RVR & Hendricks area, the “Nextdoor“ community and the Carbondale Police for their concern and KDNK for their announcements. What a great town we have!

Gayle & Richard Wells Carbondale Continued on page 14

The problem is worse than the virus — tuck in and dump Trump OPINION

By Pam Zentmyer I must admit, at first blush the introvert in me got excited about the prospect of staying home for several weeks in order to protect myself and my community from what could be the worst hard time of my lifetime.

I love time with my daughter and my one-year old puppy still needs lots of training. Other than the minor detail of having to earn a living it’s a win-win-win-win. I keep my family’s germs inside my house, I keep my community’s germs outside my house, I get caught up on all things 9-yearold, and my puppy learns to keep her f$&*ing paws off the counter. Bonus: I can floss twice a day and skip plucking chin hairs if I so choose.

Sounds better than a cruise, right? Yeah, however, dios mio is it hard waiting to be struck by lightning.

Waiting for the inevitable bolt is even harder when my thirst for local, national and international reporting is so easily and richly quenched by that little glowing rectangle in my back pocket. The New York Times, NPR, The Daily, KDNK, Sopris Sun all snuggle together in there so nicely beckoning to be devoured.

Bonus- it’s all free!

Turns out, Trump’s shameful disinformation and flagrant disregard for science and medical professionals is 10 times more unsettling compared to the combined concerns about feeding my daughter, paying my bills, caring for my parents, getting my dog’s f$&*ing paws off my counter, and holding school at home, all in what could be a more crippling economy than the recession.

Trump’s idiocy and incapacity to handle the

responsibilities before him is killing us, literally. In honor of the Commander in Chief, call it Code Orange: shelter in place, take care of yourself, offer help where you can, and try to sway as many Trumpers to either skip filling in the big bubble in November or to get on board with Joe. I suggest carrying flash cards of his disingenuous quotes meant to downgrade what we are watching devastate previously hit countries and now, NYC while we parade around clinging to our lightning rods.

He is making it easy on us by simply speaking. We don’t even have to apply critical thinking skills. The most asinine strings of words spill from his mouth like a flush Roman fountain, all we must do is record them and keep them on the surface as this pandemic unfolds.

He isn’t concerned. He isn’t mobilizing efforts. He isn’t working collaboratively. He isn’t consulting professionals and heeding their advice. He isn’t interested in how this is going to affect the nation he so egotistically won over. He isn’t a leader and he reveals that every time he opens his mouth. Record his words and play them again and again so the sillies of 2016 don’t become the idiotics of 2020.

For those of you who were confused (that is my edited word — not the word I didn’t let out) enough to vote for Trump in 2016, please, please, please pay very close attention to the disorganized misinformation he continues to propagate. Then, while isolating, sit quietly and call upon your deepest, truest humanitarian selves and question if he is acting in a manner you support.

Is he problem solving as you would? Is he pulling professionals together and tapping them for their education and experience? Is he sending messages of calm, collective assurance? Is he supporting medical professionals who will work tirelessly and to their literal death to care for us? Is he putting the tools crucial to their job performance in their hands? Does he care more about his country than he does about himself ?

Continued on page 14

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

The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020

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

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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 Donna Dayton 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.

A local’s diary of the Spanish Flu

By Eleanor Clagett Reed Courtesy of Shelle DeBeque During our fifth year, in the late summer and fall of 1918, the Spanish Influenza swept into Western Colorado on its devastating march across the continent.

Carbondale's only doctor had been drafted into military service and as the contagion spread, the town council went to great lengths in developing preventative measures, but by late September victims of the disease were rapidly increasing and Town Council members approached my father with a request to come to their aid in providing medical services. My mother explained that his license to practice was only valid in the State of Missouri, however, the Council succeeded in obtaining from the State Board of Medical Examiners a temporary license for him to lend his services in their extreme emergency in that isolated community with the provision that he would take the State Board Exam due to be offered in January 1919.

The decision was a difficult one as our main crop of potatoes was yet to be harvested in Colorado, but also, it had become unmistakably apparent that my father ought not to delay resuming his medical profession. I was in my last year of elementary school and the nearest high school was in Carbondale. And, he felt strongly a humanitarian compulsion to lend his medical skills in the dilemma facing the community.

So the ranch was rented to a family who agreed to harvest the potato crop under mother's supervision.

My father moved to Carbondale to a room provided for him and began the superhuman task of administering to victims on distant ranches as well as the townspeople. For the next three and a half months, he made house calls around the clock, grabbing snatches of sleep in the buggy or later a sled provided with a driver and team of horses by the council and eating

sporadically the meals prepared by the housewives where he was administering to victims. Quarantine signs were posted on the front doors and only medical personnel, family members and all too often, a funeral director were permitted entry. The death toll was very high at that altitude if respiratory complications developed.

O n Thanksgiving Day, with the crops harvested, mother and children moved into the tall narrow two-story house that dad had been able to rent in Carbondale. A few days later, dad collapsed with unmistakable symptoms of influenza and mother readied us for the contagion with her dose of epsom salts all around.

One by one, we fell to the illness.

With the majority of Carbondale residents ill, a band of kindly ladies still on their feet and having a full cupboard, made great pots of soup which were carried to the doors with quarantine signs. One merchant, Billy Pings, ran a general store in a rather haphazard fashion with his shelves loaded with generation-old stock, but Billy was a big-hearted man and he made deliveries of needed items in his old pickup to those who were ill. Dad's recovery was very

slow, coupled with utter exhaustion.

Mother, Jim and I were soon on our feet again, but both Mac and Helen Louise were desperately sick and on Dec. 22, 1918, Helen died with the four of us holding her little hands just a month from her fifth birthday.

I was stunned and filled with anger that she should die. Our father was a doctor; he wouldn't let that happen. Mac's condition was still critical and recovery doubtful; and we were so alone with our grief in a new town and no close relatives near. Ignoring the quarantine signs, two neighbor women prepared little Helen for burial in the little white dress that Mother had helped me sew with cross-stitched roses on the collar and pockets.

Billy Pings had unearthed a child's white casket from his store and someone had obtained six pink rose buds from a florist shop but Helen's only Sunday slippers had been outgrown and her sturdy little farm boots seemed unsuitable so the ladies had left her feet in white stockings. But mother remonstrated

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that she couldn't bear for her feet to be cold, so Billy Pings again rose to the occasion and provided a dusty pair of white canvas slippers sizes too large for her wasted little feet.

Jim and I privately thought that she resembled Minnie Mouse, but it comforted mother.

With mother the only one sufficiently able, she rode up the hill to the bleak snowcovered

cemetery in Billy Ping’s old truck with the little white casket in the back.

She was accompanied by the Methodist minister and the fourth grade teacher, Teresa Pattison — Carbondale's good samaritan.

Mother was fearful that Mac would not be alive upon her return home, but he survived the crisis and very slowly began to improve. A few days later, dad's clothes were fumigated and he was allowed to leave the house and reluctantly boarded the train in Glenwood Springs for Denver to prepare for the State Medical Board's Examinations, scheduled on Jan. 4, 5, and 6. With Helen's death still painful and Mac's recovery still uncertain, he could hardly bear to leave us but it was imperative that he obtain his Colorado state license, having cut all ties to the ranch and to set the course to resuming his profession.

I was just 13 but as the oldest child, Dad had taken me aside to profess his deep concern for Mother in her grief and for Mac's recovery, stating that he would have to rely on me to fill his shoes as best I could. In that brief discussion, I literally grew to adult responsibility, assuring him of my competence to deal with the situation.

On the night of Jan. 5, two days earlier than dad's date to return, mother and I were sleeping in the double bed near the single one in which Mac lay. He required medication every two hours. At about 4 a.m., mother attempted to crawl out over me — I thought to attend to Mac. I pushed her back and said I would give him his medicine, but she began struggling more violently and I thought she had gone mentally berserk with all the recent emotional stress and fought with all my strength to restrain her. But she broke away crying, "Your father is knocking at the door," and rushed to open it to the icy draft of the January dawn and there was my father!

He was carrying his suitcase with hands, feet and ears severely frostbitten. He had convinced the examiners of the urgency for his return home and they had consented to his completing the exam as rapidly as possible. He had caught the first train to Glenwood Springs, arriving about 11 p.m. In those days, no livery or taxi service was available and the daily train run was not due until mid-morning. In his anxiety for his family, he had walked 10 miles up the railroad tracks carrying his suitcase. Dazed, he recalled little of the events for the entire time he was away from home and he could remember very little about the examination or to assess how he had acquitted himself, so it was cause for great rejoicing when he received favorable notification a few weeks later. He had placed in third place with the other examinees.

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COVID-19

Preparing for a digital Easter, Passover

By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff Buds on the trees are just starting to emerge, and wild birds are returning from their winter migrations. That’s springtime in the Valley.

Many people also observe annual expressions of faith and community as Easter and Passover both take place on dates near each other this year.

Pastor Jim Tarr of the Cornerstone Christian Center said about the outdoor service pre-recorded for online Easter morning viewing, “We wanted to make it very special, as our church family hasn’t been able to get together Sundays for a month.”

“It was quite windy,but the air became calm just as we started recording,” he noted, “We feel that as Jesus’ Last Supper took place during Passover, our religions are connected.”

The Center is also working with Slow Groovin' BBQ and Lift Up to provide free family Easter meals and a bag of Easter Eggs to the first 200 families who drive to the church at 11 a.m., Sat., April 11.

The Chabad Jewish Community Center, led by Rabbi Mendel Mintz, recently broadcast an informative class on how to lead a Passover Seder. Chabad is also offering an entire Passover Seder menu home-delivered.

Mintz described what the holiday means to him, his family and the congregation,” Passover is about finding real freedom, freedom from what is holding us back in life, the obstacles we

build around us. Passover is a reminder that we can accomplish and succeed at whatever we wish. To truly feel our heart and soul shine without hindrance.”

The eight-day Passover festival commemorates Israelites escape from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is also known as Pesach (which means “to pass over”), because Jewish homes were passed over as the last of the ten plagues killed Egyptian firstborn children. Passover takes place on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nisan, whenever that falls.

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary. It takes place the first Sunday after the first full moon after the first day of Spring.

Reverend Laurie Bushbaum of Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist said, “We are now living in an unusual time. We are physically isolated from each other, not knowing exactly what is coming towards us. To help us stay connected and spiritually grounded, While many of us feel varying stages of fear and anxiety, I hope that you can also use the quarantine time to re-ground yourselves, to center deeply on that which sustains you.”

She also asked people to “sit and just listen to the bird singing in the tree while taking deep breaths, gaze at Mt. Sopris and ponder the mystery of time and the formation of the earth.”

Lead Pastor at The Orchard Daniel Self explained why his church and many others are streaming Easter services

over the internet, “Not only are people watching, but sharing and inviting as well.

There are a lot of people looking for hope and wisdom in this season and we’ve been divinely resourced with both.”

Pastor Darryl Reeves of the Crystal River Baptist Church said the church will have a drive-in service, “Those who choose to attend church must drive into the parking lot and hear the sermon and music from the car, with the window down.”

At the Aspen Jewish Congregation, Rabbi Emily Segal said, “Passover connects us to our families and communities and to Jewish people world-wide and through the generations, reminding us to fight for the vulnerable and the downtrodden, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit, and reminding us of who we are as people and as a community.”

And Rabbi Itzkah Vardy of the Neshama Center explained that this Passover is similar to the first one, as then and now, we are combating a “plague.

People should recognize that we have the power in our hands to overcome this challenge. How? We need to stay home.”

At the Marble Community Church.

Pastor Jon Stovall explained what Easter means to him and his community, “Easter means new life coming to our community and the world. It also brings joy and hope that God gives us with the newness of life.”

Pastor Josh Vanderhyde of Faith Lutheran Church said, “We have been saying to one another that the first service we are able to have together in person again will feel a lot like Easter.”

Services Aspen Jewish Community Center: 544-3770 Aspen Jewish Congregation: 925-8245 Basalt Community United Methodist / Thomasville Community United Methodist Church: 927-4098 Carbondale Community United Methodist Church: 9634461, Streaming Church At Redstone: 963-0326 Cornerstone Christian Center: 927-3889, Streaming Crystal River Baptist Church: 963-3694, Drive-in Faith Lutheran: 510-5046, Pre-recorded service and a "watch party" Marble Community Church: 963-1464, No internet access Mid Valley Baptist Church: 963-1718 Mountain Life Calvary Chapel: 926-3880, Recording and live streaming Neshama Center: 925-9568 The Orchard: 963-8773, Streaming St. Vincent's and St. Mary of the Crown Catholic Churches: 704-0820 Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists: 989-9680, eferring to Foothills Unitarian.

Responsible from cover

This just in The Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Region will temporarily close developed recreation sites and implement fire restrictions within the Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Region to align with local, state and federal orders and guidelines to protect public health and safety. Closed developed recreation sites include campgrounds, day-use areas, picnic areas, and any other constructed facility amenities – such as potable water stations, fire rings, picnic tables, restroom facilities and trash collection services. Parking facilities, trails and trailheads remain open.

Dispersed camping, hiking and river uses are allowed, although discouraged. Regardless, there is a forest-wide prohibition on igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire (including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood-burning stoves, and sheepherder’s stoves) and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building.

While there won't be an egg hunt in the park this year, many private traditions can continue. Senna (6) and Colby (9) Horst spend their free time making an Easter tree — a project designed by local artist Yoli LaGuerre.

Visit yleventdesign.com to learn to make your own. Photo by Laurel Smith

The Montoya family heads back to a full parking lot after a hike at Red Hill Monday afternoon. Photo by Kathleen Shannon

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020

for wildlife this time last year saw 148 human and dog violations.

Hikers and cyclists may find more mud on trails without the benefits of the southern exposure that Red Hill has. Shelly Grail of the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District took to Facebook to let people know that “if people encounter mud or snow, I encourage them to walk through and not around it. Bypassing the wet spots causes erosion and trail braiding.”

Despite some risk in outdoor recreation in the COVID-19 climate, land agencies are still encouraging the public to utilize local trails. State Trails Program Manager Fletcher Jacobs said that CPW’s goal “is to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on people's recreation experiences in Colorado, especially now when they need them the most.” CPW listed many benefits of outdoor recreation in a recent news release including exposure to vitamin D, reduced levels of stress and anxiety, and even benefits to the immune system from aromatherapy; by breathing in airborne chemicals that plants make called phytoncides.

With these benefits comes a list of recommendations. All land agencies are promoting social distancing on trails and public lands. CPW also

suggests practicing good hygiene, staying regional, and avoiding highrisk and high-use areas.

You can explore alternate trails and stay updated on the latest from land-use agencies by using the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app online or on a smart device.

It has many of the same tools and functions as other trail-finding apps, but it updates daily with COVID-19 related trail closures and alerts from the local, state, and federal levels.

One more recommendation from CPW: “Be kind, say hi.” As hikers skirt each other on the trail to keep six feet away, remember to make eye contact and smile. “The risk of COVID-19 is not at all connected with race, ethnicity, or nationality,” CPW said. “Blaming others will not help fight the illness.

Do your part to be kind, say hi or wave hello, respect your fellow humans when you are out on the trail in these challenging times.”

During nationwide stay-at-home orders, mountain town residents are privileged to have abundant access to the outdoors, fresh air, and ample space. Cherish it responsibly.

COVID-19

Monumental masquerade Governor Polis encouraged Coloradans to wear cloth masks — while sporting a state-flag themed one of his own — in public last week, and then Glenwood Springs took it a step further by actively requiring face coverings in public.

The efforts, which somewhat contradict earlier messaging, hinge on the collective benefits. Beyond whatever protection wearing a mask affords you, it also reduces your own infectivity. It’s not a replacement for social distancing, but it’s another step to slow the spread.

With that in mind, folks all over took to their sewing machines. Clockwise from top left, Judy Colaneri, Bonnie Pletcher, Angelina Taylor and Ayana Pevec Brown were among the most successful. While stock is extremely limited, you can email info@ spanishsteps.com to contact Colaneri, text 618-0013 for Pevec Brown and visit weare5028.com to sign up for updates from Taylor.

Of course, you can also sew your own using one of the many patterns and tutorials available online — with cdc.gov itself being one of the most reputable.

Specific recommendations include a snug but comfortable fit secured by ties or ear loops, multiple layers of fabric that don't restrict breathing and machine washability.

Photos by Mark Burrows

The Mask Makers

Small businesses step back to move forward during pandemic

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent In these times of economic uncertainty, small businesses around Carbondale are quickly adapting to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With statewide closures in effect for nonessential businesses, it has become increasingly difficult for small business owners who rely on farmers’ markets, word of mouth, and in-person events to reach consumers.

For many entrepreneurs, this has meant developing new and creative strategies for growth — even if it means taking a step back.

Kathy Flanigan founder of natural body care company Pura Simple (purasimple.us) has recognized that her business has come to a standstill.

As a relatively new company, Flanigan was just beginning to build her customer base, and was looking forward to events like Dandelion Days and Spring into Wellness to connect with customers.

Since event cancellations are on the rise, Flanigan has shifted her focus to the backside of her business.

“I am taking extra precautions right now and using this opportunity to work on formulas, my blog, and website,” Flanigan said. “I have essentially stopped production and plan to use what I have in my lab right now for testing.”

Flanigan is still building accounts by gifting her soothing creams to neighbors and postal workers, and while Pura Simple is available at Mana Foods, Flanigan does not intend to restock until after the peak of COVID-19.

Local artist Heather Quinn (IG @sorta_interesting) is of the same mindset.

“People are buying essentials at the moment,” Quinn said. “A painting isn’t an essential. I am taking no new commissions and instead getting caught up on my list, and hoping to make things people can use, like putting artwork on backpacks or storage bins.”

Quinn has been self-isolating for some time, and out of concern for her young family and her clients, has decided to stop all shipping until after the risk of spread has gone down.

Considering the intimate nature of commissioned work, Quinn said she needs to be extra considerate right now — a choice her clients understand and appreciate.

In addition to catch-up work, Quinn plans on creating process videos and blogs to be shared with the general public on YouTube.

“Art has gotten me through a lot emotionally,” Quinn said. “Right now is a good time to start a new hobby, and art can be really liberating. I’m always happy to answer questions and share what I’ve learned with others.”

Pivoting to navigate the unknown Long time mycologist and founder of Toadstool Traditions (toadstooltraditions.com) Matthew Rader believes now is a critical time for the community to support local businesses — especially those in agriculture.

“I think now is a great time to prioritize food and growth,” Rader said. “The future of agriculture is in millions of small farms throughout the

While Rader is one of many small business owneres practicing mindful growth during the pandemic, Quinn is using this time to rest and reset.

Courtesy photos country. By supporting local growers, you are supporting future educators.”

Rader, who specializes in growing and extracting Lion’s Mane mushroom, said that mushrooms are an excellent addition to one’s diet for they are more bioefficient, nutrient-dense, and comparable to meat in protein content. They also have a low carbon impact and can still be grown at a rate to support more people in need.

Despite having a good month in February, Rader expressed concern for his future as he is currently living on a monthly basis. To brace for the unpredictable, Rader has been reevaluating his offerings.

This spring, he plans to grow as many mushrooms for trade as possible, limit his variety to highyielding mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, and lower his prices to accommodate those with economic hardships. He also plans to launch an

oyster mushroom CSA this summer.

Similarly, Mark Burrows — founder of Pollinator Chocolate (pollinatorchocolate.com) and master beekeeper — is constantly thinking ahead to ease the stress of the unknown.

“Now is the time to figure out how to think outside of the box,” Burrows said. “Everybody is hurting and we need to figure out a way to collaborate.

I wake up with anxiety and to deal with it I have to keep moving and planning.”

Burrows has spent the last few months making chocolate and prepping his business for the now cancelled spring events. When the pandemic struck, he found himself with a stockpile of goods and essentially nowhere to sell them.

Recognizing the need to adapt and collaborate, Burrows launched his website, hired a marketing person to broaden his audience, and bought an electric bicycle for free local deliveries

from Glenwood Springs to Basalt.

“We have to pivot quickly,” Burrows said. “This may all blow over tomorrow or it can go the entire summer. You have to take what you have and work with it.”

Right now, the top priority for each business owner is consumer safety. This means producing goods in the most sterile environments, keeping constant communication with consumers, and following CDC protocol.

With no clear end in sight, these small business owners are recognizing what is important to them right now, and that means continuing to adapt and lift each other up.

“It’s okay to relax and give yourself some time,” Quinn said. “Simplifying your life is important and recognizing that you don’t need a lot of stuff. This community is really coming together and you can take comfort in knowing that we are all in this together.”

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020 • 5

SCUTTLEBUTT Not so dandy Due to the cancellation of many other May events, Dandelion Day will be postponed until 2021. Because the festival focuses on Spring, and the difficulties of rescheduling amidst these times, organizers believe it's best to look forward to next year.

But take heart, efforts are underway to organize a plant pick up so at least one facet of the spring celebration can continue.

Bloody and a benedict?

After being noticeably absent from the takeout scene for the past few weeks, the Village Smithy is offering a limited menu for contactless carry out from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting April 11. Find them on Facebook for more details.

Full service We’d like to keep offering our cheapest ad option — the little service directories next to parting shots — but this week we didn’t have enough to make the layout happen.

So we’ve decided to make them even more accessible with a sale. Email adsales@soprissun.com to book yours for just $25.

On the line With social distancing and stay-athome rules in place, local businesses need tools to sell their products and services online. A host of local

Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.

organizations are offering an online class on selecting and implementing the best eCommerce experience with tools like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Ecwid, Amazon and Ebay. Bring your own breakfast, visit gcpld.org and click on the event listing to connect to the live Zoom class or watch on YouTube.

Take it to the bank FirstBank, in keeping with its focus on “banking for good,” has announced a comprehensive effort to help those impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic, including a $75,000 donation to the Colorado COVID Relief Fund, a customer assistance program and increased compensation for on-site employees.

The bank is offering consumer loan deferrals (1-833-962-1506), business and commercial loan support (1800-964-3444) and small businesses administration paycheck protection (efirstbank.com as details become available).

Paid up The Colorado Apartment Association reports that 16.4 percent of residents were late on rent as of April 6. This represents an increase from January and February, prior to COVID-19, but executive vice president Mark Williams viewed it as encouraging under the circumstances.

The CAA urges any resident

experiencing a job loss to reach out to their housing provider immediately for financial assistance options and has provided resources for renters who are directly impacted — visit aamdhq.org for more information.

Land filled The Pitkin County Solid Waste Center closed its gate to the public today after demand from private citizens making non-essential trips to the landfill exceeded the parameters of the public health order. Only commercial waste haulers will be allowed access to the landfill until further notice; at least until April 30.

Safe and sound Safewise, in its sixth year of compiling rankings based on everything from product reviews to crime data analysis to actionable safety tips and guidance, has ranked Carbondale as the fourth safest municipality in the state. Visit safewise.com/blog/safest-citiescolorado to read the full report.

Make some noise!

It’s hard to say if the 8 p.m. howl or the 7 p.m. clatter of pots and pans is louder, but the latter may be getting an extra boost as Trish Chew is out and about encouraging folks to clap for healthcare workers — and even arranged for a signup system through River Valley Ranch.

Better care for patients.

Better health for all – wherever you are in the Roaring Fork Valley.

At Aspen Valley Primary Care, our physicians are available Monday – Friday to provide comprehensive medical care and answer questions you may have about your health—especially during these uncertain times. Telemedicine consultations are now available from the comfort of your home.

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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020

Your birdwatching experience — hopefully inspired by last week's story — probably depends on where you are. Down in Carbondale, the ospreys have gone right back to nesting on one of the lights they were removed from last year (photo by Tommy Sands).

Up in Marble, we're guessing the geese are a bit too cold to follow suit (photo

by Peter Mertz).

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Steve Tullar (April 9); Marty Treadway and Herschel Ross (April 10); Susan Shirley (April 12); Diane Kenney,

Nicole Levesque, Rusty Burtard, Jane Munsell and Vicki Peterson (April 13); Roberta McGowan, James Armstrong, Mark Giesecke, Dino Baldizan and Ed Brown (April 14) Aisha Weinhold and Deloras Pulver (April 15).

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:

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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:

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www.cdc.gov/COVIDTravel THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020 • 7

Army Corps of Engineers finds Quarry violated Clean Water Act

By Heather Sackett Aspen Journalism

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has determined that the operators of a local marble quarry violated the Clean Water Act when they diverted a tributary of the Crystal River to make way for a mining road.

In the fall of 2018, Colorado Stone Quarries (CSQ), which operates the famed Yule Quarry just outside the town of Marble, diverted Yule Creek from its natural channel on the west side of Franklin Ridge — a rock outcropping — to the east side of the ridge. Operators piled the original streambed with fill material, including marble blocks.

Although this move probably spared Yule Creek the impacts of a diesel spill last October, it was done without the proper permits or oversight, according to the Army Corps.

Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, a project requires a permit from the Army Corps if it includes the discharge of dredged or fill materials into waters such as rivers, streams and wetlands. CSQ did not obtain a permit for the project because company officials thought the work was exempt, citing the temporary nature of the access road and creek diversion.

Army Corps officials disagreed.

“The work performed does not qualify for an exemption,” states a March 5 letter from Army Corps Colorado West Section chief Susan Nall, as the work “is being utilized for purposes other than moving mining equipment (e.g., hauling mined marble, accessing other portions of the mine, fuel staging area, and performing spill cleanup and monitoring activities) as required

by the applicable exemption.”

Nall’s letter then declares: “Therefore, the work is a violation of the Clean Water Act.” In order to remedy the situation, the Army Corps wants Yule Creek returned to its original alignment.

“Our preference is always to preserve the physical waterway if possible,” Nall said.

CSQ is considering a few different alignments for Yule Creek.

“The current alignment does accomplish the goal of creating separation between the creek and mining activities, which benefits the watershed,” CSQ general manager Daniele Treves said in a prepared statement.

The company plans to apply for an “individual permit,” which will require a 30-day public notice, public review and comments.

The final decision on the Yule Creek alignment rests with the Army Corps.

The diversion of Yule Creek came to the attention of Army Corps staff after October’s diesel spill, which released roughly 5,500 gallons of fuel from storage tanks onto the ground.

Although CSQ notified the Army Corps in 2018 that they were planning to divert about 1,500 feet of the creek, the company didn’t follow the proper procedure and the Army Corps didn’t realize the scope of the work it was planning, according to Nall.

“We did not realize it was a formal request for concurrence of an exemption. That might have been an error on our part,” Nall said. “We didn’t object, and they took it as a concurrence.

Nothing is exempt until we say it is. They really should have obtained it from us in writing.”

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8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020

Marble blocks line the banks of the Crystal River where County Road 3C, known as the Quarry Road, crosses the river. Photo by Heather Sackett

DRMS penalty On Wednesday, the board of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) levied a $18,600 penalty for the October spill. The accident resulted in the quarry’s violation of three state statutes: unauthorized release of pollutants into groundwater, failure to minimize disturbance to water quality and failure to comply with the conditions of the permit.

DRMS determined September’s relocation of generators and the diesel-fuel tanks that supplied them was not approved and was a violation of CSQ’s permit. The diesel tanks were not put in secondary containment structures.

CSQ has agreed to pay the fine.

“We are always more interested in gaining compliance than the monetary aspect of it,” said Russell Means, minerals program director for DRMS.

According to an agreement between quarry operators and state regulators, CSQ also will continue to clean up the site, including bioremediation treatments to remove hydrocarbons from the soil and long-term water-quality monitoring.

Means and Nall said CSQ has been cooperative throughout the process.

“I think everybody’s interest is the same — we would all like to see the spill area cleaned up and the best thing for Yule Creek,” Nall said.

The quarry, now known as The Pride of America Mine, is owned by Italian company Red Graniti and employs about 30 to 40 people. According to CSQ, there are enough marble reserves contained in its six galleries to continue mining at the current rate for more than 100 years.

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Homeout Carbondale Is virtual exercise the wave of the future?

By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent With all this time at home people could — sooner or later — succumb to stir craziness. But have no fear, there are ways to diminish the insanity.

One effective antidote is exercise. However, gym goers themselves currently comprise their own category of panic.

“What am I going to do to get in my reps, bro?” some have surely wondered.

Well gals and guys, it’s time to get virtual, and if not that then at least creative — which should not be a problem, afterall we are Carbondalians.

So get out those short shorts and crop tops and into your groove like no one is watching… or at least not from the same room.

Let’s tighten up those sneakers and homeout!

Whether you like to get your pump on alone or with company there are options.

Yes, group workouts are still on the table. Valley resident Kellee Morris has been attending classes more than ever before — via the interweb. Morris says she is, “finding that the online groups

are bigger than the classes were.”

Apparently there are virtually (pun intended) no excuses to miss cyber exercise class.

A plethora of fitness forms are offered online. Morris herself participates in two to three groups a day from pilates to yoga and more.

Morris runs her own yoga business, Kellee Morris Health and Yoga LLC, but is currently teaching virtual classes for The Ivy Standard Yoga Institute based out of Salt Lake City. The classes are provided “gratis” but people are asked to donate what they can.

“This is global,” Morris states.

In fact she gets to attend her favorite pilates class hosted in Wales, UK. The catch is that the class begins at 9:30 in the morning in Wales, so that’s 2:30 in the morning here in the Valley. It’s very much worth it to Morris. She loves the instructor, Marc Greco, who she says is an “ex-aerobic champion” and that he “just sits and insults us the whole way through class in a way that you just laugh your head off.”

It should have been mentioned that Morris herself is from the UK and her mum currently lives in Wales.

Many local businesses are adapting to the online platform as

well. The Carbondale Rec Center, along with several other fitness companies, is offering virtual classes.

So check and see if your usual gym is doing the same.

“What makes it so delightful is seeing people working out and their dog comes and ambushes them and the kids are there,” Morris reiterates, that there are “a lot of laughs.”

Morris points out that these cyber fitness groups provide community for people stuck in their homes. For instance, White Horse Yoga in Carbondale is hosting a “Yoga Social Talent Show” Friday nights from 7:30 to 8:30 via Zoom.

Morris says, “anybody can call in on the Zoom meeting and we’ve got our cocktails and people do silly dog tricks and partner yoga and they sing and they dance.” She added that the class in Wales is also meeting for a virtual dinner party.

Morris wants to emphasize that “Instructors, I think because of the time we’re in, are at their best.”

According to Morris, some local businesses such as Tac Fitness are providing stress relief and finance classes as well.

Morris has “a feeling this is going to bring about a change in how we do this in the future,” and that the online presence will likely last.

One cannot help but chuckle when coming up with new things to lift whilst exercising from home. Photo by James Steindler Author’s note for those who may still be antisocial: Perhaps the virtual world is not your thing, or you like working out alone. Well then you best get creative. Hey, I’m not judging — just aboard the same boat.

For cardio get out and hike your buns off and remember to social distance even outdoors.

If you’re a bodybuilder, find

things to lift around the house: books, rocks from the back yard or small children would do.

I myself have resorted to lifting sandbags, which typically serve the purpose of weighting one’s truck, and a rock bar (see photo for visual). Hang in there meat heads and just remember to pick-up, setdown and repeat.

Whatever you do, do it safely.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020 • 9

Want to get involved?

GOVERNMENT BRIEFS Town gets grant for youth art park

GarCo appoints new Treasurer

Loan Fund goes interest free

The Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board awarded a $35,000 grant to the Town of Carbondale to design and build a youth art park. The project received one of eight Mini Local Park and Outdoor Recreation (Mini LPOR) grants awarded.

The Town of Carbondale, in partnership with Carbondale Arts, will use its Mini LPOR grant to build the Youth Art Park, the third and final park along the town’s one-mile Rio Grande ARTway. The site of the park, which sits on a hill, will feature youth-led design elements, including a slide to access the park, railroad ties along the entry point, and a climbing structure with attached ropes. A bicycle recharging station will also be installed to charge electronic devices while teaching children about renewable energy through kinetic motion.

Carrie Couey was appointed by Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) this morning as Garfield County Treasurer and Public Trustee in a Special Meeting scheduled for that purpose. She was sworn in by 9th Judicial District Judge Denise Lynch at the Garfield County Commission chambers. Ten people were in attendance in the meeting chambers, while the meeting itself was open to the public through streaming video online.

Former Treasurer Karla Bagley tendered her resignation to be effective as of March 20. Couey now serves through December of 2022, which is the length of Bagley’s current term in office.

Business and residential property owners will have extra time to file their Personal Property Declarations with the Assessor’s office as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown in Colorado. Normally, these declarations must be made by April 15, but the deadline has been extended to June 15.

The Governor’s office signed an Executive Order declaring the extension on April 2.

Revolving Loan Fund goes interest free The Town of Carbondale has asked for and received approval from the USDA Rural Development to lower the interest rate on business loans through their revolving loan fund to 0 percent. The fund was set up by the Town in 2002 to provide funding to new or existing businesses that could not receive funding with other sources at low-interest rates. Many local businesses have used the fund, such as Kula Yoga, Aloha, Mtn Cyclery, Silo, and others. Even nonprofit organizations like YouthEntity and Solar Rollers have taken out up to $25,000 loans to create or grow their business.

Childcare coverages extended to critical workers Colorado will extend a full childcare tuition credit to all critical workers identified in the Colorado State Executive Stay at Home Order. This 100 percent tuition credit will provide childcare to all critical workers until May 17. The list of critical workers who will be covered by this care is outlined in the order. Childcare through the collaborative is provided by licensed childcare providers across Colorado. It is important for families to note that the supply of care is limited, and if they can utilize other care, or are able to work from home, they should do so.

Emergency childcare provided through the collaborative is for when all other care settings have been exhausted and families have no other options.

Contact your elected officials about the issues that matter to you Senator Michael Bennet 261 Russell Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5852

Remote notarization approved Following the Governor’s Executive Order on Saturday, the Secretary of State’s Office has set up a process that will enable Coloradans access to notary services without in-person contact.

Secretary Griswold has issued emergency rules that outline the procedures and requirements for remote notarization in Colorado during this state of emergency.

The emergency remote notary process builds on this work done by the office over the last several years. For more information, please visit www.sos.state.co.us.

Senator Cory Gardner 354 Russell Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5941

Congressman Scott Tipton 218 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-4761

Less than half of households respond to census

CO Senator Bob Rankin

As of the beginning of April, 44.1 percent of Colorado households have self-responded to the 2020 Census. The national selfresponse rate is 41.3 percent. It has never been easier to respond to the 2020 Census on your own, whether online, by phone, or by mail - all without having to meet a census taker. Go to 2020census.gov or call 1-844330-2020 and cross it off your to do list today. The deadline to respond is Aug. 14.

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Tobacco tax approved, Kane takes Basalt Mayor

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff A sizable majority of voters in Carbondale’s municipal election supported taxing tobacco products — with 924 in favor of the measure and 381 opposed, according to unofficial results.

Beginning July 1, it represents a sales tax increase of four dollars per pack of cigarettes or 40 percent on other tobacco products, with proceeds earmarked for prevention and treatment of tobacco use and enforcement and education related to risks and regulations.

Mayor Dan Richardson said the approach of discouraging smoking by increasing the price while also generating revenue to combat impacts was, at least for him, particularly aimed at the youth.

“I’m tickled pink,” he said of the results. “This hasn’t been as much of a focus for me as I thought it would be because of coronavirus, but this is something the board has been working on for a very long time and I think this is a positive step.”

Also on the ballot were three unopposed incumbent trustees. Marty Silverstein led the largely ceremonial vote with 1,046 supporters, Ben Bohmfalk followed with 890 and Lani Kitching had 851.

Richardson didn’t seem particularly put out by the lack of challengers. “If that kept happening election after election, it would worry me, but I’m cautiously optimistic that it meant that folks felt like our current board was doing okay work,” he said.

The next town over Meanwhile, Bill Kane came out handily ahead in the race for mayor of Basalt, with 652 votes @rockymountainhighq

File photo by Danielle Dunham to William Infante’s 271 and Rob Leavitt’s 219.

Although voting was ranked, the former Town Manager pulled in more than half the vote in the first round, eliminating the need for a second.

With three seats open on Basalt’s Town Council, Glenn Drummond and David Knight had a solid leads with 581 and 575 votes, respectively, Elyse Hottel topped Dieter Schindler just 506 to 502. Jennifer Riffle had 463 votes while Tiffany Haddad trailed with 405.

There are 56 outstanding overseas and signature verification ballots which could change council results; they would not change the mayoral results.

More to come Municipal elections may be wrapping up, but the season is just starting. Next up is the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District

board, with three candidates vying for two seats.

Incumbents Gene Schilling and Sydney Schalit both responded to a request for statements, but The Sun is still waiting on one from challenger Joe Enzer. We plan to publish them together or simply launch right into more in-depth coverage once we can reach them all. Ballots will be mailed soon and are due back by 7 p.m. on May 5. Under the circumstances, Carbondale Fire is asking that voters opt for mail or the Town Hall dropbox rather than bringing their ballot to the firehouse.

Finally, candidates for Garfield County Commissioner seem more focused on the public health crisis than campaigning, with Katrina Byars and potentially John Martin expected to participate — among other local officials — in an on-air town hall hosted by KDNK at 6 p.m. on April 11. Email news@ kdnk.org to submit a question.

School district approves calendar, refinances bond At its April 7 meeting, the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education approved school-year calendars for 2020-21 and 2021-2. These calendars largely mirror the 2019-20 calendar except for a longer summer break, shorter spring and fall breaks, and revised conference dates. These changes were made based on data collected from over 2,000 students, staff, parents, and community members that clearly indicated the majority of respondents generally were satisfied with the current calendar but wanted these small changes.

The next school year will start on August 17, which allows the first semester to end before winter break and help to end the school year before June.

At the same meeting, the board approved a refinancing of approximately $27.7 million of bonds that were issued in 2011 and 2012 to take advantage of lower interest rates. This refinance will save school district taxpayers about $365,000 per year, or a total of about $2.1 million, in property taxes over the next six years.

There is not a savings for the district: refinancing benefits taxpayers and ensures the district collects the fewest dollars possible. Bonds must be approved by taxpayers for set amounts to be used on specific capital projects.

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The light at the end of the tunnel

Tens-of-thousands dead from the coronavirus. Who knows how many total cases because of the lack of testing, particularly in this country? Millions unemployed.

Hard to find the silver lining behind this cloud, but I’m gonna take a shot at it. We’ve heard enough depressing news. Here’s what I see as the possible positives to come outta this crisis, both for myself and the world:

Personally

I intend to keep washing my hands for 20 seconds several times during the day after the pandemic is over. Even if you’re a houseplant, your hands get into some nasty places during the course of the day.

Since I grew my beard in 1972, I’ve had the annoying habit of stroking it when my hands are idle. Well, that’s face touching, strictly verboten by the Center for

Disease Control, so I’m starting to pet my cat Frankie instead.

Frankie digs it.

Frankie is my only roommate.

I have no family or other human companionship, but I think I know what it’s like to be confined in your home with other people.

I’ve never realized before what a nag Frankie is. Meow, feed me.

Meow, lemme outside. Meow, lemme inside. Meow, make a lap so I can sit in it. Meow, get outta my house. This may sound like a negative, but we should get to know all the nuances of our loved ones. I imagine many parents and couples are doing that now with their children and spouses.

Where to get my exercise is an issue since the hot springs pool and the Rec Center are closed, so I’ve taken to riding my bike up and down the Rio Grande and Crystal River Trails. That gives my legs and lungs a workout and I can fully absorb our beautiful valley.

I’m hoping to keep it up after the lockdown.

With all my usual haunts closed, I’m saving lotsa money and gas. I looked in my wallet today and saw the same $20 bill I saw two weeks ago. When I lost my driver’s license, the Carbondale police gave me a warning because my car had been parked in the same place on the easement in front of

my house for three days. I hope they’ve suspended that practice because that car hasn’t moved in a while. Emitting no greenhouse gases. Have you seen 82 recently at what used to be rush hour? Isn’t it beautiful?

Working from home is one of the ways we’re keeping cars off the streets. I’m retired, but my Alcoholics Anonymous group is holding their meetings on Zoom.

It’s better than a conference call or a chatroom because you see the person you’re talking to. That gives you as much a sense of contact as possible under the circumstances.

I’d like to see businesses and the government continue those practices after the pandemic.

Why do we need to congregate to accomplish goals?

I’ve learned life goes on without sports. I’m occupying my television time, which I’m trying to limit, to more intellectual endeavors like classic films and PBS. I’ve even begun reading books online.

A lifelong bachelor who loves to eat good food, I’ve become a damn good cook. I’ve been cooking up a storm with all this time on my hands. Soups, pasta, stir fry, I’ll match any restaurant in town for variety. The downside is with limited exercise, I’m afraid I’m putting on some weight. Gotta get my head outta the refrigerator.

“I trust my census answers are safe, secure and confidential” ARACELY TERRAZAS, CARBONDALE RESIDENT

Census workers take a lifetime oath to keep our information safe and the law prohibits sharing answers with other government agencies.

Complete your census TODAY!

A2PCensus2020.com 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020

Globally We’ll learn from this experience and leave our cars at home. It would be a great boon to the planet, environment, and the serenity of life in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Garden supply outlets are reporting an increased demand for seeds. People are planning gardens so they can grow their own food and not depend on a potentially contagious grocery store. We need to do that and encourage our markets to carry more locally grown food. It makes no sense to truck in produce from California and Chile when we can grow it right here.

To paraphrase John Donne, the nationalists will realize no country is an island, entire of itself. We’re part of the main on an increasingly small planet.

Trump’s been trying to ruin the Chinese economy since he took office. He failed. The tariffs only hurt American farmers.

The coronavirus did what Trump couldn’t and the ramifications have been felt here.

The fiscal conservatives will learn that government spending is the only way to affect growth in the economy. A $2 trillion relief package? Sounds like socialism to me. Obama tried to get our economy off its ass with some

infrastructure improvements in 2011, but the Tea Party advocates in Congress didn’t wanna increase the deficit. Of course, the way to increase spending without raising the deficit is to have the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes, but the remnants of the Tea Party still in Congress would never betray their billionaire masters. Maybe the more enlightened legislators and executive who’ll come to power this November will see the situation differently.

World leaders will see the people need the truth in time of crisis. This pandemic got outta control when Chinese President Xi Jinping sent the doctor who sounded the alarm about coronavirus to a reeducation camp.

Trump continued that approach by downplaying the severity of the situation, telling us a vaccine was coming any day, the pandemic was contained, and anybody who needed a test or a ventilator could have one. Don’t stroke our hair and kiss us goodnight. We’re not children. Tell us the truth so we can be ready for the consequences.

The light will go on for opponents of Medicare for All. A single source, universal, public option, and — yes, I’ll say it — socialized healthcare system is what we need for emergencies Continued on page 14

SUZOKU

like a pandemic. Spain and Ireland have nationalized their hospitals to combat the virus. Communications between the hospitals that need the supplies and the government responsible for meeting that demand would improve.

Our next president will invoke the Defense Production Act, which requires factories to retool to make needed medical equipment, in time to save lives and not worry about whether that would be a Venezuela-type nationalization or not. He won’t give away our hospital’s precious personal protection equipment to China after the virus reared its ugly head in this country, either.

We’ve all gained a new appreciation for our health care workers, first responders, grocery store personnel, and all the others who’ve helped pull us through this. After the Lake

Christine Fire, I referred to the wildland firefighters as superheroes. A lotta others just joined that group.

We’ll be prepared next time. I don’t know if Obama’s pandemic defense team, which Trump disbanded along with everything else with the name of our first black president on it, or a fullstrength CDC, which Trump made drastic cuts to, would’ve helped. All I know is we were caught with our pants down. Not enough test kits, ventilators, masks, PPE, or hospital beds. Trump said he’s a businessman, so he doesn’t like to see government employees or material sitting around waiting for an emergency to happen. My uncle was a fire captain.

He and his company were on their ass 90 percent of the time in the fire station, but when we needed them, we needed them and they came through. Pandemics have happened in the past and they’ll happen again. Let’s learn from this experience and be ready.

By Suzie Brady

Light from page 12

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020 • 13

Zentmeyer from page 2 The unequivocal answers to all of the above is a resounding no. No, he isn’t doing the job you entrusted him to do. No, he doesn’t care if you, your mother, your sister, your grandmother, your daughter or your granddaughter dies for lack of supplies or care giver. Now, pull out your glowing rectangle and read some true reporting. Educate yourself on the facts from Italy, NYC or whatever the hot spot de jure is.

Project those findings on to the United States and do what my grandmothers did: write him a letter. We all have time between twice-a-day flossing. Tell him he is missing the mark and that you expect more. Tell him you voted for him and you are outraged at his lack of consideration let alone

lack of leadership. Then write to congress men and women you elected and shame them for not protecting democracy.

Shame them for not speaking out against His Orangeness and demand better from them. Then read some more real news and get ready for November.

As we approach Nov. 3, read everything Donald McNeil has written. Listen to The Daily interviews with him. Read and listen to everything Dr. Fauci has said. Watch the body language during “press conferences.” Bone up on what those with an education are saying and contrast that with what comes out of Code Orange’s mouth. Stay home, help your neighbors, love on your family and friends, stay open to possibility, wash your hands and combat Code Orange with education and truth. Vote, and vote for people who care about taking care of people. Vote out Code Orange.

LETTERS

From page 2

We feel your love Dear Editor: On behalf of Aspen Valley Hospital physicians and staff, we would like to acknowledge and thank our community for the outpouring of appreciation and support we have received from you during this difficult time. Your kindness has been greatly appreciated, and we feel your love. We have been overwhelmed by the offers to donate masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to our hospital. And, we are so appreciative of the generosity from community members who have provided food, including entire meals for our physicians and staff.

We will continue to work hard for you and provide the quality of services that we always have, while facing the challenges

felt in our community and around the world. We are humbled by your care and concern for the healthcare workers at Aspen Valley Hospital on the front lines of this devastating pandemic.

This weekend, some very industrious and kind-hearted community members posted signs at our employee parking entrances thanking Aspen Valley Hospital. Their sincere expression of appreciation was warmly received by all of our staff and physicians who passed by the bright hand-painted (and anonymous) signs.

Our community is never stronger than when faced with hard times. This is evident over the last few weeks. Please visit aspenhospital.org to learn more about how you can continue to make a positive impact.

Aspen Valley Hospital

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Please continue to pay Dear Editor: During these stressful times, many household workers are no longer being employed.

In particular, house cleaners are taking a massive pay cut. If you can, please continue to pay your household help even if they aren’t coming to your house.

Jerome Dayton Carbondale

In real time Dear Editor: In the here and now Here is where you always are It’s never not now JM Jesse Glenwood Springs

LEGALS NOTICE OF FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE GRANTING AN ELECTRIC FRANCHISE TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Garfield County, State of Colorado, to be held on April 14, 2020 at the hour of 6:00 p.m., via Zoom videoconference (in order to participate in the conference, email the Town Clerk at cderby@carbondaleco. net in the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, an ordinance of said Town of Carbondale, granting a gas franchise to Public Service Company of Colorado, entitled: Ordinance No. 3, Series 2020 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A FRANCHISE BY THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASIGNS, THE RIGHT TO FURNISH, SELL AND DISTRIBUTE ELECTRCITY TO THE TOWN AND ALL PERSONS, BUSINESSES, AND INDUSTRY WITHIN THE TOWN AND THE RIGHT TO ACQUIRE, CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, LOCATE, MAINTAIN, OPERATE AND EXTEND INTO, WITHIN AND THROUGH SAID TOWN ALL FACILITIES REASONABLE NECESSARY TO FURNISH, SELL AND DISTRIBUTE ELECTRICTY WITHIN THE TOWN AND THE RIGHT TO MAKE REASONABLE USE OF ALL STREETS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES AND PUBLIC EASEMENTS AS HEREIN DEFINED AS MAY BE NECESSARY; AND FIXING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS THEREOF. will come before the Board of the Town of Carbondale for further consideration as to its adoption and passage, as provided by law. Said ordinance was introduced and read for the first time at the regular meeting of said Board held on February 25, 2020.

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO Dated at Carbondale, Colorado

April 2, 2020

NOTICE OF MAIL BALLOT ELECTION §1-13.5-1105(2)(d), 1-13.5-502 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN and particularly to the electors of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District of Garfield, Pitkin and Gunnison Counties, State of Colorado: NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a regular election of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District shall be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The election is being conducted as a mail ballot election. Mail ballots are required to be mailed to eligible electors between 22 and 15 days prior to the election date.

At said election, the electors of the District shall vote for Directors to serve the following terms of office on the Board of Directors of the District: The names of persons nominated as Director for a THREE-Year Term Gene Schilling Joe Enzer Sydney Schalit The address of the location for application and the return of mail ballots and the hours during which the office will be open: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please call or email first to obtain a ballot or replacement ballot.

970-963-2491 (please ask for Jenny) or email to cutright@carbondalefire. org Carbondale Fire District Headquarters 301 Meadowood Drive, Carbondale, CO Ballot may also be dropped off at the ballot box outside of Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO The office is open Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., beginning at least 22 days prior to Election Day (April 13th) and from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day (May 5th).

Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District Jennifer Cutright 970-963-2491 Published in: The Sopris Sun Published on: April 9, 2020

Vote for Sydney!

FSM proudly endorses Sydney Schalit for

Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors.

Elected officials are accountable to the

people and Sydney is

truly of the people. She is a dedicated community

member who represents

what we most appreciate about Carbondale Fire: commitment,

equity, professionalism, compassion, efficiency.

When you receive your mail-in ballot, vote for Sydney Schalit.

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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020

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PARTING SHOTS

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Wewer Keohane echoed our call to creativity in her "Soltiude Series," Libby Riger took the opportunity to get back to work on her painting and Donna Dale got in the spirit with her CoronaGlass project.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 9 - APRIL 15, 2020 • 15

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