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Volume 12, Number 10 | April 16 - 22. 2020
Make some noise Participation in both the 7 p.m. clap-and-clatter and 8 p.m. howl has been intermittent in Carbondale, but we're hoping if you see your neighbors doing it, you'll join in! If you're more of a quiet type, see page 9. Photos by Mark Burrows
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OPINION
SEEKING HIGHER GROUND By Nicolette Toussaint
Despite a childhood marred by divorce, frequent moves and a parent’s attempted suicide, I have never gone hungry. And until Mary Kenyon mentioned it in a March meeting, I had never heard the term “food insecurity”. According to the Colorado Health Institute, half a million Coloradoans experience “food insecurity.” That means that they “lack consistent access to a reliable food source during the past year.” Moreover, a 2017 study by the antihunger group Feeding America found that nearly 8 percent of Americans aged over 60 were “food insecure”. I’m pretty sure that coronavirus has kicked those numbers way up. I began my self-imposed house arrest on March 8, after calculating that, due to age and health issues, COVID-19 would quickly deliver me to the grim reaper. Eleven days later, when Governor Polis closed all but essential businesses, food shopping suddenly became a problem: my 89-year-old husband, who had solemnly agreed to shop just once a week went three times in one day, each time hoping the truck would arrive to fill City Market’s barren shelves. That really hit me in the gut. The Colorado Health Institute reports that food insecurity in our state is largely a rural problem, one that’s due to higher poverty and unemployment rates and one complicated by a lack of public transportation. That pretty much nails what was (and to a lesser degree still is) going
Thoughts about ‘food insecurity’ from a ‘gifted’ writer on in Carbondale in this time of coronavirus. Panic buying, people trying to minimize shopping trips and the fact that Carbondale lies at the far end of City Market’s delivery route have added to our local bare-shelves problem. My personal insecurity about food led first to online carping, to 98 replies from similarly stressed locals, and then me personally emailing the CEO of Kroger, imploring him to improve our local lot. Thanks to frenzied organizing — by Dave Reed, who put together the Carbondale Mutual Aid Group on Facebook, an effort broadened and deepened by Katrina Byers, Ashley Weitzel, Amy Kimberly and Mayor Dan Richardson — Carbondale’s quarantine picture has brightened considerably. Carbondale’s elders and the health-challenged now have special shopping hours. The Carbondale Emergency Task Force is handdelivering flyers that list available food, mental health and financial services. Mary Kenyon, who had already alerted the Carbondale Age-Friendly Community Initiative (CAFCI) about the fact that 3,500 Garfield County seniors had no access to home delivered meals, is now personally delivering food to 27 households. There’s even a daily City Market stocking report on Facebook, courtesy of Peter Merz. (Merz wrote an April 1 opinion piece for this paper explaining how and why he’s providing this service.) All along, City Market assured Merz that its supply chain was intact and that trucks would keep arriving — as they indeed have. But the experience of wondering where my next meal was coming from got me to thinking a lot more about where my FOOD was coming from in general. Lately, it’s come from some unexpected places, most of them hyper-local. After my online rant, eight different people, two of them strangers, offered to shop for me. Two neighbors gave me eggs. I
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And all our SunScribers Demand has been heavy as Lift-Up hands out food around 2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at the Third Street Center (top photo by Laurel Smith, bottom by Ken Pletcher). Visit liftup.org to donate or volunteer. gleaned pears and Yukon gold potatoes from a box on Village Road bearing a “free” sign. My friend Alegria has appeared on my porch more than once bearing edible gifts. (I suppose all this makes me a highly “gifted” writer. I’m deeply grateful to have helpful friends, a reasonably secure income and transportation. These are all unearned gifts that many “food insecure” seniors don’t have.) My friend Alegria lives in Missouri Heights, down the road from Felix Tornare, owner of Louis’ Swiss Bakery. Felix is one many local restaurateurs who have been abruptly plunged into a struggle for survival. The Aspen restaurants that have bought his pastries for the past 30 years have closed. Felix has kept his AABC shop open for takeout while exploring other ways
to keep his business from starving. He roasted the chicken and baked the whole wheat bread that Alegria brought to me — along with her request that I “mention it”. Loudly. For environmental reasons, I have long favored locavore eating. But my recent quarantine has delivered a gut-level understanding of social and economic reasons why it’s important to support our local food producers, purveyors and restaurateurs. Given how much things have changed in the last month, it seems appropriate to end this column with a shameless commercial plug — something wholly out of character for me. So here goes: Louis’ fragrant and heavenly (but un-holey), sprouted wheat bread is now available from Mana Market. Go try some!
LETTERS Respect public lands Dear Editor: As residents of Colorado, we are fortunate to have places outside to stretch our legs and breathe deeply. We may wander gently, rejuvenating in nature’s spring rebirth; or recalibrate through heart-pumping uphill runs and rides. Many of us have access to recreation on public lands managed by local, state and federal agencies, for example, the US Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. It's a privilege for us to be able to use and enjoy our public lands! Colorado Wild Public Lands, a local non-
profit organization with a mission to protect the integrity, size and quality of public lands, has joined with the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association, Bristlecone Mountain Sports, Gunnison Trails, the Independence Pass Foundation, Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association, wilderness Workshop, Wild Earth Guardians and Women for Wildlands. We would like to remind folks to continue being respectful while using public lands. Please be aware of the most current rules and follow directions for seasonal closures, fire restrictions and social distancing. Remember that during the current public health crisis it’s a good time
to recreate near home in locally-recommended group sizes. Play it safe to minimize impacts to our emergency response systems. Set your activities and risk levels accordingly. Our designated wilderness areas are especially sensitive to human impacts. Know that in wilderness areas motorized or mechanized uses, such as snowmobiles and chain saws, aren’t permitted. Avoid sensitive wildlife habitat as our furry friends emerge from winter conditions. As always, practice “leave no trace” principles. At home, take the opportunity to learn more about the natural and recreational values of our Continued on page 13
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 16 - APRIL 22, 2020
and community members for your support.
It truly takes a village to keep The Sun shining.
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 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.
Feeling the loss of Pete and El Baker By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent She was an impeccable homemaker; he was a retired police captain. Together, Eleanor “El” and Peter Baker of Lake Ariel, PA raised 5 children, doted upon 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, and navigated 62 years of marriage; and on April 2 they shared their last moments of life together, as they both passed away due to the novel coronavirus. “They were both extremely active,” Connie Baker, daughter of Pete and El and co-founder of Marble Distilling said. “They didn’t have any underlying issues that would’ve been a red flag for covid. Their only red flag was that they were older.” Pete, 85, and El, 84, split their retirement years summering at their home in the Poconos, and relaxing in the warm Florida weather during the winter. Every winter since Pete’s retirement, the couple would attend a retired New Jersey Trooper event just a few hours away from their home in Florida. It was a chance for Pete and El to check in with old friends and stay connected with a community they had known for over 30 years. Connie, however, had reservations. “I actually talked to them that same day and said, ‘Are you guys still going to this?’ and they said, ‘Oh yeah! It’s a very small event this year, we know everyone who is going to be
there,’” Connie said. As a man who always believed in doing the right thing, Pete was very “by the books” and cognizant of social protocol at the time. Pete told Connie that he knew all about elbow tapping and not shaking hands, and was confident they would be fine. Then, on March 10, before any government restrictions had been announced, the couple left not knowing they would inevitably come in contact with a friend who was asymptomatic for COVID-19. About a week after the event, El became sick and drove herself to the hospital. She was immediately admitted. The very next day, Connie and her siblings could not reach their father. Connie’s sister drove three hours to find Pete gravely ill and quickly called for an ambulance. He was also admitted. Right now, at many hospitals around the world, visitors need special clearance to enter. As a result, Connie and her siblings were unable to care for their parents during the most difficult parts of the virus. For Connie, the one silver lining was knowing that her parents were cared for by a staff that went above and beyond its paygrade and training to comfort its patients. She did not make it in time to be with her mother, but she and her siblings were fortunate to receive special end-of-life dispensation to be with Pete during his final hours. The day El passed away, Connie was
Pete and El Baker's lost their lives to COVID-19 earlier this month. Courtesy photo desperately trying to make contact with her mother who was too weak to answer the phone. Earlier that day, two nurses discovered a video of El’s granddaughter singing Ave Maria. Knowing Connie’s situation, they decided to gear up in the middle of the night, and enter El’s room to record El watching the video. The recording was immediately sent to Connie. “These two beautiful nurses took the time to do this,” Connie said. “It is just so unbelievable what they are doing around the country. Life will never be the same for the Baker siblings. Not once did they expect COVID-19 to impact them so deeply. Comparing her new reality to the Twilight Zone, Connie expressed the difficulty of grieving with current restrictions in place. “We didn’t get to go through the coming to terms with the grief process. There was no
funeral, there was no gathering; all of those typical things when a family member passes are gone right now.” Connie said. “I feel like one day we are going to wake up and this is all going to be over.” For now, the Baker siblings will be doing what they do best: working hard and taking care of each other, just like their parents did. “I do think there is a message here about all of us working together to figure out if we can overcome what might be a new normal,” Connie said. During El’s final moments, the staff shined once again to quickly move El across the hospital to Pete’s room in the ICU. El was fighting to stay alive; Pete was sedated on a ventilator. Together they were able to hold hands one last time and leave a legacy full of love, community, and, above all else, family.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020 • 3
COVID-19
Roaring Fork teachers and students learn to cope — virtually By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff What’s it like to go from sitting at a desk with the teacher a few rows in front going over the day’s curriculum to the long distance of a computer screen? All the same ingredients — teaching, studying and even laughing — are still there, but it’s a whole new world kids are living in. And teachers can’t easily figure out who is paying attention or grabbing a quick nap in the back row. Distance learning, a new but now regularly used school district phrase, will formally begin Mon., April 20 in Roaring Fork School District (RFSD). Colorado Governor Jared Polis suspended in-person learning through April 30 and ordered all residents, except those considered essential, to stay at home until at least April 26. According to Public Information Officer Kelsey Been, the district has not yet made a decision on whether or not to maintain the closure through the end of the school year. All students in grades three and up have been issued Chromebooks, and the district’s website, rfsd.k12.co.us, has details about free and lowcost internet options. RFSD is also providing free meals to all children, with grab-andgo breakfast and lunch distributed at the Crystal River and Basalt Elementary schools from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and delivery options are available at specific sites. Those who cannot get to a location should email familyservices@rfschools.com or call 384-9500. In the meantime, families like the Nickersons of Carbondale have
been trying to figure out the ways and means of homeschooling. “We are using a collection of resources, including web sites,” said Molly Nickerson. She and her husband, Ryan McGovern have two young children: Evelyn, 6, who attends Crystal River Elementary School, and Maeve, 4, who goes to Mt. Sopris Montessori School. “We have a network of caring to rely on,” Nickerson noted. Among the sites she uses is Kahn Academy, a free online service that describes itself as “engaging kids in core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math, while encouraging creativity and building social-emotional skills.” “But,” Molly reported, “The kids are missing the social interactions at school.” Nickerson is teaching a variety of subjects, including seed germination and eggs, which the family colored for Easter. Been described the district’s use of “Google Hangouts,” an online meeting tool that works with students’ Google accounts and on all types of devices. Teachers will use Google Hangouts Meet for Crew circles and office hours to connect with students during the school closure. Students can also join by phone. An Infinite Campus RFSD parent portal for families has been set up for families to get the latest updates. RFSD Superintendent Dr. Rob Stein announced, “Unlike younger students, high school seniors are facing the pressing deadline of graduation. We will be reviewing all seniors’ records to determine specific supports to enable them to graduate on time. We are guided by the principle that we will not penalize students for circumstances which are out of their control.”
A middle school student picks up lunch for her and her brother. Photo by Laurel Smith
Molly Nickersonand her husband are working from home and doing their best to balance work and teaching their kids. Photo by Laurel Smith For those students wishing to change schools or those enrolling for the first time (including kindergarten) should go to the district website through June 30.
Colorado Mountain College goes fully remote
By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff Colorado Mountain College (CMC) is stepping up during the COVID-19 emergency to offer distance learning classes. In addition, CMC takes the sting out of student costs with free tuition and books for the summer semester beginning May 18. CMC President and CEO Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser explained, “The important thing is to support our mountain communities and to be responsive.” The CMC Board of Trustees will use all $1.6 million the college expects to receive in federal stimulus dollars to waive summer costs. Also, the college will distribute donated laptops or loan them to students. Although in-person graduation ceremonies have been cancelled, Hauser said, “We will be holding a virtual commencement ceremony on May 15.” Tuition waivers are available under “CMC Responds: Today, Tomorrow, Together” for
in-district students, in-state students who were enrolled in the spring semester and employees working within the district and were recently displaced by public health orders. Summer online registration just opened at coloradomtn.edu and includes regular credit classes for associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Also offered are English as a second language and General Education Development (GED), a high school equivalency certificate. Hauser also noted that additional sources of financial aid can cover living expenses. Plus, the college is working to provide internet service to students and families without broadband access, including hot spots in CMC parking lots. Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Linda Crockett has been teaching distance learning classes through Canvas, the online learning management system. She continues to build class modules with topics, quizzes, assignments and student discussions.
Crockett reported online operations are “going well, although there is a learning curve.” She added, “The college has bent over backwards to make sure students have the resources they need to be successful.” CMC also uses Basecamp, an internal student faculty and staff web portal for email, tools, services and college updates. Hannah Johnson is a third year CMC student in the Isaacson School for New Media. She said, “Classes that meet online allow us to speak and see a video of each other as we work through problems together.” Johnson looks forward to a career in visual content marketing or production based on human connection and also hopes to grow her professional portraiture career. Johnson explained she hadn’t planned to take summer classes and would not have been able to participate in important electives without the tuition waiver. “This virus has created unpredictability, so I appreciate the college is helping prioritize finishing what I started,” she added.
Zeke Hall posts a sign at the entrance to CMC's Spring Valley Campus before the facilities closed. Photo by Laurel Smith
Where have all the meetings gone? Online, of course! By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff Living in a virtual world is now the 21st century reality. And that is especially true of local government operations. Both Carbondale and Basalt boards are ramping up their online presences and providing live streaming videos. Carbondale Town Manager Jay Harrington said residents can watch the upcoming April 28 Board of Trustees meeting with a 15 to 30 second delay on any digital device. However, people need to contact Town Clerk Cathy Derby at cderby@
carbondaleco.net or 510-1206 as a security precaution to get the specific link to online and telephone access. Someone calling in can listen to the meeting but not make comments. Board meetings are held at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month through May. Comments concerning one or more agenda items must be received by Derby by 5 p.m. the day of the meeting. Residents wanting to speak during the actual meeting must first send their full names and addresses to Cathy Derby. For those without internet access, the Town Hall lobby is offering free internet access, and
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020
people without the necessary devices will find one free to use as well. The meetings will also be available for viewing on Youtube. Board packets are posted online, including minutes and agendas. Basalt Town Council meetings are set for 6 p.m, second and fourth Tuesdays of the month and can be viewed virtually on GrassrootsTV. com — agendas are generally posted four to five days prior. If a resident would like to provide comments by phone during the public comment portion of the meeting, email planning@basalt. net or text 987-7010 by 6 p.m. that day with the resident’s name
and phone number. Town officials will make a return call by speaker phone at the appropriate time in the meeting for comments. In addition, the Basalt Planning and Zoning Commission will broadcast its meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 16. Ryan Mahoney, Basalt Town Manager, noted that the Basalt Planning and Zoning Commission meetings will also be live streamed on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Contact Town/Court Clerk Pam Schilling at pam.schilling@ basalt.net for more information.
As for recovery efforts, Basalt is a member of the Aspen to Parachute Regional Economic Development Task Force, a regional effort among counties, towns and chambers of commerce to advocate for resources from the state and federal governments to help communities and businesses come back. In addition, small businesses can now apply for aid through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the economic-stimulus package passed by Congress last week. Go to carbondalegov.org and basalt.net for local government information.
Carbondale construction carries on
COVID-19
By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent There’s not a lot of good news on the job front these days. COVID-19 and the nationwide attempt to “flatten the curve” and stop the spread of the virus may be saving lives but it has put a record amount of people out of work. The US Department of Labor reports that, for the week ending April 4, 6.6 million workers across the country filed unemployment claims, including 45,494 in Colorado. One week earlier, 62,000 Coloradans filed for unemployment benefits – almost nine times the highest amount filed during the Great Recession. US Bureau of Labor statistics show that the nation’s unemployment rate jumped to 4.4 percent at the end of March. Leisure and hospitality sectors took the biggest hit, shedding almost a half-million workers. Construction employment, which added 211,000 jobs in 2019, lost almost 25 percent of that gain in one month. In Carbondale, however, construction continues. John Plano, the Town of Carbondale’s building official, told The Sopris Sun that he’s not seeing a lull in small construction permit requests. “I’m actually seeing an increase in home renovations because of the stay-at-home order,” he wrote in an email. “There are no restrictions as to when [the projects] can begin,” he added. But, Plano has made temporary changes to building inspection policy. Some inspections, including roof underlayment, footings, foundation, underground plumbing, radon barriers, insulation, and drywall, can be documented with photos and sent to him by email. Others, such as plumbing, mechanical, framing, gas tag, and final building inspections, must be performed onsite. Social distancing is mandatory for on-site inspections and contact with workers or homeowners is limited or prohibited. (Visit carbondalegov.org for the full order.) Both Plano and Carbondale Town Manager Jay Harrington claim that Pitkin County’s March order to stop all residential and commercial construction forced workers to Carbondale job sites. Neither Garfield County nor Carbondale have restricted construction but, job sites must adhere to state building regulations, put in place to flatten the COVID curve. Blake Piland is co-owner of RM Construction, which leads the Thompson Park project on Highway 133. He said the project is still in the first phase, which includes five affordable housing units. Affordable housing is one of the Governor’s construction priorities during the stay-at-home order.
Construction workers practice social distancing while working on the new a new grocery store building. Photo by Laurel Smith Piland said that workers on-site honor social distancing and follow Centers for Disease Control requirements. “Our site is an openair location,” he said, which helps.He added that his crew is having safety meetings more than once weekly, ensuring hand hygiene, and encouraging workers to stay home if they have symptoms. “Some workers have stayed home as a precaution,” he added. “But I’ve not heard about anyone being tested or having COVID exposure.” As for the project timeline, Piland said, at this point, Phase One completion has been pushed back to late summer or early fall. But, it’s difficult to predict, he said. “If in June, we’re still battling the same thing we are now, it could be late fall.” Jessica Trowbridge, who handles corporate affairs for King Soopers and City Market, told KDNK that the company remains “optimistic that the project will continue as planned.” The Sopris Sun was unable to reach James Thomas, project manager, for details. The Sopris Lodge Senior Living Community project is also on schedule. Tai Jacober, project manager, said that’s because the job site is considered as essential as a hospital during the pandemic. “It could be
converted into a place for COVID-19 beds,” he said. Jacober explained that all workers are adhering to Centers for Disease Control and state requirements for masks, gloves, and social distancing. “We try really hard to keep the trades separated,” he explained. “For example, the electricians drive together,” he added. “It’s the same with all trades.” The Sopris Lodge job site is about five acres, over 70,000 square feet. Jacober said it’s big enough to allow some workers to work outside and others inside, while adhering to social distancing regulations. They can also work in two separate buildings at the same time. “Ten people per permit are allowed on the site,” he explained. “I have three permits so a maximum of 30 people can be there at once.” He added that there has been no sickness at the job site but supervisors are at high risk. “We have to make sure we comply with COVID-19 requirements.” Sopris Lodge is scheduled to open on Nov. 4. “I think it will be a great amenity for Carbondale,” said Jacober. “I’m hoping everybody stays healthy.”
Ordering groceries online in the time of COVID-19 By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent My wife and I are both “senior citizens,” and while that status does have its perks — free rides on RFTA, discounted Skico season passes — it also has apparently become a liability in this age of the coronavirus pandemic. We are in one of the at-risk categories. While self-isolation and following social distancing have been relatively painless, shopping for essentials, notably groceries, has become an issue. City Market in Carbondale and El Jebel and Whole Foods in Willits have implemented early morning shopping slots for seniors age 60 and older and other at-risk individuals (Monday, Wednesday and Friday at City Market; daily at Whole Foods). This has been a welcome and helpful gesture on their part, as it reduces the number of customers in the store at one time. Both of us have taken advantage of the senior hours at the Carbondale store. But even following all of the precautions, it still puts us and others at some risk of exposure to coronavirus.
So, what to do? Fortunately, we learned about City Market’s online shopping program, which allows you to order groceries on the store’s website and gives you the option of pickup (at the El Jebel store) or delivery. (Whole Foods is not offering either option at this time.) In order to utilize the service, you must have an account with City Market (if you don’t, the URL for creating one is citymarket.com/ account/create). Once you are signed up, you’re ready to shop. The first thing to determine is how you want to receive your order, which you do by putting your zip code into a drop-down box on the homepage. There you can choose between pickup (free for the first three orders; $4.95 per order after that) or delivery ($9.95 per order). Pickup orders require a lead time of several days, whereas deliveries can be scheduled for the same day. We have only done pickups, so the following discussion is just on that option. There are several ways you can get shopping, including the “Start My Cart” option (citymarket. com/products/start-my-cart). If
A City Market employee loading groceries into a car at the El Jebel store. Photo by Ken Pletcher you have been using your Value Card/Alt ID, you will probably have items listed from previous shopping trips, which can help with recurring purchases (e.g., milk or bread). Otherwise, begin searching for items and adding them to your cart. A note below each item indicates if it is available for pickup or delivery; articles such
as toilet paper, however, remain instore only purchases. At checkout, you will be notified of the earliest day for your pickup and given a choice on the time to come from a drop-down menu. Although you will get email messages on your order, you will also be given the option to receive text message updates on your order. This is recommended, as
there most likely will be substitutions (see below). You can modify your order after it has been placed up until midnight the day before pickup. Our first experience with online grocery shopping involved a bit of a learning curve, but once we got the hang of it things went smoothly. On pickup day, we received a text a couple of hours before our allotted time informing us that some items we had ordered were unavailable. It directed us to a link from which we could choose either substitute products (e.g., one brand of canned tomatoes for another) or cancellation of that item. Our pickup also went smoothly. After arriving at the pickup lane along Valley Road, we called the phone number listed on a curbside sign and waited a short time for a store employee to bring our order and load it into our car. While unpacking at home we did find that a few items were not in the order, though we weren’t charged for then. On a related note, we found that Sopris Liquor & Wine is offering curbside pickup and free delivery for online orders. I took advantage of that service recently.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020 • 5
SCUTTLEBUTT Calling all farmers Since Dandelion Day has canceled, the committee is with Mana Foods to host vendors for plant starts beginning at the end of the month. Contact dandelionday81623@gmail.com or 230-2315 by April 18 for a spot, and keep an eye out for the who, when and what online, on air and here in the paper.
Pure poetry Share your favorite prose with others, listen to live performances, cheer on local writers, and celebrate literary expression and National Poetry Month! Alice Bedard-Voorhees will MC the event, with Colorado’s Poet Laureate as a special guest. You are invited to listen and/or take your turn at the (virtual) mic at 6 p.m. on April 21. Visit www.gcpld.org/ news-and-events and click on the event listing to connect.
Get the app People who are concerned they may have been exposed to COVID-19, or who have any symptoms, may consider downloading the Hippo Health app to their phones. It will allow first responders from fire departments across Garfield County to contact patients on
Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.
their phones to chat about their symptoms on the way to medical emergency scenes, allowing them to conserve critical personal protective equipment (PPE).
only board the bus if you need to go to do necessary tasks, errands, get food or necessary equipment and supplies, or work in a critical business or government function.
First aid
Don’t worry, be happy
Three years ago, MANAUS launched the LaMedichi project. Pre-COVID-19, it enabled immigrants to create the habit of savings by combining the trust of community savings clubs with the security and ease of a mobile app. Now, it’s expanding to include an emergency aid feature to its platform that ensures rapid deployment of emergency financial aid to our most vulnerable communities. MANAUS has already raised $115,000 in its emergency fund and deployed it to 115 families. Visit MANAUS.org to donate, apply for benefits or just more information.
Struggle bus At its regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the RFTA Board of Directors voted to continue Phase 3 service reductions in alignment with enhanced safety measures recommended by staff. These measures include mandatory face coverings for all riders and limiting the seating on buses to no more than nine passengers at one time. Please
Friday is almost here, so why not enjoy a Thunder River Theatre Company live event. Drop-in for a virtual Happy Hour at 8 p.m. on April 17 with the Consensual Improv gang where chit chat, jokes and an improv game or two will lift your spirits on ThunderStream. Go to thunderrivertheatre.com/live and have fun.
Down to earth Carbondale Arts is celebrating Earth Day (April 22) with a 6 to 7 p.m. member get together on Zoom. Visit zoom.us/j/98312308636 at the appointed time to catch singer/ songwriter Nelson Oldham, floral designer and master forager Yoli Laguerre, a cooking lesson with Chef Flip Wise from Landmark Cafe, Planting so It Actually Lives with Geneviève Villamizar at the Beerworks Garden, an important food security update with Gwen Garcelon, a magic trick by Emmet Garcelon and CoMotion Dance Company performing a Homage to the Earth.
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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Aspen | 0401 Castle Creek Road Basalt | 1460 East Valley Road, Suite 103 Call 970.279.4111 to request a telemedicine visit or to make an appointment with one of our physicians.
HOURS OF OPERATION Monday – Friday, 12:00 – 4:00 pm Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
This is not a COVID-19 testing site, it is for evaluation of COVID-19-like symptoms in a safe environment. Appointments are available every 30 minutes. You will receive a follow-up call within 24-48 hours of your appointment.
ASPEN VALLEY PRIMARY CARE ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020
She must also have made it up the Crystal, as there were plenty of confetti eggs to be found. Photo by Sue Rollyson
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Ylice Golden, Kyle Mills and Rachel Connor (April 16); Doug Stewart and HP Hansen (April 17); Stephanie Schilling, Alex Menard and Hadley Hentschel (April 18); Louie Neil, Leslie Emerson, James Surls, Deborah Colley, Christie Pate, Karen Dixon, Jill and Alleghany Meadows (April 19); Jack Bergstrom, Molly Jacober and April Clark (April 20); Renae Gustine, Kade Gianinetti and Shannon Muse (April 21) Fred Malo, Sage Dawson, Cassidy Creer and Kameron Miranda (April 22).
JUNE HEALTH FAIR Due to the current COVID-19 healthcare crisis, Aspen Valley Hospital is postponing our June Health Fair. Please visit ASPENVALLEYHOSPITAL.ORG/HEALTH-FAIRS to stay up to date with rescheduling information.
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!
RESPIRATORY TENT
If you are experiencing COVID-19related symptoms, you can receive a referral to visit our respiratory evaluation tent outside the AVH Emergency Department from either your primary care doctor or one of our Aspen Valley Primary Care physicians by calling 970.279.4111.
Like Santa, the Easter Bunny can be in several places at once, and one of them was a little red sports car on Main Street. Photo by Will Grandbois
0401 Castle Creek Road, Aspen | 970.925.1120 | aspenhospital.org
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Rest-stop boulder pulls four-day vanishing act By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Correspondent On a freezing cold night in January 2019, a massive sandstone boulder cracked loose on the upper reaches of Red Hill, north of Highway 82.
In all likelihood, the nine-ton rectangular rock plummeted straight down for several feet, then smacked the ground and started to flip, fly and spin, stomping its way toward Highway 82 Gozdilla-style, crushing any tree in its path. After a sprint across Red Hill’s shoulder, the boulder became airborne again. It apparently bounced once in one of Highway 82’s downvalley lanes, flew completely over the upvalley lane, cleared the Highway 82 rest stop guard rail by about six feet, and suddenly came to rest. It landed flat on its back, staring up at Red Hill, looking like a stubby coffin. There the big red rock sat in the rest stop month after month, surrounded by several orange traffic cones. The boulder became a bit of a roadside attraction, with tourists and locals shooting pics of it, climbing on it and sitting on it. If you didn’t get a selfie of yourself and the boulder, you are probably too late. As of this article’s writing, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) was in the process of breaking up the boulder and hauling it away. “It’ll be a three-person crew,” said CDOT Communications Manager Elise Thatcher, “with one dump truck and one loader.” The area northwest of the Highway 82/133 intersection is known as Red Hill. It’s hard to estimate the vertical gain from the base of Red Hill to its tallest pinnacle, but if
you’re sitting at the Highway 82 rest stop and know where to look, you can sometimes spot hikers dressed in black, looking down on the valley floor from the top of Mushroom Rock. The hikers look like tiny specks. Ty Ortiz is manager of CDOT’s geo-hazard program and is based in Denver. CDOT maps 750 geo-hazard corridors around the state that are susceptible to rock fall, rock slides, debris flows and other such events. There is a geo-hazard map of Red Hill and Ortiz is well familiar with the area. “Some of the rocks (that fall) are two feet … others are much larger. I suspect the rock at the rest stop broke up a little (before it came to rest),” Ortiz told The Sopris Sun. Ortiz said he thinks the boulder probably came from about midway or the upper half of Red Hill but he’s not sure of the exact location. Sometimes, discoloration on a rock face will indicate where the “failure” was before the rock fall. “But not with Red Hill,” Ortiz said. To help identify possible problem areas on Red Hill, CDOT uses drones to photograph geohazard corridors and create 3D models. Those photos and 3D models can then be compared to previous photos and models. The Highway 82 rest stop boulder made its mad dash for freedom before the drone program began less than a year ago, but images and a model are on file to compare for the next event. Those tools can help CDOT determine where to conduct rockscaling operations, which address potential problem areas and move rocks and boulders in a controlled environment. Ortiz said he’s seen other large boulders take flight like the one from Red Hill, “But this one was quite a jump.”
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The boulder hadn't yet been fully disassembled as of press time, but the north side had been deliberately flaked off. Photo by Lynn Burton
Breaking up The Red Hill boulder measured about four feet high by six feet wide and 16-feet long, said CDOT communications director Thatcher. The boulder was much too large for any front loader to pick up and drop into a dump truck. CDOT originally considered using explosives to blow up the boulder to get it into smaller pieces, but decided against it because it would necessitate closing Highway 82 for safety reasons, and debris might come down on nearby structures. So, in lieu of dynamite, CDOT turned to Da-mite, a product marketed out of Cumming, Georgia. Da-mite is a “highly expansive rock splitting mortar,” said John Daigh, the vice-president at Daigh Company. To start the rock dismantling process, holes are bored into the boulder. In this case, there were 10-12 bore holes in a parallel pattern, Thatcher
said. Da-mite comes in bags and looks similar to cement. It’s mixed with water then the solution is poured down the bore holes. The active ingredient is calcium oxide, Daigh said. He compared the Da-mite solution to water when it turns to ice, which can crack open rocks. The breaking up process can take anywhere from an hour to a few days, depending on the rock. When Da-mite starts to do its job you know it. “You can hear it (the boulder) crack,” Daigh said. “It’s like sticks (breaking ) in the woods.” As for COVID 19’s impact on CDOT activities in the Roaring Fork Valley, Thatcher said she hasn’t noticed any, except “There is less traffic volume across the state, but a lot of folks are speeding at higher speeds.” CDOT is working with the Colorado State Patrol to address the situation. Thatcher especially wants to remind motorists to slow down in construction zones. “People are working out there.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020 • 7
nd we want a , h t n o m h toug It’s been a ciation to e r p p a p e e our d to express ting on the a r e p o is o h everyone w nse to the o p s e r e h t of front lines OVID-19) in C ( s u ir v a n oro arrival of C o recognize t t n a w e W nity. our commu for your y it n u m m o our c is everyone in utdown. It h s e h t h it w but we will cooperation s u f o ll a r d scary fo at we can h difficult an t o s r e h t curve toge flatten the es we love. v li e h t o t get back YOU WE THANK
THANK YOU
ers ommission C f o d r a o nty B , Chair Pitkin Cou Steve Child ice Chair olas Kury, V h ic N c M y ll er Ke Patti Clapp man George New man Greg Posch
Incident Management Team Leaders Alex Burchetta, Karen Koenemann and Gabriel Muething
Emergency Operations Center Manager Valerie MacDonald
Emergency Support teams, agencies, jurisdictions, partners and volunteers Alpine Area on Aging Aspen Ambulance District Aspen Chamber Resort Association Aspen Community Connections Aspen Community Foundation Aspen Fire Protection District Aspen Hope Center Aspen Skiing Company Aspen Strong Aspen Valley Hospital Boulder County Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District City of Aspen City of Glenwood Springs Colorado Department of Homeland Security Colorado National Guard, USAF and US Army Community Health Services Food Bank of the Rockies Lift Up Mountain Rescue Aspen National Weather Service Pitkin County Pitkin County Board of Health Private Citizen Volunteers Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Authority Roaring Fork Schools Roaring Fork Transit Agency Town of Basalt Town of Snowmass Village
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020
to the Pitkin County Incident Management and Emergency Support Teams on the front lines of the response! Rose Abello Charlotte Anderson Carol Ardell Laura Armstrong Norma Avila Steve Ayres Jordan Bacheldor ReRe Baker Rick Balentine Mark Barbour Hannah Berman Rachel Bielinski Pat Bingham Charlie Blackmer Kent Blackmer Grant Blue Audrey Bohman Elaine Bohman Mina Bolton Ligia Bonilla Elmer Bonilla Morgan Boyles Jeffrey Bradley Debbie Braun Dan Burch Bob Byram Nick Calderone Valerie Carlin Chelsea Carnoali Tyler Carvell Justine Celli Sandra Centofante Amanda Cerveny Nathan Child Patti Clapper Anna Cole Jeff Colton Richard Cornelius Carla Cortes Nathalie Crick Catalina Cruz Charlie Curtis Jenny Cutright Jamie D’Amico Kurt Dahl
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FREE DELIVERY OPEN AT 11 AM. CLOSED TUESDAYS. 970 510 5343 | 568 HWY 133, CARBONDALE | 450TEPPANYAKI.COM THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020 • 9
Town puts its money where task force is
From March 27 through April 9, Carbondale Police handled 262 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note:
By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff While trustees accomplished some regular business on April 14 — inking a franchise agreement with Xcel Energy and approving a transfer of retail and medical marijuana licenses for Sopris Labs — the bulk of the board’s first virtual meeting was dedicated to COVID-19 discussion. The fledgling Carbondale Emergency Task Force received kudos for its efforts so far, with trustee Heather Henry noting that, “It’s been incredible. It’s so well organized.” Mayor Dan Richardson noted that there are some idle volunteers, so new projects are welcome. Meanwhile, the task force is seeking to recruit “neighborhood heroes” for each section of town. “It’s someone to help you out and coordinate additional support if necessary,” he explained.
Cop Shop
See page 4 for more information on how municipalities are meeting remotely. Town Manager Jay Harrington assured the board that, while some seasonal hiring is on hold, no one has been laid off the municipal payroll. “There have been some savings, but our staff is still fully employed,” he said. “We’re in a good position.” With that in mind, the Town looked beyond the immediate maintenance of its own services and sought to contribute to other efforts — even if it’s just a
drop in the bucket. As trustee Marty Silverstein pointed out, “This is a time we should be using our reserves. This is what we saved them for.” He specifically advocated for a donation to Lift-Up and Aspen Community Fund, and after several other organizations were weighed, the board stuck with his suggestion and voted to send each $10,000. The board will consider giving more and elsewhere
at its next meeting in two weeks. Said trustee Ben Bohmfalk, “I think it should be a fairly conservative amount right now until we see which needs are critical over time.” “It’s what’s missing right now that’s going to hit two months from now,” Henry added. “It’s going to feel like we came out of things when the stay-at-home order comes off, but that’s when the economic impact is really going to be felt.”
FRIDAY March 27 at 5:44 p.m. Following a traffic stop, three juveniles were summoned for possession of a tobacco device and marijuana, and one was also cited for no valid license. SATURDAY March 28 at 11:46 p.m. A traffic stop for weaving and not stopping at stop signs led to additional charges of driving without a license, under the influence and without insurance for the 21-year-old behind the steering wheel as well as underage consumption of alcohol and improper use of or reproduction of an ID card for the 18-year-old passenger. SATURDAY April 4 at 2:07 a.m. When police pulled over a 55-year-old man for failing to drive on the right and an associated warrant, they ended up adding charges of criminal impersonation, driving while revoked and failure to provide insurance. SUNDAY April 5 at 3:56 a.m. Officers assisted Garfield County with a motor vehicle theft. MONDAY April 6 at 6:59 a.m. A 26-year-old man was arrested on a warrant for assault.
MONDAY April 6 at 3:33 p.m. Following a report of an intoxicated driver on Highway 82, police found no sign of impairment but cited the 49-year-old man for driving with a revoked license. WEDNESDAY April 8 at 5:15 p.m. Police cited a 15-year-old boy for careless driving and not having a valid license following a non-injury accident at the 7-11. THURSDAY April 9 at 11:01 a.m. The suspect’s vehicle could not be located following a hit and run accident in the City Market parking lot. THURSDAY April 9 at 6:56 p.m. After the Garfield County Sheriff requested a welfare check, officers contacted a 55-year-old man with a warrant and transported him to jail. THURSDAY April 9 at 8:14 p.m. Carbondale Police Officers responded to an alleged assault on the trail next to Evergreen Cemetery. A man suffered minor injuries. The suspect is described as a white male approximately 5’9” with dark hair and wearing sweats and a blue or black sweatshirt. He was with a woman at the time of the alleged assault. If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information, please call 963-2662.
AFTER-HOURS MEDICAL CARE ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
When you have unexpected medical needs, After-Hours Medical Care is here for you. We are staffed with doctors and nurses to answer your medical questions and treat minor injuries and illnesses, including: sprains, simple fractures, lacerations, UTIs ...and more. If you have respiratory symptoms, fever, sore throat, or flu/COVID-19-like symptoms, we can arrange a telemedicine consult for you by calling 970.544.1250.
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10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020
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Three vie for pair of Carbondale Fire seats Ballots will begin arriving this week across the Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District — which covers most of the 81623 zip code, including the Crystal River Valley and Missouri Heights in addition to the town itself. Joe Enzer is challenging incumbents and co-campaigners Sydney Schalit and Gene Schilling, with the top two vote-getters filling three-year terms.
Joe Enzer moved to the area from the midwest 25 years ago and was an active volunteer for Carbondale Fire from 2004 through 2014. He also served on multiple boards and steering committees. “After the birth of my children, I’m no longer able to be an active volunteer and wanted to continue giving back,” he explained. “Being on the board seemed like a good fit.” In addition to his work in construction and real estate, he’s also on the board for COMPASS, the parent organization of Carbondale Community School. “I’ve always been interested in community service,” he said. His interests on the board center mainly around funding and budgeting. “Having good forecasting for the future and some fiscal conservatism is important,” he said. “The budget is a living thing that is constantly changing along with the demand for emergency services.” As a former member of the crew, he also feels in touch with the first responders themselves. “I’ve always thought that the men and women who volunteer do a great job of serving the community,” he said.
Sydney Schalit got involved with Carbondale Fire through her work at Footsteps Marketing — though she just took over as executive director of MANAUS last week — and was appointed to fill a vacancy last fall. “I have a longstanding admiration for firefighters,” she said. “They’re actual heroes who are just waiting to be called to action.” As the youngest member and one of two women, he has been glad to bring some fresh perspective and diversity to the board and is an advocate for other demographics. “Making sure that our Latino community is served in communication has been a major priority to me,” she said. Schalit also praised efforts to look after crews’ mental health and the involvement of the community — both of which she hopes will help the department weather the area’s pre-pandemic growth trend. “The amount of tourism that comes to this Valley is obviously economically really valuable, but it also adds extra layers of difficulty for emergency services,” she said. “I think we’re poised to be nimble in the face of change.”
Gene Schilling was elected to the fire board in 1990 and currently serves as its president — a position he hopes to retain — in addition to heading up the Carbondale Police Department. One of his top priorities has long been the district’s ISO rating, which many insurance companies factor into their rates. That figure is currently three — “pretty good for a rural department” — and he hopes that improvements permitted by recent mill levy and bond items will further improve that. “I think right now the only challenges we really have are making sure we get all of our stuff built and have the money to do it,” he said. “Things seem to be coming into the Twenty First Century.” Specifically, he highlighted remodels on the stations in Marble and Spring Valley, additions to the maintenance building across from headquarters and a new training ground which he thinks will benefit other districts, as well. He praised the department’s preparedness, noting that “they’re doing everything they can to keep the guys and girls safe out there.”
Ballots Have Been Mailed Ballots for the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors election have been mailed.
Se han enviado por correo las boletas para la eleccion de la Junta Directiva del Distrito de Proteccion Contra Incendios Rural y Carbondale.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are requesting that voters either mail their ballot back or drop it off in the ballot drop-off box at outside of Carbondale Town Hall. Please do not drop ballots off at any Carbondale Fire station.
Debido a la pandemica de COVID-19, estamos pidiendo los votantes que envien por correo su boleta o la dejen en la caja afuera del Ayuntamiento de Carbondale. Por favor de no dejar boletas en la Estacion de Bomberos en Carbondale.
If you need a replacement ballot, please contact Jenny Cutright at 970-963-2491 or cutright@ carbondalefire.org and we will coordinate getting a ballot to you. Please do not come to the fire station until arrangements have been made.
Si necesita una boleta de reemplazo, contacte a Jenny Cutright al 970-963-2492 o cutright@carbondalefire.org y nos coordinaremos para dejarle una boleta. Por favor de no venir al estacion de bomberos hasta que hayan hecho una cita. THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020 • 11
OUR TOWN
If you know of someone who should be featured in “Our Town,” email news@soprissun.com or call 510-3003.
Howland goes the distance By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent The Sopris Sun is conducting a series of interviews with folks you may not have seen in the paper before – a sort of introduction to your neighbors. This week we caught up with endurance athlete Seth Howland. Q: Let’s start with the basics. Where are you from and why did you move here? A: I’m from Maine. I moved here July 2009, and it’s kind of a long story of how I got here, but I was in the Marine Corps and got kicked out due to alcoholism. My mother and stepfather live in Glenwood and asked me to move out here. I’ve been sober for a little over six years. I really feel like it was fate and a part of God’s plan for me to move here. Q: Have you stayed connected with the Marine Corps? A: You know, I didn’t really like my Marine Corps days because they were messed up with alcohol, but I have done some stuff for veterans. I ran a 50 miler last year to raise money for a veteran’s lodge in Tennessee. A few years ago, 25 Marines were killed in one deployment, and some of them committed suicide after. One of the mom’s decided to create Dark @rockymountainhighq
Horse Lodge. Each room is named after a veteran, and it’s a place where combat vets [of all branches] can go fishing, ride horses, and forget about reality for a bit. Q: Have you always been an athlete? A: [Seth laughs] Not at all! I used to weigh over 300 pounds. At 19 years old, I couldn’t even run a half mile. I guess I just got tired of being fat. I started running on a treadmill, and when I joined the military I had to keep running. Four years ago I thought I could run a half marathon, and when I ran a half during a workout I thought that was easy, so I decided to run a full marathon. I ran the full, and then immediately thought, well I’m never doing that again! Q: What kept you going? A: I really had no idea what I was
doing during that first marathon. I didn’t train and thought I needed to run hard every workout. I took the next summer off and just did mountain biking and hiked some fourteeners. Two years ago I ran another marathon and it went way better. I did more research like heart rate training, and then I thought maybe I could run a 50 miler. Last year I ran the Silver Rush 50, and I really loved it!
Q: What have endurance sports taught you? A: To not over do it. I know it sounds cliche, but you have to enjoy the process. I enjoy training more than racing.
They’ve also taught me how to have long term goals; especially when I was getting into sobriety, I wanted instant gratification. I used to run hard every time and needed to see something better. Now I think about recovery time and it has helped me a lot more. Patience is important. Q: Switching gears a bit, tell me
about Uncle Seth’s Dog Adventures! A: Oh man, I love it. I don’t have my own place where I can have a dog, but I basically started by taking my friends’ dogs out for hikes and stuff. I usually go out with three to four dogs at a time, and we do fun stuff like hiking and skiing — if that’s what their parents allow. It really depends on the dog, too. I’m not going to take an older dog up Sopris or anything, but some dogs really love that. People like a tired dog when they get home. I also think I have a really strong connection with dogs. The dogs love it when I show up because they know something fun is about to happen. I love them and it makes people happy that I can take care of their dogs.
Seth Howland takes in the view from Red Hill. Photo by Laurel Smith
Vital statistics Favorite trail: Thomas Lakes. Our home trails are awesome.
Favorite home-cooked meal:
I don’t really cook, but I really enjoy sweet potato toast with chia jam and blueberries right now. My favorite food is peanut butter.
Favorite non-athletic activity:
I meditate two times a day, once for 15-20 minutes in the morning and once for 10 minutes at night.
Favorite book:
“Finding Ultra” by Rich Roll
Words of wisdom:
Well, considering the circumstances I immediately think, “This too shall pass.” But really, do your best and help each other get through it. People are important and we need to look after each other instead of individual interests.
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12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020
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OPINION
CVEPA Views By John Armstrong I was driving through lower Marble Valley early in March. At Prospect Mountain Ranch (a.k.a. Darien Ranch) both sides of the road were lined with 20 cars. Almost half the vehicles were Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) trucks. I recognized our Crystal Valley Wildlife Officer, John Groves and stopped to inquire about the operation. At about that time I looked up toward Elk Mountain and saw a beautiful 500-pound cow elk suspended in a net 30 feet below the descending helicopter! It was an odd sight indeed, with the elk blindfolded with a blaze orange mask. The pilot deftly lowered the elk into the meadow to the waiting team of biologists and officers. Groves informed me that the elk was one of three cows
Grappling with elk decline they trapped with a net shot from the hovering helicopter. Wildlife officers then hobble and blindfold the cow before flying the animal down to the valley floor. There the cow elk are given a “physical” — quickly tested with an on-site ultrasound pregnancy test, radio collared and then fitted with an intrauterine device that will immediately notify the Division of Wildlife when the animal gives birth to a calf. CPW trapped 40 cows in the Roaring Fork and Crystal Valleys in just two days in early March. The work is part of an effort to determine the cause of the drastic reduction in herd size and calf recruitment. The downward trend in elk vitality is no secret and has been on the increase in recent years. Wilderness Workshop of Carbondale hosted a guest speaker on the topic to a full house this winter. Paul Millhouser is a landscape ecologist and GIS specialist for Rocky Mountain Wild. He believes that the proliferation of recreationalists, oft well-intentioned lovers of wilderness and wildlife, are in great part responsible for the elk decline. The internet, GPS, sophisticated bicycles and enhanced hunting techniques all support enthusiasts to go farther and deeper into the
domain of wildlife. For almost 50 years, I have relished the early spring ritual of observing the elk herd at Penny Hot Springs Filoha Meadow. Remarkably, the herd has remained at approximately 80 head, decade after decade. This spring, almost ghostly, the herd gathers less than 40 animals. This herd is a subset of the greater Avalanche Creek Herd. Although John Groves says this is a “snapshot” of the bigger picture it is indicative of an alarming trend. On a little brighter note, the bighorn sheep flock at Filoha has seen a small but encouraging increase in animals. CVEPA supports the efforts of the Division of Wildlife as they work toward stabilization of the elk herds in Western Colorado. Concurrently, a robust reclamation project took place on the lower Crystal River. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (OST) contracted Gould Construction Company to reclaim and armor (reinforce) the west bank of the Crystal River just above the Thomas Road Bridge. It can be disconcerting to see large pieces of heavy equipment in the river. Gould built a long jetty of large rock along the river and worked off this causeway without having
to wade machinery into the water. Years of erosion lead to a riverbank landslide that undermined a section of the Crystal Trail. Uniquely, the undercut bank was best, and perhaps only, viewed from the river. While still at highwater, a CVEPA board member was kayaking the Crystal River and looked up at the right time to see the destabilized slope. CVEPA promptly notified OST which protected the public use of the trail. Pitkin County Open Space Environmental Planning and Engineering assessed the project and recognized the years of widespread erosive degradation. Strategically beginning work in the lowest waters of mid February, OST and Gould Construction armored and augmented the riverbank. Thankfully, the work was completed before all work projects were suspended. CVEPA thanks and commends Pitkin County Open Space and Trails for their commitment and investment in the health of the riparian environment. For 48 years CVEPA has been the Crystal River’s environmental watchdog. For more information or to support our mission go to CVEPA.org
LETTERS
From page 2
wild public lands; as well as current and potential threats. While people shelter in place to control the spread of Covid-19, the current administration continues to dismantle critical policies that ensure environmental and health protections. Watch for attempts to limit public input. In contrast, speak out soon. Tell your representatives (via websites, emails and phone) why you value accessible public lands for recreation and why it’s crucial that existing environmental protections remain in place. Indoors, you can become an active advocate for your wild public lands. When outdoors, be an ambassador, follow the face-covering and six-foot social distancing rules, and recreate responsibly! Let’s maintain opportunities on our public lands for all! For further information, contact coloradowildpubliclands@ gmail.com. Suzanne Jackson Colorado Wild Public Lands Basalt
Motorized grazing harms wilderness Dear Editor: As people are distracted by the global pandemic, they may not realize that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in western Colorado is abandoning its wilderness protection responsibilities and choosing cows over wilderness, violating the law, and ignoring its own obligations to the public. The agency has recently issued renewals of livestock grazing permits that significantly damage two federally-protected wildernesses. Conservationists have challenged both decisions as violations of the 1964 wilderness Act, the Congressional Grazing Guidelines, and BLM’s own regulations. In both instances, BLM has authorized motor vehicle use and motorized equipment use well beyond what is allowed by the various federal laws, guidelines, and regulations, all to the detriment of the wild character of the magnificent Black Ridge Canyons wilderness and the Powderhorn wilderness. Livestock grazing damages wilderness and our public lands in a number of ways – including harming water quality, spreading invasive weeds, trampling streamside riparian vegetation, and Continued on page 14
In compliance with the Public Health Order curtailing operations of all but essential activity,
the Pitkin County Landfill is CLOSED to the public until further notice. Only essential commercial waste haulers will be allowed access during the COVID-19 shutdown with the following exception: Residents depositing household trash,, recycling and compost will be allowed access to the landfill on MON, WED, and FRI between the hours of 11 am and 1 pm.
Can't wait for the landfill to reopen? Consider renting a roll-off dumpster from a commercial hauler. During the closure the landfill will NOT be accepting construction waste, hazardous household waste, electronics, furniture, or non-essential landscaping debris.
THANK YOU! THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2020 • 13
LETTERS displacing native wildlife. The public may think livestock grazing in federally designated wildernesses in Colorado happens rarely, but today 43 percent of all wilderness acres in Colorado are allotted for livestock grazing. • Black Ridge Canyons wilderness. In the first Colorado case, Western Watersheds Project and wilderness Watch have challenged the ten-year renewal of livestock grazing on allotments found in the Black Ridge Canyons wilderness, managed by BLM’s Grand Junction office. BLM authorized motorized access to “check on livestock to avoid or detect emergencies,” haul camp supplies to support the annual gather, and place salt. wilderness Watch monitors wildernesses all over the country and to our knowledge this is the only place motor vehicles are allowed for such routine livestock management practices. BLM refused to consider commonplace nonmotorized alternatives. • Powderhorn wilderness. In the second case, wilderness Watch challenged the 10-year renewal of a grazing permit in the Powderhorn wilderness, managed by BLM’s Gunnison
from page 13 office. Here, BLM went so far as to allow extensive chainsaw use to cut out 15 miles of “cattle movement corridors” inside the wilderness, expand a foot trail into a road to allow motor vehicle access, authorize the use of a miniexcavator to periodically clean out a stock pond, and permit the use of Utility Transport Vehicles (UTVs) to drive into the wilderness with fencing material. BLM provided no analysis of nonmotorized alternatives, such as the use of pack stock and cross-cut saws, for example, but merely rubber-stamped the rancher’s request. Both of these Colorado examples seem to demonstrate a BLM bias against preserving wilderness character in favor of allowing ranchers easy motorized access to our precious wildernesses. While the wilderness Act left open the opportunity to graze livestock in some wildernesses, ranchers have an obligation to do so in a way that doesn’t degrade the public’s wilderness, and BLM has a duty to make sure wilderness is protected. Conservationists will continue to challenge BLM’s poor decisions that violate federal laws and regulations, and that degrade wildernesses
for the benefit of livestock grazing. Even in the midst of the global pandemic, our treasured wildernesses deserve no less. Kevin Proescholdt Minneapolis, MN
SUZOKU By Suzie Brady
Take her own advice Dear Editor: After reading Ms. Zentmyer's opinion piece, all I could do is sadly shake my head. Obviously, Pam is a Trump hater who actually believes the lies spewed by CNN and the rest of the Dem's puppet media. "We don't even have to apply critical thinking skills,” says Pam. That would explain her support of corrupt, senile Joe, whose whole family has gotten rich feeding at the public trough. Ms. Zentmeyer should follow her own advice and "bone up on what those with an education are saying", not just those fueling ignorant hatred. Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle
Danger and daffodils Dear Editor: Perilous April Flowers bloom in defiance Harbingers of hope JM Jesse Glenwood Springs
We don 't charge for obits The death of a loved one costs enough. The Sopris Sun is happy to publish local obituaries of a reasonable length, including a picture, for free. Email news@soprissun.com for submission or information.
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PARTING SHOTS
Some folks with unforseen free time are using it to reach out to others, whether they're making sack lunches for the less fortunate like Brendan and Andy of Ascendigo (top left), sharing a bit of love along Highway 133 (bottom left, photo by Sue Rollyson) or expressing a political point like Elizabeth Blout of Moab (above).
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