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Volume 12, Number 12 | April 30 - May 6, 2020
LETTING OFF STEAM
There's something apt about the newest municipal employee, Molly Fry, putting the Town's new herbidice-free weeding machine through its paces. And the eco-friendly approach is a continuation of the spirit of Dandelion Day even as the event itself is mostly canceled. See scuttlebutt for info on plant starts, and check out page 10 for news on another new hire. Photo by Sue Rollyson
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A tough time for us all
GUEST
OPINION By Megan Tackett
This is a difficult column to write because, well, it’s a difficult time. For everyone. Even as public discourse is shifting to how to responsibly reopen our economies, futures remain uncertain, and nobody is facing exactly the same predicaments in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. But the more things change, the more they stay the same. As the days
get longer, we at The Sopris Sun start brainstorming yet again about our summer fundraising drive. We had big plans, this year, too — a wine tasting event co-sponsored by some of our business community’s most prominent members. Like so many plans, however, we had to cancel ours. Those same businesses have had to shift their models to adapt to our strange new times. Strangely enough, our nonprofit status offers some familiarity: We still, as always, count on the support of our readers and, as in summers’ past, we still need to graciously ask for that support in order to ensure continued independent, local reporting by the community for the community. Local news has never felt so important — and trust me, I’m walking my own talk. Full disclosure: I’m furloughed, but that hasn’t kept my bylines from the Aspen Daily News. Boy, that’s hard to admit in writing. I may even
catch some flack for it, but in the name of transparency and solidarity, let me tell you that when you see the for-profit newspapers in the Valley are asking for donations from readers — many for the first time in their history — I promise they’re not being overdramatic or trying to capitalize on a situation. With so many events canceled and businesses shuttered, who has advertising dollars left in the budget? So this is a difficult column to write. I haven’t suspended my own monthly contribution to The Sopris Sun as an honorary publisher even after my last paycheck because I’m incredibly lucky to have a darling husband still with a salary, and so I am able to continue supporting something as important to me as local news. I’m acutely aware that not everyone is in a similar position, and so asking for donations at a time when many of us are claiming unemployment for the first time in our lives feels … difficult.
Please take care of yourself. There are so, so many resources available to you right now, and new ones are cropping up every day. In my own reporting, I’ve noticed an undercurrent of gratitude among sources that is truly inspiring. We are all keeping on keeping on, and if you’re tired — as you have every right to be — there are so many others around who are willing and able to shoulder your tears. Now is not the time to feel obligated to put more stress on your finances if they’re already stressed. But if you do have the means, there has genuinely never been a better time to share the wealth. We are living in a chapter of history that will be the subject of our children’s studies, and The Sopris Sun’s pages will be important documentation of today’s ever-evolving landscape. I’m continually humbled by the stories that come out of this community and look forward to reading them for many years to come.
Dear Editor: I just bought a gift certificate from a local restaurant, which I regard as a “future dinner” certificate that I’ll use when the business reopens. I'm sure to spend the certificate amount with them someday anyway. Why not spend it now when they need the money so badly? It’s like free financing. In a normal economy, CSA farms work similarly (e.g. Two Roots in Emma, Peach Valley in Silt). Subscribers pay the farmer early, so the farmer need not borrow from the bank. Then veggies are delivered throughout the growing season. No-net cost to the buyer, less debt for the business. It’s crowd financing of local business. It turns a business transaction into a community transaction. Michael Kinsley Old Snowmass
Save the dandelions Dear Editor: Right now, as far upvalley as Carbondale — or maybe even farther — tiny bursts of sunshine are emerging from our lawns, ranchlands and public places, announcing that spring is truly here. It's dandelion season. The name dandelion is derived from the French, dent-de-lion, or lion's tooth. This perennial children's favorite flower is actually a dense bunch of mini florets that form the most important early-season food for honey bees, as well as a myriad of native pollinators. Bees collect protein in the form of dandelion pollen, and if the weather is sufficiently warm, carbohydrates in the form of dandelion nectar. Bees dry out the raw nectar by fanning it with their wings, adding mysterious bee chemicals and enzymes, and magically converting it to honey. After consuming all or nearly all of their stored honey from the summer prior, dandelions can provide the boost bees need to keep from starving before the onset of a myriad
Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+ Email marilyn@soprissun.com for more information.
Jim Calaway, Honorary Chair Kay Brunnier Scott Gilbert – Habitat for Humanity RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger Carolyn Nelson Jim Noyes True Nature Healing Arts Nicolette Toussaint Jill and Gary Knaus Megan Tackett Ken & Donna Riley Michelle & Ed Buchman CoVenture
Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.
LETTERS Get a gift certificate
Sincerest thanks to our
Mary Lilly
of summer flowers. You can help our endangered pollinators by watering dandelions, rather than poisoning them or digging them up. Your lawn doesn't need to look like a golf green, does it? Stop for a moment and admire these lovely gifts of springtime. If you cast aside your culturally induced prejudices against these little darlings, you have to admit that they really are very pretty. If you leave them to flower, you can mow them when the flowers turn to "blowballs," and they'll be sure to come back the following spring. Ed Colby President, Colorado State Beekeepers Association New Castle
What you get for free Dear Editor: Thank you for the inspirational "Branching Out" opinion piece by Genevieve Joelle Villamizar. As we read and reread her words and images on Earth Day, we marveled how much of the mosaic of life she observed and then illuminated, all from a dozen favorite spots in her own backyard here in Carbondale. We all value the Cathedral of Nature that nurtures, supports and surrounds us each day. We each get recharged at no charge. Local newspapers are also indispensable, but we as readers must cover their costs. Fortunately, the Sopris Sun is a tax-exempt nonprofit, so your contribution can be generous and will be deductible. Thank you founders, board, staff, donors and readers. Please join us in supporting the Sun today! Tim & Donna McFlynn Carbondale
Thanks to our planet Dear Earth: I am writing to thank you for all you give us: pure air to breathe, clean water to drink, soil to nurture us with fruits and vegetables
and forests to harvest sustainably, animals and birds to delight us with their beauty and songs, to provide us with food for those who eat meat, oceans filled with a vast array of life. Thank you. I apologize for those humans who have not seen this beauty and abundance as a responsibility for all humans to accept. We cannot throw our poisonous wastes onto you and your waters. This virus that has moved from animal to human has stopped, briefly, the polluting cars and industries that pollute our air and water. People in Venice can now see fish and dolphins in their canals. People in India can see the Himalayas, hidden for decades by humancaused pollution. In Wuhan people can hear birds sing and see blue skies for the first time since industry came to rule there. We can make responsible choices as the caretaker on this planet. We can choose to create and obey laws to stop pollution from harming you and us. We can see that the cost of cleaning pollutants from manufacturing, refineries and vehicles is an investment in keeping us and you healthy. We can use renewable energy from sun, wind, and water to power our machines rather than burning fossil fuels. We can recycle what we make and our waste just as you recycle matter and energy. Your health is our health and the health of our children. Thank you for teaching us by example. Thank you for all you give us. Illène Pevec Carbondale
Vote for Schalit & Schilling Dear Editor: I’m voting for Sydney Schalit and Gene Schilling for Board of Directors of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District and I hope all friends will do the same! Ron Leach Marble 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 30 - May 6, 2020
And all our SunScribers 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.
LIFT-UP expands emergency food programs By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff Say you just found a dozen cans of tuna fish, three pounds of flour, five boxes of macaroni and cheese or nine packages of ramen noodles in one of your kitchen cabinets. Don’t discard these items. Instead, bring them to LIFT-UP along with any other non-perishable or canned goods, said Debbie Patrick, marketing and communications director of the non-profit food supply organization. However, she cautioned, “Do not bring any glass containers, “Our distribution paper bags are packed full, and glass could break inside.” Food donations are welcome at any of the food distribution sites during hours open. Patrick also reported, “The need for our assistance has slowly increased. Right now we are distributing about 100 bags at each of our locations.” Over the last 30 days, LIFT-UP modified food distribution under the guidelines of
Long lines continue to snake toward the Lift-Up pick-up each time it's open. Photo by Hamilton Pevec
COVID-19 challenges and boosted food provided from around 650 families to nearly 900 families. “We are planning to keep this drivethrough program going through the end of May,” Patrick noted. Patrick added, “We are also working to arrange more pick up sites.” LIFT-UP, Patrick said, accepts cash donations. Checks can be mailed to LIFTUP, 800 Railroad Ave., Rifle, CO 81650. For more information, call 625-4496. She explained, “Fortunately, we purchase
many items at low prices from the Food Bank of the Rockies through the Federal Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). We also work with Grocery Rescue from throughout the valley grocery stores and partnerships.”In addition, LIFT-UP offers grab-n-go meals through its Extended Table Service from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at First United Methodist Church (824 Cooper Ave. in Glenwood Springs). The drive-through sites provide prepacked emergency food bags Go to facebook. com/liftuporg for updates.
Pick-up sites Aspen: noon Wednesdays at Aspen Schools through Food Bank of the Rockies. Basalt: noon Thursdays at Basalt Middle School.through Food Bank of the Rockies, Aspen Ski Company and Aspen Family Connection. Carbondale: 2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at Third Street Center parking lot. Glenwood Springs: 2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at Glenwood Springs High School, south parking lot.
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 30 - May 6, 2020 • 3
COVID-19
Local landlords show leniency By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent Generally, this time of month landlords are welcoming payments into their bank accounts or perhaps preparing to reluctantly post an eviction notice on a far overdo tenant’s door. Currently, however, there is a push to halt evictions for a period of time that’s end is elusive. Here’s how some landlords are handling the economic strain of COVID-19.
A nonprofit’s perspective Colin Laird is the director of the Third Street Center (TSC) — a nonprofit facility which hosts community events and provides below market office space for other nonprofits. “Our goal is to use this old elementary school to build community,” Laird says, “and also create a platform for organizations to address issues in our region.” “Even though the Town of Carbondale owns the facility we don’t get public funding because it was all set up to be self sustaining,” Laird explains.
The TSC makes most of its income from rent payments, but some revenue comes by way of hosting community events. As things stand, that income is non-existent due to the public closure of the building amid social distancing requirements. About a third of the TSC’s revenue goes toward paying its debt. The TSC’s original renovations were paid for partially by fundraising but also through a lender: Alpine Bank. Each of the nonprofits housed in TSC pays its below market rent; TSC uses $10,000 from that total to pay Alpine Bank each month. Laird expresses his gratitude to Alpine Bank and their loan deferral program, which TSC has opted to utilize. TSC has been granted a three-month deferral which will expire in July. “It’s made things a little easier in terms of paying bills and that kind of stuff,” Laird says and reticently adds, ”but it's three months and we’ll see if that’s enough.” Some tenants have approached Laird with the concern of not being able to pay their rent. “We’ve basically asked tenants if they can pay rent to please do,” Laird explains, “but if you
can’t just contact us and we’ll work with that.” TSC is taking it on a caseby-case basis. Laird has encouraged tenants to apply for federal relief that may be available to them. Specifically, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) “Which not only pays employees but also covers rent for those organizations as well,” according to Laird. TSC applied for PPP and has recently been accepted. Laird mentions that a few other nonprofits within TSC have also been approved for the same federal relief program. Laird hopes that, “We can all get through this with some sense of wholeness and then go from there,”
Insight from residential landlords After hearing two local residential landlords’ perspectives the consensus is that they’ll also work with their tenants during these uncertain times. When asked how he would handle renters approaching him for relief, local landlord John Hoffman says, “That would be considered on a case-by-case manner. Options might be from, forgiving a month
Colin Laird and Mark Taylor are still hard at work at the mostly-empty Third Street Center. Photo by Mark Burrows or lowering the rent to installments over a longer time.” Another local residential landlord, who asks to remain anonymous, reached out to each of their tenants letting them know there would be some leniency if they need it. When rent was due last month Anonymous offered some of their tenants a 25 percent discount and has even offered a 50 percent discount for the month of May to their tenants who are in dire straits. The landlord found that mortgage company SunTrust Mortgage Co. offers a three or six month deferral
— but under the condition that the entire deferred sum would be due at the end of the postponement period. In this case, the anonymous landlord feels fortunate to be secure enough at this time to continue offering some relief to their tenants without requiring any themselves. Each landlord interviewed for this article echoed the same sentiment that “we are all in this together.” Not to say every landlord has the same outlook, but it may be heartwarming to know there are a few in Carbondale who feel this way despite their own setbacks during this time.
Local restaurants holding their own But most see drop in business
By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff It’s a tough time to be in the dining-out business, but residents continue supporting their favorite spots using takeout and delivery options. Other food shops have modified their business and marketing strategies to meet today’s challenges. Take vegetarian restaurant The Carbondale Beat, for example. Co-owners Lucy Perutz and Tobyn Britt took a giant leap into the unknown by launching its only food option, Beat Grocery Service. As Perutz explained, “We aren't allowing anyone into The Beat apart from my husband and myself in order to keep it as sanitary as possible for our grocery customers.”
The Carbondale Beat has now become solely a grocery store with fresh produce, but no prepared foods. Courtesy photo
She added “We will be offering many grocery staples as well as highlighting local products for pickup and delivery Tues. to Sat.” Perutz stressed that only orders placed online at thebeatgrocer.com will be filled. Italian restaurant Allegria has built up a solid customer base since opening almost ten years ago after owner Andreas Fischbacher finished his 15-year stint as executive chef of Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro on Aspen Highlands. Open for pickup Mon. to Sat, with expanded delivery options now reaching to Glenwood Springs, including Missouri Heights and upvalley to the Intercept Lot at 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Concerning his staff, Fischbacher noted, “We’ve been able to keep on our year round employees as this is normally our slow season.” Fishbacher also has beefed up Allegria’s social media presence with frequent menu specialties and updates. He said, “A number of local farms and ranches are set up to meet demand, and fresh meats and produce are delivered five or six days a week, making it possible for Allegria to present a fresh menu year round.” Fishbacher added, “I can buy in small batches, so it is always fresh.” At the recently reopened Village Smithy, Managing Partner Jared Ettelson got a jump start on finances by quickly applying for and receiving the federally-supported Paycheck Protection Program. “Fortunately,” Ettelson said, “Business is steady, and I’ve not been forced to lay off workers as we are now only open for takeout from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.” Other restaurants have had to cut back on employees, like Granetta Panini. Now, owner Fiona McCullough is the only worker, instead of the three she usually employed. She also stressed customers must go to granetta.com to place orders which can be
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • April 30 - May 6, 2020
At Allegria, Sigrid Fischbacher distributes to go meals from a safe distance. Photo by Roberta McGowan
picked up from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. JC Breakfast and Lunch, a relative newcomer on the local dining scene, is ”doing some takeout and delivery,” said owner Trino Camacho. He said a few people are no longer working there. Dos Gringos Co-owner Julie Oldham noted that, “We are doing okay day to day, although our business has dropped significantly. It helps we deliver within town limits.” She added,” We are now offering a full family lasagna meal as a take and bake option.” According to the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA), Governor Jared Polis is targeting May 15 as the possible date for the return to dine-in. But, some sources see 50 percent occupancy as a possible solution with social distancing restrictions remaining in place for some time after the infection curve reaches a level that allows eateries to serve dine-in customers. CNN reported Polis warned people not to think the coronavirus emergency is over, however. “It's not going to be life as normal.
We're in this for the long haul, but it's sustainable for the medium term,” Polis said in a press conference the day the order was lifted. CRA has created the “Angel Relief Fund,” which offers grants to food and beverage service or hospitality workers who have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Also, the CRA website stated the Kemper Family Foundation established a new restricted fund called the Independent Restaurant Workers Relief Fund. This fund provides grants solely to restaurant workers from Coloradobased, independently owned and operated restaurants who have been impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Plus, one-time grants from the Independent Restaurant Workers Relief Fund range up to $1,000 per individual and are available to restaurant and food and beverage hospitality workers whose last place of employment was a Colorado-based, independently owned and operated restaurant or small restaurant group. Recipients need to meet specific COVID-19 related criteria.
COVID-19
Impact on mental health a given, trends to be seen By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent With less hustling and bustling, there may be more time to reflect upon the simple side of things while being a recluse at home. Yet the stresses of daily life have been transformed and these altered ones will likely have an impact on overall mental health for some time ahead. What drives much of the anxiety amid COVID-19 is uncertainty. Not knowing when life will go back to normal has taken its toll. People are not only concerned for their and their loved ones’ health but also implications regarding financial setbacks, child care/education, housing… the list goes on. Annemarie Zanca, MA, LPC has worked in mental and behavioral health for nearly 30 years. She currently works for the Roaring Fork School District,but for the purpose of this story, she shares her own insights as a community member and observer. According to Zanca, while there has certainly been an impact on public mental health it is too early to identify and analyze trends. Many psychologists point to “Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs” as a structure of essentials pertinent for a healthy mind. As a pyramid the lower needs should be met before attaining the higher ones. From bottom to top, it prioritizes: 1) physiological needs, 2) safety needs, 3) love and belonging, 4) esteem and 5) self actualization. Zanca explains that “Esteem and self actualization are what we’re striving for but you’re going to have a hard time getting there without getting the lower needs met.” With the onset of COVID 19, the basic lower needs — physiological and safety — are compromised. Both food and shelter are essential components of physiological needs and at this point many people are anxious about paying rent or as Zanca points out, “Even just going to the grocery store can be tough.” It pretty much goes without saying that people's sense of safety has also been shaken, impeding that basic need in the hierarchy. “Uncertainty has had an impact on everyone,” Zanca explains; it has replaced a sense of control people did not expect to lose only weeks ago. While that loss is significant,
Zanca encourages people to focus on what they maintain control over which will boost their overall sense of wellbeing. The locus of control is a term used by psychologists to delineate perceptions of control — whether it is internal or external. People with an external locus may be more susceptible to anxiety because they feel their condition is controlled by outside circumstances. Therefore this group’s perceived lack of control is currently exacerbated. According to Zanca, “If your locus of control is outside of you, you expect things to change in your environment but if it’s internal then you focus on the things which you do have influence over, which primarily is your attitude.” That leads to Zanca’s next point: mental fitness. According to Zanca a large part of being mentally fit is based on “what you pay attention to.” Thinking constantly about the virus and its unknowns will likely cause stress. On the other hand, “Paying attention to your present moment eases anxiety about the future.” Zanca sums it up by suggesting that individuals should, “Pay attention to helpful thoughts, and avoid thoughts that bring up fear and anger — limiting news consumption for that reason.” She goes on “Mental fitness does not mean ignoring or denying very real situations, it means choosing to pay attention to thoughts and actions that can help yourself and others.” Zanca also hopes that friends and family will continue to connect with each other — virtually or socially distanced. “It’s more important than ever to reach out,” she says and further brings up that key “mental health needs are met at the love and belonging level of Maslow’s pyramid.” Residents of Carbondale are especially lucky given we have a community that is not only banding together to check in on one another but even taking such social events as First Friday to a virtual platform. While fear plagues the newsreels there are also many positive happenings to focus on. A great way for youth to stay connected during these times is by tuning into KDNK radio. KDNK’s partner Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP), which Zanca founded several years ago, keeps kids connected via the airwaves and “beyond.” AZYEP continues to feature youth broadcasters who call in or record shows from home. So stay connected with the people you care about and focus on what you’re doing in the present so you can stay mentally fit for the future.
PITKIN COUNTY CONSTRUCTION SITES
To Reopen with COVID-19 Safety Plans Construction activity in Aspen, Town of Snowmass Village, Basalt and Unincorporated Pitkin County will gradually begin on April 27th. All construction sites must have approved safety plans that follow stringent Public Health hygiene and social distancing protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19. Safety Plan Applications available at municipality holding active building permit: UNINCORPORATED PITKIN COUNTY pitkincounty.com/covidconstruction CITY OF ASPEN cityofaspen.com/covidconstruction TOWN OF SNOWMASS VILLAGE tosv.com/covidconstruction TOWN OF BASALT basalt.net/covidconstruction
HAPPY SPRING
Returning to regular operations and hours. In an effort to protect employees: Wear a face mask when interacting with landfill employees.
Mental health resources
Limit your trips to the landfill for essential items only (household trash, recycling, and composting).
Aspen Hope Center: 925-5858
Please have an alternate form of payment other than cash.
CO Crisis Services: 844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255
The Mindful Life Program promotes a similar way of thinking to enhance life in general, and cofounder John Bruna continues to post and livestream. Photo by Mark Burrows
Mindsprings Glenwood Springs: 945-2583 Mindsprings Aspen: 920-5555
HOURS
Monday - Friday 7:30am to 4:15pm Saturday 9am to 11:45am
HAPPY SPRING
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APril 30 - May 6, 2020 • 5
SCUTTLEBUTT Dandy days If you’re in need of seedlings and would usually get them from Dandelion Day, have no fear! Mana Food is selling plants from an array of local farms from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on select days. Catch Wild Mountain Seeds on May 3, Erin’s Acres on May 7 and 14, Janelle Togno on May 10, CRMPI on May 11 and CO Pear Edible Landscape Design on May 17. And while you’re at it, think about registering your fruit trees at uprootcolorado.org so any surplus can go to the needy come fall.
Zoom zoom zoom Jarid Rollins let us know that he’s offering a free Zoom series to help folks connect and make sense of what’s going on. Guests include Charles Morris author of “Butterfly — a Guide for Transformation” on April 30, sexuality educators Mel and Lorna Littner on May 7 and again on May 28, ACES educator Matt Thomas on May 14, and Huts for Vets director Paul Anderson on May 21. Visit the Midvalley Family Practice PC Facebook page for more information or to participate!
Assisting artists Carbondale Arts has received donations from community members who wish to support local creatives who are being economically impacted by the COVID-19 virus. With these donations, Carbondale
Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.
Arts has started the Artist Relief Fund, which will allocate the donations to local creatives who need help covering essential costs during this unprecedented time. Responses are due no later than Friday, May 1 — contact amy@carbondalearts. com for more information.
Silence in the library Garfield County Libraries staff have been hard at work these past few weeks bringing additional eBooks, streaming movies, databases, and events online — but also training to begin restoring in-person services on May 11. At first, you’ll be able to check out materials from within the library as well as copy, scan and fax, but no computers will be available. Strict social distancing will be enforced and you will need to properly wear a mask covering your mouth and nose in order to enter the library.
Upstream Pitkin County is introducing a mobile lab, perhaps the first in Colorado, to perform COVID-19 testing in Pitkin County, incident commanders announced Tuesday. The tests, purchased last week from Aytu Bioscience, are currently being tested and verified through a joint effort with Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) to prepare for the public testing rollout. Meanwhile, AVH’s five Center for Medical Care clinics
and the After-Hours Medical Care clinic in Basalt have rapidly implemented telemedicine tools as part of their strategy to ensure safe, ongoing care for patients during the current COVID-19 epidemic, and into the future.
Seeds of change While Raleigh Burleigh may be transitioning out of his role as KDNK program director to deepen his understanding of local food production with Wild Mountain Seeds, we don’t expect that to impact his role as Sopris Sun Board President. It does mean that Lucas Turner will be expanding on his own role as news director, while Amy Hadden Marsh will become a full time reporter.
Carbondales first virtual First Friday was a seat-of-the-pants affair featuring some great moments, like the live stream of Batch’s 7 p.m. noise making event (photo by Laurel Smith). There’s been a lot more time to plan the May 1 event, with a self-guided Yard Art Walk (visit carbondalearts.com for info) and a virtual block party and pride celebration on ThunderStream (thunderrivertheatre.com). To top it all off, thanks to a successful fundraiser, Steve’s Guitars will officially begin livestreaming with Wes Engstrom, William Steindler, Jeremy Isenhart and Jackson Emmer at 7:30 p.m. and Jeffery Foucault after.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Gretchen Stock-Bell and Alexandra Jerkunica (April 30); Devika Gurung, Melanie Gianinetti Cardiff, Jeff Leahy and Pixie Byrne (May 1); Sherry Caloia (May 2); Carolyn Nelson, Mary Matchael, Kathy Goudy and Maura Masters (May 3); Aaron Laemmel and Zoe Kimberly (May 4); Jeremy Heiman, Frank Betts, Rabbit and Sandy Kaplan (May 5) Soozie Lindbloom, Stephen Olson and Joe Burleigh (May 6).
Judy Welch celebrated her 90th birthday on April 28 with a socially-distant celebration. Courtesy photo.
Better care for patients. Better health for all – wherever you are in the Roaring Fork Valley. At Aspen Valley Primary Care, our physicians provide comprehensive medical care and are available to answer questions you may have about your health — especially during these challenging times. Virtual clinic visits are now available from the comfort of your home.
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
Aspen | 0401 Castle Creek Road Basalt | 1460 East Valley Road, Suite 103 Call 970.279.4111 to request a virtual clinic visit or to make an appointment with one of our physicians.
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!
EXPANDED COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE
If you are experiencing ANY COVID-19related symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath, etc.), call your primary care physician. Your physician will evaluate your symptoms and can give you a referral to be tested at AVH’s Respiratory Evaluation Tent. If you do not have a primary care physician, call Aspen Valley Primary Care at 970.279.4111. If you are experiencing moderate to severe COVID-19-related symptoms, and need help managing them, our Respiratory Tent is also here for you. Please call your primary care provider or Aspen Valley Primary Care for further evaluation and referral.
HOURS OF OPERATION
By appointment only, physician referral is required. COVID-19 TESTING
Monday – Friday, 12 – 4pm HELP FOR RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS
Seven days/week, 12 – 4pm
ASPEN VALLEY PRIMARY CARE ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
aspenhospital.org | 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • April 30 - May 6, 2020
AspenValleyHospital
Habitat maintains momentum under new leadership By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork has a new captain at the helm who means to maintain the nonprofit’s momentum while navigating the uncharted waters of today. Gail Schwartz joined Habitat’s board of directors roughly eight months ago and shortly thereafter assumed the role as its chair. Not too long after that her predecessor, Scott Gilbert, transitioned out of his job and Schwartz became the interim president for about a month before moving into the position permanently. Schwartz has lived in the valley since the early seventies and began her career in resort planning with Sno-Engineering Co. Upon delving into the realm of community planning and development, she discovered a passion: to help provide the community with affordable housing. After leaving the private sector Schwartz took on leadership positions for the Aspen Pitkin County Housing Authority (APCHA) where over a four year period she “helped bring on line 800 units of affordable housing.” Schwartz recalls that, “That was a really important step to putting a foundation under the codes, policies and funding mechanisms for affordable housing in Aspen and Pitkin County.” Schwartz gained an “Understanding from community design work that you must have
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a stable workforce...to function long term as a balanced community.” Therefore, “making sure that you have an insulated stock of housing that people can afford and live in, because of all the pressure on the housing market, is critical to the long term viability of a community.” After several years of volunteer work with numerous nonprofits and public institutions Schwartz was appointed, under Governor Romer, as a commissioner of higher education. Consecutively she was elected to the University of Colorado Board of Regents and served in that role for six years. In 2007, Schwartz ran for the Colorado State Senate and ended up serving two terms for SD5 — which was later redistricted, but at the time was “basically from Aspen to New Mexico,” consisting of 15 counties. During her eight years as a state senator, Schwartz served as chair of agriculture, natural resources and energy. In the wake of COVID 19, Habitat was forced to halt construction at it’s housing site, Basalt Vista, next to Basalt High school as well as close The ReStore to the public. The setback inspired Schwartz and her team to get creative because stopping altogether just was not an option. “We put our heads together,” Schwartz explains, “and have over the last month put all of our inventory online and created a virtual ReStore for people to continue to shop with us.”
Our doors may be closed but our hearts remain open.”
Habitat is offering pick-up or delivery services for purchased items. The virtual platform gives Habitat the ability to continue to engage. Schwartz and the rest of the staff want people to know that “our doors may be closed but our hearts remain open.” The Restore will be reopening its doors, with safety procedures in place, on Cinco de Mayo. Habitat’s organizers had intended to erect solar panels atop completed homes at Basalt Vista for Earth Day — April 22 — but were unable to do so due to the Pitkin County moratorium. Therefore, using their virtual platform the staff hosted a virtual “Shopathon” where they also got to showcase the energy efficient features of the ReStore and discuss their goals for energy efficiency in the future. “The bottom line,” according to Schwartz, was that “We wanted to have a shopathon to engage our buyers, guests and customers with our message around Earth Day.” The online platform will likely not go away and Schwartz also notes that their online presence is, “Creating more of a national following and people are shopping and we’re shipping items to them.” The Basalt Vista site next to the Basalt High School is where Habitat is building 27 homes in partnership with the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) and Pitkin County. The homes are meant for both RFSD employees and people employed within Pitkin along with their respective families of course. Nine homes will be completed and occupied by June 1. While the crew had to suspend operations at the site, they continued to build wall and floor
Habitat RFV President Gail Schwartz and colleague David Collier pose before the virtual Shopathon on April 22. Courtesy photo panels for the homes at two warehouses within Garfield County. This sort of thinking outside of the box has kept the project on track. Schwartz states that “We are continuing our mission and supporting our staff in a very safe environment to continue their work.” Schwartz and the team are vying to resume work at the site shortly and she affirms that they continue to follow all safety requirements regarding COVID-19. She is grateful to community members and institutions for contributing to Habitat’s mission to “build homes, build hope and build community.” Community support mostly comes in the form of donations of funds or resources, and volunteer work. Schwartz looks forward to the time, when it is deemed safe, that volunteers can be invited back to the site.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APril 30 - May 6, 2020 • 7
is available at www.soprissun. com, which averaged more than 2,000 hits per week, an increase of 15 percent over 2018 — and a figure we’re on track to far exceed this year. In addition, we ended the year with 2,358 Facebook “likes” as well as a following on Instagram and Twitter.
A REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITY Dear Readers, Advertisers, and Supporters, Now in its eleventh year, despite the changes in the news industry and the world in general, The Sopris Sun continues to publish stories that matter. As evidence for this claim, we are pleased to present our Annual Report celebrating the newspaper’s accomplishments in 2019. When the Board of Directors approved the 2020 budget in January, it was with a great deal of optimism. With the support of advertisers and donors, we successfully met our budget and ended the year slightly “in the black,” financially speaking. A few weeks later, we celebrated the paper’s birthday with an enthusiastic crowd of friends and neighbors at a screening of the classic film, E.T.—the Extra-Terrestrial. We were looking forward to another productive year for our nonprofit Western Slope newspaper. Then the unimaginable happened, and suddenly COVID-19 had changed the way everyone would be doing business for the foreseeable future. As Editor Will Grandbois wrote at the end of 2019: “This isn’t really the same newspaper it was a year ago.” Today, this is more true than we ever imagined. What we have learned from this sudden event is
that such a disaster means that The Sopris Sun, the Valley’s only independent nonprofit newspaper, is more important than ever. People need a nonbiased, trusted source for local news, information and simple help in their day-to-day lives. Equally important, we need a paper that reminds us of our humanity, the importance of our community, and the necessity of being in touch with one another. The Sopris Sun takes that responsibility seriously. Employment The year 2019 brought some new employees to the Sun. We welcomed talented graphic designer Ylice Golden, outstanding advertising manager Todd Chamberlin, and creative staff writer Roberta McGowan. Will Grandbois continues as editor and Tommy Sands manages deliveries — though James Steindler has stepped in to help under the circumstances. Our growing team of freelancers provides fresh new perspectives on community news and features. And volunteer helpers and board members round out the organization. The web Along with our presence in print, much of our content
Finances Thanks to a robust advertising program and generous donors, The Sopris Sun met its budget while staying “in the black” for 2019. Several new folks stepped up to become “Honorary Publishers,” a group of 16 donors who have pledged $1000 or more annually. Events Last year, The Sopris Sun hosted an elegant evening at The Redstone Castle, where fans of San Francisco-based pianist Robin Sutherland turned out for an intimate concert in the formal ballroom. Sutherland, a frequent soloist with the San Francisco Symphony and a former resident of Carbondale, performed for a sold-out crowd, some of whom stayed the night in one of the Castle’s historic suites — all to benefit The Sopris Sun. In closing, we would like to thank our readers, generous contributors and advertisers who over the past eleven years have been the most important sources of support for this valiant experiment in nonprofit newspapering. The Sopris Sun could not exist without all of your support, and we ask you to remember to give what you can to keep the spirit of independent media alive. Your gift, whatever the size, brings the Sopris Sun closer to another successful year.
SENIOR MATTERS OF CARBONDALE
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • April 30 - May 6, 2020
INCOME 2019 Budget Total: $291,378
2020 Budget Total: $296,190
Advertising: $229,694 Grants: $4,000 Donations: $57,684
Advertising: $243,190 Grants: $5,000 Donations: $48,000
EXPENSES 2019 Budget Total: $291,343
2020 Budget Total: $290,506
Staff: $149,257 Printing & Web: $63,390 Admin/Rent: $67,699 Distribution: $10,997
Staff: $145,240 Printing & Web: $64,820 Admin/Rent: $69,446 Distribution: $11,000
FEATURED IN 2019 LOCAL GOVERNMENT 79 TIMES
EVENTS 63 TIMES
ENVIRONMENT & OUTDOORS 73 TIMES
REGIONAL ISSUES 27 TIMES
BUSINESSES & NONPROFITS 49 TIMES
BREAKING NEWS 10 TIMES
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION 58 TIMES
LOCAL PEOPLE 46 TIMES
ARTS 43 TIMES
HISTORY 21 TIMES
The tradition of featuring mothers and their babies from the last year will continue — we’re just moving our photo shoot outside. • Call Mark Burrows (379-4581) to set a time for this Thursday, Friday or Saturday at the Sopris Park gazebo. • Please don’t show up without an appointment • Social distancing measures will be observed
¡No los olvidamos, mamás! La tradición de presentar a las madres y sus bebés del año pasado continuará: solo estamos trasladando nuestra sesión de fotos al exterior. • Llame a Raleigh Burleigh (456-6929) para programar una hora para este jueves, viernes o sábado en el mirador del Sopris Park. • Es necesario hacer una cita antes de presentarse • Se observarán medidas de distanciamiento social.
RFVPhoto.com
We didn’t forget you, moms!
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APril 30 - May 6, 2020 • 9
TOWN REPORT ALL SPECIAL EVENTS on Town property have been cancelled for the month of May. Playgrounds, picnic shelters, sports fields, courts and the like remain closed for the time being, although The Sopris Sun received special permission to use the Sopris Park gazebo for Mother’s Day portraits. Parks themselves, including the “dog park” and community gardens, remain open provided proper social distancing is observed. GATEWAY RV PARK will be closed through at least the end of May and reservations are not being offered online. Interested campers can call the Rec. Center at 510-1290 to get on a call-back list for when and if it opens for the season. THE REC. CENTER is still closed, but staff are seizing the moment to regrout, make sure the showers are ADA compliant and repaint the gym floors. A Q U A T I C S FACILITY Master Planning public outreach will launch with a survey from May 6 through
June 6 following a virtual meeting with the working group. THE TOWN HOTLINE (510-1292) has received 45 calls so far, with one prescription pickup and three grocery runs for homebound seniors in the last week. F I N A NCI A L LY SPEAKING, March was a fairly strong month for the municipality. The Town is tracking revenues and financial trends and does not anticipate any staff reductions right now. DUST CONTROL is taking place on gravel alleys and parking areas. Crews also swept streets, cleaned up the snow dump areas near the high school and rodeo grounds, picked up junk left in the right-ofway and fixed potholes. QUOTES have come in to overlay the trail on the west/north side of Snowmass Drive from Sopris Avenue to Second Street — a process which will begin next week. Crack sealing and spray patching is also slated for early May.
COP SHOP PLANNING AND ZONING will hold three virtual meetings in the next month — on May 14, 21 and 28 — in order to move land-use applications forward. Some of the larger applications will come before the trustees in late June or early July. CENSUS DATA shows that more than 59 percent of Carbondale households have responded so far — a higher average than the county, state or nation. THE WATER TR EATMENT PLANT on the Roaring Fork is out of service due to the failure of both backwash pumps. Nettle Creek and the Crystal Well appear to be taking up the slack just fine — although the latter will need some downtime soon to install a new generator.
SATURDAY April 11 at 12:28 p.m. A domestic violence call led to a 50-year-old man’s arrest for violating a restraining order. SATURDAY April 11 at 6:09 p.m. Two separate people reported a possible drunk driver, resulting in the arrest of a 46-year-old man. From April 10 through 23, Carbondale Police handled 268 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note:
SATURDAY April 11 at 10:55 p.m. Officers responded to a criminal trespass report and issued two men summonses.
FRIDAY April 10 at 3:04 a.m. Police spoke to a man about an assault, but didn’t get much information.
SUNDAY April 12 at 2:48 p.m. The owner was cited after a dog bit a mail delivery person.
SUNDAY April 19 at 12:58 p.m. A speeding stop led to a warrant summons. MONDAY April 20 at 2:30 p.m. A 30-year-old man was arrested for second-degree assault. TUESDAY April 21 at 6:31 p.m. A resident on Second Street reported a theft from their backyard. THURSDAY April 23 at 3:28 p.m. Police spoke with the parent of a minor who reported being raped.
Kirk Wilson is officially Carbondale’s next police chief following unanimous approval by the Board of Trustees. While the vote was, in many ways, a formality, Mayor Dan Richardson took it seriously. “I think one of our rolls is to say — ‘okay, is this the right option?’” he observed. Said Wilson, who will begin transitioning into the new role on June 1, “I’m very excited to get up there and get going with this.”
A NEW POLICE OFFICER — Quinn Kimminau, a Glenwood native, has accepted a conditional job offer and will begin training following a background check and standard protocols.
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WEDNESDAY April 15 at 10:50 p.m. Police issued two men summons for third degree assault.
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CALL 963-0139 OR GO TO KDNK.ORG AND CLICK DONATE 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • April 30 - May 6, 2020
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GUEST
OPINION By Dan Richardson Mayor of Carbondale A comment from a local physician recently really stuck with me: “We are in as good of shape as anywhere in the country.” He was referring to the state of local healthcare, but I am convinced his statement equally applies to the state of our local community as well. I have also been pleasantly surprised at the state of the Richardson household through what I refer to as “The Great Hunker Down.” We all miss seeing our friends, but we have at least found rhythm and more family time that had been lacking since our boys entered the teen twilight zone. One reason we’re in such good shape is because we have taken the threat seriously and obtained roughly 75-80 percent social distancing. That, coupled with hospitals and clinics rapidly
Striving for balance transitioning to crisis mode, flattened the curve of the initial wave as well as any community. But I think most would agree that it’s time to transition from extreme social distancing to strategic physical distancing. It may be semantics, but the social impact of the hunker down has and will continue to be significant, to say the least. I am keenly aware of the many opinions out there about the hunker down, with some firmly in the “safe at all costs’” camp, some firmly in the “open everything up now” camp, and many opinions in between. My experiences have taught me that there is at least a kernel of truth and wisdom in all of them. It is my hope that we can acknowledge that our medical and health industry is only five months into a new virus and our community is less than two months into our first pandemic — the likes of which few, if any, of us have ever experienced. What we know is still dwarfed by what we have yet to learn, and we still aren’t sure how or when we’ll be able to learn what we need to know. I think what we are all experiencing, no matter which camp you lean towards, is that life is still frustrating at the moment. Neither the federal, state or local governments have been able to
truly evaluate the cost/benefit of safety vs. prosperity and therefore we are still learning as we go. Where I suspect there is common agreement is the need to protect the vulnerable. We have learned enough to know that certain characteristics make some much more vulnerable to the virus. We got a crash course in how to protect them and now it’s up to each and every one of us to maintain those practices while health orders begin to ease up a bit. Personally speaking, the minor inconvenience of voluntarily wearing a mask in a store to protect others, seems well worth the “cost” if businesses can ‘benefit’ by having more customers as a result. As I mentioned earlier, we were able to achieve 75-80 percent last month, and our new goal is to relax efforts slightly to maintain 60-65 percent physical distancing for the foreseeable future. As many have said, this is a marathon, not a sprint, so the better we are at being safe and protecting the vulnerable, the sooner the social connection and quality of life will return. As we recently learned through new health orders, more businesses will soon be allowed to open and nearly all will be able to offer more services, depending on how diligent they/we are at hygiene, distancing, wearing masks and other protective strategies. I
strongly encourage all businesses to visit garfield-county.com ASAP to download and submit their “social distancing plan.” With exceptions for critical businesses, submitting a plan is required for all businesses. The sooner businesses do this and the more effective their plan is, the faster business can begin to rebuild. I also want to express overwhelming gratitude to the many, many generous volunteers, donors and mission-driven organizations that have gone above and beyond to support our neighbors in this time of need. As always, Carbondalians find a way to connect, even during a pandemic, and we are doing it while we leverage our incredible time, talent and treasure. I like to think we are remixing Carbondale’s secret sauce, and it’s as sweet as ever! Make no mistake, life is hard, if not extremely hard right now and it will continue to be for some time. But hopefully you are seizing the opportunity to find new ways to connect with friends, to rethink how, or maybe even where you work, and to reinvent family life. For Holly and me, that means milking our oldest doing the dishes every night for as long as we can! Have faith that we will emerge from this pandemic stronger than when we entered it. We are Carbondale Strong.
Task Force backs GarCo Roadmap The Carbondale Emergency Task Force (CETF) is instructing the community to closely follow Garfield County’s Roadmap to Reopening as Colorado moves to a Safer at Home public health order. For now, the county is following the governor’s plan, with two notable differences: Garfield County is already allowing retailers to provide curbside delivery or pickup and retail and personal services cannot reopen until Monday, May 4 (as opposed to May 1 in the Governor’s order). All GarCo businesses and agencies — regardless of whether they are currently in operation — must go to garfield-county.com and fill out the online Garfield County Business Social Distancing Plan. The county isn’t conducting inspections; but will contact a business if it receives reports of an establishment out of compliance with public health orders. On May 4, medical offices, retail, personal services and large workplaces will be allowed to reopen under strict social distancing precautions. Safer at home is not back to normal. One should still only leave the house for specific tests, and older adults or those with chronic health issues should stay home altogether. Social distancing should continue, with masks and a distance of six feet in public spaces. The Garfield County Road Map is aimed and transitioning into a stabilization phase based on indicators including a sustained decrease in COVID-19 cases for 14 days; hospitals able to aid patients without resorting to crisis standards of care; offering testing for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms and actively monitoring all cases; and ensuring clear social-distancing protocols remain in place. A recovery phase requires that a vaccine is widely available. Visit carbondalegov.org/government/emergency for more Carbondale-specific information.
ANNUAL PLANT SALE GET YOUR GARDEN GROWING!
Tomatoes • Herbs • Veggies • Annual Flowers Perennials • Seed Potatoes • Onion Plants & More!
MAY 8 - MAY 30
This year, there are TWO ways to shop: • Sign-up for a 30-minute timeslot to pick your plants • Place your order online for no-contact pick-up
To see a full list of plants available, sign-up for a shopping time, or place an online order visit: www.crms.org/plantsale All garden starts are organically grown and are well suited to the Roaring Fork Valley Climate. CRMS Organic Garden Learning Center 500 Holden Way, Carbondale Bring your own box to carry home all of your goodies. THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APril 30 - May 6, 2020 • 11
PC: Michelle Smith
Newspaper crafts made easy! By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent Don’t recycle those empty toilet paper rolls and used newspapers yet! Did you know that by using a few items found around your home, you can create fun and engaging paper crafts for the whole family? From origami to papier-mâché, paper crafts have been captivating home crafters for years. The best part? Most of these crafts are so simple that even the youngest members of your household can be entertained. Let’s take a closer look at this art form and learn more about the crafts you can do at home! Paper-Making Why not start with the basics? Paper-making is a simple and sometimes messy household craft that is both decorative and useful in nature. By simply blending recycled paper from around your home with water, you can create a variety of crafts; from stationary cards to mini journals to wall pieces, the possibilities are endless. Before you start, make sure you have the necessary materials. You will need a blender (preferably one not used for food), a mold and decal, a large tub, a sponge, some towels, cold water, and (of course) shredded newspaper. The mold and decal are two
important items that create the physical shape of your paper. The mold has a mesh screen attached to it and is used to catch the paper. The decal is an open frame that is laid on top of the mold to help form the paper’s shape. If you do not have a mold and decal available, you can simply create them using old picture frames and sturdy mesh screens with small openings. The Roaring Fork Co-Op has plenty of screens to choose from. The paper itself is created by immersing the mold and decal into the pulp-filled tub. Using a process similar to gold panning, you catch the paper and continue swirling the mold and decal until you are satisfied with your paper’s thickness. When satisfied, allow your paper to dry for up to 24 hours on a flat surface. For added smoothness, place some plywood on top of your paper. Try experimenting with other fibers such as construction paper or old phone books for a pop of color. You can also use vegetable scraps or piled up junk mail to be more resourceful! Origami paper crane Chances are, if you ask any elementary school child if they have ever made origami, the answer will be yes. If not, now is your chance to inspire them! Stemming from a combination of two Japanese words, oru (to fold)
and kami (paper), origami has been a staple in Japanese art for centuries. With the popularization of the story “Sadako and a thousand paper cranes” by Eleanor Coerr, the legend of folding 1000 paper cranes and giving them to a friend for a wish has inspired people around the world. Symbolizing longevity and good fortune, the crane has been referred to as “the bird of happiness” and hope during difficult times. Today, folding a paper crane has become a household skill. It can be made from a variety of paper products such as thin origami paper or newspaper. To make an origami crane, you begin with a square piece of paper and quickly transition into a series of repeating folds. Within minutes, you will move through the accordion, squash, skinny kite, and wolf ’s head folds to create a beautiful origami crane. Papier-mâché As one of the more resourceful paper crafts, papier-mâché has been used for centuries to create practical goods such as vases, masks, and even furniture. The term papier-mâché originates from the French to literally mean “chewed paper”, which is exactly what the Frenchman did in the 18th century. Today, the process takes a bit of a different approach. Instead of chewing the newspaper, you will get it wet with a pulp made of
Terri Ritche always had a talent for making the most out of newspaper. File photo by Sue Rollyson flour and water. Once wet, layer the newspaper around a model you created out of household items, such as empty toilet paper rolls. Didn’t hoard enough toilet paper? Try creating a model out of chicken wire, balloons, or cardboard boxes get creative! After a few hours, the mixture will dry forming a cast around your model. You can then paint or decorate it to your heart’s content!
The list goes on!
Want more newspaper crafts? Here are some easy ideas! • Newspaper planters for seedlings • Tea party hats • Fringy wreaths and bouquets • Newsprint silhouettes • Stationary envelopes • Coiled newspaper coasters Don’t forget to showcase your finished work by tagging us @soprissun on Instagram or Facebook.
w Help the Town of Carbondale create a vision for the renovation or replacement of the existing John M Fleet Pool, which is more than 40 years old.
STAY HOME & CELEBRATE
FIRST FRIDAY IN MAY!
WHAT IDEAS DOYOU HAVE FOR THE
CARBONDALE POOL?
Help Shape the Pool’s Next 40 Years
Take the Survey starting in May & visit the website for updates for in-person opportunities to participate!
carbondalerec.com /aquatics
First Friday, May 1, 6-8 PM
If we can’t all be together in downtown Carbondale, then let’s connect virtually for a fun-filled evening with local businesses and creatives! This First Friday, tune in to Thunder River Theatre Company's ThundersStream broadcast of the Family Block Party and Pride Celebration. To see the event schedule, visit www.carbondalearts.com.
Participate & receive a free Day Pass to the Pool or Recreation Center!
Tune in to First Friday Here: www.ThunderRiverTheatre.com/live Learn More: Carbondale.com/First-Friday 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • April 30 - May 6, 2020
Planning for the pool has been funded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
TAKE AN ONLINE SURVEY http://bit.ly/CdalePool Survey will be available
May 6-June 7, 2020
LETTERS Compost is the answer Dear Editor: After I write this, I will get that chicken meat off the carcass to place curbside in my white tower of hope by tomorrow morning, a.k.a. as the local Evergreen Zero Waste (EZW) compost bucket. Here is what the EZW website says: “We are working in every capacity to make the Roaring Fork Valley a zero waste area. From green events to compost collection EZW is about saving the earth for future generations.” How honored we are to have this business in our community What is even more exciting is that a bill introduced to the Colorado House of Representatives HB20-1047 in February to develop a statewide management plan to promote compost use passed and is now before the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources referred unamended to appropriations. I feel that, even though I am socially distanced and masked these days, I am in a worldwide huddle to address climate change locally, as I build soil right in my front yard thanks to the help of Evergreen Zero Waste and our legislature. In March 2020 National Geographic featured, “The End of Trash — Can we save our planet by reusing all the stuff we make?” That huddle involves a rethinking of every aspect of waste. In its 2015 studies it found that “a third of all food rotted, even as the Amazon was deforested to produce more. Think of an environmental problem and, chances are, it’s connected to waste that includes climate change: It happens because we burn fossil fuels and scatter the waste — carbon dioxide — into
From page 2 the atmosphere.” The article describes how we might extract value from most of the trash we discard. In Colorado, according to sponsors of our bill, 37 percent of trash going to our landfills is organic — producing methane gas, which traps 84 times more heat in our atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Then along comes the March 9, 2020 New Yorker with a feature “Complete Trash — composting could get us out of the mess we’ve made.” Our mess: “The United States has greater landfill emissions than any other country the equivalent of 37 million cars on the road each year.” Once again the relationship to climate change is apparent, methane the culprit. In Seoul, with rapid industrialization, food scraps became an “incidental petri dish for disease and citizens lay down in front of the garbage trucks to prevent more being brought in.” The Korea Zero Waste Movement Network was formed and now: “The13,000 tons of food waste produced daily in South Korea become one of three things: compost (30 percent), animal feed (60 percent) or biofuel (10 percent).” My compost which sometime back was someone’s chicken carcass now aerates the clay like Colorado soil, provides nutrients to my seedlings, increases water storage capacity and gives me a gratitude and energy that right here in my neighborhood we can address climate change. What if there was a little white tower of hope in front of every household in our community? We have a hopeful huddle. P.S. Even if you do not live in town, there is a compost container at our firehouse. Adele Hause Carbondale
Outside the box Dear Editor: I feel so fortunate to be a part of this community during this crazy time and inspired by the creative ways people are finding to stay healthy and connected. Recent findings show the virus is vulnerable to sunlight. As things begin to open up, let's find creative ways to utilize our outdoor spaces as much as possible. This may be the year to close Main Street to car traffic for the whole summer! When restaurants can open, they will need six feet between tables — let's give them the space they need! Build a bike lane down the center, and invite other retailers to open airport-style kiosks to earn business. Other businesses might consider shrinking parking lots as well, to let retailers spread out over the curb. And let's create guidelines that allow for people to use the courts and fields safely. We should embrace our bicycles and outdoor spaces until we can embrace each other again. Let's keep living outside the box, smiling under our masks, and supporting our neighbors until this becomes a strange memory. Adam Carballeira Carbondale
A dangerous move Dear Editor: Since 1975, we have been living in the era of emerging infectious diseases. As a physician interested in disease prevention, I feel I must speak out about the abysmal handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by the current administration in Washington. The countries that have dealt with the COVID crises the most effectively have had strong national leaders who
immediately instituted science-based public health measures which included extensive, accurate testing early on and adequate PPE for their health care workers. The Trump Administration’s response to this crisis has been slow, erratic, inadequate, and often politicized, which has resulted in thousands of unnecessary deaths, prolongation of the disease and our economic and homebound misery. Look at the numbers: By April 20, the U.S. had almost twice as many COVID deaths as country number two, Italy — the U.S. had 759,674 cases of COVID-19 with 40,661 deaths, Italy 178,972 cases and 23,660 deaths. It’s been several months since the world was warned about cases of a contagious, deadly virus in China. Yet we are still far from having what we need to do adequate testing to safely move forward with our economy. Furthermore, our health care providers on the front lines still don’t have adequate protective gear. According to GetUsPPE.org, a recent survey of 978 health care facilities across the U.S. revealed that nearly all had no supplies remaining of at least one form of PEE, and less than a week’s supply of other PPE. Finally, given that we live on a crowded planet, are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, and that additional waves of the current pandemic and other pandemics are sure to follow, this is not the right time to stop funding the World Health Organization. They may have some problems, and we need to help fix them, but as the American Medical Association says, this is “a dangerous move at a precarious moment for the world.” Greg Feinsinger, M.D. Carbondale
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Want to grow your own veggies this summer? There are garden plots available at Demeter's Community Garden located behind the 3rd St. Center. Call the Carbondale Rec. Department at 970-510-1290 to reserve one. THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APril 30 - May 6, 2020 • 13
On Covid 19
By Suzie Brady
(Inspired by my pal, Dr. Suess)
I haven’t worn earrings since lockdown began my toothbrush sits idle Till half past ten.
and now I will try to tackle those gutters You don’t need much money when you’re staying inside but we all need our groceries If we want to survive.
I wear raunchy clothes for days at a time but I do change my socks cause I won’t cross that line.
But the whining and licking and gulping they feign noises so annoying I’m going insane. I never had thought I would want extra space from the doggies I love but that does seem the case.
I now have more time to reflect and not putter I sit still and meditate and then write some letters.
My hair meets the comb o-cass-ion-a-lly the shower I use just as in-fre-quent-ly. I still use deodorant so I really don’t smell but no one gets close enough so they can’t quite tell.
So at night when it’s quiet and they’re dreaming away I imagine the earth on a beautiful day.
I turn off the news when its getting too hard a soak in the tub is much better by far.
When you’re keeping your distance six feet from your pals from neighbors and strangers who all have to yell. At times it feels crazy this virus is hell but we need to heed warnings so we all can stay well. My hands are exhausted from all of the washing I can’t bite my nails so I’m turning and tossing. My house looks so spotless sanitized, uncluttered
When children are playing together with friends and lovers are kissing let’s hope it’s the end.
I watch only comedies or listen to jazz Ted talks, the radio I need some pizzazz. But there are some good parts to self i-so-la-tion to lockdown, to stay home to self navigation. There’s Netflix and Youtube there’s Facetime and texting Hoopla and skyping and Zoom is quite fetching. My dogs are so happy I’m home all the time they’re hiking and sniffing and feeling just fine.
SUZOKU
It’s been tragic, nothing like it it’s changed how we live we’ve been fearful and tearful but still we can give. Give thanks to the doctors the nurses, the staff first responders, the cleaners hope they share a few laughs Hope this brought us together what happened, what came For we learned something precious, that we’re all just the same. Amy Krakow Carbondale
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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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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • April 30 - May 6, 2020
Carbondale, CO
For more information contact Todd Chamberlin adsales@soprissun.com or 970-510-0246
PARTING SHOTS
Daredevils abound in Carbondale, but fresh air and getting out is good for the soul. Taking advantage of space near their homes, these sportsers get some exercise and sunshine. We're pretty sure dad survived the young Evil Kenevil. Photos by Mark Burrows
WINDSHIELD REPAIR & SERVICE DIRECTORY AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD
LEGALS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning Commission for the purpose of considering a Special Use Permit for a large Day Care (seven children or more). The application includes a variance from the maximum fence height of 42” in the front yard setback to allow a four foot high fence. It also includes Alternative Compliance from Section 5.8 Off Street Parking. The property is located at 55 N. 7th Street (aka Lots 1-4, Block 21, Town of Carbondale and the South 15 feet of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Block 7, Weavers Addition to the Town of Carbondale). The owner is Millyard Courtney Farmer III. The applicant is Blue Lake Preschool, Inc. Said Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on May 21, 2020. You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube. Search Town of Carbondale May 21, 2020 meeting. Please be aware that you will experience a 15-30 second delay. If you would like to submit comments regarding this application, email your comments or letter to msikes@ carbondaleco.net by 4:00 pm on May 21, 2020. This email or letter will be entered into the record. If you would like to comment during the meeting, email msikes@carbondaleco. net with your full name and address by 4:00 pm on May 21, 2020. You will receive instructions on joining the meeting online prior to 7:00 p.m. Also, you may contact msikes@ carbondaleco.net to get a phone number to listen to the meeting, however, you will be unable to make comments. Wifi will
be available in the lobby of Town Hall and a phone will also be available in the lobby for the public to listen to the meeting. Please email Janet Buck at jbuck@ carbondaleco.net or call 970/456-3036 by 4:00 p.m. the date of the public hearing if special accommodations are necessary to participate in the meeting. Copies of the proposed application are available on the Town’s website at www. carbondalegov.org. Please contact msikes@carbondaleco.net if you are unable to view the application on the Town’s website and would like to request an alternate method of review. Janet Buck Town Planner CORRECTION NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE LAWS OF COLORADO HIGH Q SOPRIS, LLC has requested the licensing officials of the Town of Carbondale to grant a transfer of ownership of their retail marijuana store license to sell retail marijuana and retail marijuana products at: HIGH Q SOPRIS, LLC 922 Highway 133 Carbondale, CO 81623 Hearing on application to be held at: Carbondale Town Hall 511 Colorado Avenue Carbondale, Colorado Date and time: May 26, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Date Of Application: March 27, 2020 By Order Of: Dan Richardson, Mayor Applicant: Renee Grossman Information may be obtained from, and Petitions or Remonstrance’s may be filed with the Town Clerk, Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO 81623
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JUNE HEALTH FAIR
world-class multimedia studio
Audio and visual excellence all under one roof !
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.
0401 Castle Creek Road, Aspen | 970.925.1120 | aspenhospital.org
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APril 30 - May 6, 2020 • 15
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
In a time when we're all looking for ways to support our local communities, we encourage you to keep shopping locally and to use your Alpine Bank Community Loyalty Debit Card. Remember that every time you use it Alpine Bank donates 10 cents to nonprofits in your local community. *Alpine Bank debit cards are available with no annual fee to individuals with an Alpine Bank checking account.
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