20 05 07

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

Happy Mother's Day Carbondale’s weekly

community connector

Volume 12, Number 13 | May 7 - 13, 2020

Tia and Rona Lulav

Kassie and Alex Stephen Campbell

Liza and Cora Campbell

Erin and Amelia Mae Delk

Tara and Oakley Jay Courtney

Sarah Uhl and Hukson Oaks Mann

Delia Urrutia and Violet Urrutia-Pleva

Cassidy and Paige Sanderson

Emily and Millie Borkovec

Cassidy and Emilia May Willis

Ashley and Wild Wibby

Ashley and Charlotte (Charley) Hejtmanek

Kathryn and Eva Jarvis

Rachel and Lael Thompson

Jamie and Charlie Dean Tatsuno

Krystin Oda and Jack Wilder Bergstresser

Ashley Weitzel-Wilson and Landon Wilson

Kristin and Sawyer Johnston

Ever since Brenda Buchanan and Patti Berry Levy first hatched the idea for the Valley Journal back in the early '80s, it's been traditional for the Carbondale newspaper to publish pictures of new babies and their mothers each Mother's Day — and thanks to a supreme effort by photographer Mark Burrows, this year is no exception! See the back cover for more moms and their babies.

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OPINION

By Will Grandbois Editor

Two months ago, May and the Colorado Press Association (CPA) Convention seemed far away and out of COVID-19’s reach. Today, the fact that we pulled off our annual Mother’s Day edition seems like a small miracle — although, in fact, it’s due to tremendous effort by Mark Burrows and the support of the Town and community.

Like most folks who are lucky enough to be relatively relatively safe and healthy right now, one of my biggest challenges is adjusting to a

Seeking serenity, courage and wisdom (And announcing some awards) new “normal” that simply isn’t.

We’re all learning to accept the things that cannot be the same and appreciate the parts we get to keep.

That is particularly apparent on special occasions — and not just the big ones like birth, death and graduation, which we’ve explored elsewhere in this issue. Saying goodbye to a friend who’s moving away without a handshake or a hug was particularly poignant for me, personally.

Canceling the CPA convention was a bit of a blow to me. It was always an opportunity for professional development and journalistic cross pollination, and having it in Glenwood Springs gave Western Slope institutions a chance to shine for the first time.

Instead, we took a crack at camaraderie via video chat, with five papers — The Rio Blanco Herald Times, Gunnison County Times, Ouray County Plaindealer, Pagosa Springs Sun

and ourselves — assembling for an abridged awards ceremony.

Graphic Designer Ylice Golden shared first place honors within our size category with Advertising Manager Todd Chamberlin for a small space ad featuring Heather's Savory Pies and Feeding Giants and best use of color for Carbondale Farmer's Market, another for a medium space ad on school volunteers with Todd’s predecessor, Carol Fabian, and second place with me for best feature page design for a cover layout. Longtime Freelancer Sue Rollyson earned accolades for her photo spread on the Mexican Rodeo, and former Reporter Megan Tackett took second for agricultural story on Sunfire Ranch. I myself ironically earned a first place health story award for a piece on the Spanish Flu and another for headline writing, with a second place finish for my multimedia on the burger contest — and, for the third year in the row, shared credit for the best website with Footsteps Marketing.

The new format may actually have been more meaningful than the traditional ceremony, as it allowed us each to tell the stories behind the work. The idea that there are opportunities not just to maintain but improve is only just beginning to sink in. We’re all in need of some novelty, and if you have the bandwidth, it might be a good time to make some changes you’ve considered but never implemented. We’ve certainly played with our own format in recent weeks.

Appreciating opportunities doesn’t mean living in denial.

Even those of us who, again, are lucky enough not to be faced with illness or financial hardship will still probably lose more than we gain. The Sun won’t be opening its office, meeting in person or sending its photographers to big public events anytime soon.

But our hope is that we can find a way to preserve the essential elements of the things that matter to us — and let go of the rest.

Dear Editor: Carnival barker Gaslighting and scapegoating Lead or step aside JM Jesse Glenwood Springs

Oh Canada!

Dear Editor: I lived 15 years in Canada and enjoyed the extensive social services that nation provides all residents. Last night I zoomed with a group of friends in Canada and they glowed with praise for their government. Can you imagine that?

Here is good news from a country that acts decisively and collaboratively with all its provinces to meet individual and business needs during this pandemic.

If a company has lost 15 percent of its gross income in March, and 30 percent in April and May, the government is paying 75 percent of their employees’ salaries. An individual who has lost their income gets $2000 a month for four months. Essential service workers who earn less than $2500 a month are having their salaries topped up in a collaboration between the federal and provincial governments.

Canada is sending $157.5 million to homeless shelters to help provide more beds and add partitions in sleeping quarters to keep people separate and $50 million to shelters for battered women and children to provide the same along with $350 million to nonprofits that serve the most vulnerable.

Canada is providing $305 million to an Indigenous Community Support fund to assess and meet needs for safety on native reserves along with extra funding for food and protective gear for people living on native lands and more funds for their health services.

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 John Stickney and Lee Beck

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

And all our SunScribers and community members for your support.

LETTERS Rhymes with chump

Sincerest thanks to our

There are programs to put college students to work doing paid national service this summer that will also pay $5000 towards their tuition in the fall. Government leadership has united to take care of the ill through its national health care system and to help those working and out of work to meet all their basic needs without hardship.

You can access the information at Canada’s Covid-19 Economic Response Plan.

Canada, thank you for leading by example and using tax dollars to serve all residents.

Illène Pevec Carbondale

Coronavirus and gasoline Dear Editor: Coronavirus is changing the world we live in.

The virus is challenging our societies locally and globally. Almost 250,000 dead, as of today.

The majority of the deaths are seniors like me. So I am watching the coverage closely. People like me may be on lockdown for a year or more. There are no therapies or vaccinations. I can’t take a chance on getting infected.

But in all the hours of coverage, almost nothing is said about climate change. A couple of stories were done on the lack of smog and cleanliness of waterways. The world is quieter; the birds can be heard singing. Wild animals are slipping into the edges of communities.

The reduction in transportation is the main cause of the change. People are “sheltering” and often working from home. Video conferencing has taken off. People are saying that reduction of fossil fuel burning could look like this. Yes, but this is only around a 5 percent reduction. The other 95 percent of emissions are still going into the atmosphere; still pushing up the amount of CO2 into the air. Still increasing global warming.

But this brief window looking at reduced

emissions is wasted as the country pushes to “go back to normal.” A big part of “normal” is our entertainment. Watching professional sports is a big part of today’s entertainment. The poster child for a sport that stands as the opposite to reducing emissions is car racing. NASCAR will have seven races later this month. Not only will hundreds of thousands of people be driving to and from the events, but the event is about cars that burn huge amounts of gasoline going around in a circle. Does it really matter which of these cars finishes first?

These big events put money in the pockets of everybody that works for them which is a good thing. But we can be sure that the Coronavirus loves these events too.

This pandemic could cause our society to reassess and think of the different ways we could get to things we really need. Or we could just blow it on drinking beer, loud noise and waiting for the next car crashes.

Pat Hunter Carbondale

Who’s the welfare loafer, Mitch?

Dear Editor: “A blue state bailout” is what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s called a request from the state governors for more relief money. That’s not only highly partisan at a time when bipartisan cooperation is called for, but inaccurate as well.

As New York Governor Andrew Cuomo pointed out, his state contributed a net gain of $116 billion to the federal government, while McConnell’s Kentucky was responsible for a loss of $148 billion.

It’s the same way with most of the solid red southern states who complain about interference from Washington. If the feds cut ‘em off, they’d all hafta declare bankruptcy as Continued on page 12

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 • May 7 - May 13, 2020

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.

Positive wellness at the forefront of prenatal care

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent For a woman who chooses to have a child, pregnancy can be the most precious and tender experience of her life — but also the most vulnerable.

While her body drastically changes to grow and nourish her baby, she simultaneously evolves her mind, heart, and soul to prepare for a lifetime of nurturing.

In “normal” times, this transition can be difficult; throw in a pandemic and it can feel overwhelming.

Although the pandemic has showcased a wide range of emotions and needs for pregnant women, care providers in the valley have noticed that these women are doing relatively well.

Brooke Halliwell, DO, an obstetrics and gynecology physician Valley View Hospital’s Women’s Health, said that in addition to following above standard COVID-19 protocols, they are screening every visitor, offering telehealth for low risk pregnancies, providing real-time, bilingual mental and behavioral therapy, and allowing one support person for each pregnant woman.

Halliwell said that right now it is important for care providers to increase their support for the bonding experiences that come from pregnancy.

“At Family Birthplace we are not separating any infants from their mothers,” Halliwell emphasized. “We have babyfriendly accreditation and skin-to-skin bonding. That first hour with mom has been a huge focus of our unit for years. We know a lot more about COVID now than six weeks ago. We never separated them then, and will not do that now.”

Overall, Halliwell said, that the women they are providing care for are resilient and coping well across the dimensions of wellness.

One of the rare pregnant women who has contracted COVID-19 was asymptomatic and did not require any hospitalization.

Ashley Weitzel Wilson, certified yoga instructor and founder of Radiant Mamas Yoga, believes that humans innately desire connection, and that pregnancy and motherhood are two life choices that

ought to be celebrated with togetherness.

“The thing that is most critical to me as we navigate this [pandemic] is connection,” Weitzel Wilson said. “While we go one way in terms of physical space, the access to the heart and to each other must get broader and juicier and deeper than before. Connection was critical before, it is absolutely vital now.”

Weitzel Wilson noted that pregnant mamas can still find connection through online yoga classes, motherhood circles, and of course picking up the phone to say hi to a loved one.

With community, she said that pregnant women are given the space and permission to feel their emotions and their grief during the pandemic. It is also a beautiful opportunity to share ideas and grow with each other throughout their lifetimes.

“Pregnancy is already our own uncharted territory,” Weitzel Wilson said.

“Now we’re in this completely uncharted territory as a world, as a community, and as a nation. How we navigate it is so individual, but it doesn’t mean we have to do it alone. It means we honor each individual path during this time.”

Future mama and Assistant to the COO at Colorado Mountain College Jamie Murphy echoed that community insight, and added that she prioritizes daily phone calls to her mother and regularly connects with other moms in the valley.

As a self-proclaimed “all or nothing” individual, Murphy has learned that small, consistent efforts have been beneficial to her wellness during the pandemic.

“Pregnancy has really taught me to have grace for every little thing that I do, even if it’s just a walk, or a slow mile on the treadmill. It’s not this massive effort — it’s little bit of things everyday and staying consistent,” she said.

Looking toward the future, Murphy is excited to watch her body grow and eventually bring her miraculous little being into the world; and despite the uncertainty, she said that the future can be bright, positive, and full of love if we allow ourselves to experience it.

RN Autumn Bair and her family welcomed their newest member during the height of the pandemic in April.

Photo courtesy of Michele Zywiec / Valley View Hospital

Holistic Mama Tips Compiled by Radiant Mamas Yoga

Community: Find your tribe and connect with them. Whether that be a video chat or a physically distanced walk, it is important to stay connected to your community right now.

Free write journaling: Give yourself the space to experience grief, joy, and sadness without judgement. Allow the words to come as they may and this experience will help organize your thoughts and emotions during challenging times.

Gratitude: Play with daily gratitude. Find small moments of joy throughout your day and either write them down or repeat them to yourself before going to sleep.

Meditative breathwork: Meditation on its own can be intimidating, but by adding breathwork you can create deep meaningful impact. Start slowly with maybe just a few moments in the morning, adding more time as you feel comfortable.

Useful Online Tools www.radiantmamasyoga.com Expecting Plus App Expecting and Empowered App

A special heartfelt Thank You with Love to Mother, Mammy, and Katie and especially to you Carly, for a job well done! And from Carly to her sweet “Momma" . She was never too old to sit on her lap.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL YOU MOMS! 970-704-1101 970-704-9101 Fax frosty@frostycpa.com frostycpa.com 1101 Village Road LLA2 Carbondale, Colorado

JOHN FROST MERRIOT Certified Public Accountant

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 7 - May 13, 2020 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT Count the kicks

More than regional

This Mother’s Day, Carbondalian Candace Huffman invites Coloradans to make sure every expectant Colorado mother counts. Count the Kicks teaches expectant moms the method for and importance of tracking their baby’s movements daily starting at 28 weeks, and acts as an early warning system for mom and baby.

For more information, email price.emily@healthybirthday.org or call (515) 505-0319.

Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) announced today that it has been awarded the 2020 contract to administer the Colorado Clean Diesel Program. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which awarded the contract in a competitive process, previously ran the program in-house.

While CLEER works mainly on advancing clean energy in Garfield County and the surrounding area, it has a track record of piloting local programs that go on to be expanded statewide. The Clean Diesel Program makes grants to businesses to help defray the cost of upgrading or replacing diesel engines

Streamin’ Steve’s Live music continues to come out of Steve’s Guitars on Fridays, even if the shop is empty and the audience is online. The May 8 show begins at 7:30 p.m. and features Dan Sheridan and Valle Musico. Visit grassrootstv.org to tune in.

ExtravaGala Thunder River Theatre Company’s free, Virtual Variety Show to raise funds to support TRTC (including the new virtual programming platform, ThunderStream!) is slated for 7 p.m. May 7. Enjoy a fabulous lineup of singers, including Beth Malone, Nina Gabianelli, Sonya Meyer, Jackson Emmer, laugh out loud acts by John Goss, Gary Daniel, Mike Monroney, breathtaking aerial dance, stand-up hilarity from Eliphalet Ford, piano man David Dyer, comedy with TRTC's Consensual Improv! troupe, and more. Visit ThunderRiverTheatre.com/gala for more information or to tune in!

Go for broke Trudi Watkins-Johnson, longtime realtor in the Roaring Fork Valley, has launched her new brokerage in the mid-Valley—Trudi Watkins Real Estate, LLC. Watkins, most recently an agent for River Stone Real Estate, decided not to move with the company when it joined the Compass digital platform. She acknowledges the importance of the Internet, real estate media outlets, and virtual tools. But at the core of Watkins’ philosophy is the conviction that real estate is a people-to- people business. Her acclaimed communication and solid contract negotiation skills are a product of that belief.

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 7 - May 13, 2020

Helping out The Rotary Club of Carbondale presented local restaurant gift cards to the front-line staff at City Market and Ace Hardware in appreciation of their work to keep our community's essential needs met during the coronavirus emergency. The club received a Rotary District 5470 grant of $500, and through a club match and individual contributions was able to purchase $3,400 worth of gift cards in support of our restaurants. Tom's Door, an interfaith outreach program serving those in need, also contributed to the cause and provided the greeting cards for the workers.

Living history The Carbondale Historical Society invites all residents to share their “pandemic stories.” This period will be a part of history for observes to look back on one day; let’s give them something to think about. You can submit your written story at carbondalehistory. org, send an audio recording to stories@carbondalehistory.org or simply call 414-1078 and leave a message.

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Amanda Leahy (May 7); Karen Tafejian and Judy Milne (May 8); Karen Crownhart-Nieslanik (May 9); Kay Bell (May 10); Mark Chain (May 11) Pat Noel, Renee Prince, J David Taylor, Megan Cook, Jimmy Byrne, Camy Britt and Bill Jochems (May 13).

Long lines at Mana Foods' pop-up plant sales (photo by Mark Burrows) and new chicken coops in local backyards (photo by Laurel Smith) underlying renewed interest in food sustainability — and the Town is getting behind it. Gardens, greenhouses and coops are currently exempt from building permits, and the town has published a Garden QuickStart guide and Quick and Easy Victory Garden guide to its website.

A virtual prom and a drive-through graduation

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff While the class of 2020 will miss many of the hallmarks of senior year, there will be a graduation — albeit in the parking lot.

At a special meeting on May 6, the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education expressed support for the “pomp and circumstance” committee’s recommendation.

The group, composed of representatives from each of the district’s four high schools and captained by Roaring Fork High Vice Principal Zoe Stern, has been convening since March and will continue to meet weekly until the big event at the end of the month.

Superintendent Rob Stein explained, “We want it to be meaningful. We know that these are memories that last a lifetime, so we asked people from the schools themselves to come up with something.”

The district steered away from a one-size fits all approach, according to Stein, but still wanted to make sure, as Glenwood Springs High Principal Paul Freeman put it, “one school didn’t get flyovers with F-16s and another got a kite.”

The drive-in concept seemed workable in the various jurisdictions involved, with some variation on whether the procession will take place before or after the main ceremony.

Regulations are constantly changing however, with Colorado Department of Education recommendations inspiring tweaks to the proposal — face masks with the school logo and no diplomas handed out at the ceremony itself — as recently as May 4.

“This proposal is a result of strong collaboration and community support,” Stern said.

Students will have a chance to get out of their cars to turn their tassels, but are expected to each ride separately with a non-student driver. The committee is working with families that may not have access to a vehicle. Each community’s local radio station will announce the event, with Bridges slated for 6 p.m. on May 29 and Basalt, Glenwood Springs and Roaring Fork at 9, 10 and 10:30 a.m. on May 30, respectively. While most ceremonies will take place in the school parking lot, Glenwood’s will take advantage of the municipal airport’s space.

In the meantime, Alpine Bank and KMTS are putting together a "Virtual Interactive Prom" from 8 to 11 p.m. on May 16. High school students from Aspen to Parachute are invited to set up an online meeting or get together in a small group and tune in — visit kmts.com for more information.

Some events, of course, won’t warrant an alternative treatment. Roaring Fork High senior Daniela Rivera missed some of last year’s end-ofyear events due to health issues, and was looking

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.

WHAT IDEAS DOYOU HAVE FOR THE

ALL DRESSED UP AND NOWHERE TO GO While Daniela Rivera had not yet bought a prom dress, plenty of kids had, included this quartet of juniors. Lottie Roberts, Jessica Kollar, Sophie Moon and Izzy Knaus (above) creatively matched their masks to their gowns. Courtesy photo forward to Rams Day when in-person classes were abruptly canceled.

“Then the week turned into three, and that turned into a month and it just kept getting longer and longer,” she recalled. “It’s a real question of when I’m going to see and hang out with these people again. I’m going off to do my thing and they’re going off to do their thing.”

She’s come to terms with it, she said, and noting that two months probably won’t make the difference in those relationships, and expressing more concern for the underclassmen

who will be obliged to catch up next year.

“I think people sometimes disregard the feelings of teenagers,” she observed. “There are much bigger problems in the world, but it’s a valid thing to be upset about.”

Folks posting their own graduation pictures on social media certainly doesn’t help, she added — though she does find it funny. In any case, it’s not all about the ceremony.

“At the end of the day, I will be getting a diploma — whether that be drive through or in the mail,” she said.

Not everyone has WIFI.

CARBONDALE POOL?

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 7 - May 13, 2020 • 5

Death in the time of coronavirus

By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent Among the myriad ways our lives have been changed, disrupted and put on hold by this unprecedented health crisis, one of the most difficult aspects has been how to deal with death. Losing a loved one is often one of the most traumatic experiences during “normal” times, but the regulations that have been put in place since the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic has meant that we cannot physically be with those succumbing to the virus, and that we cannot collectively grieve for them in the manners to which we are accustomed.

Fortunately for our community and those nearby (at least so far) the coronavirus has had minimal effect — a couple of COVID19-related deaths in Garfield County and less than two dozen patients hospitalized with the virus at Valley View Hospital — and the impact has also been modest for the funeral industry.

Carbondale Town Manager Jay Harrington noted that it has been “a rather uneventful month” for deaths in the town. There has been only one funeral with a burial at Evergreen Cemetery since the outbreak, and that occurred just

before the stricter stay-in-place orders were implemented in late March. In that instance, the family observed the ten-person limit at the graveside itself, with other mourners remaining in their cars.

What has changed is how the Town and family of the deceased have had to make burial arrangements. Town Clerk Cathy Derby is responsible for negotiating the contract for the gravesite with the grieving family.

The Parks & Rec. Department takes care of digging the grave and filling it in once funeral-home personnel have placed the coffin in the grave.

Up until now, if a family needed to purchase a plot, Derby would get together with them at Evergreen, they would view potential sites and would choose one. But with the current situation, she could not meet directly with the family that requested a burial. Instead, she conducted all of the negotiations over the phone. “It was surreal to meet with them remotely. Usually we can express compassion in person.”

The alternate the Town came up with was to designate a couple of possibilities and present those to the family. “We gave them the choice of A or B. They understood and made their choice.” She said that they also understood the restriction of ten

The Town's two cemeteries are a bit quieter these days as the pandemic limits the size of funerals. File photos people at the burial. “I suggested that at a later time, maybe by July, they could have a larger family gathering at the gravesite,” which they thought was a reasonable option.

Changes have also hit the Farnum-Holt Funeral Home in Glenwood. Funeral director Shannon Derby (no relation), said that the COVID19 pandemic has given them “a whole different outlook” on how to conduct their operations. For starters, they temporarily closed their sister operation in Rifle and furloughed the staff there. “This was a hard closure for us,” she noted. She has been working from home and interacting with families via FaceTime to make arrangements.

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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 7 - May 13, 2020

An even bigger difference, of course, has been that they cannot host any funerals or visitations at the facility while the shutdown is in force. Derby knows how hard this has been on the families, and she said it has been difficult for them too. “We don’t like it, we’re one-onone people … we’re huggers!”

So far, the funeral home has not seen a rise in cremations, as opposed to burials. Cremations have long been much more common than burials in the Valley, anyway. Derby said that the rate of cremations during the pandemic “doesn’t seem that different” from what it was before. She noted, “No one has changed their mind [about cremation over burial] because of

the current protocols.”

Derby was emphatically negative when asked if she anticipated any change in the funeral home’s procedures (to more remote interactions) once the restrictions had been lifted. “We want to go back to our one-on-one [interactions with the families]. As soon as we can, we’ll be doing that.”

Cathy Derby echoed that sentiment. “[Once] it’s safe for everybody, it is good to meet with people in person. They are comforted by this.” She noted, though, that the Town will continue designating specific cemetery plots for people to choose from, rather than the more random method used in the past.

Virtually First Friday The new video equipment from the Streamin' Steve's campaign — which started before quarantine — made its grand debut with four back-to-back performanes.

Photo by Mark Burrows

First Friday kept with the theme of last year's pride parade, particularly at Batch and the vacant lot on Sixth Street.

Photo by Mark Burrows Olivia Pevec played for small, socially distant groups of one to four from the steps of the closeddown Near New Thrift Store.

Photo by Laurel Smith

Edythe (9) and Olivia Lozner (6) contribute to Allegria Restaurant's #chalkyourwalk sidewalk art.

Photo by Laurel Smith

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WE'RE NOW OPEN TO IN STORE CUSTOMERS! Independence Run & Hike has opened it’s doors starting May 4th with the following guidelines: • We have a registered social distancing plan with Garfield public Health • Staff will wear masks or face coverings at all times • We will limit the store to a maximum of 5 people to better maintain social distancing • Staff will wash/sanitize after each customer interaction and will clean at least 1x per hour

Also, don’t forget that we now have an online store! www.independencerunandhike.com

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 7 - May 13, 2020 • 7

Crystal River Ranch seeks to preserve reservoir water rights

By Heather Sackett Aspen Journalism

these conditional rights,” Porzak said.

Any start of the dams’ construction, Porzak said, “is still at a preliminary stage.”

Sue Anschutz-Rodgers, the owner of Crystal River Ranch above Carbondale, has told the state she is making progress toward building two 55-foot-tall dams that would form two 500-acre-foot reservoirs on land she owns in the Four Mile Creek basin and along Dry Park Road.

The cattle and hay operation has been owned by the Anschutz family since 1966. Water attorneys for Anschutz-Rodgers and the ranch are in state water court seeking to maintain conditional water-storage rights tied to the two potential reservoirs: Sue’s Four Mile Reservoir No. 1 and Sue’s Four Mile Reservoir No. 2.

They would be located on ranch-owned land in the Four Mile Creek drainage and along Dry Park Road, respectively.

The dam that would form Reservoir No. 1 would be 55 feet tall and 950 feet long, and the resulting reservoir would inundate 22 acres with water. The dam for Reservoir No. 2 would be 55 feet tall and 800 feet long, and the reservoir would inundate 30 acres. Each reservoir would hold as much as 500 acre-feet of water. By comparison, Grizzly Reservoir on Lincoln Creek above Aspen holds 590 acre-feet of water and is formed by a 56-foot-tall dam that floods 44 acres of land.

Anschutz-Rodgers is a philanthropist and environmentalist whose brother Phil Anschutz is worth $12 billion, according to Forbes. She has served locally on the boards of the Aspen Valley Land Trust and the Thompson Divide Coalition, and Anschutz-Rodgers is listed on the application as general partner of Crystal River Ranch Co., LLC. On March 13, her water attorney, Glenn Porzak of Boulder-based Porzak Browning & Bushong, told the court in a proposed ruling that Crystal River Ranch “has exercised reasonable diligence in the development” of the two dams and reservoirs. He also noted that “the measure of diligence is the steady application of effort to complete the appropriation in a reasonably expedient and efficient manner.”

As such, the ranch is requesting that the conditional water-storage rights tied to the two potential dams — rights first decreed in 2006 — be extended for another six-year period.

“I believe we have shown the necessary amount of work to show diligence and extend

Irrigating more than 600 acres The water from the potential reservoirs could be used to irrigate 535 acres of land along Dry Park Road, which drains into the Roaring Fork River, and another 93 acres of land in the Four Mile Creek basin. Four Mile Creek flows into the Roaring Fork downstream of the Ironbridge golf course.

The Crystal River Ranch house and the main part of the sprawling 7,600-acre site is located just off Garfield County Road 108, which leads from Carbondale up to the popular Spring Gulch cross-country ski area. The section of the ranch visible from CR 108 is irrigated with water diverted from the Crystal River via the Sweet Jessup Canal.

Another section of the ranch where elk are often seen roaming the irrigated hay meadows, is off Dry Park Road, which runs between CR 108 and 4 Mile Road. The land in Dry Park is currently irrigated with water diverted from Four Mile Creek via the McKown Ditch, which crosses the ridge that separates Dry Park from the Four Mile Creek valley.

The headgate for the McKown ditch on Four Mile Creek is about 1½ miles downstream from the Sunlight ski area.

According to its application, the 1,000 acre-feet of water that the ranch hopes to store would be used for four purposes: stock watering, piscatorial, wildlife and irrigation. (Piscatorial pertains to fish.)

Diligence application Crystal River Ranch filed its initial waterrights application for the two potential dams in Division 5 Water Court in Glenwood Springs in 2006. After working through some issues with five other water-rights holders in the case, a conditional water-rights decree for the two dams and reservoirs was issued by Judge James Boyd in 2013.

The 2013 decree required Crystal River Ranch to submit a due-diligence application in 2019 in order to maintain the conditional water rights.

In the diligence application, Porzak said since 2013 the ranch has spent $70,000 to “survey the reservoir sites; prepare layouts of the dams and reservoirs; (and) design work on the spillways,

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Water from Four Mile Creek irrigates land on Crystal River Ranch off of Dry Park Road above Carbondale. Ranch owner Sue Anschutz-Rodgers has told the state she is making progress toward building two dams and reservoirs on the property. Photo by Heather Sackett/Aspen Journalism.

inlets, and outlet infrastructures of the reservoirs.”

A portion of the $70,000 also went to “design irrigation improvements and conduct layout of the pumps and sprinklers for the lands to be irrigated by the reservoirs; conduct a hydrology analysis for each reservoir site; drill boreholes at each reservoir site; test soil samples and perform a geotechnical analysis of each reservoir site; and prepare cost estimates for each reservoir site and all of the associated infrastructure.”

In reviewing a diligence application, the division engineer and the water court’s referee, who functions as an administrative judge, apply a standard of diligence. The standard is often met by the applicant listing the work they’ve done on the potential facilities that are tied to the water rights and are necessary to put the water to use.

“You have to show you are moving forward in a reasonable manner,” said Alan Martellaro, the Division 5 engineer.

No entities filed a statement of opposition to the application.

Martellaro reviewed the diligence application along with Susan Ryan, the water court’s referee, and then filed a memo — called “a summary of consultation” — with the court Feb. 28.

The summary said Crystal River Ranch “should provide reports and other documents, which support the diligence activities performed within the relevant diligence period as claimed in the application.”

Next steps To date, however, none of these documents

have been filed with the court, and only a hard-toread map of the general area where the reservoirs would be located has been made public.

Porzak said the work done on the two potential reservoirs has not yet been reduced to final written reports.

He also said that the activities in the diligence application were verified under oath by Craig Ullmann, the engineer who oversaw the work.

Ullmann is president of Applegate Group Inc., a water-engineering firm with offices in Glenwood Springs.

Martellaro said the word “should” in the court’s summary of consultation means “should,” not “must,” so it is not clear whether the design documents for the two dams will be made public through the court process. He also said the documents cited in the application would be helpful for the state to have on file for the next diligence filing.

Porzak said all the relevant information was contained in the application.

Should the dams ever be built, the associated water rights would hold a priority date of 2006, a junior right under Colorado’s system of prior appropriation. As such, Crystal River Ranch couldn’t count on the water being there to store in dry years, Martellaro said.

“It’s a really junior water right on a stream that’s over-appropriated,” he said. “This is one of those creeks that just doesn’t have surplus.

They are pretty much limited to snowmelt runoff to fill these ponds.”

The Town of Carbondale Police Department is accepting proposals for towing services.

Go to carbondalegov.org and select Police for more information.

Due date is May 15, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

The fox squirrel says, ‘I’m not going anywhere…’

By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent There is a species of tree squirrel within Colorado’s borders that has not always been here. The migrant critter’s latin name is Sciurus Niger but is commonly referred to as the Fox Squirrel.

Forest Service Biologist Phil Nyland describes a familiar scene for Carbondalians of seeing “the fox squirrel at Sopris Park as it scampers on the ground quickly to refuge in one of the many trees present.”

Fox squirrels are one of three types of tree squirrels found in Colorado — along with the Pine and Aberts.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Public Information Officer Randy Hampton, fox and pine squirrels “are common to the [Carbondale] area.” The fox squirrel is quite a bit bigger than the pine squirrel and has been known to bully the latter “For food and territory,” says Hampton, but other than that, “They’re mostly harmless.”

So how did these little ruffians get here?

Well, as is the case with most disruptions in the ecosystem, the catalyst was... drumroll: humans. As early as the 1900s people traveling from mid-western cities like Omaha brought members of the fox squirrel family along. They have since thrived in developed areas throughout much of Colorado.

Fox squirrels tend to hang in riparian environments (where there is running water).

Irrigation expansion and controlling of floods and wildfires has made parts of Colorado a

habitable home for the species. Fox squirrels are not prone to living in dense forests but prefer more sparsely spaced treed areas as is typical in the suburbs.

Urban and suburban enclaves have become favorable living accommodations due to the controlled waterways and planting of deciduous trees. Pleasant little towns like Carbondale are to their liking and it is doubtful they’ll move on as long as we’re here to support their way of life.

While they appreciate their bipedal enablers, the feeling isn’t always mutual. People get frustrated with the fox squirrel for various reasons. It is highly possible the furry creature is the bane of your bird feeder’s existence or the cause of your dog running rampantly back and forth in the yard barking incessantly.

Regardless, if you’re having any sort of social interaction with a squirrel in town, it’s very likely a fox squirrel. Even though they are skittish, like all squirrels, they seem to be more engaged with people compared to their local relatives.

That said, Nyland wants to remind the public that “People should not feed the squirrels” and that “it’s against the law” to do so.

Fox squirrels can live for quite a few years (up to 18 in captivity) but many do not reach adulthood whilst living in the wild. They also do not travel far from where they are born. So it’s not unlikely that you’ll become acquainted with a fox squirrel near your home which could lead to a friendship that lasts their lifetime.

They are omnivorous, and so eat a little bit of whatever they can get their paws on, although a large part of their diet consists of tree seeds.

Fox squirrels do not have a great memory so they

A curious fox squirrel sits atop a home on Eighth Street and peers down at the equally curious observer below. Photo by James Steindler will stash their tree seeds somewhere and forget later where that was. Their forgetfulness thus effectively disperses seeds for future growth.

While they may be seen as a nuisance they still serve this purpose for the overall ecosystem.

They also serve as an excellent food source for predators. Most females reproduce a litter of two to three offspring twice a year — once

in the spring and once again in the summer.

This leads to a booming population and an abundant food source for local predators.

Despite lurking predators and some peoples’ contempt for the pesky creature their numbers remain high. Whether you find a friend or want it the heck off your property, these wee rodents are here to stay.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 7 - May 13, 2020 • 9

GOVERNMENT BRIEFS Incumbents reelected to fire board With 2,115 ballots received, Gene Schilling and Sydney Schalit seem poised to retain their seats on the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District board, with 1,589 and 1,098 votes, respectively. Challenge Joe Enzer garnered 863 supporters in the unofficial tally. Pending final results, Schalit and Schilling will serve three year terms.

Red Hill Road realignment approved Following final approval from the Colorado Department of Transportation, crews will be closing trail access and the commuter parking lot at the base of Red Hill on May 18. The closure will last four to six weeks.

Rifle’s Robinson running for commissioner Leslie Robinson, 40-year Rifle resident and involved citizen, announced her candidacy for Garfield County Commissioner District 3. Robinson, a Democrat, has lived in Garfield County since the 1970’s and is currently the chair of the Grand Valley Citizens Alliance, a nonprofit organization involved with oil and gas issues. “I’m stepping into the race because Garfield County citizens need a new choice and a new voice in governing the county. The three Republican commissioners have served a combination of nearly 50 years in office.

People crave diversity, new governance and a fresh approach to the challenges we all face,” Robinson said.

Want to get involved?

Bennet looks to combat COVID-19 disparities Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet announced that he will cosponsor the COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) to bring together health care and other policy experts, community-based organizations, and federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial leaders to confront the racial and ethnic disparities made apparent by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This pandemic has heightened the urgency of addressing long-standing inequities in our health care system. The task force’s work would guide a more equitable government response to the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health crises.

Wildlife area access requirements change A valid hunting or fishing license will be required for everyone 18 or older attempting to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July 1. The rule change was adopted unanimously April 30 by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.“By policy, state wildlife areas are acquired with hunter and angler dollars, and are intended specifically to provide wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation,” Southeast Regional Manager Brett Ackerman told the commission at its meeting. “This rule is aimed at curtailing nonwildlife-related use of these properties. At the meeting, Ackerman presented examples

from across the state of the increasing use of state wildlife areas inconsistent with their purpose, including set up of temporary residences, vehicular use on big game winter range, vandalism, and other uses detrimental to wildlife and wildlife-related uses.

Contact your elected officials about the issues that matter to you

BLM seeks American Gypsum feedback

Senator Michael Bennet 261 Russell Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5852

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on its environmental assessment of American Gypsum Company’s proposal to expand its Eagle-Gypsum Mine in Eagle County. The Eagle-Gypsum Mine currently has a surface disturbance of about 191 acres, which would increase by about 100 acres under the proposal.

The environmental assessment, maps, and information about how to comment are available at https://go.usa.gov/xpJaU. The most effective comments are specific to the proposal and analysis. Comments need to be received by May 17.

Senator Cory Gardner 354 Russell Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5941

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

Romanoff earns spot on primary ballot

CO Senator Bob Rankin

Originally set to be a live meeting in the Colorado Convention Center, the Colorado Democratic Party converted the assembly to a completely virtual meeting where delegates cast their votes safely from their homes, either by computer or by phone hotline.

With 2,860 ballots cast for the Senate race, 86 percent went to Andrew Romanoff — guaranteeing him a place on the June 30 primary ballot — with Stephany Spaulding garnering 9 percent and Erik Underwood less than one percent.

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Longtime local takes the reins in Basalt

By Roberta McGowan SoprisSunStaff After 46 years in the Roaring Fork Valley, Bill Kane just began his first term as Basalt’s new mayor.

“I ran a campaign to bring people together,” Kane said, adding, “I want people to feel less embattled.”

Kane has a long history of government experience. He served as Basalt town manager, Aspen-Pitkin County planner and vice president of development for Aspen Skiing Company.

After leaving town government, Kane volunteered his skills for community-wide benefits. He worked with local non-profits including Colorado Parks and Wildlife by guiding policy to manage the state’s parks and wildlife.

Also, he helped Aspen Valley Land Trust to create conservation easements to secure large tracts of open space.

When with the Wyly/Art Base board, he provided financial-strategic guidance and coordinated plans for a new location. Plus, he helped the Aspen Institute examine methods to combat traffic congestion up and down the valley.

Now, his number one goal is to bring back civic engagement and get more residents to work together.

“I want people to feel good about their neighbors,” Kane noted.

But it could be a bumpy road. He acknowledged that his toughest challenge is to keep the local business community intact despite current health and economic difficulties.

One big upcoming project, he reported, is the redevelopment of the area behind Alpine Bank, which once was home to Clark’s Market and later to a Habitat Restore satellite.

Kane said the town is looking at combined residential and commercial spaces with the bottom floor being a grocery store and three stories above for residential use. Reconfigured parking also will be in the mix.

He is also excited about the River Park project. Early in 2020, the town adopted the Basalt Planning and Zoning Commission updated plan which called for three and one half acres for the park itself, and one and a half acres to include a new home for the Art Base, 24 units of free market housing and employee housing opportunities.

The project is expected to take at least three years to complete and will eventually be home to a restaurant and 11,500 square feet of commercial office space.Twelve percent of that footage will be dedicated to nonprofit offices.

“They set the table for us,” Kane smiled, thanking the previous administration for moving the project ahead..

Spring is not Halloween, but it’s time to wear a mask

By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff

Basalt Mayor Bill Kane brings an abundance of public service experience to his new post.

Photo by Laurel Smith

Kane and his wife, Carolyn, moved from Aspen to Basalt ten years ago. She has also been active in the valley and completed 25 years of service at Aspen Valley Hospital as an obstetrical nurse.

Carolyn also recently cycled off the Board of the Basalt Regional Library where she served as board president. She has been a volunteer tutor for English in Action for the past nine years.

Kane also enjoys outdoor activities including skiing, golf, biking and fishing. Asked what he liked most about living in the valley, he pointed out the beautiful mountains and the incredible recreational opportunities.

By a unanimous 7-0 vote at a special meeting Basalt Town Council approved an ordinance requiring all residents and visitors to wear protective masks which cover a person’s nose and mouth when in an indoor public space.

The ordinance, effective immediately, also specified masks must be worn “when entering and while inside the areas of a place of business open to the public and in such other public indoor or outdoor places where persons are unable to maintain safe social distancing (e.g. six or more feet separation) from others not of their own household, except for momentary circumstances to accept payment, deliver goods, walk or ride past, or perform otherwise necessary tasks.”

Plus, the ordinance states that “places of business open to the public shall not permit entry by “person not in compliance with this Public Health Order.”

Wearing a mask is not mandated while outdoors.

Also included is a $50 fine for a first offense, $250 for a second and goes higher for additional citations if a judge deems it appropriate.

As Mayor Bill Kane said, “We can’t pass an ordinance and not enforce it.”

The original ordinance draft applied to both indoor and outdoor movement. It also included a fine for the first offense of up p to a $2,650 fine and 364 days imprisonment per day for each violation.

But, after strong public opposition, it was changed to indoor only, and the fine structure was reduced significantly.

Among the concerns expressed during the public comments portion of the meeting, Ginger Jansen said, “We should trust people to make their own choice.”

However, Michael Sandler said, “We keep ourselves safe so we can keep others safe,” adding, “Numbers don’t lie.”

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 7 - May 13, 2020 • 11

The United States of mind

OPINION

Ps & Qs

By Jeannie Perry With the Michigan Militia bringing guns to a drone war, wild-eyed and bed-headed drivers yelling at Denver nurses in the crosswalk, and every liquor store full of masked patrons, it seems as though the US has totally lost the plot.

This pandemic really brings out the crazy in our eyes. Those who believe we flattened the curve will say our actions were responsible for the crisis being averted, and those who don’t believe the science will say it was never such a big deal in the first place.

There is one thing we can all agree on though, Mexican food is not the same when you get it to-go. Oh, did you think I was going to say, “we’re all in this together?” Well, not all of us.

The guy who is supposed to lead us through, as a united set of states, is acting like a deadbeat dad. He takes

no accountability — not for our lack of preparedness, nor his team’s pathetic response to COVID-19. He makes false claims on television, backs up with more lies on Twitter, and then blames others for his incompetence.

Under his governance no one has any idea what the plan is today, much less what it will be tomorrow.

I can’t help but wonder if this chaos is the beginning of a country divorce.

We could just split into two separate countries, drawing a line right through the middle of the fly-over states. Or we could become two nations without an actual border, i.e., one country on the map, but with two separate governments. Those of us who want to pay a flat tax and see that money actually go to the infrastructure of the country (Team Blue) should not have to watch a tyrant distribute the money to his freakishly rich friends (Team Red.) Team Blue would drive our subsidized electric vehicles on the roads while Team Red could still rev up their nonemission-tested gas-guzzling SUVs in the toll lane. Team Blue would enact a socialized healthcare system, while Team Red continues to pay big insurance companies and a co-pay. Team Red could create a private education system to teach their children about Jesus and his pet dinosaur, while Team Blue would pay teachers a livable wage.

Sounds complicated, but hey, we’re already at the ‘it’s complicated’ stage of the relationship.

Before he went to the Great Open Mic Night in the sky, George Carlin suggested dividing the US into regions, so people could move to the part of the country where they fit in. These regions would become more and more

individually tailored to the people who live there, and eventually where you live would determine whether or not you can legally get married, or get an abortion, or get good Asian take-out.

For example, Region Georgia et al., if you don’t want to help anyone else, ever, and you prefer to see regulations imposed on women’s bodies rather than your chicken processing plants, then pack up the ole family truckster and head southeast.

Region #Staygoldponyboy if you love all things melting pot — including smoking pot — and you spent your quarantine time sewing masks for local shelters, then go north west young man, and take your two-ply soft linen prototype with you.

Don’t worry, if we do split up, we can visit the other region every other Christmas.

But I think the U.S. is strong because all our individual backgrounds unite us, like one big extended family. Our differences can actually help us rally to face whatever comes next… (Old Irish proverb- as bad as things are, they can always get worse.)

All we need to do is get rid of the charlatan using fear and anxiety to play the two sides against the middle, because the middle is where we all live.

From the liberal, van-life, hemp-clad gatherers eating granola made from nuts and berries they foraged in the bulk section of Whole Foods, to the conservative camouflage-clad hunters eating homemade elk jerky and driving some sort of gas-powered machine as far into the back country as they can get, “just to get away from all the damn hippies,” we are all Americans. And we may have to compromise if we don’t want to come from a broken home.

LETTERS McConnell suggested New York do. It’s obvious where the welfare states are and it ain’t in Yankee land.

Why did McConnell hafta identify the blue states as the culprit? “That’s not what this country is about,” protested Cuomo, “It’s not red and blue.

It’s red, white, and blue.” Until the GOP gets that, they won’t be much help in our recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale

Vote DeGolia and Campbell Dear Editor: Despite the terrifying toll COVID-19 is taking on our communities and economy, it’s important to remember other threats remain just as serious.

COVID devastated Colorado’s winter economy by canceling the last two weeks in March, which is precisely what unchecked climate change will do. You can help prevent that from happening by voting in the Holy Cross election by mail-in ballot, helping your utility continue its remarkable progress expanding clean power through the region and demonstrating leadership for the nation.

The two best candidates for

Continued from page 2 the job are Alex DeGolia in the Western District, and David Campbell in the Northern District.

Alex has a PhD in environmental management, served as a White House natural resources staffer, and now works on clean energy and climate strategy (alexforholycross.com).

Tesla-driving David Campbell brings a business and real estate background to the job (www.Campbell4HCE. com). He supports clean energy development while keeping rates stable and modernizing the electricity grid. He has done his homework and run for this seat before.

Look for your ballot in the mail this week!

Auden Schendler Basalt, CO

Vote for Evans Dear Editor: Vote for the common sense maverick Jeffrey Evans for Pitkin County Commissioner.

Please don't throw your vote away for another corrupt Skico crony capitalist. Skico's Chicago out of state billionaire owners don't need more power and influence.

Shawn Cox Aspen

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.

Returning to regular operations and hours.

In an effort to protect employees: Wear a face mask when interacting with landfill employees.

Safety Plan Applications available at municipality holding active building permit: UNINCORPORATED PITKIN COUNTY pitkincounty.com/covidconstruction

Limit your trips to the landfill for essential items only (household trash, recycling, and composting).

CITY OF ASPEN cityofaspen.com/covidconstruction TOWN OF SNOWMASS VILLAGE tosv.com/covidconstruction

Please have an alternate form of payment other than cash.

TOWN OF BASALT basalt.net/covidconstruction

HOURS

HAPPY SPRING 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 7 - May 13, 2020

Monday - Friday 7:30am to 4:15pm Saturday 9am to 11:45am

HAPPY SPRING

It’s okay; we are human

OPINION

By Mateo Sandate In the depths of a moonless night last week I witnessed a herd of bull elk brazenly cross in front of me, a few feet from the hood of my car — on Main Street!

In awe, I took in their grace.

In stride, in muscular form, in the aura of the wild mountains they so aptly symbolize. There was strength in their presence.

"When was the last time a soft stillness invited Bull Elk to come down from up high to graze on greening grass in town?!” Way before the hustle and bustle of our 'modern’ life. All of which came to a screeching halt just over a week ago.

Never before have we experienced the entire world on pause. Billions of people on pause, hunkered down in their homes across the world. Awaiting an invisible threat to pass. One

of which we can’t see, can’t taste, touch, or sense. It's akin to a ghost from biblical plagues.

A shock so startling to our psyche, especially when felt as if there's nothing we can do to protect ourselves, our family, our loved ones.

We all know what this feels like. And, we all know — truly we do — we are in this together.

Spring is coming. There are rhythms on this earth that are deep, natural, and vital to our humanity and health within: song birds celebrating a long migration, sweet dew filling the air after spring rains, the mesmerizing rise of river flows, summer constellations beginning to say hello, zodiacal light simmering in the sky.

Nature is alive in countless ways, flowing gracefully. We are of nature. Deep rhythms of our well being root in a nature that is and always will be.

As I write this we are sheltered in place, some of us severely suffering, and the poorer of us facing dire hardships. This experience is exposing the grave ways we’ve systematically undervalued people’s lives in our communities — the poor, the sick, our elders, the immigrant, the minority, women, the working class, the LGBT, students, those in need with trauma, with illness, even our parents, and so many more.

It is important to reflect: How

can I best be there for others?

Even more importantly: How can I best be there for others when so focused on safeguarding myself ?

No easy answer here: trust! If we are all in this together, then we must trust one another. In the time of sheltered home isolation, we are so receptive to human touch that nourishes us all — it’s a time of leaning into trusting our human touch softening into knowing we don’t know what tomorrow brings.

It’s true; I don’t know if today will be my last — to take in a full breath of fresh air, or to be present with loved ones, or to laugh amongst friendships. And, it is also true that I do have today — and the many gifts that come with it! At the root of it all I have a choice.

I’ve been exploring that choice by having fun with the little things. It seems they add up to bigger things: An affirming smile from six feet apart, gesturing — “I see you.” Laughing with my neighbors whom I’ve longed to meet. Seeing the smiles on the faces of my band mates on the other side of a screen. Having paper products in hand! :) Ending the day with a warm meal at night. Simply saying I love you with my parents. Ah. This feels good, and I want to invest my presence here in the little things.

I have new depths of thanks for those putting their lives on

the line for our communities — as janitors, cleaners, grocery store workers, postal carriers, nurses, doctors, trash collectors, immigrants harvesting our food, and the many working class in our community helping to keep the arteries flowing for our basic ways of life. Thank you.

Those that can take refuge are doing so. Those that can socially distance are doing so. By now, we must know its privilege. To isolate in a time like this is a gift, a gift to use wisely.

I’ve been in wonder, daydreaming of those who’ve seized decisive moments like this: Newton under the apple tree escaping from the plague, Buddha under the Bodhi tree, Jesus in the desert, Jetsunma in a cave, Coltrane in contemplation, John Denver at Williams Lake...

It seems those who seize these moments tend to come back with great gifts once they emerge.

We need voices sharing these gifts today. The world needs our voices now more than ever!

Through the news media, I've witnessed the gift of melody bellowed by musicians from balconies in Italy, police with guitars in Spain serenading down cobblestone streets for those sheltered in place, and echoing ovations amidst the glow of Paris at night, a city singing “thank you.”

Might this be more of what

we can expect as the wave spreads deeper into our heartland?

Solidarity through song. Being moved by melody. Musical moments rising in spirit which we can’t see, taste, touch, yet feel so deeply. Emotions of solidarity send shivers up my spine, exuding an unspoken epiphany of a deep knowing...we are all in this together.

These are extraordinary times of change. The world may not be what it was before this. There will be loss, grieving and strong emotion to process. It is okay — we are human. We can lean on each other. There is strength here.

It was a stillness that invited the elk in from the mountains.

It’s a stillness inviting us within.

Symbols of strength, hope and resilience are all around us.

Calling us. Springing, rising, roaring.

Let’s look there.

A sense of urgency is aching to go back to ‘normal’ — a way of normalcy that's caused so much suffering. The world is on pause for a reason. We have an opportunity to examine that.

When we emerge: How do we want to enter once this is done?

We can welcome this forward.

In mounting uncertainty, our blessings are even clearer. If we get this right, we just may never go back to normal.

The Sopris Sun With our new normal of social distancing The Sopris Sun is here to help you to stay connected to our community every week.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 7 - May 13, 2020 • 13

Ms. Porter’s Crew of Amazing Creatures Keyla is a compassionate kangaroo, knocking down challenges Jose is a joyful jackal, joking and jolly with all Martin is a marvelous mouse, making people smile.

Joseph is a jazzy jaguar, jumping at any opportunity to learn.

Tristan is a tenacious tiger, tackling all obstacles.

Karysa is a confident koala, cruising towards the top.

Simon is a smart seal, swimming towards success.

Holly/Bean is a heroic hawk, hanging around to play.

Owen is an outstanding ox, open to new ideas.

Dani is a darling dove, determined to meet her goals.

Mia is a mighty moose, marching into the future.

Harper is a happy hedgehog, helping all around her.

Destiny is a dazzling dolphin, doing the right thing always.

Addy is an attentive aardvark, asking all the right questions.

Cooper is a compassionate crow, curious about the world around.

Delwin is a daring dingo, darting past challenges.

Miley is a magnificent marmot, making her own way.

Ms. Louise is a loving lion, laughing in the face of danger.

By Suzie Brady

SUZOKU

Part of a series on fifth-grade crew classes at Carbondale Middle School

Ms. Busch’s Crew of Amazing Creatures Taci is a tenacious tiger, trouncing all obstacles.

Giada is a great gazelle, gracefully gaining knowledge.

Solomon is a stupendous shark, swimming towards success.

Wesley is a wild wildebeest, winding his way through the world.

Daniel is a daring dingo, discovering new ideas.

Valeria vivacious vole, valuing every moment of life.

Riley is a rockin’ ram, ready to explore.

Sebastian is a sharp snake, slithering around life’s challenges.

Kate is a kind kangaroo, showing compassion to all.

Kevin is a courageous cougar, conquering his fears.

Edwyn is an energetic elephant, elegantly entering the unknown.

Milly is a mighty mouse, marching into the unknown.

Jack is a jovial jaguar, jiving with everyone he meets.

Luke is a loving lemur, launching towards new experiences.

Vincent is a victorious viper snake, visiting new places.

Laura is a lively lion, leaping into the future.

ASK THE SUN Do you have a burning question that may not warrant a story but other locals might be curious about as well?

Email news@soprissun.com and we'll do our best to track down and publish an answer.

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PARTING SHOTS

Several folks shared or posted photos of the spectacular rainbow which followed a wind shear and power outage in Carbondale on April 30, but only Clay Hawkins also shared the fresh green of a young corn lily against the background of the Bells.

LEGALS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering a Preliminary/Final Plat to subdivide a parcel into two lots and a Major Site Plan Review to allow construction of a 12,400 sq. ft. building and a 17,000 sq. ft. warehouse. The plat includes the dedication of two parcels of land for a public trail and a street rightof-way.

The application includes Alternative Compliance from Section 5.4 Landscaping and Screening to 1) provide less than the 20% required landscape in order to instead construct a public trail along the west and north sides of the lot; and 2) to allow a fence to exceed the height allowance in order provide adequate screening of the material storage area. There is also a request for Alternative Compliance from Section 5.7 Commercial Site and Building Design,

specifically, the glazing and articulation requirements for portions of the of the proposed building.

The property is located at Lot 5A of the Carbondale Marketplace Subdivision The applicant is Builders FirstSource by Robert Schultz Consulting LLC. The owner is Crystal River Marketplace LLC. Said Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on May 28, 2020.

You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube. Search Town of Carbondale May 28, 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 28, 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 28, 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

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 7 - May 13, 2020 • 15

Happy Mother's Day Due to changing restrictions, we weren't able to provide a lot of notice before we started scheduling our photo shoot at the Sopris Park gazebo, and thus worried that we might not have many subjects show up. We were pleasntly surprised to have 44 participating pairs! The space presented some challenges — you’ll see the occasional wind-blown look as the afternoon storms made things a little more breezy than expected — but the moms pressed on! Photos by Mark Burrows

Kari and Kai Yuen

Lauren and Hugo Kenning

Mollie Shipman and Tye Brennan Shipman

Jollene and Lansford Norton

Liz and Charlie Busch

Anneliese and Wyatt Winfield Burch

Marissa and Leeland Meinema

Allison and Wesley Cummings

Kati and Blair Borowski

Reina Riveria and Gerardo Melendez

Crystal and Niva Rain Holsinger

Amanda and Te Lee Martinez

Angie and Jolie Moon Davlyn

Caet, Astrid and Orren May

Ashley and Valerie Demar

Anna and Tully Arlein

Meg and Eleanor Plumb

Nicole and Landon Charles Atencio

Molly and Anders Robert Sustad

Jocelyn and Micah Koenigsknecht

Nastienka Rangel and Merida Perez

Ashley and Ellie Worthington

Melissa and Theodore Lee Maness

Ana and Alec James Norris

Candy Huffman and Callie Harder

Danielle McMillin and Corbin Scott Golbeck