Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper
Carbondale’s weekly
Volume 12, Number 14 | May 14 - 21, 2020
community connector
Planning for wildfire during COVID-19 By Kathleen Shannon Sopris Sun Correspondent As the heat of summer and fire season both barrel toward the arid West, COVID-19 adds complications to an already delicate situation. Fire restrictions were placed in 11 National Forests and on BLM-managed spaces in 11 counties across Colorado in early April that are not due to expire until the end of May. Still, Western Colorado firefighters have needed to respond to flare-ups caused by illegal fires, including the Parsnip Fire that burned four acres near Thompson Creek south of Carbondale last week. “There’s an additional level of frustration,” said Kevin Warner, Aspen-Sopris District Ranger. “Smokey [the Bear] has been around for eons, it seems. It’s hard to imagine that our forest visitors haven’t had the opportunity to learn about extinguishing your campfire before you leave.” Firefighting agencies at the local and national levels are at the drawing board preparing for the dual blows of fire season during the COVID-19 outbreak. “The nature of wildfire management is that it’s an interagency response, from county to state to federal levels,” said Vaughn Jones, Wildland Section Chief at the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. The issue has roused some attention in the US Congress. Representative Joe Neguse of Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District held a press call last week with colleagues from Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada whom are working to advocate national support for Western firefighters. “Early on in this crisis, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) published prioritization testing guidelines,” said Neguse “and it very regrettably left out first responders from tier one prioritization.” The western state colleagues penned a letter to the CDC and to Vice President Pence imploring that first responders be elevated to tier one testing prioritization. The true fire perspective on the call came from Don Lombardi, Fire Chief of West Metro Fire Rescue in Lakewood. When Lombardi and other Colorado fire chiefs requested in mid-April that Governor Polis enact a six-month statewide fire ban “to help us out a little,” the ask was denied. “That tells us: ‘hey, we’re going to count on you but we’re not going to help support you’” Lombardi said. He pointed to a lack of aid in federal funding in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. “Respectfully,” he said, “where it looks like those dollars are coming down, I’m not sure they’re getting dispersed correctly.” Though the CARES Act supplied Colorado with $558 million in direct federal aid last week, that aid was sent exclusively to counties with a population of 500,000 or more. That means it was funneled into only five of Colorado’s 64 counties; all of which sit on the Front Range. “Unfortunately,” Lombardi said, “those counties are trying to figure out what to do with that [money] and fire departments in smaller municipalities and fire districts are being forgotten.”“When you look from a fire perspective,” Lombardi said, “we’re the ones going into the houses of people with COVID symptoms, we’re the ones treating them, we’re the ones taking them to hospitals.” He said that the pandemic is cutting into already “razor-thin” fire budgets and that could ultimately lead to emergencies in which 911-callers experience longer wait times for fewer firefighters to arrive. At the department level, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is interacting with other US agencies — the CDC, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency — in its response to the pandemic, said Jayson Barangan, the acting Director of Communications at the BLM state office. The infrastructure of wildland firefighting is inherently complex. In the case of large fires, crews may travel from other counties and states to help fight the flames and they usually establish a base camp, or “fire camp” involving dozens of people sleeping in tents, sharing food, and existing in close quarters often isolated deep in the wilderness. Continued on page 6
An improperly doused campfire — which shouldn't even have been lit in the first place due to on going fire restrictions — sparked a blaze in a remote part of Thompson Creek. The Forest Service responded with 15 firefighters and a helicopter. An investigation into the Parsnip Fire began even as crews were finishing firelines, mopping up hot spots and removing snags. Photo by Will Grandbois
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A century’s worth
OPINION
By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff On May 14, my uncle turned 100. That sort of takes my breath away.. Dr. Morris Ossias is my late mother’s youngest brother born as the Roaring ‘20s was just getting underway, and the Great Depression was a looming unknown out in the misty future. The year 1920 was full of cultural milestones. The 18th amendment prohibited alcohol and women had just gained the right to vote by the nineteenth amendment. And that’s also when breaking news on radio jumped on the scene as quite an astounding moment. Television. What was that? Another major turning point to come. At 100 years old, Morris is sharp as a tack and physically fit and is still swimming every other day. I am in awe, just imagining all he’s seen and done. And still today, with his 95-year-old sparkling wife, my aunt Rita, they’re carrying on quite well after 74 years of marital bliss. Well, mostly. She still calls him “honey,” and he still calls her “babe.”
Morris totally debunks the myth that if you reach the century mark, it will only mean frailty in mind and body. Instead he’s a standard bearer for “live long and prosper.” Uncle Morris, was the title I was raised to give him. Never just “Morris,” my parents insisted. He retired as a doctor of optometry after a successful and long practice in Newburgh, located in upstate New York. Morris remains a lifelong liberal Democrat and fought all his life for racial equality, which my dad, a staunch Republican, disliked. So, the air could get quite chilly at family get togethers. It pained me to have watched the mutual disdain. Morris and Rita are still here; my parents are gone. That’s how life is. Loss and gain. So I really didn't get to know Morris until my adult years. Then I began a wonderful journey of discovery. To have firmly kept hold of that connection still amazes as it brings together the past and the present in an unbroken chain of love. All of my family, both sides, generations back are Romanian but my father's family is from the cultural heart of the country, the capital Bucharest. That my mother’s family came from Iasi in rural Transylvania didn’t help matters much. As, my father said, they were peasants. As I say to myself, there is no such thing as a “functional” family. Every family experiences being dysfunctional, some more so than others. My uncle is working on his latest novel, “I'm Home, Mamma,” which takes place in Alaska. My uncle served there during World War II as a weather forecaster. I
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Roberta with Rita and Morris. Courtesy photo don't want to give the plot away, so you’ll have to wait until it's published later this year. In the past, not surprisingly, he and Rita have collaborated on other books. Morris Is also a singer of some repute and still performs in local productions. I remember him singing “Sunrise, Sunset,” from “Fiddler on the Roof ” 30 years ago at my wedding to my husband Michael. This man of many talents just put together a vocal video presentation for his centennial celebration. Alas, his big birthday party had to be canceled due to the pandemic. But now we have Zoom, a virtual meeting site, so we can all sing happy birthday as one happy family. Morris and Rita had five kids, one of whom passed away at a young age from a devastating illness. I used to smile when I saw all of his children wearing glasses, not surprising for an optometrist’s family. Each child also inherited his vocal gene. I got shivers of joy
when I heard any one of or all of them perform, marveling at the gift of singing in perfect kinship. Not long after my cousin Michael died, I was at his youngest sister Amy’s wedding when two of her siblings sang the 1973 song “Desperado” by the Eagles” in his memory. My cousin Cindy wrote down the words so they all could sync. I still have that yellow lined, hand-written piece of paper, which I framed and hung where I can see it daily. The power of these connections remains strong, and my two children, one of whom lives fairly close to my aunt and uncle in California, stay in touch with them. Having a centenarian uncle makes a huge impact on how I see the world. Not as bits and pieces of memories, but as a long thread that weaves its way through my life even when people you love are not around any more. In a sense, we are all one in this mess we call the world.
LETTERS DeGolia for Holy Cross Dear Editor: Ranchers, like most people, living in the Crystal, Roaring Fork, and Eagle Valleys rely on clean air, clean water, and a stable climate for our livelihoods. Protecting local land and water, and ensuring a rapid transition to a clean energy future to protect our climate is critical to another hundred years of sustainable agriculture. By voting in the Holy Cross Energy board elections this month, you can support this transition and ensure local food security for future generations. Alex DeGolia, running for the Western Territory seat, is the best candidate to tackle these challenges. Through his service on the Thompson Divide Coalition board and work on clean energy and climate advocacy at the Carbondalebased Catena Foundation, Alex is already active in protecting local land and water. He has a PhD in environmental management, served as a White House natural resources staffer, and would be an excellent addition to an organization that’s made significant progress on these issues in recent years (https://www.alexforholycross.com). Your Holy Cross ballot will arrive in the next
few days. Remember to fill it out and return it, and we hope you will vote for Alex DeGolia to protect our region’s environment for years to come. Bill Fales and Marj Perry Carbondale
great progress — please join me in voting for them, ballots should be arriving in your mailbox this week. Ellen Freedman Basalt
Vote Degolia and Campbell
Behind the commissioners
Dear Editor: Right now we have a chance to vote in a critical election that isn't much on people's radar. It has nothing to do with the presidency or the senate, but it will have a greater impact on our region than most things. It's the Holy Cross board election. There are two candidates who stand far above the rest in their support of clean power that will result in stable electricity rates and reduced carbon emissions: Alex Degolia in the Western District, and David Campbell in the Northern District. As a parent and a long-time Holy Cross customer, it is so exciting to see how much cleaner our power has become, even while our rates have remained reasonable. Alex and David will help continue that
Dear Editor: The letters disparaging GarCo commissioners are out of line. Those three loyal public servants have guided our county to be one of the most prosperous in Colorado. The majority of that prosperity we owe to the oil and gas industry. The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission was just a liberal end-around of the defeat of Prop 112 last November. The oil and gas industry does a great job of keeping Western Slope air clean. The complainers are mere tree-hugging sheep, naively following AOC's green new deal fantasy. A bunch of Chicken Littles run amok. Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle Continued on page 9
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 14 - May 21, 2020
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
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Mary Lilly
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.
To not travel or not — there is no question By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent As we settle into this next phase people find themselves questioning what it is they can and can not do. After all, much of what we normally do is limited. The uncertainty is jumbled between different jurisdictions which have varying measures to counter the spread of COVID 19. For instance, masks are recommended statewide but have been deemed mandatory in many municipalities — with Carbondale considering its own ordinance next week. Generally, this time of year the Valley explodes with tourists and locals explore far reaching destinations after hibernating through the winter. This year, tourists and locals alike are being asked to refrain from traveling. My family, for one, loves to go camping in the desert every spring. This year, instead of cramming into a single pickup and heading to Utah, we’re forced to have socially distanced family meetings near home and are coming around to virtual gatherings. That said we are still holding out hope that circumstances will permit a family vacation later this summer. Whether our optimism will come to fruition remains to be seen.
What safer at home means for travel and lodging
Colorado’s current ‘Safer at Home’ law expires May 27. Until then, the law requires that Coloradans not travel more than 10 miles for recreation. If someone is traveling further than that distance, the travel must be deemed essential. Governor Jared Polis has acknowledged there may be some leeway in areas of the state where people have to travel farther for socially distanced activities. Under ‘Safer at Home’ each county in Colorado is either under the same restrictions as the state, has stricter restrictions or has applied for a variance to the restrictions demanded by the state. According to the state website only two counties, Mesa and Eagle, have been granted a variance by Governor Jared Polis. Municipalities also have the authority to institute stricter guidelines than that of the state or county government. At this point, Garfield County has not been approved for a variance. That said, as of May 11 — according to Garfield County Public Health Specialist Carrie Godes, the “Board of
Commissioners focused its attention this morning on consideration of requesting a countywide variance from the governor and is still working out details on what this will entail.” It was not yet clear if the potential variance would include specifics regarding travel and overnight lodging. The state law says that short-term vacation rentals (less than 30 day stays) are not permitted for non-essential purposes. Interestingly, many lodging facilities are exempt from closing and are considered critical businesses. Among other exceptions, this is partly due to the fact that people often live in hotels for longer than 30 days. The loophole has kept many resorts in operation with minimal oversight from local authorities. While it’s not realistic to effectively patrol all overnight resorts for compliance, Godes states, “We are calling upon everyone to do their part and are asking lodging businesses to voluntarily comply with Public Health orders.” She continues, “Colorado law requires compliance; therefore, not following these orders is breaking the law.” Complaints submitted to the county regarding violations will be addressed by the health department and/or law enforcement. Penalties for violating the state order within Garfield County could result in a fine up to $5000 and/or up to 18 months in the county jail. Pitkin County had been erring on the side of caution by extending its reopening, but recently has agreed to let most businesses reopen, within guidelines, in unison with the state. According to Pitkin County’s “Roadmap to Reopening” tourists will likely be permitted to visit by May 27 and vacation rentals will be able to operate under a “guidance to be determined.”
An innkeepers perspective Jim and Sharill Hawkins own Four Mile Creek Bed and Breakfast just outside Glenwood Springs. They opened 23 years ago and according to Hawkins, “have done a steady business ever since.” With state mandates, business came to an abrupt halt in mid March. “Close to two months now we’ve had zero business,” Jim says, “from the fact that all of our reservations canceled but we wouldn’t have been taking reservations anyway because we were completely on board with people sheltering in place.”
Meredith and Chuck Ogilby of Avalanche Ranch have used this time to rejuvenate their little slice of heaven. Courtesy photo When the B&B does reopen, there will be some changes to the routine they’ve become accustomed to after nearly a quarter of a century in business. Typically they serve a hot breakfast to guests in a comfortable and friendly communal dining area. At least at first they will not offer these sit down meals but rather provide a continental breakfast for guests in their private quarters. The Hawkins clan has had some communication with Garfield County Public Health (GCPH). They received an email from a GCPH official along with attachments which originated from OSHA (regarding best practices to keep employees safe), the CDC and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Continued on page 6
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OPEN Mon - Fri 9:00-6 | Sat - Sun 10:00-5:00 THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 14 - May 21, 2020 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Caught in the net
Across the fence
Dog days
We’ve heard of several internet and utility outages in recent weeks, culminating in a May 12 incident in which a dump truck in Carbondale cut Comcast (and 3G phone service) for most of the afternoon. The issue prompted the postponement of a virtual town council meeting, including discussion of a potential mask ordinance — we’ll keep you updated. We’re also working on a story about the issue in general, and invite readers to email news@soprissun.com with any impacts they’ve experienced.
The Roaring Fork Fencers Club is now offering in-person individual lessons, in compliance with Saferat-Home and Pitkin/Eagle/Garfield Counties guidance. Lessons are open to returning or new students — provided they’re completely healthy — and will be offered outdoors or in public spaces from Aspen to New Castle. Email greg.domashovetz@ gmail.com for more information or to book an appointment.
The Bow Wow Film Festival — a Telluride-based, traveling, dogthemed film festival — is going virtual this year. Bow Wow films are crafted by filmmakers who are amazing storytellers, animators and artists, as seen in our 90 wonderful minutes of award winning, funny, and poignant shorts. The films will be shown virtually to benefit Carbondale’s own Colorado Animal Rescue from May 8-22. Go to www.bowwowfilmfest. com for tickets and trailer!
Go grads! Roaring Fork High School Project Graduation has traditionally hosted a drug and alcohol free party for seniors on graduation night. The landscape looks very different this year, but the show must go on, and you’re invited to help adopt the Class of 2020. In keeping with the tradition, the committee is fundraising in hopes of presenting each graduate with a meaningful gift. Contribute at gofundme.com or mail a check to Hilary Garnsey, 85 County Road 167 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.
Find your center John Norton is continuing to host Senior Matters’ Tai Chi program at 10:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Zoom. Contact 2riverstaichi@gmail.com or 379-1375.
Cleanup, cleanup Roaring Fork Conservancy’s annual river cleanup will look quite different this year, but volunteers are still needed from May 18-22. In compliance with an "Adopt the Road" agreement with Eagle County, participants must visit roaringfork.org to register. This will help ensure that the conservancy can properly communicate safety procedures such as when and where trash bags may be picked up and where to dispose of trash, and to avoid large groups from forming.
Louder than a lion Let Them Roar has just launched a songwriting workshop series, with each band member taking leadership in designing a course on a particular aspect of the craft. Visit letthemroar. com to sign up, with a fat discount if you participate in all four!
Test results The following are updated testing statistics from Valley View Hospital as of May 12. Specimens collected: 1,053. Positive results: 46. Pending results: 67. Patients admitted with COVID-19 since the outbreak began: 16. Admitted patients discharged: 13
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Doc Philip and Steve Standiford (May 14); Jonelle Luther, Lindsay Dudycha, Kellie Land, Jenny Cutright, Greg Masse (May 15); Bartlett, Cynthia Butterfield and Fred Pulver, Aaron Luttrell (May 16); Steven Quint, Chris Chacos, Lisa Johnson and Terrie Geddes (May 17); Gretchen Hofmann (May 18); Peter Frey (May 19) Eloise Clark and Jenny Garcia (May 20).
The showers and flowers are coming together this May, with umbrellas coming out for the first thunderstorm of the year (Photo by Lynn Burton, bottom) and a bit of geyser in RVR even on a clear day (Photo by John Runne, top).
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. 4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 14 - May 21, 2020
OUR TOWN
If you know of someone who should be featured in “Our Town,” email news@soprissun.com or call 510-3003.
'Soul Sista Drea' holds down the airwaves
and that they are all volunteers. There is just so much heart and love for music and connecting community through music and programming. I also think the AZYEP is one of the most powerful things you can have for young children to learn to be DJs and they are better DJs than the volunteer DJs [Drea laughs]. Mostly it’s just spreading the love through music is what I love most about KDNK.
By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent Q: So, let’s dive in! Where are you from? A: Carbondale, Colorado. I was born in Aspen and moved down here when I was 7. Q: How come you stayed? A: Well, I’ve traveled a bit, but my family is still here, I love this community, and I love knowing where the source of water is. There are other places I’ve wanted to go, but really there is no place like this, and I’m cursed. Q: You mentioned traveling a bit. Tell me about that. A: I went to Cambridge, Mass for my first year of college, and then got a phone call from Becky Young. She needed help with her son Mike, so I came back and was an aide to him for two years. I then went to Boulder and did my Montessori training. I worked at Mt. Sopris Montessori before I did the training. I’ve been in Early Childhood Education for, I would say, 30 years. Mostly preschool age kids and working with kids with special needs. Q: What is your own personal philosophy when it comes to early childhood? A: With Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner, though they have different philosophies, there are a lot of similarities, and a lot of it is in the observation of the child. I am not there to teach them doctrine or anything like that. I am there to observe and see what their interests are, and to match those interests with other materials
Q: What is the inspiration for your radio show The Chapel of Eclectic Tunes? A: Well, I like all genres of music and in my evolution of becoming a DJ, I play everything from country to funk. Usually my shows go through these roller coaster rides, and it is totally off the cuff. I don’t plan! It just intuitively comes out of me. Not until this pandemic did I sit down and try to do more Spotify playlists. I think it has blossomed my music selection.
Andrea Marsh brings the music to you. Courtesy photo or activities. I am not into teaching to the test. Every child can benefit from all the different philosophies — Reggio, Montessori, Waldorf, there’s something for everyone. Most importantly I am there to observe and be scientific about how to provide for the child. Q: You’re also very involved with KDNK. How did you get your start? A: I’ve been on the radio for over 10 years — creeping into 20, showing how old I am. I was introduced through the backdoor. DJ Amber
Congratulations to Sunsense Solar on their new website! Check it out at: www.sunsensesolar.com
Sparkles introduced me to KDNK. She showed me the ropes and let me loose. I’ve never done any formal training. Mark Ross had the Funky Phantom Children Show where he played kid music, and I took that over and did it for many years on a Sunday evening. Then I started subbing for other shows and started growing as a DJ. Q: What do you really enjoy most about being a part of KDNK? A: Oh, wow, there’s just so much! I love how all music genres are represented by these DJs,
Q: Favorite albums — list two or three. A: Holy… really?! Just three?! Okay, well John Prine, The Missing Years, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Flight of the Cosmic Hippo, and Willy Nelson’s Stardust. I didn’t have any females in there! Aretha for sure! Q: Favorite podcast? A: Radiolab. Hands down. Q: Do you have a quote or a mantra that sticks with you? A: Two roads diverged in the woods, and I - I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost
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.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 14 - May 21, 2020 • 5
TOWN REPORT APRIL RECEIPTS — March taxes collected
and remitted in April — were up 5.5 percent year over year. March taxes were down in the categories of sporting goods, lodging/accommodations and restaurants/bars and up in finance/leasing, retail sales, liquor & marijuana, retail food and construction/building. Sales taxes for April will be collected in May. P&Z will consider a Minor Site Plan Review for
an Accessory Dwelling Unit and a Special Use Permit on May 14. Planning staff and the Town Attorney did a training session regarding legal and planning aspects of being on the Planning Commission with a new commissioner.
PUBLIC SHOWERS for the homeless will
be available at the Gateway RV Park from 12 to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. The park remains otherwise closed. THE NEW EV STATION on Cowen Drive
should be installed this week.
RED HILL ROAD REALIGNMENT begins
May 18.
CHIP SEALING also begins May 18, with
Hendrick Drive, Second Street, Main Street and Colorado Meadows all included in this year’s project.
OTHER CONTRACTORS worked on a crack
sealing and spray patching, overlaying the trail on Snowmass Drive, patching the Crystal Valley Trail after a water line break and paving the patio at the pickleball court. Additionally, contractors working for Holy Cross and Xcel Energy continued work on undergrounding along Hendrick Drive and West Main Street. TRASH & DOG WASTE REMOVAL has
increased in frequency to three days a week.
THE RODEO GROUNDS are being prepped
and will be an open amenity if social distancing and group size limits are followed.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT work
continues with a new concrete floor being poured as part of the clarifier project. Meanwhile, one backwash pump came in and was installed at the Roaring Fork plant, it is back in service. SOCIAL DISTANCING EDUCATION is
being undertaken by police officers on both foot and bike patrol. The department itself is well stocked on personal protective equipment. POLICE TRAINEE Quinn Kimminau
began orientation.
Cop Shop From April 24 through May 7, Carbondale Police handled 364 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note: FRIDAY April 24 at 5:36 a.m. A 24-year-old man broke into a home on Cowen Drive but was held at gunpoint until police arrived and arrested him for third degree trespass. MONDAY April 27 at 12:39 a.m. Police contacted two teens for violation of curfew and cited both for minor in possession of alcohol.
TUESDAY April 28 at 2:34 p.m. No one was injured in an accident along Highway 133.
cited to people for disorderly conduct.
WEDNESDAY April 29 at 1:40 p.m. A criminal mischief call led to no suspects.
THURSDAY April 30 at 8:36 p.m. A sedan hit a deer on Meadowood Drive.
WEDNESDAY April 29 at 5:09 p.m. Officers arrested a 47-year-old female for violating a restraining order.
FRIDAY May 1 at 6:41 p.m. Officers issued a 31-year-old man a warning for a weapons violation.
WEDNESDAY April 29 at 8:31 p.m. Following an assault call, police
SATURDAY May 2 at 4:22 p.m. Police assisted the Garfield County
THURSDAY April 30 at 4:17 p.m. Police were informed of an assault.
WILDFIRE
MONDAY May 4 at 1:30 a.m. After contacting a 27-year-old man in a vehicle outside a store, police arrested him for possession of burglary tools, criminal trespass and possession of financial transaction devices.
for years, according to Boyd. Though the good intentions behind those donations are appreciated, “what do we do with stuff we get under these circumstances?” he asked. Donating money to local nonprofits involved with firefighting efforts, Boyd said, is a more effective way to help. That and, of course, yielding to active fire restrictions. “We’re really hoping the public stays alert and minimizes risk in areas where they can have fire to reduce the chance that we do need to go out,” Boyd said. While public effort plays a critical role in preventing fire, weather and moisture conditions remain beyond human control. “Talking to my counterpart in southwest Colorado,” Boyd said, “they’re drier now than this time in 2018.” That fire season, the San Juan National Forest suffered two June fires that burned over 57 thousand acres of land—one of the largest incidents in Colorado’s history. While spring water flows have yet to peak and fire predictions can be challenging to make, the National Interagency Fire Center issued a prediction of above normal significant large fire potential in parts of Western
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 14 - May 21, 2020
and Southwestern Colorado in June and July. Heather Lewin, the Director of Watershed Science and Policy at the Roaring Fork Conservancy, noted on Friday “we went from above average snowpack to below average in the course of a week.” That doesn’t necessarily equate to high water flows, though. With a dry late summer and fall last year, Lewin said that soils will draw in moisture from melted snowpack before that melt makes its way to rivers. “When you get those dry years, all of a sudden you get multiple worries,” said Lewin, ranging from water flows and agricultural irrigation to, of course, fire. “Adding that to a virus year can create a really stressful year for a lot of people,” said Lewin. “I think everybody’s paying pretty close attention right now.” Back on the press call last week, Fire Chief Lombardi said, “When people call 911, I think they take it a little bit for granted that we’ll show up and we do.” Perhaps the early months of 2020 have taught the public a thing or two about taking essential services for granted.
MONDAY May 4 at 6:43 p.m. Following a report of a possible drunk driver, a 56-year-old woman was arrested for DUI per se, open container and improper parking. TUESDAY May 5 at 8:29 a.m. Officers arrested a 39-year-old man on a warrant, though he was later released on a PR bond.
MONDAY May 4 at 2:39 a.m. A traffic accident led to a juvenile’s arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana.
WEDNESDAY May 6 at 2:19 p.m. A 32-year-old man was stopped for speeding, detained on a warrant and eventually released on a summons.
TRAVEL
The Town has recently reopened its tennis/pickleball courts and the North Face bike park. Brendlinger admonishes the public that, “We will be forced to close these public recreation amenities if social distancing and the 10 person group size limits are not being followed.” Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) closed its statewide campgrounds on March 26. As of May 12 CPW will begin to reopen campgrounds across the state in phases. Rifle Falls State Park campground was one of the first in line to reopen on May 12. Visitor centers and indoor facilities remain closed. While officials do encourage people to be active and use hiking trails, they implore all recreationalist to be extra cautious. White River Forest Service officials are currently investigating an incident involving four individuals who base jumped from cliffs above Hanging Lake — one of whom was hospitalized. Hanging Lake trail is not yet open. The Forest Service has also reported that several chains preventing access to Forest Service roads have been cut to gain access and unattended fires have been spotted in jurisdictions with fire bans. White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams had this to say, “We never want to see people breaking rules and engaging in high-risk behavior, but it’s especially worrisome given the current situation. We don’t want to pull emergency officials away from focusing on the pandemic.” One thing is certain, that the circumstances are constantly changing; what’s written in this article may have changed slightly, or perhaps drastically, by the time you’ve read it. Stay well, stay safe and stay local — at least for now.
from page 3
from cover
“The challenge is maintaining social distance,” said David Boyd, who recently transitioned from the BLM to the Public Affairs Office at the White River National Forest. “When you think about traditional fire camp, that’s very difficult.” Boyd said the NFS is trying to pare out jobs and positions that can be done virtually or remotely — from a nearby motel, for example. Informationbased fire positions may adopt that strategy, but “there’s not going to be a one-size-fits-all answer,” Boyd said. “We’ll look at every incident and see what we learn and keep adapting.” From the BLM office, Barangan listed off common-sense strategies like avoiding sharing tools, utilizing additional vehicles for transport, wearing face coverings, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining 6-foot social distancing on the fire line. He referenced previously-published protocols surrounding pandemic (and other disastrous) circumstances that the BLM and similar agencies follow. The “Pandemic Response and Preparedness Plan for Federal Wildland Fire Agencies” also recommends precautionary measures like minimizing contact with the general public, and pre- and postdeployment medical screenings. Wildland Section Chief Jones said “the big key is in the initial attack.” He noted that some agencies may contract additional aircraft this summer, but all will aim to take early action in fighting fire, “keeping them small and limiting their duration,” said Jones. Handling donations from civilians is a challenge fire crews have faced
Sheriff ’s Department with a case near the Catherine Store bridge.
The latter two documents each pertained to proper cleaning and disinfecting of facilities. “Neither my wife nor I have any intention of doing anything that subjects us to health risks,” Jim says. He and his wife both consider themselves to be at higher risk and respect the current restrictions. When it comes to people coming from far far away he says, “we’ve had people from over 70 different countries over the years… we just have to hope that they’ve stayed safe and while they’re here limit contact, clean really well and do the things that should keep us safe as well.”
Locally-permitted outdoor recreation Play outside, they say, but do it safely and do it locally. In this valley residents are lucky enough to live within 10 miles of hiking trails, river put-ins and what-have-yous. Locals still get to have an eventful summer, but for now just shouldn’t go too far. The Town of Carbondale’s (TOC) Parks and Recreation Department Director Eric Brendlinger brings us up to speed about the appropriate uses of park spaces within town. Brendlinger states that under the current Colorado order, “all playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic areas, the skate park, baseball and soccer fields and other similar public areas conducive to public gathering are closed.” TOC’s walking trails and dog parks are still open to the public and users are expected to respect social distancing guidelines.
Basalt nixes $1.8 million land purchase By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff Citing budget woes, the Basalt Town Council voted unanimously to halt plans to purchase a proposed site for a Public Works Maintenance facility. The proposed purchase, although initially recommended for approval, was approved in early February, before the COVID19 pandemic took hold of the country, noted Mayor Bill Kane. The sales contract, which was signed Feb. 2, permits termination of the agreement for the property on Highway 82 in Eagle County. Instead, council voted to continue discussions until the next meeting, Tuesday, May 26. Council staff will determine if a lease or lease/ buy agreement with the seller is feasible and in line with town’s priorities. During the public comment portion, Stacey Craft said she was concerned that taxpayers won't get to see the appraisal price until after the purchase is finalized. She also encouraged the town to use a buyers’ broker, noting the sales contract had been written by the seller’s agent. Also, the Basalt Economic Recovery Task Force took center stage as Kane reported constructive discussions with retail community leaders, as many are working hard to help mitigate COVID19. “Everyone’s adjusting,” Kane said, noting there is a push on to focus on the “drive market” of visitors and second home owners, as “People don’t seem to want to fly.” Restaurants, in particular, need assistance, council agreed. Member David Knight wants to look at expanding outdoor dining under a partial reopening order expected to be approved by Colorado Governor Jared Polis when he revisits the restrictions on May 26. The biggest stumbling block may be state liquor laws, council agreed. Willits business owners are looking for a change to become an entertainment district, where open liquor carry could be allowed. Town Councilor Elyse Hotell stated that lodging, wellness and salons are struggling with mask requirements and pointing to studies that show wearing a mask during exercise limits breathing. Basalt, situated at the intersection of three counties, could be served better if, as Hotell said, “We could have more autonomy as a valley.” She urged closer coordination among the three entities.
Bring back Basalt Bucks? Kane then described several ideas to help the commercial community. First is bringing back the 2008-2009 program, which allowed people to buy $100 worth of spending power at a significant discount. Businesses would accept the bucks for
Basalt's virtual Town Council meeting — barring unforseen circumstances, the last Zoom screenshot we intend to run.
face value and then be reimbursed by the town. Another proposal looks at state liquor laws and whether some restrictions can be eased and consumption areas expanded.. Town Manager Ryan Mahoney expressed a common goal, “We need to get the restaurants back open.” Kane, responding to calls to get a townsupported shuttle service between major areas including downtown, Southside and Willits at no cost to riders. This could be about a $60,000 outlay by the Town. Kristy Hamrick, Town financial director, in the meeting’s financial reporting section, spoke about an unexpected $70,000 increase in March’s sales tax revenue and felt Basalt was doing relatively well financially even as some revenues are down. “We were boosted by a large building permit payment from Aspen Ski Company,” Hamrick explained. In an effort to help residents who are unemployed and unable to put food on the table or pay rent, council is looking to jumpstarting a program that hires them to work with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers on a temporary basis. This could mean a Town outlay of $75,000. Eagle County Emergency Manager for COVID-19, Birch Barron, discussed the overall results of testing: “At one point the percentage of positive results was up to 42 percent. Now it’s down to 5.5 percent.” Council also approved the Basalt Public Arts Commission (BPAC) selections for its granting program and also to add a new program called the Basalt Artist Relief Fund. The four selections include: • The Art Base (TAB): for $20,000 over two years for general operating support. In a letter to council, Sky Skinner, Art Base interim director, explained, “It is increasingly clear that, especially amidst times of enormous change or crisis, art matters,” adding “This crucial support will allow The Art Base to continue providing free art for all, which by definition is public art.” Plus a proposed Artists Relief Program would help artists who live or work in the 81621 zip code. • Hudson Reed Ensemble: $3,000 to support the 2020 Shakespeare in the Park summer production of Macbeth. This grant, Director Kent Reed said, “would help tremendously with the persistent problem of not having sufficient funding to advertise, provide adequate costumes, construction set pieces,” and more. • Artist Year, an organization designed to close art education gaps by funding two teaching artists for Basalt schools. • The Arts Campus at Willits received funds for “Pumpkin Jazz” in October. “This free event at multiple locations, will once again bring our community together for world-class jazz performances in unexpected places,” noted Executive Director Ryan Hunter.
Yard waste drop-off for town residents starts on May 16 at the 4th and Colorado parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon. Yard waste collections will continue June 6, June 20, and throughout the summer. Visit the Mountain Waste website and calendar for the remaining dates. Dumpsters are for the yard waste only, i.e. grass clippings, branches smaller than 2” in diameter, garden and planter waste, and similar organic items. No dirt, please.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION EMERGENCY FOOD BAG DISTRIBUTION
Drive-thru pick up at the below locations. Visit LIFTUP.org or the LIFT-UP Facebook page for ongoing updates on food distribution dates, times and locations. • CARBONDALE: Mon.* & Thurs. 2pm Third Street Center Parking Lot • GLENWOOD: Mon.* & Thurs. 2pm Glenwood Springs High School, South Parking Lot (*No service Memorial Day 5/25)
• NEW CASTLE: Wed. & Fri. • RIFLE: Wed. & Fri. • PARACHUTE: Thurs.
2pm 2pm 2pm
Elk Creek Elementary School (804 W. Main St.) Rifle Fairgrounds LIFT-UP Food Pantry (201 E. First St.)
• *ASPEN: Wed. Noon Aspen Schools (enter by Aspen High School) Food Bank of the Rockies in partnership with Aspen Family Connection handles distribution. Noon Basalt Middle School • *BASALT: Thurs. Food Bank of the Rockies in partnership with Aspen Skiing Company handles distribution. *LIFT-UP assists with providing fresh produce and dairy, as available. For more information on these sites please visit PitkinCounty.com
EXTENDED TABLE (Soup Kitchens)
Grab-n-go meal at the below locations. • GLENWOOD: Mon.-Fri. 5–6pm First United Methodist Church (824 Cooper Ave.) Please check LIFTUP.org or the church for updates on meal distribution. • RIFLE: Tues. & Thurs. 5–6pm Rifle United Methodist Presbyterian Church located in the Lovell Building (200 E. 4th St.)
VOLUNTEER HOTLINE: 970.456.2804 FOOD DONATIONS: Non-perishable cans, bagged & boxed food (no glass please) may be dropped to Rifle Fairgrounds Mon.–Fri., 10 am –4pm, during any food distribution time or to Cooper Wine & Spirits in Glenwood. FINANCIAL DONATIONS NEEDED! Visit LIFTUP.org for secure donations, or mail to: LIFT-UP, P.O. Box 1928, Rifle CO 81650 LIFT-UP THRIFT STORES: Remain closed through May 31
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING COMMUNITY FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 14 - May 21, 2020 • 7
Let’s seize the moment to help the planet BRANCHING OUT
By Geneviéve Joëlle Villamizar As I write this, I am pulling my head up from a miasma of research. I don’t like data, or black and white — things without wiggle room or a fudge-factor paralyze me. Gray areas are usually my comfort zone. And I don’t like professional jargon; it intimidates me and I feel ignorant. So yes, research makes me itch. What I do value in research, though, is once I get it, I get it. I can’t “unknow” what I now know. And this is why I subjected myself to the 48 months of pure (graduate school) torture: to expand my understanding of our world today as a landscape design professional, as a writer pontificating on the human spirit, and most of all, as a mom whose little girl is fated to live in the world we are creating. Now, a dry paragraph or two. Before grad school, I had never heard of the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or the IPCC reports, as referenced by more legit media sources. The IPCC reports are an ongoing assessment of the science related to climate change under the umbrella of the United Nations. Every few years, a new update (prepared by literally thousands of scientists from all over the world) explains in cited detail where the planet is at and
what they predict for the near and far future, based on our progress — or lack thereof— since the last report. Admittedly, it was only in reading these reports that I sat up and truly paid attention to climate change. In those reports, I learned not only what was indisputable — for example, as white ice in the Arctic melts, revealing dark water or land, the melting accelerates. Or, get this — as permafrost melts, more carbon and methane release into the atmosphere — accelerating global warming. We read this in NatGeo or Outside or online, and for me, it didn’t sink in. Apparently not for a lot of us, because we keep consuming. As I learned about all these feedback loops, connected to relatable examples, I also learned how things like social justice are linked to global warming — captains of industry profit off of their by-product pollution, and the poorest suffer illness, disease and death from that pollution. Add insult to injury, those captains produce that pollution in poor peoples’ backyards, not their own. Which brings me to “Life in the Time of Corona.” We’ve watched the world and industry grind to somewhat of a halt. We’ve heard that dolphins are swimming the waterways of Venice and Chinese children are seeing blue sky for the first time in their lives. Since the ‘80s, industry has known it was destroying the health of our planet, but it’s been so profitable to such a powerful few (money and power; so addictive) they claim change isn’t necessary or possible. Well, COVID sure showed otherwise. We did it. And we’re alive, breathing cleaner air. Going for walks as a family. Sharing meals more consistently. Creating music, poetry, art. Connecting more than
we have in generations. I cannot help but think (despite illness, suffering and death, of course) that this time, Life in the Time of Corona, is a bit of a dream, a sweet reprieve from the insanity into which we were herded. From every direction on the internet, now, we are asked — what will we bring into the new reality ahead of us? Some propose that Earth is so pissed off at us, she’s throwing us a virus, selfarresting amid a precipitous decline. Every earthquake feels like a temper tantrum. Every cyclone or hurricane, sheer vengeance. I’m paying attention; okay! Each of us has a gift (or two or three). I want to ask you to please move forward leveraging your gift — help all of us move the needle on global warming. Me? I’ve resolved to design for no irrigation in my landscape designs after a two to three year establishment period. Drastically reduce turf. Period. No bullshit excuses anymore. No supporting an industry so very guilty of negative land transformation. Each design otherwise is a willful, selfish choice to put more carbon into the atmosphere — just so something can look or be a certain way. I can’t know what I know, and carry on as usual. I also vow to apply my skills towards reconnecting kids to nature. They are the next generation of stewards. Municipal landscape codes must adapt. We gotta bring evolving, cycling ecosystems back to our towns. School campuses must be re-naturalized and provide a curriculum in which the world is our classroom — it’s our freaking “nest” after all. Shouldn’t we teach kids how to be in the world? This is my wheelhouse. What’s yours? Where is your passion? Where do you have “extra smarts?” What can you choose to do today, that you haven’t yet done? You know — just to save the world?
CVEPA VIEWS
By Peter Westcott It’s May, and the waters are rising in the Crystal River. With a slightly above normal snowpack this year it looked like there would be adequate water over the summer, but the warm spring weather has caused a rapid runoff and now we’re below average. By August the river could be quite low, and by October barely any water may reach the Roaring Fork. In Colorado and the western states, water is very valuable and in high demand. Unfortunately, water laws were written when water was more plentiful, the population was much smaller, and the climate seemed stable. Back in 1922, the Colorado Compact, an effort to provide water from the Colorado River equitably from the Upper Basin States (which had the snowpack) to the lower basin states (which had the population), tried to look into the future and settle the water claims of the Colorado River. The Compact was lauded for looking to the future, but it failed in some big ways. While assuming the snow packs of the 1920s were normal and would continue into the future, the Compact underpredicted future demand and over predicted water supply. It did not foresee climate change and a desire to maintain natural habitats. Now, a hundred years later, it is threatening
We can’t dam our way out of climate change to fall apart. The Crystal River is, in many ways, under the same threats. We can look back just three years to when the Crystal was barely a trickle during the summer, and fishermen were told not to fish during the heat of the days because of the stress on fish. While some years there is enough water, climate change will cause them to be fewer and fewer. Now is the time to ask some tough questions: How much do we value the free flowing nature of the Crystal River (one of only two rivers in Colorado that is free of dams)? Should we continue to allow development in the Crystal River Valley when water is already over allocated? Should we dam the Crystal to provide water for homes and subdivisions that were built even when developers knew there would be water shortages? When voters narrowly approved Proposition DD last November there was little knowledge of how the revenues raised from taxing gambling would be spent. Many read the “arguments for DD” and agreed: “Water is a scarce resource in Colorado, and the demand will continue to increase as the state’s population grows. Colorado’s economy and way of life, from urban cities to agricultural communities, will suffer if the state cannot meet its water demands.” Gary Wockner, Director Continued on page 9
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CLIMATE
from page 8
of Save the Colorado disagreed: “This ‘Gambling For Dams’ bill is a climatedenying, river-destroying scheme pure and simple. To think that Colorado can dam its way out of climate change is a gamble of the highest stakes.” The West Divide Water Conservation District is using the new funds generated from Proposition DD to study storing water from the Crystal River, most likely on one of the side streams such as Yule Creek. They received a grant and have stated that “there will be continued outreach meetings”. The Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA — the valley’s environmental watchdog since 1970) has reached out to West Divide and asked to be part of the outreach, but has not received any reply. Not surprisingly, the “outreach” is only to water users. We are repeating the same problems – continuing to “develop” water resources so
LETTERS Much ado about nothing Dear Editor: Aspenites have always been jealous of Carbondale’s homogeneousness, so the Aspen Daily News gave frontpage play to a story about a Facebook spat between a Carbondale business owner and the president of the Carbondale Historical Society. The humbug, about the shelter at home orders, inspired a flurry of social media activity that the ADN apparently thinks is unusual and significant. In my news judgment, it’s not a story at all. Carbondalians can disagree while remaining united. I have a friend here in town who thinks my letters to the editor are completely full of shit, but she reads them anyway because she’s interested in what I’m doing and likes the way I string words together. Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale Editor’s Note: The Sopris Sun does not print responses to content in other newspapers unless that outlet has already declined to do so.
Virus questions Dear Editor: Why didn’t President Trump start combatting the coronavirus sooner, and even now has yet to use the full power of the federal government? One explanation we have heard is that he was trying to save the stock market and did not want to spread bad news that might produce a crash. People say he was just trying to maintain his support going into the fall election. If true, the president was putting huge damage to the nation below his political ambition for reelection. That would be truly shocking. It is also possible that the president just did not know this was coming. He is reputed to not pay attention to what his intelligence services try to tell him, and that the early reports by Peter Navarro, one of his economic aides, announcing the epidemic and a horrible disaster never got to him. It is also possible that even though his staff had been fully briefed on the work that the Obama administration had done to prepare for a pandemic, they had not passed this on to the president. Obama had even set up a special department as part of the Security Council to deal with pandemics. Oddly, that department was eliminated in 2018.
more and more can be consumed, despite the fact that there is going to be less and less of it. CVEPA has concerns: Rather than looking at limiting growth in the Crystal Valley, where the water is already over allocated, West Divide seems intent on damming the tributaries, which will affect the free flowing nature of the Crystal River. The natural systems of the river seem to take a back seat to future development. CVEPA has suggested West Divide look into water conservation measures, buying water rights from farmers, and other low impact solutions. CVEPA had planned a “State of the Valley” forum to address water and other issues this spring, but the pandemic has delayed it. It’s time we quit assuming growth can go on forever. We are lucky to live by one of the only free flowing rivers in Colorado. We need a community vision of what this valley should look like in the future, and hopefully we’ll do better than those who wrote the Colorado River Compact.
Continued from page 2 It is also odd that the budgets proposed by the White House for the Center for Disease Control were cut each year. While Congress did not leave those cuts in the budget, the White House did announce a future cut of over $1 billion. Earlier, there was a public health intelligence officer attached to an organization in Wuhan that was specifically tasked to be on the lookout for more virus outbreaks. That person was recalled before the current outbreak. The government had a stockpile of emergency equipment that included masks and ventilators. Unfortunately, much of that was defective, moldy, or not working. Apparently, in over 3 years no one had checked on the condition of the stockpile which is supposed to be maintained on a regular basis. Once the pandemic began to hit hard, it was clear that testing was needed to determine who had this brand-new disease and who did not. Other countries already had these tests and they were being distributed by the World Health Organization. The US declined to use this existing test, tried to produce our own, which took valuable time, and the test did not work. Only one lab was charged to make these. Once tests became available the supplies needed to make them work were in short supply and the testing had to be on an emergency basis only. All the while, an infected person is infecting an average of 3 others. The number of infected people was growing exponentially. The US is now the world’s leader in all virus categories and is facing a depression maybe worse than 1929. Call me crazy, but it looks an awful lot like somebody did everything they could to make the damage from the pandemic as bad as it could be. What does that mean? Patrick Hunter Carbondale
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Hare today, gone tomorrow Dear Editor: Grazing gray bunny Keen-eyed hawk circling above Not the prey today JM Jesse Glenwood Springs
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • MAY 14 - May 21, 2020 • 9
By Suzie Brady
SUZOKU
Ms. Schmidt’s Crew of Amazing Creatures Ali is an animated akita, always sharing her adventurous spirit. Vanessa is a vivid vole, displaying a voracious appetite for learning. Brynn is a brilliant bumblebee, buzzing to share her creative ideas. Pedro is a patient panther, constantly observing and providing encouragement to his friends Alejandra is an auspicious arctic fox, always interested in learning something new Michael is a might malayan tiger, making his peers feel safe and valued Edie is an erudite of an echidna, elevating the level of musical and artistic creativity Bram is a bellwether-ing bear, bringing up the front as he leads his peers Abrahama is a observant amur leopard, opening his eyes to new things Slade is a sublime seal, sensing how he can connect to his friends Luciana is a loyal lioness, looking for the solutions to problems to help others Trey is a tenacious tarsier, talented at challenging himself Parker is a pioneering pika, patiently waiting to climb higher Valeria is a viable vicuna, never bored while vying for opportunity Sergio is a strong serval, ready to serve his friends Alexa is a adventurous aye aye, allowing herself to push through challenges Vianne is a valiant vaquita, leading her peers with a variety of skills Milo is a momentous mountain lion, making his friends feel valued and perceptively mindful
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Happy Belated Mother's Day Tracy Wilson and Remy weren't able to appear in the Mother's Day edition, but here they are now! Photo by Mark Burrows
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