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Carbondale’s weekly
Barbara Forta was a lead organizer for Carbondale's 1st Light the Night with Love. More photos by Sue Rollyson on page 11.
Volume 13, Number 2| February 18-24, 2021
community connector
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GUEST OPINION
By Dave Marston Only about 100 people live in Somerset in western Colorado, a former coal company town squeezed into a narrow valley. A state highway and railroad tracks crowd on one side, the North Fork of the Gunnison River on the other. Some say there’s charm in the town’s narrow streets and funky houses with affordable rent. What’s more, there’s no government except for a water district, though that’s what a recent controversy is all about. For over a century, Somerset has been dominated by a parade of big money interests, from Kaiser Steel to US Steel and now by billionaire Bill Koch, younger brother to the Koch brothers, known for financing far right politics. De facto government has long been from the coal companies, which provided water and even a store. In the early 1960s, mine owner at the time, US Steel, sold the houses to residents. But Somerset never created a town government, and minimal oversight comes from Gunnison County, two hours away by way of a twisting highway or dirt road over a pass. The town’s water always remained a coal company’s responsibility until this year. On Jan. 27, Koch’s mine president, Mike Ludlow, sent a letter to the Somerset Water Board: “Oxbow
Somerset left in the lurch Mining is hereby providing you with a six months’ notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement (contract of 1962) effective on July 31, 2021.” The property under the plant and water rights from the North Fork River, however, will revert to Koch’s gas fracking company, Gunnison Energy. How can tiny Somerset -- its finances shaky and residents on the poorer side – possibly shoulder the burden? Maintenance of the aging water treatment plant costs $7,000 monthly, and water from the plant consistently fails state-monitored water quality tests. Saddled with finding a solution is lifetime Somerset resident John Mlakar, Somerset’s water manager. He says the town has $71,000 on hand, which isn’t nearly enough to build a new, $200,000 plant that would meet state standards and sift harmful compounds from the water. One of those compounds is bromide. When mixed with chlorine used to kill bacteria in a water treatment plant, it causes total trihalomethanes, a cancercausing mixture. Bromide occurs naturally but concentrates after being stirred up by mining or natural gas drilling. Water tests by a Koch employee in 2018 found that bromide originated well above the West Elk mine, but below where Koch’s Gunnison Energy and others have natural gas wells. Meanwhile, new people have been moving into the town’s 50 or so houses as retired coal miners move out. One champion of reviving the town is Terry Commander, who heads the town’s fire district. “The dynamics of the town are changing for the better,” she says. You might think that Koch’s corporation, the state of Colorado or the county would be willing to help Somerset deal with its crisis.
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Somerset in the 1900s. Courtesy somersetcolorado.com.
Somerset in the 2010s. Courtesy somersetcolorado.com. So far, no one has stepped up. Koch’s mine closed after a fire in Gunnison County 2013, but Somerset still has one active Commissioner Roland Mason says coal mine, West Elk Mine, which that dealing with “rights of way” in sent $1.2 million direct severance distant Somerset has always been a taxes to the town and county of chore. Perhaps that’s why a visitor Gunnison in 2019 alone. Another to the town notices abandoned cars $497,000 indirect severance grant parked willy-nilly and piles of junk paid for six solar arrays on Gunnison that look as old as the town itself. county buildings. Yet Mason acknowledges that Mlakar says he’s happy to make Somerset has been a valuable asset: the town’s pitch to Gunnison “Ten years ago, 18 percent of our commissioners: “We need their budget was from the severance tax help. I’ve been in the new Gunnison when the mines were going.” That jail, though not for illegal reasons. amounted to $11.7 million of That place is a palace.” the county’s $65 million budget. He compares prosperous “The county had to rearrange their Gunnison County to his own tight budget significantly when the budget. “I make $905 per month. mines closed,” Mason adds. My house is paid off and money Impacts, however, were mostly pays for food, heat and my water. felt in nearby Delta County, which You push the price of water any for 60 years provided everything higher, and I’m broke, I gotta leave.” from schools, hospital and housing Dave Marston is the publisher for hundreds of coal miners and of Writers on the Range, their families. Delta County writersontherange.org, a nonprofit received some payment for its dedicated to spurring lively services, but they were never on the conversation about the West. He scale of Gunnison County, which went to school years K-12 with kids could claim Somerset as its cash cow. from Somerset.
LETTERS Re: Subdivision and redevelopment A recent Glenwood Post article covered the approval of new buildings to replace the Sopris Shopping Center. The proposal is in two parts. One is to enlarge the mini storage with a new two-story, climate-controlled building to the west of the existing storage buildings. Second is to construct two three-story residential buildings on the edge of the highway. On the mini-storage, the climate-controlled space seemed to some town trustees a dubious waste of energy at a time when we are giving more and more attention to energy conservation. The owner said that his customers are looking for this feature to store fine furniture and other climate sensitive possessions. We can assume this feature appeals to upvalley customers. One can also question why this kind of use is even in the center of our town. The owner said they would pay attention to their energy use.
I also have a great concern for the new residential buildings. You can see from the rendering in the news article that the architectural style, as described by the architect, is unlike anything in Carbondale. They said the building is composed of “mercantile elements.” However, their main deceit is to give the buildings as many different styles, materials, shapes, colors, wall planes, corners, and roof lines as they could. We used to joke that the builder was using up materials left over from other jobs. Or close-outs. But more than the looks, these buildings set a precedent that is totally at odds with what Carbondale has now and also the goals for energy emission reduction that are the core of the Carbondale Climate Action Plan. In a second letter, I’d also like to talk about the height, the traffic, the health hazards, and the visual obstruction. Patrick Hunter Carbondale
Crystal Meadows gratitude After a year of strict COVID restrictions, there were smiles, laughter, and gratitude from all the residents at Crystal Meadows the day Garfield County Public Health came to the property and administered the first set of the COVID vaccine to the residents. What a great day. There are not enough ways to say thank you to all the staff and nurses at Garfield County Public Health and Dr. Gary Knaus at Roaring Fork Family Practice. Their compassion and commitment to their job and our community is inspiring. Let’s just say, it was a day that I will never forget. Thank you again. Jerilyn Nieslanik Carbondale 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 • February 18 - February 24, 2021
Anne Sullivan & John Colson Bill Spence & Sue Edelstein Carly & Frosty Merriott CoVenture Deborah & Shane Evans Elizabeth Wysong Gary & Jill Knaus Greg & Kathy Feinsinger James Noyes Kay Brunnier Ken & Donna Riley Lee Beck & John Stickney Lee Mulcahy Megan Tackett Michelle & Ed Buchman Patti & George Stranahan Peter & Mike Gilbert Toni Cerise True Nature Healing Arts
Legacy Givers
for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly
And all our SunScribers
and community members for your support.
It truly takes a village to keep The Sun shining.
Donate by mail or online. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Crystal Tapp Proofreader: Lee Beck Current Board Members
Linda Criswell • Klaus Kocher Kay Clarke • Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie Eric Smith • Vanessa Porras 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.
Lease appeal dismissed by Pitkin County Manager
By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun Correspondent
At the end of January, a competitive lease application process for Pitkin County-owned agricultural land at the Glassier Open Space property in Basalt selected its winner, the Marigold Livestock Co. On Feb. 1, 2021, José Miranda, one of the other applicants and founder of Rocking TT Bar, filed a formal appeal contesting the lease award process. Miranda cited concerns about bias and inconsistencies in scoring and procedure. The award process is governed by the County’s Agricultural Lease Bid Process and Policy, which was last updated in 2017, and was created with public input. In a 5-page letter to Miranda dated Feb. 10, 2021, Pitkin County Manager Jon Peacock concluded, “I can find no reason to overturn the committee’s recommendation, and hereby deny your appeal.” As of the writing of this story, Miranda, who felt Peacock’s dismissal was not thorough, planned to continue pursuing his complaints with the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) directly. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PCOST) Agriculture and Conservation Easement Administrator Paul Holsinger told The Sopris Sun that he could not think of any other PCOST lease process that resulted in appeal, despite ongoing demand for land. At the core of the issue is landless farmers doing their best to produce local food in a region with high land prices. PCOST actively manages about 400 acres of agricultural land that is leased out to regional farmers and ranchers in an effort to support local food production. There are more than 10 individual agricultural lease areas that range in size from one half acre to 90 acres. Examples of existing partnerships include cattle grazing on Thompson Creek Open Space in the Crystal Valley and Two Roots Farm on Emma Open Space. One of the primary benefits of leasing from PCOST is long-term stability and a management ethos that doesn’t put lease income first. Miranda started a local water buffalo herd in 2016 and now has 34 animals. The operation currently provides milk shares to 16 families and produced an average of 90 gallons of milk per month in 2020. Rocking TT Bar also sells beef to consumers,
local grocers and restaurants. Miranda is a passionate advocate for his unique work with water buffalo in Colorado, and for environmental stewardship. The PCOST selection committee received applications from seven operations. There were two leases available and some applicants submitted for one lease, while others submitted for both. Ultimately, the committee recommended Marigold Livestock Co., a new venture from owner Alyssa Barsanti. Barsanti spent the last six years managing livestock and vegetable production for Rock Bottom Ranch, a site of the nonprofit Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. In an interview about her new business, Barsanti explained, “I have grown to be really passionate about livestock and their ability to improve and heal land, sequester carbon and have a positive impact on our climate. With that, I've been inspired to start a livestock operation. Specifically, I'm starting with sheep and meat chickens because they seemed like the two most appropriate species to start with, as I do rotational grazing with the animals.” In interviews with Barsanti and Miranda, they both described similar reasons for applying for the Glassier land. Without adequate pasture, a livestock operation can only support so many animals, and for farmers focused on sustainability, carrying capacity is critical. Lease B is an 81.2 acre irrigated parcel, a meaningful piece of pasture that was pursued by not only Marigold Livestock Co. and Rocking TT Bar, but also Hook Spur Cattle Company and an operation run by Temple Glassier. Barsanti commented, “Had I not been selected I would have been disappointed too. I wouldn't have appealed. It's a piece of land and everyone wants to continue their operation on that piece of land, so it becomes really sought after.” In an interview, Holsinger commented, “The open space program gives a lot more stability in land tenure than any other private person. So I get why it's something to fight for.” But he also made clear, “I've gotten some really nice letters of support from the agricultural community, and people who have asked, ‘what's going on?’ I've just simply told them we're not deterred from our mission of supporting agriculture. If there are some blind spots that come up, we'll address it, but otherwise, staff at Open Space is really proud of the program.” The lease recommendation has been
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This map of Glassier Open Space shows both Lease B and Lease F, the parcels that were recently opened up to a lease award process through Pitkin County Open Space and Trails. Lease B is 81.2 acres of irrigated pasture and Lease F is three acres that includes irrigation and a loafing shed. Lease A, a 40 acre parcel, will come up for lease in fall of this year. Courtesy map. tentatively rescheduled for a PCOST board meeting on April 1. Meanwhile, Miranda perseveres. He suspects flaws in the application system and believes the program is too important to let it go. He’s hopeful that bringing his concerns to the BOCC will improve the system and hold it accountable. Barsanti is exercising patience. In an interview, Barsanti reluctantly admitted the appeal process has been challenging. “It's definitely put a damper on the excitement that I have for starting my new business and my excitement for being selected as the lessee.” She continued, “I'm eager to have everything move along and become finalized, and then be the lease holder and be able to start working the land.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 18 - February 24, 2021 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Pitkin County shifts to Yellow Pitkin County Board of Health voted Thursday, Feb. 11, to adopt the state’s COVID 2.0 dial, shifting the county into “Level Yellow” based on an updated metrics structure. Indoor capacity for restaurants, offices, gyms, retail, and other services is now allowed at 50 percent. The size of personal gatherings remains at 10 people from no more than two households.
Arts dose The Arts Campus at Willits has a new director of programming. Kendall Smith has revived the tradition of sharing a special newsletter highlighting online artistic talent. You can join their email list at tacaw.org
True Nature closes temporarily True Nature Healing Arts is observing a weeklong quarantine as required by Garfield County’s “Level Yellow” regulations after a member of their team tested positive. True Nature will reopen on Monday, Feb. 22.
Motherlode Giveaway The City of Glenwood Springs invites you to take an online survey for the chance to win one of 12 vacation giveaway packages. Each package winner will receive $1,000 in Glenwood Gold. The survey closes on Feb. 23 at visitglenwood.com
ASAP Accounting Diana Murray has been named CEO of ASAP Accounting and Payroll, a service used by many businesses and nonprofits in the Roaring Fork Valley. Murray served as
the company’s director of marketing prior to becoming vice president of operations in 2017. ASAP has Colorado offices in Durango, Telluride, and Golden.
Submissions due Aspen Art Museum’s youth art expo is accepting submissions by local artists grades K-12. Prompts include “somewhere or someone you miss,” “your favorite object or room in your home,” and “a meal you enjoy eating.” The exhibition opens on Feb. 27 and continues through March 14. More at aspenartmuseum.org
Historical podcast The Carbondale Historical Society presents a new podcast hosted by Board President Stephen Shapiro. Available through Spotify and Apple Podcasts, “Carbondale Historical Society” offers insight into local history through reenactment and personal account. After an introductory episode and replay of the recently-produced “Historical Women” series, this podcast will become home to the recovered Mary Ferguson interviews. More info at carbondalehistory.org
Valley Settlement Valley Settlement welcomes Maria Tarajano Rodman as the nonprofit’s new executive director. Rodman comes to the valley from Farmington, New Mexico, where she led the Boys and Girls Club of Farmington for the past five years. According to Rodman, her life’s work has centered around supporting a family’s dream for their children’s education. “As a young refugee girl emigrating from Cuba with my family, I would not be where I am today without those people and organizations who supported my growth and connected me with opportunities in education.” Rodman’s arrival coincides with Valley Settlement relocating to Glenwood Springs, on the second floor of the U.S. Bank Building, on Feb. 22.
Reopened enrollment Individuals without health insurance may enroll in coverage through Connect for Health Colorado now through May 15. Health insurance coverage will begin on the first day of the month following a plan selection.
Carbondale Historical Society came across these photos from the 1918 pandemic in an album donated by Shelle DeBeque. The album belonged to her grandmother Anne Dinkel DeBeque.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Wendy Moore (Feb. 18); Jess Pedersen (Feb 20); Pati Edquist, Wyatt Farris, Max Herriott-Frank, Mike Lemmer and Collin Stewart (Feb. 21); Lucas Leone (Feb. 22); David Ackerman, Sophia Clark and Rachael Schultz (Feb. 23); Quentin Farris, Toni Gross, Nuria Moya, Steve Skinner and Kyle Watts (Feb. 24).
The Town of Carbondale is accepting bids and statements of qualifications from local qualified contractors to perform work on the 2021 Chip Seal program. Sealed bids will be received until 11:00 am February 22, 2021, by the Town of Carbondale, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado 81623, at which time the bids will be opened and read aloud. Specifications and contract documents can be found on the Town of Carbondale website, or at Town Hall. Work on this project cannot begin prior to May 17, 2021, and must be complete by July 2, 2021.
Q
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carbondalegov.org/residents/rfps/
The Town of Carbondale is requesting proposals to lead the community in the preparation and adoption of an update to the 2013 Comprehensive Plan. Some of the items which have been targeted for more detailed analysis and evaluation include Downtown, Resiliency, Aging in Place, Multi-Modal, High Density Neighborhoods, update trends and projects, analyze adopted plans, update Comprehensive Plan maps, and update the Implementation Matrix and 2013 Future Land Use Map. Recommendations for appropriate changes to the development code are also required. Proposal must include a robust public outreach program. Proposals are due by March 4, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. to:
Q
Scan to visit website for more details!
carbondalegov.org/residents/rfps/
Comprehensive Plan Update Proposal Attn: Janet Buck, Planning Director Town of Carbondale 511 Colorado Ave Carbondale CO 81623
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 18 - February 24, 2021
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Hometown author shines By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent
David Anderson remembers his childhood in Carbondale as some of the best days of his life and adds, "It was kind of like growing up in a storybook." Last November, Anderson, who writes under the pen name “Spector Grove” published his debut novel, "Diunthum: Illumnesia." It is the first book in a young adult, science fiction trilogy. Anderson, who is 30 years old, began writing "Diunthum" when he was 19. The cover art features the main character, Pagan, wearing a gas mask, – a "breather," as it is called in the book. Anderson and an illustrator finalized the design about six months before the corona virus had made its way to the United States. Since the novel's publication, Anderson is frequently asked about that gas mask image and replies that it serves as a nod to Diunthum's futuristic society where the air is toxic. His father, Chris Anderson, was about 20 years old when he moved to Carbondale from Boise, Idaho. After arriving here, Chris met Rose Porter, Anderson's mother, who graduated from Roaring Fork High School in the 1960s. Anderson, who now lives in New Castle, has fond memories of playing at Sopris Park and describes the town as "a constant celebration of life." When he was young, Anderson
knew that he wanted to be a writer, but he continuously struggled in language arts classes. Then, in the seventh grade at Carbondale Middle School, Anderson had "a tremendous experience that absolutely changed my life." His language arts teacher noticed that Anderson had a love for writing and asked him to write a small book of poems, telling him, "If it's good, I'll pass you; if it's not, I won't." He wrote ten poems and when the teacher returned his assignment notebook, it had a sticky-note on top marked “A+” with a message that read, "Write these uncontrollably." That was the push Anderson needed to become a writer. As he recalls, that teacher "stoked a fire that is probably going to burn until the day I die. He sent me off on a journey." While attending San Francisco's Academy of Art University for film production and screenwriting, Anderson realized his desire to write novels that unravel "the wires of what makes us human." A central theme in "Diunthum" is spirituality. Anderson explains that the inspiration for writing the book arose from a "kind of questioning and finding the correlating notes between the various religions of this world and what connects us, instead of what separates us." He adds, "I think the book has a purpose of bringing people together." A bit of creative wordplay adds a bright facet to the read, with
invented or archaic words throughout Anderson's storytelling. As a young child, he would make up words and names. The word "diunthum" is comprised of two Latin words and translates to "when, or while, the light shines." Anderson enjoys researching archaic words to compound into new ones because "there's something quite magical about fabricating something of your own." Anderson is currently seeking a literary agent and is working on the second book in the series, which has an anticipated publication date of December 2021. He has another five or six writing projects awaiting completion once the third and final book in the Diunthum series goes to the publisher. Due to current COVID restrictions, book promotions are taking place through online platforms but future plans include in-person book signings. Until then, Anderson hopes that people will buy the book and recommend it to others. "Diunthum" is enjoying some early literary recognition with a Nautilus Book Award nomination. When asked where a successful writing career might land him, Anderson says even if he were to live somewhere else, "I'll still always be tethered to my home-base, which is Carbondale, Colorado." "Diunthum: Illumnesia" is available for purchase at bookstores in the Roaring Fork Valley or online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
"Diunthum: Illumnesia" cover art features the main character, Pagan, wearing a "breather." Courtesy photo.
School picture of David Anderson in second grade at Carbondale Elementary. Courtesy photo.
KDNK is looking for a logo for our Spring Membership Drive! We are looking to you! That's right, we want YOU to design the logo for us!
Free Identification Tags For Every Pet!
Colorado Animal Rescue has teamed up with Glenwood Springs Subaru to provide FREE identification tags to ALL pets in our area! To keep all pets safe and in their home, C.A.R.E. is offering free pet ID tags to any resident of Garfield County (& neighboring municipalities)! With the recent changes to our county animal control program, we are on a mission to provide EVERY pet with current identification. We love when a stray pet can be taken directly home and not spend any time in the shelter. There is no better way to return a lost animal to their home than by contacting the owner directly. KDNK is a community project, we wouldn’t be on the air waves without you. Imagine capturing KDNK on paper, how would it look? Guidelines: • We need something simple with a limit of three distinct colors, two would be better. • If you are able to vectorize your image that would be helpful. • It must include “KDNK 88.1,3,5” and the theme “Your Radio, Your Voice” • We will be accepting images until March 15th. Submit the logo design to: kenna@kdnk.org. To drop off a physical copy call 970-963-0139. Winner receives a family membership, a hat, bumper stickers and 5 KDNK t-shirts.
Order an id tag for each of your pets. Choose your favorite color and style! Your pet’s tags will arrive by mail free of charge, ready to add to their collar. Microchips are also available at the shelter for only $30. Microchips contain an identification number that is linked to an owner’s supplied contact information. They provide pets with a lifelong link to safety and are effective when an id tag isn’t present.
visit: rg r o r e scue.o t o o rd Scan oAnimalRe d Colora
A
We look forward to seeing what y’all come up with! THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 18 - February 24, 2021 • 5
CALENDAR
Visit soprissun.com to submit events.
THURSDAY, FEB. 18
LIVE MUSIC Randal Utterback and Smokin’ Joe Kelly perform at Heather’s Savory Pies & Tapas Bar in Basalt at 6 p.m. SACRED MASCULINITY Davi Nikent hosts a men’s experiential/encounter group at the Third Street Center on the first and third Thursdays of every month at 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEB. 19
WALDORF EDUCATION Prospective students, grades Pre-K to second, are welcome to visit Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork with their parents to discuss childhood programs. This opportunity is offered at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, and at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23. To reserve a spot, call 970-963-1960. LIVE MUSIC Chris Bank and Mark Johnson play at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, FEB. 20
REIKI JAM A Spiritual Center at the Third Street Center offers “Wake Up! Reiki” at 1 p.m. CELEBRATE RECOVERY Glenwood Church of Christ welcomes persons struggling to find freedom and hope with dinner provided at 260 Soccer Field Road in Glenwood Springs at 6 p.m. LIVE MUSIC Damian Smith and Dennis Jung perform at Heather’s Savory Pies & Tapas Bar in Basalt at 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, FEB. 21
PAINTING INTENSIVE Artist Jill Sabella teaches a three week painting class at The Art Base in Basalt beginning at 12:30 p.m. Registration is at theartbase.org DEFIENDE Wilderness Workshop hosts a bilingual winter wildlife walk at Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area near New Castle at 2:30 p.m. Registration is at wildernessworkshop.org
MONDAY, FEB. 22
RE$ET Aspen Ideas Festival presents an online conference about building a resilient economy for all. The conversation begins at 2 p.m. on Monday and continues on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Topics include “resetting U.S.’s role in the global economy” and “resetting for sustainability.” More at aspenideas.org
TUESDAY, FEB. 23
LIVE MUSIC Suzzanne Paris performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24
THE SUN DOES SHINE Author Anthony Ray Hinton presents his memoir, this year’s Common Reader selection by Colorado Mountain College. The virtual event begins at 7 p.m. and will also be repeated on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. Registration is at coloradomtn.edu LIVE MUSIC Suzzanne Paris performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m
FURTHER OUT THURSDAY, FEB. 25
POSTFIRE RESTORATION Glenwood Canyon Restoration Alliance partners with Roaring Fork Conservancy to host a virtual lecture with Steve Hunter, former coordinator of Burned Area Emergency Response for the White River National Forest. “Grizzly Creek Fire: Estimating Postfire Watershed Response” begins at 6 p.m. Registration is at roaringfork.org LIVE MUSIC Valle Musico performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEB. 26
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Garfield County Libraries hosts a virtual presentation with Dr. Rosemarie Allen, associate professor at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, exploring America’s racial past. The virtual event begins at 6 p.m. with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish. More at gcpld.org LIVE MUSIC Feeding Giants perform at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, FEB. 28
LEAH SONG Rising Appalachia’s Leah Song performs at True Nature in Carbondale at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
ONGOING
KARAOKE THURSDAYS The Black Nugget offers karaoke on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Comic by Larry Day. Day's work is on display at the Aspen Chapel Gallery through April 11. CRYSTAL STREAMING Virtual cinema offerings include “M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity,” “Museum Town,” “Some Kind of Heaven,” and “Acasa, My Home.” Fifty percent of ticket sales support the Crystal Theatre. VALLEY VISUAL ART SHOW The 42nd Annual Valley Visual Art Show continues at The Launchpad in Carbondale through Feb. 28. All artwork is available for purchase and also viewable online at carbondalearts.com MOMENTS OF LIGHT An exhibit exploring light and landscapes continues at The Ann Korologos Gallery, in Basalt, through Mar. 6. COMPLEXITIES A group exhibition by North American ceramic artists is on
display at the Carbondale Clay Center though Mar. 27. HAPPY TRAILS In partnership with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, the Aspen Chapel Gallery displays watercolor paintings and sculptures celebrating the outdoors through April 11. LIFT-UP Mobile food distribution continues as one-day-a-week per town from 2 to 4 p.m. serving Carbondale at the Third Street Center on Mondays, Parachute at 201 1st Street on Tuesdays, New Castle at Cristo La Roca on Wednesdays, Glenwood Springs at the Church of Christ on Thursdays, Rifle at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Fridays, at Lift-Up’s Aspen Pantry by appointment. More at liftup.org.
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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 18 - February 24, 2021
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CMC hosts author and exoneree Ray Hinton By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent
Anthony Ray Hinton knows what it’s like to have one’s life held hostage by the whims of a state unwilling to admit wrongdoing, a feeling most readers will not experience. In 1985, Hinton was victim to an injustice that took 30 years from his life. After being tried for a murder he did not commit, he was sentenced to death row at Holman State Prison in Alabama. Colorado Mountain College (CMC) selected Hinton’s book “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life, Freedom and Justice” as the school’s Common Reader for 2021. The memoir details having to defend his life against an unjust justice system. Hinton will appear for two virtual talks hosted by CMC on Feb. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. From the beginning, the evidence in Hinton’s case – had it been properly presented by his attorney – supported his innocence claim. Still, his state appointed counsel (a white man) encouraged him to take a plea bargain to avoid the ultimate punishment. In the words of an arresting officer, they didn’t “care whether you [Hinton] did or didn’t do it. In fact, I believe you didn’t do it. But it doesn’t matter. If you didn’t do it, one of your brothers did. And you’re going to take the rap.” The State of Alabama carried out that officer’s promise. In contrast, Hinton was taught by his mother to do right unto others and even upheld those morals on death row. He writes of death row as a microcosm of society. When everything else is taken out of the equation and there is just life and death, race
no longer matters. Loneliness and fear led the condemned men to reach out to one another. Hinton befriended Henry Hays, a klansman convicted of lynching 19-year-old Michael Donald in 1981; it’s known as the last lynching in Alabama. Hays learned on death row that it did not matter what color a man’s skin was in the cell across from him. When Hays made the long walk, his friends – black and white – banged on their cell doors so he would know he was not alone. In a recent interview with CMC, Hinton said that when “people are raised around lies and they believe those lies,” then “they are programmed to hate.” To his point, Hays’ father was a codefendant in the 1981 case. Hinton had, and continues to have, compassion for those who were guilty of the crimes they were imprisoned for. He echoes the sentiment of Bryan Stevenson, the attorney who helped him gain his freedom and author of “Just Mercy.” “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” In the time he was awaiting his own death, his mother – the pride and joy of his life – grew old and passed away. In 2015, with the stroke of a pen, all of the charges against Hinton were dismissed. The state of Alabama granted him his freedom as quickly as it had taken it away, but only after holding him under lock and key for three decades. At the end of the book, Hinton lists thousands of names of people still on death row in the United States. As of Jan 2020, there were 2,620 people on the list, three of whom are in Colorado. Statistically, one in ten people on the
Ray Hinton's case is but one example of the epitome of prosecutorial misconduct which kept him on Death Row for 30 years for a crime he did not commit. Courtesy photo. list is innocent. Nicholas Todd Sutton was killed by electrocution on Feb. 20, 2020 in Tennessee. Dustin Higgs was the person most recently put to death by lethal injection in the U.S. on Jan. 16, 2021. Today, Hinton works with Stevenson at the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama. He advocates for those who are still in the position he was forced to endure. Anyone who would like to learn more or contribute can visit eji.org Hinton would implore anyone, the next time they’re in a courtroom, to acknowledge the humanity of the man or woman on trial.
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CMC presents Anthony Ray Hinton, author of ‘The Sun Does Shine’. Feb. 24 – 7 p.m. Feb. 25 – 7 p.m. Hinton’s free talks will be live streamed through Zoom. Advance registration required.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 18 - February 24, 2021 • 7
GOVERNMENT BRIEFS GarCo reps oppose 30 x 30 The Garfield County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution opposing President Biden’s executive order to preserve 30% of public land and water by 2030. Noting that 62% of Garfield County is public land, the commissioners say that this executive order would likely harm the local economy by “preventing productive use of resources and depriving residents of access to public lands,” and conflicts with the “Federal Lands Natural Resource Coordination Plan and Policies” adopted by the county in September 2020. The resolution also notes that, “Left in an undisturbed or natural state, these lands are highly susceptible to wildland wildfires, insect infestation and disease, all of which exacerbate greenhouse emissions which adversely impact global climate change.”
Dark money Senator Michael Bennet is encouraging the Department of the Treasury to reverse a Trumpera rule that allows certain tax-exempt organizations to avoid disclosing to the Internal Revenue Service their major donors and the amounts they
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give. Senator Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, wrote to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, “This makes it more difficult for the IRS to identify foreign or other prohibited donations. The risk of abuse is plain, and the idea that current policy allows it would offend most Americans.”
Pueblo Chemical Depot Congresswoman Lauren Boebert joined Congressman Doug Lamborn to tour the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot (PDC). The PCD, located in Colorado, is one of two remaining Army installations in the country charged with safely and securely storing the chemical weapons stockpile, comprised of 2,600 tons of mustard agent, until it is destroyed. According to Representative Boebert, “This state-of-the-art facility places a premium on safety [and] is also an important employer for Pueblo.”
BLM headquarters Both Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, as well as Representative Boebert, have advocated to keep the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Headquarters in Grand Junction. According to Senator Hickenlooper, “We can better protect and manage our
Contact your elected officials about the issues that matter to you
White Owl Ranch, 240 acres south of New Castle, is now conserved through Aspen Valley Land Trust. Courtesy photo. public lands by having a BLM headquarters out west.”
White Owl Ranch White Owl Ranch landowners Syliva and Matthew Ringer conserved their 240-acre ranch, south of New Castle, by donating a conservation easement to Aspen Valley Land Trust. The Ringers purchased White Owl Ranch in 2016. Sylvia, a Bureau of Land Management wildlife biologist, says, “We were drawn to this valley over 20 years ago to work in the public lands and we can’t imagine not conserving this place for our kids and the wildlife in this area.”
Discretionary grants More than $30,000 was approved by the Garfield County Commissioners in first quarter discretionary grants to local nonprofits. The Rifle Elks Lodge received $4,000 to replace its lone broken furnace/
air conditioner unit; KSUN Community Radio received $5,000 for transmission and other equipment; Colorado Mountain College was granted $2,000 for a scholarship fund; YouthEntity received $5,000 for financial literacy and career development programs; the Rifle Masonic Lodge received $4,000 toward a matching grant for building restoration efforts; West Elk Trails was granted $1,500 toward the cost of a grooming/work snowmobile; Carbondale Arts received $2,000 for 50th Mountain Fair operations and historical collections; Roaring Fork Leadership was awarded $5,000 for its leadership development program; and the Glenwood Springs Arts Council received $2,000 toward programming and scholarships. A total of $120,000 was budgeted for quarterly grants in 2021.
Senator Michael Bennet 261 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5852
Senator John Hickenlooper B85 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5941
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert 1609 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-4761
CO Senator Bob Rankin 200 E Colfax, 346 Denver, CO 80203 (303) 866-5292
CO Representative Perry Will 200 E Colfax, 307 Denver, CO 80203 (303) 866-2949
Cool Brick Studios
world-class multimedia studio
Executive Director Mount Sopris Montessori Preschool in Carbondale serves children 18 months to 5 years.
Job requirements: College degree, director qualified, and experience in an educational setting. Understanding of Montessori philosophy preferred.
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Dejar su vehículo en ralentí durante más de 10 segundos usa más combustible y produce más CO2 que simplemente reiniciar el motor. El ralentí innecesario desperdicia dinero y contribuye al cambio climático.
Starts June 1, 2021 Send cover letter, resume, and three references to kira@mtsoprismontessori.org
Las ciudades de Basalt y Carbondale por ordenanza prohíben más que dos minutos de inactividad. Por favor, haga su parte y ¡mantén nuestro aire limpio!
POR FAVOR, HAGA SU PARTE Y ¡MANTÉN NUESTRO AIRE LIMPIO!
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 18 - February 24, 2021
MTSOPRISMONTESSORI.ORG
BASALT BUZZ
Plans shift for Crown Mountain recreation complex By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff
After much discussion and planning, local philanthropist Sheldon Wolitski determined that an indoor recreation center would not be built on the initial location proposed but instead on another available parcel in El Jebel. As Crown Mountain Park Board of Directors’ Tim Power Smith explained, “Sheldon’s plan is too big for the site.” The new project, as Crown Mountain Park Executive Director Rebecca Wagner explained, will hopefully still be located within the large Crown Mountain Park District, encompassing parts of both Eagle and Pitkin Counties, if not on park property. Wagner described the district boundaries as running from the Eagle/ Garfield County line to Old Snowmass Rd., up to Eagle County in MIssouri Heights and also to Ruedi Reservoir. She explained that in 1996, it took an act of the United States Congress for the land known as “Crown Mountain Park” to be switched from federal government land to Eagle County property. In the congressional act, the land was intended to be used for affordable indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. The park district was formed
in 2001, and construction of the park itself started in 2002. Wolitski said he plans to personally fund the entire project which, he confirms, would cost between $50 million and $100 million and could reach 100,000 square feet before any potential expansion. The Missouri Heights resident explained his reasons for the large gift as a potential “health, wellness and longevity” benefit to people living in the midvalley. “I want to accommodate the community’s needs,” Wolitski noted, “Without a tax burden on residents.” Asked why he is doing this at such a large financial cost, Wolitski responded, “My wife Katie and I decided to set our roots down” and strongly believe in “giving while living.” His plans include both an indoor and an outdoor hockey arena, an indoor running track, a gym,a field house with playing fields and other concepts at the recreational complex. “We really need to figure out the best location,” Wolitski said, wanting this “high performance center“ to be accessible. He announced that although the complex will have a membership fee, scholarships may be available as well as a variable fee structure. Wolitski is founder and executive chairman of The Select Group, a technical services corporation with
offices in Denver. On its website, the firm states that it “encourages our team members to become actively involved in their local communities.” Another Missouri Heights resident, Ted Bristol, has been involved with the park for many years. He previously served for eight years on the board. He is looking forward to an affordable facility, commenting that “a great deal of people in the area can’t pay for a private club.” In related news, Eagle County has announced a series of public meetings “to gather initial ideas and identify potential partners for managing the six acres, county-owned and undeveloped, adjacent to Crown Mountain Park in El Jebel, as well as the 70 acres of adjacent National Forest system administrative land proposed for sale or lease.” Act I is over, but Act II has just played its opening scenes with a new light seemingly shining at the end of the recreation tunnel. Negotiations are underway between Wolitski and Robert Hubbell, president of Crawford Properties, concerning a 20 acre piece of undeveloped land off J.W Drive which heads directly to the Blue Lake Subdivision. Hubbell confirmed, although the property is not for sale, he will consider a long-term lease. In addition, discussions are ongoing with Wolitski
Lush playing fields and other amenities offer a variety of recreational opportunities at Crown Mountain Park. Courtesy photo. to construct affordable housing as well. He noted, “We are looking to lease the land and tying the indoor facility lease to developing affordable housing. Hoping for a win-win for affordable use of the facility and deed restricted housing for the community.” “This project is still in its infancy,” Hubbell added, “And we have a lot to work out. Hoping things become clear over the next few months.” Adelle Hubbell, daughter of the original ranch owner Floyd Crawford and widow of Carl Hubbell, with whom she raised their two sons, Robert Hubbell and Prentice Hubbell, remembered, “My dad bought the El Jebel
Ranch, then a farming and ranching operation, in 1961.” He wanted “to keep the town in harmony with its site,” according to their website. So, Crawford made significant infrastructure and other improvements. Crawford Properties is a privately held company with approximately 1600 residents and commercial tenants. It consists of approximately 289 mobile home lots, 15 apartments and rental homes, 29 commercial units and an assortment of tenants renting open space for storage. Go to eljebel.co for more historical and current information.
“Ask a Lawyer” Free Legal Advice Mediation Hotline for Tenants and Landlords
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SERVING PARACHUTE TO ASPEN
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 18 - February 24, 2021 • 9
10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 18 - February 24, 2021
The Happening Photos and text by Sue Rollyson Sopris Sun Correspondent
Being a photographer, I attempt to use images, rather than words, to capture my experiences. However, I was so impressed by the immersive experience of the HeART Walk/ Light the Night with Love event, that I feel compelled to add to my images. If you are a child of the ‘50s or ‘60s, you might have called this a “Happening.” Everywhere along the route you were invited to a sensory experience. As you walked along the luminaria-lined path with glasses that turned every beam of light into colorful hearts, you came upon installations of illuminated works of art. There were candles made of ice, floral art representing
different types of relationships, flaming sculptures, and kinetic and illuminated sculptures of different materials, including the human body! Visitors’ attention was absorbed by the sounds and imagery of performance art as shared through troops of lighted dancing bodies and a drum circle backed by projected images. KDNK added to the musical setting with a special playlist and 5Point Film Festival projected some student projects with VOICES. Even Rosybelle, Carbondale Arts’ mobile maker space, was lit up at the event! It was a joyful, life-asserting experience that elicited the heart and hope for the human spirit – a foundational need for us not only at this time in history, but at all times.
Carbondale Creative District partnered with RFTA to illuminate the Rio Grande Trail in a "fun-raising" event that benefited the American Heart Association.
Artist Keith D'Angelo and his daughter Spring, with Keith's sculpture. Tickets to the event included "heart glasses" creating a fun effect with all of the colors.
Artist Jill Scher provided decorated ice candles, casting a novel light.
Bonedale Flash Mob joined other performance artists entertaining attendees.
Artist Yoli LaGuerre created living art for the event.
Illuminated orbs draw the attention of a young event attendee. THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 18 - February 24, 2021 • 11
PAGES OF THE PAST
Land swaps contemplated From the archives of the Valley Journal and Sopris Sun
Feb. 5, 1981 Figures on local snowpack reported moisture content was 40% of the established 15-year average and even worse at several survey sites. Carol Litchfield with the Soil Conservation Service stated, “For those who recall the 1977 drought year, it may be of interest to note that the 1981 snowpack exceeds the 1977 readings by 10 percent. In other news … Blue Creek Ranch developer Bill Hignett received approval from the Eagle County Planning Commission for a 600-acre, 92-residential unit subdivision.
Feb. 14, 1991 The Sopris Tree Farm land swap received unanimous support from Colorado’s U.S. Representatives and Senators. Eagle County Commissioners Bud Gates and Dick Gustafson traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for the swap of U.S. Forest Service land west of El Jebel in exchange for Eagle County-owned parcels and mining claims located in Pitkin County. The riverfront Tree Farm property had been declared “surplus” by the federal government and marked to be sold to a private developer but county officials wanted to maintain it as open space. In other news … Carbondale Trustees began debating the adoption of “tough” anti-smoking measures like prohibiting smoking in restaurants, bars and offices.
Feb. 1, 2001 The Carbondale Parks and Recreation Commission and Environmental Board proposed a plan to trustees limiting the use of non-organic fertilizers for weed control. Their proposal exempted “high traffic athletic fields,” allowing for the continued use of synthetic fertilizers with a long-term goal for organic-based feed. In other news … a pickup truck crashed into the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities office (where Carbondale Beer Works is now located). No injuries were reported; a juvenile unfamiliar with driving a stick shift reportedly lurched forward by accident, leaving a four by eight foot hole in the wall.
Feb. 17, 2011
Ski Spree '81: Glenwood's 14th Annual Winter Festival included two days of activities at Sunlight Mountain.
Billionaire Leslie Wexner added “The Haynes Parcel,” housing a network of mountain biking trails northeast of Prince Creek Road, to a proposed land swap with the Bureau of Land Management. This addition brought the total acreage of land offered by the Wexners to around 674, including Sutey Ranch on the northside of Red Hill, plus $1.1 million dollars for planning and management of both parcels and a promised conservation easement on all public land acquired. The public land in question involved 1,268 acres on the southwest flank of Mount Sopris, residing between the two halves of the Wexners’ Two Shoes Ranch, plus 196 acres in Eagle County. In other news … Foreclosures continued to climb for the 81623 zip code. Lynn Kirchner, owner of Amore Realty, reported doing four to six foreclosures per week.
LETTERS Secret Valentine
who have done more to shape the landscape of Thank you to whoever left that great civil rights than many of us are even aware of. Valentine's Day treat on my car at Spring Gulch. But among these women, Susan B. Anthony It was such a nice surprise, and definitely put a stands out as a specific inspiration of mine. smile on my face. It's nice to know that in these Without her tireless efforts and collaborations crazy times, people are still caring and generous. with other activists, like Sojourner Truth and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, women would have What a great community we live in! never secured the right to vote. Yet the 19th Laurie Stone amendment wasn’t passed until 14 years after Carbondale her death, though frontier states like Wyoming and Colorado gave women the vote much Haiku for Heart Glasses earlier. The true story of women’s suffrage and I can see it now the many upper-class women who opposed it Each light emits a big heart is quite interesting and gives us a glimpse into We can be the light how those with money and power still seek to Robert Schultz control the rest of us. Regardless, Anthony’s Carbondale story is particularly inspiring to me because it teaches the lesson that we don’t have to do it all. Remembering Susan B. Anthony If we commit our lives to justice and freedom While attending college in Grand Junction, for all, we can lay the groundwork for change, it came to my attention that many young even if we don’t see it in our lifetimes. Susan women today do not know who Susan B B. Anthony laid the groundwork for women Anthony is, much less that her birthday, Feb. to have a voice in our society and without her, 15, is a nationally-recognized holiday, Susan B. you likely wouldn’t be reading these words Anthony Day. I am grateful to have attended today. Her work spearheaded a culture where primary school in the Roaring Fork Valley women could be seen as individuals, not and to not remember a time when I didn’t property, and allowed those who came after, know about this giant in the fight for women’s like the notorious RBG, to pursue alternative rights. As a life-long feminist and social justice professional pathways that led to even greater advocate, my heroes are women like Anthony, change, such as ending the forced sterilization Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Dolly Parton, women of women. 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 18 - February 24, 2021
Continued from page 2 Though we still have a long way to go in the fight for equality, we have made great strides over the past century, while many across the world continue to go without the basic rights we often take for granted here in the U.S. We can create a better future for ourselves, for our children and for generations to come, even if we can’t do it all today. Today, I lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow. I plant the seeds of the dreams that I may not see blossom in my lifetime, but that I intend to water and nourish in the hopes that those who come after me never have to experience the discrimination that still runs rampant in our society. Maggie Seldeen Glenwood Springs
over 50 references to The Philosopher's Stone. The mythology of the stone states that, "If you remove the just right stone, from the just right place, everything opens up." The reading creates a protective field in our Valley of Peace and a protective field within us of Love. Don't believe me? Come find out. Have the courage to change your inhibitions into unity and revelation. We begin March 18 and go until March 21 in a 72-hour mantra bonanza. 2021 we will be celebrating our seventh year of "Vibrating the Cosmos." You can find more information about dates and times to read at Mana Food in early March. Sotantar Anderson New Castle
Alchemy
Solar healing
Alchemy is the process of constantly refining your consciousness so that you are in ecstatic unity with all things. Ancient mystic science states, "As above, so below. So within, so without." If we take the challenge seriously, we find out that the entire cosmos lives within us. By “perfecting” our relationship to that which is around us, we create a harmony that affects the whole world. Our mantra reading that we do on the equinoxes in Carbondale, sponsored by The Adi Shakti Ashram and Mana Food, is an alchemical process. The text itself has
This past year, I’ve learned plenty about viruses. I’ve gotten into the habit of UV sterilizing my petri dish (the sinus area of my forehead) by exposing my forehead to the sun. I clamp my eyes shut and turn, smiling, to the sun for a few moments. It seems to take away that achy, foggy, head pressure that means I’m coming down with a bug. It works for me through a window and on cloudy days too. First year ever without a cold. John Hoffmann Carbondale
Your Big Backyard XVII
Across 1. Carbondale had a 50s diner, NewCastle had one, now there's only one left (2 words) 7. Iron Mountain Hot Springs. 8. Summit ___. mountaineering shop in Glenwood. 9. ___ Star Preserve, east of Aspen. 10. Anthony ____, enthusiastic, creative, science teacher at Rifle High School. 13. John ___, pioneer in the mesas and canyons of Colorado National Monument. 15. ___ and Ernie Park in Carbondale, site of a frisbee golf course. 16. Type of punk music popular in the late 70s and early 80s. 17. Common name for Steller's Jay (2 words).
By Chromostome
Down 2. Person who is not long for this world (slang). 3. ___ Journey, museum in Fruita. 4. Emma ___, Near-New volunteer and Carbondale native. 5. In reference to (abbr.) 6. For a fisherman, a track through the willows along the river. 7. Honorific. Way to properly address an officer. 8. The ___, a network of hiking and biking trails. 9. Potassium nitrate. Found in the Piceance Basin. 11. Home of Utah Valley University. 12. Laurie ___, founder of the Carbondale Mountain Fair. 14. Toontown Rewritten (abbr.) 15. _ _ King, blues singer. 16. King of Bashan in the Book of Deuteronomy.
Across: 1. EAGLEDINER; 7. SPA; 8. CANYON; 9. NORTH; 10. ROSSILLI; 13. OTTO; 15. BERT; 16. OY; 17. CAMPROBBER; Down: 2. GONER; 3. DINOSAUR; 4. NATAL; 5. RE; 6. PATHWAY; 7. SIR; 8. CROWN; 9. NIRRE; 11. OREM; 12. LOEB; 14. TTR; 15. BB; 16. OG;
2020
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 18 - February 24, 2021 • 13
OPINION
Sun Signs
By Whitney Will
the final visible planet, rules over boundaries. One such boundary is the status quo, Saturn likes doing things the way they have been done, or the way they should be done, and in Aquarius he straddles both sides. You will see people falling on to one side or the other – we must tear down all the statues of problematic historical figures, or we must keep them all for posterity no matter what they have done. The key feature of Saturn in Aquarius is inflexibility. Delighting to lay down laws and equally delighting in breaking them, that’s Saturn in Aquarius’ calling card. But overall, Aquarius is a humanitarian sign, the good of the many over that of the one, even if it breeds factions with varying ideas about “the good.” Uranus, “the awakener,” is in Taurus. Planet of breakdowns and breakthroughs, uncompromising revolutionary, Taurus is a strange pasture to find him in. Taurus is a sign that worries primarily about material security – food, water, shelter, comfort, and money. With this innovative planet there since 2018, we have seen such breaks from tradition as crypto-currency, the Impossible Burger, and just a couple weeks ago, a bunch of Reddit bros out-hustle the hedge funds and make fortunes off the floundering GameStop stock. Uranus is electric, bringing both lightning insight to the mind and
innovation to technology. Aquarius looks at the big picture – society, climate, politics – while Taurus focuses on the body’s need for sustenance and safety. There is a fundamental tension between them because Aquarius never touches the ground and Taurus never leaves it. The tension between bold ideas for the future and the realities of caring for our basic needs during a pandemic, the utopian dream of social harmony vs. the lasting trauma of our colonial past; wherever you fall on the socio-political spectrum, you cannot help but get caught in the crossfire. This is a big deal, and you will notice it in the headlines this year. If history is any indicator, you will see it in weather reports, civil rights topics, and technology. The last time Saturn and Uranus formed their waning square, as they are now, was 1976-77. But to find this square with Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus, as they are now, you would need to return back to 1522-23. We know a lot more about 1976-77 than we do about 152223, but there were still significant moments that we can learn from. In 1522, Martin Luther wrote and released his German translation of the New Testament, a work which aided the rise of the reformation. Two days after the exact SaturnUranus square, with mounting
pride celebration. The closest that Saturn and Uranus got to perfection during their square in 2020? At the end of May and beginning of June, when hundreds of thousands of Americans were marching in protest of the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. In late 1976 Apple was incorporated, and the world’s first personal computer was demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago in January 1977. 2021’s skies will beg questions about the limitations of the freedoms we have gained through technology. Netflix’s 2020 documentary “The Social Dilemma” raises serious questions about social media and the spread of disinformation, and collectively we are asking about what should be allowed to be said on Facebook and Twitter, and who should be allowed to say it. We are facing the limitations of many of our “freedoms,” from mask-wearing to an ever increasingly problematic climate prognosis asking us to reconsider how we live. The squares between the two planets will force the issue in 2021. Stay tuned. Whitney Will is a psychological asrologer and writer. For more about her work, visit starhearthastrology.com
violent protests, he tried to assuage the protesters to trust God’s word to bring about change rather than resort to violence. But the situation remained out of hand. 1522 also saw the most destructive earthquake in Spanish history, killing 2,500 people. Just a month later, on the Portugese Sao Miguel Island, the Vila Franca earthquake caused landslides that killed 3,0005,000 people. Erratic weather, tumbling power structures, and civil unrest – sound familiar? Fast forward to 1977. It snowed for the only time in recorded history in Miami. The continental United States saw its coldest January on record up to that point, while Alaska saw its warmest. The Mississippi River froze all the way to Illinois. You only need to check the headlines last weekend for similar weather gravitas – 100 million Americans under winter storm warning, the Pacific Northwest getting a year's worth of snow in a day, etc. Erratic weather patterns might be the domain of Uranus, but Saturn and social progress are in tension as well. 1976-77 saw such authoritarian measures as the the death penalty reinstated, but also civil rights advances like California’s repeal of its sodomy law. In 1977, after the murder of Robert Hillsborough, more than 200,000 people would march as part of San Francisco’s
L E N OW AS ING
The dominating headline of 2021’s astrology is a series of squares between Saturn, the planet of constriction, and Uranus, the planet of rebellion. Squares are a relationship of 90 degrees between the planets that denotes conflict and tension between the two parties. They are simply at cross purposes, goading each other into action. They will remain in this tension for the entirety of 2021, and a good chunk of 2022, but the peak moments when the square becomes exact are Feb. 17, June 14, and Dec. 24. To understand what this could portend, we need to understand not only both Saturn and Uranus, but also the tension between the two signs they now occupy – Aquarius and Taurus. Saturn, as
Saturn square to Uranus, the astrology of 2021
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PARTING SHOT
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 divide a 1.44 acre parcel into two lots. The application proposes to rezone the northerly lot (Lot 1) to the Commercial/Retail/ Wholesale zone district and the southerly lot (Lot 2) to the Mixed-Use zone district. A bank with a drive-through service window is then proposed on Lot 1. This requires an Administrative Site Plan Review for the bank and a Special Use Permit for the drive-through. Lot 2 would remain undeveloped under this proposal. The property is located west of Highway 133, just south of the City Market Fueling Station. The bank would be across the highway from the Sopris Shopping Center. The owner is ANB (Koger Propsi, CEO and President). The applicant is Doug Pratt, The Land Studio, Inc. Said Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on March 11, 2021. You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube. Search Town of Carbondale March 11, 2021 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 March 11, 2021. This email or letter will be entered into the record. If you would like to comment during the meeting, email m s i ke s @ c a r b o n d a l e c o . net<mailto :msikes@ carbondaleco.net> with your full name and address by 4:00 pm on March 11, 2021. 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<mailto:jbuck@ carbondaleco.net or call 970/510-1208 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<http:// w w w. c a r b o n d a l e g o v. org>. Please contact m s i ke s @ c a r b o n d a l e c o . net<mailto :msikes@
A young girl enjoys the glowing spectacle of Light the Night with Love. Photo by Sue Rollyson.
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 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 Conditional Use Permit and a Minor Site Plan Review application for the purpose of constructing a 596 square foot ADU above a new 624 square foot attached garage to replace the existing detached garage. The property is in the Low Density (R/LD) zone district. The property is located at 485 Mancos Street of the Colorado Meadows Subdivision. The Applicants/ Owners is Jeni Newcomb as owner and Rob Classen Applicant/Architect You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube at 7:00 p.m. on March 11, 2021. Search for Town of Carbondale Planning Commission March 11, 2021 meeting. Please be aware that you will experience a 15-30 second delay while viewing the meeting. If you would like to submit comments regarding this application, email your comments or letter to msikes@ carbondaleco.net by 4:00 pm on March 11, 2021. 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 March 11, 2021. 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 970/510-1208 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. John Leybourne, Planner
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