19 07 11

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

Carbondale’s weekly

community connector

Volume 11, Number 22 | July 11, 2019

On the shoulders of

giants Your patriotism may vary on Independence Day, but whether you're marching down Main Street like Ben Mackin and his son Conrad or playing protest songs on KDNK, it's worth remembering that we're here because of those who came before us — for better or worse. It's up to us to make the best of it for those to come. Photo by Jennifer Johnson. More photos on page 9.

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Just the essentials

By Marilyn Murphy Sopris Sun Board President I am writing to thank the community and advertisers who have been supporting The Sopris Sun these last ten years.

Thanks to the Honorary Publishers, monthly donors, generous readers, and advertisers, The Sun has provided Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley with in depth articles and topics that keep our community informed of all aspects of life in the Roaring Fork Valley.

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

This quote appears on the front page of every Sopris Sun and I have always felt that it represents a solid explanation of why Carbondale is such a special place.

When a small town prioritizes these three institutions citizens really have everything they need to feel part of their larger community and the world.

I would add that Carbondale Arts and the statewide recognition which they have brought to our little town is another shining example of what makes us so special.

I have also always appreciated the diversity of films and patrons that the Crystal Theatre provides. Summer events including the Mountain Fair, Farmers Market, First Fridays, outdoor music, parades, and unique local happenings like Dandelion Days and Potato Day, also contribute to bringing our community together.

Our parks, athletic fields, pool, Recreation Center and many outdoor activities provide us with multiple opportunities to cross paths and socialize with each other over shared interests. Every time I enter our library I am happy to see it being used by a cross section of the community. There are early childhood activities including Story Time, Summer Reading, Wednesday Middle School programs, all designed to instill a lifelong love of learning.

The library provides study rooms, a public access conference room and excellent research tools for everyone in the form of Inter- Library loan, adult book groups and programs and free access to subscription databases. Reliable, vetted, subscription databases provide accurate information on any subject you may have curiosity about. If patrons can't find what they are looking for there is a trained library staff to assist them. Students, teachers, writers, people working on online classes, job hunters, local historians, and anyone wanting to know about anything from plane tickets to world politics, can be found in our Carbondale Branch Library.

Carbondale is a small town that has its own, community supported, newspaper. The Sopris Sun keeps Carbondale citizens informed about all aspects of our community. Sopris Sun staff attend trustee meetings and follow up with in depth articles about town decisions which affect us all. The community calendar is frequently mentioned whenever I ask anyone why they value the Sopris Sun. I always enjoy the photography in our paper, and staff and freelance photographers have been recognized by the Colorado Press Association.

Another thing that makes the Sopris Sun special is our nonprofit status. The Sun was, until recently, unique in this funding model. We rely on our local advertisers for the bulk of our operating budget, but the rest comes from community support in the form of contributions.

Sadly, our recent Summer Solstice campaign did not reach its fundraising goal of $10,000. Of course, the board will be working hard on other opportunities for you to contribute to the Sopris Sun this year but I do want to remind Carbondale that we are always accepting donations and it is never too late to make a contribution. You can make a contribution to the Sopris Sun through our online website, in person, or mail.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Summer of fun, and I hope our paths cross at the Mountain Fair. The Sopris Sun Volunteers will be staffing the Mountain Fair Cantina from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p..m. on Sunday, July 28, so stop by to say hi and have a beer.

A fond farewell divisive, it can feel downright therapeutic to relish Carbondale’s grassroots efforts to cultivate everything we love about “the bubble” while still plugging in to bigger issues.

Being able to write the fun pieces that celebrate our town while still being able to shine a light on its less-thanflattering aspects, to me, is the real definition of love. It’s also gotten some recognition for which I’m proud. When several Main Street restaurant openings were simultaneously on the horizon, the story caught the attention of both Bloomberg, which cited The Sun in its own coverage, and the Colorado Megan reps The Sun. Photo by Nicolette Toussaint Press Association, which awarded me a second

By Megan Tackett place for Best Business Feature at Sopris Sun Staff this year’s convention.

While I wasn’t thrilled to find Oh, man. Just typing “Sopris Sun that gender-based income disparity Staff” and realizing it’s for the last is higher in Garfield County than time gave me pause. in Pitkin County, the state and the I’ve never been shy about my love country, I was happy to see the story for Carbondale, and much of that earn second place for Best News Stocomes from my experience with The ry in our category.

At Will’s pushing, I’ve also made Sun (and, in a more limited capacity, KDNK). The relationship a reporter huge strides in conquering my fear of gets to have with the community the camera. Big thanks to all of you she’s covering is particularly lovely, who have sat patiently — or posed in my opinion. You get to know the awkwardly — while I figured out personalities of the people who make what the heck an ISO setting should the town tick, so to speak, from be.

In my relatively short tenure with meeting agendas to conversations over cups of coffee. You get to see The Sopris Sun, I’ve counted my first people’s passions in public hearings journalistic awards, added photo that subsequently impact real deci- credits to my bylines and forayed sions for the landscape and future into radio with “Everything Under of a community. You get to celebrate the Sun” and, subsequently, hosting organizational wins with the execu- “Express Yourself” and “All Things tive directors and teams that made Considered.” Again, huge thanks to them happen, and you get to mourn everyone who has interviewed with losses with your neighbors who are me for the paper only to then ofwilling to share their stories in hopes fer more of your time on-air in the KDNK studio. of serving a greater good.

Thank you. I’ve grown so much In short, it’s complicated. And beautiful. thanks to you. I hope you’ll still read Particularly in a moment in our my bylines even though they’ll be in national history that feels especially Aspen Daily News.

LETTERS The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. We invite members of the community to submit letters to the editor of up to 250 words by snail mail to P.O. Box 399 or 500 words emailed to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.

Summertime and the living is easy!

Dear Editor: As we go into the heart of the summer after July 4 and First Friday, there are still lots of opportunities for free events and fun things to do.

Take a look at all the new sculptures around town.

Carbondale Public Arts Commission had its art walk in June and voting is open for the best in show. Go to Carbondalegov.org to vote for best in show.

Every Thursday Carbondale has a Wild West Rodeo on County Road 100 (aka Catherine Store Road). Senior Matters sells snow cones, cookies and soft drinks. If you volunteer your time for two hours or more you and your child or grandchild get free admission. Contact John at 963-1689 for more info or to sign up.

The second Sunday of summer there is a free concert at Sopris Park presented by the town of Carbondale. This Sunday July 14 there will be a reggae band. There will also be concerts in August, September and most probably October as well.

The rules are very simple no glass, no alcohol and no pets please.

Do not forget the last weekend of July brings the Mountain Fair to Sopris Park once again. Remember same rules as Sunday concerts apply. To volunteer Continued on page 15

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2019

Sincerest thanks to our

Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+

Email barbara.dills@gmail.com for more information.

Jim Calaway, Honorary Chair Kay Brunnier Scott Gilbert – Habitat for Humanity RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger Carolyn Nelson Jim Noyes True Nature Healing Arts Nicolette Toussaint Jill and Gary Knaus Megan Tackett

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 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 • 970-987-9866 adsales@soprissun.com Reporter: Megan Tackett Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Delivery: Tom Sands Current Board Members board@soprissun.com Marilyn Murphy, President Raleigh Burleigh, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer John Colson • April Spaulding Kay Clarke • Carol Craven The Sopris Sun Board meets regularly on the second Monday evening of each month at the Third Street Center.

Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com 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

Affordable housing a continuing challenge for first responders

Carbondale Police Officer Paul Lazo found it difficult to find rental housing for himself and his dog, Eleanor. Photo by Laurel Smith

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent Carbondale Police Officer Paul Lazo considers himself one of the lucky ones.

He found affordable housing in the town where he works. The Town-owned employee housing he now lives in is twenty-percent less expensive than his former residence in New Castle. And his new home allows him to keep his dog, Eleanor, who is a pit bull mix he adopted from Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.).

Lazo, who graduated from the law enforcement academy in May, works the graveyard shift, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. In good weather, he had a thirty-five-minute drive, one way from New Castle. "I had talked to the chief about living closer and how after a 12, 13 or 14-hour day, that driving home would be rough."

Police Chief Gene Schilling said the availability of affordable housing in Carbondale has been a problem for about 20 years and cited that, “It's more of an issue in resort communities and a lot of those places do have town housing programs.”

The Town of Carbondale currently has six housing units; occupied by employees from the public works and police departments. Town Planner John Leybourne said, “The Town does look at its housing stock for employees as a great asset.”

With the help of Schilling, Leybourne, and Town Manager Jay Harrington, Lazo was able to secure Town-owned employee housing. He submitted a letter to Harrington as to why he wanted to live in employee housing and the importance of living in Carbondale. As Lazo explained, "Being immersed and being part of the community daily for this kind of work. I think it's important for me." He added, "There was a reason I chose Carbondale over any other department. And I don't know, just thinking long term, it would just be hard to imagine doing that commute the rest of my career."

There is a benefit for public servants living in the community in which they serve because you know the people; they are your neighbors. Lazo said when he made a decision on what department to join; he factored in "looking at where officers live in a department. Looking at the chief; he's policed here for how many years, and he's lived in and is a part of the community. That's huge to me."

The Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) covers a 300-square-mile area which includes the towns of Carbondale, Redstone, and Marble.

Chief Rob Goodwin explained, "Traditionally, we had volunteers — this was an almost all-volunteer fire department for years. When I joined, we had a paid chief, that was it, and everybody lived around Carbondale or Redstone or wherever and responded." "We had a fairly sizable group of volunteers. We still have a good group of volunteers, they're not as sizable. So that has changed over the years."

The CRFPD has evolved into a combination fire district, with 15 paid responders (3 shifts of 5 responders each) on duty in Carbondale and volunteers who live in the area. Goodwin said that the volunteer base has shrunken over the years. One reason is it is harder to recruit and retain volunteers because of lack affordable housing here. As Goodwin explained, "We've lost volunteers who are working crazy hours, maybe second jobs, all that, and they can't fit this place in their life anymore, even though they love doing it." He added, “And it's much harder for people to volunteer with as much as they have to do to try to stay here at times."

Seven of those 15 paid responders do not live within the fire district. Goodwin said they live in Silt, New Castle, and Rifle because that is where they can afford to buy a house.

Over the years, the Carbondale fire department has lost staff to other area fire departments because other towns were

paying higher wages. However, Goodwin said the successful passage of a mill levy increase by the voters in November 2018, has allowed for a wage adjustment for all fire department employees. Those wage increases translate to the CRFPD being more competitively priced within the surrounding market.

Goodwin reflected on the 2018 mill levy passage, and stated, "I really am grateful to the citizens of our fire district, from Marble to Redstone to Carbondale to Missouri Heights, who voted overwhelmingly to help rectify that and they did. And I'm totally grateful for that."

While fire department wages have increased, that has not solved the problem of the lack of affordable housing in Carbondale.

Garrett Kennedy is a captain/ paramedic on CRFPD's C-Shift. He works three jobs; two of those in addition to his fire department duties. He teaches Emergency Medical Services (EMS) classes at Colorado Mountain College and out of a company in Grand Junction that offers classes statewide. His wife stays home with their two children, ages eight and five, because of the high cost of childcare. They live in Silt, which is a 45-minute commute to Carbondale for Kennedy, depending on the weather and the time of day.

Kennedy started as a volunteer with the department in 2001 and was hired full-time in 2005. He was promoted to captain in March 2018.

His father, Mike, worked as a Carbondale volunteer firefighter for almost 30 years and now sits on the CRFPD board of directors.

Kennedy said when his parents and his family first moved to the area in the late seventies, it was less expensive to live here. He said his dad worked three jobs — as an engineer for the Glenwood Canyon project, sold real estate, and he had a painting business.

As for unpaid volunteers, Kennedy

stressed that "In this day and age, everybody has to deal with the fire department on the back burner because they have to work and make ends meet.

It's getting more expensive by the day."

When asked if Kennedy thought there were solutions, he responded, "I don't know if there will ever be a solution just because of the cost-of-living. Down in Silt, we have six acres; we have our dream house. And it would be probably at least double the price up there."

Kennedy said he and his family plan to stay put in Silt. Moving to Carbondale is not an option he is entertaining because, he added, "to be honest, I'm not going to spend my whole paycheck on my mortgage and be struggling."

Another CRFPD employee commuting from Silt is the office manager and volunteer coordinator, Kat Bernat.

Bernat stated, "It's like a vicious circle sometimes, and it just keeps going around and around. You make a little more money, but my three-bedroom, three-bath house that I have on two and a half acres in Silt, in Carbondale, would cost $800,000." She added, "And there I would probably have a $4,000 or $5,000 mortgage. In Silt, I have a $2,000 mortgage, but I pay for it in the commute."

Kennedy sees another issue looming on the horizon — future retirements of the department's chief officers. As he sees it, "The problem we're going to have is as those guys retire we're not going to be able to have anybody living in District.

There are a lot of people around the surrounding areas, as well, that are facing the same issue, and they commute to work just because of the cost of living."

As for the potential of more Town housing units being available in the future, Leybourne said, “The Town is currently not actively looking at buying other units, but when the opportunity does arise then the Town does look into building the housing stock for employees to utilize.”

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2019 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT Christmas in July While the official report the Carbondale Police Department sends out to the media didn’t include a mention of the incident, The Sun did hear a rumor that someone set off some fireworks underneath the large fake evergreen at the corner of Sixth and Main on Independence Day. We have since had confirmation that the Fire Department was called and a police case report has been filed, but it doesn’t sound like there are any suspects or pending charges at this juncture.

Who let the dogs out?

Through July 14, Colorado Animal Rescue is reducing dog adoption fees to just $50 with an approved survey. They've got chichis, pitties, huskies and pictures of them all in cute bandanas. How could you resist?

ColoradoAnimalRescue.org Once around the sun Gay for Good Rocky Mountains is celebrating one year operation with an 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. BBQ at Crown Mountain Park. The community at large is invited to mingle with existing volunteers for free food and beverages — just RSVP at gayforgood.org so they have an accurate headcount.

Everything the light touches Sunlight Mountain Resort has announced a three-phase $4 million expansion plan that will add a new lift to its East Ridge expert terrain plus nearly

Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.

100 acres of additional skiable terrain.

Phase 1 of the project is currently underway with Sunlight’s trail maintenance crew performing extensive glade work to the ski area’s existing Aligator Alleys, Deception, Defiance, Perry’s Plunge and other double-black diamond terrain. More trees are being cleared below Midland Traverse adding approximately 500 vertical feet of descent to Lower Defiance, and Lower Deception. Phase 2 of Sunlight’s expansion into East Ridge will commence next summer, and involves glading nearly 100 additional acres of forest to the east of Perry’s Plunge that currently marks Sunlight’s eastern-most boundary. Sunlight’s last expansion happened in 1993 with the addition of East Ridge that added more than a dozen new black and doubleblack expert runs.

Serenity scramble Registration is open now for a Sept.

16 golf tournament benefiting the Jaywalker Lodge — a local nonprofit dedicated to helping people in drug and alcohol crises find the treatment they need. Individuals start at $200 — direct inquiries to khartman@ jaywalkerlodge.com or 704-9292.

Tax exempt Colorado seniors may be eligible for a property tax exemption, and the application deadline of Monday, July 15, is fast approaching. In 2000, Colorado voters passed a Property Tax

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Exemption for Seniors (also known as Referendum A). This law provides that 50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value for a qualifying senior citizen's primary residence shall be exempt from property taxation.The State of Colorado pays the property taxes on the exempted value. To qualify for the exemption, the senior must have reached age 65 as of January 1, 2019; ccupied the property for 10 years prior to January 1, 2019; and have filed an application for the exemption.

Application forms are available online at garfield-county.com.

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another year of life this week include: Bill Spence, Art Ackerman, Bob Young, Monica Munoz, Joanne Kaufman and Danny Muse (July 11); Valerie Rose, Ian Bays and Rebecca Self (July 13); Ben Isak Green and John Tolan (July 14); Meghan Gillespie (July 15); Niki Turner, Diana Alcantara, Katie Browne and Tony Spires (July 16) Luke Spaulding, Merrill Johnson, Jason Steinberg and Eric Brendlinger (July 17).

Our Town One Table Contrary to some rumors, the massively multiplayer community potluck is back this year, with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 18. Send your reservations to jwall@carbondaleco.net and start planning decor, costumes and food around a theme of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow was upgraded to our beautiful Mt. Sopris, at least from Bob Shultz's perspective on the morning of July 8.

We've been blessed with a lot of color thanks to a rainy summer, which fits well with the upcoming Mountain Fair theme. In addition to being a Muppets reference, "Rainbow Connection" is also about embracing LGBTQ communities, with a special "Rainbow Lounge" planned to provide a safe space for folks of any age, color and persuasian to chill, learn and engage.

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Translating finer points through different brush strokes

By Megan Tackett Sopris Sun Staff The American West boasts incredibly stunning landscapes, to be sure. Andy Taylor, though, does his best to paint the scenes that often fall in the shadows of the likes of Mt. Sopris.

“I go places sometimes that other people might not go. It doesn’t mean that they’re exotic or remote; they might be awash under an interstate,” he said in a KDNK interview. “A lot of the things I paint would best be described as insignificant scenes — which is not unique in the art world, but in the West, it might be a little bit because we’re surrounded by all kinds of geological icons.”

Taylor says he’s moved by a moment in his art. Specifically, the moment that caused his pause.

“There are all kinds of little things you pass by every day, or if you just look at it a little bit differently or catch it in the right light or the right season, it’s really stunning,” he said.

His process starts with a moment, and then a drawing. He had several on hand in his backyard studio of various nearby ranch scenes still owned by family names embedded in Carbondale’s history, such as Sewell and Perry. A few already had some color, but most were black and white.

“I drew these for no particular reason,” he smiled.

Whether any of those sketches become paintings is yet to be determined. He often lets drawings sit in his studio before they become paintings, he noted.

“I think that’s important,” he said.

“You’re going through a period of translation from the literal image of what we think we see. As soon as you draw it, you’ve reduced it; you’ve given it boundaries because of the paper.”

So he lets those images percolate a bit, both on paper and in his mind, before he moves on to the next step: the actual painting.

“My paintings take anywhere from three to six days spread out over about two or three months. That’s another level of translation. You’re getting further and further away from ... the literal image — not only timewise, but [with] space.

You’re finding out what is important about that drawing or that scene, hopefully. Sometimes, we all miss the point,” he chuckled.

Painting is an exploratory process, he continued, and while some things may be lost in the final translation, sometimes other aspects are found.

“Sometimes it’s technique, how I handle the paint. Sometimes it’s finding combinations of paint that I hadn’t found before and then I’ll never remember again.

There’s discovery and more discovery and rediscovery all the time, every aspect of it,” he said. “And that really makes it interesting because it isn’t a static thing.

When you start a painting, there are certain steps I sort of go through, but it gets all very confusing pretty quick.”

At the end of the painting, though, if Taylor feels he successfully conveyed some of what originally made him stop for that initial drawing, he’s happy with the result.

Local painter Andy Taylor in his backyard studio with a work in progress. Photo by Claire de L'arbre “I hope that some of my paintings are able to … give the same sort of stop to somebody else, in a different way,” he reflected.

From studio to gallery

According to Ann Korologos Gallery Marketing Director Claire de L’Arbre, Taylor can rest assured that his current exhibition, “Open to the Unexpected,” accomplishes that goal.

“Just to hear everybody’s reaction — everybody’s coming in to see his exhibition — his colors, they’re so joyful and bright.

They just really elicit this love of the place and happiness,” she said. “This work really reflects the passion that he has for our local area and for these hidden gems that he illuminates without giving them away.”

“Open to the Unexpected” opens Thursday, July 11 at the Ann Korologos Gallery, 211 Midland Ave., with an artist reception from 5-7 p.m.

“When I have a show, it’s one of the rare times I get to see [my paintings] out of the racks or leaning up against the wall, so it is nice to see them out,” Taylor said.

“That’s where I want them!”

Galleries offer just another context for Taylor, who’s 50 years into his professional career as a painter, to continue his evolution as an artist.

“I have devices where you get some distance in the studio, which gives you an idea, but it’s not the same,” he said.

“Sometimes … what looks nice in the studio just gets lost someplace else: either it’s too subtle or what you think is big is not big.”

Artist reception

5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 11 Where: Ann Korologos Gallery, 211 Midland Ave., Basalt Bonus: Wine and appetizers, meet the artist!

Come write for us! The Sopris Sun is seeking a part-time staff reporter.

Get to know your community, follow important issues and investigate what interests you!

An ideal candidate would have solid writing skills, basic photography skills and be comfortable interviewing and covering meetings.

Budgeted at $18 an hour for 20 hours a week with some flexibility.

Send résumé and writing samples to will@soprissun.com.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2019 • 5

NEWS ANALYSIS

Myth-busting rural America at the Ideas Festival

By Justin Patrick Sopris Sun Correspondent What does it mean to live in modern rural America, and which myths mischaracterize the mysterious middle ground locked between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts? I attended a session at the Aspen Ideas Festival, “Rural Mythicism: Fake News About Rural America,” to hear what a panel of experts had to say about the challenges facing the heartland.

Panelists included Janet Topolsky, Executive Director of the Community Strategies Group at the Aspen Institute; Jennie Stephens, Executive Director of the Center for Heirs’ Property; journalist Sarah Smarsh; Heidi Heitkamp, former U.S. Senator (D) from North Dakota; Art Cullen, Editor of The Storm Lake Times; Ines Polonius, CEO of Communities Unlimited; Kari Mailloux of the Hutchinson Community Foundation (KS); and lastly Colorado’s Alece Montez, Director of Programs at the Orton Family Foundation.

The session’s central thesis was that rural America is not an isolated hive of narrowminded, conservative white people. In 2019, it is a far more complicated place than the quaint caricature often presented by mainstream media.

The introduction of broadband infrastructure has widely brought the internet to even the most isolated pockets of the country, offering residents there the same digital diet available everywhere, should they choose to bite. Young people are moving back to their hometowns at higher rates, ditching the expensive, stressful city

life for greener pastures. They are becoming entrepreneurs and raising families there (though finding childcare and affordable housing are obstacles).

Latino populations are revitalizing rural economies and significantly impacting the demographic makeup of towns and counties (Storm Lake, Iowa, according to reporter Art Cullen, is 50 percent Latino). Farmers are suffering from the corporate consolidation of agriculture and the negative impacts of climate change, causing some 20 million Americans to live in “persistent poverty” counties. And on the flip side, investments in wind and solar infrastructure, as well as eco-friendly techniques such as rotational grazing and carbon capture, are becoming more prevalent.

I wasn’t sure how neatly Garfield County fit into their discussion. The panel was mainly focused on traditional farm states like Kansas, Iowa, South Carolina, and dairy country in Wisconsin, for example. We have a slightly different mix here in Carbondale and on our surrounding ranches, it seems to me. We have a booming recreational economy, for one. And many ranchers graze their cattle on surrounding public land as opposed to sprawling tracts of private property. Nonetheless, I found some wisdom from the panel discussion that applies to our little corner of paradise.

First, we ought to embrace diversity. As Art Cullen put it bluntly, “Quit treating brown people like invaders and they will revitalize the economy.” Immigrants are the new homesteaders, he said. The more we can do to make them feel welcomed and safe, the better off we’ll be. Even in red-state Iowa, he

believes, most conservative Anglos are okay with offering a path to citizenship for law-abiding immigrants.

It’s their diehard commitment to pro-life politicians that keep rightwing Republicans like Steve King in office, not necessarily their disdain for their Latino neighbors. Although Garfield County has largely done well in this regard, it’s important Jennie Stephens and Art Cullen were two of eight panelto keep in mind that this is ists discussing the myths and realities of rural America at not the case everywhere, the Ideas Festival. Courtesy photo and that communities that celebrate immigrants are thriving. Or as perhaps better suited for large-scale solar former North Dakota Senator Heitkamp farms than our mountainous enclave, we remarked, “Rural America is not welcoming should be investigating the economic and America. We have to change hearts and environmental benefits of these technologies. minds.”

Carbondale’s Clean Energy Economy for the Second, local food production is good for Region (aka CLEER) is a great example of our economy and healthier for our bodies. this. CLEER works with Garfield County As evidenced by operations like Sustainable to incentivize energy efficiency, accelerating Settings and Rock Bottom Ranch, people the transition to a clean energy economy, here are willing to pay a little more to eat increasing energy independence, and food harvested in the Roaring Fork Valley, reducing our contribution to climate change. or perhaps imported from the North Fork.

In sum, fear not residents of rural Many rural economies are experimenting America. You made the right choice. We with this business model and it’s working. may lack the glitz and glamor of city life, but Tour our local farms and ranches (many we make up for it with clean air and water, invite the public to do just that with open open spaces, delicious food, and a cultural hours) and swoop to our farmer’s markets stewpot of young and old, rancher and skier, for fresh, locally sourced meat, fruits, and and people of varying cultural descent. It’s a vegetables. Feel better and reduce your great place to be and while we have many carbon footprint. unique challenges, we also have much to Lastly, we ought to be moving away look forward to. If there’s one rural myth from fossil fuels and towards renewable that may in fact be true, it’s that we keep on energy. Although places like Alamosa are the sunny side of life.

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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2019

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Local nonprofits innovate, celebrate amid daunting numbers

By Megan Tackett Sopris Sun Staff What leads someone to give or not to give are often highly personal reasons.

But when Giving USA released its annual report on philanthropy last month showing a 1.7-percent decline in overall giving, Colorado Nonprofit Association President and CEO Renny Fagan wasn’t entirely surprised. The association had done some data-gathering of its own.

“We do essentially a snapshot survey,” Fagan explained of the approximately 1,300 member nonprofits statewide. “This year, we asked a specific question on revenues with regard to the tax law. Seventy-five percent of our respondents said that the tax law did not impact them — but that leaves 25 percent saying that it did.”

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act almost doubled the standard deduction, from $6,500 to $12,000 for individuals and from $13,000 to $24,000 for married couples. That means fewer taxpayers are itemizing their deductions, which could have implications for charitable giving, though it’s too soon to tell for sure.

“I would say the trend is kind of mixed in terms of charitable giving and the impact of the tax law,” Fagan said. “The charitable giving world has a lot of factors to it, and the tax law change — at least according to this study — is a factor. I think a second thing, though … is that middle income residents are just giving less and less to charity as a percentage of all incomes. That’s a trend that’s really important for nonprofits to reverse.”

According to the most recent Internal Revenue Service statistics, taxpayers itemized $54 billion less in charitable donations from the previous year so far this tax season, from about 31.8 million deductions in May 2018 to 11.4 million in May 2019.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that people who didn’t itemize didn’t also make charitable contributions, Carbondale Certified Public Accountant Chip Bishop noted, but not being able to itemize is likely a factor in the lower figures.

“I don’t know for a fact that that’s happening, but I could see that would change their attitude about whether they’re going to make one or not,” he said.

In Colorado, however, there’s another option, Fagan offered.

“Coloradans who do not itemize on their federal return can deduct from their state taxable income charitable donations over $500,” he said. “Many more people will not be itemizing, and so that’s a benefit that

Coloradans should look for.”

Donors looking to maximize immediate tax benefits for large-sum donations can take advantage of donor-advised funds, too, Aspen Community Foundation Program Officer Candace Goodwin advised.

“A donor-advised fund is a fund that an individual can open and they can do it with a $10,000 donation, and that actually becomes a fund of the foundation,” she said. “When the person opens a fund or adds something to the fund, they get a tax deduction at the time.”

Additionally, the person who opens the fund and other listed advisors receive the benefit of the foundation’s resources and guidance when making charity decisions.

Local impacts “Nonprofits in the Roaring Fork Valley are great for providing a lot of community benefit, and they know their donors best,” Fagan said. “Nonprofits are innovative in so many ways, and they adjust to these dynamic situations.”

That is to say, there are myriad potential reasons for the seeming downturn in individual donations, but it’s not all doom and gloom.

For instance, Windwalkers Executive Director Gabrielle Greeves knows exactly when her organization first saw a downturn in revenue, and it was before the tax reforms went into effect.

“I would just say there’s a donor fatigue.

The environment here literally was affected by a fire ... that was a big fatigue. That was the downturn for us. We were evacuated,” she said.

Since then, though, Greeves has rallied some of the nonprofit community into something she calls co-pitching — many organizations pitch in to make a larger vision a reality.

“I have 22 partners in this community,” she said. “We as community leaders are taking it into our own hands; we are making an effective choice to make it happen together.”

Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC) Executive Director Corey Simpson emphasized his excitement about the theatre’s next developmental chapter, as well, despite disappointing fundraising results from a May gala.

“We’re in the process of revising our overall development and fundraising plans,” he said, adding that “major gifts” and Prima Donors — those who contribute $1,000 or more annually — remain steady, and legacy giving is becoming a part of the

Despite a slight dip in national giving, Colorado nonprofits overwhelmingly plan to experiment with new fundraising strategies, if they haven't already. Graphic by Colorado Nonprofit Association organization’s plans.

“We’ve had really positive momentum: our ticket sales are up; we’re being nominated for a lot of awards; we’ve doubled our programming in the last two years,” he said. “To us, the community looks excited and engaged, so it doesn’t feel like we have an issue with programming or community perception.”

That said, about 20 percent of gala ticket reservations cancelled within 48 hours of the event, which resulted in a sharp decline in overall fundraising from previous years.

“When I talked with one of our donors recently about it, this person said … ‘The changes in the tax code mean that I didn’t have the same resources to give to the gala this year.’ And that’s something that I hadn’t heard during the gala or going into it, so I’m really curious about, is that really what’s going on?” he posed.

Then again, he continued, it may have just been the bug that was going around that weekend. Regardless of the reason, he remains optimistic.

“The answer for everybody most likely will be, ‘We’re seeking other funding sources to make up the deficit,’” he said.

In that regard, The Carbondale Clay Center (CCC) is celebrating. Executive Director Angela Bruno recently received word that the center was awarded the Laura Jane Musser Rural Arts Initiative Grant, a $10,000 boost to Bruno’s operating budget.

“The point of the grant is they want to see arts organizations that are incorporating rural communities into the arts and how you’re doing that,” she said. “We constantly have this great rotation of volunteers, so I focused on that and our outreach. I can’t believe we got it; I’m so excited!”

Overall, things are looking bright for CCC. In addition to the grant announcement, Bruno’s been busy meeting with architects in anticipation of unveiling a capital campaign for a new building. And every target campaign has been completely successful. But, she admitted with some trepidation, the center isn’t immune to the same dip in individual, smaller donations.

“We are getting major support, more than we have before. What I’m personally seeing is the number of small donations are down, but I’m getting a lot more bigger donations, like $1,000 and over,” she said.

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Bennet, Gardner support women’s suffrage sculpture Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner introduced legislation to authorize Loveland-based artist Jane DeDecker to install her “Every Word We Utter” sculpture in Washington, D.C. The sculpture would be the first outdoor monument to commemorate the women’s suffrage movement. The Senate passed the 19th Amendment 100 years ago. “‘Every word we utter, every act we perform, waft unto innumerable circles beyond.’ The work of which [Elizabeth Cady] Stanton spoke is not yet done,” DeDecker said. “I believe that ‘Every Word We Utter’ will inspire young women to take action, make their voices heard and continue the movement.”

State board approves $401 million for BEST program The Colorado State Board of Education approved 43 school construction projects totaling more than $401 million from the Capital Construction Assistance Fund for the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant program at its monthly two-day meeting held in Salida.

The projects at school districts, Boards of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) and charter schools range from roof and boiler replacements to constructing entire school buildings.

Approximately $129 million of the 2019 awards will be funded through cash grants provided by income earned from the Colorado State Land Board, marijuana excise taxes, spillover from the Colorado Lottery and interest on the assistance fund. Appli-

cants will contribute $110 million in matching funds.

Another $100 million is through leasepurchase grants from the state. Financing will be repaid with future assistance fund revenues. Applicants will contribute $62 million in matching money for those projects.

All school districts, BOCES, the Charter School Institute, charter schools and Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind may apply for the competitive grants.

Forty-three projects and three backup projects were selected for the 2019-20 cycle out of 58 grant applications that had requested a total of $437 million in state grant funds with $383 million in matching funds.

Poacher receives 12-year ban for bear wasting Colorado Parks and Wildlife has suspended a South Dakota poacher's hunting and fishing privileges for 12 years following the defendant's conviction for wasting the meat of a black bear he killed during the 2017 hunting season near Steamboat Springs.

A CPW hearing officer meted out the suspension to Robert Stalley, 58, of Pierre, South Dakota on June 25 after considering the behavior of the defendant, including his attempts to evade and mislead CPW investigators. In one instance, officers say Stalley presented a bag filled with the meat of a legally taken deer during the required inspection of the bear's hide, likely in an attempt to deceive the CPW inspector.

Stalley possessed valid deer and bear licenses at the time of the violations.

In July 2018, Stalley pleaded guilty in

Routt County court to three misdemeanors; failing to care for the edible portions of the bear, illegal take, and illegal possession of the bear. In an agreement with prosecutors, Stalley also received a 1-year deferred sentence on a felony charge for the intentional take and abandonment of wildlife. Stalley paid a fine of $3,415 in addition to serving a oneyear term of court ordered unsupervised probation and forfeiture of his rifle. His violations resulted in 50 suspension points.

In Colorado, hunters are required by law to prepare all harvested big game for human consumption. The removal of hides, antlers, heads and abandoning the animal's meat can bring up to class-five felony charges against anyone suspected of the crime.

To report a wildlife violation anonymously, call Operation Game Thief at 877265-6648. Rewards are available if the information leads to an arrest or conviction.

of standing up for special interests at the expense of working families in Colorado are over. I’m eager to go to Washington to bridge the divide and tackle the toughest challenges facing our state and our nation.”

Want to get involved?

Contact your elected officials about the issues that matter to you Senator Michael Bennet 261 Russell Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5852

Senator Cory Gardner 354 Russell Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5941

State Sen. Angela Williams announces challenge to Cory Gardner

Congressman Scott Tipton

State Sen. Angela Williams announced her candidacy for the United States Senate.

Senator Williams, who represents District 33 in the Colorado State Senate, will vie for the Democratic nomination to take on incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner.

As the only sitting state legislator in the race, Sen. Williams brings three years in the State Senate, six years in the State House and a long list of legislative accomplishments to the race.

“For me, politics is personal,” Sen. Williams said. “Cory Gardner and Donald Trump have sought to divide Coloradans and Americans for far too long. Their days

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

CO Senator Bob Rankin 200 E Colfax, 346 Denver, CO 80203 (303)866-5292

CO Rep Perry Will 200 E Colfax, 07 Denver, CO 80203 (303)866-2949

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Fun on the Fourth

It's been a long while since Carbondale had an official Independence Day fireworks display, but that doesn't stop the Town from putting on a party. The kids were the core of the parade down Main Street, but folks of all ages got caught up in the spirit. The momentum carried everyone down to the park and pool, where games and refreshments were waiting. Photos by Jennifer Johnson THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2019 • 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY JULY 11

OPEN TO THE UNEXPECTED • The Ann Korologos Gallery (211 Midland Ave., Basalt) features a solo exhibition featuring the regional landscapes of Carbondale artist Andy Taylor with a 5 to 7 p.m. opening reception.

ART AT THE LIBRARY • Aspen native and first-grade teacher Katie Bird shows her work at the Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave.) with a 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. reception.

WORKS ON PAPER • Carbondale Arts presents “Cross Pollinate” — a group exhibition curated by Marcia Weese focused on immediate, intimate, personal ex pres sions with more emphasis on process than product. After a 6 to 8 p.m. opening reception, it runs through the end of the month at the Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.).

FUN FOLK • Pam and Dan Rosenthal perform from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Carbondale Beer Works deck (647 Main St.).

CONSENSUAL IMPROV • In the style of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and Chicago's Second City, the TRTC troupe performs at 8 p.m. on their home stage (67 Promenade).

FRIDAY JULY 12

PHOTO SHOW • The Colorado Mountain College (CMC) ArtShare Program and Carbondale Creative District collaborate for a group exhibition at Morgridge Commons (815 Cooper Ave., Glenwood Springs) featuring Sami Dinar, Martin Garfinkel, Karen Glenn, Penelope Greenwell, Cindy Higby, George Lilly, Mike Rand, Mark Ronay, Lesa Russo, Deborah Shannan and Greg Watts with a 6 to 8 p.m. opening reception.

REGGAE MEETS SOUL • Niceness makes the trip over from Telluride for Basalt’s Summer Concert Series and a 6 to 8 p.m. set on Market Street in Willits.

Bring chairs or blankets and picnic or take advantage of specials at l o c a l restaura nts during the free event.

ECLECTIC HIGHWAY SOUND • Los Angeles westsiders Davey And The Midnights take the stage at The Black Nugget (411 Main Street) from 9 p.m. ‘til the wee hours of the morning.

FRI JUNE 12 - THU JULY 18 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre (427 Main St.) presents “The Biggest LIttle Farm” (PG) at 7:30 p.m. July 12, 14 and 16-18; “Ralph Breaks the Internet”

Submit your events as soprissun.com. Deadline is noon on Monday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted. and “Booksmart” (R) at 5:15 p.m.

July 14. Closed July 15; special event July 13.

SATURDAY JULY 13

BBQ OPEN HOUSE • Stage of Life Theatre Company offers a free chance to find out what the kids have been up to and what they have in store and buy some eats while you’re at it from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside their space at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

CRAWFISH BOIL • Roaring Fork Beer Company partners with The Way Home (689 Main St.) for a 4 to 8 p.m. southern classic with Elk Range Bluegrass.

COMEDY NIGHT • Lizzy Wolfson, Headliner Kyle Pogue, and Special Guest Hayden Krystal perform from 7 to 10 p.m. at Marble Distilling (150 Main ST.) with a $10 cover.

GOOD FLICKS • FirstBank presents a free showing of “Ralph Breaks the Internet” at 7:30 p.m. at the Crystal Theatre with concession proceeds benefiting Ross Montessori.

SUNDAY JULY 14

ICE CREAM SOCIAL • Get a mini tour of the Redstone Castle, hand-scooped ice cream and the chance to participate in contests and games with shuttles departing the Redstone Historical Society (295 Redstone Blvd.) every 15 minutes beginning at 1 p.m. — tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids 6-16 and $5 for members at history.

redstonecolorado.org.

REBIRTHING • Bring a mat and water and wear comfortable clothes for a workshop with Karuna and special guest Dr. Kurt Johnson from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). Tickets are $35 with registration required to info@ davinikent.org or 618-5879.

MUSIC IN THE PARK • Pato Banton and the Now Generation headlines another 4 to 7 p.m. free concert in Sopris Park with Jeff Plankenhorn opening before heading over to Steve’s Guitars at 8 p.m. for a full set of his own.

SACRED SOUND • A free journey into meditation with kirtan, hosted

by Eaden and Deva Shantay from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at True Nature Healing Arts (100 N. Third St.).

MONDAY JULY 15

WALK ON THE OTHER SIDE • The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (100 Puppy Smith St., Aspen) invites you to discover the far side of North Star Preserve, which is usually closed to the public, with a free 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. walk. Register at aspennature.org.

TUESDAY JULY 16

INDIANA BONES • Archeology, action, adventure, ancient legends, mythology, and folklore

combine to thrill and educate audiences in a free 11:30 a.m. event at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.).

CRYSTAL BOWL VIBRATIONS • Use vibrations to balance the chakra system and reenergize the auric field with Bonte Lane as your guide from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) Bring a mat, pillow, water and $15 suggested donation.

WEDNESDAY JULY 17

WORLD FOLK • Tierro Band and Bridget Law come together for Basalt’s Summer Concert Series and a 6 to 8 p.m. set on Market Street in Willits. Bring chairs or blankets and picnic or take advantage of specials at local restaurants during the free event.

FURTHER OUT THURSDAY JULY 18

RIVER PROTECTION • As water champions commemorate the 50th anniversary of the burning of the Cuyahoga River, Roaring Fork Conservancy hosts Nicole Silk, President of River Network, for a 1 to 2:30 p.m. talk. Free but with limited seating; RSVP at roaringfork. org/events.

PROGRESSIVE FOLK • Let Them Roar makes a hometown stop during a tour of local Continued on page 11.

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Gay For Good-Rocky Mountains will be hosting a one year anniversary celebratory barbeque on Saturday, July 13th at Crown Mountain Park in El Jebel from 11am to 2pm. All are welcome! To RSVP and find out more about this event and future monthly events, please visit their website at https://gayforgood.org/rockymountains/ THIS COMMUNITY AD SPACE DONATED BY COOL BRICK STUDIOS.

“The Four Agreements” with Rev. Dr. Carla Ryan The agreements we make about ourselves shape who we are. They confine us or provide freedom to express authentically. What old or worn-out agreements are you ready to release? Are you ready to embrace the personal freedom of authenticity? Let’s explore some basic ideas of responsibility and discover what sets you free!

Join us Sunday, July 14, 2019 - 10 a.m.

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU) @ Third Street Center, Community Room www.tworiversuu.org

adsales@soprissun.com | 970-987-9866

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2019

Guest Speaker Rev. Dr. Carla Ryan, Music with Jimmy Byrne, Religious Exploration with Ana Chynoweth, Preschool with Justice Bouchet

COMMUNITY CALENDAR libraries with a free 6 p.m. show at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.).

ONGOING

PUNCH PARKINSON’S • Rising Crane Training Center (768 Highway 133) offers free boxing / fitness classes for folks with Parkinson’s from 11 to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. More info at 274-8473.

RENDERED TIME • The Carbondale Clay Center (135 Main St.) shows off the work of 2017-19 resident artist Stephanie Seguin.

YOUR STORY, YOUR LIFE • A free facilitated workshop for adults, writing your personal history, one story at a time.

Facilitated by Shelly Merriam, historian/ w r i t e r/g e n e a l o g i s t .

First and third Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library, (815 Cooper Ave.).

Info at 945-5958 or gcpld.org.

ALAPRIMA • A watercolor painting group meets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursdays at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

COMMUNITY • Faith MEAL Lutheran Church (1340 Highway 133), in

collaboration with Carbondale Homeless Assistance, hosts a free community meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month. Info: 5105046 or faithcarbondale.com.

YAPPY HOUR • Colorado Animal Rescue’s Yappy Hour at the Marble Bar (150 Main St.) takes place at 5:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Sip on handcrafted cocktails and meet a C.A.R.E. dog, with $1 from every drink donated to C.A.R.E. Bring your own dog along as well.

ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL • Enjoy world-class classical music performances — orchestra, opera and chamber — with many events a day. In addition to fully free events, it’s always free to sit on the lawn outside the Benedict Music Tent.

RODEO • Catch the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo at 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays through Aug. 22 at the Gus Darien Arena on Catherine Store Road.

FARMERS MARKET • Get fresh produce and other goods from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesdays through Sept. 25 at the Fourth Street Plaza.

THOMPSON TOURS • The house (301 Lewies Ln.) is open for tours every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Continued from page 10. $5 for ages 13 and up, info at carbondalehistory.org.

CASTLE TOURS • Experience life in another time with a tour of the elegant, beautifullypreserved home of Alma and John Osgood (58 Redstone Castle Ln.) at 10:15 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets at theredstonecastle.com.

MAGICAL MOMENTS • Bring your family, chairs, coolers and libations to the banks of the Crystal River Redstone’s free summer concert series at 6 p.m.

Saturdays.

HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION • Free opportunities include a PowerPoint presentation by Retired Family Physician, Dr. Greg Feinsinger about the science behind plant-based nutrition, on the fi rst Monday of every month at 7 pm., as well as Monday morning free one-hour consultations by appointment for heart attack and other chronic illness prevention through PlantBased Whole Foods Lifestyle.

(Call 379-5718.) A once a month Plant-Based whole foods potluck for anyone interested in plantbased living is the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. All events take place at 3rd Street Center, 520 S. Third St. MEDITATION • Free silent meditation sessions are held at the Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.) from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (info at 306-1015).

YOGA • Get a donation-based

introduction to Hatha Yoga from 8 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays at The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.).

Buddha of Compassion practice at 8 a.m. Saturdays at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

TAI CHI • All levels are welcome to participate a gentle path to health and flexibility from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays with John Norton. Marty Finkelstein offers a 5 to 5:30 course for beginners before his 5:30 to 7 p.m. class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both classes take place at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

MINDFULNESS • The Mindful Life Program in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) offers group sessions Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation and registration is not necessary.

Info: mindfullifeprogram.org and 970-633-0163.

SANSKRIT MANTRA • Devika Gurung demonstrates how chant is about more than spirituality, but also breath and rhythm at 4:30 p.m. Sundays at The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.).

RF INSIGHT • Monday Night Meditation meets from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. at Roaring Fork Aikikai (2553 Dolores Way) and offers instruction in the Buddhist practice of Vipassana.

RFI also offers secular mindfulness at the Carbondale Community School and is working with CMC to provide a class on “Zen and the Art of Dying” — more info at oaringforkinsight.org.

DHARMA • The Way of Compassion Dharma Center holds a Dharma talk and meditation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and a silent meditation and

MINDFULNESS IN RECOVERY • An inclusive, peer-led recovery support group open to anyone with a desire for recovery — independent of faith and regardless of race, gender or orientation — meets Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. in room 36 of the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) LOVE ADDICTS • Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, a 12-step group will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Holland Hills United Methodist Church (167 Holland Hills Rd., Basalt).

RUN AROUND • Independence Run & Hike hosts a run around town Saturdays at 8 a.m.

Meet at the store 596 Highway 133 (in La Fontana Plaza) and run various distances, with different routes each week.

Info: 704-0909.

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More information at aspeninstitute.org/series/new-views/ THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2019 • 11

COP SHOP

TOWN REPORT

From June 28 through July 2, Carbondale Police handled 145 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note:

SOPRIS AVENUE will be closed at Highway 133 next week for irrigation conduit installation.

FRIDAY June 28 at 9:41 p.m. After a car lingered in an intersection for “an extended amount of time” the the 56-year-old driver was pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence.

CRYSTAL RIVER FLOWS appear to have peaked on July 1 according to the USGS gauge for the Avalanche Creek station. Flows are expected to remain high in the near future.

The sand bag project to protect the Crystal River Trail to the north Riverfront Park did not survive the peak.

SATURDAY June 29 at 1:18 a.m. A speeding and lane violation stop led to the arrest of a 29-year-old woman on suspicion of driving under the influence.

SATURDAY June 29 at 9:42 p.m. A report of a man punching a woman led to the arrest of a 39-year-old on charges of harassment, violation of a restraining order and resisting arrest, which will be treated as domestic violence for the purposes of sentencing.

SUNDAY June 30 at 11:50 a.m. Police took a report of a hit and run accident.

MONDAY July 1 at 8:44 a.m. Someone reported an ongoing child custody issue.

TUESDAY July 2 at 10:24 a.m. A report was filed regarding the possible neglect of an atrisk person.

THURSDAY July 4 at 3:10 a.m. Following a traffic stop for no front license plate, an 18-year-old man was issued a summons for minor in possession of marijuana.

THURSDAY July 4 at 4:20 a.m. A 33-yearold man was cited for driving while revoked.

THURSDAY July 4 at 6:45 p.m. A disturbance call led to an arrest.

PRIMITIVE TRAILS guidelines are up for amendment into the Crystal Acres PUD at the July 11 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

Currently, though each property owner is allowed one footpath for each lot. The meeting will also include an application to merge two River Valley Ranch lots into one.

THE FOREST SERVICE is looking to consolidate staff at their Weant and Main station, and discussed ways to increase capacity with Town staff.

TRAILS AND TENTS took hikers to the Grottos and Ice Caves July 10 and will return July 22. The rec department take advantage of a special use permit with White River National Forest and advance registration is required.

FRIDAY FIELD TRIPS continue on July 12 with an 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. trip to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

From Town Manager Jay Harrington's weekly report to trustees, staff and others.

HANKS FIELD received a new sign and a repair to the backstop.

PEE WEE BASEBALL for 3-5 yearolds runs 9 to 9:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through July 24 in Miner’s Park.

ROCK WARRIORS camp will take place on July 15, 16 and 17.

Participants spend two days indoors to give them the necessary skills to effectively climb on real rock. The camp culminates on the third day with a trip with CMC’s AMGA Rock Climbing Guides to Rifle.

BEGINNER YOUTH TENNIS for ages 7 to 10 enters session two from July 22 to 25. Register a week in advance.

PICKLEBALL CAMP session one is running July 8-11, with registration open for the second session and geared toward all skill levels and ages.

SK8 LESSONS at North Face Skate Park continue, with room in the July, August and September sessions.

There’s both a girls only and co-ed option with tow skill levels each, as well as private lessons.

HENDRICKS & MINER’S fields are expected to open July 12 following top dressing and overseeding.

THE IRRIGATION REBUILD along southeast Highway 133 is complete.

Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes Inc. will complete pump testing and verification this week and the Town is in the process of patching roads that had to be cut for the new irrigation system.

FAMILY HOUR at the pool continues, with $3 entry after 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Meanwhile, the third session of swim lessons is underway.

THE GATEWAY RV PARK was 94 percent full over the holiday, with two days of overflow use and 60 reservations for the next week. Located on CR 105 directly above the Bob Terrell State Wildlife Area and the Carbondale Boat Ramp, the park has a two-week stay limit, wi-fi, a bath house, full hookups and is pet friendly. Reservations at gateway-rv-park.com.

STORM DEBRIS brought the Town Arborist out for cleanup in addition to his other work on vegetation management along Highway 133 and flower pot and landscaping maintenance downtown.

CO-ED SOFTBALL has 10 teams signed up, with youth baseball has five teams and games are in full swing.

A LEAK SURVEY is underway on the water distribution system.

WEAVER CEMETERY ruts were filled in, while dirt is still being hauled to White Hill Cemetary.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION compliance with the State continues to make progress.

The Town of Carbondale has a hired a host of new employees recently, with the Public Works and Parks adding Jordan Cunningham, Brent Murphy and Grant Grindler (left) and the Utilities team incorporating Mark Nersesian, Sara Flores and Curtis Applegate (right).

Photos by Will Grandbois

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Town commits to senior housing upgrades

By John Colson Sopris Sun Correspondent Carbondale's elected leaders signed on the dotted line in their support for local, affordable senior housing this week, formally accepting the task of financial oversight of roughly $1 million in repairs, improvements and upgrades to the buildings and facilities of the Crystal Meadows senior housing complex on Hendrick Drive at the south end of town.

Now all that remains is for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to award the grant to the Town, which would in turn funnel the money over the coming year to a contractor (or contractors) hired by the management at Crystal Meadows.

According to the paperwork filed with the town by Crystal Meadows, the grant is to cover a variety of repairs and improvements in all five phases of the Crystal Meadows complex, which was started about three decades ago and has grown steadily since then.

The documents presented to the Carbondale Board of Trustees indicate that the $1 million grant is meant to pay for new roofs, 217 new windows, new boilers and plumbing repairs, and other smaller items such as new carpets, small-scale

carpentry jobs and sidewalk repairs, all happening in and around several buildings in the complex.

The town is to act as the initial recipient if any grant money is awarded by DOLA, money which would come in the form of Community Development Block Grants issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The use of the money is governed by about 20 pages worth of federal, state and local requirements and guidelines.

The project's work schedule, assuming the grant is awarded, calls for all work to begin in the spring of 2020 and be finished up by the fall of the same year.

At the trustees' meeting on Tuesday, grant-writing consultant Malcolm McMichael told the board he is working to finalize the grant application on behalf of Crystal Meadows and submit it to DOLA. He also said that it is expected that the repairs and upgrades to the aging facility will last approximately 20-30 years.

But, he cautioned the trustees, it is the nature of buildings to deteriorate over time, and that “there's always going to be a need every 20 years or so” to do such repairs and improvements all over again.

And if anyone doubted that there continues to be strong

demand for this kind of housing, McMichael said the wait-list for Crystal Meadows apartments currently stands at 5-6 years.

“This is a great project, kind of a win-win” for the future of the complex and the relatively minor impact the grant-to-implementation process will have on the town's finances, since it is the town's role to pay contractors as the work progresses and then be reimbursed by the state on a monthly basis.

The town's costs for handling the financial end of the project, he said, “should be relatively modest,” involving some staff time but little else.

In other action, the trustees: • Received an update from Garfield Clean Energy (CLEER), which has been assisting local governments and citizens with energy-efficiency upgrades to buildings and homes for more than a decade and is hoping to benefit from a series of statewide grants to enable it to continue its work; • Approved special-event liquor licenses for Cowboy Up, a live-music fund-raising event on Aug. 23 at the Fourth Street Plaza; and for the KDNK Hootenanny (now known as The Hoot), a community party scheduled for Aug. 16, also at the Fourth Street Plaza.

LOST DOG!

ASK THE SUN A READER WANTED TO KNOW: What's the Town's policy on clotheslines?

According to Town Manager Jay Harrington, at least one Homeowners Association — River Valley Ranch — restricts their use, but the municipality itself does not. In fact, he said, "The Town loves seeing clothing flapping in the breeze" as it works toward its energy use goals.

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

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2019 • 13

Bridging the divide GUEST

OPINION

By Summer Scott When I hear about people talking about the partisan divide in the country, I feel like the conversation often drifts to thoughts of Alabama vs. California or hoping Colorado will turn all red or all blue in a presidential election year. But even ol liberal California in 2016 had a significant number of red counties and Alabama had 13 blue.

There is often a very strong correlation of population density or urban vs rural and blue vs red on an election map. In Colorado it becomes pretty striking when you start thinking about how much contrast there can be in a district, county, or region.

According to the U.S. Census, the smallest congressional district in the US is NY district 15. It covers 14.54 square miles with 100 percent listed as urban. Even a congressperson should be able to walk this district corner to corner in a day if they really put their mind to it.

On the other hand, Colorado’s third

district takes up 49,731 square miles and 29 counties ranging from the most wealthy in Colorado — Pitkin — to the second poorest — Costilla. The census lists 0.5 percent as urban and 99.5 percent as rural. Even just Garfield County is 2,956 square miles and aside from Carbondale and the Interstate 70 corridor is very rural and low population density. As is common in many areas the rural parts of the map tend to be more red while the higher population density areas tend to be more blue.

What can we do to try to bridge this divide? To be a united community working for the betterment of itself, the state, and the country? I wish I had more definitive answers to this question but I have some thoughts, I have some ideas, and I think it’s something important that we should all be thinking about.

One thing we can be sure of is that the vast majority of people want many of the same things. Most people want a better world for future generations.

Most people want a good degree of freedom, happiness, success, and free time. Most people want the resources and ability to contribute to their families’ good life, the development of children, and all those basic things. So why is there such a divide and how do we go about uniting to more effectively accomplish those things? How can we use a better understanding of human nature and behavior to try to bring these worlds together?

People are social creatures — or what is often called tribal in this context. It is human nature for our beliefs to be based very much off of that of our tribe. If your tribe holds a certain belief it is extremely likely you will as well.

We can train ourselves to be less this way. Things like science, empiricism, critical thinking, etc. can help us be more able to want to rely on things like evidence but that’s not really human nature. Tribe is also somewhat flexible and things like first impressions and

conversations can have a lot to do with whether you are perceived as part of the tribe or not.

Oftentimes a lot of it is about random chance. If two middle aged farmers from Iowa who both drive Fords and New Holland Tractors but have very strong and differing opinions on livestock feed start up a conversation at the bar about the former things then transition to the latter, they would be much more likely to value the opinion of the other and use that to question their beliefs. On the other hand, if their first impression was over something they disagreed on they would start to place that person outside their tribe and have lower trust of them. They would be much more resistant to the other person’s beliefs influencing their own.

This is one of numerous reasons why social media arguments can be so fruitless most of the time, and also why local debate or confrontation type scenarios can feel much the same.

If you have a local forum with the intention of bringing Democrats and Republicans together to connect it may be better than them not talking at all but it automatically creates an us vs them dynamic. It creates two different tribes with some sense of a battle of words. In these situations people tend to entrench in their beliefs and fight for them.

By contrast, a gathering that tries to create one tribe can do far more to get people more open to different beliefs and views that may exist within the tribe. For example instead of Democrats vs. Republicans a forum called something like District 3 citizens to unite Colorado with a primary focus on finding common ground, common goals, and a common path forward. Even politically we should be able to find common ground to unite on. Things like gerrymandering, corruption in politics, the fact that at this point how much public support an idea gets has zero impact on policies

implemented by our representatives.

We should be working on ways to bring our communities together around things that we agree on. Things that unite us. Things that are non political and things that are politically uniting.

Other ideas could include trying to create more events or reasons that bring our communities together. This is hard with rural areas because of the distance but maybe it’s worth working to overcome that right now. Arguing about it on Facebook obviously isn’t working. But applying some of these thoughts to social media could help there as well. Host events in the bigger towns that incentivize people in the sticks to create a so called unifying of the tribes. Try not to start with the areas you disagree. There are likely many where you do agree.

I have often wondered if it would work to have something like a traveling show that moved around the district or even country bringing the world to more rural areas— different people races and cultures interacting… time around and or after the event when locals get to interact with the performers and crew… opportunities to connect and see that we are all one tribe with mostly the same overall goals and mission.

Perhaps then we can start to talk about the things we disagree on as fellow tribespeople and talk about beliefs and solutions instead of reacting in terms of a debate, competition, or war.

Maybe at least thinking about these things can influence situations were we find ourselves interacting with someone we may not perceive as our tribe. Looking for ways to connect and unite instead of ways to oppose and argue.

One thing I can be certain of. We can sit around and wish things were different as long as we want but if we want things to change at some point we are going to have to go out and put in the effort to make a change.

The case of the missing bison skull From the archives of the Valley Journal and Sopris Sun.

July 12, 1979 Carbondale was wrestling with the dilemma of what to do about its sign code as commercial development began along Highway 133. At a recent Planning Commission meeting, the Street Graphics committee had pushed for revision only to be shot down — because their proposal wasn’t lenient enough. The Journal was of the opinion that committee head Carol Craven was on the right track in holding her ground. “Businesses rise and/or fall on their service to their customers, not the square footage of their logos,” the paper editorialized. “One has only to take a gander at the sign jungle just outside city limits along Highway 133 to quickly realize what a loose (or, in Garfield County’s case, nonexistent) sign code can result in.”

In other news… Someone apparently cut down and made off with a pair of old Ponderosa on Mary Lilly’s land in Marble.

July 13, 1989 The dedication of the Ute Trail corridor brought out some stories, which begat even more conversation. In the previous issue, Lynn Burton had recounted the story of an old Ute who told stories of a bison he’d killed on Clark’s Ridge near New Castle as a boy and the skull he’d kept

to prove it. Mabel Williams read the piece and informed the Journal that her father, Henry Kittle, had met the man and taken his photograph back in the early ‘30s. Kittle had joined the Ute on a hunt to retrieve the bison skull and, in fact, kept at it longer and found it. Somehow, the skull ended up on display in the Max Cafe down valley, and no one seems to know what happened to it after that.

In other news… Following issues with “nefarious teenage activity” Carbondale Trustees instituted a 10 p.m. curfew in Sopris Park and closed Staircase Park from dusk to dawn.

July 8, 1999 With no official maintenance program in place for the privately-owned landmark, the Crystal Mill was a worry for former Marble mayor Wayne Brown. “It’s in good shape,” he said, “mainly because for the Centennial (1976), the state government came up with a fund to restore historic places.

Part of the fund was used to take off the entire roof and then it was rebuilt with new lumber. A 1988 grant from the Aspen Historical Society paid for a professional restoration of the slipping gear house — which transferred mechanical power from the paddle wheel to two air compressors at the south end of the “mill.” Since then, Brown had just been fording the river when possible to “tighten the huge buckles on the cables” to keep the walls from collapsing. (There are some new developments in Crystal now — keep an eye out for full coverage in The Sun soon.)

14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2019

In other news…

Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus made an appearance at the inauguration of The Roaring Fork Club.

ES G A P the of t as P

July 9, 2009 Trustees were preparing to examine the potential cost of maintaining the Thompson House, a 125-year-old two-story brick home still standing on the north side of the former property — now River Valley Ranch.

Various cost scenarios based on a number of repairs and upgrades had been drawn up in conjunction with landowner Frieda Wallison’s plan to donate the house and the Mount Sopris Historical Society’s intent to participate in managing it. With an interior unchanged for decades, the property was viewed as a historical resource on par with the Molly Brown House in Denver and the Wheeler-Stallard House in Aspen. (It’s now on the National Register of Historic places with the building owned by the Town and the contents by the historical society — see our calendar for tour info.)

In other news… Spurred in part by new cooperation with the Pine Ridge Reservation, Carbondalians were looking to better connect with the native history of our own area.

LETTERS

PARTING SHOTS

Continued from page 2.

contact the Carbondale Art online or stop in at the Launchpad. Look into volunteering at the beer tent for one of our local non-profits.

Basalt has free concerts every Wednesday thru Aug. 14 at Lions Park downtown. For the old-timers out there, the last show is a reunion of Starwood.

Redstone Community Association has Saturday shows July 20, Aug. 3 and Aug. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Redstone Park.

Marble has lots of activities going on this summer go to themarblehub.org for more information.

Do not forget Thursday nights at Fanny Hill in Snowmass Village as well as Wednesday nights in Glenwood.

Check out your local papers for more goings on around town and in the valley.

So once again it is summertime the living is easy and enjoy all the free activities our town and valley have to offer.

Marty Silverstein Carbondale

Happy Inter-dependence Day! Dear Editor: That’s how my friend greeted me on July 4.

I loved that! It reminded me how much I appreciate the strong sense of interdependence valued by our community: People truly take to heart the idea that the more we support each other, the better off we all are. And that reminded me of this letter that I’ve been meaning to write in appreciation of Twin Labs Appliance Repair.

I always try to support the businesses that advertise in The Sopris Sun. Those businesses are not just promoting themselves, they’re also providing critical support to one of our unique, community gems — our local newspaper.

So when the boiler in our house went on the blink this past winter, I immediately called Blake Leonard of Twin Labs Appliances, a committed Sopris Sun advertiser. I was happy to find that his service was friendly, timely, high-quality, and reasonably-priced.

Soon after deciding to support this business that supports The Sun, I found that I was in need of support again, this time for the Roaring Fork Booster Club. I was in charge of finding a replacement refrigerator for our concession stand, within the tight constraints of our budget. I called Blake for his advice — and was soon overwhelmed by the help and generosity he provided to the Boosters.

Thank you, Twin Labs Appliances! Thank you, Sopris Sun! Happy Interdependence, everyone!

Debbie Bruell Carbondale

The meaning of the Fourth of July Dear Editor: It’s been a week, but I can’t help asking what’s Independence Day all about?

Is it about a bunch of rich, white colonists who were pissed off about the taxes levied by the British crown, so they declared independence and recruited a bunch of poor, not always white colonists (remember Crispus Attucks) to win that independence?

Not much has changed.

Is Independence Day about a parade with tanks, armored personnel carriers, and fighter jets? Nobody’s more appreciative of the service our armed forces have given us than me, but bluff and bluster aren’t what this country should be about. It should be about peace and I wish our leaders would quit sending our troops to die in pointless or materialistically motivated wars.

Coincidentally, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has been criticized by our president for his socialistic economic system, but not his dictatorial political system, held a similar parade on Venezuela’s Independence Day the day after ours.

Is Independence Day about the selfperceived glories of our current president in his reelection bid? George Washington turned down a kingly crown. The megalomaniac in today’s White House would snatch up that symbol of autocracy in a heartbeat.

As he gave his speech in front of the magnificent statue of Abraham Lincoln, I couldn’t help imagining the Great Emancipator leaning forward and expectorating a big ole hocker right in the middle of that orange, blow-dried bird’s nest.

Is Independence Day about concentration camps at our border? God, I hope not. I can’t imagine anything more un-American.

Yes, it’s a time for gratitude for all this country’s incredible gifts, but also a time for constant vigilance, because it could all blow away tomorrow. Our revolution must never end.

Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2019 • 15

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