19 10 24 by The Sopris Sun

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Carbondale’s weekly

Having some of the top players on last year’s squad graduate hasn’t dampened the Roaring Fork soccer boys’ spirit or performance one whit. In fact, in Coach Nick Forbes’ estimation, they were just waiting to step out of their former teammates’ shadows and show what they can do. “I kinda knew going into the season that we had a really good core. They just couldn’t get a look last year because of how good my

community connector

Volume 11, Number 37 | October 24, 2019

Excelsior!

seniors were,” he observed. “They were coming in knowing that they had something to prove, and they were also playing at a really high level in practice every day.” The Rams are 5-0 in league and 11-1-1 overall, though several of those wins have been close calls. Forbes feels that other area teams have risen to rival the Rams, as Roaring Fork’s Ross Barlow and Basalt’s Junior Portillo illustrated in

a 3-2 match on Oct. 18 (photo by Sue Rollyson). That was less true for Moffat County, which the team trounced 9-0 on Oct. 22, leaving the league title all but tied up ahead of an away game at Coal Ridge at 4 p.m. on Oct. 24. After that, the Rams have a good chance of hosting the first few playoff games, and Forbes hopes folks will come out to support the kids. “We’re a fun team to watch. I think we’re

going to impress some people and go far in the playoffs,” he said. “It’s kind of set up for those front range private school teams that recruit. It’s always fun to go and show them that a public school with limited funds can hang with them.” The volleyball girls, incidentally, are nearing the end of their own season, with home games against Rifle on Oct. 29 and Aspen on Oct. 31.

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Sacred honor — where has it gone?

We sometimes ask: “Have you read anything good lately?” A wise piece of advice I read lately in a magazine’s book review section suggested that for every modern book we read we should also read an old one. The reason? Because in the old days they had time to think about what they wrote. In that spirit and in light of the current upheaval and chaos in our political world in which Democrats and Republicans seem to completely disrespect each other, and partisans either hate or love the President, it seems that some sage advice from the past is in order. In his farewell speech to Congress, George Washington advised against his contemporaries forming political parties. Below is an excerpt from that speech which was largely intended for reading rather than listening since the President was not a great orator. Its text soon appeared in newspapers for the edification of the general public. Early in the speech, Washington describes the dangers of geographic sections of the country establishing factions opposed to other sections.

What immediately came to my mind was the present proposal to combine Colorado’s electorial vote with other compact states and in doing so potentially nullify Colorado’s result. Quoting from Washington’s text: “I have already intimated to you the dangers of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its roots in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed, but in those of the popular form it is seen in its rankness and is truly their worst enemy. The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrible enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction more able or more fortunate than his

competitors, turns this disposition to the purpose of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty. There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true, but in those of the popular culture, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged.” At this point Mr. Washington explains what is necessary to avoid the fracturing of the nation: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion, and morality are indispensable supports. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” My reaction to President Washington’s advice is to drop my allegiance to a particular party and re-register as an Independent to get some fresh blood into office. If enough voters did so it would force the entrenched incumbents in both major parties to quit their sniping and come together for the good of the country. Surely, as an alternative, there is a spectrum of minor party candidates who could satisfy our political leanings and break up the monopoly of the intransigent Democrats and

LETTERS Latino/Anglo interaction Dear Editor: James Steindler wrote in last week’s Sopris Sun that “Our Latino and Anglo communities don’t interact much.” Compared to where? Where I grew up in the Calumet Region of Indiana, there is a large Latino population. It’s not 47.5 percent as it is in Carbondale, but it’s substantial, particularly where I worked in the Indiana Harbor section of East Chicago. The Latinos in the Harbor don’t live in barrios like they do in California and Arizona, but there are Latino neighborhoods. Of course, there’re black, Polish, Serb, and Croat districts, too. The city of East Chicago is a melting pot as a whole, but close in, the mixture separates. I don’t know where the Latino neighborhood is in Carbondale. My former neighbor was from El Salvador and it seems the Latinos and the Anglos in Carbondale are often neighbors. In the Region, Latinos sometimes called me wedo, a disparaging reference to white people. I’ve never heard that word around here. And, of course, nobody can put down people who’re not like them like white people. The only terms white people in the Region knew to describe Latinos were slurs. I’m not gonna say those expressions are never used in the valley, but it’s rare. I went to a Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Harbor and I was the only Anglo there. In growing numbers, Latinos are attending Mountain Fair, Dandelion Day, and Potato

Day. Anglos have always reveled at Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos. A recent resident from Arizona told me he was very impressed with the way the Latino and the Anglo communities amalgamated. It’s just not that way where he comes from, he said. Then, of course, there’s the language barrier. It’s difficult for people to become friends when they don’t understand each other. Anglos need to learn Spanish and Latinos should become familiar with English. Remember, English isn’t the official language of this country and both English and French are the official languages of Canada. I should talk. I took two years of Spanish in high school, two years in college, and worked on an all-Mexican track gang in a steel mill and I only know a few phrases in Spanish. The bone in your brain that allows you to learn a foreign language is missing in my case. I’m seriously thinking about giving it another shot at CMC. I’d love to be able to converse with my Spanish-only speaking friends. Yes, there’s room for the Latino and Anglo communities to come closer even in a diversity-loving town like Carbondale. All I’m saying is I’ve never seen a better mix. Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale

Defiende neuestra tierra Dear Editor: Thank you for your article, “Our Latino and Anglo communities don’t interact much,

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019

Republicans. According to the Pew Research Center “the share of Americans who say they believe members of Congress behave unethically either “some of the time” or “all or most of the time” is 81 percent.” How about a balanced budget rather than spending more than they take in every year; term limits of two terms in the Senate and four terms in the House; prohibition of transferring from Congress to professional lobbyist when terms are up; less power for committee chairmen who at present can and do refuse to even allow discussion on legitimate issues; prohibition of transferring from Congress to professional lobbyists when terms are up; and Medicare and Social Security for Congressmen rather than gold-plated programs upon retirement as the wolves in sheep’s clothing receive now. How would today’s Congress stack up against the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Signing it meant a death sentence by hanging if captured; yet the last paragraph in the Declaration says “We mutually pledge to each other our lives, fortunes, and our sacred honor.” It seems that the only thing sacred to many, if not most, of our national leaders is to be re-elected. Paige Meredith shares this column with fellow conservative Stan Badgett.

The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters of up to 250 words to but they P.O. Box 399 or 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer could (Oct. columns are considered on 17),” which a case-by-case basis. The encourages us deadline for submission is noon on to reach across Monday. the table to our Latino community. I’m proud to be a member of Wilderness Workshop, a wonderful Carbondale nonprofit that works to protect the White River National Forest and nearby Bureau of Land Management lands. I’m happy to support and participate in its program, Defiende Neuestra Tierra, which is Spanish for Defend Our Land. The program, launched in the summer of 2018, aims to tap into the influential voice of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Latino communities and to partner with those communities to steward and protect our public lands. In addition to reaching out to our Latino community with parties and focus groups, Wilderness Workshop offers free bilingual events, such as hikes and snowshoeing, that encourage Latinos to explore and further appreciate our beautiful outdoors. Thank you Wilderness Workshop, its Latino outreach coordinator, Beatriz Soto, and our Latino community for defending our public lands. Nancy Peterson Carbondale

Continued on page 14

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Donate online or by mail. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Staff Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Tom Sands Current Board Members board@soprissun.com Marilyn Murphy, President Raleigh Burleigh, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer John Colson • Kay Clarke Carol Craven • Megan Tackett 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.

READER

HARD TRUTHS

Newly-formed task force takes action on sex trafficking By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent In September, many were shocked to pick up a local newspaper and read about a sex trafficking sting operation that saw nine men arrested for arranging online to have sex with teenage girls. The idea that this activity is going on in the Roaring Fork Valley is a painful reality to acknowledge and understand. Many interested community members have joined a newly-formed task force to address the underlying causes and make effective change locally. The group includes educators, medical providers, law enforcement, social workers, lawyers, students, parents, and business owners. The Battlement to Bells Anti-Trafficking Task Force (BATT) goal is: “We seek to end human trafficking from Battlement Mesa to the Maroon Bells (and beyond).” Gina D’Orazio Stryker and Beth Klein are BATT’s president and vice-president, respectively. Klein, an attorney and Carbondale resident, said the first meeting of interested community members, which took place earlier this year, drew about 120 participants. A second task force meeting was held on Oct. 16 at the Third Street Center. From that meeting, they enlisted committee chairs and launched their b2btaskforce.wordpress.com website. The first step is training educators. Klein says, “We are going to be working with teachers

across all of the districts, from Aspen to Parachute, to do trauma-informed training and also human trafficking identification.” Under U.S. law, human trafficking is defined as “sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.” Stryker says the average age of someone entering into sex trafficking is 14 years old. Girls may first become involved in trafficking through a relationship with a man known as a Romeo Pimp, or Loverboy. During the recruitment phase, the pimp showers the girl with attention and will buy her gifts or take her out to dinner and a movie. Girls who have a rocky home life or feel like an outcast at school or in social settings are the most vulnerable to the pimp’s persuasive attention. Ultimately, the pimp uses psychological manipulation to control her every move. It leads to girls being beaten and sometimes threats of harming their family members. When it comes to those soliciting sex, Stryker describes their backgrounds as, “... from affluence to poverty, and that's where I think we have to attack it is at the demand level. How do we stop the demand? Because those people normally go unpunished.” There is a definitive link between youth homelessness and sex trafficking. These vulnerable youth — boys and girls alike — often

DISCRETION

become exploited for trafficking. Survivors live in fear, years later, that photos or videos of themselves will resurface on the internet. Today’s technology, whether it be smartphones or cloud storage, allows images to be replicated quickly and distributed widely. The Carbondale Police Department has more than stepped up. According to Police Chief Gene Schilling, the department was the driving force in the sting operation successfully completed in September in Glenwood Springs. Nine suspects were arrested after arriving at a location where they expected to have sex with two teenage girls. But the teenagers were fictitious. Law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies went undercover and posted sex for sale ads on unidentified websites. When the suspects responded via text with “chatters,” the location and price were negotiated. Schilling noted the agencies included: Carbondale and Rifle police, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Garfield Sheriff ’s Office and agents from Eagle, Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties. Yampah Mountain High School teacher Sierra Aldrich asked her students to make a list of problems facing today’s teenagers. With the recent arrests in Glenwood Springs, they decided that sex trafficking “seems close to home.“ Gonzalez says what motivated her to

A DV I S E D This story contains content that may be upsetting — particularly to those with related trauma. Names have been changed to protect the identity and families of the survivors. participate in the project was watching a video about a girl being trafficked and “that really made me feel some type of way that I've never felt before … it made me want to help girls and boys, give them hope.” Students from the Yampah Mountain High School Piece of Peace Leadership Team (POP) agreed their first ‘generosity project’ would be to gather and distribute 200 survival backpacks to kids on the street. The backpacks will include toiletries, cellphone chargers, and information cards with contacts of where to call for help. POP representatives, Doc Cloud, Maxx Davis, and Jacqueline Gomez, gave a presentation at the recent BATT meeting, which concluded with a formal ask for donations. When asked about having other Roaring Fork Valley high schools get involved, Davis explains, “whoever wants to come, let them come. If they're wanting to help, we will gladly have them.” POP’s goal is to have backpacks ready for distribution by Nov. 20. If you would like to help, contact Sierra Aldrich at saldrich@ymhs.org. Staff Reporter Roberta McGowan contributed to this story.

‘We are still a victim-blaming culture’ By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff Molested at age four by her babysitter’s cousin, Karen was later raped by a drunk stranger at age ten. She was raped again at age 15 at a holiday party; This time by a boy she knew. Karen slowly detailed her trauma and its impact. Before you go on, please note she is now a survivor who has come out of the depths of post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) to grow into a strong young woman. “My babysitter took me out of the bath and left me to dress myself. That’s when he came in and touched me all over,” Karen remembered.”But I really didn’t know what was going on, just that I didn’t want it.” She didn’t know it then, but more trauma was coming. At age 10, while playing in the woods with friends at night — she had been told by her mother not to go there — Karen was physically picked up by a stranger, taken further into the woods and violently raped. “I could smell the alcohol on his breath. He never said a word,” she recalled, and “I was in shock, but afraid

to tell my parents for several months because I had gone against their rules.” Fortunately, when told, her parents called the school counselor who referred her to River Bridge Regional Center in Glenwood Springs which requires referrals from school counselors or law enforcement before providing assistance. River Bridge, a child advocacy center, is a nationally accredited nonprofit child advocacy center, utilizing a child-centered, multidisciplinary approach to the prevention, assessment, treatment, and investigation of child abuse. The center serves Pitkin, Garfield, Eagle and Rio Blanco counties. Also in Glenwood Springs, the Advocate Safehouse provides crisis intervention for adults and their families. But Karen wasn’t ready to talk. In fact, she didn’t speak at all to the counselor, but when offered a marker and a paper, she drew pictures of what happened. Meghan Hurley is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), mental health therapist with the Garfield County Department of Human Services and mental health coordinator working at River Bridge Regional Center. Continued on page 15

River Bridge Regional Center staff members work very closely with children recovering from sexual trauma — although the kids in the photo aren't vicitms. Photo courtesy of Megahertz Productions

Get help River Bridge Regional Center: 945-5196 (for information only)

National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE (4763)

Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: (844) 264-5437

Alpine Legal Services: 945-8898

Garfield County Sheriff's Office Dispatch: 625-8095 Advocate Safehouse Project 24-hour Help Line: 945-4439 285-0209

Catholic Charities: 384-2060 Mind Springs Health: 945-2583 Garfield County Department of Human Services: 945-9191

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT Paper boy

The Sopris Sun is looking for someone with a flexible schedule to fill in for our delivery driver when he's out of town. The run usually takes around six hours on Wednesday night and Thursday morning and pays $220 in mileage. Our budget allows for a training run at full pay in addition to several runs a year with plenty of warning. Email news@soprissun.com if you’re interested.

Mini mayor

More than 60,000 votes have already been cast in Sunlight’s Mini-Mayor election, with twelve candidates vying for the title. Piper Arnette, 7, of Silt, — who lost a close election to incumbent MiniMayor Colby Rogers last year — currently leads the race with more than 20,000 votes. Voting continues at mini-mayor.com until Nov. 5, with final results to be announced after 5 p.m.

The cold never bothered me anyway

A popular winter tourist attraction will return to Dillon this December for its third season in the town. Ice Castles is a frozen attraction built entirely by hand. It features ice-carved tunnels, fountains, slides, frozen thrones, towers and archways all embedded with LED lights that twinkle to music at night. If weather permits, ice artisans could begin growing

Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.

and harvesting up to 10,000 icicles each day by the end of the month. The winter playground is projected to open in late-December.

can help you navigate the process — call 384-8744 to schedule an appointment.

Manners maketh man’s best friend

All U.S. veterans are invited to be honored during Crystal River Elementary School’s annual Veteran's Day musical tribute at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8. Students will bring photos of vets who are unable to attend and everyone is encouraged to dress in red, white and blue.

The course is ideal for dogs aged 6 months and up who aren’t reactive to people or other dogs. It will focus on specific skills like sit, down, stay, come, loose leash walking, greeting people and dogs calmly, and more and runs six Tuesdays beginning Oct. 29. Sign up for $120 at coloradoanimalrescue.org.

Got the power

The Powers Art Center is closed through Oct. 27 for the installation of a new Jasper Johns exhibit, which will showcase his works on paper created at Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE) from 1960 to 2018. Jasper Johns created his first Lithograph at (ULAE) in 1960 a relationship that spans almost 50 years.

Medicare aid

Don't miss the Dec. 7 deadline to review your Medicare Part D coverage and make any necessary changes for 2020! Part D plans change each year – meaning your premiums and copays can go up and the pharmacy networks and drug formularies can change. High Country RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers

Thank you for your service

In loving memory

The Van Ness family cordially invites you to celebrate the life of John Van Ness. A memorial luncheon will be held at from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 in River Valley Ranch. Email JohnVanNessMemorial@gmail. com to RSVP.

They say it’s your birthday

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Olivia Savard, Jeremy Cerise, Dave Kodama, Alicia Zeringue, Mary Kenyon and Ron Speaker (Oct. 24); Jocelyn Murray and Crystal Beltz (Oct. 25); John Runne (Oct. 26); Katrina Nelson, Ellen Stapenhorst, Chip Brotzman, Julie Lang and Kay Schaefer (Oct. 27); Gina Murdoch (Oct. 28); Katee Peach, Daniela Rivera, Lisa Ruoff and Chase Fenton (Oct. 29) Gracyn Overstreet, Brendan Cochran and Roaring Fork High School is taking National Honor Society seriously this year, with a full Lowry Camp (Oct. 30). candle-lighting induction ceremony. Photo by Sue Rollyson

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Kumar & Associates took first place at the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program 's inaugural Disco Bowl, Boogie and Benefit. Courtesy photo

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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019

The Contemporary to become a permanent fixture By Justin Patrick Sopris Sun Correspondent After the experimental performing arts space, The Temporary, was closed abruptly last spring, plans were accelerated to build a larger venue as a stand-alone structure. The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW), the nonprofit that operated The Temporary and will operate the new venue, moved forward with ambitious fundraising goals and now plans to break ground on The Contemporary, a 10,000-square-foot arts and culture hub, this winter or in the spring of 2020. TACAW has received the goahead from the Basalt Town Council to begin construction on a parcel leased to the organization for 99 years. Building permits will be secured shortly, according to TACAW’s executive director, Ryan Honey. The Contemporary will occupy the southwest corner of the Willits development. It will boast a theater, community room, “activated” lobby, kitchen, covered outdoor terrace, and offices and other support spaces. “The community is ready for an arts and culture center,” said Honey. “I get excited about the building because of what else it will do [that the Temporary could not]. The stage and theater are optimized for a performance space. That’s going to allow us to have a better artist and patron experience, and bring

The Arts Campus at Willits will more than replace the Temporary in its first phase of construction, with plenty of room for expansion. Courtesy graphics in even higher caliber artists than we were able to bring in at The Temporary. Then we have a dedicated education and community room right in the front of the building, which is a huge asset,” he said. Honey also pointed to after school arts programs, weekend workshops, and rehearsal space as benefits of the planned venue. The active lobby space will be perfect for community gatherings, as well. “There’s all these metrics with what happens to a community when people are exposed to the arts… It’s just good for a community,” he said. Funding for the $5.2 million Contemporary will be sourced in several ways. A Willits real estate assessment earmarked for the arts, a half of one percent tax on real estate transactions, is currently accumulating an average of $136,000 per year. The

fund has over $942,000 that could be used toward construction costs. TACAW will finance up to $2.5 million. The rest will hopefully be sourced through donations, grants, and other fundraising techniques. “We’re moving ahead with construction because we have the 2.7 million that we need to move ahead. By no stretch are we done fundraising— we’ll be actively fundraising throughout construction,” said Honey. “Our goal would be to open the building without any debt. We want to rally the community behind that vision because that’s going to allow us to have more vibrant programming… We want to enroll everybody in the midvalley in that effort because it’s their home, too,” he said. According to Honey, construction on the facility will begin soon. “Without question you will see people

moving dirt around some time in the winter or spring because we’re going to get this thing built.” TACAW passionately believes the midvalley area is ripe for an arts and culture center. The organization cited the significant achievements of The Temporary as the best evidence for that assertion. “The Temporary demonstrated significant support for world-class arts, culture, and entertainment and a profound demand for creative expression and collaboration within our community,” said a digital deck produced by TACAW. According to the document, The Temporary enjoyed more than 25,000 patrons, collaborated with 38 regional and national nonprofit programming partners, and spurred $1.3 million of spillover spending in the local economy. Artistic Director Marc Breslin, who sourced acts for the

Temporary, will continue in the same capacity at The Contemporary. In the meantime, TACAW has been busy bringing live music and other artistic experiences to the midvalley. Since The Temporary’s closing, the organization has hosted over a dozen free concerts in varied locations, such as the Basalt Chamber, Crown Mountain Park, the Basalt library, and restaurants. The series, Random Acts of Culture, is meant to demonstrate to midvalley residents and visitors how arts can enrich life. “While we’re homeless, essentially, we’re committed to continuing to bring arts and culture to the community,” said Honey. “We’ve been able to stay active. But not having The Temporary and not yet being in The Contemporary has really highlighted the need for a performing arts space in the midvalley. People love what we do, we just need a home for it.”

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019 • 5

Sing and dance and clap your hands Ross Montessori School students and staff were all smiles as Logo Ligi African Drum & Dance Troupe gave a mesmerizing performance of drumming, singing and dancing. Aspen Dance Connection in Willits organized the event as part of its efforts to present original and world dance and to educate youth to the beauty of all styles of dance. Logo Ligi is a Colorado-based West African group dedicated to celebrating the style and spirit of traditional performance art. Logo Ligi is translated from the Ghanaian language of Ga and means “to tickle, play, or excite.” So true, as the kids enthusiastically joined in the dancing, along with the staff. Photos by Roberta McGowan

THRILL THE WORLD CARBONDALE 2019 A Worldwide Zombie Dance Event Celebrating Dance & Community

Hosted by Bonedale Ballet & Bonedale Flashmob

Saturday, October 26 at 4 p.m. ● 4th Street Plaza, Carbondale

Free & open to the public Donations will be accepted for Family Resource Center of the Roaring Fork Schools to connect families, schools and communities for improved student health, well-being and academic achievement.

www.bonedaleballet.com • (970) 379-2187

6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019

Thrills and chills for a good cause By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff Look out! The “Thriller” Flash Mob is coming this week to any place at any time. So if you see a group of zombie-attired kid and adults performing to well-known music, don’t be scared. It’s just that wild and wacky dance group from Coredination, Bonedale Ballet and Bonedale Flash Mob, run by Anthony and Alexandra Jerkunica. Carbondale’s fifth such free event is set for 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct 26, at the Fourth Street Plaza. Donations will be accepted for the Family Resource Center (FRC), this is the first time a designated charity has been attached to the event. Local event co-coordinator and zombie dancer Heather Pratt, explained, “I’ve always loved this song and wanted to dance to it, but I never had any formal dance training.” When she found out about the flash mob classes at Coredination, she jumped on the chance to learn the dance. Pratt added, “This is the first year we’re adding fundraising. I think we will select a charity each year from now on.” In the week before the dance and up until Halloween, Bonedale thriller flash mobs will surprise locals at various sites including schools, shops, public buildings, open spaces and businesses. Thrill the World is a global celebration of dance and community and also an annual attempt to break the record for the largest simultaneous dance with Michael Jackson's Thriller. Thousands of people around the world will learn the “Thriller”

dance and perform it together all around the same time on the day Thrill The World takes place. 2019 marks the 37th anniversary of the releases of the “Thriller” album. It is still a popular and well-known video that crosses boundaries of language, culture, and geography. Many believe that this is largely due to the amazing choreography. FRC provides students with services such as basic needs, medical, dental and mental health support to remove non-academic barriers to success. Pratt said, “They really help students in the Valley.” During the 2016/2017 school year, family liaisons worked directly with the parents of more than 627 students. For some families multifaceted challenges bring them back to FRC repeatedly. Last year the parents of 104 students received case management services. Teachers, school counselors and parents report that those students showed marked improvement in each particularly difficult situation and also in their general behavior, attendance and academic progress. According to FRC, “Once the students were connected with needed resources, they could focus on school and were ready to learn.” FRC appeals to the general public for help providing warm winter clothing and school supplies. Key programs for FRC include: Colorado Community Response Program (CCR), Homeless and Child Welfare Education Liaison, Prevention Programming, Parent Collective and School-based Family Liaison. Being selected to be the 2019 designated charity, according to Director of Family Services Sarah Fedishen, “is an honor we really appreciate.”

Munchie Monday

She explained the donated funds will go directly to student services such as medical, dental and mental health needs. “This time of year,” Fedishen said, “We focus on homelessness as it’s getting quite cold.” Recently she helped a family with two children that had been camping near the Crystal River find long term, safe stable housing, “That was so rewarding for me and everyone here.” Founded in 2004, Coredination, A Movement Studio expanded its Bonedale Ballet dance program to include training, coaching and performance opportunities in classical ballet for ages three to adult, toddler dance, creative dance, tap, flash mob, jazz and also pilates and yoga. Coredination also performs flash mobs through the year. For information, contact the studio at movefromyourcenter@gmail.com or 379-2187 and 379-8108.

Here they come. The Bonedale Thriller Flash Mob took over Bowlski in El Jebel, and everyone had a howling good time. Photo by Roberta McGowan

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019 • 7

Town pitches in on disposal of hazardous waste, drugs, leaves By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent “[Carbondale] has a good philosophy” about recycling and protecting the environment, says Laurie Lindberg of the Town’s Public Works Department. Our residents will have a chance to demonstrate that commitment at the department’s upcoming semiannual Hazardous Waste Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. The free event is an opportunity for residents to get rid of an array of household items such as paints, car batteries, antifreeze, pesticides, light bulbs and other hazardous materials that should not be disposed of in the general waste stream. Most items can be dropped off at the parking lot at Fourth Street and Colorado Avenue, just east of Town Hall. A more complete list of items accepted can be found on the Town’s website on its events calendar. In addition, e-waste items – including old computers, monitors, printers and printer cartridges, televisions and singleuse batteries – will be accepted for safe recycling or disposal in the parking lot behind Town Hall. Also, on Oct. 26, the Carbondale Police Department will host its

Drug Take Back Day. People can drop off unused prescription drugs at no charge at its window in Town Hall (same hours, 8 to 2). Lindberg, who is the point person for the day, noted that there is a cost for the event. The department has budgeted $18,000 for the hazmat portion of it, which is being conducted by CleanHarbors out of Denver. They will be monitoring the collection of materials, and once that dollar amount is reached, “They will shut it down,” she said. The e-waste component, operated by CoRRecycling, Inc., of Grand Junction, is being partially subsidized by the Town, but when the subsidy limit is met, a small fee will be collected on items dropped off after that point.

To toss or not to toss … While there is no question that hazardous materials should be disposed of in an environmentally safe and responsible manner, there is the issue of what to do with the vast quantity of yard waste generated in Carbondale annually. For many years each fall, the Town has provided dumpster containers in the Colorado Avenue lot for collecting leaves and branches. This year the collection started on Oct.

11 and will run at least until Nov. 6. Once the containers of leaves are full, they are transported to various ranches, where they are composted. The branches are hauled off to landfill sites. There is a problem, though. Lindberg, who is also spearheading the leaf program, observed that people have been good about keeping plastic and paper bags and other containers out of the leaf bins, as requested by signs posted in front at the site. However, she expressed concerned that non-leaf materials – sticks, plants and other yard waste – have been dumped into the leaf containers. These contaminate the load for composting purposes and mean that they, too, must be disposed of in landfills. The cost for dumping each container is $425, which not only is an additional cost to the Town but defeats the purpose of keeping a large The leaves that are green turn to brown. File photo by Jane Bachrach in the municipal containers can be part of the Town’s new trash contract, volume of material out of the dumps. Lindberg thought that the used over the winter as mulch on Mountain Waste will begin collecting problem of contamination has garden beds and lawns, and they are yard waste next year on two Saturdays been worse so far this year than in a good addition to home compost per month (except in July) from May the past. Additional signage has piles. Likewise, sticks and branches through September. Right now, two ranches are now been posted that more clearly can be burned, weather and firein the leaf-composting program, explains what not to put in the leaf safety conditions permitting. The only method for disposing and Lindberg would welcome containers. Again, she emphasized, of the remaining yard waste at the more participation. Any nearby “No yard waste!” That begs a larger question, moment is to bag it up and include it ranches are encouraged to sign up. though: what does one do with all of with household trash. At least a partial She can be reached at llindberg@ that yard waste? Leaves not placed solution is forthcoming, though. As carbondaleco.net or 510-1325.

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8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019

Conservation Colorado comes to Carbondale By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent Erin Riccio is passionate about protecting Colorado’s public lands. She grew up in Morrison on the Front Range and comes from a family of conservationists. “My grandfather was involved in the Colorado Mountain Club back in the [1940s] and really instilled this love of the land for me and protecting these values that we all hold dear,” she said. Now, she’s the Central Mountains Field Organizer for Conservation Colorado, the state’s largest environmental advocacy group. She’s new to Carbondale and so is Conservation Colorado. Headquartered in Denver with offices around the state, the group opened the Carbondale office in early October. “This is a valley that really takes conservation seriously, that is dedicated to the cause, and that I think needs to be more engaged in state level politics,” she said. Riccio has been with Conservation Colorado since 2017. She moved to Carbondale from Grand Junction, where she held a similar position. “We really focus on getting things done

Erin Riccio has a personal investment in protecting public lands. Courtesy photo through state policy,” she said. “We focus on getting policy passed around public lands protections, water conservation and quality, and addressing climate change.” She added that the group occasionally works on the federal level when it comes to public lands policy but is mostly focused on state involvement. “With the current presidential

administration and some of the different entities they’ve put in place at the [Environmental Protection Agency], at the Bureau of Land Management, they’re rolling back a lot of these really important environmental agendas, like the Clean Power Plan, the EPA and BLM methane rules,” she said. “So now is the time for the state to really enact our own policies to

counter what’s going on with the federal government.” When the Trump administration rolled back the federal Clean Car Standards in 2018, for example, Riccio said that’s when Colorado decided to pursue its own standards. “Under the Hickenlooper administration, we went after lowemission vehicle standards, making more fuel efficient cars available on the market,” she explained. “Under Governor Polis, it was taken a step further and now we have zero-emission vehicle standards, which get more zero-emission or electric vehicles on the market for consumers to buy.” She said conservation policy needs to be maintained at all levels of government but states have a unique opportunity right now. “While the federal government is choosing inaction over action, the states can really play a role,” she explained. “But, it’s really up to all of us to ensure that all of these policies stay in place.” As for county issues, Riccio said the group is looking at different ways to get involved. Conservation Colorado plans to work locally on the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Act, the

Colorado Water Plan, protecting communities from health and safety impacts of oil and gas activities, and implementing the state’s Climate Action Plan and SB-181. “It’s an exciting time for our state overall,” she said. “We see these twin processes really about reforming the industry in our state to prioritize these things that were never really on the radar before in the same way as well as continuing to address climate change.” Conservation Colorado is leasing space, basically Riccio’s desk, in the Third Street Center office of Clean Energy Economy for the Region or CLEER, just down the hall from Wilderness Workshop and the Community Office for Resource Efficiency or CORE. Riccio said partnerships with these local groups were set up long before she started working with Conservation Colorado. “It’s really exciting to be working in closer proximity to them,” she said. Riccio said that watching what is happening with the federal government inspires her work with Conservation Colorado. “I’ve really tried to live out the values my grandfather taught me through this job.”

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019 • 9

Common hunting violations can be costly By Colorado Parks and Wildlife Every hunting season, officers for Colorado Parks and Wildlife hand out hundreds of tickets for violations that cost hunters hundreds of thousands of dollars. While some of those tickets are for flagrant violations of wildlife regulations and hunting laws, many more are for minor violations that could have been avoided. Hunters are reminded that not only can they be fined for violations, they can also lose their hunting privileges in Colorado and the 45 other states that cooperatively participate in a nationwide wildlife compact agreement. Rick Basagoitia, area wildlife manager for the San Luis Valley, explained that hunters need to set aside some time to review the Colorado Big Game Brochure. The brochure explains many of the common violations and how to avoid them. "Hunters must know their responsibilities when they get into the field," Basagoitia said. "Wildlife laws are written to protect a valuable resource and for safety." Following are some of the more common violations that occur every year: • Not wearing fluorescent orange or pink: You must wear at least 500 inches of daylight fluorescent orange/pink, including a head covering of the same color that can be seen from all directions. Mesh garments are legal but not recommended. Camouflage orange/ pink does not qualify. • Carrying loaded firearms in or on vehicles: Rifles must not have ammunition in the chamber while in or on any motor vehicles. For those riding OHVs, weapons (rifles and bows) must also be in a closed case and fully unloaded (chamber and magazine). Most accidents involving firearms occur in or near vehicles. • Going on private land without permission to retrieve a harvested animal: You must have permission from the landowner to enter private land to retrieve a dead animal. First, you should try to contact the landowner on your own. If that effort fails, call the local CPW office. CPW officers know landowners in their areas and will help you make a contact. • Shooting from a road: Before firing a

•

shot, you must be at least 50 feet off a designated state or county road, and just off forest service or BLM roads. You also cannot shoot across a road. License not voided: After you kill an animal, you must void the license immediately.

Trio found guilty of poaching For their participation in the illegal killing of multiple deer, three poachers from Craig are paying a price for the crimes, and for several other crimes related to the killing of the animals. Wildlife officials began looking into this case in January 2018 after receiving a tip from someone that had seen a dead deer in the back of a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old minor after hunting seasons had closed. As the investigation proceeded, CPW officers learned two other men were involved with the juvenile in various criminal activities, including poaching multiple deer, attempting to destroy evidence and a burglary case investigated by the Moffat County Sheriff 's Office. "It appears they had killed quite a few deer over a long period of time, and if not for the tip it's likely they would have continued to do so," said District Wildlife Officer Johnathan Lambert of Craig, the lead investigator in the case. "Once again, this shows how critical the public's help is when it comes to cases like this. We are always grateful when someone steps up and helps us out." In agreement with the 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in early October, the juvenile pleaded guilty to aggravated illegal take/possession of three or more big game animals and tampering with evidence, a class-six felony. He must serve an 18-month deferred adjudication, make a $2,000 donation to Operation Game Thief, complete 40 hours of community service and subject to the terms of his 18-month supervised probation period. One of his accomplices, Levi Baysinger, 23, pleaded guilty in August to willful destruction of a big game animal, a classfive felony. He earned an 18-month deferred judgment and sentence for that crime. While working with CPW on poaching case, the Moffat County Sheriff 's Office tied Baysinger to a cold-case burglary they had been investigating. For that offense, Baysinger pleaded guilty to criminal mischief. In total, Baysinger

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides extensive resources for hunters at cpw.state.co.us, so there's no excuse not to be informed. Courtesy photo must pay $2,393 in fines and make a $2,000 donation to Operation Game Thief, CPW's wildlife violator tip line. He must complete 40 hours of community service and is subject to the terms of his 18-month supervised probation period. Baysinger also forfeited a .22 pistol he used to kill the deer. The third accomplice, John Pinnt, 42, pleaded guilty in July of 2018 to obstructing law enforcement by destroying evidence. He must pay $1,418.50 in fines and subject to the terms of his 18-month supervised probation period. In addition, Pinnt is currently serving a five-year suspension of his hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado and 47 other Wildlife Violator Compact States. Baysinger and the juvenile are facing the possible lifetime suspension of their hunting and fishing privileges, pending a review of their case by a CPW hearings examiner. "Poaching wildlife is one of the most destructive crimes all societies face," said District Wildlife Officer Evan Jones. "But no matter how hard these criminals try to evade law enforcement, we will do all we can to bring them to justice." To provide information about a wildlife violation anonymously, the public can contact Operation Game Thief at 877265-6648. Rewards are available if the information leads to an arrest or citation.

Be cautious with campfires Because of extremely dry conditions throughout the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging hunters to be extra careful with their camp fires.

Hunters are heading to the high country for the combined deer and elk season that continues through Oct. 27. Colorado has received little rain since late summer and several fires are now burning throughout the state. Fire can spread quickly through grasses and other dry vegetation. • Hunters, and anyone else camping, are urged to follow these precautions: • Keep fires small and always keep them attended. • When heading to bed, make sure the fire is out completely by soaking it thoroughly with water and checking for hot embers. • If you start a fire in the morning, make sure it is completely out before heading into the field for the day. • Any time you leave camp, make sure the fire it out. • In windy conditions, it is recommended not to start a campfire. • If you are using a wall tent with a wood stove, make sure there is a screen to block sparks on top of the external stovepipe. Check outside the tent occasionally for embers that might be smoldering. • Don’t drive or park your vehicle over dry grass. Hot exhaust pipes can ignite vegetation. This applies to trucks, cars and OHVs. • Don’t allow vehicle chains to drag on the ground or pavement because they can cause sparks. • Dispose of cigarette butts safely; don’t toss them on the ground.

CARBONDALE'S FAVORITE SHOW!

Carbondale residents have a favorite show they love to attend in the spring and fall — a display that folks would buy tickets for if they only knew when it was going to happen. But when they are lucky enough to see it, it never fails to bring smiles to their faces. The Nieslaniks’ cattle clipclopped through town on Friday afternoon Oct. 18, to the delight of those who were able to catch it. It would appear to the novice that the cattle are stars of the show but in reality the supporting cast are the real stars. From the humans to the working dogs and horses, they work together as a team to gather and bring them down from BLM, sort the cows into each rancher’s herd then drive them home. Photos & text by Jane Bachrach

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WHAT’S MORE FALL THAN A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE?...FLU SHOTS!

THURSDAY OCT. 24

SUNDAY OCT. 27

THE DIRT ON CLIMATE SOLUTION

SACRED SOUND

Calla Rose Ostrander, a leader and organizer in today’s environmental movement, will talk about the Western United States. 5:30 to 7 p.m., Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork Community Hall (16543 Highway 82). Free and open to the public Go to anne@ waldorfschoolrf.com for information and tickets.

Journey into meditative practice with the singing of Kirtan (Mantra Chanting) followed by a healing sound at this Autumn Equinox Special Event. Hosted by Eaden and Deva Shantay from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at True Nature (100 N. Third St.) By donation. Call 963-9900 for information.

WRITING TOGETHER

Walk-in flu clinics: Wednesday, October 23, 2 pm - 6 pm Garfield County Public Health (Glenwood Springs) 2014 Blake Avenue, Glenwood Springs

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Friday, October 25, 1 pm – 5 pm

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Authors visit with Linda Lafferty and Andy Stone, co-writers of their new historical fiction novel “Light in the Shadows.” 5:30 to 7 p.m., Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave.). Fundraiser for Basalt Regional Library Foundation. $20 per person.

If you…

Love children children&&stories stories Love

CREEPY CAMPOUT

Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) offers an escape room from noon to 2 p.m. with plenty of spooky campfire stories to add to the ambiance. Ages 10 and up. Space is limited. Register for this free event at 963-2889.

THRILL THE WORLD

Valley Valley Spellbinders® Spellbinders®for forour our Hosted by Zumba Fitness with Andrea to raise money for breast cancer. Donation box at next volunteer training and Then join Roaring Fork next volunteer training and the front. Please wear something pink to join become a storytelling the cause from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carbondale become a storytelling Valley Spellbinders® for ourCenter (567 Colorado Ave). Recreation volunteer! Contact andreaorregozumbafitness@gmail.

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CREEPY DANCE PARTY become a storytelling the tunes of Callin’ Old Souls and volunteer! Enjoy Mugsy Fay. Raw, underground country and All four days are required

All four days are required to complete the training.

sad songs you can dance to. Bring your best Zombie attire and zombie dance moves. $4 Flagships for zombies and zombie sweets while they last. From 7 p.m. at Batch at Roaring Fork Beer Company (358 Main St.)

11/4 Sign up NOW for11/7 the upcoming We will find you a fulfilling , 11/4 11/7 We will findvolunteer you a fulfilling , 2-5training pm 2-5 pm convenient in Carbondale: All four days are required ONE MAN BAND 2-5 pm

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convenientinvolunteer placement a Valley Mike Oregano plays reggae, hip hop and jazz to complete at 8 p.m. at The Black Nugget (403 Main St.). placement in a Valley the training. classroom.

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HEALTH INSURANCE 101

Many of your questions about health insurance will be answered by Mountain Family Health Center’s bilingual Health Coverage Guides from 6 to 7 p.m. at Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.). Free. Go to www.gcpld.org for information. POTLUCK DINNER AND MOVIE

Join the growing community of Roaring Fork Valley folks who have adopted a vegetarian lifestyle with a plant-based potluck and “The Game Changer” — a film featuring plantbased athletes and their performance results. Organized by Davi Nikent, Center for Human LIVE MUSIC Flourishing, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Wood & Wire performs hard country and Third Street Center (520 South Third St.). high-octane bluegrass music, Austin TX style, from their Grammy nominated record TUESDAY OCT. 29 “North of Despair” from 8:30 to 11 p.m. at A CAPELLA Steve’s Guitars (19 N. Fourth St.). Reserve Songs by "Ball in the House" presented by seats at sguitars@sopris.net or 963-3304. Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association at 7 p.m. at the Mountain View FRI OCT. 25 - THU OCT. 31 Church ( 2195 CR 154, Glenwood Springs) MOVIES Admission by membership ticket. Call 303The Crystal Theatre (427 Main St.) presents 646-7634 for more information. “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (PG13) at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25-27 and 29-3. “Judy” at 5 WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30 p.m. Oct. 25 and “The Peanut Butter Falcon” at CHOCOLATE POP UP 5:15 p.m. Oct. 26. Closed Oct. 28. Pop up Black Magic Woman event with Cocoa Tree Chocolates, Black Magic Woman SATURDAY OCT. 26 Feather Jewelry by Star Lux Jewels and Tarot HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY Card Readings by Claudia and Ruby of Drop off your electronics, prescription drugs Aspen Intuitives from 6 to 9 p.m.at Batch and other stuff you shouldn’t just throw out (358 Main Street). Tarot Readings $30 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. around Town Hall (511 come with a beer or hard seltzer (cash only for tarot readings). Colorado Ave.).

ZUMBATHON Want to build the character Then join Roaring Fork Join the fun “Party in Pink,” a two-hour Zumba Then join of Roaring Forkgeneration the next class with multiple instructors from the valley.

to complete the training.

MONDAY OCT. 28

Celebrate present artists and welcome new ones 4 to 8 p.m., Art on 8th (209 Eighth St., Glenwood Springs). Contacts: Joyce Webb 366-2010 or Melissa Dehaan 230-9842.

of the the next nextgeneration generation

training in Carbondale:

If walls could talk; if walls could talk what might they say? A multimedia dance, film and theatrical compilation celebrates the voices of murals in our community 7:30 P.M. at Wheeler Opera House (320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen). Visit aspenshowtix.com for tickets; $25 for adults and $10 for kids ages 10 and under.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PICASSO

Bonedale Flashmob invites the community to Love children & stories witness this world wide synchronized zombie Want to to stay stayyoung youngat atheart heart Want dance event, performing Michael Jackson's classic Thriller dance for all ages! Hosted by Want to stay young at heart Believe in community Believe in community Coredination and Bonedale Ballet, 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Fourth St. Plaza. Donations will Want to the to build build thecharacter character Believe in community be accepted for the Family Resource Center of the Roaring Fork Schools.

WALLS

FURTHER OUT THURSDAY OCT. 31 SPOOKY STORYTIME

Join the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) for a 10:30 a.m. costume parade followed by stories and crafts and a special storytime. DANCE PARTY

KDNK’s big 21+ Halloween bash returns to the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) with a food truck and adult beverages beginning at 6 p.m., the costume contest and DJ Luis Raul at 7:30 and Tnertle hitting the stage at 9 p.m. before a 10:45 p.m. last call. Tickets are $20 at the door.

FRIDAY NOV. 1 DIA DE LOS MEURTOS

A series of free events takes over town for the Day of the Dead. Visit the altars at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.), have your face painted and partake in Mexican hot choclate and other traditional treats beginning at 5 p.m., then participate in the Que Viva before the 6:30 p.m. procession down to Main Street. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklorico will perform at 7:30 and 8 p.m. at the Thunder River Theatre (67 Promenade) and Dance of the Sacred Fire will finish off the evening with a 7:45 p.m. performance at Fourth and Main. HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL

2-5 pm 2-5 pm support. Receiveconvenient ongoing training & 9 p.m. for a Halloween party to raise funds The Carbondale Clay Center (135 Main St.) volunteer

for Accelerating Community Empowerment features local and national ceramic wares — (ACE). Zombie shot and drink specials. Best perfect for all your holiday gifts — with a 6 to support.placement in a Valley 8 p.m. opening reception. costume wins a gift card.

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019 classroom.

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RETAIL MARIJUANA | 21 +

HUNTERS SPECIAL

The Zombie Pub Crawl brings costumes and specials to drinkeries throughout downtown on Saturday. File photo by Jane Bachrach

ONGOING ‘HOPE AND GRAVITY’

Enjoy the Sopris Theatre Company’s first production of the season at 7 p.m. Oct. 25-26 at CMC's New Space Theatre (300 Country Rd. 114). Matinees are 2 p.m. Oct. Oct. 20 and 27. Tickets available at eventbrite.com: $18 for adults, and $13 for seniors, students and CMC employees and graduates. ALARMING

The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.) hosts an exhibition by K. Vuletich, Perry Taga, and Sarah Espinoza which uses interactive technologies and mixed media collage to emulate how human identity has changed in the digital age. HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION

Free opportunities include a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Greg Feinsinger about the science behind plant-based nutrition at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month, free one-hour consultations for heart attack and other chronic illness prevention by appointment Monday mornings (call 379-5718) and a plant-based whole-foods potluck at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month — all at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). BLUEGRASS JAM

Bring the instrument of your choice or just your voice for a weekly jam session first and last Sundays at 6 p.m. at Steve’s Guitars (19 N. Fourth St.) and all other Sundays at the Glenwood Springs Brew Garden (115 Sixth St.) OPEN MIC Take the stage at Riverside Grill (181 Basalt Center Circle, Basalt) from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Food and drink specials. Free. KARAOKE

Stubbies Sports Bar (123 Emma Rd.) and Sandman bring you over 30,000 songs to choose from and a quality sound system to release your inner rockstar at 9 pm. every Thursday. LET’S JUST DANCE

Feel great, have fun and dance Tuesdays at The Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). Catch a free lesson at 7 p.m., then from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. it’s open dancing with two-step, swing, waltz, line dance, salsa and more. No partner or experience necessary. $8/person; $14/couple. Questions? Call 970-366-6463 or email billypat4@gmail.com. BACHATA

Learn a Latin dance with Erik and Claudia Peña presenting weekly classes from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.). $10 drop-in fee; info at 963-8425.

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RUN AROUND

Independence Run and Hike hosts a weekly Group Run on Thursday nights. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the store, 596 Highway 133 (in La Fontana Plaza) during Daylight Saving time and at 6 p.m. during the darker months for a 4-mile loop around Carbondale. All paces are welcome. Info: 704-0909 ROTARY

The Carbondale Rotary Club meets at the Carbondale Fire Station (300 Meadowood Dr.) at 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. PING PONG

Senior Matters (520 S. Third St. Suite 33) offers a table tennis club for adults from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Contact Marcel Kahhak at 963-5901 for more information. PUNCH PARKINSON’S

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Helping The Sopris Sun shine year ‘round

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. 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.). YOGA

Get a donation-based introduction to Hatha Yoga from 8 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays at The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.). LOSS SUPPORT

The Compassionate Friends of the Roaring Fork Valley, a group for parents, grandparents or siblings who have lost a child of any age, meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at The Orchard (110 Snowmass Dr.). 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). 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). 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 roaringforkinsight.org.

“We love Carbondale and we’re such a unique community that we deserve press coverage from insiders, not outsiders. In these strange times, we have great benefits from the free press.” ~Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein, Honorary Publishers Thank you for your generous commitment to local, independent journalism. Honorary publishers commit $1,000 yearly (or $85 monthly). We welcome any contribution! Donate today at soprissun.com or PO Box 399, Carbondale.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019 • 13

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

A creative soul

Dear Editor: I was delighted to read Paramroop Khalsa’s letter to the editor, “Soul Art," in the Oct. 17 Sun about his personal insights upon viewing my friend Bill Morrow’s caduceus sculpture. As often as I have viewed Bill’s many creative works, I hadn’t realized that they could elicit such profound reflection. Take a look at some of Bill’s other sculptures (all made out of recycled materials) around town, and see what they bring forth: the Insane-a-Cycle motorcycle and rider by the Roaring Fork Coop gas pumps on 133; Running for Office next to 265 Main Street; the Butterfly Trap and flowers next to 389 Main Street; and Out There behind the library. Carbondale is fortunate to have such a creative soul in its midst. Judie Blanchard Carbondale

What about the landfill? Dear Editor: The City of Glenwood Springs is assembling to make a five-year mission statement. Missing from the process is any mention of the lifespan of the South Canyon Landfill. Presently eight tons a day of garbage is deposited in the landfill. More than 50 percent of it can be reused, recycled or composted and turned into revenue. Pitkin County Landfill has potentially 10 years remaining in its lifespan. With the rapidly increasing population of the Roaring Fork Valley, after Pitkin County Landfill closes, will South Canyon receive all the valley’s waste? We know composting works. Composting takes what would otherwise be food waste and creates sellable product. Food waste dumped in landfills also creates large amounts of a greenhouse gas known as methane. Households, restaurants, and grocery stores can all participate when given the systems to do so. There are so many exciting and compelling options now for recycling and composting in cities across this country. Our city must choose a path that addresses composting and recycling at South Canyon Landfill and within the city limits. We have the foresight and the technologies available today. Now we need the political will. People deserve the opportunity to do the right thing in a society awash with valuable waste. Jennifer Vanian Glenwood Springs

Support our libraries Dear Editor: Garfield Country has some nice library buildings and a friendly staff. They are child-friendly, working parent-friendly, senior citizen friendly. They offer study & small conference rooms at no cost. They offer Wi-Fi in a quiet setting to people who can’t afford it at home and technical help to users who need it. They offer occasional free concerts. Garfield Libraries also have too few books, and too few education programs and not exactly the most up-to-date

tablets and computers. They are closed on Sundays and not open long enough in the evenings. That’s because they’re still broke. Libraries are traditional bastions of freedom and learning. Librarians are traditional defenders of freedoms of speech and press. Let’s give them the money they need to be all they can be in Garfield. I’m voting yes on 6A. Looks like it will cost me under 30 cents/day. For our entire household. Go buy freedom of speech and press in Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia or China for 30 cents a day. Or put the 30 cents towards three lattes a month and don’t worry about freedom or education. You’ll never miss it – ‘til it’s gone. Ron Kokish Carbondale

Larson for RFSD Dear Editor: I have had the pleasure of serving on the Roaring Fork Schools RE-1 Board of Education with Shane Larson for the past four years. I wholeheartedly support his running for reelection. Shane has been an asset to the Board and the school district; he is always thoughtful and thorough in his preparation for Board meetings, and consistently has the students, staff and community in mind when discussing matters and making decisions. Shane's re-election will ensure the District keeps moving in a positive direction and meeting the goals of the community developed strategic plan. Remember that all voters within the Roaring Fork School District's boundaries cast votes for all Board of Education candidates, regardless of what district you live in or that they are running for. Vote for Shane Larson on or before Nov. 3! Mary Elizabeth Geiger Glenwood Springs

Reelect Larson Dear Editor: I support Shane Larson’s re-election to the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education. Shane brings needed experience, knowledge, the right temperament and proven interest and expertise in the education field. Shane believes that community engagement and teachers are the key to a strong district. Our local teachers’ association also supports him (I've never known them to endorse a school board candidate before). The school board is small — only five members — and with two of the three open seats being filled by new board members, Shane's continuity on the board is important to ensure a stable and well-functioning school board. Remember, everyone who lives in the Roaring Fork School District gets to vote for school board candidates, whether or not you have children in the district. Please join me in voting for Shane! Ellen Freedman Basalt

Asking for your vote

TRUU welcomes the Reverend Todd Eklof to its pulpit for “The Good News: Some Things that are Better than You Think.” A former Southern Baptist turned religious liberal, Rev. Eklof writes, “People have always lived in fear, whether of hungry predators or other humans posing a threat to our family-troops and tribes, or the angry gods expressing themselves through natural disasters and plagues, or the horror of oppressive governments, foreign invaders, and warfare. But for the past hundred years we’ve feared the possibility of total annihilation, beginning with nuclear destruction during the Cold War, and, today, Global Warming, Population Explosion, and the depletion of the Earth’s resources. In this sermon we’ll look at some of the positive trends regarding these frightening prospects that may help ease our troubled minds.”

Religious Exploration with Ana Chynoweth Music with Jimmy Byrne Preschool with Justice Bouchet

Axelson is the right choice Dear Editor: Mary Axelson has dedicated her career to student success, teaching, learning and mentoring. Mary understands and has always demonstrated the need for accountability. Her passion was knowing that her students succeeded, and that Colorado Mountain College was the best it could be in the classroom, in the community and in the eyes of the public the college served. Mary was a faculty leader at Colorado Mountain College and she had the courage to speak up for the students and faculty when sometimes administrators veered off the path in making a decision that might not have been in the best interest of our students. She is respected for speaking the truth and being dedicated to the success of students who weren’t always at the top of their class. Mary’s enthusiasm for CMC has never waned. Her passions were history, developmental studies and English. She built strong relationships throughout the college.

Mentor one child, change two lives Mentor one child, Become a two lives change Become a Mentor Today! Mentor Learn more at Today! Learn more at BuddyProgram.org BuddyProgram.org

Dear Editor: I’m passionate about education, and especially making

“The Good News is Better than You Think”

sure quality, affordable education is available to everyone in our communities. That’s why I’m running for the Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees District 2, and why I’m asking for your vote. I retired from CMC after over 30 years of teaching Developmental Studies, history, education, and Learning Lab at the Roaring Fork Campus. During my time as a faculty member, the college gave me many opportunities for growth in my discipline and in leadership, and my experience encompasses extensive committee work at both the campus and collegewide level in budget, curriculum, strategic planning, and vision and mission. At the state level, I was a CMC representative for both Colorado Community College System and the Colorado Dept. Of Higher Ed for many projects, and I have worked on General Transfer Pathways, education policy reviews, and curriculum development. At present I am serving on two Vet Tech advisory boards, and I continue to teach as an adjunct professor. At the local level, I have been fortunate to be involved with RE-1 working on mission and teacher evaluation, GSHS governance, scholarship, as an elementary reading tutor and in enrichment. I was a member of the Frontier Historic Society board helping gain designation of Certified Local Government for Glenwood, and I served on the GWS Commission for Historic Preservation. My interest in continued service to the college and community stems from a strong belief that I am a part of the community, and I should be involved and contribute. We all benefit from the college’s offerings for education, healthcare, law enforcement, and personal growth in our mountain towns. CMC has incredible faculty and staff who provide programs that need continued support to grow and maintain excellence. As a lifelong educator and longtime Roaring Fork Valley resident, I believe that I can bring an important perspective of higher education and a deep knowledge and understanding of CMC and its mission in our communities to support the college’s future. Mary Nelle Axelson CMC Candidate

Continued on page 18

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist

Sunday Services at 10am at 520 S. 3rd Street Carbondale CO 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019

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Victim blaming from page 3 She met with Karen regularly for several years. Hurley explained, “My goal in therapy is to help children and teens speak the unspeakable. The most traumatizing part of being a child victim is the stigma and shame that causes a child to keep the abuse secret. I am so honored when a kid opens up to me.” But Karen’s emotional and physical challenges were far from over. When she was 15, she attended an underage holiday party where alcohol flowed freely, and parents were absent. Most of the teenagers drank way too much, including Karen. She thought they would just be hanging out with friends. But the evening turned very dark. “I got very sleepy and went into a bedroom to rest,” she said. “And the next thing I knew a boy came in intending to assault me. His buddies egged him on. He raped me.” That was almost the last straw for Karen. She attempted suicide and was hospitalized for two weeks. “The hospital promised they wouldn’t tell my parents that I tried to kill myself; They only knew I had been injured.” She realized serious crisis therapy was her only option. Karen returned to River Bridge. After long months she was well on her way to recovery, both emotionally

and physically. Now, Karen, a high school senior, is planning to attend college to study psychology and social sciences saying, ”I feel that my traumatic experiences at different ages can help me to connect with survivors and encourage assault prevention.”

Resources Besides professional staff, River Bridge has Frasier, a sweet loving dog from Canine Companions for Independence(CCI). CCI unites people with dogs in a powerful program that leads to greater independence and confidence. If you have questions, call River Bridge 945-5195 for more information. River Bridge works closely with Mountain West Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program and has provided it with a permament home. On call 24/7, the nurses confidentially and quickly respond to crisis situations, and provide sexual assault examinations and forensic evaulations. Contact at 625-8095 for a call back from SANE. Advocate Safehouse Community Education Advocate Sarah Buckley explained that they respond to adult and family crises including sexual assault. They can offer temporary housing

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for anyone who needs safe, secret emergency shelter. “We offer crisis assistance, education and empowerment,” Buckley added. “Victims find us online or through a counselor as well as law enforcement.” “Our focus is to let people know they’re not alone, that we will go through the official channels and the healing process with them,” said Buckley. “Everything we do is confidential.” Advocate Safehouse Project provides services to Garfield County residents, visitors and workers, even if they’re just travelling through the area. According to statewide statistics, 90 percent of victims know their attacker. The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports nearly one in five women have been raped or experienced attempted rape, Fortunately, the rate of sexual assault and rape has fallen 63 percent since 1993, from a rate of 4.3 assaults per 1,000 people in 1993, to 1.2 per 1000 in 2016. While this may sound promising, each victim feels the statistics are still too high; They are a statistic too. And one in 71 men have also experienced assault. Yes, men too. About 3 percent of American men— or one in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape. Buckley explained that men report assault even less frequently than women because they feel ashamed or

are afraid someone will think they’re homosexual. Transgender people are even more reluctant to come forward if attacked. “We are still in a victim-blaming culture,” Buckley noted. Law enforcement agencies place sexual crimes as a top priority. Recently, River Bridge Executive Director Blythe Chapman presented an overview to the Garfield County Police Academy students. She spoke about how police can utilize their services which extend to Summit, Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin and Routt counties. She explained victims often don’t report the assault as they are scared and feel shame and blame. Sometimes, the crime happened in their homes or was perpetrated by a person in a position of trust who may insist that this is “our secret.” or “don’t tell your parents.” Chapman said, “Keeping this secret will not make the child safe.” While so many agencies work tirelessly to counsel, advocate and support sexual assault victims, the staff can also become trouboled by the often continuous stream of horrible crimes and take on the trauma. Buckley said that “We are counseled ourselves and learn how to cope while empathizing with victims.” Theirs is not an easy job, but their dedication to helping assault victims heal is incredible and makes a huge difference in their lives for years and years. Please don’t hesitate to get help.

What is the difference between sexual assault and sexual abuse? According to the Garfield County District Attorney’s Office, sexual abuse is not a category of crime in the legal world. Sexual abuse is a nontechnical term used more by practitioners, and it indicates sexual assault of a child. Sexual harassment isn’t necessarily sexual assault. Harassment is workplace or schoolrelated, includes unwanted sexual advances and doesn't necessarily have to cross into a physical action. Sexual assault includes a wide range of sexual acts perpetrated against an individual without their consent. State of Colorado statutes: •

•

tinyurl.com/co1818-3-404

provides information about unlawful sexual contact.

tinyurl.com/co1818-3-402

provides information about sexual assault.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019 • 15

TOWN REPORT MINERS

PARK playground replacement should be complete by the end of the month.

A TAP EXCAVATION on Sopris Avenue exposed a corroded ditch culvert, which was repaired. PLANNING AND ZONING will consider a condominium exemption at 311 Main St and a preliminary and final subdivision application for Thompson Park at its next meeting. THE CARBONDALE DITCH remains running at a reduced rate for the golf course.

From Town Manager Jay Harrington's weekly report to trustees, staff and others. POTENTIAL CONSULTANTS were interviewed for the Aquatics Facility Master Plan, with a decision pending trustee approval. JOB OPPORTUNITIES include part-time, year-round recreation assistants (call 510-1279) and climbing instructors (510-1214). WINTERIZATION of irrigation systems is almost complete, with bathrooms shut down in public parks on Oct. 14. THE TOWN BUDGET is available for review and comments at carbondalegov.

org and at Town Hall. It will be considered for adoption on Dec. 10. NORTH FACE PARK, including the tennis courts, skate park and bike park will be closed from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 24 to protect public safety during the initial tensioning of the pickleball slab. SHAKA CROSS took place Oct. 13, with more events scheduled in coming weeks: the Jacques a’ Cross celebrating Jacques Houot’s 84th birthday on Oct. 20, the Carbondale Cross using MAD Racing points on Oct. 7 and the Turkey Cross on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28.

COP SHOP From Oct. 11 through 17, Carbondale Police handled 262 call for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note: SATURDAY OCT. 12 AT 12:13 a.m. A 57-year-old

woman was pulled over for driving without headlights or taillights and subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. SATURDAY OCT. 12 AT 3:47 a.m. A traffic

stop for weaving led to a DUI summons for a 25-year-old man. SATURDAY OCT. 12 AT 6:07 p.m. An officer spotted

a 29-year-old man without a license driving and cited him. SATURDAY OCT. 12 AT 11:44 p.m. Following a traffic

stop for weaving, a 45-year-old man was summoned for DUI. SUNDAY OCT. 13 AT 6:39 A.M. A burglary report

While City Market and the Carbondale Marketplace are still inching toward verticality, First Bank is open (courtesy photo) and celebrating with three days of free lunch. The Biscuit Truck stopped by on Wednesday (photo by Will Grandbois), Spicy Paisa will be there from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 and Slow Groovin' will take its turn at the same time on Friday, Oct. 25. Photos by Will Grandbois

Bears are back!

turned out to be a cold case.

TUESDAY OCT. 15 AT 2:12 a.m. When officers

arrived on the scene of a domestic violence call, they

heard that a man had broken into the house and attacked a woman, but fled before police arrived — although he left his truck behind. TUESDAY OCT. 15 AT 1:39 p.m. A 71-year-old

man was arrested for stealing license plates. TUESDAY OCT. 15 AT 6:50 p.m. Police confirmed

that a 44-year-old man was driving without a license before issuing a summons. WEDNESDAY OCT. 16 AT 2:08 A.M. A 28-year-old

man was stopped for speeding and summoned for driving under the influence. THURSDAY OCT. 17 AT 6:37 p.m. A felony warrant

resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old man.

THURSDAY OCT. 17 AT 1:26 P.M. Police responded

to a report of a high schooler with a bottle of vodka and issued a summons for minor in possession of alcohol.

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

All garbage or refuse containers must be stored in a secured enclosed area or own a bear resistant container. (Except on collection day between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.)

Up to $1,000 fine for violating trash/bear ordinance! Warnings will not be issued! Help keep the bears out of town and Carbondale safe.

Contact the Carbondale Police Department for more information at (970) 963-2662. Carbondale Town Ordinance:

Sec. 7-3-60 (b) No person, including but not limited to an owner, occupant, lessee, person in possession or control, homeowners’ association officer, property manager or agent of a given premises, shall place any refuse or garbage container in any street, alley or other public place or upon any private property, whether or not owned by such person, within the Town, except in proper containers for collection, as provided in Section 7-3-50 above. No person shall place any such refuse or garbage container in any public street right-of-way for trash collection purposes by the Town or a private trash hauler, except for on the day collection occurs. For purposes of determining compliance with this requirement, refuse and garbage containers may be stored in a public street right-of-way only between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the day of collection. Placement of refuse or garbage containers outside of this time period shall result in the levying of fines, pursuant to Subsection (g) below. Except for between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the day of collection, and except in the instance that a refuse or garbage container is bear-resistant, as defined in Section 7-3-10 above, all refuse and garbage containers must be stored in secure enclosures when not out for collection.

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019

Open seat on the Town of Carbondale Planning & Zoning Commission. Contact Janet Buck 970.510.1208. Applications may be found at www.carbondalegov.org or at Town Hall. Applications are due by October 31, 2019 at 5 pm.

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Trustees stray off beaten path into the weeds By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff Carbondale’s new integrated weed management plan is getting attention at the county level and beyond. Sarah LaRose of Garfield County Vegetation Management made the trip to praise the policy as the Board of Trustees prepared to adopt it on Oct. 22. “We’re really looking forward to seeing what the Town of Carbondale is able to do with this plan,” LaRose said. “We are looking to make some strides in the future and adapt with our County residents as well.” The plan stands out by making extra effort to avoid the use of herbicides and pesticides, instead investigating all manner of alternatives. In Parks and Recreation Director Eric Brendlinger’s estimation, it’s a big step up from its predecessor. “It was so generic that it actually didn’t help us with some of our non-turf type parks,” he explained, citing North Face Bike Park, which features irrigation on bare dirt, as an example. Each piece of municipal property might require a different approach, Brendlinger added, and the new plan provides a wide range of tools for that purpose, from steam to orange oil. “We literally just went out and started experimenting,” he said. “What I’m really excited about for our staff is opening up every option in the book.” The program does leave the Town the

option of using non-natural herbicides against a serious infestation if all other techniques are exhausted, albeit with public notice. It also doesn’t extend to private land, although Town Manager Jay Harrington indicated that he has received some inquiries about a ballot initiative to that purpose. In any case, Gwen Garcelon of the Weed Task Force had hopes that the approach would both reflect the community’s approach and enhance it. “What the citizenry has always wanted is something that keeps chemicals out of our parks,” she said. “We hope that the spirit of this will drift into our private land use. All of this good thinking exists for everyone to access.” The motion was approved unanimously — less Mayor Dan Richardson and with Marty Silverstein filling in as pro tem. The plan is available for public perusal at carbondalegov.org and will be the subject of further outreach in advance of the next growing season.

Cross paths The Crystal Acres Planned Unit Development, which initially looked to be the night’s big topic of conversation, proved both less and more controversial than expected. The neighborhood, on the west end of town north of Hendricks Ranch, is in the midst of a dispute over private trail access to the Crystal River. Although public access such as Staircase Park would not be

affected, the Town has become involved through a set of Planning and Zoning meetings. But by the time the issue came before trustees, the land use application had been subject to several revisions which, in staff estimation, rendered it unsuitable for a public hearing. Instead, Planner John Leybourne offered two paths: send the amended application back to P&Z and kick off a new public noticing period or suggest that the issue be handled within the covenants of the PUD rather than at the Town level. Either would still require a majority of affected landowners to sign on, and while numerous neighbors were apparently involved in the revision process, there was still a sizable crowd waiting to participate in a public hearing which they were disappointed to see canceled. In Trustee Ben Bohmfalk’s estimation, it came down to a question of process. “It should be clear that a majority of the PUD supports this, and that’s really unclear so far,” he said. As such, he and the rest of the board opted to send the issue back to P&Z.

Public private partnership Most of the rest of the meeting was devoted to reviewing parts of the budget, with special emphasis on capital projects and administration. Trustees also opted to revisit the question of continuing to contribute to CoVenture’s business incubation and public event programming. The

Hands-on weed extraction remains one of the most succesful techniques, as the Summer Advantage Program and Roaring Fork Outdoor Vollunteers proved. Courtesy photo organization had come under criticism earlier in the night by Summer Scott, who used his off-agenda time to point out some perceived problems with the “conscious capitalism” — a philosophy CoVenture draws from but doesn’t subscribed to wholeheartedly. Operations Director Evan Zislis later offered to address any such concerns. In general, the trustees seemed in favor of continued support — albeit with plenty of transparency and oversight. Said Trustee Heather Henry, “I think how much of that money stays in Carbondale is the most important part… We need you to draw that direct line as possible.”

Got Prescriptions? ¿Tiene medicamentos? Turn in your unused or expired household prescription and over-the-counter medication for safe disposal Saturday October 26, 2019 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Disposal location: Carbondale Police Department 511 Colorado Avenue, Suite 911 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-963-2662 The following items WILL NOT be accepted: • Needles & Sharps • Illicit Drugs • Mercury (thermometers) • Chemotherapy/Radioactive Substances • Oxygen Containers • Pressurized Canisters

Entregue sus medicamentos no usadas o vencidas y medicamentos de venta libre para eliminación segura Sabado 26 de octubre 2019 10:00 am a 2:00 pm Ubicación de disposición: Departamento de Policía de Carbondale 511 Colorado Avenue, Suite 911 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-963-2662

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Los siguientes artículos NO serán aceptados: • Agujas y punzones • Quimioterapia / Sustancias radiactivas • Drogas Ilícitas • Mercurio (termómetros) • Recipientes de oxígeno • Frascos Presurizados THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019 • 17

LETTERS

Continued from page 14

How wonderful it would be to actually have an educator on the Board of Trustees for Colorado Mountain College. Not all decisions in education are made with student success and fiscal responsibility as the focus. Mary would bring these gifts to the Board. Yes, Mary loves education, teaching and learning, but in addition, she actually has real life experience and a deep understanding of all that encompasses. Often education gets lost in trying to emulate a business model or pleasing political allies or enhancing one’s resume. Mary’s focus has always remained on the individual student. CMC is a strong and well respected college with exceptional faculty and staff. Mary is an educator that understands the college and is always working to see that it succeeds and continually improves. Colorado Mountain College would be fortunate to have a former full time faculty member that treasures her experiences to represent the college and its communities. Ann Harris Carbondale

Whittington for CMC Dear Editor: I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees, representing District 6. My career in higher education as a faculty member, librarian, and administrator and my dedication to affordable lifelong learning attest to my suitability for this position. My higher education career began more than 40 years ago. I was reference librarian and head of the arts library at Penn State University, head of reference at the University of Maine, and library director at Greensboro College and at CMC Leadville (2014-2018). I assisted students nationwide as a librarian for the AskAcademic chat reference service after retirement. As a librarian, I taught thousands of students critical thinking and research skills. I taught credit courses and was an academic adviser, first year seminar director, teaching and learning coordinator, and study abroad adviser. As first year seminar director at Greensboro College, I devised and administered assessment tools consistent with accreditation requirements. My philosophy of education is simple: Learn something every day. Students’ motivation to learn is sparked by mentors who encourage intellectual curiosity. As a first-generation college student, I treasure the advisers who taught me to be a college student and cherish my ongoing connections with my own students and advisees. My management philosophy is to hire the best people possible and enable them to do the work they love. The heart of Colorado Mountain College, or any college, consists of faculty and staff who engage and challenge students. CMC Leadville belongs to its community, including residential, commuting, and concurrent

enrollment students and community members who want to continue their intellectual and physical development. I co-led community education film series and held Meet the Author discussions that brought community members onto campus and reinforced CMC’s value. In May 2017, I was named Leadville Campus staff member of the year, after only 2½ years in my position. I am dedicated to academic freedom, freedom of speech, and academic integrity as well as participatory governance by faculty and staff. I support the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and was a founding member of the American Association of University Professors chapters at two colleges. I am a member of the American Library Association’s Association of College and Research Libraries. My professional life grounded me in best practices for higher education, a commitment I brought to every position and will continue as a CMC trustee. My county activities include the Lake County/Leadville Dog Park Committee, the Collegiate Peaks Forum Series Board, the Leadville Film Commission Board, Friends of Lake County Public Library Board, Planned Pethood Leadville, and Leadville Legends Gunfighters. I participated in Lake County High School’s mentoring program. Colorado Mountain College enables students to follow their dreams and become lifelong learners affordably, whether it is learning how to tie flies, detect fake news, predict avalanches, or simply learning something they did not know yesterday. As a CMC trustee, I will use my higher education and leadership experiences to enhance CMC’s value to our community of learners. Christine Whittington Leadville

Hartzell’s bona vides Dear Editor: My name is Bob Hartzell and I am running for the Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees to represent Lake County. • Married to Kay (Schneiter) for 41 years; three sons; six grandchildren • Graduated from Saint Cloud State University (Minnesota) in 1966 • Drafted by the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam - 1966-1968 • Moved to Colorado 1970 to teach at Lake County High School (Leadville) • Copper Mountain – Director of Lift Operations 1974-1979 • Rocky Mountain Lift Association – Member 1976-1999 - Past President • Leadville City Council – 1983-1988 Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem • Colorado Mountain College – 19792004 - Professor, Special Projects (faculty development, Central Rockies Leadership), Campus Dean • Founded and directed Central Rockies

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Leadership (9 county leadership development program) 1993-2002 • Founded and directed Leadership Leadville – 1996-2003 • Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board – 1999-2010 – 5 years as Board Chair • President and Executive Director of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum from 2008-2013 • Ski Cooper – Assistant Manager 1973-1974; Chicago Ridge Powder Guide 2004-2013; Ski Instructor 2013-Present • Vice President of Leadville Boom Days Board of Directors • Vice Chair of Lake County Airport Board of Advisors • President of Four Seasons Homeowners Association CMC offered me many opportunities to grow as an educator and as a leader. I am running because I want to do what I can to help Colorado Mountain College continue to thrive as an educational leader in the Central Rockies. I would appreciate your vote. Bob Hartzell Leadville

Hartzell for CMC Dear Editor: Bob Hartzell is running for trustee of Colorado Mountain College and I am happy to support him. I have had the honor of serving as trustee for eight years in this seat, representing Lake County and I am term limited. I have known Bob and his family for over 30 years in Leadville. He has always been active in education, the community, and the college. With his experience and wonderful history in Leadville, he will make a great addition to the board of trustees. In the last eight years our college, with the excellent leadership of Dr. Carrie Hauser, her team, and our campus VP Dr. Rachel Pokrandt, I have seen many innovative successes. Just this year there has been a 26 percent enrollment growth at the Timberline campus at a time when most colleges are celebrating if their numbers are flat. Our residence hall has only six open beds compared to 60 three years ago. In the spring 2019, graduation the Leadville Campus conferred 202 degrees and certificates compared to 158 last year (a 43 percent increase). I believe Bob Hartzell will take this opportunity to support and work for our college, district wide, placing CMC as one of the best colleges in the country. Bob has experience as a teacher in Lake County High School, in management at Ski Cooper, with over 20 years of employment at Colorado Mountain College in various capacities, and five years as president and executive director of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. In the time between these

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18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019

positions and now he has a great perspective of governance. He has also held elected office as a city councilman and mayor pro-tem. This provides a great background and credibility to his talent to become a trustee for CMC. I believe Bob has the expertise to expand and improve on the many opportunities for our school, our students, and our community. Please vote for Bob Hartzell district wide to become a new trustee. Pat Chlouber Leadville

Vote Virgili and Hartzell Dear Editor: Colorado Mountain College is in the business of education, a business that has built a strong team of Educators at 11 campuses, a business with an excellent team of administrators to support our Educational professionals and the campuses in which they teach and nurture our 20,000 students. I stress the business aspect of a multic-campus two and four year degree college with almost 1,000 employees. As retired professionals, both Marianne Virgili and Bob Hartzell have, and are ready to commit the time necessary to represent our students, faculty, staff and taxpayers in pursuit of educational excellence. Marianne Virgili served for 30 years as Director of the Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce as a visionary and collaborator with hundreds of business owners and community leaders. Marianne has also been a champion for CMC, leading successful campaigns including lobbying our State Legislators to introduce Bachelor Degree programs for CMC and chairing CMC’s challenge to the Gallagher Amendment to keep your tax dollars supporting CMC, not Front Range growth. Bob Hartzell’s experience clearly makes him the most qualified candidate from Lake County. Bob has been a leader in Leadville since 1970. He held multiple positions at CMC 19792004, he designed and directed the prestigious Central Rockies Leadership Program with CMC, honing the skills hundreds of aspiring leaders from our vital community organizations. Bob has also served on Leadville City Council, Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board, Director National Mining Hall of Fame and others. I believe that the best candidates to serve with me as trustees furthering the CMC Mission: to be the most inclusive and innovative studentcentered college in the nation, elevating the vitality of our communities are Marianne Virgili and Bob Hartzell. Patty Theobald, President Summit County CMC Board of Trustees

CMC election thoughts Dear Editor: I encourage you to join me in voting for CMC trustee candidates Bob Hartzell (Lake

Continued on page 19

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LETTERS

Continued from page 18

County) and Marianne Virgili (Garfield County) and 7A in support of the annexation of Salida into the CMC District As the election is now upon us, I would like to encourage you to vote in the Colorado Mountain College trustee elections. While Chris Romer, board member from Eagle County, and I are running unopposed, there are two contested board of trustee races in Lake County and Garfield County in which you will be asked to vote. In District 6- Lake County, I encourage you to vote for Bob Hartzell. Bob is a long-time Leadville resident having served on City Council and is a retired educator. Bob also served on the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board while I was a board member, and I found him to be a thoughtful and insightful voice on complex issues confronting the board. I know that Bob is passionate about CMC and will serve the organization well in this board of trustee role. In District 2- Eastern Garfield County, I would like to encourage you to vote for Marianne Virgili. Marianne was CEO of the Glenwood Springs Chamber for over 30 years and understands the challenges / opportunities of smaller Western Slope towns. Marianne is passionate about education and the role that CMC can play in our communities. Marianne is retired and has the time to devote to this institution that she has supported for thirty years personally and professionally.

Lastly, I encourage you to vote yes on 7A regarding enlarging the CMC District to include the Salida School District. Steamboat Springs School District was annexed into the District in 1981 and I have observed first-hand the many benefits CMC offers to our community. Let’s allow Salida to enjoy these same benefits without increasing taxes to current residents of the District! Bob Kuusinen Steamboat Springs

Do you want to protect clean air and water, federal, state, and local parks, build more trails, keep rivers flowing freely, and protect ranches with conservation easements, instead of promoting industries that do not incentivize preserving Nature for future generations? If your answer is yes, vote yes on 7A. John Fielder Summit County

Yes on 7A

We aren’t fooled

Dear Editor: Colorado Mountain College has campuses in Aspen, Breckenridge, Dillon, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Edwards, Leadville, and Steamboat Springs for a reason: They feed talented people into the $62 billion Colorado recreation economy (SCORP 2019). Now Salida wants in. Vote yes on 7A on your ballot to make this happen. The 2019 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP 2019…google it) also says that outdoor recreation in Colorado generated 511,000 jobs. Guess what? CMC programs train ski patrollers and ski area technicians, chefs and restaurant managers, natural resource managers, medical technicians and paramedics, environmental scientists, fire scientists, avalanche experts, and list goes on and on.

Dear Editor: For over three years the Democrats and their lackey parrots in the media have slandered, vilified and misinformed the public about President Trump at every turn. The Fourth Estate has shamefully sold out its' journalistic responsibility to the Trump hating Left. But the American people aren't stupid. They will not trade this country's best economy in a half century for the pathetic, unrealistic socialism peddled by the Democrats. How sweet the sound of liberals whining for another four years will sound. I revel in their discomfort. Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle

Correction: Garfield County Libraries has asked us to clarify that last year's ballot item was not, in fact, a funding increase. Also, a cutline in the Sept. 26 issue misspelled Yesmeen Scamahorn's name.

PARTING SHOTS

Stone Soup

The Daughters of Rebekah invited folks to pitch in veggies for a "stone soup" celebration in Friendship Park on Oct. 17. With crafts and pumpkin carving in the mix, it bridged the gap between the season of harvest festivals and swiftly approaching Halloween. Photos by Will Grandbois

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • OCTOBER 24, 2019 - OCTOBER 30, 2019 • 19