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Volume 12, Number 34 | October 1 - October 7, 2020
Mashed or baked, Bonedale has always loved its potatoes By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff A discussion of what potatoes and their cellars have meant to the Roaring Fork Valley normally doesn’t begin with the story of a train robbery. The 1904 robbery, sometimes called “The Great Potato Train Heist,” is a fascinating tale, but let’s first see how the Carbondale spud story began, and how potatoes became the crop of choice for Western Slope farmers. Since 1909, Carbondale has annually celebrated Potato Day in late September or early October. This year, the event will feature Carbondale's history through the eyes of its women from five different eras. The theme of this year's agricultural based festival is "Spuds and Suffragists - Women Voting Proudly for 100 Years,” as noted on the website. Carbondale Historical Society’s John Williams explained both the history and present day importance of potatoes. The Thompson House, built in 1887, was a good place for him to start. Its root cellar has an outside entry that allowed easy access to the storage area. The inside of the home has direct access via a narrow staircase to retrieve produce. “Potatoes, carrots, beets and other food could be good for close to a year,” Williams reported. Carbondale has a number of “retired” potato cellars. One is on the Strang Ranch, where Kit Strang remembered being told their cellar was built in the 1920s but is just used now for extra storage. Her daughter Bridget added it’s starting to deteriorate and is no longer safe. Bonfire Coffee Company has an indoor vintage elevator which goes down to the basement's former root cellar. Although public access is not allowed, it’s worthwhile to take a look at the lift’s wooden door. New Castle Gardens owners Steve and Michelle Cox also have gathered information on the history of the potato and sell organic seed potatoes. Michelle referred to the Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1849 as the impetus for people to leave that island nation, explaining, “More than 1,000,000 Irish were forced to leave their homeland and fled primarily to the United State, Canada and Australia” She also said Colorado is now the second largest producer of potatoes in the United States. One of the earliest books about Colorado potato farming is “The Potato,” written in 1912 by E.H. Grubb and W.S. Guilford. It explains how the influx of people to the Roaring Fork Valley was spurred first when gold and silver were discovered near Aspen.
Continued on page 11 Bonfire Coffee Company's vintage lift. Photo by Roberta McGowan
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OPINION
Ps & Qs
By Jeannie Perry Wow! 2020 has certainly been a memorable year. Challenging, to say the least. The last nine months have taken a toll on all of us and I think we could use a little TLC. I’ve come to the conclusion that America needs a facial. Trust me, I have had several facials over the years, and seeing as we’re a country that spends a fair amount of time in the sun, eating pre-packaged news and drinking too much drama, I’d say we are long overdue. You can see it in our tired, weary eyes and on our dull, desensitized complexion. Let’s treat ourselves to an age-defying treatment that will rejuvenate and
America needs a facial hydrate this great country of ours. The first step is to exfoliate. By bringing all the filth and toxins to the surface, we can get to work repairing the damage done by living in such a fat-cat oligarchy. Won’t it feel good to show a much cleaner and brighter face to the world? Exfoliation is an important part of the process, because it doesn’t matter how much moisturizer we slather on if we never clean out the pores — in much the same way progressive legislation can’t get through a dying and corrupt plutocracy. Once the fundamental inequities have been addressed, we can move forward to clear skin and individual liberty. We must remember that it is important to take the time to pamper ourselves. What a difference can be made by simply relaxing in a space of low light, calming sounds, and warm, blasting steam. Depending on the esthetician’s skill, inner peace is as achievable as that inner glow that shines through after a facial. If you’ve never had one before, you have much to look forward to — years and years of voting for the lesser of two evils… I know, I know, it seems like we are
fighting the inevitable; faces age, and yet campaign beauty slogans remain the same. But then, sometimes life will bring a surprise. I’ve had facials since I was 18: indoors and out, consisting of myriad fruits and vegetables, with talented people from Northeastern Europe to Southwestern Mexico. I’ve even had a facial from a man, and it took less than half a minute for me to get over my erroneous bias that only women can expertly apply an apricot-sage mask. Once in the desert, as I settled back on the massage table, ready for blissful serenity, the esthetician interrupted my daydreams to inquire if I had a pacemaker. “I— uh, what?” I asked, thinking, “What kind of facial is this?” But I trusted in the process and ended up looking radiant in the dark desert night. Most importantly, I didn’t chicken out and get off the table. No one can help us if we don’t show up. In democracy and self-care, I’ve learned, results require effort. This country hasn’t been to the spa for a long time, and it shows. A government by and for the people takes time and attention. Self-care
is about more than just presenting a picture of our feet by the pool on social media. While I’m as guilty as the next high alpine sunbather, I realize we have to advocate for each other because if we let our ideals go, through neglect or absence, then it is on us when our country looks dilapidated and unloved. Today’s America looks haggard— and not in a good Merle kind of way. This is what Merle had to say about Code Orange, “I think he’s dealing from a strange deck.” Agreed. And it is time to reshuffle. This November, at last, we can apply a layer of Vitamin C serum to strengthen and nourish, before an spf of at least 50 in order to protect us from the damaging rays of Crony Capitalism. And then the universal signal that our time is up, a dab of soothing balm to coat the lips. We can leave the darkness of the booth feeling relaxed and refreshed, ready to put our best face forward, knowing that we have done our best to preserve the skin of democracy. *Please visit the sos.state.co.us website to confirm your voter registration before Oct. 26.
Dear Editor: Ms. Janiga's plea to house homeless people in the old City Market surely comes from a sincere desire to help. Well-meaning souls in L.A. converted empty hotels into homeless homes and legalized camping in parks and public property. Those hotels soon became hubs of crime and debauchery with tens of thousands living in third-world refugee camps. Bleeding hearts cause unintended consequences and it's time to ask: are we helping or just enabling? We do not need more housing for the homeless, but if you build it they will surely come. It's good to listen to our hearts, but we should temper it with a little thinking. Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle
Good Coloradans Dear Editor: I am delighted that we have a wave of smart, dedicated people running to work on Colorado councils. I’ve always admired Pitkin County’s Francie Jacober, the family she raised and the organizations she has nurtured. The same with Dianne Mitch-Bush, I’ve watched her helping the land, water and the lives of Coloradans, from Steamboat Councils, to Routt County BOCC and Regional Planner, to the Colorado House addressing needs and creating non-partisan benefits and soon to the Federal House of Representatives. Though grateful to Martin and Samson, I’m excited to have Beatrice Soto and Leslie Robinson adding long awaited diversity to the Garfield County Board of Commissioners. With over 11,000 gas wells to watchdog, they will help our land and
Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+
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Jim Calaway, Honorary Chair Kay Brunnier Scott Gilbert Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger Carolyn Nelson Jim Noyes True Nature Healing Arts Nicolette Toussaint Jill and Gary Knaus Megan Tackett Ken & Donna Riley Michelle & Ed Buchman CoVenture Lee Beck and John Stickney Deborah and Shane Evans Carly and Frosty Merriott
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for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly
And all our SunScribers and community members for your support.
LETTERS Janiga response
Sincerest thanks to our
communities heal, grow and prosper with jobs in renewables, service and tourism. I’ve always known Karl Hanlon as a cleareyed straight-shooting attorney that shares the values of Rankin yet appreciates a clean environment and an educated gun owner. I look for educated, independent, clear thinkers that are articulate and are inclined to speak up in nonpartisan fashion. John Hoffmann Carbondale
law-abiding gun owners. She also supports keeping guns out of the hands of convicted criminals and terrorists. You can read about her other positions and her accomplishments as an effective legislator on her website: DianeForColorado.com. We face real challenges ahead; we need to send smart, levelheaded leaders like Diane to Washington to tackle them. Marc Bruell Carbondale
Mitsch Bush for Congress
Vote Mitsch Bush
Dear Editor: I’m planning to vote for Diane Mitsch Bush for the House of Representatives because we need strong, well reasoned leadership in Congress. Diane has proven herself to be smart, conscientious, and level headed in office both as a County Commissioner and as a State Representative. She knows how to get things done by working with people on both sides of the aisle, and cutting through inflammatory rhetoric that is all too common in politics these days. Diane’s positions on the issues will best benefit the real, working people of Colorado. Healthcare: she supports having Medicare negotiate drug prices, implementing paid sick leave, fighting to protect coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. Economy: Diane champions job training programs for veterans; building a domestic medical supply chain. She recognizes the damage Climate Change is wrecking on farmers and ranchers, and knows we need to address it now. She believes in providing opportunities for workers in transitioning industries, and bringing Clean Green jobs to Colorado. Diane supports the second amendment, and vows to protect the rights of responsible,
Dear Editor: Diane Mitsch Bush is different from her Congressional opponent in many ways. A few examples: Diane supports health insurance for people with pre-existing conditions, Medicare-negotiated drug prices, local clean-energy jobs, and keeping our public lands public. She has long experience creating legislation and working with the other side. She’s willing to compromise. And she’s willing to debate her opponent. We don’t need more polarization; we need Diane Mitsch Bush. Michael Kinsley Old Snowmass
Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 Dear Editor: Regarding the use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 and the CDC and FDA's proclaimed dangers of using these drugs, I would like to offer the following opinion: I worked in the offshore oil industry as a commercial diver for 30 years. This work would take me to many countries Continued on page 18
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 24- September 30, 2020
It truly takes a village to keep The Sun shining.
Donate by mail or online. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Crystal Tapp Proofreader: Lee Beck Current Board Members Raleigh Burleigh, President Marilyn Murphy, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer Kay Clarke • Carol Craven • Lee Beck Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Mondays at the Third Street Center. Contact board@soprissun.com to reach them. Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young Colin Laird • Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell
The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.
Schilling hangs up badge after 37 years By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff
Schilling is looking forward to spending more time with his family. Courtesy photo
promoted to fill his shoes. Emergency calls were infrequent, leaving the officer on duty to mostly handle security checks, ordinance violations, and the occasional fight at the Black Nugget. Schilling was promoted to Sergeant in 1990 and joined the fire board around the same time. “I didn’t like some things the previous board was doing, and I ran to at least have a vote and say in it,” he explained. “I think we continue to develop a very communityoriented fire department.” When Williams retired for the first time in 1997, Schilling decided to go for it. “I’d seen the way Fred and done it and people seemed to like that, so I thought I could continue on and maybe improve on it,” he said. Town Manager John Hire agreed, and Chief Schilling went right to work recruiting officers who were willing to help with a plugged ditch or flooded basement. He even had them all trained as notaries. “I believe we did community policing a long time before it was a buzzword,” he noted. “Of course I’m biased, but I think we have the best police department around. Overall, the community likes us and they appreciate what we do.”
OPEN HOUSE • • • • • • •
See the Classic Air Helicopter Check out the Fire Trucks with Your Local Heroes Meet Sparky the Fire Dog Vehicle Extrication Demo Rappelling Demonstration Giveaways & Door Prizes FOOD and FUN !
Saturday, CASE ABIERTA PARA October 10, 2020 LA COMUNIDAD EN 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EL DEPARTMENTO DE BOMBEROS EN Carbondale Fire District invites you to come to our CARBONDALE
Gene Schilling has been an essential cog Community Open House. in the local machinery almost all his life — and will continue to be integral even after It will be a great time with • Ve el helicopter Classic Air his impending retirement as police chief. something for the entire • Demonstracion de His family moved from Aurora to Changing times family. Enjoy a chance to extraccion de vehiculos Redstone and built the Crystal Valley Amid national calls for reallocating meet Sparky the Fire Dog Manor in 1960, when he was 8. • Demostracion de rappell law enforcement funding, Schilling sees and win prizes! Join us for “I was pretty happy growing up here,” he small town departments as underfunded • Conoce Sparky el Perro recalled. “It was a lot of fun. Not a lot of and understaffed — less so upvalley and in lunch and get to know your Bombero people, but a lot of things to do.” large cities. friends at Carbondale Fire. • Daremos Artículos As a young teen, he discovered an aptitude “You have bad cops,” he admitted. • Gratuitos y Premios for working “In large, metro Redstone’s finicky • Comida & Bebidas agencies where Don’t forget to firetruck, so he most of these bring your MASK! became a volunteer. things have While the chief happened, rather What: Bring a lawn chair and dance to the band was the only paid than getting rid of CARBONDALE & RURAL Wild Flight as you celebrate Chief Schilling’s gig in those days, someone because FIRE PROTECTION career. Enjoy ribs, mac ‘n cheese, doughnuts, he stayed involved they have to fight lemonade and coffee or BYOB. DISTRICT and at one point the union, they 300 Meadowood Drive served as volunteer transfer them to When: Saturday, Oct. 3 El Districto de Bomberos en Carbondale, CO assistant chief. different jobs. Carbondale te invita a venir a la “I like to be www.carbondalefire.org If we have a bad Where: The Orchard Lawn (110 Snowmass a helper — a Casa Abierta para la Comunidad. Saturday, October 10 officer, we’re Dr.) community service gonna know and 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sera un momento divertido guy,” he said. get rid of them. Who: Last names A-H from 4:30 to 5:30, I-O para toda la familia. Disfrute A f t e r That’s not good 5:30 to 6:30 and P-Z 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. una oportunidad de conocer graduating from for us and that’s Sparky el Perro Bombero y Roaring Fork not good for the High School — where he was a basketball community.” premios para los adultos y forward — Schilling found himself in an Of course, there are still sometimes niños! Los invitamos a tener array of odd jobs. He worked for Aspen issues. A set of tazing incidents mar the lonche con nosotros y conozca Highlands, Elitch Gardens, Sunlight department’s record, at least one of which tus amigos en el Departamento Mountain Resort and the Mid-Continent resulted from ignoring policy. An uproar de Bomberos. coal mine. over a school resource officer serving on He loved his job as a shuttle car an immigration-related task force was, in operator and later night shift foreman, Schilling’s assessment, a manufactured Cubiertas Faciales and although he worked the shift before controversy. The officer in question opted the 1981 disaster and was on the mine to leave the local force, and incoming chief, Requeridas. rescue team, a fractured ankle kept him Kirk Wilson, has indicated that policy from being among those who discovered against such cross training will continue. CARBONDALE & RURAL the dead. Overall, however, he has a lot of pride FIRE PROTECTION Schilling’s pull toward law enforcement in his tenure, and particularly for his DISTRICT began with part-time dispatch work, work with River Bridge to support child 300 Meadowood Drive which grew into full time and a role as advocacy and involvement in undercover reserve Garfield County deputy. When efforts to curb child trafficking. Carbondale, CO Carbondale had an officer opening in www.carbondalefire.org “That was my idea and I pushed for a April 1983, he signed on. few years to get it done,” he said. “Kids are Sabado, 10 de Octubre Verne Soucie had just been elected so important.” 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. sheriff and Fred Williams had been Continued on page 12 THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 24- September 30, 2020 • 3
Retirement party
SABADO, 10 de Octubre, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
SCUTTLEBUTT Off at the pass Independence Pass will be closed Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 due to rockfall safety work. The closure is anticipated to be in place for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closure points will be east of Aspen, from approximately mile markers 59 to 62.
Apply yourself To encourage more Coloradans to continue their education, Gov. Jared Polis has announced that all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado and several private institutions will allow students to apply for free on Tuesday, Oct. 13 as part of the third annual Colorado Free Application Day. The day caps off Colorado Applies Month, a five-week, statewide campaign that encourages high school juniors and seniors – and adults – to select an education or training option that’s best for them and apply to that program. Visit cdhe.colorado.gov for more information.
Fair’s fair Amy Fairbanks, the district’s Director of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, has been named 2020 Educational Leader of the Year by the Colorado Association for Bilingual Education. The award recognizes someone who has distinguished themselves as an outstanding leader and advocate for emerging bilingual students and families and as an advocate for bilingualism, biculturalism, and biliteracy. Fairbanks has a masters in
bilingual education and almost 30 years of experience. In her words, she has dedicated her career “to advocating for emerging bilingual students and to implementing the best programming possible.” She started in the field of CLDE or bilingual education in 1992 when she taught at a dual language school in Mexico, and she joined the Roaring Fork Schools as the CLDE Director in 2013.
Shuffled The Glenwood Canyon Shuffle benefitting Literacy Outreach is happening – virtually! Due to COVID and the Grizzly Creek Fire the race will be a little different this year. From Sept. 25 through Oct. 12, race participants can run/walk the 5-K or half-marathon distance, or choose our brand new “do your own thing” category! Because of the fire participants cannot use the canyon itself, but there are plenty of beautiful locations around Glenwood Springs or wherever they choose to run/ walk/ride/read/nap and take in the fall colors. Entry fees are $25 per person for the 5-K, $40 per person for the halfmarathon, and $15 to “do your own thing race.” $1 from each entry fee will be donated to the Glenwood Canyon restoration project! Visit active.com to register or call 945-5282.
Booked Randy Fricke of Western Colorado Independent Voters recently published a new book.
"America's New Revolution," which is available on Amazon.com and illustrates how the two major parties are responsible for America's current economic, social, and political ills while providing a vision of how Main Street America can create its own economy that will open a door to a new American Dream.
Call to account Aaron J. May of Dalby, Wendland & Co., P.C. (DWC), recently attained the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation after passing the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination, which is set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Aaron joined DWC’s Glenwood Springs’ tax team in the fall of 2018 after graduating from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a master’s degree in accounting.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Mark Grice and Mike Waski (Oct. 1); Megan Webber, Ray Alexander, Bill Rice, Josh Behrman and Meddi Shaw (Oct. 2); Kate Schwerin, Shannon O'Gara, Kevin Steuben, Cole Fenton and Daniella Stanley Kline (Oct. 3); Matt Koenigsknecht and Paul Black (Oct. 4); Morgan Neely and Tami Stroud (Oct. 5); Matthew Roeser, Christi Couch and Bill Anschuetz (Oct. 6) Camille Vogt and Bob Burns (Oct. 7).
The Carbondale Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate this unidentified male. At 7:08 p.m. on Sept. 28, officers responded to a stabbing at the RFTA Park n Ride on Hwy 133. The victim reported a Hispanic male, approximately 5’10”, wearing a dark jacket, dark pants, hat, and a backpack, pointed a gun and then later attempted to stab the victim with a knife. The victim had a minor injury. “This is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community,” said Lieutenant Wilson. Anyone with information of this crime is urged to call 970-963-2662.
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If you are experiencing ANY COVID-19-related symptoms: • Cough • Fever • Shortness of breath Call your primary care physician. Your physician will evaluate your symptoms and can give you a referral to be tested at AVH’s Respiratory Evaluation Center. If you do not have a primary care physician, call Aspen Valley Primary Care at 970.279.4111.
RESPIRATORY EVALUATION CENTER
HOURS OF OPERATION Reminder, a physician referral is required for testing.
EVALUATION OF MODERATE TO SEVERE SYMPTOMS Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 12 noon
LOCATION INFORMATION
The AVH Respiratory Evaluation Center is located just left of the AVH Main Entrance, through the double doors.
COMMUNITY TESTING Monday - Friday, 1 - 5 pm Saturday & Sunday, 12 noon – 2 pm
400 E Valley Rd. # I/J
Next to City Market in El Jebel
970.963.1700 rjpaddywacks.com aspenhospital.org |
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 24- September 30, 2020
AspenValleyHospital
Special thanks to FootSteps Marketing for partnering on this image project. PC: Taylor Rogers, FootSteps Marketing THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 24- September 30, 2020 • 5
You
Our Valley
Our mission is simple: to inform, inspire and build community within the Roaring Fork Valley, and we invite you to help us champion this cause. Mission and purpose The Sopris Sun is the only nonprofit print newspaper in the Roaring Fork Valley and we have made it part of our mission to support other nonprofits, charities and worthy organizations in our community. Gifting advertising spreads exponential love. When individuals and companies underwrite advertising for nonprofits in The Sun, they help not just one organization, but also allow the newspaper to employ the people who bring you quality content each week. These generous underwriters are helping to ensure that the entire community continues to benefit from free, local, independent journalism. Most importantly, these advertisements get help to those individuals that need it the most!
Paying it forward With the help of underwriters, The Sopris Sun has produced well over $30,000 of free and discounted advertising to nonprofits such as: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• Roaring Fork Sierra Club • Senior Matters • SoL Theatre Company • Spellbinders • The Buddy Program • Thunder River Theatre Aspen Center for Environmental Studies • Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Aspen Community Foundation • Valley Settlement Project Aspen Hope Center • VOICES Aspen Jewish Community Center • Way of Compassion AspenOut • Wilderness Workshop Aspen Valley Land Trust • YouthZone Carbondale Arts Carbondale Homeless Assistance Please consider partnering with The CLEER Sopris Sun in support of your favorite Colorado Animal Rescue nonprofit organization. Davi Nikent English in Action Family Visitor Program By becoming an underwriter, you can Garfield County Senior Program make a meaningful impact upon our Gay For Good - Rocky Mountain community for as little as $25 a week. KDNK Lift-Up As a reader, you can help us Literacy Outreach out by thanking our advertisers National Alliance on Mental Illness for supporting our community National Brain Tumor Society newspaper! Simply let them know Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Roaring Fork Schools you saw them here.
Contact Todd Chamberlin today to ask how you partner with us and your favorite nonprofit! Todd Chamberlin | adsales@soprissun.com | 970-510-0246
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 24- September 30, 2020
Carbondale's single-hauler trash-iversary By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun Correspondent Oct. 1 marks the start of the second year of the Town of Carbondale’s single hauler trash and recycling service. The Town’s goals in implementing the program were to reduce truck traffic, increase the landfill diversion rate, and reduce bear-trash interactions. “I have had a few folks tell me anecdotally that it seems like less truck traffic in their neighborhoods,” remarked Town of Carbondale Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman. “There were four trash companies and one composting company servicing residential customers prior to the switch. Now it is Mountain Waste as well as the composting company. That said, there are still other companies servicing commercial properties, so I don’t know the true reduction in truck trips.” Overall, both Schorzman and Mountain Waste District Manager Mike Hinkley were pleased with the transition and thought the process went smoothly. At this point, most of the Town’s roughly 2,300 households have made the switch, with the exception of a few small HOAs that are still running out their existing contracts. The last large addition to the system was River Valley Ranch, which came on
A Mountain Waste trash truck deposits a full load, about 7.5 tons of garbage, at the Pitkin County landfill — where the majority of the Town’s trash ends up. Photo by Olivia Emmer board May 1st. A benefit to having the Town serviced by a single hauler is the ability to track how much waste and recycling the Town generates, as well as its diversion rate. According to Hinkley, the “Town of Carbondale's first quarter diversion rate was 26.16 percent, which means for every hundred tons of material collected, whether it's trash or recycling, 26
percent of all that material was not taken to the landfill. It was taken somewhere else to be recycled. The state average [diversion] rate now is 12 percent... Their goal by 2022 is to be at 25 percent. Carbondale is already there.” Looking just at the months since RVR joined the system, Carbondale generated an average of 160 tons of trash and 55 tons of recycle per
Bears are back! 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.)
month. The total tons for the first year won’t provide an accurate baseline, since there was a slow rollout of the program, with some large user groups not joining until partway through the year. When asked about plans to improve landfill diversion, Schorzman discussed the results of a recent trash audit. A random sample of trash cans were collected
from around town, weighed, and examined. The results of the audit showed that 53 percent of the contents was trash, 9 percent was recyclable but thrown away, and almost 34 percent was compostable. “We don't mandate that people compost. So I guess what that tells me is, people are doing a good job of separating their recycling from their trash, but we could go a lot further if people would compost.” “Part of the reason they did that Super Saver rate, you know with the small can, $14 bucks a month, was to try to save people enough money there that they could turn around and then compost if they chose to and their overall trash bill really wouldn't go up.” Another strategy the Town implemented was a volumetric pricing model. The more trash you make, the higher rate you pay to dispose of it. Additionally, the system requires that participating households pay for recycling, in hopes that that would increase the diversion rate. Schorzman, on increasing the diversion rate. “We're not the recycling police that go around and look in cans and go ‘You didn't use yours enough.’ But there is no financial incentive for them not to recycle because they pay the same whether they use it or not.” Continued on page 12
Take a Hike with CVEPA! Join the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association for a tour of the beautiful scenic wetlands near Marble being considered for protection by the Aspen Valley Land Trust. Known by some as the “Stonehenge of Marble,” the 55 acre wetlands sit at the base of the quarry road and skirts the river and beaver ponds as it winds towards Yule Creek Falls. This is an easy walk with little elevation change.
Wednesday, October 7, 10a.m.
Up to $1,000 fine for violating trash/ bear ordinance!
Meet at the Marble Firehouse parking lot by the Quarry Mill Yard. Wear a mask.
For more information: cvepa.org
WARNINGS WILL NOT BE ISSUED! Carbondale Police Department (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.
Help keep the bears out of town and Carbondale safe.
CVEPA is a 501c3 organization that has been the environmental watchdog group of the Crystal Valley since 1971. CVEPA is committed to the protection and preservation of the natural environment and its scenic resources, wildlife, forests and streams, and the maintenance and integrity of the ecosystems within and around the Crystal River watershed.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 24- September 30, 2020 • 7
Who is a local?
By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff
One of the most frequent questions asked in the Valley is, “How long have you lived here?” followed by “What made you move here?” That second question, however, would need a whole nother story. Asking someone about their valley longevity is quite common here, but there is a lot of controversy about whether any specific time frame makes someone a local. Carbondale rancher Steve Groom, whose family has been here for several generations, pooh-poohed even the idea of what makes someone a local. ”You can be a local even if you’d been living here for only six months,” he said and explained, “What’s more important is whether you have adapted to the unique culture of mountainous rural Colorado,” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defined “local” as “Of, relating to, or characteristic of ;a particular place.” or ”a person from a particular locality” or simply “a person who lives nearby.” Upvalley mountaineer and skiing celebrity Steve Marolt commented, “I chuckle at the phrase and think it’s nothing special and doesn’t come with any entitlement. It’s more about adapting and appreciating this special place where we live.” Glenwood Springs resident Jay Fellers had a slightly more clear-cut
delineation, “Someone who’s been here for at least 20 years.” Rootrated.com published an article by Lisa Gosselin from 2016 which described “6 Tips for Living Like a Local in Aspen.” • Get fresh tracks. • Ski for free for one day after booking lodging through Aspen Snowmass. • Eat Like a Star, For Less for going to happy hour with food discounts. • Hang out in a 10th Mountain Division Hut. • Shop the Thrift Shops. • Wind down with a massage from an Aspen Massage Institute student. A post on the belocals.uk site had a different definition: “Back in the day travel took ages, it was pretty easy to define ourselves as someone who came from “this city” or lived in “that city” for most of our lives. Maybe because you have an interesting, localized accent or know certain local secrets.” Carbondale Mayor Dan Richardson jumped in with, “There’s more to being local versus being a local. It’s kind of fun,” and to some, it’s their badge of honor. He added, it can be by acknowledging “that their community needs more attention.” Slats Cabbage, who was one of the founders of the Aspen State Teachers College — which never really existed
GOING on NOW!
Mayor Dan Richardson (left) once quipped that he knew he had truly made it in Carbondale when he was asked to help in the pits on Potato Day. Photo by Tom Foster — stated “If you weren’t born here, then you’re not. It’s like rings on a tree.” However, there’s the “instant local” criteria, Cabbage continued, when someone moves into town and immediately is well-liked and fits in well. “But this is very rare and is a one in a million thing,” Cabbage explained. Talk with Jimmie Benedict, president of the Redstone Arts Foundation, and she’ll respond, “I think around Carbondale there’s a certain mindset that a local is “someone who respects the
wilderness has a desire to be outside.” Former Basalt Mayor Jacque Whitsitt, who still is in a quandary about this, said, “We’ve been here 32 years, and I still haven’t figured out if we’re locals.” She added it’s important to how you’ve adapted to bad cell service, fewer restaurants and less shopping” after moving here from a more urban environment. On babe.net is one answer “If you don’t know what a local is, then you are a… local.” Meredith Daniel is an alumnus of the now-defunct Crystal Palace
satirical musical show along with her husband Gary. Meredith said after being in Aspen for 35 years, “I have respect for long-time locals,” but she is uncertain about the “local” definition. And she mused using that word can be fun for some but could alienate others. Wind Walkers executive director Gabrielle Greeves said, it used to be “you weren't a real local til after 20 years.” But, she continued, it’s more about commitment and engagement with the community.
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400 Gillespie Drive, El Jebel, CO 81623 970-963-1173 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 24- September 30, 2020
Comedy — a medicine for melancholy? By Tom Mercer Sopris Sun Correspondent Everyone has heard the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine,” but few realize that this simple observation dates back thousands of years, and during these seriously challenging times, we would do well to add an occasional dose of humor to our lives. You may be surprised to know that doctors have long known about the benefits of humor on both our minds and our bodies. Psychiatrictimes.com suggests that laughter can elevate the pain threshold, lower one’s blood pressure, and improve one’s defense against respiratory infections. Their website goes on to state that laughter is also known to elevate endorphin levels in our bodies, which produce “euphoric and calming effects.” Happily, The Roaring Fork Valley has resources that can keep us laughing. For the purposes of this brief article, I interviewed three local residents that share a wealth of knowledge on the subject of comedy and its benefits. Don Chaney may be best known for his work as a morning radio host on KSNO radio, but he has also worked as a voice-over artist and with Defiance Community Players. Chaney knows a thing or two about comedy. He even opened for comedian Christopher Titus at the Wheeler Opera House once. On another occasion, Chaney had comedian David Brenner co-host his KSNO radio show. Chaney acknowledges that comedy has definite benefits, noting that “Laughter just feels good! It has a physiological effect that
just makes you feel better! It’s an instant escape from life’s drama.” When asked who his alltime favorite comedians are, he replied that he still loves “good slapstick comedy,” from the likes of Jerry Seinfeld and Dick Van Dyke. As an aside, he added that his brother prefers “cerebral comedy.” Many Sopris Sun readers have enjoyed comedic performances at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue. Aviad Bernstein (Avi, for short), who claims to be “certified goofy,” also chimed in with his thoughts on comedy. I asked Bernstein what the difference is between a fortune teller and a comedian, and he responded, “There is no difference. They can both either make you question your life-path or laugh at yourself.” He went on to note that “growing up, my teacher asked me to use a sentence with the words “defeat, deduct, defense and detail.” He claims that he responded “De feet of de duck jumped over de fence before de tail,” and I admit, I had to laugh. Humor can be inescapable. His advice to help folks deal with current events is sound. He said, “Make light of the situation any way you can, and do everything in your power to keep yourself healthy. Go for a bike ride, go hiking, get on the water, and eat properly. Make jokes about it. It’s a crazy time we are living in, but of all the places to be living this kind of life, the Valley is by far the most wonderful place to be.” Truth may be found in comedy! Jeff Patterson, M.A., P.C.C., the owner of Aspen Success Coaching, was also willing to share his views on comedy and the human experience. Patterson was a founding member and director of Thunder River Theatre Company’s Consensual Improv group, so his
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Holiday dates are still pending but in the meantime the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue is open through Halloween. Courtesy photo take on the importance of comedy during “hard times” carries some weight. He stated that “Comedy is one of the great mechanisms for dissipating and dispelling stress. It allows us to look at ourselves (and life) with an eye for levity. It also helps us not to take ourselves so seriously.” Jeff believes that as social creatures, “we love to laugh.” He also notes that laughter can be infectious, and points out that that is why “laugh tracks” are still used today, noting that we will often join in with the laughter simply because laughter is infectious by nature. Regarding the physical benefits of laughter, Jeff says that “Laughter offers a cleansing sensation akin to that of crying,” and that the two are not that far apart. According to Patterson, “Any day you can shed a tear and laugh out loud is a good
day in my book.” He also offered that “Laughter is a pretty good ab workout,” and that’s funny! I asked Patterson if dissecting a joke or analyzing comedy can ruin the comedic experience, and he responded that, “If I’m in my head trying to ‘understand the joke’ rather than just letting it hit me, I’ll most likely miss it. In this way, analyzing comedy can often spoil the fresh, immediate nature of its potential impact.” He sums up by adding. “Dissecting can’t ruin good comedy. It can only distract you from it, which might make you miss the joke.” Patterson recommends that “We all look for a few more things to laugh at. No, it won’t solve all our problems, but it might just help us have a little more fun while we work together to change our world.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 24- September 30, 2020 • 9
CALENDAR
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THURSDAY OCT. 1
Together Under One Sky.
SONIC ALCHEMY Karla Miller leads a full moon sound healing journey beginning at 5:30 p.m. at True Nature Healing Arts (100 N. Third St.). GUITARIST Smokin’ Joe Kelly takes the stage at 7 p.m. at Heather’s Savory Pies and Tapas (166 Midland Ave., Basalt).
FRIDAY OCT. 2
The 13th Edition of Our Flagship Festival
Join your hometown film festival for: 5 nights 7 programs
AMERICANA Feed Giants plays at 5:30 p.m. at Carbondale Beer Works (647 Main St.). COMMUNITY MEDITATION Ann O’Brien leads outdoor yoga and autumn balancing at 6 p.m. in the True Nature peace garden (100 N. Third St.). FOLK ROCK The Landmark Cafe hosts You Knew Me When for a 6 p.m. set. JAZZ Chris Bank and Mark Johnson take the stage at 7 p.m. at Heather’s Savory Pies and Tapas (166 Midland Ave., Basalt).
SATURDAY OCT. 3
Streamed LIVE to you home
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POTATO DAY Celebrate Carbondale's longest running celebration — and 100 years of women voting — with a Farmer's Market, Potato Harvest Scavenger Hunt and virtual events — visit carbondalerec.com to participate. SOUND HEALING Experience a socially-distant combination of modalities with Shari Billger through Davi Nikent (520 S. Third St.) at 3 p.m. — register by emailing shari1551@aol.com or calling (719) 332-3947
WEDNESDAY OCT. 7 MIXED MEDIA Aspen Chapel Gallery (77 Meadowood Dr.) hosts a 4 to 7 p.m. art opening with 10 percent of sales benefitting Windwalkers. Artists include
DeDe Brinkman, Sally Cole, Nicole Gogolak, Bill Gruenberg, Kathy Honea, Brenda Manes, Summers Moore, Lisa Pendrys, Marina Romanov and Lisa Singer.
FRIDAY OCT. 9 EXHIBITIONS Carbondale Arts debuts Chris Hassig’s 20-year fictional map making project, Jim Harris’s exploration of his inner terrain after an accident and Vanessa Porras’ look at heredity through patterns and line work with a 5:15 p.m. outdoor artist talk.
FRI OCT. 9 - SAT OCT. 10 PUMPKIN JAZZ Free world-class music comes to unexpected places from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Basalt on Friday and Willits on Saturday.
SATURDAY OCT. 10 FENCING TOURNAMENT Socially-distant spectators are welcome to watch the Roaring Fork Fencers Club duel beginning at 9 a.m. at Glenwood Springs Community Center (100 Wulfsohn Rd.). OPEN FIREHOUSE Beginning at 11 a.m., Carbondale Fire invites you to watch firefighters rappel, meet Sparky the Fire Dog and win prizes for all ages.
SUNDAY OCT. 11 AZYEP ANNIVERSARY The Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program celebrates from 2 to 7 p.m. on KDNK and Facebook Live.
WED OCT. 14 - SUN OCT. 18 5POINT The 13th annual film fest goes online but stays live — visit 5pointfilm.org for the full schedule and tickets.
THURSDAY OCT. 15 PIANO SONATAS Basalt Regional Library streams Amanda Gessler’s Beethoven
performance at 5:30 p.m. on Grassroots TV and YouTube.
TUESDAY OCT. 27 SPANISH READING Teacher Angélica Breña helps you practice your language skills with renowned Latin authors from 5 to 6 p.m. through Basalt Regional Library — email forrest@ basaltlibrary.org or call 9274311 to participate.
WEDNESDAY OCT. 28 PITCHFEST CoVenture offers six local businesses a chance to grow beginning at noon via Zoom. Gear up: This won't be any old Zoom call.
FRIDAY OCT. 30 DRIVE IN MOVIE Pull up to Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. for “Ghostbusters” — visit basaltlibrary.org to RSVP.
SATURDAY OCT. 31 NATURE IMMERSION Gather around the fire for song, meditation, solitude, community, nature practices, smores and more from 3 to 8 p.m. on McClure Pass. By donation.
ONGOING WALK UP CONCESSIONS The Crystal Theatre offers popcorn, candy and drinks from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Visit crystaltheatrecarbondale.com for pricing and virtual film offerings. YOUR STORY YOUR LIFE Shelly Merriam facilitates a Zoom workshop for adults about writing your personal history, one story at a time, from 10 a.m. to noon on first and third Fridays. Email sjmerr22@gmail.com to register for free. KARAOKE Sandman returns to Stubbies (123 Emma Rd.) with limited capacity and an earlier start time — 8 p.m.
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10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 24- September 30, 2020
Nancy Lovendahl’s “Small Glimpses, Many Times" exhibition runs through Oct. 15 at the Art Base. Photo by Olivia Emmer
Potatoes from page 1 By 1881, farming families came to the valley “to start cattle and sheep ranching and began growing potatoes, which became the mainstay crop of the local economy.” Carbondale potatoes became highly prized for taste and quality. Farmers needed a place to store them over the harsh winters., so potato cellars became necessary to store a variety of root crops. Specific directions on how to construct the cellars were included in the book, with the key factor being able to keep a consistent temperature in the 50s fahrenheit. Before long, railroad dining cars and hotels were interested in the vegetable, and it grew in popularity. Today, many local gardeners have their own root cellars, usually much smaller than those constructed a century ago. Storage options include basements, holes-in-the-ground, garbage cans and even an old refrigerator or freezer. The Old Farmer’s Almanac at almanac.com describes root cellars as “As any storage location that uses the natural cooling, insulating, and humidifying properties of the earth. They are traditionally used by farmers and gardeners to store raw and pickled or canned vegetables.” “They Came from Missouri” was published in 1998 by the late Anita Witt who owned a ranch in the Missouri Heights portion of unincorporated Garfield County. She explained, “I got to wondering about Missouri Heights. What was the history of this place, how did it get its name? I knew there were wonderful stories that needed to be told.” “And, yes, they came from Missouri,” she said, “People there were starving, there wasn’t enough water or workable land.” On one infamous occasion, Kid Curry of the Wild Bunch and some other outlaws planned to rob a train near Parachute , thinking it carried gold bullion to the Philadelphia Mint. But they were mistaken and instead attacked a train loaded only with potatoes, getting away with just $10. The notorious heist is commemorated on a plaque placed in Parachute by the Garfield County Historical Society. Check out wayamarking.com for details. Carbondale potatoes have a special place in Garfield County folklore. And, as the historical book “The Potato” determined, “No part of the world is better suited for growing potatoes than the mountain districts in Colorado.”
Bridget Strang was the tour guide for checking out a cellar on the Strang Ranch in Missouri Heights. (above) Peering into an old, deteriorating potato cellar shows the complicated construction required. (top right) 21st century root cellars can be built with whatever the gardener wants. This one is in old town Carbondale. (center right) Large boulders were needed to shore up cellar entrances. (right) Photos by Roberta McGowan
John Williams has a fondness for history and a healthy appetite for potatoes. Seeing as they go hand in hand here in Carbondale, Williams decided to bring a little part of the past back to life. This planting season the historian grew and harvested several variations of potatoes in his backyard — smackdab in town — all of which were commonly grown in these parts back when potatoes were a true staple locally. He harvested plenty of inspiration from “The Potato” by Eugene Grubb. Photos by James Steindler THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 24- September 30, 2020 • 11
Shilling retirement from page 3 That’s probably why he has also continued to drive school buses for the last 42 years — a role he once again eased into during his mechanical aptitude and found a way to balance with his police and fire duties. In recent years, he’s run a morning route that has him up at 5 a.m. and done by 8 a.m. in time to head into the station. He sometimes sees something suspicious and tips off his officers, but the best part of the overlapping roles is just his presence. “I felt it was a good thing for the police chief to have what I believe was a positive influence on children,” he said. Two of his current employees rode his bus daily, and two more had him as a driver for sporting events or field trips. Indeed, while some of his most promising potential successors have themselves retired recently, he’s very proud of the team he assembled. “We were one of the first agencies in the Valley to have bilingual people and we have a bunch,” he said. “We’re the only agency in a lot of places to have tie-dye. I can’t take credit for that, but it was a great idea.” One of those who can take credit for the tie dye is Greg Knott, a former Carbondale officer who now heads up Basalt’s department. “He used a lot of the ideas we did here when we went up there,” Schilling observed. And it sounds like Wilson will do the same in Carbondale. “I know that Kirk’s gonna do a great job,” Schilling said. “It was a
Trash from page 7
Reduce, reuse...
Schilling donned his tie dye shirt even for a mobile, socially-distant Mountain Fair. Photo by Mark Burrows something small and petty. good match.” “It’s been a great career. I still He expects to stay involved in the community, both as a bus driver and love coming to work every day, but potentially in some elected position. I think it’s a good time to get some But he won’t miss midnight phone new blood in the command,” he said. calls or serious car accidents or “I want to spend a lot of time with people who call to complain about my wife and my family.”
Recycling has been in the news a lot recently, as tariffs with China halted the flow of American recycling out of the country, profoundly impacting the international recycling system. According to Hinkley “From August of last year to August of this year, just to put [recycling] on the floor of the MRF to have it sorted... it's gone up 314percent per ton.” A MRF is a Materials Recycling Facility, where single stream recycling gets sorted, and the closest ones are in Denver. In addition to the fees paid to the MRF, recycling costs are also high because Mountain Waste must pay to transport the recycling to Denver. The majority of Carbondale’s trash gets hauled to the Pitkin County landfill. Again, Hinkley. “We have lost [recycling business] especially in the last year. We're starting to see people having to make that tough decision. We try to explain it to them as best as possible and we've even had some customers call Alpine Waste and Recycling, where we take it, to verify that our story
is actually true. So we have seen some fallout of people discontinuing recycling because of the way it's gone up in such a dramatic fashion just over the last year. I still believe in recycling, I still think it's the right thing to do.” When asked to comment on ways to improve the system, Schorzman sought to bring awareness to rightsizing your trash service. After an initial grace period, households are now being charged $25 per service for extra trash that doesn’t fit in their receptacle. In August, the Town saw more than $4,000 in extra charges to households that overstuffed their receptacles. “For example, at the holiday time you might have a little extra trash. And in those cases all you have to do is call Mountain Waste before pickup day and tell them they're going to have one extra bag or two extra bags, and pay Mountain Waste directly for that. And I think it's like $3 a bag and then you can avoid the $25 fee… But if it is consistent, then you need to think about switching container sizes because it's going to be way cheaper.”
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WWW.CARBONDALE.COM/FIRST-FRIDAY Artwork: Jim Harris (Shadow Entanglements with Vanessa), on display at the R2 Gallery in The Launchpad
Trapped and terrified Domestic violence incidents spike during pandemic
By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff
What if all of a sudden you couldn’t get away from your abuser? That is the awful nightmare victims of domestic violence, men as well as women, are facing in this pandemic environment. Initially, the number of reported abuse dropped significantly, according to Julie Olson, executive director, Advocate Safehouse Project in Glenwood Springs. She explained many people were probably initially dealing with essential needs during state stay at home orders. These included food, financial stress, care of their children and simply because their abusers were also getting quite stressed. Also, experts agree that substance abuse has been an additional contributing factor in domestic violence. People “just hunkered down,” she said. However, after a month or two, reporting skyrocketed, and currently is 21 percent higher than the same time last year. Olson noted Advocate serves all of Garfield County (GarCo) and added, “Most of our clients live in the county, but others live in Eagle and Pitkin counties and work in GarCo.” “We don’t turn victims away. We
work to connect them with helpful resources no matter where they are,” she maintained. Response provides similar services to Pitkin and Eagle county residents. Executive Director Shannon Meyer confirmed Response assists people who may work in Aspen, but live in GarCo. Response’s new Housing for Survivors Program, as explained on its website, focuses on getting survivors into stable housing while providing the necessary support as they rebuild their lives. A primary goal of the program is to help survivors of domestic violence achieve sustainable financial independence. Go to responsehelps. org for more information. With two abuse advocacy programs in the Valley, people who live or work anywhere from Parachute to No Name and Glenwood Springs to Aspen are covered. Services these organization provide include help with emergency housing, court appearances, hospital accompaniment, immigration assistance, sexual harassment assistance and referrals to other community resources. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) posted Colorado statistics which showed 32.7 percent of women and 28.6 percent of men experience intimate partner
physical violence or stalking. Intimate partner violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crimes. NCADV has proposed regulations requiring law enforcement to confiscate firearms when responding to domestic violence incidents. Meyer concluded that many victims stuck at home have not had many opportunities to call for help. At one point, Meyer said, a victim could write a specific code and give it to a pharmacy staff member who would call police. But, many abusers figured this out, and victims were stymied. Now, she noted, many communities require healthcare professionals to report signs of abuse. Plus, food delivery service employees may be able to bring back to work a note calling for help. However, when it comes to child victims, many schools are only doing distance learning, so teachers are not available to notice and report child abuse. Fortunately, many advocacy groups and crisis helplines now offer texting options, Meyer added, and noted helpline calls went up by 40 percent, and 94 percent of callers or their abusers were unemployed. Assistant director, Violence Free Colorado Amy Pohl reported the state has 40 advocacy groups, and all counties have coverage.
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Photo by Tumisu on pixabay.com Pohl confirmed that during most natural disasters, incident reporting numbers go up, “People are so scared,” but they feel they must reach out. The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) has awarded nearly one million dollarsl to 38 community-based domestic violence programs to provide help and essential services to domestic violence survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocate Safehouse was among those supported. Brooke Ely-Milen, director of the Domestic Violence Program of the Colorado Department of Human Services, announced October is National Violence Awareness Month. Since 1989, this project has provided community gatherings, education and support groups. In 2018, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project developed a unified theme called “#1Thing.” The purpose of this campaign as noted on the NCADV website, is to remind everyone that ending domestic violence starts with just one small
action, whether that is seeking help or sharing resources. The most important things, experts agreed, is for victims to realize it’s not their fault, abuse isn’t love and home is not always the safest place to be.
Help Crisis Hotlines
All are available 24/7 and can provide bilingual assistance. National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) Text Option, TTY (TeleTYpe), TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), and TT (Text Telephone) 800-787-3224 Advocate Safehouse Hotline 945-4439 Response Helps Hotline 925-SAFE (7233) Law Enforcement (for critical situations) 911 Survivors can text “loveis” to 22522
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 24- September 30, 2020 • 13 RECIPES AVAILABLE:
GOVERNMENT BRIEFS Community engagement brings food access Garfield County is part of a new regional coalition focused on putting the community at the forefront of developing solutions to food access. The regional partnership is known as the Safe and Abundant Nutrition Alliance or SANA and has support from over twelve local participating agencies. Recently awarded $200,000 from the Colorado Health Foundation, the project’s goal is to implement equitable solutions to improve access to healthy foods through community distribution sites in Garfield, Western Eagle and Pitkin counties. At the beginning of the year, SANA hired three local community engagement specialists with an $85,000 Colorado Health Foundation planning grant. These team members lead efforts by taking a grassroots, communitylevel approach. The engagement specialists work shifts at local food distribution sites, such as LIFT-UP. Time spent there allows the specialists to continue their dialogue with the community and share information about additional food and community resources. The team has also been working to break down the stigmas that keep people from accessing food resources. SANA is working to identify individuals who are eligible, but not currently enrolled.
Mental Health Colorado hosts forums As a nonpartisan organization, Mental Health Colorado doesn’t endorse candidates, but the nonprofit advocacy group is educating candidates and constituents from all parties about the urgency of supporting mental health for all Coloradans. During a series of forums, it will ask candidates questions about what’s at stake for mental health in this election, why voting down the ballot
matters for mental health, and what supporting improved mental health across a person’s lifespan looks like from the perspective of the office they seek.The State Senate event took place at noon on Sept. 29. The State House forum takes place at noon on Oct. 1 and District Attorney and Board of Education at noon on Oct. 13. Registration is live at mentalhealthcolorado.org and the forums are free to attend.
CDOT looks to expand Bustang The Colorado Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on its planned Bustang Outrider service between Telluride and Grand Junction, scheduled to begin in summer 2021. In addition to the Telluride-Grand Junction route, CDOT is proposing three other routes for implementation next year: Craig-Denver (early 2021), Trinidad-Pueblo, and Sterling-Greeley (both summer 2021). An online survey is available for residents along the proposed route to provide feedback on potential bus stops, schedules, and other aspects of the service at surveymonkey. com/r/Telluride-GJ through Oct. 31.
Geographic naming board meets The Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board (Board) wrapped up its orientation meeting on Sept. 17. There are 16 pending renaming proposals submitted in the state: Mount Evans to Mount Rosalie, Soule or Cheyenne Arapaho; Squaw Mountain to Mount Mistanta; Redskin Creek to Ute Creek; Chinaman Gulch to Trout Creek Gulch; Redskin Mountain to Mount Jerome; Negro Creek to Hops Creek or Clay Creek; Negro Mesa to Clay Mesa; Negro Draw to Hops Draw; Benchmark Lake Reservoir to Nottingham Lake; V H Pasture Reservoir to
Elk Springs Reservoir; Vurl Reservoir to Wapiti Reservoir; Calkins Lake to Union Reservoir and an unnamed peak in Jefferson County to Cimarron Peak.
9-8-8 bill passes The U.S. House of Representatives has passed S.B. 2661, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which was introduced by U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Jack Reed (D-RI). This bipartisan legislation designates 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, which would include the Veterans Crisis Line and improve support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and other high-risk populations. Until the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) finalizes the technical implementation of 9-8-8 as the nationwide number, anyone seeking help should still call 1-800-273-8255.
Bennet backs ICE legislation U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced the End Transfers of Detained Immigrants Act, legislation to immediately prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from transferring immigrant detainees between ICE facilities or to federal, state, and local prisons during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The legislation also requires that if physical distancing inside ICE facilities is not possible, that individuals be released to ensure adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Want to get involved? Contact your elected officials about the issues that matter to you Senator Michael Bennet 261 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5852
Senator Cory Gardner 354 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5941
Congressman Scott Tipton 218 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-4761
CO Senator Bob Rankin 200 E Colfax, 346 Denver, CO 80203 (303)866-5292
CO Rep Perry Will 200 E Colfax, 07 Denver, CO 80203 (303)866-2949
CARBONDALE’S LONGEST RUNNING CELEBRATION! Saturday, October 3rd Featuring: Farmers’ Market, Potato Harvest Scavenger Hunt
and virtual events for the whole family! Event info available on Facebook @CarbondaleAnnualPotatoDay Visit carbondalerec.com to register for Market and Scavenger Hunt 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 24- September 30, 2020
Make your pick for State Senate District 8
By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent
The race for Colorado State Senate 8th’s District seat is heating up following the Club 20 debates on Sept. 19. Challenger Karl Hanlon and incumbent Senator Bob Rankin faced off on issues ranging from healthcare to the electoral college. The Sopris Sun caught up with the two in the days following the debate and asked some questions that were not covered during the match. Incumbent Senator Bob Rankin grew up in Mississippi He studied electrical engineering in college then joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) where he honed his education which he subsequently applied to a career in technological defense and computer science. After retirement, he moved to the Valley and has lived in the Carbondale area for just shy of 20 years.
Bob Rankin. Courtesy photo
In the early 2000s Rankin started the Carbondale nonprofit “Computers for Kids” — now known as ‘Youthentity’ — which initially offered technology workshops for students interested in that career field. In terms of energy Rankin stated, “Colorado has taken some extreme measures that I believe are driven by politics and that hurt people by accelerating the closure of coal mines,” and natural gas wells. “I certainly don’t object to transitioning to renewable energy, but I want to make sure that what we do really will make a difference” said Rankin. “What I want to do is make sure that we don’t unnecessarily accelerate the loss of jobs.” When it comes to the COVID-19 response he expressed his discontent that, “The Governor through the extension of emergency declaration is running the state by executive order — including spending all of the federal relief money.” He continued, “I believe that the legislature, through the joint budget committee, should be involved in spending that money.” Rankin is a senior member of the joint budget committee. “I voted for senate bill (SB) 217 (Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity) and I believe that we have more work to do on that,” Rankin said. “I want to make sure that the reforms that we put in place really can be implemented by the town police departments.” Rankin supports the requirement in SB 217 that law enforcement wear body cameras. When it comes to people living without legal documentation in his district Rankin sated, “I feel like I represent all the people who
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Karl Hanlon grew up on a ranch in Jackson County, CO and considers himself a “dirt road democrat.” He studied at the University of Wyoming as an undergraduate and attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland in pursuit of a career in environmental law. Between degrees, the young man served as a seasonal ranger after graduating from the Law Enforcement Academy in Rangely, CO.
Karl Hanlon. Courtesy photo Hanlon came to the area roughly 25 years ago and began working in water law — a passion of his. He has served as the city attorney for Glenwood Springs for several years as well.
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live in my district whether or not they vote,” and continued, “I believe in the rule of law but at the same time these people are part of our community and they live here and we should understand what they’re contributing.”
Along with his wife, Sheryl Barto, the two started Smiling Goat Ranch in Carbondale: an equine therapy non-profit for folks with Autism and veterans suffering from PTSD. “One of the big areas that I want to focus on is how we are transitioning away from coal and natural gas development in Western Garfield, Rio Blanco and Moffat counties,” Hanlon stated. Regarding COVID-19, Hanlon said we cannot go through a complete shutdown again and need to continue to reopen while, “Relying on science to do so safely.” He’d like to see the state continue to apply pressure on the federal government to pass another stimulus bill to bolster the local economy. When it comes to police reform, Hanlon sees the onus on law enforcement as being too high and would like to see more resources — including mental health professionals — allocated to assist with a myriad of societal issues which law enforcement has historically taken on. While immigration policy is set at the federal level, Hanlon said that, “we can make it safe for people to be at public buildings,” without fear of being deported. He also takes issue with applicants having to indicate legal status to obtain benefits. “Right now in this COVID world that we’re in, I think we have to recognize that we are all a part of a community and everyone in that community matters,” Hanlon said, “To me our legislative policy should reflect the fact that all of those community members matter — that’s the bottom line.”
Looking to have fun and give back? Join us at Rotary every Wednesday at 7a.m. via Zoom! Visit rotarycarbondale.org for details. Guest Speaker Chip Ecks, Rotary Governor, District 5470 October 7, 2020
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In a reflection of long-simmering mistrust of the Colorado River Water Conservation District, Pitkin County is opposing the organization’s proposed tax increase on the Nov. 3 ballot. Pitkin County commissioners, in a special meeting Sept. 15, passed a resolution that said that without an identified use for the revenue, a tax increase is irresponsible and not in the best interests of county citizens. The ballot question tells voters in the 15-county district that the money will be used for fighting to keep water on the Western Slope, protecting water supplies for Western Slope farmers and ranchers, protecting drinking water, and protecting fish, wildlife and recreation. But commissioners said the language was flawed and too ambiguous. “It’s not that we don’t support the efforts of the water district, it’s not that we don’t support protecting water on the Western Slope,” Commissioner Patti Clapper said. “It’s just that I would like more clarification, more specification in the ballot language as to the benefits to the Pitkin County taxpayers.” The resolution opposing the River District tax hike passed on a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Greg Poschman and Steve Child voting against it. Both said they would like to hear from members of the public and the River District before making a decision. River District general manager Andy Mueller wasn’t happy with the way the meeting was noticed or that the draft resolution wasn’t included in the packet materials for the public to see. In a last-minute request to postpone the vote, Mueller asked commissioners in a Monday night email for an opportunity to engage in direct communications with Pitkin’s five-member Board of County Commissioners about the ballot measure. The BOCC did not take any public comment at the Sept. 15 meeting. In order to vote on the resolution, the BOCC came out of a work session and went into a “special meeting.” “The fact that they refused to allow public comment and input, and that they held it during a really strangely noticed meeting is really disturbing,” said Mueller, who learned Monday about the county’s resolution to oppose the tax measure. “The public in Pitkin County deserves a hell of a lot better.” Pitkin County Commissioner Kelly
McNicholas Kury said the BOCC discussed in August all the different questions on the ballot this year and whether the elected officials should bring in presenters both pro and con. “The board decided at that time that we didn’t think it was necessary and there was enough information out there for us to make a decision rather than put time on the schedule, which we frankly don’t have, to allow these groups to come in and present,” McNicholas Kury said. “I know the River District would have liked the opportunity to present. [Pitkin County Attorney] John Ely sits on that board, and he’s given us the accurate picture. He’s been fair in his summaries.” In July, the River District decided to move ahead with Ballot Issue 7A, which will ask voters to raise its property taxes from a quarter mill to a half mill. That works out to an increase of $1.90 per year for every $100,000 of residential home value, and will raise nearly $5 million annually. According to numbers provided by the River District, the mill levy for Pitkin County’s median home value would increase from $18.93 per year to $40.28. Pitkin County’s median home value, at $1.13 million, is the highest in the 15-county district. The Glenwood Springsbased River District, which was created in 1937 to protect and develop water supplies in Western Colorado, spans Grand, Summit, Eagle, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, Moffat, Garfield, Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Ouray, Gunnison, Hinsdale and Saguache counties. Ely, the Pitkin County representative on the River District board, was the lone vote against the ballot measure in July, saying that the district’s fiscal implementation plan — where it outlines how the tax money could be allocated — is not directly tied to the ballot language, so there’s no commitment on how exactly the money will be spent. On Tuesday, Ely told the BOCC that environmentally minded Pitkin County has been a proponent of enhancing streamflows and improving riparian ecosystems, while the River District has been more “traditional” in seeking ways to develop the Western Slope’s water, meaning dam and reservoir projects. “The district has not been aligned with many Pitkin County directives,” he said. After learning of the impending vote on the resolution, environmental groups American Rivers and Western Resource Advocates, which support 7A, scrambled to rally their members in an attempt to stop, or at least postpone, the vote.
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16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 24- September 30, 2020
Water from the Colorado River flows through the Grand Valley Irrigation Company’s canal near Palisade, shown in a file photo. Pitkin County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday opposing the Colorado River Water Conservation District’s proposed tax increase. Photo by Brent Gardner-Smith
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The narrows just below Placita where a dam big enough to store 62,009 acre-feet of water was once planned by the Colorado River District and the West Divide Water Conservancy District. The Pitkin County BOCC passed a resolution opposing the River District’s proposed tax increase. Photo by Brent Gardner-Smith
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River District from page 16 “Pitkin County representatives need to understand that this issue is bigger than them,” Matt Rice, director of American Rivers’ Colorado Basin Program, wrote in an email. “The most progressive communities and the most conservative communities, conservation organizations, agricultural associations, ranchers, water providers, business leadership, etc. are putting their differences aside and coming together to do what needs to be done for the Colorado River. None of us are getting everything we want nor are we going to agree on everything in the future — but we know we have to do something now.” Other counties, including Summit, Eagle, Garfield and Delta, have passed resolutions supporting the River District’s ballot measure.
Historic mistrust Pitkin County’s opposition to a River District tax increase is just the latest in the historically antagonistic relationship between the two entities, a dynamic that Poschman noted Tuesday. “I know maybe there’s a necessary and justified amount of suspicion and mistrust that the money could be spent against our interests, because we do have a misalignment with Pitkin County and the River District,” he said. Some of that mistrust can be traced to a River District-led project that included conditional water rights for 200,000 acre-feet of water storage on the Crystal River. The water rights for what is known as the West Divide Project were tied to three dams and reservoirs, including a dam just downstream from Redstone, which would have created the 129,000-acre-foot Osgood Reservoir. The River District abandoned these conditional water rights in 2011 after being sued in water court by Pitkin County, but the memory is still raw for some. “The timescale is still fresh in the minds of those people up the Crystal,” said Assistant Pitkin County Attorney Laura Makar. The River District and Pitkin County have also been on opposing sides of designating the upper Crystal as “Wild & Scenic.” The River District has opposed the federal designation, saying it would end water-development
opportunities in the valley, but Pitkin County still supports the move.
Competing water studies
The county is also going its own way on an analysis of water needs in the Crystal Valley. It recently hired hydrologist Kristina Wynne of Englewood-based water consultants BishopBrogden Associates to study backup watersupply options for Crystal River water users instead of relying on a study already underway by the River District and Rifle-based West Divide Water Conservancy District. 2018’s summer drought revealed a water shortage on the Crystal that may not leave enough for both agricultural users and residential subdivisions. Irrigators south of Carbondale placed a call on the river, meaning that upstream junior water rights holders — including some homes that use wells — would have to stop using water so the downstream senior irrigators could get their full amount. The River District, which often advocates for the interests of agricultural water users, was awarded state grant money to study the issue. Mueller maintains that his organization is no longer the dam builders of yore and emphasizes his desire for collaboration. Last week, he told members of the Crystal River Caucus that the River District will commit to not damming the mainstem of the Crystal and will emphasize solutions to the water shortage other than storage. “I recognize our district has a lot of trustbuilding to do in the valley,” he said. “I think, frankly, the River District has evolved and realized that damming anything on the Crystal is not a good idea.” But it’s a hard sell for some in Pitkin County. “It’s pretty alarming we didn’t get a heads up from the River District,” said Kury, the county commissioner, regarding the district’s Crystal River study. “We’ve had to fight the River District before. We were taken off guard by the outreach to our constituents about shutting off their wells. I have some hesitancy in that relationship.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 24- September 30, 2020 • 17
PAGES OF THE PAST From the archives of the Valley Journal and Sopris Sun
Oct. 2, 1980 John Nieslanik was profiled as the Valley’s last potato grower. That year, he’d planted two acres of Red Pontiacs and Russet Burbanks — an estimated 30,000 pounds, many of which would be bagged and trucked into town to be sold at Potato Day. Still, it was a far cry from the days of yore, and the story touched on the challenge of finding digging labor — likely one of the reasons the Nieslanik clan no longer
Satank bridge sees its last car
farms the crop in quantity. In other news… Someone seems to have marked up the story in the bound volume, crossing out multiple paragraphs and writing notes in the margin.
Oct. 4, 1990 With traffic lights slated for the intersection of Highways 82 and 133, Garfield County was preparing to close the Satank Bridge to vehicles. The landmark was already reduced to one lane with a warning sign due to its age and frailty, but it remained a popular
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Send submissions to news@soprissun.com
LEGALS ORDINANCE NO. 12 Series of 2020 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, REVISING ARTICLES 4 AND 5 OF CHAPTER 6 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING OFF-SITE DELIVERIES FROM LICENSED MEDICAL AND RETAIL MARIJUANA STORES AND OFF-PREMISES STORAGE FACILITIES AND TO PROHIBIT DELIVERIES INTO THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE FROM MEDICAL OR RETAIL MARIJUANA FACILITES LOCATED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on September 22, 2020. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www. carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours. THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE By: s/s Dan Richardson, Mayor
malaria was prevalent. When working in these countries, it was compulsory to take either hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine as a prophylactic for the prevention of malaria. I was prescribed and took either hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for years with no adverse side effects. I do not understand why the use of these drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 cannot be at the discretion of your doctor. How many people have to suffer the consequences of contracting COVID-19 while further testing has to be conducted on these already FDAapproved drugs? Michael Zadra Carbondale
Mitsch Bush over Boebert Dear Editor: Lauren Boebert is a fraud. She makes up a good story, but look into her history. Coming up with a catchy idea for a western-themed restaurant does not equate to the ability or experience needed to be an effective legislator. Consider your
back way into town, particularly during peak commuter hours. Garfield County Commissioner Marian Smith expressed hopes for public parking and fishing access on both sides of the bridge. In other news… Mid-Continent coal miners were back to work after a fire closed the bores.
Sept. 28, 2000 The Mt. Sopris Tree Farm Task Force recommended the formation of a special recreation district to create and maintain a recreation area near El Jebel
Dia Lynn, Dia Lynn, RsD.,
Sept. 30, 2010 Researchers said that sudden aspen
decline (SAD) on the Western Slope seemed to be waning — but some areas may never see the trees again. Around half a million acres — 17 percent of the state’s stands — had already been wiped out. Low altitudes were particularly affected, and increasing heat and drought seemed to be to blame. As for whether the reprieve would stick, scientist Wayne Sheppard doubted it. “What we see here may be the first scrimmage in a change that will ultimately proceed,” he said. In other news… Fatbelly served its 10,000th burger and opened up a location in Basalt.
Continued from page 2 vote carefully. Will a highschool drop-out with no legislative experience, a record of multiple arrests, and an inability to obey America’s laws represent you, your concerns and your values? Diane Mitsch Bush has a proven record of effectiveness in the Colorado legislature. Among her accomplishments was her sponsorship of the bipartisan Debt-free Schools Act to increase public school funding, passed and signed by Colorado’s governor. She served as a member of the House Committee for Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources, serving as Vice Chair in 2017. Even if you have always voted the Republican ticket, this choice should be crystal clear. Vote for experience and effectiveness. Vote for Diane Mitsch Bush. Annette Roberts-Gray Carbondale
And counting Dear Editor: 200,000 Failed leadership at the top A downward spiral JM Jesse Glenwood Springs
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Volunteers have begun preparing Spring Gulch for the winter, with Monica Schwaller felling trees while Elliot Norquist works in the background (above) while longtime participants Jenny and George Tempest took a break from clearing branches (top right) and the CRMS cross-country ski team pitched in and expressed their appreciation of the unique relationship between ranchers and the community that gives them a place to train (bottom right). Photos by Paula Mayer
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