2009 02 12

Sopris Sun THE

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1 • FEBRUARY 12, 2009

JOY in so little

By Trina Ortega

W

hile it was dumping snow in the Roaring Fork Valley, a small crew of locals arrived in the Kingdom of Swaziland during a heat wave. In some villages, the smell of urine and garbage hung in the air.

Toddlers with distended bellies, the type of kids usually seen on “Save the Children” infomercials, stood in the dirt. In one town, what little food the residents had stored in a tin shack was rotting in the sweltering temps.

It was overwhelming to the Carbondale humanitarians. But as they carried on with their mission to help at an orphanage and fight AIDS and hunger in the impoverished South African kingdom, their perspectives shifted, transformed by smiles and friendship.

Amy Kimberly, Ro Mead, and Leslie and Patrick Johnson departed on December 25 to work with orphaned children and community members in Swaziland.

Globetrotter Matt Johnson and college student Annika Johnson – both also longtime Carbondale residents – joined them for the journey that taught them how easy it is to spread joy with so little.

For Kimberly, it was familiar territory. She had been to Manzini, Swaziland, nearly 10 years ago representing the Telluride AIDS Benefit. The nonprofit raises funds for the Western Colorado Aids Project, Children’s Hospital Immunodeficiency Program, and other AIDS outreach organizations at home and abroad. A portion of the agency’s funds directly supports programs for Manzini youth.

Locals learn the value of giving in AIDS-ravaged Swaziland

SWAZILAND page 7

Carbondale Commentary

It’s our community

By Trina Ortega Sun Editor I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the two women who were assaulted January 29 walking down South Second Street at night. Additionally, my mind has been racing with the reaction in the media and in the community.

As any editor would, I deliberated on how best to approach the story. It’s important to communicate the news, but it’s beyond simply following up with what happened and that the teen perpetrators were charged and released back to the custody of their parents. Because of the media and community response, it is more than just a one-time news headline.

Anytime a tragic event like this happens, we are curious about how it could take place in OUR town. Our it’s-safeto-jog-at night and leave-your-doorsunlocked little town seems shattered again. We leave the big, “violent” cities where it seems chances are greater for random attacks or what Police Chief Gene Schilling calls an assault between “unknown combatants.” Was the attack (and the recent jumping of kids at Riverside Middle School in New Castle) gang related? I agree with Schilling that they are not actual gangs. But they certainly are gang-influenced.

When I was in sixth grade, my parents were called to my school to discuss my “gang associations.” I was one of about 20 Latino kids from the Hispanic area of north Denver bussed to the southeastern section of town to be integrated with a white neighborhood.

Hanging out with my “Rositas,” as we called ourselves, was my personal safe zone. Even at a young age, I felt a great need to be part of a group, a sisterhood.

But even as a bull-headed kid, I knew the inherent difference between right and wrong. I was grounded in the belief of Do Unto Others. Never, even if pressured, would I intentionally hurt another person.

We’re left asking ourselves what were these kids thinking? Do they feel better now that they’ve done it? Do they really think this is their only choice?

All seven suspects, ages 13 to 16, were arrested on felony charges and could be tried as adults. They also face expulsion from school. There are explanations for their behaviors, sure, but these kids must somehow come to grips with the reper-

cussions of their actions.

And so must we. I went back and forth trying to decide if the victims’ story should be translated into Spanish and printed in this or an upcoming issue of the Sun. I was worried it would appear as though it was “their” problem, the Latino community. (And to clarify, I am Latina. I am third-generation American, though, so I don’t quite fit squarely into the valley’s Latino immigrant community. Nor am I Anglo.) But it’s OUR community.

No one would deny, there’s always been great division among the Latino and Anglo communities in the valley.

Some of us work at trying to chip away that wall.

On any given day, in the minutes before the school bell rings at Crystal River E l e m e n t a r y, you’ll find moms and dads speaking in broken English to moms and dads answering in broken Spanish.

Turns out, our kids might be the best chance we have at breaking down the wall.

So then we must try to understand what’s going on with them. And I don’t care what your cultural, religious and political backgrounds are, kids of all ethnicities must be taught that it’s not acceptable to hurt a fellow human being.

There are alternatives, and numerous organizations in the valley (Roaring Fork Family Resource Centers, YouthZone, Youth Recovery Center, Aspen Youth Experience, to name only a few) are here to guide us.

I’m sure there’s been much discussion in the Anglo community about the attack, but it’s a dialogue we should have as a larger community. If you’ve been thinking about the racial implications, step back. Do you really believe the Latinos in our community condone such an assault? No. This unfortunate assault is not the first act of violence in our community, nor will it be the last. But to get our arms around this, we should take a break and talk about it together.

Then we can get back to the lighter issues, such as how new development will affect your route to Delaney park to walk Fido, how ours is the first rec. center in the nation to earn LEED platinum designation, or who’s on tap at Steve’s Guitars.

All of these issues — and how we respond as individuals — will shape the future of what is still the greatest town in the valley.

Even as a bull-headed kid, I knew the difference between right and wrong.

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009

Here comes the Sun Among the more inspiring and energizing aspects of Carbondale life is the lively sprit of the community. This is not a passive town, but is peopled by citizens who think of new ideas, roll up their sleeves, get in the fray of things and interact fully with life.

The “just do it” philosophy may have been inherited from those hearty souls who inhabited Carbondale long before most of us arrived. Ranchers, teachers, hard-working and unpretentious people who were steeped in selfreliance were the mainstay here in 1974 when Carbondale got its first community newspaper since the thirties. Those residents were both bemused and welcoming when The Valley Journal began, and offered a great deal of support in pretty lean times to insure its success.

That The Journal survived for close to 35 years is not really a testament to its sound business practices or even its perennially overworked staff. It was here because people could feel the connective value of knowing what was happening in community affairs and in each others’ lives by reading one little sheaf of newsprint every week. Carbondale scrapbooks are full of pictures and stories cut from the pages of The Journal, from the traditional Mothers Day baby portraits to heartfelt profiles of beloved oldtimers now passed away.

Small wonder, then, that the town felt dismayed and bereaved at the death of its town weekly record. No doubt, small economic times always play a role in the closing of any business. But at its outset, the newspaper was not merely a business. The staff was always a creative and passionate bunch, if a little quirky, and were never bottom line folks. Committed to creating a bonding agent for the town each of them loved, most merely hoped to get the paper out every week and get paid enough to sustain life.

As a private enterprise, the Journal was always marginal. The long, sleepless hours eventually exhausted its crew members. It seemed sometimes miraculous that new recruits always stepped up to take their places. Perhaps a Carbondale newspaper was always destined for the new model of publishing represented by this first issue of The Sopris Sun. This is a non-profit, community owned entity, born out of the collective efforts of residents from their living rooms and home offices. Most of the labor involved in creating this reality is volunteer, from dragging newpaper stands aroud and painting them Sun yellow, to late night production work.

This is a mission fueled by passion and by the belief that Carbondale is unique among valley towns. It is a town that invented Mountain Fair and KDNK and the Third Street Center. It deserves its own paper, not scattered stories in the Glenwood or Aspen publications.

So here it is. Many people worked very hard to make it happen. And now its yours. Like every other crazy, creative idea birthed in this delightful community, its fate rests with your support. May it live long and prosper.

–The Sopris Sun Managing Board of Directors

Sopris Sun THE

The Sopris Sun is an LLC organized under the 501c3 nonprofit structure of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation, P.O. Box 1582, Carbondale, CO 81623.

The mission of the Sopris Sun, LLC is to inform and inspire community members of Carbondale, Colorado.

Editor: Trina Ortega Reporter: Jeremy Heiman Advertising representatives: Jody Ensign and Patty Phelan Sopris Sun, LLC Managing Board of Directors: Russ Criswell • Peggy DeVilbiss • Allyn Harvey • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips • Rebecca Young Sopris Sun, LLC • P.O. Box 399 • Carbondale, CO 81623

By Allyn Harvey Community Correspondent A plan to build an entirely new neighborhood in the light industrial zone at the center of Carbondale is forcing the developer, community boards and town officials to confront issues on a scale they’re not used to.

There’s density, for instance. Overlook, as the proposed neighborhood is called, would be among the most densely populated in Carbondale, surpassed only by the Garfield Apartments just off Highway 133. With potentially more than 200 units on 13 acres, it would house more people per acre than densely populated neighborhoods like Wheel Drive and Carbondale South.

And there’s open space. The town code calls for an open space dedication of 15 percent of the property, about two out of approximately 13 acres located across the Rio Grande Trail from the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center and Town Hall. The developer, C’dale LLC, has asked for some flexibility in reaching that number, noting the proximity of the massive Delaney Nature Park and the pedestrian orientation throughout the neighborhood.

Road and street design is another issue. The neighborhood street plan includes a mix of street widths along winding routes that are meant to calm traffic. The popular route — Merrill Avenue to Fourth Street and over the tracks to Town Hall — from the neighborhoods in the north side of Carbondale into downtown would be removed.

C’Dale LLC partner John Foulkrod points out that the streets are through streets, connecting neighborhoods north and west of Overlook with downtown, but people will have to drive more slowly and a little less directly.

And, of course, there’s the merger of residential and commercial uses. Overlook would replace the light industrial zone that currently houses Fed Ex, Balentine Carpets, a recycling facility,

Parking and density among issues in Overlook project The Next Step

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 7 p.m. Feb. 12 • Town Hall Downtown Overlay District and Overlook Continued public hearing on downtown overlay (regarding parking, building heights, commercial and residential building standards in downtown Carbondale) and Overlook (mixed use development with up to 220 residential units and 40,000 square feet of commercial space north of Town Hall). The meeting will also be aired live on Channel 12.

equipment storage and Ross Montessori School. The proposal calls for mixed use buildings with residential units atop retail and other light commercial uses, a 50-plus room hotel, single family homes, row houses and duplexes.

“As Carbondale becomes surrounded by preserved lands, it makes sense for dense development,” Foulkrod said.

New Urbanism touted The houses, duplexes and lofts are relatively small by today’s standards, ranging from 400 square feet for the smallest studio apartment to 1,800 square feet for the largest single family home. Foulkrod said the smaller home sizes will improve affordability and make it feel more like an in-town neighborhood.

He adds that the plan conforms with the vision of Economic Roadmap Group that convened for a year to make recommendations for commercial and neighborhood development in Carbondale. The group, which was formed after the divisive community fight over a proposed big box mall development, recommended that Overlook be developed as a dense, urban-style neighborhood with small residential units, commercial space and a hotel.

The application prepared by C’dale LLC touts New Urbanism design concepts that promote a mix of different living spaces, commercial uses with on-street parking and traditional sidewalks.

“We’ve tried to create a community that is a nice place to be that has amenities,” Foulkrod said.

The idea behind New Urbanism is to create an urban feel that is more reminiscent of cities built at the beginning of the 20th Century, when people lived in cities instead of suburbs. The Web site newurbanism.org points out that older, more densely populated cities (pedestrian- and transit-oriented cities like San Francisco and New York) have higher property values and are more popular as

tourist destinations than sprawling communities that have been built to accommodate the automobile.

Public access debated And while there has been little outright opposition to the project, there are strong criticisms from powerful interests against certain aspects of the plan.

The fire department has demanded wider streets than C’dale LLC envisions.

While Foulkrod questions the actual need for wider streets, he acknowledges that the department and town staff may prevail.

The Parks and Recreation Department wants Merrill Avenue to retain its current alignment and width to support traffic to and from the Delaney park, the large, town-owned field below Ross Montessori that is used mostly as a dog park.

“We believe Merrill should remain as is – a wide thoroughfare that allows public access to Delaney park for whatever it becomes in the future,” said Chris Erickson, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Erickson urged the Carbondale Planning & Zoning Commission in late January to require the plan to be reworked so there is easy access to Delaney. He acknowledged that the park is lightly used currently, but Erickson said turning the main access into an alley would, “cut off that park from what it could be.”

If Delaney is used eventually for athletic fields, Erickson said the limited access on the alley and the circuitous route from old town and other neighborhoods to the south won’t provide adequate access.

Foulkrod believes there will be little real change for people who are driving to the park and an improvement for those who get there on foot. People coming off Eighth Street can still walk or drive down the alley, and those coming from the south will go through a nicer neighborhood to get there.

Erickson and Recreation Director Jeff Jackel were also highly critical of the

public open space plan for the neighborhood. Although the numbers are in dispute, both town staff and the developers acknowledge that the public open space total is below the amount required by the code.

In spite of the recent addition of a larger neighborhood park, at the expense of four units, Jackel and Erickson called on the town to require C’dale LLC pay cash in lieu of “usable” open space. They said the money would be spent on recreational projects around town that are more useful to the publicat-large than the neighborhood parks in the Overlook plan.

“None of the open space dedication qualifies as public open space,” said Kathy Smallen, a parks and recreation commissioner. “So we recommend 15 percent cash in lieu.”

Town staff weighs in Town staff, meanwhile, has expressed concern over parking and traffic flow. It is also concerned with the open space allotment and access to the Delaney parcel.

Town Planner Doug Dotson says the plan to create a new connection from Highway 133 to the center of town by extending Industry Place through to Eighth Street may be compromised by the Overlook plan. Industry Place is a dead end currently, that runs past the RFTA bus barn. Planners have long envisioned the street being extended to connect with Merrill, providing an alternate to Main Street and Colorado Avenue as a through route to the center of town.

“In terms of flow, the question is do jogs in road discourage people from driving through the neighborhood,” Dotson said.

Foulkrod points out that the roads through Overlook still provide access to the heart of downtown Carbondale, just not as quickly or directly as the Merrill to Fourth connection that currently exists.

OVERLOOK page 6

THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009 • 3

Scuttlebutt C’mon, Baby, do the “Localmotion” The theme for the 38th annual Carbondale Mountain Fair has been set, so all creative minds should start brainstorming ideas for a T-shirt and poster design.

“Localmotion” is this year’s theme.

Mountain Fair Director Amy Kimberly and friends were coming up with themes and the idea of keeping it “local,” when Terril Scott nailed it on the head with “Localmotion.” Designs are due April 20 to the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities office at 645 Main St. For guidelines and further information, log on to www.carbondalearts.com.

More fair news Applications for arts and crafts vendors for the Carbondale Mountain Fair, which will be July 24-26, are currently being accepted at the arts council office.

The deadline to submit applications is March 1. The food deadline is in April.

Both applications are available online at www.carbondalearts.com or at the office.

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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009

Serving their time Several Carbondale citizens stepped up to serve on some of the town’s voluntary boards and commissions. Sheri Hall, Andee Neely McCauley and Renee Maggert were appointed to the Tree Board, with terms ending Aug. 31, 2010. Carrie Podl Haberern will serve as an alternate for the Parks & Recreation Commission.

You light up my life On Jan. 27, the Board of Trustees officially recognized the Secret Santa and elves who decorated the large spruce at Weant Boulevard and Main Street with energy efficient LED lights this holiday season. Duane Stewart of Stewart Custom Builders accepted, saying “I’ll make sure Santa gets this.” The council additionally recognized Santa’s elves for helping light up the night.

Farris has her day It was like a grown-up’s “Student of the Month” at the Jan. 27 meeting, where

trustees also praised Carol Farris for 10 years of outstanding service to the town.

Trustees thanked Farris for her “invaluable insight and vision” on the Parks and Recreation and Planning and Zoning commissions 1999 to 2008.

Weinholds in Korea Skiing in mid-January on a mostly muddy ski hill in South Korea left Carbondale teacher Nanette Weinhold yearning for Spring Gulch and ski hills with more than one run. On Facebook.com, she wrote: “Nannette is dreaming of Spring Gulch; clean, quiet, and Sopris.” She and the fam are in Korea for a year while she teaches English.

History in the making The birthday sombrero was passed to Linda Criswell on February 10 as she celebrated her 60th birthday among friends at Mi Casita. Linda’s actual birthday is February 11.

Top honors Congratulations to Carbondale’s Students of the Month: Rex Hamilton, Luxelena Andrade, Luisa Munoz, and Elle Derby; Crystal River Elementary School; Lucas Schramer and Simone Lamont, Ross Montessori School; Josie Horn and Kayla Kline, Carbondale Community School; and Taylor Adams, Carbondale Middle School.

South of the equator World traveler Matt Johnson has moved on to New Zealand, after spending a few weeks with brother Patrick, sisterin-law Leslie, niece Annika, and friends Ro Mead and Amy Kimberly in Swaziland, Africa. Johnson, a Waldorf teacher, departed Carbondale last fall and started his global journey in Ireland.

What’s going on in your world?

Email news@soprissun.com today to let us know about new babies, accomplishments, anniversaries and all of the scuttlebutt that makes Carbondale a great community.

ird Street Center nonprofit collective comes to life

By Jeremy Heiman Sopris Sun reporter

“We’ve outgrown our digs here, and we’re looking forward to being part of the Third Street project,” he said.

The first tenants are getting ready to move into the former Carbondale Elementary School building, which is being converted into a complex for nonprofit organizations, known as the Third Street Center.

“This pre-lease stage makes some office space available as construction begins on the rest of the facility,” said Gavin Brooke of Land + Shelter and the developer on the project.

Workers have been remodeling “the quad,” a group of four classrooms on the east side of the building, said Third Street Center Development Team member Jeff Dickinson of Energy & Sustainable Design.

Solar Energy International, Senior Matters and Mountain Valley Developmental Services have committed to lease three of the four spaces and will be moving in soon.

B & H General Contractors is currently working to complete the quad and bring restrooms into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Other occupants of the building haven’t been determined yet, though about 30 groups have put down deposits in order to be considered for space in the building.

Third Street board of directors

Senior Matters

Senior Matters provides nutrition, transportation and activities programs for Carbondale seniors. Virginia Sterrett, who likes to be known as gina with a small “g,” is chairman of Senior Matters.

“We want to start developing some more senior activities programs,” Sterrett said.

Senior Matters hopes to move into its new space in March, which will be open on a daily basis for seniors to come in and visit during daytime hours.

Sterrett said the organization will add to its existing nutrition program by serving lunch to seniors every Friday at the Third Street Center. The group now provides a seniors’ meal every Wednesday at Crystal Meadows in partnership with Garfield County, which transports food from the cafeteria at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs.

“It’s a very successful program,” Sterrett said.

In the future, Senior Matters hopes to provide classes and educational resources on site. One example, she said, would be to bring in a speaker from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation who could provide information on how to avoid scams and swindles. The group also hopes to provide tutoring on computer use.

Senior Matters intends to make its Third Street Center space available to other organizations, when it’s not in use, Sterrett said.

“It’s a community thing,” she said.

Top: Architect Jeff Dickinson reviews plans for the Third Street Center with capital campaign director Kristen Loden and Sara Plesset of Land + Shelter. Bottom: A new sign created by Craig Wheeless of Rainy Day Designs and Dana Wilson graces the fence along Highway 133. Photos by Trina Ortega “Senior Matters is for seniors, but it’s for the community, too.” The Mt. Sopris Bridge Club has already made arrangements to meet at the Senior Matters space on Wednesday evenings.

Mountain Valley Developmental Mountain Valley Developmental Services will operate a day program in its space, said Amanda Emerson, director of enrichment services for the organization. Mountain Valley provides services such as education, employment services and housing assistance for developmentally disabled people in Garfield County and three nearby counties.

About eight Mountain Valley clients live in Carbondale now, Emerson said.

The new space will be used to provide enrichment services for clients who are unable to work, including reading stories and taking trips into the community.

The program here, similar to existing programs in Glenwood Springs and Silt, will start with a handful of clients and expand to serve about 14.

The design of the space is basic, and will include a small office for Mountain Valley case managers. The hours of op-

eration will probably be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Emerson said she doesn’t expect they will move in until about April, after work on restrooms is completed.

Solar Energy International Johnny Weiss, executive director of Carbondale-based Solar Energy International, said the organization hasn’t determined the exact use of their space, but currently needs classroom space and office space. SEI provides education on the design, installation and use of renewable energy systems and energy efficient building technologies.

“How we use the space remains to be determined,” Weiss said. “But over time, we’re definitely considering our options.”

The organization, which has a presence in 17 different states, has needs that are constantly changing. “We’re not real clear on exactly how many square feet we need at any given moment,” Weiss added.

He said he’s not sure when SEI will be able to move into the Third Street Center space, but the organization needs another Carbondale classroom very soon.

The Town of Carbondale took possession of the building on October 31 in a land swap with the Roaring Fork School District. The project is being overseen by the Third Street Center board of directors and development team.

Board Members include Stacey Bernot, Richard Fuller, Laura Kirk, Dan Miller, Michael McVoy, Ro Mead, George Stranahan, and Shane Evans.

The development team includes Gavin Brooke of Land + Shelter, Colin Laird of Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation and Jeff Dickinson of Energy and Sustainable Design.

To guide some of the design, management, and operational aspects of the Third Street Center, the development team has created a tenant advisory committee made up of representatives of nonprofits that have applied for leases in the building. Current members, according to the Third Street Center Web site, are Diane Johnson and Russ Criswell (Senior Matters), John Masters (Grassroots TV), Ro Mead (CCAH), Sandy Pickard (SEI), Evan Zislis (YouthZone) and Mountain Valley’s Amanda Emerson.

Work on the building is continuing, Dickinson said. The group is currently working on modifications to the roof of the long hall to accommodate an array of photovoltaic (solar electric) panels that will contribute power toward the building’s electrical demands.

“We’re in the design phase on that,” Dickinson said. Third Street Center is working with Ken Olsen and his firm, Sol Energy, to fit the hallway with a new roof, skylights and racks to hold enough photovoltaic panels to produce 50 kilowatts of juice.

Currently, a common room is available to be rented by groups and members of the community for events and projects. More information on renting this room can be found on the Third Street Center Web site. he Third Street Center is scheduled to be fully open in the spring of 2010.“We’re moving as fast as we can to get people in there,” Dickinson said.

The next step

To learn more about the Third Street Center, call Sara Plesset at 963- 0201 to discuss leasing opportunities, call Colin Laird interim Executive Director, at 963-5502. Third Street Center Development Team holds brown bag lunches on the first Thursday of every month to discuss the project.

More information is available at http://thirdstreetcenter.net.

THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009 • 5

’Bonedale Biz

By Allyn Harvey

Business incubator in the works Departing Carbondale Chamber of Commerce boss Randi Lowenthal plans to spend the next two or three months cooking up a business incubator for Carbondale.

Lowenthal, who has spent more than five years as executive director of the chamber, recently stepped down in order to develop a model that will work for this community.

“I’ve seen lots of existing businesses struggle, as well as proposed businesses come into the chamber and ask for help,” Lowenthal said in an interview with the Sun. She noted that the Roaring Fork Valley has very few if any of the business resource organizations available in larger communities.

“I can’t do both, so I’m opening the resource center,” Lowenthal said.

Over the next few months, she plans to develop a model for the valley that uses the best practices of other business incubators and resource centers.

Her enterprise, thus far unnamed, will be set up as a nonprofit, and its focus will be on helping entrepreneurs and business owners connect with the organizations and resources — in and out of the valley — that they need to succeed.

Madoff missed Carbondale Bernie Madoff, the New York financier who bilked thousands of people and institutions out of more than $50 billion, does not appear to have directly ensnared anyone from Carbondale in his massive Ponzi scheme.

The list of victims, released by the courts last Thursday, includes dozens of Aspenites and a handful in Basalt and Snowmass.

Although no Carbondalites are named specifically, there is a chance that some had invested in funds that in turn invested with Madoff. A handful of hedge funds had placed a significant percentage of their money with Madoff.

Madoff, former president of the NASDAQ exchange, was once considered one of the surest bets on Wall Street, netting his clients what they thought was a return of between 10 percent and 15 percent annually.

In fact, Madoff, who confessed his scheme to his sons and investigators, was using investors’ money to fund his lavish lifestyle.

The Overlook from page 3

He also notes that the current route has only existed since the early 1990s, when C’dale LLC purchased the property from Mid-Continent and provided an extension of Fourth Street across the railroad tracks.

“We gave Fourth Street to the town with the understanding it could be moved,” Foulkrod said.

He added that Overlook residents will not want heavy traffic through their neighborhood anymore than anyone else in town.

Frustration for Foulkrod The town and the developer are also still sparring over parking, which is proposed to include an underground garage beneath the hotel, on-street parking and garages for the single family, duplexes and row houses accessed off alleys.

So far, P&Z has sided with C’dale LLC on the question of whether to relax some of the parking requirements in the code.

“They can accept whatever parking solution they feel appropriate,” Dotson conceded, “but the code says the developer has to demonstrate the parking solution works.”

The Planned Unit Development still has a number of hearings before P&Z. In addition to the issues addressed above, the volunteer board must also craft a recommendation on affordable housing. Town code calls for 20 percent deed-restricted affordable housing. The developer is seeking permission to build 15 percent, which was the requirement until recent amendments to the land use code.

Foulkrod expressed a measure of frustration about what he views as the town’s extractive code requirements.

Noting what appears to be a straight up money grab by the Parks and Recreation Department, he said, “We want affordable, attainable housing out of one side, and pay, pay, pay out of the other. Let me tell you — those two aren’t compatible,”

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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009

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Swaziland

from cover

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Top left: One of the photos taken by a Swazi boy during the photography lesson.

Above: Kimberly poses with a group of the orphaned boys during a celebratory barbecue. Left: The “Care Point” support center in Scom that the Carbondalians want the community to adopt. Cover photo: Leslie Johnson with an Enjubuweni orphan.

Photos by Leslie, Pat, Matt and Annika Johnson, Amy Kimberly and Ro Mead.

s

n “For me, this has been a very special dtrip. A continuance of promises I made nine years ago … promises I thought I could not keep. Thanks to Les and Pat and Ro and Matt and Annika and, of course, all of you, those promises are surpassed and the smiles we share show it!” Kimberly wrote on her blog before making the 32-hour journey back to the U.S. However, when they first arrived in Manzini, Kimberly’s traveling partners weren’t sure they would last. The people were so frail that their hearts yearned to help every single child.

“I thought I’m not going to be able to do this: My heart is breaking. I’m going to cry every time I see them. But they had shelter, they were fed, they were clothed, they took care of each other,” said Mead, whose lifelong goal had been to visit an African nation.

“The interesting thing is when you first get there, the places just seem really depressing, they seem like such sad places,” Kimberly said. “But then as you get to know the people who inhabit these places, and you share in the joys with them, at the end the orphanage seems really good.

“In a couple of weeks, your whole perspective changes and it really comes from the people themselves — their standards of what people need in life to feel joy and have a chance, a chance to succeed.”

After a few days they made themselves at home among a kind, gentle people. The boys got used to having American visitors and would climb all over the Johnson men. Many kids even shaved their heads, possibly following suit of Patrick and Matt’s hair “styles.”

They had three weeks, so they rolled up their sleeves and got to work at the orphanages.

There are an estimated 48,000 to 65,000 orphans under the age of 17 in Swaziland, according to data compiled by the World Health Organization,

United Nations and UNICEF. In 2005, Swaziland surpassed Botswana as the country with the highest recorded HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world. And while community-based measures, volunteer groups and the kingdom itself are taking steps to reduce those statistics (the prevalence rate is about 26 percent of the population now), the number of orphaned children due to HIV/AIDS is still on the rise.

Add hunger and poverty to the mix and you get the lowest life expectancy on the planet — 37 years.

Even so, conditions are getting better, Kimberly says. About her first trip in 2000, she said: “You felt death everywhere. You felt AIDS everywhere. It was sad.”

One thing that is making a difference is that Swazis can now receive the muchneeded antiretroviral therapy. There are also new one-stop facilities where residents can learn about AIDS and get tested for HIV. In a culture where polygamy is accepted and it’s still taboo to bring up AIDS in conversation, it’s a great stride.

Assistance additionally comes from volunteer groups and individuals like the Carbondale bunch who simply want to help.

One of the thrusts of their trip was to work with the orphaned boys on art projects, including pastel and pencil drawings and photography. Although they had planned to be working with about 30 children from the Manzini Youth Center, 100 sweaty kids poured in after playing soccer on the first day.

“Thank God for that tractor paper,” Leslie Johnson commented, describing a box of dot-matrix printer paper with perforations and tiny holes running along the sides that the boys used for drawing.

The art lessons were so engaging for some kids, they would give up their chance to be at the front of the lunch line, even when it was a special meal that

The Next Step To help with the CarbondaleSwaziland efforts, contact Amy Kimberly at 618-1104. To learn about the Telluride organization, log on to www.aidsbenefit.org. included a piece of bologna along with the normal six pieces of bread.

“Michael would sit there and keep drawing. It was that important to him.

He was insatiable,” Patrick Johnson said about a young teenage mulatto boy with an appetite for art.

“He was talented, he couldn’t get enough. If we could send him to art school…” Mead added, her voice trailing off.

The boys also had photography lessons and snapped shots of each other and their surroundings, excited about the instant images from the small color printer Johnson had brought along.

During their photo outings they spied a project to bring back to Carbondale.

It was a shanty, storing food that was rotting by the hour, in the town of Scom.

But this “Care Point” services up to 300 youth a day with a meal and provides free schooling for up to 30 children.

“We had said, ‘When we see the right thing, we would know it. And we did,” Leslie Johnson said.

“The minute we got to this Care Point, it was so clearly evident this is a

project we can bring back to our community,” Kimberly added.

They aim to replace the shack with a proper facility that has a kitchen and two small classrooms to teach reading and writing. The deal is if the city finds the land, the Carbondalians will come up with the funding.

By the end, they had purchased tangible gifts: more than 60 mattresses and soccer balls for three orphanages, money for some of the children’s school fees, and a computer for the Swaziland AIDS Support Organization. Still, the Americans came home with much more.

“We felt we got more out of it than we gave,” Patrick Johnson said, spurring nods of agreement from the others.

“It just really teaches you how easy it is to give with so little,” Kimberly added.

“It also teaches you of all the stuff you don’t need. It helps you get down to what’s really important. You realize how much joy there is in so little.”

There are many stories, and they couldn’t put into words all they saw and felt during a trip that now seems like a dream. They came back to a fresh year, a new U.S. president and resolve to keep the giving spirit alive.

“It does inspire you to get more involved,” Leslie Johnson said, while reflecting during the interview that fittingly took place on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. She challenged herself: “If I’m going to help in Swaziland, what can I do in my own back yard and not just go back to my own old ways?”

The crew is planning to host a slideshow and exhibit some of the kids’ artwork. Kimberly additionally aims to produce audio stories to be aired on KDNK. Keep an eye out in the Sopris Sun for details.

THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009 • 7

Community News & Notes Rec Center goes platinum The U.S. Green Building Council awarded its highest and most prestigious certification level of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum to the Carbondale Recreation & Community Center for its energy efficient design, energy saving features and materials, indoor environmental quality, its outdoor sustainable site design, and close-to-zero carbon footprint.

“Obtaining and reaching the highest status level of LEED certification possible demonstrates the spirit and commitment of Carbondale’s mayor and board of trustees who were supportive very early in the preliminary planning of the facility,” states a press release from Recreation Director Jeff Jackel.

The 15,200 sq. ft. Carbondale Recreation & Community Center is one of only two new construction projects statewide in Colorado to be certified LEED Platinum, the other being the science and technology building at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden. Throughout the world, there have been 83 certified LEED Platinum facilities built to date, but the Carbondale rec center is the first recreational facility in the world ever to obtain this LEED rating.

Wilson named KDNK news director KDNK welcomed its new news director, Conrad Wilson, to the team in mid-January. Wilson comes to Carbondale from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he recently graduated majoring in journalism and global studies. He has most recently been working with the Minneapolis Star Tribune as a Washington correspondent covering national politics and the federal government with a focus on the Minnesota Congress.

Wilson will collaborate with KDNK reporters Marilyn Gleason and Amy Hadden Marsh and Rocky Mountain Community Radio reporter Bente Berkland. Local broadcast veteran Steve Cole is now the host for Morning Edition and, Kat Rich and Stacy Stein are hosting All Things Considered.

Tune in at 88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 94.9, 93.5 or 94.7.

Special events funding deadline near The deadline to apply for support from the Special Events and Projects Fund is March 1. Funds from the 2 percent lodging tax are to be used primarily for the promotion, development and marketing of tourism in Carbondale. The events fund was

LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED

GARDENING PARTNER? Small ranch community looking for a land constrained gardening partner to help create a productive garden located in Carbondale. I’m interested in a community partnership with someone who is willing to work together in exchange for quality food for our families.

LANDOWNER WILL SUPPLY Land • Seeds • Water • Tools & Equipment • Garden Security (2 Dogs)

GARDENING PARTNER WILL SUPPLY

Knowledge of adaptive varieties, soil preparation Proper planting, fertilization and care • Labor – weeding and harvesting

PARTNERSHIP WILL SHARE

Locally grown organic produce to feed our families Land is privately owned on a small ranch accessible by bicycle 1.6 miles from Carbondale English speaking partner preferred for good communication. Must like dogs and horses.

INTERESTED PARTNERS CAN CONTACT ron@equusprivatewealth.com TO DISCUSS PARTNERSHIP IDEAS

Building Official – Town of Carbondale Administers functions of the Building Department: ensuring that all construction complies with all applicable codes; conducts plan reviews of all building permit applications, issues permits, and inspects buildings for compliance with building and zoning codes; assists with zoning enforcement.

Individual must possess knowledge of the International Building Codes, with ability to interpret regulations and guidelines, read plans and technical specifications; must posses significant knowledge and experience in construction and mechanical trades; must be able to work with the public and contractors, communicate clearly in writing and verbally; knowledge of the Carbondale Efficient Building Program desirable. Individual should possess Building Official, Inspector, or Plans Examiner certifications. Competitive salary depending on qualifications.

Further information:www.carbondalegov.org . Please submit resume/ references: K Philip, Town of Carbondale, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale CO 81623; ph 970-963-2733 ext 1212; fx 970-963-9140; e-mail community@carbondaleco.net. Deadline 2/20/09/

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009

created to help support and grow local events and projects by attracting visitors to Carbondale both within and beyond the Roaring Fork Valley. Projects must promote off-season tourism in Carbondale; contribute to Carbondale’s long-range potential to attract visitors; reinforce Carbondale’s western quaintness, character, and small mountain town atmosphere; have broad media appeal; and have adequate financial support and outside sponsorships. To download an application, go to www.carbondale.com. The deadline for events/projects scheduled before June 2009 is March 1. For events/projects scheduled between July and December 2009, applications are due by July 1. For more information, call Andrea at the Chamber at 963-1890 or email tourism@carbondale.com.

Near New closed on Wednesdays

The Near New Store is now closed on Wednesdays due to the decline in Rebekah sisters, who voluntarily run the popular second-hand shop. Members of the altruistic support group, the Rebekah Lodge Seven Stars #91, have run the shop since 1975. Most of the Rebekahs, lovingly referred to as The Near New Ladies, are growing old, and there just aren’t enough women and other volunteers to keep the shop open. The Rebekahs welcome new members, as well as volunteers who can help at the shop on a regular basis. Donna Natal also reminds the community that donations cannot be left on the front steps of the store at Second and Main streets. Piles of donations – sometimes just trash – are difficult to manage for the aged women.

Stop at the counter between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays to inquire about donations. Proceeds from shop sales support local high school students and nonprofits.

Carbondale Rotary now accepting grant applications

Carbondale Rotary is accepting grant applications from organizations whose missions focus on the Roaring Fork Valley and Carbondale community. Projects that have a direct, immediate and identifiable long range benefit to the quality of life in the mid-valley area of Carbondale, El Jebel, and Basalt and coincide with Rotary International’s goals of literacy, health, hunger, water management, and youth services will receive greater consideration.

Application deadline is March 27, with the grants awarded April 29. Applications are available at Carbondale Town Hall at 511 Colorado Ave., by calling Andy White at 274-2157 and on the Carbondale Rotary Web site at www.rotarycarbondale.org.

New rules enacted to protect cattle next to Delaney dog park

By Jeremy Heiman Sopris Sun reporter

raised doubts about that solution. The board’s previous discussion had been on the dismal Delaney Park, Carbondale’s de-facto dog state of the town’s finances. park, will remain a dog park, but will have Town attorney Mark Hamilton pointed out clearer rules for owners, and stringent penalties. the town would merely have to post a sign desIn recent months, Town of Carbondale officials ignating the park as an off-leash area. He said have received complaints from ranchers con- the minute an off-leash dog leaves the park, its cerning unleashed dogs leaving the park and owner would be in violation of the leash law, harassing livestock. The fence along the edge of subject to already established fines. the park doesn’t stop dogs from entering adjaFoulkrod, a dog owner who uses the park cent ranch land. regularly, proposed a three-part motion to esThe town had tacitly tablish regulations for decided not to enforce its dogs at Delaney Park. The leash law in Delaney park would be designated Park, and in general, the and posted as an off-leash arrangement has led to a area; a fine of $300 would lot of happy dogs and be instituted for dog owndog owners. ers who allow their dogs At Tuesday’s Town to leave the park and ha– Stacey Bernot Council meeting, Mayor rass livestock; and town pro tem Stacey Bernot officials would work out a prodded her fellow town solution to the fencing council members to act on the issue, though it issue with the adjacent landowner. A fourth was not on the evening’s agenda. provision added later would make dog owners “We punted before,” Bernot said. “Now we liable for injuries to livestock. have to do something.”

The motion passed 4-1 with Pam Zentmeyer Council members John Hoffman and John opposed. She said she opposed the plan because Foulkrod suggested constructing a dog-proof the town’s dog leash policy is inconsistent, and fence between the park and adjoining ranch it’s not clear what the rules are from one part of land, but the cost of fencing the entire boundary town to another.

“We punted before.

Now we have to do something.”

Dogs can stay off leash in the Carbondale Nature Park but owners must keep them from crossing into the ranch next door. Photo by Trina Ortega

BASEBALL SEASON IS COMING!

GET IN THE SWING! THREE RIVERS LITTLE LEAGUE is the competitive baseball league in the Roaring Fork Valley for ages 9-14. The season runs from early April through beginning of June and costs $100. Tryouts will be held in early March and youth divided into teams based on age and ability.

American National Bank would like to Congratulate The Sopris Sun on their first issue. Your contribution to our community is greatly appreciated!

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THERE ARE 2 WAYS TO REGISTER

ONLINE: www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1693452 (There is an extra charge of roughly $8.)

PICK UP FORMS: at the Carbondale Middle School or the CRES office, turn them in with $100 check made out to TRLL.

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Connecting with our Customers... and our Community THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009 • 9

Env iron me Tre ele • ntal B ook & J ss Sta s our tio Cof n fee • nals ary Tab le B ook s Childr en’s & Pup Books pets Teapo t Coffee s & Cups

Valley Visual seeks artists Artists valleywide are invited to exhibit in the non-juried 29th annual Valley Visual Art Show sponsored by the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities. All mediums are welcome and artists are invited to submit two pieces of artwork plus work for the “bin.” Stop by the office at 645 Main St. for an application or download it at www.carbondalearts.com. A patron/members reception will be held March 5 followed by a First Friday opening at 6 p.m. March 6. Call 963-1680 for more information.

Mary Noone pieces at Main Street Gallery

Organ ic Cho colate

Versa til Selecte Card ion

Art Scene

a nic Te • Orga s e s r Pu

NovBeOOl-KSTea

Artist Mary Noone was in evidence at Main Street Gallery and the Framer on First Friday in February, gathering a crowd to watch her paint.

Her works are now on display at the establishment, including the colorful hound pictured right, titled “Claudia the Wonder Dog.”

Clay center classes begin

The next session of six-week classes at the Carbondale Clay Center begins Monday, February 16. Resident artists and clay center staff will teach KidSculpt and adult potter’s wheel/handbuilding. For the schedule, visit www.carbondaleclay.org. To register, call 963-2529.

CCAH exhibit features Sheri Gaynor

The Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities is showing work from mixed-media artist and registered expressive arts therapist Sheri Gaynor, who released the book Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art this month. Also on exhibit are paintings from First Friday’s community party. The gallery is located at 645 Main St. Call 963-1680 for more information.

Ceramicists showing at SAW

Ceramicist Angus Graham and Leslie Benson are exhibiting works at SAW (Studio for Arts + Works) through March 4. See the exhibit at 978 Euclid Ave.

449 M ain Street Carbondale, CO 81623 970.963.2617 novelteabooks@ccomcast.net

Marianne Ackerman is experiencing new health and vitality as a result of successful weight loss. Nearing 50, with high cholesterol and low energy, she came to Valley View’s HMR™ program “desperate and demoralized.” Starting her weight loss journey with the HMR™ low calorie plan, Marianne lost 40 pounds in four months. She maintained her new weight through the Christmas holidays with the HMR™ Healthy Solutions option, which includes meals, shakes, fruits and vegetables. Now supported by the maintenance program, Marianne has found new energy and loves exercise. “HMR has added many years to my life,” she says, “and I feel 20 years younger.”

HMR is a medically approved and supported system of healthy weight loss.

For more information, call 970.945.2324.

THAT WAS THEN.

This is now.

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009

VALLEY V IEW G LENWOOD S PRINGS , C OLORADO

Artist merges mud and sensuality

By Jessi Rochel Community Correspondent

Local artist Lea Tyler has something to make your special someone smile this V-Day … or blush.

“I work with mostly evocative and phallic forms — appropriate for a Valentine’s Day show,” said the Carbondale ceramicist.

Tyler is one of nine artists featured at the Carbondale Clay Center’s exhibit “Heart’s Desire: Love, Lust and Everything in Between,” which runs through March 2. The other artists in the show include Bethany Benson, Kalika Bowlby, Pattie Chalmers, Darlene Glitzen, Leisha Hiester, Cara Jung, Richard Nickel, and Juliane Shibata. Tyler is the only local artist, although she is not the only one from Carbondale. Chalmers is from Carbondale, too – Carbondale, Illinois that is.

Of the suggestive nature of her forms, Tyler says: “People don’t laugh enough today. I like to excite people, make them uncomfortable, create a new dialogue. I challenge them in a new way.”

Tyler is a slip-cast ceramic artist. She creates plaster molds of found objects or objects she creates herself. These molds are comprised of multiple parts that are then banded together. Tyler pours in liquid clay (the slip) and lets it set up in the mold. The plaster absorbs the water so the clay sticks only to the sides of the molds and the finished product is a hollow form.

Originally from Vermont, Tyler has been in Carbondale for three-and-a-half years, beginning with her residency at the Carbondale Clay Center. She began her role as artist by playing around with clay in high school and then continuing with photography and ceramics courses at the State University of New Paltz in New York.

Though Tyler branches out to other areas of art, her specialty is definitely the slip-cast. She will occasionally throw pots and still takes pictures. But she has an inherent conflict with photography and sticks to her digital camera. “Is it better to take the perfect picture or to make the perfect picture?” she challenges.

Tyler is a purist, working mostly with white glazes.

However, her big project at the moment is performing “a boatload of color tests.” One hundred to be exact. And often she tests the glazes on miniature GI Joe molds. “I want to eventually make a piece with them. I just haven’t figured out what yet.”

Additionally, Tyler is currently working with Kelly McKibben, the clay center studio technician and a resident artist. Tyler is lending her expertise with slip-casting, and McKibben is bringing her knowledge of silk screening to the table. Tyler explained, “We’re making collaborative pieces, but mostly it is to teach each other.”

Tyler works out of a studio in the back of Via Viva, an eco-friendly furniture store in downtown Carbondale that her boyfriend, Adam Odowski, owns. Tyler said, “The studio really adds to the space. It’s a nice complement to the store.”

Via Viva is the result of a three-month journey through Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. While they were traveling and meeting with suppliers, Tyler was even able to keep up with her art, working on ceramics with one of the suppliers.

Outside of her studio, Tyler is also a bartender at Phat Thai and tries to “get outside as much as possible” with her Siberian husky, Juno.

Even after participating in multiple shows, Tyler easily recalls her favorite reaction. “A woman came up to me after seeing my work and said, ‘I can’t wait to go home to my husband!’”

Tyler admitted that her own reactions to her work are less favorable. “It takes months for me to like my work.

When I finish something I don’t like it at all,” she said. “I keep a level of detachment. Clay is so semi-permanent anyway. It’s so easy to break it or mess it up at any time.”

That said, Tyler still tries to hold on to her art. “I try to keep one piece from each body of work. That way I can reflect and see how I’ve progressed…hopefully progressed.”

Stop by the clay center at 135 Main St. during the month of February to indulge in a little love and lust and everything in between.

Congratulations to the Sopris Sun Thank you for: Keeping Carbondale informed on the issues Making Carbondale news a priority Bringing 35 years of Carbondale history and newspaper experience back to town Welcome home!

Peggy DeVilbiss THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009 • 11

Community Calendar Events take place in Carbondale unless noted. To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Thursdays.

FEBRUARY 15 • MOVIES The Redstone Art Foundation presents free movie nights. Flicks begin at 7 p.m. in the Osgood Room. Open to the public. Scheduled movies are: “Pollock,” February 15; “Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision,” February 22; “Frida,” March 8; and “Alfred Stieglitz: the Eloquent Eye,” March 22. For further details: 963-1389.

Daily Planner FEBRUARY 12&19 • WORKSHOPS The Colorado Mountain College Sustainable Living Series is designed for people who have an interest in green living and want to learn more. To register, call 945-7486 or 963-2172. Upcoming workshops are: • “Introduction to Green Building,” taught by Carbondale architect Donna Riley, will be from 6:30-9 p.m.

Thursday, February 12, at the Colorado Mountain College Lappala Center.

• “Residential Energy Savings,” with professional energy auditors Eileen Wysocki and Craig Tate from Holy Cross Energy, will be from 7-9 p.m., February 19 at the Lappala Center.

Learn how best to save money on energy bills and track home energy use.

FEBRUARY 13 • MOVIES Crystal Theatre continues playing “Slumdog Millionaire at” 7:30 nightly, as well as 5:00 February 14 and 15.

FEBRUARY 13 • MUSIC Boasting five distinctive lead voices, the bluegrass band Bearfoot will perform original songs at 8:30 p.m. Friday, February 13, at Steve’s Guitars, 19 N. Fourth St. Bearfoot’s airy northern ballads are tempered by back-alley southern blues, and they blend jazz stomp and Appalachian breakdown; the whole fusted with bluegrass passion. For tickets and information, call Steve’s at 9633304. Visit http://bearfootbluegrass.com to sample the music.

FEBRUARY 12-14 • THEATER “The Vagina Monologues” by Eve Ensler will be presented at the Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley Campus, New Space Theatre, at 7 p.m. Feb. 12-14. Cost is $14 general admission; $10 students and seniors. For tickets, call 947-8252. Show contains mature subject and language. Proceeds support

FEBRUARY 16 • CLAY CLASSES The Carbondale Clay Center’s Winter Session of classes begins Monday, February 16, and runs through March 23 at the center, 135 Main St. Classes include Handbuilding/Potter’s Wheel; KidSculpt; and KidsWheel. To register, call 9632529 or visit www.carbondaleclay.org.

Advocate Safehouse Project, Childhelp River Bridge Center, V-day Spotlight Campaign, and Women in the Dominican Republic of Congo FEBRUARY 14 • COMEDY Valentine’s Day Standup Comedy will be at 8 p.m. at Steve’s Guitars.

FEBRUARY 14 • MUSIC/DANCE Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities presents the Mid-Winter Mountain Fair, featuring live music by the soul funk band Bumpus, at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 14, at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center. Opening act is Elemenopee. Tickets are $25 nonmembers/$20 members, available at CCAH or Sounds Easy. Call 963-1680 or visit www.carbondalearts.com for further information.

FEBRUARY 17 • MUSIC Tuesday Night Live Jazz is open to all who want to jam or enjoy the sounds of improvisational jazz. Sessions start at 8:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Steve’s Guitars, 19 N. Fourth Street.

FEBRUARY 18 • PARENTING CLASS Roaring Fork Family Resource Centers presents the free workshop “Power Struggles — Who Wins?” taught by Denise Hayes of the Columbine Parent-

FEBRUARY 18 • WATER CLASS Colorado Mountain College presents the non-credit class “Water in Colorado and the West” at 6 p.m. Wednesdays February 18 through March 4 at the Glenwood Center. Focus is on Colorado and the Colorado River Basin covering environmental setting, history, law, conflicts, dams, diversions and the river’s future. Instructor Ken Neubecker is an active member of the Roaring Fork Conservancy and Trout Unlimited. Contact CMC at 963-2172 to register and for details or visit www.roaringfork.org.

FEBRUARY 18 • NATURALIST NIGHT Wilderness Workshop presents “Our Amazing Backyard Batcaves” as part of its Naturalist Night series. The presentation by Phil Nyland, biologist with the White River National Forest, Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, will be at 7 p.m. at Dos Gringos and again on February 19 at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.

MID-WINTER SATURDAY, FEB. 14, 2009 DOORS OPEN 7:30 PM

FEBRUARY 14 • DINNER/DANCE The Redstone Inn hosts its annual Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Ball from 7-10 p.m. Four-course dinner and live music

by North Fork Flyers. Cover charge is $10. Call the Redstone Inn at 963-2526 for details.

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009

ing Network from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, at RFFRC, The Bridges Center (corner of Sopris Avenue and Fourth Street). Register in advance by contacting Katie Marshall at 384-5689 or kjmarshall@rfsd.k12.co.us. Childcare is available for $5/family/workshop.

FUNKADELIC MUSIC BY:

ELEMENOPEE & BUMPUS ART VENDORS BACKSTAGE LOUNGE INTERACTIVE CHILL BUBBLE TICKETS AT: CCAH, SOUNDS EASY, 963.1680 ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT CCAH

Further Out FEBRUARY 19 • THEATER Thunder River Theatre Company and Aspen Stage present “Parallel Lives,” featuring Wendy Perkins and Peggy Mundinger and directed by Brad Moore, opening February 19 and running February 20-22 and February 26-28. (Due to unexpected circumstances, TRTC has had to cancel “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”) Written by Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimy, “Parallel Lives” is an award-winning comedy that was first produced at Second Stage in New York City in 1986. It is a montage of scenes that depict various women and men and their response to the circumstances of their lives. All performances start promptly at 7:30 p.m., except the Sunday matinee, which starts at 2 p.m. Visit www.thunderrivertheatre.com for tickets and info.

FEBRUARY 20 • MUSIC Topaz & Mudphonic returns to Carbondale for a live performance at 8:30 p.m. February 20 at Steve’s Guitars, 19 N. Fourth St. FEBRUARY 24 • WORKSHOP The Institute for Civic Achievement presents the workshop “No-Cost Advertising” to create business marketing tools. The class will be from 6-9 p.m.

February 24 at the Tamarack Building, 1001 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs.

Go to http://icainfo.org/Schedule.html or contact Tom Fleming at staff@icainfo.org for more info and to register.

parity of gasoline prices in our valley compared with the rest of the state. Gas suppliers will be in attendance. Call 6256902 for further information.

FEBRUARY 22 • MUSIC Willy Porter performs live at Steve’s Guitars. Show begins at 8:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 28 • BENEFIT The Roundup River Ranch Campaign for Laughter will hold an après ski event and presentation about the Roundup River Ranch, a camp in Dotsero for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. The presentation will be at 4:30 p.m. at 289 Exhibition Lane, Aspen Highlands. RSVP by February 23 to Tiana Plath at 926-2448 or tiana@roundupriverranch.org.

FEBRUARY 24 • MUSIC Steve’s Guitars presents Tony Furtado at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m.

FEBRUARY 27 • DEADLINE Deadline for visual artists to apply to the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities’ Valley Visual Art Show. All mediums welcome to this non-juried exhibit. Call 963-1680 or visit www.carbondalearts.com for the application.

FEBRUARY 28 • MEMBER DRIVE KDNK begins its spring membership drive beginning February 28. The community-access radio station hopes to cut the drive by three days, so that means members must pony-up and new friends must join right away.

Visit www.kdnk.org for more details or call 963-0139.

FEBRUARY 28 • MEETING Senator Al White and representatives from the Colorado Attorney General’s office will hold a community meeting at 2 p.m. February 28 at the Colorado Mountain College West Garfield Campus, 3695 Airport Road, Rifle. This meeting is to address the continued dis-

Week to Week LANGUAGE HELP: English In Action has Open Hours from 6-7:30 p.m. every Thursday at the office in El Jebel, 33 Gillespie, behind Wendy’s and next to the RFTA Park and Ride. This is an English help session for drop-in visitors who live or work between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. Beginning and intermediate students who have grammar or vocabulary questions or who want help translating applications, letters or forms are welcome. Call 963-9200 for more information.

STORYTIME: The Gordon Cooper Library hosts Storytime at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays and Saturdays. Lap sit for infants and parents is at 11 a.m. Fridays.

The library is at 76 S. Fourth St. Phone 963-2889 for further details.

Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two at the Pour House

PLAY DATES: The Carbondale Recreation and Community Center offers craft classes for preschoolers. Play dates are from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays through April.

Surf and Turf Hearts of Romaine Salad Lamb Sirloin and Prawns Wild Mushroom Risotto Creamy Polenta Chocolate Fondue Trio Dessert $50 per couple

DANCE CLASSES: Crystal River Ballet holds ballet and jazz classes for ages 3 through high school. Additional classes for adults include Argentine Tango with Tango on the Rockies/Luciano Paulino and April Rose (call 618-6733 or email contact@tangoontherockies.com to register); adult beginning ballet with Alexandra Jerkunica (call 379-2187 or email coordination@yahoo.com); and belly dance workshops with Masri Nar

(call 948-1937 or email masrinarfire@gmail.com). For more information about Crystal River Ballet, call Jeni at 704-0114 or visit www.crystalriverballet.com.

GROUP RUN: Independence Run & Hike organizes group runs at 7:30 a.m.

Saturdays and trail runs at 5:45 p.m.

Tuesdays, rain, snow, cold or sun. Stop by 995 Cowen Drive, call 704-0909 or email independencerun@sopris.net for further details.

CASTLE TOURS: Sleigh rides and tours of the Redstone Castle take place at 12:45 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 31. Cost is $25 adults; $20 seniors and children, 4 and under free. For reservations and details, email redstonecastle@yahoo.com or call 9639656.

SKATING HOURS: Skating Area open through February. Rental and warming hut hours begin at 4 p.m. and close at approximately 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Youth hockey is from 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Adult broomball league is 69 p.m. Wednesdays. Located on County Road 100, the rink is illuminated until 9 p.m. For further info, call 704-4190.

FITNESS: The Carbondale Recreation and Community Center holds a variety of regular fitness classes, including Taekwondo; Silver Sneakers Fitness for older adults; turbo kick; spinning; and climbing. Call 704-4190 for a schedule.

YOUTH SOCCER: To get involved with the Carbondale Soccer Club or to learn about its recreational and competitive soccer programs during fall and spring, call 704-1838. Forms will be available at Town Hall and the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center.

WINE TASTINGS: Wine O’ Wednesdays began in February and will be ongoing until the winter blues have faded away. Join the Redstone Inn Wednesday evenings for Old and New World wines and appetizers. Cost is $10 per person.

Call 963-2526 for details.

Reservations Recommended • 963-3553

THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009 • 13

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Cliff Colia views high school as ‘launch pad’ into meaningful lives

By Rebecca Young Community Correspondent Anyone looking for Cliff Colia need not bother to check his office. He’s not an office kind of guy. Not that the Roaring Fork High School principal’s space is humdrum; on the contrary, it’s full of quirky and historic meaning. A plastic statue of Fred Flintstone, a preserved crayfish, artwork by former students and a handmade Roaring Fork sport coat made of duct tape are among hundreds of mementos commingling in the principal’s chambers. Every object has a story.

If he had time, he’d be happy to share every tale.

But Colia is out of the office, using every passing period to connect swiftly and casually with students and teachers.

In the hallways, he disappears into a sea of teenagers, jovially issuing reminders, encouragement and ideas for the future.

He’s at an advantage at Roaring Fork, where he has steered the ship for just one semester. Colia knows every student, mostly from his 14-year tenure as principal at Carbondale Middle School.

His familiarity with the students allowed him to hit the ground running, and he continues to run. “Renewing old relationships with kids and families from the middle school has been great,” he says with his trademark grin. “It has

helped me to move forward quickly. We have points of conversation and commonality … and a level of trust.”

Time is of the essence, as he sees it.

“When a student is in second grade, there is the luxury of living in the moment. In high school, there is an immediate need to tend to the future. The hourglass is running and we have got to make things happen.”

Returning again and again to the concept of the “launch pad” analogy for the high school years, he is passionate about the school’s mission of graduating kids who are prepared for life after Roaring Fork. “There are some very high quality teachers here who do great things with kids. They care, they’re smart and they want to make sure something great happens. They know that kids can get a passing grade if they stay awake and turn their work in. But the grades are fleeting. The real question is if the kids are prepared for life after high school.”

The meaning of “prepared” for Colia is very broad. Not only does he champion academics, sports and the arts, his eye is on the deeper aspects of a person that can be ignited and nurtured during his watch. “Initiative, will, spirit, creativity, love of learning something new,” he rattles off. “Will you be a good companion, a citizen, a contributor?”

Above, Colia coaches Cesar Chavez at the computer. Left, he checks a student’s work. Photos by Carol Craven

To see Colia in action is to know that he is coaching for those deeper values at every opportunity.

“I’m from Louisiana,” he chuckles. “We celebrate everything.” Artwork is splashed over the school’s walls. He lights up with tales of students achieving their moment in the spotlight in reining, music, writing and other endeavors. The power of positive reinforcement is Colia’s best friend and well utilized at Roaring Fork.

Inspiring and motivating kids to be their best is not a mission just for the school’s most obvious stars, however.

Colia coaches a group of 30 at-risk students with Vice Principal Barbara Mason, science teacher Laura French and guidance counselor Donna Holly.

Always eye-to-eye and close-in, his style is most evident when he is pulling just a little more from a student who may not believe in himself. Joking, gently prod-

ding, posing a compelling question, always in a state of connection, he moves from student to student with complete focus on each.

He sometimes brings a student without confidence to his office, where his own diplomas hang, representing the educational journey he has taken. It is not the masters and doctorate certificates in his own name he shows them. His father’s diploma from Louisiana State University is the one he points out, dated in 1966. “My dad started college in 1939 and his education was interrupted by the war. It took him 27 years to graduate. If he can do it, I tell kids, anyone can.”

Later, Colia flips through a slide show of the first semester on his laptop, like a proud parent showing off his family pictures. He has taken hundreds of photos illuminating beautiful, funny, engaging moments from his few months at Roaring Fork. “In my job,” he says, “there are a hundred times the positive interactions to the less pleasant tasks.”

He is beaming at the laptop screen, with palpable affection for the young faces he is getting ready to launch into the outer space of life.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009 • 15

CCAH winter dance party will bubble with Mountain Fair spirit

By Jessica Downing Community Correspondent The Carbondale Recreation and Community Center will heat up with the progressive soul and funk of Bumpus for the second annual Mid-Winter Mountain Fair on Saturday, February 14.

Chicago-based Bumpus headlined Saturday night at Mountain Fair 2008 and is returning for what organizer Amy Kimberly is calling “the biggest indoor dance party Carbondale has seen.”

“The Mid-Winter Mountain Fair just seemed a natural evolution once we had a venue for it,” said Kimberly, program director for the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities (CCAH). “The joy and sense of community that comes from dancing together while raising money for CCAH is just too good to pass up.”

Inspired by Sly and the Family Stone, the members of Bumpus came together 10 years ago playing in Chicago’s Bop Shop. They have since played thousands of shows and put out four albums, intent on “capturing the spirit of soul while moving into the future of funk.”

They have opened for many national bands including Jurassic 5, They Might Be Giants and The Roots.

Opening for Bumpus will be local

Mid-Winter Mountain Fair Who: Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities What: Live music by Bumpus, the Chill Bubble, “Art Vendors of Love” When: 8 p.m. February 14; doors open 7:30 p.m.

Where: Carbondale Recreation and Community Center, 567 Colorado Ave. Tickets: $20/$25 CCAH members/non-members Info: 963-1680

Bumpus got the crowd’s blood flowing at the 2008 Mountain Fair. They return to Carbondale February 14 to get feet and hearts thumpin’. Photo by Jane Bachrach

band Elemenopee. And great music isn’t the only reason to attend. Multimedia artists Liquid and Lux, along with Jammin Jim Pomey and Carolyn Cipperly will be hosting The Interactive Chill Bubble filled with pillows and projections.

The Backstage Lounge – a la the Beer Garden – will serve up New Belgium

Students participating in CMS Afterschool Art

Access Roaring Fork

Beer, Jack Rabbit Hill wine, and of course, the famous Mountain Fair mojitos will be on tap. Touching on the theme of Valentine’s Day will be the “Art Vendors of Love” with art from Megan Larsen and Laura Vogel.

“The fact that Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday allows us to be playful,” said Kimberly. “We will have Vicki

Browne’s fresh-baked sugar hearts with personalized messages; fun, funky art created by local artists; and lots of cool ways to interact.”

Tickets for the Mid-Winter Mountain Fair are available at Sounds Easy and CCAH for $25. Tickets are available for CCAH members in advance for $20 by calling 963-1680. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

?

is the first comprehensive, school-based afterschool program in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Thank You to our participating collaborators: The Aspen Music Festival and School Thunder River Theater Company • The First Tee The WIN Wellness Institute • Kahhak Fine Arts Gallery and School Carbondale Middle School Administration and Staff Without their help and support this pilot program would not have been possible. Please visit our website, www.accessrf.org or call us at 970 963-5646 for more information about this program and what it means for your children, regardless of the school they attend.

Afterschool For All 16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009

LOOK WHO’S 50?

THREE CLUES:

1. He was born in Virginia 2. He didn’t learn from the Three Little Pigs Story 3. He has a heart of gold ANSWER REVEALED IN NEXT WEEK’S SUN

Letters Big buses too much

Hoops and hoopla The Roaring Fork High Lady Rams celebrate their first victory of the season with a 63-59 win over Basalt on January 29. The winter season is nearly over but spring sports begin March 7 with girls tennis at home; boys baseball March 12 in El Jebel; and girls soccer March 12 at RFHS. Photo by Jim Ryan

Voices

Dear Editor: I would like to weigh in on the buses on Main Street in Carbondale. I think the large buses are too much for our downtown Main Street, especially with the new bulb-outs.

What is it, 75 or more large buses per day in our downtown?

They each idle for many minutes per day. They are out of scale physically for our Main Street and are loud, dirty, and somewhat dangerous in our pedestrian and biking corridors.

Large buses on Main Street turn the parking in front of Sopris Park along Seventh into another Park and Ride, where private vehicles idle for many minutes at a time before leaving their vehicles in Sopris Park’s parking area all day. Furthermore, the current and former/future route down Main Street excludes service to many Carbondale residents.

I have a couple of solutions to consider (or reconsider): 1. Leave it as it currently is. Turn left off of Highway 133 to Colorado Avenue, right on Eighth, back to Main and 133.

The bus still serves Main Street and keeps the buses closer to the main Carbondale corridor, Highway 133, and out of the down town core.

2. Have a small feeder bus that runs out to the Park and Ride from key Carbondale neighborhoods: Wheel Circle, RVR, Carbondale South Estates, the senior centers, Crystal Village, the schools and all the way down Main Street. The smaller buses are in scale with our downtown community and would be able to pick up those who really need more of a door-to-door service (seniors). This would make the large buses running up and down the valley operate more efficiently, as well, not having to make the downtown Carbondale loop, and the new Park and Ride on 133 is used as a Park and Ride for those who still need it.

of

Why I Give “We spent a summer with a child in a hospital in Denver. So we know what it is like to find a place to stay the night and try to figure out how to keep family members happy at home while you’re away.

It is so wonderful to have a great hospital like Valley View, in our own community.”

Tom & Roz Turnbull CARBONDALE

Share your story. Share your gifts.

COME TAKE A TOUR OF THE HOSPITAL AND SEE FOR YOURSELF —

970.384.6620 THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009 • 17

Letters

from page 17

To me, option 2 is a win-win for everyone and a real opportunity to step up to the plate with an effective and efficient transportation solution for the residents of Carbondale and the valley Brent Moss Carbondale

Support for cancer patients Dear Editor: Your Friends For Life, which supports, nurtures, and encourages cancer patients and their family members from Aspen to Rifle — is pleased to announce that it has received its own nonprofit status.

If you, your friends or family members are battling cancer and need a little TLC and assistance, please contact us. If you have been touched by cancer and want to give back to your community and to others, please contact us. Whether you need help throwing out the trash, would like a fresh-cooked meal, need a hand keeping the kids busy, we have lots of opportunities available. We have several families that donate their time with us to help friends and neighbors who need an extra hand during what is a challenging time.

If you’re too busy to commit time but would like to help, consider a tax-deductible donation. We love “spare change,” and a little change makes a huge difference. Some of our families from the valley have to travel to Denver each week for their child’s treatment. A $25 gas card makes a big difference. With movie passes or bowling gift certificates, a family can

have a little fun and normalcy in their lives. Gift cards to restaurants also help the families have a night off from dealing with cancer.

For more information, contact me at yourfriendsforlife@hotmail.com or 309-5293 or visit www.yourfriendsforlife.org.

Diane Welter Director Your Friends For Life

become an annual event. Please call me at 922-2240 if you did not receive a tournament T-shirt or you want any photos or videos of the event, they will be posted on our Web site www.snowmassrecreation.com

Dodgeball a smashing success

Ode to a great community

Dear Editor:

Dear Editor:

The first annual Snowmass Village Recreation Center Dodgeball Tournament was held Feb. 7 with five well-dressed teams participating in the mayhem.

After a best-of-three-games, five-team round robin and then best-of-three-games single-elimination bracket, team Redneck Wonderland was the last team standing, while the others were exhausted but with big smiles on their faces and many stories to tell. Thank you to all the high-energy participating teams: Gravy, Guts, Little Baby Bear Cubs, Balls Deep and Redneck Wonderland. A huge thank you to the ADAA certified “official” Greg Conroy for refereeing and keeping an eye on those cheaters. Thank you to Ann Larson for covering the event. Thank you to Peter Nardi and Nardi’s Restaurant for the afterparty for all players to mingle and spread the camaraderie. Cheers to the staff and amazing facility of Snowmass Recreation Center for being the venue for the shootout. We cannot wait to hold it here again.

Till next year, look for the footage on ESPN 8, the Ocho for telecast times. Thank you for the laughs and memories, it was a very successful event and will

THANK YOU. Thank you to all you Carbondalians, you Satankiacs, you Boneheads, you “GO Rammers,” you KDNKers, you CCAHers, you potters and clay players, you Rebekahs, you Rotarians, you students, you teachers, you Christians, you Buddhists, you agnostics, you heathens, you atheists, you Muslims, you Hindus, you boarders, you skiers, you striders, you skaters, you boaters, you kayakers, you fishermen, fisherwomen and fisherchildren, you runners, you climbers, you walkers, you hikers, you musicians, you dancers, you listeners, you readers, you talkers, you merchants, you workers, you sliding by-ers, you getting by-ers, you sports guys, you sports gals, you fans, you doers, you builders, you foodies, you actors, you singers, you retirees, you babies, and all you inbetween-ers, you “ so close to be in towners but aren’t quite-ers” , you “Suners” and anybody and everybody else that has formed the best community I can hope to live in. Thank you.

Chris “Woodsie” Woods Recreation program specialist Snowmass Village Recreation Center

Russ Criswell Carbondale

Congratulations to our friends at The Sopris Sun on all of the efforts which have given rise to the inaugural edition of this important community publication We look forward to collaborating with you on the publicity for our next event scheduled for:

March 28, 2009 John Bennett, Executive Director of For the Forest and Dr. William Murray, who together will discuss the current Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic Be on the lookout for more information in future editions of The Sopris Sun and at:

18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009

www.RFCulturalCouncil.org.

Thank you, Your Friends at RFCC

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Happy Valentines to my sweetie, Jackie. Thank you for 44 wonderful years.

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963-2993 3HSSLQRV3L]]D&DUERQGDOH FRP GO OBAMA THE SOPRIS SUN • FEBRUARY 12, 2009 • 19

Much to celebrate!

First edition of

THE SOPRIS SUN and the redevelopment of Carbondale Elementary School into

THIRD STREET CENTER MILESTONES OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS 1. Land swap with Roaring Fork School District and Town of Carbondale.

2. Master Lease bet ween Town of Carbondale and Third Street Center.

3. Design under way.

4. CO Dept. of Local Affairs grant awarded.

5. Leasing under way.

6. Construction begins.

A community place promoting inspiration, sustainability and creative exchange BOARD PRESIDENT Richard B. Fuller Alpine Bank, Carbondale

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Colin Laird

DEVELOPER Gavin Brooke Land + Shelter

ARCHITECT Jeff Dickinson Energy & Sustainable Design

Learn more and get involved at www.thirdstreetcenter.net