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Volume 12, Number 48 | Jan. 2-8, 2020
It’s never too late to try something new Getting a degree later in life By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent For at least three "nontraditional" Colorado Mountain College students, the path to higher education has been quite different from that of their 18 to 22-year-old classmates. One common thread for Paula Mayer, Amanda Emerson and Troy Harcourt is although they had previously earned a degree, they sensed they had not quite hit the mark. Their college careers would take them through many twists and turns to a new vision for themselves. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nontraditional students meet one of the following seven characteristics: delayed enrollment into postsecondary education; attends college parttime; works full time; is financially independent for financial aid purposes; has dependents other than a spouse; is a single parent; or does not have a high school diploma. Yet, the term “nontraditional” is becoming obsolete as their numbers, on college campuses across the country, increase. According to a 2015 survey by the U.S. Department of Education, nearly 74 percent of undergraduate students enrolled in the 2011-12 academic year possessed at least one nontraditional student characteristic, while 55 percent had two or more. Mayer got her bachelor’s degree after high school and in her early 40s earned a master’s in social work from Simmons College in Boston. She worked in Denver as a hospice and palliative care social worker. In 2019, she and her husband, Stephen, a medical oncologist at Valley View Hospital, moved to Glenwood Springs. After their move, she recalls her husband saying, “I know how much meaning you derive from the work that you do, and I know it doesn't make you happy.” It prompted her to take stock and examine what she wanted to do with her life. Now, at 56 years old, Mayer is pursuing a degree in professional photography and anticipates graduating in spring 2021. She says now that she is older she “can go for it, in a way that maybe when I was younger, I just wouldn't recognize what was happening and I'd speed bump right over it and just not pick up on it.” Emerson, who just celebrated her 39th birthday, was born and raised in Carbondale and is a 1999 graduate of Roaring Fork High School. Now a divorced mother of two children, Skye, age eight, and Zeb, six, Emerson is seeking an associate of Applied Science, Professional Photography degree. Continued on page 8
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Change your perspective, change your life OPINION
Ps & Qs
By Jeannie Perry In the words of John Hughes, master movie maker, “Life moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” A wise man recently reminded me that my life is like a movie, and it’s up to me to decide what kind of movie I’m making. In my twenties I wanted to live my life like a Quentin Tarantino script directed by Tony Scott. True Romance, starring Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, was a wild ride with an extraordinary cast of characters and (of course) an epic soundtrack. There is a theory that in all the stories ever told, there are really
only two storylines: The Hero’s Journey and A Stranger Comes to Town. Quentin and Tony made a masterful combo of the two by bringing our hero all the way from Detroit to Los Angeles with a stolen case of drugs and a pink Cadillac. The lesson: life goes on and the party never ends. Then, in my thirties, I switched gears and related heavily with Joe Vs. the Volcano; “if the right one don’t getcha, the left one will.” Even though it’s campy in a way that only Tom Hanks could pull off, this film handles real life issues: the endless 40-hour work week, suicide, the fact that no matter how many friends we are fortunate to meet along the way, we all came into this world alone, and we will die alone. And who could’ve predicted that I would end up greeting people at the airport like Meg Ryan’s second character?! Flibbertigibbet; a job I am well suited for, even though (maybe because?) it is sporadic and unpredictable. Lately though, it feels more like I’m living in an Orwellian B movie. As I head up Highway 82, singing along to Golden Oldies from the 1980s, eating Starbucks egg bites, (I’m pretty sure eggs are at least one of the ingredients) I often look over at the next car to
see a rage-filled old man yelling and shaking his fist. Strange days indeed, to see elders acting like children: stomping their feet, red in the face, screaming “mine!” For as long as humans have been telling each other stories, you’d think by now we would have a more developed plot, more exciting dialogue, more strong female lead characters… But each new interpretation merely emphasizes the already welldocumented human condition. Me First. Humans are so full of ourselves. I think part of the reason we shoot and stuff other animals, and hang them on our walls, is because we envy them. I mean, how can we truly appreciate the other awardwinning performances in the big show when we are blinded by the spotlight? And with such arrogance comes great loneliness. No other animal feels so forlorn. They all know what they are here to do: eat, sleep, and produce offspring. That’s it. And that’s enough. But humans try to control the situation, to alter nature’s course to match our own. What we really need is a predator, something to thin the herd. At seven and a half billion and counting, let’s face it,
Take me once around the sun
OPINION
by Will Grandbois Editor
I know what you’re thinking. Actually, I don’t, and that’s sort of the problem. See, if I was a jaded reader, I might be wondering whether the newspaper that’s encouraging me to get out there and try something new is taking its own advice. And we are. If you read last week’s paper, you know that we’ve been through a lot of change and are always testing out new ideas and approaches. But we haven’t consulted you. So my resolution this New Year, heading in to my fourth year as editor, is to do a better job of soliciting feedback.
No, I’m not bringing back High Noon or Everything Under The Sun — the folks who reached me that way in the past have continued to find ways to bend my ear. Instead, for starters at least, I have put together an online survey — visit tinyurl.com/sunsurvey20 to participate. My hope is that folks that wouldn’t have the time or inclination to give feedback in person, on the radio or in a letter will weigh in. Some of the questions focus on changes we’ve already made. Do you like our new(ish) size and paper stock? Do you mind — or have you even noticed — when I cut Town Report to make room for another story or Pages of the Past to accommodate an influx of letters? What’s your take on our layout tweaks, from fonts to calendar organization? Others deal more with how we move forward. Are we covering business enough? Events too much? Missing something entirely? I may even take the town’s temperature on things we’re not quite ready to tackle but would like to see someday, like how to best to handle Spanish translation, minimize gendered language and maybe even integrate metric measurements. Now, let me be clear that I’m probably not going to overhaul the whole paper based on one piece of Continued on page 14
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • DECEMBER 12, 2019 - DECEMBER 18, 2019
we are the invasive species. Unlike (wait for it…) wolves. Wolf movies usually portray the animals as rabid killers who can only see prey through their bloodshot eyes. More Michael Douglas in Wall Street than Sally Field in Steel Magnolias. But just like us, wolves have complex family situations: excommunicated children, sibling rivalry, festive holiday dinners around a carcass. And now their reintroduction to Colorado will be on the 2020 ballot. This is the first time a public vote will decide their fate, instead of the usual bureaucrats-for-sale process. And what a blockbuster it will be! Just think of the merchandise profit potential. (Like there aren’t enough of us middle-aged women in oversized wolf t-shirts wandering around already.) I want the message of my independent film to be change your perspective, change your life. We are free and able to change our minds and change our movies; let nature take its course and appreciate the whole eccentric cast, realizing everyone has an important role to play. In fact, that may just be the point of this whacky film fest we call Earth.
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LETTER The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited Dear Editor: to submit letters of 500 words Longer Okay, it’s time to news@soprissun.com. columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The for me to chime in deadline for submission is on Paige Meredith’s noon on Monday.
Teach your children well
column where he objected to school teachers encouraging students to participate in Carbondale’s Gay Pride Parade. That’s bolstering a lifestyle many of us consider immoral, Meredith wrote. When I read that column, it reminded me of words I heard when I was helping organize last fall’s Strike for Climate Action in Carbondale. We encouraged student involvement and scheduled it on a school day. “You’re inviting truancy,” I was told. “Look at it as a field trip,” was my reply, “where the students can learn about activism and civil disobedience.” I also hope they gained knowledge of the measures they can, and others must take to reverse the effects of climate change. In the case of the Gay Pride Parade, I’m sure the students acquired an understanding of acceptance of others who’re different from themselves. Would Meredith prefer the straights bullied their LGBT classmates? As for morality, I suspect these people who see alternative sexual preferences as immoral are the same deluded souls who support politicians who consort with porn stars and playboy models while their wife is pregnant and date 14-year-olds. I’m not sure they know what morality is. Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale
Donate online or by mail. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Tom Sands Current Board Members board@soprissun.com Raleigh Burleigh, President Marilyn Murphy, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer John Colson • Kay Clarke • Carol Craven Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells 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.
Chasséing through motherhood and finding balance through ballet By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent Like most major events in my life, motherhood came barrelling at me with the force of a flash mob; one minute I was planning a crosscountry move to attend my dream graduate program, the next I was obsessively researching reusable diapers and natural birthing tips. I’ve always embraced the unexpected, in fact for a long time I thrived off of it. Move to three different states in two years? Easy. Unplanned road trip to Canada leaving tomorrow? Sign me up. As a parent, however, I quickly learned that the unexpected wasn’t a romantic escape from life’s mundane routine — it was the new norm and I was barely keeping in step. I needed to gain a sense of control, so I redirected my life to the polar opposite of spontaneity: predictable structure. This worked for a time, until my 2-year-old son decided to upend my meticulously created structure with his spontaneous combustions full of ideas, actions, and emotions. How dare he! This sudden deviation from the norm led me to do what any parent who gives up her whole life for her child does: fall apart. My perfect routine that encompassed my child’s every move was shattered with his growing independence, and I was left feeling woefully inadequate. How did I let myself get here? When did I become so unbalanced that typical toddlerhood would shake me up so dramatically? More importantly: what was I going to do? First, breathe. Next, attend my weekly meeting at The Sopris Sun and declare I was going to take a ballet class because my running career was on a hiatus and I needed help. If you know me, you know I dance like every other white girl at Bonnaroo circa 2004: gangly,
uncoordinated, and probably stoned. To draw this point home, my middle school gym teacher bluntly suggested I run laps rather than participate in our class recital because I was disrupting the flow that much. Self-doubts aside, I was in the midst of a full-blown parent crisis and needed to fully embrace the inevitable awkwardness. The morning of my first ballet class arrived and I was surprisingly nervous. I’ve run major marathons as an elite athlete, I’ve applied for jobs far beyond my pay grade, I’ve given birth, but for some reason this small-town dance class was creating sweaty palms and knots in my stomach. I double-checked the unfamiliar address and compared it to the sign on the door: Welcome to Coredination Bonedale Ballet! I rolled my shoulders back and stepped into a warm and welcoming studio space with soft lighting. The floor was freshly polished, tall mirrors hugged the walls showcasing a spacious and organized environment. Coowner Alexandra Jerkunica was lacing up her flats preparing for the upcoming beginner adult class I was attending. Before I had time to make some off-hand comment that would unveil my cringiness, Alexandra came over to greet me. At that moment, the nerves circulating within my system were soothed by her demeanor. She carried herself like I had always hoped to: gracefully confident without an ounce of ego. I sighed with relief, slowed down, and decided to fully embrace the experience. The other students filed in and we lined up along the wall to begin a series of barre exercises for warm-up. We began in first position followed by demi-plié cue my hips screaming in protest. Panic started to rise as I debated whether or not this was a logical
decision. As my mind started to rev-up with over analytical thoughts, Alexandra calmly swept us into the next set and I no longer had time to dwell in a negative headspace. Alexandra’s gentle teaching style led me to comfortably explore the exercises at my own pace. I released all inhibitions and fully gave into the experience like I promised myself I would. There were moments I found myself closing my eyes to focus on my breathe in synchrony with my form: inhale, tail-tucked, necklengthened, exhale, grande-plié. This was starting to feel natural … and dare I say graceful? Alexandra’s husband and Coredination co-owner Anthony Jerkunica later explained his philosophy of grace to me. “Grace is the ultimate expression of strength, coordination, awareness, body intelligence, and mastery,” he said. “It is a whole different strata of physical attainment. Gracious movement is very genuine and cannot be contrived. When you’re watching a ballet, the grace of [a particular] movement will touch someone in a universal way. Grace is such a key word [in ballet] because it harnesses all this control and power that is not about ego.” As a multi-faceted study, ballet presented me with the unique opportunity to attain balance within the chaos of motherhood. I am but a novice to both of these experiences, but at Coredination I learned that the delicate movements of ballet are a part of a higher awareness of the mind, body, and soul connection. This was the self-care I was craving and could apply to my daily life. “The benefits [of dance] are directly correlated to what you put into it. Invest to yield the appreciation and fill your movement bank account.”
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Anthony noted, “Think about what you can apply it to and develop something genuine. [...] Just enjoy and have fun with [dance]. Don’t be judgemental and remember you are a dancer as long as you apply yourself.” By the end of my first ballet class I was beaming as I haphazardly chasséd across the room. The weight I had been holding onto for quite some time
melted away with each jump, and I left that first class with a sense of clarity I didn’t realize was possible outside of running. I left with a renewed sense of confidence where I could find balance and hold myself tall when faced with inadequacy. I look forward to my next class and hope to share this my newfound equilibrium with others at the next Coredination ballet class.
If Kate Phillips can try ballet, why can't you? Photo by Sue Rollyson
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT
Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.
Despite the development in recent decades, Missouri Heights is still home to lots of wildlife, like this herd of elk passing through on a recent morning. Photo by Kate Bradley
Claim your art
Music to our ears
We still have the majority of kids’ Spruce Up The Sun submissions awaiting pickup in a box outside our office at the Third Street Center. We’ll keep it out there through the end of the week, then we’ll be returning them to the schools or filing them away.
Turn the page After crunching the numbers, The Sun has found a way to reduce how much we bill the Rampage each month. The change is retroactive, so with a recent payment from the school district they’re all square for 2019. That doesn’t mean that won’t still need help moving forward.
Leah Grams Johnson, an independent artist based in Nashville and past resident of Carbondale, is getting ready to release her debut EP. “Jaroso” is a six song chronological journey of heritage and healing recorded in a small adobe church on the border of Colorado and New Mexico. The music will be available where all digital media is streamed beginning with “God Speaks” on Feb. 4, then “More Like You” on March 3 and the full EP on April 2.
Leading the blind
Aspen Skiing Company CEO Mike Kaplan recently took to the slopes in a whole new way. Joining the Tennessee School for the Blind,
he got a first-hand look at Challenge Aspen’s program. Then, under close guidance by a certified Challenge Aspen instructor and other support volunteers; he blindfolded himself and took some short runs to sample what a visually impaired individual experiences on the hill. Visit challengeaspen.org to find out more.
Tackle trafficking
On Jan. 10, Battlement to the Bells Anti-Trafficking Task Force will hold its second annual Human Trafficking Summit. Last year, the event focused on defining the crime and identifying it in our community as well as identification of victim resources. This year, the presentations will be focused
Munchie Monday
on education, interruption and prevention of human trafficking. The event is free and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rifle CMC Campus (3695 Airport Rd.). Visit b2btaskforce.com for more information or to register.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Rather than throwing out your holiday packing materials, consider dropping it off at Solar Rollers’ office (Suite 16 & 17 at the Third Street Center) for reuse. The nonprofit would love your air paks, bubble wrap, brown paper and foam fillers for their material kits, but would not appreciate newspapers, padded envelopes, party balloons or anything wadded up in tape.
Another brick in the wall After several weeks of sidewalk closure, the scaffolds have come down and it appears that the front of Centennial Building has nice new cladding. Could they consider doing the same to the sides?
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Eric Rudd (Jan. 2); Mark Hamilton and Lucas Pulver (Jan. 3); Bob Albright, Paul Nieslanik, Skip Bell, Pat Murray, Brad Palmer, Melinda Schultz and Rick Herrington (Jan. 4); JP Bauer (Jan. 5); Peter Lamort and Taylor Faczak (Jan. 6) and Stephen Paul (Jan. 8).
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Saying ‘yes, and…’ to improv By Gracyn Overstreet Special to The Sopris Sun Things you need to attend an improv class: an open mind. That’s it. That’s actually all you need. We gathered in the main theatre room. Nervousness pervaded as we went around the circle introducing ourselves and how exactly we wound up taking an improv workshop at Thunder River Theatre. A few people had an appreciation for drama and theater, some had signed up after seeing the Consensual Improv show the week before, and others were still trying to figure out exactly why they were standing in a circle of strangers at 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning. As we stood there in the circle, I had a certain realization, a moment of clarity if you will, it was perfectly contained in two thoughts: “Wait, I’m not funny” and “Oh no, what am I doing here?” I’m sure I wasn’t the only person in the room chasing those thoughts around my head. But as we would come to learn from our instructor and fearless leader of fun Cassidy Willey, improv is less about standing center stage and nailing the perfect punch line; it’s more about saying yes and going with the flow of whatever is happening around you — as strange and absurd as it may be. The
humor is a byproduct. To start we warmed up with exercises that brought our attention into the present. Some of the exercises, surprisingly, were silent with participants cooperating by using eye contact and gestures. In these warmups I had to focus in on the people around me and let go of any need to anticipate or control the outcome. When I would try to pre-anticipate what I would do when the exercise got to me, I stopped paying attention to what was happening around me the game would get away from me. In trying to be prepared I was suddenly out of the flow and unprepared. Just staying in the present moment and reacting without planning ahead was a challenge in itself. I didn’t realize it at the time, but one thing this workshop did was get me back in the habit of connecting with others. In one instance, we practiced walking, running and jumping but as a team, first by taking turns calling out commands and then with no one calling out commands. We just had to focus on reading the room and when someone would stop the chain reaction would unfurl, and within a few seconds we were all standing still. A mere nod of the head or locking eyes and we were jumping up and down as a group or racing around the room. We had to stay connected
Perhaps some future members of Consensual Improv — catch the current lineup Jan. 2 at TRTC. Photo by Gracyn Overstreet and we had to stay present. As a result, we were cohesive in a way rarely felt in day to day life with people who were just an hour or so ago complete strangers. By practicing scene work, we were really practicing how to say yes to the scene we were creating around us. There is a concept in improv call “yes and…” The idea is that whatever your scene partner throws out into the scene you accept it and move the scene forward. When your scene partner contributes something and you say no to it, it essentially shuts the scene down and gives it nowhere to go. So, are there suddenly flying monkeys in this scene? Sure. Are we teaching them how
to cook omelets? You bet. Are the monkeys from England and now we’re all speaking in mediocre British accents? Naturally. This is improv, anything can happen, and it all fits together somehow. If you are looking for a fun way to lighten up between work weeks, check out an improv class at the Thunder River Theatre Company. When else do you get to make things up with such conviction that others follow along? If you’re interested in checking out improve but not ready to dive into a workshop, I highly recommend you go see a Consensual Improv show. There’s one coming up from 8 to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2 at Thunder River Theatre (67 Promenade).
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020 • 5
‘En-Garde!’
There’s plenty of room in the Roaring Fork Fencers Club By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff Perhaps, unleash your inner swashbuckling musketeer or pirate in the new year and take up the challenging sport of fencing. It’s only since 2017 that the Roaring Fork Fencers Club came to the Valley as the brainchild of founder Greg Domashovetz, who moved here after a successful stint in the Denver fencing world. He explained, “It’s been a lot of growth, and I’ve really refined my craft.” “We offer children’s classes throughout the Valley,” he noted, “Adults generally are in private lessons, but if we get a group together, classes would be a great option.” Boys and girls, men and women all are welcome to participate, he noted. Watching a mid-level class recently at the Launchpad showed an enthusiastic group of kids and their parents, Dau Tangbau and his wife Htangsan Labya paid close attention as their seven-year-old son Cyrus parried and lunged at his opponent. Tangbau said, “Cyrus really enjoys fencing after only six months. We are very happy with Greg who is so dedicated to teaching the sport and is so good with kids.” He added,” Our son is not quite
ready for competitions, but Greg will let us know when he is.” Domashovetz began fencing in 2004. He started at a beginner program in Mt. Prospect, IL during his senior year of high school. In 2012, Domashovetz moved to Denver. He began refereeing USA Fencing (usafencing.org) events, including North American Cups. He is a highly rated referee in foil and epee, with multiple refereeing experiences in Europe, experience at NCAA Championships as well as gold medal bouts for Division I and Junior domestic events. Domashovetz started his coaching career at Denver Fencing Center, where he gained experience running classes and camps as well as giving private lessons. He is certified through the US Fencing Coaches Association with reciprocity from the Academie D'Armes Internationale as a Prévôt of Foil. Besides the mask and the foil (sword) each student is connected to an electronic system that records each “touch.” “This way,” Domashovetz said, “coaches, judges and competitors know exactly when and how a point is scored. This quick response helps a student understand their skill level and what he or she needs to work on.” Only two years out after the
launch of the club, fencing appears to have taken a solid hold on the Valley’s psyche. Regular fencing classes can be found from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. “Nothing gives you a workout quite like fencing,” Domashovetz explained. “You develop endurance from moving up and down the strip during the course of a bout, but you also develop arm, leg, and core strength from quick changes of direction and explosive lunges.” Is there a difference between fencing and dueling? According to Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), fencing is considered a self-defense activity, while dueling is any form of arranged one-onone combat. And for students looking ahead to college, and hopefully to scholarships, fencing offers opportunities. According to scholarshipstats.com, fencing is one of the best sports for getting athletic scholarships: the odds The Olympic sport of fencing brings out quickness and determination in both kids are 22:1 for men and 13:1 for women. and grownups. Photo by Roberta McGowan So how to give fencing a go? Learning the specific guidelines 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist He noted, “Strategy in fencing takes, like most sports, mileage. Jason Rogers described fencing as is more important than strength.” Aspiring fencers need to be a sport that requires speed and Domashovetz concluded, “It's committed and put the time in. mental determination. a satisfying mix of aerobic and As Domashovetz noted, He asks students to imagine anaerobic activity that is sure to “Fencing is available year round. the sport as enjoying physical leave you feeling tired but happy.” Go to roaringforkfc.com for And it’s terrific for someone looking chess in an inclusive and friendly more information. for a new and challenging sport.” community.
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Find the meditation group that fits your style and schedule By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent The new year is a time when many consider adopting lifestyle changes to move toward better You can certainly meditate alone, but sometimes it's nice to have some company and direction. mind and body health. Courtesy photo One change to consider is Where to find meditation groups in Carbondale learning about meditation or mindfulness practices. Mountain Institute Mindfulness Meditation Way of Compassion Dharma Center With five groups Kriya and Lamplighting meditation, directly Communities Weekday mornings, except Tuesdays, 6 meeting in Carbondale, from Maha Avatar Babaji's lineage, guided Tibetan Buddhist philosophy & meditation to 6:30 a.m., online meditation using you can find one on almost relaxation & stress relief techniques, with Carbondale Community School, Zoom app any day of the week; in the silent meditation & chant 1505 Dolores Way Wednesday evenings, 6 to 7:30 p.m., morning or evening, and Studio 2, 202 Main St. Sunday mornings, 9 to 10:30 a.m. meditation & Dharma teaching even those offering online Monday evening, 6 to 7 p.m. Contact: Ted Reed at 970-379-8422 Saturday mornings, two 24-minute groups. options. Contact: Monica Muñiz at 970-379-6602 https://mindfulnessmeditationcenters.com The first session starts at 8:00 a.m., the As the stressors of https://mountaininstitute.com second one starts at 8:30 a.m., Silent everyday life increase, many Silent Meditation meditation & Buddha of Compassion have sought complementary Mindful Life Program Silent & unguided group meditation practice health practices to bring Third Street Center, 520 S.Third St., Suite 28 The Launchpad, 76 S. 4th St. Third Street Center, 520 S. Third St., more balance to their lives. Monday evenings, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., guided Monday, Wednesday, & Friday mornings, Suite 36 A report based on data from meditation, discussion & weekly mindfulness 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. Contact: John Bruna at admin@ the 2017 National Health readings Contact: Russ & Linda Criswell at wocompassion.org Interview Survey found Tuesday evenings, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., (location 970-388-3597 https://wocompassion.org that U.S. adults’ use of WoC Dharma CenterJanuary in Suite 36), mindfulness10, $20 lift meditation tripled between for those in recovery True Nature Healing Arts 2012 and 2017, from 4.1 tickets Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 7:302020 p.m., online Owner Eaden Shantay percent to 14.2 percent. meditation using Zoom app said they are currently not Laura Bartels, of the Contact: Laura Bartels at 970-633-0163 offering meditation, as he is on Mindful Life Program, says Kids donut https://www.mindfullifeprogram.org sabbatical. we can train our mind and eating
SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN SKIER APPRECIATION DAY
SUNLIGHT Island / MOUNTAIN Ocean theme SKIER APPRECIATION costume contest Aloha! DAY $20 lift January 10, Hoola
2020
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body to first relax and when we “learn to release all that stuff we hold and now with a relaxed body, let's see if we can couple that with stable attention.” The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institute of Health, lists the benefits of meditation on their website. It is generally considered to be beneficial for reducing blood pressure as well as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and flare-ups in people who have had ulcerative colitis and assisting in smoking cessation. It may ease symptoms of anxiety and depression and may help people with insomnia and pain management. They caution it should never be used in place of medication or in delaying seeking medical treatment. The Carbondale groups
offer a variety of practices; some meditations are silent, while others offer guided meditation and discussion. Linda and Russ Criswell lead a silent meditation group that Linda describes, “When a group of people gets together in silence, it's more silent than when you're by yourself. The silence is really powerful.” Some groups are based on Kriya yoga or Buddhistbased meditation practices. Monica Muñiz of Mountain Institute describes the Kriya meditation practice, brought here from India, as, “It's not a religion, but it's a spiritual science.” Ted Reed says Mindfulness Meditation Communities’ practice is based on 2600-yearold Buddhist teachings. A teaching for an ageold problem, he says, “the monkey mind has been around as long as humans have been around.”
Looking to have fun and give back? Come join us at Rotary every Wednesday at 7 a.m. at the Carbondale Fire Station Guest Speakers Peter Arlein Mountain Flow Eco Wax January 8, 2020
Guest Speaker Ryan Honey The Permanent/TACAW January 15, 2020
All are welcome! RSVP to Ed Queenan (401) 465-4276 queenan.edward@gmail.com
w no S e th n ei s i rad Thanks to our sponsors! Pa
9:00: LIFTS OPEN 3:00: COSTUME CONTEST 4:00: PRIZE GIVEAWAY 9:00: LIFTS OPEN 3:00: COSTUME CONTEST 4:00: PRIZE GIVEAWAY
All proceeds benefit United Way Thanks to our Battlement to sponsors! the Bells All proceeds benefit United Way Battlement to the Bells
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020 • 7
Degree from cover In 2003, Emerson earned a B.A. in art from Western State College and then a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Capella University. Diagnosed as deaf at 13 months, Emerson says, as a child, she was bullied and lacked self-confidence. She explains, “I never fully found myself, and when I did, it was through photography.” She started her business, Thistle and Tulip Photography, and photographs nine to 12 weddings a year. A profound personal loss made her choose photography. She lost a daughter, who was stillborn at 5 months, and wanted photographs to remember her by. She intends to work as a photographer for One Moment, a Roaring Fork Valley nonprofit, which provides free remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby. Harcourt, who turned 44 on New Year’s Eve, is a fourthgeneration Colorado native who grew up loving the outdoors. He attended his first CMC class in Denver while a junior at Mullen High School. In 1993, when a high school senior, he was diagnosed with cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS), a condition marked by episodes of severe vomiting, which can last for hours to days. He also received a type 1
diabetes diagnosis. He underwent surgery for gastric pacemaker placement, but continued to have medical setbacks and recalls the starts and stops of completing coursework, as, “I had to drop out of five out of nine semesters I enrolled in, because I got sick mid-semester, and couldn't do the makeup work.” In 1998, Harcourt completed his wilderness study certificate, a part of the outdoor education program. He recently earned his Associate of General Studies degree from CMC. To complete a documentary filmmaking class, Harcourt created a YouTube video, titled "Troy's 25 Year College Plan." He understands how life events can delay schooling, saying, "I know many students that pursue a college education in their 30s and 40s because they had a kid, or they had cancer, or their parents got sick, and they had to look out for them." Linda Crockett, an associate professor of psychology at CMC, says of nontraditional students, “They’re there because they're interested, they want to learn.” She says they come to college with a personal interest and mature perspective, and tend to be self-directed learners. Crockett adds ,they "make the class that much richer because you have different age groups interacting, and you get different perspectives."
Crockett says students do find support — from their peers, professors, and CMC support staff. She suggests, “I would say if somebody has the idea that they would like to go to college, I really think they owe it to themselves to try.” If you are interested in learning more, visit coloradomtn. edu/admissions-department or call 800-621-8559.
Author’s note: When interviewing students for this article, I saw glimpses of my own college journey. I graduated from St. Catherine University, a women's college in St. Paul, in 2008 with a bachelor’s in written communications. I started their Weekend College program in 2000 at the age of 46. I was a first-generation college graduate, working full-time and being a single parent. It was a long haul, and I often wondered if I would graduate. I was not atypical of my peers; women working, with kids and parents to take care of, and who shared stories about sick kids or visiting parents at the nursing home. We were in it together and was the best possible education I could have asked for.
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020
Troy Harcourt, after completing his degree at Colorado Mountain College
By the numbers Of 3,391 credit students currently enrolled at CMC campuses in Aspen, Carbondale, Spring Valley, and Glenwood Springs, 488 students (14.39 percent) are age 40 or older, and are working on degrees or certificates. Of those, nearly half are enrolled in the following programs: Nursing ― 73 students Education ― 62 General studies ― 46 Business ― 31 EMS/EMT/Paramedic ― 26 In the 2018-19 academic year, students age 40 and older earned 54 degrees or certificates at CMC campuses in Aspen, Carbondale, Spring Valley, and Glenwood Springs. A special thanks to CMC staffers Debbie Crawford-Arensman, Carrie Click and Timothy Walker for the statistical data and connections which made this story possible.
Buddy Program needs more mentors By James Steinlder Sopris Sun Correspondent January is national mentoring month. The accolade is meant to acknowledge existing mentors but also to spread awareness about the continual need for mentoring youth in this country. If it were not for mentorship programs throughout the nation there would be many more children experiencing adolescence without viable role models. One such local institution is the Buddy Program which has existed in the valley for the past 46 years and has always celebrated their dedicated volunteer mentors. In 2015 the Buddy Program opened an office at the Third Street Center. Since that time they have been increasing outreach between Basalt and Carbondale. In the new year, the Buddy Program hopes to increase their number of mentors in the mid valley area. Their Community Program Director Ainhoa Bujan reached out to the newspaper to “increase awareness about not only what we do but to recruit more mentors, especially in the mid-valley and down-valley.” Put simply, she said, “we need more mentors.” There are four parts to the Buddy Program: School Based Mentoring where community volunteers assist students in the classroom; Peer to Peer
In addition to their own individual activities, Buddies come together in December for a gingerbread house making event. Photos by Mark Burrows
Mentoring where high school aged students mentor younger students in school; Leadership Through Exploration, Action and Discovery (LEAD) where mentees participate as a group in activities such as wilderness exploration and team building; and finally Community Mentoring where volunteers mentor and spend time with a “Buddy” one on one. Youth from Aspen to Carbondale are provided with quality mentorship in each of these various sub-programs. Mentees or “Buddies” get to take advantage of opportunities which alternatively they may not have. This even includes traveling abroad for some. While there is certainly good reason for acknowledgements and to be grateful for their success, there are still lots of children who could benefit from their services. Children may be referred by school counselors, social services and often times even themselves. There is no shortage of a need for mentors and likely never will be. Currently there are approximately 95 Buddy pairs in the Community Mentoring program. Bujan explains that there is actually a “wait list for the wait list” for prospective participants in Basalt, El Jebel and Carbondale. Bujan says there is an average of 30 children on the waitlist and currently about 30 more children on the secondary waitlist. Bujan reiterated, “we are in need of mentors who are flexible and want to
volunteer in the mid valley.” More mentors means more children can be accepted into the program. A mentor is asked to commit for one year. However, ideally a Buddy will have one mentor throughout their entire time with the program. Bujan says that these pairings can last 10 to 11 years — until a Buddy graduates. Bujan became a mentor when her Buddy was in the third grade. Now her Buddy is 16 years old and a junior in high school. They have developed a relationship that is important to the both of them and Bujan foresees lasting a lifetime. Every December the program hosts a “Gingerbread House Workshop.” Buddies get to build gingerbread houses, meet Santa and mingle with other Buddies. This past year children on the second waitlist were even invited to participate in the fun. “We believe that every kid needs a mentor,” says Bujan. One can say, it is their new year's resolution to bring more mentors to Buddies in need throughout the mid valley. Bujan summarizes, “for national mentoring month we have two goals to recruit more mentors and appreciate our current mentors.” To find out more about becoming a mentor one can go visit Buddyprogram.org or the program’s office at the Third Street Center.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020 • 9
REGISTER TODAY!
`` CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS AT SPRING GULCH See our bulletin, or search and register on-line* for dates and times.
`` ART Printmaking Basics (Greenwell) ......... 1/14-1/28 (T) ..................... 5p-8p Watercolor Painting (Hayes)............. 1/22-3/4 (W) .................. 10a-12p Fabulous Felt Hats (Scher) ............... 2/8-2/9 (SaSu) ..................9a-3p Kiln Glass Plates (Halloran) ............... 2/18-2/25 (T)................1p-3:30p Sewing (Melia) ................................. 2/24-4/20 (M)........6:30p-9:30p Linoleum Printing (Greenwell) ........... 2/25-3/10 (T) ................... 5p-8p
`` COMPUTERS Beginning Illustrator (Jones) ............ 2/3-3/2 (M) ...................... 6p-9p Beginner PC Computer (Watson) ..... 2/11-2/25 (T) ..................... 1p-4p Beginning Excel (Watson) ................. 3/3 (T) .............................. 1p-4p
`` WELLNESS, MUSIC, AND GEOGRAPHY Clean Living (Dr Bowen) .................... 1/15-1/29 (W) ................... 6p-8p Zen & the Art of Dying (Goddard) ..... 1/20-3/2 (M) .................. 10a-12p Singing for Everyone (Kuhlman) ........ 1/22-2/26 (W) .................. 6p-8p Our Public Lands (Johnson) .............. 2/4-2/18 (T)................. 6p-8:30p Total Brain Health - Memory (Lynn) . 2/5-4/1 (W) ................. 6:30p-8p
`` FITNESS, MOVEMENT, AND DANCING Pilates Sculpt (Lins).......................... 1/14-4/30 (T or Th) ........... 1p-2p Zen Barre Session 1 (Sana) ............... 1/14-3/5 (TTH) ..........10a-10:50a Tone & Stretch Session 1 (Sana) ....... 1/14-3/5 (TTh) .................. 4p-5p Qigong (Dr Kelsey) ............................ 1/14-3/5 (TTh) .................. 2p-3p Integrative Motion (Page) ................ 1/24-3/6 (F) ................10a-11:30a Beginning Swing Dance (Lewber) ..... 2/5-2/26 (W) .........6:30p-8:30p
*www.coloradomtn.edu/community-education Carbondale Lappala Center • 690 Colorado Ave • 963-2172
COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY JAN. 2 CONSENSUAL IMPROV
Enjoy improv games with spontaneous hilarity, audience interaction and lightningfast wit. Show from 8 p.m. at the Thunder River Theatre Company (67 Promenade). Tickets at thunderrivertheatre.com for $15.
FRIDAY JAN. 3 LET’S GO SLEDDING
This Community Sledding Party is open to the public. Have fun in the snow on the driving range sledding hill at and then enjoy free kids hot chocolate and s'mores on the Homestead Patio. Yummy roast 'mallows on an open fire tops off the event. From 3 to 5 p.m. at River Valley Ranch (303 River Valley Ranch Rd.). Call 963-6597 for information. SKATE NIGHT
Relax and paint a peaceful night time sky set in a winter landscape with a full moon. All skill levels welcome.The $25 ticket includes canvas, paints, instruction and a glass of wine. From 6 to 9 p.m. at Patina Bar+Grill (1054 Highway 133). Contact 510-5695 or patinagrille.com for more information. PATH TO HAPPINESS
Be more mentally healthy and well through training the mind, just as the body can become healthy and balanced through physical fitness. This mental fitness program is set for 7 to 8 p.m. at Mindful Life Program (520 S. Third St.). Go to mindfullifeprogram.org for free tickets.
WEDNESDAY JAN. 8 NATURALIST NIGHTS
The program “Divas in the Treetops” Swing by the Fourth Street Plaza Ice Rink explains when and why female birds from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for a fire pit, roast hot sing, runs from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Third dogs and marshmallows and hot chocolate. Street Center (520 S. Third St.). Contact wildernessworkshop.org/naturalist-nights SMOOTH SWEET HARMONIES or call 963.3330 for more information. Feeding Giants brings their unique sound to Marble Distilling (150 Main St.) from 7 COUNTRY AND EASTERN MUSIC to 10 p.m. with no cover. Singer songwriter Dada Veda will play original songs mixing the wisdom of yoga UNDERGROUND COUNTRY with folk, country and rock plus classic Callin’ Old Souls performs sad songs you tunes. From 8 to 10 p.m. at the Black can dance to. Show starts at 9 p.m. at The Nugget (403 Main St.). Go to dadaveda. Black Nugget (403 Main St.). com for more information.
FRI JAN. 3 - THU JAN. 9 MOVIES
The Crystal Theatre (427 Main St.) presents “Parasite” (R) at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3-5, 8 and 9; “Harriet” (PG-13) at 5 p.m. Jan. 3; “Fantastic Fungi” (NR) at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 4 and “JoJo Rabbit” (PG-13) at 5 p.m. Jan. 5. Closed Jan. 6 and 7.
SATURDAY JAN. 4 BE SAFE
FURTHER OUT THURSDAY JAN. 9 DISTILLERS CLASS
Laws Distillery will present its second class with incredible food, amazing drinks and beautiful charcuterie. Reserve a single or group spot at $45 each. Event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at Carbondale Beer Works (647 Main St.). Go to carbondalebeerworks. com or call 704-1216 for tickets.
Attend this avalanche awareness education presentation to learn how factors like terrain and local weather patterns near Marble affect avalanche conditions historically and currently. A light lunch will be provided. Event runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.at the Marble Hub. (105 W. Main St., Marble). Call 963-7300 or email themarblehub@ gmail.com for more information.
FRIDAY JAN. 10
SUNDAY JAN. 5
DIMENSIONAL RECEPTION
ART AND AWARENESS
This exhibition showcases local favorites John Cohorst and Chris Erickson. From 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carbondale Clay Center (135 Main St.).
Join Roaring Fork Insight for an experiential meditation and movement workshop inspired by contemporary art and presented in collaboration with the Aspen Art Museum. No experience necessary.This free event runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Aspen Art Museum (637 East Hyman Ave., Aspen). Please go to roaringforkinsight.org or call 510-0212 for information.
SKIER APPRECIATION
Sunlight Mountain Resort offers $20 lift tickets, a kids' donut eating contest, island-themed costume contested, hula hooping, limbo and a prize giveaway from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. OPENING
ROCK AND ITS MANY VARIETIES
The Silos band with Walter Salas-Humara and El Kamino plays rock, alternative rock and roots rock from 8 p.m. at the Black Nugget (403 Main St.). No cover.
KARAOKE
FUNK, SOUL, AND MORE
Choose from thousands of songs, and let the Sandman make you sound even better. Light apps and drink specials will be available. From 8 to 11 p.m. at Patine Bar+Grill. (1054 Highway 133.).
The Taylor Scott Band comes to town with this Denver-based group’s varied repertoire. Show begins at 8:30 p.m. and goes to 11:30 p.m. at Steve's Guitars (19 N. Fourth St.). Call 963-3304 for tickets.
TUESDAY JAN. 7
SATURDAY JAN. 11
LUNCH AND LEARN
EXPLORE REVERENCE
What would your life look and feel like if you were able to accomplish and sustain your 2020 goals? During this free Roaring Fork Leadership event with Dr. Amy Denicke, you can learn a specific strategy to take your life to the next level. From 12 to 1 p.m. at CoVenture (201 Main St.). Go to members.coventure.io for more information.
Discover “The Path of the Heart.” Open to yogi’s looking to expand their practice by understanding reverence. Event goes from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at True Nature (100 N. Third St.). Purchase tickets at eventbrite. com for $45 each.
VISION BOARD
Kick off the New Year with a vision boarding exercise and create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life. Please bring two to three magazines (all kinds), scissors, glue, poster board, planner, canvas (for your vision board medium) and your Inspiration. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Coventure (201 Main St.). Snacks and drinks included at this free event. Please go to members.coventure.io for information. 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020
PAINT AT PATINA
WINTER TRIATHLON
Run, ski and bike at the Full Moon Winter Triathlon set for 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Gus Darien Arena. Run the entire triathlon individually, or put together a team. Post race, enjoy a giant bonfire, hot soup and bread, snacks, awards and a beautiful full moon. Pre-registration until Jan.10 is $35 per person or team and day of is $40 per person or team. All registrations $5 off with a non-perishable food item for Lift Up. Go to carbondalerec.com to register.
COME CELEBRATE First Friday in January!
You don't have to wait 'til First Friday to skate — the rinks are open and the Rec. Center has skate rentals. Photo by Will Grandbois
ONGOING HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION
Free opportunities include a powerpoint presentation by Dr. Greg Feinsinger about the science behind plant-based nutrition at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month. Also free one-hour consultations for heart attack and other chronic illness prevention are available by appointment Monday mornings by calling 379-5718. Also, come to a plant-based whole-foods potluck at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). YOUR STORY, YOUR LIFE
A free facilitated workshop for adults, writing your personal history, one story at a time. Facilitated by Shelly Merriam, historian/writer/ genealogist. First and third Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, Glenwood Springs Branch Library (815 Cooper Ave.). Visit gcpld.org or call 945-5958 for information. BLUEGRASS JAM
Bring the instrument of your choice or just your voice for a weekly jam session first and last Sundays at 6 p.m. at Steve’s Guitars (19 N. Fourth St.) and all other Sundays at the Glenwood Springs Brew Garden (115 Sixth St.). LOSS SUPPORT
The Compassionate Friends of the Roaring Fork Valley, a group for parents, grandparents or siblings who have lost a child of any age, meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at The Orchard (110 Snowmass Dr.). BOOK CLUB
Join friends and fellow readers to discuss great books at Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) at 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Call 963-2889 for this month's selection. SHOP WITH A DOC
133) offers free boxing and fitness classes for folks with Parkinson’s disease from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 274-8473 for information. TAI CHI
All levels are welcome to participate a gentle path to health and flexibility from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays with John Norton. Marty Finkelstein offers a 5 to 5:30 course for beginners before his 5:30 to 7 p.m. class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both classes take place at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). Free silent meditation sessions at The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.) from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call 3883597 for more information. DHARMA
The Way of Compassion Dharma Center holds a talk and meditation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and a silent meditation and Buddha of Compassion practice at 8 a.m. Saturdays, the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). SANSKRIT MANTRA
Devika Gurung demonstrates how chant is about more than spirituality, but also breath and rhythm at 4:30 p.m. Sundays, The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.). RF INSIGHT
Monday Night Meditation meets from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. at Roaring Fork Aikikai (2553 Dolores Way) and offers instruction in the Buddhist practice of Vipassana. RFI also offers secular mindfulness at the Carbondale Community School and is working with CMC to provide a class on “Zen and the Art of Dying” — roaringforkinsight.org for info. MINDFULNESS
The Mindful Life Program in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). offers group sessions Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation and registration is not necessary. Contact mindfullifeprogram.org or 633-0163 for more information.
WALK WITH A DOC
PING PONG
Aspen Valley Hospital (401 Castle Creek Rd.) invites you to meet in the cafeteria at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of the month for a short discussion on health-related topics such as high blood pressure, asthma, and anxiety.
Senior Matters (520 S. Third St. Suite 33) offers a table tennis club for adults from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Contact Marcel Kahhak at 963-5901 with questions.
Wordsmiths of all experience and abilities gather at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of the month. RUN AROUND
Independence Run and Hike hosts a weekly group run on Thursday nights. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the store, 596 Highway 133 (in La Fontana Plaza) during daylight saving time and at 6 p.m. during the darker months for a four mile loop around town. All paces are welcome. Call 7040909 for more information. PUNCH PARKINSON’S
Rising Crane Training Center (768 Highway
Come on down to the 4th Street Plaza Ice Rink for a free Community Party this First Friday from 5:30-8:00 pm! Roast hot dogs & marshmallows at the fire pit while sipping hot chocolate. Ice skate rentals available at the Rec Center until 9 pm.
MEDITATION
Greg Feinsinger, M.D. will show how to make healthy food choices from 10 to 11 a.m. Meet in front of the City Market in Carbondale. Event is free and meets the first Saturday of every month. Contact davinikent.com for information.
WRITERS GROUP
January 3, 5-9pm Community Ice Skating
YOGA
WWW.CARBONDALE.COM
PC: Eric Brendlinger
Carbondale Parks & Recreation Department
Family Skate Night 2020
Free! First Friday, January 3rd 5:30-8pm 4th & Main Ice Rink
Get a donation-based introduction to Hatha Yoga from 8 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.). MINDFULNESS IN RECOVERY
An inclusive, peer-led recovery support group open to anyone with a desire for recovery — independent of faith and regardless of race, gender or orientation — meets Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).
Bonfire, Hot Chocolate, Marshmallows, & Hot Dogs Skate Rentals Available at the CRCC
LOVE ADDICTS
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, a 12-step group will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Holland Hills United Methodist Church (167 Holland Hills Rd., Basalt).
970-510-1290
www.carbondalerec.com
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020 • 11
COP SHOP
TOWN REPORT From Town Manager Jay Harrington's weekly report to trustees, staff and others. NEW SIGNAGE was installed on White Hill where the road crosses private property. REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS on the Town website include: Eighth Street Multi-Modal and Traffic Calming (due Jan. 20), Pump-back System for Nettle Creek Pipeline (due Jan. 31) and On-Call Electrical Services (due Jan. 20). DELANEY NATURE PARK is undergoing an Environmental Management Plan. See next week’s paper for details or email salt.dirt@ gmail.com to reach project manager Genevieve Villamizar. THE FULL MOON WINTER TRI returns to the Gus Darien Arena at moonrise on Jan. 11, with a 5k run, 5k cross country ski and 5k bike ride in teams of one, two or three. A WATER LINE BREAK on the Nettle Creek main caused outages for residents along Highway 133 for about nine hours on Dec. 22.
THE NEW PLAYGROUND at Miner’s Park will receive a formal name recommendation at the Jan. 8 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. THE FINAL 2020 BUDGET has been posted on the Town’s website. RIVERFRONT & NUCHE PARKS are closed to public or private use of any kind until March 15 in an effort to protect wildlife. BEAR PROOF TR ASH CANS are being installed in all parks. PLANNING STAFF submitted comments to the Bureau of Land Management related to a nearby land transfer to the State Board of Land Commissioners, asking to become a stakeholder should the State choose to sell or develop the parcel. THE BLOODMOBILE has been particularly successful at the Carbondale Rec. Center, with 150 donations in 2019 and as many as 450 lives potentially saved. The next chance to donate is Jan. 29. CARBONDALE FIRE had assistance from Police Lt. Wurtsmith in selecting a new Operations Division Chief. Officer also assisted firefighters with a “Stop the Bleed” class for Town employees.
From Dec. 6 through 19, Carbondale Police Officers handled 451 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note: FRIDAY DEC. 6 AT 1:58 A.M. Police stopped a car for speeding and weaving and issued a DUI summons to a 27-year-old man. FRIDAY DEC. 6 AT 1:56 P.M. A report of a possible sex assault resulted in a report to adult protective services. FRIDAY DEC. 6 AT 10:47 P.M. Following a traffic stop for failure to drive on the right, failure to obey a traffic control device and misuse of a telephone, a 44-year-old man was arrested for driving under the influence. SATURDAY DEC. 7 AT 12:02 A.M. After stopping a 51-year-old man for failing to maintain a single lane, police arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence. SATURDAY DEC. 7 AT 12:24 A.M. Police stopped a car headed south in the northbound lane of Highway 133 and arrested the 32-year-old driver on suspicion of DUI and driving without a license. SUNDAY DEC. 8 AT 4:03 P.M. A disturbance call led to the arrest of a 33-year-old man on charges of felony criminal mischief, felony trespass and felony theft. TUESDAY DEC. 10 AT 12:42 A.M. Upon contacting a group of people in a riverfront park after hours, police charged three young adults and four minors with underage possession of alcohol and marijuana. TUESDAY DEC. 10 AT 9:31 P.M. Police spoke with a 62-year-old woman who was sleeping in her car at Delaney Nature Park and discovered she had an active warrant.
FRIDAY DEC. 13 AT 4:23 P.M. Someone reported a man giving a minor marijuana. FRIDAY DEC. 13 AT 10:42 P.M. A traffic stop for multiple infractions led to a 52-year-old woman being summoned for driving under the influence. FRIDAY DEC. 13 AT 11:47 P.M. Following a traffic stop for failure to drive on the right, a 55-year-old man was arrested for driving under the influence with a revoked license. TUESDAY DEC. 17 AT 12:24 A.M. A 71-year-old man was stopped for failing to signal and arrested for driving under the influence of drugs with a revoked license as well as on a felony warrant. WEDNESDAY DEC. 18 AT 12:43 A.M. When a 45-year-old man ran after a traffic stop, he was caught and charged with reckless driving, DUI and resisting arrest.
Cameron Herrera and Rich McNeal are the latest additions to the Carbondale Police Department, with two more recruits scheduled for training in January. Photo by Will Grandbois
Helping The Sopris Sun shine year ‘round
CALL FOR CARBONDALE BOARD OF TRUSTEE NOMINATIONS Regular Election Town of Carbondale
Kenny Riley (left) loves reading about local sports. Donna Riley (center) likes the community events page and knowing what’s going on. Dylan (right) likes to see photos of his friends in the paper and would really like to see more comics. Thank you to the Riley family, for your commitment to local, independent journalism.
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Honorary publishers commit $1,000 yearly (or $85 monthly).
The Town of Carbondale will be holding a regular municipal election on April 7, 2020. Three Board of Trustee seats (all four-year terms) are up for election. Those wishing to run for Trustee may pick up Nomination Petitions beginning January 7, 2020 Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. from the town clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue. Qualifications: All candidates must be a qualified elector of the Town, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and must have resided in the Town of Carbondale for one consecutive year immediately prior to the date of the election. Petitions must be returned to the town clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2020.
We welcome any contribution!
The Town of Carbondale is a non-partisan body of local government, therefore, there is no party affiliation designation.
Donate today at soprissun.com or PO Box 399, Carbondale.
For more information contact town clerk Cathy Derby at 510-1206 or cderby@carbondaleco.net
12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020
Join the ‘Bonedale team Volunteers essential to town boards By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff If you've ever thought about serving on one of the town’s official boards or commissions, now could be a good time to follow up. As Town Clerk Cathy Derby explained, starting at the top, the Board of Trustees will have three seats on the ballot for the April 7, 2020 election, each for a four-year term. Nomination petitions may be picked up after 5 p.m. Jan. 7 and returned to the town clerk no later than 5 p.m. Jan 27. Derby added each petition requires a minimum of 10 signers who must be registered to vote as in-town residents. She stressed that “It’s a commitment for a lot of time.” All candidates for the Board of Trustees must be a qualified elector of the Town, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old and must have resided in the Town of Carbondale for one consecutive year immediately prior to the date of the election. The Board of Trustees have scheduled regular meetings for the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Work sessions are on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. and special meetings are scheduled as required. Former Parks & Recreation member Todd Chamberliin said, “It’s a good way to participate. We successfully handled many difficult situations.” He added that “There is a big push now to update and remodel the 50-year-old John
M. Fleet swimming pool with suggestions ranging from making the pool solar-heated or expanding and remodeling into a year-round facility.” Each board or commission has its own set of qualifications and requirements. Please complete an application posted at carbondalegov.org and return it to Town Hall. There are no vacancies on the Parks & Recreation Commission or Board of Adjustment right now. All boards and commissions meet at Town Hall. (511 Colorado Ave.). Boards and Commissions Clerk Kae McDonald explained members are appointed, not elected. She encouraged potential candidates to apply directly to the board where his or her interest lies. Go to carbondalegov.org for the full list or requirements and responsibilities for all boards and commissions. Please note the Town of Carbondale is a non-partisan body of local government, without party affiliation designations. THE PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION has vacancies for five regular members, all of whom could be from outside town limits. It works in cooperation with other public agencies and private individuals to promote art awareness. The commission pursues all means of funding to purchase, promote and commission works of art. Plus, it strives to promote local artists’ work. It meets at 5:30 p.m. on first Wednesdays BIKE, PEDESTRIANS & TRAILS needs one regular member and two alternates. One could be from outside town limits. The mission of this commission is to create a more
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Incumbent trustees Ben Bohmfalk, Lani Kitching and Marty Silverstein are expected to defend their seats in April — but that shouldn't discourage anyone from throwing their hat into the ring. bicycle and pedestrian-friendly community. It makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees that educate, promote and develop safe and effective programs and infrastructure to encourage bicycle and pedestrian use. Issues include ensuring all town policies, plans, codes and programs are updated and implemented. This commission meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of March, June, September and December. THE ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD has openings for six regular members, one of which can be from outside town limits. It addresses environmental issues that may include environmental pollution, solar orientation, water quality, air quality, use of pesticides and herbicides, transportation, water conservation, and recycling and solid waste. It also works to present “green events.” Members and many citizen volunteers combine efforts to produce the annual Dandelion Day festival. The board meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month. THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION has vacancies for one regular member and three alternates. All members
must be Town residents or own property within the Historic Commercial Core area. At least 40 percent of members must be professionals in preservation-related disciplines such as architecture, landscape architecture, architectural history, archaeology or history of planning. This requirement may be waived if there has been a good faith effort to recruit professionals. Among its duties, the commission actively encourages landowners to preserve, and protect sites, structures and elements that have potential historic value. THE TREE BOARD needs one regular member and one alternate. This board provides for the protection of trees within the Town, ensures proper planting and maintenance of trees in the public right-of-way and in Town parks. It also provides for the abatement of nuisance trees on public and private property. The Tree Board meets at 6 p.m. on third Thursdays. Contact Cathy Derby at cderby@carbondaleco.net for information relating to the Board of Trustees election. Contact Kae McDonald at kmcdonald@ carbondaleco.net for information about the other boards and commissions.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020 • 13
PAGES OF THE PAST
Forget Y2K, what about the Ute Curse? From the archives of the Valley Journal and Sopris Sun
Jan. 3, 1980 Garfield County denied a request to form a municipal services district for the Te-Ke-Ki subdivision east of Carbondale. In their unanimous decision, commissioners cited inadequate water, lack of access and deficiences in the financial structure. Evidence had also surfaced that the project was never officially approved in 1969, when the whole process began. Although the decision wasn’t the final word, it did mark the failure of what would have otherwise been the first concrete step for the development. In other news… Eagle County approved a controversial powerline in the Fryingpan Valley.
In other news… The Valley Journal officially became a free publication after years carrying a 25¢ cover price.
Jan. 7, 2010 Marble residents were bracing for a potential pine beetle outbreak, with Fire Chief Ron Leach characterizing it as already a major infestation. Councilman Jim Aarts was spearheading efforts to mitigate the impacts, particularly in a hard-hit area between Fourth Street, State Street and Main Street. In addition to simply cutting down infected trees, there were options like pheromones and insecticides to protect groves. In other news… The Sun didn’t miss the irony of the Band of Heathens playing the Church at Carbondale.
Jan. 4, 1990 It looked like the Locals’ Gas Co-op would have a home after founder Allen Kramer convinced Roadhouse Cafe owner Wendy Wang to host it. She wasn’t really focused on gas in her Catherine Store location, she said, and was happy to support efforts to bypass markups and save 10 to 25 cents per gallon . The Co-op needed 500 members by Feb. 1 to succeed, and had around 200 as of press time. In other news… Locals Staci Dickerson and Maureen McKeena were stranded when the Tiehack lift suddenly started speeding backwards — an incident that injured six other skiers.
Jan. 6, 2000 Y2K came and went without a technological apocalypse, prompting Editor John Stroud to turn his column to the Ute Curse, instead. “For those not hip to the Valley’s history, legend has it that when the white man broke the Treaty of 1863 with the eviction of the Ute Indians in the early 1880s, that the Utes placed a curse on the valley whereby an efforts of the white man to prosper were doomed to fail,” he wrote. In addition to numerous examples of the prophecy fulfilled in Redstone and Marble, he couldn’t help but suspect the Utes would have smiled on The North Face’s decision to pull out of plans to relocate its headquarters to Carbondale.
Winter activities haven't changed much since 1985, but we're guessing Emily Blong has. Valley Journal file photo
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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020
Will Call from page 2 feedback. I’m constantly balancing the input of our staff, board and community members, and rarely does it all align. But when it does, I take note. Say, for instance, you agreed with Judith Blanchard’s letter criticizing my decision to include someone ethnic background in Cop Shop, despite my assertion that it was relevant to the charge of bias-motivated crimes. You might even feel that it’s questionable for us to include the age and sex of the folks accused. Someone else might want us to identify everyone by name. I’ll try to find a balance that fits my own moral compass. Incidentally, we’ve also received feedback that blotter is awfully dry. That’s due, at least in part, to the minimal information the Carbondale Police Department sends us these days, which is something we plan to address with the new chief. I may be part of the problem as well, as I don’t really see the purpose of the section as entertainment. Anyway, one part of the paper I actually hope you find occasionally disagreeable is the opinion section. We have actually seen some responses to both letters and columns lately, and that’s exactly the sort of discourse we want to support. That said, I strongly recommend addressing an issue directly before taking it public. It’s fairly frustrating to be the last to hear that someone has a problem with you or your organization. With that in mind, if I left something off the survey or it’s simply not a platform that works for you, please don’t hesitate to email will@ soprissun.com or call 510-0540.
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Carbondale Community School students dressed up to present their projects on historical characters in a "wax museum" event last month. Photos by Mark Burrows
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 2, 2020 - JANUARY 8, 2020 • 15