Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper
Carbondale’s weekly
community connector
Volume 11, Number 49 | Jan. 16-22, 2020
HARD PRESSED The Roaring Fork High School basketball boys have had a rough run so far. They gave it their all in their first league game against powerhouse Gunnison on Jan. 10, but fell 74-49 to the Cowboys. The girls, meanwhile, stomped Gunnison 70-20 in their first league win, bringing their overall record to 7-4. They'll be a team to beat for a season that's really just beginning.
BASKETBALL SCHEDULE (Girls play first)
Jan. 17, 5:30 & 7: Delta @ Roaring Fork Jan. 24 , 5:30 & 7: Olathe @ Roaring Fork Feb. 1, 2:30 & 4: Roaring Fork @ Aspen Feb. 7, 5:30 & 7: Roaring Fork @ Basalt Feb. 14, 6 & 7:30: Roaring Fork @ Cedaredge Feb. 15, 2:30& 4: Moffat @ Roaring Fork Feb. 18, 5:30 & 7: Coal Ridge @ Roaring Fork Feb. 20, 5:30 & 7: Roaring Fork @ Grand Valley Photo by Sue Rollyson
r rt iste in nce T! Reg to w es co NIGH E am H HER e X-G EAC OR re 2 f ets! F k tic
from now until January 31, 2020.
OPINION
SEEKING HIGHER GROUND By Nicolette Toussaint
Having lived in big cities — Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco — my norm was to always be a stranger among strangers, looking warily over my shoulder, carrying mace in my pocket but craving connection and community. I want to be recognized and remembered. I’m halfway there. Unlike in cities, I feel safe to go out “alone” at night in Carbondale because I’m recognized. I’m never alone.
Inscribing my name in my hometown’s history Someone always waves at my solo self and says, “Nicolette, come sit with us!” This peachy situation is fruit borne of deliberate root-planting. Shortly after arriving here in 2011, I began looking for ways to connect. While helping to build a playground, I met Trina Ortega, The Sopris Sun’s founding editor. Soon, I began writing for the Sun. There was method in that madness. In the absence of Garrison Keillor’s magic Powdermilk Biscuits, I figured that being assigned to interview people would give this “shy person the strength to get up and do what needs to be done.” Between The Sun and assignments I gave myself as editor of Roaring Fork Lifestyle magazine, I forced myself to engage in rewarding conversations with folks I wanted to meet in Carbondale. Since retiring two years ago, I’ve felt pretty connected. I didn’t realize how deep those connections ran until just before
Christmas, when an attack of pancreatitis sent me to the ER and acute care at Valley View Hospital. To my surprise, I got hospital visitors. Friends from my congregation brought me food at home. Neighbors cleared my walk and brought flowers. Folks sent cards and volunteered to run errands. The aftermath of my brush with mortality was so moving, it was almost worth two doses of morphine and 16 airsick bags! I haven’t quite reached the 10-year mark Judith Ritschard wrote about in her love letter to Carbondale, but what she said here in The Sun, I second. Carbondale has also allowed me to grow into my authentic self. In big cities, you have to compete big-time just to get known for one thing. You don’t get to change hats. But here, I’m recognized not only as a newspaper columnist and a senior activist, but also as an artist. Thanks to Carbondale Arts and my Alaprima painters group, I have launched an encore career
as a painter. I teach. I exhibit in shows, have hung work in the Colorado Capitol, and had a onewoman show at CMC. Next week, I’m making my artistic standing official by donating a painting to the Town of Carbondale. When town officials asked what I’d like in return, I replied, “Make a fuss over me.” They are! All in all, I’m over the moon. They’re not only giving a reception in my honor, they’re also creating a tangible reason to remember me: A plaque bearing my name will hang permanently in the trustees’ chambers along with my painting of the historic Thompson house. That, in turn, makes me at least a footnote in the history of my beloved hometown. Thank you, Carbondale.
LETTERS Take the survey Dear Editor: A “Delaney dog park” survey is coming up, so here are some thoughts. First, the 33-acre park is officially named the Carbondale Nature Park. How about the board of trustees rename the facility so that it puts the dog into the park. Like maybe the Carbondale Dog Park. Not only is the park an amenity for Carbondale dog owners, it reportedly attracts dog owners from as far away as Aspen. And what do those dog owners do after letting their mutts romp around off leash? I’m guessing some of them head for the Pour House or some other restaurant to chow down, spend money and tip their servers. The park is also a tourist amenity, if not an outright attraction. The Days Inn, and Inn and Suites, are just up the road from the park. One of these days, someone will no doubt publish or post online the best small-town dog parks in the U.S. The Carbondale Dog Park stands a good chance to make that list, thus helping to fill the town’s lodges, and putting money into the pockets of
waiters, waitresses, bartenders and others. So, wrapping up, check out the survey when it comes out on Survey Monkey or get a hard copy version at town hall. The Carbondale dog park is one of the town’s best amenities for residents. It also adds to the town’s tax coffers by attracting local dog owners, and is an important part of the tourism mix. Lynn Burton Carbondale
On the road to utopia Dear Editor: One of the aspects of Carbondale I love most is its anti-capitalist stance. Many of the businesses are nonprofits and many of the workers are volunteers. We’re approaching a cashless society. All we hafta do is convince the town retailers to accept barter and we’ll have achieved Utopia. Those of us who have money don’t hoard it, but, as it says in Ecclesiastes 11:1, spread our bread upon the waters. Look at the money Carbondale Beer Works raised to support the school lunch program at Carbondale Middle School, so much surplus proprietor Patrice Fuller
Skip Bell had plenty of time to catch up with the news from home as he took the train to Chicago for his 80th birthday. Courtesy photo 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.
said they were able to put $1,000 in reserve for future needs. Fuller said CBW met their goal 20 hours after they announced the fund drive. Remember how Carbondalians rallied to the aid of the Crystal Theatre when Hollywood switched to digital films causing theaters to buy expensive equipment? That’s why Carbondale has a movie theater and Glenwood Springs doesn’t. A sense of community comes in handy sometimes. Philanthropy in Carbondale didn’t die with Jim Callaway. In contrast, the capitalistic approach was defined by Mr. Potter in the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” when George Bailey justified giving a loan to a needy person. “What does that give us?” asked Mr. Potter, “A discontented, lazy rabble instead of a thrifty working class.” Well, we take care of our needy in Carbondale, Mr. Potter, they’re remarkably contented, and we’ll stand beside them and outwork any moneymotivated capitalists you wanna put up against us. Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale
Tri thanks
Dear Editor: We live in the coolest place! This past Saturday, part of my family formed Team BUTR (Bringing Up The Rear) in the second annual Full Moon Triathlon. What a fantastic event this was! Everyone was super supportive and enthusiastic as teams ran, cross-country skied, and snow biked in some wintery weather! We want to thank the Town of Carbondale Recreation Department, Aloha Mountain Cyclery and Independence Run & Hike for volunteering and sponsoring this really fun evening. A special shout-out also goes to Trina Ortega for setting me up on her fat bike and encouraging me to try something I had never tried before. Please consider forming a team of your own next year and participating in this awesome event! Lorri Knaus Carbondale Continued on page 15
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Donate online or by mail. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden 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 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.
Home on the range, at last WindWalkers purchasing its forever location By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff Seeing big grins on two clients, one 36 years old and the other five at WindWalkers, you realize how fortunate the Valley is to have this equine assisted learning and therapy center here. And WindWalkers is approaching the finish line into property ownership with the February closing on the 15-acre ranch on Missouri Heights’ CR 102, which they've been leasing for 10 years. Doggedly pursuing this vision, no one ever gave up, said Executive Director Gabrielle Greeves. She announced, “We also have started our $2.2 million capital campaign — over a two-to-three year period — dubbed ‘Hearts and hooves make a difference,’ which also supports major ranch improvements and meets other pressing needs.” WindWalkers first opened its doors in 2005 at a ranch on Catherine Store Road with two clients and one horse. As Greeves explained, the dream of owning a ranch began early with the start up of WindWalkers, a Colorado and federally approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. “We now serve over 75 clients weekly,” Greeves said. “We work with 15 to18 equine therapy horses and
the many specialized groups which include at-risk teens, students with significant identifiable emotional disabilities, traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Since its inception, WindWalkers can proudly boast providing 4,200 plus service hours -’butts in the saddle and boots on the ground,’ as we like to say – to over 7,200 riders.” The program department is run by director Beth Gusick. a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship certified instructor. “We have partnerships with many local organizations, businesses and individuals. Everyone wants us to succeed,” Greeves added. She confirmed the ranch plans to harvest 80 to 200 bales of hay. However, that is dependent upon the moisture and seasonal changes. “We will always need to buy hay regardless,” Greeves clarified, “Feeding a herd of 18 still requires just over 2,500 bales a year.” When asked how she feels at the end of the day, Greeves mused “With a sense of joy for someone else’s healing.” Back to the clients: Michael, the adult, has been in this program for seven years. Wilder, the younger of the two, is newer to WindWalkers. Each of them is strongly bonded
to the horses, agreed both Becky Young, Michael’s mother, and Rachel Thompson, Wilder’s mother. Michael, who has cerebral palsy and autism, radiated joy as he and his equine friend came up to the dismounting platform after their ride. Michael then helped offer a bunch of carrots to his steed named Annie. Young reflected, “Although he had never been interested in cats or dogs, Michael was intrigued by the horses. His attention was alerted around them, and he began to learn metaskills such as following verbal directions, performing the step-by-step protocol for preparation and mounting.“ She continued, “Best of all, he formed strong emotional bonds with several horses and with instructor Gusick and volunteer Tom Fitzpatrick. These relationships increase his capacity to connect and add immeasurably to his life experience. Michael was given much more than we expected from WindWalkers, and it warms our hearts to see all the other riders who are helped in so many ways by this great organization.” Rider Wilder beamed as he and his therapy horse Nicky — with assist from several volunteers and therapists — rode around the arena. They played a game of finding first a green stuffed
Michael Grandbois communes with one of his favorite horses at WindWalkers. Photo by Roberta McGowan frog and then a spotted stuffed critter. WindWalkers counts on the commitment of 35 dedicated volunteers weekly plus another 110 to 150 year-round who help with maintenance, community service, special events, special groups and seasonal lessons. “Our volunteers are crucial. They are family,” Greeves stressed. She described the volunteer opportunities as including lessons and office help, special events, fundraising, courtmandated community service hours, internships and school credits, mucking stalls, horse turn out and in, plus other options. Email debbie@ windwalkerstrc.org to reach Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Baird. Fundraising opportunities include
sponsoring riders, horses, capital improvements, operational expenses and the Horseshoe Club, which recognizes businesses and individuals who donate $250-$1,000 annually. Contact 963-2909 for information. At WindWalkers’ core, Greeves said, “is a unique family-centric approach which strongly recognizes that one’s challenge does not affect the individual only. It equally impacts every member of their family and the community at-large. Since family is the basic building blocks of our society, we are firmly committed to aiding not only the rider but also their parents, siblings and care-providers.” As Greeves emphasized, “Everyone has the right to be happy.”
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CALL FOR CARBONDALE BOARD OF TRUSTEE NOMINATIONS Regular Election Town of Carbondale
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. The Town of Carbondale is a non-partisan body of local government, therefore, there is no party affiliation designation.
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For more information contact town clerk Cathy Derby at 510-1206 or cderby@carbondaleco.net THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT When you’ve got to choose
Election season is heating up, so it’s probably worth us clarifying our coverage policy. As a nonprofit, The Sun can't endorse candidates, but we are interested in keeping readers informed and will try to cover any talks or events that take place within the 81623 zip code, provided we have enough warning. We're also happy to list upcoming events that are nearby but not in our coverage area here in scuttlebutt. For example, the Garfield County Democrats’ annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Dinner takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 18 at Morgridge Commons (815 Cooper Ave. in Glenwood Springs). Visit garcodems.org for more information and tickets.
You better shape up
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to get into better shape. Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley is presenting a novel approach to help people keep that resolution, by offering a limited number of $2,020 lifetime memberships to the new Outdoor Leadership Center & Field House on campus. Other promotions being offered are a 20-punch pass for $120 (this pass is regularly priced at $160), and annual memberships can be purchased at a 20 percent discount. Both of these offers expire Feb. 29. Contact malexander4@coloradomtn.edu or 947-8195 for more information.
Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.
Friday night live If you’ve ever wanted to shop or donate at the Near New but can’t make their hours work, take heart! The Rebekahs are keeping the thrift shop open until 7 p.m. on Fridays. Presumably, they’re more likely to keep it up if folks show up.
Mini adventure The flagship 5Point Adventure Film Festival is still a couple of months off, but you can enjoy two nights of fresh programming at the Wheeler Opera House on Jan. 17 and 18. It’s all hosted by Paddy O’Connell, with special guests Alex Ferreira, Nina Williams, Kai Lin, Craig DeMartino and Andrea Wing. Visit aspenshowtix.com to reserve your seat for $28.
Worried sick Garfield County Public Health has increased vaccination and educational outreach efforts in response to Colorado’s hepatitis A outbreak, which has sickened more than 300 people since October 2018. Most cases have resulted in hospitalization and two deaths have occurred. Though there have been cases reported on the Western Slope, the majority of the cases have been concentrated in the Denver area. Hepatitis A is a liver infection that can last for weeks or even months. It is found in the blood and stool of an infected person and is spread easily
from person to person. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, joint pain, fever, fatigue, dark-colored urine or yellow skin or eyes. The risk of illness to the general public is low. The hepatitis A vaccine has been part of standard childhood immunizations for more than 10 years. If you think you may be at risk, see a healthcare provider. Garfield County Public Health has hepatitis A vaccine available for children over 12 months of age and for adults; call 945-6614.
Aced it
The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce awarded its top honors this week: Nonprofit of the Year to Ascendigo Autism Services and Business of the Year to Heritage Park. Meanwhile, Poss Architecture + Planning and Interior Design — which maintains an office in Carbondale — has been named 2019 Business of the Year by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association.
They say it’s your birthday
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Johann Aberger ( Jan. 16); Roy Rickus, Katrina Byars and Brenda Buchanan ( Jan. 17); Katie Montie, Shannon Pelland and Lois Hayes ( Jan. 19); Brooke Bockelman, Olivia Emery and Lewis Cooper ( Jan. 20) Taylor Wagner and Peter Green ( Jan. 22).
Munchie Monday 10% off Nature’s High Edibles
Wax Wednesday
The Town’s second annual full moon tri seemed like a rousing success, with Ben Koons, Russel Bollig and Kevin Hadfield taking the top three spots for the men — although Tami Kochen came in third overall and first among the ladies, followed by Sara Porter and Anna Cotton. Old and Crazy (Nancy Zeigel, Brad Zeigel and Sam Rappaport) lead the teams, closely followed by the Full Mooners (Liesel Hadfield, Tracy Pitll and Sean Walmolel) and Team Wiz: (Kaleigh, Mang, and Maarsa Wisarath). Courtesy photos
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The late Kathy Arnold, expert barrel racer and politician By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff This woman for all seasons rode like a cowgirl, prayed devotedly and, unbeknownst to many, served in both the Colorado State House of Representatives and the Colorado State Senate. Many in Missouri Heights, where she and husband Harold lived after moving from the Front Range, only knew Arnold as an accomplished barrel racer at the Carbondale and the Snowmass Village rodeos. She amazingly took up the sport in her 70s. In 2015, Arnold clocked a barrel race time of 17.10 seconds, right in the middle range of the much younger competitors. Arnold died in December 2018, at age 77, after losing her battle with cancer. Arnold's favorite competitive mount was named Doc, a big, powerful bay horse. Watching them circumnavigate the barrels at breakneck speed was a hoot. She rode as one with Doc like a woman who grew up in Manitou Springs in El Paso County, which she did. Besides riding horses, Arnold attended the Snowmass Chapel regularly and served on its Board of Trustees. When asked to describe Arnold,
her friend and neighbor Lynn Engel said, "She was simply a good person who was kind to everyone." Forty years ago, she wore a politician's hat. She was first a Republican state representative from 1978 to 1983 for District 28 and then a state senator from 1983 to 1986 for District 13. And Colorado remembered her, most recently at a memorial in the State Capitol in both the House and Senate. Both chambers are aweinspiring with marble finishes that have been completely restored. One staircase had cannon balls refinished with brass as balusters. Huge circular staircases mark the entrance to the upper floors. She had made her mark on the General Assembly in Denver where her former colleagues called her "strong and tough." State Senator Tammy Story said, "She left a strong legacy focusing on important issues, especially rural concerns." Former Majority Leader and State Senator Norma Anderson recalled, "She was a marvelous person and an excellent legislator who reached across the aisle to work with Democrats.” Anderson continued, “She made all of us work hard. Trust me.” To Arnold, Anderson explained, “It didn’t matter what your party was,
just about who you were as a person.” Arnold authored laws preventing sexual exploitation of children and expanding educational resources for children with special needs. She also sponsored bills reducing air pollution, protecting state waterways and closing loopholes in penalties for illicit drug distribution. She was the first woman to chair the State Senate Judiciary Committee and went on to win the Lieutenant Governor's seat in the Republican primary election in 1986. She and her running mate Ted Strickland lost in the general election to then gubernatorial candidate Roy Rohmer. She also brought in a feeling of “hootenanny,” said former State Senator Harry Gorman, referring to the large summer gatherings she and Harold hosted every year or so in the mountains of the Western Slope. Arnold also later served as Director of Public Policy for the Children’s Hospital in Denver and Executive Director of the Colorado State Republican Party. Arnold then began working as a lobbyist for US West, a telecommunications company. One senator recalled asking how she would be able to vote on any particular controversial issue. Arnold replied, “I would never work on anything that I would not
Kathy Arnold was an accomplished equestrian and rodeo barrel racer. Photo by Roberta McGowan have voted for if I was still in the Senate.” State Representative Pete Lee recalled something Arnold did on her very first day, “She wrote down why she ran for office in the first place. “She kept this note in a drawer at her chamber desk. Arnold took it out and reread it whenever she had a tough vote ahead.” After the legislature, Kathy turned her attention to her alma mater, the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she graduated
with majors in history and political science. She was elected to the Board of Regents. She served for six years and became Chairman of the Board. She was later named Regent Emeritus. Kathy also served as Director of Public Policy for Children's Hospital in Denver and Executive Director of the Colorado State Republican Party. Arnold, in her last days, said, “Love bears it out, even to the edge of doom.”
“Connect the Dots” with Rev. Laurie Bushbaum On this MLK Sunday, I will try to connect the dots of racism, oppression, and a deeper truth to the death of MLK. Just how difficult is it for those of us with white and class privilege to open our eyes to how we particpate in systems of oppression? Special Music with Jimmy Bryne, Greg Feinsinger and Walter Hanselmann Preschool with Justice Bouchet Religious Exploration with Ana Chynoweth
SUNDAY SERVICES AT 10AM AT 520 S. 3RD STREET CARBONDALE
Dia Lynn, Master of Medical Qigong is opening an office on Thursdays at 520 N. Third St. # 24D, Carbondale, CO. (office of Davi Nikent) Call 831 601-3338 for appointments, Medical Qigong is one branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We practice energetic ‘diagnosis and treatment’ of imbalances in yin/yang which show up as physical symptoms and organ dysfunctions. Exercises are given as homework. Dia Lynn’s healing ministry also specializes in emotional, psychological and spiritual disturbances. 60-minute sessions. $75.00 All forms of payment accepted except insurance. Contact: dia@dialynn.com www.spiritofwholeness.com
THIS COMMUNITY AD SPACE DONATED BY COOL BRICK STUDIOS THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020 • 5
OPINION
BRANCHING OUT
By Genevieve Villamizar When people hear about our WildChild Chikken Co-op, they either say “Oh, cool!” or “Can I join, too?” The co-op started with a Facebook post almost four years ago: “We are moving and can’t bring our chickens. 1½ year-old hens for sale; some supplies included, $80.” This was at the same time that a restaurant friend offered us wholesale pricing on organic eggs, $70 a case. I weighed both in my mind: we could just buy eggs every 3-4 weeks, or… introduce a whole new, lively aspect to our lives. The birds would afford limitless learning opportunities on the facts of life and we’d get the treasure hunt of fresh eggs every day. We opted for the live birds. Who are “we?”
Raising chickens for a lot more than eggs I’m a writer and landscape designer, freelance for 25 years — which makes me a bit of a wild card. Jumi, our daughter, is in elementary school and has been hardwired to Nature since she was born. As a Leo baby, she spent the entirety of her first summer and autumn outside, under the shifting sunlight and shade of our forested yard. She has been drawn to the natural world ever since: we are bonafide, hippy mountain girls. Living our lives through the lens of Nature, chickens were just a matter of time for us. We now live on three city lots in a charming 60-year old house a few blocks off of Main Street. Out in the back, is a listing old henhouse of silvered barn wood and plywood scraps, attached to a fully encaged chicken coop. Since acquiring the birds, we’ve also fenced off a third of the backyard for them to roam. Fruit trees float throughout the property: apple, pear, apricot, cherries. The spreading branches of an aging Russian olive shades the center of the chicken yard. It’s pretty damn dreamy, especially when the hens get to free roam the whole backyard. Watching their iridescent beauty and spastic glory, we’ve gotten pretty
hooked. As such, we’ve also purchased several batches of chicks each spring. If you’ve never seen a baby chick, you’ve got to hit up the Roaring Fork Co-op in April and May — but don’t blame me if you, too, become addicted. Even when they’re past the fuzzy little wad stage, they’re ridiculously entertaining. Jumi and her friends can’t keep their hands off of them. Most afternoons, you’ll see them on the trampoline feeding the birds grasshoppers or lying with them in the shade playing “Imaginary.” “Can I have one? Can I name one?”It was inevitable. And how can you say “no” to a child? We soon had 17 birds with all the neighborhood kids coming and going, to check on “theirs. They've learned about pecking order — “Hey! Don’t you bully!!” They’ve palmed the hot, glistening eggs fresh from a mature hen. They’ve practiced patience and selflessness, working with and sharing birds; learned responsibility, cleaning poop and goop in the henhouse. And with our neighborhood raccoons, they’ve also gotten lessons in life, death, and predators. The WildChild Chikken Co-op is back down to six birds!
I’ve watched Jumi grow through nature and it thrills me. Kids today aren’t growing up with all the outside free play we ‘70s kids got. When parents, coaches, and teachers intervene, we shaft ‘em. Kids learn faster through play; build competency through small mistakes. Their bodies get the multisensory stimulation they need for healthy development spurred by an ever-changing, natural environment. Younger kids learn from older kids, older kids care for the younger ones, and they all learn to problem-solve together if only to keep the fun rolling.
We’re a quirky community willing to think out of the box when it comes to our sustainability and how we live our lives: we have a fungus attacking thistle at the dog park. Goats revitalize the Rio Grande Trail. Local high schools have super cool projects like greenhouse domes and adopted osprey nests. The Town even uses steam to kill weeds. This new column, “Branching Out” will explore all the mysterious, odd, curious ways in which Nature still touches our every day, urban, lives. If you have a question or idea you want to explore, shoot me a line and I’ll bite.
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Challenges ahead for aspen forests By Elizabeth Stewart-Severy Aspen Journalism Just as new research shows that aspen forests are a fountain of biodiversity, Aspen’s namesake trees in the Roaring Fork River watershed are battling warming temperatures, drier conditions, climate disruption, and unchecked herds of deer and elk. Although local aspen forests are currently faring OK, they face serious challenges. There are a few small aspen groves in Pitkin County’s Sky Mountain Park, tucked in valleys where there’s more moisture than what the surrounding oak brush needs— and Elise Osenga, a researcher at the Aspen Global Change Institute, keeps a close eye on these groves. Osenga leads a program that monitors soil moisture as part of efforts to better understand climate conditions in the Roaring Fork River watershed. Two of the monitoring stations — one at Sky Mountain and the other at North Star Nature Preserve — are in aspen groves. “We are interested in seeing,” Osenga said, “if soils are consistently drier over time, are the aspen able to survive?” There is not yet a long history of local soil conditions, but Osenga recently completed an assessment of the health of aspens near the two research stations. “The good news of what we found is we didn’t actually find many dead trees at this point,” she said. But Osenga noted that aspens can die off in sustained droughts or even after just one or two really dry years. Additionally, as temperatures rise with a changing climate, the rain that does fall evaporates more quickly,
further drying out soils. Other local experts have found that there are local aspen groves that are struggling. “It’s really those south-facing, dry slopes where the aspen decline is pretty evident,” said Adam McCurdy, forest programs director at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. He pointed to groves near the radio tower on the Sunnyside Trail and up Castle Creek near the Toklat Gallery. Throughout the West and particularly in southwest Colorado, aspen trees on south and southwest-facing slopes at low elevations are declining. But overall, the local forests are faring pretty well, McCurdy said. In fact, aspens thrive on disruptions. Dry conditions can mean increased risk of wildfire and bark-beetle infestations in evergreens, which thin forests and create openings for aspens to reproduce. In the mountains around Aspen, avalanches have cleared paths for aspen trees to peek through evergreen forests, creating landscape-level diversity that benefits the local ecosystem. “This really serves to break up the large stretches of what would otherwise be just spruce-fir forests and makes our forests more resilient to beetles and fire and all sorts of other disturbances,” McCurdy said. Young aspens are already taking root in the paths cleared by last spring’s historic avalanche cycle — and creating space for all kinds of forest life. Quaking aspen leaves let sunlight through the canopy, and the deep, rich soils under aspen communities hold more moisture than those in conifer forests. Such a combination of moisture and sunlight is the magic ticket for
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diverse life. “Under aspen communities, there might be up to a hundred different plant species, and then some people have made tabulations of 50, 60 or more animals using aspen on a daily basis,” said Paul Rogers, director of Western Aspen Alliance, which coordinates research and management of aspen ecosystems across western North America. Rogers co-authored a recent review of aspen research that contends that conservation of aspen ecosystems can benefit global biodiversity. Rogers and more than a dozen fellow researchers argue for a “megaconservation” strategy: By sustaining the keystone aspen forests, a wide range of species would also be protected. But, in addition to drier soils, aspen forests across the world are under stress from human activities such as mining, logging and urban development — as well as from some of the very wildlife they help support. Young trees are particularly nutritious and attractive to elk and deer, and herds sometimes stay in one spot for days, eating all the new shoots. This results in an aging forest, and when the old trees start to die off, “you have a real problem,” Rogers said. “And so, if you combine that with drought, which is happening throughout Colorado, throughout the Western states, that is the biggest threat to aspen ecosystems.” Reintroducing predators, such as wolves, could help — especially because when predators are in the area, herbivores can’t stay in one place long enough to overeat young trees, Rogers said. The reintroduction of wolves in Colorado is a contentious issue that
Elise Osenga, a researcher with the Aspen Global Change Institute, walks among the aspens on the Airline Trail in Sky Mountain Park. is likely to be on the ballot in the fall of 2020. Rogers also noted that Colorado Parks and Wildlife managers have increased the targeted size of elk herds over decades. The population goal for the Avalanche Creek elk herd, for example, increased from 3,300 in 1988 to a range of 3,600-5,400 in 2013. “We’ve taken away predators, for the most part, that are going to keep those populations in check, but we’ve also managed those big herbivore populations for economics, quite frankly,” Rogers said. “Every state sells hunting licenses, and so to keep those revenues up, they keep those populations high. And those high populations have an impact on ecosystems.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020 • 7
CMC class teaches vibrancy in both life and death By Kathleen Shannon Special to The Sopris Sun While sipping hot tea in her home that smelled of fresh-baked cookies, a fly on the wall wouldn’t guess that Lisa Goddard and I were discussing death. “There’s nothing that’s touched me more profoundly than the practice of sitting with the dying. After someone passes and you’re present with them, it’s such a stirring in your heart,” she explained. “What that calls for me is an urgency to live fully.” That sentiment is central to Goddard’s course Zen and the Art of Dying, which she will be offering for a third semester starting at CMC next week. Her own study of death has long roots, tracing back to the Zen Hospice Project in San Francisco where she volunteered from 2013-2015 in a space called The Guest House — named for Rumi’s poem of the same title— spending a day every week with the dying. “The first time that somebody died on my shift,” Goddard recalled, “I remember walking outside to the front porch with a broom.” She described the sounds of the busy cityscape. “This person had just passed and I was sweeping the leaves off the steps,” she said, her voice cracking. “It’s all so fleeting.” In a culture that tends to “push away the aging process,” Goddard challenges students to look at their own mortality and come to terms with the vulnerability and fragility of aging. While she did note the large population of retirees in the community, she also pointed out that the class is not designed only for that age
bracket. Remembering a younger student who came to class dealing with a debilitating injury, “It was mourning,” she explained. “We need to be able to mourn our limitations. If we can mourn them, then we can put them down.” Goddard brings a refreshing candor to such a stigmatized topic, even when discussing her own aging process. With bright eyes, she told me: “I want to be able to talk about it… This is where my body is traveling to and I’ll do everything I can to help it, but I also want to honor that this is where I’m headed.” The class will consist of exercises and activities that may be uncomfortable, but that are “held in this container of confidentiality,” Goddard explained. The class is designed to be a meditative, contemplative, and explorative practice. “We’re a community by the end: a loving, connected community. When we can start being vulnerable with one another, that’s how we’re going to make big change happen in the world.” Often students who attend her CMC class will also join her weekly sitting meditations, which she has been offering in both Carbondale and Aspen since the founding of her nonprofit organization, Roaring Fork Insight, in 2016. With 22 years of experience, including study at the Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center and San Francisco Zen Center, Goddard offers a western Buddhist blend of Zen, Vipassana, and secular mindfulness teachings. That term — mindfulness — has had a large presence in the cultural vernacular in the last couple years, perhaps one large enough to contort its meaning. “It’s not just paying attention in the moment” she said, “and the end result is not just
"Roaring Fork Insight's practitioners discuss New Year's intentions on Monday night. Photo by Kathleen Shannon living a happy life. It’s living a life where there’s peace that includes all of the messiness of life.” One of the messy conditions of life, of course, is death and that is also one of the foundations of Buddhism. “The one contemplation that the Buddha suggests you focus on everyday is death,” Goddard told me. Such contemplation does not need to be morbid or oppressive, however. “It’s about really getting familiar with impermanence,” and coming to an understanding that “everything is always changing,” she said. “How we meet it is entirely on us.” Goddard expects that she will be doing more work surrounding end of life in the future of Roaring Fork Insight. You can also look out for a forthcoming companion publication, “As Is: A Wayfarers’ Guide to Loss” — a collaboration with her husband and fellow practitioner Seth Goddard. When it comes to marketing her meditation
classes, “It’s an attraction practice,” Goddard explained. “I’m interested in practicing with other people who are interested in practicing. What I’m teaching is 2,600 years old. I’m just a messenger. I just want to be able to bring the practices I feel free in,” Goddard said with a smile. “That’s my marketing strategy.” Per the Buddhist concept of Dharma: truth is in experience. “It’s about seeing for yourself,” Goddard said. If you’d like to see for yourself, you can join Goddard for Zen and the Art of Dying by registering online at coloradomtn.edu today. Goddard is also offering a Yoga, Meditation, and Soak event with River Morgan at Avalanche Ranch on Feb. 2. You can find weekly meditation offerings from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Monday nights at Roaring Fork Aikikai and also 11:30 to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at The Aspen Chapel. Email lisa@roaringforkinsight.org for more information.
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8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020
How volunteer tutors are changing lives through literacy By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent Nearly four years ago, Orlando Alfaro moved to the Roaring Fork Valley with the hope of beginning a career as an educator. There was just one major challenge: he could not read, write, or speak any English. Not one to be deterred easily, Alfaro heeded the advice of his El Salvadoran father to find a way to learn English. With the support of his mother’s friend, Alfaro discovered the key to his future success: Literacy Outreach. Literacy Outreach is a Glenwood Springs nonprofit that serves Garfield County adults who are illiterate. Through hands-on, small group or private sessions, students are given the opportunity to learn basic reading and writing skills to propel them into new and exciting opportunities. Within a few weeks of contacting Literacy Outreach, Alfaro was paired with a tutor and began taking weekly classes when he was not working as a paraprofessional in the Roaring Fork School District. “At the beginning I was very nervous,” Alfaro said. “I didn’t know any English. My tutor — Patrick — helped me get comfortable by first speaking in Spanish with me, but after that it was only English. It was very important for me to see progress in myself and to get my career going.” At Literacy Outreach, there is a common belief that reading is an
ADULT LITERACY STATISTICS
Data compiled by ProLiteracy 36 million adults in the U.S. cannot read, write, or do basic math skills 1 million immigrants lack proficient English skills Less than 10 percent of adults in need are receiving services 68 percent of adult literacy programs need volunteers 43 percent of adults with the lowest literacy levels live in poverty 75 percent of incarcerated adults have low literacy levels
Tutor Patrick and his student Orlando Alfaro taking a quick break from studying to enjoy a cheerful moment. Courtesy photo essential aspect to lead a fulfilling life. Martha Fredendall, Executive Director of Literacy Outreach, stressed that learning to read does more than help the individual students — it helps families and the greater community. “There is a direct correlation to education and income earned,” Fredendall said. “With basic income, families do not have to worry about eviction, needing to move, or food insecurity. [Literacy] creates a safe environment for families.” Statistics compiled by ProLiteracy (the nation’s leading adult literacy program) indicate that higher education and literacy reduces poverty, risk of incarceration, hunger, and health care costs. Additionally, children of adults who are proficient in basic reading, writing, and math skills
are more likely to finish high school and develop positive relationships. Last year, Literacy Outreach worked with 157 adult learners across Garfield County. About 90 percent of their students are English second language learners, but they also work with students who have developmental delays in addition to students who went through the basic public school system, but continue to struggle with literacy. “We are happy to work with all types of people,” Fredendall said. “In addition to tutoring, we offer citizenship preparation classes, financial literacy classes, pronunciation workshops, and provide safe opportunities for people to practice their skills.” Recently, students have participated in cooking classes, knitting groups, First Aid courses, a New Castle Police Department self-
defense class, and engaged in town treasure hunts to learn directions. “It really depends on the learners and what they want to learn,” Fredendall said. “It is a great way to showcase what is most important to them.” Students also have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with their volunteer tutors. Nearly 90 percent of all tutors remain at Literacy Outreach, creating a safe and consistent learning environment for students to find success. Prospective tutors attend a one-hour information session followed by a three-hour training. Tutoring itself is a threehour weekly commitment. After his first tutor had to leave, Alfaro was quickly paired with another tutor who took his goals into account when moving forward with his education. His second tutor, Kathy, asked him if he wanted to get a degree. Alfaro emphatically concurred expressing that he loved working with children and wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. Within the next two years, he plans to obtain a degree
in Early Childhood Education at CMC. He currently supplements his coursework working as a lead teacher at Faith Lutheran Preschool in Carbondale. Alfaro emphasized that perseverance helped him get to where he is now. “English is very tricky,” Alfaro said. “I’ve been studying it for four years, and it has been hard. There were times when I wanted to drop out, but I told myself that I still have my goal in my heart. My tutors have helped me out so much, and have had a really good impact on my life. I am very grateful.” There are 96 students countywide who are in need of a tutor — and some have been waiting for up to two years. Fredendall emphasized that there is no need to speak Spanish, you just need to have a love of teaching. Upcoming tutor information sessions are currently ongoing across Garfield County. Visit literacyoutreach.org/tutoring-faq/ or call 945-5282 for a full list of upcoming information sessions, additional volunteer opportunities, or to schedule a session.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020 • 9
*REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!
COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY JAN. 16 MUSICAL STORYTIME
`` CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS AT SPRING GULCH
Caregivers and their young children are invited to a 10:30 a.m. movement circle, songs and stories at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.).
`` ZEN & THE ART OF DYING
FRIDAY JAN. 17
For beginners to intermediate level skiers in Classic and Skate styles. See our bulletin, or search and register on-line* for dates and times.
Lisa Goddard .............................................. 1/20-3/2 (M) ........... 10a-12p Explore how the awareness of death helps us live happy, meaningful, and more loving lives. Learn contemplative practices and tools to meet the tender work of aging, meeting death and end of life.
`` BEGINNING ILLUSTRATOR
Lindsay Jones ............................................. 2/3-3/2 (M) .............. 6p-9p Learn how to use the various tools, turn hand-drawn designs into digital illustrations, create illustrations from photographs, prep files for screen-printing, make graphics for digital printing, create logos, and magazine worthy illustrations.
`` OUR PUBLIC LANDS: DESIGNATIONS, HISTORY & TODAY
Sarah Johnson ............................................ 2/4-2/18 (T) ......... 6p-8:30p Expand your knowledge of public lands in America, federal land designations, the history of these lands, and the context in which these places were protected. Explore the many uses and benefits of public lands, as well as the threats they face locally and nationally.
`` TOTAL BRAIN HEALTH - MEMORY
Dia Lynn ...................................................... 2/5-4/1 (W) ......... 6:30p-8p Build focus, cognition, and memory using time-tested and science based strategies, and learn how to maintain everyday intellectual performance for years to come.
`` BEGINNER PC COMPUTER
Miranda Watson ......................................... 2/11-2/25 (T) .............. 1p-4p Struggling on your computer? Learn how to use the mouse and keyboard, and practice opening and using basic programs including internet browsers, word processing and an introduction to email.
*www.coloradomtn.edu/community-education Carbondale Lappala Center • 690 Colorado Ave • 963-2172
VALLEY VISUAL ART SHOW
FRI & SAT JAN. 17-18
The Town of Carbondale celebrates Nicolette Toussaint's Thompson House painting donation from 4 to 6 p.m. at Town Silks students perform “Island of Misfit Hall (522 Colorado Ave.) Toys” at 6 p.m. each night. $10 for adults; $8 NATURALIST NIGHTS for kids. Why are elk disappearing from the Eagle ad Roaring Fork Valleys? Learn the reason FRI JAN. 17 - THU JAN. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Third Street Center MOVIES (520 S. Third St.). Contact the Wilderness The Crystal Theatre (427 Main St.) presents Workshop at 510-1290 for information. “Little Women” (PG) at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17-19 GOOD AT TRIVIA? and 21-23, “Parasite” (R) at 4:45 p.m. Jan. 17, “JoJo Rabbit” (PG-13) at 5 p.m. Jan. 18 and Assemble a team of no more than six people “Fantastic Fungi” (NR) at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19. and try to win your bar tab up to $50 and a special trophy from 7 to 9 p.m. at Marble Closed Jan. 20. Distillery (150 Main St.).
SATURDAY JAN. 18 NORDIC DEMO DAY
Never-evers, beginners and intermediates can enjoy free skate and classic lessons with skis for folks to test. This event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Spring Gulch Nordic Center (119-53 CR 108). For information contact Independence Run & Hike at 704-0909. ROCK N’ ROLL BAND
CULTIVATE SELF-LOVE
Rediscover your purpose and passion — ultimately guiding you to the authentic life you deserve to live — from 2 to 4 p.m. at Coventure (201 Main St.) Go to eventbrite. com for tickets from $30 to $40. MARBLE COMEDY
This month, AJ Finney will be headlining, Alan Bromwell featuring, and B.K. Sharad hosting. Show runs from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at Marble Distilling (150 Main St.); Go to eventbrite.com for $10 tickets.
SUNDAY JAN. 19 PEACE, HOPE, MUSIC
Tickets selling fast! 970.920.5770 | wheeleroperahouse.com
10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020
PAINTER RECEPTION
SOPRIS SOARERS
Come together with folks from around the Western Slope to celebrate and support women rising to lead. Event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Centennial Park (828 Grand Ave.,Glenwood Springs). Contact indivisiblerf.org for more information.
The wildly talented cast of the iconic Crystal Palace is back at it again. Lampooning the headlines and creating laughter out of the crazy!
DIVO CABARET
Listen to Bob Moore and his guitar perform folk music with “Another Side of Me," accompanied by Corey Simpson, Nina Gabianelli, Sean Jeffries, Lauren Kenning and Kameron Blair. Show is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Thunder River Theatre Company LIVE MUSIC LAUNCH (67 Promenade).Call 963-8200 or go to Callin’ Old Souls starts the evening with raw thunderrivertheatre.com for tickets. underground country and sad songs you can dance to from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Landmark WEDNESDAY JAN. 22 Cafe (689 Main St.).
2020 WOMEN’S MARCH
FRI, JAN 31 & SAT, FEB 1 | 7:30 PM
Learn the science of preparing and storing sauerkraut and fermented vegetables safely in this hands-on workshop. Event is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Carbondale Recreation Center (567 Colorado Ave.). Cost is $10. Go to carbondalerec.com or call 510-1290 for information.
Carbondale Arts (76 S. Fourth St.) celebrates a wide variety of local artists with a show running through Feb. 28 and starting with a 6 to 8 p.m. opening reception.
Enjoy the Western Colorado band the Tankerays from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at The Black Nugget (403 Main St.).
Review
FERMENTED VEGETABLES
Join longtime local and international singer-songwriter Ellen Stapenhorst for an afternoon of music and stories from 4 to 6 pm at the Aspen Chapel (75 Meadowood Dr., Aspen). By donation suggested at $20, or pay what works for you. For information, contact estapenhorst@earthlink.net or call 948-0315.
MONDAY JAN. 20 THE GAME CHANGERS
This film follows the lives of several top performing athletes and their personal journeys to eating an optimal way to enhance their health and their physical performance. From 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) Reserve your spot at eventbrite.com with free tickets. Go to gamechangersmovie.com for more information.
FURTHER OUT THURSDAY JAN. 23 IMMUNE SUPPORT
Zach Sashin teaches you how to help your health with essential oils during the winter season in a by-donation event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).
FRIDAY JAN. 24 COMEDY DINNER
Celebrate National Belly Laugh Day with opener David Testerot and featured comedian Alan Goodwin from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at The Homestead (303 River Valley Ranch Dr.). $65 ticket price comes with a buffet meal.
SATURDAY JAN. 25 AMERICANA
Feeding Giants returns to the Patina Bar and Grille (1054 Highway 133) with a 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. set. TRUU AUCTION
The Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists offer a chance to bid on tropical getaways, wine tastings, art lessons, murder mystery parties and more from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). CELTIC
The Landward Rogues return to the Black Nugget (403 Main St.) from 9 p.m. ‘til the wee hours of the morning.
ONGOING BUSINESS MASTERMIND
Guided by a facilitator and drawing on the collective wisdom of the group, entrepreneurs discuss a variety of topics related to the unique challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in a free event from 7 to 9 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at Marble Distilling (150 Main St.). SACRED MASCULINITY
A new experiential/encounter group invites men from all walks of life a safe place to explore the beauty and fear of the gender from 7 to 9:30 p.m. fourth Wednesdays at the Third Street Center. $10 suggested donation; visit DaviNikent.org for more info.
If the postcard for the upcoming Valley Visual Art Show looks familiar, we're pretty sure it's because the artwork comes from a poster John Toly put together in the event's early days. Folks who frequent the Main Street Gallery will recognize much of the art-within-art. YAPPY HOUR
HAPPINESS HOUR
Colorado Animal Rescue’s Yappy Hour at the Marble Distilling (150 Main St.) takes place at 5:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Sip on handcrafted cocktails and meet a C.A.R.E. dog, with $1 from every drink donated to C.A.R.E. Bring your own dog along as well.
Meditate silently from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Friday except First Friday at True Nature (100 N. Third St.).
COMMUNITY MEAL
Faith Lutheran Church (1340 Highway 133), in collaboration with Carbondale Homeless Assistance, hosts a free community meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month. Visit faithcarbondale.com or call 510-5046 for information. 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. COMFORT IN TEXTILE
Enjoy the large scale sculpture exhibit by fiber artist Erica Green titled “A Moment Please” takes over the the Art Base (99 Midland Spur, Basalt) through Feb.13. Call 927-4123 for information.
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). 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.). 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.
ENTER DIMENSIONAL
RF INSIGHT
The Carbondale Clay Center (135 Main St.) showcases local favorites John Cohorst and Chris Erickson.
Lisa Goddard offers a Western Buddhist mix of zen, vipassana and secular mindfulness meditation from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Mondays at Roaring Fork Aikikai (2553 Dolores Way) and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the Aspen Chapel (77 Meadowood Dr.) for upvalley commuters.
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.).
MEDITATION
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 388-3597 for more information. THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020 • 11
TOWN REPORT From Town Manager Jay Harrington's weekly report to trustees, staff and others.
have been several pre-application meetings on small projects. REC CENTER MEMBERSHIPS for three months purchased by the end of January come with a fourth month free.
skate rentals available through the Rec. Center. That said, the Gus Darien arena is booked for a private rental from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 18.
have
YOUTH BASKETBALL for third through sixth graders have home games on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Rec. Center. Email wtempest@carbondaleco.net if you’re interested in refereeing.
AQUATICS FACILITY master planning continues with formation of a steering committee, data collection research and benchmarking. Look for a public survey in the spring and public outreach heading in to summer.
picked up again after the holiday lull. There
ICE RINKS remain open for business, with
A TANK in the Gateway RV park water
PROPOSAL for the Eighth Street Multi-modal Improvements study and for on-call electrical work are due on Jan. 20. DEVELOPMENT
INQUIRIES
system will need to be replaced. A leak will also need to be fixed in a line at the wastewater treatment plant. Both systems have temporary fixes in place. SALES TAX was up 5.6 percent in 2019, with lodging tax up 2.9 percent. OFFICER Gretchen Bell attended a one day class on Human Trafficking and Officer Paul Lazo will attend a Winter Driving class if conditions permit.
COP SHOP From Dec. 27 through Jan. 9, Carbondale Police handled 362 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note: SATURDAY Dec. 28 at 10:24
MONDAY Dec. 30 at 1:47 a.m. A
WEDNESDAY Jan. 1 at 5 p.m.
MONDAY Jan. 6 at 5:18 p.m.
p.m. A warrant was issued for a
traffic stop for failing to signal led to
A 36-year-old man was arrested on
Following “a transient call,” a
36-year-old man following a report
a 34-year-old’s DUI arrest.
a pair of warrants and also charged
50-year-old man was arrested for
with criminal impersonation.
trespassing and obstruction.
FRIDAY Jan. 3 at 11:52 p.m.
TUESDAY Jan. 7 at 2:28 p.m. A
Responding to a call at a local bar,
report of an intoxicated person at
police chased a 26-year-old man
Hendrick Dog Park led to a 46-year-
who fled on foot and arrested him
old woman’s arrest on charges of
for assault, obstructing an officer,
disorderly conduct and third degree
resisting arrest and an active
trespass, and later assault on an
warrant.
officer.
of a restraining order violation.
MONDAY Dec. 30 at 4:10 p.m.
SATURDAY Dec. 28 at 11:12 p.m. Following a traffic stop for speeding, a 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. SUNDAY Dec. 29 at 7:54 p.m. Police stopped and arrested a
Officers issued a summons to a 33-year-old man after a theft from a local business. MONDAY Dec. 30 at 5:40 p.m. A 25-year-old was arrested on a warrant and a 26-year-old was arrested for obstruction and accessory.
SATURDAY Jan. 4 at 12:49
WEDNESDAY Jan. 8 at 4:49
influence
WEDNESDAY Jan. 1 at 5:13 a.m.
a.m. A traffic stop for obstructed
a.m. Police escorted a 28-year-old
and without a valid license and
Following a disturbance report, a
vision and expired registration led
providing false identification to law
30-year-old and a 31-year-old were
to a 31-year-old woman’s arrest on
enforcement.
arrested for harassment and assault.
suspicion of DUI.
and a 38-year-old out of a local Ordinance Officer Benjamin motel only to have them return and Mendoza began training and orientation last week. end up jailed for criminal trespass.
31-year-old man for open beverage, driving
under
the
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
& BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Open seats on the Town of Carbondale Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment. Contact Janet Buck 970.510.1208. Applications may be found at www.carbondalegov.org or at Town Hall. Applications are due by January 31, 2020 at 5 pm.
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*www.coloradomtn.edu/community-education
Carbondale Lappala Center • 690 Colorado Ave • 963-2172 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020
CHIEF OF POLICE Full time position, salary range $99,930 to $126,189. Closing Date 2.10.2020 at 5:00pm. A complete position profile, job description and required application forms may be obtained at https://www.carbondalegov.org/ (Click on Employment Opportunities). Interested candidates should submit a fully completed Application for Employment, resume, six professional references and cover letter to the Town of Carbondale, Human Resources Department, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado 81623 or email same to rgustine@carbondaleco.net. The Town of Carbondale offers a generous benefits package that includes: health insurance, life insurance, 401A retirement plan, paid time off (vacation, sick), paid holidays (10 days per year). The job will remain open until filled.
Boosting Nettle Creek water security By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff Carbondale's primary potable water source was interrupted on Dec. 22, but only a handful of homes were affected — and the Town is working on additional mitigation for any future incidents. Currently, water users in the municipality proper are served by two other treatment plants based wells along the Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers. Most months of the year, Carbondale can function on two of three. However, around special agreements are in place along the Nettle Creek pipe to provide water for around 40 users outside of town limits and above the other water sources. Those between Thomas Road and the Baptist church were consequently
without water for several hours. A request for qualifications and proposals is due by Jan. 31 for a feasibility engineering and design for a water distribution line pump back system which would allow the Town to reverse the flow in the event of another break or a water rights call. Ideally, the system would also provide a small amount of electric power under normal circumstances. Residents along the line would still see similar impacts to a break as those in town: a shut down between two valves. "If there's a line failure anywhere, there's gotta be isolation, otherwise you're working in a swimming pool," Utilities Director Mark O'Meara explained. "It's an inconvenience, but we try very diligently to get things fixed as soon as possible.
Taylor Calkins, Grace Pinkham, Judah Simmons and Petunia Davis were honored as students of the month.
The Student Trustee program was revived and Roaring Fork High students Diego Valdez and alternate Grace Jardine were sworn in just in time to tackle a series of liquor and marijuana license hearings as well as the final stamp of approval to put a tobacco tax on the April ballot. "It gives you a bigger picture of what's going on in Carbondale," Valdez said. "If teens see that there's a student voice at the table, it might inspire others to get involved." Added Jardine, "To have a student perspective in the Town is really important… there's many times when our word isn't really heard. There's a lot of new buildings and art works and such that teens don't have a say in, and things we do in our daily lives we don't get to share. Photo by Will Grandbois
Carbondale Nature Park survey delayed Staff Report While the Parks and Recreation Commission had originally planned to solicit dog park feedback beginning Jan. 9, a last-minute decision to refine the questioning has delayed the survey launch until Feb. 14.
Photo by Will Grandbois
Additionally, the property — which has no official association with the Delaney family or dogs in its name — was purchased, not donated as indicated in last week's Sopris Sun. Look for a full story on the history and process of the property in advance of the questionnaire's actual release.
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¿YA TIENE UNA MEMBRESÍA QUE CUBRE EL MES DE ENERO? ¡NO HAY PROBLEMA! APROVECHE ESTA OFERTA EN ENERO Y COMIENCE UNA VEZ QUE SU MEMBRESÍA ACTUAL HAYA LLEGADO A SU FIN! PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN, LLAME ERIC A 970.510.1277
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020 • 13
PAGES OF THE PAST
One man’s trash is another's unexpected career From the archives of the Valley Journal and Sopris Sun
Jan. 17, 1980 “Mike Sweeney loves his junk,” the Journal declared — referring, of course, to his Cattle Creek Auto Salvage yard. He’d been “buying and selling the remains of the Valley’s automotive dreams” since 1976, when Al Morris went looking for someone to add a junkyard next to his car smashing operation. “Nobody seems to want to save and we can take their waste and make a living out of it,” Sweeney noted. “It’s strange, but that’s the way it seems to be.” In other news… Basalt Town Council’s move into a new Town Hall was delayed when the carpet wasn’t delivered on time.
Jan. 18, 1990 City Market announced the purchase of five acres of land on the south side of the new Highway 82 bypass near
Basalt. The store had asserted for some time that it’s existing downtown Basalt store was too small, and had threatened to move to El Jebel if a deal couldn’t be reached. “If this doesn’t work,” City Market Real Estate and Construction Director John Caldwell noted, “we would have to conclude that Basalt doesn’t want us.” In other news… Bed and Breakfasts were beginning to spring up in the area for the first time, with The Biggerstaff house in Missouri Heights and the Harmony House in town.
Jan. 13, 2000 Colorado Rocky Mountain School boasted eight qualifying skiers for the state Nordic competition: Max Mancini, Caleb Gaw, Johnas Landes, Maddie Mancini, Avi Scheinbaum, Sami Boyle and Jenny Shumacher. Peter Olenick, a Roaring Fork High School student on the team, also qualified. Meanwhile, CRMS grad Rob Taylor was heading to England to study
acting at the London Academy of Theatre. In other news… A middle schooler accused of stabbing a classmate was granted a continuance.
Jan. 14, 2010 Bankruptcies were booming as the economy faulted, with a 36 percent increase in cases in 2019 even before December’s data came in. According to lawyer Bill Phillips, the Roaring Fork Valley seemed to have a particular profusion of folks who owed more on their house than its appraised value. While the trend had been ongoing for a year, he was starting to get into cases in which fairly wealthy folks were losing homes in foreclosure. Businesses, too, were going under — often hand in hand with personal bankruptcies. In other news… The Carbondale Clay Center and Colorado Animal Rescue teamed up for a special “Give a Dog a Bowl” event.
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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020
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LETTERS
Continued from page 2
For the birds Dear Editor: Roaring Fork Audubon would like to thank Paddywacks in El Jebel for holding its annual Bird Seed Sale, benefiting RFA and our local bird population. Paddywacks is a great example of why it’s important to support our local businesses. Keep it up Eric and Crew! Shep & Mary Harris Your Valley’s Roaring Fork Audubon Society
March for women, troops Dear Editor: “I got elected on bringing our soldiers back home,” stated our President in his 2019 State of the Union address. Yet, just last week he bragged about sending troops to Saudi Arabia and South Korea, and apparently “we” got $1.5 billion for them. No, this money won’t be going to the soldiers or their families, or to any VA hospital. No, it won’t be going to bring down
the deficit which has nearly doubled under Trump’s time in office and has now topped $1 trillion. Where will it go? Well, the average trip to Mar-a-lago costs around $3 million. In fact, your tax dollars are spent on travel, hotels, and accommodations every time a member of the Trump family travels. I don’t think the Trumps need our tax dollars. I think if the soldiers are earning this paycheck, then it should go to them. If you voted for Trump because you support the troops, this is where we may begin to have some common ground. If it bothers you that our President is selling out servicemen and women while at the same time wasting our hard-earned tax dollars for trips to his own properties, we are not as divided as we may have thought. If you think the sacrifice our soldiers make every day is one of the greatest any American could offer, we agree. If you think the President should act in the best interest of the American people, we agree. If you think that the First Amendment gives us the right to say so, we
agree. If you think this nation needs to heal, we agree. Four years in a row, the Women’s March has voiced these concerns, and a great many others. People have come together to stand up for what is right. I invite you to march with me at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. We will meet at Centennial Park, 828 Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs. A lot has changed in this country, but there is still some greatness left in each and every one of us. The powers that be are not stronger than the powers in we. Lisa Dameron Carbondale
Help Bruno
Dear Editor: I am writing this letter about my fatherin-law, Bruno Kirchenwitz. I know not everyone has agreed with his opinions over the years and there are a few that he has downright pissed off, but this is on a different subject. Very few know this, but Bruno has been on home dialysis for over nine years and
PARTING SHOT
has finally been given the chance to get on the kidney transplant list! As a family, this is a huge deal for us as we help him three to four times a week to get his dialysis treatments done so he can just stay healthy and alive. Unfortunately, his health coverage doesn’t help with any aftercare, we have to raise all the funds for this, including a place to stay for four to six weeks in Aurora, all meals and transportation to and from UC Health three to four times a week to make sure the kidney is working properly. I am just asking for a little help for a long time local character that would be amazing for his entire family. Any help is greatly appreciated. The Go Fund Me is called Bruno Kirchenwitz Kidney Transplant Fund or there is also a bank account at 1st Bank with the same name. Stephanie Kirchenwitz Rifle
SUZOKU By Suzie Brady
Even walking past the Tai Chi class at the Third Street Center on Monday and Wednesday mornings brings a much-needed moment of zen. Photo by Sue Rollyson
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • JANUARY 16, 2020 - JANUARY 22, 2020 • 15
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