Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper
Carbondale’s weekly
community connector
Volume 13, Number 1 | February 11-17, 2021
For the love of ...
Annie the horse with her volunteer Maureen Kerr. Photo by Jane Bachrach. Continued on page 11
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BRANCHING OUT
By Geneviéve Joëlle Villamizar Is a dead animal of value, or just trash? I’m forced to ponder this after retrieving a dead creature from Highway 133. We didn’t want cars to smash the animal to oblivion. The night had been exceptionally dark, stars and moon veiled by snow clouds. Not another car was on the road. Amid a thicket of roadside cottonwoods, I saw a small body in the oncoming lane – skunk already – no, wait. A gray cat? As we approached, I scanned for oncoming headlights, flipped my hazards, and pulled to a stop in my lane. Entering the monochrome wedge of our high beams, we saw not fur but feathers – a blush of ruddy orange? “Oh my gosh, it’s a red-tailed hawk!” I whispered-hollered.
Respecting life and death “Mommy! No, my God, it's an owl! A great horned owl!” Juniper whisper-squealed. We kneeled, absorbing the immensity of (his? her?) death and perfection. Stroking his wings and chest, we were captivated. Reality tapped my shoulder and the danger of our situation hit me. I swept the owl into my arms, as I had this very child a decade ago: how very precious, both, I thought. Secure in the car, we headed home. It was almost midnight and sleep was impossible. In the hush of our living room, we spent the evening getting to know “owl,” as with the fox from this summer, moving beyond assumptions into new, unforgettable experiential “knowing.” Researching the next day, I discovered the dimpled leather of her feet have evolved for grip friction. Talons, so long they curled in on themselves, capable of an eightinch spread, make escape almost impossible. Great horned owl grip strength averages 500 pounds per square inch. In comparison, golden eagle talons exert 400; a German shepherd’s bite, 238; and a human’s bite, 126 psi. Had we not found a dead owl, would I ever have come to know this? Juniper spread the wings through full rotation, unleashing exciting
Sincerest thanks to our
Honorary Publishers
for their annual commitment of $1,000+ Email todd@soprissun.com for more information.
Anne Sullivan & John Colson Bill Spence & Sue Edelstein Carly & Frosty Merriott CoVenture Deborah & Shane Evans Elizabeth Wysong Gary & Jill Knaus Greg & Kathy Feinsinger James Noyes Kay Brunnier Ken & Donna Riley Lee Beck & John Stickney Lee Mulcahy Megan Tackett Michelle & Ed Buchman Patti & George Stranahan Peter & Mike Gilbert Toni Cerise True Nature Healing Arts
Photo by Geneviève Villamizar. memories of white whooshing wings, gone before I could grasp what I’d witnessed … versus the still-warm vision before us. Juniper folded one extended wing over the other, cloaking face and body
like Count Chocula. Our giggles changed to whispers, marvelling over camouflage feather patterns. Cupping her limp, heavy head, I could feel the very firmament of Continued on page 14
LETTERS Sharing the love Camy Britt’s letter last week was “Right On.” Carbondale IS a great place to live for the vibes and events! We also have the Carbondale Nature Park, great crosscountry skiing at Spring Gulch, and all of our outdoor COVID-safe activities. We are all in this together and are looking forward to gathering this summer. Thanks for reminding us, Camy. We all hope to see you and your bike around town soon. Katie Marshall Carbondale
Clear as night and day Full sun and half moon Share the sky on either side Changing of the guard JM Jesse Glenwood Springs
Response to Steve Campbell Your letter rankled me for a couple of reasons, and I felt compelled to respond. First, at risk of sounding like a jerk, your letter reads like a t-shirt slogan at best, but maybe more accurately as a forgettable tweet. With the exception of the local genius who writes us lovely haikus from time to time, this is a forum where folks stretch out and care is taken in the act of putting thought into word. Second, you aim out, at us, your readers,
when you tell us that in wearing a mask, we're showing our submission. But you don't know me, sir. You don't know most people. Certainly you don't believe you're going to change anybody's mind with a letter like that. Who honestly believes anyone can change someone's mind about anything at this point? It seems you're content to just fire shots into the crowd, telling us how you're right about something. That's just rude. Finally and perhaps most importantly, your sharp tone implies a fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of submission. It's pretty clear you think submission is for the weak and the stupid. I offer to you that we are discerning, thoughtful people who wear masks not only for our own protection, but in hope that we don't inadvertently spread a highly contagious and concerning disease to people who may not survive it. We submit our personal desire for comfort to the good of the whole. We submit to the simple truth that we don't know as much as the world's experts in virology and infectious disease. Submission is everywhere, inherent in the human condition. We submit to being alive on earth in a fragile and imperfect body that's dying by the minute, to the fact that being alive is lonely and scary sometimes, and sometimes so painfully wonderful that you never want it to end. We submit to the flaws in our character that come from places
so deep inside us they seem impossible to reach. In our finer moments, we submit to the Christ impulse that compels us not to amass, but distribute; not to argue but to empathize; not to dig in, but to wander and to wonder. If you don't see what you've submitted yourself to in fear of wearing a mask, I don't feel any need to point it out to you. It's there for you to discover if you'll only be so bold as to look. What it boils down to, Mr. Campbell, is that if you have thoughts about what I'm doing, how I'm living my life or why I wear a mask, you can ask me about it. Failing that, I humbly request you please keep those thoughts to yourself, or put them on twitter, where, like the rest of everybody's unasked-for opinions, they can be summarily ignored. Clay Allen Carbondale
Freedom of Speech and Responsibilities of Public Office The 'rally' of 'Stay Free Colorado' involved a dereliction of duty. First Amendment rights are broad but are not unlimited and not extended to overt danger of others and advocacy of imminent lawless action. When our elected officials took the Continued on page 14
Correction: It was incorrectly stated in the Feb. 4 issue that distribution of Chromebooks by Roaring Fork Schools began in 2020. In fact, the initiative started in 2013 and reached every student in grades 4-12 by 2016. Expansion has since continued to younger students. The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 11 - February 17, 2021
Legacy Givers
for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly
And all our SunScribers
and community members for your support.
It truly takes a village to keep The Sun shining.
Donate by mail or online. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Crystal Tapp Proofreader: Lee Beck Current Board Members
Linda Criswell • Klaus Kocher Kay Clarke • Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie Eric Smith • Vanessa Porras 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.
The Sun shines through By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor On Feb. 12, 2021, The Sopris Sun completes its twelfth year of informing, inspiring and connecting community. For students of numerology, this is our “golden birthday,” age matching the day of month, as our community paper emerges through its “tween” years. It’s also Chinese New Year, inaugurating the Year of the Metal Ox and all of the good, hard work that implies. Many changes have occurred over the past dozen years, but circumstances were not so different when The Sopris Sun rose from the ashes of its precursor, The Valley Journal, in February 2009. It was a time of economic uncertainty, with the Great Recession ravaging businesses, and a time of rapidly advancing technology. Swift Newspapers, having purchased The Valley Journal from Morris Communications in May 2003, decided to fold the publication just before Christmas, thus concluding 34 years of telling our local story. Thankfully, seven intrepid Carbondalians refused to allow the town go without its own newspaper, telling the Los Angeles Times and other media that exploring a nonprofit, independent model “beat the dickens out of sitting around
and whining.” In just six weeks, The Sopris Sun was in circulation having since printed over 600 unique issues. “I’m glad we did it,” reflects Founding Board Member Colin Laird, “We were right in terms of hoping a very community-based model for a newspaper would work in Carbondale.” Laird remembers that his daughter, eight years old at the time, cried when it was announced The Valley Journal would fold. With the help of several newspaper-savvy board members, including Allyn Harvey and Becky Young, The Sopris Sun was dreamed into fruition under the umbrella of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation. Concerned that advertising alone might not revive a weekly paper, these independent media pioneers decided to pursue the not-for-profit model, something virtually unheard of for a newspaper back then. Meanwhile, the economy was struggling and journalism was taking “body blows” with everything migrating online. “Not that this situation has gone away,” continued Laird, “It’s maybe leveled.” Former Editor Lynn Burton sends gratitude to every board member that put forth the time, effort and energy to keep the paper going. As a news junkie, Burton considers his “Sopris Sun years” among the best of his life and was
glad to see the “spirit and vibe” of The Valley Journal carried on through The Sopris Sun. He cites a recent article by James Steindler about the Carbondale Historic Preservation Commission as a perfect example of The Sun’s continued relevance, delivering “well-written, well-timed, important information for town people to know about.” According to Terri Ritchie, who served as the paper’s layout artist for a decade and recently joined the board of directors, “The paper is instrumental in keeping us in touch with town happenings, the schools and our neighbors.” Ritchie fondly remembers collaborating with “many talented editors and photographers” like Trina Ortega, Terray Sylvester, Lynn Burton, Will Grandbois, John Colson, Jane Bachrach, Sue Rollyson, and “proofreader extraordinaire” Lee Beck. “We often got punchy as we crashed into deadline sending files to press.” Ritchie remembers when finances were especially lean and is grateful to see opportunities expand for the paper. Burton’s first impression when The Sopris Sun launched was that such an undertaking would be impossible. After a while, he watched it gather momentum as the board developed fundraising mechanisms to augment ad sales. Soon, Jim and Connie Calaway spearheaded the “Honorary Publishers” program
Celebrating The Sopris Sun's first anniversary, from left to right: Jack Sebesta, Peggy DeVilbiss, Russ Criswell, Charlotte Graham, Colin Laird, Anne Goldberg, Allyn Harvey, Rita Marsh, Jane Bachrach, Evan Zislis, Sue Melus, Jeremy Heiman, Becky Young, Terray Sylvester, Terri Ritchie, Will Grandbois and Elizabeth Ritchie. Photo by Ed Kosmicki. and, in her passing, town matriarch Mary Lilly designated a generous bequest to The Sopris Sun. In late 2020, the nonprofit took on a new strategy by hiring Todd Chamberlin as the organization’s first executive director. “You add it all up and the paper is in great shape for making it another twelve years and long after that,” surmises Burton. In our thirteenth year of striving to most effectively tell the stories of Carbondale and its surroundings, The Sopris Sun will launch a new weekly publication beginning in early March. El Sol del Valle, tucked into the paper’s center, will feature Sapnish content including weekly news bulletins, original columns, and culturally-sensitive reporting. It is our hope that this initiative not only helps to inform, inspire and connect our community more fully, but that it also serves as an educational tool
for deepening our understanding of each other and both languages. This venture is made possible initially by MANAUS, a local nonprofit responsible for launching programs like Valley Settlement, Mountain Voices Project and LaMedichi Savings Clubs. According to Executive Director Sydney Schalit, “The Sopris Sun is taking a much needed step in creating and publishing a weekly Spanish-language news insert so that everyone in our community has access to the information that impacts us all. The more informed all aspects of our community are, the stronger and safer our community can become. It's MANAUS' honor to support this effort toward language equity.” For more information on how to support the launch of el Sol del Valle, contact todd@soprissun.com.
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320 MAIN STREET, CARBONDALE | 970-963-9333 | ROADSIDEGALLERY.COM THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 11 - February 17, 2021 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Vaccine eligibility
Sunshine
As of Feb. 8, Colorado opened vaccine eligibility to people ages 65 to 69, to K-12 educators and childcare workers, to first responders and other essential workers. This is Phase 1b.2 of the state's vaccination plan. The expansion allows more than a quarter of Colorado adults to get the shot — if they can get an appointment.
The Sopris Sun welcomes Vanessa Porras and Eric Smith to our board of directors. Eric Smith is a retired copyright and trade lawyer. He has served on the boards of the Washington DC Chamber Symphony, Thunder River Theater Company, and currently serves on the board of the Aspen International Mountain Foundation. Local artist Vanessa Porras is an art educator at the Aspen Art Museum and has worked for VOICES for several years. Welcome!
Shot Whisperers Limited supply of vaccines, coupled with reliance on online announcements and sign-ups, have made getting the shots difficult for people that aren't online, have language or mobility issues, or who lack transportation. Thus, three Carbondalians formed the "Helper Taskforce" to enable Roaring Fork Valley residents to secure vaccination appointments. Locals needing assistance may contact: Catharine "Ryn" Calhoon, a member of Carbondale's Emergency Task Force, at cathycalhoon@gmail.com or 970-618-1257; Niki Delson, chair of the Carbondale Age-Friendly Community Initiative (CAFCI), at niki@ agefriendlycarbondale.org or 707-496-3322; or Nicolette Toussaint, Sopris Sun columnist and CAFCI board member, at thymetoblossom@gmail.com or 970-274-1024. These “Shot Whisperers” are also connecting with volunteers from Valley Meals & More and the Town of Carbondale to help with transportation and language challenges.
5 Star pause Adjustments in the state’s COVID-19 dial metrics have placed Garfield County into Level Yellow. Subsequently, the county is “pressing pause” on their 5 Star certification program for restaurants and other businesses. The committee thanks everyone involved in creating the program and getting it approved so that it can be used in the future if it is needed.
Shark bait Local entrepreneur Peter Arlein attracted funders, and national attention, for his plant-based ski wax on ABC’s Shark Tank last week. Mountainflow Eco-wax was started in 2016 with the realization that other ski wax products were toxic to their users and the environment. In an interview with the Post Independent, Arlein credits Coventure for helping train him in the art of pitching to investors.
Now hiring Wilderness Workshop is seeking a temporary campaign associate to join their team for six months. Persons interested in working to help protect the lands and rivers in our region may visit wildernessworkshop.org. KDNK is seeking an operations assistant to help the entire station and all of its operations from programming to fundraising. This entry-level position is designed to jumpstart a career in community media by honing all of the necessary skills. More info is at kdnk.org.
Heart month In celebration of February as Heart Month, Dr. Greg Feinsinger is offering free medical consultations by appointment at the Third Street Center. To make an appointment, call 970-379-5718.
The Carbondale Chamber hosted its Business of the Year awards via Zoom this year. Courtesy screenshot.
Accolades Carbondale Chamber members enjoyed a virtual celebration for this year’s Business of the Year Awards. Peppino’s Pizza was chosen as the 2020 For-Profit Business of the Year with Carbondale Arts declared Non-Profit Business of the Year.
Dandy Dandelion Day 2021 is slated for May 8 in Sopris Park with COVID precautions. Interested vendors may contact the event organizer by emailing dandelionday81623@ gmail.com. They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Georgia Chamberlain, Linda Criswell, Anne Goldberg, Thomas Mack and Sydney Courier McBrayer (Feb. 11); Raleigh Burleigh, Sam Hayes, Ciara Low, Faith Magill, Meghan Murphy, Sarah and Laura Nelson, Jamie Ramge and Gene Schilling (Feb. 12); Amy Rota (Feb. 13); Gabriela Meijia and Andrea Stewart (Feb. 14); Jennifer Moss, Scott Levine, Dave Plumb and Megan Tackett (Feb. 15); Jen Moss, Jessie Murillo and Dale Will (Feb. 16); Emma Scher and Jade Wimberley (Feb. 17).
♥
♥♥ Now remain these three: faith, hope, and love but the greatest ♥ of these ♥ is LOVE. ♥ ♥ ♥
JOHN FROST MERRIOTT Certified Public Accountant
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 11 - February 17, 2021
– Apostle Paul AD 55 Corinth Greece
Office 970-704-1101 Fax 970-704-9101 Email frosty@frostycpa.com Web frostycpa.com 1101 Village Road LLA2 Carbondale, Colorado
Conserved ranch looks to future
By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun Correspondent
At the end of 2020, a conservation easement that had been in negotiation for more than five years came to fruition. Sunfire Ranch, over 1,200 acres near the confluence of the Crystal River and Thompson Creek, sold a $10M conservation easement to Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PCOST). Support also came from Great Outdoors Colorado. The process was led by PCOST Acquisition and Special Projects Director Dale Will. In an interview, Will said, “Our goal is to look at the conservation values of a property, which break down into four potential categories: habitat, agriculture, scenery and sometimes recreation. The big ticket on the Sunfire Ranch, from the open space perspective, is the habitat. There's 1,200 acres there and a lot of it's up on those hillsides that are critical winter range for deer and elk right at the mouth of Thompson Creek Canyon.” While the Roaring Fork River Valley has a lot of public land, it’s often at high altitudes, as the valley bottomlands were largely privatized during the homestead era. The Sunfire Ranch conservation easement is one of the most complex that Will has ever worked on. A typical model for PCOST is when the landowner wants to conserve their ranch for agricultural use, with small carve-outs for homesites for their descendants. In the case of Sunfire, however, while the ranch has been in the Sewell family since the original homestead document was registered in 1893, the Sewell family themselves have not actively ranched in about 50 years. Current farming on the property is done by lease-holders, Wild Mountain Seeds, and cattlegrazing activity is also performed by lease-holders. The Sewells sought with this conservation easement to build in entrepreneurial flexibility that gives them, and future generations, choices for how to be economically viable: from an outfitting operation, to an event venue, to an education center, to a gravel operation, to expanded farming and ranching activities. “What Jason inherited is a lot
Sunfire Ranch from above. Courtesy photo. of beautiful habitat with a relatively small amount of irrigated pasture, so he really had to be more creative,” explained Will. “None of us can really predict what this valley is going to be doing in 50 years or 100 years.” For PCOST, a big motivator in purchasing this easement was to protect wildlife habitat from development. In the 70s, Bob Sewell subdivided the ranch into 29 lots. That subdivision took place before Pitkin County adopted zoning for the Crystal Valley, a tool that is now used to guide development into concentrated urban growth boundaries. Each of the 29 lots had rights for 5,750 square feet of residential development. “If you picture the development pattern like at Brush Creek Village up above Cozy Point, where you've got houses and lights all strung up and down the sides of the hillsides, something like that could have happened with that whole mouth of Thompson Creek Canyon if we hadn't gotten this land under the conservation easement.” Will continued, “You would have been able to see the lights up on the hillside from Carbondale.” In addition to merging the subdivided lots to prevent development on the hillsides, the easement tied the ranch’s Thompson Creek water rights
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to the property. The family did reserve the right to sell six small residential lots down near highway 133, but not visible from the road. Now that the conservation easement is done, the Sewells are looking at next steps. They plan to invest some of the purchase price into new businesses approved in the easement. As Sewell said, “We're transitioning into implementation of our master plan. Through the conservation easement we had to dream up all the possibilities. That process was really a 30,000 feet, 125-year view, looking long-term. Now we're stepping back and saying, okay, how do we implement this big dream in a responsible way? And what do we actually want to try to accomplish in the next 10 years?” Consultant Connor Coleman of Resiliency Lands, who helped shepherd the project, explained, “Selling a conservation easement to Pitkin County was an approach that we took to develop capital, but how do we continue to use that capital to make money? We want to be an example to other private ranches — here's how you can be profitable on a ranch, as times are changing… Diversifying, doing things like agritourism, events, is what is going to be necessary to be
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sustainable, keep it in the family and not sell it off because you just don't have any options.” Jason Sewell continued, “I think that all of the family ranches eventually face some of these hard economic questions for long-term viability and the capital that's available through land sales… I hold the ethos that I'm just borrowing it from my grandkids and so it's my job to manage it the best way that we can in our time here.” The easement does not include any public trails or public recreation opportunities, and some in the community have expressed confusion at such a large investment of public funds into protecting private land. “If people want to breathe and drink and eat, then they need to be
concerned about the protection of open lands,” argued Will. “Whether agriculture is happening on private land or public land, we think that achieving as good of local food reliance in this valley as possible is good for all of us. A few years ago there was a shutdown on I-70 and within about one day there was no fresh produce left in the grocery stores. I think we need to protect every scrap of functioning agricultural land in the valley that we can. Fifty years from now we may not be able to truck food around the way we are now.” When asked what he sees as the next conservation priority, Will remarked, “Aspen Valley Land Trust has done some mapping showing where the most valuable farmland in the Roaring Fork Valley is — it tends to be downvalley. It'd be nice if Garfield County had land use policies that were geared more to protecting agricultural land. I know they're trying, but their zoning is still fairly lenient about subdivision.” Will continued, “The irony is that the most valuable unprotected farmland in the Roaring Fork Valley tends to lie in the one county that doesn't have a funding mechanism for acquiring the conservation easements or buying the land.” Footnote: The author would like to acknowledge that according to the Carbondale Historical Society, the land that is the subject of this article was once part of a Ute Nation reservation, until their removal by the United States government in 1880.
Photo by Sue Rollyson
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 11 - February 17, 2021 • 5
TOWN REPORT
Cop Shop
FREE COVID TESTING remains behind Town Hall. To make an appointment, visit rfcovidtest.com
CHRISTMAS TREE CHIPPING is complete and the dumpster has been removed. Nearly 1,000 trees were chipped.
THE ROARING FORK FILTER SYSTEM was brought online having been integrated with the existing water filtration system.
CASES CONTINUE TO DROP placing Garfield County at “yellow” on the COVID dial. Restaurants may now operate at 50% capacity with six feet between tables.
AQUATICS FACILITY MASTER PLAN documents are available for review at Carbondale Recreation’s website.
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT updated their online "Story Map" to reflect the ANB Bank land use application. This tool is accessible on the Town's website under the tabs "department," "planning," then "maps."
STREET CREWS continue to work on snow and ice removal. They also graded the road between parking lots at Red Hill and are working on a concrete ditch lining to go near Thompson Corner at River Valley Ranch. TREE INVENTORY DATA is now available at cotreeview.com/cotv.
PARKS SUPERVISOR is taking bids for a variable frequency drive pump for Miners Park, allowing that irrigation system to use the town ditch instead of domestic water. THE INTEGRATED WEED Management Plan for 2021 has been reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Commission and Environment Board and will be presented to Trustees this month.
RE-SEEDING took place along Highway 133 in front of City Market where the turn lanes disturbed the land. Crews also picked up trash that had melted out on the highway corridor. THE PLANNING COMMISSION discussed the Request for Proposal for updating Carbondale’s Comprehensive Plan. Proposals are due on Mar. 4. PLANNING STAFF met with the property manager of the 10,000 square foot commercial building directly adjacent to City Market to discuss an overall shopping center signage plan JANUARY SALES TAX revenue (December sales) was 25.7% above 2020. Lodging tax was 1.7% below 2019 (December). Lodging tax for the year of 2020 was 12.8% below 2019. UTILITIES STAFF performed line inspections, discovering “a notable amount of grease” between Euclid and Garfield east of 7th Street. The line was cleaned and informative door hangers were delivered.
The Town of Carbondale's online "Story Map" identifies large land use applications, projects under construction, and zoning districts.
The Town of Carbondale is requesting proposals to lead the community in the preparation and adoption of an update to the 2013 Comprehensive Plan. Some of the items which have been targeted for more detailed analysis and evaluation include Downtown, Resiliency, Aging in Place, Multi-Modal, High Density Neighborhoods, update trends and projects, analyze adopted plans, update Comprehensive Plan maps, and update the Implementation Matrix and 2013 Future Land Use Map. Recommendations for appropriate changes to the development code are also required. Proposal must include a robust public outreach program. Proposals are due by March 4, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. to:
Q
Scan to visit website for more details!
carbondalegov.org/residents/rfps/
Comprehensive Plan Update Proposal Attn: Janet Buck, Planning Director Town of Carbondale 511 Colorado Ave Carbondale CO 81623
The Town of Carbondale is accepting bids and statements of qualifications from local qualified contractors to perform work on the 2021 Chip Seal program. Sealed bids will be received until 11:00 am February 22, 2021, by the Town of Carbondale, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado 81623, at which time the bids will be opened and read aloud. Specifications and contract documents can be found on the Town of Carbondale website, or at Town Hall. Work on this project cannot begin prior to May 17, 2021, and must be complete by July 2, 2021.
Q
Scan to visit website for more details!
carbondalegov.org/residents/rfps/
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 11 - February 17, 2021
REC CENTER youth climbing classes are being offered in three-week sessions. Youth "Learn to Play Hockey" programs conclude on Feb. 11.
From Jan. 22 through Feb. 4, Carbondale Police handled 539 calls for service, including the following cases of note: Saturday, Jan. 23 at 1:45 a.m. Officers stopped a truck for playing loud music at late hours. Upon further investigation, the driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 1:47 p.m. Police were advised of a possible assault that took place in town limits.
Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 3:13 p.m. Police were advised of juveniles under the influence of marijuana at school. The students were referred to YouthZone.
Thursday, Jan. 28 at 12:17 p.m. Police were
informed of a threat against a teacher occurring on Jan. 12 that was handled
Ski For SISU
internally but now being reported for documentation.
Thursday, Jan. 28 at 12:17 p.m. Officers were informed of a “vape incident” at a local high school.
Sunday, Jan. 31 at 1:15 p.m. Police
were told of an intoxicated man driving a vehicle with two young children. Officers stopped the vehicle for an expired registration and the driver was released with a summons for DUI, child abuse and additional charges pending investigation.
Monday, Feb. 1 at 10:31 a.m. Police
responded to a domestic situation. A woman involved was arrested and housed at the Garfield County Jail.
Feb. 6 - 14, 2021
29th Annual
SISU (Finnish): Demonstrating extraordinary determination and grit in the face of adversity.
SISU, ski your own social distance!
FUNDRAISER FOR SPRING GULCH
All proceeds benefit the Mount Sopris Nordic Council for the Spring Gulch Nordic trail system.
TAKE THE 9-DAY CHALLENGE This year’s event features a brand new format - ski as far as you can over a nine day period. 1) Sign up on our website. $20 per individual to participate. 2) Gather sponsorships to multiply your contribution! 3) Ski anytime of day, as often as you like, between Feb. 6 & Feb. 14, 2021, on marked 3.5k, 10k, and 12.5k courses.
Sign-up and pledge online:
www.springgulch.org Many thanks to our generous SISU sponsors!
Cold Mountain Ranch
4) Report the distance you ski via our website (honor system).
Prizes and Raffle!
Subdivision and redevelopment approved
By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
Carbondale Trustees at Tuesday’s meeting approved a Major Site Plan Review presented by Stein Properties, LP and Carbondale Center Place LLC. Redevelopment of the property, which currently consists of The Sopris Shopping Center and Sopris Self Storage, involves the construction of three new buildings with 76 residential rental units, 10,370 square feet of commercial space, and a new 68,000 square-foot, climate-controlled storage facility. One major concern for trustees was the traffic impact. Yancy Nichol of Sopris Engineering shared a study, based on counting cars pre-pandemic, that suggests this project would result in less traffic than the current shopping center. “I’m comfortable stating that this project would generate less trips.” Stated Nichol, “Or to be really conservative, [the traffic impact] would be equal but not greater than what’s there today.” Nonetheless, the new traffic pattern, which allows only for “right in, right out” along Highway 133, requires that motorists wishing to travel south on the highway either take Colorado to 8th Street to head in that direction or take the highway south to turn around at the Carbondale Marketplace development where the new City Market is. Nichol considers this configuration, with the anticipated reduction in traffic, to be safer than what is currently allowed with Sopris Shopping Center visitors turning left onto the highway. The other primary topic of discussion was energy efficiency. It was acknowledged that the
Carbondale Center Place will include 76 residential rental units divided between two buildings with 10,370 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor of the southern complex. new Sopris Self Storage building could be “net zero,” eliminating carbon emissions with the installation of solar panels. Asked about the need for storage units to be climate-controlled, the facility’s owner Dr. Ronald Stein explained that temperatures are maintained only between extremes to avoid damage to contents. Trustee Marty Silverstein concurred that it is an important factor, that people “don’t want their personal possessions ruined by the elements.” Although the mixed-use building proposed by Loge Properties couldn’t promise to also be net-zero, developer Riley Soderquist insisted that they have worked with CORE and CLEER to design “the most efficient building we can develop in Carbondale” while keeping the housing “attainable.” The team agreed to install at least four electric vehicle chargers, considering it a practical business decision beyond a mandate by the town. It was noted that all trustees mentioned sustainability in their comments. Several trustees also pointed out that this is exactly the type of consolidated
development that the current comprehensive plan calls for along Highway 133. Several members of the public commented both in support of and in opposition to the project. Local chef David Eisenson, who will be renting commercial space across Colorado Avenue also owned by Loge Properties, says that the team has been good to work with. Serving as a chef at Six89, The Pullman, Phat Thai and Town, Eisenson personally witnessed restaurant staff with nowhere to live near where they work. He also says that there’s a need for updated commercial space in the valley and “strip malls from the ‘80s aren’t what maintains our small-town character.” Rather, it’s community engagement and conscientious developers. Demolition is anticipated to begin in April or May with construction slated to start this spring for the storage facility and by fall 2021 or spring 2022 for the other two buildings. The Sopris Sun was informed that some tenants of the current shopping center were granted until the end of March to remain leasing their
spaces. Approval for the project was granted with recognition that the need for a second roundabout on Highway 133 is accelerated. According to Town Manager Jay Harrington, design for that traffic feature is kicking off and engineering, but not construction, is funded. Mayor Dan Richardson was the sole dissenting vote against approval, desiring more time to specify terms. Other actions at Tuesday’s meeting included awarding Dylan Forbes and Elsa Skagen “Student of the Month;” approving a consent agenda that appoints Britni Johnson to the Tree Board, renews a contract with Red Hill Animal Hospital, and purchases a dump truck and asphalt roller; trustees granted a new liquor license for Ming’s Cafe’s new space next to City Market; and the town contracted PR Studio to assist with communication. The full meeting is available for review on the town’s YouTube account, “Town of Carbondale Board of Trustees.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 11 - February 17, 2021 • 7
It all started with The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad By Tom Mercer Sopris Sun Correspondent When this reporter first arrived in Carbondale, the trains transporting Mid-Continent coal were still active, and automobile drivers would often have to sit in their idling cars for several minutes, waiting for a train to clear the crossing. But that minor inconvenience was destined to disappear. The “last hurrah” for the Roaring Fork Valley’s rusting rails took place between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, when the Western Slope Rail Association sponsored a demonstration of a self-propelled, light rail passenger vehicle in September 1997. An estimated 3,000 people climbed aboard for the light rail ride, myself included. Incidentally, after the light rail demonstration, the rails went silent and they were eventually replaced by the Rio Grande Trail, which is a continuous 42-mile-long, multiuse path from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. The sight of trains moving through Carbondale always reminded me of the town in Central Illinois where I spent my youth. The Santa Fe and the Rock Island Railroads both passed through my small town. Both lines offered passenger service
Crystal River & San Juan's locomotive #1 departs from Carbondale Depot on Oct. 25, 1941. Photo courtesy of Morrison A. Smith, from the collection of John W. Maxwell. and it was possible to board a train in our little town and step off in Chicago, Illinois, Santa Fe, New Mexico, or even Los Angeles, California. To a young boy, those possibilities were a virtual “magic carpet.” When I took up residence in Carbondale many years later, I welcomed the comfortable reminders of a small town that was connected to the outside world by steel rails. One vestige of Carbondale’s railroad history still stands at the corner of North 3rd Street and Colorado Avenue, the location of Carbondale’s American Legion Post #100. The Post was first chartered in 1920, followed by a permanent charter in 1964. Every
organization needs a home, so the Lodge made an offer on the long-abandoned Denver & Rio Grande Railroad depot building that stood at the edge of the railroad tracks. According to the Colorado Cultural Resource Survey, Denver & Rio Grande built the Carbondale depot in October 1887. At that time, the population of Carbondale was around 200 people. The depot itself is described as “Late Victorian – Builder unknown” in the Carbondale Town Survey. Carbondale’s American Legion Post #100 bought the derelict depot for exactly $100. The building was lifted off its foundation, loaded onto a truck
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trailer, and moved just over 100 yards to its current location at 97 North 3rd St. The American Legion’s new lodge officially opened in September 1969. The building has witnessed many years of Carbondale’s history and, thanks to the American Legion’s efforts and renovations, it will continue to do so. David Jackson, commander of Carbondale’s American Legion post, reports that the lodge has “a couple-hundred members; living everywhere from Hawaii to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.” The Commander allowed me to borrow the organization’s record of the acquisition of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad’s
original depot building. This building will serve as a reminder of the importance that the arrival of the railroad played in the development of Carbondale and Western Colorado. It has the distinction of being listed as the first stop on Carbondale’s Historic Building Walking Tour. There are other buildings in Carbondale that are also closely associated with the railroad. One such building is the former Robinson & White Granary. The Granary, as it is more commonly known, is located at 511 Garfield Ave. in central Carbondale. It was built in 1906 for the purpose of storing potatoes, seed, feed and other grains. At one time, there was even a rail spur that ran from the railroad’s main line to the Granary. Carbondale’s Downtown Survey Project Report indicates that the area’s potato industry was so large that “by World War II, 900 to 1,000 railroad cars of potatoes at 18 tons per car, were shipped to the armed forces annually.” Other, much heavier loads also passed through Carbondale over the years. An immense amount of coal was shipped by railroad and hundreds of carloads of white marble also made their way through town. The marble for both the Lincoln Memorial and Continued on page 14
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY FEB. 11
MICROPLASTICS PRESENTATION Roaring Fork Conservancy invites Dr. Janice Brahney (Utah State University) and hydrologist Austin Baldwin (U.S. Geological Survey) to talk about microplastics contamination. This virtual presentation is at 11 a.m. with registration at roaringfork.org.
LIVE MUSIC Rodrigo Arreguín plays at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
THURSDAY FEB. 14
LIVE MUSIC Feeding Giants entertains at Heather’s in Basalt from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC Hugh Phillips plays at Heather’s Savory Pies and Tapas in Basalt at 6 p.m.
INTIMACY WORKSHOP True Nature offers an in-person workshop for couples mixing Tantric and Taoist teachings at 4 p.m.
K AR AOKE The Black Nugget offers karaoke on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
SPECIAL DATE The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue hosts a show at 5 p.m.
THURSDAY FEB. 12 TRUE NATURE Akashic Stacy and Jacqui Forster offer Limitless Love, a workshop incorporating Aura Soma Color Therapy. Details are at truenaturehealingarts.com. LIVE MUSIC Valle Musico performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
THURSDAY FEB. 13
LIGHT THE NIGHT WITH LOVE The Carbondale Creative District presents an interactive art walk along the Rio Grande Trail with proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association. Farolito kits are also available to decorate at The Launchpad. The event continues on Sunday as well. Tickets and more info at carbondalearts.com BEYUL BALLADS Leah Song of Rising Appalachia performs on Saturday and Sunday at the Beyul Retreat on Frying Pan Road. More info at beyulretreat.com.
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THURSDAY FEB. 15 MAGIC SHOW Garfield County Libraries host Tommy Terrific for a virtual magic show about pitcher Satchel Paige and Negro League Baseball. This free educational show will be filled with baseball-themed magic tricks and explore the life and accomplishments of Satchel Paige. It will inspire kids to learn more about Black History and the triumphs and struggles of Black American baseball players during the era of Negro League Baseball. The show can be watched between Monday, Feb. 15 and Monday, Feb. 22 on the libraries’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.
THURSDAY FEB. 16 GARCO COMMISSIONERS Garfield County Commissioners meet at 8 a.m. STORYTIME TO GO All Garfield County libraries offer free “storytime kits” for toddlers and preschoolers. These include a children’s book, craft activity, and printed bilingual storytime guide. More info at gcpld.org/
winter-reading. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Meets at 6:30 p.m. More info at meetingplacecarbondale.org.
THURSDAY FEB. 17
HAPPY TR AILS Aspen Chapel Gallery displays art inspired by nature in partnership with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers. The gallery is open from 1 to 5 p.m. daily and the exhibit runs through Apr. 11. PUNTO LEGAL Attorney Ted Hess answers legal questions live on air on La Nueva Mix, 94.5 FM in Glenwood Springs, from 5 to 6 p.m. in Spanish and English.
FURTHER OUT THURSDAY FEB. 18
LIVE MUSIC Randal Utterback and Smokin' Joe Kelly perform at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
Virtual cinema offerings include “M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity,” “Museum Town,” “Some Kind of Heaven,” “Acasa, My Home,” “The Reason I Jump,” and “The Weasel’s Tale.” 50 percent of ticket sales support the Crystal Theatre. VALLEY VISUAL ART SHOW The 42nd Annual Valley Visual Art Show continues at The Launchpad in Carbondale through Feb. 28. All artwork is available for purchase and also viewable online at carbondalearts.com MOMENTS OF LIGHT An exhibit exploring light and landscapes continues at The Ann Korologos Gallery, Basalt, through Mar. 6. COMPLEXITIES
THURSDAY FEB. 19
ONGOING
The 42nd Annual Valley Visual Art Show continues at The Launchpad in Carbondale through Feb. 28. All artwork is available to purchase and also viewable online at carbondalearts.com
LIVE MUSIC Chris Bank and Mark Johnson perform at Heather’s in Basalt at 6 p.m.
LIFT-UP Mobile food distribution continues as one-day-a-week per community from 2 to 4 p.m. serving Carbondale at the Third Street Center on Mondays, Parachute at
VALLEY VISUAL ART SHOW
MOMENTS OF LIGHT An exhibit exploring light and landscapes continues at The Ann Korologos Gallery through Mar. 6.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 11 - February 17, 2021 • 9
Sheltering the homeless
By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent
Perhaps the only consensus regarding the homelessness issue is that there is not a onesize-fits-all solution. The sheltering aspect alone is riddled with caveats. There are many more homeless people in the Valley than there are shelter options. But even if there were a facility to house every person, contrary to popular belief, not all would come. Lynn Kirchner of Carbondale Homeless Assistance (CHA) says that some folks simply do not want to “conform” to societal norms and sometimes that means living without plastered walls or a beamed ceiling. When CHA started out seven years ago, its volunteers canvassed the homeless population around Carbondale and deduced that those folks were not interested in an indoor shelter. Hygienic support was their top concern and CHA answered the call by providing passes for the Rec Center and Sopris Laundry — previously located at the Sopris Shopping Center. Kirchner stated that, in the past, homeless folks have taken advantage of overnight shelter options through Feed My Sheep (FMS) in Glenwood Springs or Aspen Homeless Shelter (AHS).
What’s in place Currently there are very limited indoor shelter options locally for the chronically homeless. AHS is not operating it’s overnight program this winter at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aspen and FMS is trying to keep their regular beneficiaries safe, so they are not
taking newcomers due to the coronavirus. FMS currently houses roughly six people. Both of these indoor sheltering options generally function November through March. Part of the issue, according to AHS Executive Director Dr. Vince Savage, is having to depend on the church for a location. For instance, when St. Mary’s is housing folks, they can’t go inside until after 9 p.m. and must leave the following morning by 6 a.m. Due to the pandemic, emergency shelter options are available through Pitkin and Garfield Counties. Pitkin County has used CARES funds to house individuals in hotels for temporary stays. Garfield County Spokesperson Renelle Lott stated that, “Staff also worked to develop an arrangement for homeless people who contracted COVID to be quarantined and housed during the pandemic, but has not seen outbreaks in that population.” There are currently several resources available for rent assistance to deter the “almost homeless” population from becoming so.
Built for Zero In spite of the constant struggle, a conglomerate of nonprofits and county governments is committed to ending homelessness in the region. Cristina Gair with West Mountain Regional Health Alliance (WMRHA) is heading the movement locally. “Built for Zero is a national initiative to get to functional zero of homelessness,” said Gair, “It’s kind of a math problem but you take the average number of homeless who you’re trying to house and when you get to a really low percentage where people bid on the list but get housed really quickly then you’ve reached functional zero.”
How to Support your local Carbondale Homeless Assistance (CHA) Donate money to be used towards the purchase of personal hygiene products, socks, underwear, shower passes, sleeping bags and other necessities. Donate via Venmo @Carbondalehomelessassistance Checks payable to CHA can dropped off at Amoré Realty, 711 Main Street.
explained, “So those who are chronically homeless often have other things going on.” Case workers use the Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool to gauge a person’s needs. “The higher the number, the more likely they need additional support in order to stay housed.” Their mission is to first house people and then set each person up with the resources they need to stay put.
Brick and mortar solutions
Jesse Brown folds his socks at the Feed My Sheep (FMS) day center in Glenwood Springs. Brown has lived without a home in the Valley for six years and has used the FMS overnight services the last two winter seasons. Photo by James Steindler. The State of Colorado promoted the Built for Zero initiative and the Denver Metro community was the first to join the cause in 2016. By 2019, five other Colorado communities had followed suit — one of which is comprised of Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin Counties. The State of Colorado is expected to reel more communities into the fold. The initiative calls for creating a data list that includes the names of all the homeless folks in the region. From there, case managers work with each individual to try and get them into long term housing. Essentially, “Shelters don’t solve the overall problem,” according to Gair. “The challenge is that individuals require different levels of housing and support,” she
In the future, WMRHA intends to build a housing facility to serve the chronically homeless. It’s based on the national “Permanent Supportive Housing” model. WMRHA has received some funding through the Colorado Health Foundation to begin working with real estate developers. “We’re now in the predevelopment stage, so there's still a lot of steps to go but at least we’re getting some traction,” Gair stated. She added that this has worked well in cities but “has been harder to make happen in rural areas.” It also may not come as a surprise that it is challenging to find affordable property to build on or to refurbish existing structures in the Valley. AHS also drafted plans for a facility but Savage considers it in the “pipe dream” phase due to similar financial barriers. He has gotten as far as the blueprint stage in designing a state of the art homeless shelter. See last week's article in the Aspen Daily News for more information. Savage says they’re waiting for a “fairy benefactor” to put up the millions of dollars it would cost to carry out the project. Regardless of professionals agreeing on the best modus operandi, “It’s important that everyone work collaboratively, because this issue has been around a long time and we need to start moving forward,” summarizes Gair.
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Gift cards can be dropped off at Amoré Realty too! Purchase cards from City Market, Subway, Peppino’s, Dos Gringos & 7-11. Stay current with the CHA at facebook.com/groups/carbondalehomeless/ For More Information please call 970-379-4766
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10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 11 - February 17, 2021
• HOUSING • RENT • MENTAL HEALTH FOOD •FOOD HOUSING • RENT • MENTAL HEALTH C H I L D C A R E • E C O N O M I C • Q U A R A C H I L D C A R E • E C O N O M I C • Q U A R A N TNITNI N EE
For the love of horses ... and dogs and goats Photos and text by Jane Bachrach
Tanner, a WindWalkers participant, benefits from quality time with an equine friend.
Kayla shares a Valentine-gram with her support animal.
Path International instructor Beth Gusick stands with WildWalkers board member Anne Merz.
The indoor riding arena at WindWalkers overflows with love. Hearts cover the walls and free-standing obstacles. Stuffed animals sit atop the posts. Even some of the therapy horses have even sprouted hearts! Although Feb. 14 is Valentine's day, the equine-assisted learning and therapy center on Missouri Heights is celebrating love by honoring their true healers, the horses, during the entire month of February, WindWalkers, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, was closed for part of December and throughout January, but kicked off their celebration as they re-opened their barn doors on Feb. 2. According to Executive Director Gabrielle Greeves, their 19 horses are the main means to an end, but all of their animals, including goats, dogs and ponies, offer their love freely and help to warm the hearts of everyone, including staff.
Jamilia rides a horse with help from volunteers Meaghan Little, Ed Carlson and Path International advanced instructor Sara English.
WindWalkers offers a family-centered approach.“ To a child or adult with a physical, developmental, social, behavioral and/or emotional disability, life looks a lot brighter on horseback. The power and warmth of a horse strengthens and tones muscles, improves balance, head control and coordination, builds patience and self-esteem and offers a sense of freedom and equality. Our mission is to provide a variety of equine-assisted activities and therapies to aid in the development and growth of those with challenges,” Greeves said. WindWalkers' fundraising campaign is ongoing throughout the month of February with the objective to raise funds to help support their horses. For information or to volunteer or contribute: www.windwalkerstrc.org (970) 963-2909 or PO Box 504, Carbondale, CO 81623
Ferdinand shares love too.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 11 - February 17, 2021 • 11
BASALT BUZZ
Basalt supports the arts community
By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff
At their regular meeting on Feb. 9, Basalt Town Council pledged more financial assistance for the Art Base (AB) move to Midland Avenue and also approved lease relief. Skye Skinner, AB executive director, requested an extension of their lease agreement and rent relief. The organization purchased the Three Bears Building on Midland Avenue and is currently working on renovations. Council unanimously approved the lease extension at their present location, 99 Midland Ave., through September for up to two one-year terms. Additionally, Council approved forgiveness and relief from all base rent payments retroactive to December. The monthly mortgage payment for the new site is $8,700. Skinner explained that the relief would be very important. She added, “We already have a new tenant there paying rent.” “I want to salute you,” said Mayor Bill Kane, “for your incredible fundraising efforts and for remaining in Basalt.” Council Member Bill Knight added, “You’ve made the best
decision in the long term. You provide so much value to the town.” Skinner also felt good about the move, even though AB was initially looking at being part of the Basalt River Park. One benefit is that the project will be finished by May rather than wait longer for totally new construction. Skinner said, “COVID made us take a long look at our fundraising. We then had to operate with a 20% budget decrease. We were fortunate to get support to weather that rocky passage.” She added, “We would have been irresponsible to not look at the opportunity when the building went up for sale. For us it is like a small miracle.” “We are so excited to be on Midland,” she noted, adding that anyone who wants a “walk through” is invited to contact her at skye@ artbase.com or 970-927-4123. In response to a question about the benefits to the community, Skinner reported that AB distributed free art kits to go in 2020, offers robust programming to support local artists, and is always looking to expand offerings. In other business, the council approved the submission of a grant application by Pitkin
The Art Base Executive Director Skye Skinner shows off the ongoing remodeling at their new location. Photo by Roberta McGowan. County to the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Council also approved mineral impact assistance funds for the Roaring Fork Broadband Middle Mile Fiber project. Town Manager Ryan Mahoney explained that the project will be
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infrastructure to provide services. Mahoney also reported on the CARES Act funding report recently completed and sent to the state. The Town received a total of $307,000. Staff is waiting to hear on the next funding opportunity.
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12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 11 - February 17, 2021
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1/28/2021 11:15:29 AM
OBITUARY
Suzanne “Suzi” Titus 1941 - 2021
Suzi could figure anything out and did so with regularity, including the designing of her home of over 45 years; bookkeeping on the first Apple portable computer; sewing a dream prom dress and sophisticated floorlength toile drapes; and fashioning together a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree years before they were found in stores. She was very observant, alerting family and friends to the tragically disappearing role of spoons in restaurants. Suzi raised two daughters, Leslie Elias and Melissa Clymer; role modeling independence, hard work, a strong will, acceptance of others and devotion to family. She also introduced them to the theater, travel and her favorite childhood books, “The Secret Garden” and “The Boxcar Children.” Suzi may have invented the first audiobook, recording herself reading “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” for their listening pleasure as young girls. Still today, her daughters can hear the advice she offered the most: “use your head.” Suzi was a longtime member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), serving three terms as Regent and one term as Colorado DAR State Recording Secretary. She volunteered as an election judge and took loads to Lift-Up. Suzi was a dedicated gardener who spent many hours toiling soil rather than complaining. She was also a voracious reader, a league bowler, and a golfer with a swing that made
Courtesy photo. you think golfing could be easy. Suzi saw the world and just about every corner of this country, primarily with Dale, but also with Janie, friends and her daughters. Suzi’s hands were always busy until they weren’t, and her heart was always open until it gave all. Her granddaughters Bella and Cordelia share her strong sense of justice and will carry on that work in the world as well as her sharing of delicious baked goods,
Christmas candy and homemade crafts. This world is better for her life within it. Suzi passed away at home from complications related to Alzheimer’s; she was 79. Family and Friends are invited to honor her by contributing to the scholarship fund managed by the Captain Richard Sopris chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
L E N OW AS ING
Suzanne “Suzi” Titus was an incredible woman with beautiful eyes that sparkled when she smiled, an understated but full presence, a surprising dry sense of humor, wicked luck at cards and a somewhat curious fan base of all dogs she’d ever known. Suzi grew up in Oklahoma and was cherished by her parents LaVone and Garlan who introduced her to travel and, most importantly, Colorado with annual trips to Lake City. Suzi experienced very social high school years, palling around with a steady group of gals that still, up until several years ago, would reunite regularly. The group was referred to as the “Susies” on account of a large number of the ladies having some derivative of that name. Suzi was also on the high school water ballet team, joining because her friends were on it as well. Suzi relocated to Colorado during her college years when her parents and younger sister Janie Enright moved to Evergreen; transferring to the University of Colorado, Boulder where she graduated with a teaching degree. Suzi taught for several years in Denverarea elementary schools before she moved first to Breckenridge and then Glenwood Springs for a 52 year marriage with a young, handsome ski patrolman she met during her weekend ski trips. She worked beside her husband Dale Titus at the Breckenridge Ski Area and later for their construction business and at the liquor store they ran in Carbondale (Mr. C’s) for 25 years.
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Sopris Lodge at Carbondale
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N 2nd St
N 3rd St
Welcome Center
Rio
Main St
Elevated Senior Living is Coming to Carbondale Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living is a lifestyle community offering independent living, assisted living and memory care for the Roaring Fork Valley. We support resident wellness, choice, and healthy living, allowing you to live well, age well.
• Easy access to the Rio Grande Trail and downtown Carbondale
• Fitness Center
• Wellness programs and life enrichment activities
• Outdoor patio with hot tub
• Delicious chef-prepared meals
• Gardening beds
• Concierge and transportation services
• Greenhouse
• Bistro, library, Internet café, and theater
• Pet-friendly community
• Technology for safety, security and entertainment
….and much more
Visit our Welcome Center Today!
265 Main Street, Carbondale, Colorado | 970-440-2628 | SoprisLodge.com Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care | Managed by THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 11 - February 17, 2021 • 13
Life and death from page 2 this species – cranium housing mind, instinct, evolution. His eyes, fringed in lashes and miniscule feathers, were deep glassy orbs over huge golden irises capable of binocular vision. Did you know owl eyeballs are immobile within the skull? That’s why owls have fourteen cervical vertebrae compared to our seven. Those vertebrae move in conjunction with their ears, too. Owl ears reside not in those great horned tufts, but in the dense ring of feathers circumscribing their “facial disc.” I learned about the tiny muscles which manipulate the filamentous feathers of the disc, channeling sound like a satellite dish to – get this – asymmetrical ears. Offset ears receive slightly different sound waves to zero in on prey. Wow. What to do with this glorious dead creature? I called Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Staff confirmed possession is illegal and I was to “double-bag it and throw it in the trash.” The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 declares that all raptors and raptor parts – even a feather, or a nest – are protected by state and federal regulations. In this case, a Special Purpose Salvage permit allows one to possess non-living raptors or raptor parts. “Dead specimens collected under this permit may be mounted, prepared as study
LETTERS stage to host and speak out at a rally which advocated anti-vaccine information; unsubstantiated information regarding the COVID-19 virus origin and spread; and anti-public health measures, they crossed the line from freedom of speech to failure to uphold their elected duty. Mr. Vallario can believe that certain laws are unconstitutional and dangerous. However he has sworn to uphold those laws, which are deemed constitutional until the courts, not individuals, decide that they are not legal. Officially standing on a platform that implies that there is a right to ignore such laws and giving credence to the denial of public health directives is a dereliction of duty. Mr. Jankovsky may have personal beliefs regarding the origin of a virus. However, to publicly endorse unsubstantiated claims, to stand with a mask denier and minimizer of the pandemic danger, to stand by a claim that “the land of the free, home of the brave” does not have a role in protecting public health, is irresponsible as an official chosen to represent all of the electorate. To disparage science and expertise is dangerous and irresponsible as official policy. Individual rights are different when you are an
skins, or otherwise used for educational purposes, including public display,” it states. The “trash” policy is the part that must change. We need more intentional directives. And that is the real reason I’m writing today. I understand the “why” of this regulation. However, like Western water law and possession, the world is extremely different today: untenable human population, global warming, climate change, ecosystem collapse, species migrations and extinctions, human disconnect from nature, dwindling stewardship on individual levels, political and corporate foot-dragging ... Treating our wildlife like trash teaches us that it’s trash. I haven’t been able to throw him away. I would rather bury her. She, he - I’m not sure! This owl is not an “it,” mere trash, but something worth honoring. How does one sex an owl? Hands-on learning is compelling. I do want to respect our regs and have enquired with US Fish and Wildlife to secure a Salvage Permit. Already, in my role as a community naturalist and educator, this protected raptor has touched many people in just four days. An owl in the trash or flattened on a highway is a missed opportunity. The world is changing so fast. Our regs must adapt.
Continued from page 2 elected official and can incite and endorse imminent lawless action. The pandemic is real, it is deadly, it spreads easily. Masking and distancing and certain restrictions help to control its spread and save lives and save medical expense and health care burdens. These are not personal choice options, they are requirements to protect the public health and general welfare. It is dangerous to the rights, freedom and safety of all if we do not speak out against official sanction of dangerous falsehoods and conspiracy-based theories. Freedom of speech is both a right and a responsibility. Elected officials should be working for solutions not arguments. Let's do so responsibly. The event on Saturday did not do so. Sumner Schachter Glenwood Springs
46 and counting 46 and counting Presidencial fiats , in Tsar Joseph's first 17 days in power. And Dems called Trump a fascist? Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle
Adverteyes in The Sun
We deliver 4,000 newspapers every Thursday to 125 locations from Rifle to Glenwood Springs to Aspen to Redstone.
Railroad from page 8
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier passed through on their way to Washington, D.C. In the early days of Colorado’s railroad development, the transportation of the state’s extracted mineral wealth was paramount, and competing railroad lines raced to be the first to provide the means of transporting Western Colorado’s minerals to market. Some rail lines failed the test, some succeeded, and a few never even got off the Relocation of the D&RG Railroad Depot to 97 N. 3rd St. in 1968. Photo courtesy of the American Legion Post ground. There were once eight railroad #100. lines in operation serving our immediate region of Colorado. They included the Colorado Midland Railroad, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, the Aspen & Western Railroad, the Crystal River Railway, the Crystal River Railroad, the Crystal River & San Juan Railroad, The Treasury Mountain Railroad, and Colorado Yule Marble Electric Railroad. Some rail lines were long, and some were short, but they all made a difference.
For more info contact Todd Chamberlin: adsales@soprissun.com or 970-510-0246
14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • February 11 - February 17, 2021
Crystal River & San Juan RR at Carbondale Deopt on July 4, 1940. Photo courtesy of Dick Kindig.
PARTING SHOT
Snow heART near Redstone. Photo by Sue Rollyson.
Your Big Backyard XVI
by Chromosome
Across 5. Dinosaur ___, museum in Fruita. 6. There are multitudes of these in the canyons around Ouray, November to March. 8. Alpine ski racer who was shot and killed in Aspen in 1976 (2 words). 10. The study of how organisms relate to their environment. 12. Winter motorcycle. 15. Oolong, chamomile, and gotu kola, for example. 17. Skied down all the fourteeners in Colorado. 19. Pedestrian bridge over Highway 82. 20. Robert ___ wrote Guide to the Colorado Mountains. 21. Mountaineering shop in Glenwood. (2 words).
Down 1. Melody. 2. Knowledge (Greek). 3. Exclamation when a criticism hits too close to home. 4. Eight in Spanish. 5.Steak house near the train station (2 words). 7. Ash___, ghost town on Castle Creek Road. 8. A ten o'clock ___. 9. Darcy ___ played a key role in the development of Aspen as a major ski destination. Born in 1913. 11. Located near Meeker. One of Colorado's largest surface coai mines. 13. ___ Bells. 14. Wild horse. 16. __-friendly. Easy on the environment. 18. Ridge on the north face of Vestal Peak.
SERVICE DIRECTORY Practicing minimal contact check-in. You’re not alone if you’re feeling life’s challenges are overwhelming right now. In-person and tele-health (Zoom) appointments available to treat Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • February 11 - February 17, 2021 • 15