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Volume 12, Number 40 | November 12 -18, 2020
GET THE AXE
Carbondale is a little better prepared for the end of the world thanks to Eagle-based Wood and Steel Axe Company. They parked their mobile axe throwing cage outside Beer Works on Nov. 7, with owner Tony Herrera providing instruction before folks like Alex Achterhoff (top) and Trae Moxley (right) took their throws. Photos by Jorie DeVilbiss
Carbondale/Cowen Center.
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OPINION
The View from the Therapy Pool By Fred Malo
Shortly after the 2016 election, an evangelical Christian, fervent Trump supporter friend of mine was teaching me how to use Facebook. She had me call up a scene where a group of Clinton backers were sobbing uncontrollably. I looked back at my friend and, to my dismay, she was grinning ear to ear. “What’s the matter with you?” I asked, “That’s not you. You’re one of the most loving people I’ve ever known. When my Cubs won the World Series, I celebrated their victory, but I didn’t gloat over the Indians’ defeat. They were our noble, vanquished foe. They fought like hell til the very end. They deserve respect.” I’ve never used Facebook since.
Celebrate, but don’t gloat
On election eve 2016, I heard it was gonna be close and I got scared. I hid out in my bedroom away from my TV and radio. The next day, I peered out my window. There, in the front yard, was my landlord, a staunch Democrat, stomping around and cussing a blue streak. “Ooh,” I said, “This can’t be good.” Until this year, I’ve never voted for a major party presidential candidate in my life. I can’t believe I broke that tradition with a candidate like Joe Biden. I’ve had plenty of exposure to dementia living with my father until he died at 100 and working and being a resident at nursing homes. I see encroaching dementia in Biden. He’s a mainstream, Wall Street Democrat. I’ll believe he’ll address the climate crisis when he takes actions that hurt the fossil fuel industry. My only hope is he’ll fill his cabinet with the best and the brightest and hire competent advisors. Of course, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has already said the Senate will only confirm “centrist” cabinet members. Progressives or, dare I say it, democratic socialists need not apply. Without a doubt, Biden’s toughest job will be uniting this country that Trump has torn
asunder. He says over and over he wants to do that. Is he up to it? We’ll see. I was very active in the antiwar protests of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. We were very divided then, but in later years I realized our side was just a noisy minority. Richard Nixon won in an enormous landslide in 1972. The authorities brushed us aside. Neither the Vietnam War era nor today’s America compares to the division this country experienced during the Civil War. Robert Redford’s 2010 film “The Conspirator” vividly captured the raw hatred the North and South had for each other. In the film, Lincoln’s Secretary of War Edwin Stanton hung a perfectly innocent boarding house owner named Mary Surrat to entice her son, who was a conspirator in Lincoln’s assassination, to turn himself in. Today’s noisy minority is on the right. The polls, if we can ever trust them again, say this is a very left-leaning country. On all the major issues, climate change, immigration, health care, income inequity, abortion, racial injustice, the progressives represent the prevalent view. Despite growing evidence of Trump’s incompetence in his bungling of the coronavirus
pandemic and obvious character flaws, 70 million voters voted for him and many of them are armed and dangerous. If there’s another civil war, the lefties have the numbers, but the righties have the guns. These rightwing militias will hafta be dealt with, probably with force. I’m confident our armed forces, whose leaders have become disaffected with Trump, will rise to the occasion. What Biden can do is include Republicans in decision making. If nothing else, Biden’s a politician. He knows how to speak outta both sides of his mouth. When Abraham Lincoln was trying to sell the Emancipation Proclamation, he’d tell the pro-slavery Democrats one thing and the abolitionist Republicans another. Lincoln felt the goal was worth the deception. I’m not deluded about the importance of this election. We dodged a bullet. Four more years of Trump would’ve led to either a fascist or corporatist dictatorship. On Halloween night, I Netflixed into what turned out to be a very scary movie - Cabaret. Watching those brownshirts kill and beat up everyone who opposed them foreshadowed what 2024
Sincerest thanks to our
Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+
Email marilyn@soprissun.com for more information.
Jim Calaway, Honorary Chair Kay Brunnier Scott Gilbert Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger Carolyn Nelson Jim Noyes True Nature Healing Arts Nicolette Toussaint Jill and Gary Knaus Megan Tackett Ken & Donna Riley Michelle & Ed Buchman CoVenture Lee Beck and John Stickney Deborah and Shane Evans Carly and Frosty Merriott
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for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly
And all our SunScribers and community members for your support.
It truly takes a village to keep The Sun shining.
Continued on page 13
Correction: Last week's Ps&Qs column was published without its first line: "Now I’ve seen it all." Additionally, the article on the Redstone General Store used the wrong last name for Oriana Bier-Moebius.
LETTERS
Donate by mail or online. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com
Not what I meant Dear Editor: The first line of my column was cut, making it seem as though I said we should let the old ways die like Trump's mother. As much as I can't stand the narcissist, I wouldn't say that. Also, Jason Isbell wrote the lyric, "Maybe it's time to let the old ways die." Jeannie Perry Carbondale
Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com
We’ll miss you To the Carbondale Creamery and Café: On the behalf of everyone at FirstBank, I wanted to say thank you for being such an amazing business. You may have only opened up shop four years ago, but you quickly became a staple in the Carbondale community and you’ll be sorely missed. You were always there with fantastic drinks and delicious food, and I looked forward to my weekly turkey, apple, brie sandwich and Sunrise Smoothie. More importantly, you were a stand-up business that always looked to give back to the community. At FirstBank, we had the pleasure of partnering with you twice to make a difference for two local non-profits in the Roaring Fork Valley. The first was when we just opened our branch in Carbondale in September of 2019. You welcomed us with open arms and helped us launch a community event right off the bat. For that entire month of September, we partnered up to donate $5 to Ascendigo Autism Services, for every latte or cupcake purchased at the Cafe. As we reached our goal of $5,000, you became more than just a business partner that month. This year has been especially hard on small businesses, but that didn’t stop you from giving back to the community. As recently as last month, we had the honor of partnering with you for the second
Continued on page 13
Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Crystal Tapp Proofreader: Lee Beck Current Board Members Raleigh Burleigh, President Marilyn Murphy, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer Kay Clarke • Carol Craven • Lee Beck Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Mondays at the Third Street Center. Contact board@soprissun.com to reach them. Founding Board Members
For obvious reasons, we haven't had a lot of travel photos lately, but luckily the Locke family (Kemper, Kelly, Marilyn and John) recently ran across this photo of their three-generation trip to Thailand back in June 2019.
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 • November 12 - November 18, 2020
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.
High school moves to temporary distance learning
By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff
With over 100 new COVID-19 cases in the past week, the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) is working to protect students and staff from the potentially devastating effects of the pandemic. That means that Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) has closed inperson and moved to distance learning after a number of teachers, staff and students tested positive for the virus. “We have determined that we do not have the staffing to safely keep our school open until impacted staff are released from their quarantine,” said Principal Lyn Bair. She reported “We’ve had positive results, so we are following the district’s procedures,” and added, “We all hope this is temporary and can reopen soon.” Presently, the change is just through Friday, Nov. 13. Updates will be distributed as soon as available. As Bair reported, some special populations will continue in-person learning. Students will still be able to receive school meals, internet support and other vital services. She added, “The kids are great. We have had a really good response from children and staff who have been very compliant and are following the rules of wearing masks, washing their hands and social distancing.“ When in-person learning starts up again, policies like having a three
seat minimum separation from other students will be maintained, Bair said. Also, students will have their temperatures checked when coming to school. As over the past many months, parents, guests, visitors and unplanned volunteers will not be allowed. According to RFSD Public Information Officer Kelsy Been, “Any time we have 16 or more people in quarantine, we send out a press release with information about the concerns and how we will respond to the situation.” Been noted only RFHS has switched completely to distance learning. Other schools reporting some exposure, Glenwood High School and Basalt Elementary School, are partially switching to distance learning. She reported Glenwood Springs High School is transitioning 26 students and two staff people to distance learning because of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19. Been explained that those being quarantined can return on Thursday, Nov. 19. And the district has been notified of all those having been exposed. Also, Been said, Basalt Elementary School has moved 25 students back to distance learning because of a probable positive case of COVID per Eagle County Public Health. Those impacted are quarantined through Friday, Nov. 21.
DEADLINES
Roaring Fork High School held in person classes for just three days before exposure concerns put class back online. Courtesy photo Parents and guardians are urged The district is adhering to strict community health, safety, and to keep an eye out for the following procedures established for the crisis. wellbeing over other principles.” symptoms: Plus, preference is given to The introduction to the procedures • Feeling feverish, having chills, or document states, “No schools will face-to-face learning over distance temperature 100.4 or higher be operating in a business-as-usual learning when officials determine • New or unexplained persistent manner for the foreseeable future, environments are safe. cough Importantly, families who need but we hope to shape positive • Shortness of breath school and learning experiences help with navigating the distance * Difficulty breathing learning system can go to rfsd. within a challenging new context.” * Loss of taste or smell However, the district reports k12.co.us and search for “distance * Fatigue the in-person learning model may learning help.” Those with difficulty * Muscle aches be modified depending on current meeting basic needs (food, housing, * Headache financial security, health care access, public health requirements. * Sore throat Certain principles guide the etc.) during the crisis can go to * Nausea or vomiting district’s response. Chief among familyservices@rfschools.com or * Diarrhea these is to “prioritize staff and call 384-9500. * Runny nose or congestion
DEADLINES COVID-19 DEADLINES SYMPTOMATIC TESTING DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES RESERVATIONS DEADLINES DEADLINES Holiday Deadlines – 2020 DEADLINES DEADLINES MATERIALS SUBMISSIONS DEADLINES FOR SUN PRODUCED ADS DEADLINES DEADLINES CAMERA READY ADS DEADLINES DEADLINES CANCELLATIONS DEADLINES DEADLINES EMAIL ADSALES@SOPRISSUN.COM DEADLINES DEADLINES AVH is partnering with Pitkin County Public Health to provide COVID-19 testing for community members who: 1. Have COVID-19 symptoms.
Friday by 5p.m.
Reservations after deadline will not be honored.
Thanksgiving: Nov. 20 for Nov. 28 issue Holiday: Dec. 18, for Dec. 24 issue Year in Review: Dec. 18 for Dec. 31issue
Friday by 5p.m.
Monday at 5p.m.
Friday by 5p.m.
A 20% Cancellation Fee will be charged after the deadline.
2. Are asymptomatic and directed by Public Health to get tested due to a close exposure. •No charge for the test beyond insurance. •No insurance needed.
TESTING OPTIONS
AVH’s Respiratory Evaluation Center
Hours of Operation: • Evaluation of patients with moderate to severe symptoms Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 12 pm • Community testing Monday - Friday, 1 - 5 pm, and weekends 12 pm – 2pm, with a physician referral Location: • Aspen Valley Hospital at 0401 Castle Creek Road, Aspen Details: • PHYSICIAN REFERRAL REQUIRED. • If you do not have a physician, call Aspen Valley Primary Care at 970.279.4111.
Aspen Valley Primary Care’s Drive-Thru Testing Center in Basalt
Hours of Operation: • Wednesday - Friday, 8:30 am - 12 pm Location: • Parking lot next to the Midvalley Health Institute at 1460 East Valley Road, Basalt Details: • This is a drive thru testing site only. • No physician referral required. • No testing for travel-related purposes. • You MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. Visit aspenhospital.org to make an appointment online.
0401 Castle Creek Road, Aspen, CO 81611 | 970.925.1120 aspenhospital.org |
AspenValleyHospital
What’s your
Voices amplifies each person's unique strengths.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • November 12 - November 18, 2020 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Exposed The Carbondale Emergency Task Force (CETF) encourages residents to download the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) statewide COVID-19 exposure notification system, which was launched last week in partnership with Google and Apple. When users enable the service, their smartphones share anonymous tokens with other users through the phones’ Bluetooth technology. If another user tests positive for COVID-19 within a 14-day period and chooses to upload their results, users at risk of infection will receive an alert of potential exposure. Visit addyourphone.com to learn more.
The road goes ever on The City of Glenwood Springs is rebuilding the South Midland Avenue corridor. This 18-month reconstruction project will help address potholes, poor sightlines, regular rockfall and gaps in pedestrian infrastructure. Learn more in a pair of virtual meetings from noon to 1 p.m. or 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 — visit cogs.us/calendar for login info.
Small wonder The Aspen Chapel Gallery will open Small Wonders — the annual show of affordable art no larger than 12” by 12” — from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19 by reservation following COVID-19 protocols. Starting Nov. 20, the show will be open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The show is in partnership with Holiday Baskets, a 39 year-old program that has been
annually providing gifts and food cards for 250 families each December. Email ward@ sopris.net or call 925-8367 for reservations and more information.
Shopping days The 44th annual Carbondale Christmas Boutique will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Carbondale Fire House. Local artisans will offer handmade gifts: cutting boards, wine holders, handmade soap, children’s clothing, face masks, ornaments, jewelry, skin creams, and homemade jelly. Masks are required. Shoppers must either use hand sanitizer or wear disposable gloves while shopping.
On the water Calling all photographers! The 16th Annual Roaring Fork Watershed Photo Contest is now underway. Amateurs and professionals who captured the watershed or folks enjoying it should visit roaringfork. org for rules and submission guidelines by Nov. 20.
Teens and machines Join Garfield County Libraries for an online workshop with STEMpunkED, allowing teenagers to design and build a contraption to engineer a happy (or not so happy) ending using the power of STEM and a collection of recyclable items from home. Visit gcpld.org/TaM for the supply and equipment list ahead of the online event at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18. You can also stop by your local library for free build-your-own machine kits available on a first-come-firstserved basis Nov. 25, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9.
Of 1,432 cases reported in the county this year, 236 were in the last two weeks. About a quarter of overall cases were in the Carbondale area. Visit garfield-county.com for more information.
Down to earth The Carbondale Clay Center, with sponsorship from Aspen artist Lori Dresner, was able to provide over 2,000 pounds of clay and 400 custom tool kits to the students enrolled in art classes in Roaring Fork School District. They provide all the necessary materials to create art in the classroom, or at home for children who continue to attend remotely. Visit carbondaleclay.org for more information or to request a kit.
Poss it on Poss Architecture of Aspen and Carbondale has been awarded Mountain Living magazine’s 2020 “Home of the Year.” Poss, the lead designer and master collaborator for a Park City, Utah home, teamed up with four other firms to
design and construct a home that would exemplify the magazine’s criteria for this 26-year tradition.
Bright future Roaring Fork High Schoolers Tristan Maker and Izzy Knaus recently received the Heisman Award for student athletes. Congratulations to them both!
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Alex Achterhoff, Lance Quint, Kelsey Freeman and Estefania Montoya (Nov. 12); Bob Ezra, Maria Flores and Riley Skinner (Nov. 13); Sue Rollyson, Ron Leach and Morgan Williams (Nov. 14); Joyce Leeman (Nov. 15); Katie Hankinson and Robin Tolan (Nov. 17) and Larry Smith (Nov. 18).
Help our Valley’s native birds survive the winter. R.J. Paddywacks hosts the 8th Annual Benefit Seed Sale in support of the
All current KDNK members, staff, Board of Directors, and members of the public are invited!
Starting Saturday, November 7th, 20% of all proceeds from wild bird sales will be donated directly to the Roaring Fork Audubon.
MON-FRI 9:00 am – 6:30 pm SAT-SUN 10:00 am-5:00 pm
KDNK Annual Membership Meeting Monday, November 23, 5:30-7:30 pm Via ZOOM Video Chat Link available www.kdnk.org on 10/9
Anyone interested in serving on our Board is invited to email for more info: board@kdnk.org.
https://www.kdnk.org/get-involved
970-963-1700 Located next to City Market, El Jebel
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • November 12 - November 18, 2020
Nonprofit helps donors choose education By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent It is no secret that public education across the nation is woefully underfunded. Throw in a pandemic and things start to look worrisome. This school year, as a result of the pandemic, districts across the state experienced a sudden $577 million dollars in reducations, according to the State Board of Education; and with more cuts on the way for the 2021-22 school year, teachers and community members in the valley have their concerns. “Teachers should be funded as professionals who are extremely dedicated, and they’re not,” noted environmental educator Illene Pevec. “They very often end up buying school supplies for their kids.” So, what are teachers doing? They’re getting creative. “I started using DonorsChoose in 2014,” said Courtney Jaynes, a kindergarten teacher at Crystal River Elementary School (CRES). “A colleague suggested it and she said this is a group of people who want to donate to public education and help teachers out.” Verified teachers simply put their requests online and donors can either send monetary funds or directly purchase the requested item.
“DonorsChoose is such a great resource because we cannot just rely on the funds put aside for teachers’ classrooms,” Jaynes said. “We get funding through the state, through our district, through the parents that give money for classroom supplies — but that only goes so far, and if you want to do some extra stuff in your classroom you’re either spending money yourself or this really cool organization can help you out.” Pevec first learned about DonorChoose during a Zoom call with her Stanford University dormmates from 1960. For the group of friends it was a simple yet effective way to support children in their communities. “The need is everywhere,” Pevec said. “It’s overwhelming if you try to figure out how to address these needs, but at least with DonorsChoose you can choose your own community or maybe another community; everybody can do something.” When Jaynes was ready to try DonorsChoose, she made her first request: a document camera. She thoughtfully wrote out why she believed her students would benefit from it, the exact cost of the item, and how it would be used within her classroom. Within a matter of weeks the document camera was fully funded.
On-going projects in Carbondale DonorsChoose (www. donorschoose.org) prides itself on transparency. All teachers must be verified and donations are regulated by the non profit. When the project is fully funded, DonorsChoose will use the money to purchase and ship the items to the teachers. The teachers then send thank you notes and photographs of the items in use to the donors.
Students from Mrs. Jaynes's kindergarten class proudly show off their new books gifted via DonorsChoose. Courtesy photo That simple act helped open the doors for alternative funding; the word quickly spread and soon teachers across the district started successfully using DonorsChoose. “The more we saw these projects getting funded by these incredible people, the more we realized that it is possible,” Jaynes said. Currently, 50% of students across the district come from low-income homes, according to the latest data submitted to the Colorado Department of Education. Given the pandemic, these families are now facing greater financial insecurities considering students are now required to have their own supplies. “There’s lots of financial inequities in Carbondale, and teachers here are not in a position of asking parents for donations,” Pevec said. Some parents
in the district are well-versed in grant writing, while other parents who are simply trying to put food on the table. This disparity oftentimes leads to disproportionate educational opportunities within the classrooms. Every donation from pencils to imaginative play toys to sensory tables have helped create a warm and enriching academic environment — and Jaynes’ gratitude is apparent. “We want to open up the world to students, and there are people out there who want to help us grow our classroom library,” she said. “Sometimes we don’t even know who the donors are, but my colleagues and I are just so grateful. We can’t wait for the day when we can invite them in to see what they have done.”
Sopris Shopping Center Mixed-Use Redevelopment & Self Storage Expansion
Ms. Paulina, CRES - New materials for our preschool classroom Description: Need new materials that are easy to sanitize daily. Additionally, students will need their own boxes of supplies that contain crayons, glue, markers, and play dough. Number of students: 16 Amount left: $2,281* Mrs. Contreras, CRES COVID-19 requires individual supplies Description: Classrooms are no longer able to have community shared supplies. Students will need their own supplies including pencils, erasers, color pencils, glue, binders, and markers. Many students are ESL and low-income. Number of students: 23 Amount left: $1,032* *As of press time
WHAT: COMMUNITY ZOOM MEETING WHEN: 11/23 - 7PM GET ACCESS: RILEY@LOGEPROPERTIES.COM
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • November 12 - November 18, 2020 • 5
OUR TOWN
If you know of someone who should be featured in “Our Town,” email news@soprissun.com or call 510-3003.
Cochran continues a theatrical legacy
By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff A Glenwood Springs native, Brendan Cochran is a familiar face at CMC’s Sopris Theatre Company — and not just because his dad used to run the place. He’s the director of the current show, streaming Nov. 13, 14 and 15 — visit tinyurl.com/ roguesgallerycmc for tickets. Q: Tell me about growing up theatrically. A: Theater was kind of ever present in my life. Not just my dad — my mom was an actress as well and my sister was really involved as well. Theater was my playground as a kid. I’d go into the props closet and pull out a fencing sword and play with that for a while. But I didn't really have a lot of interest as a kid in being on stage. I got involved on the tech side more than anything. But I think the biggest thing that it really did for me is it created a community for me. It was kind of the space we all went to gather to think about life and talk about things. Q: Did you find yourself drawn toward it in college? A: Not at all, actually. I kind of had it in my head coming out of high school that I wanted to be a
history teacher, but I kind of had an epiphany moment that this is some dense academia — reading dead people's letters about dead people. I realized anthropology was a bigger draw for me, and that’s what I ended up getting my degree in.
Q: How did you end up back here? A: My wife — we were dating at the time — finished up her degree. We were both from here and life kind of drew her back to the Valley. I came back with her, didn't really know exactly what I wanted. I hadn't touched the theater at all for five years, and this missing chunk of my life kind of came back into play when I got recruited into a production of “Unmarried in America” — a play about a case contesting the legality of gay marriage. It was a really different theater experience from what I had in high school; it just had weight to it. We took it to Carmel, Indiana — a pretty conservative area — and came out with a few awards and it all just sort of clicked for me. It just stood out as the thing that made me feel like I was living fully. Q: What have you been up to since then? A: I've taken on a role on the board of directors for Defiance Community Players, which I've been doing for about five years
Cool Brick Studios
now. I’ve also worked with Thunder River Theatre more than I ever had before. The program at CMC allowed me to be in a situation where I was doing four or five shows a year, which was a pace I'd never really done before. So between those three organizations, primarily, I've been keeping up a pretty steady pace.
Q: How has the pandemic impacted things? A: It has been a game of figuring out what theater is. A lot of the things that we love about it, are gone and can't really be replaced. There's this sort of unexplainable exchange of energy that happens between a cast and an audience when they're sitting in a room together. We could just turn around and make films, but that's not really what we want to do. There's this distance between the audience and a lot of stuff that we're not used to doing as theater makers. With “Rogue’s Gallery,” there were definitely learning curves involved for me, and it's intentionally designed for theater makers to perform on film. Q: How so? A: Well, it was written in the last six months and one of the pieces specifically sort of addresses
Cochran ( far right) runs rehearsal for “Rogues’ Gallery." Photo by Scot Gerdes the pandemic. And it's a series of monologues, which allows actors to be socially distant and not have to interact with each other. It plays into this sort of confessional style that feels like sort of walked into a story that you weren't expecting. Q: Will you be in anything else this season? A: I’m interested in being part of some of what’s coming up at CMC. I don't know what capacity but acting, designing, you know, it could be anything. I do like the variety. And I've actually just
signed on to direct a radio play of “A Christmas Carol,” which we're partnering with the Glenwood Arts Council, and KMTS. Q: What’re your plans beyond that? A: I'm kind of recalibrating right now. I’m looking at an MA in theatre studies to kind of bolster the credentials for the MFA or a PhD down the road. It kind of depends on how this next year falls out. Now, more than ever, trying to plan anything more than a few weeks in advance is kind of futile.
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Our Valley
Our mission is simple: to inform, inspire and build community within the Roaring Fork Valley, and we invite you to help us champion this cause. Mission and purpose The Sopris Sun is the only nonprofit print newspaper in the Roaring Fork Valley and we have made it part of our mission to support other nonprofits, charities and worthy organizations in our community. Gifting advertising spreads exponential love. When individuals and companies underwrite advertising for nonprofits in The Sun, they help not just one organization, but also allow the newspaper to employ the people who bring you quality content each week. These generous underwriters are helping to ensure that the entire community continues to benefit from free, local, independent journalism. Most importantly, these advertisements get help to those individuals that need it the most!
Paying it forward With the help of underwriters, The Sopris Sun has provided well over $30,000 of free and discounted advertising to nonprofits such as: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• Roaring Fork Sierra Club • Senior Matters • SoL Theatre Company • Spellbinders • The Buddy Program • Thunder River Theatre Aspen Center for Environmental Studies • Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Aspen Community Foundation • Valley Settlement Project Aspen Hope Center • VOICES Aspen Jewish Community Center • Way of Compassion AspenOut • Wilderness Workshop Aspen Valley Land Trust • YouthZone Carbondale Arts Carbondale Homeless Assistance Please consider partnering with The CLEER Sopris Sun in support of your favorite Colorado Animal Rescue nonprofit organization. Davi Nikent English in Action Family Visitor Program By becoming an underwriter, you can Garfield County Senior Program make a meaningful impact upon our Gay For Good - Rocky Mountain community for as little as $25 a week. KDNK Lift-Up As a reader, you can help us Literacy Outreach out by thanking our advertisers National Alliance on Mental Illness for supporting our community National Brain Tumor Society newspaper! Simply let them know Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Roaring Fork Schools you saw them here.
Contact Todd Chamberlin today to ask how you partner with us and your favorite nonprofit! Todd Chamberlin | adsales@soprissun.com | 970-510-0246 The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • November 12 - November 18, 2020 • 7
Great towns deserve great Internet!
More mussels intercepted amid boating surge
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Jaime McCullah points out past samples taken from boats of invasive mussel species at the boat inspection check point at Ruedi Reservoir on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Photo by Kelsey Brunner By Lindsay Fendt Aspen Journalism
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Inspectors in Colorado this season intercepted a record number of watercraft showing signs of invasive mussel infestations as reservoirs across the state saw surging numbers of boaters. Ruedi Reservoir, near Basalt, recorded the state’s highest number of intercepted boats carrying mussels. Officials said that is probably due to the reservoir’s relative proximity to Utah’s Lake Powell, which has been dealing with a mussel infestation for years. As public health experts have urged people to maintain their distance and avoid enclosed spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, one logical response for many Coloradans has been to take to the water. Boating, kayaking and paddleboarding have exploded in popularity this year, according to reservoir managers across the state. Riding the wave of that trend are invasive mussels, attaching themselves to watercraft. “With more opportunities … for a boat to be transporting something into our waters, there is, of course, a little bit more risk,” said Robert Walters, an invasive-species specialist with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). By mid-September in Colorado, where the boating season officially will close in November, the state had already recorded more than 600,000 boat inspections. In an average year, it conducts about 475,000. At least 94 boats were intercepted with confirmed adult mussels, the highest number recorded in the state since it began boat inspections in 2008. Native to Eastern Europe, zebra and quagga mussels have infested waters around the world. The creatures, each wrapped in a hard, sharp shell, cling to surfaces in fresh water and quickly breed. Mussels can devastate aquatic ecosystems and damage infrastructure such as pipes and hydroelectric equipment. The larvae of these aquatic nuisance species — as they are designated by the state — have been detected in several Colorado reservoirs over the years, but adult mussels have never emerged. Mussels pose a particularly high threat in Colorado because of the state’s position upstream of other watersheds. Scientists suspect that zebra and quagga mussels would
have difficulty establishing in a high-elevation river, but it’s still possible that they could be distributed downstream. “We are at the top of the watershed,” Walters said. “So if something were to happen in one of our headwaters or really anywhere in the state of Colorado, it would have significant potential to impact those downstream of us.”
Keeping up with the crowds CPW regularly tests the state’s reservoirs for mussel larvae, and so far there are no signs that the increased boating activity has spurred an infestation, which is a testament to the state’s thorough inspection program. Still, keeping pace with the increased boat inspections has been a challenge for many agencies, especially those dealing with pandemic-induced budget constraints. “I think we’re pretty fortunate that we were even allowed to hire our normal staffing,” said Mark Caughlan, district manager at Horsetooth Reservoir, just west of Fort Collins. “But don’t get me wrong, it still wasn’t enough staffing to handle that massive influx of visitation that we saw.” According to Caughlan, Horsetooth Reservoir normally gets around 1.2 million visitors a year. This year, the reservoir saw a 30% to 40% increase in visitation, much of which was boaters. The volume of visitors, the limited staff and the need to carefully inspect boats meant that some people waited hours to get on the water. Most reservoirs, including Horsetooth, put inspection stations at every boat ramp, making it improbable that any boat will touch the water before it’s checked out. Adult mussels can stick to the outside of a boat or be sucked into the ballast tanks of wakeboard boats and ski boats. If mussels are found, inspectors spray the boat with a highpowered water jet to clear them off. The ballasts have to be emptied and washed to ensure that no larvae are inside. The full decontamination process can take up to 30 minutes depending on the extent of the infestation. Even before boating exploded in popularity during the pandemic, the threat of mussels slipping through the cracks was increasing. In 2017, CPW intercepted 26 infested boats, which was a record at the time. That number
An inspector from Rocky Mountain Recreation begins the boat-inspection process at Ruedi Reservoir in July. Seventeen boats at Ruedi were found to have invasive zebra and quagga mussels this season, which is the highest number anywhere in the state in what was a record year for boats intercepted with the invasive species. The mussels disrupt the aquatic food chain and clog intake pipes for water-related facilities and boat engines. Photo by Christin Kay increased to 51 in 2018 and to 86 in 2019. Reservoir managers attribute the increase to surrounding states’ growing number of bodies of waters with mussel infestations, in particular Lake Powell, which became fully colonized by mussels in 2016. Boats leaving Lake Powell are required to undergo inspection by the National Park Service, but many boats slip through. Nearly 70% of the mussel-infested boats intercepted in Colorado come from Lake Powell.
Ruedi on the frontlines The impact of Lake Powell’s mussel colonies on Colorado is most striking at reservoirs closest to the Utah border. Ruedi Reservoir, in the Fryingpan River Valley above Basalt, has seen more boats containing invasive mussels than any other body of water in Colorado, with 17 interceptions this year. Ruedi is particularly vulnerable to mussels. The turbines and pipes inside its hydroelectric dam are difficult to clean and could be destroyed if they are colonized. Mussels are also a filtering species, meaning they feed off the macroinvertebrates, such as plankton, in their ecosystem. These macroinvertebrates make up the base of the food chain, which helps sustain the renowned fishery downstream of the reservoir on the Fryingpan River. “Given our proximity, I think we share a lot of the same boaters with Lake Powell,” said April Long, executive director at Ruedi Water and Power Authority (RWPA). “Their mussel population is increasing, and I don’t believe that their ability to inspect is also increasing.” Due to the pandemic, Ruedi delayed opening to boaters until June 1, but Long said the number
of boats inspected there has still nearly doubled in 2020. Inspectors worked overtime hours through June and July to keep up.
Most boaters are cooperative — and officials want to keep it that way Despite the long waits, inspectors across the state say most boaters are cooperative. Long worries that this could change if long lines become the norm, and she said the RWPA is discussing expanding its inspection staff next year. “If they get frustrated with the amount of time that it takes to do these inspections or decontaminations, we may see some compliance shift to noncompliance,” she said. “We don’t want that to happen.” While long lines could aggravate some boaters, Walters said boaters, generally, are invested in keeping the waters where they spend time healthy. The mussel colonies at Lake Powell have served as a firm warning for many Colorado boaters. “If there is anything positive that I can say of the infestation out there at Lake Powell,” he said, “it’s that Colorado boaters love to go out there and seeing something like that happen to one of their favorite waters has really hammered home what this could potentially look like if it happened here in Colorado. From what I’ve seen, I think that’s made the boaters much more supportive of the program and that they don’t want to see that happen at their home waters.”
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A boater floats in the waters at Chatfield Reservoir, near Denver, on Oct. 18. Reservoirs across the state reported surging or record use this year as the COVID-19 pandemic drove more people outdoors. Those higher numbers corresponded with increased inspections and interceptions of invasive mussels, which state authorities are trying to keep out of Colorado reservoirs. Photo by Lindsay Fendt THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • November 12 - November 18, 2020 • 9
TOWN REPORT
Cop Shop THE 2021 BUDGET will be presented to trustees on Dec. 8. THE AQUATICS FACILITY master planning committee will present a draft proposal during the virtual trustee work session at 6 p.m. on Nov. 17. Visit carbondalerec. com for more information.
OUTDOOR DINING is slowly being removed along Main Street. HOLIDAY LIGHTING is being installed downtown. LEAF DAYS dumpsters have been removed. PLANNING STAFF received a pair of large land use applications and are reviewing them for completeness. One concerns a 10unit project on 12th Street. The other is the Major Site Plan Review and Subdivision for Carbondale Center Place (Sopris Shopping Center and Sopris Self-Storage). THOMPSON PARK is preparing a land use application for a number of single-family units on parcels 3 and 4 — the two areas closer to the historic Thompson House and River Valley Ranch.
THE WASTEWATER clarifier project continues, with the plant running well in the meantime. All three water treatment plants are running well. REC. CENTER HOURS are now 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Reservable time slots are $4 for one hour increments, and the only memberships currently being honored are SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, Active&Fit, and Renew Active. Masks are required at all times and no showers, changing rooms or lockers are available. Sport Court rentals are available for up to six people from the same household at $30 for one hour — bring your own equipment. FITNESS CLASSES are available but limited to 10 people: Circuits and Conditioning (6 to 7 a.m. M/W/F), Yoga (7:30 to 8:30 a.m. M/W/F and 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. T/Th), SilverBoom (9 to 10 a.m. M/W/F), Indoor Cycling (6 to 7 a.m. T/Th), Core Cardio (9 to 10
a.m. T/Th), Chair Yoga (noon to 1 p.m. T/Th) Tai Chi (noon to 1 p.m. W/F) and Silver Sneakers (9 to 10 a.m. F). SPECIAL EVENTS remain cancelled for the month of November, with new state rules resulting in the additional cancellation of a birthday party rental at Triangle Park. THE TURKEY TROT will be staggered in 10-minute increments with 10-person heats between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving beginning at the Rec. Center. GATEWAY RV PARK reservations are open for 2021. SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION is under way on the east side of Second Street between Main Street and the Rio Grande Trail. THE RED HILL TRAIL amenities project was awarded to Board by Design. THE COMPLETE CENSUS COUNT committee for Aspen to Parachute had their final meeting as a wrap up. Manifest Communications will be preparing a final report for elected officials of the counties and municipalities that provided funding for the effort.
From Oct. 23 through Nov. 5, Carbondale Police handled the following calls of note: TUESDAY Oct. 27 at 12:26 p.m. Officers took a report of a theft of food and alcohol. FRIDAY Oct. 30 at 8:57 p.m. A speeding stop led to the arrest of a 32-year-old for driving under the influence. SATURDAY Oct. 31 at 1:04 p.m. Someone reported a case of harassment on Merrill Avenue. SATURDAY Oct. 31 at 9:16 p.m. Following a traffic stop for a broken headlight, a minor was detained for suspicion of underage alcohol possession and released with a referral to Youth Zone. SUNDAY Nov. 1 at 10:10 p.m. A traffic stop led to a warrant arrest for a 28-year-old. TUESDAY Nov. 3 at 7:30 a.m. Responding to a call about a
suspicious man looking at cars at the park and ride, police ended up arresting a 23-year-old on a warrant. TUESDAY Nov. 3 at 1:09 p.m. A 44-year-old was stopped for driving without registration or plates and arrested for DUI, driving while revoked as a habitual traffic offender and possession of a controlled substance. WEDNESDAY Nov. 4 at 3:12 p.m. Police took a report of property damage. WEDNESDAY Nov. 4 at 6:36 p.m. A 47-year-old was arrested on a warrant for domestic violence and tampering. THURSDAY Nov. 5 at 11:03 a.m. Officers took a report of a possible restraining order violation..
Additionally, the last several weeks have seen a rash of vehicle thefts occurring in Garfield, Eagle and Mesa counties. It is unclear yet whether these thefts are a part of an organized effort or simply opportunistic. Everyone is reminded to never leave your keys in your car, never leave your car unlocked or the windows rolled down, don’t leave your car running, park in high-traffic and well-lit areas, and immediately report suspicious behavior to 911 — obtaining as much information as you can without putting yourself or others at risk.
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CRMS proximity creates liquor hangup By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff
When the new City Market opened, customers were dismayed to discover that the beer they’d grown used to seeing on grocery shelves was no longer available. And when restaurateurs began to consider the complex, they were similarly surprised to learn that it might be unusually difficult to procure a liquor license there. That’s because the property backs up to — and was originally carved out of — agricultural land owned by Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS). And municipal ordinances — pulled directly from state law — prohibit liquor sales within 500 feet of a school property line. Developer Briston Peterson approached the Town with a solution: measure the distance from the nearest school building instead. That’s how Ordinance 15 ended up before trustees on Nov. 10, with staff recommending approval. But it proved less than a slam dunk. The item attracted extensive public comment on both sides. One frequently cited document was a letter from CRMS Finance Director Joe White. While the school did not directly oppose the proposal as the land is leased to local ranchers, it does occasionally use the property for its ranch program and could conceivably construct anything from athletic fields to employee housing to greenhouses on it in the future.
“Our hope and expectation is that administrative decisions, licensing and land use on adjacent parcels will not result in limiting future use by CRMS of its land to advance its educational mission,” he wrote. And while that didn’t appear to be an issue, the flip side meant that the school could conceivably end up constructing a dorm just over the fence from an established liquor store, with no recourse for the Town to rectify the situation. The opposition pointed out that the developers should have been aware of the restrictions from the beginning, with several local liquor store owners complaining about the double standard. “Business owners in Carbondale have all lived with this law and adjusted our business decisions accordingly for years,” noted Sopris Liquor & Wine’s Kiko Peña. “All we hear from the Town is ‘stick together; support small business. Don’t turn your back on us now just because corporate America is staring you down.” Most of the ire was focused on City Market, with fewer concerns expressed about either competition or potential underage sales from restaurants. Kevin Jones said he was looking at expanding New York Pizza into the complex, noting that Carbondale is “a vibrant community and a place I’d like to join.” But, Michael Zhang of Ming’s pointed out, what’s the motive to move if it handicaps the business?
“I don’t want to be one of the few restaurants in Carbondale without a liquor license,” he said. With the discussion well over its allotted time, trustee Luis Yllanes considered the issue too complex to resolve that night and pushed to have it tabled for another meeting. While the rest of the board was amenable to that, they did take the opportunity to address some of the public comments first. “I think you should call it like it is — you don’t want City Market to sell beer,” Erica Sparhawk asserted. “I’m kinda surprised by the doomsday language that all of a sudden our youth are going to be walking around with bottles of booze.” Ben Bohmfalk agreed. “This location’s relationship to that school property just has no chance of causing any harm in that way,” he said. “It doesn’t seem like it’s a discussion about proximity to the school, it seems like it’s a discussion of threats to local businesses. I feel like that’s really a very separate concern.” For her part, Heather Henry questions staff ’s assertion that the issue required a town-wide ordinance rather than simply being handled on a case-by-case basis. Staff were instructed to conduct more research on that topic, as well as exemptions granted elsewhere — such as near Glenwood Springs High School — and the topic was slated for the Dec. 8 meeting.
The proposed ordinance would increase the relevant distance from 280 feet to 1321 feet from CRMS property. Courtesy graphic
In other action, trustees… Continued the Eastwood 133 public hearing to Nov. 24. Moved forward with plans to buy out the contract for part of the Third Street Center’s solar array — a roughly nine-year payback investment — while simultaneously selling the Town’s share of a solar garden to Holy Cross. Town Manager Jay Harrington characterized the back-to-back agenda items as symptoms of changing economic realities around solar, while Trustee Ben Bohmfalk seemed pleased that it all penciled financially, albeit in different funds. Discussed implementation of the Climate Action Plan with the Energy Board.
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Democracy takes time and compromise
By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent
Local through national races kept voters on the edge of their seats this year. Passions were high this election season but in the end candidates conceded and delivered statements tinged with themes of unity and resilience...well, at least on the local and state levels. President-elect Joe Biden was declared the winner by the Associated Press which has customarily called presidential bids in the past. However, the 2020 results have been contested by incumbent Donald Trump who is taking his grievance to court. Let’s go back to election week though… While awaiting results was indeed a nail-biter; the presidential runoff — at least for this observer — was an opportunity to witness the tedious efficacy of democracy. Since Wednesday morning Americans were obsessively refreshing web-pages with current election tallies to monitor any developments. The margins were often only a few hundred votes, leaving a plethora of states seemingly up for grabs until the end of the week. In my experience, past election nights have gone so quickly that by midnight the country declared a victor and there was little time to fully grasp the rapid development. In this case however, constituents had the chance to see democracy work itself out at a discernible pace.
Despite the relative confusion at the national level locals from both major parties are ready to move forward.
A local Republican’s perspective Garfield County Republican Chairperson Darrin Smith said that the party is happy to see the County Commissioners resume their roles and for the wins in the state house and senate. Smith does not see all policies as cookie-cutter issues that each member of his party agrees on, “Republican’s by and large are a conglomerate of independent thinkers,” he stated, “If we’re speaking about Garfield, you have people who have one position and then you move to the other end of the county and you’ll have people who have a completely different position on the same issue.” “I’ve spent enough years on this planet and there was a period of time when Democrats and Republicans were more closely aligned on what they wanted for the future than they are right now — or seemingly are right now,” said Smith. “I’m hopeful we can elect more legislators in the future that greatly benefit the whole as opposed to appearing to be extremely partisan,” he explained. Smith mentioned Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District incumbent Scott Tipton as a prime example
who, “During his terms ultimately became the eighth most effective legislator in congress and he did that by serving all of the people in CD-3 — it didn’t matter what their affiliation was.”
A local Democrat’s perspective Garfield County Democratic Chairperson John Krousouloudis was very happy with the high voter turnout in the county. He heralded the progress the Democratic candidates made in the Garfield County commissioners races. “If you look at the numbers that Beatriz Soto and Leslie Robinson got it’s a hell of a lot higher than we’ve seen in past elections,” Krousouloudis stated, “We’re within reach of flipping those seats.” While he is pleased with his party’s progress locally, Krousouldoudis also said, “It’s important at any level for both parties to look at the other side.” He went further saying, “I don’t think a representative can be effective when elected if they don’t take into consideration the concerns and the views of people across the aisle.” “A winner-take-all approach is not what makes this country great,” Krousouldoudis said, “The fact that politicians were able to compromise since this country was formed is what delivered great strides and improvements for the people.”
The Sopris Sun is hiring!
Carbondalians celebrated on the corner of Fourth and Main after the election was called for Joe Biden. Photo by Will Grandbois
Do you want to steward community discourse and storytelling in the mid and lower Roaring Fork Valley? Nestled in Mount Sopris’ shadow, The Sopris Sun is headquartered in Carbondale and serves as the area’s only nonprofit newspaper. Right now, we’re looking for our next leader at the editorial helm. If you’re a deadline-driven, newsoriented communicator you may be just who we’re looking for to fill this role. Responsibilities include: •
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12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • November 12 - November 18, 2020
Editorial - Oversee all editorial content of the weekly paper including editing and composing stories. Management - Coordinate and supervise freelancers including writers and photographers, as well as collaborate with the Graphic Designer and the advertising department to create the weekly paper. Community Relations - as the public face of The Sopris Sun the editor cultivates positive relationships with community members including government, businesses and other organizations. Liaise - The Editor works cooperatively with The Sopris Sun Board Directors.
To Apply: Please provide a copy of your résumé, several samples of your writing, and a cover letter that includes, in any order: • • • •
A statement describing your interest in the position. A few things you appreciate most about The Sopris Sun. Share your vision of where you would love to see the paper be in a few short years. Why you feel you are a great candidate.
Send your application materials via email, in Word or PDF format, to: board@soprissun.com by December 4, 2020. Interviews of qualified candidates will start immediately. The position will remain open until filled. Preferred start date: December 14, 2020. For a full job description, go to soprissun.com/careers-editor/
Don't gloat American would be like if Trump were reelected. I was in favor of the House impeachment hearings earlier this year. Information came out the nation needed to know. But when the articles of impeachment were written, I wanted Speaker Nancy Pelosi to put them in her purse and keep them there. First, because there was no way Trump’s lap dogs in the Senate were gonna convict. Second, and most importantly, it’d accomplish nothing but to further divide the country. I wanted Trump booted out the right way; voted out in November, then removed from the protections of a sitting president, prosecuted and jailed for his many crimes in and outta office. Now that first part of that plan has been accomplished, I’m not sure I want the second. I’m really into this heal-thewounds thing. A Trump trial would make it that much more difficult to unite the country. Trump won’t go away quietly. He adores the spotlight and he’ll do everything he can to stay in it. Two images I’ve grown weary of seeing are that white ball with the red protrusions coming outta it that’s supposed to represent the coronavirus and Trump’s butt-ugly mug. I wish the media would ignore Trump, but that won’t happen. Trump gets good ratings and that’s all the media cares about. Then there’s social media that Trump knows how to take full advantage of. The turnout makes you proud to be an American. Sixty-seven percent is the best since 1900 and the first over 60%
LETTERS
from page 2
since 1960. We probably have Trump to thank for that. Voters either love him or hate him. It’s about time we started taking responsibility for ourout government. Sweden had a voter turnout of 87% in a recent national election. As far as the length of time it took to get the results, I’m glad the poll workers took their time and got it right. I don’t understand why these states new to mailin balloting didn’t do it the Colorado way and start counting the ballots as soon as they come in. Colorado always has to take the lead; mail-in balloting, good sense marijuana laws. Trump’s claims of massive voter fraud should come as a surprise to no one. As soon as he was inaugurated in 2017, Trump created a commission to investigate undocumented immigrants voting to explain his three million vote loss in the popular vote. He was a sore loser who didn’t even lose. The commission found bupkis. Shortly before this year’s election, I got another visit from my Trumpster friend. She made the only negative statement about Trump I’ve ever heard her say. “He is a little rough around the edges.”I wanted to explode. “Rough around the edges! He’s the antichrist, the Devil’s disciple, the epitome of evil!” I restrained myself. This woman and I have been friends for many years because we love and respect each other and share many wonderful memories. We won’t let Trump divide us.
time. We worked together to donate $5 for every latte or croissant purchased and this time we raised $10,000 for Stepping Stones, a communitybased youth program right here in Roaring Fork Valley. Not only did you help us reach this donation goal, you stayed open a few extra days to get there. Our FirstBank branches throughout the region take pride in finding ways to give back to the people and communities we serve by helping local businesses grow, and partnering with nonprofits in the area. That’s why working with partners like you wasn’t only seamless, but it was a great pleasure. We’ll all miss the Carbondale Creamery and Café and wish nothing but the best for Kyle, Anders, and the team at the Creamery. Whatever the future may hold, we look forward to crossing paths. Dave Portman FirstBank Roaring Fork Valley Market President
Many thanks Dear Editor: The Buddy Program is so pleased to honor several individuals this fall who make our program, and therefore our community, a better place. Each November we gather our Big and Little Buddies for our
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Continued from page 2 annual Celebration Dinner to announce these awards. While we won’t gather this year, the tradition of the awards is more important than ever and the spirit in which they are given is alive and well! Our Angel Award goes to Jeanne and Ned Walker. Jeanne has served as a Big Buddy to her Little Buddy since 2017 and nurtured a beautiful relationship. She did not hesitate to volunteer outside of her community, being willing to drive down valley to see her Little Buddy! Ned and Jeanne have been extremely generous over the past four years, helping us obtain a key sponsorship for our events and giving generous, personal gifts. Our Hero Award will be given to the team at Aspen Family Connections. Not only has their initiative around food distribution for the most vulnerable been an amazing show of innovation and action early in the pandemic (and still continuing today), their partnership throughout the year around emergency assistance and wrap around support for our families has been a critical collaborative effort this year. Finally, we would like to thank Angie Davlyn and the team at Roaring Fork School District for ensuring clear and timely communication around
our key programs that rely heavily on our school partnerships for our LEAD (Leadership through Exploration, Action and Discovery) Programs. Our Golden Carabiner Award goes to the Roaring Fork School District! Laura Seay The Buddy Program
The character of a nation Dear Editor: I have observed, over the past 12 years, just how much the electorate copies their elected. A population becomes shaped, perhaps subconsciously, in the image of their president. With Obama, despite a seething racist undercurrent, the national discourse was generally measured and thoughtful. The country felt dignified, united, if disagreeing. The past four years have been a stark contrast. Families, communities, workplaces and even parks now demonstrate divisive, even combative behavior that is actually encouraged by the national leader. All leadership roles hold the soul of the led, but none are as important as the one that shapes the moral character of a nation. John Hoffmann Carbondale
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • November 12 - November 18, 2020 • 13
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RoaringForkSeniorLawDay2019.eventbrite.com • 970-945-8858
TO VOLUNTEER OR SPONSOR: 970-945-8858
Call on us. You’ll recognize the area code. Call us when you need us. Or, we’ll call you, to see what you need. Whether it’s financial advice or just a friendly voice on the other line, we’re here. That’s local banking.
Talk to a personal banker today at 970-704-1012.
anbbank.com
14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • November 12 - November 18, 2020
PARTING SHOTS
Sponsor Our Puzzles $50 Contact: Todd Chamberlin 970-987-9866 | adsales@soprissun.com
SUZOKU
By Suzie Brady
Mike Jones (left), chief instructor of Roaring Fork Aikikai in Carbondale, and student Sean Jeffries observing COVID-19 safety protocols while practicing jo (wooden staff ) techniques at dusk in Crown Mountain Park. Photo by Ken Pletcher
SERVICE DIRECTORY GreenWalls Painting
Service Directory Ads
Serving the Valley since 2005
$100 per month for 4 SMALL $200 per month for 4 LARGE
Interior/Exterior, new construction, remodels, repaints, and more.
Call Matt Roeser for a free estimate today! 970-317-7549 GreenWalls is an environmentally friendly company. We use only non-toxic (low and no voc) paints and finishes.
GreenWallsPainting.com
Carbondale Acupuncture Center Serving the valley since 1997 Acupuncture Massage Therapy Herbal Medicine
Gift certificates available! Downtown by Sopris Park | 704-1310
Thinking about selling your home? Contact me today for a free market analysis! Ingrid Wussow 970.404.5105
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.
Ericka Anderson, MA LPC
208 Midland Avenue, Basalt | (970) 309-7549 erickaanderson812@gmail.com | thehealinggrove.com
See Thundercat at
CARBONDALE ANIMAL HOSPITAL New location! 289 Main Street, Carbondale on the corner of Third and Main Street
(970) 963-2826
Dr. Benjamin Mackin WINDSHIELDadsales@soprissun.com
REPAIR & AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
REPAIR & AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENTMo
970-963-3891 970-963-3891
Mobile Service Available
Locally Owned by David Zamansky
Locally owned bybyJake Zamansky Locally Owned David Zamansky cbmasonmorse.com
Contact Todd Chamberlin
Find us on Facebook
bile Service Available
970-510-0246
We Sell Tires! Come to Sunburst for your Winter tire changeover!
We are open Monday through Saturday from 8am-5pm and Sunday’s 9am-4pm (car washes only).
970-963-8800 745 Buggy Circle in Carbondale 500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO 500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO w w w. s u n b u r s t c a r c a r e . c o m
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • November 12 - November 18, 2020 • 15
Celebrating 20 Years! To keep our customers and employees safer this winter, DOS is adding heated enclosed outdoor seating and indoor air purification.
Come in and share your earliest and/or favorite memory of DOS in our drawing! There are gifts from DOS and some of our friends in the community to share with you throughout the month of November. Many thanks to… Aloha Mountain Cyclery Alpine Bank Boo & Finni Carbondale Animal Hospital Carbondale Beer Works
Cripple Creek Backcountry Dazbog Coffee Innermountain Nieslanik Beef Shade Salon Sopris Liquor & Wine
Many thank s to our s te llar s taf f ! EMILY BAKER
JAMES AURELIO
JENNIFER DEGGES
RICKY CAMACHO
ISIDRA MORALES-JIMENEZ
DEATRA JONES-DIXON
KATE OLDHAM
BERIT BRADDY
JASPER GERMAIN
KATHY FUNES
CALEB COFSKY
LUPE HERNANDEZ-ARELLANEZ
RYAN ARMSTRONG
BEN OLDHAM
We would also like to invite any of our 168 former employees to stop by, say hi and enjoy a free coffee drink on Wednesday, 11/11. http://www.dosgringosburritos.com/ our-employees-throughout-the-years
DOS is so grateful to our loyal customers and their steadfast support for all these years. We will continue to be here to serve you dine-in, take-out or curb-side. Order in-person, by phone or online. We will continue to support the causes and organizations that help our community thrive. One year ago we launched our 1111 Non-Profit in the Spotlight Campaign - here are the amazing organizations that were highlighted over the past year. Addy’s Oasis
COVID-19 Emergency Response / Town of Carbondale
Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association
Advocate Safehouse
Davi Nikent Center for Human Flourishing
Ascendigo Autism Services
Eco Flight
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
Aspen Community Foundation Aspen Hope Center
Glenwood Springs Citizens Alliance “Don’t Mine Glenwood”
Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club
Grizzly Creek Fire: Free Coffee for All Local and
Bridging Bionics Foundation
US Wildland Firefighters
Buddy Program
Habitat for Humanity / ReStore
Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District
Junior Achievement of the Roaring Fork Valley
Carbondale Arts
KDNK
Carbondale Clay Center
Lift-Up
Carbondale Homeless Assistance w/ the Faith
Mt. Sopris Nordic Council / Spring Gulch Trail System
Lutheran Church
Patrick’s Place / Stepping Stones
CLEER (Clean Energy Economy for the Region)
Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation
Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.)
RESPONSE
Colorado Wild Public Lands / NEPA
Return to Dirt
Windwalkers
CORE (Community Office for Resource Efficiency)
Rifle Animal Shelter
YouthZone
Roaring Fork Rampage Seedpeace.org / Wild Mountain Seeds Smiling Goat Ranch, Equine Therapy Stepping Stones Sustainable Settings TACAW - The Arts Campus at Willits The Sopris Sun Thunder River Theatre Valley Land Trust Valley Life For All (Featuring Ella Munk) Valley Settlement Voices Way of Compassion Bike Project
Our Menu!
Open 7 days a week: 7 am – 7 pm | 588 Highway 133, Carbondale |
970-704-0788 | www.dosgringosburritos.com