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Volume 9, Number 49 | January 11, 2018

These three horses are running wild in the CRMS riding arena but the only true wild horse in this bunch is the leader, Rune. Photo by Jane Bachrach

CRMS goes wild

O

By Jane Bachrach Sopris Sun Staff

NCE UPON A TIME, in its early ranching days, Colorado Rocky Mountain School had an equestrian program. It was phased out in the late ’70s, early ’80s, and brought back in the fall of 2015.

Then, five months ago, the program went wild!

Early Bird

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Thanks to a grant proposal written by students Megan Leahy, LJ Robertson and Morgan Young for the Chris Babbs Prize, (a CRMS school board initiative that awards funds for selected studentinitiated projects,) the program was able to adopt a wild mustang from a herd living in the Great Di-

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vide Basin in Wyoming. That horse was taken to a Canon City BLM holding facility as a yearling, which is where CRMS History Chair and Horse Program Director Amanda Leahy found him.

“I chose him from the BLM herd because of the A HORSE STORY page 6

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Carbondale Commentary

The views and opinions expressed on the Commentary page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the editor or guest columns. For more information, email editor Will Grandbois at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.

Know your end of life options

By Ron Kokish

My father-in-law, Irv, died of lung cancer in 1996.

He suffered pain from a compound leg fracture some years earlier. He had serious heart disease and his kidneys were failing. I’d respected and loved Irv 32 years by then. He feared weakness and dependency and had always wanted to control his own death. He had medication at hand to end his life painlessly.

But he rarely used it, even as prescribed, because he wanted to be fully present with his loved ones more than he wanted to be painfree. Still, he felt stronger, “better”, if you will, because having those drugs left him with some control. It made his suffering a choice instead of a long, slow death sentence. And it inspired me to advocate for everyone having the same freedom of choice. Here’s why we need it.

Most of us want a peaceful death at home. Eighty percent of chronically ill patients want to avoid hospitalization and especially intensive care. We want to be as free from pain as possible though, like Irv, many ultimately trade some degree of pain for some degree of awareness. Wishes aside, about 1/4 of us die at home; 3/4 die in hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions. The American Psychological Association reported 1/3 of elderly people enduring unnecessary pain during the 24 hours before their deaths. Law gives doctors legal immunity when following advance directives, but they can refuse if they have conscientious objections or consider your wishes “medically inappropriate.” One study found only 1/4 of physicians even knowing when patients had directives on file. Dying can be expensive. The Kaiser Family Foundation reported annual per capita Medicare spending for beneficiaries who died in 2014 at $34,529, nearly four times higher than for beneficiaries who survived 2014. Colorado Nursing Home care averages $7,845/month. About half of us will need it at some point. Many older Americans say they prefer death to running out of money. In short, most of us hope for a peaceful, simple death at home with loved ones but prevailing reality is that many endure unwanted, unanticipated and often unnecessary suffering in institutions before death comes.

In November of 2016 Coloradans gave themselves a new, albeit limited, option to avoid some of the worst end-of-life experiences. Approved by 2/3 of voters, the “End of Life Options Act” (EOLOA) allows doctors to prescribe lethal medication to adult patients mentally capable of rational decisions and physically capable of ingesting it. Patients must have six months or less to live in the opinion of the treating physician.

A second, consulting physician must concur. Patients must make two requests for the prescription separated by at least 15 days. During that period, they must also make a written request witnessed by two adults, at least one of whom has no personal interest in the decision.

Getting even this limited help isn’t necessarily easy. The EOLOA does not require doctors to prescribe. Healthcare facilities can require dying patients to leave their premises before using their prescriptions. Many do; some because they have genuine moral objections, some because they fear liability even though a prototype law has worked well in Oregon for 20 years. Some doctors have personal moral trepidations.

Some may be reluctant to face potentially angry family members, nervous corporate employers, and criticism from professional peers. Only a handful of Colorado’s medical systems have internal processes for referring eligible patients to physicians willing to prescribe. None of that handful are in END OF LIFE page 14

OPINION

Please join KDNK in welcoming Amy Goodman back to the valley

By Gavin Dahl KDNK is bringing journalist Amy Goodman to The Temporary this Friday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m.

Amy is host and executive producer of the independent radio and TV program Democracy Now! Copies of her latest New York Times bestseller “Democracy Now!: 20 Years Covering the Movements Changing America” will be available at the event for purchase and signing. The event benefits Carbondale Community Access Radio and The Arts Campus at Willits.

Amy will speak about how the unprecedented resistance to President Donald Trump’s rise to power did not materialize overnight. As Democracy Now! has covered extensively, it emerged from grassroots movements that have been challenging the establishment for years. You can hear for yourself what this coverage sounds like each weeknight at 6 on KDNK radio.

Since her last stop in Carbondale in spring 2016, Amy has produced stories on the standoff at Standing Rock over the Dakota Access Pipeline, interviews on police accountability and Black Lives Matter activism, reports from climate summits and environmental disasters, conversations with Dreamers and immigration reformers, defenses of press freedom, plus critical

details on government surveillance, global uprisings, and casualties of war.

Amy’s message has resonated with KDNK supporters for many years. Thanks to a strong commitment by former manager Steve Skinner, and huge support from listeners, KDNK has built up a news department that has won multiple Edward R Murrow and Colorado Broadcasters Association awards. Our local news airs during NPR News weekday mornings at 6:41 and 7:41 and each evening at 5:34. You can access all of our original reporting on demand at our website, kdnk.org. We’re also proud to participate in the Rocky Mountain Community Radio coalition, which produces over 200 stories annually covering the capitol.

We need independent media more than ever. Too many corporate media outlets are focused on delivering eyeballs to advertisers or serving as a mouthpiece for government or business interests. As Amy says, commercial media gives a platform to the pundits and the pollsters who know so little about so much, explaining the world to us and getting it so wrong. Free speech is democracy’s last line of defense. We must demand it, defend it, and use it.

OPINION

Letters

The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 500 words via email at news@soprissun.com or 250 words via snail mail at P.O. Box 399, Carbondale CO 81623. please include your name, town, and contact information. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.

Fair weather warriors Dear Editor: When I moved to the Aspen area in the spring of 1986, I’d been working on a PhD program concerning antelope winter food habits north of Maybell, Colorado. As with most wildlife research, it was funded by the wrong team, in this case the Sheep and Wool Growers Association. Their goal was to prove that there were too many antelope, not too many sheep in that region. A primary contributor to this study was a rancher who had just gotten out of federal prison for shooting bald eagles. Even my M.S. research on mountain goat food habits in Alaska had been funded by folks hoping to find that anything, other than hunting license

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JANUARY 11-17, 2018

sales, was causing the decline in these populations.

In Aspen, I was thrilled to find a community where the right team had all the money, a stronghold of environmental warriors with the whereabouts to make a difference. I quit the poverty of a professional student and made this my home.

Over the decades it became apparent that many of these “environmental warriors” were merely riders of the latest fads, able to easily switch alliances from wildlife to recreation by popular demand. These folks pose the greatest of all modern day threats to our wildlife by using their environmental reputations to help otherwise well intentioned people feel good about LETTERS page 15

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P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising: 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Reporter: Megan Tackett Photographer: Jane Bachrach Graphic Designer: Terri Ritchie Delivery: Tom Sands Current Board Members board@soprissun.com Marilyn Murphy, President Raleigh Burleigh, Vice President Stacey Bernot, Secretary Barbara Dills, Treasurer Debbie Bruell • Cliff Colia • Diana Alcantara • Olivia Pevec • Faith Magill Nicolette Toussaint • John Colson The Sopris Sun Board meets regularly on the second Monday evening of each month at the Third Street Center.

Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com 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.

Fire Chief Ron Leach on the way out the door

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff

Longtime Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection Chief Ron Leach will be presented a separation agreement by the District’s Board during a meeting after press time on Jan. 10.

The move will end Leach’s nearly four-decade tenure with the department as soon as Jan. 13 and no later than Feb. 15 — depending on when he opts to actually sign the final document. It would also entitle him to a $98,500 lump sum payment and 13 months of family health insurance while binding him to a non-disparagement clause.

Board Chair Gene Schilling acknowledged that such a process is somewhat unusual for an ostensibly congenial departure, but characterized the decision as mutual.

“Ron has talked for years about wanting to leave, but the timing has never got there,” he said.

Schilling said the board discussed it at the November board meeting and ap-

Ron Leach

pointed him to negotiate. Most of the text in the agreement was standard, he added.

“The District changed retirement plans somewhere in the mid 2000s… and Ron was not eligible to go into it,” he explained. “A lot of it is compensation for that.”

The board will use the meeting to discuss a potential interim chief arrangement as well as hash out the process to replace Leach long term.

“He’s been a great chief,” Schilling said. “He’s done a lot for the department and brought it to where it is today.”

Leach himself expressed content with the arrangement before the meeting.

“It’s been a tremendously rewarding career for me over the past 37 years serving the Carbondale community as its fire chief,” he said “I will miss the volunteer firefighters and EMTs as well as the paid staff here at the district. I plan to continue to volunteer from my home in Marble.”

The Sun will update this story online after the meeting and plans a full retrospective for a future issue.

“It’s been a tremendously rewarding career for me over the past 37 years serving the Carbondale community as its fire chief. I will miss the volunteer firefighters and EMTs as well as the paid staff here at the district.”

Rams rock Longhorns in back-to-back basketball victories

By Justin Patrick Special to The Sopris Sun

Both the girls’ and boys’ Roaring Fork High School varsity basketball teams claimed big wins over upvalley rival Basalt Longhorns Tuesday evening. The Rams were on point during their home games, squashing right out of the gate any hope of a close contest.

The RFHS girls team lead Basalt 31 to 12 at half time, establishing a daunting lead that left the Longhorns deep in the hole. The Rams’ gameplay was firing on all cylinders, and the ladies delivered smart, cooperative plays time and again. Their passing game was smooth and fierce. The Longhorns answered with a firm defensive pushback, but it proved too little too late against the Rams’ consistently aggressive offense. Junior Logan Erickson spared hardly a moment to catch her breath, tenaciously working through any and all resistance to move the ball up the court and within striking distance, scoring 15 points herself. Sophomores Emily Broadhurst and Caroline Wisroth likewise exhibited magnificently aggressive play, helping their team secure a 57 to 35 win over the Longhorns. Roaring Fork is now 5-3 while the Basalt girls are 2-7 for the season.

The boys followed the girls’ precedent with a steamrolling victory of their own. By the end of the first quarter RFHS was leading 30 to 9, setting a tone that did not waver. Senior Justin Thompson

was a pivotal part of the Rams’ offensive strategy, bagging 26 points overall. His epic dunk in the second quarter was met with roars from the crowd.

Junior Mikel Mayo offered consistent support, instigating numerous successful plays. Senior Irving Anchondo sank several 3 pointers. And junior Joe Salinas was on fire as well, delivering 16 points and wreaking havoc on the court.

The Rams’ defense was tight and unforgiving.

Basalt only squeezed in four points in the second quarter. By half time, the Rams were leading by a serious 50 to 13, setting the stage for a brutal uphill climb if the Longhorns could hope to get back in the game. The Longhorns’ Wylie Hawkins was all heart, even enduring a bloodied forehead before jumping back in during the final minutes. Sophomore Jackson Rapaport and senior Justin Henderson were relentless. However, the Longhorns could simply not deliver and their offense consistently crumbled.

The Rams were taking no prisoners and finished the game on top, 78 to 32, ending a several-years losing streak to their longtime rival and laying down the gauntlet for a rematch next year. Roaring Fork is now 7-1 for the season, with Basalt at 1-7.

“The guys came to play on both ends of the ball, defensively and offensively,” said Rams coach Larry Williams. “They rebounded really well in the first half which got the fast break going… The score was surprising. We stress team play, and they shared the ball well.”

The rivalry between Roaring Fork and Basalt came down heavily in the Rams’ favor in their latest match. From left, Logan Erickson, Emily Broadhurst and Joe Salinas all contributed to solid victories on Jan. 9. Photos by Sue Rollyson The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JANUARY 11-17, 2018 • 3

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.

Just the ticket We’ve heard concerns that folks might have interpreted a non-highlighted link to the next Salon performance at the Launchpad as a sign that the event was sold out, but we have it on good authority that that’s not the case.

There’s still time to nab a seat at the music, spoken word, dance and multimedia extravaganza for $25 at tinyurl. com/cdalesalon18. It all kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 with Yogi Muse Michelle Marchildon, Dancer Meagan Londy Shapiro, singer/songwriter Lucy Weld, musician and educator Tim Fox, tango instructors Cindy Gottlob and Sean Ericson and writer Rick Minkoff.

Park that thought The Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board is taking online feedback for two options to provide parking along Prince Creek Road. Visit www.pitkinostprojects.com (go to the Prince Creek link) to review the options and have your say through Jan. 31. OST hopes to construct trailhead parking along Prince Creek Road this spring, before the biking season is in full swing.

A new development Ascendigo Autism Services has appointed Courtney McEleney as the organization’s new Director of Development. McEleney was previously a development professional with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for nearly a decade, first at the district level in Long Beach, California and Denver then with the national office. For more information about the organization or to become involved, visit www.ascendigo.org.

Cool school Basalt High School is hosting a community celebration to showcase the school’s recently completed major renovation at 3:45 p.m. on Jan. 11. In one of the 19 proj-

ects funded by the Roaring Fork Schools’ $122 million bond issue, the school received a new music addition for the vocal and instrumental music classes, a more open commons and café area and a new entrance with a welcome and security vestibule.

Be a darling Roaring Fork Brain Train founder Diane Darling recently issued a plea to friends and associates to help create a dementia friendly community. Specifically, she encouraged folks to check out one or more short videos on how to recognize the signs and help out dementiafriendsusa.org.

You can get a certificate in the process, which they’d be proud to display on the Brain Train Bulletin Board. If you prefer the personal touch, there are also seminars coming up in Carbondale and Glenwood Springs in February — we’ll keep you informed.

Razzle dazzle ’em Coredination and Bonedale Ballet are offering a new Broadway Dance Repertoire class for teens and adults from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Mondays beginning Jan. 22 and running through March 5. Drop by a single class for $20 or get seven for $105 with a punch pass; RSVP at 3792187 or www.bonedaleballet.com.

Thanks, sarge The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office will recognize retiring Sergeant James Sears from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 17 in the Garfield County Board of Commissioners Room. Sears began his career in law enforcement with the Greeley Police Department in 1977. Since that time, he has served in many capacities, from liquor enforcement to naval investigation to the FBI itself. He has been with the sheriff’s office since 1995, and has served as Emergency Operation Sergeant and head of both Search and Rescue and Wildland Fire Management.

Grief...

McKenzie Melendez, 7, proudly shows off the new green bike she received during a giveaway sponsored

by Umbrella Roofing at The Orchard on Jan. 7.

Photo by Jane Bachrach

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another year in the wide world this week include: Crystal Holley (Jan. 11); Betsy Bingham-Johns (Jan. 12); Tracie Wright, Annemarie Zanca, Marianne Ackerman, Chuck Bauer and Michael Hassig (Jan. 14); Frank Nadell and Crista Barlow (Jan. 15); Johann Aberger (Jan. 16) Katrina Byars and Brenda Buchanan (Jan. 17). Also, a belated happy birthday to Erica Sparhawk (Jan. 10).

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not intellectual.

the emotion caused by a loss of any kind.

Registration: Space is limited. Call Jennifer Bouchet at Roaring Fork Family Practice with questions and to register.

970.384.7126 Call to register.

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JANUARY 11-17, 2018

Several debuts at Valley Visual Art Show

By Megan Tackett Sopris Sun Staff The Valley Visual Art Show (VVAS) is a longstanding Carbondale tradition — Friday’s opening will mark the 38th time Carbondale Arts has hosted the exhibit.

The show, which runs from Jan. 12 to Feb. 16 at the Launchpad, is an open call to local artists to show their work, and this year, that call was answered faster than ever.

“It just filled up so quickly,” Gallery Manager Brian Colley said. The VVAS is truly egalitarian in its approach: any artist, regardless of technical ability or experience, is welcome to participate. But because of the growing interest, Carbondale Arts decided to cap the number of artists to 50 on a first come, first served basis. This year, those slots filled in just four hours.

“A third of the artists in this show are people who have never shown here before. It’s awesome. It’s so exciting,” Colley said, adding that one of the goals of the show is to give a platform to new or lesser-known artists in the Valley.

A sampling One of those new-to-VVAS artists is DJ Hill. A poet, freelance writer and collage artist, she has recently been revisiting Mother Goose nursery rhymes to inform her artistic themes. In the past, her collage work has stemmed from her poetry.

For her VVAS piece, she created a sonnet from Mother Goose stanzas. The direction her work ultimately took surprised her.

“I thought this collage would be playful. It’s funny what your subconscious does; when it got to the stanza lines, I was thinking, ‘I don’t remember that.’ The subsequent lines kind of started getting very dark. It wasn’t something I expected,” Hill said.

The Launchpad isn’t the only place Hill’s work will be featured — three of her collages will be published next month in a special edition of The Rumpus, a publication based in New York, that will explore sexual misconduct and domestic abuse.

“I was asked if my work was political,” she recalled. “And I said, ‘what do you think it is?’ It doesn’t really matter why I created it — I want it to be about your experiences.”

While Hill doesn’t prefer to say one way or the other if she considers her work political, she is submitting a collage as potential cover art for the Chicago-based Dear Mr. President book project that will feature letters to President Trump.

“Whispers” by Eden Klein

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“Rockabye Baby” by DJ Hill Hill is particularly inspired by collage because of the process. “With poetry, you have to be very particular that you are using the exact word of what you want to convey,” she said. “[With] collage, I can sit down with images and I can kind of dance around what my subconscious wants to come to or what I want to come to, and it doesn’t have to be as concise.”

Another newcomer to the gallery is Eden Keil, who will feature part of her Whispers collection of landscape paintings. The piece is a diptych — a twopainting piece.

“There’s differences between the two,” Keil, who recently joined the Carbondale Arts board of directors, said of her VVAS piece. “They’re one piece, but they’re also two separate pieces.”

Viewers will note a pink sky that adds a bit of color in an otherwise serene mountain scene. “They’re really meant to be quiet and to make you pause. They make me pause and they ask for my attention in my execution of them,” she said, adding that her intent is to invite gallery visitors to take a break from an otherwise chaotic day-to-day existence. “Using the landscape to explore notions of calm and create spaces of reflection, that’s really what I’ve been thinking about with this

Next Steps

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work lately.”

Like Hill, Klein’s work can be found outside the Launchpad. She will be a featured artist next week at the Red Brick’s “Leaning into the Light”, at which she will have several of her smaller works.

“They gave me a big wall, so there’s going to be 16 pieces,” she said of that exhibit.

Gallery members will have the opportunity to meet several participating artists at a special preview at 5:30 p.m. before Friday’s more public reception. “It’s great to put a face to the name and the painting and the work,” Colley said of Friday’s opening. “We want people to know their artists and know their art — not just go to Target or Ikea and buy a canvas thing.

Make a connection with a person,” he said. “Making connection is the cool thing about this show.”

Additionally, there will be another People’s Choice Award, where attendees vote for their favorite featured artist. Last year, Staci Dickerson was the esteemed winner.

This year, it will be up to Friday’s crowd.

970.379.6558 sarahmoore@masonmorse.com www.masonmorse.com

The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JANUARY 11-17, 2018 • 5

A horse story

(continued from page 1)

Counter clockwise from upper left: Amanda Leahy holds onto Rune while Katherine gets ready for a lesson; Megan Leahy has a quiet moment with Rune; left to right - Raven, Rune and Nishoni pause briefly before taking off at a gallop; time with the dogs is an important part of the daily routine; LJ is about to saddle Rune.

Photos by Jane Bachrach 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JANUARY 11-17, 2018

way he moved and interacted with the other horses. He was also quite curious about my presence but wary enough to not let me get too close — hence, I felt he was both a good-mover and quite curious and intelligent,” Leahy said.

The mustang was adopted in June and halter-trained over the summer by two TIP trainers (Trainer Incentive Program). TIP trainers are specialized trainers who work with mustangs that have been adopted.

Their new horse arrived at CRMS in August and has been primarily trained

by Leahy and her assistant instructor, Monica Schwaller. Leahy said that once they determined the horse was solid and willing, they had the students participate with some of the training as well.

The 6-year-old Mustang is quite magical, although that’s not why Leahy named him Rune. Leahy named

him Rune “because of his mustang freeze-mark which is based on symbols,” she said.

Rune is a beautiful shiny black steed with a friendly personality. He’s quite small, but most mustangs are. He is comfortable around the students and they around him. Depending on the students’ experience with horses, they are able to tack him up (saddle and bridle him) and ride him in the arena. It was obvious how much they care about him.

The CRMS horse program runs from September thru mid-December and there are a total of nine horses including Rune and two of Leahy’s horses: Raven and Nishoni.

The once homeless mustang that was living in holding pens with some friends but mostly strangers, is now living happily ever after with his new friends — both four-legged and two-legged.

Local women arrange a simple way of giving

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff The newly created “Sopris 100 Who Care” group is back-to-basics charity.

At 5 p.m. sharp on Jan. 25, a group of women will gather at the Pan and Fork restaurant in River Valley Ranch.

Each will be asked to contribute $100 to a pool of funds and nominate a charity, cause, family, individual or other purpose for the money. Three causes will be drawn, discussed, a favorite selected and the whole sum — hopefully thousands of dollars — donated accordingly.

In some ways, it’s reminiscent of the potlatch or other ancient forms of gift giving.

“I think almost every culture has some sort of communal support system,” said Bonnie Cretti, one of the organizers of the event.

This one has an elegant simplicity that cuts through a lot of the red tape associated with giving aid in the modern era and provides a useful lump sum.

“It’s local, it’s nonpolitical, nonreligious and cut and dried,” Cretti said.

She heard about the idea from her sister-in-law, who has participated in similar events in Montrose. On one occasion, the group was able to provide $15,000 to help repair a van an area man had

“We want it to be simple for at least the first time,” Cretti said.

“We’re going to go the model and see what happens.”

Besides, there’s something to be said for building something with women at its core.

“There’s just something bonding about it,” Cretti observed. “Women come together to pull off a heartfelt compassionate project.”

There’s also a social component, with the first half hour of the event dedicated to getting to know each other over drinks and hors d’oeuvres — $15 each and supplied

by Pan and Fork.

Otherwise, while it’s invite only, it’s not meant to be exclusive. Organizers are hoping to have an accurate count to give the venue well in advance of the event, but are still expanding their list of potential participants. It not only means more money, but more insight into potential causes.

“It was really amazing to compile a list, but we don’t know everybody,” Cretti noted.

To get involved, call 309-1901 or email sopris100whocare@gmail.com.

There’s also a Facebook page for the local group and plenty of information on the movement as a whole at 100whocarealliance.org.

“Women come together to pull off a heartfelt compassionate project.” used to provide services for the homeless.

There are at least six chapters of the loose “100 Who Care” alliance in the state, and rumors that an Aspen group existed at one point. Most are geared specifically toward women, but some have been planned for men, kids or everyone.

For now, though, the Carbondale crew is going to stick to the basic program.

No contest yet in trustee race

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff Only two people have begun the process to fill the four Carbondale Board of Trustee seats up for election in April. One application is pending for the mayor position, which is also on this year’s ballot.

Nomination petitions have been available at the Town hall since Jan. 2 and are due by Jan. 22. If there aren’t enough applicants to fill the seat, much less make it a race, Town Clerk Cathy Derby expects the remainder might be appointed by the existing board. She doesn’t see that as likely.

“I’m hearing through the rumor mill that there’s more people coming forward,” she said. “In Carbondale, people wait until the last minute to do things.”

There are more open seats than usual, with three appointments — Heather Henry, Luis Yllanes and Ericka Sparhawk — to the board since the last election cycle to fill gaps left by, respectively, Alexander Hobbs, Katrina Byars and Dan Richardson (who, in turn, was voted into the Mayor position vacated by Stacey Bernot). Frosty Merriott’s seat is term limited.

Assuming there is a race, the top three vote-getters will serve four year terms while the fourth favorite will serve two years to restore the cycle to normal.

For more information or to begin the nomination process, contact Cathy Derby at 510-1206 or cderby@carbondaleco.net.

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The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JANUARY 11-17, 2018 • 7

Town Report The following items are drawn from Town Manager Jay Harrington’s weekly report to staff, trustees and others.

THE STREETS CREW was shorthanded due to scheduled vacations and illness. They did work on street sweeping and equipment training as well as removing ice buildup in gutters and on some of the sidewalks around town.

FOURTH STREET RINK materials were scheduled to arrive Jan. 5 with construction slated for Jan. 8. It will take a few days to freeze depending on the weather — keep an eye out on the town website for opening announcements. No puck or stick sports are allowed on this sheet of ice so it is a perfect place for young beginner skaters to hone their skills. Since the downtown rink was not open yet, Family Skate Night for First Friday, Jan 5th was adapted to a Community Winter Appreciation and Snowdance event with a bonfire, hot chocolate, hot dogs and marshmallows. Meanwhile, Gus Darien Rink at the rodeo grounds is skating well and open noon to 9 pm every day when not in use for specific youth ice hockey and broomball programs. For full schedule visit our website www.carbondalerec. com; rent skates at the Rec. Center.

DISCOUNTED REC PASSES are being offered throughout January at a fourmonths-for-the-price-of-three rate. You can also get a free day pass at the Rec. Center or John M. Fleet pool for par-

ticipating in a survey at surveymonkey. com/r/carbondalepoolsurvey.

RASSLE THE CASTLE pre-registration runs through Jan. 12, with discounts for bringing a non-perishable food item for LIFT-UP. Day of event registration is cash or check only up to half an hour prior to the race. See the calendar event and carbondalerec.com for more details.

REFABRICATION was completed for wood railings on the Sopris Park bridge which has been repeatedly vandalized.

Parks crews also worked on stripping down and painting bear proof trash cans purchased from the City of Aspen surplus, removed icy spots on trails and plowed basketball courts, and made repairs to the electric fence at Delaney Nature Park.

CONSTRUCTION BIDS are being sought for the construction of a perimeter fence at the west side of Bonnie Fisher Park. Interested contractors can contact Parks & Recreation Director Eric Brendlinger at 510 -1277 or ebrendlinger@carbondaleco.net.

THE PLANNING COMMISSION will tackle two public hearings on Jan. 11. One is a rezoning and the second is a zone text amendment to the Commercial/ Retail/Whole Zone District in the Roaring Fork Village PUD to allow one resi-

Celebrate and Save Red Hill!

Thanks to your generosity, the campaign to save Carbondale’s Red Hill is in the homestretch. Let’s celebrate and help the fundraising effort finish strong!

Marble Distilling Co. Thursday 1/11 5:30pm - 7:30pm

  

Enjoy locally crafted cocktails and appetizers Suggested $10 donation at the door Open to all

ar

s

50 save ye

ReD Hill

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JANUARY 11-17, 2018

Cop Shop

dential unit per building per lot. Also, the Planning Commission will continue discussions on the UDC amendments.

SALES TAX for December was 6.7 percent above December 2016. The sales tax for the year finished 6.6 percent above 16. The 2017 audit is in progress, and finance is working on year-end reports.

THE CRYSTAL WELL control work has been completed and the facility can now run in automatic mode. Meanwhile, filter work at Nettle Creek will commence as soon as the parts arrive.

A WATERSHED PROTECTION outreach campaign is in the works between the utilities department and Colorado Rural Water and tentative participation from Colorado River District, USFS, Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle Counties, Town of Vail, City of Glenwood Springs, City of Aspen and Town of Basalt, among others. The program is titled “West Slope Source Water Protection/Keep It Clean Partnership.”

A VOICEMAIL OUTAGE at the utilities department is being addressed. There are no other reported problems with the utility plans or systems.

POLICE ARE TESTIFYING in the armed robbery case from early 2017. See the full trial story on page 12.

From Dec. 29 through Jan. 4, Carbondale Police handled 237 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note: FRIDAY Dec. 29 at 11:10 a.m.

Police took a report of a possible unlawful sexual contact.

SUNDAY Dec. 31 at 12:42 p.m.

A black bike with green headlights was reported stolen from a porch on Linden Circle. A red cruiser was reported stolen from the park and ride a few days later.

MONDAY Jan. 1 at 1:07 p.m.

Police began investigation of a reported sex assault.

TUESDAY Jan. 2 at 3:33 p.m. A report of check fraud at a local business was followed by another scam report the next day.

WEDNESDAY Jan. 3 at 10:15 p.m. Officers contacted a man suspected of striking a fence in his car and issued him a citation.

Rassle the Castle

In Redstone Saturday, January 13th, 2018!

Times: Fat Bike Race Starts @ 9am Snowshoe Race Starts @ 10am Fees: Adults: $30 or $25 with a non-perishable food item for Lift Up Juniors (10-17): $25 or $20 with a non-perishable food item for Lift Up Children 9 and Under: Free Both Races: $40 Registration (both races): Pre-Registration: online at www.carbondalerec.com Day of registration: opens 1/2 hour prior to race (Cash or Check Only) Race for a good cause!

Partial proceeds from the snowshoe race benefit the following: more activity-based events for the Roaring Fork Community, Redstone Community Association, and the Calaway Young Cancer Center.

Common consumption stumbles along (maybe)

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff There’s a good chance folks will be allowed to wander Main Street with an open alcoholic beverage on First Fridays this summer.

With support from the Events Task Force and Chamber of Commerce, the possibility went before the Board of Trustees for the second time on Jan. 9 for a more in-depth logistical discussion and was received with cautious interest.

As proposed, common consumption would be in effect from 5 to 9 p.m. for the June, July and August events and give of-age attendees the chance to purchase a special cup that, filled by any participating bar, would be permitted anywhere within the standard street closure not providing liquor of its own. Organizers hope it will increase circulation between businesses and events and provide a source of income to improve First Fridays.

There are still some kinks to work out. While organizers had planned to sell metal cups, the most recent state common consumption requirements call for something disposable, though why or what that means isn’t clearly defined.

Additionally, Third Street typically remains open through the closure — and Police Chief Gene Schilling wasn’t open to changing that. As such, cups will have to be empty to cross that intersection.

You also won’t be able to bring a drink from one bar into another — or a gallery serving alcohol.

“You couldn’t go into a building that’s a licensed liquor establishment with liquor,” Schilling explained.

Given that they won’t be eligible to serve for common consumption anyway, Chamber Director Andrea Stewart expects most galleries to simply stick with snacks.

“It’s not in their best benefit,” Town Clerk Cathy Derby agreed.

On the trustee end, Frosty Merriott raised concerns of underage drinking, while Heather Henry worried about overconsumption.

The same procedure is in place for both eventualities, with serial numbers on the cups, stickers, wristbands and a fresh ID check at each venue.

Trustee Ben Bohmfalk saw that as at least as good as the current setup.

“I think a lot of this isn’t going to be as dramatically different from normal First Fridays as it might seem,” he said.

There’s also the matter of the TIPS training required for all participating employees as part of the ordinance — which Carbondale doesn’t require otherwise.

Still, there were real concerns about potential liability if something went wrong.

“The Town can get sued if somebody gets hurt out there drunk,” said Town Attorney Mark Hamilton. “Don’t think that can’t happen… There is no zero risk scenario.”

Despite plans for over a dozen private security guards, Schilling expressed concerns that there might not be enough officers to respond to other calls in addition to something like a large fight.

“I really hope it works, but I’m really concerned,” he said.

For Trustee Marty Silverstein, any final approval would be very much a trial run.

“Anything that brings more people to Town, that brings more sales tax to town is a good thing,” he said. “Unfortunately, any time people use alcohol or drugs, there’s a certain subset that will abuse them…I would hate to see what has been a great project for this town blemished.”

Stewart encouraged officials to commit to the whole three month run before reassessing.

“There are so many variables,” she said.

“With any new event, often times with the first one you work through a few kinks.”

While a final ordinance will need to be crafted before trustees tackle the issue again, even those with concerns like Mayor Dan Richardson seemed willing to take the leap.

“I really have strong reservations… but I feel like it’s worth trying,” he said.

Some of the Town’s January students of the month: Hannah Thomoff, Sawyer Ivansco, Madeline Dean, McKenzie Hageland and Jetty Garcia. Photo by Will Grandbois

Tax renewal slated for April ballot Stories by Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff

With the deadline to place the Town’s streetscape mill levy in the next election, the Carbondale Board of Trustees opted to stick with the existing rate rather than increase it or delay the vote.

Trustees have been looking for ways to create a capital improvements fund, rather than budgeting for a reserve reduction to accommodate such projects.

The renewal of the mill levy, which expires in 2020, seemed like an opportunity to do that — but time was short.

“If you want to change this language, you need to draft it right now,” Town Manager Jay Harrington told the board.

That wouldn’t be the case for the November ballot, but Trustee Marty Silverstein had doubts about its ability to pass at that juncture.

“I think we do better if we get it on a municipal election rather than a national election,” he said. “I realize this does not provide adequate funding for what we would like, but I think this is an oppor-

tune time.”

Harrington also had concerns about potential competition.

“There are some other potential property tax issues out there,” he said. “I think RFTA’s is the most prominent right now.”

Trustee Ben Bohmfalk, however, expressed a desire to seize the moment and double the modest 1.5 mill rate.

“It’s disappointing that we’re having this discussion today,” he said. “It just puts us in a position where we’re probably going to come back with another question.”

For Mayor Dan Richardson, a rush job was worse than the status quo.

“I think there’s still sentiment out there that once City Market comes on board you’re going to see more revenue,” he said.

Meanwhile, the consequences of not at least keeping the current rate could be significant.

“If we don’t get this renewed, I think we face a real challenge,” Harrington said.

In the end, despite sentiments of a missed opportunity, the decision was unanimous.

Snowmass path IGA approved Snowmass Avenue is slated for a new path between Sopris and Main, thanks to an intergovernmental agreement recently inked by both the Town of Carbondale and Garfield County.

The County has agreed to cover the

almost $300,000 price tag for the 10 foot wide sidewalk — which will likely be concrete but is designed to accommodate both walkers and bikers — and the Town will maintain it until it gets TRUSTEES page 13

The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JANUARY 11-17, 2018 • 9

Community Calendar THURSDAY Jan. 11

RED HILL INFO • Find out more about Aspen Valley Land Trust and the Town of Carbondale’s efforts to improve the Red Hill trail system from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Marble Distillery (150 Main St.).

FRI to THU Jan. 12-18

MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Darkest Hour” (PG-13) at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 1218 except Jan. 14 showtime is 5 p.m. and “Lady Bird” (R) at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 13.

To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is noon on Monday.

Events take place in Carbondale unless noted.

Ave., Basalt) hosts a 5 to 7 p.m. opening reception for “Half Lives,” showcasing nationally exhibited Denver-based artist Ian Fisher’s oil explorations of the sky.

AMY GOODMAN • American broadcast journalist, syndicated columnist, investigative reporter, and author Amy Goodman will talk about the grassroots resistance to the current administration beginning at 7 p.m. at The Temporary (360 Market St., Willits).

SATURDAY Jan. 13

RASSLE THE CASTLE • A snowshoe and fat bike race to benefit Carbondale Recreation, Redstone Community Association and The Calaway Young Cancer Center kicks off at the Redstone Inn (82 Redstone Blvd.) at 9 and 10 a.m., respectively. Pre-register at carbondalerec.com.

FRIDAY Jan. 12.

ART SHOW • Carbondale Arts kicks off the 38th annual Valley Visual Art Show with a 6 to 8 p.m. reception at the Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.). Featuring 50 local artists in a wide array of media, the exhibition will be on display through Feb. 16.

SENIOR HOUSING INFO • Senior Matters will host Terry Clausen, developer for the Carbondale Active Senior Community Housing Project, at 10 a.m at The Third Street Center (520 South Third St.) for a powerpoint presentation and Q & A.

FILM SCREENING • The award winning climate change film “To the Ends of the Earth” shows free at 6:30 p.m. at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.).

ART OPENING • The Charles J. Wyly Gallery at the the Art Base (99 Midland

SALON • Six diverse artists will share 15 minutes of their work – giving viewers a window into their discipline and what it

takes to be creative in their filed at such a high standard of performing — beginning at 6:30 p.m. at The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.). Tickets are $25 at saloncarbondale.eventbrite.com.

COMEDY NIGHT • Marble Distilling (150 Main St.) hosts Stephen Agyei, one of Rio LA comedy festivals 2017 comics to watch, at 6:30 p.m. with a $5 cover.

SUNDAY Jan. 14

QUILT RETREAT • The Roaring Fork Quilt Guild offers a short getaway for members and nonmembers alike from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carbondale Branch LIbrary (320 Sopris Ave.). Call 274-6626 with questions.

KIDS’ CARNIVAL • From 2 to 4 p.m. Basalt High School (600 Southside Dr.) hosts 50¢ and $1 games, a bouncy house and concessions geared from ages 4 to 10. Have fun and support BHS student groups!

WEDNESDAY Jan. 17

NATURALIST NIGHT • Wilderness Workshop, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and Roaring Fork Audubon partner for a spring speaker series at 5:30 p.m. at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) and the next day in Aspen. This week, Melanie Armstrong, Ph.D., speaks about the gulf between ideals of untouched nature and the reality of day-to-day administration of public lands.

BAND CONCERT • The Carbondale Middle School and Roaring Fork High School

bands will perform at 7 p.m. in the CMS Auditorium — as well as at 10:15 a.m. Jan. 18.

MOVIES THAT MATTER • At 5 p.m., Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave.) screens “Idiocracy” — the tale of a man who finds himself in the future, where he’s the smartest man alive.

BINGO FUNDRAISER • At 7 p.m., Carbondale Beer Works (647 Main St.) offers a chance to have fun, win prizes and support Hospice of the Valley in the process.

Save the Date THU Jan. 25 – SUN Jan. 28

X-GAMES • Action sports, music and a snowy festival experience returns to Buttermilk. All sport competitions are free and open to the public. Ticketing information and details for concerts at www.xgames.com.

Ongoing HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION • Free opportunities include… One-hour consultation about heart attack prevention, plantbased nutrition, other medical issues. Call retired family doctor Greg Feinsinger, M.D. for appointment (379-5718). First Monday of every month catch a powerpoint presentation

by Dr. Feinsinger about the science behind plant-based nutrition, 7 to 8:30 p.m., board room Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

Fourth Monday of every month, plant-based potluck 6:30 p.m. Calaway Room, Third Street Center. All events supported by Davi CALENDAR continued on page 11

You are not alone.

We are offering a free, 12-week course for families and friends of individuals with mental health disorders. It will be taught by NAMI-trained peer-leaders. This course is known to change people’s lives. It will start in February.

Please call for dates and times of the course, and to reserve your spot.

Join us for our weekly and monthly support groups.

www.namicolorado.org

970-945-1339

ONE VOICE

Uniting Our Community in Song One Voice is a new community singing group for all abilities with the intention to sing from the heart and celebrate the profound joy and healing energy that music brings to our spirit.

Lisa Dancing-Light, the founder of Higher Octave Music Programs, has had a lifelong devotion to music, as an educator, performing artist and composer. Her passion is guiding and cultivating joyful, compassionate expression through the love of music. Her singing groups are a safe space to sing filled with laughter, harmonies and freedom to explore the personal evolution of one’s soul through their voice.

Beginning January 18th alternate Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., at The Helios Center – 601 Sopris Ave. – Carbondale

Jan. 18 | Feb. 1, 15 | Mar. 1, 15 | Apr. 5, 19 | May 3, 17, 31 Drop ins: $20 For more information contact: Lisa Dancing-Light 970-963-3330 lisa@lisadancinglight.com • www.lisadancinglight.com

As with everything in a person’s life, there comes a change with every step forward in spiritual evolution. Every experience is an initiation, even in worldly life, one takes a step forward, and this experience changes the voice of a person.

– Hazrat Inayat Khan, The Music of Life

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JANUARY 11-17, 2018

Community Calendar

continued from page 10

Ongoing

Nikent, Center for Human Flourishing. More information at www.davinikent.org.

ART EXHIBIT• The Ann Korologos Gallery (211 Midland Ave., Basalt) hosts “Winter in the West” — a group exhibition capturing the variety in color, texture, and mood of Western snowscapes in the style of renowned artists Dan Young, Andy Taylor, Peter Campbell, Dinah Worman, and Simon Winegar.

HIGH NOON • Bring your compliments, complaints and ideas to Sopris Sun Editor Will Grandbois at 12 p.m. Thursdays at the Pour House (351 Main St.).

YAPPY HOUR • Colorado Animal Rescue’s Yappy Hour at the Marble Bar (150 Main St.) takes place at 5:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Sip on handcrafted cocktails and meet a C.A.R.E. dog, with $1 from every drink donated to C.A.R.E. Bring your own dog along as well.

TRIVIA NIGHT • Gather a team of up to six and head to Marble Bar (150 Main St.) on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. to compete for the chance at $50 off the team tab, plus show off the custom made marble Trivia Trophy for a while.

AIKIDO • Roaring Fork Aikikai (2553 Dolores Way) trains adults and teens Mondays through Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 3:15 and 4:30 p.m. and kids Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 4:30 p.m. (ages 5-8) and 4:45 to 5:45 (ages 8-14). More info at rfaikikai.com.

MEDITATION • Free silent meditation sessions are held at the Launchpad (76 S. Fourth

St.) from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Additionally, The Monday Night Meditation Group meets from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at True Nature (100 N. Third St.) and offers instruction in the Buddhist practice of Vipassana. Also at True Nature, everyone’s invited for SRF meditation from 10 to 11 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month and 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month.

FIGURE DRAWING • Drop in for figure drawing with Hone Williams and Staci Dickerson at 6:30 p.m. Mondays at The Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) suite 33.

YOGA • Get a donation based introduction to Hatha Yoga Tuesdays from 8 to 9 p.m. at The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.).

LET’S JUST DANCE • Feel great, have fun and dance Tuesdays at The Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). Catch a free lesson at 7 p.m., then from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. it’s open dancing with two-step, swing, waltz, line dance, salsa and more. No partner or experience necessary. $8/person; $14/couple. Questions? Call 970366-6463 or email billypat4@gmail.com.

ROTARY • The Carbondale Rotary Club meets at the Carbondale Fire Station (300 Meadowood Dr.) at 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays.

The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at White House Pizza (801 Main Ct.) at noon every Thursday.

MINDFULNESS • The Mindful Life Program in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) offers group sessions Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is by donation and registration is not necessary. Info: mindfullifeprogram.org

and 970-633-0163.

RUN AROUND • Independence Run & Hike hosts a run around town Saturdays at 8 a.m.

Meet at the store 596 Highway 133 (in La Fontana Plaza) and run various distances, with different routes each week. Info: 704-0909.

OPEN MIC • A new open mic takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at Riverside Grill (181 Basalt Center Circle, Basalt). Food and drink specials. Free.

PARENT CHILD CLASSES • Waldorf teacher and parent Holly Richardson offers programs for caregivers and children ages 1 to 3, with musical storytime from 9 to 10 a.m.

Mondays, Sweet Peas Garden from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Peas and Carrots from 9 to 11 a.m. Fridays. Call 963-1960 for more info or visit waldorfschoolrf.com. Preregistration is suggested before Sept. 30 but drop ins are also welcome.

GRIEF AND LOSS • Pathfinders offers a grief and loss support group every other Monday at 6 p.m., and a caregiver support group every other Wednesday noon. An RSVP is required to Robyn Hubbard at 319-6854. Pathfinders offers support groups from Aspen to Rifle and is located in Carbondale at 1101 Village Rd. Info: pathfindersforcancer.org.

STORYTIME • Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) hosts stories songs and more for ages four and up at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays and three and under at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

ONE VOICE • Lisa Dancing-Light, founder of Higher Octave Music Programs, presents

Friday,Jan Jan12 12 Friday, 7pm 7pm

Amy Amy Goodman Goodman will be speaking

will be speaking at at The Temporary The 360Temporary Market St, 360 Market Basalt, CO St, 81621 Basalt, CO 81621 Join Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman this Friday for

Now! host Amy Goodman this Friday Radio for aJoin talkDemocracy and book signing to benefit KDNKCommunity at Theand Temporary, run by The Arts Campus a talk book signing to non-profit benefit KDNKCommunity Radio at (TACAW).run by non-profit The Arts Campus at Willits The Temporary,

at Willits are (TACAW).

Tickets $24 in advance at tacaw.org

Tickets are $24 in advance at tacaw.org

PRE-EVENT VIP RECEPTION WITH 5:30-6:30PM AMY GOODMAN, PRE-EVENT VIP RECEPTION WITH IAMY ncludes a copy of Amy’s latest book, GOODMAN, 5:30-6:30PM wine and appetizers, and preferred Includes a copy of Amy’s latest book, reserved seating at the talk. wine andare appetizers, preferred Tickets $100 andand available at reserved seating at the talk. https://bpt.me/3180441 or call https: Ticketsatare $100 and available at KDNK 970-963-0139. https://bpt.me/3180441 or call https: KDNK at 970-963-0139.

All proceeds benefit KDNK Community Radio and The Arts Campus at Willits

All proceeds benefit KDNK Community

new community singing group intended to celebrate the joy that music brings to the spirit. Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Helios Center (601 Sopris Ave.) in Carbondale.

MAKERSPACE • Children and teens are invited to design, create, tinker, and play with art and technology to design and create with 3D Pens, make stop-motion animation films, engineer duct tape creations, build their own video games, and more from 2 to 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.).

DHARMA • The Way of Compassion Dharma Center holds a Dharma talk and meditation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and a silent meditation and Buddha of Compassion practice at 8 a.m. Saturdays.

NOT HORTICULTURE • SMG (Save Michelle’s Garden), a political action group based around the philosophy of Michelle Obama’s White House Garden, meets at 4 p.m. every other Thursday at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

KARAOKE • The Black Nugget (403 Main St.) and Sandman bring you over 30,000 songs to choose from and a quality sound system to release your inner rockstar at 9 pm. every Thursday.

CONTRA • Every first Saturday October through May, catch contra, waltzes, polkas and square dances from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Carbondale Community School (1505 Satank Rd.). No partner or experience necessary; $10 for adults and $8 for students. More info at glenwoodspringscontradance@gmail.com.

RJPaddywacks.com Now you can shop locally with the convenience of ONLINE ordering plus free delivery to your door.

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Next to City Market, El Jebel 970-963-1700

Open seven days a week

The Sacred Promises to Our Nation How have we kept our promises to the most vulnerable in our society and what are our spiritual visions for our nation?

Join us Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018 - 10:00 a.m.

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU) @ Third Street Center, Community Room

www.tworiversuu.org

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist

Presiding Minister: Shawna Foster Inspirational, Contemporary Music: Jimmy Byrne Preschool with Justice Bouchet

The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JANUARY 11-17, 2018 • 11

Firsthand stories emerge as Weeks trial continues

By Megan Tackett Sopris Sun Staff

Prosecutors asked Pitkin County Deputy Parichat Robles outright why she didn’t shoot the fleeing suspects who had jumped from a RFTA bus emergency exit near Basalt during her trial testimony Monday.

“I wasn’t going to shoot somebody that wasn’t a threat to me,” Robles said flatly.

Nicholas Ameral, 20, pleaded guilty to felony aggravated robbery with an armed confederate in July. He was on a downvalley Roaring Fork Transportation Authority bus on Feb. 21 last year, five days after robbing the Valero gas station in the Carbondale Cowen Center. Ameral received a six-year prison sentence; his alleged accomplice was his cousin, Benjamin Weeks, 20.

Weeks, who has pleaded not guilty, is currently facing four felony counts of aggravated robbery and two felony counts of menacing in what is scheduled to be a 10-day trial, through Jan. 17. After going through the process in Colorado, he will be extradited to Las Vegas, where he is wanted for first-degree murder.

Weeks and Ameral evaded arrest when police pulled over the bus near Holland Hills by fleeing on foot, kicking off what would become a dramatic twoday manhunt.

Owen O’Farrell, who was driving the bus that day, first realized something was amiss when he noticed a police cruiser was following him, he said during his testimony. “Being a 10-year bus driver, you always notice when police cars are following you,” he said. Shortly thereafter, his dispatcher contacted him via radio and instructed him to answer his cell phone when it rang despite RFTA’s strict protocol against employees using their cell phones while on duty.

Less than a minute later, he estimated, a Pitkin County dispatcher called his personal cell and informed him that two criminal suspects were riding the bus and that he should ignore any stop requests while police organized a response.

O’Farrell, now with at least a dozen police cruisers in his rear view mirror, he said, received a second phone call to his personal cell phone to inform him that he was going to be pulled over. When

“[I] told Nick, ‘Look, you guys he stopped, there was some commotion from other concerned passengers, and gotta leave.’” They left within 15 or that’s when the two men jumped out of 20 minutes without incident, he said, adding: “They didn’t deny anything the emergency window exit.

“I breathed a sigh of relief,” [when confronted].”

In July of 2016, Sydoryk sold Ameral O’Farrell said about their departure.

“My concern was that there was going a 9mm Glock — possibly the same gun to be a hostage taken, since I’d heard later used to hold up the Valero gas stathat there was an armed robbery that tion during the robbery, District Attorney Chip McCrory implied they were suspected in.” by asking if Sydoryk recogWhile Ameral and Weeks nized the firearm, an exhibit fled the scene into the woods in the case. uphill of the Roaring Fork “I don’t know if that’s the Club, one of the passengers same gun, honestly. It looks found and turned in Ameral’s like a Glock,” Sydoryk said wallet, which had been left “I take it you didn’t reon the bus. cord the serial number?”

“The officer showed McCrory asked, to which amazing restraint, I thought,” Sydoryk confirmed that O’Farrell said of Deputy RoBenjamin Weeks the gun he sold Ameral had bles, the officer with a shot never been registered to eion one of the men. “I heard them yell three or four times to stop, and ther party.

Under Colorado law, a private seller [Ameral and Weeks] didn’t. [The officers] who does not adhere to proper prowere very well trained, I thought.”

Police set up several search and con- tocol —which includes arranging for tainment operations that included a K-9 a licensed firearms dealer to obtain a unit and drone, but those efforts proved background check but not registration unsuccessful, as arrests weren’t made un- — may be held liable for civil damages subsequently caused by the buyer. til the following night on Feb. 22.

Friend

Family

Benjamin Sydoryk, 22, originally opted to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination while the jury was dismissed for lunch. When the prosecution offered him immunity in exchange for a full testimony, however, he agreed.

Sydoryk, who lived in the Upper Woodbridge complex in Snowmass Village last February, housed Ameral and Weeks for several nights immediately after the robbery — of which Sydoryk had no knowledge, he said during his testimony. He had met Ameral at a skatepark several years ago, considered Ameral a friend. The two lost touch until Ameral called on Feb. 17 looking to “hang out,” Sydoryk said. Ameral and Weeks stayed at his residence until the morning of Feb. 21, when Sydoryk learned through a Facebook article that had published both suspects’ photographs that the two were wanted by the police.

All Alicia Jackson, Ameral’s mother and Weeks’s aunt, wanted in the chaos was a nonviolent solution, she told the court. Police arrived at her house the day after the robbery and she confirmed her son’s identity in a photograph — the two had been staying at her home. She had even taken a few days off of work to help Weeks, from California, procure the necessary documents to get an ID card for employment, since it was clear his intent was to relocate to Colorado. Until police informed her they were investigating a robbery and that they had warrants for arrest, she was unaware of the Cowen Center incident.

While Weeks’s cell phone number had apparently been disconnected, Jackson was able to make contact with her son via text and sporadic phone calls while the two were at large.

“I asked him what happened. I told him he needed to turn himself in,” she said of her conversations with Ameral. “I

Help yourself, help your town, help your neighbor

Y U B CAL LO

The Places Your Library Card Will Take You It opens more than just books.

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*You help yourself by insuring Carbondale businesses stay in business so you don’t have to shop out of town; you help the town of Carbondale by keeping your sales tax dollars

right here; and you help your neighbor because most of Carbondale’s store and businesses are locally owned.

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JANUARY 11-17, 2018

didn’t talk to Ben at that time,” she said, though she noted in her testimony at one point that when Ameral later seemed more amenable to doing so, Weeks had responded with, “That’s not an option.”

Jackson consulted with her pastor and church network, which included an Aspen police officer, regarding trying to facilitate a peaceful conclusion to the manhunt.

On Feb. 19, at 6:44 p.m., Jackson sent her son a text message: “What would you do if Ben hurt or killed me? Would you still care for him the way you do? Do you think he’s capable of doing so? I do.”

“Do you recall sending him that message?” Deputy District Attorney Zac Parsons asked, to which she replied simply, “I do.”

Days later, on Feb. 22, Jackson worked with Pitkin County Undersheriff Ron Ryan when a ping on Ameral’s cell phone confirmed their location: Toner Creek. In an effort to continue collaboration and a nonviolent conclusion, Jackson discussed going to pick up her son and nephew by herself and bring them back to police custody. In a nod to the tension between minorities and police, Jackson said, Ryan agreed to let her retrieve the teenagers unescorted.

It was nighttime in February, and Jackson’s was the only car on Frying Pan Road, and Weeks and Ameral were expecting her. She came equipped with wool blankets and the heat on full blast, as the young men had spent the previous night exposed to the elements. Weeks had suffered an injury to his leg or foot — it was unclear which — and both were later taken to Valley View Hospital before the Garfield County jail.

After taking both into custody without incident in Basalt, police searched Jackson’s vehicle and found a submachine “target gun,” as Jackson described it, and ammunition.

“I knew those were in my house,” she said of the tumultuous time that her family members were missing. “I didn’t know where the boys were, and if they came back to my house with police around... if [police] saw that in my house, then they’d kill my son for sure” she said of her reasoning for temporarily keeping the firearm in her car.

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Trustees continued from page 9 around to annexing the area. The agreement doesn’t specifically address the adjacent trailer park, which is also unincorporated, but it’s likely to be a factor in the process. The Town also agrees to take on plowing and sanding the road up White Hill as far as the St. Mary of the Crown Catholic Church.

The unanimous approval is just the first step in a process that will involve engineering and design, input from the Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission and

likely more public process before construction could actually begin. Still, it’s a major step in a conversation that has been brought up and shelved several times.

Mayor Dan Richardson gave some of the credit to a group of Crystal River Elementary students, who pushed for the path.

Town Manager Jay Harrington agreed.

“All the letters from the kids really worked,” he said. We might have to use that in the future.”

Trash conversation continues While both Trustee Ben Bohmfalk and Mayor Dan Richardson had ideas for a relatively simple approach to waste hauling at the Jan. 9 meeting, the debate that has raged in Carbondale almost since the municipality got out of the business is far from over.

Bohmfalk initially proposed the possibility of simply adopting all or most of a plan Pitkin County is currently finalizing, which includes volumetric pricing, mandatory recycling service and reporting from haulers.

“I think that’s a really good step in the right direction,” he said, acknowledging that it would likely increase costs for users.

Trustee Marty Silverstein wasn’t happy about that — and didn’t think former trustee Katrina Byars would have been, either.

Connect

“Think about the little person,” he said.

“Think about the working stiff.”

Richardson, for his part, floated the idea of tackling everything by increasing permit fees for the haulers, then offering rebates or credits for priorities like increased diversion, composting or bear proof containers.

“It’s such a radically different approach,” Bohmfalk noted.

Instead, he floated a third idea to shoot for — a single hauler request for proposal like the one already in place in River Valley Ranch.

“It gets complicated, but I do feel like that’s the gold standard,” he said.

Regardless, it became clear that no simple solution would be adopted in the time allotted. The topic will likely be tackled at a future work session.

A lovely layer of snow descended on Carbondale Jan. 6, only to melt in the sun and rain in the days since. That leaves the Spring Gulch Trail System short of officially open, though a Jan. 10 update suggested a little snow overnight might bring out the groomers. Overall, the Upper Colorado River Basin is looking at snow-water equivalent around 68 percent of median, with the typically heaviest snow months still ahead. Photo by Megan Tackett

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The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JANUARY 11-17, 2018 • 13

‘Bert and Ernie’ development takes shape End of life From the archives of the Roaring Fork Valley Journal Jan. 12, 1978 The proposed Roaring Fork Village development — encompassing 49 acres of Gianinetti and Sewell land between Highway 133 and Eighth Street on the north end of town — went before a board of trustees with “two of the six members repeatedly absent.” The development as proposed included a mobile home park, multi-family dwellings, a retail shopping center complete with a theater and bowling alley, a commercial-industrial complex and a small park. The property would be annexed in the process, as would the cemetery but not the plaza at what’s now Village Rd. and Highway 133. (The area has since been developed, though not exactly as envisioned).

Jan. 14, 1988 The Roaring Fork River Council was working on ways to reduce bank erosion and prevent property from being washed away. The problem was most pronounced just upstream from Basalt, as well as near the town’s sewer plant.

Montana engineer Donald Reichmuth proposed “drop” structures: v-shaped formations of boulders placed across the river. Compared to past approaches — like stabilizing banks with old cars

— this was viewed as far less likely to endanger someone else downstream.

Jan. 15, 1998 All plans were canceled for the year’s Basalt Mountain Festival due to what the event committee characterized as an uphill battle with the town board. Specifically, they cited an array of last minute rules about insurance and sales tax in the past. “Rather than working with us, the town seemed apathetic and almost aggressive,” said one member. “ We got really strange roadblocks.” In the end, the committee opted to just donate $1,000 to the recreation department instead.

Jan. 10, 2008 Bridges High School found a temporary home in the former Carbondale Elementary School building. Roaring Fork School District’s alternative high school program had originally be slated to move into the old middle school building, which in turn was to move into the old high school, but the discovery of asbestos in the latter set the whole process back. (The CES building would eventually become the Third Street Center, and Bridges would find a home in the old middle school — though it would be another decade before the building underwent a full remodel.)

HIGH NOON

from page 2

the Roaring Fork Valley or on the Western Slope. So, those of us who might want a medically-assisted-dying option available had best position ourselves now to improve the odds of a successful request if we eventually make one.

Here’s how:Advance directives filed with one’s family, attorney, personal doctors and nearby hospitals should clearly state one’s philosophy about medically assisted dying. While patients must ultimately request and administer their own medication, advance directives help characterize requests as based on longstanding convictions rather than impulsive reactions to sad news. Next, ongoingly discuss beliefs and desires with family and friends.

Help them understand your wishes and viewpoint. Hopefully, they will support whatever decision you eventually make but, even if they don’t, they will not be surprised and everyone will be better prepared to cope with the situation.

And finally, talk straightforwardly to your doctor(s) as soon as you can. You might start a conversation with something like; “I value quality of life. Should I become terminally ill and unable to enjoy living, I would like to have the option of medical aid in dying. If I qualified, would you write an aid-in-dying prescription in accordance with the EOLOA? If not, please tell me now.”

If, sadly, you are presently terminally ill you might say something like, “I want the option to advance the time of my death

if my suffering becomes unbearable. Am I eligible for medical aid in dying? If not, what will my condition look like when I am eligible?” If yes, will you write a prescription in accordance with the Colorado EOLOA? If not, will you refer me to a doctor who is willing to write a prescription.”

Remember, only you can make this request of your doctor(s) and it is important to ask only your doctor(s). It is unwise to discuss medical-aid-in-dying with general office staff, nurses, or physicians’ assistants, or to use voicemail.

Colorado’s EOLOA is new and still frightening to many, but we are making societal progress supporting people through the last stage of life. Medicare for example, now pays for doctors’ appointments specifically designated for end-of-life planning. These offer great opportunities for patients and doctors to examine endof-life beliefs, fears and desires together.

Many people are actively organizing and educating to improve late-life quality, including making medically-assisted dying generally available as prescribed by law.

You can help by bringing the conversation into the light of day at every opportunity.

Resources are available at https://www. compassionandchoices.org/colorado/ or 800-247-7421.

Ron Kokish is a retiree living in Carbondale CO. He is an active volunteers with Compassion and Choices.

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Letters from page 2 the destruction of wildlife.

Many trail advocates point to the Rio Grande Trail as a success story in integrating recreation with wildlife. It has been a success for recreation, a disaster for wildlife. While some species, such as bald eagles and blue herons thankfully seem to be recovering from the intrusion of the trail, most have not. Many survivors of the Crown Mountain mule deer populations can now be found along the frontage road between Catherine’s Store and Valley Road, some dead in the bar ditch. This could easily be remedied if RFTA would just follow the recommendations of their hired wildlife biologist to increase the fall closure period. They voted not to.

I’ve come to have great respect for those few brave individuals willing to be upfront about the sacrifice of wildlife in their pursuit of recreation. At least these folks don’t undermine what little support our helpless wildlife has against the onslaught of recreational demands.

Meanwhile the political chameleons that present themselves as wildlife advocates have become most adept at convincing others, against all science and logic, that their recreational trails actually somehow benefit wildlife. Gee, maybe we should concentrate our human traffic in birthing grounds and such. Who really believes that garbage?

While most would be outraged by the rancher shooting bald eagles, these turncoats are recognized as environmental heroes while potentially destroying more wildlife than could (or would) any rancher with a rifle. I can respect an honest adversary.

Jim Duke Carbondale

Love God and love people Dear Editor: As new residents in Carbondale, my wife and I have been overjoyed with the welcome that we have received from the people in this community, from the beauty and majesty of the surroundings and by the seemingly endless opportunities that

abound throughout the Valley. Aspen is one of the most sought-after destinations in this country, and Glenwood Springs is the County seat and commercial center of the Valley; however, Carbondale possesses a jewel that we should all prize, i.e., The Orchard. Christmas Eve services at The Orchard drew over 1100 participants and was truly a gift to the entire Valley.

The Orchard is a family of faith with a guiding principle, “Love God and Love People.” While keeping the main thing (Jesus) the main thing, The Orchard has a broad commitment to not only Carbondale but to the entire Valley and has demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality of life within the Valley while developing a relational atmosphere of trust, hope, acceptance and authenticity.

The Orchard is indeed a family of worship, friendship, support and outreach and has demonstrated its commitment to the core values that make Carbondale such a uniquely wonderful place to live. The Orchard’s contemporary facilities, including its Gathering Center, have broad and almost daily use from community and non-profit organizations within the Valley including CARE and Ducks Unlimited as well as providing a resource center for meetings and gatherings focused on addressing issues that are vital to the quality of life within the Roaring Fork Valley.

The Orchard’s mission to “Love God and Love People” is a simple yet powerful affirmation of its vision and of the unity of purpose and belief that has made The Orchard truly central to both Carbondale and the Valley.

If you are looking for a church home, a spirit of community involvement, a place to build true relationships and life-long friendships, to be a part of a faith-based journey or a place to find forgiveness, healing or redemption, then The Orchard is for you. Come and experience the warmth, the acceptance and the energy of The Orchard family and join with us in our vision of loving God and loving people.

John L. Hammons Carbondale

More to say on Dolores Way

A great stint at AZYEP

Dear Editor: RE: Jan. 5, 1978, In the other news about Satank and Dolores Way, I have the rest of the story. At first the people of Satank did come out against the vehicular closure of county road 106 through CRMS. In retrospect, we probably should have stuck with that view. However, we did agree to the vehicular closure in exchange for a permanent walking and biking easement on the road.

Unfortunately, Dolores Way was very poorly designed and executed. Starting at the Satank entrance there is a curve with limited sight distance, our ditch was siphoned under the new road, the road is too narrow to have cars parked on both sides, but that is allowed. And there is no light or roundabout at the 133 intersection which is very dangerous and inadequate for semis to turn on to Dolores Way. We still are hopeful that improvements will be made to Dolores Way, especially since Carbondale gets sales taxes from those businesses.

Betsy Lincicome Satank

Dear Editor: It has been an honor to serve the community and local students with the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program for the past 11 years.

I am moving on and will be a full-time student with the Colorado Mountain College nursing program.

Being a part of such a meaningful youth service organization has meant so much to me. I have seen our young people come together and learn important life skills that will serve them well.

I am particularly proud to have worked with this team including co-director Beth Wysong and a dedicated group of board members and volunteers. Together we have served diverse youth groups from all across our local community.

Whether you are a donor, parent, teacher, listener or student it has been my pleasure doing this work for local youth. Please continue your support for AZYEP and I will, too.

I am delighted that co-director Beth Wysong will continue as Executive Director and lead AZYEP into the future.

Stacy Stein Carbondale

Parting Shot

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The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JANUARY 11-17, 2018 • 15

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The Sopris Sun depends on the thoughtfulness and generosity of many people, organizations, and businesses in Carbondale and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.

Our thanks to everyone who sends a letter, to our advertisers, hardworking staff and board members, the writers and photographers who make the paper what it is, and, of course, the individuals and businesses that support our efforts with their financial contributions. We couldn’t do it without you!

THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL! The Sopris Sun Board

2017 SUNSCRIBERS Alfred Williams Allyn Harvey Amy Barr Amy Krakow Ann Worley Anne Sullivan Annemarie Zanca Armand & Nancy Thomas Barbara A. L. Collins Barbara Dills Barbara Guy Barbara Reese Benjamin Perry & Hilary Garnsey Betsy & Thane Lincicome Betsy Bowie Bill & Carol Lightstone Bill & Joan Lamont Bob & Eilene Ish Carol Craven Carol Klein Carol Pucak Caroline Duell Carolyn & Dan Hardin Carolyn M Dahlgren Carrie Podl Charlotte Graham Chris Leonard Chuck & Nancy Torinus Cici Kinney Claire Lewis Cliff Colia Clifford Cerise Ranch Company Colin & Alice Laird Cynthia Kinney Danny Stone David Eberhardt David Thickman Debbie & Marc Bruell Debra Burleigh Dee Blue Denise Fogerty Diana Stough Alcantara Diane Kenney Pottery Donald & Mary Anne Hillmuth Dru Handy Custom Painting, Inc. Evan Eustis Faith Magill Gail Mathieson Gayle Wells George Stranahan Greg & Patricia Fitzpatrick Gregory Jeung Hank van Berlo Hans & Susan Lindbloom

Heidi McGuire Hilary Burgess Illene Pevec J. Dayton & Sara Voochees Jacqueline Amthor James Noyes James Taylor James Woolaway Jan Johnson Jan MacCready Jay Leavitt / Hydrogen System Jenny & George Tempest Jerome Dayton Jill Knaus Jim & Mary Stokes Jim & Ruth Barnes Joe Markham & Cindy Nett John & Jenny Adamson John & Maura Masters John Armstrong John Hoffman Jonathan & Sandra Towne Judith Blanchard Judith Dubey Judy Milne Julia Morton Karen & Samual Schroyer Karla Stukey Karlene & Rich Grange Kathleen Strang Kathleen Sullivan Kathryn & Heidi Heidepriem Kathryn & Rich Camp Kathy & Bob Zentmyer Kathy Goudy, Attorney Keith Brand / Terralink Structures Ken & Donna Riley Kenneth & Bonnie Pletcher Kenneth & Patricia Miely Kenneth Olson Kevin & Ashely Jardine Kim Stacey Kimberly Bock Larry & Joan Cheney Laura Kirk Lauren Keller Laurie & Anibal Guevara-Stone Laurie Loeb Lee Ann Eustis Lee Beck & John Stickney Lee Reed

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Robert Libson Robert Olenick Robert Schultz Ronald Speaker Rosamond & Thomas Turnbull Ross Ozer & Scott Gortikov Royce & Sarah Schipper Russ Criswell Samantha Hayes Sara McAllister Seven Star Rebekah Lodge NO. 91 Shirley Stone Sindy Smith Steven Deliyianis Steven Wolff Sue & Christopher Coyle Susan Cheney Susan Cuseo Susan Frazier Suzanne & Bruce Gray Sylvia Wendrow Teddy Burlingame Teri Bruna Terri Slivka Therese & David Ritchie Thomas & Bernadette Ossola Thomas Adkison, Esq. Tim & Karen Brogdon Todd Fugate Udelle Stuckey Wadley Enterprises / Jeff Wadley Wendy Stewart White House Pizza Will Grandbois William Jochems If we missed anyone, please let us know.

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Sincerest thanks to our 2017 HONORARY PUBLISHERS* for their generous, ongoing commitment of support.

Jim Calaway, Chair Kay Brunnier Bob Ferguson – Jaywalker Lodge Scott Gilbert – Habitat for Humanity RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger *These individuals and businesses have made an ongoing commitment to contribute $1,000 or more each year to support The Sopris Sun. If you are interested in joining this list of Honorary Publishers, please contact Barbara Dills at barbara.dills@gmail.com or 970-963-5782.