March 10, 2011

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Sopris Carbondale’s

weekly, non-profit newspaper

Volume 3, Number 4 | March 10, 2011

After months of planning and weeks of rehearsals (like the one shown here), the third annual Green is the New Black fashion extravaganza is ready to hit the runway. Friday and Saturday night’s shows are at the Carbondale Recreation Center. The show is a fund-raiser for the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities. Photo by Jane Bachrach

Hurray for fashion Green is the New Black fashions fun this weekend By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer

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here are fashion shows and then there are Carbondale fashion shows. The Green is the New Black fashion extravaganza on Friday and Saturday nights feature the same basic theme – “A World of Fashion” – and many elements, but the two nights are distinctly different. Friday night is the gala show, with a dessert reception, an ice sculpture and aftershow dance party. Saturday night kicks off with fashions created by local youth before the adult show. Both shows will include fashions from professional and hobby designers, an opening video, multi-media theatrics, dancers, music from around the world, larger-than-life-size puppets, a martini bar, dozens of models strutting up and down the

runway and more. “Both nights will be pretty darn fun,” said Amy Kimberly, the show’s organizer. “It’s an interactive show … with lots of whooping and hollering … people get up and move around.” The show is a fund-raiser for the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities and takes place at the Carbondale Recreation Center on March 11-12. The designers and clothiers, almost 50 in all, work with recycled and sustainable materials. Some of those materials come from the Glenwood Springs based EnviroTextiles, one of the leading importers of hemp products in the United States. Designers include nationally known Akomplice, Obermeyer and Patagonia, plus

regional designers such as Autumn Teney and lots of locals, including former Aspen City Councilman Jack Johnson. “He knits these great sweaters,” Kimberly said. Fashions from several area shops and stores are in the show, including: Nice Banana (The Editailor and Le Claranns Sew Shop), the Backdoor/Misers, Lullubelle Clothing, and Studio 10 (Jill Sher, Pam Taylor, Ruth Holliwell, Andi Korber and Pat Winger). A special feature will be a showing of the Chamberlain Collection (courtesy of Georgia Chamberlain). Kimberly said Chamberlain’s collection is from her mother’s haute couture wardrobe from the 1960s. Haute couture is generally defined as high fashion creations from a syndicate of designers that includes Coco Channel, Christian Dior and Pierre Cardin. Then there are the kids’ fashions, created FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA page 5

Rams make state

TSC gym deal inked

Grays check in

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Carbondale Commentary

Candy Corn Republic A recent post from a friend pointing out the difference between a democracy and a republic got me thinking … the United States of America is actually a republic in democracy’s clothing, and none of us seem to notice the giant wolf ears sticking out through the grannyflowered nightcap. We’re a trusting people – a big-hearted corn-fed lot – but I’m starting to wonder if maybe we are too trusting. Maybe we’ve lost our way in the woods and begun to eat the cookies in our picnic basket. And maybe they are special cookies for grandma’s glaucoma, which would explain why we don’t really seem to care that we’ve lost the markers for the Land-of-Opportunity-with-Freedom-and-Justice-for-All Trail. We, the people, don’t actually run this comic tragedy, after all. We are “represented” by those who have the means to make it to the big show. While we watch from behind the rope with our popcorn and peanuts, they arrive at the theater laden with minerals and stones we mined for them, in fancy dress and wigs we made for them. American taxpayers are a force to be reckoned with; we could buy whatever we want, the sky’s the limit! It’s just that our idea of “pie in the sky” appears to be eating at Chili’s and watching the E! channel while waiting for delayed flights. Somewhere along the way, it seems we lowered our expectations. Speaking of lower expectations, I have an idea to solve the whole TSA “don’t touch my junk” problem. Let’s divide up all By Jeannie Perry the major airports into two categories. We’ll give half the equivalent of Mexico’s security in the ‘80s (I loved hitting that big button and waiting for the green light – it felt like I was on a game show), and the other half can continue down the path of full resistance, i.e., Homeland Security Full Metal Jacket Orange Level Alert Stick a Banana in the Tailpipe Transportation Security Administration.Then let people choose for themselves: Risk your life for a cheaper fare out of Dallas, or pay more to get there safely molested by Ol’ Blue Gloves in Houston.What a concept, let the people decide – definitely not what you would find in a banana republic, but we’re different. We’re a corn republic. With everything made from corn these days, it’s no wonder we’re a little foggy on the whereabouts of our money once the government gets ahold of it. The brain needs a balanced diet just like the body for optimum performance, and corn served up 50 different ways is still corn. It has the same nutrients it always had; that is, if it hasn’t been genetically modified to have the nutrition of a piece of candy corn. I can’t believe Washington is already trick or treating again. We haven’t even recovered from the last heist and now they’re going after fundamental unions (albeit outdated and overfed, but how else are we going to stand up to these thieves?). Today’s politicians are quite the variety show of song and dance, and not a good one like when the Von Trapps were escaping from the Nazis. Today, there are no Nazis, just greedy little boys and girls who apparently answer to no one and have no trouble sleeping at night after their dinner of glutton, lettuce & tomato sandwiches. Here’s a revised version of a “Sound of Music” song for such over privileged sell outs: Raindrops on rovers, and whiskers on Ritalin, pop ringing cell phones, and intellect’s a villain, brown cardboard houses tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things … Who knows, maybe I’ll write a whole musical: The story of a naive young redhead who can sing and dance without the stars, just trying to support her retired teacher grandmother in the woods of Connecticut. It will be a smash hit! I can see it now, Little Red Riding Hood meets The Sound of Music in 3D and set to a count-punk soundtrack. I’ll call it“Who’s Afraid of the TSA?”

Ps & Qs

Letters

The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 400 words. Letters exceeding that length may be edited or returned for revisions. Include your name and residence (for publication) and a contact email and phone number. Submit letters via email to letters@soprissun.com or via snail mail to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. Editor’s Note: In the March 3 edition, we asked readers to choose from a list of potential article topics on the proposed Village at Crystal River Development. The following two letters were written in response. They refer to questions 1, 7 and 12: Why does the property need to be developed at all? What is the perfect project and is it economically viable? What is “sustainable development” and would it work for the VCR? To check out the complete list, visit soprissun.com or contact us at news@soprissun.com. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 10, 2011

Village can be more creative Dear Editor: Thanks for asking for our input concerning the coverage of the Village at Crystal River development. I would like to see something along the lines of options 1, 7 and 12. I’m 28 years old and have lived in the valley for five years. I’ve fallen in love with the Carbondale community and the support of its citizens. This is the kind of town where I would like to settle and have a family. Since I was in high school, I have been learning how to live in the dysfunctional, wasteful world that has been passed

Before the revolution, Nancy Palmer (left) and Marilyn Murphy found some quiet time in Egypt to catch up on the news from Carbondale. Courtesy photo down by previous generations. I have spent many years learning about sustainable energy, food production and natural healing methods. As we see more local retailers going out of business and the downward spiral of the United States financial system, I believe it’s absolutely ludicrous to try to build another giant shopping center in Carbondale. We have many creative, intelligent people in our town who should definitely be able to come up with a solution for this space that could continue to be appreciated by our grandchildren and beyond. I simply would like to live in a community where our children could have access to clean air, water and food. Is that too much to ask for? Cody Lee Carbondale

the world to me. Thanks to Skip and Kay Bell, and the Pour House crew and customers. And many thanks to Kate and Randy Schutt for organizing the flights, and for hosting a soiree at their gracious home for Pat’s birthday. I will be home for the summer around June 4 so I hope to see you all then. Again, you are all in my heart and I can’t thank you enough for your love and generosity. Sam Hayes Carbondale

Russets says thanks Dear Editor: Russets would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank everyone who particLETTERS page 11

Why build more? Dear Editor: I believe question number 1 on the Village at Crystal River coverage is most important. I thought it was voted down two years ago. If we can’t sell houses that are for sale now, why build more? A quarter of the shops and businesses are empty or soon to be. This shopping center that is proposed will cut down customer traffic in existing businesses causing them to close or to cut staff. Then within five years or less half the storefronts will be closed at said market place. Just look at Main Street and Highway 133: so many empty storefronts either due to greedy landlords, no business, or because they’re just done. Here’s another one for you to check: Do business landlords not have to pay property taxes if the unit is empty? If not, then there isn’t much incentive to lower the rent and work with the tenant. Joe Meade Carbondale

Thank you from Sam Hayes Dear Editor: To my Carbondale community and fantastic friends: I am so honored and thankful that you took up a collection for me at the Pour House, making it possible for me to be here with you for my Pat’s 64th birthday and our 32nd wedding anniversary. Your support, love and hugs meant

To inform, inspire and build community Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Co-editors: Lynn Burton and Terray Sylvester 510-3003 • news@soprissun.com Advertising: Dina Drinkhouse • 970-456-7261 dina@soprissun.com Photographer/Writer: Jane Bachrach Ad/Page Production: Terri Ritchie Paper Boy: Cameron Wiggin Webmaster: Will Grandbois Sopris Sun, LLC Managing Board of Directors: Peggy DeVilbiss • David Johnson Allyn Harvey • Colin Laird Laura McCormick • Trina Ortega Jean Perry • Elizabeth Phillips Frank Zlogar

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Month-long tear leads to state for Ram boys By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer After a double overtime loss to Aspen on Feb. 11, Roaring Fork went on an 8-0 tear that earned them a trip to the Class 3A boys state basketball tournament in Fort Collins on March 10-12. The Rams (seeded No. 7) were scheduled to face No. 15 seed Jefferson Academy at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 10 (after The Sopris Sun went to press). Other teams in the Rams bracket were No. 3 seed Valley and No. 27 seed Brush. The other bracket was comprised of No. 1 seed Faith Christian, No. 4 seed Machebeuf, No. 5 seed Pagosa Springs and No. 9 seed Kent. Roaring Fork would have to win their first two games to reach the finals at Colorado State University’s Moby Gym at 5:15 p.m. on March 12. Roaring Fork entered the season with two returning senior starters (Jake StrackLoertscher and Dalton Handy) and junior Clay Gross. Sophomores Trae Moxley and Dakotah Grett rounded out the starting lineup. Sam Carpenter and Trent Reeds saw a lot of action off the bench. “All seven were pretty interchangeable,” said head coach Larry Williams. “They could all play pretty darn equally.” The Rams finished 17-7 on the season. Williams said he went into the season “quietly optimistic” his team could do well. Roaring Fork, Aspen and Grand Valley were bunched up as the Western Slope league leaders through much of the season. After the loss to Aspen in February, Roaring Fork got down to business with a win over Basalt, an overtime win against Coal Ridge then another overtime win against Rifle in the last regular season game. After the Rifle game, Roaring Fork de-

feated Olathe 64-50 to earn a post-season playoff spot. Next up was No. 1 seed Grand Valley in the district tournament. Roaring Fork won that one 41-36 and the following day defeated Aspen 60-55 to wrap up the district title. The following weekend at home (March 4-5), the Rams defeated Bennett 65-61 in one of their seven overtime games of the year. The win set up the Rams in a game against Weld Central for a trip to state. Weld Central was led by their hot shooting senior guard J.J. Sirios, who averaged 20 points a game this year.“He sinks NBA (distance) three pointers,” Williams said. Roaring Fork led by nine points going into the fourth quarter but Sirios took it on himself to bring his team back, which he did by sending the game into overtime. But Sirios also fouled out with 20 seconds left in regulation play, and the Rams turned up the heat to notch an 82-72 win (their highest point total of the season). “Without him (Sirios) we liked our chances,”Williams said. Both of last weekend’s games brought out big, boisterous crowds. “Friday night, they had to turn people away,” Williams said. On Saturday, half of one set of bleachers were crammed full of students. “It was a special atmosphere … It meant a lot to us,” Williams said. At this weekend’s state tournament, Faith Christian is the team to beat. “They’ve won the state title for the past three or four years,” Williams said. Faith Christian relies on a really good big man and an entire team that executes well.“They run a well coached system,” Williams said. Roaring Fork faced Faith Christian in a season-opening tournament game in Glenwood Springs and lost 53-36. “We were nine points behind starting the fourth quar-

Roaring Fork won the 3A regional boys basketball tournament with an 82-72 home court victory over Weld County Central on March 5. A police escort led the Rams down Main Street and out of town on March 9, then it was on to Fort Collins for Thursday’s opening round action. Head coach Larry Williams (right) cuts down the net after his team’s win over Weld. Photos by Jordan Hirro (jordanhirro.zenfolio.com) ter and we switched defenses,” Williams said. “It backfired.” For the season, Strack-Loertscher lead the Rams with 12 points per game. He and Moxley tied with an average of eight rebounds per game. Gross and Handy led the team in assists, while Grett led the team in three point scoring.

RFHS student takes a non-voting ompson Coalition courting Tipton trustee seat By Terray Sylvester Sopris Sun Staff Writer Carbondale, meet your new town trustee. Or rather, student town trustee. Monica Grijalva Ruiz, a junior at Roaring Fork High School, is about to become a more familiar face around town. For the next year she plans to attend each regular town council meeting as a student representative to the board. She’ll weigh in during discussions and, perhaps most importantly, work to build bridges between the goings on at town hall, local students and the Carbondale community as a whole. “I’ve lived in this community my whole life and I like to speak my opinion, and it really feels like this will benefit me in the long run,” said Grijalva Ruiz, who was sworn in at the trustees’ meeting on Tuesday. “I want to connect the high school to the community ... I really care about this place and I want to see it grow, and I want to be a part of that.” Grijalva Ruiz is concerned that local adults and high school students don’t mix with one another as much as they should. She feels there’s a communication gap dividing the lives of students – whether they’re participating in school events or sports competitions, talking about the issues around town or looking for community service op-

Monica Grijalva Ruiz portunities – from the day-to-day awareness of the rest of the town. “I want the community and the high school to be more as one,” she said. Grijalva Ruiz also hopes to put a little polish on the public image of RFHS students. She feels students at the school are sometimes perceived in a negative light, partly as a result of an assault involving local students that occurred in early 2009. She wants to help her peers recast themselves as active, contributing members of the community. Mayor Stacey Bernot said she supports any attempt to build stronger bonds between the schools and the community, and she thinks a new representative on the board may STUDENT TRUSTEE page 7

By Terray Sylvester Sopris Sun Staff Writer With new representation in Congress, members of the Thompson Divide Coalition are working to re-tune and re-energize their effort to stave off gas drilling in the watersheds west of Carbondale. Members of the coalition’s board of directors will be reaching out to small businesses in the region in an attempt to drum up the sort of support that may appeal to 3rd District Rep. Scott Tipton (R – Cortez), who frequently identifies himself as a small business owner and chairs a subcommittee under the House Committee on Small Business. Coalition members met with Tipton staffer Mike Hesse on Feb. 25. They are preparing for a meeting with the congressman himself in late April. Tipton’s office in Washington, D.C. did not return calls before press deadline. Tipton’s election in November shook up the coalition.The group had managed to secure the support of former 3rd District Rep. John Salazar, as well as the likely backing of Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall, for a draft bill that would withdraw unleased terrain in the Thompson Divide area from future oil and gas auctions, while at the same time establishing basic provisions for the existing leases in the area to be re-

tired, exchanged, or purchased from the companies that hold them. Salazar was planning to introduce the bill, but that opportunity fell by the wayside when he failed to win re-election. Now the coalition is renewing its efforts to get the bill introduced, in part by mobilizing its supporters in a push to fill Tipton’s inbox and letter box with letters of support, said Jock Jacober, president of the coalition’s board of directors. On Wednesday, the coalition held an informational and letter-writing event at Carbondale Beer Works, the first in what is planned to be a series of such gatherings at local coffee shops, bars and restaurants.The coalition is particularly interested in reaching out to young people in the region, many of whom own or work for the sort of small businesses – outdoor shops, ski areas, snowmobile concessions, angling and hunting outfitters – that may be impacted if oil and gas development spills into the west end of the Roaring Fork Valley, Jacober said. “Is it better riding in and out of [gas] rigs on your snowmobile?” he asked. “They’ll have to decide.” But the coalition isn’t starting from scratch, pointed out Dorothea Farris, another member of the group’s board of diTIPTON page 7

THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 10, 2011 • 3

News Briefs The Weekly News Brief The Sopris Sun and the KDNK news departments team up to discuss recent news from the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Catch the Brief on KDNK between 7:30 and 8 a.m. and between 5:30 and 6 p.m. on Thursdays.

Forum for Avalanche quarry slated Elbram Stone, LLC, will hold an open forum to discuss its proposal to operate an alabaster quarry in the Avalanche Creek area south of Carbondale from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carbondale Town Hall on Friday, March 11. Elbram Stone has submitted an operating plan to the Forest Service to mine alabaster at its Mystic Eagle quarry (formerly known as the White Banks mine). The Forest Service is accepting comment on Elbram’s plan until March 18. Comments can be sent to the U.S. Forest Service, White Banks Project, c/o Skye Sieber, 0094 CR 244, Rifle, CO 81650. For more information, call the Forest Service at 945-2521.

Envision Carbondale’s future What would you like Carbondale to look like in 20 years? What do you want to preserve? What needs to change? As a first step to answer those questions, and to inform the town of Carbondale’s ongoing effort to update its Comprehensive Plan, the town will host a“vision workshop�from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on March 23 at town hall, 511 Colorado Ave. Refreshments will be served. The workshop will be an interactive, fast-paced event featuring large- and smallgroup discussions. Shortly afterward, planners will draft a vision statement for Carbondale and will ask the community, “Did we get it right?� The vision statement will become the foundation for the Comprehensive Plan as the process evolves and becomes more detailed. RPI Consulting has been hired by the town to facilitate the process. The Comprehensive Plan is focused on providing long-range guidance for land use and infrastructure planning. For up-to-date info on the comp plan, visit the Community Governance page on carbondalegov.org, or call RPI Consulting at (970) 382-9886.

reau of Land Management to plan, construct trails, manage and maintain the 3,000-acre Red Hill area north of Carbondale. To apply, email a letter of interest to wsconsulting@sopris.net, or mail it to Red Hill Council, 0165 Basalt Mountain Drive, Carbondale, CO 81623; or visit redhillcouncil.org.

Info session for bridge repair A repair project on the Castle Creek Bridge on Highway 82 is scheduled to begin on April 11. To prepare, the Colorado Department of Transportation will hold a public open house to discuss project details and potential traffic impacts. The open house takes place from 4 to 6 p.m., March 23, at the Rio Grande Meeting Room at 455 Rio Grande in Aspen. For more information call the CDOT construction line, (970) 300-2283,

The Colorado Commission on Higher Education has given preliminary authorization to Colorado Mountain College to offer two bachelor’s degrees: a bachelor of science in business administration and a bachelor of arts in sustainability studies. The commission’s authorization is pending the college receiving official approval for the degrees from the Higher Learning Commission. College President Dr. Stan Jensen said the preliminary approval will allow CMC to move forward with its planning. The college can’t begin enrolling students without final approval. Over the past 15 months the college has received approvals from its board of trustees and the Colorado Legislature.

Redistricting meetings in March Throughout March, the Joint Select Com-

WEDNESDAY March 2 At 10:33 p.m. a man reported a tire on his car had been slashed at the intersection of Fourth Street and GarďŹ eld Avenue. Later in the week, on Friday, a different man reported both the tires on his utility trailer had been slashed. The trailer was parked on Fourth Street. FRIDAY March 4 At 12:10 a.m. police contacted a man sleeping on the sidewalk near the intersection of Sopris Avenue and Second Street. He said he was ďŹ ne and that he was resting on his way to a friend’s house. The ofďŹ cer contacted the man’s friend, who said the tired man could crash at his place.

Amy Goodman – host of the syndicated radio show “Democracy Now!� – spoke to a sold out crowd at KDNK’s fund-raising breakfast at town hall on March 5. Photo by Jane Bachrach

The Red Hill Council is seeking new members 4XDOLÀFDWLRQV 1. Love Red Hill 2. Positive Energy 3. Desire to Contribute If you are interested, send a letter of interest right away. ‡ %\ ( PDLO WR ZVFRQVXOWLQJ#VRSULV QHW

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Help care for this wonderful community asset. Tell your friends!

mittee on Redistricting will be meeting to hear public input on congressional redistricting. Following the 2010 Census, the legislature is required to redraw the boundaries of Colorado’s congressional districts, a process known as redistricting. The Colorado General Assembly has appointed the 10-member committee to evaluate proposed maps for redistricting, to solicit public feedback on the redistricting process, and to make recommendations to the General Assembly on redistricting. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and may testify before the committee. Three meetings have already been held on the Front Range since Feb. 28. The meeting for the 3rd District will be held at Mesa State College in Grand Junction from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on March 19. Other meetings will take place in Alamosa and Pueblo on March 12, in Castle Rock on March 14 and in Boulder on March 15. For more information, visit coloradosenatenews.com/?q=redistricting.

The following events are drawn from incident reports of the Carbondale Police Department.

SATURDAY Feb. 26 At 7:15 a.m. ofďŹ cers responded to an unconscious man found in a car in a garage on Wheel Circle. An EMS crew arrived on the scene and performed CPR but could not revive the man.

Do you love Red Hill? Want to be Involved?

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 10, 2011

CMC closes in on four-year degrees

Cop Shop

Red Hill Council seeks members The Red Hill Council is seeking community members to serve in the voluntary citizenled group. Interested applicants should have a love of Red Hill, positive energy and a desire to contribute to enhancing this community asset. The Red Hill Council is a private nonprofit organization that works with the Bu-

or sign up for project updates at coloradodot.info/projects/SH82.

FRIDAY March 4 At 2:47 p.m. a woman said that, back in 2009, she had paid a man to repair her snowmobiles. She alleged that the man accepted the snowmobiles but allegedly never returned them – and never ďŹ xed them. FRIDAY March 4 At 4:57 p.m. police no-

ticed a man selling meat out of his truck at the intersection of Fourth and Main streets. Police told him to cut it out until he obtains a city sales tax license. FRIDAY March 4 At 7:53 p.m. an ofďŹ cer arrested a man for allegedly driving drunk and speeding on Main Street. SATURDAY March 5 At 1:56 a.m. ofďŹ cers arrested a woman for allegedly driving drunk and speeding on Main Street. SATURDAY March 5 At 11:01 a.m. ofďŹ cers found a small, pink, child’s backpack on Colorado Avenue. SATURDAY March 5 At 1:39 p.m. an ofďŹ cer noticed a woman sitting on the side of the road and crying at the intersection of Weant Boulevard and Highway 133. She said she and her husband had argued and she was feeling depressed.The ofďŹ cer drove her to a friend’s house. SATURDAY March 5 A resident of Euclid Avenue reported that sometime between 8 and 10 p.m. someone had entered her home. She said the person didn’t take anything, but did leave something: a backpack with a laptop in it.The unknown party also ate some of her food.

Promoter inks contract on TSC gym Sopris Sun Staff Report An Aspen music promoter has signed a lease on the Third Street Center gym that sets in motion ambitious plans to turn it into not only a music venue but community event space as well. The official name for the space will be PAC3. “My mission is to create an all purpose community performing arts center that will provide a place to present music, dance, theater and other arts, as well as create a space for events, activities, conferences and fundraisers, while providing economic stimulus and vitality for the town of Carbondale,”said Josh Behrman, who recently signed a lease with the non-profit Third Street Center board. The venue’s first big attraction will be folksinger Bruce Coburn on May 29. Tickets are on sale at carbondalearts.com. Behrman, who books such upvalley events as the Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brewfest, said the PAC3 project is more than two years in the making. He said one of his main goals will be to work collaboratively with organizations such as Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities,

and other non-profits, to create an artistic center for the town of Carbondale. Behrman said he will oversee the venue, the calendar of events and performances.Amy Kimberly (the events director for CCAH) will oversee community outreach, working with the Third Street Center and non-profits in scheduling and producing events. “I have my sights set on creating a cool lounge-style vibe with added amenities such as theater style seating, state of the art lighting, acoustical enhancements, and showcasing national and talented local artists,” Behrman said. Kimberly added, “I think PAC3 is a dream come true for us to have a venue like this downvalley.” Behrman’s other clients and events include the Snowmass Balloon Festival, the Snowmass Culinary & Arts Festival, the Snowmass Summer of Free Music series and the Palisade Bluegrass & Roots music festival. He is also talent buyer for the weekly bluegrass series on Aspen Mountain presented by the Aspen Skiing Co., and sits on TSC GYM page 10

Fashion extravaganza continued om page 1 and modeled by dozens of local kids. Kimberly conceived the show three years ago and the first one was a success. Last year’s sell out was such a smash, a second night was added this year. “Both nights are a great chance to get dressed up, come on and have some fun, particularly Friday night,” Kimberly said. “You can get creative.” In keeping with the “A World of Fashion” theme, 1960s style airline stewardesses will lead people to their seats, Kimberly said.“The fashions are just icing on the cake.” Handling the tunes for the first time will

be music director Rob Mockley, a former DJ from Austin, Texas. Halcyon Productions is in charge of lighting. Mark Burrows is handling projections. Frankie Grundler is stage manager.Vickie Browne is wardrobe mistress. Hamilton Pevec did the opening video and the poster art was created by Sheri Gaynor and Creative Spark Studio. Kimberly was assisted by Katrina Byars and Ellie Davis. To round out the weekend, CCAH is presenting a trunk show featuring many of the fashion show designers at the Third Street Center from noon to 5 p.m. on March 12-13.

Next steps:

Friday night’s show begins with a dessert reception at 6 p.m., followed by the show and dance party. Tickets are: $100 for VIP, $45 for non-CCAH members and $40 for CCAH members. Saturday night’s show begins with the kids’ show at 7 p.m., followed by the adult show at 8 p.m. Tickets are: $30 for non-CCAH members, $25 for CCAH members and $15 for students (limited). To buy tickets in advance, go to carbondalearts.com.

From left, Jose Melondes, Ku’ulei Costa, Melissa Villalobos, Laura Needham, Grady Burger, Shawn Teitler and Jacob Wadsworth were honored as students of the month for March at the town trustees’ meeting on Tuesday. Photo by Terray Sylvester

THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 10, 2011 • 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to Scuttlebutt@SoprisSun.com.

“Balancing Bill” wins it

had shot up at least 20 cents in the past two weeks to $3.59 a gallon (unleaded regular) at three of Carbondale’s four outlets. All three of the $3.59 gas outlets are located on the east side of Highway 133, while the fourth (7/Eleven) is on the west side of the highway. Do you think there’s any connection?

Michael Lindsay’s sculpture, entitled “Balancing Bill,” was voted People’s Choice winner in the 2011 Valley Visual Arts Show. Lindsay, from Carbondale, has worked as a metal artist and craftsman for more than 20 years. He has studied sculpture, blacksmithing and bronze casting, “refining his skills in a style that is uniquely his own,” according to a Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities press release.“His talent for design and artistic finish produces custom metal work that is creative, intricate, and durable.” Congrats to Bill.

Watch out for deer

Mystery aircraft returns

Bluebirds spotted

The mystery aircraft that has been spotted lumbering up and down the Roaring Fork and Crystal river valleys at low altitude off and on for more than 10 years has been spotted again. This time, a Crystal Valley resident reports the jet flew in front of Mount Sopris then banked as if to head upvalley toward Aspen on Feb. 28, or March 1 or 2. Some theorize the big aircraft is a military jet and uses the Roaring Fork and Crystal River valleys for training missions. The Crystal River man who saw the jet joked that Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi might have been inside, searching for a new place to live. If that’s the case, here’s a clue for Muammar: the Marble International Airport will need a bigger windsock if you want to touch down up there.

Gas prices shoot up As of Monday morning, gasoline prices

It’s early March so deer are nibbling green grass chutes along roads and highways. In fact, three deer were spotted Monday at high noon chowing down along Highway 133 just north of Triangle Park. In yet another indication that spring isn’t far away, several bluebirds were seen flitting around up Prince Creek Road on Saturday and a few others just east of town on County Road 100 on Sunday.

Good grub The Sopris Sun’s Man About Town has added the hotdogs at Carbondale Beer Works to his list of preferred foods, which includes: the seasoned French fries at the Pour House, Peppino's pizza, cheese cake at Russets, tiramisu at Hestia, turkey sandwich at Grana and chili at the Third Street Café.

Bumper sticker talk A couple of broken down old skiers were comparing their aches at the Red Rock Diner the other day when an out-ofshape old slug sauntered up and suggested

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a bumper sticker for his lethargic ilk would say, “Couch potatoes live longer.” To which one of the skiers replied, “And more comfortably, too.”

Happy birthday Birthday greetings to out to Ann Harris (March 10), John Nieslanik (March 15) and Brian Kelso (March 16). Six of the seven artists in the current CCAH show “Untamed and Reclaimed” were on hand to discuss their work during an opening reception at the Third Street Center on March 4. In the back row, left to right: Susan ObermeyerStrauss, Janet Nelson, Gena Hawkins and Wewer Keohane. In front, left to right: Terry Muldoon and Linda Drake. Not pictured is Kathy Honea. The show continues through March 28 in CCAH’s R2 Gallery. Photo by Jane Bachrach

Student trustee continued om page 3 help breathe some new life into the weekly proceedings at town hall. “It’s definitely a win-win. It gives us some fresh youthful perspective on our board,â€?said Bernot, who will act as a mentor for Grijalva Ruiz. “[RFHS students] are very proud of their community and proud of their school and proud of themselves and they want to share that ‌ I think it will be a good educational piece for our board as well, sometimes we get so stuck in our working relationships.â€?

Grijalva Ruiz won’t be the first student representative to join the town council. Until the program faltered about seven years ago other young adults had served as student trustees as well, Bernot said. The idea was revived last year by Jake Strack-Loerstcher, Sonia Cortez, Jordan Hirro and Jessie Stokan, a group of students in Ben Bohmfalk’s junioryear Fundamentals of American Democracy course at RFHS. It became a reality this year with the help of the local non-profit organi-

zation YouthZone and Project Titans, a YouthZone program that places teens on the boards of local organizations as a learning experience and a way for students to dip their toes into civic engagement. Since she wasn’t elected, Grijalva Ruiz won’t cast any votes during her tenure with the trustees. She was chosen from a pool of three RFHS applicants to Project Titans. The other two applicants will potentially take seats with the town Environmental Board and the Mt. Sopris Historical Society Board.

Tipton continued om page 3 rectors. Over the last two years, about 2,000 people have signed petitions circulated by the coalition, she said. The coalition has also received endorsements from Garfield, Gunnison and Pitkin counties, as well as the towns of Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Basalt and Aspen and groups such as the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association, the North Thompson Cattlemen’s Association and various recreation groups. The coalition has not yet been able to hold substantive discussions with decision makers from the major leaseholders in the Thompson Divide Area, including SG Interests, Gunnison Energy, and Encana, Farris said. She hopes the bill, which would establish a 180-day comment period for leaseholders, would bring the drilling companies to the negotiating table. “We can’t provide that leverage, that has to come from the feds,� she said. The Thompson Divide Coalition’s focus area encompasses roughly 220,000 acres stretching past Sunlight Mountain Resort and

East Divide Creek in the north to the Muddy Creek watershed near McClure Pass in the south. According to the coalition’s research, about half of that terrain has already been leased in 73 different parcels. Currently, the coalition is also working on “interim defense,� to ensure the landscape is worth protecting if and when legislation is enacted. A number of leases in the area were issued in 2001 and 2003 and are approaching the end of their 10-year terms, said Peter Hart, an attorney for the coalition. Unless leaseholders begin to develop on their leases (essentially by drilling a well) the leases will lapse. “A lot of these leases are getting toward the end of their terms, which means the threat of activity is getting higher,� Hart said. Hart said he is keeping an eye on the administrative review process and opportunities for public comment as leaseholders file for permits to drill. Hart said he is aware of only one company that has recently moved to renew a lease: At the end of last summer SG Interests

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filed for a permit to drill on a 200-acre lease on the west side of Huntsman’s Ridge not far from McClure Pass. According to Hart, that application has not yet been approved. In other news, the coalition’s nine-member board of directors is considering hiring a new executive director, although that move would require a renewed fundraising push. The coalition has been operating with just enough funds to pay one half-time staff person since its previous director left last spring.

Next steps:

The Thompson Divide Coalition is launching a renewed outreach drive to drum up support for its mission to prevent further oil and gas development in the hills west of Carbondale. For more information, contact Laurie Stevens at (970) 355-4223 or info@savethompsondivide.org, or visit savethompsondivide.org. Stevens also encourages the public to stop by the coalition’s office at 711 Main Street, Carbondale.

Kerston Wilson and Shawna Brown sit in on a class at Aloha Mountain Cyclery's Wahine Bike Maintenance Series held every Wednesday through March 23. Aloha owners Darren Broome and Nic Degross offer the class to help female cyclists gain skills in basic bike repair. For details, call 963-2500. Photo by Trina Ortega

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Community Calendar THURSDAY March 10 BOOK DISCUSSION • A discussion of the book, “The Death and Life of the Great American School System,â€? by Diane Ravitch takes place at Gordon Cooper Library at 6 p.m. Books are available through the library. Info: Bonnie Cretti a bcretti@aol.com. CRYSTAL CAUCUS MEETS • Pitkin County’s Crystal River Caucus meets at the Church at Redstone at 7 p.m. Agenda items include a discussion on Wild and Scenic designation for the Crystal River and a presentation by Skye Siebert of the Forest Service on the White Banks Mine application. A casual information session starts at 6 p.m. NPR GUY SPEAKS • Aspen’s KAJX presents National Public Radio’s Jason Beaubien at the Third Street Center at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10. Info: 920-9000. RFOV ORIENTATION • Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers holds an orientation meeting for people wanting to get involved with the organization at the Basalt library from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A light dinner will be served. Info: 927-8241.

THURS.-SAT. March 10-12 THEATRE • The Thunder River Theatre Company concludes its production of Tennessee Williams’s “A Streetcar Named Desireâ€? March 10-12. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Ticket info: 963-8200 or thunderrivertheatre.com. The theatre is located between Main Street and Colorado Avenue in downtown Carbondale.

To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted. For up-to-the-minute valley-wide event listings, check out the Community Calendar online at soprissun.com.

FRI.-SAT. March 11-12 GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK • The Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities presents its third annual Green is the New Black fashion extravaganza at the Carbondale Recreation Center. Ticket prices are as follows: March 11, VIP $100; general admission, $40 for CCAH members/$45 for non-members; March 12, general admission $30 non-members/$25 members, $15 students (limited). A dance party follows Friday night’s show. This year’s theme is “A World of Fashionâ€? featuring fashions created with recycled and sustainable materials showcasing India, Africa, France, Mexico and other countries. Info: carbondalearts.com.

FRIDAY March 11 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “The Fighterâ€? (R) at 7:30 p.m. March 1117 and “127 Hoursâ€? (R) at 5:30 p.m. March 12-13. LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars, located in

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LIVE MUSIC • Carnahan’s in the Dinkel Building presents Stimulus Package at 10 p.m. LIVE MUSIC • DeďŹ ance Stringband plays Aspen’s Limelight Lodge lobby every Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The band features Don and April Paine, Don Kaufman and John Sommers. Info: 925-3025. FINANCIAL SEMINAR • Dave Weimer, an Edward Jones ďŹ nancial advisor, hosts a Social Security and ďŹ nance seminar at Carbondale Town Hall. He will be joined by a Social Security administrator. Info: 963-4513. CMS ART • Carbondale Middle School art students are included in the Valley Kids Exhibit at the Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts through April 11. AFTER HOURS • The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association hosts an after hours session at W.J. Bradley Mortgage (214 Eighth Street) at 5 p.m. Info: 945-6589. MEET AND GREET • Roaring Fork Valley Environmental Education holds a meet and

greet at Blue Bird CafÊ (730 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Organizations taking part include the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Solar Energy International and others. Info: 510-0697. S.A.W. SHOW • S.A.W. presents new sculpture by Bayard Hollins starting tonight at 5 p.m. He’s a painter, sculptor and current S.A.W. studio/Carbondale Clay Center artist. S.A.W. is located at 978 Euclid Ave. Info: 963-0201 or bayardhollins.com.

SAT.-SUN. March 12-13 TRUNK SHOW • The Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities holds a trunk show featuring sustainable fashion from noon to 5 p.m. in the Third Street Center’s Round Room. Some Third Street Center studios will also be open. Info: carbondalearts.com.

SATURDAY March 12 LIVE MUSIC • Carnahan’s in the Dinkel Building presents Trunk at 10 p.m.

SUN.-WED. March 13-16 FASHION WEEK • The third annual Aspen Fashion Week takes place at numerous venues around town. Attendees include Lauren Bush.

SUNDAY March 13 LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents the Tony Furtado Trio. Info: 963-3340. CALENDAR page 9

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the old part of the Dinkel Building, presents live music every Friday night Info: 963-3304.

All Valley Music Together AllValleyMusic.com • annieflynn@sopris.net

Community Calendar ACT COURSE • Carolyn Williams of Colorado Educational Consulting presents an ACT prep course through April 7. Info: 274-6298.

from page 10

Tuesday of the month. Info: 384-6657.

MONDAY March 14

BOOK CLUB • The Senior Matters book clubs meets the third Tuesday of the month at the Third Street Center from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Info: 945-7094.

JAM • Carbondale Beer Works hosts an acoustic jam session every other Monday night.

WEDNESDAY March 16

TUESDAY March 15

LIVE MUSIC • White House Pizza on Carbondale’s Main Street presents Steve Frish (bluegrass) from 7 to 10 p.m.

JAZZ • Steve’s Guitars presents jazz from 7 to 9 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month. Info: 963-3340. BLOOD DRIVE • Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs holds its monthly blood drives from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the third

SENIOR MATTERS • The Senior Matters board meets at the Third Street Center the third Wednesday of the month from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Anyone wishing to attend or to become a board member is invited. Info:

Further Out

March 17

ST. PAT’S DINNER • American Legion Post 100 holds a St. Patrick’s Day dinner at 5 p.m. Tickets are $8 and the menu includes corned beef and cabbage. The American Legion is located 97 N. Third St. and the public is invited. Info: 963-2381.

March 19 THE INFAMOUS STRING DUSTERS • The Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities presents The Infamous Stringdusters at the Church at Carbondale (110 Snowmass Dr.) at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 for CCAH members and $18 for

non-members, and $25 at the door. The opening act is The Tippets. Tickets are available at Dos Gringos, Glenwood Music and CCAH. Info: carbondalearts.com. FULL MOON FEAST • The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork hosts its Full Moon Feast at the Third Street Center from 4:30 to 9 p.m. The event will feature organic and biodynamic Colorado-grown food and spirits. Tickets are $25 for the auction/wine tasting/appetizers only, and $75 for the entire evening. Dinner will be prepared by Mark Fischer (of Six89, Phat Thai and the Pullman). Music will be provided by Acoustic Mayhem. Info: 963-1960.

Ongoing CASTLE TOURS • The historic Redstone Castle (aka Cleveholm Manor) is open for guided tours Saturdays and Sundays. Info: 963-9656. WOMEN’S BIKE CLASSES • Aloha Mountain Cyclery offers a women’s bike maintenance clinic from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday through March 23. Wine and snacks are served. Info: Shawna Brown at (970) 319-0538. MAYOR’S COFFEE HOUR • Chat with Carbondale Mayor Stacey Bernot on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Village Smithy, located at 26 S. Third St. VAUDEVILLE • The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue presents its winter show at 901 Colorado Ave. through April 23. Tickets are $22 for adults and $16 for kids. Info: 945-9699 and gvrshow.com. NOONE SHOW CONTINUES • The Colorado Mountain College Gallery in downtown Glenwood Springs presents a show by painter Mary Noone through March 23.

Info: 963-4498. OPEN MIC • Dan Sadowsky hosts open mic sessions at the Limelight Lodge in Aspen from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Sunday. Info: 925-3025. OPEN MIC • Jammin’ Jim hosts open mic nights at Rivers restaurant in Glenwood Springs from 8 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday. Tacos are a buck. HISTORIC TOURS • The Aspen Historical Society offers free historic ski tours of Aspen Mountain Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (a lift ticket and intermediate skiing ability is required). Meet at the information kiosk on top of the mountain. Info: 9253721. MUSEUM EXHIBIT • The Aspen Historical Society’s “Out of Your Mind, Body and Spirit: Voices of Aspen, 1975” continues at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum in Aspen. The hours are 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Info: 925-3721.

BRIDGE • Senior Matters in the Third Street Center offers bridge every Wednesday. Info: 945-7094.

STORY TIME • The Gordon Cooper Library presents lap-sit story time Fridays at 11 a.m. It’s for parents, caregivers and kids 2 and under. Info: 963-2889.

ZINGERS SING • The Zingers singing group gets together at the Third Street Center every Thursday from 2 to 3 p.m. Info: 945-7094.

GROUP RUN • Independence Run and Hike at 995 Cowen Drive leads group runs Saturdays at 8:15 a.m. rain or shine. Info: 704-0909.

ACOUSTIC CARNAHANS • Singer/songwriter T Ray Becker hosts an acoustic music night with new musicians every week from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at Carnahan’s Tavern.

AL-ANON MEETS • Al-Anon for friends and families of alcoholics meets at the Church at Carbondale Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Info: 963-3514.

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Community Briefs is accepting registrations for coach pitch (ages 7-8 years), youth baseball (boys ages 9-15) and softball (girls ages 8-15). Registration deadline is April 22, but the department advises players to sign up early to secure a spot. Player practice and game schedules will be available May 6 online. Practices will start the week of May 16, games will begin in June, and the tournament will conclude by the third week in July. The fee is $80. All contact will be via email. For more information, call the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center at 704-4190.

CRES kindergarten info night Crystal River Elementary School will hold an information night for parents of next year’s kindergarteners from 6 to 7 p.m. on April 7. Registration for kindergarten at Crystal River Elementary School is slated for April 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parents should bring their child’s birth certificate, immunization card and deposit for full time kindergarten. For details, go to rfsd.org.

Baseball registration under way The Carbondale Recreation Department

Creative Spark offers art classes Creative Spark Studio and Rochelle Norwood offer spring break art classes March 2830.The classes are offered on a sliding scale of $30 to $60. For details, call 948-0263.

CMC planning Edwards art festival Colorado Mountain College is accepting applications for its first annual Art in the Rockies festival, to be held July 9-10 in Edwards. For details, call 443-783-3959 or email ceverett@coloradomtn.edu. The vendor application deadline is March 30. The Vail Valley Arts Council is co-pro-

ducing the festival. Events and attractions include booths, demonstrations, food and silent art auction.

PitCo seeks board members Pitkin County is seeking volunteers for the following citizens boards: animal shelter board, board of adjustment, board of appeal, broadcast services, conflict of interest, financial advisory board, open space and trails (district 5), planning and zoning, Redstone Historical Preservation and Senior Services. Pitkin County asks that applicants apply on line by April 4.

High school climbers rope in strong scores at state competition Sopris Sun Staff Report Local climbers did the Roaring Fork Valley proud during the state high school climbing championships at the City Rock Climbing Center in Colorado Springs on the last weekend of February. Twenty-five teams turned out for a three-hour competition full of falls, sore fingers and super-pumped forearms. Competitors racked up points based on the difficulty of the routes they completed, with final scores resulting from a tally of each climber’s best performances on bouldering and roped climbing routes. Colorado Rocky Mountain School brought its A-game to the Front Range. The Oyster girls took second place title, and the boys took fifth place overall. For the girls, Senior Maria Mork of Carbondale climbed to a ninth place finish, a great result to cap off her high school climbing career and a strong showing after a broken arm forced her to miss last year’s state finals. Supporting her efforts were Mollie Podmore of Glenwood Springs

in 10th place, Giuliana Sheldon of Seattle in 17th, Kim Clary of Basalt in 21st and Torrey Sanson of Carbondale in 26th. Sophomore Lea Linse, from Carbondale, won the girls’ junior varsity competition handily. The Oyster boys met fierce competition, but they earned their place in the top five with some great performances. Senior and team captain Tobin Sanson of Carbondale took 13th, and sophomore Sammy Martin, from the Caribbean island of Antigua, finished right on Tobin’s heels in 15th. Rounding out the team was Mason Cazedessus of Costa Rica in 35th. A fledgling Glenwood Demons climbing squad held their own on their first trip to the championships, although they did not qualify enough climbers for a full team score. Junior Jessica Gerstner finished in 11th place and sophomore Jenna Pearce took 14th. With a little more experience under their belts and a full team at the championships, the Demons’ will likely become strong contenders.

The Colorado Rocky Mountain School girls team took second place at the recent state high school climbing championships in Colorado Springs. Courtesy photo

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TSC gym continued om page 5 the Wheeler Associates board. Kimberly said she and Behrman will also work with community groups and non-profits to help them produce fund-raising events and put together gatherings. Behrman said PAC3 will hold 360 audience members for seated concerts and 540 for general admission events. The Third Street Center, located at 520 N. Third St., is the former Carbondale Elementary School, built in 1969. In a land swap between the town of Carbondale, the Re-1

School District and Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities, the town took ownership of the building in 2008. The town then leased the building to the non-profit Third Street Center, which upgraded the facility and rented spaces to other non-profits and a handful of for-profit businesses. Converting the old gym into a public space is one of the Third Street Center’s last major remodeling projects. The center is still exploring options for the school’s old kitchen space.

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Letters continued om page 2 ipated in our seventh birthday benefit last month. With your help we raised $1,050 for seven nonprofit organizations over the course of seven nights. Russets also gave away $350 in prize money. We feel lucky to live in and be supported by such a giving community. We are grateful to have this kind of opportunity to give back and benefit our valued area nonprofit organizations. Although the proceeds may seem humble to some, we are aware that these are difficult times for many and budgets are tight. For this reason we have a deep appreciation for your continued patronage of Russets. We hope to continue to serve the community for years to come! Sue Van Horton Russets restaurant

A theatrical treasure Dear Editor: We are so lucky to have a theatrical treasure in our valley – Thunder River Theater Company. After seeing the riveting performance of “A Street Car Named Desire” this past Saturday, I am totally convinced that local repertory theater of the highest quality is alive and thriving. The audience was filled to capacity with many people from up and down the entire valley from Aspen to Glenwood. If you haven’t seen this production, don’t miss out – it’s on for one more weekend. Having attended many performance over recent years, I marvel how founder and Artistic Director Lon Winston and Associate Artistic Director Valerie Haugen are continually able to provide amazing, spellbinding productions, and in the theater that they and so many generous donors built from the ground

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up. Hats off also to all of the hard-working board members and volunteers for their commitment. The sets are marvelous, the plays top notch and the actors professional, well-directed and so passionate about the roles they play. Carbondale is so well situated in the midvalley – and certainly much closer than New York City or Denver or Chicago. Enjoy! Roberta McGowan Missouri Heights

Tipton hypocritical on CPB funding Dear Editor: I recently received a response from Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) addressing my concerns for the proposed elimination of funding for public broadcasting. In it, he notes that he believes public broadcasting“is capable of funding itself through private resources.” Although I respect the difficult task we face in getting the federal budget under control, I find the rationale he gives for the elimination of funding for public broadcasting to be indicative of what seems to be a blindingly narrow partisan perspective towards the current budget debate. To assert that the grossly disproportionate proposed funding cuts to education, health, environmental protection, child and family welfare and, as in this case, public broadcasting are being done out of a sense of fiscal responsibility is rich in hypocrisy. In recent legislative activity, Rep. Tipton in fact voted against considering a motion to amend H.J. Res. 44 that would have cut the substantial tax subsidies for major oil companies and po-

Here’s something you don’t see much anymore — a vintage Volkswagen Bug dusted with snow. Carbondale still gets plenty of snow, but VW Bugs (a 1960s70s hippie fave) are now a relic. This scene was captured on 10th Street. Photo by Terray Sylvester tentially added over $45 billion to the federal budget over the next 10 years. Such a notion has recently been supported by the likes of Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), former Shell Oil CEO John Hoffmeister, and at one time even by former President George W. Bush, all asserting that in times of high oil prices, subsidies provide little, if any, additional incentive for exploration and development. Combined with forward-looking cuts and stimulus strategies, such measures may go much further to enhance the region’s long-term economic health than the reactionary tactics being seen in the current legislative arena. If it is Tipton’s rationale that a sector does not need public support when it is capable of sus-

taining itself through private resources, it very well deserves to be directed at entities other than those seemingly contrary to his ideological views. The concern surrounding eliminating funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting seems, again, to be indicative of a reactionary and, in some cases, even retributive approach to governing seen in the current political arena. It is with respect that I hope that any discontentment around the current budget debate can be directed to press Mr. Tipton to be more inclusive and prudent in his public service. Peter Pierson Carbondale

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NICE B-BALL GUYS. PLAY HARD, FINISH STRONG! THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 10, 2011 • 11

Day 169: Cycling through a nation of neighbors By Sue Gray Special to The Sopris Sun Editor’s Note: Last summer, Sopris Sun contributor Sue Gray set off with her husband, Bruce, on a bicycle adventure that may end up taking them around the country. In midJanuary, when we received their last dispatch, they were in Messilla, New Mexico, riding past pecan orchards and blue herons on the banks of the Rio Grande. Now they’re exploring the Gulf Coast. Every time we journey across America by bicycle, my husband and I learn so much more about the tapestry of cultures that make up this grand country. As we pass slowly through communities, stopping to eat in family run cafes and shopping at the corner grocery, we take the opportunity to read local newspapers, bulletin boards and signs. Finding out about upcoming social events, festivals, and musical performances gives us a glimpse at the particular interests and concerns of the area’s inhabitants. Hearing unique dialects and regional expressions makes me realize how much my perceptions were formed by movies and TV shows I watched as a kid growing up on the West Coast. Long before I ever heard someone from the deep South, I heard an actor mimicking someone from the deep South. It’s not quite the same, as Bruce and I found out while traveling through Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The South is rich with a history of battles, conquests, takeovers, handovers, for-

tune seekers and refugees, which has produced an astounding variety of cultures unique to the region. In southwestern Louisiana we met Cajuns, descendents of the French Acadian people who were expelled from eastern Canada by the British between 1755 and 1763. This small refugee population carved a niche for themselves in the southern bayous, and to this day the Cajun community retains their distinctive culture and peculiar dialect. In New Orleans we stayed with relatives of our daughter-in-law, a Vietnamese family who came here as war refugees in the late 1970s. Kim’s family were merchants and restaurateurs, but many Vietnamese were farmers and fishermen and those who settled on the Gulf Coast found it a good place to pursue their former careers. Today there’s a thriving Southeast Asian community in and around New Orleans, adding a delightful dimension to an area already known for its vibrant blend of cultures. The southern sates are collectively called the Bible Belt because of a large concentration of Christians. Every Sunday morning, the roads are empty and quiet as believers fill the churches. After service, groups of churchgoers gather in local cafés to eat and socialize. In Lafayette, La., we visited the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, established in 1821 as the Catholic center of the Cajuns. In every little town in Mississippi we saw Baptist churches, some with names reflecting the plantation origins of their freed slave founders. In Alabama we stayed at a United

Carbondalians Bruce and Sue Gray received some warm hospitality at the Methodist Church in Grand Bay, Alabama. Photo Courtesy of Grand Bay Methodist Church Methodist Church whose minister told us about the roots of the Methodist faith and their tenet of helping those in need. As we ride by churches of all denominations, we enjoy reading the uplifting and noble sentiments expressed on marquees in front. Many times these messages seem meant for us bicycle travelers, as in, “Without struggle there is no progress.” Music is also an important expression of various southern cultures. Cajuns have their own particular style characterized by the accordion. Dixieland jazz was born here, so was gospel and folk rock. In Alabama we spent three days at a Pickin’ Party, a gathering of musicians playing various string in-

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struments, and we visited the bayou bar that was the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet’s song, “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Bicycle travel puts us in a position of accessibility that makes people open up and share their lives with us for a brief moment, an hour, a day or more. From them we learn about the myriad ways people live in America. Through it all we recognize our common dreams regarding family, friends, food, fun, music and community. It’s made us realize that we’re not a society of strangers; we’re a nation of neighbors. For more on the Gray’s adventures, visit crazyguyonabike.com/doc/nomads.

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