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Sopris Carbondale’s weekly

community connector

Sun salutation

to ool de ide ch nsi Gu er-s s i t m af gra o pr

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Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper

Sun

Volume 9, Number 28 | August 17, 2017

Even as the sun in the sky is eclipsed, our paper keeps shining thanks to charitable donations. Brian Colley created this commemorative artwork to encourage giving today, lest The Sun ever go dark. The original 8"x10" painting will be displayed at the Sopris Sun eclipse event and auctioned through Sept. 6. To place a bid email news@soprissun.com or call 510-3003. A bidding update will be posted on our website, soprissun.com. For more information on the eclipse and how to support The Sun, turn to page 3.

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.

Lessons from ‘e Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ and the plumbers The president slammed her hand down on the table and thun- uals for disclosing sensitive information, more than all previous dered, “These leaks must stop. I’m going to find out who’s leaking, presidencies combined. Not one president stopped leaks. and there will be serious — very serious — repercussions!”

As Reagan once replied when asked how his administration could Sound like our nation’s current president? It’s not. There are control leaks, “I’ve been told you don’t. Everybody who has been two tip-offs here: first the pronoun “her”, second, the language is around here for a while tells me it is just the nature of the place.” far too coherent to have come from Trump.

I haven’t served as a governmental press secretary, but my But this column is a parable about leaks — and why Trump time in academia revealed why those dedicated to public service and Sessions can’t plug them. At Trump’s behest, would risk both careers and censure to leak inAttorney General Jeff Sessions recently announced formation; ethics. that that the F.B.I. had created a new counterintelIn the university’s case, the underlying issue ligence unit to track down those who leak classiwas safeguarding the nonprofit status of a school fied information and that the Justice Department that idealistic faculty members had devoted many “wouldn’t hesitate to bring criminal charges” (underpaid) years serving. President White, against leakers. pressed by finances, was attempting to sell the I suspect their results will be similar to those place to a for-profit corporation. Every inquiry Mickey Mouse got as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. For she opened was leaked. those too young to remember Fantasia, apprentice Faculty members and staff who divulged (and Mickey is weary of fetching water. He casts a spell sabotaged) her quest did so out of a deep commiton a magical, bucket-carrying broom, then splits it ment to teaching and public service, ethical values with an axe. Each splinter becomes a new broom. that were being threatened. They held that conThe multiplying brooms each grab water pails, and verting publicly-held assets for private profit was with dizzying speed, flood the place. unethical. They acted on values they held sacred.

That’s pretty much what happened when the They considered themselves whistle-blowers. And president of the private university I worked for they proved unstoppable, ultimately toppling the threatened dire consequences for leaking. The prespresident. ident – I will call her Judy White – had hired me to Those in the Trump administration who are promote the university to the media. My first day

By Nicolette Toussaint handing news to the press — recordings of backon the job, a long-time faculty member pulled me room meetings on healthcare, hastily written (and into a broom closet (ironic but true!) and asked if President White badly spelled) executive orders, transcripts of presidential phone had shown me the university’s accreditation report. calls, accounts of White House infighting — are doing so largely She hadn’t. out of ethics and professionalism. And that’s why they won’t stop.

Within hours, the report was in my hands.

As David Frum recently wrote in the Atlantic, “Senior nationalSoon, other faculty and board members began making clan- security professionals regard Trump as something between (at best) destine visits and inviting me off campus “for coffee”. a reckless incompetent doofus and (at worst) an outright Russian The report made clear that accreditation was hanging by a espionage asset.” Fear of a possible “Russian mole” in the White thread, the administration had somehow blown an $8 million en- House is prompting intelligence leaks. dowment, its computerized enrollment system didn’t work and Similarly, at the EPA, staffers fear that climate-denial policies faculty on multiple campuses had taken official votes of “no con- and Scott Pruitt’s leadership amount to fiddling while Rome burns. fidence” in President White. None of this had been mentioned But it’s not Rome, it’s the planet and the future of our species. when I had been hired to serve as media counsel, a position some- That’s why a draft report that concludes that Americans are alwhat analogous to the White House press secretary. ready suffering the effects of global warming — including Back in 1946, New York Times political reporter James Reston Sourcerer’s Apprentice-style flooding in coastal cities — was seobserved that “governments are the only vessels that leak from the cretly advanced to the New York Times. top.” That’s been true through multiple administrations. Truman, Ironically enough, for a guy who got famous yelling “You’re Bush and Clinton fought leaks. Via Watergate, Nixon found that fired” on a TV show called “The Apprentice”, Trump, like Nixon hiring “plumbers” can backfire rather dramatically. The Obama before him, may find that his quest to plug leaks will land him in administration used the Espionage Act to prosecute eight individ- hot water.

OPINION

Seeking Higher Ground

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. Letters exceeding that length may be returned for revision or submission as a guest column; please include your name, town, and contact information. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.

A landowner’s perspective Dear Editor: For 54 years, my family has lived worked and raised cattle on upper Whitewater Creek Road where our ranch is located. Usually, the only real problems we had to worry about were paying the mortgage, property taxes, and how much snow would fall each year to provide the water we use to irrigate our fields, water the livestock and raise crops. Most folks not familiar with the area would be surprised to know that we have excellent soil and just enough water to raise every vegetable and flower that can be grown in Mesa County.

Now, however, the most concerning problem is underground. Fram LLC is proposing to develop 108 oil wells in the

Whitewater area between Palisade and Highway 50 along the base of the Grand Mesa. This area is watershed for not just ranchers like me, but for all of Grand Junction. The watershed does not stop at the top of the Grand Mesa. Rather, it extends well down into the high mesas and valleys, entering Whitewater Basin and all the way down to Highway 50. The creeks in this area run year round and there are also springs that I rely on for water for my ranch. What would happen if any of these were contaminated? Fram plans to use hydraulic fracturing technology to drill directionally. They will cement the top of the hole, but you can’t control where the chemicals go underground.

One of the proposed well sites is on pri-

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 17-23, 2017

vate land, my land, developing federal minerals, creating a split estate situation.

Under state law, I can only comply with this proposal. However, I can raise my concerns with the BLM and the City of Grand Junction. I ask you to do the same, as people who rely on this watershed for your drinking water and as taxpayers. I understand that this proposal will bring some jobs to the County. However, water is the most important resource we have, without it every other industry in the Valley would not survive. We must hold this project to the highest standards possible to protect it.

Don Lumbardy Western Colorado Congress member

Sincerest thanks to our

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

ank you to our SunScribers and community members for your support!

It truly takes a village to keep e Sun shining.

To inform, inspire and build community.

Donations accepted online or by mail.

P.O. Box 399 520 S. Third Street #32 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Kathryn Camp • 970-379-7014 adsales@soprissun.com Reporter: John Colson Photographer: Jane Bachrach Graphic Designer: Terri Ritchie Delivery: Tom Sands CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS board@soprissun.com Barbara Dills, President Debbie Bruell, Secretary Cliff Colia • Diana Alcantara Matt Adeletti • Olivia Pevec Faith Magill • Stacey Bernot Raleigh Burleigh • Marilyn Murphy The Sopris Sun Board meets regularly on the second Monday evening of each month at the Third Street Center. Check the calendar for details and occasional date changes.

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.

e Sun’s guide to the solar eclipse

By Diana Alcantara, board member and Will Grandbois, staff The Aug. 21 total eclipse of the heart — er, sun — is shaping up to be one of the most talked about astronomical events in most locals’ lifetimes. And while the Great American Eclipse, as it’s been dubbed, won’t be total over Carbondale (Colorado, that is — our Illinois counterpart is on the path), we’re still looking at more than 90 percent coverage. That’s comparable to the annular eclipse we experienced in May 2012. That time, the moon was too distant from the earth to mask the sun completely anywhere, which apparently will be the norm in about 500 million years, as the moon’s orbit will move it away from earth at a rate of 4cm per year.

Luckily, we’ll have our own chance to view totality well before then — on Aug. 12, 2045. If you don’t want to wait that long but can’t get off work this year, you might start making plans for April 8, 2024. That total solar eclipse will pass over Dallas, Indianapolis and Cleveland, but we recommend getting a passport and hanging out on the beach in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Anyway, The Sopris Sun has compiled some information to help folks to have the best experience whether they’re sticking around here or making the trip up to Wyoming.

FAQ Q: What is a total solar eclipse?

A: A total solar eclipse occurs when the disk of the moon completely covers the disk of the sun in the sky. The fact that total solar eclipses occur at all is a quirk of cosmic geometry. The moon orbits an average of 239,000 miles (385,000 kilometers) from Earth — just the right distance to seem the same size in the sky as the much-larger sun.

However, these heavenly bodies line up only about once every 18 months.

Q: What will you see in Carbondale?

A: Here in Bonedale we will see a partial solar eclipse at .9 magnitude. (That means that 92% of the sun will be blocked by the moon passing in front of it.) The eclipse begins at 10:23 a.m., peaks at 11:47 a.m., and ends at 1:14 p.m. You can see an animated version of how it will look on www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/denver, and for live coverage on the day of. You can also tune into live coverage at the NASA website.

Q: Where can I go to watch with others?

A: In Carbondale, meet up at Bonnie Fisher Park on the south side of the Third Street Center near the bread oven.

If you happen to have a pair of proper ISO-Certified glasses, please bring them! The Sopris Sun will have kids activities, materials to make a pinhole solar viewer, and offer a chance to crawl into our high-tech custom viewing chamber (aka a giant cardboard box).

Q: I’m thinking of making the trip to Wyoming. How should I prepare?

A: Some NASA representatives predict that Aug. 21, 2017, may be one of the worst traffic days in national history.

Although about 12 million people live within the narrow band of totality, approximately 25 million reside within a day's drive of it, and the agency has estimated that the population inside the path of totality may double on the day of the eclipse.

With that in mind, make sure you plan for extra travel time. Most hotel rooms inside the path of totality have been booked for months or years, so finding a place at this point is probably impossible. Authorities are advising to keep in mind your proximity to food, water, parking and facilities when selecting a location to view the eclipse. If you’ve already experienced the delays getting through Glenwood, well, the whole state of Wyoming may be one giant Midland Avenue jam!

Q: When will the total solar eclipse occur, and how long will it last?

A: The timing of the total solar eclipse and its duration both depend on where you are inside the path of totality. At most, the moon will completely cover the disk of the sun for 2 minutes and 40 seconds. As you move toward the edge of the path, the duration of totality will decrease. People standing at the very edge of the path may observe totality for only a few seconds. It will not be safe to look at the eclipsed sun here in Carbondale without eye protection!

Q: What deeper meaning could someone find in all this?

A: The Eclipse next week occurs in the sign of Leo and is being seen by some as a chance to push the personal reset button. In astrology, the sign of Leo is ruled by the Sun. One way to understand this Eclipse is to consider the symbolism behind the Sun. The Sun represents light, but it also represents ego. The ego self is easily seen under the light of the Sun, but our deeper, more hidden self relates to the light of the Moon. As the Moon moves across the Sun and eclipses it, many see it as an opportunity to transform the ego self and allow our deeper essence to be exposed.

Q: What else should I know about the days before the eclipse?

A: Considering that there was a partial lunar eclipse last week with the full moon, and the solar eclipse is Monday, it may feel like we are suspended in an energetic time warp. Some astrologers are interpreting this as a time to clean out the cobwebs of what is no longer is working.

These days leading up to the eclipse you may feel the urge to purge, maybe clean out the front hall closet or take on the garage. This could be attributed to your own intuition preparing to “clean out the junk”, literally! Don’t worry it’s all part of the cosmic invitation for new beginnings, which means letting the old stuff move on.

Left: NASA's map of the eclipse's path, including the 70 mile swath of totality and the progressively partial adjacent areas. Above: Will Grandbois managed not to blind himself or break his camera capturing the annual solar eclipse in 2012.

Don’t let The Sopris Sun be eclipsed

Dear Reader: The Sopris Sun Board of Directors wishes to extend our utmost gratitude to every generous contributor. Without support from donors, our 8year-old paper could not provide the vibrant service of connecting our community through the colorful stories and images unique to our town’s historical, present, and future happenings. Continued patronage from readers like you guarantees that The Sun keeps shining, well beyond the eclipse. If the paper you read holds any value to your life, we ask that you consider giving today (and becoming what we call a SunScriber). If you would like to see The Sun continue to inform and even expand, we assure you that any amount of donation makes a difference. A recent analysis indicates that the impact of our paper stretches well beyond the roughly 4,000 physical copies picked up per week.

Thousands of readers also visit The Sun’s online platform each month and we would especially like to improve this service.

It’s easy to contribute online with a single or (better yet!) recurring donation. Just click on the link on our homepage to get started. If you prefer to mail a check, the address is: The Sopris Sun, PO Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. We thank you for participating in this living legacy of Carbondale’s great heritage.

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 17-23, 2017• 3

Town Report

Cop Shop

Town Hall closed Fridays for duration of bridge detour New municipal hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday are in now in place to ease employee commutes through the Grand Avenue Bridge detour, according to Town Manager Jay Harrington’s weekly memo to staff, trustees and others.

In other news from Harrington’s report‌ â—? Sales tax revenues for July 2017 were 3.1% above July 2016. Year to date revenues are $2,365,047 and are 3.5% above last year. â—? Departments have been working on budgets for 2018 and a work session with the Board of Trustees on Aug. 15 will cover revenue projections and priorities for the next year. â—? The streets crew continued to work on signage and repairing potholes around town and began work on the Highway 133 lighting project now that all the materials have been received. â—? The Carbondale Recreation and Community Center was rented on Aug. 12 for a baptism with around 250 people attending, resulting in partial closures of the basketball gym and other facilities. â—? New wellness program Farm RX has received a grant for $3,600 from GarďŹ eld Health Communities Coalition to provide cooking classes using healthy produce from a local farm to 10 low-income families. The program is designed to increase healthy eating and reduce obesity related diseases and takes place Thursdays Sept. 7 to Oct. 19 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Carbondale Recreation & Community Center. One parent and a child, aged 6-12, attend the classes together. Classes are taught in Spanish and English. Contact Diana Alcantara at 274-2472 to register or the CRCC at 510-1290 for more information. â—? The regular season is over for Men’s Summer League and a Mid-Valley Coed League softball and a single elimi-

nation tournament has begun. Results of the adult league games can be found at www.quickscores.com/carbondalerec For more information contact Jason Thraen by e-mail, jthraen@carbondaleco.net â—? ModiďŹ ed John M. Fleet pool hours began on Aug. 14 and are available online at www.carbondalerec.com. â—? A Tri Race for ages 6-15 years old takes place at 10 a.m.

Aug. 18 with three separate age divisions with different distances. The cost is $15 and the registration deadline is Aug. 17 — contact Margaret Donnelly, Aquatics Coordinator for more info at mdonnelley@carbondaleco.net or 510-1280. â—? Staff conducted a debrief with Mountain Fair organizers to produce a plan for improvements for next year. Volume remained below the 90 decibel limit throughout the weekend. Suggestions included additional porta poties and hand washing stations, keep the later programming schedule for ampliďŹ ed music on Saturday night and the 7 p.m. closing time on Sunday night. â—? The weed task force has been working on a weed management plan for the North Face Bike Park and Gateway RV Park and is considering the use of an organic burndown herbicide called Avenger on test plots, a proposal which will go before the Environment Board at the end of the month. â—? The parks department is looking for an affordable source of topsoil for the cemeteries and top dressing of parks. â—? The Planning Commission unanimously recommended Marina Skiles and Ken Harrington for reappointment. This will be considered at the Aug. 22 board of trustees meeting. â—? The communication line from the data accumulator to the network for the energy navigator has been damaged. A new line needs to be installed for the data to reach the network.

From Aug. 4 through the 10, Carbondale Police Officers handled 219 Calls for Service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note:

FRIDAY Aug. 4 at 9:15 a.m. Someone contacted police about an aggressive cat.

FRIDAY Aug. 4 at 11:52 a.m. An investigation into a report of harassing letters being sent to Colorado Mountain College’s Carbondale campus determined no crime had been committed.

SATURDAY Aug. 5 at 12:43 a.m. After a car was pulled over for a busted tail light and no turn signal, the 24-year-old woman behind the wheel was arrested on suspicion of driving under the inuence of alcohol.

SATURDAY Aug. 5 at 7:04 p.m. Police conducted a stop for careless driving and arrested a 63-year-old man on suspicion of driving under the inuence of alcohol.

SATURDAY Aug. 5 at 9:40 p.m. A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the inuence of alcohol after being stopped for a busted headlight.

SUNDAY Aug. 6 at 10:02 p.m. A 21year-old Carbondale man turned himself in on a warrant.

TUESDAY Aug. 8 at 11:45 p.m. Police took a report of a runaway girl.

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Bear incidents up, ordinance compliance low

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff

Putting it out earlier than that, or having it in unsecured trash cans, can result in fines ranging from Carbondale is experiencing “significant” activity re$130 (including a one-time surcharge) for a second lated to the presence of numerous bears in town lookoffense, up to $1,300 if a homeowner is found to have ing for food in local dumpsters, according to a committed multiple offenses. statement issued by the police, and residents are being The first time draws only a warning, Carboncautioned that they had better make sure their trash dale Police Officer Gretchen Stock-Bell told The containers are sufficiently bear-proof to avoid penalties Sopris Sun. that can reach up to $1,300 in fines.

The law, passed in 2014, was in direct response to To punctuate the point, on Aug. 9 a young bear cub, what was then seen as a growing bear infestation roaming with its mother around the streets of old town, problem in Carbondale, although the police departwas electrocuted when it climbed a power pole and had ment had not issued many tickets prior to this year. to be put down by the Carbondale Police Department.

In fact, said Stock-Bell, last year there was only The cub’s mother, with another cub to care for, could be one fine against a homeowner, at the $130 level, and seen in a tree near where the cub had died for about a so far this year there have been no tickets and no day, but was gone by the weekend. fines assessed.

The fact that Carbondale has been invaded by per“We’re really just trying to get people to follow the haps a dozen bears and cubs in recent weeks was con- This bear was spotted finding meals in trash cans and planters along trash ordinance,” she said on Monday. firmed by Perry Will, wildlife manager for the Euclid Avenue. We're not sure if it's a relative of the unfortunate cub.

The problem is one of education and awarePhoto by Will Grandbois Colorado Parks and Wildlife division. ness, she noted: “I don’t think they’re trying to “It’s been the worst year I’ve ever seen” for bears break the law.” in Carbondale, Will said in a telephone interview on Recently, said Stock-Bell, she encountered a Noting that other towns in the valley have been experiAug. 14. encing similar problems with bears raiding trash containers to Spanish-speaking resident who had not complied with the He cited reports from another CPW wildlife manager, John get food, Will said one had been trapped in the Red Moun- ordinance and did not understand Stock-Bell’s efforts to inGroves, that there are believed to be 12 bears roaming around tain area of luxury homes near Aspen on Monday. form him of the law. the region of the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork She had to call a Spanish-speaking officer to interpret, None had been trapped in the Carbondale area as of Monrivers. Groves, Will said, has “been out hazing (driving the day, he said, again citing reports from Groves. which resulted in the man telling the officers that he underbears away from neighborhoods) and getting lots of calls.”

“He’ll probably have to start, though,” Will con- stood and would comply.

Will said the division is not sure where the bears have come cluded unhappily.

She said could not cite a percentage of the population who from before descending on Carbondale. are not obeying with the trash law, adding, “It’s not fixed, by But what is certain, he continued, is that there is a lack of Tickets to be issued any means, but I to think there is more compliance.” food for the bears in the nearby high country, thanks to a cold The matter has drawn the attention of the Board of The town’s response has been to step up enforcement of an spring and a late freeze that killed off massive amounts of ordinance requiring homeowners to put their trash into “bear- Trustees in recent weeks, who have discussed ways to increase chokecherries and other foods that bears traditionally rely on proof” enclosures or trash receptacles, and only take it out to the both the community awareness of the bear problem, and the through the summer months. curb for pickup on the day the trash trucks make their rounds. provisions of the ordinance.

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 17-23, 2017• 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.

Dandelion’s den

122), and Crystal Springs Road (CR 103).

Oversized vehicles are also barred from traveling up Four Mile Road (CR 117), over Dry Park Road (CR 125), Thompson Creek Road (CR 108), and Hardwick Bridge Road (CR 109) during the detour.

The rule does not apply to local delivery vehicles or residents that live in those areas.

The Carbondale Food Co-Op’s Dandelion Market is officially open for business at its new location at 1310 Highway 133, with more stock expected over the weekend. Stop by and shop from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday — and consider joining up as a member or volunteering some time in the shop to help build some momentum.

Sunsense shines in rankings

Don’t be bamboozled

Local installer Sunsense Solar has been named one of the top solar contractors in the United States by Solar Power World magazine and came in tenth out of a total of 219 solar contractors in Colorado.

Sunsense employs 24 workers, and installed 2.1 MW of solar in 2016.

As the IRS continues to warn the nation of potential scams, The Sun has learned of a more targeted fraud closer to home. A letter purporting to be from Kroger assigns the recipient to be a secret shopper and provides a check for the purpose which, we’re told, will bounce — but only after someone has mailed off a whole stack of gift cards. We encourage folks to maintain a healthy amount of skepticism and, if something seems off with a call, letter or email, to check in with the organization involved at a reliable number or seek some advice from law enforcement before spending money or sharing sensitive information.

Aspen Valley Hospital held their fundraiser, “Chukkers, Champagne & Caviar” at the Aspen Valley Polo Club outside of Carbondale on Sunday, Aug. 13. In addition to the finals of the Mount Sopris Cup, the event featured live and silent auctions, kids activities and vendor tents, among other things. Carbondale’s Marcel Kahhak painted live and the piece, which wasn’t quite completed here, was auctioned off for upwards of $4,000. Photo by Jane Bachrach

If you’re planning to ride the Bustang, you might want to keep your wits about you. We heard an empty bus left Union Station in Denver bound for Glenwood Springs recently without an all aboard — leaving a confused queue waiting inside.

Top teachers

Yee haw

Semi crazy

They say it’s your birthday

When students receive the full-ride Boettcher Foundation Scholarship, they are also given the opportunity to acknowledge the teacher who impacted them the most — an honor that comes with a $1,000 grant. This year, Roaring Fork High School’s Nicholas Penzel chose to recognize math teacher Wendy Boland and Basalt High’s Daniel Barnes chose music teacher Nick Lenio.

Carbondale’s Wild West Rodeo was recently featured in a Washington Post article titled, “Homegrown rodeos make it ‘Cowboy Christmas’ in the Rocky Mountain summertime.” Check it out at tinyurl.com/cdalerodeowp and catch the final event of the summer starting at 6 p.m. Aug. 17. If you haven’t been before, just head out of town Catherine Store Road and we’re pretty sure you’ll spot it.

New signage is in place warning drivers of travel restrictions in Missouri Heights and Four Mile for commercial vehicles looking to avoid traffic associated with the Grand Avenue Bridge closure. Such traffic is permanently prohibited on Red Canyon Road (County Road 115), Colorado Mountain College Road (CR 114), Cattle Creek Road (CR 113), Upper Cattle Creek Road (CR

Folks celebrating another year of life this week include: Jake and Heather Marine (Aug. 17); Emily Good, Jonathan Shamis and Rusty Burtard (Aug. 18); Brett Stringer (Aug. 19); Sid Smock, Dan Whitney, Katherine Whitney, Eric Skalac and Torrey Udall (Aug. 20); Jan Edwards and Rick Norman (Aug. 21); Kathy McCann and Jeannie Perry (Aug. 22) and Chrissy Leonard (Aug. 23).

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Up to $1,000 FINE for violating trash/bear ordinance! ¡Una MULTA hasta $1,000 por violar la ordenanza de basura/osos!

DON’T TEACH BEARS NEW TRICKS Bears have been seen in and around Carbondale Early prevention keeps bears from making a habit of visiting neighborhoods.

We CAN prevent repeat visits!

Early Prevention

Sam Hunter in front of Miser's in the not-so-distant days of yore. Courtesy photo

New ownership, old memories at Miser’s Mercantile

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Carbondale’s signature consignment store, Miser’s Mercantile at 303 Main St., is now a week into a transition, following seizure of the store and its contents by landlord Dale Eubank on Aug. 10. Eubank contends that former owner Sam Hunter owes more than $12,000 in back rent.

Most of the existing employees have been retained and continue to work at the store, according to a statement on Aug. 15 by spokesperson Diane Angelo.

Angelo, who works for Eubank, indicated that there has been no decision about the store’s future management, and she limited her comments about the current operations, saying, “I am handling the paperwork” during the ongoing transition of ownership and management.

She did, however, note that at present, the store is not paying off consignment debts from items sold prior to the ownership change, which she said is the former management’s responsibility.

Beyond that, Angelo said, she and other staff members have been directed to withhold comments to news reporters.

The emotional toll The changeover at Miser’s Mercantile has an emotional side to it, regardless of the legalities or other formal concerns, said three women who have worked at the store for decades — Hunter, her daughter, Mitzi Braisier, and long time co-worker Aimee Lincicome.

“It morphed into something more than just having a business for me,” said Hunter from her home in Paonia. “It was almost something mystical.”

She and Lincicome both spoke fondly of working at a store that brought in people from all walks of live, rich and poor, male and female, young and old, as one of the few consignment stores in the valley.

The Loading Zone in Glenwood Springs dealt mainly in furniture, Lincicome recalled, and Gracie's in Aspen was more of a highend shop for slightly used clothing and household goods.

Miser’s, in its early years, stood alone in offering mainly used clothing at bargain-base-

ment prices, providing a service for whomever felt they had some stuff to get rid of and a desire for some cash in hand.

Miser’s also was an informal gathering place for a widely varied collection of characters, said Lincicome, who started working there soon after Hunter took it over 32 years ago.

Lincicome, 65, had been working at The Loading Zone until it closed, she remembered.

“I still liked the business,” she said, explaining why she was glad when Hunter offered her a job at Miser’s. “It was always fun and interesting, and a little bizarre.”

For one thing, she said, moms and their kids would spend considerable time there, shopping and gossiping, and it became a kind of hub for “a great Latino community” in later years.

As an informal assistant manager, she continued, she would hire women who ran the socio-economic gamut, “from people who needed the job to people who just enjoyed it.”

And for many of the women who worked or shopped there, it was almost like a daycare opportunity, where children often would show up at the store after school, sometimes getting into mischief in different ways.

She recalled one child who tried to steal a toy rifle by putting it down a pants leg, “and there he was, walking with this stiff leg” as he tried to sneak out of the store.

When Lincicome confronted the lad, she said, he quickly confessed his guilt and produced the toy gun, while “his mom and I were trying not to laugh.” She said such incidents were treated as teaching moments rather than crimes, even if the cops were called in to do what they could to scare a kid straight.

Sad moments, happy times There also were sad moments, Lincicome said, such as when a women brought in “everything she owned for consignment. It was kind of weird. And then a couple of days later she committed suicide.”

On other occasions, she said, it became quickly apparent that someone was hoping to get a little money out of goods that were of rather poor quality, and “you kind of had to be careful … handle things as delicately as you could, to not hurt their feelings.”

There were more than a few wacky moMISER’S page 13

REMOVE ITEMS THAT ATTRACT BEARS: • Garbage • Bird Feeders • Pet Food • Barbeque Grills • Fruit • Compost TOWN CODE: No Garbage Before 6AM on Collection Day

• The Town of Carbondale passed an ordinance prohibiting placement of trash for pickup before 6AM on collection day and empty containers must be brought in no later than 8PM the same day.

• The smell of any food may attract bears. Keep garbage indoors until the morning of trash pickup and keep outdoor barbeque grills clean and odorless. It is best to keep windows and doors securely locked, especially at night. If a bear enters your home, open doors to leave the bear an escape route and leave the house if possible.

GARBAGE KILLS BEARS

• Bears that make repeated visits to neighborhoods may need to be moved or euthanized. To keep your family and the bears safe, please remove any attractants and follow these guidelines until the bears hibernate in winter.

Bears are 90% vegetarian and rarely hunt or kill animals, however, they are wild animals and can be unpredicatable. Do not approach any bear, especially cubs.

TIPS

• It’s encouraged to have electrified chicken coops.

• Compost should be stored in a secure container or inside a secured area.

• Bear resistant trash cans should be approved/certified by the Inneragency Grizzly Committee

For additional information, call the Division of Wildlife: 947-2920.

Call the Carbondale Police Department if you see a bear anywhere in town: 963-2662

NO LE ENSENE A LOS OSOS NUEVOS TRUCOS Se han visto osos en Carbondale y en los alrededores Prevención temprana

¡La prevencion temprana ayuda a que los osos no se acostumbren a visitar los vecindarios!

REMUEVA COSAS QUE ATRAEN A LOS OSOS: • Basura • Alimentó para pájaros • Comida de animales domésticos • Parrilla para asar • Fruta • Compost EL CODIGO DEL PUEBLO: No Poner Basura Afuera Antes de las 6AM el Dia de Coleccion

LA BASURA MATA A LOS OSOS

CONSEJOS:

• El Pueblo de Carbondale ha pasado una ordenanza que prohíbe poner la basura afuera antes de las 6AM el día de colección y el contenedor vacío debe estar adentro ese día a las 8PM. • El olor de cualquier comida atrae a los osos. Tenga su basura

adentro hasta la mañana del día de colección y tenga su parrilla limpia. Es mejor tener ventanas y puertas cerradas, especialmente en la noche. Si un oso entra a su hogar, abra las puertas para que los osos tengan una ruta de escape, y salga.

• Osos que hacen visitas repetidas a las vecindades pueden ser movidos o se realizara eutanasia. Para mantener su familia y osos seguros, por favor, de eliminar cualquier atrayentes, y siga estos consejos hasta que los osos hibernan en el invierno. Osos son 90% vegeten arios y raramente cazan o matan animales, sin embargo, son animales salvajes y pueden ser impredecibles. No se acerque a los osos, especialmente los cachorros.

• Se anima tener un gallinero electrificado.

• El compost debe estar guardado en un contenedor seguro o dentro de un lugar seguro.

• Contenedores resistentes a los osos deben ser aprobados/ certificados por el Inneragency Grizzly Committee.

Para más información llame al Division of Wildlife al 947-2920. Si ve un oso en el pueblo, llame al Departamento de Policía en Carbondale al 963-2662.

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 17-23, 2017• 7

The Tour De Farm held on Aug. 12 covered 17 miles and four stops to local ranches and gardens in Carbondale starting with CRMS. The background photo is a view of Mt. Sopris from Flying Dog Ranch. Clockwise from top right; Mike Wilde, Mt. Sopris Conservation District board member and Helen McQueeney with her elliptical bike at Roaring Fork Gardens (there was also a mother and daughter riding a tandem bike); tour members in front of the original cabin at Flying Dog Ranch; Marty Nieslanik during his presentation on White Hill. Photos by Terri Ritchie

GRAND OPENING:

Saturday, August 19th

in our New Location: 1310 Highway 133 (next to Rhumba Girl Liquors)

Hours: 10am-6pm, Monday through Saturday

Your community-run grocery, celebrating local and organic food. www.carbondalecommunityfoodcoop.org

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 17-23, 2017

New!

A pullresour out ce for parent s

Guide to After-School Programs Shall we dance? Pedal?

Sing? Paint? Ride?

Sculpt? Ski? Climb?

Meditate?

We have nearly endless choices in our small town with big city tastes, a place where cultural enrichment vies with our spectacular surroundings, asking us on any given day to choose. What a lovely conundrum.

With this challenge in mind as we race (like it or not) toward the school year, The Sopris Sun created a way to help navigate the wealth of opportunities offered for children. Our After School Guide is a reference for parents, so our local array of choices can be spelled out in one easy place. Our hope is that mom and dad can tuck this list away to use as a directory when needed – or even (shh... don’t tell anyone) plan a few after-school hours for their own fun and enrichment while their kids are otherwise occupied.

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 17-23, 2017• 9

Guide to After-School Programs Annie Flynn 970-987-3744 Annie@allvalleymusic.com Developmentally appropriate piano lessons for ages 5 to adult. Stylistically tailored to your musical interests.

Aspen Valley Ski Club Meredith Elwell 970-205-5100 teamavsc.org AVSC offers competitive and recreational youth ski and snowboard programs. Competitive Alpine and recreational Nordic Ski teams practice after school in a guided and structured environment. Scholarships are available for most programs. Registration deadlines vary by program; visit our website for more information.

Bonedale Ballet Alexandra Jerkunica 970-379-2187 corepilatesballetyoga.com

Bonedale Ballet is the artistic extension of Coredination Pilates, with after school classes M-F for age 3-teen in ballet, tap, jazz and creative dance.

bowls and plates. Hand building classes make pinch pots, and slab and coil building projects.

Handmakery Carbondale Arts Amy Kimberly 970-963-1680 carbondalearts.com Look for Rosybelle, CA’s school busturned-art studio, or check out the schedule at CA’s homebase at the Launchpad, where classes range from fashion design to bi-lingual piano lessons.

Ami Mayes 970-309-7686 handmakery.com An art enrichment studio for all ages, offering specialized classes, camps, workshops, evening events, celebrations, and more! Inspiring creativity, we focus on all parts of the creative process in an all-encompassing approach to the visual arts.

Carbondale Clay Center

Higher Octave Music Program

Angela Bruno 970-963-2529 carbondaleclay.org Hand Building (ages 5+) or Wheel Throwing (ages 9+). Young potters will have fun while learning basic techniques and creating original, functional art.

Wheel classes create their own cups,

Lisa Dancing Light 970-963-3330 lisadancinglight.com Offering one-on-one piano and voice lessons for ages 4 to adult. Nurturing talent and creativity, with a strong foundation of music theory, reading, composition and performance skills.

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10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 17-23, 2017

Guide to After-School Programs Rising Crane Training Center

Ross Montessori

Stepping Stones

Karen Bradshaw 970-274-8473 risingcrane.net Conditioning, Kickboxing & Martial Arts Classes that train mind, body and spirit.

Emphasis is on strengthening, selfdefense, bi-lateral movement, respect and leadership. Beginner classes specific to age: 6-8, 9-14, teens and adults.

Sarah Graf 970-306-1235 RFYO.org Ross Montessori School is the home base for the Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra’s down valley programs.

Rehearsals are held at RMS in Carbondale on Thursdays, 4:155:15, for students of violin, viola, cello, and bass.

Becca Rogers 720-207-7646 steppingstonesrfv.org Stepping Stones empowers middle and high school youth to reach selfsufficiency through mentoring, academic support, and recreation.

Our drop-in centers are open daily after school for ages 10-21.

Rock & Roll Academy

SOL Theatre

Chris Harrison 970-379-9685 rockandrollroaringfork.com Kids form bands with friends, choose and play music they love, and develop social and life skills. For middle and high school students; experienced or non-experienced musicians welcome.

Guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, horns and singing.

Jennifer Johnson (970) 274-0894 soltheatrecompany.org After school programming includes: Acting 101, beginning tap and ballet, sewing, costume design and art. Look for auditions soon for upcoming shows, and mark your calendar for a season of outstanding youth theater.

The Orchard Kara Montie 970-379-4159 theorchardlife.com Faith-Based Fun for Tweens and Teens in a safe environment for games, snacks, hang-out time, and group discussion.

High School “Fusion” – Wed. 7-9 p.m.

Middle School “Alive” –Thurs. 7-8:30 p.m.

Continued on page 12

Rock and Roll Academy Roaring Fork With Chris Harrison!

After School Music Programs for Middle & High School Students

Programs for Beginners: Tigers 6-8yr:

4pm Wed

Cranes 9-14yr:

4:45pm Mon & Wed

Jr Kickboxing:

4pm Mon 3:15pm Wed

Teen MMA:

2:30 Wed

Teen Kickboxing:

5:30pm Mon & Wed

Rock and Roll Academy is a modern music program; kids form bands with friends, choose and play music they love, and develop social and life skills.

ing Fork Roarin Call Chris at

(970) 379.9685 email: carbondalechris@gmail.com or visit rockandrollroaringfork.com

Play-Based Learning!

Play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, horns, and sing in a rock band!

Inclusive program for experienced and non-experienced musicians.

Rock and Roll Academy expanding to new locations! Rifle, Carbondale, Willits & Aspen

NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL 2017 Higher Octave Music Programs for Children & Adults Creativity – Education – Performance PIANO Pre-reading – Advanced Levels Focusing on Classical, Pop or Composition

Rising Crane

Traditional & Suzuki Piano – Age 4 to Adult Certified Suzuki Instructor with Suzuki Association of America Book 1 - 5 VOICE Folk – Pop – Classical – Jazz

ADULT CLASSES KARATE • KICKBOXING • BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU • SELF-DEFENSE

+ + +

Lisa Dancing-Light BME Vocal - Piano Coach & Mentor

To enroll contact: 970-963-3330 Or lisadancinglight.com

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 17-23, 2017• 11

Guide to After-School Programs Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork Catherine Woolcott 970-963-1960 waldorfschoolrf.org New at WSRF – an afternoon program that extends the school day to 5 p.m.

Pre-K through 8th Grade. Activities include arts, games, free play and outdoor fun. Enroll M-F, by the day-ofthe week, or on a drop in basis.

Windwalkers Gabrielle Greeves 970-963-2909 windwalkerstrc.org Therapeutic riding, mental health counseling, and horsemanship lessons offered one-on-one or in small groups. For beginning and developing riders in a friendly, noncompetitive setting.

Youth Entity Heather Hicks 970-963-4055 YouthEntity.org Career development for youth.

After-school courses for high school students: YouthChefs (pastry arts); ProStart (culinary arts & business); Design Team (architecture); Engineering & Construction Company.

Words of gratitude Our paper is free, but the human and material resources needed for creating and distributing it are not free, not even cheap. This list gives “free inkâ€? to businesses and nonproďŹ ts who keep The Sun shining by anchoring our pages with ads. Thank you!

Town of Carbondale Rec. Department Look soon for The Town of Carbondale’s Rec. Department Fall brochure, published and distributed inside The Sopris Sun on Thursday, September 7.

Here is a sneak peak of youth programs:

Youth Flag Football It’s football season! Join us for some introductory ag football fun.

Practice passing, catching, punting, and kicking. Learn the basic rules and participate in organized scrimmages.

Tuesday / Thursday practices at Sopris Park. Combined-grade teams: 1st-2nd (3:30-4:30 p.m.)

3rd-4th (4:30-5:30 p.m.)

Registration Deadline: Friday, September 1

Youth Volleyball Pass, Set, Hit! Join us for an introductory volleyball program.

We will do skill-building drills and games. For the ďŹ rst-time or intermediate player, ages 8-12.

Monday / Wednesday practices at CRCC Gymnasium (3:30-4:30 p.m.)

Registration Deadline: Monday, October 2

North Face Bike Park Lessons Learn to take full advantage of the

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North Face Bike Park! Work with Coaches John Hartmann, Brian Buell and others to improve your performance on the bike. Classes will focus on basic skills as well as pumping, jumping and cornering techniques. Open for all levels of riders. Mountain or BMX bikes and helmets are required, and other safety gear is highly recommended.

Bikes must be in good working condition and must have functioning brakes. We are offering 4 sessions and will be able to split abilities. Ages: 6-12 years; Wednesdays (5-6 p.m.) – September 6, 13, 20, 27 Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 5

SK8 Lessons Whether you’ve never skated before or want a chance to perfect new tricks, join instructors Chris Johnson, Shawn Frick, and Casey Siers at the Carbondale Skate Park. Must have own skateboard.

Helmets required. All other safety gear highly recommended.

Ages: 5 years and up Girls ONLY: Wednesdays – September 6, 13, 20, 27 Coed: Thursdays – September 7, 14, 21, 28 4:30-5:30 p.m. (Beg.) 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Int./Adv.) Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 5

Stepping Stones

Miser’s om page 7 ments, such as when a local woman (Lincicome stoutly refused to name any of the subjects of these stories) who came in dressed as Santa Claus one winter and bought “a thousand dollars worth of stuff� that she intended to hand out to family and friends.

And there was one wealthy woman, who Lincicome said owned “a bunch of houses� around the region and the country, who liked to come in a browse through the clothes and other goods. “She liked soft, worn-in jeans and things,�

Lincicome said simply.

Photos by Jane Bachrach Text by Laney Devers

OR ING F K VALL AR

A family thing Braisier, 40, who has taken an assistantteaching job at a local school following the loss of her manager’s position at Miser’s, recalled that as a young kid she would hang around the store while her mom worked, but that she was not captured by its nature as a community hub until she grew a little older.

But once she actually started working, she said, “My love for it deďŹ nitely grew,â€? starting with summertime-only work while she attended Ft. Lewis College in Durango.

Moving up through the store’s hierarchy, she began pricing goods for the shelves, running the cash register, setting up window displays and arranging the shelving, until she found herself with the title of manager.

It wasn’t exactly a career choice, she recalled, as much as a natural progression. “There’s been times when I thought I might have gone into teaching had Miser’s not been there,� she said, “but I’ve always loved my job.�

Proudly Supporting

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Stepping Stones, founded by long time valley resident Kristen Nelson, is a house based community in downtown Carbondale with occupants of various backgrounds. Since 2013 the house has provided any 14 to 21 year-old that approaches them for anything from basic needs such as laundry, hot showers and meals, to mentorship, tutoring and outdoor education. Services are provided ďŹ ve days a week.

In the past six months, Stepping Stones has expanded — adding a middle school program which will open their doors to anyone above the age of 9. In the past, intervention has been a primary focus of the high school program.

This new program, however, targets substance abuse prevention and homelessness in youth instead.

Executive Director Kyle Crawly believes that by far the most beneďŹ cial thing that kids come out of the program with is the relationships they form with both the staff members and each other. “When you spend anywhere between nine to ďŹ fteen hours a week with a kid, the bond you form with them is truly unforgettable,â€? she said. “I have worked in the nonproďŹ t world for around ten years now and this is the most genuinely authentic connection I've had with a group of youth. It’s very much like a family.â€?

Crawly has high hopes for the future of Stepping Stone’s presence in the Roaring Fork Valley. “Eventually, in the long term we would love to expand, having locations across the valley, but for now we want to make sure everyone currently in the program is taken care of ďŹ rst,â€? she said.

The majority of the house’s funding comes from private donations as well as sponsors from all over the valley. To donate anything from house supplies, cash, or even to volunteer you can visit http://www.steppingstonesrfv.org.

CARBONDALE, COLO.

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Cowboy Up Carbondale

We have 15 dogs and 22 cats waiting for a forever home.

RJ Paddywacks offers a “C.A.R.E. Package� for new adoptive families, including a Paws for Points plan and a first-time 15% discount for your new pet.

RJ Paddywacks Pet Outfitter 400 E Valley Rd. # I/J Next to City Market in El Jebel 970-963-1700 rjpaddywacks.com

Cowboy Up Carbondale BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIALS

BACK TO SCHOOL Buy a pair of SPECIALS Cinch jeans and get a FREE BACKPACK while supplies last

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Roaring Fork Valley COOP

0760 Highway 133, Carbondale, CO (970) 963-2220

roaringforkvalleycoop.com

Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Road 114 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 970-947-9173 coloradoanimalrescue.org

Looking for a church that actually loves and doesn’t condemn?

Friday, August 25 6-10 p.m.

Join the congregations of Carbondale and Basalt Community United Methodist Churches for an eight-week sermon series

by Pastor Brad Walston on what it means to be a progressive Christian and rediscover the Gospel as a life-giving message that still transforms.

Fourth & Main, Carbondale Slow Groovin BBQ, live music by LeverAction, dancing, and both a silent and a live auction.

25% Off All Columbia Summer clothing

benefitting Ascendigo Elevating the Spectrum for Individuals with Autism

Working together for pets and their people

Continuing this Sunday, August 20 Every week through Sunday Aug. 27 FUEL DELIVERY

8:30 a.m. at Basalt Community UMC 0167 Holland Hills Rd. 10:30 a.m. at Carbondale Community UMC 385 S. Second St.

Diesel or Gasoline and propane for your home, ranch or job site, including short-term tank rentals.

Please contact Chris or Floyd in our Energy Department for more details. 970-704-4204

This week’s sermon: “Questions, Baseball, & Star Trek�

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All are Welcome ‌ Really!

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 17-23, 2017• 13

Community Calendar THURSDAY Aug. 17 PARENT TALK • Castle Valley Children’s Clinic is kicking off a monthly parenting series with a 6 p.m. meeting at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). Hosted by Dr. Carey Levin and Dr. Becca Percy,” it will address the topic “Should I see the doctor?

Common parenting questions.”

GARDEN MUSIC • From 6:30 to 8 p.m., Pearl & Wood play Carbondale Beer Works (647 Main St.).

FRIDAY Aug. 18

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

Events take place in Carbondale unless noted.

Two Rivers Park in Glenwood at 8 a.m. before the 9 a.m. race start.

AMERICANA • Cole Campbell and Indigo Mojo play from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at White House Pizza (801 Main Ct.).

POP ROCK • Steve’s Guitars (19 N. Fourth Street) brings back Laney Jones & the Spirits band at 8:30 p.m. or thereabouts.

HARD FOLK • Stolen Rhodes plays The Black Nugget (403 Main St.) from 9 p.m. to midnight.

MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “An Inconvenient Sequel” (PG) at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18-24; “The Big Sick” (R) at 5 p.m.

Aug. 19 and “Dunkirk” (PG-13, captioned) at 2 p.m. on Aug. 20.

JAZZ • Elements Jazz plays from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at the Marble Distillery (150 Main St.).

GENETIC HARMONY • The Brother Brothers, the fiddle, cello, guitar and banjo playing twins from Brooklyn, start at 8:30 p.m. at Steve’s Guitars (19 N. Fourth St.).

SUMMER PARTY • Mezzaluna Willits (941 E. Valley Road) offers specials and, from 8 to 11 p.m., music from DJ Dylan.

SATURDAY Aug. 19 DOG DAY 5K • Support Colorado Animal Rescue with a race in which friendly, leashed pups are welcome. Register at www.coloradoanimalrescue.org or stop by

SUNDAY Aug. 20 ONE TABLE • Bring your family and friends to a town-wide potluck on Fourth Street. Reserve your spot by emailing ourtown1table@gmail.com or calling (305) 710- 0826. Visit ourtown1table.weebly.com for more information.

MONDAY Aug. 21 HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION • Free opportunities include…

• One-hour consultation about heart attack prevention, plant-based nutrition, other medical issues. Call retired family doctor Greg

s ocation l 2 / ts 2 nigh Eleven artists present piano, dance, poetry, harp, comedy & singer / songwriting. Curated

by Alya Howe and Andrew Clearfield.

September 9 – 7:30 p.m.

The Launchpad, Carbondale September 10 – 6 p.m.

The Wheeler Opera House, Aspen

$25 tickets saloncarbondale. eventbrite.com

THIS COMMUNITY AD SPACE DONATED BY COOL BRICK STUDIOS.

SHRUB of the week Sumac – Plant now for red/orange fall

colored foliage. Tall and shorter varieties available all for sunny areas.

PERENNIAL of the week

PLANTS & PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

25% OFF

Sedum – A sun loving plant with

succulent foliage. Upright or ground hugging varieties with various foliage and bloom colors.

REGULAR PRICES

Watch for other bonus specials throughout the store!

NEW HOURS! Mon-Fri. 8 a .m. – 5 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p .m.

Closed Sundays

PRODUCT of the week Fountains – An addition to the

landscape providing garden ornament and the calming sound of moving water.

Remember: Senior Day is every Tuesday.

15% off storewide for 62+ year olds.

400 Gillespie Drive, El Jebel, CO 81623

970-963-1173

14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 17-23, 2017

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. in the 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 (520 S. Third St.).

All events supported by Davi Nikent, Center for Human Flourishing. More information at www.davinikent.org.

the Dallenbach Ranch (2561 Frying Pan Rd., Basalt). A $10 entry fee benefits Cedar Ridge Ranch and the Roaring Fork Conservancy.

Questions email orvisflyfishing@yahoo.com or (810) 962-0635.

FRIDAY Aug. 25 COWBOY UP • Enjoy live music by LeverAction, dancing, food from Slow Groovin’ BBQ and both a silent and live auction in this benefit for Ascendigo. It all goes down from 6 to 10 p.m. at Fourth and Main.

WEDNESDAY Further Out Aug. 23 SUNDAY, Aug. 27

CLIMATE DOCUMENTARY • CLEER and Wilderness Workshopbring “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” to the Crystal Theatre (427 Main St.) for a one-night event, complete with a 5:30 p.m. reception at Batch and an introduction by Amory Lovins before the 7 p.m. showing.

Tickets are $15 and available at www.wildernessworkshop.org/film.

LADIES ON THE FLY • An effort to get more women involved in flyfishing, this ladies only event gives newbies and advanced anglers alike a chance to gather at

CVEPA • The Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association will host its annual dinner and meeting at 6 p.m. at the Redstone Inn (82 Redstone Blvd.) on Sunday evening August 27. Call 963-1389 with any questions.

Ongoing RODEO • The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo takes place at the Gus Darien Arena on Catherine Store Road every Thursday through August 17. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with slack at 6 and a 7:30 p.m. Grand Entry.

BIRDING • Meet a Roaring Fork Audubon volunteer at 7 a.m. every first and third Thursday May through August in the little parking area next to the south Crystal River Bridge. Free.

POETRY WORKSHOPS • Release your inner poet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the first and

CALENDAR page 15

Community Calendar

continued from page 14

Ongoing

third Mondays of each month a the Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave.).

YOUR STORY, YOUR LIFE • A free facilitated workshop for adults, writing your personal history, one story at a time. Facilitated

by Shelly Merriam, historian/writer/genealogist. First and third Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library, (815 Cooper Ave.). Info at 945-5958 or gcpld.orgf.

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.

SAVE MICHELLE’S GARDEN • A local citizen action group devoted to protecting Michelle Obama’s White House garden meets at 5 p.m. every other Thursday at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

C’DALE TRUSTEES • The Carbondale Board of Trustees holds regular meetings the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Town Hall (511 Colorado Ave.) starting at 6 p.m. The trustees usually hold a work session at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays. Info: 963-2733 or carbondalegov.org.

MEET THE MAYOR • Carbondale Mayor Dan Richardson holds his weekly “Office Hours” session at the Village Smithy (26 S. Third St.) from 7 to 8 a.m. on Tuesdays. Drop by and say hi.

SOLO EXHIBIT • Carbondale Arts presents a solo exhibition of paintings by Paul Manes,

at The Launchpad (76 S. 4th St., Carbondale).

Manes, who now lives in Carbondale, has been widely exhibited in America and Europe and his paintings have been acquired by many museums and private collections.

your choice or just your voice for a weekly jam session first and last Sundays at 6:30 at Steve’s Guitars (19 N 4th St.) and all other Sundays at the Glenwood Springs Brew Garden (115 Sixth St.).

AMERICAN ART • The Ann Korologos Gallery (211 Midland Ave., Basalt) hosts “America at Heart: Valleys to Peaks” a solo exhibition of works by Dan Young showcasing plein air impressions of Colorado’s most beloved locations and pastimes.

COMMUNITY MEAL • Faith Lutheran Church (1340 Highway 133) hosts a free community meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month.

Info: 510-5046 or faithcarbondale.com. Carbondale Homeless Assistance also has its meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

CARBONDALE CLAY • The Carbondale Clay Center (135 Main St.) presents its twelfth annual national juried exhibition, this year called “The Art of Utility” and focused on functional ceramic wares. For more information, visit www.carbondaleclay.org or call 963-2529.

WRITERS GROUP • Wordsmiths of all experience and abilities gather at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of the month.

IMMUNIZATION CLINICS • Garfield County offers immunization clinics at the Carbondale Family Resource Center (in the Bridges Center at 400 Sopris Ave.) the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. To schedule an appointment, call 945-6614, ext. 2030.

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.

BLUEGRASS JAM • Bring the instrument of

FARMER’S MARKET • Local produce and more available at the Fourth Street Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays.

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.).

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.

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.

SENIOR MATTERS • The nonprofit Senior Matters, based in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.), offers numerous programs for senior citizens, including: tai chi with John Norman at 8:30 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday; tai chi with Marty Finklestein at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; Alaprima Painters at 11 a.m. on Thursdays; the Senior Matters Book Club at 4 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month; and the Roaring Fork Brain Train.

Info: seniormatters.org; Diane Johnson at 970-306-2587; and Senior Matters, Box 991, Carbondale CO, 81623.

SENIOR RADIO • Diane Johnson talks about senior issues and services on KDNK at 4:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.

BRIDGE • The Carbondale Bridge Club hosts duplicate bridge (not sanctioned by ACBL) from 6:30 to 10 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). $6/per pair.

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 Mi Casita (580 Main St.) at noon every Thursday.

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.

know farmers, know roasted chilis Borden Farm

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This family farm has served the valley for 13 years when the market started. Certified organic vegetables, fruit, herbs, roasted chilis, hanging baskets, and herb plants.

Celebrate Every Last Minute of Summer Labor Day / First Friday Edition Published: Thursday, August 31 Our ad offices will be closed on Monday, September 4.

Please reserve ad spots in our September 7 edition by noon, Thursday, August 31.

Call 970-379-7014 or email: adsales@soprissun.com THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 17-23, 2017• 15

Fire board will pursue new mill levy at same rate

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Voters who live in the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District will be asked in the fall to extend a tax hike approved in 2015 that provided an increase to the district’s bottom line, which had been badly weakened by the Great Recession of 2008-2009.

The district’s board of directors voted unanimously on Aug. 9 to ask for a 1.75 mill levy override for the coming three years, to keep the district’s property tax revenues from declining once the two-year, 2015 tax hike expires at the end of this year.

The fire department depends almost entirely on property taxes levied against homes and businesses in the 323-square mile district, which comprises territory in three counties — Garfield, Pitkin and Gunnison — and includes six different fire stations.

Property valuations are recalculated every two years by county tax assessors, and the tax rate can vary in relation to property values. The base tax rate, minus the mill-levy override granted in 2015, is 5.9 mills. A mill is one-thousandth of the taxable value of property, and the fire district’s base tax rate translates to about $177 in taxes on a home valued at $300,000. With each two-year revaluation, if property values rise then taxes can increase without a rise in the tax rate.

The district’s need for funds has been a constant refrain ever since 2011, when fire district officials won a temporary tax hike from voters after seeing property tax rev-

enues plummet by approximately 40 per- general fund budget (which covers day-today operations) had rebounded to about cent due to the recession.

At that point, the district had drastically $2.7 million.

The 2015 mill levy override was good cut annual expenditures and was dipping into its cash reserves to keep from taking a for $595,000 in 2017, which allowed the hit in the level of service provided to the tax- district to afford raises for its paid employpayers in ambulance services as well as fire ees and some equipment purchases, as well fighting. The district also froze salaries and as letting the board continue the slow process of building up its hiring, and at one point laid cash reserves, which had off three paid fire fighters to dipped below $1 million as keep the budget in the black. the annual general fund Voters rejected a fire-disbudget shrank following trict tax increase proposal the recession. in 2013, largely because the If approved, a new mill district sought a relatively levy override would bring large increase that had no in roughly $640,000 in “sunset clause” or expiraadditional revenues in tion date, then said okay to 2018, bringing overall revthe 2015 tax increase (techenues up to more than $3 nically a “mill levy over– Fire Chief Ron Leach million rather than the ride”) of 1.75 mills — the roughly $2.5 million ansame amount proposed ticipated if the tax questhis year. tion is not approved.

As a result, in 2014 the Without the voter-apdistrict was forced to cut more than $500,000 in expenses from the proved override, Fire Chief Ron Leach told budget, and withdraw $700,000 from re- the fire board on Aug. 9, the impact on the serves to make ends meet, leaving the re- budget would be “severe.” He said that the serves at a level that district officials felt was resultant budget would be sufficient to pay basic costs, such as for personnel, fuel and dangerously low.

By 2016, the district’s general fund cash insurance, but not much more.

Without those added funds, Leach told reserves were back up to $1.3 million (a level considered barely adequate to keep the board, rising costs would force the disthe district solvent in the event of an un- trict to dip into its reserves again, and drop foreseen fiscal emergency) and the annual them from nearly $1.2 million at the end of

“We are simply asking for a maintaining election.”

this year, to about $476,000 at the end of 2018 — well below the level needed to fund six months of district operations as required by district policy.

With added funds from the override, Leach said, the district would still need to withdraw from the reserves account, but to a much lesser degree.

There is considerable uncertainty in the numbers at this point, Leach told The Sopris Sun, because the assessors from the three counties touched by the district will not issue final revaluation numbers for this year until Aug. 25.

Once those figures are released, Leach indicated, the district will be able to firm up its numbers relating to the 2018 budget and the mill levy override.

Among the expenses Leach predicts for next year, he told the board, is around $350,000 for new vehicles to replace aging and outmoded equipment, and at least $50,000 for new communications equipment to replace radios that at present are not able to communicate with new equipment used by some county dispatchers.

“We are simply asking for a maintaining election,” Leach said to the board, meaning for an extension that will keep the district essentially on its present financial footing for the next three years, until 2020.

At that point, he said, the district can again ask for more tax revenues if property valuations have not risen to the point where a higher tax rate would not be needed.

Gather with us.

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Mountain Valley Developmental Services is seeking Full and Part Time DSPs to work in Carbondale.

Experience is not necessary as paid training will be provided.

Experienced applicants earn $17.50/hr. Medical, Dental and Vision.

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16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 17-23, 2017

Hootenanny with the Heathens The Band of Heathens rolled into town last week to help the Carbondale Creative District celebrate their first birthday. The band, a Carbondale favorite, headlined the “hootenanny” on the Fourth St. Plaza on Aug. 11, which was organized by Carbondale Arts and KDNK. The free community concert thrilled the throngs of folks there to celebrate. The festivities that evening also featured opening act Erika Ryann and several Creative District artists generating art along the sidelines.

Carbondale Arts held their Mountain Fair volunteer party earlier in the evening at The Launchpad, where the Heathens performed an acoustic set for Mountain Fair volunteers and Early-Bird KDNK members. The Mountain Fair slideshow, food and volunteer awards were also a part of that celebration. Photos and text by Jane Bachrach

Clockwise starting at upper left: Band of Heathens' guitarist/vocalist Ed Jurdi during live concert performance, Heathens doing acoustic set at The Launchpad; "bubble-ist and guy in bubble – names unknown; Kristen Levey, a Mountain Fair volunteer award winner; Nathan Segovia, Carbondale Creative District artist; creative dancer Marilyn McDonnell and Camy Britt who dances to a tune specifically dedicated to her by the Heathens.

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 17-23, 2017• 17

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A town-focused program brought to you by: Town of Carbondale, Garfield Clean Energy, CORE, CLEER 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 17-23, 2017

Gus Darien in the mid ’70s. Photo by Rebecca Young

Who was Gus Darien?

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff As the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo wraps up its summer season, it’s worth remembering that the Gus Darien Arena takes its name not from a star rider but from a hard working rancher and steady stopwatch man.

“Gus was an amazing character and one of the last of the old guard,” said John Armstrong, who worked with the Dariens for years. “He could do pretty much everything — farming, ranching, woodworking… He was from that self sufficient generation.”

John gave his son, Ben, Gus as a middle name. He remembers the original as a tall man of short stature who styled himself as the meanest guy in town but was really a pillar of the community.

It’s a legacy, among others, that Roz and Tom Turnbull are trying to keep alive in a new pavilion at the rodeo arena — which serves as an ice rink in the winter.

“Sometimes we are just struck by the number of people who have helped the community, and they’re not always remembered,” Roz observed.

The pavilion itself is dedicated to Roz’s parents, longtime ranchers Bob and Ditty Perry. It went through several conceptual phases before landing at the rodeo grounds, which the Turnbull’s think is perfect.

“It’s the Carbondale melting pot on Thursday night,” Tom said.

The addition of a display has allowed them to showcase some of the other facets of local history, including answering some of the oft-posed questions about

the arena’s namesake.

Gus Darien was born in Emma in 1911 shortly after the family arrived in the area from Italy’s Aosta Valley with his two older brothers, Hank and Jim already in tow. He went to the Emma Schoolhouse, but never graduated. He married Elda Cerise, herself a native, and they had three children. The family began working the land in Marble, Thompson Creek and Carbondale.

“There was nobody here,” his son, Larry observed. “It cost next to nothing to buy it.”

In a time when Carbondale’s population was measured in hundreds and the main road into town followed the present course of Eighth Street and Weant Boulevard — leaving downtown with more gas stations and motels than restaurants — the Dariens owned most of the area east of old town and south to the current Roaring Fork High School building. They donated the land for the Methodist Church and hosted the roping club’s arena, which is how Gus’s name ended up on the new arena when it was moved out to Catherine Store.

In addition to moving cattle up and down the Valley with the seasons — which was just a matter of driving them along the dirt road that became the highway — the Dariens raised sheep and pigs, farmed potatoes and kept a garden and an orchard.

“We ate most of what we grew,” Larry recalled. “In the winter you didn’t have anything fresh.”

It wasn’t the easiest way to live.

“I used to get time off from school to DARIEN page 19

In Satank, hydrant trickles as house burns From the archives of the Roaring Fork Valley Journal Aug. 18, 1977

Aug. 21, 1997

An investigation was underway after a series of issues plagued fire department attempts to douse a burning home in Satank, which was completely consumed. It reportedly took 20 minutes for word of the fire to reach the volunteer department after the dispatcher put out the call on the wrong channel. When crews did arrive, they were unable to get any usable pressure out of a nearby hydrant, while Fire Chief Ron Richards had reportedly taken one of the tanker trucks and the coupling for the other one to a fire in New Castle. Most of the (metaphorical) heat fell on Richards as solutions were sought for each problem.

In other news… Future Garfield County Treasurer Georgia Chamberlain and future Carbondale Trustee John Foulkrod were featured in a Mutual Savings and Loan Association as they bought a home in town.

The first phase of Crystal River Elementary School was preparing to open its doors as a kindergarten and first grade, with the old Carbondale Elementary School accommodating 410 second through fifth graders. (CRES was eventually added onto until it replaced CES — with fifth grade moving to the middle school.)

In other news… The final phase of the Ranch at Roaring Fork was approved, with 22 homesites slated for five acres.

Aug. 20, 1987 Basalt Town Council had already approved $2000 to move the Basalt Chamber of Commerce’s little red caboose into the park downtown, but were initially disinclined to place it exactly where the chamber wanted it.

After a petition and some backing from the chief of the police, however, the council changed its tune and agreed to have it located on the east end of the property close to the town hall.

In other news… Garfield County Sheriff and former Carbondale Police Chief Verne Soucie was balking at a 15 percent cut to his department, which commissioners asserted was not affecting services.

Aug. 23, 2007 The North Thompson Four Mile Mineral Land Company granted Pitkin County a 4,773 acre conservation easement in Jerome Park west of Carbondale.

The nearly $10 million deal assured the space would remain open for cattle crazing and cross country skiing, with future development potential limited to four homesites. Said Open Space Director Dale Will, “This deal proves that agriculture, habitat and recreation can coexist in a landscapes that provides both sustenance and inspiration to all.”

In other news… Trustees approved the second in a series of new developments along Dolores Way, which was viewed as particularly desirable for its proximity to the RFTA park and ride.

Darien om page 18 pick potatoes,” he added. “I would rather have gone to school.”

Gus always had a second job, he added, whether as a brand inspector or a town trustee.

When the mines reopened in Redstone, the town’s agrarian roots began to shift. The family sold a large part of the remaining Carbondale property to Mid-Continent Resources for a housing project in 1964 and moved into a house on Seventh and Colorado which was purchased for them as part of the deal. The Thompson Creek property still known to some as Darien Meadows is now part of Crystal River Ranch, Elda continued to live in the house on Colorado well into the ’90s, and Larry still lives on the land in Marble.

Gus’s heart gave out as he was working on a ditch south of town in 1981.

“He was still a young man at 70 with his humor and ability to work,” Armstrong said.

Larry isn’t sure what his father would have thought of what’s become of the place he grew up.

“He wouldn’t recognize the area. He had a saying that if you couldn’t walk out your door and take a piss your neighbors were too close,” he said. “The whole Valley has changed and it’s just totally out of touch with reality. As soon as somebody has been here two years they think they’re an old timer. The end up trying to make it into everything they left behind.”’

Gus might, however, feel at home as the gates open up in the arena that bears his name — and hosted his grandson as a bull rider for a while around 2009.

“I think that’s an important legacy for him,” Larry said.

Parting Shot

We are currently hiring at the Aspen airport restaurant.

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Carbondale Arts’ creative sales associate and small-time troublemaker Staci Dickerson felt a bit playful during the Band of Heathens acoustic set at the Launchpad on Aug. 11 and gave Gordy Quist another set of ears. The special performance was part of the Mountain Fair volunteers’ party and dovetailed nicely with the amplified event outside later in the evening.

Photo by Jane Bachrach

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Rates: $15 for 30 words, $20 for up to 50 words. Payment due before publication.*

HELP WANTED. The Sopris Sun is seeking a half time reporter to start work as soon as mid September. For information, email will@soprissun.com or call 510-0540.

GET THE WORD OUT IN UNCLASSIFIEDS! Rates start at $15. Email unclassifieds@soprissun.com. *Credit card payment information should be emailed to unclassifieds@soprissun.com or call 948-6563. Checks may be dropped off at our office at the Third Street Center or mailed to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. Call 510-3003 for more info.

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 17-23, 2017• 19