Sopris
Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper
the
Carbondale’s community
supported, weekly newspaper
Sun
Volume 9, Number 42 | November 23, 2017
Zombies
out on the town
Gobble gobble
A horde of zombies turned out for the annual pub crawl around downtown Carbondale the evening of Oct. 21. Diners lucky enough to be in Town for the popular eatery’s last supper were grateful not only because they were able to enjoy one more dinner before the restaurant closed, but also because they were safe from the insatiable thirst of creepy creatures like Kelly Hedrick. Photo by Jane Bachrach roaring Fork High School held its annual Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 17, with students supplying side dishes and staff stuffing turkeys. The dessert table, featuring a plethora of pumpkin pies, appeared to be the most popular, but pretty much everything was gobble gobbled up in the end. Photos by Jane Bachrach
Book your Company Holiday Party Now!
From 20 to 100 people... We’ve got you covered!
580 treet Carbondale .mi-casit a.net • •Deliv er ing from idge totoCat her ine SStore tore – –Call t ails 580Main MainSStreet Carbondale• •www www.mi-casita.net Delivering fromIron IronBrBridge Catherine Callforfordedetails
970.963.5880 relatives in town? 970.963.5880 On On thethe SE SE Corner of Hwy 133133 Corner of Hwy andand Main Street in in Main Street Carbondale Carbondale
wine. 10% OFF: You’ll need Open ‘til 7pm 15% OFF: on thanksgiving.
ANY COMBIN COMBINATION NATION OF 6 BOTTLES (WINE, LIQUOR LIQUOR OR SPIRITS) ANY COMBIN COMBINATION IN NATION OF 12 BOTTLES (WINE, L IQOUR OR SPIRITS) LIQOUR
CarbondaleCommentary Commentary Carbondale 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 Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the of The Sopris Sun. The reflect those necessarily do not page Commentary on the expressedFor and opinions he to views the editor or guest columns. more information, email editor Will Grandbois at news@soprissun.com, orSopris call 510-3003. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the Sun. reflect those of The Sopris necessarily do not page Will the Commentary and opinions he views 510-3003. or call at news@soprissun.com, Grandbois email editor information, For more on columns. expressed or guest ditor ditor or guest columns. For more information, email editor Will Grandbois at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.
OPINION A A former former wildlife wildlife officer’s officer’s perspective perspective on on the the Crystal Crystal Trail Trail
A Raiders fan in Bronco Country
By John Seidel The natural grandeur of this beautiful valley will thrill visitors no matBy JohnDOW Seidel Biologist and Retired The natural this beautiful ter what sidegrandeur the trail of is placed on. valley will thrill visitors no matRetired DOW Biologist and Journal columnist. ormer Roaring Fork Valley ter Providing what side access the trail is placed on.to the river in Avalanche Creek and to the east side ormer Roaring Fork Valley Journal columnist. Providing access to the east side toto thesignificant river in Avalanche Creek I see through the local papers that the proposed Crystal Valley trail Filoha Meadows will provide access habitat that willand be I see through the local papers that the proposed Crystal Valley trail Filoha Meadows will provide access to significant habitat that be s still being considered for placement on the east side of the Crystal degraded by bandit trails and off track intrusions. Mountain will bikers s still being considered for placement thediscussed east sideand of the Crystal trails species. and off They track seek intrusions. Mountain River. This controversial placement hason been rejected by degraded appear to by be abandit pioneering out new trails andbikers ways Bypublic, Jimmy D’Annibale River. This local controversial placement been discussed and rejectedand by appear to beina previously pioneering untracked species. They seekand out meadows. new trails and ways he governments, local has environmental organizations of traveling forests I have no he public, local governments, local environmental organizations and of traveling in previously untracked forests and meadows. I have no he state Wildlife Division (CPW). am surprised TheColorado first thingParks I’m and always asked is “How did Iyou become a doubt that these users will gain access from the east side of the Cryshe state Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division (CPW). I am surprised doubt that these users will gain access from the east side of the Cryshat Pitkin who led both thethen stateliving and natal up old mine roads in Filoha meadows and reach elk Raider fanCounty, growing uphas in New Jersey in Colorado for hat County, who has led both the state natal upthat old mine in Filoha meadows and reach elk ional efforts to protect natural habitats andand placed trails followroads the ridge line from Hawk Peak down thePitkin past 35 years?” ional efforts to protect natural habitats and placed trails that follow the ridge line from Hawk Peak down wildlife as a significant value for its citizens, is even conto Elephant Mountain. Enforcement of closures of eiWhen I was a kid in the mid to late 70s, the Raiders had the wildlife as a significant value for its citizens, is even conto Elephant Mountain. Enforcement of closures of eiidering placing this trail in undisturbed wildlife habitat. ther seasonal or new trails has proven to be very diffi“commitment to excellence” whether they had to cheat or play idering placing this trail in undisturbed wildlife habitat. ther seasonal or new trails has proven to be very diffiI wastoassigned the Carbondale cult, and non-compliance has demonstrated that some dirty be thattoway. “Just win, District baby!”for as the Al ColDavis said. They I was assigned the Carbondale District Colcult, andusers non-compliance demonstrated that some orado Division ofto Wildlife (DOW) 1972for andthe served of these do not respecthas regulations and restrictions. had players like Howie Long andinQuarterback Ken Stabler, who orado Division of Wildlife (DOW) in 1972 and served of these users do not respect regulations and restrictions. nclaimed that capacity untilthe 1978. I workedby with DOW Kevin Wright, a retired wildlife for both the to study playbook theAspen jukebox light the night Jimmy D. and friends on game day. Photo by officer Will Grandbois n that Allen capacity until 1978. I worked with Aspen DOW Kevin Wright, a retireddistricts, wildlife has officer for both officer Whitaker identifying andone mapping Carbondale and Aspen in his letterthe of before the game, andinJohn Madden, of the sigmost iconic and officer Allen Whitaker in identifying and mapping sigCarbondale andspelled Aspenout districts, has and in his letter of nificant wildlife habitat for Pitkin County in 1974. We March 23, 2017 the science studies On Sundays I bartend at the Pour House. I love watchingthat the colorful coaches the NFL ever saw. The Raiders were involved nificant wildlife habitat for Pitkin County in 1974. We March 23, spelled out the science and studies that also helped regulations that would protect support his2017 professional opinion that Joe the placement Traci, Kim and Shawn, Carol, and Jerry of — in some ofwrite the land mostuse famous and infamous plays in NFL history: game with B.D., also helped write land use regulations that would protect support his professional opinion that the placement of hese habitats. This was“The groundbreaking and one of the Holy Roller” who sometimes this trail on theateast will havefor negative effects on get made me side for rooting the other teams. “The Sea of Hands,” Ghost to the Post,” “The hesecounties habitats.inThis was and onehabitat of the this trail wildlife on the east side will have negative effects on first the stategroundbreaking to incorporate wildlife resident Rick Thompson, a long our glasses andpopulations. say “go Broncos” and all is forgiven. of course “The Immaculate Reception,” which Raider fans try to Then we click first counties in the state to incorporate wildlife habitat resident wildlife populations. Rick Thompson, a long nput its planning andbut zoning time private consultant withme a history peer Being a Raider fan inwildlife Colorado has taught to be aofbetter in the past still regulations. whine about, and the “Tuck Rule Call,” n its planning and zoning regulations. timeand private wildlife consultant with a history of peer This decision, the trail on thefan eastwill sidedisagree of the Crystal respected positions numerous developments football studies fan. One time during one ofon John Elway’s early Super which anyone to butlocate a New England with.River They reviewed Thisbe decision, to locate the trail on the valuation east side ofofthe Crystal River reviewed studiesslope, and respected positions on numerous and developments would contrary to this long standing wildlife habitat the games, western agreedasked with Kevin’s warnings. Bowl I was almost to leaveassessments by one of my close friends also had the highest percentage of any team in all pro sports. And on would be contrary to this long standing valuation of wildlife habitat on the western slope, agreed with Kevin’s assessments and warnings. nwhen the county. Since the ’70s there has been a tremendous amount of What is the motivation to put this trail on the east side? Why would and one of the biggest Bronco fans you would ever meet because you’re 12 years old, black and silver are pretty cool colors. n the county.inSince the ’70s valley there has been areduced tremendous amount of What is the motivation to put thisand trailprotected on the east side? Why would development this narrow that has the usable habiyour county which has supported wildlife habitats for In fact, I’ve never been to Oakland. This year I’m finally making of the comments I was making. Sorry, Hungry Bob, I apologize, development in this narrow valley that has reduced the usable habiyour county which has supported and protected wildlife habitats for at bypilgrimage the historictopopulations of the many wildlife species thatthe useteam this almost years disregard science aand experience but in 50 all fairness, I think the it’s almost duty for a guyof inexperts his 20s to to the see the Raider/Bronco game there before at by the historic populations of the many wildlife species that use this almost 50 years disregard the science and experience of experts to valley astothe last habitats available togame them.inElk were originally a placate the ideological desire by aour fewDNA. individuals, with a narrow and be loud and obnoxious. It’s in moves Las Vegas. It’ll be my first 35 years in a friendly valley as the last habitats available toand them. Elk were originally a placate the ideological desire by a few individuals, with a narrow and plains animal that riverColiseum bottoms of the state. single track focus. I must say now, to my chagrin, I really like and respect the environment — ifoccupied you canthe callplains the Oakland friendly. plains animal that occupied the plains and river bottoms of the state. single track focus. Continuous development of these drove these and other species Kelly Grange, historic ownercould of Filoha Meadows, offered to best sell Bronco team and fans. How you not, with one of the Of course, I’ve been to manyareas Bronco/Raider games in Denver. Continuous development of these areas drove These these and other species Kelly Grange, historic owner of Filoha Meadows, offered to use sell nto the mountains and less accessible areas. habitats are the me this property in 1976. Ron Shore, a pioneer in solar energy quarterbacks that every played the game — John Elway — who is Thethe last one was and way less back in 2002,areas. thanks to the generosity of me nto mountains accessible These habitats are the this property in 1976. Ron Shore, a pioneer in solar energy use ast ones available; there is nowhere else left for them to use. seats! inalso the proving valley, went with me and together we evaluated the hot in springs to be one of the craftiest and smartest GMs footthe Chacos Family, who gave me the tickets — incredible astI ones available;that there is issue nowhere else left debated. for themThe to use. in the went me and together we evaluated hot springs amthe surprised this is still being State thevalley, property forwith use in heating single homes.the We ball. Not that I’m starting to root forfamily the Broncos, evencalculated though I After game, that which ofissue course the Raiders lost,The I was theDivionly on I am surprised thisover is still being debated. State Divion the property for10-12 use inhomes heating single family homes. We calculated ion of Wildlife has for 30 years as a respected professional that we could heat with the hot springs on the property. did we in the lastheat Super Bowl — congratulations threeontime champs! oneof inWildlife black and silver in the men’s room with about 40 Bronco that ion has for over 30 years as a respected professional could 10-12 homes with the hot springs the property. agency advised against locating the trail Ion the east side We stood in theofmeadow lookedfirst up atSuper ChairBowl Mt and decided Speaking the Broncos’ win, that that day neiwas fans. continuously A few of them said some derogatory things, turned around agency continuously advised against locating the trail on the east side We stood in the meadow looked up at Chair MtWould and decided that neiofsaid, the river. The push to locate it on the east side is the life-long dream ther of us wanted to develop this beautiful spot. Pitkin County devastating to me and especially my wallet, but immediately after “Hey, it was a great game and you played with class like you of the river. The push locate it onon thetoeast side is the life-long dream ofallowed us wanted develop this beautiful spot. Would Pitkin County ofalways Dale Will has to been Gary Open ther have thistodevelopment onbiggest this parcel? Why the game I went up to the two BroncoII think fans Inot. knew — do.”and It went dead passed silent, with all the Tennenbaum fans with theirof mouths of Dale Will and has been passed on to Gary Tennenbaum of Open have allowed this development on this parcel? think not. Why Space and Trails. allow this impact? Chuck G. and Terry P. — shook their hands and said “Congratulaopen not knowing what to say. It was broken by a “Wow, a cool Space and trail Trails. allow thisexisting impact?land use codes would prohibit this development if A bike up the Crystal Riveryou valley would a very nice addiYour you’re Super Champs andprohibit you deserve it.” Raider fan,” and “Well, at least made the be playoffs.” Then five tions, bike up the Crystal River be a very nice addiYour existing landBowl use codes would this development if ionAto thetrail extensive trail system of valley Pitkinwould County and western Col- being done by aI private corporation. let a public Ofdone course, alwaysindividual hear griefor about the wayWhy the Raider fans hard core Bronco trail fans system gave me high fives andand wished us Colgood being ion to the extensive of Pitkin County western by a private individual or corporation. Why let a public orado. It could be placed along the west side of the river and the agency do it? Stick to your principles; support knowledge and science luck. It’s stuff like that that makes the fun. RAIDER FAN page 14 orado. It 133 could be placed along westgame of the river and the do it? Stick to your principles; support knowledge and science Highway right-of-way wouldthe provide aside wonderful experience to agency over emotion and ideology. This is obvious to anyone, not just bioloHighway 133 right-of-way would provide a wonderful experience to over emotion and ideology. This is obvious to anyone, not just biolohe biking public. The scenic wonders of this beautiful valley will be gists, that this trail on the undisturbed east side of the river would dehe bikingfrom public. wonders ofThe thisbike beautiful valleythe will be gists, this trail on sidethis of the river trail would deenjoyable theThe westscenic side of the river. trail along Colgradethat the habitats. Dothe theundisturbed right thing.east Locate needed along enjoyable from west side the river.Its The bike trail along theInterCol- grade the habitats.corridor Do the right thing. needed trail along orado River hasthe become veryofpopular. location next to the the transportation of Hwy 133.Locate As onethis who rode his bike on orado River has noticed becomeby very popular. Itsriver location next to theare Interthe transportation corridor of Hwy 133.aAs oneiswho rodeJust his bike on tate in not even its users. The and the canyon the Hwy 133 during the era of coal trucks; trail needed. build it 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 tate in not even noticed by its users. The river and the canyon are the Hwy 133 during the era of coal trucks; a trail is needed. Just build it ocus of the users. The same could be said of the Crystal Valley Trail. along the existing road. It will be safe and very enjoyable for its users. at P.O. Box 399, Carbondale CO 81623. Letters exceeding that length may be returned for revision or submission as a guest column; ocus of the users. The same could be said of the Crystal Valley Trail. along the existing road. It will be safe and very enjoyable for its users. please include your name, town, and contact information. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.
OPINION OPINION
Letters
Not Doolittle
Letters Letters
so there will be no physical or financial imCommission staff began by saying they Dear Editor: pact to him. Please leave decisions regard- are receiving a declining number of setThis letter is in response Johnlimited Hoff- to ing he Sopris Sun welcomes your to letters, no more thanbehavior 500 words at news@soprissun.com 250 the words via snailAre mailthey at wildlife tovia theemail experts and back waiversorfrom residents. he Sopris SunCarbondale welcomes your81623. letters, limited exceeding to spend no more than 500 words via email We atfor news@soprissun.com or 250 snail please mail at .O. Box 399, CO Letters that length may returned revisionsurprised? or submission aswants awords guestavia column; mann’s letter “Coexisting with wildlife” our money morebe wisely. have Who noisy, smelly, .O. Box Carbondale COcontact 81623.information. Letters exceeding that length may be returned or submission as a guest column; please nclude your name, town, and The deadline for submission is noonfor on revision Monday. (Nov. 9,399, 2017). more pressing issues. methane gas belching well right next to nclude your name, town, and contact information. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. grief! Apparently John thinks Melissa Waters their house? SaveGood the aesthetics of the un-urbanCrystal place. River Valley Governments that if they control the that he is aesthetics the next Dr. Doolittle, talking to most Of the 20know or so speakers, only two Save the of the most un-urban place. Governments know that if they Nowhere control the Crystal River Valley Less invasive options include widening dialogue, they control the issues. in the animals. John, news flash, you are not supported the proposal. Battlement Mesa Crystal River Valley Less invasive options include widening dialogue, they control the issues. Nowhere in the highway shoulders by a few feet where the opinion gathering process has there been Dear Editor: Private gains for public losses a CWP officer and have NO expertise re- the resident Chuck Hall said has the there issuebeen has highway shoulders by a few feet where the opinion gathering process Dear Editor: only, and beginning the trail at the an option for residents to oppose any addiI’m deeply concerned about Open feasible garding wildlife, particularly in the the Crystal been on table since 2006 and it’s time to Dear Editor: feasible only, andPass beginning the trail at the tional an option forWildlife residents to oppose any addiI’mand deeply concerned about the Open top of McClure bypassing the costly path. is also not given an opSpace Trails proposed trail through the River Valley. get going. The most fervent supporter was Nobody was surprised the Garfield top of McClure Pass bypassing the costly tional path. Wildlife is also not given an opSpace and Trails proposed trail through the invasive construction within the valley. tion for “none of theofabove”— evidently they Crystal River Valley. It has been my There is NO benefit to wildlife byhome build- and Michael Tucker Rifle who profusely County Board of County Commissioners and invasive construction within the valley. tion for “none of the or above”— evidently they Crystal River Valley. It has been my home No trail should also be an option. don’t speak English have online access. or thirty years and I still thrill at its beauty ing Alternative B,I as noted by CWP and No praised Ursa, the commissioners and staff approved Ursaalso Resources application to don’t trail should be an option. speak English or have online access. or thirty years and still thrill at its beauty Like Robert Moses the builder of bridges and OST has conveniently deflected attention asother I drive Highway 133. I, as do many,do love independent experts. Wildlife not build forOST theirhas transparency and cooperation. a wastewater injection well inside Like Robert Moses the builder of bridges and away conveniently deflected attention as Ihike drive Highway 133. I, asnodo many, love highways found, if you build it they will come. from the “none of the above” option obenefit and bike and find shortage of by interacting with people. I don’t “What do you want from them,” heoption asked. the Battlement Mesa PUD despite two highways found, if you build it they will come. away from the “none of the above” o hike and bike and find no shortage of Thank you for your time and consideration. to focus attention on where a path should hese opportunities now. I have studied the know where you got this information, Opponents stressed health and quality days of public input that was decidedly Thank you for your time and consideration. to focus on where a path conclushould hese opportunities I have studied the Jacqueline Dearborn go — likeattention its existence is a foregone plans, and B.now. I find no good reason sinceboth it is A supported scientists and against the Jacqueline of lifelike issues and, repeatedly, the proximproposal. The Garco BOCC go its existence is a foregone concluplans, both Anot and B. I find by no good reason Marble Dearborn sion— — and has garnered opinion in a obiologists, embark upon a decades-long costly projand ayou are neither.costly projity of—theand injectiongarnered well to the fresh water has consistently gone along with anything sion Marble opinion in a o embark upon decades-long skewed processhas to gain an answer they want, ect that will produce endless traffic delays, Further, Pitkin County can’t buy all of None supply.process A friend sitting next to me had this the oilof andthe gasabove industry has come up with. skewed to gain an answer they want, ect that will produce endless traffic delays, on Crystal Trail just as Delia Malone and others contend. ntroduce signs, guardrails, pullouts, and the easements necessary for the trail unless aside: “I think we should do what Erin So why did I waste my time going to None of the above on Crystal Trail justI as Delia favored Malone aand others contend. ntroduce signs, guardrails, pullouts, and Dear Editor: initially path that did not eneven bridges required by Plan A or B. Either theybridges use eminent domain and take peo- Dear did. Askathe commissioners to last Editor: Thursday’s meeting and venting my Brockovich I initially favored path that did not eneven required by Plan A or B. Either croach on three ancient wintering grounds plan will destroy the natural vegetation, alter Pitco OST has been soliciting opinion for ple’s’ property away from them. This will drink the water from Battlement Mesa.” spleen? Because we got it on the record croach on three ancient wintering grounds plan willwildlife destroy the natural alter months Pitcoabout OST has soliciting opinion for for elk. I have owned a Carbondale busicritical areas, andvegetation, cross private the been preferred alignment of the cost even more areas, moneyand thancross Pitkinprivate County months Encouragingly, there was a millennial and our movement is gaining momentum. I have owned a Carbondale busicritical about preferred alignment of the for nesselk. for 12 years and lived there 17 years property.wildlife Further, either plan will ultimately proposed bikethe path in the Crystal Valley. has or should spend. whofor spoke up, Battlement Mesa17 resident There were approximately 50 Valley. people in ness 12 years and lived there years property. Further, either plan will ultimately proposed bike path in the Crystal esult in bringing an urban project into a This process is skewed and fatally flawed. LETTERS page 14 lives in Carbondale/Garfield County, the commissioner’s chambers. esultJohn in bringing an urban project into a This process is skewed and fatally flawed. letters page page 14 15 LETTERS • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • OCTOBER 26 NOVEMBER 1, 2017 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 16-22, 2017
Sincerest thanks to our Sincerest thanks to our
Honorary Publishers Honorary Publishers for their generous, ongoing commitment
for their generous, ongoing commitment of support. of support. Jim Calaway, Chair Jim Calaway, Chair Kay Brunnier Kay Brunnier Bob Ferguson – Jaywalker Lodge Bob Ferguson – Jaywalker Lodge Scott Gilbert – Habitat for Humanity RFV Scott Gilbert – Habitat for Humanity RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger Greg and Kathy Feinsinger
Thank you to our SunScribers Thank you to our SunScribers and community and community members for members for your support! your support! It truly takes a village to It truly takes village to keep The Sunashining. keep The Sun shining.
To inform, inspire and build community. To inform, inspire andaccepted build community. Donations Donations accepted online or by mail. online or by mail. P.O. Box 399 BoxStreet 399 #32 520 S.P.O. Third 520 S. Third Street #32 Carbondale, CO 81623 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com www.soprissun.com Editor Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com news@soprissun.com Advertising: Kathryn Advertising: Camp • 970-379-7014 Kathryn Camp • 970-379-7014 adsales@soprissun.com adsales@soprissun.com Reporter: Megan Tackett Reporter: Megan Photographer: Jane Tackett Bachrach Photographer: Jane Bachrach Graphic Designer: Terri Ritchie Graphic Designer: Ritchie Delivery: Tom Terri Sands Delivery: Tom Sands CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS board@soprissun.com board@soprissun.com Barbara Dills, President BarbaraBruell, Dills, President Debbie Secretary Debbie Cliff Colia Bruell, • DianaSecretary Alcantara Cliff Colia • Diana Alcantara Matt Adeletti • Olivia Pevec • Faith Magill MattStacey Adeletti • OliviaRaleigh Pevec •Burleigh Faith Magill Bernot• StaceyMurphy Bernot•• Nicolette Raleigh Burleigh Marilyn Toussaint Marilyn • Nicolette Toussaint The Sopris Murphy Sun Board meets regularly on the
The Sopris Sun Board meets regularly second Monday evening of each monthonatthe the second evening of each month at Third Monday Street Center. Check the calendar forthe Third Street Center. Checkdate the calendar details and occasional changes.for details and occasional date changes. Founding Board Members
Board Members AllynFounding Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird AllynBarbara HarveyNew • Becky Young •Phillips Colin Laird • Elizabeth Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell Peggyus DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell Send your comments: Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com feedback@soprissun.com The Sopris Sun, Inc. The Sopris Sun, is a proud member of Inc. the is a proud Creative memberDistrict of the Carbondale Carbondale Creative District
The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations The are fully tax deductible. The Sopris Sun,to Inc. is aSun 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.
No shortage of opportunities to shop local on Saturday — and beyond By Megan Tackett Sopris Sun Staff Martin Central Vacuums Systems at 534 Highway 133 is in an unassuming shopping strip and is an unlikely location to find handmade catnip pouches. “I mostly do the odd, unusual things,” said Margery Martin of her fabric-focused novelties. Her husband Ron runs the vacuum business and she displays and sells her wares from the same storefront. While perusers will find placemats and pot holders that are more familiar, most of Margery’s collection feels like a hodgepodge of items you didn’t know you needed. “These are the catnip mats. Cats love them,” she said. “We had them in the animal hospital, and the resident cat had nine in the basement!” Dog lovers, fret not. Margery also makes kerchiefs that adorn dog collars. Perhaps her most popular item is a sort of pocketed jewelry sack. “I’ve probably made 2,000 of these over [about] three years. I love making them. They are practical, and that’s what I like to make: practical things that people can use all the time that are pretty.” It’s just one example of a truly family business in Carbondale. While Margery’s mother and extended family were all talented seamstresses, she never cared for the craft in her youth. “I wanted to be out on a horse, so I didn’t care one bit about sewing.” Much later, Ron gave her a sewing machine as a shower gift for their wedding. “I thought, ‘Why didn’t he get me something practical?’ But somehow, all of that genetic love of fabric and sewing came through,” she said. Carbondalians are in no short supply of eccentric local shopping opportunities, from gifts to groceries. No matter where you go, chances are good that the entity has deep roots in the community. But some of the scenery is changing — and that can be a good thing.
Andrea Stewart of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce delivered Shop Small swag to Julie Ivansco of Sawyer’s Closet, which will be having a 20-percent off storewide sale and is one of the local businesses participating in the Chamber’s small business drawings. Each participating store will host a drawing for a prize — a $50 gift card at Sawyer’s — and then the Chamber will do a larger drawing on December’s First Friday. Photo by Will Grandbois
our retail experience, it couldn’t have been any better. fully some wonderful landlord will give someone a leg up, We don’t have anything that we would have done differ- a little bit of a headstart — because that’s what you need ently.” That said, it’s time for a new chapter. That chapter — and it’ll work out great for them.” The Beat isn’t the only business in town that is expandwill be written by Toby Britt and Lucy Perutz, her son and daughter-in-law, who will be expanding The Beat ing, nor is it the only place dedicated to supporting local food providers. into a fuller restaurant in June. “We’ve got more meats now than we’ve ever had, and “We just feel really fortunate that we’re able to pass the space on to the kids,” Cathy said, adding that she wished they’re [from] Carbondale and Delta,” said Laurie Loeb of more people had the opportunity to do something similar Dandelion Market’s new location at 1310 Highway 133. for a younger generation of business owners. “It can’t be “We reopened for two reasons: to serve the community up to us old folks. It has to be young people. I really be- and our members and to pay off all the small vendors and lieve that. So I’m thrilled that we can do this for them,” the farmers instead of declaring bankruptcy and leaving all she said. “If I could do both, I would. But it’s their turn; of them hanging,” she said, adding that the idea of leaving suppliers unpaid went against the organization’s mission. it’s their dream.” “I’ve been part of the co-op since day one. I really care a And dreaming they are. “I’ll be able to use anything I want. I’ll be able to be lot about it,” she said. “We’re still looking for some voluna lot more creative,” Perutz said about the expanded res- teers to work shifts. Mostly we need Saturdays. You have taurant that, unlike its first iteration, will include a full to make a commitment to work weekly, but for two hours kitchen. “When we started, it was Beat Jr.,” she said, add- only, you get 20 percent off of everything all the time,” she ing that the couple plans to maintain the ethos that in- emphasized, noting that she does about 98 percent of her spired them to open a restaurant in the first place: locally personal shopping at the market by taking advantage of sourced, hearty vegetarian cuisine. “My favorite thing to her discount. do is cook vegetarian food for people that don’t like vegetarian food,” she joked of the spirit of the fare she hopes Small Business Saturday One door closes, another opens Gifts and food, of course, are particularly relevant this to add to the local dining scene. Additionally, the expanded space will double as a small time of year. ’Tis the holiday season, after all, and No“Carbondale’s been amazing to us; absolutely amazing,” Cathy Britt, owner of Dancing Colours on Main event venue, she said, including weddings. While the weekly vember boasts more than just Thanksgiving on the festive Street, said of her store and its 14-year run. “As far as projected movie screenings will no longer be happening (the lineup. Business owners all over the country are gearing up couple is considering hosting one or for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25, and Carbondale two movie nights as special events), is no different. The recognized holiday started in 2010 as an effort there will be a large garden that will hopefully serve as an afternoon to contrast Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the latter “hangout,” she said, adding that “we of which encourages shoppers to spend their money onwant to do a little art fair sometime line. Small Business Saturday is all about spending dollars in the communities in which people live and work. in the summer.” Dancing Colours will be clos- Of course, the hope among Chambers of Commerce and ing its doors to make way for her small business advocates is that the trend lasts long past family’s new restaurant in Febru- just one day. “Shopping local is so important because it not only ary, Cathy said. “We are going to be closing around Valentine’s Day. helps the business thrive — which I think is very, very imWe’ll start sales in time for every- portant — but the sales tax goes to our police, Town of body to get wonderful valentine Carbondale staff, Parks and Recreation, Sopris Park, Main gifts,” she said. And while it feels Street…” Andrea Stewart, Carbondale Chamber of Comlike the end of an era, she hopes that merce executive director, said. Events such as First Fridays the store’s closing will leave a hole and Mountain Fair require additional staffing from the in Carbondale’s retail scene that town, all of which receive funding from sales tax revenues. “Even the library is dependent on the sales tax — just difwill be refilled. “I’m hoping someone else steps ferent things that people take for granted on a daily basis.” “Every penny counts,” Stewart said. So this holiday up to the plate,” she said. “We took “When we go into a fabric store, Ronnie’s job is to find the cat fabric. When a chance. We were committed to the season, when you’re shopping local, you’re giving to more he’s done, he can go outside and sit on the bench,” Margery said with a laugh. long haul, and it paid off. So hope- than just your intended giftee. Photo by Will Grandbois The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017 • 3
Town Report Event task force considers common consumption At a Nov. 15 meeting The Special Event Task Force considered the formation of an entertainment district and common consumption area for next summer’s First Friday events, according to Town Manager Jay Harrington’s weekly report to staff, trustees and others. Meanwhile… • Planning Staff received a referral from Garfield County regarding two new land use applications: a request to amend the County Comp Plan to create a new land use designation called “Residential Village” and apply it to a 41.64 acre property kitty corner from Catherine Store to this designation. The property owner is seeking this change in order to construct 300 units on the property. The Carbondale Planning Commission reviewed this proposal at its Nov. 16 meeting and expressed concern that this is creating urban density outside of the Urban Growth Area. They also noted that this is higher density than the County’s existing high density zone district. There were also concerns about impacts to Highway 82 in the mid-valley area. These comments will be summarized and sent to Garfield County. • The streets crew worked on trimming trees and brush in alleys, repaired the fence at public works and prepared equipment for winter operations. Some investigative work was also done on culverts near Main Street and Hendrick Drive in preparation for drainage improvements next year. • Town Hall will be closed Nov. 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving. • The Carbondale Recreation and Community Center will be closed Nov. 23 in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Additionally, the Roaring Fork High School basketball teams will be practicing in the rec. center over Thanksgiving break while gym surfaces at the schools are being refurbished. Published open gym times for members have not changed but access will be for half gym only during practice. A schedule is available at www.carbondalerec.com.
• Present climbing wall programming includes Facilitated Climbing every Wednesday night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Youth classes in session include Youth Climbing Class on Mondays during the afterschool time frame. An advanced Youth Climbing Class, Mommy (or Daddy) and Me and the Climbing Club. Registration is open for December youth climbing classes. The Town has added a session of the Beginning Youth Climbing Class on Mondays Dec. 4, 11,18 for $45.00. It will also be offering the Advanced Youth Climbing Class and the Climbing Club and new specialized climbing clinics for the fall for adults. A Lead Climbing Certification Clinic is scheduled for Nov. 30. Check out the details at www.carbondalerec.com. • Youth Learn to Play Hockey registration is now open. This program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays Jan. 2 through Feb. 1 at the Gus Darien Ice Rink at the rodeo grounds on County Road 100 at 4 to 5:30 p.m. for ages 6-9 and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for 10-14 year olds. Volunteer coaches are needed; contact Jason at 510-1279 or jthraen@carbondaleco.net. • Parks crews installed a message board kiosk at the Gateway RV Park and relocated the pay tube.They also placed the ice rink side boards at the rodeo area with the rink moved as far south as possible to take advantage of shade. • Although the North Sopris Park Bridge has been closed and barricaded due to vandalism on Halloween night, vandals kicked out additional vertical rails and damaged the horizontal rail that the new rails would go into, which will delay repairs. • Sales tax collections in October were up 10.8 percent above 2016, which may be a temporary bump as a result of the bridge closure. Year to date for 2017, collections are up 4.5 percent. • Work continues with AVLT on the Red Hill land acquisition. Town Staff met with Garfield County and CDOT concerning access and a future parking area.
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017
Cop Shop From Nov. 9 through 16, Carbondale Police handled 253 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note:
FRIDAY Nov. 10 at 12:24 a.m. An officer took a cold report of child abuse. SATURDAY Nov. 11 at 5:53 p.m. Police responded to a domestic violence call on Rio Grande Lane and arrested two men. SUNDAY Nov. 12 at 1:48 a.m. A traffic stop for failure to maintain a single lane lead to the arrest of the 37-year-old driver on a warrant as well as suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. TUESDAY Nov. 14 at 9:53 a.m. A juvenile turned himself in on an active warrant. TUESDAY Nov. 14 at 3:50 p.m. Following a traffic stop for a faulty back tail light, the driver was arrested on a warrant. WEDNESDAY Nov. 15 at 2:02 p.m. Police received a report of an illegal campground near the wastewater plant.
P&Z votes ‘no for right now’ on assisted living proposal
By Megan Tackett Sopris Sun Staff
There’s a balance to be struck when managing growth in a mountain town. On the one hand, nobody wants to pave paradise to put up a parking lot. On the other, locals need adequate parking options. But the proposed Sopris Lodge Assisted Living facility, because of the nature of its would-be residents, wouldn’t need anywhere near the 247 parking spaces typically required by the town for a project that size, contended Development Manager Terry Claassen, at a Nov. 16 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The proposal, which did not seek a parking variance, includes 67 parking spaces — and that simply does not comply with the Unified Development Code (UDC), Carbondale Town Planner John Leybourne said. According to a Center for Disease Control published study that Claassen referenced during his presentation to the commission, “roughly 4 percent” of residents in an assisted living facility still drive. “Virtually every assisted living project on the Western Slope, from Glenwood Springs to Fruita, [has a] .69 ratio of parking to rooms. We are well above that [at] .78,” he said of the developer’s proposal. Still, after a public hearing in which several local residents expressed overwhelming support for the project, the commissioners voted to follow the town’s recommendation to deny the project’s special use permit and rezoning requests — but with a clear path forward.
The planned assisted living facility at the north end of Second Street. Courtesy graphic “It doesn’t mean no; it means no for right now,” Commission Chair Michael Durant said. “I think that the denial seems harsh, but from a procedural perspective, it’s the right way to go,” he said, adding that the commission tries to avoid sending “halfbaked” proposals to the board of trustees, which will hold the ultimate vote on the development. “What I’d like to do at this point is figure out steps we can take to keep this ball rolling and move this forward.” Ultimately, in lieu of a continuation, the commission voted unanimously to amend the comprehensive plan and, subsequently, the UDC as it pertains specifically to assisted living. The latter amendment will be contingent on town staff research regarding other communities’ best practices for assisted-living parking requirements. The denial is reflective of a shift in procedural philosophy for the town, Planning Director Janet Buck said. “If the project’s
Shop Local.
not quite right, if it needs more work, just deny it rather than continue it,” she said, noting that a past project once underwent 32 continuations. “[That] hasn’t worked well for the town, so that’s the reason for the recommendation.” Parking is not the only proverbial roadblock to the assisted living facility’s approval. “The real elephant in the room... is Second Street,” Durant said. SGM, an engineering consulting firm based in Glenwood Springs, conducted a study for the town in 2015 to assess improvement options and affiliated costs for Second Street, which is currently too narrow to accommodate an uptick in traffic and still be accessible to ambulances and fire trucks. Depending on the level of improvements undertaken, those costs ranged from about $185,000 to more than $294,000. The application specifies that the developers will pave a 20-ft-wide entrance that connects to Second
Street but does not suggest details regarding logistics for actual street improvements – including whether improvements would be the responsibility of the developers or the town. What is clear, however, is that despite the denial, there is overall support for the project by the town, the commission and many residents that voiced their support during the public hearing. “I might be your first customer,” Ray Speaker, 86, said at the hearing. “I hope you people will realize that this is a great project. We need it here. Let’s make some things happen.” “I know how much this is needed,” added Frank McSwain, who has lived in the Valley for 18 years. “There are people [here] just like myself. There aren’t a lot of options. We do not want to leave the Roaring Fork Valley,” he said emphatically. Typically, Claassen said, about 74 percent of assisted-living residents move from their homes. That could ease housing issues for people not in the demographic served by the Sopris Lodge. “Some people are calling it the senior tsunami,” he said of the aging Baby Boomer population. “Virtually every community is grossly undersupplied for accommodating the seniors.” While it’s clear several planning snags need to be ironed out before the facility developers can move forward, there’s one arrangement that has already been settled. “The Nieslanik family [will] continue to use the property to conduct their semiannual cattle drives,” the application reads.
50% Off SALE
It matters.
LuLu’s THRIfT
LuLu’s THRIFT 570 Highway 133 La Fontana Plaza Carbondale, CO 963-1984
If everyone spent just $20 more in Garfield County this holiday season (instead of shopping online or traveling to other locations), that would equal over
$1.2 million
for our local economy!
This holiday season, don’t just buy presents. Build your community. Shop Local.
SATuRdAy, NOVEMBER 25
Like Us on Facebook
You Know How Good It Feels Monthly Special Salt Glow Scrub
Private Mineral Bath, Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage, Day pass to Our Historic Vapor Caves. “A DAY AT THE SPA” $135
For Information & Reservations call 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com Spa Open 9-9 Salon Open 9-7 • One Block East of the Hot Springs Pool The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017 • 5
Scuttlebutt
Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.
From left, Yahjairi Castillon, Cassandra Delgado, Luna Segal, Lexy Sanchez and Aden Berry were among the Town of Carbondale’s students of the month. Photo by Will Grandbois
Literary criticism
Go purple for Zoe
Gearing up for its 80th Anniversary next year, Garfield County Libraries is gathering information to create a strategic plan and would appreciate a few minutes of your time to answer six questions about the libraries and community in order to guide their planning. An anonymous survey is available in English and Spanish at www.gcpld.org through Dec. 3.
A “vivacious whirlwind of intelligence, charisma, beauty, and heart,” Zoe Alani Godfrey had her first tonic-clonic seizure earlier this year at 4 years old and was diagnosed with Myoclonic-Astatic Epilepsy, also known as Doose Syndrome. A fundraiser with food, music and a silent auction will be held for Zoe, her family, and The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado from 12 to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Element in Basalt. Tickets are $20 at the door, or by calling 319-3418. To donate to the silent auction, call 309-1567.
No dumping The Near New will be closed from Nov. 24 through Dec. 5; no donations accepted at this time.
Load it and Lyft it Marijuana users in Colorado will be offered discounted Lyft rides as part of the 320 Movement’s initiative — a campaign to encourage marijuana users to plan ahead for a safe, sober ride before they get high. Seventeen percent of DUI arrests last year involved marijuana, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Through April, visit 320movement.com to obtain the discounts and learn about the dangers of driving high.
You spin me right round The final touches are underway on the El Jebel Road roundabout project, with signage anticipated by the end of November. Work began in April and, due to a change in project phasing and utilization of a traffic detour, the roadway and roundabout were completed early and opened to traffic in August, though not everyone seems to have the hang of it yet.
Where there’s smoke Smoke may be visible east of Glenwood Springs this fall or winter when crews from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire and Aviation Management Unit burn slash piles generated from a Bureau of Land Management fuels reduction project on Lookout Mountain. Anyone with health conditions that may be affected by short durations of smoke should contact Chad Sewell at (970) 876-9030. For more information, visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/ cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health. 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017
At the wheel The Wheeler Opera House has announced its full winter season, featuring theatrical events, concerts and films for the entire family. These newly announced shows join a busy “Wheeler Wonderland” season that already includes, among others, The Del McCoury Band (December 6), comedian Heather McDonald (December 17), A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage (December 23), Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (December 28), a New Years Eve celebration featuring the Infamous Stringdusters (December 31) as well as next year’s Aspen Laugh Festival (February 20-24). Tickets go on sale Nov. 27 at noon at 920-5770 and aspenshowtix.com.
A monumental evening Join Wilderness Workshop for exploring the history of the Antiquities Act, the national monuments created under its authority, and current challenges from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6 at The Third Street Center. A panel of experts includes Heidi McIntosh of Earthjustice, Matthew Campbell of the Native American Rights Fund and Professor John Leshy, Public Lands Scholar at UC-Hastings. Free and open to the public, but RSVP by Dec. 1 at www. wildernessworkshop.org/monumental.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another year of life this week include: Casey Weaver (Nov. 24); Steve Puzick (Nov. 25); Dan Richardson and Hunter Taché (Nov. 26); Richard Fuller and Paul Hassel (Nov. 28) and Naomi Pulver (Nov. 29).
BLACK FRIDAY GRAND OPENING
Carbondale
ALL DAY
Live Music WITH DJ HEX
Penny Deals
2:00pm–7:00pm
Fresh Food
BUY ONE, GET ONE CANNAPUNCH & GUMMIES
SLOW GROOVIN’ BBQ TRUCK 3:00pm–6:00pm
Raffle Prizes
Featured Lines
SPEND $50 OR MORE AND YOU’RE ENTERED TO WIN
CANNAPUNCH 12:00pm–3:00pm
WILLIE’S RESERVE 4:00pm–6:00pm
JOIN THE PARTY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 CARBONDALE LOCATION
304 Highway 133 9:00am–6:50pm, 7 days/week 970-510-3065
PLUS CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN FRISCO, AVON, EDWARDS, AND PARACHUTE
TUMBLEWEED420.COM
* As of May 2017, the Edwards dispensary was ranked #5 of 631 Colorado dispensaries by users of Leafly.com
Leafly.com Top Five Dispensary*
The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017 • 7
Raising voices from around the world By Megan Tackett Sopris Sun Staff
The stories that will be shared on Nov. 30 at The Temporary may come from all over the world, but they all share the same common denominator: inherently human experiences. Immigrant Voices, a premier spoken-word performance, is the result of a first-time collaboration between Writ Large, English in Action and The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW). It features seven speakers — Bernardina Bañuelos, Samuel Bernal, and Estela Garcia from Mexico, Miguel Carballo from El Salvador, Nicholas Vesey from the United Kingdom, Shinta Damayanti from Indonesia and Kristina Mace from Hungary — telling their individual stories. For most of them, it will be their first time on stage. There are no scripts, though there have been weekly rehearsals. “I haven’t been in the rehearsals,” said Lara Beaulieu, executive director of English in Action. “What I’ve heard is that people have gone from being a little bit nervous to really coming out of their shells and being really excited.” English in Action is a nonprofit dedicated to teaching English to adults in the Roaring Fork Valley. Four of the Immigrant Voices performers started their journeys as English in Action students (one of
whom, Damayanti, is now on staff), and Bernal serves on the organization’s board of directors. While the organization focuses on making English accessible, its work doesn’t stop with language proficiency, Beaulieu said. “Once [someone has] begun to develop those language skills, how can we support people in becoming more involved in the community and sharing their voices and experiences?” she said of the organization’s vision. “In some ways, it’s the next step of language development. So this is event was a way that we came up with in the last year to really begin to share the stories of immigrants in our community.” The partnership among the organizations to bring the stories that comprise Immigrants Voices to life has sparked enthusiasm across entities. “This specific partnership is … really exciting and timely,” Ryan Honey, TACAW executive director, said. “We want to be a resource for the entire community and we feel like poetry, spoken word [and] storytelling are really important pieces of the performing arts package of programming,” he said about The Temporary’s lineup. “Having English in Action be such a big part of it is a great opportunity to make inroads with the Latino community, so they can feel they have their voices
“Mambo’s my name and stealing your heart is my game. I’m a 3-year-old Chihuahua/Mini Pinscher Mix, a little dude with a big personality who loves to dance.”
RJ Paddywacks Pet Outfitter 400 E Valley Rd. # I/J Next to City Market in El Jebel 970-963-1700 rjpaddywacks.com
JOHN FROST MERRIOTT
Working together for pets and their people
the words in a language that isn’t your own to tell something really meaningful,” Howe said. “I’m in awe. I feel privileged to watch them search for the words… to play with different things and share more and more about themselves.” While everyone involved certainly hopes for future performances, don’t expect any unannounced encores. “We’re now booking several months in advance,” Honey said about The Temporary. “We’ve already said that we’d like to do more of these, but we can’t simply just throw one on the next night, cause we’ve got stuff coming in. What Alya does is terrific. What English in Action does is terrific. We just want to do as much of it as we can.”
Next Steps What: Immigrant Voices When: Nov. 30. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments; the show begins at 7 p.m. Where: The Temporary at Willits. How much: Tickets are $10. More info: tacaw.org/event/1575473immigrant-voices-project-by-basalt. Photos from left to right: Shinta Damayanti from Indonesia; Etela Garcia from Mexico. Photos by Michele Cardamone
WEBSITE DESIGN • EMAIL MARKETING • SOCIAL MEDIA • SEARCH MARKETING • ANALYTICS & TRACKING We have 10 dogs, 23 cats and 1 bunny 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.
heard and their experiences expressed,” adding that a recent Tacos and Salsa Night was such a hit that there will be another on Dec. 9. Everyone involved is intending to ensure the Immigrant Voices will become a repeat performance, as well. “This is important; I really have goosebumps in thinking that if we do this regularly enough, there will be feedback and response and more integration of our community,” said Ayla Howe, founder of Writ Large, which also curates the show. Howe works with the speakers during rehearsals to embrace a confidence that allows a more relaxed use and cadence with the language. This often means practicing sharing their stories in front of one another, “trying to feel the story rather than memorize the story,” she said. “Everyone in the audience wants you to play big because that gives them permission to play big in their lives too,” Howe said of her work with the performers. “And when the storytellers see the eyes of the audience… it is a magnificent community event.” Sometimes those eyes aren’t dry, she added. When Damayanti sings the traditional Indonesian lullabies with which she grew up, “everyone in this group weeps.” “Can you imagine the courage? To find
Helping you put the correct digital marketing tools in place to reach your business goals.
Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Road 114 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 970-947-9173 coloradoanimalrescue.org
Count your blessings count them one by one count your blessings see what God has done!
Certified Public Accountant
Office 970-704-1101 Fax 970-704-9101 Email frosty@frostycpa.com
www.FootStepsMarketing.com
Web frostycpa.com
1101 Village Road
LLA2
Carbondale, Colorado 81623
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017
326 Hwy 133, Suite 290, Carbondale, CO 81623 | (970) 510-5143
Rams drop varsity football – for now By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff It’s easy to see Roaring Fork High School’s decision not to field a varsity football team next year as a defeat, but Athletic Director Jade Bath would beg to differ. “We’re not doing this because we lost,” she said. “We’re doing it because it’s best for the kids and we’re trying to keep them safe. It’s gonna hurt, but it’s the decision we had to make.” Although the end of a two-year schedule cycle made it the moment to act, fielding just a junior varsity team had been on the table for some time. The Rams haven’t had the numbers for both for a while, and enrollment is too large to drop down to a smaller league. The two dozen kids who showed up to play this year were barely enough to pad out varsity, particularly after injuries and eligibility issues came into play. It made for a rough season — no wins and score gaps deep enough to keep the clock running through the second half most nights — particularly for the less experienced players. “You need at least 25 varsity level kids just to compete, and anymore we don’t get those numbers,” Bath said. “We were putting in little freshmen kids against seniors or else they’re coming to practice every day and not being able to play.”
Connect
Still, the kids rose to the occasion. Not only did the beleaguered bunch turn out for each game with their heads high, but their classmates backed them as well. One student cheered the team through their first home defeat, then turned up at practice the next week to pitch in — and he wasn’t alone. “I get emotional about it. That’s what makes me proud to work at Roaring Fork,” Bath said. “We couldn’t be more proud of those boys and our coaching staff.” It’s far from unprecedented, and schools have come out the other side before. “Both Basalt and Aspen have had years they didn’t have a program at all,” Bath said. “We want to do everything we can to bring this back.” That will probably mean addressing some of the factors leading to the crunch: fear of concussions, fewer pee wee programs and competition from other sports. On the bright side, spectators are left with a lot of other options. You’ll see plenty of familiar faces playing JV, not to mention the volleyball girls and a boys’ soccer crew that just keeps getting better and might now have a chance to play under the Friday night lights. “Fall is a crazy time for sports. We have games almost every night,” Bath said. “Come out and support our other teams.”
body & soul
STUDENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY A cheetah, a cow, a unicorn and a beaver walk into a ropes course. It sounds like a bad joke, but for Asa Dehaan, Ramsey Bond, Ben Schmidt and Cholla Nicoll (respectively), it’s serious business. Mostly. As the “action group” from Colorado Mountain College’s “Fostering Sustainable Behavior” class, they were looking for an out of the box way to encourage CMC to live up to its recently adopted Sustainability Action Plan as it considers additions to its Spring Valley Campus. The result a banner hoisted near the campus entrance on Nov. 16 with a simple message: “SAP NOW.” The action plan, available at coloradomtn.edu/about-cmc/sustainable-cmc/plan, sets ambitious goals like carbon neutrality and zero waste by 2050. “We feel like a lot of the student body doesn’t realize we have this,” Bond explained. “We need to be walking the talk and there’s no better way to learn it than to do it.” That even went for the banner itself, which were all obtained second hand. The outfits were already in their closets — a byproduct of campus and ski culture. The group alerted the school to their plans in advance, and even had a Outdoor Studies professor on hand to supervise the climb. “We think it’s awesome they felt comfortable expressing themselves freely in a manner that was quirky and safe,” said Sustainability Studies director Adrian Fielder. “The students are putting a fire under our feet, and I think it’s a good thing. We need to feel accountable toward future generations.” Photo by Will Grandbois
Cobalt & Curry a r t i s a n
b o w l s
Open Studio
Small Business Saturday Nov. 25 – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. dozens of discounted bowls 15% - 50% off
www.cobaltandcurry.com 117 Village Lane | Carbondale | 970-510-5522
The holidays can be very hard if you have lost someone you love or are seriously ill. DISCOUNT PASSES AS WELL AS DROP-IN PRICING OFFERED.
v truenaturehealingarts.com
100 N 3RD S T • C ARBONDALE 970.96 3 .9 900
Pathfinders wants you to know we are here to support you with group and individual counseling at a low cost. Please contact Allison Daily 970-379-5276 if you or someone you know could use support. Our goal is to create a safe place for those in need. This communiTy ad space donaTed by cool brick sTudios.
The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017• 9
Community Calendar
To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is noon on Monday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted.
THURSDAY Nov. 23
Jon Kedrowski to host “Explore Colorado’s World of White on Skis with Two Adventure Photographers,” a free multimedia presentation at 5:30 p.m at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library (815 Cooper Ave.)
THANKSGIVING DINNER • The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie and Auxiliary (312 Seventh St., Glenwood Springs) hosts a free meal with all the trimmings from 11 a.m. ’til the food runs out. For delivery within Glenwood, call 945-5506. TURKEY TROT • Earn your Thanksgiving meal with races for runners and bikers, including the “Huffin’ For Some Stuffin’” 5K and one lap “Gobble Wobble” with a bonfire, hot drinks and snacks to return to. Costumes are encouraged. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and runs $25 for adults ($20 with a canned food donation), $10 for ages 10-17 and $5 for 9 and under. More info at www.alohamountaincyclery.com.
FRIDAY Nov. 24
SURF PUNK • The Tankerays make the trip up from Grand Junction to play from 9 p.m. ’til 1 a.m. at The Black Nugget (403 Main St.).
FRI to THU Nov. 24-30
MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Loving Vincent” (PG-13) at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24-30 except Nov. 26 showtime is 5 p.m. and “Victoria & Abdul” (PG-13) at 5 p.m. on Nov. 25.
SATURDAY Nov. 25
DANCE ACROSS THE WORLD • Elevenyear-old Coralie and her family spent the last year traveling the world and learning
MUSIC & MOVIE • The Basalt Regional Library (14 Midland Ave.) hosts piano music from Susan Nicholson at 5 p.m. followed by the 2005 film adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” starring Keira Knightly.
from different cultures. She believes that dance is a universal language, and used it to connect with others during her travels. Come ready to learn the traditional dances of Indonesia, India, Uganda, and Rwanda at 4 p.m. at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.).
MONDAY Nov. 27
MOVIE KARAOKE • Monday Movies: Think you can sing? You probably can. Find out for sure with Basalt Regional Library’s first Florence Foster Jenkins Karaoke Contest. Watch the movie then test out your karaoke skills from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at (14 Midland Ave.).
WEDNESDAY Nov. 29
ADVENTURE PHOTOS • Noted Colorado nature landscape photographer John Fielder will partner with ski-mountaineer and CMC adjunct science faculty member
Further Out THURSDAY Nov. 30
BOOK & APP RELEASE • Join Carbondale outdoor pioneer and author Lou Dawson for the release of his latest book “Uphill Skiing and Easy Tours of Colorado” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Cripple Creek Backcountry (582 Highway 133). He will be introduced by Andy Sovick, the publisher, who will talk about all Off-Piste Ski Atlas books and how to use them and the app as a resource of safety while traveling in avalanche terrain.
FRIDAY Dec. 1
LIGHT UP CARBONDALE • Santa visits for First Friday, hanging out at The Launchpad beginning at 3 p.m. before lighting the trees on Main Street at 5:15 p.m. with hot chocolate and a fire out on the Fourth Street Plaza. GRAND ILLUMINATION • A holiday celebration throughout Redstone, beginning
The paper you are holding costs us
with wagon rides at the Inn at 3:30 p.m., christmas carolers, hot chocolate and crafts at 4:30 p.m., Santa at 5 p.m. and a bonfire into the evening. CUP AUCTION • Join the Carbondale Clay Center (201A Main St.) for its 19th annual auction featuring hundreds of original, handmade ceramic cups for bid until 8:30 p.m.; cups can be paid for and taken home that same night. LABOR OF LOVE • Join KDNK from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at The Village Smithy (26 S. Third St.) for holiday shopping, music, libations, good times and a special Java Jazz DJ set.
Ongoing DECK THE WALLS • The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.) hosts a seasonal artisanal market. YOGA • Get a donation based introduction to Hatha Yoga Tuesdays from 8 to 9 p.m. at The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.). HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION • Free opportunities include… One-hour consultation about heart attack prevention, plant-based nutrition, other medical issues. Call retired family doctor Greg Feinsinger, M.D. for appointment (379-5718). First Monday of every month catch a powerpoint presentation by Dr. Feinsinger about the science behind plant-based nutrition, 7 to 8:30 p.m., board room Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). Fourth Monday of every month, plant-based potluck 6:30 p.m. CalaCALENDAR continued on page 11
Saturday and Sunday November 25 & 26
Please join us for our annual
Holiday Open House
$1.12
to produce.
Bring the kids. Santa will join the festivities both days 11am - 2pm
Have you made your donation to The Sun this year?
• Shop our amazing selection of Christmas
H
trees, wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, ornaments, gifts and more!
• Take a wagon ride around the nursery • Warm up by the fire with a cup of hot cider • Drawings for many great prizes Santa makes a return visit this year Dec. 2 and 3.
As a non-profit community service, we can only thrive and grow with your support.
SunScribe online at
www.soprissun.com 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017
400 Gillespie Drive • El Jebel • CO 81623 970-963-1173 • www.eaglecrestnursery.com Monday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm
Community Calendar
continued from page 10
Ongoing
way Room, Third Street Center. All events supported by Davi Nikent, Center for Human Flourishing. More information at www. davinikent.org. 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 Norton 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. Contact Marlene for more info: 928-9805. MEDITATION • Free silent meditation sessions are held at the Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.) from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Additionally, The Monday Night Meditation Group meets from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at True Nature (100 N.
Third St.) and offers instruction in the Buddhist practice of Vipassana. Also at True Nature, everyone’s invited for SRF meditation from 10 to 11 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month and 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. FIGURE DRAWING • Drop in for figure drawing with Hone Williams and Staci Dickerson at 6:30 p.m. Mondays at The Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) Suite 33. ROTARY • The Carbondale Rotary Club meets at the Carbondale Fire Station (300 Meadowood Dr.) at 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at White House Pizza (801 Main Ct.) at noon every Thursday. BRONCO BABBLE • Get excited for the next big game and share your own thoughts from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays on KDNK. 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.). LET’S JUST DANCE • Catch a free lesson with Wild Bill at 7 p.m., then it’s $8 to get out on the dance floor at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at The Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). No partner or experience necessary. Questions? Call 970-366-6463 or email BillyPat4@gmail.com. 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: mindful-
lifeprogram.org and 970-633-0163. RUN AROUND • Independence Run & Hike hosts a run around town Saturdays at 8 a.m. Meet at the store 596 Highway 133 (in La Fontana Plaza) and run various distances, with different routes each week. Info: 704-0909. OPEN MIC • A new open mic takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at Riverside Grill (181 Basalt Center Circle, Basalt). Food and drink specials. Free. PARENT CHILD CLASSES • Waldorf teacher and parent Holly Richardson offers programs for caregivers and children ages 1 to 3, with musical storytime from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays, Sweet Peas Garden from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Peas and Carrots from 9 to 11 a.m. Fridays. Call 963-1960 for more info or visit waldorfschoolrf.com. Preregistration is suggested before Sept. 30 but drop ins are also welcome. GRIEF AND LOSS • Pathfinders offers a grief and loss support group every other Monday at 6 p.m., and a caregiver support group every other Wednesday noon. An RSVP is required to Robyn Hubbard at 319-6854. Pathfinders offers support groups from Aspen to Rifle and is located in Carbondale at 1101 Village Rd. Info: pathfindersforcancer.org. STORYTIME • Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) hosts stories songs and more for toddlers up at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays and infants and young toddlers at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
BOOK CLUB • Join friends and fellow readers to discuss great books at Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) at 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month; call 963-2889 for this month’s selection. STORY ART • Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.), in partnership with the Aspen Art Museum, invites kids to learn about artists and create masterpieces of their own at 4 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. LIONS MEET • The Carbondale Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of the month at the Gathering Center at the Orchard (110 Snowmass Dr.) starting at 6:30 p.m. Info: Chuck Logan at 963-7002 or Chris Chacos at 379-9096. BLUEGRASS JAM • Bring the instrument of 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.). ONE VOICE • Lisa Dancing-Light, founder of Higher Octave Music Programs, presents new community singing group intended to celebrate the joy that music brings to the spirit. Thursdays through Nov. 30 (and except Thanksgiving) and running each week from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Helios Center (601 Sopris Ave.) in Carbondale. 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.
LaFontana Plaza | Hwy 133 | Carbondale, CO 81623 | 704-0909 | www.IndependenceRunAndHike.com The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017 • 11
Annual Holiday COVER DESIGN Contest
2017
p U e uc r p n S u S The
Utilities Director Mark O’Meara pours a polymer sample at the Nettle Creek facility. Photo by Will Grandbois
LOOK INSIDE: PAGE 11
Help Cats
Sopris the
Carbondale’s weekly
Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper
Sun
community connector
.
PAGE 19
le
PAGE 16
a pt NG E I C’d e c. D PR ID Re R/S INS E E NT ID WI 7 GU 1 20
Collectors
Volume 8, Number 46 | December 22, 2016
Spruce Up The Sun
This year’s winner is …
This year’s theme is
“PEACE AND LOVE”
The contest is open to grades pre-K through high school.
The Sopris Sun continued its Spruce Up The Sun cover competiti on this year, requesting original designs from contestants in pre-K through high school.
Cover contest winner:
Gelena Amaral, an eighth
grader at Carbondale Middle
School. Please see pages
13-15 for more winners.
This year's theme was “Sharing the holidays” and over 105 entries were submitted by students from local schools. As always, Carbondale Middle School art teacher Ami Maes, a former winner of the Valley Journal cover contest, presented The Sun with a large box of entries from her students. This year’s winner, Gelena Amaral from Carbondale Middle School, captured many elements that make Carbonda le unique during the holidays, complete with gift-wrapped presents to share under the roundabo ut sculpture. The entries incorporated a variety of subjects sharing the holidays. They included everything from: holiday characters enjoying Christmas cheer, snowboar ding bears, aliens and marine life decorating a tree, ture scenes to Native American cheery naIndians, and fantastical creatures joining in the celebration. First-place winners in the categories are: Perrin Jones (first/second grade), Kenny Riley (third grade), Juniper Anderson (fourth grade), Anicka Ashcraft (fifth grade), Nayeli Torres (sixth grade), Aislinn Pinela (seventh grade) and Jessie Diehl (eighth grade). This is the second year the seventh and eighth grade winners have won their age categories. Judging such a competitiv e contest would not have been possible without the discerning eyes of staff members help of the at Carbondale Arts (CA) and The Sopris Sun. Carbondale Arts and The Sopris Sun would also like to thank all the contestant s for sharing their creativity and talents. It made judging a truly difficult task. See pages 13-15 and visit our website (www.soprissun.com) for additional winners. Thanks again to all who entered. Happy holidays!
GIFT T CERTIFIC TIFICATES ATES!! 580 Main S treet Carbondale
Artwork must be on 8 ½” x 11” paper, vertical orientation. • You may use a variety of media, such as paint, pen and ink, crayon, chalk, markers, etc. • Bright and bold colors are encouraged. • No glitter please.
• Please keep designs 2-dimensional in order for us to scan the artwork for publication.
Let your imagination run wild and get those creative juices flowing.
• www.mi-casit a.net • Deliv er ing from Iron Br idge
to Cather ine S tore – Call for det ails
970.963. 5880 On the SE Corner of Hwy 133 and Main Street in Carbondale
BECAU BECA USE SE S SANTA A ANTTA LIKES MORE THAN COOKIES & MILK!
Contest winners receive the honor of having their artwork printed in the Dec. 21 issue and posted at wwwsoprissun.com. The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. Drop them off at The Sopris Sun office in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St., #32) or send them to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623, postmarked by Dec. 4. Please include your name, school, grade, age and phone number ON THE BACK of your entry. For more information, call The Sopris Sun at 970-510-3003 or email terrir@soprissun.com.
12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017
Behind the scenes: Carbondale’s water system By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff At first glance, it’s an unassuming boulder filled draw on the flank of Sopris. The few obvious trickles of water are nowhere near enough to supply a town, but there’s a rushing sound just under the surface. Open a trapdoor in the concrete catchment, and you’ll find a steady flow of 400 gallons per minute even in drought, which can more than double during runoff. South Nettle Creek has had a collection system since the 1800s and a documented water right dating back to 1922. In those days, a wooden pipe traversed the nine miles to Carbondale — an unusually long distance, but almost certainly worth it. “If I was living back in that day and knew anything about water, I’d have chosen Nettle Creek over anything else myself,” Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman said. “You see the mountain covered with snow most of the year and you know it’s a reliable source.”
Treatment “So many people take it for granted,” said Utilities Director Mark O’Meara. “Everyone thinks water should be free, but if you want it processed, cleaned and deliv-
ered, that’s where the cost is.” The newly metal sided facility further down the winding dirt road has an air of isolation despite being 20 minutes from town. It’s cold inside, even in summer, and crews have encountered bears and mountain lions in the narrow ravine. “When you’re up here all alone, it’s almost spooky,” O’Meara admitted. Though crews are in and out every day, the system is fairly autonomous. A significant drop in elevation provides plenty of pressure, eliminating the need for pumps in most cases. Indeed, the town is taking proposals to study the feasibility of a hydroelectric station on the run. Flow, quality and turbidity (cloudiness) are monitored remotely, and if something seems off, everything can be shut down until crews arrive. You won’t notice that kind of hiccup down in town — storage and the sheer amount of water in the pipes more than compensate. Indeed, it takes about a day for it to reach some taps. It’s difficult to filter and treat for everything, but luckily most potential contaminants have one thing in common: a negative charge. The water is treated with a positively charged liquid polymer, which binds dirt and the like as the mixture is water page 13
Water
continued from page 12
screened through a layer of inert plastic beads — which folks up the Crystal might recognize from the time some escaped during a backwash earlier this year. Like the anthracite coal, sand and garnet sand that captures the polymer and further purify the water, it’s inert stuff which, with regular cleaning, has lasted since the ’90s. Again, the process mimics how natural ground water seeps through porous rock, leaving behind impurities along the way. Carbondale doesn’t fluoridate, but does add chlorine, with just about enough time to kill anything dangerous before it leaves the plant and plenty by the time it reaches most homes. A handful of subdivisions along the way also benefit from the municipal system, as does Satank despite being outside city limits. Once again, it’s all gravity powered, with pressure release valves spaced along the way. The bulk of it goes to a large concrete tank on White Hill, which provides storage, pressure regulation and acts as a sort of gigantic gauge. A smaller tank serves River Valley Ranch.
Other sources If you’ve ever noticed a slightly different flavor in your tap water at the change of seasons, or seen spotting on your dishes, it’s probably because the Town is supplementing the Nettle Creek supply with wells. The gravity fed system’s efficiency makes it the default, but when demand drops the level in the White Hill tank under 17 feet, things kick on at the big photovoltaic covered building at the foot of the hill in Delaney Nature Park, which draws from wells on the Roaring Fork River. A second system on the banks of the Crystal near the High School has been undergoing improvements and, although O’Meara actually prefers the taste of the water there, is relegated to third place. Each provide comparable capacity to the Nettle Creek plant, though they rarely reach it. They also use completely different filtering technology, a product of changing requirements over the years. It’s a bit of a double edged sword, with a fair amount of redundancy but a steep learning curve for new crew members. “The technology is fantastic, but having operators who really know what it does is essential,” Schorzman said. That’s not even counting the ditches, which provide untreated irrigation wa-
ter to residents and most parks and open space. Those pour right back in the river, while stormwater is collected in dry wells and treated water comes out the tap and eventually goes down the drain.
Back to nature In O’Meara’s office, where you can see the bimodal bumps in waste as the town wakes up in the morning and gets home in the evening, or in the main testing lab at the Utilities Department building, the odor isn’t too noticeable. You’ll get a good whiff as you walk toward where the sewage is actually filtered — here’s where you might look for that lost diamond ring — and ground up by what amounts to a gigantic garbage disposal. By the time it’s being broken down by microbes in a big serpentine tank, it smells more like dirt. The liquid parts are clarified while the solid stuff is sent back through the process, reducing the waste that ends up trucked to the landfill and keeping the whole thing alive like a sourdough starter. By the time the water reaches an outdoor serpentine basin, its turbidity isn’t much higher that the river it’s being returned to. The whole process takes about a month, and while O’Meara has plenty of anatomical metaphors to explain it, there’s a much nicer natural comparison. “A river would do the same thing, we’re just doing it in a compact area,” he said. Added Schorzman,“The closer you can come to replicating natural process, the better your results will be.”
Store Opening
artisanMARKETplace Thursday Nov 30 5-8 PM
free festivity for ADULTS only musicSHOPPINGappetizers BRING a friend!
Winterfaire
Photo by Will Grandbois
Annual All-music Service Come join us for our favorite, contemplative and uplifting performances. Join us Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU) @ Third Street Center, Calaway Room
www.tworiversuu.org
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist
Presiding Minister: Shawna Foster Inspirational, Contemporary Music: Jimmy Byrne Preschool with Justice Bouchet
familyCRAFTS, enchantedSTORY, puppetPLAY, healthyLUNCH, TEAhaus Saturday, Dec 2 10 AM – 3 PM $20 online in advance $25 day of event Children ages 3 and younger, free. www.waldorfschoolrf.com 16543 Highway 82, Carbondale * 970-963-1960
The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017 • 13
Ranch hands stabbed in bunkhouse brawl Raider fan from page 2 From the archives of the Roaring Fork Valley Journal Nov. 23, 1977 The Roaring Fork Ram football boys were headed to the semi-final following a 42-8 victory against Del Norte at home. Marty Nieslanik made a 47-yard touchdown pass in the lopsided playoff game, while Tracy Cerise, John Yocom, Neil Jensen and Mike Stark all contributed to the offense and Al Joyner, Scott Maynard and Cary Soucie shut down the Tigers offensively. As the Rams prepped to take on Sheridan, Coach Rocky Whitworth told The Journal, “We’ve come too far this year to have any negative thoughts about the game and we believe we’ll win it.” In other news… Garbage disposals became more common in town, causing problems at the sewage treatment plant and inspiring the town to increase tap fees for those installing them.
Nov. 25, 1987 A local ranch hand was on the run after three men were stabbed in a bunkhouse brawl. A deputy arrived at the Ashley Carrithers Ranch — “the old Charlie Thomas place” — south of Carbondale in the wee hours of the morning to find ambulance crews already treating a trio of abdominal wounds. Two of the men reportedly started a fight when one of them grabbed a kitchen knife and the remaining men were injured trying to break it up. In other news… Rumors of potential foreign investors in Mid-Continent Resources abounded although, as The Journal pointed out, “if an even vaguely Asiatic looking stranger should drive through town, a good
portion of us will swear that the Koreans are here to buy the coal mine.”
Nov. 26, 1997 With the mines shut down, White River National Forest was looking at ways to put Coal Basin to use recreationally as it drafted a new 15-year plan. Public access had been severely limited under the previous plan, but the Redstone Inn had hopes of opening it up with snowcat tours as early as the next winter. “Redstone’s economic base has turned from coal mining to tourism,” the draft proposal asserted, “Its economic viability is now dependent on development of a winter business.” In other news… Highway 82 Project Manager Ralph Trapani was optimistic that a passenger train would be built in the valley within 10 years, saying “It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when.”
Nov. 29, 2007 Adam Odoski and Mick Murdock were putting the finishing touches on a new Indonesian furniture store in the Churchill Building, with recycled accessories like handbags made out of toothpaste containers and wallets made from old tire tubes. “We want to deal with people doing good things for good people and taking care of the environment,” said Odoski. “Via Viva” was slated to open Dec. 7. In other news… The Board of Trustees was mulling whether to allocate $140,000 to the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) as they had the previous year.
dress for the game. Back in the day, I would say “Who are your mascots: an elf and a naked man in a barrel?” But in all seriousness, Barrel Man Tim McKernan is the most iconic fan mascot ever. There’s not even a close second. One day at an extremely cold Bronco game, I heard him say to one of the cheerleaders, “At least you get to wear pantyhose.” Hats off to him, he’s the greatest of all time. God bless him. I’ve always said three of the biggest mistakes Al Davis ever made were the treatment of Marcus Allen, getting rid of John Gruden one season too early — hence not winning our fourth Super Bowl — and the firing and not paying of Coach Shanahan what he was owed, which he would have donated to charity. During the Shanahan era, the Broncos owned the Raiders 21-7. I remember being at one of the first games during that time. The Raiders had a seven game streak against the Broncos, so easy game right? Wrong. The next day, when I got back to bartend at the infamous “Full Moon Saloon”, there was a ten foot banner on the wall that said “34-0; ---you Jimmy D” and everyone signed it. You’ve gotta love stuff like that. I think it’s great to have good natured kidding about your team and your opponents. Fans should always respect the other team’s fans, and it should never lead to fights or hard feelings. One day I was at a party hosted by one of the biggest Raider haters I know, and noticed a framed picture of Bo Jackson on their garage wall that Dan and Julie took at a Bronco game. I asked Dan about it, and he told me, “He’s one of the greatest athletes that ever played the game. Too bad he was a Raider.” Also, I have to mention I was at John Elway’s last home game at Mile High. It was against the Jets, the winner going to the Super Bowl. On Elway’s last drive, I was clapping and yelling John’s name as loud as anyone. Here’s to a great football season. When I get back from Oakland, God willing, I’ll give everybody some feedback about the experience. Go Broncos! Go Raiders!
Pitkin County Whitewater Park Users PUBLIC FEEDBACK SESSION Tuesday, November 28th 5:30 pm Basalt Library Community Room 14 Midland Ave. Basalt, CO Join us for pizza and share your experience of our new park and the waves so we can make improvements! Park engineers, designers, and decision makers will attend the meeting to hear from you.
It’s our river. Let’s make it right. pitkincountyrivers.com 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017
Letters continued from page 2 William Draper. He said there are 51 homes within 1,000 feet of the wells. “It’s another case of private gains for public losses,” Draper said,”You’re selling out our future.” Battlement Mesa P&Z commissioner Mike Sullivan said Ursa has been in violation of the 1978 code that allowed drilling in the PUD 17 times. Dave Devanney of the Battlement Mesa Citizen’s Committee said Halliburton truck convoys rumble through the neighborhood and there has been a case of a Ursa representative using intimidation to persuade a resident to sign a setback waiver. Broaching the subject of fracking, former Battlement Mesa resident Cheryl Granson said there are 800 chemicals used in fracking and the only organization that knows what they are is the EPA. They won’t disclose that to anyone but a doctor who is treating a patient sickened by them. Granson invited the commissioners to move to Battlement Mesa. My comments focused on the inappropriateness of the the injection well inside the PUD, then I switched to the overall effect of oil and gas drilling on the climate. “The human tragedy of hundreds of deaths from unnatural disasters in Texas, Florida, the Caribbean, and California are alarming and a portend of the future. If you help supply the oil and gas industry with the weapons of mass destruction, you are culpable. Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale
Legal Notices ful community. It was a great kick off to the warm spirit of the season. Congratulations to our door prize winner Debbie Condello! We look forward to next year and sharing with all of you again! Deborah Evans Carbondale
Parting Shot
PUBLISHED BY THE ORDER OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE. Published in The Sopris Sun on November 23, 2017. NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT NOTICE is hereby given that on November 30th, 2017, at 12:00 p.m., final settlement will be made with PNCI Construction, Inc., 553 25 ½ Road, Grand Junction, CO 81501, by the TOWN OF CARBONDALE, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, on a contract for labor and materials for a project known as NETTLE CREEK WTP BUILDING SIDING REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR PROJECT; and that any person, co-partnership, company, association of persons, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against PNCI Construction, Inc., or its subcontractors, for labor and materials, may, at any time, up to closing of business the last work day prior to final settlement, that is, by November 29th, 2017, at 5:00 p.m., file a verified statement of the amount due with the TOWN ADMINISTRATOR, TOWN OF CARBONDALE, pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended. Failure on the part of the Claimant to make such verified statement, prior to the final settlement on the contract with PNCI Construction, Inc., will relieve the TOWN OF CARBONDALE from any liability for such Claimant’s claim. PUBLISHED BY THE ORDER OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE. Published in The Sopris Sun on November 23, 2017.
HEART OF THANKSGIVING These lucky lovebirds dodged the bullet in 2017 and get to bask in their glory for at least another year.
Service Directory HOA MANAGEMENT Accounting, Enforcement, Legislative Compliance, Minutes, Board Guidance, Site visits HOA Management is our ONLY business.
Certified Manager of Community Associations, CMCA, CAM 34 years in the Roaring Fork Valley
EMRE LLC
kedquist@usa.net or 970-928-8428
AUTO INJURY
Under Diagnosed & Under Treated!* *Dr. Kent Albrecht, D.C., Certified Courtroom Expert Witness
Dr. Albrecht has been diagnosing & treating auto injury cases with a thorough physical examination (Orthopedic, Neurological & X-Ray Functional Analysis, if indicated) for over 30 years.
Get a “Chiropractical” opinion today!
NOTICE is hereby given that on November 30th, 2017, at 12:00 p.m., final settlement will be made with Mueller Construction Services, Inc., 5032 CR 154, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, by the TOWN OF CARBONDALE, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, on a contract for labor and materials for a project known as Crystal Wellhouse Improvements; and that any person, co-partnership, company, association of persons, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against Mueller Construction Services, Inc., or its subcontractors, for labor and materials, may, at any time, up to closing of business the last work day prior to final settlement, that is, by November 29th, 2017, at 5:00 p.m., file a verified statement of the amount due with the TOWN ADMINISTRATOR, TOWN OF CARBONDALE, pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended. Failure on the part of the Claimant to make such verified statement, prior to the final settlement on the contract with Mueller Construction Services, Inc., will relieve the TOWN OF CARBONDALE from any liability for such Claimant’s claim.
Christmas Boutique thanks Dear Editor: On behalf of the members of the Carbondale Christmas Boutique I would like to express our gratitude to the Carbondale Fire Department, the Town of Carbondale, our local papers, Bonfire, the Smithy, our local communities and beyond for the support of this traditional holiday event. The success of the show is directly attributed to a “village” of contributors and really drives home the value of living in such a wonder-
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
(970) 366-2030 See our VIDEOS & Info at: CarbondaleDC.com 326 Hwy 133, Suite 270D (Alpine Center) Carbondale, CO
*Most accidents by Colorado law have 100% insurance coverage under Med-Payments policy.
Photo by Jane Bachrach
TOWN OF CARBONDALE ORDINANCE NO. 18 SERIES OF 2017 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO REVISING ARTICLES 4 AND 5 OF CHAPTER 6 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVISE THE PROCEDURE FOR MODIFICATION OF LICENSED PREMISES, CLARIFY LICENSE RENEWAL, SIGNAGE, AND ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS, AND TO REMOVE THE EXISTING CAP OF FIVE RETAIL MARIJUANA STORES
NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on November 14, 2017. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours. THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE ________________________ By: s/s Dan Richardson, Mayor ATTEST: __________________________ s/s Cathy Derby, Town Clerk Published in The Sopris Sun on November 23, 2017. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Charlotte M. Hughes, deceased Case No. 2017 PR 30088 All persons having claims against the above-named Estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Garfield County, Colorado on or before March 16, 2018, or the claims may be forever barred. Randal K. Hughes Personal Representative P. O. Box 606 Carbondale, Colorado 81623 Published in The Sopris Sun on November 23, 2017.
Unclassifieds Submit to unclassifieds@soprissun.com by Friday 12 p.m. Rates: $15 for 30 words, $20 for up to 50 words. Payment due before publication.*
GET THE WORD OUT IN UNCLASSIFIEDS! Rates start at $15. Email unclassifieds@soprissun.com. FREE CLASSIFIED ADS for kids and teens to promote their businesses enterprises. Thirty word maximum. Please send to unclassified@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.
! s e r i T l l We Se
Come to Sunburst for your Winter tire change-0ver! 970-963-8800
745 Buggy Circle in Carbondale www.sunburstcarcare.com
Support The Sopris Sun while The Sun supports your business! Service directory ads start at just $40. Contact Ad Sales at 970-379-7014 or adsales@soprissun.com
See Thundercat at
CARBONDALE ANIMAL HOSPITAL New location! 289 Main Street, Carbondale on the corner of Third and Main Street
(970) 963-2826 Find us on Facebook
Dr. Benjamin Mackin Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017 • 15
Every Little Thing
EARLY HOLIDAY SALE
8
DAYS
OF SAVINGS
RO
EY
Grateful for
G FORK VAL N I L AR
CARBONDALE, COLO.
Kids’ Snow Boo IN STOCK ats t Great Prices!
If we don’t have it in stock, we will strive to find it for you!
AT THE COOP November 24- December 1
Hundreds of Gift Ideas Clothing, Hardware, Tack & More!
roaringforkvalleycoop.com
Roaring Fork Valley COOP
0760 Highway 133, Carbondale, CO (970) 963-2220
Monday thru Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. • New Saturday hours 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017