2020-03

Echoes

In Memoriam, Theresa St. Laurent

Theresa and I met some 40 years ago at the Redstone Inn: She a waitress, I a cook. Before long, she started her company “Painted Ladies.” After some crazy Redstone groups built a house for me, she painted it, inside and out, and decorated my mailbox with columbines.

Soon her company evolved into “The St. Laurent Studios,” where she gained international fame with her creative faux decor techniques. All this time, she raised Brandy and Anderson, two super kids, who are now very successful and delightful adults. Theresa was justly proud of her kids.

We had so many adventures, and I was honored to be in her wedding to Steve Cole. Later she stayed with me for a while as I recovered from major surgery.

It is a comfort to have 40 years of happy memories.

— Carolyn Kauffman

Diane Pavlin of Redstone, Colorado, was born on October 20, 1945, passed away comfortably with her husband by her side on January 31, 2020. She is survived by her husband, Steve, of 32 years; her sister Peggy Frost and husband, Ken; three daughters: Dawn, and husband Herb, Karen, and Debbie; nine grandchildren: Jake, Luke, Zach, Nikko, Tony, Nicholas, Sean, Morgan and Sam; and six great-grandchildren. She is the daughter of the late Harold and Evelyn Victor, sister of the late Barbara Krom and the late Judith Frederick, and aunt of the late Tammy Frost, the late Kenny Krom and the late Artie Krom.

She loved to be a part of every activity and adventure near and far and enjoyed traveling. Diane adored her grandchildren and was an extremely proud wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She had many friends and accomplishments in her all too short life and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

T HE C RYSTAL VALLEY E CHO

& Marble Times

Mission Statement: To provide a voice for Crystal Valleyites; to bring attention to the individuals and local businesses that are the fabric of the Crystal Valley region; to contribute to the vitality of our small town life.

Editor • Gentrye Houghton

Publisher • Ryan Kenney

Contributors

Charlotte Graham • Dan Sohner

Charley Speer • Amber McMahill

ADVERTISING SALES

Gentrye Houghton • 970-963-1495

GentryeH@hotmail.com

DISTRIBUTION

The Crystal Valley Echo is published monthly, and is distributed throughout the Crystal Valley.

NEWSPAPER BOX LOCATIONS:

Carbondale City Market (inside) • Village Smithy

Carbondale Post Office • Redstone Inn

Redstone General Store • Marble Hub

Propaganda Pie

FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS

Please send $40 for print or $25 for digital editions along with address information to:

The Crystal Valley Echo 364 Redstone Blvd. Redstone, CO 81623

A remembrance gathering for family and friends will be held at their Redstone home Saturday, June 6, 2020, the open house will begin at noon.

Show of hands! How many readers start your day by jumping in the Crystal River? Humm, I see only one hand.

Roy Rickus is a year-round resident of 50-some years in the Roaring Fork-Crystal River Valley. We had a nice talk in his half straw bale/half Earthship home north of Redstone. “It’s made of 800 bales of hay and 800 tires.”

Most folks here will know Roy for his trademark turban. “Kevin Smart, who had become an American Sikh, gave me a turban, a five-minute lesson on how to tie it, said to me the Sikh mantra Ek Ong Kar Sat Nam Siri Wahe Guru and I wore it for 40 years until I lost the tip of my finger.” His current turban was a gift from Paramroop Singh Khalsa.

Getting to Know You

ership of Luna Lake in the Mount Zirkel-Dome Peak Wilderness Area and I spent two weeks at a time with my Dad in a log hut my mother’s grandfather built.

Charlotte Graham

Roy is probably secondly-most recognized for his work since the early ’70s to make Penny Hot Springs a viable soaking place. He remembers a little marble-lined bathhouse that got bulldozed by neighbors that didn’t appreciate Colorado-style hot tub parties full of Carbondale hippies.

“I used to go about four times a day to keep on top of the mix. I had a system where I could force the hot water underneath. I could just twist one rock to change the temperature.” He experimented enough to create a right cozy hot-pot spot that he frequented for many years. Not so much anymore now that it’s been “discovered.”

And, last but not least, he spent 35 years in front of a KDNK mic hosting his “Loch Dinkle Monster Jazz” program. Soon to return, is his intent.

Roy’s family tree grew in Colorado’s hinterlands. Fourteeners were his backyard playground. His one great grand-dad was a merchant to miners in Creede, where his grandfather was born the day after Christmas, 1892. Grand-dad opened a dental practice in Steamboat Springs where Roy’s mother was born in January 1918. “They stuck her in the oven because it was forty below zero,” he said, laughing.

Born in the Mile-High City, Roy’s life just kind of went uphill from there. “We had partial own-

“Dad worked for Cheley Colorado Camps in Estes Park. He took me up Mount Elbert when I was 8-yearsold. Then up to the top of the Grand Tetons when I was 14. The next year, he took me up the east face of Longs Peak.

“My Dad was a member of AdAnAm Club. They hike up Barr Trail to the top of Pikes Peak on New Year’s Eve and set off fireworks. I climbed it eight times when I was young.”

The club started in 1922, adding a man (one new member) every year; its 101st member on December 31, 2019.

After high school, Roy headed to California “during the quiet years — between the beatniks and hippies.” First to Los Angeles and then in San Francisco. He remembers Janis Joplin singing at a coffeehouse at North Beach and, no room for the whole story here, he had a nice ride in her 1930s car at the time.

He came back to Denver when his dad had his first heart attack in late 1964, but city-life wasn’t particularly Roy’s life, so he returned to Steamboat that next January and worked outdoors –- on skis -– doing surveys for a geophysicist. “I really enjoyed that.”

Roy said that he saved just enough money on that job to head to Mexico for a year — “and a week.” He wandered through Mexico, Guatemala, Yucatán, and Belize, “which was British Honduras back then.”

His dad had climbed Popocatépetl in 1935 so Roy figured that sounded like a plan. “I spent a week at 14,000-feet [on the same volcano] in March of ’66. A big snowstorm came in and I stayed in a small hut strapped to a rock on the side of the mountain. It made me feel like home.”

Roy’s first time to the Roaring Fork/Crystal Valley area was because his mom knew Bob Perry’s family when they lived in Steamboat Springs.

Roy Rickus

He remembers seeing Mount Sopris through “those big iron gates they had there” at their Carbondale ranch. “All those red-headed kids running around, one of them was Roz Turnbull [nee Perry].” He first skied Aspen in 1952 when he was a 10-year-old. “I skied Ajax eight or nine times that day.”

by Charr

In June of 1967, Roy, with “a beard full of flowers,” decided to come over Independence Pass in his friend’s yellow VW convertible. “I left my gear in the Durant Barn and went out for a day excursion. When I came back, all my things were gone. I went to the police department to report them stolen… and they had them. The only way I could get them back was to be booked for vagrancy.

“[As] I was being led into the courthouse, somebody recognized me from across the street, someone I’d met in Yucatán the year before. Roger told the judge what a good guy I was, that he had a job for me and a place to stay.” The job was replacing light bulbs in the St. Moritz, “… and they kicked us both out after three weeks.”

“Meanwhile, I like brown rice and was lamenting the fact that there wasn’t any place to buy brown rice in Aspen. Roger did a market survey. We opened Mother’s Tea Parlor and Natural Food Shoppe in this cubbyhole above where the Taka Sushi used to be; rented it for $150/month.” Alas, there was no 99-year lease.

“They kicked [me] out after 18 months there. Then, I bounced around at six different locations, including in an old milk truck someone gave me. I parked on three different corners until they shut me down for not having hot and cold running water and a hand-wash basin.” Pesky health regulations!

The good news for health food store lovers back then was that Roy opened RF Crystal & Company (named for the three rivers) that he ran for six years in Carbondale and sold to Steve Smilack, who ran it for another ten years.

Nowadays, in his late 70s, Roy still goes down to the Crystal River every day, he just hasn’t jumped in since an injury last August.

Marble Musuem Open House

Extended Comment Period on Crystal Trail

Above: Larry

The White River National Forest is currently seeking comments on the proposed Redstone to McClure Pass Trail. The original scoping comment period was scheduled to end on February 20, 2020. The Fores Service is extending the scoping comment period by an additional 30 days. Public comments will assist the Forest Service in determining the scope of the analysis to be conducted and the range of alternative courses of action to be considered within the analysis. Public comments are a key part of the review process as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Additional project information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.g0v/project/?project=56913.

Chocolate Extravaganza Winner

Redstone Community Association Bulletin

March Happenings

In March we start to see small glimpses of spring along with days of deep, heavy snow to remind us that winter isn’t over just yet. March also is the beginning of events in Redstone picking up with our annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration! This year, Redstone will celebrate the festive green day on Saturday, March 15th The Boulevard Painting Parade will start in the parking lot at the Redstone Inn around 2:00 and we will parade down the Boulevard painting a festive green stripe in the middle of the street. Check out the RCA Facebook and web page for more information regarding the events on March 15th, it is guaranteed to be a good time!

March Business Highlight: Propaganda Pie

Each month we are highlighting a local business. This month we are focusing on Propaganda Pie, which opened at the former Crystal Club Cafe, late in the summer of 2019 serving Detroit style pizza, delicious subs, and wings! This winter they are open from Thursday through Monday with specials on Thursday and Monday.

THANK YOU to Steve and April Carver for hosting last month's CRAFT Workshop at the Redstone Castle!

This marketing workshop was attended by nearly 20 business and community members on February 18th. It was a wonderfully creative and constructive time had by all, and we are excited to move forward with the application of the implementation grant. These funds will go towards a new branding project and will be discussed both during this month's business subcommittee and regular board meetings.

Again, thank you to the Carvers and the Redstone Castle staff for such a wonderful event celebrating this community that we all adore.

Each Friday they host an all you can eat community dinner where Chef Nial prepares a family style meal of his choice for all to come and enjoy. Most Friday’s you can find Propaganda full of locals enjoying food, drinks, and great conversation. Starting in March, each community meal will be some form of delicious BBQ from Slow Groovin’ as an extra treat!

In talking with Nial about running a business during the sleepy months of winter in Redstone, one of their biggest challenges is breaking even when there is bad weather. Sometimes what makes or breaks the deal is the difference between just one more family coming in for lunch or dinner. So on those snowy days when you don’t want to cook or clean, head down to Propaganda for a delicious meal!

Propaganda will resume summer hours starting May 1st and they plan on hosting outdoor music on Saturdays. We are all looking forward to a fun pizza and sun filled summer with this group!

REDSTONE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gentrye Houghton President Ron Phaneuf Vice President Katie Lowery Treasurer Sara Lewis Secretary

Josh Wambolt David (DJ) Johnson Nathan Helfenbein Steve Pavlin

Alternate Member: Cathy Montgomery

Still looking for one more Board Member . . . It is fun, come to a meeting!

MEMBERSHIP FORM

Business Subcommittee

The RCA has created a business subcommittee to create a stage for business owners to meet and discuss what it takes to own and maintain a business in our beautiful little town. All business owners are invited to attend and provide their input on their trials and tribulations. Meetings are held before the regular RCA Board meetings the 1st Tuesday each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Redstone Inn. If you have questions please feel free to contact DJ at DJredstone68@gmail.com

Redstone is an unincorporated village that relies completely on donations and volunteerism spearheaded by the Redstone

Your membership dues directly fund RCA projects and events.

Thank You for your support!

Marble Jailhouse Preservation

According to the Marble Jail's Historical Registry narrative, in 1901, Marble was on the cusp of a boom. Having been incorporated only two years earlier in 1899 with around 200 residents, the new Town Council began passing laws to keep up with the quickly rising population.

When the Crystal River San Juan Railroad reached Marble in 1906, however, the real boom began. Hotels and stores sprang up out of the muddy streets seemingly overnight. Two newspaper offices stood pitted against each other in infamous competition, letters from home poured into the small post office, and the saloons along the main street came alive with celebrations and shenanigans.

A mere 18 years later, the population swelled to an estimated 1,400 people. Many of them were Italian immigrants who had flooded the town to work for the Colorado Marble and Mining Company as they pulled the pure white stone from the mountain.

In 1901, amid this surge, on a donated lot on the east side of town, a small but sturdy jail was built. Measuring 20.5-feet by 14.5-feet, it held a stove for heat and two wrought iron cells ordered from St. Louis, Mo., each fitted with two drop-down bunks. Soon after, the Gunnison County sheriff ap -

pointed Marble's first known Deputy, James Finley, to keep the peace.

Over the next 120 years, the small jail watched as Marble rose and fell and then boomed again around it. It survived the floods of 1916, the fires of 1917, and even the mudslides in 1941 and 1945 that took out the majority of the town, sweeping away both houses and stores in the heart of Marble.

Within its walls, the jail held some of Marble's most infamous characters, including the vivacious Mrs. J.J. Curley. Marble passed a 'dry' law in 1908, banning the selling and drinking of alcohol. Curley, who owned the local boarding house, was convicted on May 22, 1912, of 11 counts of bootlegging.

Because she was unable to pay the fine, she spent six months in the small jail. Shortly afterward, her husband, conveniently arrested for fighting, joined her. The Marble Booster , one of the local newspapers at the time, wrote: "The marshal took down to the jail last Saturday a stove, a supply of coal and a lot of dishes and cooking utensils, together with a quantity of flour, bacon, potatoes, and other food supplies. Hereafter the Curley's will do their own housekeeping in jail."

A few months earlier, another of Marble's famous women also spent a night in jail, this time for her protection. Silvia Smith was a burr in Colonel Channing Meek’s side. Both Smith and Meek came

from Crested Butte; Meek was assigned to operate the quarry. Smith purchased one of the town's two papers and became the editor.

By all accounts, Smith then proceeded to vocally criticize the quarry and several prominent townspeople. In March of 1912, when presented with a petition signed by 232 people asking her to leave town, she refused. She was escorted to the jail and locked in for her own safety before boarding the train bound for Carbondale the next morning.

Other stories of the jail drift down through Marble's rich history. One tells of bootleggers who poured whiskey through macaroni straws slid between the grates of the jailhouse window so their friends inside could have a drink. Another describes a 23-year-old Italian man who ended his life within the jail's sturdy cells. These stories offer a glimpse of the more human side of Marble's history.

The last documented prisoner to serve time in the Marble Jail was in 1923. The following decades saw the decline of Marble's population with the small jail abandoned in the corner of an empty lot. Efforts by the Town and residents preserved the buildings to some extent, but for the most part, it stood neglected. The jailhouse became an off the beaten path place where kids played cops and robbers, and the town's teenagers dared each other to spend the night.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10: WRITING A WILL Jamie Roth, a local attorney specializing in estate planning, wills and trusts, will share tips and answer questions about writing a will.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24:

PROTECTING YOURSELF & YOUR PROPERTY

Assistant Fire Chief Pablo Herr and Operations Manager Mike Wagner of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District will share fire safety tips to help keep you and your home safe.

The Redstone programs are for residents and visitors of the Crystal Valley.

That all changed in the fall of 2016 when Emma Bielski approached Town Clerk, Ron Leach, describing the town's need for possible grant writing, "Ron immediately mentioned the jail and said he would like to see it restored,” she explained. "The more I dug into it, the more I felt the importance of this project."

The first step was to get the jailhouse on the national and state historic registers. Bielski presented the idea to the Town Council, who met the idea with great enthusiasm. With their support and approval, she began work with History Colorado and the State Historic Fund, who, according to Bielski, "... have been my guides every step of the way. They are amazing organizations."

Figure 2. This detail of a ca. 1910 photograph shows the town (with the jailhouse indicated) as taken from the Quarry Road. The jailhouse appears to have a multi-lite window and a metal roof with seams. Photographer unknown; from McCollum, Marble: A Town Built on Dreams, p. 163.

The narrative alone required extensive research into the history of the jail. Bielski drew from two of the leading chronicles of Marble: Oscar McCollum's Marble: A Town Built on Dreams ; Marble, Colorado: City of Stone by Duane Vandenbusche; as well as Rex Myers for some of the information. The rest of the stories she dug from issues of the town's two newspapers of the era.

She compiled all the stories and data into a multi-page narrative and assessment before traveling to Denver to sit with the committee in a formal process. Her efforts were rewarded, and the jailhouse entered onto both the state and national historic registers. Her work had just begun, though.

The next phase of the project was to perform a Historical Structural Assessment (HSA) to determine the scope and cost of the restoration. The HSA grant was awarded to the Town in 2017 and completed in 2019 by Peak Architecture, a Basalt based firm, to assess the quality of all structures and materials in the jailhouse, and determined what needed to be replaced versus what could be preserved.

Through this assessment, they found that there appeared to be no foundation, which is common for many historic structures throughout the Crystal Valley, but is an expensive and essential part of the building. Repairs also need to be made to the structure’s siding as well as a new roof. Not to mention, the land surrounding the jailhouse needs to be grated and equipped with proper drainage.

New additions to the jailhouse will include interpretive signage and a Victorian-era coal stove. The assessment also studied the all-original cells, beds, and window bars that will remain in place, finding that, based on all documentation, they are in some of the best historical conditions in the state!

In total, the assessment came to an estimated $100,000 in work, which once more left Bielski writing grants. This time for a competitive grant with the History Colorado Fund, money that will be used to complete the project. With an April deadline, she is in full grant writing mode. The project is also in full fundraising mode. The grant requires matching funds totaling around $30,000.

"The town of Marble is looking for community members, valley-wide, who value the

importance of preserving our rural boom n' bust Rocky Mountain history,” says Bielski. “We are really excited about incorporating the jailhouse preservation project with a community-wide effort, spearheaded by the Marble Parks and Trails committee to beautify Thompson park. Please make a monetary contribution and/or write a letter of support if preserving our history is important to you."

For more information, please contact Emma Bielski at emmabielski@gmail.com.

Winter Fly Fishing on The Crystal River

Just enough snow had melted to warrant the formulation of a plan. The air temperatures had risen and with that, the river too. A friend and I weighed our options for fishing on the Crystal one night in February at Propaganda Pie. Among a half dozen other “great” ideas that would come out of the festive Friday evening, this one seemed the most feasible and yielded the quickest return, so the next morning, we hit the river.

On the water, minimal flows were all that remained following the final scars of the spring floods. The meandering braids of the river had been settling into these channels since its decline in early July, so the water’s path was well defined but still held its secrets. The river had become almost nothing compared to the width of the river bed and pure, untouched snow designated the high ground. Thinly sliced pieces of detached ice passed along the surface, their near-perfect translucent makeup casting faint shadows along the riverbed like clouds above a field. The sun was shining down and enough of the surface ice had either broken up or melted. It was going to be a beautiful day, again, and the river was certainly fishable.

We waded through the water and crushed through the top layer of snow. Enough consolidation had taken place that travel was reasonable but hardly efficient. The Crystal ran wide and shallow in most places, but those elusive holes where the water moved slowly along the gravel bottoms eventually revealed themselves. The largest of these holes were mostly covered in ice, yet clear enough to see Rainbows holding beneath it.

We stood as far out on the ice as we felt safe doing and watched the fish lazily, almost robotically rise and sink. Their motions weren’t so predictable but certainly seemed to come with some kind of logic. While a trout won’t “hibernate” they do slow down significantly and are only apt to take the easiest meals. We knew they could see us, standing almost directly above them – certainly, they could hear us – so we made a note to return to that spot and moved on exploring the intricacies of the now delicate Crystal River.

So what became of the day? You know this part of the story. That day we caught the biggest fish we had ever seen. Enough said.

In reality, I must have changed flies ten times. We stopped at all the holes which held fish in the summer but had very little luck. We came to a quick and easy conclusion that our rudimentary knowledge of fly fishing was most certainly to blame and that while our initial research may have yielded results on most Colorado rivers, the Crystal was different. There were

hungry fish everywhere on that river, we just had to figure out what they were eating.

This is where the guys at the Crystal River Fly Shop come in. Kirk Webb, a veteran of this area, quickly made some very specific recommendations that were sure to catch fish this time of year.

1. The Classic 20 Incher. Originally developed in the Roaring Fork Valley, this particular pattern has been around for at least 50 years and imitates either a Stone Fly or a Green Drake. Size #10 - #12

2. Pat’s Rubber Legs. This is a new take on an old classic called the YUK Bug, which originated in Montana in the 80s. This pattern should be fished in the light tan version as it imitates a molting Stone Fly, which is actually common this time of year. Size #6 - #10

3. Eggs. That’s right, Eggs. The purists out there may scoff at this (and the San Juan Worm), but Rainbow Trout will start laying eggs around this time and Egg patterns, orange and yellow can be effective. Size #14 - #18

4. Midges. This category is a bit diverse and can be very extensive in its variations. To keep things simple, the Zebra Midge in black and red are great places to start. After that, the classic Colorado pattern, The RS2, is also good, especially with “sparkle wings” on a cloudy day.

After that, The Griffiths Gnat, which can imitate a midge cluster, and the Roaring Fork pattern called Bill’s Midge Emerger are all perfect for this time of the year. Size #18 - #20

5. BWO/Baetis. Similarly, The Blue Wing Olives will begin to hatch soon as well. To imitate this hatch, Pheasant Tail Nymphs are the way to go along with the Comparadun once the bugs start coming to the surface.

After that visit, I had just enough information to

warrant another attempt. Armed with a new set of flies and an understanding of the local entomology, I hit the water again. I trod lightly over a fresh coat of snow. The air and water were far colder now, but in my mind, that glorious hole which we had passed over on the previous attempt was now somehow melted out. I was sure that I had not only the secret spot but now, the secret flies. I waded through thigh-deep snow, collapsed snow bridges into icy waters and braved the chilling winds. The river was significantly slower now and, with my new found confidence competing against my existing questionable decision-making skills, I kept filling my brain with visions of the perfect Rainbow Trout which had previously eluded my fishing partner and I. As the secret spot grew closer, my toes grew number and finally, I found myself standing next to the hole which, miraculously, was now free of ice.

I crouched down to avoid detection, steadied myself and made a cast...

So what became of the outing? Well, you know this part of the story. I caught the biggest fish I have ever seen. Enough said.

Childhood Dreams Fulfilled Through Volunteerism

When it started in 1953, the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) was a completely volunteer-run department. It wasn’t until 1980 that the district received its first paid chief and since then, has welcomed volunteers and paid staff alike.

With nearly 1,200 calls for service a year, there is, and most likely always will be, a need for volunteers. At the last count, there were 25 paid staff and nearly 40 volunteers covering everything from basic and advanced firefighting and EMT services all the way to Hazardous Materials and technical rescue, such as swift water.

The district is large and dynamic. CRFPD covers Carbondale, Redstone, and Marble, as well as areas managed by the US Forest Service. This 300 square mile area is home to more than 15,000 people, which makes up quite a large community and because of this, CRFPD is always looking for volunteers.

Last January, I decided to begin the process of becoming a volunteer firefighter.

The purpose of this, and future articles on the subject, is not necessarily to give a high-energy, action-packed look at the life of a group of adrenaline junkies. Far from it, actually. Now, and in the future, CRFPD needs volunteers, especially in the Crystal Valley. The area is not easy to access and presents its unique challenges. The district can’t afford to staff the Redstone and Marble firehouses full-time and relies heavily on volunteers to respond to incidents before crews can arrive from Carbondale. Because of this, I aim to give insight into first, why it is important to volunteer and second, what the process, community, culture, and rewards look like.

To be completely transparent, I am not a certified paramedic, EMT or firefighter. This was one of my main hesitations in joining. What could I possibly have to contribute? How could I possibly assist?

My second hesitation was time. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to commit to being available during the day or on weekends.

In the end, Kat Bernet, CRFPD Volunteer Coordinator, explained that there are all kinds of ways to support the organization, you just have to find what works for you and, with that in mind, I began the process.

In short, there is a grace period before one can be accepted as a volunteer. The department doesn’t take this time lightly. There is a lot to learn, not so much for your benefit, but for the benefit of those you are about to serve. There are online courses to complete, most about HIPPA and communicable diseases. There are also Standard Operating Procedures to memorize and tasks a new recruit must complete, which help with understanding the territory and equipment. Most importantly (in my mind), you are highly encouraged to simply show up and ask questions.

Volunteering is not for idle minds. It is an active pursuit and as a volunteer, you get out of the experience what you put in. I challenge you, my fellow Crystal Valley residents, to consider what level of community involvement may work for you, and will share this journey throughout the coming year.

Vintage Valley

Robert Delaney, 1917 – 2008

by Deb Strom

Robert Delaney, as Chief Counsel and Vice President of Mid-Continent Resources, framed much of what we know as modern Redstone. The Osgood mines closed in 1909 after removing one million tons of coal in 10 years. By the 1940s, the Redstone population had dwindled to 14 people. The county road to Redstone was unpaved and known as the “Rocky Road to Redstone.”

In the early 1950s, Mid-Continent Resources reopened and expanded these high-country mines. Between 1956 and 1991 they developed six mine tunnels and removed 28 million tons of valuable metallurgical coal. During the 1960s and 1970s, Mid-Continent Resources, with its Redstone and Ashcroft mines, was the largest employer and taxpayer in Pitkin County with 500 employees in the Coal Basin mine alone. The company, challenged by removing the rich veins, adapted the European “longwall” shield to brace the tunnels. Two of these shields now stand at the Coal Basin road entrance as a testament to 20th-century engineering and a tribute to the miners. Through Mid-Continent’s tax dollars, State Highway133 was created.

In the mid-1970s, Robert Delaney moved to diversify Redstone into tourism knowing that the coal boom could soon end. Acting on this plan, in 1978 Mid-Continent purchased and shut down the Redstone Inn for an extensive renovation. This was a two-year project including a new roof, new plumbing, all new electric wiring, and installation of a fire suppression system that brought the old Inn up to 1980 code standards. John Gilmore, Redstone Inn’s current owner, admits that he never would have bought the Inn if it were not for Mid-Continent’s renovation.

Delaney also invested in recreational pursuits. In 1978, Bob McCormick and Clark Cretti managed a winter cross-country ski trail system on the Mid-Continent property behind the coke ovens. With a ski and rental shop on

Redstone Boulevard, now the headquarters of The Crystal Valley Echo. In 1981, newlyweds Bob and Debbie McCormick, at the request of Mid-Continent, opened a larger Nordic ski rental shop at the former Redstone Company Store location, now Redstone Mountain Mercantile; they maintained the Nordic ski trails behind the coke ovens and operated an ice rink on the tennis court of the newly renovated Redstone Inn. During the summer and fall, Tom Mainer of Chair Mountain stables operated on the Mid-Continent property with guided trail rides and fall hunting trips into the basin. Delaney also put into the record an ambitious post-mining reclamation plan to turn Coal Basin into a downhill ski area. This was an exciting renaissance period for Redstone, but it was short-lived.

In 1988, well into the “Oil Shale Bust” of the economic cycle, Mid-Continent sold the Redstone Inn to John Gilmore but held onto the mining operation. Unfortunately, the highgrade Coal Basin coal carried associated methane gases that made these mines dangerous. In 1981, 15 miners died in a methane explosion. In 1991, the mines were sealed due to another methane fire.

The post-1991 mining reclamation took nearly 10 years, during which Delaney, representing Mid-Continent and pressured by the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA), engineered a series of land trades with the US Forest Service to bring 5,600 acres of the basin into the public domain. It was one of the largest land trades in Colorado history and opened Coal Basin to the public. This 5,600-acre Forest Service acquisition stretches from the tiny settlement of Placita north along Huntsman Ridge and the Pitkin-Gunnison county border, then west to the Dexter Park area, yet it excludes two privately held parcels.

One of these parcels, now managed by Lee Bowers is set to open to the public with mountain bike trails later this year. Coal Basin, the industrial heart and soul of Redstone, has a new future.

What's Up with Pitkin County?

The Pitkin County Commissioners hold weekly work sessions on Tuesdays and bi-monthly public hearings on Wednesdays in our BOCC meeting room at the Pitkin County Administration and Sheriff’s Building. Both meetings are televised live and repeated on locater CG12 TV. They are also streamed live and available on the County website. Agendas are posted in the Aspen/Glenwood newspapers and on-line at www. PitkinCounty.com. In this column, your District 5 Commissioner, George Newman offers his take on current matters. You can reach him at George.Newman@PitkinCounty.com.

CLIMATE CHANGE ORDINANCE AND CODE

Census Day is April 1, 2020: Together We Count!

What is the Census?

A constitutionally required ten-year count to produce statistics of all people living in the US regardless of citizenship, including visitors and seasonal workers.

Why is the Census important?

• Funding – Each person counted in the Census equates to approximately $2,300 annually in federal funds allocated to Colorado and our local community to support important services including schools, health services, human services, road improvements, and Veterans programs.

• Voice in government - Colorado could gain a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives with a complete count

• Important Decisions-Census data is used by decision-mak ers to plan for community development, services, and more.

While it is the Census Bureau’s responsibility to count everyone in the country, it is our local communities who will benefit the most from an accurate count. “By obtaining an accurate count for Colorado, the critical investments through federal allocations will be possible in Colorado communities,” said Natriece Bryant, Deputy Director for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and State Chair for Colorado’s Complete Count Committee.

The Census is Safe

Your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency and cannot be shared with ICE, the FBI, CIA, Welfare, or the Department of Homeland Security. The information gathered is 100% confidential and protected by law, not to be shared with anyone — not even other federal agencies — as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.

Census 2020 TimeLine:

Early March – Postcards sent to physical addresses with instructions for participation March 12 – Census opens for responses! Online, phone, or mail-in forms.

APRIL 1-- Census DAY

Census Volunteers

All Census workers are badged with their name, photograph, a Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date. They will have an official bag and Census Bureau-issued device, such as a laptop or smartphone, bearing the Census Bureau logo and will conduct their work between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time. All Census workers must sign a Worn Affidavit of Nondisclosure, which under Title 13 of the Constitution obligates all employees to data confidentiality, for life even after their employment with the Census ends. The best way to avoid a Census worker is to complete your Census online or by mail before the end of April.

Census Challenges

As a county and a country, we face several challenges in ensuring a complete and accurate count. These include:

• Housing units without US postal street delivery will receive an invitation to complete Census via hand-delivery (vol unteer door-knocking).

• Participation may be hindered by lan guage barriers, low literacy, and lack of internet access.

• Suspicion of government, low levels of civic engagement, homelessness, or per sons wanting to remain hidden

To help address these and other challenges, including a lack of funding by the Federal Government, a coalition of leaders from Aspen to Parachute are working together to address barriers in achieving a complete Census count in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys. Funding for this effort is coming from all our local municipalities and counties, with about half of the money coming from Pitkin County and the City of Aspen. Other Coalition participants include Non-Profits, Institutions, Businesses, and Media in our Valleys.

The goal of the Aspen to Parachute Complete Count Campaign (A2PCCC) is to target outreach efforts on hard to count populations, including children, seniors, seasonal workers, the Latina community and those without the US postal street delivery. The strategy is to create comprehensive outreach and education campaigns stretching from Aspen to Parachute. The focus is to develop key messages that:

• Engender trust

• Dispel myths

• Mitigate fears

• Explain why the Census is important and that completing the Census is easy

• Provide answers to Who, What, When, and How to complete the Census

The Census asks just 12 questions, most can answer these in less than 10 minutes. It asks:

• Number of people living or staying in your home on April 1, 2020 (includes renters, seasonal stays, multiple genera tions)

• Name

• Sex

• Age

• Date of birth

• Race of each person in the home,

• Relationship to a central person in the home

• A phone number

• Whether you own or rent your home

IMPORTANT: Your information is 100% Confidential and protected by law, not to be shared with anyone — not even other federal agencies — as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. All Census volunteers take an oath of confidentiality and face strong repercussions for non-compliance. No social security numbers, ID numbers, or citizenship questions are allowed.

You can help by discussing the importance and ease of the Census among your friends and colleagues and, of course, by completing your 2020 Census.

For more information visit: www.A2PCensus2020.com. Our tagline is “TOGETHER WE COUNT -- ASPEN-PARACHUTE.”

THE MARBLE TIMES

The Marble Charter School Board is looking for members to be a part of the board to help lead and support the school. If you are interested and would like more information please contact Amy Rusby at 970-963-9550 or email her at arusby@gunnisonschools.net.

Now Hiring

The Gunnison Watershed School District RE1J is announcing the following anticipated vacancy for the 2020-2021 school year.

Middle School Teacher

Qualifications:

• Licensed in the state of Colorado in secondary education with an endorsement in one or more: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science

• Multi-grade classroom experience preferred

Duties and responsibilities:

• Demonstrate and maintain a safe, positive and productive classroom

• Teach to a variety of learners and differentiate instruction

• Attend fall and spring camping trips in addition to school-wide field trips and events

• Establish close working relationships with colleagues in a professional setting at a small, rural school and community

• Foster positive relationships with students, parents and community members

Compensation:

• Position is full-time with health insurance and PERA retirement

• Salary depends on education and experience

Location: This position is located at the Marble Charter School

Start date: August 2020

Application Process:

All applicants: Please submit Cover Letter, Application, Applicant Oath, Transcripts (copies are acceptable), Philosophy of Education, Résumé and Three Letters of Recommendation.

Marble Charter School 418 W. Main Street Marble, CO 81623 kanderson@gunnisonschools.net

Application deadline March 13, 2020

Declan’s show NOT tell! the “Shower” gives clues and the other kids have to guess what it is.

February 29 Learn to cook Philippian style with Gyoza/Mandu and Springs Rolls with Kelly Wilson at the Marble Charter School, 1 — 3 p.m.

March 2 Yoga with Jamie Fiske, 3:45 — 4:45 p.m. at the Marble Charter School.

March 3 The Redstone Community Association meets for their regular board meeting, open to the public, 7 p.m. at the Redstone Inn. Our business subcommittee will meet at 6 p.m. to discuss the next steps following the marketing workshop from February 18. All are welcome to attend, as well as availability to join the board. For more information, e-mail RcaRedstone@ gmail.com.

March 4 Wilderness Workshop’s Naturalist Nights. Topic: Snowmelt to Streamflow: Vulnerability of Mountain Rivers to Climate and Forest Change with Rosemary W. Carroll Ph.D., Desert Research Institute. Third Street Center, Carbondale at 6:00 p.m. or March 5 at ACES – Hallam Lake, Aspen at 6:00 pm. For details, visit: WildernessWorkshop.org/Naturalist-Nights/

March 5 The Town of Marble holds their regular council meeting at the Marble Community Church, 7 p.m.

March 7 Cross-Country Ski Tour with Alex Menard. Meet at the Hub, 10 a.m. — Noon.

March 9 Yoga with Jamie Fiske, 3:45 — 4:45 p.m. at the Marble Charter School.

March 11 Wilderness Workshop’s Naturalist Nights. Topic: The March 2019 Avalanche Cycle: One for the History Books with Kelly Elder, Ph.D., U.S. Forest Service, and Brian Lazar, Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Third Street Center, Carbondale at 6:00 p.m. or March 12 at ACES – Hallam Lake, Aspen at 6:00 pm. For details, visit: WildernessWorkshop.org/Naturalist-Nights/

March 14 Second Saturdays in Marble, FREE: Wood carving, 1 p.m. — 4 p.m., with

Crystal Calendar

Send event information to gentryeh@hotmail.com

MARCH

Rex and Vickie Branson at the Marble Charter School, plus more sumptuous soups and beads with Paige Gibbons, 1 p.m. — 3 p.m. at the Marble Charter School.

March 12 Bingo at the Inn. 6:30 p.m. in the Bar & Grill.

March 12

Crystal River Caucus regular meeting, 7 pm, at the Church at Redstone. Agenda includes: Discussion of NEPA Environmental Review by US forest Service for Redstone to McClure Pass trail, led by our new Sopris District Ranger Kevin Warner; Presentation and discussion of the Crystal River Water Augmentation Study, Led by Zane Kessler, Colorado River Water Conservation District; and Can local Fire and EMT response dispatched from Redstone be improved, discussion led by Rob Goodwin, Carbondale Rural Fire Protection District.

March 13 Irish Whiskey Tasting, 6 p.m. — 8 p.m. at The Redstone Inn. $10 per person, please reserve your spot by calling 963-2526.

March 14 Live music with Sarah Eller and David Snider. Join us at the Redstone Inn for an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, rock, and soul starting at 6 p.m. Come early and be sure to bring your dancing shoes.

March 16 Yoga with Jamie Fiske, 3:45 — 4:45 p.m. at the Marble Charter School.

March 21 My Journey as a Sculpture with Connie Hendrix, 1 p.m. — 4 p.m. at the Marble Community Church.

March 28 Felting workshop with Gina Miles, 1 p.m. — 3 p.m. at the Marble Hub.

March 30 Yoga with Jamie Fiske, 3:45 — 4:45 p.m. at the Marble Charter School.

Upcoming…

April 4 Ski demonstration and clinic, Cripple Creek, 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. at the Marble Charter School.

April 6 Yoga with Jamie Fiske, 3:45 — 4:45 p.m. at the Marble Charter School.

April 7 The Redstone Community Association meets for their regular board meeting, open to the public, 7 p.m. at the Redstone Inn. All are welcome to attend, as well as availability to join the board. For more information, e-mail RcaRedstone@gmail.com.

Ongoing…

The Marble Hub will be open on Saturdays from January 4-April 11, 2020 from 10:00am-3:00pm to give community members an opportunity to socialize and enjoy free coffee, hot chocolate and pastries.

Body Fusion class with Lisa Wagner. Meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 — 10 a.m., at the Church at Redstone. All are welcome! **No classes on March 1, 5, and 10**

Yoga and a Soak at Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs, $25 cash/class. Bring your mat, towel, swimsuit, water, and snacks. Complete your experience and ask about massage availability when you call 970-963-2846 to reserve your yoga spot.

Mondays — 9 a.m. with Shannon Jones Wednesdays — 6 p.m. with Whitney Roginski

Saturdays — 9 a.m. with Sarah Coburn

Second Saturdays in Marble. Wood carving with Rex and Vicky Branson 1 pm — 4 pm, at the Marble Charter School, will continue through the winter.

For anyone needing help stretching their food budget, Gunnison County Officials currently have boxes of food available distributed through the Marble Community Church. There is no charge to the recipient and no reservation is needed; boxes are available for an individual or up to a family of four and contain enough meals to last approximately three days.

Please call Pastor Jon Stovall at the church to arrange a pickup time for your box today, (970) 963-1464.