2022-10

THE CRYSTAL VALLEY ECHO

PitCo BOCC Holds Work Session in Redstone

By Gentrye Houghton

Last month, the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners held a work session at the Church at Redstone to discuss Redstone-specific updates to the short-term rental (STR) ordinance adopted this summer.

A wide range of opinions were heard from community members on September 27th, but a consensus emerged that looks like harsher restrictions in the residential zones located within Redstone's Historic District. Another idea is to perform an update to the Redstone Master Plan, and Kelly McNicholas Kury told this reporter, “An update to the Master Plan seems like the responsible course of action for this issue.”

However, changes will not happen immediately.

“This year is for gathering more data,” said Patti

At the Redstone Inn

OCTOBER 11

Noon – Lunch ($10) RSVP by the Thursday prior as space is limited. Plated lunch will be served. There will be a gluten-free option.

12:45 p.m. – Program Colorado’s Harvest Berries With Sheehan Meagher

PLEASE RSVP: (970) 920-5432

Clapper, Chair. Changes to the ordinance require going through a formal process, and applied treatment will be determined based on what the commissioners hear from the community.

Commissioners are requesting comments from the Redstone community regarding applied treatment to Redstone, what area constitutes that special treatment, should the activity be further restricted in residential zones and possibly loosened in the commercial zone, as well as opinions concerning the annual 120-day rental maximum.

You may send comments directly to the commissioners, whose email addresses can be found on www.pitkincounty.com, through the comment portal located at www.pitkincounty.com/publiccomment, or to Jeanette Muzio, STR Licensing Manager, at jeanette.muzio@pitkincounty.com

Senior Spooktacular

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25th at the Redstone Inn

BLIZZARD BOXES 9:00am - 2:00pm

• 3-day supply of shelf-stable food to have on hand in winter

• For Pitkin County seniors in rural areas, at no cost to you

• Order your Blizzard Box by calling (970) 920-5432

FLU SHOTS 9:00am - 11:30am All ages welcome!

• Regular: $30, High-dose: $50

• Covered by Medicaid, Medicare and some insurance; bring your card

• Omicron COVID boosters also available

SMILES FOR SENIORS 9:00am - 4:00pm

• Call for an appointment (970) 920-5420

• Comprehensive Cleaning and Screening – $85 (financial assistance available)

ADDITIONAL SERVICES 9:00am - 2:00pm

• Consultations on Care Navigation, Economic Assistance, Veterans Services, and Medicare

LUNCH 12:00 pm

• Please RSVP by noon the Friday prior: (970) 920-5432

• $10 – followed by dessert and Halloween treats

MEDICARE PRESENTATION 12:45pm

• Medicare Basics and Open Enrollment Info

• Individual assistance also available

T HE C RYSTAL VALLEY E CHO &

Marble Times

Mission Statement: To provide a voice for the residents of the Crystal River Valley; 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

gentryeh@hotmail.com • (806) 374-0055

CONTRIBUTORS

Amber McMahill • Alex Menard

Melissa Sidelinger

ADVERTISING SALES

Gentrye Houghton

gentryeh@hotmail.com • (806) 374-0055

DISTRIBUTION

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

NEWSPAPER BOX LOCATIONS:

Carbondale (old) City Market • Village Smithy Carbondale Post Office • Redstone General Store

Propaganda Pie • The Marble Hub FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS

Please send $50 for print or $35 for digital editions along with address information to:

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

An Outfitter's Backcountry Tips During Hunting Season

The leaves are changing, the sun is out, and it’s a perfect fall day to take the doggos out for a hike in the wilderness. But why are there specs of orange moving around the hills? Why are there trucks and trailers and horses at the trailhead? Wait, it’s hunting season?!

Yup. Fall is a great time to enjoy the backcountry, go for a hike, and Instagram those colorful photos. But August-November is also hunting season and that means we share the trails with many recreational users. It also means that we should all take extra safety measures that will help make our shared outdoor experiences more enjoyable for all.

We all know the basic safety measures to bring water, snacks, extra clothing, and to let someone know where you are headed but here are some extra fall pointers.

1. Know before you go. It seems like a fun idea to spontaneously get in your car and head to that spot you heard the gas station clerk tell the guy ahead of you about. But what do you really know about the area? Is it private property? What is the parking like? Is camping allowed? Is there cell service, and if not, how will you communicate if you need help? Is it shared use? Will you encounter other hikers, bikers, and horseback riders? Do you need permits to access this area? The best sources to answer these questions are the local United States Forest Service (USFS) Ranger Station and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Some areas require a day-use permit and others may require you to purchase a fishing license, even if you don’t plan on fishing. Bonus Tip: There have been many mudslides that have damaged roads and trails this summer. Check with the USFS for road and trail closures before you head out.

2. Now that you know what kind of area you are heading, are you prepared to share the trail? Hunters aren’t just hiking around the hills. They are looking for brush movement, listening for animal calls, and glassing (viewing through binoculars) for what they are hunting. Why does this concern you? Trail etiquette dictates that we respect how others are using the trails and the accessible areas. While hunters are bound to ethics, we should all practice good manners. Don’t go skipping and bounding through the woods singing at the top of your lungs and shouting at your off-leash dog to leave that deer alone. Stay on the trail, keep your dogs leashed, and know that yelling, shouting, and backwoods karaoke can not only spook wildlife but also affect other users.

3. Be seen. It’s a good idea to wear orange while using wilderness areas in the fall. Find a bright orange hat, at least, and add a vest or bright T-shirt if you’re feeling the style of neon. Bright orange duct tape can also be used to add color to hats, clothing, and backpacks. Put an orange vest, jacket, or tape on your fur babies too. Hunters won’t mistake you or your movements for

wild game if you’re wearing orange. Also, respond if called out to by a hunter. They may need to confirm where you are if they are tracking a game animal.

4. Know the order of right of ways. Vehicles defer to all other users. It’s best if a vehicle can pull over and cut the engine if deferring to horses until they pass. Bikers defer to hikers and horseback riders. If on a bike, stop and pull over as soon as you see horses approaching and/or if directed by the horseback riders. Stay still until they have completely passed. Hikers defer to horseback riders. Step aside, make sure your dog is leashed and held tight if barking and lunging. Don’t forget to say hi! Horses do not like to play hide and seek, so don’t step behind that tree thinking they won’t notice you. If they hear your voice, they know what and where you are and can pass safely.

5. If you are really out there (in the backcountry), you may come across an outfitters camp. For the most part, leaving it alone is a good idea. Most outfitters are understanding if you have an emergency, just

leave everything as you found it. It’s a real bummer to ride several hours to camp to find that your cooking stove has been broken and all propane bottles are missing. You never know when the cowgirls and cowboys might decide to hang their hats for the night in one of their camps. They may also have hunters using that camp who have yet to return.

Overall, hunters respect that we are all enjoying our mountains in different ways. Outfitters are out doing a service and will most likely tip their hats and smile while they pass you with a string of horses.

OutWest Guides has had many positive experiences with hikers in the backcountry and highly respects anyone who can climb these hills! These tips are simply a friendly reminder to all users. Here’s to happy trails and a safe, happy fall!

OCTOBER ROAD CLOSURE

The road to the Crystal Mill and Crystal City (NFSR 314) is closed from Oct. 3-7 at Daniel’s Hill (intersection of 314 and 315). The closure affects the approximately 4-mile stretch from Daniel’s Hill to the Crystal Mill. The Mill may still be reached from the north via NFSR 315.

SEASONAL HUNTING DATES

1st Rifle (limited elk) Oct 15 - 19

2nd Rifle for deer/elk Oct 29 - Nov 6

3rd Rifle for deer/elk Nov 12 - 18 4th Rifle for deer/elk Nov 23 - 27

Become a Member of the RCA

RCA Membership Drive

2023 RCA Membership

Name: Address:

Phone Number:

The Redstone Community Association Annual Membership Drive is happening now.

It is the time to renew dues for the 2022-2023 season. Memberships help support Redstone’s annual events like the fourth of July Celebration, the Easter Egg hunt, Grand Illumination and more.

To become an RCA member fill out the form below and send it with a check to 303 Redstone Blvd, Redstone, Co 81623, or it can be dropped o at the Redstone Inn Front Desk. Dues can also be paid online by using the QR code. Membership letters went out this past week, if you did not receive one and would like to be on the list for next year email contact info to rcaredstone@gmail.com.

Redstone, Colorado, is an unincorporated village that relies completely on donations and volunteerism spearheaded by the Redstone Community Association (RCA). Your membership dues and donations directly fund RCA projects and events.

Thank you for your support!

A reminder to the community that Bears are in the Redstone areas right now looking for food. Please remember to keep trash in a bear proof receptacle. Carry a whistle and/or bear spray when hiking. Don’t attempt to feed them or lure them. It will only end bad for the bear.

Plan to attend the October RCA meeting. The meeting is open to all. We will announce/vote on new board members at this meeting as well as talking about Halloween and Grand Illumination events.

Scan the QR code to be taken directly to a payment screen for easy Membership Sign up or renewal.

You may also write a check and drop it off at the Redstone Inn or mail it to 303 Redstone Blvd. Redstone, CO 81623.

REDSTONE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS

Steve Pavlin - President

Nate Helfenbein - Vice President

Katie Lowery - Treasurer

David (DJ) Johnson, Josh Wamboldt, Ron PhaneufBoard Members

Cathy Montgomery - Alternate

Human Remains Found in East Creek Area

By Gentrye Houghton

The Pitkin County Coroner’s office has confirmed that human remains were found by a bow hunter above Redstone early in September and recovered by a team led by the Pitkin County Sheriff’s office.

This discovery was made in the high country around the East and Hawk Creek drainages. Pitkin County Chief Deputy Coroner Audra Keith said the bones were sent to a forensic anthropologist in Fort Collins, Colo., and then on to a forensic odontologist for identification through dental records.

While speculation runs high, no positive identification had been made by the end of September; Keith anticipates information to come back early in October but there is no estimation for how long the identification process may take.

Follow The Crystal Valley Echo on Facebook or check online at www.thecrystalvalleyecho.com for the latest on this story.

D EADLINES

Marble's Historic School Building at Risk

The golden hues of the early Autumn sunshine stream through the large windows of the kindergarten through second-grade classroom at the Marble Charter School. The large classroom is a cacophony of colors, textures, and sounds. Large plants surround the reading nook, creating a miniature jungle to host young imaginations while a bright carpet resembling the world covers parts of a creaking and worn wood floor.

Time has polished the floor and the tall ceilings are a testament to the room's original purpose -- a gymnasium and basketball court. The echoes of children's voices are nothing new to the building that once hosted the burgeoning town's high school students.

Surviving Through a CenTury

and perhaps the greatest, undertaken by the Marble Historic Society was building up a museum collection and transforming the old school into a museum to house the collection.

Building The MuSeuM froM SCraTCh

For a town so small, the museum is a truly remarkable achievement. On the main floor, beside the gymnasium transformed into a current classroom, one of the former classrooms houses information and artifacts from Marble's most famous industry, marble.

Built in 1912, the heyday of Marble's past, the school once housed around 200 students and was a matter of pride and a sign of prosperity for the town. Separate from the elementary school across the street, the High School was built with a marble foundation and veneer and contained a modern, for the era, science room on the third story. Students studied engineering, science, and geology along with their general studies and the average graduating class was around 20 students.

Once a booming town of around 4,000 residents, Marble was home to grand hotels, theaters, saloons, emporiums, and even a bank. The William Brother's store stood where Slow Groovin' BBQ now stands and the empty lot of grass that's now a park was the heart of downtown with a city hall built of marble and businesses selling everything from shoes to haircuts to newspapers. Few of Marble's historic buildings remain, a jail tucked away in the corner of the park, crumbling walls and pillars of Marble, and the old bank building. The old high school is by far the largest and most complete remnant of Marble's unique history.

The town's prosperity of the '20s and '30s ended with the onset of World War II as the demand for marble dissipated. The town's population dwindled to only a handful of families. After the mudslides of the 1940s destroyed much of the town, the school closed in 1948. The few remaining students moved across the street to the sole remaining teacher's house, Theresa Herman.

By the 1950s even that school closed and any Marble children had to endure the long and treacherous bus ride down dirt roads to Carbondale. For the next three decades the building remained boarded up, the desks still lined in rows and the specimens and jars in the science rooms collecting dust.

The sleepy years of the '50s and '60s gave way to a renewed awakening in Marble during the 1970s. The town held elections and reformed the Town government — the originally incorporated Town never dissolved, they simply stopped meeting.

Soon after, Historian Oscar McCollum and other interested residents formed the Marble Historical Society to save and preserve Marble's rich and quickly disappearing history. Among the many projects,

Here visitors and guests can learn about quarrying, milling, mining, and the infamous Colorado Yule Marble Company. The old principal's office now houses a research library complete with town records, newspapers, and file upon file of pictures and publications. Previously stored in past residence closets, garages, and basements — these priceless pieces of Marble's history finally had a home.

Up the creaking stairs is an old classroom, arranged much the same as it had been 110 years ago, the initials of children etched in the wooden desks, ink gone dry in the old inkwells. Now, the walls are lined with information and pictures, all created by the progression of volunteers who have fallen in love with Marble's story and worked to preserve it.

The old chalkboards still stand at the front of the room, a visiting historian having drawn a history line of Marble upon their worn surface. History is accessible here, not yet locked behind ropes and glass cases. Students can sit at the desk where their peers sat a hundred years prior and run their fingers over the same surfaces those students did.

Also in the upper story lives the old science room — the specimens still floating in their jars. Today, this room also hosts artifacts and information on the social and economic life during Marble's historic era. It is here where the last echoes of past businesses can be found, the old barber stand, and the brightly painted drum the town's band had played a century ago. Even the pennant from the Marble's baseball team can be seen. The collection was made even more special by the painstaking efforts the Historic Society took in hunting down and gathering these pieces of the past.

a SChool onCe More

By the 1990s, Marble had grown to a population of around 200 and with the growing number of families, the need for a school of their own became obvious. In 1996, the Historic Society, parents, and educators worked together to once more bring the building to life as a school.

Volunteers worked to obtain funding and transform half of the building into a new school. The Historic Society leased half of the building to the Marble Charter School (MCS) while the museum remained in the other half. The result was a place of learning for both children and adults. Students helped create some displays for the museum and were allowed the unique opportunity to be surrounded by their community's collective history while they studied it.

Starting with a class of only 15 and ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade, early students of the MCS shared one classroom, making the former gymnasium a place of learning and growth. Pictures and drawings of that founding class now hang in the historic building, adding to the continuing history of the town.

Over the next three decades, the tiny school grew. It has gained a reputation for its nurturing atmosphere, a place where any student can find a sense of belonging. Eventually, they added a new adjacent building with a new community use kitchen and activity room that can host group functions.

Yet still, the heart of the school remained in the historic building. It is in the historic building's sunny classroom where children get their first learning experiences, the basement houses the school's music and additional kindergarten space as well as the school's library -- the only children's library in town. Today, MCS hosts 55 students, a record for attendance, and is expected to see more growth in coming years.

Already at full capacity, the historic building and the space it provides are even more critical. Yet time and the aging building have put the school and museum at risk of closure.

Saving a Building

Marble has always been a town that runs on volunteer power and a shoestring budget. It's no different for the Historical Society and school. The improvements of thirty years ago once more need serious attention.

The matter came to a head last year with the failing boiler system that heats the building. Rooms were heated with space heaters on the increasingly frequent times the boiler went down and kids attended classes bundled up in jackets.

Free Food Bags Available in Marble

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 the Marble Community Church to arrange a pickup time, (970) 963-1464.

As winter set in, the building was shuttered, and its students moved into temporary classrooms in the lunch room while the pipes were kept from freezing with space heaters. The beautiful decks and fire escapes surrounding the school have aged to the point where they need to be replaced and the showcase marble veneer on the outside of the school is starting to crumble.

Once more the Marble Historical Society and MCS have come together to save the wellloved building. The main source of grants for historical purposes was depleted in the original restoration of the building. So, the Historical Society recently transferred ownership of the building to the school to allow for more opportunities for desperately needed funding. They are now working together to raise awareness of the issues the building is facing, the importance of the school and museum, and the upcoming bond issue that might save them both.

The Marble Charter School has always worked closely with the Gunnison School District, operating for most intents and purposes as a public school. This year the school district has a bond issue before the voters of Gunnison County, including the Marble Charter School.

If the bond passes, it will provide the funds to update the heating system and assure the building stays open. It is one of just a few funding avenues left for the school. The issue will be on the November 8th ballot for Gunnison County Residents, of which Marble and surrounding areas is just a small portion.

The Marble Charter School and Marble Historic Society will be hosting an Open House on October 20th from 6 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. There, visitors and residents can visit this unique combination of school and museum and get a feel for this treasured town jewel.

For more information please contact the school at (970) 963-9550.

Authors Note: For those who know what it is like to fall in love with a building, the slow decay of the grand dame of Marble is heartbreaking. Not only is it one of the few remaining buildings from Marble's heyday, but it also houses the remnants of our history and the school that is often referred to as the heart of our community. Built upon the efforts and work of countless residents and volunteers over 110 years, there is now a chance to assure that work was not in vain and that the building and students it houses have a solid future.

THE MARBLE TIMES

Lead King Loop Race

MARBLE CHARTER SCHOOL OCTOBER EVENTS

SCHOOL BOND INFORMATION NIGHT AND OPEN HOUSE

October 20 6 p.m. at MCS

The school would like to inform the public on their plans should the bond funding (Issue 5A) for the Gunnison Watershed School District pass on November 8th.

7TH & 8TH GRADE TRIP FUNDRAISER

October 27 Slow Groovin’ BBQ Time to be announce.

Last month, 143 participants crossed the finishline for another successful Lead King Loop 25k race benefiting Marble Charter School. Below are a few photos from the Kid's division, thanks to Shana Light, Amber McMahill, and Nicole Ludlow for providing photos. Light snapped pictures of almost everyone, so if you're interested in seeing photographs of your children, please send an email to gentryeh@hotmail.com

Lead King Loop Race Photos

Photographs by Mellie Test and Gentrye Houghton

Labor Day Art Show People's Choice Winners

From RAF President Frances Bogle and Treasurer Cathy Montgomery

With over 500 people in attendance, the Redstone Art Foundation's 26th annual art show was held over Labor Day weekend. One of the new features of the event was the People’s Choice Award. Patrons were asked to vote for their favorite 2D artist (painter, photographer) and their favorite 3D artist (potter, jeweler, sculptor).

With a very high caliber of artists participating in the show, we are honored to announce Judy Milne, a watercolorist as the winner of the 2D award, and Emiro Uribe, a metal artist as the winner of the 3D award.

Judy Milne is a long-time resident of the Roaring Fork Valley. During these years she has always been involved in art through clothing design, art classes at Colorado Mountain College, local workshops, and classes in Arizona and New Mexico. Her years teaching preschool allowed her to bring her passion for art to many three-to five-year-old students. As a member of the Glenwood Springs Art Guild, Milne has won several awards at their Fall Art Festivals. She is also a member of Carbondale Arts, The Art Base, and Redstone Art Foundation; she has been present at their Fairs, Festivals, and Shows. Milne has also shown her artwork at the Aspen Chapel, and several local businesses and restaurants in Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. Currently, Judy is enjoying wet-on-wet watercolor painting. She meets each week with The Alaprima Watercolor Painters and participates in shows with the group. Milne’s work is on display at the Cooper Corner Gallery in Glenwood Springs.

After a 35-year career in Information Technology in Ohio, Emiro Uribe retired and moved to Colorado to enjoy the outdoors and to build his dream workshop. Uribe has always had a passion for metal art, and in 2007, he became fascinated

with Damascus steel. Uribe has been working to uncover its secrets ever since. To that end, he set out to build his own tools including gas forges, hydraulic press, rolling mill, twisting jig, and belt grinders to make Damascus knives. Uribe is a member of the Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America and the Rocky Mountain Smiths. He also makes silver and turquoise jewelry when taking a break from forging knives.

Also new to this year’s show were the Plein Air Painting Event and Live Auction. The 23 participating artists were given three hours to complete an outdoor painting capturing the beauty of Redstone. This was followed by a live auction and wine tasting by Williams Cellars.

Finally, the Friday evening reception was enhanced by elegant hors d'oeuvres organized by Joyce Preston, and Monday with beautiful harp music provided by Kathryn Gracey.

As we so often say, it takes a whole village to make our annual art shows possible. Record funds were raised from our very generous sponsors including the following: Miller and Company, The Redstone Inn, Alpine Bank, Redstone Cliffs Lodge, Steve and April Carver, The Redstone Castle, Propaganda Pie, Redstone Mountain Mercantile, Redstone Art Gallery, Redstone General Store, Avalanche Ranch, Main Street Gallery and The Framer, and Williams Cellars of Cedaredge.

Our volunteer base was extraordinary this year. Thanks to all of you!

Docents: Nikki Beinstein, Frances Bogle, Becky Bone, Peter Bone, Mary Dorais, Shelle DeBeque, Gentrye Houghton, Ryan Kenney, Brigitte Hilberman, Terry Langley, Melissa McBurney, Jay C, Cristina Montana, Michelle Leonard, Harry Leonard, Martha Perkins, Nate Helfenbein, Stephanie Helfenbein, Pam Robinson, Weldon Schneider, Dan Sohner, Mary Stanazak, Deb Strom, Betsy Weidemeyer, and Judy Witchey.

Friday Evening Reception: Karen Alldredge, Kay Bell, Jimmie Benedict, Janette Bier, Becky Bone, Frances Bogle, Joy Bouchet, Nancy Chromy, Cindy Cole, Donna Downey, Dorris Downey, Mary Dorais, Kathy Enman, Andrea Garr, Brigitte Hilberman, Connie Lane, Terry Langley, Sara Lewis, Karen Moeller, Cathy Montgomery, Mary Olsen, Joyce Preston, Becky Trembley, Pam Wadsworth, Lisa Wagner, and Jane Wallace.

Monday afternoon music: Kathryn Gracey, Harpist

Other helpers: Karen Alldredge, Jimmie Benedict, Otter Benedict, Cindy Cole, Brian Cooley, Andrea Garr, Bruce Garr, Steve Ivey Fisher Jacober, Molly Jacober, Sara Lewis, Mary Ellen Jones, Katie Lowery, Sawyer Lowery, Ben Ludlow, Nicole Ludlow, Victor Mamlin, Heather Marine, Jake Marine, Pete

Mike Kennedy, Broker/Owner 970-379-3907 mikekennedy@sopris.net ColoradoHomesRanches.com

Menardi, Cathy Montgomery, Gary Nelson, Chris Moon, Ron Phaneuf, John Rutland, Becky Trembley, Summer Trembley, Sue Turner, Dick Wadsworth, Pam Wadsworth, Lisa Wagner, Judy Wichey, and Connie Williams.

Methane Capture Project Public Engagements

From Mona Newton

On a beautiful fall Friday last month, 15 people interested in learning more about the proposed Coal Mine Methane Project hiked up to two of the mine portals. Organized by the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE), Chris Caskey, founder of Delta Brick and Climate, and Mona Newton of Energy Smart Solutions, project proponents led the group up the old mining road while talking about plans for the flow test, which is proposed to begin next spring, dependent upon permit approval from the US Forest Service.

The flow test will be designed to measure the quali-

ty and quantity of the methane that is escaping from the mines but will be conducted at two main portals known as Dutch Creek #1 and #2. These are two of the portals where escaping methane has been measured with a piece of hand-held equipment and captured on video with a fluir camera. The amounts of methane escaping annually are estimated to be 9,000 tons.

During the hike, Caskey documented places on the road where a truck would drive up carrying equipment to conduct the flow test. The road is almost passable with a truck but will require some stabilization and improvement to reduce erosion as much as possible and eliminate the possibility of water quality degradation in the nearby creeks and rivers.

CORE is sponsoring a meeting that is free and open to the public, Monday, October 3rd from 5:30 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. at the Church at Redstone. If you are interested in attending, please sign up using the following link: www.eventbrite.com/e/ coal-basin-community-engagement-event-tickets-421636485077

Stained Glass Art in Crystal Valley Churches

Local churchgoers attend for worship, fellowship, and inspiration. Worship, of course, comes from within; while fellowship comes from the interaction of the congregation. Inspiration comes from the text, prayers, sermons, music, the visual arts, and especially the church building itself. The crowning inspirational touch presented for your consideration here is the art of stained glass.

Two local stained glass artists, Mary Matchael and Shannon Muse have created stunning collections of stained glass art on display at two local churches: The Church at Redstone and the Marble Community Church. Both artists have had long, successful careers and created many projects locally.

birds, bears, and a river with fish. Matchael says, "My ideas come to me in dreams."

Shannon Muse assisted Matchael on the side panels for the windows at the Church at Redstone and has done many major projects herself. These include the Catholic Church in Rifle, with 17 feet by 35 feet sections, the Chapel at Valley View Hospital, and the Marble Community Church. Muse's Carbondale business is called Paradise Art Glass.

Matchael has operated the Crystal Glass Studio since 1973, making it the oldest continuously operating business in downtown Carbondale. Matchael left San Francisco in the early '70s, intending to move to Boulder. She stopped in Carbondale to visit a friend and set up shop there instead.

By Alex Menard

John Williams commissioned the Marble stained glass project to commemorate his pioneer ancestors: Horace and Ambrose Williams, who was instrumental in the establishment of the church. They donated the parcels where the church is located and acquired an unused chapel in Aspen. The church was then disassembled and moved by flatbed rail car to Marble where it was reassembled. The two continued to maintain it for years.

able to identify local trees, waterfalls, and mountains.

Unlike other art forms, stained glass color is produced from light passing through the glass, creating a three-dimensional environmental design. Nature is the source of inspiration for Matchael and Muse's windows. Their art is a reminder of the value of nature in the valley to us.

Local heathens and worshipers alike are invited to view their art inside the doors of both churches. More information on these churches is available on their respective websites: www.marblecommunitychurch.org or www.churchatredstone.com

For more information about the stained glass artists, contact Mary Matchael at mary@crystalglassstudio.com or Shannon Muse at paradiseartglass@sopris.net

Matchael is a self-taught stained glass artist; so it is amazing to see all the large specialized equipment set up in her studio. This includes machines to cut, fuse, and sandblast the glass. Matchael is assisted by her husband John, who brings expertise in construction, woodworking, and restoration.

Now, after a nearly half a century-long career, Matchael is planning retirement, at some point, she will no longer accept new commissions. She says "All my work has been bringing my client's visions to light. Now, I want to work on my visions." She sees this as playing with glass instead of working with it.

In 1986, Matchael created the large stained glass panels at the Church at Redstone, where sunlight pours through south-facing windows, bathing the sanctuary in a rainbow of color. Featured subjects include aspen trees, Chair Mountain, and Hayes Creek Falls.

The three-panel mural has the four seasons in the Crystal Valley as the main theme. There are aspens with a rainbow light coming through and hitting a dove with a yellow rose in her beak. Side panels show fall aspen leaves changing color, humming-

The five-year Marble Community Church stained glass project began in 2000 and consists of 12 windows depicting local scenes. The window in the northeast corner depicts the Crystal Mill, and the eastern window shows Whitehouse Mountain, which rises directly above Beaver Lake.

On the southwest side, you see Chair Mountain, while on the northwest is Mt. Sopris. The upper window sections are curved and were added later. They feature flowers of the valley including columbine, rose, and sunflower. Also depicted are birds and a dragonfly.

Matchael and Muse's stained glass technique begins with a full-scale drawing done with colored pencils Their work is precise, done with a tolerance of 3/16 of an inch. The glass is sourced from all around the world, either machine-made or mouth blown.

A kiln is used to fire the glass to color it or to fuse glass pieces. Frit, crushed glass particles ranging from powder to popcorn in size, can be fused onto a piece of glass to create texture. Another texture-creating technique is sandblasting.

Stained glass has been featured in churches since Medieval cathedrals were built. Using rough, primitive shapes, colors, and textures. It is amazing to be

Marble Art Guild Features Lina Menard

Every artist who works with Yule marble brings their own unique, signature style to their creations. Some artists paint it, some artists carve it, and some turn it into jewelry while others turn it into home décor. Linda Menard is one artist whose style is both playful and eye-catching, with

her detailed pewter figurines affixed to snowy white bases of marble. She’s been crafting and selling her work since the late 1990s and has quite the story to tell about how she started down her path as an artist.

“It started almost as a joke,” Menard recalls. “It’s an interesting story about how it all happened.”

In 1999, the owner of the art gallery across the street from the old bank building in Marble asked Menard if she could create anything from marble to sell as souvenirs to tourists. Uncertain what exactly this could be, Menard took a trip over McClure Pass to neighboring Paonia and happened upon a box of pewter figurines for sale at a local shop. Inspired, she purchased several including a large pewter eagle and brought them back with her.

From there, Menard took a belt sander to chunks of marble to smooth out the stone; then, she used a strong glue to affix the pewter figurines to their marble bases. She glued the eagle figurine to a large base, priced it at $150.00, and brought it to the art gallery to put on display. The owner’s husband teased her and declared that there was “No way that will sell.”

“Less than a week later, it sold,” Menard declared with a laugh. “And his mother was the one who bought it!”

Twenty-odd years later and Menard is still making and selling her art, with her pieces currently for sale at the Marble Gallery, Abstract Marble, and The Marble Hub. Menard tries to keep her production levels small so as not

to take away the enjoyment of the process. “It’s relaxing, so I don’t want to do it on demand,” she says.

“I’m not always sure where to go with it, but I need something to do when I retire,” she added. “I have my own workshop space, and I’ve started experimenting with making marble bread warmers.” She also has a friend who lets her travel up to his mining claim near Crystal to gather pyrite, rose quartz, and other stones, which she incorporates into her work.

By Melissa Sidelinger

In addition to the Marble galleries, Menard has sold her work at the annual Christmas in Marble event, which she started years back with fellow artist Judy Morande, who was featured in the September edition of The Cyrstal Valley Echo. Menard also does photography and enjoys taking pictures of the local landscapes, particularly waterfalls and reflections in the water.

“I like doing something a little different,” Menard says. “Not everyone will like it, and that’s ok. The people who like it, really like it.” A true statement as visitors both young and old take home her figurines to commemorate their voyage to Marble.

Vintage Valley: Crystal River & San Juan Railroad Fading Glory on a Colorado Short Line in 1941, Part I

By Bruce Collins

The following is reprinted from the Summer 2005 edition of Marble Chips, the newsletter from the Marble Historical Society.

Born in the boom years of Colorado’s silver camps, relegated by reality to more mundane projects, the Crystal River & San Juan Railroad was in its last days in 1941. Now it hauled high-grade metallurgical coal, coke manufactured from the coal in the picturesque village of Redstone, marble from that stone’s namesake community, and carloads of high country potatoes and livestock.

It was less romantic work for a 28-mile line than hauling bars of gold bullion and carloads of silver concentrates, but at least it was in a gloriously scenic valley.

In 1917, people in the Crystal River valley numbered nearly 1,000. The CR & SJ, built-in 1906 from Placita to Marble to serve the Colorado Yule Marble’s finishing mill at Marble was a going concern. Originally just 7.3 miles long, after 1910 it leased the Crystal River Railroad from Placita to its connection with the Denver & Rio Grande at Carbondale. Colorado Yule produced some of the finest marble ever quarried: Yule marble built the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The marble was lowered from the quarry to the mill on the electrified Yule Tram.

Decline set in after 1917 as labor costs made marble too expensive for most buildings. The valley’s population began declining to 240 in 1940 and 50 in 1950.

The Depression was harsh. The coal mines at Placita, which originated up to 500 carloads annually for a number of years essentially closed at the end of 1931. In 1932, only 290 cars of livestock, potatoes, and marble were shipped out of the valley, with an occasional car of inbound sand or other supplies for the mill, now owned by Vermont Marble Company. As modestly improved roads were extended up the valley, potato shipments diminished as well.

Mable sales increased somewhat in 1931 in the wake of publicity surrounding the quarrying and shipping of the block that was to become the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. But toward the end of the decade, Vermont marble had to face up to fading demand it could readily satisfy from excess capacity at its eastern quarries, as well as the buildup of war industries and coincident discouragement of “nonessential” businesses. It decided to close the Marble operation at the end of 1941.

That left only livestock. It had remained steady throughout the 1930s,

All content sponsored and provided by the Redstone Historical Society

and even grew, with daily trains required during the fall rush and the longest train ever on the CR & SJ, 31 cars rattling down the Crystal River valley, in the fall of 1939. But livestock could not sustain the railroad.

The Interstate Commerce Commission granted a petition to abandon on September 21, 1941. Any hope of forestalling the decision [had] evaporated on August 8, 1941, when a flash flood and debris flow damaged or destroyed much of the town of Marble.

Ironically, the decision to abandon brought about one of the most significant upgrades of the line since its construction. Thanks to years of deferred maintenance, it was in such bad shape that Vermont Marble had to install almost 4,500 ties before mill machinery could be hauled down the canyon for use elsewhere.

The CR & SJ cleanup train left Marble on an unknown date in 1942. The last rails were pulled at Carbondale in January of 1943.

Watch for Part II of this article in next month’s issue of The Crystal Valley Echo.

Copies of Marble Chips  were donated to the Redstone Historical Society by Vince Savage, former editor, in August of 2022.

Town of Marble Board of Trustees September 1st Meeting Recap

An account from DJ Sugar Monkey

Judging by the sparse turnout at the Marble Community Church Fellowship Hall, one would be tempted to conclude that September’s Town of Marble meeting would be a rather lackluster affair. Au contraire. One couple who vacated their seats before the meeting got underway, left the remaining seven of us behind and had no idea what they were about to miss.

I took my seat at the back, as usual, a little closer to the fridge than the previous month, but this time I dared examine its innards. I was not disappointed. A veritable Aladdin’s cave of sugary beverages greeted me as I swung open the door, featuring dozens of cans of 7UP and plenty of Sunkist Orange. I helped myself to a can of the latter, noticing as I returned to my seat that the unchilled 36-pack of Squirt under one of the tables still had 33 available cans. Am I the only Sugar Monkey in Marble?

The meeting started promptly at 7 p.m., and Mayor Ryan Vinciguerra called the room to order and proceeded with roll call. Emma Bielski, “here”, Amber McMahill, “here”, Larry Good on speaker phone, “here,” and Tony Petrocco, always the contrarian, “present.” He cut a fine figure in a rather fetching baseball cap embroidered with a pair of formidable-looking gold eagle wings. It was a classy cherry on top of his checkered shirt and jeans ensemble.

Petrocco and I shared a brief moment before the meeting kicked off in earnest, and he confirmed that his teal sweatpants, which he'd worn the month prior, were in fact, teal. And vintage Patagonia sweatpants, no less. I was left thinking of Ray Krebbs in an early ‘80s episode of Dallas.

First came the Mayor’s comments, Vinciguerra admitting that he had

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“nothing to say,” and moved swiftly on. The Council considered the approval of the Marble Wetlands Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Marble Wetlands contract with Trout Unlimited.

On the first issue, the Mayor insisted there was no hard commitment to sell Marble Wetlands to the Town and stated that the contract required a lot of “cleaning up.” Although he viewed it as a priority for the Town to own the Wetlands, he felt the details required a lot more hammering out.

Next, the 2023 preliminary budget was approved. At this point, I felt myself beginning to drown in a sea of mind-numbing acronyms. Fortunately, Town Administrator Ron Leach woke me from my stupor with the good news that the Town was faring well against its 2022 budget targets. To date, Marble has spent $181,000 versus its planned expenditure of $205,000.

Emma Bielski voiced her concern that the annual Lead King Loop race, an important fundraiser for the Marble Charter School, was being run on the same day as the Crystal Music Festival. To everyone’s surprise and amusement, she had learned about the conflict from an event flyer she saw posted on the door of Ace Hardware in Carbondale.

The meeting heated up, at last, when it came to the discussion of Old Business.

Complaints continue to flood in about Vince Savage’s business, The Marble Lodge at Beaver Lake Retreat, formerly The Beaver Lake Retreat. There were four main sources of concern.

First, according to Marble residents, visitors to The Lodge continue to flout the Town’s noise curfew; second, on the night of Friday, August 13th, a small RV rented by two of his guests flipped onto its side and started spilling gas onto East Hill Street after failing to climb the precipitous ascent to the property. Luckily no one was hurt, and Petrocco was quickly on the scene in his fireman’s guise to assess the risk of the spewing gasoline. The vehicle was removed the following night and there was an impressive turnout of interested neighbors

to see the show.

More disturbing were the revelations contained in two Google reviews of Vince’s business posted towards the end of August. The first of these, “An experience to remember” was posted by the chaperone of a group of two dozen high school cross-country runners, who reported being insulted by their host and shocked by his unannounced nocturnal visits.

Other contents of the review elicited gasps from the usually unshakeable Sue Blue. The second of these (reviews, not gasps), written by a member of the same group and entitled “DO NOT STAY HERE!” was equally scathing.

When asked what the Town Council intended to do about such an operation, to which a business license had been granted only the month before, Mayor Vinciguerra said the situation would probably “resolve itself.” Larry Good said, “It’s not illegal to run a crappy business in this town.” Good, who with his wife Karen runs the Beaver Lake Lodge and Cabins, added, rather pithily, “It is particularly crappy when that business shares three of the same words in its name as yours.”

Moving on to New Business, the renewal of Slow Groovin’s liquor license was considered and immediately approved. No surprises there. The meeting was quickly adjourned, but not before a richly-deserved and heartfelt round of applause for all-around decent chap and Marble favorite Richard Wells for all his great work beautifying the parks and public spaces of this lovely town. Thanks, Richard!

I headed home regretting that I had not remembered to chill any Squirt for the next meeting on October 6th at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Marble Community Church.