2023-06

NODOGSALLOWED

Magical Moments

Summer Concert Series, 2023

Sat. June 24 • 6-8pm

THE QUEEN BEES

Female fueled music for the heart and soul: weaving Americana Country, Folk and Bluegrass Sat. July 1 • 6-8pm MOORS & MCCUMBER

Celtic Bluegrass, Blues, true Americana, singer-songwriters

The next Simon and Garfunkel

Located: Avalanche Outfitters (Behind the coke ovens)

17843 Highway 133, Redstsone

Peace Love Music & Nature

Sat. July 8 • 6-8pm

BILLY BOWER BAND

Rock ’n Roll, Blues and Country with originals

Sat. July 15 • 6-8pm

MAD DOG BAND

High-energy acoustic blues jam band with influences including Jazz, World Music, Blues, Folk and Americana

Sat. July 22 • 6-8pm

STEVE MANSHEL BAND

Sat. August 12 • 6-8pm

PETER KARP

Insightful songwriter, slide guitarist, Americana Blues, tours in Europe and US, an exceptional concert of music and entertainment; not to be missed!

Sat. Aug. 26 • 6-8pm

BLUE RIVER GRASS

Mind blasting, energetic, rocking Jazz Bluegrass; wowing crowds with their magic on stage

A Redstone Favorite, Steve performs super fun originals and groovy versions of your favorite hits

Third Annual Marble Gem and Mineral Show

The Third Annual Marble Gem and Mineral Show (MGMS) will be held at the Marble Campground and the Marble Mill Site Park on June 9th — 11th, 2023. The show will feature a dazzling display of gems, minerals, jewelry, and art for sale and a talented array of local and regional performers. This event is free and open to the public.

The show is a non-profit, working to build a Marble Geology Museum in Marble, Colo., which is home of stone used in the Lincoln Memorial and Tomb of Unknowns. This stone is some of the purest Marble in the world and has a vast mineral richness to the surrounding area. Having a space to show off our amazing geology and the history that made this town is highly important to founder Monique Villalobos. She says, “ Stone was our first paper, it is how the ancestors left stories behind. The stone people are begging to be shown the way, the museum and events every summer will help us connect to the ancients, help us understand what we do is important. Hold a rock and you hold the world's history in your hands, carve a stone and you become one with the earth”. This entire show is run on donations and generosity of people around us. We are so grateful for any help you can provide to us.

• Rex Branson is a local artist and sculptor who will be showcasing his work at Abstract Marble, across from the firehouse and the Marble Mill Site Park.

• Vicki Branson is a local artist and sculptor who will be displaying her landscape art at the Marble Gallery.

• Garrett Hughes is an MGMS board member and a talented local flint knapper and rock hunter. Grey Wolf will be selling herbal Yates salves, tinctures, and traditional medicines. Independence Construction: Fred Wilson focuses on crafting stone-inspired landscapes.

• Lost in Space will be displaying treasures and trinkets from around the globe.

• The Marble Hub will be holding their annual kids’ fair all day Saturday at the basketball court located at the Marble Mill Site Park.

• Mark Luttrell has been a local area resident for fifty years and is a professional stone miner and flint knapper.

Entertainment will be held all day at the Marble Mill Site Park on Friday, June 9th and Saturday, June 10th. The list of performers and the schedule for the MGMS are as follows:

• Mindy Arbuckle is a holistic and spiritual coach, crystal master, yoga instructor, and conscious entrepreneur from Glenwood Springs, Colorado. She is the author of 7 Steps to Happiness and has been teaching spirituality since 2001. For more information on Arbuckle, visit www.mindyarbuckle.com

• Melissa “Little Wolf” Villalobos is a Native American flute musician and a member of the Kumeyaay Mission Indian Tribe from the San Pasqual Indian Reservation in southern California. She has been performing her culture’s traditional flute music since 2015. For more information on Little Wolf, visit www.littlewolfmusic.com

• Azteca Grupo Tlaloc is a traditional Mexica/Azteca dance group based out of Denver, Colorado. They are the oldest group of its kind and have been performing for over 35 years. Their goal is to preserve the teachings and understandings of their native Aztec culture. For more information on Azteca Grupo Tlaloc, visit www.grupotlaloc.org

• Danielle Klein is a spiritual sound artist, crystal sound bowl distributor, spiritual and business coach, and sound healing trainer from Colorado. Her sound bowl baths help participants to release negative energy blockages, emotions, and stress. For more information on Klein, visit www.danielleklein.com

There will be almost twenty unique vendors showcasing their work at the Marble Campground and at various galleries and locations throughout downtown Marble. These vendors include the following:

• ABC ROX: Brad Hilken has been mining and selling rare and exotic minerals since 2006. He has participated in some of the largest gem and mineral shows in the country, including those held in Tucson, AZ and Denver, CO.

• Ancient Minerals offers an impressive collection of crystals, jewelry, and treasures from around the world.

• Art in the Aspen: Sculptor Laurie Yoast transforms both the white and the green marble from the Colorado Stone Quarry into her own unique, nature-inspired creations.

• Mindy Arbuckle will display her crystals and crystal-oriented holistic healing products at the house around the corner from the Marble Campground, across the street from the Marble Community Church.

• Mineral Magnet travels the world mining for intriguing stones and minerals.

• Pursuit of Vitality: Nora Dechant is a holistic practitioner, yoga instructor, and sound healer who will have her tinctures and salves on display.

• Salvage Designs: Seth Palmer grows crystal on various vintage and antique objects at his studio in New York City.

• SUP Marble offers local stand-up paddle board rentals.

• Threw My Lenz: Sabrina Lakin is an MGMS board member and a professional photographer from Flagstaff, AZ. She will be displaying her work at the historic Perry House in downtown Marble.

• Wooden Rock is a classic rock and Americana band based out of Marble, Colorado. They perform both original music and classic songs that will keep you dancing. Singer/songwriter Mario Villalobos on vocals and acoustic guitar, Dan Smith on bass and flute, Larry Good on electric guitar, Tom Bjoraker on keyboards, and Ray Boyd on drums.

In addition to the weekend’s events, MGMS is partnering with the Marble Hub to host a miniature gem and mineral museum collection upstairs in the historic bank building in downtown Marble throughout 2023. A $2.00 donation fee provides access to view this collection of local rocks, gems, and minerals and the accompanying history of the area. There will also be a gem store located in the Marble Gallery starting in early May. All proceeds from gem sales will go towards funding the MGMS and towards future events.

Please go to marblegemshow.com for more information or to donate to the MGMS. MGMS is actively working towards its goal of raising $25,000 to fund this event.

Letter to the Editor

Wild and Scenic Designation

I would like to thank the Town of Marble along with the River District and Pitkin and Gunnison Counties for hosting the recent Community Summit on the Future of the Crystal River in Marble. The Crystal River is the lifeblood of this incredible valley and most of it, from the headwaters to almost all the way to Carbondale, runs wild and undammed — a rare thing for a river in Colorado! The packed firehouse in Marble — with over 100 people were in attendance — made it clear that people up and down our small valley care deeply about the future of the Crystal River and are willing to work together to permanently protect it. At the summit I was reminded that so many of us share the same values when it comes to safeguarding this incredible resource, including keeping it free-flowing and preventing out-of-watershed diversions while protecting its ecological health and natural beauty.

Soon, a steering committee will be selected who will then present different options for a path forward for the Crystal at another Community Summit this upcoming fall. As a resident of the Crystal River Valley and an avid whitewater kayaker, I am excited to see the progress being made. As a real estate broker, my experience is that the wild and free-flowing nature of the Crystal makes our valley a more desirable place to live. I encourage my friends, neighbors, and all who love the Crystal to stay engaged in this important community conversation. Our beloved Crystal, in my opinion the prettiest river in Colorado, will be better off for it!

Thanks,

Pete Bellande Carbondale

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 • 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:

Third Street Center • Village Smithy

Carbondale Post Office • Carbondale Park & Ride

The Marble Hub • Redstone General Store

Fork Valley and across the Western Slope Scan the QR code for flood information and emergency preparedness tips

Commuters, plan ahead!

Parking at the Brush Creek Park & Ride, or Intercept Lot, will be reduced this summer Bus service will be unaffected Park either in available parking spots at the Brush Creek Park & Ride or park for free at Buttermilk Questions?: linda.dupriest@pitkincounty.com, (970) 309-3188

Property Reappraisals Update

Read the letter from Pitkin County Assessor Deb Bamesberger about this year's property reappraisals, a process that allows for the valuation of all types of properties to produce uniform, fair and equitable values

Property Tax Q&A

Property valuation is just one piece of how property taxes are calculated Scan here to read the Q&A on pitkincounty com

Tell us about your housing

The West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition is conducting a survey to better understand renter households’ current situation and housing needs throughout the valley They are seeking responses from all members of the workforce who are renters to understand how the availability of workforce housing may be impacting the workforce

English Survey Spanish Survey

From Larry Meredith

Michael MacKenzie Assumes Marble Community Church Pastor Role

After two years in Florida, Michael MacKenzie is returning to Colorado, this time as pastor of the Marble Community Church. MacKenzie will take the place of Jon Stovall who held the position for the past 12 years.

MacKenzie and his wife of 21 years, Kari, have been co-Directors of the Marble Retreat since 2013, and have been with the Retreat full-time since 2011 in several different roles. They moved to Florida in 2021 with their two sons, Dylan (now age 11) and Easton (age 3).

When Stovall announced his intention to retire (calling it his “refiring”) the Marble Church quickly formed a search committee to find a new pastor. The committee consisted of Terry Langley, chair, Bob Rue, Peter Bone, Russ Poll, Cristina Akers, Mike Baumli, and Sue Blue.

Chairperson Langley said, “When the church formed a search committee in February of 2022, we didn’t dream it would take over a year to find the pastor God wanted us to have.”

She said the committee received applications from more than 65 men and women from all over the world “and found the right person in our own backyard . . . almost!"

“Our committee was made up of folks from diverse church backgrounds,” she said, “but we all agreed that Mike MacKenzie was the number one choice for Marble Community Church.”

MacKenzie said because he and his family had lived in Marble for several years prior to moving to Florida “we know and love the people and mountain life here and are excited to come back to Marble to serve and care for the folks of this valley. I am honored to be given the role of pastor of Marble Community Church.”

In the meantime, Stovall and his wife, Peggoty, will temporarily move to a townhouse they own in Myrtle Beach, S.C., but plan to return to Marble when the home they plan to rent is expected to be ready in the fall. Stovall presented his final sermon as Pastor of the church on April 30th.

MacKenzie holds a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Lincoln Christian University. He has served as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Longmont, Colo., as the supervisor of the Doctoral Program at Lincoln Christian University, as an educator and seminar leader at the Healthy Marriage Initiative in Greeley, Colo., and as Coordinator of Pastoral Care Ministries at LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, Colo., and in many other similar roles.

He is the author of the book Don’t Blow Up

Your Ministry: Defuse the Underlying Issues That Take Pastors Down and has written many articles for a variety of publications.

Kari MacKenzie, who will be the Executive Director of the Marble Retreat, also has a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Master of Arts in Counseling from Lincoln Christian University. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind., and has completed a Master of Divinity equivalency from Denver Seminary.

She has worked in private practice as a Psychotherapist and as a marriage educator and was Director of Marriage and Family Ministries at LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, Colo. She has held other, similar roles in the United States and China.

Michael said they are excited to return to Marble “and for the privilege of serving at Marble Community Church.”

MacKenzie expects to present his initial sermon as Pastor on Sunday, June 18th.

Town of Marble Board of Trustees: May 4th Meeting Recap

May the Fourth be with you! Stashing my lightsaber safely in my bag, I climbed the hill to the Marble Community Church Fellowship Hall to find a huddle of residents camped outside, wary of a sign stuck to the glass door that read “No Entry, Council in Executive Session.”

For five minutes or so we huddled together, chatting and laughing, I imagine a little like the Mos Eisley Cantina clientele do before a Max Rebo gig. It gave me a chance to exchange a few pleasantries with now ex-pastor Jon Stovall looking fresh and bespectacled, still reverend-like in a white polo, collar neatly rolled under a gray sweatshirt; and to share a few laughs with the ever-cheerful self-proclaimed “Marble Dirt Bag,” Joe Brown, pictured, who had changed out his dashing pork pie hat from April’s meeting for a

more conventional “MTN OPS” cap. The undercover Jedi proclaimed: “It’s amazing what can happen if people just talk to each other.”

Without too much of a wait, admission was granted and the meeting got underway at 7:09 p.m. I counted twenty-one attendees, not including the Board of Trustees or Administrative Staff. Council Members present were Emma Bielski, Mayor Ryan Vinciguerra, Amber McMahill, and Larry Good. Tony Petrocco was alas not present. The Town of Marble’s administrative staff comprised Ron Leach and Alie Wettstein, assisted by the ever-jovial Terry Langley taking the minutes.

The hot issue that everyone had come to see resolved was the zoning decision for Samantha and Dustin Wilkey’s Crystal River Jeep Tours. Those familiar with the situation will remember that the couple is looking to relocate their business to West Park Street and construct a new home with an office from which to run their operation.

There were audible sighs and some gnashing of teeth as Town Administrator Ron Leach announced that due to a clerical error, the rezoning vote (already postponed from April’s meeting) had been omitted from the typed agenda, and as a consequence, no vote could be taken on the matter at this meeting. An apologetic Mayor Vinciguerra seized the opportunity to quell any murmurings by inviting questions on the matter from the floor.

When asked about the current zoning rules in Marble, the Town Council members were most informative. Good clearly articulated that currently, the Town of Marble recognizes only three zoning types; Residential, Business, and Public. Bielski added that mixed-use zoning was not part of the Town’s 2000 master plan.

Jamie Fiske, who together with her mother Cyndi Fowler, runs SUP Marble asked the Board for their thoughts on rezoning in general. Vinciguerra admitted that the rezoning issues that the Town now faces stem from the shortcomings

of the 2000 Master Plan, which was set up for a “bedroom community.” He added that the Town has currently only a handful of business parcels to manage.

Samantha Wilkey, clearly frustrated by the postponement of the Council’s decision, asked whether the forthcoming Master Plan intended to address (amongst many other things) zoning issues would “have any teeth.” In response, Amber McMahill sought to shift the focus from immediate anxiety around the longevity of the much-respected Jeep Tours business to the future incarnations of the parcel of the land concerned.

The Town of Marble is having to become significantly more forward-thinking about the zoning decisions that it makes today, increasingly mindful of the dangers of opening the floodgates to (perhaps less desirable) commercial development tomorrow. There is no doubt in my mind that Marble will continue to respect and protect the interests of its tenured residents and existing business owners, but reform is urgently needed to address an antiquated set of zoning guidelines not fit for purpose in today’s Marble. This will be the remit of the Master Planning Committee, which held its first meeting on May 11th

Linda Evans, whose property is adjacent to the proposed Wilkey business, proposed the erection of a natural barrier between the two properties be a condition of any rezoning. Her son, Jeff, revoiced his concerns from April’s meeting that he did not want to see property developers running amok in Marble.

“We don’t want to see this valley destroyed”, he said, adding that zoning was becoming the central issue in town and that the forces of commerce and lust for money were in danger of usurping the peace of mind of the residents of Marble. Mike Yellico, Marble resident of 30 years, voiced his doubts that Marble would move in the direction of Aspen or Vail, on the basis that Marble just does not have the room to expand.

the public.

Town of Marble ConTinued...

Mayor Vinciguerra offered his apologies to the Wilkeys for the delay in the vote, which was postponed and took place during a special meeting on May 18th. During that meeting, the Council passed a motion by a slim majority of 3 to 2 to have Leach, Town Administrator, create an ordinance to approve changing the Wilkey's zoning from residential to business.

Leach agreed to reach out to the Evans family to see what contingencies they needed to ensure their privacy needs are met. The Town Council also passed a motion, this time unanimously, to create an ordinance allowing residential homes on business-zoned properties. These two ordinances will be voted on at the next Town of Marble Board of Trustees meeting, held on Wednesday, June 7th, a change from the usual first Thursday of the month to accommodate the Marble Charter School Graduation on June 1st Crisis averted!

The regular meeting moved on to the administrator's report. Leach delivered the rather distressing news that the Town would have to pony up an additional $4200 to settle its bills due to the freezing of the main water line to the public restroom in Mill Site Park following a pump failure.

There was broad consternation at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s proposed new restrictions around the use of Beaver Lake to the East of Marble. CPW is proposing a broad-based ban on recreational activities including dog-walking, bicycling, and all on-water recreation not actively linked to fishing, in which all activities already require a permit. McMahill added that CPW has not communicated how they intend to enforce the new restrictions.

Cyndi Fowler was the first to express her indignation at the proposed changes, highlighting the threat to Marble sales tax receipts

from her SUP business, a sentiment echoed by Ron Leach. The CPW is leaving only a very tight window open to court public opinion on the matter that closed on May 24th. Leach requested that the town write a letter to CPW, and encouraged the public to post their thoughts as well. Both Fowler and her daughter, Jaime Fiske, expressed their skepticism over CPW’s desire to take better care of the Lake, and their apparent failure to enforce their rules and regulations in the past. “They need to be here,” Fowler claimed.

Long-time Marble resident Sue Blue chimed in saying she feared a “mass migration” of paddle boarders Westward to McKee Pond should the new regulations prove to have any teeth. Dustin Wilkey proposed the idea that the Town of Marble takes over the management of Beaver Lake from the CPW.

Richard Wells, a former Marble paddle-board renter himself, was next to speak. Decked out in a fetching stripy shirt which I thought would not have been out of place at a (permit-only) rowing regatta, pointed out that Beaver Lake was established as a State Wildlife Area dedicated to fishing, and recommended the Town tread carefully around the issue of commercial activity in the area.

Mike Yellico, whose home overlooks Beaver Lake, wistfully recalled the day he witnessed a Moose swim fully from one side to the other. His comments were greeted by sighs of nostalgia. Mayor Vinciguerra suggested that the Town of Marble compose a letter to CPW to invite them to a meeting in Marble to present their case. That should pull in the crowds.

Then, Leach announced that Mark Chain of Mark Chain Consulting, LLC., has been formally appointed as the new Master Plan Committee Facilitator and that the first meeting was held on May 11th, which was a great success. It was agreed that the MPC will convene twice a month. The number of committee members is capped at fourteen.

Leach also shared that representatives of the Marble Water Company had been in contact with him. They're in town the first week of June and open to a meeting with the Town Council. For context, the Town of Marble wrote to the Water Company some months ago offering to acquire the utility company for the sum of $0.

He suggested setting up a Special Board Meeting for the encounter, at which Mayor Vinciguerra envisaged an “instant clash of opinions.” Good suggested that the Town Council look for creative ways to “cushion the clashing.” It is unclear whether this meeting will be open to the public. Tim Hunter welcomed the idea for the two sides to meet, adding “I’ve always believed that the town should own its own utility.” There were audible murmurs of agreement with his assertion.

Mike Yellico, who tirelessly continues to do excellent work while out and about in Marble, always with a keen eye on the Town’s revenue streams, suggested a sponsorship scheme for the “baskets” comprising the Disc Golf course in the Mill Site Park. This proved an instant hit, with Dustin Wilkey indicating interest on behalf of the Jeep Tours.

Good voiced his support, adding enthusiastically “Even cottage industries may be interested in that.” Yellico went on to say that there was money to be made by instituting paid parking near the Mill Site Park, by his estimate around $90,000 a year. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has been dragging its heels in assisting the Town to get this project off the ground but Leach assured the Town Council and others present that Mayor Vinciguerra had been very diligent in keeping the pressure up on the Washington, D.C., based SBA and that they were now talking directly with the Town’s attorney.

Jen Cox, who runs OutWest Guides with her husband Kevin on the edge of town, urged better cooperation between the Town of Marble and Gunnison County on the issue of parking, fearing that the more restrictive Marble becomes on parking, the more it will push the problem to the outskirts, disrupting businesses located further afield.

The next meeting of the Town of Marble Board of Trustees will be on June 7th at 7 p.m. at the Marble Community Church Fellowship Hall. I hope to see you there.

For more information about the Town, visit www.townofmarble.com

What’s Happening in the Crystal River Valley

By Gentrye Houghton

From Carbondale to Marble, the Crystal River Valley is a hot spot for the arts, recreation, environment, and history. Here’s a snapshot of last month's happenings and a preview into the first month of summer.

Marble SCulpTorS feaTured aT The launChpad

Three Crystal Valley carvers present “Stone Entropy,” a series of marble sculptures, at The Launchpad in Carbondale in June. The show, according to Greg Tonozzi’s exhibition statement, is “influenced by the beauty of the universe and nature.”

Chet Haring, Lucas Leone, and Tonozzi began carving stone at varying times in their lives but were brought together by one unique experience that continues to occur annually: the marble/ MARBLE Symposium.

Haring says he started carving sandstone but really fell into it when he attended a symposium session many years ago. “No one tells you you can’t do something in that environment, they tell you that you absolutely can create your wild idea and help you figure out how to get there,” he said.

“The symposium is like a vortex of creativity and knowledge, and is like nothing I’ve ever experienced,” Leone added. “Carving was passed down to me through the scope of my parents, Bob and Miriam. My father was a stone mason and apprenticed with stone work; it was an easy transition for me to marble through the Symposium, and hanging with Greg has been a huge influence on me.”

“I’ve known Luke since he was born in Marble,” grinned Tonozzi proudly. “I’m just so honored to be surrounded by these two hard-working guys.”

Haring and Leone said they spent long hours at Tonozzi’s Marble home working, learning, and inspiring each other when the three decided to do a shower together. Their first exhibition was two years ago at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia.

“We initially applied for a showing through Carbondale Arts for 2024,” said Tonozzi. “[Chet and Luke] worried they wouldn’t accept it, but the whole [Carbondale Arts] committee went for it.”

Some of the sculptures have been in progress for several years, one as far back as 2016, but the show gave them a deadline to put the final touches on their creations. Leone commented on what varied work carving truly is, echoing the words Tonozzi wrote for the exhibition statement.

Tonozzi writes, “The day at work is not as glamorous as one might imagine. It might be running a crane to move a stone or operating tools like diamond wire saws, chainsaws, and core drills. Various grinders with every kind of abrasive imaginable become my hands. The marble dust is inches thick and requires dust respirators, and ear and eye protection. The sculptor is covered in white dust nearly every day.”

Colorado Stone Quarries along with James Mason of ArtWorx, LLC., and the Marble Distillery Co. and Marble Inn in Carbondale graciously sponsored this show.

“I owe a big debt to the people at Colorado Stone Quarries,” Tonozzi concluded. “I can be fussy and they taught me how to grade stone, and this stone sparkles like snow on a full moon night.”

You can see “Stone Entropy” inside The Launchpad as well as in their sculpture gardens until June 27th, or take a virtual tour by visiting www. carbondalearts.com/exhibitions/stone-entropy

CoMMuniTy banS TogeTher To addreSS poTenTial flooding

The question of providing sand and sandbags to the Redstone community residents appeared before the Board of Pitkin County Commissioners as an open discussion item during their May 9th work session.

Jon Peacock, County Manager, explained that typically the County’s position is to reserve these resources for protecting public access and infrastructure. Before being joined by Valarie MacDonald, the County’s Emergency Manager, Commissioners decided without an official vote to refer people to their High Water Resources un-

der the Emergency Management section at www. pitkincounty.com, and “to ask a local fireman for assistance,” according to Patti Clapper.

Francie Jacober asked MacDonald if people were actually threatened by flooding in Redstone or if residents' concerns were merely for basements and landscaping.

MacDonald recalled that a dyke was repurposed from what was once the railroad bed, possibly 15 years ago. She said, “Redstone is in the floodplain and they will definitely see flooding along the Boulevard.”

She continued, “I don’t know how every single house will be impacted but I think there’s some danger up there. I am not trying to minimize what could happen there, I think everyone needs to take it very seriously and get prepared.”

MacDonald also attended the flooding preparedness meeting hosted by the Carbondale Rural and Fire Protection District at the Redstone Fire Station on May 11th. There, approximately 40 residents voiced their frustration with Pitkin County’s decision.

“Odds are we’re going to see high water this year,” said Fire Chief Rob Goodwin. “If [the heat] kicks up like it did in ’95, we’ll have flooding on the Boulevard.”

Water in crawl spaces regularly occurs in many homes along Redstone Boulevard during runoff, and flooding occurs once the river reaches a level of 3,149 cubic feet per second (cfs). The Crystal River peaked at 3,110 cfs on June 8th, 2010, and 2,810 cfs on July 1st, 2019; Goodwin predicted water levels to peak sometime around mid-June this year, but that is all dependent on what happens with the weather.

During the meeting, Goodwin and MacDonald, as well as several other officials from Pitkin County and CRFPD, equipped community members with tips and resources for dealing with potential flooding, including sand and 1000 sandbags provided by CRFPD. It was suggested that community members watch water levels online or via phone apps, and the options were endless,

as well as signing up for Pitkin County Alerts.

Lisa Wagner said, “It seems Pitkin County is passing some of its responsibilities on to the Carbondale Fire Department and the Redstone Water and Sanitation District.”

Stephanie Helfenbein, who sits on RWSD’s volunteer board, has been a passionate organizer in this cause. She relentlessly approached various members within the County demanding resources as well as organizing two sandbagging events so that residents may proactively prepare for flooding.

MacDonald told The Crystal Valley Echo after the meeting that she’d returned to her office carrying the Redstone message back to the County loud and clear. “While it's sometimes hard to take,” she said, “I love connecting with residents who really care!”

While several factors caused the County to change the direction of its stance. Pitkin County Public Works delivered sand and additional sandbags before the initial sandbagging event where 1500 bags were filled. A second event was held at the end of May and was made possible by RWSD and CRFPD.

Gary Tennenbaum, Director of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, said they will continue to monitor water levels at Redstone Park and the Historic Cove Ovens and are prepared to sandbag as needed. "We are prepared to protect the park infrastructures, like the new gazebo, but it will not sandbag the entire park," he said.

highway 133 CdoT projeCTS

The Colorado Department of Transportation began a rockfall mitigation project along Highway 133 in April that will continue through October.

Although the exact dates were not provided for the expected work in June, their locations are as follows:

• Mile Posts 48-51 — Seeding/Reclamation at Site 1 East Side and Site 2 Crystal Park.

• Mile Post 52-54 — Excavation at Site 3 near Redstone.

• Mile Post 58.3 — Rockfall mitigation and rock scaling at Site 4.

Last month’s press release stated there would be 60-minute holds during June; however, CDOT did not confirm that to happen at the locations they provided. Daytime work hours range from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, with lane closures in place from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should plan for 20-minute delays and single-lane, alternating traffic.

CDOT began running a free shuttle service on May 24th to assist commuters needing transportation from the North Fork Valley to the Roaring Fork Valley. The free shuttle service is available due to the road damage and safety closure on Highway 133 north of Paonia. Information on the service is updated weekly while CDOT and contractor R.L. Wadsworth continue ramping up to place a temporary bridge on the section of Highway 133 that suffered severe roadway damage at the end of April.

A safety closure has been in place since Tuesday, May 2nd at mile points 14-19, near Somerset; the damage originally began with a small sinkhole and lane closure followed by major flooding from nearby Bear Creek that filled a culvert with debris and flooded

the roadway. This pushed the culvert through the other side of the road and eroded the roadway embankment, which caused the road to collapse.

At the end of May, crews were working on the engineering of the temporary bridge, a process that usually requires four months. However, due to the emergency need, they have expedited the process which will allow the highway to reopen to motorists.

According to the CDOT press release, “Once engineering is complete and approved, crews will mobilize to assemble and attach the temporary bridge.”

The bridge will be assembled with 18 truckloads of parts that were anticipated to arrive the first week of June. Permanent repairs to the damaged section of Highway 133 are anticipated to begin once the temporary bridge is installed.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to sign up for updates by emailing CO133CulvertRepair@gmail. com; project information may also be obtained by calling the hotline at (970) 279-3309.

Coal baSin MeThane TeSTing updaTe

Two public meetings were held last month to update the public on the status of the Coal Basin Methane Capture project's proposed testing permit with the U.S. Forest Service. Chris Caskey, project lead and owner of Delta Brick and Climate Company, once again sat in front of the community members at the Church at Redstone on May 17th

According to the Forest Service’s website, the proponent is applying for the “preliminary analysis to identify and quantify methane gas emission source locations within 5.2 square miles of Coal Basin to determine potential methane gas quality for future methane destruction or utilization projects.”

Caskey explained that they are now proposing only to perform measurements from the surface. “Instead of resealing mine openings and conducting a flow test, we are going to set methane detectors up at the leak points and watch the mine inhale and exhale," he said. "We will identify leak points with aircraft. This data will be almost as good as a flow test, with much less impact.”

The Forest Service has invited the public to make comments on the project and Deputy District Ranger Jennifer

The MARBLE/marble Symposium is back with three sessions starting in July!

1st Session: July 2 - 9

2nd Session: July 15 - 22

3rd Session: July 29 - Aug 5

Come carve beautiful Colorado marble with scultors from around the world, or come check out the carvings from students and instructors alike -- many works will be o ered for sale.

We welcome every experience level and artistic style. The 8-day Symposium provides everything including marble, tools, carving sites, workshops, demos, and private instruction.

Schuller said comments would be the most helpful if received before June 7th, but would continue to accept comments once that date passes. “We will not make a decision on the project until after June 7th when we will move forward with the analysis.”

If you’re interested in more information or providing a comment on the proposal, visit www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64062

Registration available online, or come spectate by stopping in at The Marble Gallery for directions.

www.marbleinst.org info@MARBLEmarble.org

Redstone Historical Society's Vintage Valley: The Redstone Inn Becomes a Resort Hotel

From Deb Strom

The Coal Basin mine closed in 1909 followed by the last run of the Highline narrow gauge railroad. Coal Basin immediately became a ghost town. The Redstone Coke Ovens shut down and were it not for all the grand buildings, Redstone may have become a ghost town as well.

On May 3, 1912, the Aspen Democrat-Times announced, “Osgood to reopen Redstone Inn for summer tourists.” It went on to report, “The Inn is known far and wide as one of the coziest nooks in the Rocky Mountains “ and “the automobile boulevard from Carbondale to Redstone, built by Osgood, is one of the finest pieces of roadways in the state” -- although based on the photo, it was still pretty deserted and auto trips were still only for the wealthy.

It wasn’t until the Fall of 1924, that the grand resort project began in earnest when an ailing 73-year-old John Osgood, returned to Cleveholm with his third wife, 30-year-old Lucille. Osgood’s nephew Charles Osgood and his family moved to Redstone and, with Redstone property manager John Kenney, fast-tracked the project.

Over 200 workers were brought in to do the work. The Gala opening was planned for Christmas 1925 but had to be canceled because Osgood was too weak. Consumed with cancer, John Osgood died on January 4, 1926. Lucille inherited the entire estate, but due to the 1929 stock market crash and followed by the Great Depression,

All content sponsored and provided by the Redstone Historical Society.

fairly guaranteed the failure of their grand resort plan. Still, the Redstone Inn carried on.

Paula Mechau, the wife of artist Frank Mechau, recalls their first trip to Redstone in 1937 when they were greeted at the Inn’s front door by a butler in a white coat. She remembers, "The village with its charming cottages and unusually fine public buildings was magical in its beauty." Lucille Osgood MacDonald coaxed them to relocate Mechau’s Denver art school to Redstone.

Mechau had gained national recognition for a series of murals commissioned by the Federal government for public buildings in various locations across the country. The vacant schoolhouse provided the large spaces needed for his New Deal apprenticeship program, and for a time Redstone came alive as an art school for talented young artists.

In 1941, facing the mounting property tax liability and with the US entry into World War II looming, MacDonald sold the Redstone Inn to a Denver couple for $100,000. Within a year, they re-sold it to Adolf and Tess Freideberg who operated it as a summer resort for 15 years. The Freidebergs added the Cypress bar in the basement, updated the lodging by adding adjoining bathrooms to most rooms, and painted the building white. In 1946 young Thanos Johnson, of Greek heritage and fresh from WWII active duty, became their chef. He spoke very highly of the Freideberg’s stewardship.

In 1956, Frank Kistler, former owner of the Glenwood Lodge and Pool, along with 32 silent partners purchased the Redstone Inn, what would become known as the Redstone Castle (a 300+ acre parcel), and most of the riverside of Redstone

Boulevard. Their ambitious plan was to establish a four seasons resort.

The Redstone Inn was renamed the Redstone Lodge, and with the help of his stepson and architect Tony Antonides, a three-story west wing was added with 16 lodging rooms. On the first floor, the kitchen was expanded; the dining room doubled in size; and added the Moosehead bar to the west end. Additionally, a large pool enclosed in a greenhouse was constructed on the south lawn and, further south, a small ski area was built with one T-bar lift.

The Castle’s 300-plus acre parcel was redeveloped and included a nine-hole golf course on the lawn and the west side of the Crystal River, a subdivision was established on the Mesa (now across Highway 133), formerly the Osgood Game Preserve, with a few Swiss style summer resort homes surrounding a planned, but never developed, additional nine holes for the golf course. The Elk Mountain subdivision was also established.

Redstone once again had a bustling social scene with some of the old cottages purchased as second homes and plans for more development on the vacant lots along Redstone Boulevard. Coats and ties for men and dresses for women were required inside the Inn's dining room for dinner, all entrees were served tableside "undercover," and Kistler would visit each table personally to ask about their meals and, of course, do a little promotion of his "Country Club," the availability of home sites, and memberships.

Unfortunately, Kistler died in 1960, just four years into his grand resort plan. Following his death, the project stalled and funding dried up.

Sunday, July 9th at the Redstone Inn, 2 - 4 p.m.

The Redstone Historical Society will share the history of the Redstone Inn and honor the 35th anniversary of the Gilmore Family's ownership. Please join us for this open house that will include history tours of the Redstone Inn and the Village of Redstone. Day in and day out, through thick and thin, the Redstone Inn has welcomed visitors and locals alike.

Twenty-nine of Kistler's investors formed the Redstone Corporation intending to reduce their losses by selling off parcels and homesites.

Although the Kistler renovations were done in record time, the planning and workmanship were shoddy. The ski area never received a permit due to lack of snow and closed after two seasons, the untempered glass that enclosed the pool was impossible to maintain, and the poorly designed golf course failed.

In 1971 the Castle and Redstone Inn were auctioned off at the Pitkin County Courthouse to James Denman of Missouri for $631,410. Locals recall truckloads of valuables being carted off. This included the Castle's gold gilded piano, reported to be one of only three produced — one believed to be owned by the flamboyant pianist Liberace.

This was a low period in Redstone's history. On the upside, bargain property prices brought new young blood to the village including Sylvia and

Bob Morrison (The Nostalgia Shop), Clark Cretti and Bob McCormick (Redstone Cross Country Ski Area), Dave House and Bill Whitman (The Whitman House), Ken Johnson (Redstone Castle), and Ann Van Dis (Redstone Inn).

Ann Van Dis and Evertt Irwin purchased the Redstone Inn in 1976 from James Denman. She said that his young daughters were "attempting to run the Inn, but it was mostly shut down." Van Dis had been a star performer in Aspen's legendary Crystal Palace Dinner Theater, and used her marketing and musical talent to revive the Inn's reputation; but with 16 years of deferred maintenance, it was both physically and financially challenging.

… to be continued, in the July edition of The Crystal Valley Echo

In 1956, Frank Kistler adds a three-story west wing with 16 lodging rooms. On the first floor, the kitchen is expanded; the dining room doubles in size; and the Moosehead bar is added to the west end.

Days

JUNE 13 & 27

• 12:00 p.m. – Lunch ($10)

RSVP by noon the Friday prior – space is limited. Plated lunch will be served. There will be a gluten-free option.

• 12:45 p.m. – Program

June 13: Learn a Little Line Dancing –Christi Couch will teach a few older dances like Popcorn, & a few new ones as well. No experience necessary, just a willingness to have fun!

June 27: Patriotic Party –

Tom and Julie Paxton will entertain you with songs about America and conclude with a short singalong of patriotic sons to get you excited about the Forth of July!

Author Deb Strom is the current treasurer of the Redstone Historical Society; she was the general manager of the

Inn from 1988-2008.

We can’t do it without you. In an economic climate where many established news outlets continue to scale back or close, your support goes directly to writers living in the Crystal Valley! Considering signing up for a

JOIN US THIS SUMMER JOIN US THIS SUMMER

We’ve planned an exciting summer of exploring and protecting our local public lands - join us!

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

Community Party

Sopris Park, Carbondale

Free and open to the public, the Community Party kicks off our Summer Events Season! We’ll have opportunities to take action and plenty of public lands swag.

SAT., JUNE 24 & SUN., JUNE 25

Marble Stewardship Weekend (bilingual)

In and around Marble

In partnership with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV), we’ll be working in a few different locations on restoration projects. Overnight (camping included) or daily options.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Homestake Valley Bioblitz (bilingual)

Homestake Valley, near Red Cliff

One of our most popular events from 2022 is back again! Help document the biodiversity of the Homestake Valley and learn about just how special this area and its ecosystems are.

FRIDAY, JULY 14 & SATURDAY, JULY 15

Thompson Divide Fence Pull

Near South Thompson Creek

Abandoned fencing poses an active threat to wildlife. We’re joining Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) to remove derelict fencing while we advocate for this landscape’s protection.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

Camino Latino Launch & Red Hill

Hike (bilingual)

Red Hill, near Carbondale

During this short hike at Red Hill, we’ll also celebrate the launch of Camino Latino, a bilingual map for exploring the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valley’s public lands.

SATURDAY, JULY 22

Latino Conservation Week

Celebration (bilingual)

Two Rivers Park, Glenwood Springs

Join us for outdoor activities on public landsfollowed up with food and music in Two Rivers Park - celebrating Latino Conservation Week!

SATURDAY, JULY 29

Raggeds Trail Hike

Beginning near the top of McClure Pass

See a portion of the area that would be protected as part of the Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal on this hike with our partners at the Western Slope Conservation Center.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

Independence Pass Snow Fence Removal

Beginning near the top of Independence Pass

For years, the Independence Pass Foundation has been removing a short-lived, experimental snow fence by hand. We’re joining them to remove a segment and return this area to its natural beauty.

AUGUST 10-13

Ongoing Four Pass Loop Stewardship

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

This multi-day restoration project will focus on stewardship of the ever-popular Four Pass Loop. In partnership with RFOV; group size is limited - sign up early!

For the most up-to-date information about all of our events and to join our email list, go to: WildernessWorkshop.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

Colorado River Valley Hike (bilingual)

Beginning near Dotsero

The BLM is currently undertaking a major land use plan, which includes portions of the Colorado River Valley. Learn why this place should be managed for conservation and recreation, not fossil fuel development.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

Thompson Divide Cancelled Leases Tour

Outside Glenwood Springs

Oil and gas leasing and development has a devastating impact on public lands - come see an area where we’ve successfully stopped leasing inside the Thompson Divide.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 17

Butler Creek Beaver Dams Analogs (bilingual)

North of Rifle

Join WW and staff from the Rifle Ranger District of the White River National Forest to restore wetlands and construct man-made beaver dams (analogs), which promote healthy aquatic and terrestrial species.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

National Public Lands Day (bilingual)

Colorado River, near Glenwood Springs

For our local celebration of National Public Lands Day, we are joining with the BLM, the City of Glenwood Springs, and others to focus on cleaning up a section of the Colorado River.

Registration Required. Go to WILDERNESSWORKSHOP.ORG/EVENTS