Sopris Sun THE
VOLUME 1, NUMBER 21 • JULY 2, 2009
Chillin’ Out
Sage Beebe enjoys a popsicle while hanging out with mom Kelleigh Condon at the June 28 concert at Sopris Park. There was a good feel in the air Sunday as the skies finally cleared and the temperatures remained pleasant. Boo Coo graced the stage to launch the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities concert series. The “Summer Concert in the Park” series continues Saturday, with the Boogie in Bonedale celebration for the Fourth of July. The Kids Parade is at 4 p.m. on Main Street, followed by free watermelon, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and live music by Slightly White and Aphrodesia at Sopris Park. Fireworks conclude the festivities. Photo by Trina Ortega
Carbondale Commentary Letters The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 400 words. Letters exceeding that length may be edited or returned for revisions. Include your name and residence (for publication) and a contact email and phone number. Submit letters via email to letters@soprissun.com or via snail mail to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623.
Thompson House B&B? Dear Editor: EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was originally addressed to Carbondale’s mayor and trustees. I support the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission to defer the annexation of the property for the proposed Thompson Park development until the nature of the proposed development there is better defined and guaranteed. However, I am very much in favor of the concept of relatively high density, high quality development that is essentially within the existing town boundaries. The economic reason for such development is that it increases the supply of housing, thereby making it less expensive and therefore more affordable by more people; that it spreads out the tax burden required to maintain the high level of municipal services that I prefer; and that it creates a greater base of support for local private businesses. From an environmental standpoint, it creates new housing that is subject to Carbondale’s appropriately progressive green building requirements, while reducing the pressure for development of areas beyond the town boundaries that we all value as open space. I also support the idea of preserving the historic Thompson family house – but not by forcing the present owners of the property into turning it over essentially for free to the town, Mount Sopris Historical Society, or anyone else as a condition of proceeding with the overall development. That is my idea of extortion that may be legal when practiced by a municipality but is nevertheless highly inconsistent with American values, especially as espoused in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits the taking of private property without just compensation. The alternative that I prefer is a public/private partnership that would cause the house to be preserved as a bed & breakfast inn, whereby a portion of the earnings would be used to pay off an initial purchase of the house at a fair price by the town or the Historical Society. Another possibility would be for Colorado Mountain College to purchase it and operate it as part of a curriculum in lodging management – similar to a program in hotel management at the University of Denver. I am more interested in history than most people are. Having stayed in many B&B’s throughout the U.S. and Europe, I appreciate that the best ones provide a “living history” experience that is much more interesting and enlightening than the typical collection of historical memorabilia that is lovingly – but unprofessionally and boringly – exhibited in the typical small town historical museum. Accordingly, B&B’s generate jobs and tax receipts while small historical museums usually only consume public and/or private charitable funds without delivering a commensurate amount of new knowledge or entertainment to the public. Carbondale presently has two bed & breakfast inns that are physically in-town: The Ambiance Inn on Second, north of Main, and Gailyn’s Cross Country Inn at Euclid and Second. While moving to River Valley Ranch, I stayed many days at the Ambiance Inn and highly recommend it. I think that Carbondale’s economy could support another B&B without seriously harming the business of the other two – provided that it was not excessively subsidized
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009
by the involvement of the town or non-profit sponsors. Developing a reputation as a town with outstanding B&B accommodations would potentially increase the business of all of them through a phenomenon known as the “economics of agglomeration.” I would be willing for the town or another agency to modestly subsidize the operation of the Thompson House as a B&B – particularly if the property were leased to an operator with the stipulation that it be open to the public perhaps four days per year. (This, incidentally, would be good publicity.) Some thought and planning would need to be given to an arrangement whereby somebody could operate the place profitably while charging rates equivalent to those of the other B&Bs in town. I generally support the concept of impact fees, whereby the developer of new housing and/or the purchasers of it pay the town (or a non-profit organization that truly serves general community interests) a sum of money as compensation for the quantifiable and non-quantifiable costs to the community supposedly associated with the development. (An economic fact is that much of this cost is actually paid by the owner of the land on which the development occurs, in the form of receiving a lower price for the land from the developer.) But before extorting all sorts of concessions from developers to provide amenities to the public for free, bear in mind that Carbondale’s sales tax of 3.5 percent on building materials used in new housing serves as a substantial impact fee in itself. I support, that, but beyond that, we should be encouraging new in-town development rather than penalizing it with exorbitant demands. Ted Stude M.A., Economics
Growth impacts deserve examination Dear Editor: EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was originally addressed to Carbondale’s mayor and trustees. I note with interest that recent discussions about approval of a new liquor store centered on the needs of the community. That is an appropriate concern to take when considering public/private partnerships, but is it appropriate for capitalism? You are also struggling with defining what you want future development to look like in Carbondale. Look around: you are not going to build many more single-family homes on quarter-acre lots. Do you want to build fifteen 15,000-square-foot homes or 200 1,000square-foot one-bedrooms? You can either go up or out. The current applicant for growth has proposed high density “urban” complexes but each with a little bit of green space behind and neighborly porches on the front. Do you really want to have each ‘homeowner’ crank up his Toro on Saturday to mow down his 100 square feet of blue grass? Why not cluster units around a common open space that is maintained by the HOA? I would encourage you to determine what the “needs” are when discussing major public/private partnerships involving the improvement in public infrastructure or deferral of fees or taxes. You are currently considering numerous
large development projects for the town of Carbondale. These projects will hopefully mean the growth of more jobs, more tax revenues and a better standard of living in the future for all of us. Lots of review and planning have gone into some of these projects and I am sure you have gathered reams of information that probably answer these questions but it might be nice to provide them to the public: Growth of What? At What Cost? Paid by Whom? What is the real need here, and what is the most direct and efficient way for those who have that need to satisfy it? What are the obligations to share? The answers to those questions can point the way toward a sufficient and equitable society. Here are some questions that will point toward a sustainable society: How many people can be provided for with a given throughput stream within a given ecological footprint? At what level of material consumption? For how long? How stressed is the physical system that supports the human population, the economy, and all other species? How resilient is that support system to what kinds and quantities of stress? How much is too much? These questions are not my own. They come from the text of “Limits to Growth: The 30 Year Update” by Donella Meadows, Jorgen Randers and Dennis Meadows. I recommend it to all. I recommend you answer these questions before you make decisions that impact public funds and determine the future for the community. Thank you for your service. John Seidel Carbondale
Vania spins a dance And Jake lofts a shot We are what we are We are not what we are not Suddenly, the air splits With God’s catholic chime “Listen! None of this matters. The soul measures on Sopris time.” On the way out, The black fox strolls by It just is Yet we still ask why Jose Alcantara Carbondale
Internship teaches job skills Dear Editor: My name is Juan Munoz, and I’m a student from Basalt Middle School. This school year I got to do an internship at Youth Entity in Carbondale with Kirsten Petre McDaniel and Morgan Jacober. What I learned in this internship was that when you have a job, you need to be on time, stay on task, and be polite and responsible. Also I learned so much about financial literacy and how banking works. I said to myself that I should start saving money for future use. Youth Entity is an organization that helps local students in fourth through 12th grade with schoolwork. Youth Entity also has awesome summer activities that are good for middle school aged students. I would love to give a special thanks to Ms. Douglass and Ms. Carruth, for giving us the opportunity to have an internship and also to Kirsten and Morgan for giving me a great time and teaching us financial literacy and how a bank works. Juan Munoz BMS seventh-grader
Not a letter, but a poem Dear Editor: I submit not a letter but the following poem. I wrote it after reading Dante in Hillcrest Cemetery on a Sunday morning this past spring. It is called “Guadalupe’s Tears.” The rising sun Gives birth to Guadalupe’s frozen tears As Cacciaguida paints Dante The glory of lost years The Cantoes hum, All Donati, Greci, and Catellini go Followed by fair Lucille And soon after, Jim Anderson her Jo Two nights ago, Clifford sang the Ute lament Of the thousands that came And with what intent Who arrived here first? We need not ask it A waste of breath All flesh rots in the casket Three young fools attack For what? Who can tell? Their reward awaits In the bolgias of hell Mexicans, yuppies, cowboys Seems a sad joke A Comedy more mundane Than Alighieri’s divine stroke The meadowlark cares not That magnificent Florence went down Nor does the eternal raven Give a damn about this western cow town
Sopris Sun THE
The Sopris Sun is an LLC organized under the 501c3 nonprofit structure of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation, P.O. Box 1582, Carbondale, CO 81623. The mission of the Sopris Sun, LLC is to inform and inspire community members of Carbondale, Colorado. Editor: Trina Ortega • 618-9112 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Kristin Algren 379-0455 kristin@soprissun.com Reporter: Jeremy Heiman Jane of All Trades: Jane Bachrach Page Production: Terri Ritchie Ad Production: Barbara New Paper Boys: Russ Criswell, Mark Burrows Sopris Sun, LLC Managing Board of Directors: Russ Criswell • Peggy DeVilbiss Allyn Harvey • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Rebecca Young Sopris Sun, LLC • P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 www.soprissun.com
Town to fund police overtime for Mountain Fair By Jeremy Heiman
creased evening patrols with reduced morning staffing. But Reversing a firm stand taken during last fall’s budget Police Chief Gene Schilling, who has seen the town through process, the Carbondale Board of Trustees has agreed that a number of fairs, said that would not work. The departthe town will fund police overtime for this year’s Carbondale ment sees increased morning calls during the fair, as well, Mountain Fair. Schilling said. Discussion of police overtime “We have leftover drunks in people’s yards, arose at the trustees’ June 23 meeting and things like that,” Schilling said. when Ro Mead, executive director of Trustee Ed Cortez asked where the money the Carbondale Council on Arts and would come from, and Baker assured the board Humanities, CCAH board member that the town has some money that could be Bob Shultz and Mountain Fair Directapped. Last fall, the trustees cut funding for potor Amy Kimberly appeared before lice overtime but if they wished to fund the rethe trustees for their Sopris Park use quest, the money could be found, Baker noted. permit. Shultz told the board that town sales tax colTown Manager Tom Baker noted lected at the Mountain Fair would amount to that, based on Mountain Fair weekperhaps $17,000, and that’s only a small perPolice Chief ends in recent years, overtime pay for centage of sales tax collected, throughout town police officers could be expected to during the fair, which drives up sales at stores and Gene Schilling cost the town between $6,500 and restaurants. $7,500. The overtime work is necesIn addition to overtime worked by Carbondale sary due to the high number of calls received and the patrols police, Schilling told the Sun that Mountain Fair weekend necessary when fairgoers swell the town’s population and requires up to 20 officers from other local jurisdictions. drinking and merrymaking are widespread throughout town. These officers, however, don’t enter into the cost of MounBaker said he had discussed ways to control costs with tain Fair directly because the departments trade assistance, Mead and Kimberly, and all were aware that both CCAH with Carbondale officers covering Strawberry Days in Glenand the town are facing budget problems due to the slow wood Springs, the Burning Mountain festival in New Castle, economy. He suggested that the town, which has avoided dip- and helping out other towns and counties in exchange for ping into reserve funds by careful cost cutting, would be able the officers sent to cover Mountain Fair. to take up the slack. The board unanimously passed the request for use of the “It’s a little bit of a dilemma, but I think we can help them park without determining the exact source of the funding through this year,” Baker said. for police overtime. Trustee John Hoffman suggested that the police departThe Carbondale Mountain Fair takes place July 24-26 at ment could cut overtime during the fair by balancing in- Sopris Park.
“We have leftover drunks in people’s yards, and things like that.”
Gene Schilling, in his Mountain Fair uniform, makes an announcement at a past fair. Photo by Jane Bachrach
Flower power sprouts downtown By Trina Ortega
The town’s garden planters are being transformed from evergreens to summer flowers thanks the Downtown Preservation Association and a few local folks and businesses. Over the past two weeks town landscape manager Tony Coia has been sprucing up the downtown flowerpots with blossoms and greenery. Funding for flowers was cut due to town budget reductions over the past year. Lori Haroutunian and Wenonah Recio at the Floral Boutique ordered the flowers at cost, which amounted to a 50 percent contribution toward the plants. Additionally, members of the DPA agreed to have their $35 in annual dues go toward the purchases. According to DPA Co-chair Chris Chacos, when the DPA members learned the town could not afford the flowers this year due to the downturn of the economy and lower sales tax revenues collections, they did not want to have the summer pass without the normal color that brightens the season.
Haroutunian said the project wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation from the town, the DPA and its members. “They love the community as much as we do. We just want to keep Carbondale vibrant. It beautifies the downtown and is a warm welcome for tourists and residents alike,” she said. Other individuals in town are greening up the curbsides and downtown walkways at no cost, as well. Peter Mullett and Genevieve Villamizar of Carbondale have donated money, time and landscaping expertise for a garden in the public right of way at the corner of Colorado Avenue and Sixth Street. “What other barren areas around town might benefit from more volunteer efforts?” Chacos questioned, encouraging other community members to step up on the collective gardening efforts. “Town budget cuts precluded the pretty flower planters this year, but efforts by local citizens brought on the missing flowers. Bunches of ’em,” added town staffer Kay Philip.
Carbondale to get $45k RFTA refund By Jeremy Heiman How often does a town like Carbondale get a check for $45,000 with no strings attached? Not very darned often, you’d think, but it did happen last week. RFTA CEO Dan Blankenship came to the Carbondale Board of Trustees meeting on June 23 and told the trustees his agency was giving Carbondale $45,597. But the money isn’t a gift. It’s a refund of revenues the town apparently should have been receiving since 2001. The explanation is a little convoluted, but here we go: RFTA receives much of its operating funds in the form of sales taxes it receives from the towns and counties it serves. But the transit agency also gets revenue from what’s known as a use tax. Many governments charge a use tax in situations where sales taxes can be avoided. For example, when building materials are purchased in another jurisdiction for delivery to a construction project in Carbondale, the purchaser must pay a use tax on those products.
RFTA and Carbondale have had an agreement since 2001 that RFTA would refund transportation tax money equal to .1 percent of sales in Carbondale, and Carbondale would use the money for transportation improvements. The town has been using the money for projects such as improving intersections on Highway 133 and partnering with RFTA on construction of the park and ride. RFTA recently realized that those refunds should include use tax, and the use tax represented by that .1 percent of sales hadn’t been rebated to Carbondale. The RFTA finance department calculated the refund and will cut a check to Carbondale as soon as the amount is verified, Blankenship said. Town Manager Tom Baker said he expects Carbondale will receive a check this summer. The town government hasn’t determined a specific use for the money, but every little bit helps in a recession. “It’ll help us offset some of the reduced revenues we’re seeing this year,” Baker said.
Public works employee Tony Coia nurtures freshly planted flowers in one of the downtown pots. Photo by Trina Ortega THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009 • 3
Alpine Bank employs nearly 600 people in western Colorado. While that may be a small number compared to other companies, the loyalty of our employee-owners speaks volumes.
Scuttlebutt Welcome home! Our favorite cowgirl, Anita Witt and her trick dog, Spanky, have arrived back in town for the summer. Great to have you back, Anita!
The bride will wear red After six years of togetherness, Carbondale’s Amy Kimberly and Bill Laemmel are getting married. The wedding will take place on July 5 and the couple is expecting about 80 friends and family members from out of town, plus 75 or so locals. The bride will be dressed in red and all of the guests have been asked to wear white. According to “insiders,” if the celebrating that took place at Kimberly’s bachelorette party last weekend is any indication of what the wedding celebration will be like, it could be wild. Congratulations to the almost newlyweds.
Barking up the wrong tree How about a leash law for cats! This idea could very well cause some major scuttlebutt, but that’s what we’re here for. Barking dogs are annoying, no doubt about it. But has anyone ever wondered why dogs bark? Seventy percent of the time it’s because the cats wandering around town are harassing them. Harassing dogs is fun for cats, but cat owners never get reported to police. There is no leash law for cats, so they’re allowed to prowl the neighborhoods searching for victims to eat, tease or play with. The other reason for a leash law for cats is safety. Getting run over by cars, mauled by coyotes or eaten by mountain lions would no longer be an issue. The cat population will decrease because unneutered males won’t be hittin’ on the girls. As they say in the medical profession: Get rid of the problem and the symptoms will go away. It’s not mean to have a kitty leash law, especially if you’re a dog. Meow, meow lovers should put an enclosure in your yard or on your porch so your cat can stay outside.
Buck up Senior Matters needs volunteer help at its concession stand Thursday nights at the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo. The group especially needs help breaking down as the rodeo winds down. By volunteering, you have free entry into the rodeo. And you feel all warm and fuzzy without having to enter the Mutton Bustin’ competition. If you feel you can help, call Diane at 963-2536.
LEEDing the way Dennis Powell, architect and project manager at Carbondale-based Green Line Architects, recently passed his LEED examination, becoming a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). “Congratulations to Dennis on an outstanding achievement,” said Steve Novy, principal of Green Line. “LEED accreditation shows a strong commitment to sustainable design.” Powell graduated from Boston Architectural College in 1991, adding a degree in architecture to his two engineering degrees from Cornell University. Powell is currently managing the design and construction of a small off-the-grid solar home that is expected to receive a LEED for Homes Gold Certification.
Techno learning
Maybe that’s why Alpine is stronger now than in our entire 35 year history.
Congratulations to Colorado Mountain College’s Alice Bedard-Voorhees who’s passion for distance learning landed her the 2009 eLCC eLearning Educator of the Year award at the annual conference of the eLearning Consortium of Colorado (eLCC). The award-winning educator, who drove a mobile classroom unit to multiple reservation communities in North and South Dakota in the 1970s, is director of innovations for teaching and learning at CMC. Technological developments expand opportunities to span great distances and teach students living far from educational institutions, fueling BedardVoorhees’ enthusiasm for distance learning.
Warm and fuzzy fun Volunteer for Boogie in Bonedale and/or Mountain Fair and receive the following benefits: Guaranteed fun. Your name in the New Belgium bike drawing for a sweet cruiser bike built in the old Schwinn style (if you volunteer for four hours). A Mountain Fair T-shirt (fair volunteers only). New acquaintances and maybe a few new friends. A chance to hook up. (A perfect opportunity for women to meet men, men to meet women, women to meet women, men to meet men and cats to meet dogs). Lots of laughs. A “warm and fuzzy” feeling. Sign up online at www.carbondalearts.com or call 963-1680.
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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009
Congratulations to Sunsense Solar staff members Steven Haines, Andy Lietz, and Jes Sanderford for recently passing the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) PV Installer (solar electric) certification test. NABCEP Certification is the highest level of certification for solar professionals and according to a press release, there are only about (700) NABCEP Certified individuals in the United States and (70) in Colorado. Sunsense also welcomes the newest members of its team: William Steindler, Mark Item, Charlie Chacos, Paul Gibb and Joy Guffey. Sunsense Solar installs residential, commercial and community solar electric systems.
A half-baked idea rises to meet Carbondale’s kneads By Jane Bachrach Linda Criswell had an idea a few years ago, but it wasn’t until Patrick Johnson introduced her to Slow Foods Roaring Fork Co-president Tom Passavant about six months ago that she thought it could happen. This is not some half-baked scheme, cooked up by clueless food enthusiasts. No. There are actually indications that this plan could work, and Criswell and Passavant’s hopes are rising, along with those of other local “foodies,” “bakies” and breadies” who are aware of the possibility. What is this tasty possibility? It’s a free-standing, wood-fired, masonry, community oven that would be available for everyone to bake bread with. Criswell, who contacted Carbondale staffers for the oven’s hoped-for approval, said: “So far, the town has been very supportive. Although there have been discussions with Carbondale town officials, before it can actually happen it must be brought in front of the trustees. If the proposal passes, we get the oven.” Criswell continued, “I love baking bread and I’ve been making it since I was a teenager. My grandmother made bread and I wanna do it in a wood fired oven.” When she first started talking to people about a community wood-fired oven, Criswell said they thought it was a good idea. “I thought it should be in a public place but I couldn’t find a place that was public and accessible,” she said. It was at that point that she temporarily gave up. Then, Passavant arrived on the scene and with the enthusiastic support of Slow Foods, Criswell’s excitement was reignited. Recently, Criswell and Passavant have spoken to the town about a specific location but are waiting until it goes before the trustees to make it public.
The oven Although the community oven is a hot idea, it’s not ground breaking. “Hundreds of communities and towns around the country have done this,“ Passavant said. In addition to baking bread, as the temperature in the oven goes down, folks can make pizza, tarts, pies, stews, covered dishes, such as veggie casseroles, and a lot more. Because the oven retains heat for so long it can even be used 24 hours after it’s first fired up. According to Criswell, the oven has to be preheated with wood for one to two hours, then the wood is quickly scrapped out and everyone puts their bread in together. “Two hours later it all comes out at the same time, she said. “I saw it work! It worked in Breckenridge, I have faith that it will work here.” Passavant and his wife, Karen Glenn, moved to Carbondale a year and a half ago from Aspen. Passavant’s interest in and knowledge about food comes from his many years as editor of Diversion magazine, “which published an enormous number of food and wine pieces,”
he said, adding that most of his knowledge came from all of the writers he was involved with who worked for the best food and wine editors in country. Passavant is currently editor at large for the magazine. “Out of all of the food projects I’ve been involved with in this valley, I’ve never been involved with anything that comes close to the response that this idea is getting,” Passavant said. “Food invokes passion in people. Homegrown tomatoes, by far, evokes the most passion. I think bread is a very close second.” Passavant continued: “We see this as a benefit for the entire community, something that cuts across all lines. Everyone loves to bake bread.” “Honest” bread is something that just about everyone responds to on a “really primal level,” Passavant said. Criswell added that if the community oven happens, bread-baking classes will be offered. She also wants to assemble a list of people who are interested in using the community oven if and when we get it. She can be reached via e-mail her at branch@sopris.net.
Driver found not guilty on all charges The truck driver in a crash that left two people dead on Highway 82 near Catherine Store last year has been found not guilty on three charges related to the incident. A jury found Mark Chamness of Littleton not guilty of two counts of vehicular homicide/criminally negligent homicide and one count of vehicular assault in a crash that resulted in two deaths last year. Elizeo Trinidad and Noemy Ramos died and Julio Hernandez Mendoza was critically injured in the crash. The verdict was handed down Monday after a six-day trial in Garfield County District Court. The accident happened in pre-dawn darkness Jan. 8, 2008, as Chamness was hauling a modular office from a storage lot north of Highway 82 and just east of Catherine to the X Games at Buttermilk. Chamness had stopped for traffic before pulling into the eastbound lane of the highway when a car driven by Trinidad struck the unlighted modular, which extended across the westbound lane. Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Pototsky, the prosecuting attorney, expressed frustration with the jury’s decision. “My understanding is they just thought it was an accident,” Pototsky said. But driving a trailer of that length at night without lights, he said, was the cause of the crash. “In my mind, it was a reckless act,” Pototsky said. Chamness was represented by attorneys Tom Silverman and Joe Kirwan.
THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009 • 5
The fight for Thompson Creek Part 2: The road ahead Legislation could protect Thompson Creek By David Frey Sopris Sun Correspondent EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a two-part series exploring gas leases in the Thompson Creek roadless area Flying over the contours of Thompson Creek, environmentalist Peter Aengst described the threat of drilling below as a “ticking time bomb.” But, he said, it’s a bomb that doesn’t have to go off. As conservationists, ranchers and others join together to try to prevent drilling there, Aengst, deputy director for The Wilderness Society in its Northern Rockies office in Bozeman, Mont., said Thompson Creek’s advocates may have the best chance of anyone in the West. “If you ask me is there anywhere else in the five Rocky Mountain states where this kind of action could next happen, the only one I’m aware of and sounds promising is probably Thompson Creek,” he said. “I can’t think of anywhere else.” It wouldn’t be the first place to see that kind of protection. Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front, the Wyoming Range, New Mexico’s Valle Vidal are all places where diverse interests came together, and with the help of legislators and the industry, they barred drilling from prized areas.
A group of people, from ranchers to conservationists to sportsmen, are hoping the vast landscape west of Carbondale could be next. “We just think this is an area that’s too special to drill,” said Peter Hart, conservation analyst and staff attorney for the Carbondale-based Wilderness Workshop. His organization helped bring together the Thompson Divide Coalition, which is trying to keep drilling out of the area. Their hope is to convince legislators that amid the gas development that has spread across western Colorado, this region, some 211,000 acres spreading west of Carbondale and south of Silt, is one area that should be kept rig-free. Hart said he’s gotten tentative support from U.S. Rep. John Salazar, but it relies on a broad coalition standing behind it. “If we can show legislators that local elected officials and the cattlemen and the environmentalists and the recreation groups and everybody else is behind this idea, I think we might be able to get some traction,” he said.
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& Open House First Friday, July 3 at the Wilderness Workshop 589 Main Street, Carbondale Everyone welcome Burgers, veggie burgers & refreshments
A coalition of ranchers, environmentalists and sportsmen are working to stop gas and oil companies from drilling in the Thompson Creek watershed, which part of the largest roadless area in the state. Photo by David Frey
A breather About 20 people have formed the Thompson Divide Coalition armed with concerns about the impacts of gas development on the landscape, wildlife, grazing areas and water. Fifteen energy companies have 81 leases on about half the area, which includes old-growth forest, a vast spread of aspen forest, stunning rock formations and the largest expanse of contiguous roadless lands in Colorado. The Thompson Creek area sits on the edge of the Piceance Basin, a rich natural gas reserve that became the most active gas play in the state, filling western Garfield County
with thousands of wells before slumping fuel prices left gas rigs sitting unused and energy companies focusing elsewhere in the country. As the energy industry takes a breather, and the Obama administration seems poised to take a tougher view on gas drilling than the Bush administration, the Thompson Divide Coalition is hoping for legislative action that would keep the area off limits to drill rigs. “This really is a piece of land that is publicly-owned and it’s an improper use to be going up there to extract what small amount of resources are there,” said Jock Jacober, a landowner on nearby Four Mile Road and a member of the coalition. See next page
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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009
one thing that’s in all of them is this recognition that you need to have legislation..”
Basin’s edge
Trucks could become more common than horses in the Thompson Creek area if energy companies exercise their drilling rights on 81 active leases. Photo by David Frey
Not the first But even if lawmakers ban new rigs there, they’re left with a thorny issue: what to do with the active leases already approved? If energy companies don’t do any exploratory work, the leases could just reach the end of their 10-year lifespan and go away. If the leases stay active, Aengst said they have a few different alternatives, based on the experience of other states. In some cases, federal land agencies have traded those leases for others elsewhere. In others, private individuals have raised money to compensate the energy companies for the leases. In others, companies have donated the leases in exchange for some good public relations. “Each one is a little bit different,” Aengst said, “but the
Like the Rocky Mountain Front, the Wyoming Range and the Valle Vidal, Aengst said, the Thompson Creek area has that diverse group of interests. Unlike those areas, though, Thompson Creek lacks the iconic imagery. Most Coloradans couldn’t even find it on the map. But the area may also lack the drilling pressure other areas faced. It’s unclear how much natural gas lies under the region, but because it sits on the rim of the Piceance Basin, scientists believe it lacks the rich reserves that lie at the center. A Wilderness Study review of U.S. Geologic Survey studies concluded it may have less than one tenth of one percent of the entire reserves in the Piceance. Because of the steep terrain and remote location, it would be even costlier to remove. “Thompson Creek may not be under immediate threat,” said Carbondale energy expert Randy Udall, “but when you can lease federal land for tens or hundreds (of dollars) an acre, there’s little to stop some company from bidding.”
Uncertain interest One of the companies with leases in Thompson Creek is EnCana, the Canadian energy giant that has been one of Garfield County’s top natural gas producers. The company has three federal leases on 5,242 acres. They’re set to expire by 2014, and company spokesman Doug Hock said, the company has “no interest” in developing them. “It’s not an area that we have an interest in at this point,” Hock said. “We might look at doing some type of farm-out arrangement with another producer if they had an interest, but other than that, we don’t have any plans.” Another company, SG Interests, of Houston, has leases on about 20,000 acres in the Thompson Creek and surrounding area. It has no immediate plans to drill, said Vice President
Robbie Guinn, but he wouldn’t rule out future operations. The company has active wells nearby in Delta County, and Guinn said he believes the Thompson Creek leases, including some around Sunlight Mountain Resort, will be about as productive. Guinn said he wouldn’t rule a deal that would give up those leases, but he said, “we would like to have adequate compensation for that. If there’s some way that we could gain a benefit, either there or somewhere else, I would be open to that.”
Long term uncertain In the short term, development in Thompson Creek isn’t likely. Low gas prices have made even the heart of the Piceance Basin unappealing for energy companies. Many of the existing leases are also located in roadless areas. A recent directive from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requires his sign-off on any developments within roadless areas, making drilling there unlikely anytime soon. Colorado is at work on its own roadless rules that, if approved, could circumvent that directive. In the longer term, though, Thompson Creek’s defenders say the area is vulnerable. “We think the threat is very real,” Hart said.
A lot of sweat When gas prices go up and drilling technologies improve, he said, the threat is likely to increase and remote places like Thompson Creek could see more activity. “Areas that seem marginal today aren’t going to be marginal tomorrow,” Hart said. That’s why Thompson Creek’s defenders say they’re acting now, when gas prices are low and interest from energy companies is even lower, to create legislation that could protect the landscape into the future. “It’s not easy but it’s been done before,” Aengst said. “These other places weren’t easy and they got them done. It took years. It didn’t happen overnight. It took a lot of sweat. It’s definitely not easy. But you can get there.”
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Specials good at Carbondale UNCLE PIZZA only. Expires July 31, 2009 THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009 • 7
Celebrating the red, white and blue
The Fourth of July in Carbondale and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley promises to be as busy and festive as ever, with parades, public gatherings, foot races and fireworks. The following is a listing of events by town.
Carbondale
July 3 Jaywalker Lodge is hosting its second annual Fourth of July Celebration on July 3 with motivational speaker and musician Ester Nicolson at 8 p.m. at the Church at Carbondale. Nicolson’s credentials include a fiveyear stint as a member of Rod Stewart’s band, and two world tours with Bette Midler. Ester will be joined by local musicians Jan Garrett and JD Martin.
First Friday begins at 5:30 or 6 and goes throughout the evening at a variety of galleries, studios and, this week, the library in Carbondale. It’s a great kick off to the weekend, Please see the First Friday round up on page 10.
July 4 Festivities start at 4 p.m. with the Kids Parade down Main Street. Bikes, trikes, wagons and walking will be open to kids and animals. Participants should meet at KDNK on Second Street by 3:45 p.m.
The celebration continues into the evening with the Boogie in Bonedale in Sopris Park with free watermelon, kids’ games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and several youth performances.
Slightly White takes the Sopris Park stage at 5 p.m. This Beatles-influenced trio has been rocking local crowds since middle school.
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009
Aphrodesia, a Bay-area band that brings horn-laden, polyrhythmic sound, rich female vocals and visual creativity performs at 7 p.m. Smoke, A Modern Barbeque will serve food, and Stone Brewery will provide the cold beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages. Fireworks, being set from the base of White Hill begin at dark, around 9 p.m. Volunteers are still needed for Boogie in Bonedale. To volunteer or find out more information log on to www.carbondalearts.com, or call 963-1680.
Redstone July 3 Redstone Community Concert features Tab Benoit with the soulful Johnny-O Band at 5:30 p.m. at The Crystal Club. Tickets are $30 and capacity is limited. Call Billy and Kim for more information at 963-9515. July 4 A traditional Air Force fly-by kicks off the Redstone 4th of July Parade. It all begins around noon, followed by the fire hose competition, a variety of kids games in the park, a dunking booth and the ever popular Ducky Derby.
Glenwood Springs July 4 A free concert featuring Symphony in the
Valley begins at 8 p.m. at Two Rivers Park. Fireworks begin immediately after the concert.
Snowmass Village July 2 Snowmass begins weekend celebrations Thursday evening with the highly energized funk of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, kicking off the summer of free music series on Fanny Hill. The show begins at 6:15 p.m. There will be free kids krafts before the concert at 4 p.m. in the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center. Fireworks follow the show at 9 p.m. July 4 Snowmass Village will also have a Fourth of July Kids’ Parade on Saturday at 8:45 a.m. and pie-eating contest at 9:15 a.m. Prizes awarded for best-decorated bike and most patriotic costume. Go to www.snowmassvillage.com or call 1-800-766-9627 for more information.
Aspen July 3 The weekly Saturday Market has been rescheduled for Friday in order to avoid conflicts with the many activities occurring on July 4. The market opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. July 4 Aspen has a variety of activities throughout the day, beginning at 8 a.m. with the Buddy Program’s annual Boogie’s Diner Buddy
TJ Metheny cruises down Main Street at the Fourth of July Parade. Be ready by 4 p.m. at Second and Main streets to be in this year’s parade. Photo by Trina Ortega 5-Mile Race and 1-Mile Family Walk. Other activities include a bicycle decorating party for kids at 10:30 a.m. in Paepcke Park, a Veteran’s tribute and parade walk starting at 11 a.m. in Paepke Park, a parade at noon, picnics hosted by the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club and the Aspen Art Museum at 1 and 1:30 p.m., respectively, live music on top of Aspen Mountain at 1 p.m., classical music at Benedict Music Tent at 4 p.m., dancing on Mill Street and Cooper Avenue from 8-10 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
No place like home Tales of how two Carbondale kids found their way home By Trina Ortega
When he left town, it was to attend Colorado State University, where he majored in Commercial Tourism and Land Use Planning. That launched his career in hospitality and restaurant management. With his parents still living in Carbondale, Jared THEN (at left): clockwise from Baby Amber is great-great grandma Victoria Perko; great grandma Emma would come back often. White, mom Patty Henke, and grandma Billie Zelnick. AND NOW: Amber at the keys in her classroom. Whenever he came “home,” he would stop in at The VilTrulove Excavating, belage Smithy now owned and managed by his fore he started at the friend Charlie Chacos. Smithy. “We always talked about me coming “… it just finally here” to manage the restaurant, he said. worked out,” he said of With two young daughters in tow, Jared becoming a managing and wife Amy continued hopping around to partner in January. different towns for his work. Then they deJared remembers his cided it was time to stay put for a while to Carbondale childhood raise the kids. It seemed obvious to move with great fondness. “The back to Carbondale, a small familiar town. possibilities were endless “Carbondale couldn’t be a better fit. of what you could do We’ve tried to raise our kids in five different every day.” He loves the towns and this is far and away home,” mountains and continues Jared said. to share an active outdoor They moved back in April 2007, and lifestyle with his daughJared worked for his buddy, Ty Trulove of ters, Kira, 6, and Reece, 9. They ski, fish, play soccer Jared Ettelson, pictured with wife Amy and daughters Kira and and more. “Carbondale hasn’t re- Reece, moved 10 times in 10 years. But to raise his kids, he deally changed that much. It’s cided Carbondale was the right place to be. Submitted photo grown and is more diverse,” he said, “but the long and the short of it is it’s still a down- cattle yards. She looked into Fort Lewis in 1. 1. Record Record low low interest interest rates rates but but starting starting to to climb climb back back up up home place to be. For me, it’s comfortable; Durango and upon visiting found it “warm 2. 2. Waiting Waiting for for that that home home price price to to drop drop as as interest interest rates rates increase increase will will not not save save you you and kind.” it’s what I know.” money money in in the the long long run run “It reminded me so much of Glenwood Amber’s family has been in the valley for 3. four generations. Her maternal great-grand- Springs,” she said. Her first year was a little 3. First-time First-time home home buyers buyers get get up up to to $8000 $8000 tax tax credit credit to to home home purchase purchase costs costs parents emigrated from Yugoslavia and her rough. After growing up so close to her ex4. 4. HUD HUD Secretary Secretary Shaun Shaun Donovan Donovan announced announced that that first-time first-time homebuyers homebuyers can can great-grandfather worked in the mines. Her tended family, she was homesick. apply apply the the $8,000 $8,000 tax tax credit credit to to home home purchase purchase costs. costs. When she graduated, she knew she grandfather, Stanley Zelnick, was born in Don’t Don’t let let anyone anyone tell tell you you to to “wait “wait –– itit will will get get better” better” Aspen in 1929, and her mom was born and wanted to come home and do her student teaching before leaving the valley again to raised in Aspen, as well. find a permanent teaching position elseOn the other side of the family, when her Over Over the the last last 15 15 ++ years, years, II have have been been there there for for my my clients clients in in both both the the good good times times and and the the challenging challenging times. times. dad was just a teenager, her Grandpa Phil where. As As always, always, my my top top priority priority isis toto provide provide my my clients clients with with the the appropriate appropriate information information toto help help them them make make the the best best decisions She student taught at Sopris Elementary decisions they they can can make make about about their their real real estate estate investments. investments. My My credentials, credentials, which which include include aa Masters Masters inin International International moved the family from Chicago and bought Business Business (MBA), (MBA), Masters Masters inin Real Real Estate Estate (MRE), (MRE), Certified Certified Mediator Mediator and and Negotiator, Negotiator, (CMN), (CMN), Certified Certified Residential Residential in Glenwood and at CES in Carbondale. the Little Nell Bar in Aspen. Specialist Specialist (CRS), (CRS), Certified Certified Residential Residential Broker Broker (CRB), (CRB), Graduate Graduate Residential Residential Institute Institute (GRI), (GRI), Accredited Accredited Buyers Buyers “I came back with no intention to stay. I At Aspen High School, her dad and mom Representative Representative (ABR) (ABR) and and Specialist Specialist Personnel Personnel Human Human Resources Resources (SPHR) (SPHR) have have provided provided me me with with the the background background and and really liked Durango and thought about were sweethearts. experience to help my clients understand the true value of their decisions. I am consistently one of the top “Referred To” experience to help my clients understand the true value of their decisions. I am consistently one of the top “Referred To” and and “Producing “Producing Results” Results” Real Real Estate Estate Professionals Professionals inin our our area, area, II am am dedicated dedicated toto my my work work 24/7and 24/7and II am am committed committed toto Growing up, Amber was an only child, going back there. But things fell into place providing providing my my clients clients with with the the best best service service inin the the valley. valley. born in 1980. She grew up in a house be- [in Carbondale],” she explained. Real Real estate estate isis not not aa hobby hobby or or aa get get rich rich quick quick scheme scheme to to me. me. Real Real estate estate isis simply simply an an extension extension of of my my 30+ 30+ years years She was offered a permanent teaching job tween Carbondale and El Jebel where the of helping people as a Human Resources Professional. My accreditation by the State of Colorado Better Business Bureau of helping people as a Human Resources Professional. My accreditation by the State of Colorado Better Business Bureau at Carbondale Elementary. With a new job isis aa testament Alpine Animal Hospital is today. testament toto my my reliability reliability and and integrity integrity inin business. business. Take Take aa moment moment and and ask ask yourself: yourself: Do Do you you want want toto trust trust your your business business toto someone someone with with little little or or no no experience experience or or toto “Back then, there was nothing there; it and a new condo in Glenwood, she settled someone someone who who has has been been down down this this road road before before and and who who has has the the experience experience and and integrity integrity toto guide guide you you inin the the right right was all just fields,” Amber said. She rode her in. She has continued as a music teacher with direction? direction? You You need need toto know know that that the the Broker Broker helping helping you you find find aa property property has has YOUR YOUR best best interests interests as as the the top top priority. priority. three-wheeler and played in the swampy the school, now Crystal River. II appreciate appreciate all all my my clients clients and and friends friends who who II have have assisted assisted inin the the past past and and look look forward forward toto helping helping them them and and you you inin the the future. And she met her husband Stefan here, areas near the Roaring Fork. future. IfIf you you would would like like personalized personalized and and confidential confidential assistance assistance inin planning planning your your strategy strategy toto purchase purchase –– please please give give me me aa call. call. As As my my satisfied satisfied clients clients will will tell tell you, you, II go go above above and and beyond beyond toto get get my my Buyer’s Buyer’s the the best best deal deal they they can can get. get. Her memory of Carbondale Elementary who also loves the mountains (they got marAs As aa Certified Certified Accredited Accredited Buyers Buyers Representative Representative (ABR) (ABR) you you will will get get the the results results you you want want when when you you work work with with me. me. teacher Sue Heffer’s blow-up dinosaur, that ried last week at the Maroon Bells), so she’s could play musical scales, has stayed with home for good. “I love it here, I really do. I like the comher through the years. It was the start of what has become Amber’s passion and the munity. I love living and working in Carprimary reason she stayed in the valley — bondale,” she said. MBA, MBA, MRE, MRE, CRB, CRB, CRS, CRS, GRI, GRI, ABR, ABR, SPHR SPHR Plus, it’s a place for Amber — and others sharing music with kids. 970.963.5155 970.963.5155 lynnk@rof.net lynnk@rof.net After graduating from Basalt High in — to stay connected to her childhood. “Everybody knows me. People come up 1998, Amber set her sights on the University to me and say that I look like my mom or of Northern Colorado in Greeley to study 711 711 Main Main Street, Street, Carbondale, Carbondale, CO CO 970.963.5155 music. But she hated the campus; it was too they know me as ‘Phil’s granddaughter,’” 970.963.5155 www.amorerealty.com www.amorerealty.com big and she didn’t like the smell of the nearby she said.
This isn’t the first time Jared Ettelson, 34, has been featured in the local newspaper. When he was 8 years old he made the cover of The Valley Journal. It was a photo of him at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. And in piecing together her family history, Amber Henke guesses that her maternal great-grandmother had eight to 10 children born and raised in Aspen. “So just imagine all those relatives hanging out in this valley,” Henke said. The names are familiar in local history: Arbaney, Glassier, Zordel, Zelnick. It’s changed over the past 15 years; fewer horses and more people is just one reflection of the growth. But for these two “kids,” Carbondale is still the best place to settle down with their respective families. Although Jared wasn’t born in the valley, he moved here in 1979 when he was 4. Both of his parents, Sue and Ray Hannisian, worked at Colorado Rocky Mountain School and the family lived on the campus until Jared was in the sixth grade. He attended Carbondale Elementary School, Carbondale Middle and Roaring Fork High, where he broke records on the track team and also played football and basketball.
Attention Buyers:
Why NOW is the time to buy a home:
The time to take action is NOW
THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009 • 9
New gallery among mix of First Friday events For the past year and a half, Mary Matchael and Jody Ensign would go for hikes and fantasize about creating a unique gallery space in the showroom at Crystal Glass Studio in downtown Carbondale. Now, in just a few months, the dream has come to be. Matchael and her husband, John, have opened Parkside Gallery and will host a First Fridays reception at 5:30 p.m. July 3. Ensign, formerly of The Basalt Gallery, will serve as the gallery’s director. Located at 50 Weant Blvd., across the street from Sopris Park, Crystal Glass Studio has been in continual operation for 35 years. Matchael will continue to do her custom glass lighting and architectural installation in the attached workshop, and the gallery will be located in the front space that roughly measures 600 square feet. “I’ve always wanted to keep this as an art gallery,” Matchael said, adding that she hopes to create a sculpture garden outside. Architectural work has kept Matchael busy; so much, in fact, that she has not been able to create and exhibit new fine art. “What I wanted was to put our best work out here but it would sell before we could show it,” Matchael explained. With Ensign’s curating expertise, it turned into a “really good opportunity” for both, said Ensign. “Since I left The Basalt Gallery, Mary and I would fantasize and brainstorm about doing something with this space,” Ensign said. “It is fun. It’s been a great shot in the arm for me. We’ve always thought this valley needed more 3-dimensional craft.” Ensign said Parkside Gallery will feature a balance of different mediums and work that is both high quality and affordable. Several artists from Anderson Ranch Arts Center will display work, adding a “nice connection” between the ranch and Carbondale, Ensign said. Additionally, new work will be exhibited often. By the weekend of Mountain Fair, Ensign said many more new pieces will be on display. Parkside Gallery will feature fine art craft by local and
regional artists. Artists to date include K Rhynus Cesark, Sara Ransford, and Steve Schrepferman — ceramics; Natasha Seedorf, Nina Morrow, and Carol Martin — jewelry; Jason Schneider, David Rasmussen, Pat Winger, and Mary Williams — wood; Mary Matchael and Barbara Kayan — glass; Jill Sher, Suzanne Derrer, and Marilyn Evans — fiber. The public is invited to the grand opening from 5:30-8 p.m. For more information call 963-1401.
Other First Friday openings Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities The July exhibit at the CCAH Gallery is a perfect show for hot weather. Artists as far back as the earliest cave drawings have conveyed their particular spirit by portraying the human form. The urge to unlock the secrets of capturing the look of the body is endlessly renewable. Several artists have been invited to participate and the art ranges from delicate drawings to steel sculptures and everything in between. The show opens with a reception from 6-8 p.m. July 3 and will be on view until July 30. “We’re really thrilled about the show. We’ve never had a figurative show before and the quality and variety of the work is exceptional,” said Ro Mead, director of CCAH. Represented will be Terrill Scott, Diane Kenney, Barry Sheehan, Michael Lindsay, Mark Lemon, Jane Lee, Patti Ringer, Alice Gustafson, Joel and Lili Belmont, Linda Drake, Sherrill Stone, Dean Bowlby, Jacquetta Green, Sheri Gaynor, Ida Burnaman, Matt Suby, Mahjid Kahhak and Michael Steuben.
Carbondale Clay Center The opening reception for the 2009 Vase Invitational at the Carbondale Clay Center will be from 6-8 p.m. The invitational exhibition of ceramic vases runs through July. The featured artists include Ginny Beesley, Conner Burns, Jim Connell, Ginny Conrow, Susan Frank, Angus Graham, Sarah Jaeger, Lauren Mabry, and Sequoia Miller. For links to the artists’ Web sites, visit www.carbondaleclay.org. Call 963-2529 for more information. The Clay Center is located at 135 Main St.
SAW (Studio for Arts + Works) A group show at SAW (Studio for Arts + Works), 978 Euclid Ave., will open Friday and the show runs through July 31. Artists featured are Nancy Barbour, Stanley Bell, Steven Colby, Kate Davenport, Anne Goldberg, Angus Graham, Colby June, Alayne Tetor and Alex Watson. For more info, visit http://sawcarbondale.wordpress.com or call 963-0201.
From top left: A nebula image from the exhibit “Visions of the Universe” opening at the Gordon Cooper Library; vase by Ginny Conrow at Carbondale Clay Center; figure drawing in the CCAH exhibit; and pottery at SAW.
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10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009
Carbondale Commentary
A lesson shared: Living each day as if it was his last By Gina Guarascio The last time I saw John Palmer he was true to form, hanging out with a beautiful young girl at the Snowmass Ski Area. He was helping this girl put on her skis at the top of the gondola. She was looking at him as if her life rested in his hands. And perhaps it did. She would be unable to do what she was doing — to have that magical experience of sliding on snow — if it wasn’t for Palmer, who was a volunteer with the adaptive ski program Challenge Aspen for the last few years. He was dying, it was evident by his hallow, drawn-out face and thin skin; I knew enough about his condition to know his days were numbered. I was elated to see him out there and he seemed equally excited to see me. I hadn’t seen him since the previous year when he was unsure how long he’d last. He told me that the first time he got on the chairlift that season, he had cried. He cried because he was on the chairlift. He was able to ride the chairlift — to see those miles of magnificent evergreen trees weighted with brilliant, blinding white sparkling magical snow, to gaze off into the distance at enumerable majestic snowcapped peaks, to imagine all of the animals sneaking through the snow making their way in this white winter, to see all the families from all over the world sharing such a memorable experience together. And, to meet girls. “How are you ladies doing today,” Palmer said on the chairlift at Fanny Hill, leaning over me (married so unavailable) to talk to the three tourists in tight pants to my left. “Beautiful day isn’t it?” he said with his charismatic smile, blue eyes sparkling with mischief and delight. The ladies were positively flushed with embarrassment and laughed and chatted with Palmer about where they were from, what they did, who they were or weren’t married to. By the time the ride was to end, Palmer had gotten himself invited back to their condo for an après ski hot tub later. Not bad, Palmer. Palmer seriously loved life; it was evident seeing him on the hill. He didn’t take this gift for granted, he fought for it. He was truly alive, and living each moment as if it was his last. It doesn’t have to take a terminal illness to instill the type of vitality that you often see in the diagnosed, for we are all diagnosed really, we’re all going to die and we don’t know when. When a small community loses someone so large, the lesson is clear. Live. Live each day. Make the most out of it, this is your chance to make something more, something better for the world than before you came to be here. It is your responsibility, really, to make the women blush, to cry as you get lifted up off the snow, to teach a disabled kid how to ski, to dedicate
A circle of friends and family celebrate the life of John Palmer. Photo by Jane Bachrach yourself to a place you love, to your family, friends to make a mark. John Palmer made his mark; there is no doubt about that. There were (hundreds) of people at his memorial on Saturday. My hope for John is that he got to see the bright purple and red flowers bloom on the side of Highway 82, to see these magnificent rivers rage once more, to watch as the sun set, lighting up Mount Sopris and the moon rise over the aspen trees. Maybe he heard the song birds awaken him from what I hope was a restful, dream-filled sleep.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009 • 11
Community Calendar
To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted.
THURSDAY, July 2
SATURDAY, July 4
TUESDAY, July 7
RODEO • The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo is ongoing through Aug. 20. Lynn Payne of the One Arm Bandit & Company performs July 2. For more about the rodeo, visit www.carbondalerodeo.com.
VETS TRIBUTE • All U.S. military veterans, locals and visitors, are invited to walk with the Tribute to Veterans entry in Aspen’s Fourth of July parade. Meet at 11 a.m. on Main Street at Paepcke Park. Rides available, call ahead. Call Hugh at 927-4194 for information.
PUPPET SHOW • Gordon Cooper Library hosts a live puppet show and puppet-making workshop at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Carbondale Town Hall. The event is part of the Summer of Reading series.
SNOWMASS MUSIC • The Snowmass Summer of Free Music presents the free concert performed by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe at 6:15 p.m., followed by an Independence Day fireworks show at 9 p.m. on Fanny Hill. For more information go to www.snowmassvillage.com or call (800) 766-9627.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY TRTC PRODUCTION • Thunder River Theatre Company will present its last two performances of “Eleemosynary” (meaning charitable) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. A word-lover’s dream, the play follows the often humorous life of an eccentric woman in her relationships with her daughter and granddaughter. Directed by Sue Lavin, it features Sharon Brady, Jancie Estey and Holly Freeman. Lon Winston designed the set with props and costumes by Judy Benson. Brad Moore designed lights and Cindy Hines stage manages. Tickets are available at thunderrivertheatre.com or by calling 963-8200.
THURSDAY, July 2 LIVE MUSIC • The acoustic soul band Benyaro performs at 8:30 p.m. July 2 at Steve’s Guitars. Visit www.stevesguitars.net for more info.
FRIDAY, July 3 MOVIES • Showing at 8 p.m. Friday through Thursday, July 3-9 at the Crystal Theatre: “Up” (PG). Showing at 5:45 p.m. Sunday: “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3” (R). Closed July 4. JAYWALKER CELEBRATION • Ester Nicolson will appear at the second annual Jaywalker Lodge Fourth of July Celebration at the Gathering Center, Church at Carbondale. Ester’s extensive credentials include a five-year stint as a member of Rod Stewart’s band. She performed with Bette Midler on two world tours. Local singer/songwriters, JD Martin and Jan Garrett will be appearing with Nicolson. The event will be at 8 p.m. July 3. For more information, contact Kim Nuzzo at 309-4828. REDSTONE CONCERT • Tab Benoit is teaming up with the soulful Johnny-O Band for a spectacular holiday concert at 5:30 p.m. Friday at The Crystal Club. Cost is $30 and tickets are limited. Call Billy and Kim for more information, 963-9515. WILDERNESS WORKSHOP • Wilderness Workshop will host a barbecue and open house from 5-8 p.m. on Friday as part of Carbondale’s First Friday festivities. Burgers and refreshments free for members, $5 for nonmembers. The party will be hosted on the deck of the Wilderness Workshop headquarters, 589 Main St. 963-3977. FIRST FRIDAYS • The First Fridays Art Walk in and near downtown takes place July 3. Galleries host art openings and businesses have extended hours. LIVE PAINTING • Majid Kahhak will paint live from 6-8 p.m. July 3 at Kahhak Fine Arts & School, 411 Main St. The painting will be in celebration of Independence Day. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. For more info, call 704-0622. IMAGES FROM AFAR • The Gordon Cooper Branch Library hosts the exhibit “Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery,” opening 5:30-8 p.m. Friday. For more information, visit www.garfieldlibraries.org or call 963-2889.
12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009
BUDDY RUN • The Buddy Program’s annual Boogie’s Diner Buddy 5-Mile Race and 1-Mile Family Walk is July 4. To learn more about the race course or to register online, go to www.buddyprogram.org. Registration is $40 for the 5-Mile Race and 1-Mile Family Walk; the fee increases to $50 on the day of the race. Register in person in front of Boogie’s Diner – the start and finish of this widely-popular race – July 2 and July 3. REDSTONE CELEBRATES • Redstone hosts its old-fashioned Independence Day celebration July 4. The traditional Air Force fly-by kicks off the parade, around noon. Following is the fire hose competition, a variety of kids games in the park, dunking booth and the everpopular Ducky Derby. BOOGIE DOWN • The Carbondale July 4 celebration, Boogie In Bonedale, begins at 4 p.m. on Main Street with the Kids Parade. The fun continues in Sopris Park with free watermelon, kids games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and live music. Slightly White performs at 5 p.m. followed by San Francisco based, afro beat band Aphrodesia. Fireworks follow the festivities. SYMPHONY CONCERT • Symphony in the Valley invites everyone to a free one-hour concert of Americana and patriotic favorites to celebrate the Fourth of July. The free concert will be from 8-9 p.m. at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. Immediately after the concert, the city of Glenwood Springs will present its annual fireworks show.
SUNDAY, July 5 HIKE SERIES • The Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign hike series continues July 5 at Thompson Creek. All hikes are free; advance registration required at www.whiteriverwild.org. SUMMER FILMS • Aspen Film and the Aspen Music Festival and School will present the 11th annual SummerFILMS series July 5 through Aug. 16 at the Paepcke Auditorium. The series kicks off with “Every Little Step” July 5. For full details, visit www.aspenfilm.org. BLUEGRASS NIGHT • Dos Gringos Burritos holds Family Bluegrass Night every Sunday. Kids are welcome to this Sunday night jam, beginning at 5 p.m. with kids’ meal special deals and sidewalk chalk for additional entertainment.
MONDAY, July 6 YOUTH RADIO • English students from Glenwood Springs High School broadcast their essays on “This I Believe” at 4:15 p.m. Mondays on KDNK, 88.1, 88.3, 88.5 FM. DANCE CLASSES • Learn African and Caribbean dances with live drummers and fun rhythms. All ages and abilities welcome. $10. Monday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Carbondale Community School, 1505 Satank Road. Call Steve at 379-8422 with questions. OPEN STUDIO • The Third Street Artists host an open studio (all media) from 4-7 p.m. Mondays at Carbondale’s new Third Street Center. Walk-in fee is $10; four consecutive sessions is $20. Bring all materials. Casual critique during the last half hour. Call 963-2122 or 963-8275 for more info.
YOUTHZONE FUNDRAISER • YouthZone’s annual Kiss & Squeal fundraiser kicks off July 7. The monthlong event includes a web auction, raffle tickets, and events up and down the valley culminating at a picnic on Aug. 6 at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. For more information, contact YouthZone at 945-9300. TAG MEETING • Teens (grades 7-12) are encouraged to join the Gordon Cooper Library in the conference room at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday for snacks and a discussion about what you would like to see at the library. Assist with choosing movies, books, music, graphic novels, and programs for teens. Time spent at TAG can also be used to fulfill volunteer requirements for scholarships and college applications. For more information, call 963-2889. STORY ART • Pitkin County Library presents Story Art for 4- to 6-year olds on Tuesdays through Aug. 4 at the Pitkin County Library. Free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 429-1900 or visit www.pitcolib.org. VVH AWARD PRESENTED • Join the Valley View family in celebrating the hospital’s Outstanding Patient Experience Award. This honor reflects our rating in the top 5 percent of hospital patient experiences nationwide. The celebration is at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the patio area outside the VVH Cafeteria.
TRUSTEES MEETING • The Carbondale Board of Trustees meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall. On the agenda: Thompson Park. LIVE JAZZ • The Tuesday night Live Jazz Series takes place from 7-9 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays at Steve’s Guitars.
WEDNESDAY, July 8 READ ALOUDS • Gordon Cooper Branch Library hosts Summer Read Alouds with teachers from Crystal River Elementary School at 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 5. Bring a bag lunch. For more information, call 963-2889. FARMER’S MARKET • The Carbondale Farmer’s Market is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 30 at the corner of Fourth and Main streets. Fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, bread, coffee, wine, flowers, prepared foods, crafts and more. Free entertainment. OPEN MIC NIGHT • Live Americana, rock and blues music by Tony Rosario will be from 7-10 p.m. at White House Pizza.
Community News Weed control funds available Pitkin County Land Management has cost-share funds to help landowners pay for noxious weed control. Special priority will be given to infestations of oxeye daisy in the Crystal River watershed, and to noxious weeds slated for “eradication” by the Pitkin County Noxious Weed Management Plan. All unincorporated Pitkin County landowners are eligible for the program, however. Chemical, mechanical, cultural (revegetation), and biological treatments are all eligible for the program, provided they comply with the Pitkin County Noxious Weed Management Plan. Pitkin County will not supply equipment, employees or herbicide, but will be happy to help landowners develop their management plans. For more information about how to apply, contact Crystal Yates-White, Pitkin County Land Manager, at 920-5214 or crystal.yates@co.pitkin.co.us.
“Visions of the Universe” on First Friday A grand opening for “Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery” is planned for July 3 – First Friday – from 5:30-8 p.m at the Gordon Cooper Branch Library on Fourth Street in Carbondale. The Gordon Cooper Branch Library is one of 40 libraries in the nation and the only library in Colorado to host this exhibit. It marks the International Year of Astronomy in 2009, a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society, highlighting the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo. The exhibit will remain in the library throughout July and August. Also during these months the library will explore outer space with programs for all ages, including: “Way Out Wednesdays” for upper elementary and middle schools students;“Family Nights” with interactive displays and activities; “Out of this World Summer Reading” for children; “Star
Party” and “Lunch with NASA Ambassadors” for all ages. “Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery” is presented by the Space Telescope Science Institute, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the American Library Association. It is funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. For more information, visit the library website at www.garfieldlibraries.org or call 963-2889.
Wilderness Workshop BBQ and open house The Wilderness Workshop will host its annual Barbecue Open House on Friday, July 3, from 5-8 p.m. The event, which is part of Carbondale’s July First Friday festivities, will be at Wilerness Workshop office at 589 Main St. Everyone is invited to enjoy free-range Milagro Ranch burgers (veggie burgers also available) and refreshments on the best-situated deck on Main Street, and to learn about current efforts to protect the local backcountry. Food and soft drinks are free for Wilderness Workshop members, $5 for non-members. Beer will also be sold. For more information, call 963-3977.
YouthZone begins summer fundraising YouthZone’s annual fundraiser, Kiss & Squeal, officially kicks off on July 7. The month-long event includes a web auction, raffle tickets, a number of events up and down the valley, including several in Carbondale, culminating at a picnic on Aug. 6 at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. The events in Carbondale being planned include an ice cream party from 1-3 p.m. on July 12 at Delaney Nature Park, a Cougar Party starting at 10 p.m. on July 18 at Phat Thai, a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament on July 19 at Konnyaku, and another poker tournament on Aug. 2 at Phat Thai. Both the poker tournaments have cash prizes. For more information, contact YouthZone at 945-9300.
Dog poop isn’t the only thing to bag Volunteers are being sought for an “Invasive Weed Pull” party at the Carbondale Nature Park, also known as the Delaney Parcel, 9-11 a.m. July 11. Paticipants will help remove thistle and other noxious weeds that threaten native plants and animals. The pull party is sponsored by the Carbondale Environmental Board, the Town of Carbondale and the Colorado Agricultue Department. For more information: Call Lynn Ruoff: 319-9434, lynnruoff@gmail.com
Support for survivors after suicide A new chapter of HEARTBEAT – Support for Survivors After Suicide – is now available to valley residents. Anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one through suicide is welcome. This group does not provide or replace therapy; it is a safe place where mutual support can be found from others who share this unique pain. HEARTBEAT meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Use the Bethel Chapel entrance of the church located at 824 Cooper Street. For more information, call or email Pam Szedelyi at (970) 945-1398 or pamsz@sopris.net.
Green Drinks networking group starting up SCoR, the Sustainability Center of the Rockies is starting up Green Drinks networking gatherings starting July 9 from 5 -7 p.m., and continuing every second Thursday of the month throughout the year. Anyone concerned about the environment, sustainability and the Carbondale community is invited to attend this organic, self-organizing networking event. The July’s kickoff event is co-hosted by The Eco Goddess Restaurant at 335 Main St., Carbondale. For local information please contact Shari Novaf at 704-3211 or 618-1936.
THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009 • 13
Drakes on the rise: Understanding insect’s life cycle a benefit for anglers The largest of the Western mayflies, the green drake spends the majority of its life at the bottom of the river clinging to rocks. Each summer, an increase in water temperature cues the mature mayfly nymphs to molt and emerge from the water as adults. And when this happens, the en masse hatch commands the attention of everything around it. Fish, birds, snakes and any number of creatures along the food chain reap the benefits. Fish tend to key in on the insect, paying little attention to anything else. Anglers who understand by Sue Melus the habits and life cycle of this insect can capitalize on some actionpacked fishing. The hatch commonly begins between the third week in June and the beginning of July. Dave Johnson of the Crystal Fly Shop in Carbondale noted that water levels in the river play a big part in the timing of the hatch. “Big water in the river extends the hatch because the water stays cool for longer,” he said. Last year the hatch stayed on the Roaring Fork well into August because we had a big
water year. We may see a long green drake hatch this year for the same reason.” In general, anglers can expect the green drake hatch to start in the lower elevations of the Colorado River and work its way up the lower Roaring Fork and into the Frying Pan River and continue into the upper reaches of the Fork. According to Johnson, however, it’s a mistake to think that the hatch moves up the river in a predictable linear fashion. “You hear people say things like, ‘The green drake is at Catherine’s Store today.’ But really it might be coming off there and at the same time you might also see it coming off in Aspen,” he said. This can be attributed to the many microclimates and aspects within the river valleys that affect water temperature. Jeff Dysart of Alpine Angling on Highway 133 in Carbondale noted that anglers on the Lower Fork might have better luck fishing the lower reaches at twilight when larger fish come to the surface to feed. Conversely, day hatches in the higher elevations can be productive, especially on overcast days when fish feel more comfortable rising to the surface. Anglers in the midst of a hatch could try a #10 to #8
“Don’t forget that there is also a lot of feeding going on below surface,” notes Dysart. “Anglers should consider nymphing — that’s where they’ll catch the biggest fish.
Deerfly Diaries
Royal Wulff, an H&L Variant, or an olive Irresistible Adams. Or try a Green Drake Cripple or a Hair-wing Drake. “Don’t forget that there is also a lot of feeding going on below surface,” notes Dysart. “Anglers should consider nymphing — that’s where they’ll catch the biggest fish. Try a Green Drake nymph or Prince nymph below a dry fly or indicator.” The green drake hatch is just getting started on the Roaring Fork. If you’re still confused by all of this, contact Alpine Angling at 963-9245 or Crystal Fly Shop at 9635741 for more information.
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A SPOILED PET IS A HAPPY PET! 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009
Boogie’s race supports Buddy Program The Fourth of July in Aspen kicks off with one of the town’s most treasured traditions: The Buddy Program’s annual Boogie’s Diner Buddy 5-Mile Race and 1-Mile Family Walk. Voted “Best Organized Race” by The Aspen Times in 2008. This event provides funding to support more than 300 local youth through mentoring. The first wave of the 5-Mile Race begins at 8 a.m. and the second wave, or the “social wave,” begins at 8:15 a.m. The 1-Mile Family Walk starts at 9:15 a.m., culminating in a Kid’s 100 Yard Dash for children 10 and under from Paradise Bakery to the finish line. You can walk the course and even bring your dog along for the 1-Mile Family Walk after the 5-Mile race. “We’d love to engage more runners from Carbondale,” said Soledad Lowe, senior program coordinator for The Buddy Program. The program involves “Big Buddy” volunteers from throughout the Roaring Fork Valley who mentor youth from El Jebel to Aspen.
New this year, the Buddy Program has gone green. This year’s Buddy 5-Mile Race is a city of Aspen certified “ZG Green Event.” The Buddy Program has taken strides to print all registration forms and posters on 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper, according to a press release. “Also, we will not be serving bottled water at the race; instead, we will provide water coolers and compostable cups to our energetic runners and walkers,” the release states. There will be recycling stations throughout the race course, and a solar generator will be used to power a portion of the event. Registration is $40 for the 5-Mile Race and 1-Mile Family Walk; the fee increases to $50 on the day of the race. Register in person in front of Boogie’s Diner — the start and finish — July 2 and 3. For more information, to learn more about the race course, register or volunteer call The Buddy Program at 920-2130 or visit www.buddyprogram.org.
CMC grant program helps cut college costs Colorado Mountain College can help area students get four years of college for not much more than the price of two through its Richard C. Martin Grant. It is available to indistrict students who attend CMC for their two-year associate degree and then transfer to a four-year state college or university.
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After the student graduates with a CMC associate degree, the equivalent of two years of CMC tuition is available for those pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an in-state, public four-year program. For more information contact Deb Cutter at (970) 947-8358 or dcutter@coloradomtn.edu.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009 • 15
Volunteers needed for Relay For Life because ‘cancer never sleeps’ Local volunteers organizing the sixth annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life are seeking community members to participate in the overnight event that brings friends and families together to raise awareness about cancer and money in the fight against the disease. “We are faced with a critical shortage of volunteer leaders,� said Roaring Fork Valley Relay For Life volunteer Betty Bradley. Day-to-day demands are making it more difficult for people to participate in community service, she said. “It is because of the volunteers who preceded us, however, that certain types of cancer are now highly treatable or even curable. With more help, we will continue to win the war,� added Bradley, who is in charge of recruiting teams for the relay. During the relay — which takes place from 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7 until 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 8 at the high school track — Roaring Fork valley residents and friends walk around the clock in the battle against cancer. The event lasts through the night “because cancer never sleeps,� according to event organizers. The event is billed as a family-oriented night where participants can choose to camp out at the relay site. Event organizers provide activities, prizes and local entertainment. According to Bradley, relay teams usually are made up of eight to 10 members and kids are welcome to join, too. Numerous teams host fundraising activities prior to the event, as well as at the relay. Funds go toward cutting-edge cancer re-
search, help provide free transportation to hospitals, help prevent youth smoking, publish life-saving literature, and develop a new generation of weapons to fight cancer, she noted. “Now is the time for individuals, families, organizations, schools, religious groups, corporations and small businesses to build a team and join our fight to reduce the burden of cancer across America,� Bradley said, adding that the event can be the site of a company picnic or family gathering while supporting a great cause. The event opens with cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) taking a ceremonial first lap. Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminarias line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions. Anyone desiring to purchase a luminaria may do so by contacting Laura Edgar at 274-4519 or online at www.RoaringForkRelay.com. Luminaria candles are available for a donation of $5. All funds raised through these sales support the programs and services of the ACS. Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available from Betty Bradley at 704-9963 or by visiting www.RoaringForkRelay.com. For support from the American Cancer Society, call (800) ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
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16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 2, 2009
This was a common scene at last week’s rodeo due to the muddy mess. Photo by Jane Bachrach
Upcoming events add to regular rodeo charm In addition to its regular season excitement, the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo is hosting two upcoming special events for the Thursday night series. On July 2, Lynn Payne of the One Arm Bandit & Company will entertain the crowd with his trained horse and give a demonstration of herding techniques with several steers. This Oklahoma horseman will round up a herd of buffalo, mustangs or longhorn cattle and put them on — that’s right, ON (not in), a trailer. “For a small town rodeo, we have been lucky to have Lynn entertain us for the past three years,� said Mike Kennedy, vice president of the all-volunteer, not-for-profit Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Association. “The skill and training, and sometimes luck, which plays into this act just amazes everyone, no matter how much or how little they know about horses. It is great fun to watch and when he is in the arena, the whole place goes crazy,� Kennedy added. Then on July 16, the Aspen Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will partner with the Carbondale rodeo and Wrangler’s “Tough Enough to Wear Pink� to hold a special breast cancer survivor dinner. Sponsored by Catherine Store Wine and Liquor and GrassRoots TV12, a reception for all Roaring Fork valley survivors and their families will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the rodeo grounds. It will include food, drink, and pink bandanas. Entrance to the rodeo and barbecue dinner is complimentary to survivors. Pink attire is encouraged. General admission is $8 adults/children (under 10) free with 10 percent of the July 16 gate donated to Komen Aspen. For more information about “Tough Enough to Wear Pink� or to RSVP (by July 9), call the Race for the Cure hotline at 920-0259. The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo is in its seventh season and runs Thursdays through Aug. 20. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Slack is at 6:30 p.m.; and Grand Entry at 7:30 p.m. The Gus Darien Riding Arena is on County Road 100 (Catherine’s Store Road). Log onto www.carbondalerodeo.com for further details.
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering a Community Impact Assessment to review impacts related to traffic, water and sewer at the former Carbondale Elementary School site which is being transformed into the Third Street Center: a multi-tenant nonprofit and arts center. The location is 520 South Third Street, also described as Parcel B, Community Partnership Planned Unit Development. The applicant is Land and Shelter, 978 Euclid Avenue, for the Third Street Center. The owner of the site is the Town of Carbondale. The property is leased to the Third Street Center by the Town.
Said Public Hearings will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2009. Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Doug Dotson Zoning Administrator Published July 2, 2009
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MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY opening in Mid-July in Carbondale. Delivery Available immediately. Must have proof of eligibility. Call C.M.D. 970306-3231.