Sopris Sun THE
VOLUME 1, NUMBER 18 • JUNE 11, 2009
The green line vs. the bottom line
By Jeremy Heiman
N
elson Oldham and Charlie Chacos are trying their best to be environmentally conscious. No big deal, you say. So are the rest of us. But actually, it is a big deal, because Chacos, owner of the Village Smithy, and Oldham, who owns Dos Gringos Burritos, are trying to do it as business owners. At home it takes a little more money and time to be earth friendly. But in business it’s different: When you’re running a restaurant that serves thousands of meals each month, a little extra green to be green – whether a few more cents per egg or a half hour a day of employee time separating recyclables – adds up very quickly At Dos Gringos, Oldham buys organic foods whenever he can, preferably from local producers, which reduces the distance food travels from the farm to the plate. The amount of energy it takes to deliver raw or bulk foods is an important factor in the environmental calculus of the food economy. By buying close to home, Oldham is having a measureable impact on the environment – as well as the local economy. When in season, Oldham buys organic tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and other produce from a farmer in Paonia. “He can’t keep up with me, sometimes,” Oldham said. But buying organic food from small, local producers is also expensive. Organic farmers employ means and methods to their agriculture that is more labor intensive and more exposed to the natural risks that are part and parcel of their trade. And Oldham is competing with well off consumers who are willing to pay a premium for organic fruit, vegetables and meats. All that drives up costs and makes it more difficult for Dos Gringos to remain competitive in the highly competitive market for burritos in the Roaring Fork Valley. “People aren’t going to pay $12 for a burrito,” Oldham said.
Recycling a hit with customers
Does it pay to be green when you’re in business to make money? Nelson Oldham, owner of Dos Gringos Burritos, prepares a cold coffee beverage in a 100 percent corn compostable cup. The used coffee grinds are picked up by three local families who use them in their gardens. Photo by Jane Bachrach
The Village Smithy, a local favorite for breakfast, lunch, and now dinner, focuses its environmental sensibilities on saving electricity, water, natural gas, landfill space and other resources in every way the owners can imagine. All the to-go containers, cups, soup containers and flatware at the Smithy are biodegradable and compostable (as they are at Dos Gringos). Soup containers are coated GREEN on page 5
Carbondale Commentary Evolution Now! As long as mankind has been here, we’ve been trying to understand the game plan. We constantly make decisions and corrections based on our narrow little view of existence. Like when the guy fell asleep on the night watch at the Hubble telescope lab and kicked it out of range by a gazillionth of a degree, finding more planets than we can think up clever names for. (I just joined the When I Was Your Age Pluto Was A Planet group on Facebook.) Technology has certainly changed the evolution game. No longer are the biggest and the strongest the only ones to survive — the shipping industry has completely disrupted hunting and gathering, and science’s recognition of emotion has revolutionized our smart standards. But the question is, are we still “thinning the herd” when it comes to inventiveness and ingenuity? Or are we doomed to become a race of boring, rude, predictable wankers who ride around on motorized carts. Evolution doesn’t mean perfection. We adapt to and affect our environment at the same time. We change to survive not to better the world, and now we may even be headed in the other direction; we may actually be a detriment to the world. The use-a-calculator types are not only surviving, but thriving while resourceful thinkers seem to be dying out. It’s happening in the animal kingdom as well, perhaps By Jeannie Perry mostly due to our own stupidity. Trophy hunters are more interested in killing the deer with the biggest rack than the one with the best meat, causing there to be less every year. “When you take them systematically out of the population for several years, you end up leaving essentially a bunch of losers doing the breeding.” – Marco Festa-Bianchet* Fishermen throwing the little ones back in favor of a larger catch are causing the fish to evolve to be smaller. As a species we have no foresight, our only concern is right freakin’ now and the thing about evolution is that it takes time. If we really wanted to live long and prosper we’d be studying sharks, the true masters of evolution, instead of eradicating them for the falsely mythical power of their fins. Questioning the legend is rarely encouraged or rewarded by humans. Less and less do we think for ourselves as much as we believe everything we see on television. Where, let’s face it, not much has changed since the ’50s; women are still scarily preoccupied with laundry detergent. According to talk show audiences, thinking of others first is a sign of weakness; it is no longer admirable to put a stranger’s wishes above your own. What will we become if we continue along this selfish path… a race of mean, pale little buggers with no social skills, that’s what. And there aren’t even any big, big game hunters to keep our numbers in check. Although, on the positive side, rumors are spreading of twenty-somethings moving out and away from the idiocracy of excess in which they were raised to start over, so to speak. They’re going back to the way of the Leavers and living in accord with their neighbors and the land instead of consuming all the time. This, in my opinion, is a smarter way to ensure healthy survival because if our evolution interferes too much with the planet’s progress I don’t have any doubt as to which one will be the winner, winner, chicken dinner! (Not to mention how much healthier the yard bird is without steroid and hormone injections.) So I guess the real question is, in the future, will “the fittest” mean entirely the opposite of what it has meant in the past, or will everyone just be a little bit smaller?
Ps & Qs
Letters Snack on this Dear Editor: On behalf of the Senior Matters group, I wish to congratulate you on The Sopris Sun. I personally wish to thank you. You are a great contribution to Carbondale and outlying areas. Senior Matters — a nonprofit group in Carbondale — will again host a concession stand at the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo at Darien Arena on Thursdays. I encourage the rodeo contestants and fans to support any and all the concessions. This summer the Senior Matters concession will offer Grandma’s cookies, bottled water, Sno-cones (a favorite of young and old), nachos and a new addition that is a rodeo favorite. If you have suggestions or wish to volunteer some night, please contact Diane at 963-2536. Sincerely, Rusty Burtard Carbondale
Horse show benefits safehouse Dear Editor: I would like to invite the entire community to a free entertaining event. On June 13 and 14, the Advocate Safehouse Project is holding the 2009 ASP Benefit Horse Show at Aspen Equestrian Estates (behind Catherine Store). This horse show runs from 8 a.m. through late afternoon each day, so you can stop by any time to see riders compete over jumps and on the flat. The 2009 ASP Benefit Horse Show is a major fundraiser for the Advocate Safehouse Project and this year will mark its eighth anniversary of the event. The Advocate Safehouse Project is the only program in Garfield County offering comprehensive and confidential services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children. Additionally, ASP provides educational outreach on “healthy relationships.” Sincerely, Julie Olson, executive director Advocate Safehouse Project
*”It’s Survival of the Weak and Scrawny” by Lily Huang, Newsweek Jan. 3, 2009
BMS students praise internships
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 • 618-2119 or news@soprissun.com Reporter: Jeremy Heiman • Jane Of All Trades: Jane Bachrach Page Production: Terri Ritchie • Ad production: Barbara New Advertising Director: Jody Ensign 948-9715 Paper boys: Jack Sebesta, Rex Vanminnen, Mark Burrows, Russ Criswell 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 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009
Dear Editor: We are writing this letter because we had the opportunity to do an internship through our school, Basalt Middle School. We chose to work with a fashion designer, Brigitta Heller, who runs the business, B&B Designs, out of her home in Carbondale. We really appreciate her spending her time working with us. She was our mentor for at least three months and we had such a beautiful and growing experience with her. We really appreciate how Brigitta took time out
of her day to work with us in such a mothering way. She taught us how to use a sewing machine and make a straight stitch, how much math you need to use to run a business, and how to make a skirt. We can never thank her enough for our wonderful experience we got to spend with her. Tianna Alberto Lainey Chadbourne BMS students
Bow wow internships
Dear Editor: In the last three months of school, I did an internship through a program at Basalt Middle School. The internship was with Skyline Kennels in Carbondale. The experiences I have gone through have helped me and will prove quite useful in the future. I learned how to book pets into a kennel and how to take care of and feed the pets while they are there. They also taught me that work is not all just fun and games and most work is very tiring. I would like to show my thanks to Siobhan and Martha at Skyline Kennels. This has been very helpful for me and all the other students that have gone through this wonderful experience. David Wood BMS seventh-grader
‘The rest of the story’
Dear Editor: Thanks to the Sun’s Terri Ritchie for her excellent remembrance of the late Joe Popish. Some of us knew of Joe from the book “Aspen: The Quiet Years.” Now we know “the rest of the story.” Lynn Burton Carbondale
CCS goes green
Dear Editor: The Carbondale Community School recently finished the installation of a 7 kW photovoltaic system at our school that will provide for over a third of our school’s energy needs! The entire project was funded through generous grants from the Aspen Skiing Company’s Environment Foundation and the Community Office for Resource Efficiency, as well as a rebate from Xcel Energy. The good folks at Sunsense installed it, and they were a pleasure to work with! As part of the package deal with Sunsense, Scott Ely provided to the school what we now call our “portable solar box,” a really neat solar electric education module we plan on integrating into our existing science curriculum. Tom Penzel Carbondale Community School LETTERS page 10
Corrections A story about soccer fields last week said a community garden will be located on two acres of the Delany Parcel, a popular dog walking area. In fact, there is a proposal to locate one there, but it still must be reviewed and voted on by the Town Trustees. A story last week inaccurately represented discussion at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting of May 28. The commission took a straw poll vote, not a binding vote, to support the PUD process for The Village at Crystal River along Highway 133. It does not mean the P&Z has finished reviewing or approved the PUD.
Community News Rotary event pours into community nonprofits
As expected, the annual Carbondale Rotary Club’s “Great Balls of Fire,” taking place Saturday, is sold out. That’s good news for community nonprofits and students who benefit from the club’s spring and fall granting periods. The Rotary Club announced this month that it has awarded $7,000 to 12 valley nonprofits for its spring funding cycle. Proceeds from the “Great Balls of Fire” — or the “Great Bailout Balls of Fire” as it’s known this year — go back into the community in the form of grants. Over the past 11 years, the club has raised and donated more than $200,000 to various causes. Organizations such as Your Friends For Life, which provides assistance to cancer patients and their families, were awarded the spring 2009 funds in late May. “This will allow us to continue our family activities from May through November,” said Friends For Life Executive Director Diane Welter. “We are very excited and the families are eager to go play mini-golf, have a summer pool party, ride the gondola, and more.” The other nonprofits receiving grants this spring are Anderson Ranch Arts Center/Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities; Basalt High School Project Graduation; Third Street Center; Childhelp River Bridge Center; Colorado Rocky Mountain School; Computers for Kids Foundation; Crystal River Elementary School Kindergarten Writing Center; English In Action; Mountain Regional Housing Corp.; Roaring Fork Valley Early Learning Fund; and YouthZone Additionally, graduating seniors from Roaring Fork and Basalt high schools received scholarships from the Rotarians. The selected students were Jobi Carter, Maria Flores and Abi Lane from Roaring Fork, and Savanna Gustafson, Kyle Woods, Taylor Mills and Dusty Havens from Basalt. The Carbondale Rotary Club initiated a new AAA Scholarship Program to support 12 middle school students who have demonstrated a passion in academics, the arts and athletics.
Crystal trail construction to start Construction is expected to start soon on a stretch of paved trail extending up the Crystal Valley from Carbondale to the BRB Crystal River Resort. “We’re hoping to begin construction around the end of June or the beginning of July,” said Jeff Jackel, Carbondale’s parks and recreation director. The five-mile segment of trail is being funded from a number of sources. Pitkin County will put about $1.5 million into the trail, and has taken the lead on applying for a $1 million GOCO grant, which will mainly be used to cover the greater part of the segment through Garfield County’s jurisdiction. Garfield County put up $200,000 for its part, and adjacent landowner Richard Jellinek added $50,000 to the pot. Pitkin County has also taken on the costs associated with the bidding process and construction management. Bids are in from contractors. The five bids for the Carbondale stretch, from Meadowood Drive to Prince Creek Road, ranged from around $190,000 to over $300,000. The job is being awarded to Heyl Construction of New Castle, which had the best bid on whole project, though Heyl’s bid for the Carbondale segment, $196,122, was only second best. The 10-foot-wide trail will cost about $38 per linear foot. Carbondale’s Board of Trustees voted May 26 to kick in an additional $60,000 from the Recreation Sales Tax Fund for the town’s portion of the trail.
TRTC summer events on tap TRTC’s final production of the 2008-2009 theater season is “Eleemosynary” by Lee Blessing. The play examines the subtle relationship between a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother. Performances run June 18 (preview), June 19-20, June 26-28, and July 1-3. The next free Literary Night takes place at 6 p.m. June 21 and focuses on the works of Ambrose Bierce, one of the most colorful figures in American letters. This special literary night features TRTC’s Julia Whitcombe. The company’s 2009 Summer Drama Camp, led by Miriam Shaw, will offer three different two-week sessions for ages 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14. The first session begins on June 23. Download the drama camp brochure at www.thunderrivertheatre.com and click on “Professional Theatre Education for all Ages.” For more details about the drama camps, contact at miriaminco@gmail.com or (513) 833-7961. For info and tickets, visit www.thunderrivertheatre.com or call 963-8200.
Energy efficiency workshop set Reid Ewing, a nationally recognized expert on linking transportation, land use and energy security, will be the featured speaker at a workshop June 19 in Glenwood Springs. “Growing Cooler: Energy-Efficient Land Use and Transportation Planning” is the first in a series organized by the Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative, CLEER and the Sonoran Institute. The workshops are aimed at giving community leaders the tools to ensure that growth and redevelopment in the region maximizes energy efficiency in the face of climate change. “Growing Cooler” is set for 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. A $20 fee covers lunch, morning refreshments and workshop materials. Advance registration for the workshop is encouraged by June 17. To RSVP, call 704-9200, ext. 3, or e-mail Tracey Walter at twalter@CleanEnergyEconomy.net.
P&Z to hear comment on downtown rezoning proposal
Carbondale’s Planning and Zoning Commission will hear public comment on the proposed changes to downtown’s Historic Commercial Core district on June 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the town hall. Photo by Will Grandbois.
Carbondale looks at federal economic stimulus Carbondale’s town staff is mulling over its wish list of projects to determine which ones might be eligible for money from the federal economic stimulus package, and which ones the board of trustees would like to see completed first. Stimulus funds are being distributed by the state of Colorado, but very little has reached the Western Slope so far. “We wanted to do something without making up projects, so we’re trying to figure out what we can get done,” said Town Manager Tom Baker. Items under consideration include side-
walks or bike paths on Eighth Street, Hendrick Road, Capitol Avenue and from Meadowood to North Face Park. Mast arms for traffic signals, a pedestrian signal on Highway 133 at Hendrick Road and widening and striping of Highway 133 at various intersections are also under consideration. Another project mentioned was the continuation of Industry place to Eighth Street, estimated by Schmueser Gordon Meyer at $400,000 for a bare-bones twolane street, not including property acquisition.
Renewable energy rebate program maxed By Jeremy Heiman The solar rebate programs at Holy Cross Energy and the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) have both been overwhelmed by unanticipated demand. Stephen Casey from Holy Cross said the cooperative’s had allocated all the money in its 2009 renewable energy rebate program by May 21. And CORE, which ran through its budget by April 24, has been forced to revamp the way it supports solar projects. “Holy Cross Energy was astounded by how quickly the funds budgeted for 2009 were allocated,” Casey said. Holy Cross received renewable energy rebate applications for $1.1 million by the end of May, nearly double the amount for all of 2008. Between 2004 and the end of 2008, Holy Cross issued rebates totaling $1.165 million. Casey said although the number of applications has grown rapidly, the changes that have occurred since the beginning of the program are primarily in the size of individual projects, rather than in the number of projects. In 2005, the average rebate was $3,000. Last year, the average project netted over $10,300 from Holy Cross. Holy Cross offers $2 per watt of renewable electricity each new private generating source is able to produce, up to 10,000 watts. The utility budgeted $2.2 million for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in 2009, about 2 percent of annual
revenues. In addition to the $1.1 million for renewable energy rebates, $600,000 goes to consumer education, public outreach and research and development. Holy Cross also gives money to CORE and its equivalent, Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability. Xcel Energy, the other utility that serves customers in Carbondale, hasn’t experienced the type of growth this year that drained Holy Cross’ funds. A company spokesman said that is partly due to the fact it lowered its subsidy level late last year, causing a surge in applications just before the change was made. CORE’s solar electric rebate budget for this year was exhausted by April 24. Like Holy Cross, the agency was rebating $2 per watt. CORE’s program is funded by fees on construction of larger houses in Aspen and Pitkin County – a source has declined significantly. CORE was forced to find other funding and revamp its program, and is now offering rebates of $1,500 for all solar electric installations of greater than 2,000 watts. There is still hope for rebates from Holy Cross. Casey said customers who intend to install renewable energy generating systems should still apply for a Holy Cross rebate. Holy Cross does maintain a wait list for applicants. Someone might say, Casey continued, “Why doesn’t Holy Cross step up and say, ‘We’ll make it $2 million’? “Well, good business practices dictate adhering to budgets,” he said. “When budgets are exceeded prematurely, you have to spend a period of evaluation and analysis.” THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009 • 3
Have some lobster with your music this weekend in Carbondale
Sopris Sun staff report Carbondale’s Lobsterfest has grown in popularity and has changed from simply being a lobster dinner with one or two bands to a musical extravaganza with a delicious lobster dinner. The eighth annual Music & Lobsterfest features the largest gathering of the year of local musicians in downtown, and Carbondale will be full of music, once again. Live music kicks off Friday night at Phat Thai, ella, the Black Nugget and Steve’s Guitars.
After running last year’s Kids’ Sprint, Conner Hollenback digs into Maine lobster. Photo courtesy 5600 Photography
“The fest will, once again, show off some of the amazing musical talent of our valley. Come out and cheer them on,” said Steve Standiford, who organizes the music lineup for the fest. Saturday’s events kick off with the fifth annual Lobster Crawl Run that begins at 8 a.m. at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center. Check-in starts at 7 a.m. and the 5K and 10K begin at the center and continues along the Rio Grande Trail to Catherine Store Bridge then heads back to the center. Registration is $35 for adult runners and $10 for kids 12 and under (at www.active.com or Independence Run & Hike). The “Kids Sprint — Lobster Crawl” will be held in Sopris Park for kids ages 2-12 and will start at 10 a.m. “It is an adorable part of the fest when the youngsters are running across the park to ‘Chariots of Fire.’ This will bring a smile to your face, for sure,” Standiford said. Proceeds from the race benefit Greensprouts Foundation, a new nonprofit with a mission to help green our local schools. More live music begins at the Gazebo with KC Johnson and the talented students in Earthbeat choir. There will also be games and activities in the Kids Carnival area. Fresh Maine lobster dinners will be served starting at noon Saturday in Sopris Park. The lobsters will be cooked by Ian from ella restaurant. Tickets are available at the Carbondale Recreation Center, Glenwood Music, the Carbondale Chamber and Steve's Guitars. A full lobster dinner is $35 and you can
Life, liberty and the pursuit of a safe left turn.
buy tickets ahead of time for six separate seating times from noon to 7:30 p.m. Greensprouts Foundation will operate the beverage garden serving beer, wine, margaritas and soft drinks. The Sopris Park music is free and in addition to talented young performers, the headliners are Safety Meeting at 6:30 p.m. The new band features Ananda “Banc” with original songs. She will play a rousing set in the park and then continue with a late night
gig at Phat Thai. The day of live music ends on the Gazebo with bass player Ashton Taufer, whose other band will perform at Glenwood’s Summer of Jazz. Taufer will join local friends Shanti Gruber and Megan Goodwin. “They will play some original acoustic songs and some classic covers. Expect some beautiful harmonies and gorgeous vocals,” Standiford said. Call 963-3304 for more information.
LOBSTERFEST MUSIC LINE-UP Friday, June 12 Steve’s Guitars 7 p.m. The Tippetts 7:30 p.m. Frying Pan Bluegrass Band 9 p.m. Brad Manosevitz’s CD Release Party Phat Thai 10 p.m. Music, TBA The Black Nugget 9:30 p.m. Straight Shot ella 4 p.m. Happy Hour music 9 p.m. Live music, TBA
Saturday, June 13 Sopris Park 10 a.m. Lobster Crawl Music 11 a.m. KC Johnson & Friends Noon Lucas Pulver & Friends 12:30 p.m. Lisa Dancing Light & Shining Stars 1:30 p.m. The Frank Martin Band 2:45 p.m. Arch Angel
4 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8 p.m.
The Redtones Rick Rock & the Roosters Safety Meeting Ashton Taufer, Shanti Gruber, Megan Goodwin & Guests
Steve’s Guitars Noon Jimmy Polowchena 12:30 p.m. Andy Putnam 1 p.m. Lucas Pulver/Chris Harris 1:30 p.m. B@1 3 p.m. Lee Martin & One Hour Band 4 p.m. TRUNK 5 p.m. Jimmy Byrne & Ted Frisbie 6 p.m. Frank Martin & Friends 7 p.m. Musical Jam Phat Thai 10 p.m. Safety Meeting ella patio 4 p.m. Happy Hour music 9 p.m. Big Daddy Lee & King Bees The Black Nugget 9:30 p.m. Straight Shot
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Carbondale
Bicyclists have rights too.
FARMERS’ MARKET
Wednesday, June 24 is Bike to Work Day
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. June 17 – September 30
Participate by riding your bicycle or walking. It’s good for you and for the environment.
Corner of 4th and Main Streets across from the Library
e akf as t s t and r b k r o W o t e St o p by a Bik g o o die s ! d n a d o o f e e r f f or
Rifle City Hall, 2nd & Railroad New Castle Burning Mountain Park, Main Street Glenwood Springs Centennial Park, 9th & Grand
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009
Stands open 7 to 10 a.m.
CLEEEEER Clean Energy Economy for the Region
NEW VENDORS AND OLD FAVORITES FRUITS • VEGETABLES • MEAT FISH • CHEESE • BREAD COFFEE • WINE • FLOWERS
PREPARED FOODS
AND SO MUCH MORE! FARMERS' MARKET IS SPONSORED BY AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
Who says Carbondale can’t party? It was an equine–commencement–tie dye–car show–funky bike kind of week Left: Bridgette Strang rides Teddy through a series of jumps Saturday at the Strang Ranch horse show. Photo by Jim Ryan Below left: Forty-one students graduated from the Colorado Rocky Mountain School Class of 2009, which celebrated commencement on June 6. Pictured are top row: Trevor Gomez, Elli McKinley, Reilly Skinner, Katie Walker; second row: Brian Butcher, Robert Burch, Hayden Kennedy; bottom row: Sydney Schachter, Shannon Collins, Dillon Smith, Sam Stevens. Photo by Hanna Burleigh
Local kids learned how to tie dye shirts in Sopris Park, participating in an event sponsored by the Gordon Cooper Library on Tuesday. Photo by Russ Criswell
Left: The traffic on Main Street was bumper-to-bumper, creating a colorful array of paint and chrome at the Valley Cruisers Car show on Friday and Saturday. Photo by Jane Bachrach. Right: Wheels make the world go ’round. Logan Piccolo test rides a custom bike during the First Fridays art walk. The bikes were displayed as part of the wheelsthemed art show and in conjunction with the Valley Cruisers Car Show. Photo by Trina Ortega
The green line vs. the bottom line in local restaurants continued from page 1 with a water-resistant material made out of corn, rather than petrochemicals. New, paper take-out containers have replaced the polystyrene containers of old. “We had these big plastic things you couldn’t recycle in any shape or form,” said owner Charlie Chacos. “There has been great feedback from the customers,” Chacos said. Not only that, but the new containers cost about one-fourth what the old ones did, he said. “It was a win-win, for sure.” Energy efficiency is also important to both Chacos and Oldham. “We’ve made it an internal policy,” Chacos said. The Smithy is bringing down its energy footprint with new high-efficiency equipment on the inside and windows on the outside. Dos Gringos has beefed up its
insulation and is now working with Pacific Sheet Metal to design a system that will use cold winter air to assist with the restaurant’s refrigeration systems. Both pay extra for renewable energy, despite the energy intensive nature of the restaurant business. Chacos estimates the Smithy pays $350 more each month to buy 100 percent of its power from green sources.
Carbondale recycling a challenge Recycling is a natural for restaurants the world over. But Oldham isn’t satisfied with the recycling options available locally, and says Carbondale needs to do whatever it takes to establish a recycling center in town. “Recycling is a huge problem in Carbondale,” he said.
One aggravation he experiences regularly is the people who come to the restaurant and stuff his recycling containers with stuff from home – often with the wrong materials – leaving no room for Dos Gringos’ recyclables. “I’ve had to chase away hundreds and hundreds of people trying to recycle cardboard in our dumpster,” he said. “People put piles and piles of magazines in with our newspapers.” Nor can either restaurant compost their food waste, because there’s no company or government in the valley offering that service. “We don’t have composting in Carbondale, so it goes in the garbage,” Oldham said. “That’s kind of a missing link, right
now,” Chacos added. Both the Village Smithy and Dos Gringos take environmental steps that are cost effective while pursuing other measures just because it’s the right thing to do. Being green can create customer good will and a loyal clientele, but that’s impossible to measure, the owners say. As these two businesses demonstrate, green management does not make their meals unaffordable. In fact, both restaurants are competitive in typically low-priced sections of the restaurant industry: Breakfasts at the Smithy, and burritos and take out at Dos Gringos. “It’s always a balance between doing things that are profitable or not,” Oldham said. THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009 • 5
Scuttlebutt CMC Foundation rebuilt
Heal us…Please!
Not to worry, the Foundation hasn’t crumbled. It’s simply going to have three different tools available that will be used to (or reinforce an already strong foundation) build an even stronger foundation. These tools come in the form of a Hill, a Speaker and a Glacier, or as he spells it, “Glasier.” Ed Hill of Steamboat Springs and Ron Speaker and Rich Glasier of Carbondale will be serving on the Colorado Mountain Collage Foundation Board of Directors starting at the end of this month when board members Eileen Miller and Herb Feinzig step down after having served two terms each. As a former chairman of CMC’s elected board of trustees, Ed Hill brings 30 years worth of experience with CMC to the table, as well as a background in banking, having served as president and chief executive officer of The First National Bank of Steamboat (currently Vectra Bank). Ron Speaker has more than 23 years of professional investment experience, starting with Janus Capital Group. He recently formed his own company, Equus Private Wealth Management Rich Glasier is a consultant with the Aspen Community Foundation’s Executive Service Corps, which provides management expertise to Roaring Fork valley nonprofits. Glasier retired from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line as an executive vice president and chief financial officer.
After dropping out of the corporate world where they resided for the past 20 years, Rob and Mary Grady returned to school where Rob studied massage and Mary studied oriental medicine. How might that affect us here in Carbondale you might wonder. Well, here’s the Scuttlebutt; the couple just hung their shingle out on Main Street this past weekend as they celebrated the grand opening of their Anahata Healing Arts. We’re all going to be pictures of health as they stick pins into our bodies along with some other healing arts they practice such as massage, muscle rehabilitation, myofascial release, acupuncture, wholeness coaching, neurolinguistic programming (NLP), and much more. Rob and Mary treat the mind, body and spirit. Anahata is the name of the heart chakra, and that’s where the name of their clinic originated. It’s important to Rob and Mary that they offer healing options that the community can afford, according to the press release. Anahata Healing Arts at 970.963.4679, or email at HYPERLINK "http://webmail.sopris.net/email/scripts/maryandrobgrady@comcast.net"maryandrobgrady@co mcast.net 26 S. Third Street (above the Village Smithy) Carbondale, CO 81623.
A green and glad grad Congratulations to 2004 Roaring Fork Ram, Daniel Ives, who graduated Cum
HOLEY MOLEY! $5 BUCK SUBS
Available Without Chemicals on Home Baked Pretzel Bread ~~ Se Habla English, Polish and Chinese
For SUB Emergencies Call JEREMY
NIKKI
Accounting Clerk The Town of Carbondale has an opening for the full time position of Accounting Clerk to assist with a variety of tasks, focusing on accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and utility billing. The ideal applicant must have a strong accounting background, be self-motivated, computer proficient and experienced on Microsoft Excel. Caselle software experience a plus. Excellent benefits provided. Salary $19-$25/hr DOQ. Applications available at www.carbondalegov.org Apply Town of Carbondale, Attn: Finance Dept., 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO 81623. Open until filled. EOE 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009
Jack is back Jack Sebesta , the Sopris Sun's downtown paper man, is home again and recuperating. He will be off his route for a little while, so if you need papers ,remember the subs are trying to cover for him. We all hope he gets well ASAP.
Where was Soozie? She is in the blue pick up truck in the picture of the valley cruiser show on Main Street?
Chick magnet for rent Skip Bell of the Pour House has come up with an interesting way to make some extra money in these tough economic times, and, according to Skip, it works. Skip and wife Kay recently adopted a puppy out of a litter of five, from Colorado Animal Rescue. Their pup, Gus, is now 16 weeks old and on top of his game, as far as attracting a lot of attention. We don't know if Kay is aware of Skip's scheme or not, but Skip is renting out his dog Gus as a "chick
Photo by Jane Bachrach
magnet." Main Street's own T. Ray Becker is currently renting the pup and, without any prompting, he said "it works." We don't know how much Skip is asking for rent but you can contact him at the Pour House in Carbondale and find out.
Attention Buyers: Why NOW is the time to buy a home:
1. Record low interest rates but starting to climb back up 2. Waiting for that home price to drop as interest rates increase will not save you money in the long run
3. First-time home buyers get up to $8000 tax credit to home purchase costs 4. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that first-time homebuyers can apply the $8,000 tax credit to home purchase costs.
Don’t let anyone tell you to “wait – it will get better”
The time to take action is NOW
963-U812 To Find Google Earth @ 46 N. 4th St Carbondale, CO Open 10:32 a.m. to 3:04 p.m . NO Sundays
Laude from UC Boulder. Ives leaves with a Bachelor of Science and concurrent Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Energy and the Environment. Daniel’s parents Wayne and Jo Ives were so proud of their son that they took Daniel, his girlfriend Jess and their other son Clayton to Costa Rica for a week to celebrate the accomplishment. Can we come with when Clayton graduates?
Over the last 15 + years, I have been there for my clients in both the good times and the challenging times. As always, my top priority is to provide my clients with the appropriate information to help them make the best decisions they can make about their real estate investments. My credentials, which include a Masters in International Business (MBA), Masters in Real Estate (MRE), Certified Mediator and Negotiator, (CMN), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Residential Broker (CRB), Graduate Residential Institute (GRI), Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Specialist Personnel Human Resources (SPHR) have provided me with the background and experience to help my clients understand the true value of their decisions. I am consistently one of the top “Referred To” and “Producing Results” Real Estate Professionals in our area, I am dedicated to my work 24/7and I am committed to providing my clients with the best service in the valley. Real estate is not a hobby or a get rich quick scheme to me. Real estate is simply an extension of my 30+ years of helping people as a Human Resources Professional. My accreditation by the State of Colorado Better Business Bureau is a testament to my reliability and integrity in business. Take a moment and ask yourself: Do you want to trust your business to someone with little or no experience or to someone who has been down this road before and who has the experience and integrity to guide you in the right direction? You need to know that the Broker helping you find a property has YOUR best interests as the top priority. I appreciate all my clients and friends who I have assisted in the past and look forward to helping them and you in the future. If you would like personalized and confidential assistance in planning your strategy to purchase – please give me a call. As my satisfied clients will tell you, I go above and beyond to get my Buyer’s the best deal they can get. As a Certified Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) you will get the results you want when you work with me.
MBA, MRE, CRB, CRS, GRI, ABR, SPHR
970.963.5155 lynnk@rof.net
711 Main Street, Carbondale, CO 970.963.5155 www.amorerealty.com
Water wheels: Conservancy leads bicycle tour of the town’s ditches by Julie Albrecht Community Correspondent
Carbondale ditch rider Alan Smith center shows residents a split in the Weaver Ditch during the Roaring Fork Conservancy’s ditch tour on May 28. Photo by Julie Albrecht
Carbondale pine beetle workshop June 11 For The Forest is offering a free Verbenone workshop at the Carbondale Town Hall on Thursday, June 11, from 2-5 p.m. This workshop is an opportunity for landowners, arborists, property managers, and silviculture professionals to learn innovative approaches to controlling the mountain pine beetle with the use of Verbenone. A naturally occurring pheromone, Verbenone is a safe alternative to toxic pesticides, and can be very effective when used in an integrated pest management program. The workshop will feature two of North America's leading experts in the field: Dr. Nancy Gillette, a research entomologist with the Pacific Southwest Research Station of the U.S. Forest Service, and Don Fowler, a forestry consultant for Contech, Inc. who spent several years battling the mountain pine beetle epidemic in British Columbia.
Alan Smith is a ditch rider, all right. He maintains the same irrigation ditches that were dug in the mid-1800s. If he were living back then, he would’ve spent his workday ahorse. He would have dismounted to check for leaks, to raise or lower barriers, to root out beaver dams, to talk to ranch owners. But these days, Smith may ride a bicycle, drive a truck, or walk the ditches now owned and operated by the Town of Carbondale. The property owners he talks to often own “land under the ditch” and may have questions about water levels or leaks and pumping rights. Smith got to showcase his job on May 28, when the Roaring Fork Conservancy hosted a bicycling tour of the Carbondale ditch system. He led a group of about 20 cyclists along the length of the Weaver Ditch, showing where it literally crosses over the Carbondale Ditch, aka “The Town Ditch.” Smith pointed out laterals zigzagging through backyards, and tail-waters returning tiny streams into the Crystal or Roaring Fork rivers. Although it’s hard to tell by the sometimes-boisterous flow, the gradient of the ditches is only five to 10 feet per mile. Early court records confirm that between the two public ditches, Carbondale has the right to divert up to 53.6 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the Crystal River for irrigation purposes. The ditches don’t generally run anywhere near that much water. The bicycling participants got a personal feel for the complicated matter of water rights in the West. They learned that the Town of Carbondale got those water rights starting in 1887, as it began to annex ranch after ranch. Under the “prior approval system,” court rulings from those days predate the multi-state Colorado River Compact of 1922, which guarantees lower basin states 7.5 million acre feet. So under prior approval, if water gets scarce, would Carbondale be invulnerable when downstream states howl for their water? Hold your horses now; that’s not for sure. During the same bicycle tour, state Water Commissioner Brian Epstein said that as the water supply shrinks relative to demand, lawyers are still trying to figure out their endgame. You can find links to water management research, the permitting process, flow information and watershed maps at the Roaring Fork Conservancy Web site at www.roaringfork.org and on the Division of Water Resources site at www.water.state.co.us.
THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009 • 7
Community Calendar THURSDAY, June 11 RODEO PERFORMER • The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo presents trick rider Sally Bishop June 11. The12-week series runs until Aug. 20. For more about the rodeo, visit www.carbondale P&Z MEETS • Carbondale Planning & Zoning Commission meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. On tonight’s agenda: Downtown rezoning.
FRIDAY, June 12 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre shows “The Soloist” June 12-18. Also Showing Saturday and Sunday, June 13 & 14: “Earth” (R) at 6 pm. AWAKENING WORKSHOP • Davi Nikent presents the workshop “Working With the Light of Creation” with Michael Reagan from June 12 through June 14 in Carbondale. For more details, visit www.davinikent.org or call 963-8979.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, June 12-13 MUSIC & LOBSTER • The Annual Music & Lobster Fest takes place June 12-13 at Sopris Park. Feast on fresh lobster flown in from Maine and enjoy more than 100 local musicians playing seven venues. Tickets for a full dinner on Saturday are $35 and can be purchased at the Carbondale Recreation Center, Glenwood Music, Carbondale Chamber and Steve’s Guitars. For more information, call 963-3304.
SATURDAY, June 13 GAME DAY • Different level board games will be set around the library for Game Day on Saturday, June 13 and June 27, at the Gordon Cooper Branch Library. Call 9632889 for further details. WILDERNESS CORPS • The Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign is launching a volunteer program to help to check proposed areas in and around the White River National Forest. Inventory Corps recruits must attend an initial training set for June 13 in the Grizzly Creek area east of Glenwood. The Hidden Gems Hike Series returns this summer, as well, with a full schedule of outings into proposed wilder-
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009
To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted.
ness areas. The hike series is also part the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign offered through Wilderness Workshop. For more information and registration, go to www.whiteriverwild.org or call 963-3977.
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.
DRUMMING • An intermediate Africaninspired drumming workshop will be from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Carbondale Community School on Dolores Way. Advance registration required. Call Laurie Loeb at 963-2798.
MONDAY, June 15
MODERN DANCE CLASS A modern dance class for adults and teens will be from 1:30-3 p.m. Saturdays and 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays through August (holidays excluded). For information, contact Fran Page at 927-0641 or aspendance@sopris.net. BOOK SIGNING • Carbondale artist and author Wewer Keohane will host a dream discussion and book signing to promote her new book, “Artful Dreaming: A Primer for Finding Inspiration from Your Dreams” 24 p.m. June 13 at Patti’s Main Street Coffeehouse in New Castle. For more information, visit www.wewerart.com. BOOK SIGNING • Komen Aspen will host a Book Party with “Why He Didn’t Call You Back” author and dating coach Rachel Greenwald from 5-7 p.m. June 13 at Explore Bistro, 221 E. Main St. in Aspen. ROTARY EVENT • The Carbondale Rotary annual event is 6:30 p.m. June 13 at the Carbondale Fire & Rural Protection District headquarters, 300 Meadowood Drive. The “Great Bailout Balls of Fire” will feature a reduced $75 ticket price, hearty American fare and live music from Bill Parish. For tickets, call 963-6363.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY June 13-14 HORSE SHOW • The 2009 ASP Benefit Horse Show is scheduled for June 13-14 at the Aspen Equestrian Estates starting at 8 a.m. This horse show is sanctioned by the Colorado West Hunter Jumper Association. Riders will compete over jumps and on the flat. Proceeds benefit Advocate Safehouse Project. For information, call 945-2632.
SUNDAY, June 14 BLUEGRASS NIGHT • Dos Gringos Burritos holds Family Bluegrass Night
POETRY CONTEST • Creative writers of all ages are invited to enter the Symphony in the Valley’s “America the Beautiful” poetry and essay contest. Winners will read their poem or essay from the stage during the orchestra’s free 4th of July concert at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. Entries are due June 15; must be original work by the entrant, and are limited to 250 words. Contest rules and a simple entry form are available on the orchestra’s website, www.SymphonyInTheValley.org. SOCCER SIGN-UP • The Carbondale Soccer Club is currently accepting player registrations for boys and girls in divisions U6-U18 (Pre-K through 12th grade) for the fall season. Registration forms are available at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center, area schools or online at www.carbondalesoccerclub.org. For information, call 704-1838. Deadline is June 15.
TUESDAY, June 16 LIVE JAZZ • The Tuesday night Live Jazz Series takes place from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Steve’s Guitars.
WEDNESDAY, June 17 RIVER FLOAT • Staff from Pitkin County Open Space and the Roaring Fork Conservancy will give a history of the Northstar Preserve, point out wildlife, and discuss recent restoration on a float on the Roaring Fork River from 5-8 p.m. June 17. Rain or shine. Lifejackets required. Free. Register at www.roaringfork.org/events or 927-1290. EVENING STORY-TIME • Gordon Cooper Branch will host a special evening storytime at 6:30 p.m. June 17. Kids are in vited to wear pajamas and bring a favorite teddy bear for stories and lemonade. For more information, call the library at 963-2889. LIVE MUSIC • Rich Huttenhower and Eric Gross play acoustic guitar and monster keyboard from 7-10 p.m. at White House Pizza.
Thursday, June 18
LEGAL SERVICES • Alpine Legal Services provides free legal assistance. Offerings include: Do it Yourself Divorce Class — 1 p.m. June 18 at Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs; Do it Yourself Divorce Class — 2 p.m. June 11 at the Pitkin County Courthouse in Aspen; Thursday Night Bar — 5 p.m. June 18 at the Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs; Thursday Night Bar — 5 p.m. June 11 at the Pitkin County Courthouse in Aspen. Donations accepted. For GWS events, call 945-8858. For Aspen, call 920-2828. COLLEGE WORKSHOP • Colorado Educational Consulting will offer a free workshop to help students and their families strategize ways to pay for college in the current economy, 7 p.m. June 18 at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center, 567 Colorado Ave. For more information, contact Carolyn Williams at Carolyn@coloradoeducationalconsulting.com.
TRTC PRODUCTION • Thunder River Theatre presents “Eleemosynary” by Lee Blessing on June 18 (preview), June 19 (opening), June 20, 26, 27, 28 and July, 1, 2, 3. Curtain is 7:30 p.m. for all shows, except 2 p.m. Sunday Matinee, June 28. “Eleemosynary” is directed by TRTC member Sue Lavin and features Janice Esty, Sharon Brady and Holly Freeman. Tickets available online at www.thunderrivertheatre.com. For information, call 963-8200.
FILM EXHIBITION • The Aspen Art Museum presents the group exhibition “No Sound” through July 19. John Hanhardt, consulting senior curator for Film and Media Arts at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, will join AAM Director and Chief Curator Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson for a conversation about the exhibition at 6 p.m. June 18.
Elemental Healing 5 Element Acupuncture Cranial Sacral Therapy Chris Fabijanic, L.Ac., NCCAOM
Offering Heavy Metal Detox and Nutritional Balancing Increase energy, decrease stress Now offering $10 off all treatments
(970) 618-1537 Next to Crystal River Spas • Home visits valley wide
1195 Main Street, Carbondale • (970 618-1537
Village Smithy surprise reunion delights founders Chris and Terry Chacos About 80 former employees asembled Saturday, June 6 to throw a surprise bash for Chris and Terry Chacos, who founded the Village Smithy Restaurant in 1975. The party lasted into the night, topped off by dancing at the Pour House. Smithy alumna returned from as far as Arizona to pay tribute to the Smithy’s lively history. Pictured left are Chris and Terry at the Smithy’s 1975 opening with their young sons Eric and Charlie and staff (left to right Karen Kroger, Linda Heller and daughter Ariel, landlord Paul Lappala, Gayla Tippett, Peter the cook and “Tuna.” At far left, Chris and Terry dance with their grandsons Ari and Cooper, and the kids’ maternal grandmother Ana Swartz. Photos by Jolene Singer Historic photo by Rebecca Young
L to R: Shelle DeBeque, Patty Phelan, Molly Gardner, Jolene Singer, Deb Stone, Ann Weaver, Barb Bush, Karen Tafejian, Joanie Truesdell, Linda Singer Froning, Vickie Browne, Shelle DeBeque.
Verbenone
WORKSHOP Cost: When: Where:
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2009 NEW SUMMER CHILDREN'S DRAMA CAMP Taught by professional teacher, director, and actress Miriam Shaw
For children ages 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14
HURRY! LIMITED ENROLLMENT THREE DIFFERENT TWO WEEK SESSIONS • Session 1, Tues-Thurs., June 23-July 2 • Session 2, Tues-Thurs., July 7-16 • Session 3, Tues-Thurs., July 21-30 LEARN MORE AT www.thunderrivertheatre.com OR CALL LON WINSTON AT 963-8200 67 Promenade, Downtown Carbondale, across from the Carbondale Recreation Center
Free Thursday June 11, 2:00-5:00 pm Carbondale Town Hall
JOIN FOR THE FOREST at the Carbondale Town Hall on Thursday, June 11th, from 2pm-5pm for a FREE Verbenone workshop. This workshop is an opportunity for landowners, arborists, property managers, and silviculture professionals to learn innovative approaches to controlling the Mountain Pine Beetle with the use of Verbenone. VERBENONE, a naturally occurring pheromone, can be an alternative to toxic pesticides when used correctly in an integrated pest management program. This workshop will feature two leading experts in the field: Dr. Nancy Gillette and Don Fowler. DR. NANCY GILLETTE is a research entomologist with the Pacific Southwest Research Station of the U.S. Forest Service. She earned her Ph.D. in Forest Entomology from U.C. Berkeley and did post-doctoral studies at the Institute National de la Recerche Agronomique in Orleans, France. Dr. Gillette is one of the leading scientists in America studying the effects of pheromone flakes on bark beetles in actual forest settings. DON FOWLER is a forestry consultant for Contech, Inc. He has spent the last several years battling the mountain pine beetle epidemic in beetle-ravaged British Columbia. Don will share firsthand knowledge of the pine beetle fight, case studies, usage, latest technologies, and the value of pheromones as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. He’ll offer information for pest managers, property managers, and “anyone interested in keeping micro sites on the forest/urban interface green.”
COME LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO TO KEEP YOUR TREES HEALTHY!
ForTheForest BE A VOICE FOR THE FOREST. For The Forest is a 501(c)3 nonprofit | Executive Director, John Bennett | www.ForTheForest.org | info@fortheforest.org
THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009 • 9
Guest commentary Sutey/2-Shoes land exchange offers tremendous benefits to the public By Davis Farrar The Sutey/Two Shoes land exchange is a rare opportunity for public land acquisition that has numerous public benefits including a substantial enhancement to the much-loved Red Hill/Mushroom Rock area. To date, 14 endorsement letters have been received from the Town of Carbondale, Garfield County, Eagle County, Town of Marble, Aspen Valley Land Trust, Eagle Valley Land Trust, Red Hill Council, Roaring Fork Mountain Biking Association, Hanging Valley Ranch, Holy Cross Energy, Prince Creek Homeowners, Redstone Community Association and Udall Consulting. The Bureau of Land Management acquisition of the 513-acre Sutey Ranch adjoining Red Hill will: • Safeguard wildlife habitat deemed vital by the Division of Wildlife. • Prevent Sutey Ranch development that could result in 250 residential lots with 2,500 daily vehicle trips. • Secure public ownership of the most significant private acreage adjacent to Red Hill (plus water rights). • Afford a second Red Hill access (County Road 112) and connections to large areas of adjacent BLM including Fisher Creek – a multiplied public benefit. • Provide careful planning for future use including seasonal wildlife closure, non-mo-
Letters
From page 2
Project Graduation raffle winners Dear Editor: The parents of Roaring Fork High School seniors would like to thank everyone in our community for supporting Project Graduation. Project Graduation is a safe alternative to the traditional graduation party for all Roaring Fork seniors, which was held on graduation night, May 23. This drug and alcohol free “lock-in” graduation celebration included music, games, raffle prizes and a 2 a.m. breakfast, all donated or purchased with donated/raffle funds. The entire event is put together by volunteer parents. We are pleased to announce the winners of the raffle: The Redstone Package: Jenny Tempest; The Marble Package: Leslie Shacklette; and The Carbondale Package: Lisa Borsky. We also appreciate the support of the following area businesses for providing the raffle prizes: Redstone Inn, Redstone Country Store, Redstone Art Center, Redstone General Store, Crystal Club, Lisa Wagner at Crystal Dreams B&B and Spa, Beaver Lake Lodge, The Marble Gallery, Woody’s Barbecue, Outwest Guides, Ernie Bradley fly fishing, Avalanche Ranch, Joy Blong, and Cyndi Fowler at Salon Sublime. Patti Cappa Project Graduation
Buddies experience WindWalkers Dear Editor: On behalf of The Buddy Program, I would like to extend a special thank you to Molly Robison and the amazing staff at WindWalkers, Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy Center, for an extraordinary afternoon at the beautiful Cedar Ridge Ranch in Carbondale. Four Big and Little Buddy pairs were presented with an opportunity to understand horse safety, grooming and care, all the while, providing an extremely fun recreational experience that included various games and activities, which helped increase the Buddy pairs’ horsemanship skills. 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009
Again, thank you to WindWalkers for making our community a better place by making a difference in the lives of the people they serve. We salute them and look forward to collaborating with them in the future! The Buddy Program offers plenty of opportunities to mentor in our community and local schools. We invite anybody interested in becoming a volunteer mentor to call (970) 920-2130 or visit our Web site, www.buddyprogram.org. Karmen Pittenger Director of Youth and Family Services, The Buddy Program
Moved to tears by RFHS art Dear Editor: To Judy Haptonstall, superintendent, and the Roaring Fork School District Board — On Wednesday, May 20, I had the pleasure of viewing Roaring Fork High School’s art show. To say I was impressed is an understatement. I was truly overwhelmed. I felt as if I was walking into a fine art museum and was so moved that I had tears in my eyes. Quality and variety aside, what really was brought home to me, vividly, was how many learning skills are involved in making art. As a former art teacher specializing in 3-dimensional work, I am aware that spatial and reasoning skills are necessary but to see such a stunning visual display was heart warming. The U.S. Department of Education reported in “Schools, Communities, and the Arts: A Research Compendium” that "using arts processes to teach academic subjects results not only in improved understanding of content but it greatly improved self-regulatory behavior." Studies aside, it was the first time that I could see, in one display, all the learning that is involved in “making art.” I hope that you all had an opportunity to see the show. I am sure you are gratified that such quality is part of the curriculum at Roaring Fork High School. Sincerely, Ro Mead, director Carbondale Council on Arts & Humanities
torized recreation, and restricted mineral extraction. • Protect the remote north side of Red Hill forever. What is the exchange? BLM land in Prince Creek with limited and difficult public access, no water rights, and no critical wildlife habitat totaling 1,268 acres would transfer to the adjacent owner. Pitkin County regulations already restrict the property, but exchange includes conservation easements limiting the land to a single 3,000-square-foot residence. Will this exchange set a precedent? No! BLM and the U.S. Forest Service routinely exchange land with private owners. All federal exchanges require rigorous review and appraisals. Pitkin County has been a recipient and public lands/open space beneficiary through many of these federal land exchanges. Will the exchange be based upon equal values? Federal land exchanges require thorough appraisals based upon professional standards detailed in the 144-page federal “Yellow Book.” These standards have been tested over the years. If the appraisal identifies unequal value to the public, the landowner (Mr. Wexner) will pay the cash difference. Has this appraisal process been used locally? Yes! This same process has been used by Pitkin County to acquire the Conundrum Mine (Maroon Bells Wilderness), portions of Yule Marble Quarry, Dutch Creek Mine (Redstone) and others. Since 1995, public lands in Pitkin County have increased through federal land exchanges by 11.43 square miles (including Two Shoes). Some of these new Pitkin County public lands came from exchanges out of six other Colorado counties. Can Garfield County or BLM purchase the land? Garfield County twice asked voters for open space taxes. Both times the issue failed. Neither Garfield County nor BLM have the money to make this purchase. Mr. Wexner has the resources to complete this transaction. Will the Sutey property be planned and managed? The proposed Congressional exchange legislation specifies comprehensive public planning, wildlife protection with DOW, non-motorized use, sensitive vegetation protection, water rights preservation, historic building protection and other Congressional protections. BLM cannot plan the Sutey Ranch without ownership. Are there other properties involved? A smaller Marble land swap includes legal access to Lily Lake, and there is another smaller exchange in Eagle County. What happens if this exchange fails? Without this exchange, the public will lose. Do not let the public lose because of a failed public process! Support an equitable exchange. Tell Pitkin County Open Space and the county commissioners to support this exchange at their June 16 meeting. Make your voice heard. Write letters to the editor. Write Rep. John Salazar and Sen. Mark Udall.
Davis Farrar is a longtime resident of Carbondale. He served as town manager for 13 years, from 1982-95, and works now as a planning consultant. He is currently president of the Red Hill Council. He is also an avid mountain biker.
First Carbondale Wild West Rodeo charges out of the gate By Kayla Henley Sopris Sun Intern Blue skies peeked out from behind the swollen gray clouds as horses and their riders trotted around the warm-up arena at 7:30 p.m. last Thursday at the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo. The competitors waited anxiously to get started as the spectators took their seats in the bleachers and in the beds of their pick-up trucks. Once everyone was settled, Mike Land kicked off the night with a short introduction: “Well, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2009 Wild West Rodeo!” The crowed cheered, then went silent as Rodeo Queen Chantri Knotts rode out into the arena, followed by Queen Attendant Emily Schwaller and Princesses Ashlyn Gerbaz and Madilyn Kuhl holding the Colorado and rodeo flags. They galloped in the arena while everyone listened to “God Bless America” and the National Anthem. Things got down to business as Land asked the most fervent question of the night: “Let me hear you, Carbondale, are you ready to rodeo?” the crowd screamed a ferocious reply, and with that, the rodeo began with some bull riding. The massive bulls pawed at the ground and snorted angrily as they were released with riders on their backs. The cowboys desperately clung on to the raging bulls and the viewers cringed as their attempts eventually resulted in a collision with the sandy ground. The rodeo continued with team-roping and the always-entertaining Mutton
Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Thursday, June 4 through August 20 Gus Darien Arena Gates opne 5:30 p.m. Grand Entry 7:30 p.m.
Bustin’. Everyone was in an uproar as 5and 6-year-olds were placed on the wooly sheep and — like the bull riders — tried to stay on as they raced around the arena. One 5-year-old, having received a face full of dirt
dale rodeo, were there to watch some of their friends who were competing. Adams commented on the kids’ bravado and how fun the whole event was. “It’s a great way to see everyone [from] town,” she said. They both agreed that they would enjoy coming back sometime and Myers quipped that it was great to come after a rainfall. Because the arena was still damp, it had brought the level of rising dust down to a minimum. The rodeo dwindled as competitors prepared for the last events. The Open Barrel Racers tightened their grip on the reins and raced for the three barrels, spewing dirt in all directions as they pivoted around the last one and made a mad dash for home, hats flying off as they slowed their steeds to a halt. The rodeo concluded with a final round of bull riding. Carbondale’s second rodeo on June 11 will feature Sally Bishop demonstrating Photo by Jim Ryan both control and speed with 4-up Roman riding. It requires that she stand on two when he’d hit the ground, was rewarded horses and drive the other two at a full galwith a handshake and a congratulatory pat lop. There will be jumps and other technion the back from one of his buddies. cal challenges in this specialty act. Karen Adams and her friend Tom For more info, visit www.carbonMyers, who had never been to the Carbon- dalerodeo.com.
Cowboy Up Carbondale A celebration of the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Proceeds benefit Sopris Therapy Services
June 27 • 4 p.m. • Fourth Street Plaza Kids Corral • Live Auction Cocktails & BBQ • Live music Tickets: Alpine Bank, Roaring Fork Valley Co-op, Pour House, and the Rodeo
Fine dining, friendly service and a great jukebox. 351 MAIN STREET, CARBONDALE • 963-3553 THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009 • 11
Gardening, as philosophy, book subject, cat heaven and cause for a good glass of white wine I don’t have anything imperative to work since my early college years, when she write about this month – no favorite was at the Denver Botanic Gardens co-definperennials, no urgings to the public to go ing “xeriscapeâ€? through her first book, “The check out some species doing something Undaunted Garden.â€? cool this week. Yes: “Plant-Driven Designâ€? is a gorgeous I’m pretty much just chillin’ in my coffee table book. But it also redefines garyard (okay it’s a garden) and enjoying a dening in the west. Having traveled throughsummer off. There are a few things I’ve out Mongolia, from its vast high steppes, been up to, though. through undulating river valleys to the base Friends and I have resumed our Garof awesome mountains, I’ve been blown den Ho’s Social Club. Originally it was away by how similar it is to here. professionals in the field, and we imbibed I have smuggled so many seeds and samof full moon cocktails at Six 89, Ella or ples trying to mimic it. When the Ogdens Russets. Shoptalk started to dominate proposed “steppeâ€? as a metaphor to gardenlast year so this summer we’re reaching ing here, I was sold. The book is a treasure out to anyone that lives the garden by Geneviève JoĂŤlle chest of success, waiting to be pilfered. Villamizar lifestyle with gusto. Lastly, I have finally gotten for our famIf you’re into hanging with other fabily the most elemental component to a garulous people, enjoy showing off your den: cats. What garden hasn’t evolved to a grounds and hosting a cocktail party once in while, join us. higher realm through the inclusion of Felix domestica?? At This month we’re starting off the season drinking way too this moment, I have two 20-pound cats slinking around the much white [wine], ogling Greta’s garden and hitting the laundry room, checking out their new bathroom suite. Full Moon Bike Ride to seal the deal. Negotiating pedals in However, I look forward to their engagement with platforms made me feel like Betty Boop last summer. our garden and dogs. Their former “dad,â€? Jason, and I have Speaking of fabulousness, I have a book to recommend chatted. He was thrilled to hear we’ve got tons of catmint for all gardeners out West. Especially for you transplants – Baxter will go ape %$#@ in it‌ and they can chase mice who keep thinking in terms of southern tropicals or Mid- and snakes with Topaz, our Griffon pointer. I predict a lot western humidity lovers. We’re not the prairie; it’s a tad dry of spooning between Shitake and ZoĂŤ, our older golden rehere; and our soil sucks, so I urge you to peruse Lauren triever. Springer-Ogden and Scott Ogden’s latest, “Plant-Driven Oh golly, here’s to a good summer. Design: Creating Gardens That Honor Plants, Place & Questions, ideas? Email me, Genevieve@evolvinglandSpirit.â€? scape.com Lauren’s my adopted mentor. I’ve been studying her
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Honor your father The Sopris Sun wants to shine on your dad. Tell us in up to 100 words a favorite memory or simply why your world wouldn’t be the same without dear ol’ dad. Include both of your names and town of residence, along with a high-quality photo of your dad ‌ or both of you. Submissions may be sent, by June 13, to news@soprissun.com or P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. Please include a contact number. Memories and photos will be published in the June 18 issue of The Sopris Sun.
NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE LIQUOR LAWS OF COLORADO WILDERNESS WORKSHOP 589 MAIN STREET P O BOX 1442 CARBONDALE, CO 81623 has requested the liquor licensing officials of Carbondale to grant a special event liquor license to sell malt, vinous, and spiritous liquors for consumption on the premise at WILDERNESS WORKSHOP BBQ 589 MAIN STREET CARBONDALE, CO 81623 Hearing on application to be held at:: CARBONDALE TOWN HALL 511 COLORADO AVENUE CARBONDALE, COLORADO Date and Time: June 23, 2009, at 6:30 P.M. Date of Application: June 5, 2009 Date of Event: July 3, 2009 By order of Michael Hassig, Mayor Applicant: Sloan Shoemaker Information may be obtained from, and Petitions or Remonstrance’s may be filed with the Town Clerk Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO 81623
12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JUNE 11, 2009
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Adjustment and Appeals for the purpose of considering an application seeking relief from the minimum rear yard setback in the Residential Low Density zone district to accommodate a deck roof at a single family residence. A variance would allow the deck roof to encroach to within 4 feet of the rear property line, at the closest point.
Unclassifieds FOR SALE Large window swamp cooler, in good shape. New Excelsor, never used. Quiet, comes with stand and copper tubing. A real steal at $275. Call Chris at 963-3850 or 379-9096. AVAILABLE NOW through summer. Housekeeping and other B&B duties. Ideal for person in Marble/Redstone. Variable, dependent on guests’ arrival and departure schedules. www.BeaverLakeRetreat.com. Submit resume, references, experience by email at beaver@rof.net or call 544-5545 in Aspen or 963-3608 in Marble. EXECUTIVE OFFICE RENTAL Main Street Carbondale, fully furnished, reception, internet, easy access, parking. 379-4766. ONE BEDROOM FOR RENT in "old-town" Carbondale, shared bathroom, $750/ month including utilities. Full kitchen privileges. Call for details 963-4190. OLD TOWN CARBONDALE (one block from Sopris Park). 3 bedroon, 1-1/2 bath, one car garage, W/D, fenced back yard, community vegetable garden, NS, pets considered. $1950/month plus utilities. Available July 1. Email kay@hagmanarchitects.com. ONE ROOM AND BATHROOM for $650/month in a shared Downtown Townhome. NP/NS $300 Deposit. Call for Details 309-1030. 2 BDR, 1 BATH. South of Carbondale. Spacious downstairs apt, utilities included. Private entrance. NPNS. $1100 summer, $1200 winter. 970 389 6270.
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Solar Flair Thermal Systems, INC Specializing in solar hot water and radiant heat Patrick Johnson 970-618-1768 p 970-963-4867 f VRODUĂ€DLU#VRSULV QHW
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Adjustment and Appeals for the purpose of considering an application seeking relief from the minimum parking stall depth, driveway length and a portion of the parking surface at the Third Street Center in the Community Partnership PUD Zone District, to accommodate parking requirements for the nonprofit center. The applicant is Land & Shelter for the Third Street Center. The owner is the Town of Carbondale. The property is located at 520 South Third Street. The legal description is Parcel B, Community Partnership Subdivision Exemption Plat, Town of Carbondale, County of Garfield, State of Colorado. Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2009. Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Kay Philip Assistant Town Planner
The applicant/owner is Donald and Carolyn Gillow. The property is located at 771 Latigo Loop. The legal description is Lot 5, Roaring Fork Village Filing No. III, Town of Carbondale, County of Garfield, State of Colorado. Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2009. Copies of the proposed application are on file in The Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Kay Philip Assistant Town Planner
DAVID ZAMANSKY-Owner Operated License & Insured
970-963-3891 500 Buggy Circle Carbondale, CO.
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