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LOOK INSIDE:
the
Sun
Sopris Carbondale’s
Looking back on
2014
community connector
Volume 6, Number 48 | January 1, 2015
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very week in and around Carbondale seemed to be action packed in 2014, with long-time traditional events mingling with new ones. Clockwise from upper left: More than 100 sheep were trucked in for the National Sheepdog Trials at Strang Ranch and more than one took a direct route to the ground; guys of all sizes and abilities dashed into the ring for the men’s wood-splitting contest at Mountain Fair; the Aspen Valley Polo Club on County Road 100 east of Carbondale laid acres of sod, built a new barn, arena and other facilities, then brought the sport back to the former Preshana Farm
directly south of Catherine Store; Mark Burrows gives his daughter Ticah a smooch following Roaring Fork High School’s graduation ceremony, which saw 60 students conclude one part of their lives and head on to the next. For more stories and photos from 2014, please turn to page 3 and keep turning. Photos by Jane Bachrach
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Carbondale Commentary
The views and opinions expressed on the Commentary page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the editor or guest columns. For more information, e-mail editor Lynn Burton at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.
Celebrating a great 2014, thanks to all of you! As another year wanes and The Sopris Sun approaches its sixth birthday, the board would like to thank our donors, advertisers, contributors and readers for your continued support. As a non-profit, local newspaper, we constantly strive to better connect our community and provide information valuable to Carbondale’s diverse population. With those ideals in mind, we certainly have had a year worth celebrating. Early in the year, the board and staff embarked on a strategic planning process that helped us take a fresh look at our mission and goals. Out of those discussions grew a desire to invite your feedback and ideas for shaping The Sopris Sun’s future. The Community Open House in July (and related surveys) provided great input for the types of articles you already love reading and what more you want to see in The Sun. The board and staff have already responded to many of those suggestions by hiring John Colson as a part-time reporter, providing opportunities for poets and flash-fiction writers to share their work, and incorporating the talents of high school interns into the content we publish each week in print and online. Also, we now have a monthly “KidZone” for youngsters to share their artwork and thoughts. As always, we continue to highlight Car-
OPINION
Ps & Qs By Jeannie Perry
bondale’s many non-profit organizations and their events, and we enjoy sharing the stories of citizens who strike a universal cord of loving our town and valley. Last March, The Sun hosted the town trustee candidates’ forum (“squirm night”), reflecting our dedication to informing the public regarding local politics and inspiring civic engagement. We strive to publish timely articles about the issues we face in Carbondale and the historical context that got us here, and to bring you stories and photos you won’t find in the Glenwood or Aspen dailies. In response to reader suggestions, this November, The Sopris Sun launched its SunScriber program — to make tax deductible donating easier and offer individuals and businesses the option of making automatic monthly or annual donations. We are fortunate to have so many faithful advertisers, but advertising dollars alone do not cover the costs of producing a 16 to 20-page paper each week. Your financial contributions are critical to pay staff, cover printing, etc. They also demonstrate to our foundation partners that when we say “The Sopris Sun is Carbondale’s community-supported newspaper,” we
e Wild West The Wild West is a lot tamer than it used to be. Sure, there are more and more people running around these days, (actually they’re ATVing around) but there’s more to it than that. The amount of land in this country that is truly wild is disappearing faster than a hometown preacher in a whorehouse raid. I believe three major factors have come together in the last few decades to kill off the legendary essence of the Wild West. First and foremost are the Gas & Oil companies. They come in like the wolf dressed as grandma, all flattery and white teeth. They frack up the earth while the
Veronica Whitney (left) and Charlie Wertheim (right) brought a little North American Sun with them and managed to keep it dry while hiking the Continental Icefields of Santa Cruz, Argentina in November. Courtesy photo 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JaNUaRy 1, 2015
are not just blowing smoke. Every donation counts, no matter the size. By adding your name to our list of SunScribers you are playing a vital part in the life of this paper and this community. Please consider all that The Sopris Sun provides for Carbondale and how our incredible community deserves its own newspaper forum. Your donations of any amount and at any time throughout the year will help to secure a strong future for Carbondale’s community connector. Together, we can keep The Sun shining! Thank you, The Sopris Sun Board: Colin Laird, Debbie Bruell, Sue Gray, Barbara Dills, Denise Barkhurst, Craig Fulmer and Cliff Colia. PS: You can SunScribe quickly online at www.soprissun.com, by sending a check to P.O. Box 399, or by dropping off your donation at our spacious new Third Street Center office (across from the old office we shared with LIFT-UP, at the end of the long hallway). We will thank all our 2014 supporters and advertisers in the upcoming issues of the paper.
politicians drink the thick black Kool-Aid and pat themselves on the back for bringing labor-to-middle management jobs to town. And by the time we realize that our air and water are too contaminated for the birds, fish and wildlife (not to mention our children) all that’s left is an empty nightgown beside the bed. Second to blame (and first to profit Gas & Oil) is the national marketing of The Great Outdoors. If I had a dollar for every Subaru ad with an attractive couple watching the sunset in the middle of nowhere … well, we’d all have brand new Subarus. When I was a kid it was still kind of a novelty to pack up the station wagon and head into the hills with a sleeping bag and a six-pack. Sure, your off-beat brother-in-law did it every chance he got, but civilized people stayed home and tried not to spill their third martini on the wall-to-wall carpeting. Then, sometime in the late 1980s to early 1990s hard wood flooring made a comeback, and more and more of us started going out to explore nature from the climate controlled safety of our gas-guzzling SUVs. And lastly, in the trifecta of death for the Wild West, we have our local billionaires who want to realize their childhood dreams of being a cowboy. Whenever I hear the words “land management” I throw up a little in my mouth. Why would raw land need human beings to manage it? Is it just me or is our hubris at an all-time high? Do we seriously think we can do a better job of maintaining natural habitat than the system that is already in place? (That’s our planet’s eco-system, for all you monotheists). And when did rich people turn 180 degrees from the Roosevelt/Rockefeller school of thought? Upper-class benevolence has gone the way of the dodo, which is why it’s more important than ever to democratically collaborate on public land policy rather than entrust the land to a few rich guys. I mean, we are talking about men who would sue their own brother in a court of law. It’s not that I can’t imagine two brothers getting into a heated argument. I Ps & Qs page 14
Weekly in print; daily online The Sopris Sun keeps you informed all week long with special content on the web; including breaking news, photo galleries, calendar events and much more.
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To inform, inspire and build community. Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor: Lynn Burton • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Bob Albright • 970-927-2175 bob@soprissun.com Reporter: John Colson Photographer: Jane Bachrach Graphic Designer: Terri Ritchie CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS board@soprissun.com Barbara Dills, President Denise Barkhurst, Vice President Debbie Bruell, Secretary Colin Laird • Sue Gray Craig Fulmer • Cliff Colia Honorary Board Members David L. Johnson • Laura McCormick Jeannie Perry • Trina Ortega • Frank Zlogar Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell
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In review: 2014 a landmark year Sopris Sun Staff Report The year 2014 wasn’t a watershed year, where Carbondale experienced major economic changes or a big transition, but considering the number of physical structures that could have a “2014” plaque attached to them, the past 12 months comprised a landmark year. Consider the following that were built, renovated or installed in 2014: • The Highway 133 roundabout and related improvements; • The James Surls “Sewing the Future” sculpture in the roundabout’s center; • The North Face bike park; • The Marble Distillery & Inn on Main Street; • The three-story brick building at 319 Main Street; • The Powers Art Center on Highway 82; • The True Nature Healing Arts Peace Garden; • The new Roaring Fork Family Physicians building on Highway 133; • The Launchpad in the former Gordon Cooper Library building. Carbondale chalked up at least three firsts: the Electric Vehicle Rally of the Rockies ended in town, the USA Pro Bike Challenge blasted through town, and agility dogs took over part of North Face Park in a national championship. The Sopris Sun printed dozens of news and notable items, features and photos in 2014. Here is some of what happened:
chatted and waited in near zero-degree temperatures for up to two hours on Jan. 15 before Doctor’s Garden (located on the third floor at 580 Main Street) to opened its doors to legally sell marijuana to those over 21 years old. By the end of the year, Acme Healing Center (located in the Sopris Shopping Center in the former Circle Super grocery store spot) had became the second legal marijuana retailer to sell marijuana, edibles, infused products, pipes, clothing and related items.
FEBRUaRy Poets pound Bonedale Carbondale hosted a poetry slam in early February, and President Barak Obama’s 2012 inaugural poet, in late January. Richard Blanco, who was 44 at the time of Obama’s second swearing in, read for Carbondale Community School students and parents, and what it was like to read for an audience of 850,000 at the inauguration. Meanwhile, the Aspen Writers’ Foundation brought back spoken-word artists Myrlin Hepworth and Logan Phillips for two weeks of classes in schools, topped off with a poetry slam at PAC3 that included more than a dozen students reading their own work.
Solar arrays activated
Pot prohibition ends Approximately 25-30 buyers shivered,
Life savers recognized The Carbondale Fire District presented its Life Saver award to six staff members who saved the life of a gunshot victim in a trailer park during the summer of 2013. The responding ambulance crew was comprised of: Dean Perkins, Bill Gavette, Garrett Kennedy, Ron Kroesen, Kai Kruse and Paul Herr. The victim had been accidently shot by his roommate who fled the scene and was later apprehended.
Who did they call?
JaNUaRy The town of Carbondale’s solar array at the Roaring Fork water treatment plant went on line. The array was one of three constructed in 2014 in a power purchase agreement between the town, Sunsense Solar, Hybrid Energy Group and Xcel Energy. The arrays power each of the three sites.
When spectators on Main Street spotted the USA Pro Bike Challenge support vehicles speeding west, they knew the circus had just about left town. The race was one leg of a multi-day event that started in Aspen and wrapped up in Denver. Photo by Jane Bachrach
High school poets turned out for a slam at the Third Street Center in February. The readings were the culmination of a week of poetry workshops and related performances. Photo by Lynn Burton
A grass-roots group calling itself “Who Ya Gonna Call” held public forums twice in February to discuss Carbondale Fire District issues after last November’s tax-hike increase failed, and in a run-up to May’s board elections. About 20 people attending the first forum, including at least two of the district’s five board members, district employees, volunteers and the public. “What does the community want for essential emergency services … on a budget it can afford?” organizer Jeff Wadley said as he kicked off the first meeting at the Third Street Center. On a related note, the fire board in February announced it was forming an advisory task force of about 15 people to advise it on financial planning and other issues. The task force announcement was unrelated to the Who Ya Gonna Call forum.
TDC questions gas worth The Thompson Divide Coalition issued an independent, peer-reviewed geologic and economic analysis of the natural gas fields southwest of Carbondale, which found “little to no economic viability” for drilling on federal leases held by energy companies. The assessment was written by the Denver-based MHA Petroleum Consultants. The Powers Art Center has been getting some national ink after opening last summer. Out-of-town writers are particularly intrigued by the fact the 15,000-square-foot facility is surrounded by sage brush and hay fields. Photo by Lynn Burton
MaRCH Hentschel boys coming home Lindsay and Hadley Hentschel learned
their two adoptive Haitian boys, that they’ve been waiting for 3 ½ years to bring to Carbondale, are finally coming home. Mykerson (6) and Leander (4) lived in the same orphanage in Haiti for most of their lives. The Hentschels committed to adopting Mykerson in 2010. When they travelled to Haiti to meet him that December, they met Leander and began the process of adopting him as well. The adoption process was delayed in part due to the earthquake of 2010, when one-third of all government workers in Haiti were killed.
Sledder dies near Marble A 45-year-old Dallas, Texas woman died when the sled she was riding crashed into a tree near the former Marble ski area. She was on vacation with her husband, children and friends.
PaC3 closes The PAC3 performing arts facility in the Third Street Center closed its doors after a two-year run. Shows included Bruce Cockburn, Steve Earle, David Grisman, Hot Tuna, Leon Russell and others.
Cosmic Love Blast hits TSC A Spiritual Center presented the Cosmic Love Blast at the Third Street Center. The ceremony/celebration was designed to enable participants to “receive an initiation into the new energies of the Great Shift underway for planet earth and humanity,” said organizer Golden Sha. After purchasing a $20 ticket, guests entered the Calaway Room through a curtain of pastel feather boas. Silver stars and twinkle lights festooned the ceiling; the walls were draped in purple, white and sky blue fabric; while a slide show featured fantasy images of the universe. Highlights included music, sweet treats, an auction, a guided meditation, singing bowls, a presentation from a spiritual astrologer and more. YEAR IN REVIEW page 5
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JaNUaRy 1, 2015 • 3
Town Briefs
Ice, snow update tops weekly report Sopris Sun Staff Report Ice and snow, and continuing unseasonably warm temperatures, were the leading issues in Town Manager Jay Harrington’s Dec. 26 memo to the town’s employees, board of trustees and other recipients. “The streets and parks crews have been dealing with snow and ice issues from the last storm,” Harrington reported, detailing the use of “scoria … a product obtained from volcanic ash [and] an inert substance that does not contain silica or other harmful substances” to provide traction for motorists at intersections. Concerning ice, Harrington wrote that the town’s two ice rinks remained closed last week, due to the warm temperatures and to the blanket of snow that fell around Christmas time. Reached on Monday, Harrington said town crews would be working on both rinks and expressed the hope that at least the intown rink, at the corner of 4th and Main streets, would be open this week, but noted that the Gus Darien Riding Arena rink would require more work and might not open this week. “We need several days of super cold temperatures to make sure the ice is ready,” Harrington told The Sopris Sun, adding that a period of cold weather was forecast for the area this week. Harrington also reported that the initial draft of the first three chapters of the town’s 10-year Parks, Recreation and Trails master plan has been delivered by Design Workshop to the parks department and town staff. Staff, as well as the members of the board of trustees and two volunteer boards, will be reviewing and editing the draft document over the next few weeks, and are expected to make recommendations regarding any changes needed before further review. The draft documents, Harrington noted, include an executive summary, the introduction, a chapter on existing conditions and needs, and community input from a series of meetings and hearings earlier in the year.
Most important, Harrington wrote, will be a work session with the volunteer Parks and Recreation Commission and the Bike, Pedestrian & Trails Commission, on Jan. 20, for the town’s first official look at the fourth chapter of the document, “Recommendations.” The memo stated that the finance department has reported that, as of Dec. 26, sales tax receipts (for sales in November) were about 3.2 percent higher than for the same month in 2013, even though there were “a few sales tax returns outstanding” at that point. Harrington reported that, overall, it appears the town’s sales tax revenues for 2014 will be 8.3 percent higher than those of 2013. An appeal of a recent Planning & Zoning Commission approval for a redevelopment plan at 191 Sopris Ave. has been formally put before the Carbondale Board of Trustees, and a public hearing on that appeal has been scheduled for Jan. 27. The hearing is a quasi-judicial proceeding, and Harrington wrote that the redevelopment proposal “should now be considered an active land use application to be reviewed” by the trustees. Had the appeal not been filed, the P&Z decision would have been the final approval needed by the developers. In his summary of Carbondale Police Department activities for last week, Harrington noted there was one “attempted assault on one of our officers” that resulted in no injuries, either to the officer or to the alleged assailant, and that “Christmas was nice and quiet for the police department.” Regarding the town’s ongoing effort to reduce water use and wastewater flows through the local systems, Harrington reported that the utilities department is installing equipment to “trim water usage at the wastewater facility” by changes in the timing and flow of sprayers in the aeration basin of the wastewater plant. Overall, he noted, there has been “no significant change in flows from our base line average for water use and waste over Christmas,” because Carbondale typically does not get “the major spikes (in use) that the resort communities experience over the holidays.”
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Cop Shop The following events are drawn from incident reports of the C’dale Police Dept. THURSDay, Dec. 18: at 6:41 p.m. police recorded an accident between a deer and a vehicle at Highway 133 and Weant Boulevard. No injuries were reported. THURSDay, Dec. 18: at 7:10 p.m. during a traffic stop on Third Street, police issued a warning to the driver for defective equipment on his vehicle, and confiscated marijuana from another individual in the vehicle. FRIDay, Dec. 19: at 2:41 p.m. police got a report of a hit and run accident on Highway 133. A suspect was later located and issued a summons into municipal court. SaTURDay, Dec. 20: at 11:13 a.m. a man came into the police department office “seeking assistance,” according to police. While there, the man “became uncooperative and physically aggressive toward the officer” and was arrested on charges of third degree assault, resisting arrest and obstructing a police office. He was taken to the Garfield County Jail. SUNDay, Dec. 21: at 8:31 p.m. officers were told someone was trespassing at a home construction site in the Keater Grove subdivision, according to a reporting party who followed the suspect from the site but lost him when he cut through adjacent yards. Police were unable to locate the suspect, and reported that it did not appear anything was taken or damaged at the construction site.
Year in review continued om page 3 aPRIL
Comfort Inn renovates
Newcomers win trustee seats
The owners of the 76-room Carbondale Comfort Inn & Suites completed a $1 million renovation that began in 2013.
Paddywacks expands
Not exactly a normal trip to Washington, D.C. That’s what Heidi Ahrens reported after she and her daughters, Coralie Aziah and Ramona Clara, met President Obama as he walked back to the White House after a speech at the Department of the Interior on May 21. The scene was captured on YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZR1CvSQntE.
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R.J. Paddywacks Pet Outfitters in El Jebel doubled the size of its 1,200-square-foot store and held a grand reopening celebration.
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With four candidates vying for three trustee seats, Carbondale voters elected newcomers Katrina Byars (649 votes) and AJ Hobbs (591), and returned Frosty Merriott to the board with 545 votes. Newcomer Wayne Horak made it a race by tossing his hat in the ring and netted 482 votes. Mayor Stacey Bernot ran unopposed and topped the field with 772 votes. A total of 960 residents cast ballots, for a 30 percent turnout.
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The town trustees unanimously ’re apyouBull riven • t D a proved the renaming of Pasture r h w o A The Carbondale Fire District placed a on Park (on the west side of Highway heart defibrillator at the Third Street Center port 133 near thewjunction with Prince and held a training session to show tenants Sup Sun u s oNuche Creek Road) .to e h p r i s s Park in how to use it after someone experiences a t a h t honor of the Ute Indians that were i heart attack. w tion a kicked out of the Roaring Fork Valn Do ley and elsewhere following the May Meeker Massacre of 1879. Nuche (proChallenger wins fire seat nounced “nooch”) comes from the Ute Former district employee Carl Smith pulled in the most name for the Crystal River Valley, “Nuche-Muvotes in the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District Gu-Avatum-Ada’he,” or “the people’s place of board election with 974, followed by incumbent Mike the heart.” Kennedy with 917. In a battle between the other two incumbents, Gene Schilling edged out Mark Chain by five RE-1 reading scores released votes (875-870) for the third seat; challenger Gary McElThe Colorado Department of Education rewee netted 863 votes. In all, the bottom three candidates leased third grade reading scores on the TCAP, were separated by 12 votes. Election official Jenny Cutright Colorado’s mandated standardized test. Cryssaid voters cast 1,720 ballots of 8,231 that were sent out. tal River Elementary School was the only The election came six months after Carbondale & Rural school to show a decline in reading skills, Fire Protection District residents shot down a mill levy hike which some observers chalked up to the fact ballot measure, which could have doubled property taxes, that CRES has a significantly higher percentby a 2:1 margin. Smith and McElwee (a former district vol- age of second language learners and students unteer) campaigned together on a platform of more board from low-income families compared to the rest transparency and better financial planning. of the school district. District-wide, 360 third graders were tested and 74 percent scored proficient or advance, which is 2 percentage points higher than the state average.
TSC gets defibrillator
cate County Road 106 through the private school’s campus. The county commissioners closed the road to vehicular traffic in the 1970s but it has remained open through the campus to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Town honors Dariens
Commun it
Kayaker dies on the Crystal Uriah Shaffer, 39, died when his kayak over turned on the Crystal River near Marble.
Town “likes” Facebook
Once again, CCAH’s “Green is the New Black” fashion extravaganza was probably the most colorful, and high-flying, event of the year. Photos by Jane Bachrach
The town trustees adopted a policy for the use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Town Manager Jay Harrington said the idea is to get information to residents in a timely manner through the use of social media. The policy applies to elected and appointed officials, and town staffers.
JUNE Trustees settle ex-library issue The Carbondale Board of Trustess voted 5-1 to lease the former Gordon Cooper Library building to the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities, and its partner the Dance Initiative, for dance studios and gallery space. Trustee A.J. Hobbs recused himself because he was involved in one of the proposals for the building. Trustee Frosty Merriott voted against the lease, saying he objected to the selection process. Earlier in the year, sculptor James Surls pulled out of a plan to convert the building to the Surls Visual Art Center. Dozens of folks brought their mats and started their Mountain Fair Sunday with yoga last July. The trio Chante Pejuta led the session from the gazebo. Photo by Lynn Burton
CR106 won’t go on vacation The Garfield County commissioners voted 2-1 not to grant Colorado Rocky Mountain School’s request to va-
The town named the North Face tennis/pickleball courts The Darien Tennis & Pickleball Courts to honor Bernie and Sonny. The couple’s 35 years of organizing and promoting both sports culminated with pickleball being the most recent.
JULy Powers art Center opens
The Powers Art Center officially opened to the public after seeming to stand ready for more than a year. The 15,000-square-foot center, located on the north side of Highway 82 about one mile upvalley from Highway 133, is dedicated primarily to showcasing the entire collection of pop artist Jasper Johns’ works on paper. The center was created in memory of the life and passion of John G. Powers, who lived nearby. “During his life, Mr. Powers and his wife, Kimiko Powers, were deeply involved with the contemporary and pop art scene and created one of the most influential privately held pop and contemporary art collections known,” said art center director Melissa English. “Of all the artists they collected, they had a particular admiration for Jasper Johns, one of the most influential pop artists.” The center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and admission is free.
Locals “flash mob” Congress Local Citizens Climate Lobby members flash mobbed Congress as part of a nation-wide effort to educate elected officials about climate change and related issues. More than 600 volunteers, representing more than 200 CCL YEAR IN REVIEW page 6
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JaNUaRy 1, 2015 • 5
Year in review continued om page 5 chapters, traveled to Washington, D.C. to take part.
State recognizes C’dale’s creativity The state of Colorado chose Carbondale to participate in the 2014-15 Creative District program. Other towns chosen for the same grant cycle were Crested Butte, Mancos, Crestone, Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Fort Collins and Evergreen.
arts, antiques get own week Downtown and Main Street business people organized the first Arts & Antiques Week for a week-long promotion of 12 shops and businesses, including: European Antiques: home decor, gifts and antique furniture; Main Street Gallery & the Framer: fine arts and museum framing; Strange Imports: exotic and contemporary furnishings;
Out West Antiques: antiques from the finest dealers in Colorado; Carbondale Clay Center: ceramic gallery and classes; Crystal Glass Studio: etched glass lighting/sculpture; Kahhak Fine Arts & School: gallery featuring Marcel Kahhak’s paintings; Mousai Gallery: combing the love of art and nature; Dancing Colours Studio: collection of art and gifts; Harmony Scott Jewelry Design: handmade jewelry/wearable art; Laura Lee Designs: hand crafted interior, exterior and custom lighting; and Roadside Gallery: Martin Garfinkel’s photographs of classic Americana.
aUgUST Pro bikers hit town Several Carbondale streets, and Highway 133, were closed when the 550-mile USA Pro Challenge professional bicycle race sped through town on its way from Aspen to Crested Butte on Aug. 19. Dozens of people turned out in the morning to create chalk art on Main Street and pen message they hoped TV sports helicopters would capture and broadcast around the world. By noon, hundreds of people lined Main Street to cheer on the racers.
Food co-op expands Lisa Gebert (right) retired from the Carbondale post office in April and received a great send-off from Janelle Johnson (far left) and Marty Silverstein (center). Photo by Jane Bachrach
The Carbondale Food Co-op on Main Street expanded into the space next to it.
CaC releases report The Carbondale Fire District Citizen
Five of the participants in the Fourth of July parade, which corresponded this year with First Friday later in the day. After the parade, which lasted an estimated seven minutes, kids of all ages headed into Sopris Park for ice cream sandwiches and watermelon. Photo by Jane Bachrach Advisory Committee gave its final report to the fire board and among other suggestions said the district should draft a master plan before asking voters for a property tax hike, and dip further into reserves in 2015 to make up a projected funding shortfall.
august a wet month Carbondale received more than four times its average precipitation in August according to Weather Underground, logging .34 inches. The rain was good news for many in-town gardeners but not necessarily good news for ranchers who wanted
their pastures to dry up so they could make their second hay cutting of the season.
SEPTEMBER C’dale opens bike park The North Face Bike Park officially opened to good reviews on Sept. 13. The $95,000 park was spearheaded by the town’s Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission, and was made possible by a $45,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (lottery) grant, $25,000 Garfield County FedYEAR IN REVIEW page 7
Carbondale Recreation & Community Center
Community Ice Skating Party
Why SunScribe? Support your Carbondale community connector We distribute the RFHS Rampage, the Parks & Recreation brochures, and programs for Mountain Fair, Green Is the New Black, and others.
FREE! First Friday! January 2nd 5:30 - 8 pm 4th St. & Main Ice Rink Bon Fire, Hot Chocolate, Marshmallows, Hot Dogs and Ice Skating! Skate Rentals available at the CRCC
SunScribe today! www.soprissun.com Any level of giving is welcome. 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JaNUaRy 1, 2015
Cub Scout Pack 235 970-510-1290
www.carbondalerec.com
Year in review continued om page 6 eral Mineral Lease District grant, $10,000 in town funding, $10,000 from Alpine Bank and $5,000 in community donations.
Students land solar array Acting on a dream from students that was years in the making, the RE-1 School Board approved a Roaring Fork High School Energy Club proposal to install a 379 kW solar array at the school. The array will be built through a power purchase agreement and there will be no cost to the school district.
glass shattering a mystery Police and library officials were scratching their head after two of the 15-foot glass panels over the Carbondale Library entrance shattered at night, a week apart. Police said they could find no evidence of vandalism. Library officials downplayed a theory that temperate changes might have caused the safety-glass panels to break. There were no injuries when the glass showered down on the sidewalk below.
day event attracted dogs and handlers from across the U.S.
Sheepdogs return The U.S. Border Collie Handlers’ Association National Sheepdog Trials returned to Strang Ranch on Missouri Heights after being held there in 2011. More than 225 pre-qualified dogs and their handlers converged on the ranch for the six-day event from all over the U.S.
Pour House celebrates The Pour House on Main Street celebrated its 30th anniversary.
TNHa opens Peace garden True Nature Healing Arts (100 N. Third St.) celebrated the opening of its Peace Garden with the three-day Sacred Fest, which featured speakers, yoga, tea tastings, a drum circle, musical performances, demonstrations and more. The Peace Garden, which is open to the public, includes a labyrinth, foot reflexology path, fire pit and more.
The Carbondale Rotary Club donated $5,000 to Habitat for Humanity/Roaring Fork Valley, which was matched by Jim and Connie Calaway, bringing the total of the golf fund-raiser at the Roaring Fork Club to $100,000. The checks were presented during a construction session for a Habitat for Humanity house in Keator Grove. Photo by Jane Bachrach to put their trash out for pickup only in “bear-proof” containers, and only at certain times, as well as posting requirements for trash haulers to offer recycling services to customers and in general billing customers on a “volumetric” basis, meaning charging customers for the amount of refuse picked up instead of other billing parameters.
Roundabout opens
Local sculptor Michael Lindsay created “What’s Your Carrot” for the 5Point Film Festival in April, and then left it in place for more than a week. He told The Sopris Sun the carrot is a metaphor for whatever the viewer is striving for. Photo by Jane Bachrach
Bonedalers love library The Carbondale Library released survey results of what users would like to see in their branch. Recommendations included: Longer hours, including Sundays; a soundproofed area for kids; outdoor plugs for laptops and umbrellas on the patio; fireside chats and do-it-yourself workshops to go along with a fireplace and coffee bar; community forums and panels on issues like fracking, immigration and water conservation; concerts, in collaboration with the Aspen Music School and Festival and other groups; and more Spanish language programming.
Crystal returns to Filmfest The Crystal Theatre celebrated its oneyear anniversary of converting to digital projection by returning as a venue for Aspen Filmfest. In 2013, Crystal Theatre owners Bob and Kathy Ezra conducted a successful public fund-raising campaign to replace their 1956-model film projector with digital equipment, or eventually close the theatre because fewer and fewer movies are being produced on film.
agile dogs invade The Dogs on Course in North America 2014 National Dog Agility Championships were held at North Face Park. The three-
Sticking to a schedule that hardly wavered during the previous five months, CDOT opened the new roundabout at Highway 133 and Main Street to through traffic on Sept. 29. The roundabout was the center piece of CDOT’s 1.9 mile, $9.5 million construction project that saw the highway’s widening to three lanes, a lighted bike path on the west side, a traffic signal at Snowmass Drive, cross-walk upgrades and signals, and other safety features. Locals praised CDOT and United Companies for making the project go smoothly with the minimum possible impacts on the public and businesses as possible. As of press time, the last detail to be completed was activating the new traffic light at Snowmass Drive.
Experienced sheepdogs knew just where to sit after their turn at the U.S. Border Collie Handlers’ Association National Trials at Strang Ranch in September. Photo by Jane Bachrach
Local economy rebounds As town staff closed in on final preparations for the 2015 municipal budget, the Carbondale Board of Trustees learned that the local economy, at least in terms of sales tax receipts from local businesses, had rebounded considerably from the slump of the Great Recession of 2008-2010. Overall, according to a budget report from Finance Director Renae Gustine, sales tax revenues (the town's largest single source of income) were up by close to nine percent over sales tax revenues in 2013.
Teens accused of stealing pot plants A group of Carbondale teenagers were arrested and charged with stealing pot growing in a back yard greenhouse, among other charges. The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo returned on Thursday nights through the summer. Photo by Jane Bachrach
Town takes LBgT stance Trustee Katrina Byars convinced her fellow trustees to consider a resolution placing Carbondale squarely on the side of the nation's lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender (LBGT) community, by passing a resolution stating that the town “supports the right of two people of the same sex to marry and, further, supports legislation at any level of government which facilitates or grants this right.” The resolution, formally passed on Oct. 14, was held in abeyance for weeks awaiting the outcome of a U.S. Supreme Court case, in which the supremes declined to review two lowercourt rulings that upheld the right of samesex couples to marry. The adoption of the resolution, of course, is symbolic, as marriage licenses are issued by county or state governments, not by municipalities.
OCTOBER Vehicles electrify Carbondale The inaugural Electric Vehicle Rally of the Rockies brought several electric vehicles to Carbondale from as far away as Grand Junction and Vail to promote EV tourism in the central Colorado Rockies. The rally was organized by Garfield Clean Energy, CLEER, Colorado Mountain College, CORE and the city of Aspen. YEAR IN REVIEW page 8
Town opposes gas suspensions The town formally joined with other local governments, notably Glenwood Springs and Pitkin County, in protesting a move by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to “suspend” gas drilling leases in the controversial Thompson Divide area, a move that effectively stopped the clock on a looming deadline for energy companies to either drill or lose the 10-year-old leases due to inaction.
Town goes “bear proof” The board of trustees approved an “emergency ordinance” requiring residents
For the 105th year, folks celebrated Carbondale’s original cash crop in various inspired ways, be they song, dance, skits, costumes, waving to the crowd or pedaling a unicycle up and down the route. The parade boasted not one, but two color guards (from the American Legion and Roaring Fork High School). Photos by Jane Bachrach
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JaNUaRy 1, 2015 • 7
Year in review continued om page 7 america Legion notes 50th American Legion Post 100 celebrated its 50th anniversary with a pig roast, music, dancing and fun. The post is located in Carbondale’s former train depot on Colorado Avenue, across from True Nature Healing Arts.
Launchpad soars The CCAH/Dance Initiative opened its doors to rave reviews. “I'm completely giddy!” said Jeni Ptacek, director of the Crystal River Ballet School. “This space is perfect. It’s beautiful and the floors are amazing. It’s more than I could have ever wished for!” The Launchpad features sprung floors for dancers, two galleries for visual artists, and office space for the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities.
Triathlete podiums Dave Clark traveled to Hawaii and returned with the fifth place trophy in his age group (55-59) following the World Championship Ironman competition in KailuaKona, Hawaii.
town on a bus and took a sip on the wild side at the Beer Works on Main Street.
Museum won’t happen Residents learned in late October that plans for a museum housing the works of internationally renowned sculptor James Surls had been scrapped, presumably for good, when no suitable site could be found.
NOVEMBER Republicans not too popular A pair of Republicans in state and county races won their contests overall but were not popular in the Democratic Party stronghold of Carbondale. Carbondalearea resident Bob Rankin (R) defeated Sacha Mero (L-Craig) 77-23 percent to return to his Statehouse seat YEAR IN REVIEW page 9
OCTOBER Here come the borers
Roaring Fork beat Basalt 14-10 under a full moon in October. In other team action, the boy’s soccer team won its first conference championship in history and made the state playoffs, as did the girls soccer team last spring with a 12-2-1 record. Both teams were tripped up in the opening round. Photo by Sue Rollyson
The town’s Urban Forester, Dan Coon, issued a series of e-mails to local officials warning of a looming infestation of something called the emerald ash borer, which he said could quickly mow down nearly a tenth of the town's “urban canopy” of trees.
Hickenlooper visits Carbondale (along with Glenwood Springs and Aspen) got a visit from Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper when he and maybe a half-dozen aides and helpers cruised into
0331 Robinson St. #1081, Basalt
at Willits
970-510-5372
SKI AND HOLIDAY WEAR AND MUCH MORE! FULL OF BEAUTIFUL LINENS, CRYSTAL AND CHINA FOR THE HOLIDAYS We Accept Consignments Daily
Open 10-6 Mon-Sat and Sun. 12-5 • 510-5372
Cowboys had smooth riding on their spring cattle drive to high pastures west of town but the return trip in the fall was a bit trickier, as they had to maneuver their herds through Highway 133 construction zones. Photo by Jane Bachrach
Skip Bell 75 Years Young
OPEN HOUSE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Look for the Purple Awnings at the corner of Reed & Robinson.
at the Pour House Sunday, January 4, 2015 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
351 MAIN STREET, CARBONDALE • 963-3553 • www.skipspourhouse.com
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JaNUaRy 1, 2015
Year in review continued om page 8 in District 57, but in Carbondale’s three in-town precincts won by only two votes – 1,094-1,092; in Precinct 4 (Missouri Heights and Aspen Glen), Rankin won 521-304. In the Garfield County Commissioner race, incumbent Tom Jankovsy (R) held onto his seat with a countywide tally of 11,046 to Michael Sullivan’s (D) 7,904, but in Carbondale’s three precincts was trounced 2,445-1,316, and lost in Precinct 4 by a count of 539-452.
DECEMBER WRNF releases FEIS The White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams released a 550-page Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record of Decision (ROD) that does not affect existing gas and oil
RVR HOa recognized The Colorado Community Association recognized the River Valley Ranch Home Owner’s Association as its Colorado Homeowners Association of the Year for, among other accomplishments, showing other HOAs how such organizations can be managed.
Distillery opening delayed Real champagne corks were popped but the imaginary glasses participants held did not catch much of the bubbly after the last of the Electric Vehicle Rally of the Rockies rolled into town. Photo by Jane Bachrach
Non-profit highlight
ROTARY CORNER
ROTARY CLUB OF CARBONDALE January with Carbondale Rotary 2014-15 Rotary International Theme
“Light Up Rotary”
Marble Distilling & Inn owners hoped their building, located at 150 Main St., would be open in late December but confirmed that construction delays have pushed the opening into 2015.
Musicians, and everyone else, enjoyed warm weather at May’s First Friday celebration in downtown Carbondale. Photo by Lynn Burton
Give Yourself Start New Giv e Your Y ourself a Mindful S tar t tto o tthe he N ew Y Year! ear! Giv ey ourself (or a fr iend) a mindful st ar t to to the the new Give yourself friend) start new year, year ear,, cultivating cultivating w ell being and genuine happiness, lear ning how how to to live live with with attention attention well learning and int ention! Join us ffor or our MLP Mindfulness F oundations course. intention! Foundations N oe xperience necessar y in mindfulness or medit ation. No experience necessary meditation.
Jan 2-4, 20 2015, 15, Thir Third dS Street eet Center, Center er,, Carbondale
RI President Gary C.K. Huang Carbondale Rotary Practicing Service Above Self, at home and around the world … Carbondale Rotarians Jack McKay, left, and Tony Comer, right, ring the bell for the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle holiday donation campaign at Carbondale City Market.
Members of the Rotary Club of Carbondale helped raise more than $9,500 for the area branch of the Salvation Army by volunteering to ring the bell at City Market during the holiday season through the annual Red Kettle campaign. This has been one of the club’s local service projects for many years. The money raised will be used locally as part of the Salvation Army’s assistance programs for the needy.
Building on the adoption of a revised Comprehensive Land Use Plan (known as the comp plan) in 2013, the town began the process of reviewing early drafts of an updated Unified Development Code (UDC), comprising the codes and regulations intended to put the provisions of the comp plan into action.
On Dec. 5, after months of construction and traffic snarls, the reconfiguration of Highway 133, at least in the northern sections, was officially opened to traffic, although ongoing construction and installation of lights continued through the middle of the month.
Billionaire buys shopping center
“SERVICE ABOVE SELF”
UDC process continues
Highway 133 reopens
NOVEMBER Crystal Village Plaza business owners learned in late October and early November that the Kroenke Group, created by billionaire Stan Kroenke, bought the property for $9.7 million in September. Kroenke is married to Walmart heir Ann Walton. Among his holdings: the Pepsi Center in Denver and shopping centers around the U.S.
leases in the Thompson Divide southwest of Carbondale, but could prevent future leases and subsequent drilling.
The Carbondale Rotary Club meets at 6:50 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Carbondale Firehouse. Visitors are welcome to come enjoy our weekly program and learn about the wonderful work Rotary does in the community and around the world.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS Jan. 7 – Club Assembly Jan. 14 – TBA Jan. 21 – Dr. Chris George, Aspen Orthopedics Jan. 28 – TBA For program suggestions, contact Rick Carlson, rccarlson@gmail.com
For membership and other Rotary Club information, visit www.rotarycarbondale.org
Transform Your Life Register online at www.mindfullifeprogram.org www .mindfullifeprogram.org 970-633-0163
The Town of Carbondale is currently offering
Christmas tree recycling in the parking lot at 4th and Colorado. Please remove all ornaments and tree stands. Wreaths are not accepted. Thank you. THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JaNUaRy 1, 2015 • 9
Community Calendar
To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is noon on Monday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted. For up-to-the-minute valley-wide event listings, check out the Community Calendar online at soprissun.com. View events online at soprissun.com/calendar.
WEDNESDAY Dec. 31
THURS.-FRI. Jan.1-2
LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents Let Them Roar, with opening act Natalie Spears and friends. The show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $20. This’ll be Frank Martin’s last appearance with LTR. Info: 963-3304.
FILM • Aspen Film, a year-round nonprofit film arts and education organization, brings big screen buzz to Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House with its 23rd annual Academy Screenings through Jan. 2. Info: aspenshowtix.com.
LIVE MUSIC • The Redstone Inn offers dinner and DJ dancing from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Info: 963-2526. LIVE MUSIC • The Elks Club in Aspen presents the Roosters in a New Year’s Eve party. LIVE MUSIC • The Dirty Dozen Brass Band rocks the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. Tickets are $89 and the dance floor will be open. Info: 920-5770 and aspenshowtix.com. EaRLy CLOSURES • The Carbondale post office closes at noon today; the library closes at 5 p.m. SPRINg gULCH • The Mount Sopris Nordic Council, and Aspen Valley Ski Club, host their annual Nordic Lumenaria Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Spring Gulch west of Carbondale. Lighted lumenarias will show the way through the trail system. Coffee from Bonfire and other hot beverages will be served. Info: springgulch.org. ROTaRy • The Rotary Club of Carbondale meets at the Carbondale Fire Station at 6:45 a.m. on Wednesdays. Info: riccarlson@gmail.com and steve@kdnk.org.
cept Jan. 4 showtime is 2 p.m. (captioned) and 5 p.m. only. LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents live music every Friday night. Info: 963-3304.
SATURDAY Jan. 3 EagLE CREST • The Saturday Winter Market returns to Eagle Crest Nursey in El Jebel on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check out the local produce, food, coffee, sopas, clothing, accessories and more.
THURSDAY Jan. 1 ROTaRy • The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita at noon every Thursday.
FRI.-SUN. Jan. 2-4 MINDFULNESS COURSE • The full Mindful Life Program Foundations Course is offered at the Third Street Center. The course combines meditation training with practical, accessible and universal skills that empower you to engage in your life with attention and intention, according to a press release. The hours are 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The cost is $250; payment plans and scholarships are available. Info: 970-633-0163 or admin@mindfullifeprogram.org.
FRIDAY Jan. 2 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Wild” (R) at 7:30 p.m. nightly Jan. 2-8 ex-
SUNDAY Jan. 4 HOOPS • The Carbondale seventh/eighth grade boys basketball teams holds a free-throw shoot-athon at Roaring Fork High School at 1 p.m. Pledges are being accepted for each free throw made; each boy gets 50 shots. Proceeds go to equipment, uniforms and travel expenses, with 15 percent going to Carbondale LIFT-UP. Info: 963-1109.
JaZZ JaM • The Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs continues Jazz Jam Mondays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. All abilities are welcome. For more info contact Hunter Damm 319-7853.
TUESDAY Jan. 6 WINTER WORDS • The Aspen Writers’ Foundation’ Winter Words series presents Natasha Trethewey at Paepcke Auditorium (on the Aspen Institute campus) at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 at 920-5770 or aspenshowtix.com. Trethewey won a Pulitzer Prize in 2007, a Pushcart Prize in 2014 and was U.S. Poet Laureate in 2012-2014. Info: 925-3122.
WEDNESDAY Jan. 7 SENIOR MaTTERS • Senior Matters hosts a lunch at Crystal Meadows every Wednesday, followed by Bingo.
Further Out THURSDAY Jan. 8
LUTHERaNS MEET • Faith Lutheran Church holds worship services at the Carbondale Middle School auditorium: traditional service (9 a.m.), educational hour (10 a.m.), living praise worship (11:30 a.m.). Info. Faithcarbondale.com and 925-7725.
LITERaCy OUTREaCH • Volunteers who want to help adults learn basic literacy skills are invited to attend a Literacy Outreach orientation session at the Carbondale Branch Library at 4 p.m. Some participants struggle to read and write while others want to improve their oral English skills. Info: 945-5282.
MONDAY Jan. 5
SATURDAY Jan. 10
PLaNT-BaSED INFO • Greg Feinsinger, M.D. gives a free talk about the benefits of a plant-based diet from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Third Street Center.
aUTHOR SPEaKS • Brad Tyndall, author of “Touching God,” speaks and signs books at the Carbondale Branch Library at 3 p.m. Tyn-
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NATASHA TRETHEWEY TUES JAN 6 US Poet Laureate 2012-2014 | Pulitzer Prize Winner 2007
KEEP THE SOPRIS SUN SHINING Your financial support is a critical part of our community news effort DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
Donate online at www.soprissun.com Send a check made out to the Sopris Sun LLC, P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, 81623 Take out an ad for your business by contacting: Bob Albright 970-927-2175 • bob@soprissun.com 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JaNUaRy 1, 2015
BOX OFFICE TICKETS aspenshowtix.com ALL EVENTS 6PM DOORS AT 5:30PM paepcke auditorium
MORE INFO 970 925 3122 aspenwords.org
SPONSORS aspen public radio the aspen times the city of aspen les dames d’aspen the thrift shop of aspen
Community Calendar
continued from page 10
Further Out from page 10
Ongoing
dall takes readers on a journey to far-reaching corners of the world, where he drinks tea with Sudanese Muslims, prays in ancient Coptic churches, and whirls with SuďŹ dervishes in the desert. “In seeking the mystical in extraordinary places, he discovers that an intimate relationship with God can be found in known religious practices,â€? said a library press release. Books will be available for purchase. The presentation is free. Info: 963-2889 and gcpld.org.
KOROLOgOS gaLLERy • The Ann Korologos Gallery in downtown Basalt presents “The Gift of Winterâ€? through Jan. 4. Info: korologosgallery.com or 927-9668.
TUESDAY Jan. 13
MayOR’S COFFEE HOUR • Chat with Carbondale Mayor Stacey Bernot on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Village Smithy.
CHaMBER LUNCHEON • The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce holds its quarterly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Orchard. Susie Jimenez (Spice it Up) will provide the lunch. The cost is $20 in advance and $30 the day off. The luncheon is also the chamber’s annual meeting, so it will announce its 2014 Business of the Year and Non-ProďŹ t of the Year. The keynote presentation is titled “Does Digital Marketing Have You Dazed and Confused?â€? Info: 963-1890.
MONDAY Jan. 19 MLK DINNER • GarďŹ eld County Democrats hold their annual Dr. Martin Luther King celebration at Glenwood Vaudeville Revue Dinner Theatre. Doors open at 6 p.m. info: gvrshow.com.
THURSDAY Jan. 29 MaSTER gaRDNERS • Colorado State University offers its Master Gardener course at the CMC Lappala Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through April 9. Info: 970328-8633 and ext.colostate.edu.
aSPEN CHaPEL gaLLERy • The Aspen Chapel Gallery features Brian Colley, Lisa Singer, Staci Dickerson, Kat Rich and 27 other local artists in its “Small Wondersâ€? show through Jan. 4.
TWO STEPPIN’ • Two Step Tuesdays takes place at the Third Street Center every Tuesday night at 7:45 p.m. Admission is $7 singles/$12 per couple. Partners are not necessary. Wear hard soled shoes and bring water. Info: meetup.com/RFVDance. BRIDgE • The Carbondale Bridge Club meets at the Senior Matters room in the Third Street Center Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. You must have a partner and the fee is $3 per person. Info: 963-0425. aUTISTIC STORyTIME • The Carbondale Branch Library offers a sensory storytime for autistic children and their parent/caregiver
Hold the Presses
Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. LINX • The Linx Networking group meets each Tuesday at 7 a.m. in the AspenSotheby’s real estate ofďŹ ce on Midland Avenue in Basalt. Info: Keith Edquist at 928-8428. WEEKLy RUNS • Independence Run & Hike holds runs group runs at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Info: 704-0909. MEDITaTION aND DHaRMa • John (Chophel) Bruna facilitates a meditation and Dharma talk at the Third Street Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. There will be a 25-minute meditation, followed by a dharma talk with time for questions and answers. It’s offered by the Way of Compassion Foundation and co-sponsored by Davi Nikent. Info: wayofcompassion.org. TaI CHI • Senior Matters offers tai chi classes at the Third Street Center on Mondays and Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Classes are $48 per month or $8 for drop ins. Info: John Norton at 379-1375. TaI CHI • Senior Matters presents Simple Tai Chi in room 33 of the Third Street Cen-
ter from 11 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Info: 379-1375. MINDFULNESS gROUP • The Mindfulness group holds weekly sessions at 7:30 p.m. next to the Boomerang on Highway 133. Info: 970-633-0163. EXTREME COFFEE • The Extreme Sports Camp in the Third Street Center invites folks to drop in for a free cup of Boomerang Coffee during Friendly Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. LIBRaRy PROgRaMS • Ongoing programs at the Carbondale Branch Library include Storytime at 4 p.m. on Mondays, Bilingual Storytime at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. CaNCER CONSULTaTIONS • Valley View Hospital offers free lung cancer evaluations on Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Info: 384-7707.  MUSIC TOgETHER • All Valley Music Together classes are under way. For details, go to allvalleymusic.com or call 963-1482. TaI CHI • Martin Finkelstein presents “Tai Chi Principles and Theoryâ€? at the Third Street Center a 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Info: 948-7379.
THEy Say IT’S yOUR BIRTHDay • Folks celebrating their birthday this week include Lucas Pulver and Anne Grice (Jan. 1); Eric Rudd (Jan. 2); Bob Albright, Paul Nieslanik, Skip Bell, Brad Palmer, Patrick Murray, Melinda Schultz and Rick Herrington (Jan. 4); and Peter Lamort and Taylor Faczak (Jan. 6). BLM SEEKS INPUT • The BLM is seeking input on a proposed prescribed burn and maintenance work along the base of Basalt Mountain north of El Jebel near Spring Park Reservoir. For details, call 720-648-3923.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THIRD STREET CENTER
We Know the Ancient Knowledge of the Tea ItÂ’s Our Monthly Special
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January Schedule We ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture and, if possible speak a few reasonable words.� – GOETHE
January 7 Brad Manosevitz & Guy Welles - A rare acoustic, unplugged meeting of the minds. Long time friends and musical collaborators Guy Welles and Brad Manosevitz swap songs. January 14 "Uplift Wellness Now!� Rita Marsh and Ardis Hoffman share "tastes" of the 90 day MasterMinds 4 Wellness program.
January 21 ALIVE INSIDE The Story of Music & Memory January 28 Valle Musico A musical collaboration featuring guitarists Pat Winger, John Ramo, bassist Bruce Imig & percussionist Brett Gould performing new interpretations of classical, jazz and world music. The Culture Club meets every Wednesday from noon – 1 p.m. in the Calaway Room Bring your lunch and relax in a “Chautauqua-like� atmosphere hosted by Lisa Dancing-Light.
CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY WITH EDUCATION, ENTERTAINMENT & ENLIGHTENMENT
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The Faith of a Doubting Thomas Join us Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU) @ Third Street Center
www.tworiversuu.org
Third Street Center • 520 S. Third St, Carbondale CO 963-3221
www.thirdstreetcenter.net for details on all tenant organizations and additional events
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist
Reverend Stephan Papa Inspirational, Contemporary Music by Jimmy Byrne Heather Rydell, Youth Program Minister Childcare Provided
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JaNUaRy 1, 2015 • 11
EAT. SHOP. PLAY CONFLUENCE OF RIVERS, RECREATION & CULTURE
2014: Wyly expands; chamber gets new director Sopris Sun Staff Report Basalt was a happening kind of place in 2014, with the Wyly Art Center opening a new gallery, the Basalt Chamber of Commerce naming a new director, and assorted other changes throughout the year. On the Wyly Art Center front, the nonprofit organization opened its Wyly Annex at 174 Midland Avenue with the show “Stewart Oksenhorn: Photographer,” followed by “Subject to Change” by Jody Guralnick. On Sept. 21, the Wyly recognized artist Dick Carter with its inaugural Creative Force award during the groups annual Art, Play, Love fundraiser at the Roaring Fork Club. Wyly Art Center Director Kelly Alford told The Sopris Sun, “Dick Carter is a visionary, vanguard, and prankster living at the intersection of art and community. He has an extraordinary ability to dwell in the present and act for the future.” Carter was the co-founder of the Aspen Art Museum, is an active supporter of the Santa Monica Art Museum, and continues to enjoy a successful career as a Hollywood production designer while living and working in
the Roaring Fork Valley. “Dick has never compromised his daily painting practice and exhibition schedule. He is a current Wyly board member and a tireless volunteer for the organization on all fronts, including acting as a sparkplug for the opening of our new Wyly Annex,” Alford continued. Carter moved to Aspen in 1971 and became an assistant to Herbert Bayer (the renowned local artist of the Bauhaus School) for five years. His solo exhibitions include the David Floria Gallery in Aspen, Santa Monica Museum of Art in Santa Monica, California, Mary Bell Gallery in Chicago, and Sandy Carson Gallery in Denver. Carter is included in public and corporate collections from Absolute vodka, AT&T, Denver Museum of Art, and IBM. He has simultaneously maintained a career in the film industry and has made a significant mark in art communities across the country, including Aspen, Basalt, Santa Monica and Santa Fe.
Basalt chamber Robin Waters was named as the new
Basalt Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. "In one year," says Robin, "we will be realizing positive, progressive changes and anyone in the community can be a part of that design. In fact, we have an unprecedented opportunity to build the community together and for community members to shape the town they live in.” Waters, a Sarasota, Florida native who spent years living in both Scotland and Costa Rica, also spent time in the political avenues of Washington, D.C. doing marketing and public relations work.
Westin, RMI break ground Westin and Rocky Mountain Institute both broke grounds on new buildings in Basalt. Element by Westin, being built in Willits, will offer a mix of 113 studio as well as one-bedroom suites featuring a fluid design of modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving, and customdesigned closets. Rooms will also offer fully equipped kitchens and the signature Heavenly® Bed; spa-inspired bathrooms will fea-
ture a rain shower. Other brand features will include a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center, saline swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, and a 626-square-foot meeting room with a flexible layout and state-of-the-art technology that can be customized to meet any business or social needs. The hotel will also offer extended-stay comfort with a “sustainable conscience” and other signature amenities, from its healthy RISE breakfast and RELAX evening reception to electric vehicle charging stations and bikes-to-borrow program for local touring. On Oct. 15, the Rocky Mountain Institute (with ZGF Architects LLP and JE Dunn Construction) broke ground for its new flagship building named the Innovation Center. The 15,610 -square-foot facility will exhibit the principles of integrative design and energy and resource efficiency as the organization seeks to continue its strategic collaboration in global energy. The center will provide offices for 50 staff members and offer a convenient venue for collaboration with the community, industry associates and global leaders.
We have some fun activities for youth through adult.
Drop in for a spirit lifting shopping experience. HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT HEIRLOOMS! 970-927-4384 144 Midland Avenue Basalt, Colorado 81621
CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING The Town of Basalt is offering Christmas tree recycling. The location is the former recycle center at the corner of Two Rivers and Midland Spur. Trees must be completely free of all ornaments, lights, garland and tinsel.
The recycle site will be open from December 26th to January 31st. 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JaNUaRy 1, 2015
Basalt Recreation 2015 Fall/Winter ACTIVITIES GUIDE IS NOW AVAILABLE.
Check it out online, pick your copy up at Basalt Town Hall, or we would be happy to drop one in the mail for you. Just call us at 970-927-8214 x400, or you can visit our website and register online at www.basalt-
expressrec.org. Start planning your fall & winter activities today!
Roaring Fork High School’s Model U.N. Club met with former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright before her talk at Thunder River Theatre on Dec. 29. Albright, a former Denver resident, is in Aspen for the holidays. She also agreed to a radio interview with KDNK’s Amy Hadden Marsh. The students, from left to right, are: Mario Alverde, Tavia Teitler, Fiona Laird, Jasmin Tellez, Joselinne Medrano and Amaranda Fregoso. Photos by Jane Bachrach
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165 Southside Drive | Basalt Down from Basalt Quick Lube & Big O Tires Monday - Saturday 9am-7pm | 970.539.WEED Visit our Eagle Vail Location For All Your Medical Needs and our Edwards Location For Our Holistic Care
231 Midland Avenue Basalt, CO 81621
P 970.279.5160
Accepting Consignments Daily THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JaNUaRy 1, 2015 • 13
Ps & Qs om page 2
Tai Pomara helps a crane operator put James Surls’s “Sewing the Future” into place in the middle of the Highway 133 roundabout in November. Surls gave the town the steel and bronze sculpture at his cost; a fund-raising drive raised the $200,000 materials cost with two or three large donations and several smaller ones. Photo by Jane Bachrach
14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • JaNUaRy 1, 2015
come from a family that spans the spectrums; from politics to party going tips; we rarely agree on anything. But to take it to the courts? That’s a level of self-importance that makes my family look like the TV show “The Waltons.” And trust me, we’re not. For one thing, we’re a ranching family, totally different than farming. My grandparents ranched here for over 60 years, raising cows, horses and children, as my grandmother likes to say. As a child I did not fully appreciate spending time on the ranch; my memories are a hazy mixture of hard work and hot cereal. But now I would give everything I own to go back in time and spend a day there. For me, driving on a lonely two-lane road with an old barbed wire fence running along the side is like watching a John Hughes movie during the holidays; it makes me feel as though all is as it should be in the world. Why don’t we appreciate the intrinsic value of uncultivated land? While a lack of human management is unarguably beneficial to the soil, plants and animals, there is human gain as well. A healthy planet benefits all of us and speaking as someone from a Waltons-sized family, trust me, privacy is imperative to health. Now and then, even Mother Nature needs to hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign and lounge around in her underwear. And every time we let an individual buy or swap public land, no matter how good the intentions, a little bit more of the Wild in the West disappears.
In remembrance Carbondale area residents said goodbye to loved ones and friends in 2014, among them: Ivone Muñoz
Marjorie J. Philip
1973-2014
91 years old
Mike Strang
Kathy Sharp (Van Ness)
1929-2014
LoEva “Eve” Luttrell 1932-2014
James Henry Schauster 1938-2014
George Braddock “Brad” Hendricks 1941-2014
Terri Natal Hessner
1949-2014
Arlette Ondine Lawyer 1922-2014
Harvey E. McCann 1927-2014
Gary Ray Friend 1952-2014
Malcolm R. Smith
1958-2014
1940-2014
Carl U. (Dusty) Hill
Margaret Mary Vermeyen
1942-2014
1942-2013
Samuel Lynde Holden
Mary Helen Alvarez
1944-2014
1928-2013
chiefs in the Public Works Department ate all of you. Thank you. Chris Chacos who gave permission to the project, and to Project “Gunga Din!� Carlos Loya, the one who transformed that old look to the “new look.� Carbondale Also, thanks to our newest planting volunteers: D’uan Hajdu, O. D., Jeanie Hays with Boogie’s thanks the law offices of Whitsitt & Gross, and Zane Dear Editor: This past Friday, over 1,000 people kicked Kessler with the Thompson Divide Coalition. off their Fourth of July celebration with one Thanks to the town’s new arborist, Dave of Aspen’s most popular traditions: the anCoon, who in addition to his many duties manages to water every flower pot in our nual Boogie’s Buddy Race to benefit the Buddy Program! This 5K race and 1-mile town three times a week! Other volunteers involved with planting family and canine walk provides funding to their own plants in those large pots are: Mary support nearly 1,000 local youth and their Beth Bos (new owner of Main Street Spirits), families through many critical services and Aimee and Anthony Gullwick (Koru con- programs including individual mentoring, e crew struction company), Amy Kimberly (CCAH), group mentoring, leadership education, Peter Gilbert of the Dance Initiative (soon-to- Lemonade Day, activities, scholarships, and therapeutic counseling. st ofSunrise you have noticed the the old on Fourth photo over Carbondale,be asoccupants capturedof from Redtown Hill.library Jane Bachrach David Houggy flower boxes along the en- Street), Stacy Evans & Friends, Susan’s FlowExecutive Director ndale’s Main Street public ers plus 21 others who are repeat participants The Buddy Program w nice to see beautiful flow- since 2010. Thank you folks! hese newly covered section What attractive and pleasient black railroad ties. ant gifts your efforts are to ks to Smiley Wise, one of the this community. We appreci-
ded by the kind, caring and cannot speak more highly of t to their clients’ well being. t to observe our loved ones d we strive to do all we can I felt that every request that ge on her behalf was honttempt was made to fulfill as treated with the utmost ct and loving care. I am very onderful folks at Heritage nate we are to have this famunity. ti Stranahan rbondale
Ongoing HEADACHES, Neck or Back Pain?
LLC
Dr. Albrecht diagnoses the specific cause Desk: (970) 920.5224 of your complaint, the offers a plan of Proposals must be received at the above address no that diagnosis! correction, based upon later than 1pm MST, Wednesday, July 16th, 2014, to
be considered. There will be a mandatory Pre-Bid meeting at 10am MST, Tuesday, July 1st, 2014, at the project site, the current parking lot at Elk Park.
See our VIDEOS & Info at
CarbondaleDC.com
ING DR. KENT ALBRECHT D.C Project Goals. The CDOT EEO officer has set DisCARBONDALE advantaged Goals at 3.5% for this projIJUANA TESTING HEADACHE & BACK PAIN CENTER OFBusiness CARBONDALE ect. There will be no on the job training goals. The CDOT Form 347, Certification of EEO Compliance, T: 970-366-2030 | 326 Hwy 133, Suite 270C | Carbondale, CO is no longer required to be submitted in the bid package. This form certified that the contractor/proC posed subcontractors were in compliance with the Joint Reporting Committee EEO-1 form requireWINDSHIELD REPAIR AUTO GLASS ments. The EEO-1 Report must REPLACEMENT still be submitted BE HELD AT: to the Joint Reporting Committee if the contractors and subcontractors meet the eligibility requirements NOW! (29CFR 1602.7); we will,CALL however,US no longer require certification. For additional information regarding these federal requirements, please refer to: 2014 AT 6:00 P.M. http://www.eeoc.gov/stats/jobpat/e1instruct.html . 1, 2014 This project includes funding by CDOT administered by FHWA grants, therefore Davis Bacon OT, MAYOR wages will apply.
970-963-3891
A CRACKED WINDSHIELD is NOT SAFE for you and Printedyour Form for family Bids: All bids must be made upon DAVID
m, and Petitions or h the Town Clerk rado Avenue, Car-
uly 10, 2014.
500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO
Construction for
9370
Support The Sopris Sun while The Sun supports your business! Published in the Sopris Sun on July 10, 2014. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
als to provide Conements will include en air structure, inMore detailed inforcting:
rails
the Pitkin County Bid Form. Bidder must include ZAMANSKY CDOT forms 606 and 714 with his bid, forms 605, Owner 621, and 718 the following day and form 715 within Operated 48 hours of bid opening. If a work schedule is included as part of the bid package it must also be completed in ink and signed by the individual who will execute the Contract Form. Any work form completed as part of the bid package shall indicate the commencement date for construction. The work schedule must conform to the commencement and completion dates for the contract.
Service Directory
treeW s ma a!sh i i T t l l e l We S U $31.95 and
Cleans Inside & Out Complete Interior and Exterior wash package. Weather Insurance
If it rains or snows bring the vehicle back within 48 hours and we will rewash it.
970-963-8800 970 963 8800 745 Buggy Circle in Carbondale
Car Wash • Detailing Circle in Carbondale Oil changes • Tires 745 Buggy www.sunburstcarcare.com
www.sunburstcarcare.com
Open Mon.-Sat. 8am-6pm and on Sundays from 9am-4pm for washes only
FATBELLY BURGERS
Unclassifieds Submit to unclassifieds@soprissun.com by Friday 12 p.m. Rates: $15 for 30 words, $20 for up to 50 words. Payment due before publication.*
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS for kids and teens to promote their businesses enterprises. Thirty word maximum. Please send to unclassiďŹ ed@soprissun.com. RENTAL WANTED Carbondale/downvalley sometime March through September. Single, no pets, no smoking, longtime Aspen resident. 970-379-5396. *Credit card payment information should be emailed to nclassifieds@soprissun.com or call 948-6563. Checks may be dropped off at our office at the Third Street Center or mailed to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. Call 6189112 for more info.
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303 Main St. • Carbondale • 963-3940 • OPEN 7 DAYS
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2340 100 Road Carbondale
Estate of Clement F. Hughes, deceased Case No. 14 PR 30030
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Garfield County, Colorado on or before November 3, 2014, or the claims may be forever barred.
Service directory ads start at just $40. Contact #PC "MCSJHIU at 970- Roxan K. Hughes Personal Representative orP.CPC@soprissun.com O. Box 606 Carbondale, Colorado 81623
Now accepting clean, organic yard waste at no cost. Think about it!! FREE!!! Near Catherine Store Bridge.
Call 379-3307 for more details. THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • JaNUaRy 1, 2015 • 15