15 08 06

LOOK INSIDE:

PAGE 5

Jeweler

PAGE 7

Rescues

PAGE 11

Dog

the

Sopris Carbondale’s weekly

Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper

community connector

Sun

Volume 7, Number 26 | August 6, 2015

Cat crusader opposes ordinance By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer A proposed new ordinance in Carbondale, aimed at keeping domestic cats from roaming around town and killing birds, has prompted a strong reaction from a local woman who has been working to cut down the number of feral cats here and in other communities around Garfield County. “I don’t want to go to war here, [but] they’re just ramming this ordinance through without hearing the other side of the story,” said Carbondale cat-advocate Cindy Sadlowski on Monday, concerning her effort to slow or derail the town’s consideration of laws eliminating the free-roaming liberty of local cats. Sadlowski, who has been trapping and treating feral cats in this area for 15 years under a program called the Street Cat Coalition, is afraid the Carbondale Board of Trustees has been misinformed in recent weeks about the truth of what is causing an alarming decline in the population of birds around the U.S. “It’s the humans,” she said, citing numerous studies and articles that point to habitat loss by overdevelopment, poisoning by pollution and numerous other causes for the dwindling number of songbirds and other avian species. CATS page 8

“Lookin’ out, on the mornin’ rain … .” There’s no telling how inspired or uninspired this Carbondale cat might be feeling. In any case, the town trustees are discussing a possible ordinance that would confine cats to their houses or yards, rather than being allowed to roam free. The local Audubon Society is advocating for the change. Some cat owners are arguing against it. Photo by Jane Bachrach

Town trustees consider first pay hike since 2000 Average week: eight to 10 hours By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer

One of the town’s elected leaders has suggested that those serving on the Carbondale Board of Trustees get a raise, perhaps as much as a 66 percent jump in the monthly amount paid by the taxpayers to those who run the town. “I think it should be $1,000 a month for the trustees, maybe $1,500 a month for the mayor,” Trustee Allyn Harvey told The Sopris Sun in an interview on Tuesday. The topic came up at the trustees meeting on July 28, when Harvey made his proposal

during the “trustee comments” portion of the agenda, which comes near the very beginning of the meeting. Currently, trustees earn $600 per month, or $7,200 per year for their service, while the mayor earns $1,000 per month or $12,000 per year. If the trustees do vote themselves a pay increase, however, it would not go into effect until after the next election following the vote. That is to prevent sitting trustees from raising their own salary during their current

term in office. Carbondale’s next election is scheduled for the spring of 2016. The reason a raise is needed, Harvey said, is that, “to do the job well requires a lot of focus and a lot of time.” He estimated that being a trustee takes up eight to 10 hours for “an average week, when there’s a meeting,” between the time spent reading through packets of information and attending the meeting itself. But some weeks, Harvey said, because of TRUSTEE RAISES page 9

GO GREEN AT FIRST FRIDAY! Friday, August 7 in the Heart of Carbondale’s Creative District

Sustainability demonstrations from local businesses and entities from 5pm to 7pm on the Carbondale Community Food Co-op lawn.

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

Well, I never; and then I did lime pie is the easiest pie ever! I was done before I had At the beginning of spring I saw a post by my any on me. I proudly took a picture (documenting for cousin on Facebook about trying 10 new things in Facebook) and put it in the frig’. Half an hour later, I 10 days, and I decided to join her. My mind jumped served up key lime puddle for my husband and myself. to the big ones: I’ve never been to Burning Man; After a night in the refrigerator, however, I had created a I’ve never seen the Northern Lights; I’ve never been picture-perfect, Southern-worthy key lime pie. arrested for civil disobedience with Susan SaranOn Day #5 I helped out at 5Point film festival don! But then I reminded myself that I would be where I saw the film “Metanoia” and actually met Jeff trying 10 new things here, in Carbondale, for the Lowe. For those of you who don’t know his story, I last 10 days of the month. And so it goes… highly recommend you see this film. It is incredibly On Day #1 I made key lime pie. Anyone who honest and real, and puts life right into perspective. knows me, and my culinary skill set, understands Something about watching the man who solo climbed the importance of this undertaking; starting with the north face of Eiger (in a blizzard) and become disanything in the kitchen was a brave beginning for abled by ALS overwhelmed me with appreciation for sure. I texted my friend Tom who is from the South life’s journey. It really is all about attitude, and our (Florida counts) and he gave me his family recipe. By Jeannie Perry point of view is completely our choice. Next I searched the grocery store for the ingrediBy Day #7 I was struggling a bit to think of someents I would need. Actually, this wasn’t such a big deal as I did it after work, so I was already in a grocery store. Side- thing I had never done before. But I was also beginning to notice bar: there is a rumor floating around that Whole Foods Roaring the sense of significance that I felt by getting out of my day-to-day Fork will be expanding. I told my boss they should consider giving routine. Something as simple as talking to a complete stranger, or the lion’s share of new space to the back-stock area, as that would taking a new trail on my hike made the magic reappear. “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal.” make the employees’ lives easier. Plus, I have a theory about rich people in close proximity; I think the wealthier you are the less Paulo Coelho By remaining open to others and living close to the bone, i.e., not human contact you experience. And it isn’t healthy. Think about it, the difference in elbow room between first class and coach, private insulated in my own little air-conditioned bubble, it is easier to see car and subway, box seats and mosh pit … Human touch is an im- the day-to-day joy in everything/everyone. Nothing makes someone portant part of life and rich people are deprived of the under-sung lose the plot faster than loss of human contact. We are all in this tosense. That’s why they love Whole Foods, even if it’s on a subcon- gether, after all. So, on Day #11 I just kept going. I joined the Ladies of the scious level; the aisles are so damn small that they can’t help but run Roundabout. I didn’t know all of the Ladies, and I didn’t know what into each other. Anyway, back to me and my key lime pie. I went home and prepped to expect, but I showed up with my camp chair and my cup to watch the kitchen (our dishwasher and oven are mostly used for storage). the folks of Carbondale drive through our new roundabout, honkOnce I had all the necessary bowls and beaters out, I began to make ing and waving as they went. A real front row seat for community; the pie. And I have to say, in my limited pie-making experience, key thanks BB!

Ps & Qs

Letters

The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 400 words. Letters exceeding that length may be edited or returned for revisions. Include your name and residence (for publication) and a contact email and phone number. Submit letters via email to news@soprissun.com or via snail mail to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. The deadline to submit letters to the editor is noon on Monday.

To my fellow feline folks

Three generations of Lockes (left to right: Kemper, Kelly and John) traveled with constant Sun through central Asia for three weeks in July. Here they are in front of the Tree of Life fountain in Kazakhstan’s capital of Astana. Courtesy photo.

Dear Editor: When I moved back to Carbondale from Denver in 1992, I went from being a dog person to a cat person. I adopted two kittens, a boy and a girl, and began my long learning curve of understanding cats. I let them out in the morning and back in at night. I became a “we” and our cat household increased. We had several cats that stayed indoors and the others went in and out. My first warning came with a seriously broken jaw that occurred to one of my two original cats while she was outside. The expense and the care was huge! The next one was when our wonderful “tuxedo” cat died suddenly and in great pain one night; we believed that he got into anti-freeze or some other chemical while outside. The final wake-up call was skin cancer in two of our cats. Both loved to go

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 6-12, 2015

outside and lie in the sun and both were light complected. Seven years ago, we started to keep ALL our cats in. Using the classic squirt bottle behavior technique, we trained the cats who had been going outside to stay in. It was easier and less painful than you might think. We have five very happy indoor cats. Every window in our house has a way they can look out and watch the endlessly entertaining cat video that goes on in the front and back yards. A bird feeder provides great amusement. They make funny cat noises and we have a lot of bird activity, since they know that they are safe. The advantages to keeping cats inside are: coming home at night and not worrying if they will be there; way lower vet bills (every vet that I know will tell you that indoor cats live longer LETTERS page 15

Sincerest thanks to our

Honorary Publishers for their generous, ongoing commitment of support. Jim Calaway Kay Brunnier Bob Ferguson – Jaywalker Lodge Scott Gilbert Bob Young – Alpine Bank George Stranahan Peter Gilbert James Surls

ank you to our SunScribers and community members for your support! It truly takes a village to keep e Sun shining.

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 Cliff Colia • Diana Alcantara 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

Sopris Sun, LLC • P.O. Box 399 520 S. Third Street #36 Carbondale, CO 81623

970-510-3003

www.soprissun.com Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com The Sopris Sun is an LLC organized under the 501c3 non-profit structure of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation.

Shindig returns with even more firepower By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer After the smashing success of last summer’s inaugural Shindig, the Mt. Sopris Historical Society fund-raiser returns with an even finer tuned program, including Telluride Bluegrass Festival MC Pastor Mustard, the pre-announced Hattie Thompson award recipient (Mary Lilly), a roving actress playing Thompson, historical exhibits, a Charlotte Graham book signing and more. Because the historic Thompson House is closed for the time being due to nearby construction, the whole shebang has been shifted to River Valley Ranch barn, where Shindiggers will have the run of the spread, both inside the barn and out on the patio and grounds. There’ll also be plenty of pit barbecue. It all takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 9. Tickets are $75 at the door, the Pour House and mtsoprishistoricalsociety.org. For details, call 781-632-3326. Friends of Mary Lilly will want to head to RVR to see her accept the Hattie Thompson award. Lilly, who is 99 years old but still attends weekly peace vigils at the town hall flagpole, first discovered Carbondale and the Crystal River Valley when she visited with her husband John in the 1950s. She and her son Charles moved to a small ranch between Carbondale and Redstone in the early 1970s and she quickly became involved in several civic, religious and political organizations, including the League of Women Voters. She was also an early member of the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association, which successfully fought a proposal to dam the Crystal River at Placita (between Redstone and the Marble turnoff). The Hattie Thompson award is named after the early-day

Carbondale resident who lived on a farm that is now River Valley Ranch, and goes to a local woman who “exemplifies Hattie’s pioneering spirit, who is bold, industrious and daring, who possesses a true love of the land and joy of learning, and whose significant contributions have enriched our community.” As for Dan “Pastor Mustard” Sadowsky, the longtime Basalt resident might argue that he himself has not enriched much of anything in the community except through the spread of “the bluegrass music” and perhaps his own bank account through the presumably lucrative gig of Telluride Bluegrass Festival MC — or maybe not. On his weekly show on KAJX, the pastor from the Church of the Nifty Blue Chrysler sometimes rambles on, starting at point A, ending at point Z, with little to connect the two points in between. The rest of the night’s music lineup is composed of: Steve Skinner and the Thompson Dividers, Jimmy Byrne and the Swingdiggers, and Jack Lanning/Stephanie Askew/Karen Tafejian performing songs from “South Pacific.” Inside the barn, the historical displays include: • Artifacts from the Thompson farm and ranch; • A replica of Hattie’s Thompson’s carriage: • Memorabilia from Carbondale’s railroad days; • And a replica of Mt. Sopris Historical Society heritage garden/demonstration plot at the Third Street Center community garden. Colorado Master Gardener Sue Gray will also be dressed in period costume, passing out a limited number of hand-packed seed packages from the garden, so that folks can take them home and grow the same kind of vegetables Hattie herself used to grow.

“Sheridan Saloon” opens doors for First Friday By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer The one night “Sheridan Saloon” at 55 N. Fourth Street opens its doors for First Friday on Aug. 7, featuring the work of contemporary western artist Tracy Stuckey. Elsewhere around town, events and attractions include: • At the Launchpad, local poet Charles Braddy reading from his newest work (“Through A Poet’s Eye”) and the Humble Plum Food Bus returns for farm-to-table dining in the ‘Pads newly landscaped digs; • Tastings at Mary’s Main Street Spirits featuring Skyy Barcraft vodka and Colorado’s Elite Brands wine; • The Steve Skinner Quartet at the Marble Distilling Co; • Dinner and music on the patio for $8 at the American

Legion Hall; • The opening of “Circumstance of Utterance: New Work by Susie Pentelow” at the Carbondale Clay Center; • An art show by Heritage Park residents at Senior Matters in the Third Street Center; • And more. As usual, Main Street will be closed from 5 to 9 p.m. for your downtown strolling pleasure. First Friday hours are more or less from 5 to 8 p.m., depending on the venue. “Green is the Theme” for this month’s First Friday, with several recycling and sustainability tables, including the Carbondale Environmental Board, CLEER, CORE, Colorado Mountain College and others in front of the Carbondale Food Co-op (west of the Dinkel Building on Main Street).

The historic Sheridan Saloon building is home to Equus Private Wealth Management, just north of the Dinkel Building. Some old timers from the 1880s would no doubt appreciate Stuckey’s work, while others might be a bit befuddled and the church going crowd down right outraged. Much of Stuckey’s work has a “Thelma and Louise” feel to it, featuring odd juxtapositions of women in bikinis, guns, motel swimming pools, saddled but riderless horses, cactus, Native American Indians and wildfire-fighting bombers dropping their red-colored loads – all under the arid and harsh Western sun. Stuckey, 38, lives in Fort Collins and has been featured in numerous one man and group shows, and is included in several permanent collections.

SoL presents “Into the Woods” at TSC Sopris Sun Staff Report SoL Theatre Company presents five performances of “Into the Woods” at the Third Street Center on Aug. 13-15. The fantasy play incorporates music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and is based on a book by James Lapine. “Into the Woods” debuted on Broadway in 1987 and ran for 764 performances, garnering many awards during its initial Broadway run including Best Actress in a Musical and Best Original Book and Score. The show was most recently adapted for film in Disney’s modern movie musical, starring Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp. Fairytales collide when Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood are tied together by a baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family. While everyone is familiar with the traditional fairytale ending of happily ever after, this musical follows these stories even further to explore the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests AFTER the “happily ever after.” This is 13th show produced by SoL Theatre Company. It’s directed by Dani Grace Kopf, with musical direction by Jonathan

Gorst. SoL Executive Director Jennifer Michaud plays the witch. SoL has cast adults alongside child actors, as a training tool for young thespians. “We tried having a couple of adults acting alongside the kids in last summer’s production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s’ Dream,’” said SoL Artistic Director Logan Carter, who played “Titania” in that production. “We discovered that the kids were inspired and challenged by having adults involved. They learn by example and we felt this only added to the quality of the production, as well as give the children an example of professional theatrical work ethic.” The cast includes: Luke Ryan, Beth Fawley, Izzi Rojo, Kaden O’Keefe, Patrick Keleher, Emily Henley, McKinley Braun, Belle Raleigh, Ashley Sprenger, Nick Galambos, Lilli Smalls, Jenny Henry, Tyler Gruel, Julia Gressett, Katia Galambos, William Luckett and Kerry Reynolds. Performance dates and times are: Aug. 13, 7 p.m.; Aug. 14, 7 p.m.; Aug. 15, 2 and 7 p.m.; and Aug. 16, 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under, and are available at the door and a soltheatre.com.

Shamil Idriss (left) and Jim Calaway (right) discuss Islam, the Middle East, peace building and related issues during a Carbondale Cultural Council lecture at Thunder River Theatre on Tuesday night. Idriss is the president of Common Ground, a global conflict transformation organization with offices in 35 countries. Photo by Jane Bachrach

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 6-12, 2015 • 3

Town Briefs

Cop Shop

Police target roundabout darters Sopris Sun Staff Report Carbondale police will be conducting “focused patrol” work at the Highway 133 roundabout, due to “reports of cyclists darting out into traffic at the pedestrian crosswalks, causing dangerous conditions,” said Carbondale Town Manager Jay Harrington in his weekly memo to town trustees, employees and the press. In other news from Harrington’s report, city work crews were “busy with post-Mountain Fair activities” for much of the week of July 27-31, as workers with the streets and the parks departments “helped put the Town/Park (Sopris Park) back together” following a remarkably peaceful event that brought what is believed to be close to 20,000 people into Carbondale for the Fair. Harrington noted that Gould Construction has been at work widening Highway 133 at Weant Boulevard and Lewie’s Lane, the pending site of a new Ross Montessori School and a planned Thompson Park subdivision on the west side of the highway. The work will entail construction of turn lanes onto the two side roads, but not any kind of stoplight or other traffic control system on the highway, as well as installation of a new water main underneath the highway starting Aug. 12. Highway speed limits at the construction zone are reduced to 25 miles per hour as of this week, and Harrington’s memo cautioned motorists to “expect lane shifts as the contractor proceeds with the project.” Also in connection with the highway construction, Harrington reported that the Carbondale Ditch was turned off four-anda-half days last week, to allow for installation of a culvert on the east side of the highway. The Carbondale Ditch, Harrington added, is running on the “low side” and work was planned this week on the intake located upstream from town. All of the town’s water plants, and the wastewater treatment

plant, were reported fully operational for the week, Harrington wrote, and the town is working with the engineers at SGM on construction documents for a waterline project along Industry Way. As part of the town’s ongoing effort to spruce up the local cemeteries, the Carbondale Rotary Clubs have pledged to be “more active” in maintenance of their Memorial Wall and Scattering Gardens at the Evergreen Cemetery on Eighth Street, Harrington reported. The Memorial Wall was created in 2000, and since then interest in maintenance and other work has “waned,” Harrington wrote. He reported that the town’s parks crew will have “some involvement getting the project started,” but that the Rotarians have said they will be responsible for maintenance into the future. As summer moves toward its inevitable conclusion, Harrington wrote, the final session of swim lessons and the municipal pool started a week ago. In other recreation news, Harrington noted that RV numbers were down last week at the town-owned Gateway RV Park, at the intersection of Highways 82 and 133, while workers replaced the septic tank and pump at the park. Still, he reported, from July 25-31, the park booked 11 nights of individual tent campers, 17 booked nights by RV campers requiring only water and electric hookups, 25 booked nights by RV campers needing full hook-ups (45-foot maximum size); 10 RV sites for 34-foot max campers needing full hookups and 2 nights for group-tent-camping sites. Regarding the Carbondale Police Department, Harrington wrote that Carbondale officers were assigned to assist with the Silt Hey Days celebration in the town of Silt, and that officers were scheduled to hit the practice range and attend “arrest control training” last week.

“An easy way to

From July 23-30, Carbondale officers handled 348 Calls for Service. During this period, officers investigated the following cases of note, according to a summary from the Carbondale police.

SATURDAY, July 25: At midnight, officers were called to a reported domestic dispute on Main Street. After investigating, police arrested the female involved in the incident on suspicion of harassment and domestic violence. SATURDAY, July 25: At 11:26 p.m. officers contacted a motorist at the intersection of Snowmass Drive and Main Street for a “noise violation.” After investigation, they arrested the driver on suspicion of drunk driving. SUNDAY, July 26: At 1:32 a.m. police contacted a motorist on Highway 133 for weaving on the roadway. After investigating, officers arrested the driver on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. SUNDAY, July 26: At 5:58 p.m. officers were called to deal with a disturbance at the corner of Weant Boulevard and Euclid Avenue. A 33-year-old man at the scene became combative and allegedly resisted the officers, and was arrested and taken to the Garfield County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. THURSDAY, July 30: At 2:36 p.m. police were called about a theft of a laptop computer from a local business. An investigation indicated that the suspects, who were described by a victim, had “cased” several area businesses prior to the theft. The suspects remained at large as of July 31.

make a difference.” Get G eett you yours rs today! ttooday!

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 6-12, 2015

City Market submits “introductory application” for new store By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer Nearly a decade and a half after plans first emerged for development of a 24-acre parcel of land on Carbondale’s western edge, the town government has received paperwork meant to start a development review process for a new grocery store and associated businesses on a portion of what once was known as the Crystal River Market Place site. Last week, according to Town Manager Jay Harrington, the town’s planning department accepted “an introductory application” from King Soopers (locally known as City Market under the corporate banner of the Kroger grocery store chain). The land in question is located to the north and west of the intersection of Highway 133 and Main Street, and does not include the existing 7-Eleven store at that corner, or the real estate office next to it. As presented, according to Harrington, the submission is for a complex of businesses, including: • A 58,000-square-foot grocery store to replace the current City Market, with a drive-through pharmacy; • A secondary retail space of approximately 7,000 square feet; • A gas station. The project site is nearly eight acres in size, and has been reported to involve the sale of that parcel by its current owners to the Kroger chain. In a summary about the introductory application, Harrington reported, “This is not a formal application at this time. The applicant submitted the material so that town staff and other referral agencies can provide preliminary comment prior to a formal application. The formal application will most likely be submitted in September, with public hearings before the P&Z [planning and zoning commission] and the board [of trustees].” Assuming the plan moves forward, town staff have indicated that it will require submission of a subdivision plat, a utility plan, a drainage plan and a traffic impact study, along with documents showing how the plan complies with the

town’s zoning codes. In addition, according to reported statements by town planning director Janet Buck, some parts of the proposal would need special-use permits, and the commercial buildings would need to be built according to the town’s International Green Building Code. The plan is contingent upon an agreement from the current owners to subdivide the larger, 24-acre parcel and to sell the 7.8-acre portion to Kroger/King Soopers. According to the planning consultant that is shepherding the proposal through the town’s review process, Galloway & Co., the new store is needed because the old one is outdated, inefficient and too small. Carbondale’s elected leaders have expressed cautious optimism that the current plan will get a better reception from the community than the earlier, much larger development proposals, which were twice voted down by the town’s electorate. The site, known by its original development name, the Crystal River Marketplace (CRMP), once belonged to the Colorado Rocky Mountain School. But the land was sold to developer Brian Huster of California, who in 2001 proposed a 252,000 square-foot commercial shopping center for the site. That plan was shot down by voters in 2003, mainly over concerns about “big-box” retailers moving in and irretrievably altering Carbondale’s small town character. A second attempt at developing a commercial shopping center was submitted in 2006, by new owner Rich Schierburg and his partners at the Pergrine Group, calling for a mixture of housing and a reduced level of commercial development on the site. That proposal underwent numerous changes over the course of several years, including a name-change to the Village at Crystal River, but ultimately it, too, was rejected by voters in early 2012. All along, every iteration of the proposed developments contained provisions for a new grocery store, which was pre-

sumed to mean a new home for City Market. The submission of a development proposal by King Soopers, even as an “introductory” matter, seems to put to rest concerns among town officials that City Market might move out of Carbondale entirely and relocate to a new commercial center midway between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, at the development site known as Cattle Creek Crossing.

Deer are well into velvet these days. The velvet is actually a type of skin, which deer scrape off in the fall. Photo by Jane Bachrach

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 6-12, 2015 • 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@SoprisSun.com.

The Children’s Rocky Mountain School has been awarded a grant by the Thrift Shop of Aspen, according to a press release. “What a gem the Thrift Shop is,” said CRES Director Debbie Condello. “It gives so much to the community. We hope everyone supports the store by bringing donations and shopping there.” The Children’s Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale has provided early childhood program for 26 years. For details, call 963-2524.

not very big bike had a leash in his left hand, with a Chihuahuasized dog attached to the end. Only problem was, the bicyclist was shakily hugging the curb while the small dog trotted along, about halfway out in traffic. Which brings up the question: Bicyclists have as much right to ride in vehicle lanes as cars, but how about dogs that by extension are connected to bikes? Fortunately, in this case, the Sun’s roving bicycle spotter noticed in his rear view mirror the bicyclist was turning into the Food Coop parking lot, and getting himself and his dog out of traffic.

New Yorker inks CRMS grad

This just in

Sort of. In the Talk of the Town section of the July 27 New Yorker magazine, Colorado Rocky Mountain School alum Conrad Anker (class of ’81) gets a bit of a mention. The mention (page 19) comes in a short casual piece about professional mountaineer Jimmy Chin. It turns out, Chin, Anker and Renan Ozturk completed a first ascent in India of Meru Central (aka “The Sharks Fin.”) The climb took place in 2011 and Chin, a photographer, shot footage for a film “ … full of mind bending, big wall footage … .” The film, “Meru,” screened at the Sundance film festival, where it won an audience award, and will be released in theatres this month. Stay tuned.

On June 23, the Carbondale Board of Trustees passed a resolution to join the HEAL Cities and Towns Campaign of Colorado, according to a press release. The campaign champions local governmental policies that improve access to healthy foods and physical activity as a way of combating obesity. LiveWell Colorado, a statewide non-profit with an office in Rifle, along with the Colorado Municipal League, is promoting the HEAL campaign. As part of the HEAL campaign, LiveWell Colorado will provide free training, support and technical policy assistance to municipal leaders.

Children’s school snags grant

Already?

Having a pretty good time at the Carbondale Farmer’s Market on Wednesday afternoon (left to right): Kay Brunnier, Karen Glenn and Tom Passavant. Photo by Jane Bachrach November ballot, review of the 2016 proposed budget and discussion of the 2014 audit. The final agenda will be posted Aug. 7 on the fire district’s website at carbondalefire.org.

Hey Neil

If you have school-aged kids and want to squeeze a little bit more out of the summer you’d better start squeezing. The start of the 2015-2016 school year isn’t that far off. In fact, new teachers in the Roaring Fork School District report for duty on Aug. 10. Assessment/orientation day for elementary school students is Aug. 24-25. The first day of school for middle and high schoolers is Aug. 25. For more information, go to rfsd.k12.co.us.

The Garfield County Libraries Board of Trustees holds its monthly meeting at the Carbondale Branch Library at 6 p.m. The meeting will start with a reception for former board member Larry Kroh. On a related note, the library’s natural gas fireplace is now in place. Drop by and check it out.

Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame member Neil Diamond has a house up the Fryingpan so wouldn’t it be cool if he motored down to the Orchard on Sept. 26? Why the Orchard and why Sept. 26? Well, it turns out Colorado Animal Rescue’s 15th annual Dressed to the K9s fund-raiser is featuring the Neil Diamond tribute band Forever in Blue Jeans. Besides a possible Neil sighting, the night will include dinner, silent auction and more. Tickets are $85 at coloradoanimalrescue.org.

Fire board meets

Bicycle scene

They say it’s your birthday

The Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District meets at the Carbondale fire station at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 12. Draft agenda items include a report on the board’s e-mail policy, discussion of the draft master plan, discussion of a timeline for the

Here’s one The Sopris Sun’s roving bicycle spotter saw on Wednesday morning when he should have been back at the office helping to put out this week’s edition. Pedaling east on Main Street in front of the Floral Boutique, an older guy on a

Folks celebrating their birthday this week include: Ed Engelki (Aug. 7); Amber Sparkles and Chris Peterson (Aug. 8); Dru Handy (Aug. 9); Louise Holgate (Aug. 10); Tripp Adams and Bill Hofto (Aug. 11); and John McCormick (Aug. 12).

Library board meets in C’dale

Leave Your Troubles Outside.

CABARET

The original way to go “GREEN”

TONIGHT AT 7:30PM! Book by Joe Masteroff Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb Leave your troubles behind to meet the Emcee, Sally Bowles and a raucous ensemble in the decadent Kit Kat Klub. Hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history including Cabaret and Maybe This Time! Winner of four Tony Awards® including Best Revival of a Musical. Starring Broadway s Kirsten Wyatt and Jon Peterson! Special Thanks to Season Sponsor

at the Hurst Theatre

First Friday Special

Free Edible with 1/4 purchase

963U420 8420 MUST BE 21+

Tickets at theatreaspen.org or 844-706-7387 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 6-12, 2015

Open Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

1101 Village Rd., Suite UL4B, Carbondale, CO 81623 (Next to Gianinetti Park)

SG ďŹ les; TDC doesn’t expect drilling soon By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer Although a Texas-based energy company recently ďŹ led paperwork aimed at getting permission to drill for oil and gas in the contested Thompson Divide region near Carbondale, the drills are not likely to start turning any time soon, according to one critic of the application. Zane Kessler, executive director of the Thompson Divide Coalition (TDC), on Wednesday predicted that drilling cannot begin for a year “at a bare minimum.â€? At this point, Kessler maintained, “We’re thinking multiple years before anybody gets an afďŹ rmative (approval to drill) or a ďŹ rm ‘no’.â€? The TDC, formed about six years ago, has been working to prevent drilling in the Thompson Divide area, a 225,000acre zone of backcountry and roadless zones located southwest of Carbondale. The paperwork, ďŹ led with the federal Bureau of Land Management at the end of July by SG Interests in Houston, Texas, was a “notice of staking,â€? which is the ďŹ rst step in getting approval to drill for natural gas in what is known as the Wolf Creek Storage Unit located south of Sunlight Mountain Resort. The application, Kessler said, must go through review under the Natural Environmental Policy Act and other federal regulations, “so nothing’s going to happen tomorrow.â€? Kessler said his organization is not happy about SG Interest’s application. “We are disappointed that SG decided to go this route,â€? he said, noting that the company had apparently been agreeable to negotiations for a swap of leases in the Thompson Divide area, for leases elsewhere on the Western Slope. Work on that deal also has involved Ursa Piceance LLC, another energy company with leases in the Thompson Divide, and the Western Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association, and has won the support of various local governments

“We had hoped a solution would be achieved by working together, instead of working against one another.� Zane Kessler executive director of the Thompson Divide Coalition (TDC) in the region. “We had hoped a solution would be achieved by working together, instead of working against one another,� Kessler said. Asked why he though SG might be making this particular move for approvals to drill, Kessler said, “It appears as though it’s intended to act as a point of leverage,� possibly to get the swap moving more quickly than it has. He noted that the lease in question was sub-leased by SG Interests in 2010, from SourceGas, a utility that provides natural gas to customers and that uses old wells in the Wolf Creek area to store gas intended for distribution around the Western Slope. The company plans to explore for untapped reserves of natural gas below the zone where SourceGas stores its already-processed gas. Because the SourceGas lease is formally considered to be “held by production,� meaning it is in use, it is not subject to expiration by a certain date. It also is not subject to possible cancellation, as are some 64 leases in the Thompson Divide area that currently are being reviewed, in part as a result of effort by the Carbondale-based Wilderness Workshop, and the TDC, who discovered that the leases never got the necessary federal NEPA review before they

were issued to the energy companies involved. The SG/SourceGas lease in question, however, is not part of that group of leases. Instead, because it is considered to be “in production,â€? Kessler said, it can be a “perpetualâ€? lease. Kessler declined to further speculate about “what might be in SG’s thinkingâ€? about the notice of staking; such as whether the company truly plans to ever sink an exploratory well, which is the reason for the application. Kessler said the SG application is not related to a recent move by another energy company, Gunnison Energy LLC, a division of the Oxbow Mining company that operates coal mines in the North Fork Valley. Gunnison Energy is the second largest leaseholder in the Thompson Divide, and the company recently announced it will support efforts to protect the area from future oil and gas leasing after a redrawing of the southern boundary of Thompson Divide to exclude Gunnison Energy’s leases from U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet’s (D-Colorado) Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Act. Bennet ďŹ rst introduced the act two years ago in a move to protect the area from future oil and gas leasing. It is not part of the ongoing lease-swap negotiations. The announcement by Gunnison Energy came after a year of talks between the company and the TDC, Trout Unlimited and Gunnison County. “Throughout the course of the negotiations,â€? according to a statement released by TDC, “stakeholders worked together to adjust the proposed legislative boundary in a way that could meet Gunnison Energy’s needs on producing leases in the area, while protecting critical ďŹ sheries, wildlife habitat and watersheds in Gunnison County’s Clear Fork Roadless Areas.â€? The Gunnison Energy agreement, Kessler said, “shows that when folks work together, we can ďŹ nd solutions that work for everybody.â€?

NEW VIEWS: Documentaries & Dialogue

41ON41

RICK KAPLAN

! Please walk, bike, bus, or carpool as parking is extremely limited.

RSVP at aspennature.org

“41ON41 is a strong, good-hearted portrait of an American president whose standing ! $ !& %#) "$ #!( !# # $! $ % - "&%$ $ #" ) %! ! &$ % !$% & ! " ! ( )$ % $ # % % %! $%!#) , + ' & !& % & %* # # * ( &% !# ! John Adams and Truman

SHOW INFO AUGUST 10 | 7:00 PM | PAEPCKE AUDITORIUM | 1000 N. THIRD STREET, ASPEN TICKETS $20 | ASPENSHOWTIX.COM | INFORMATION AT aspeninstitute.org NEW VIEWS is made possible by generous donations from Leonard Lauder and Jane and Michael Eisner.

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 6-12, 2015 • 7

Cats

om page 1

“Loss of habitat, climate change and toxic chemicals are the major causes of the bird population decline,â€? Sadlowski wrote in a letter to the town, dated July 30, in which she pleaded for the trustees to hold off on passing any new, restrictive laws concerning the movement of cats in town. “Why should cats be the scapegoats?â€? she asked during an interview with The Sopris Sun on Monday. Instead, her message to the town is to renew its support for what are known as “trap, neuter, vaccinate and returnâ€? (TNVR) programs intended to whittle down the feral cat population around GarďŹ eld County by preventing feral, or wild cats from having kittens. The issue of cats versus birds arose recently when Carbondale resident Mary Harris, president of the Roaring Fork Chapter of the National Audubon Society, appeared several times before the trustees to plea for laws restricting the movement of cats. Citing studies claiming that cats kill “up to 4 billion birdsâ€? every year, Harris convinced the trustees to direct town staff to draw up an ordinance that, among other things, would require cat owners to walk their cats on leashes, and ďŹ ne cat owners whose kitties are found roaming the neighborhoods. The Carbondale ordinance, Harris suggested, should be modeled on one adopted by the city of Aurora, near Denver, in the 1990s, which mandates that all cats over six months old be spayed or neutered, licensed and vaccinated against rabies, and calls for

all cats to be conďŹ ned to their owners’ property or on leashes when off that property. Carbondale’s ordinance is to be in front of the trustees at their Aug. 25 meeting at Town Hall.

Killing to extinction? Sadlowski has submitted documents to the town that argue against Harris’ main point, which is that cats are killing off birds at a rate that could mean extinction for some birds. Sadlowski, however, believes that while cats do kill birds as part of their hunting nature, domesticated felines on the prowl tend to eat many more rodents, and much more trash and food waste, than birds. In fact, she said, a study of the contents of the stomachs of 86 cats “hunted and killed for examination,â€? conducted in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, in the 1930s, revealed that only 3.37 percent of the cats examined had what the study called “game birdsâ€? in their stomachs. “The most important general conclusion reached in this investigation is that the (examinations) do not bear out the contention that the domestic cat in the Willamette Valley is a conďŹ rmed game bird consumer,â€? the study’s authors declared. That study was cited in an article, “The impact of free-ranging domestic cats on wildlife of the United States,â€? published in the journal Nature Communications and written by Scott R. Loss, Tom Will and Peter Maura, along with other documentation in support of Harris’ proposal for increased local regulation of cats.

First Friday August 7th

Open Gallery Featuring

The article’s statistical methods, and its justiďŹ cation for such laws, were examined by Gregory J. Matthews, Ph.D., on behalf of Alley Cat Allies, a Maryland-based group that advocates in favor of the TNVR approach to controlling cat populations. Sadlowski noted that the most up-to-date acronym includes an “M,â€? which stands for “management.â€? In general, Matthews concluded, “If I were asked to review this article for submission to a peer-review journal based on the statistical validity of the methods used, my decision would be to reject it.â€? He gave numerous technical reasons for his conclusion, having to do with the source material used by the article’s authors, who relied on previously published studies and statistics rather than perform their own ďŹ eld work and resulting research. “There are numerous major aws in the statistical arguments made by the authors of this article,â€? Matthews stated in a four-page summary of his conclusions. Sadlowski said the city of Montrose, south of Delta on the Western Slope of the Colorado Rockies, also has a law along the same lines, maintaining that the law’s ultimate result has been the deaths of uncounted cats. “Their only choice is to round up these cats and euthanize them,â€? Sadlowski said, maintaining that her program and the efforts of CARE (Colorado Animal Rescue in Glenwood Springs) and an animal shelter in Rie have signiďŹ cantly reduced the number of feral cats in Carbondale and other GarďŹ eld County communities.

In addition, she said, CARE and the Rie shelter have been accepting cats from the Montrose animal control department, in order to see the pets adopted rather than simply killed. Noting that kittens can become pregnant at four months of age, and can give birth to a litter within 60 days or so, Sadlowski said the spay/neuter program is the best way to limit populations of wild cats. She added that pet owners need to be educated about their own behaviors and those of their cats, but that using regulations to do so can lead to unexpected and troublesome consequences, including forcing residents into the uncomfortable choice between paying high prices to have their cats ďŹ xed by a veterinarian or abandoning them to the streets. And, she said, while legislative efforts could result in sharply reduced numbers of cats in town, that in itself can have unintended consequences. “You take every cat off the streets in town, I guarantee you you’ll have a rodent explosion,â€? she predicted, explaining that it has happened in other towns that have enacted cat-eradication programs. Sadlowski said she understands the urgency felt by the Audubon group, but maintained, “The bird people, bless their hearts, they’re barking up the wrong tree.â€? Instead of asking for more laws to restrict cats, she suggested, such groups should join the TNVR effort. “I’d love to get the Audubon people to help us trap,â€? she said. “We can work together.â€?

Ladies Fly Fishing Clinic

Tracy Stuckey Sheridan Saloon 55 North 4th Street 5 - 8 pm

CARBONDALE Wild West Rodeo

Every Thursday Rain or Shine

Gates open at 5:30 pm | Slack 6:00 pm | Grand Entry 7:30 pm GUS DARIEN ARENA 1 mile east of Carbondale on Road 100, Catherine Store Road

carbondalerodeo.com This ad made possible by Dave Taylor of Cool Brick Studio

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 6-12, 2015

$75 Minimum Donation ! &" !" $ % !" ! !" " " in Colorado

Contact Paula Fothergill 970-379-2102 or 970-230-9300 or Scott Spooner at Taylor Creek Fly Shop 303-884-4305 ! &" " &" # $ $ ! !"

Trustee raises om page 1 the volume of information to be studied in a packet, or attendance at meetings of other boards whereupon a trustee serves as “liaison,” such as Garfield Clean Energy, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority or any of the city’s different advisory committees and commissions, the hourly commitment can rise precipitously.

“…being a trustee really cuts into my ability to make a living.” – Allyn Harvey

“I’d say 15-20 hours on the very busiest weeks,” Harvey noted. Typically, trustees and the mayor are supposed to attend three or more meetings of the board of trustees per month — two “regular” or formal meetings, and one or more “work sessions” or informal meetings where discussions are held but no formal decisions are made. At the very least, Harvey said, “the trustee pay should be the same as the mayor’s.” But, he added, “Stacey works really hard” at a variety of duties, which is why he felt the mayor’s salary perhaps should be increased as well. Carbondale’s two nearest municipal neigh-

bors — Glenwood Springs and Basalt — each pay their elected officials higher salaries than the trustees are paid in Carbondale. In Glenwood Springs, according to city officials, the council members are paid $1,000 per month or $12,000 a year, and the mayor, $1,200 per month or $14,400 per year. In Basalt, according to the town’s finance department, the mayor earns $14,400 per year or $1,200 per month, while council members are paid $9,600 per year or $800 per month. Most elected officials, such as Harvey, have full time jobs on top of their duties as trustees or council members. In his case, Harvey noted, “being a trustee really cuts into my ability to make a living,” and being paid more for the trustee work would compensate somewhat for losing time and wages from his day job. Plus, he said, higher pay would be “an incentive for people to become trustees.” Harvey noted that the trustees gave unanimous approval to his request that the town’s staff look into the matter and report back to the board at a future meeting. According to finance director Renae Gustine, the last time the trustees got a raise was in 2000, when the salary increased from $500 per month to the current $600 per month. The mayor, however, did not receive a raise that year. Gustine was uncertain on Tuesday exactly when the mayor’s paycheck reached $1,000 per month, but she said she would continue researching the question.

Thresholds Every moment is a doorway into something we’ve never known before. Let’s explore!

Introducing our new minister Florence Caplow Join us this Sunday, August 9, 10 a.m.

Highway 133 work By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer The summer-long upgrades to Highway 133, from just outside Carbondale to the village of Redstone, about 17 miles south along the Crystal River, are scheduled to continue through late September, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Damien Leyba, the project engineer, said recently that the project is on schedule to be completed by Sept. 18, according to an emailed message relayed to The Sopris Sun by CDOT intern Drew Metzger. “Currently, the project is on schedule,” Metzger wrote. “We will have one-lane traffic starting on Aug. 10, during the chipseal operation. The chip-seal is scheduled to last 2 weeks followed by rumble strips and final striping.” A weekly update on the project, sent out by CDOT representative Rebecca Askew, advised that through the end of this week, until Aug. 8, crews will continue working the entire stretch between mile-marker 49.4 (just upvalley from the main Redstone entrance) and mile-marker 66.47 (two miles south of Carbondale). Among other tasks, highway crews will be doing work on curbs at bridges along the highway, as well as on shoulders “throughout the project,” according to Askew, and she alerted motorists to expect “intermittent lane closures in both lanes — watch for flaggers.” In addition to her cautionary notes about the construction zones, Askew noted,“We’ve

had several positive comments about the smooth ride on the roadway – thanks so much for the compliments.” Aside from the compliments, she reported, “We’ve had a few folks asking why the chip/seal work is even needed, as the road looks great. The short answer is that the chip/seal portion of the work helps to extend the life of the roadway.” She also cautioned motorists that, once chip-seal operations start on Aug. 10, “it will be essential that speed limits are obeyed, as there will be rocks on the roadway as part of the process. Going faster than the reduced speed limits can result in damage to your car (or windshield) or to vehicles around you.” Project engineer Leyba, contacted by The Sopris Sun, said on Tuesday that the width of the paved travel lanes (12-13 feet per lane) have not been changed as a result of the upgrades, although at least one bicyclist has complained that the roadway lost about 3-4 feet in width this summer. He conceded, however, that cyclists on the paved surface might encounter variations in the width of pavement from the outside lane strip to the edge of the actual pavement. “They vary from one point to another,” Leyba said. “Sometimes you only have six inches, sometimes you have a foot and a half.” The width of paving outside the lane stripe is affected by the width of the travel lane and the amount of space in the overall right of way. Still, Leyba emphasized, “the width of the pavement has not changed” as a result of this project.

NEW OFFERINGS EACH WEEK!

FARMERS’ ARKET M Carbondale

Every Wednesday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fellowship potluck lunch to follow service

Corne r of 4th and Main Stre e ts

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU) @ Third Street Center

live music, organic produce, fresh bread, local soap, jewelry and more!

www.tworiversuu.org Inspirational, Contemporary Music JIMMY BYRNE

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist

Youth Program Minister HEATHER RYDELL

ENJOY THE PLENTIFUL HARVEST now and for the rest of the season More information at

CarbondaleFarmersMarket.com

Childcare Provided THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 6-12, 2015 • 9

Community Calendar THURSDAY Aug. 6

MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Mr. Holmesâ€? (PG) at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7-13 and “Rooted in Peaceâ€? at 5 p.m. on Aug. 12. Closed Aug. 10.

LIVE MUSIC • The acoustic duo Pretty Gritty plays Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building. Info: 963-3304. RODEO CONTINUES • The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo continues at the Gus Darien arena (east of town on County Road 100) Thursdays rain or shine through Aug. 20. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., slack at 6 p.m. and grand entry at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per adult; $30 per car load (up to six people) with additional adults $5 each. Kids under 10 are free if accompanied by an adult. Advance and discount season tickets are available at the Roaring Fork Valley Coop. Info: carbondalerodeo.com. COMMUNITY WEED PULL • The community weed pull at North Face Bike Park continues until further notice every Thursday at 5 p.m. ROTARY • The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita at noon every Thursday. BASALT LIBRARY • Aspen Music Festival students give free performances from 5:15 to 7 p.m. at the Basalt Regional Library.

FRIDAY Aug. 7 FIRST FRIDAY • Carbondale’s monthly First Friday continues with special events at various downtown venues. Main Street will be closed to vehicular trafďŹ c. This month’s theme is “Carbondale is Green.â€? Activities will include talks and materials on recycling and sustainability, live music and more.

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.

LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents music every Friday night. Info: 963-3304. BASALT LIBRARY • The Basalt Regional Library holds a story-time for kids under 2 from 10:30 to 11 a.m., and a class in Facebook, Instagram and more from 1 to 2:15 p.m. SMALL FARMER TALKS • Author and small-farm advocate Joel Salatin gives a free lecture at 7 p.m. at Paepcke Auditorium in Aspen. Salatin was featured in Michael Pollan’s book “Omnivore’s Dilemmaâ€? and the documentary ďŹ lm “Food Inc.â€? The talk is presented as part of the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Jessica Catto Dialogues.

SAT.-THUR. Aug. 8-13 AREDAY • The 12th annual American Renewable Energy Day (AREDAY) convenes with such notable speakers as Tom Friedman, Amory Lovins, Gen. Wes Clark, former Colorado Sen. Tim Wirth, former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and others at Snowmass Village. Info: areday.net or the Wheeler Box OfďŹ ce at 920-5770.

SATURDAY Aug. 8 LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents the acoustic string quartet Appleseed Collective

CARBONDALE LIBRARY • The classical concert series at the Carbondale Branch Library continues at 6 p.m. on Aug. 8 and 15. The series features students from the Aspen Music Festival. Refreshments will be served. Info: 963-2889. IMPACT FILM • AREDAY in Snowmass Village presents Impact Film from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Westin Conference Center. Films include: “Modern Nature,â€? “Last Rush for the Wild West: Tar Sands, Oil and the American Frontier,â€? “Waking the Green Tiger,â€? “The Future of Energy,â€? and “The Burden.â€? A festival pass is $50; individual ďŹ lms are $10. Tickets are available at aspenshowtix.com. BASALT LIBRARY • The Basalt Regional Library offers a class in social media for business from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., and drop in crafts from 10:30 a.m. to noon. CHENREZIG RETREAT • The Way of Compassion Foundation holds a one-day Chenrezig (Buddha of compassion) retreat from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Suite 28 of the Third Street Center. It’s beneďŹ cial for students of all levels. The suggested donation is $50 but all are welcome. Info: wocdharmacenter.org or 510-0583.

SUNDAY Aug. 9 LIVE MUSIC • The Summer of Music in the Park series at Sopris Park closes out with Valle Musico and the Los Angelesbased Show Ponies. This ďŹ ve-piece band plays an original blend of Americana, blue-

MONDAY Aug. 10 WRITERS’ GROUP • The Carbondale Writers Group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second the Monday of each month at the Carbondale Branch Library. All are welcome, from beginners to experts. Info: 947-9593. CALENDAR page 11

Luxe Nest features eclectic home furnishings and gifts.

Support your Carbondale community connector

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 6-12, 2015

GARCO FAIR • The GarďŹ eld County Fair and Rodeo concludes in Rie. For details, go to garďŹ eldcountyfair.com.

to make room for new arrivals!

SunScribe!

www.soprissun.com

FRI.-SAT. Aug. 7-8

25% OFF

!# !# % ! $ #& % ! $ ) ( " $" ! " " ! " ) ! $% ! % !% "# $ !!

SunScribe online at

ASC • A Spiritual Center in the Third Street Center (#31) presents KarriAnn at 10 a.m. August’s schedule is: Tanai Starrs (“Importance of Presence in Life and Spiritual Practiceâ€?) on Aug. 16; Rev. David Ault’s CD (“Spiritual Convictionâ€?) on Aug. 23; and Rick Davis (“Who is and What Does a Prayer Practioner Doâ€?) on Aug. 30. Info: 963-5516.

All 2014/2015 baby clothing is now

& ! !" ($ '

and grow with your support.

SHINDIG • The Mount Sopris Historical Society presents its second annual Shindig from 5 to 8 p.m. at the old Thompson barn at River Valley Ranch. There’ll be pit barbecue, entertainment and presentation of the Hattie Thompson Award to Mary Lilly. Tickets are $75 at mtsoprishistoricalsociety.org, the Pour House or via mail by sending a check to MSHS, Box 2, Carbondale, CO 81623. Info: 781-632-3326.

at Luxe Nest

Because you live, work or play here, As a non-profit community you’re already a “member� of service, we can only thrive The Sopris Sun community.

grass and folk with a ďŹ ddle, banjo, drums, two guitars and what Steve Standiford describes as “some gorgeous vocals.â€? It’s free and goes from 4 to 7 p.m.

SUMMER SALE

(Americana). Info: 963-3304.

Come visit our new space at 201 Main Street, Carbondale!

970-963-3100

We deliver for free throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.

Community Calendar NEURO MOVEMENT • Jessi Hastings, RN, gives free introduction to Neuro Movement classes in room #31 of the Third Street Center on Mondays form 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Info: 970-946-8968. BASALT LIBRARY • The Basalt Regional Library offers a free legal clinic via a computer link from 2 to 5 p.m. Also, the library holds an open mic for poets, musicians and others from 5:15 to 7 p.m.

TUESDAY Aug. 11 BIKE PARK • The Carbondale Recreation Department’s North Face Bike Park programming continues on Tuesdays through Aug. 18. Info: 510-1290 or carbondalerec.com. BASALT LIBRARY • The Basalt Regional Library presents “Tunes & Tales” with Aspen Music Festival and School student from 10:30 to 11 a.m. This is for kids 3-9 accompanied by an adult. There’s an iPhone class from 1 to 2:15 p.m.; a Basalt Regional Library finance committee meeting at 5:15 p.m.; and “The History of Mesoamerica: The Aztecs, Incas and Mayans” with Rico Torres at 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Aug. 12 FILM • Davi Nikent presents the documentary “Rooted in Peace” at 5 p.m. at the Crystal Theatre. Director Greg Reitman, who will introduce the film and take questions afterwards, explores “ how to take notice, stop the cycle of violence and seek ways to find personal and

continued from page 10

ecological peace,” according to a press release. The film also “challenges viewers to examine their values as Americans, and as human beings.” Interviewees in the film include Deepak Chopra, Pete Seegar, Beach Boy Mike Love, media mogul Ted Turner and others. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, go to rootedinpeacefilm.com. LIVE MUSIC • Basalt Summer ArtsBeat concludes its season downtown with Trout Steak Revival (Colorado bluegrass) at 6 p.m. It’s free. TOKLAT GALLERY • Julie Hesse will present a selection of the Mace Mineral Collection, which was started by Greg Mace and then collected by Stuart Mace and the family. The talk goes from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Info: 927-1437. BASALT LIBRARY • The Basalt Regional Library offers an adult class in Google Drive at noon. FARMER’S MARKET • The Carbondale Farmer’s Market at Fourth and Main Street takes place on Wednesdays through September. It starts at 10 a.m. ROTARY • The Rotary Club of Carbondale meets at the Carbondale Fire Station at 6:50 a.m. Info: rotarycarbondale.org. LIVE MUSIC • Dan Rosenthal hosts an open mic night at Rivers restaurant in Glenwood Springs from 8 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday.

50% OFF

all annual, tropical, herb and veggie plants!

All Weekly Sale Items

25

% OFF REGULAR PRICES

PLANT (shrub) of the week

Further Out

THURS.-SUN. Aug. 13-16

THEATRE • SoL Theatre presents “Into the Woods” at the Third Street Center on Aug. 13 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 15, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under, and are available at the door and a soltheatre.com.

THURSDAY Aug. 13 DISCONNECT • Shari Billger presents “Disconnecting from the Collective Conscious/Unconscious Fear Matrix from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Third Street Center. Info: shari1551!aol.com.

FRI.-SAT. Aug. 14-15 RF OLYMPICS • The Roaring Fork Olympic games in Basalt is organized by and for kids. The two-day extravaganza starts with a parade and torch entrance into Arbaney Park from Elk Run at 6 p.m. on Aug. 14. The Olympics themselves take place at Arbaney Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 15. Events include running, javelin, Hoola Hoops and non-motorized scooter race. It’s for kids 2 -16 years and is free. To register, email Miles Craft at milesncraft@gmail.com.

SATURDAY Aug. 15 TRTC • Thunder River Theatre Company closes

out its 20th season with its “Glitz & Glamour” fund-raiser at the Orchard. The theme is “The Roaring 20s” and there’ll be dinner, entertainment and a live auction. The auction includes works from James Surls, Mark Harris, Majid Kahhak, Wewer Keohane and others. The entertainment lineup includes singer/actor Adam Bartley (who appears on the Netflix series “Longmire”) and his band. TRTC member Mike Monroney will MC. “Glitz & Glamour” goes from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $80 at thunderrivertheatre.com. Info: 963-8200. TAKE A HIKE • Wilderness Workshop Board President Karin Teague leads a free hike to Treasure Mountain near Marble starting at 6 a.m. The hike starts at the Crystal Mill, then climbs into Bear Basin past waterfalls and wildflowers, culminating with close-up views of the Treasure Mountain Chimneys. If time, weather and legs permit, the hike will continue to the Treasure Mountain saddle and its 13,500-foot summit. This is a strenuous hike that does not follow formal trails and is an eight-mile bushwack gaining up to 4,500 feet. Dogs are not allowed. Bring appropriate day hike equipment including stream crossing shoes, water, snacks and lunch. Registration is required at wildernessworkshop.org. Info: 510-0697.

Save the Date SATURDAY Aug. 22

NEW EVENT • The inaugural One Town One Table sets up smack dab in the middle of Fourth Street starting at 5:30 p.m. with potlucks from diners at 6:30 p.m. Organizers will provide the tables to create one long table. Diners will bring dishes to serve six to eight people, chairs dinnerware. To reserve a table, e-mail ourtown1table@gmail.com.

BACK PACKS, FLOAT COATS AND OTHER WET DOGGIE GEAR

Next to City Market in El Jebel, 400 E Valley Rd. Ste I/J 963.1700 | Open M-F 9-6:30pm | Sat/Sun 10-5pm

0QFO TFWFO EBZT B XFFL t %FMJWFSZ BWBJMBCMF

DOGWASH EVERYDAY

$15

Dogwood

PRODUCT of the week Dogwood

Natural Pest Remedies and Fertilizers

SENIOR DAY

is every Tuesday

15% STOREWIDE DISCOUNT for those 62 and older.

Natural Pest Remedies and Fertilizers

400 Gillespie Drive, El Jebel, CO 81623

STORE HOURS Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Saturdays 9AM-5PM Closed Sundays

970-963-1173 THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 6-12, 2015 • 11

EAT. SHOP. PLAY CONFLUENCE OF RIVERS, RECREATION & CULTURE

Art writ large: Pencil Garden pops up Sopris Sun Staff Report More than three months in the making, the Pencil Garden has popped up in downtown Basalt, with the official unveiling during the Wyly Art Center’s“Pencil Us In”gala on Aug. 8. “Basalt’s arts and cultural assets are vital to our downtown’s redevelopment,” said Mike Scanlon, Basalt town manager. “The presence of community art, like The Wyly Art Center’s Pencil Garden, will increase attention and foot traffic downtown by attracting visitors and increasing the length of time and money they spend in Basalt.” Artists, designers, creators and dreamers of all ages and abilities were asked to interpret what the pencil – the humblest of all art supplies and integral to many art forms – means to them. The show attracted the following entries: • Alicia Matesanz de las Heras and Will Young – “Distilled Pencil”; • Dick Carter – “Color Pencil, Red and Color Pencil, Blue”; • Gena Hawkins – “Mal di Testa”;

• Glenn Rappaport • Glenn H. Smith – “Thought Processed”; • Greylin and John Gogolack – “Lego #2”; • Jake Bozza – “Mechanical Pencil”; • John Bozza; • Michael Cleverly – “The Wind Passes and Knows”; • Nancy Lovendahl – “Yabba-DabbaDoo, 2015”; • Nicole Gogolak – “I Can Pencil You In?”; • Penny Greenwell and Sebastian Miller (second grader) – “Multistage-HelicopterDragon Pencil”; • Ray Seelbinder – “#2,200 Pencil”; • Steve and Wewer Keohane – “Writer’s Block”; • Travis Fulton and Bill Hunt – “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword”. Cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded on Aug. 8. The Pencil Garden is one component of a town-wide arts and cultural transformation plan developed by The Wyly Art Center and town of Basalt, according to a press

release. The plan is designed to spark cultural engagement, civic and social vitality, and economic revitalization. “The Wyly Art Center is constantly working to enrich our community through the expansion of art and arts education, said Wyly Board President Jay Magidson. “Creating inspiring public spaces like the Pencil Garden will provide opportunities for visitors to relate, connect, pause, think, and grow.” The Wyly’s “Pencil Us In” gala will include a silent auction of local artwork with bids starting at $100. Tickets for the dinner and silent auction are $150. Sponsorships are still being accepted at the $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 levels. At the gala, Sarah Peterson will be honored with the Wyly’s Creative Force award. The Pencil Garden is located at the east end of Lions Park, adjacent to the Wyly Art Center, town hall and the Basalt Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call the Wyly Art Center at 927-4123.

The Pencil Garden will be attracting visitors to downtown Basalt at the Wyly Art Center’s “Pencil Us In” gala on Aug. 8. Photo by Lynn Burton

The Hottest Place to COOL OFF! BASALT POOL

600 Elk Run Drive (Arbaney Park) (970) 927-4799 Daily fees: Child (3-7) $4. Student (8-17) $5; Adult $6. Toddlers under three are FREE. Seniors (65+) $3. Season passes available.

It s a Jewel of a Pool

Coffee with the

Mayor

On Wednesday mornings, after a Tuesday night Council meeting, visit in an informal setting with Basalt Mayor Jacque Whitsitt for coffee and a chat at Saxy’s Coffee Shop, 104 Midland Avenue.

NOW ACCEPTING FALL CLOTHING ITEMS FOR CONSIGNMENT Also accepting furniture, jewelry, art, housewares and gift items SPIRIT LIFTING CONSIGNMENT

970-927-4384 144 Midland Avenue, Basalt, Colorado 81621

Scoops

Ice Cream

Open daily Basalt s Only Ice Cream Shop

Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5 Down the Block from Big O Tires Basalt 180 South Side Dr 927-6488

This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts, make comments and catch up on what’s happening in Basalt. All issues and topics welcome.

The next Coffee with the Mayor is:

Wednesday, "VHVTU at 8 a.m. 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 6-12, 2015

"Non-Profit Supporting Local Sustainable Agriculture"

Community Briefs

Please submit your community briefs to news@soprissun.com by noon on Monday.

Call for nominations from CMC

Hall nominations due soon

The Colorado Mountain College Junior College District is accepting nominations for its seven-member board of directors, including the most of the district that covers the Roaring Fork School District, according to a press release. Completed nomination petitions are due by Aug. 28. Each potential candidate must be an eligible elector and reside in the boundaries of the district in which they submitted their petition. The local district is CMC’s District 2, which covers the RFSD districts B, C, D and E. The other three districts to elect board members are: District 4 (Summit County School District Re-1), District 5 (Steamboat Springs School District Re-2) and District 6 (Lake County School District Re-1 and Eagle County School District Re-50J Director District A). Each term is for four years. Nomination petitions are available from the college’s Central Services administration office in downtown Glenwood Springs. The petitions must include at least 50 qualifying signatures. The election will be held on Nov. 3. For more information, call Debbie Novak at 947-8365.

Nominations for the Aspen Hall of Fame are due Aug. 15, and are available at aspenhalloffame.org, according to a press release. The new inductees will be honored at the annual Aspen Hall of Fame banquet at the Hotel Jerome on Jan. 16.

Buddy program slates pot talk The Buddy Program hosts a public discussion about retail marijuana education and underage use prevention from 4 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Little Nell in Aspen. Erin Flynn, from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, will lead the discussion. The public is invited and there is no charge.

KAJX revisits “GOP” Aspen Public Radio hosts its second annual Grand Ol’ Aspen Party at the Holden/Marolt barn on Aug. 28. There’ll be music, barbecue brews, dancing and radio. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. For details, call 920-9000.

LiveWell grant deadline Sept. 1 The deadline to apply for a LiveWell Garfield County mini-grant is Sept. 1, according to a press release. In 2014, LiveWell Garfield County awarded $39,925 to 14 programs that promote healthy eating and active living. The early submission deadline is Aug. 18. For details, call Dana Wood at 625-5200 ext. 8121 or visit garfield-county.com.

CMC fall registration under way Registration for Colorado Mountain College fall classes is underway. Classes start Aug. 24. Schedules for continuing education classes have been mailed out. For details, go to coloradomtn.edu.

911 calls

The 7 Star Rebekah Lodge presented scholarship checks to five local high school graduates on Monday night. They are (seated left to right): Nikole Simecek and Yazmin Castillo; and (standing left to right): Erik Carrillo and Rosa Elena Arias. Not shown is Victoria Schlueter. Presenting the checks were Rebekah members Ann Samuelson and Donna Natal. The Rebekahs raise money to donate to the community through sales at the Near New Store, located below their lodge on Main Street. Lynn Burton photo

THE

Here are the Carbondale Fire District’s emergency 911 calls for the week of July 26 through Aug. 1: • Medical emergencies (8), • Fire alarm responses (6), • Motor vehicle accidents (3), • Trauma emergencies (2), • Medical alarm response (1), • Citizen assist (1), • Standby request (1), • Smoke check (1), • Wildfire response/fire was out (1), • Structure fire response/burning food (1).

salt — a B —

Place to Experience The Valley’s Highest Grade Cannabis

t.

ic. ar

picn usic.

m

a arts artsbeat summer

co conc concert series riess on o n the t stage st s age in lions lions park park

w wednesdays ednesdays a at t 66p p {come me early & bring your picnic} nic}

HEALING HOUSE WAXES $45 A GRAM

art projects powered by

the wyly art center

Picnic boxes

available at

Local restaurants

while supplies last Must be 21 or Older

165 Southside Drive | Basalt In Basalt’s Southside: Turn off of Highway 82, then right past Big O Tires, Roots RX is 1/2 block on left. Store hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Last call 6:45 p.m. 970.539.WEED Visit our Eagle Vail Location For All Your Rec. Needs and visit Holistic Health Care for your Medical needs!

august a au ugust 12 1

trout t rout steak steak r revival ev viv va al special thanks nks ffacebook.com/basaltdowntown acebook.com/basaltd t owntown

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 6-12, 2015 • 13

Carbondale’s first sand mandala

Visiting monks from the Gaden Shartse monastery in India created a sand mandala at the Third Street Center over a period of several days last week. On Saturday, after the dissolution ceremony, they handed out little bags of sand to the more than 100 people who turned out to witness the event (upper right). But before that, the monks first dissected the mandala (middle right) then used a paint brush to dissolve it. The six monks were hosted by the Way of Compassion Foundation as part of their nationwide fund-raising tour to help support the monastery. Photos by Lynn Burton

14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 6-12, 2015

Letters continued om page 2 and healthier lives); a much cleaner house (no more brown rings on the bedspread from the outside “dirt baths�; the constant entertainment, love and learning about what makes them truly fascinating, complex creatures when you interact with them all the time; last, but not least, the very diverse bird population that inhabits our yard. Yes, you do have to maintain litter boxes, but it is so much less of a problem than all the health care that goes into taking care of a cat who has had something bad happen while outside. Finally, I am not sure about whether regulation by local authorities will work for this situation. I would like to believe, however, that if you really love your cats AND the bird population, that what I have stated above will help you rethink letting your cats go out and do the right thing for all creatures concerned. Wick Moses Carbondale

A note on 133 Dear Editor: I am all in favor the economy of recycling materials, and was impressed by the equipment and efďŹ ciency associated with the recent resurfacing of Highway 133 between Carbondale and Redstone. The resulting roadway is superb for motor vehicles. However, as an avid cyclist, it is disappointing to me that the newly paved surface is now three-tofour feet narrower than it was previously, making this popular route considerably more dangerous. The paved shoulder is nearly gone and a ridge between the old and new surfaces in some places creates a new hazard for cy-

Unclassifieds

clists trying to keep as far away from vehicular trafďŹ c as possible. Plans for completing the bike path in the Crystal River Valley that were developed in 1994 are mired in seemingly never-ending conicts over right-of- way. Thus preserving or widening the shoulder of the highway seems a wise strategy for improving the level of safety, especially for cyclists. Narrowing the paved shoulders and making the surface uneven are backward steps in terms of safety. Ron Phaneuf Redstone

ASC thanks

Â

Dear Editor: I would like to thank the Carbondale community for coming out to our Physics for Kids BBQ on July 22 at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School campus. It was great to watch the 150-plus attendees play with zometools, experiment with rockets and trebuchets, understand the advantage of pulleys in tug-of-war challenges, and build atoms out of chocolate kisses. We appreciate your acknowledgement of the need (and fun!) in science outreach. Thank you also to CRMS for hosting the event, to the HS2 students who helped out, our wonderful volunteers who take true joy in sharing experiential learning, and to the Carbondale Fire District and Frank Nadel for letting us prove Newton’s law of gravity by dropping a watermelon and orange from the  same extended  ladder (FYI: they fall at the rate). There’s nothing like smashing fruit for getting kids excited about science! The Aspen Science Center is thrilled to

bring its programming to Carbondale, and Carbondale folks are always welcome to our events in Aspen, too! Please join us for our Wednesday BBQs at the Center for Physics, our upcoming Science Street Fair in Paepcke Park on Aug. 9, and our Stargazer event at the Center for Physics on Aug. 12. Please check us out at aspensciencecenter.org for more info. Jacquelyn Francis Executive Director Aspen Science Center

 Legal Notice NOTICE

PURSUANT TO THE LAWS OF COLORADO

INSPIRED SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, LLC

Â

HAS REQUESTED THE LICENSING OFFICIALS OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE TO RENEW THEIR RETAIL MARIJUANA INFUSED PRODUCTS LICENSE TO MANUFACTURE RETAIL MARIJUANA INFUSED PRODUCTS AT MAGIC BUZZ 1101 VILLAGE ROAD, #UL3B CARBONDALE, CO 81623

HEARING ON APPLICATION TO BE HELD AT: CARBONDALE TOWN HALL 511 COLORADO AVENUE CARBONDALE, COLORADO

DATE AND TIME: AUGUST 25, 2015 AT 6:00 P.M. DATE OF APPLICATION: JULY 30, 2015

Â

BY ORDER OF: STACEY BERNOT, MAYOR APPLICANT: SCOTT CALLIHAM

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.

Â

PT & FT Direct Support Professional

Positions open in Carbondale. Assist adults with disabilities in  their homes. Direct care, meal prep, cleaning and community activities. Multi-tasking a must. Morning, evening, overnight and weekend shifts available in group home.

HS Diploma or GED required. CNA certification or 1 year experience  preferred. Computer proficiency, communication and strong customer service skills required. Salary DOE. Great benefits package.

Interested applicants contact Staffing Manager Sarah Simms at sarahsimms@mtnvalley.org. See mtnvalley.org for more info.

Published in The Sopris Sun on August 6, 2015.

Â

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.*

DELIVERY DRIVERS WANTED for Domino’s in Carbondale. Flexible PT/FT hrs avail. Must be 18+ yrs, have a great attitude, clean driving record & vehicle. Pay hrly+tips+mileage. Apply at Domino’s 1089 Highway 133 next to City Market in Carbondale.

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS for kids and teens to promote their businesses enterprises. Thirty word maximum. Please send to unclassiďŹ ed@soprissun.com.

*Credit card payment information should be emailed to unclassifieds@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 510-3003 for more info.

GET THE WORD OUT IN UNCLASSIFIEDS! Rates start at $15. Email unclassiďŹ eds@soprissun.com.

Service Directory & DOut

Complete Interior and Exterior wash package. and

Car Wash • Detailing Oil changes • Tires

AUGUST 12, 2014 AT 6:00 P.M.

Weather Insurance If it rains or snows bring the vehicle back within 48 hours and we will rewash it.

970-963-8800 745 Buggy Circle in Carbondale www.sunburstcarcare.com

Open Mon.-Sat. 8am-6pm and on Sundays from 9am-4pm for washes only

Bonedale Bear THRIFT STORE

99¢

SHORTS, SKIRTS &

963-1984

FATBELLY BURGERS

Grab and Go Local Grass-fed Beef Burgers

Salads By the Locals For Ice the Cream Locals

NEW!

U

mate Was i t l Cleans Inside h

Locally raised beef and produce 220 Main St, Carbondale | 970-963-1569 fatbellyburgers.com | info@fatbellyburgers.com

If it shows your toes

it's half off!

Back Door Consignment

Carbondale’s Second Hand Department Store 50 North 4th Street (in back of the Churchill Bldg.) backdoorconsignment@gmail.com

970.963.3380 Open 10-6 •7 days a w eek

NOW ACCEPTING FALL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES SPEND $50,

GET $5 OFF SPEND $100,

GET $10 OFF

303 Main St. • Carbondale • 963-3940 • OPEN 7 DAYS

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 6-12, 2015 • 15

It wasn’t your average Costa Rica vacation But it was an amazing experience

son to the next. I would help out where I was needed or wanted and then passed on to someone else when that job was done. Every Friday, my aunt, one of the kids and I would go to sell goods at the market. After the market, my cousin and I would get to wander the streets of Turrialba while my aunt ran errands. One thing that I remember surprising me was how much cars ruled the road. There were no cross walks (I don’t think they would’ve made a difference anyways!), so to cross the road I had to get as close to the moving cars as I safely could, and when there was a small opening, I had to hurry across. The drivers were also constantly honking at one another, whether it was friendly honks or telling each other to move. It was also interesting to walk down the street in town because every shop I passed would have a different smell floating out of it. There was everything from freshly baked cheese tortillas to the smell of the fabric dyes in new clothes. I noticed that a lot of the clothes stores there had “American” or “America” in the name. My aunt said it would usually get the shops more business because everything having to do with the U.S. is very popular there. That explained the fact that I had seen hardly anyone in native looking clothes; they were all wearing what people in the U.S. wore. It was very cool to see the differences and similarities between the cultures of the U.S. and Costa Rica.

By Shanti Baumangelis Sopris Sun Contributor I remember the moment — stepping out of my aunt and uncle’s borrowed car and onto their farm in Costa Rica for the first time in 10 years. Within just two seconds, all kinds of memories came rushing back. First, I noticed how familiar the smell was. It was a concoction of the trees and plants and dirt and the freshly fallen rain that made the smell so unique to this place, and this place only. There was also the sound. With the river nearby and animal and bug life surrounding me, it was hard to decipher one sound from the next; they all came together as one to create the loud buzz of the jungle that I remember from so many years ago. The farm that I was visiting this summer belongs to my aunt and uncle and their five kids. They moved there with almost no money when my oldest cousin, who is 15 now, was two. Often, Americans move to Costa Rica to buy a big, fancy vacation house in a nice location, preferably next to the beach, but not my family. My aunt and uncle were almost the exact opposite. They bought the cheapest house and piece of land they could Stories within stories find in the middle of the jungle and since then, they’ve pretty much subsisted off of their farm. Almost all of their food is from their garden, their This summer, I went on an incredible trip to Costa Rica. My trip contains Shanti Baumangelis dairy products come from their cow, and selling their food at the market stories within stories of giant spiders, rain that’s as light as snow, and so many each week makes their small bit of spending money. They only need to other amazing new things that wouldn’t normally cross my mind. Although buy a few things that they can’t grow and they’re set. This simple way of life works really it wasn’t a trip where I explored the current culture of Costa Rica as much as I just lived well for them and that’s shown in the way that it’s kept them going for 13 years now. a completely different lifestyle, I learned so much about the jungle and the unique and simple way that my family in Costa Rica lives. During my trip, I not only discovered a new Jungle farming sense of individuality but I also found a new confidence in flying alone and staying with All five kids have been home-schooled their entire lives, or more like “farm-schooled” a family that I hadn’t seen in over 10 years. It was also a good reminder to appreciate an observer might say. Since they have been raised on a farm, most of the things they’re everything that we take for granted in the U.S., because even there, in a country that is learning are related to jungle farming. They have been learning some academics along the doing fairly well compared to other countries in Central America, there are still so many way, but most of that comes from books. For six days a week, at least half the day is ded- people struggling to make a living. It was definitely an amazing experience and I would icated to working on the farm. The seventh day is set aside to be more of a “rest day,” but say that I ended up under Costa Rica’s spell because I was so sad to leave. of course there are still cooking and cleaning jobs to do. All the kids in the family have certain things that they need to finish by the end of the day both on the farm and in the Shanti Baumangelis, 15, is a Sopris Sun summer intern. She attended Roaring Fork house. While everyone was working on his or her own projects, I was passed from one per- High School last year but is moving to the Denver area.

Aspen Valley Land Trust s 12th Annual Save the Land Dance

August A ugust 22, 22, 5:30 5:30 pm m PLEASE JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE LANDOWNERS WHO SAVE THE BEST TO LAST & SAY A FOND

F A R E W E L L TT O OUR DIRECTOR

Maartha Mar rtha thah

Christopher A. George, MD Orthopaedic Surgeon

Drr. George specializes in orth o orthopaedic sports medicine edicine and hip arthroscop arthro rosco y Services include: · Anterior muscle sparing ng total hip rep replacement plac c cemen nt ent · Knee reconstruction and replaceme replacement · Surgical and non-surgical gical treatmentt of spor sports orrts inj injuries j ies jurie ju

Buy B uy your your tickets tic ket ets e ts s early! early!

$85 $40 unndder 440 rate a

Seeing patients in: Gle lenwood Sp Springs ngs Willits Care Center · Silt Care Ce enter · Ea agle g C Carre Cen nte er Calll ffor an n appointment app ppointm ment 970.3 97 384.71 71 7140 | VVH.OR VV ORG

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 6-12, 2015

Larry La L Larr arr arr rry ry D.. Har ry Harvey arv rve r vey attorney at a tt tt tor orne ney ey at at l law aw

Butler Arnie Arnie n niie Butler Company & Company

Gar Gary ry & JJill ill Kna aus Knaus