LOOK INSIDE: PAGE 3
School
PAGE 6
Boys
PAGE 14
Garden
the
Sun
Sopris Carbondale’s community
supported, weekly newspaper
Volume 6, Number 40 | November 6, 2014
What a blast
River Valley Ranch workers use blowers to turn carpets of leaves into big piles that are bagged and hauled away. On a related note, leaf-dumping season is quickly coming to a close. Carbondale accepts leaves at Fourth and Colorado through Nov. 14. Basalt accepts leaves at the Willits soccer field from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 8-9, and at the Basalt Seed Garden during the same hours on Nov. 15-16. Photo by Lynn Burton
NOVEMBER 7 Carbondale is Calling!
TH
IS
FIRST FRIDAY!
ANGEL TREE CO COAT OA AT DRIVE Gently used winter coats ats & hats, hats All Sizes Needed! First Friday Drop off location:
PEPPINOS PE EPP PINOS
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.
Walk for ovarian cancer awareness at RVR By Diane Darling Have you ever been frustrated beyond belief and felt powerless to create change? That is exactly how I felt in September of 2006 when my mother Dorene was misdiagnosed by four different doctors. There were the three who were unfamiliar with the symptoms already published by Cedars Sinai Medical Center, and the one that told my mother it was all in her head. Finally, there was the doctor that correctly diagnosed her with Stage IV ovarian cancer and the emotional roller coaster ride began. My mom fought the good fight, but sadly lost her battle to this horrendous cancer one year later in 2007 at the all too young age of 74. Had she been correctly diagnosed earlier, perhaps there would have been a different outcome. More than 230,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer worldwide each year and approximately 140,000 women will die from the disease. There is no screening or early detection test available for ovarian cancer. However, when diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate rises to almost 95
percent. Yet only 15 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed early. Back then I promised my mother that I would not give up the fight, and both my sister and I knew we had to take these sour lemons, turn them into sweet lemonade and take our power back! To that end, on Nov. 9 my husband, friends and I are participating in the 10th annual Run for Her as “Sleepwalkers” here in Carbondale in conjunction with the Run/Walk going on simultaneously in Los Angeles. The Run for Her organization works alongside Cedar’s Sinai Women’s Cancer Center and was started in 2004. Since then, Run for Her has expanded from its roots in Los Angeles and become one of the largest ovarian cancer run/walks in the world. Thousands of individuals have joined the cause to help increase ovarian cancer awareness. The 2013 event included over 5,500 participants, nearly 300 teams, and Sleepwalkers in all 50 states and 14 countries. Run for Her has raised over $6 million for the Cedars-Sinai Women’s Cancer Program. Run for Her will host run/walks in Los An-
OPINION
geles, New York, and Bay Area. We invite you to join us at the River Valley Ranch House (444 River Valley Ranch Road) at 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 9 for Boomerang coffee, Sweet Coloradough donuts, Jen’s Café Bars and fruit, and then walk the RVR loop two times. It will be casual, not for speed or time, but rather to walk in community and support of those who have lost their battle to ovarian cancer (or ANY cancer) and those who are survivors of this dreaded disease. My sister Sheryl will be walking simultaneously in Los Angeles with the rest of our team — “Dorene’s Darlings.” If the weather does not permit us to walk, we will gather inside the RVR Ranch House, discuss the symptoms and every participant will walk away with a printed copy for future reference. If you would like to join us, please register at: http://bit.do/runforherRVR. Please join us on Sunday, Nov. 9! You will make new friends and learn information that could save your life. Do it for yourself, your mom, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and friends. Help my family turn lemons into lemonade!
Achieving the results we want for our children By Rob Stein should achieve them. They told us they want A local newspaper on Oct. 16 reported their students to meet high academic stanon the release of college readiness data from dards, develop character and life skills, be the Colorado Department of Higher Edu- critical thinkers, collaborators and contribucation, noting that “Roaring Fork School tors to their communities. Drawing from the District fared slightly better great ideas of three communithan the state average across ties, the school district assemthe board.” Is “better than bled some guiding documents: average” good enough, or is a new mission, a set of comit possible for us to radically mitments to our children and improve outcomes for our our schools, and a comprestudents? hensive strategic plan to get re“Every system is persults for all of our students. fectly designed to achieve The plan exactly the results it gets,” said Dr. Don Berwick. This plan, which you can Today in Colorado, acread on our website, is a cording to CDE and CDHE pretty complex document; it Rob Stein statistics, we have a system is intended to manage the that is designed to get about work of 500 teachers, 300 three-quarters of our students through high staff members, and a dozen schools over the school. Slightly more than half of them en- next several years. It rests on five strategic roll in post-secondary education. Of those, pillars: academic excellence, culture of charabout a third need remediation before they acter, talent development, community encan take college-level courses. Putting all gagement and strategic use of resources. But those numbers together, only about one in it aims to accomplish three simple results: all four students who enter high school are of our students will graduate with the likely to graduate from high school with the knowledge, skills and character to prepare knowledge and skills to succeed in a college- them for future learning and success; our level course without remediation. Unfortu- students will have the opportunity to comnately, those are the results our education plete authentic projects that challenge them system is designed to get. to evidence and develop strong academic Yet most parents I talk to think that a K- and character skills; and students will re12 education, culminating in a high school ceive the support they need to meet benchdiploma, is at least a ticket to next-level learn- marks from preschool through high school. ing. In fact, they have even higher aspirations In order to achieve these results, we are than that. Over the past year, Roaring Fork going to have to do a whole lot more, and schools engaged 1,400 parents, teachers and we are going to have to do a whole lot less. students in an ongoing dialogue about what We are going to have to shift how we operaspirations they have and by what means we ate from implementing top-down mandates
OPINION
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 6, 2014
and programs to working in continuous improvement cycles: establishing short-term goals, taking action, gathering and analyzing data, learning what worked, and starting the cycle over again. We need to continue to unleash the creativity of our entire workforce and engage them in problem solving at all levels of the organization. We are going to have to figure out how to administer fewer, more meaningful assessments, but be a lot more methodical about how we use them. We are going to have to stop promising so much and to start delivering on the simple promises that matter most. We have just raised the rigor to ensure that all students graduate with the knowledge and skills to be ready for learning and work after high school by increasing the number of core academic courses required for graduation. We have reduced the electives required and provided more flexibility and support to ensure that schools can prioritize core requirements for their students. At parents’ request, we have identified five character skills, our Habits of a Scholar common to all schools, which become the focus of our character education program: executive skills, perseverance, enthusiasm, compassion and teamwork. This year’s ninth graders will complete capstone projects as a requirement for graduation. At the same time as we prioritize these strategic commitments to academic excellence and character development, we are going to have to adopt the mindset that we must reduce in other areas. EDUCATION page 13
Please turn to page 13 for
Letters to the Editor
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.
We are collecting Mt. Sopris images for our online gallery.
Help us keep the website fresh: Send breaking news tips, photos and suggestions to
970-309-2053 or claird@soprissun.com.
www.soprissun.com
To inform, inspire and build community. Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor/Reporter: Lynn Burton • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Bob Albright • 970-927-2175 bob@soprissun.com Photographer: Jane Bachrach Ad/Page Production: Terri Ritchie CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS board@soprissun.com Debbie Bruell, President Barbara Dills, Vice President Colin Laird, Treasurer Frank Zlogar • Sue Gray Denise Barkhurst • Craig Fulmer Honorary Board Members David L. Johnson • Jeannie Perry Trina Ortega • Laura McCormick 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.
Bridges: Different from what you might think School was founded 18 years ago By Adele Craft Sopris Sun Intern Bridges High School was founded 18 years ago by Michael Blaire. He went door to door looking for students who hadn’t completed high school and convinced them to come back and try it again. At first, the school was housed at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood. Blaire was the principal for seven years. The current principal, Lyn Bair, continues to promote some of Blaire’s values and methods, which include helping Bridges students take ownership of their own learning. Bair’s record shows that she and her staff save 25 percent of enrollment space for students who are at the highest risk — those who have dropped out or did not graduate from other local schools. Bair says she continues, “To take that model that Mike used, to go during the summer, to get on the phone, to go to people’s houses and try to encourage them to come back to school.” Maggie Riley, an English and history teacher at Bridges, believes that, “We have great successes with kids who have not had success anywhere else. I invite people to look at our philosophy and talk to our students. We are, in my opinion, doing great things to help prepare young people to live happy and fulfilling lives!” In Colorado, public high schools can enroll students until their 21st birthday. Bair gives opportunities to every student, not just those who fit into the traditional high school system. While the school is a public institution, its unique size (under 100 kids) allows Roaring Fork School District students to collaborate with the faculty and find individualized paths to success.
Latitude There are nine teachers and a 10-1 student-teacher ratio. Bair believes the faculty cares about students differently than at other schools and that they work very hard to restore trust in students and to get them excited about learning. John Cordasco — Bridges’
instructor for history, government, economics and geography — agrees. “It’s different from other schools because the teachers are given the latitude to give each student the time it takes to do what they need to do in their own time. It’s not always available in a regular school, [where] everyone kind of keeps up and does the same thing.”
“Bridges is … the most flexible school system I have ever seen.” Sam Hankinson Bridges High School student Bair recognizes that, at certain times in its past, Bridges has had a public relations problem. “I think that a lot of people have a preconceived idea or they’re taking the ideas of what Bridges was 10 or 12 or 18 years ago, when we’ve had a reputation of ‘that’s where all the bad kids go and you’ll never go to college.’ I think that’s changing.” Sophomore Sam Hankinson heard many of these misconceptions when she was considering attending Bridges. People told her, “It’s like a prison; there are no windows; it doesn’t count as a real high school; everyone’s a stoner; it’s the school for dropouts and it is not challenging.” Hankinson’s experiences at Bridges have disproven these notions. “It was a better academic environment because I could take classes at my correct level rather than being dragged behind and given more work instead to keep me busy,” she said. Interviews with students and teachers at Bridges show that each of these preconceived notions is misguided. “Yes, you can go to college; yes, we’re accredited through the state; yes, we have kids that get in trouble, but we have the same amount of students that get in trouble that any other high school has to deal with. That is not what we are,” said Bair.
Bridges High School is located in the former Carbondale Middle School building on Sopris Avenue. The enrollment is a little under 100 kids, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1. Besides a traditional high school curriculum, students can also take classes through Colorado Mesa University and CU Succeed. Photo by Lynn Burton
Advanced Placement Bridges not only meets the needs of atrisk students, it also supports academically advanced students. Bridges offers every class that is required for a high school diploma. Additionally, students can take classes at the district’s other high schools. Where some local high schools have implemented an Advanced Placement course system to challenge students, Bair felt that it was important to partner with Colorado Mountain College to offer an even wider variety of advanced classes. Students can also take college classes on the Bridges campus through Colorado Mesa University and CU Succeed. Bridges pays for two college-level classes per student each semester. If the student shows college readiness, he or she may start these college classes as soon as his or her freshman year. Because Bridges serves a student body with diverse needs, “This makes for a very compassionate place where the judgment isn’t as quick,” Hankinson said. “Bridges is also the most flexible school system I have ever seen. Bridges allows students to learn
wherever they see fit on their terms.” Riley confirms this: “I have been a teacher for 18 years and I have never had such personal and caring relationships as I do with the students at Bridges. Bridges students are amazing. They are friendly, caring, personable, excited to learn, open and honest.”
See for yourself Bair is eager to open her school to the community. “If you haven’t seen Bridges in our new location (next to the Carbondale Branch Library),” she said, “I would encourage people to come walk the halls here and take a tour with one of the students. If somebody thinks that it’s all the kids who get in trouble, I would want to reach out and invite them to come and go to classes and hear the kinds of discussions and see the types of kids that are here because I think that would change what people in the community think.” Adele Craft is a sophomore at Bridges High School.
Fire district’s 2015 dra budget taps $700 K in reserves Reports connect words with dollar amounts By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Report The Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District’s draft budget for 2015 dips in to reserves to the tune of approximately $700,000 and also for the first time spells out in easy-to-understand language where some of the funds are, and aren’t, going. Example: The deputy chief of operations proposed increasing the number of full time firefighter/EMTs from three to four per shift, but at an annual cost of $240,000 the staffing increase will not be funded. But, at an estimated cost of $90,000, the budget calls for a new master plan as recom-
mended by last summer’s citizen task force. For folks who might want to preview the draft budget before the district board’s public hearing on Nov. 12, those kind of narratives are included in reports from the district’s five divisions: Operations, Administration, Maintenance, Training and Prevention. “The reports … are excellent and include the specifics I requested,” said board member Carl Smith in a six-page memo he issued in early October. “This information, in my opinion, is beneficial to both the board, the public, staff and volunteers … .” Smith is the newest fire district board member after being elected, along with incumbents Gene Schilling and Michael Kennedy, last April. The April board election followed the defeat of a fire district property tax hike ballot
question in 2014 that led to the creation of the citizen task force that met several times and issued a list of recommendations in August. Smith memo includes at least one, bigticket cost-cutting proposal. He suggests the district not replace one of its four ambulances, which runs counter to a staff proposal to the citizen task force. He points out the district bought its fourth ambulance in 2002 to serve the west end but the ambulance is no longer stationed there. He said that on only one call in 2014 did the district use three ambulances and it’s not clear whether mutual aid with other fire districts was involved. “Over the past 20 years Glenwood, Basalt and Carbondale have assisted each other during many difficulties … We could to it again. Do we really need 4 ambulances?” Smith also points out there are many costs associated with owning an am-
bulance, whether it’s used or not, including maintenance of cardiac monitors, plus medical supplies and medications that expire. His memo states that replacing an ambulance would cost $150,000 and replacing out-of-date cardiac monitors for the fourth ambulance would cost about $35,000. Smith questions whether the district needs its communications trailer, which can be set up in emergencies and be used by responders. There are on-going expenses associated with the trailer, which is sometimes loaned to municipalities for events such as Carbondale Mountain Fair. “How often is it needed, not just used as a convenience,” Smith said. “If it is truly a community asset have we approached the Town of Carbondale, the Town of Marble and Garfield, Gunnison and Pitkin Counties to share in FIRE DISTRICT page 8
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 6, 2014 • 3
Town Briefs
Split rail fence prevents soccer ball rolls Sopris Sun Staff Report The town’s parks crew built a new split rail fence in Miner’s park “with hog panels attached,” according to the town manager’s weekly report. The fence will help prevent soccer balls from rolling onto Hendrick Road. The crew also placed new decking on the Sopris Park bridge and began raking leaves in the parks. In other paraphrased news from the report: • “No Parking” signs have been installed on the north side of Dolores Way. Vehicles will now park on the south side of Dolores, creating a better line-ofsight for vehicles leaving the businesses and residences in that neighborhood. • The street crew replaced a ditch lateral under Seventh Street next to the swimming pool. A conduit was also installed for future fiber optics at the pool. • “Leaf Days continues at a hectic pace.” • Someone, “or more likely a group of people,” broke a (6”X8”) beam that spans the support structure for the monkey rings at Miner’s Park. The town will contact the company that provided the playground equipment to replace the beam. • Town staff and the bike park committee acknowledged and approved the warranty work of the North Face Bike Park contractor, Dirt Sculpt, who completed a punch list of items and made several revamped modifications to the bike park to
KEEP THE SOPRIS SUN SHINING
make it better and more user friendly. • Installation of the maintenance irrigation sprinkler system for the North Face Bike Park bike park began on Oct. 30. The park was scheduled to close the week of Nov. 3-9 due to irrigation trenching and installation. • Windscreens were taken down at the Darien Tennis/Pickleball Courts at North Face Park. • As a condition of receiving financial assistance from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the Red Hill Alternative Transportation Feasibility Study, the town of Carbondale is required to complete every three years a “revised updated program plan” indicating how it will be in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. “Staff is working on completing and submitting this report prior to the December 1, 2014 deadline.” • A final project report and reimbursement request for $25,000 will be made to the Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District next week to close out the minigrant received for the North Face Bike Park project. • On-line registration is now available for fall recreation programs at carbondalerec.com. Pre-school programming continues each week from 10:25 to 11:45 a.m. with Motion Mondays and Wild & Wacky Wednesday. These programs are for kids
ages 1-6 years old and their parents or caregivers. The second session of youth climbing classes was scheduled to begin the week of Nov. 3-9 with eight participants in the Learn to Climb class and six in the Advanced Climbing class. Due to demand, the town will be offering a lead climbing clinic on Nov. 18 from 6-9 p.m. Space is limited. The week of Nov. 3-9 marked the beginning of the Dinky Dunkers basketball program for first and second graders. The boys basketball program is full with 16 players; the town is promoting the girls program to receive more registrations. Also, the adult volleyball league has started with six teams. Registration is under way for men’s basketball, youth basketball and adult broomball. • October sales tax collections are up 15 percent over 2013. Year- to-date the town is up 9 percent. • Comments on the first installment of the UDC are due by Nov. 15. The installment is posted on Carbondale’s website and is also available in print form at town hall. • Garfield County Sheriff’s Department deputy Steve Kuhl has accepted a conditional job offer to fill the position left open with officer Santiago’s departure. • As of Oct. 31, the jetting cycle continues on the sewer lines in town. • A copy of the environmental assessment on the Grand Ave Bridge in Glenwood is available for review in town hall.
Garfield County Board of Adjustment openings The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is currently seeking volunteers to fill seats on the Board of Adjustment.
Cop Shop The following events are drawn from incident reports of the Carbondale Police Department.
SATURDAY Oct. 25 At 3:19 p.m. police arrested a 35-year-old male for allegedly threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend and her mother. SATURDAY Oct. 25 At 8:24 p.m. a tenant in the Third Street Center reported that someone broke out its hallway door window. There are no suspects. TUESDAY Oct. 28 At 3:53 p.m. officers responded to a store where an intoxicated male was harassing employees and patrons. When officers arrived, the 18-year-old suspect had left the store but was apprehended a short distance away and was arrested on charges of criminal trespass and possession of alcohol. TUESDAY Oct. 28 At 6:34 p.m. officers responded to a disturbance at Harris Court and gave a juvenile a warning. WEDNESDAY Oct. 29 At 2:44 p.m., police took a report of minor damage to a Main Street building.
LEAF DAYS OCTOBER 3 - NOVEMBER 14
COLLECTION SITE 4th St & Colorado Ave.
Northeast corner parking lot
Your financial support is a critical part of our community news effort
There are three seats open on the Board of Adjustment beginning January 1, 2015.
Leaves must be removed from bags before being placed in container
DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
The Board of Adjustment is a citizen board appointed by the BOCC that is the decision-making body for variance requests and appeals of administrative interpretations. These positions are appointed for three-year terms. The Board of Adjustment meets on the fourth Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Garfield County Administration Building, 108 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO.
NO TRASH NO BAGS
Donate online at
www.soprissun.com Send a check made out to The Sopris Sun LLC, P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, 81623 or Take out an ad for your business
Candidates are encouraged to apply by sending letters describing their interest in the position and relevant background to Tamra Allen, Planning Manager, 108 8th Street, Suite 401, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 or via email at tallen@garfield-county.com. Please call 970-945-8212 with any questions.
Letters of interest must be received by Tuesday, November 18, at 5:00 pm.
by contacting: Bob Albright 970-927-2175 bob@soprissun.com
www.garfield-county.com
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 6, 2014
SEPARATE CONTAINERS FOR LEAVES AND SMALL BRANCHES
Sponsored by
The Town of Carbondale www.carbondalegov.org 963-1307
Chromebooks and iPads available at GarCo libraries By Stephen Tafoya The iPad has revolutionized the computer world in recent years. In less than five years, tablet computing has grown exponentially. Everywhere you go, you are sure to see someone on a tablet computer. The need for tablet computing is also prevalent here in Garfield County. In response to this, Garfield County libraries now offer iPads at each branch for use by the public. With your Garfield County Public Library District card, you can check out an iPad for in-library use for two hours per day. The iPad comes preloaded with handselected apps so you can work and play, no need to log in or create an Apple account. All iPads connect through our free public WiFi so you can get online right away. Teens ages 11-17 can also have access to iPad checkouts with adult approval (check with your local library for eligibility requirements) so they have access to the tools they need and are familiar with in this day and age. The Garfield County libraries are also moving in a new direction with laptop technology as well. Instead of purchasing classic Windows laptops, the libraries will be rolling out Chromebook laptops for use in the library. Chromebooks are familiar laptop machines, made by companies like Dell and HP, but the difference lies in the operating system software (OS). Running Google’s Chrome OS, users will be connected to the Internet in seconds and getting down to business quicker than with traditional laptops.
Amy Shipley reads a Zinio magazine on one of the New Castle Branch Library’s iPads. The Garfield County library system now offers iPads and Chromebooks for two-hour checkouts. Photo by Emily Hisel
Chromebooks offer today’s web-based tools that many are now accustomed to. But, don’t worry if you need a traditional PC — we still have Windows desktop machines for use in the library as well. Even if you don’t need to use a Chromebook, feel free to stop by your local library to get a hands-on learning ex-
perience with Chrome OS. We will be seeking feedback from the community on these technologies — what you liked, what could be improved. That way, we will know what to offer in the future and how to better provide tech services to the community. As we move rapidly
with the ever-changing world, we want you to be equipped with the knowledge and tools you need to learn, play, and grow. Stephen Tafoya is technology trainer for the Garfield County Public Library District.
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 6, 2014 • 5
Scuttlebutt
Send your scuttlebutt to news@SoprisSun.com. “where the Berkshires meet the Hudson Valley.” The Missouri Heights house is “ … perched on a hill with unbroken views of Mount Sopris.” If you own your $1 million house free and clear and are tempted to trade in your Roaring Fork Valley lifestyle for that of an urban condo dweller or upstate New Yorker consider this: taxes on the Missouri Heights house were $3,384 in 2013. The Chicago condo was assessed $16,384 in taxes plus $1,641 condo fees in 2013; the New York house was assessed $12,583. And oh, yea: the two photos of the Missouri Heights house were taken by Brent Moss.
What $3.15 gets you
It took three years for The Sopris Sun to make it from a fourth grade classroom to a fifth grade classroom at the Third Street Center (aka the old Carbondale Elementary School building) but we made it on Oct. 31. The Sun invites friends, family and supporters to drop in and marvel at our new digs. Caught in the act of moving are (left to right): Sopris Sun board members Debbie Bruell, Denise Barkhurst and Sue Gray, and editor Lynn Burton. Photo by Barbara Dills
What you get for $1.1M For $1.1 million in Chicago, you get a one-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse that covers 2,537 square feet. In Hillsdale, N.Y. for that price, you get a four bedroom, fourbathroom contemporary farm house that covers 3,361 square feet on five acres. And on Missouri Heights, for a little over a million bucks you get a four bedroom, three-bathroom house that covers 3,632 square fee (in-
cluding a one bedroom guest house) on four acres. All that real estatey info is included in a Sunday (Nov. 2) New York Times article headlined “What you get: $1,100,000.” The article calls Missouri Heights “a section of town” known for its ranches. As for the Chicago condo, it sits atop a 70-story building on a peninsula that stretches into Lake Michigan. The Hillsdale house is about twoand-a-half hours north of New York City
If you were cruising south through Glenwood Springs in your planet polluter last Sunday, you could feed your beast for $3.15 a gallon at the Bradley convenience store, or $3.17 across the street at the Corner Store. At the Kum & Go store on I-70, unleaded regular was going for about a dime more at $3.27. Meanwhile, 12 miles away in Carbondale, the cheapest gas was selling for an average of $3.60 a gallon. Note: The Sopris Sun speculates that any kind of gas war in mid-Glenwood Springs will probably not spread upvalley to Carbondale.
Eighth graders play big The Carbondale Middle School eighth grade boy’s basketball team hosted Meeker and Basalt in a round robin tournament on Nov. 1 and came away with four wins. In first round action, the Carbondale B’s edged the
Meeker B’s 27-25 with Jorge Sandoval scoring 8 points. The Carbondale A’s beat the Meeker A’s 40-21; Mikel Mayo and Joe Salinas each scored 8. In second round action, the B’s squeaked past Basalt 26-25; Ralphie Rosales led the way with 7. The Carbondale A’s then routed the Basalt A’s 48-27; Ronald Clemente and Joe Salinas put in 12 and 10 points respectively. The next action for the Carbondale Middle School Wolverines is against Riverside at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 6. The seventh graders play at home and the eighth graders are away. On Nov. 8, the Wolverines play in the annual Eagle Invitational. The eighth graders are coached by Joe Markham, Dave Kolquist, Scott Darling, Ryan Beauvais and Ed Torres.
Shark it on over Phat Thai hosts an opening reception for photographers Tyler Stableford and Kate Rolston from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 13. Stableford and Rolston are showing a whale shark series titled “Into the Deep” that they recently made off the coast of Mexico. “All eight images follow the journey of a woman swimming with the gentle giants,” said a press release from Stableford Studios.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating their birthday this week include: Murry Daniels and Beth Broome (Nov. 6); Brett Nelson, Lee Beck and Virgil Leeman (Nov. 7); Rick Carlson (Nov. 8); and Kelsey Freeman and Estefania Montoya (Nov. 12). And a belated happy birthday to Niki Burns (Nov. 5).
Prizes include:
in Alpine Bank VISA® Gift Cards
in Alpine Bank VISA® Gift Cards
Shop. Swipe. Win. Use your Alpine Bank VISA® Debit Card anywhere you shop from now through December 8th, and automatically receive one contest entry for every ten card swipes, up to four entries.
Alpine Bank VISA® Gift Card
The more you use your debit card, the more chances you will have to win!
NO ACCOUNT, PURCHASE OR OBLIGATION IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest subject to Official Rules. Official Rules available at www.alpinebank.com/letuspayforyourholidays.htm or upon request at any Alpine Bank location. Contest subject to all applicable local, state and federal laws. Void where prohibited by law. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 6, 2014
Dia de los Muertos 2014
Cooks and servers of Cocina del Valle (above) worked all day preparing for the Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Third Street Center on Nov. 1. The festivities kicked off at the Fourth Street Plaze early in the evening, then proceeded to Thunder River Theatre for performances before settling into the Third Street Center for what observers said was the biggest Dia de los Muertos yet. Photos by Colin Laird
Kidzone is a spot in The Sopris Sun devoted to the ideas and creations of local kids in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Each month we’ll issue a prompt for a submission of writing, drawing, or a photo. We will print a select few in the newspaper.
Please send all submissions, plus your name and grade, to KidZone@soprissun.com or send them to:
For November’s KidZone:
Tell us in a few sentences what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Emily Bruell 238 Euclid Ave Carbondale, CO 81623
Submissions must be received by November 16.
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 6, 2014 • 7
Fire district om page 3 the maintenance expenses?” The memo also touches on ISO ratings (which some insurance companies use to set fire insurance rates), staffing, reserves, revenues and more. On page two of the memo he points out that board member pay is listed as $8,000 for 2015 and said he will continue to serve as a volunteer to meet the “Volunteer Spirit” motto of the fire district. “I would like to see the rest of the Board join me in this effort … These funds could be dedicated by the Board members for Personal Protective Equipment for volunteers at rural stations,” an expenditure which is not currently funded in the draft budget. Highlights in the draft budget itself include a decrease of about $78,000 in wages ($1.3 million in 2015 compared to $1,38 million in 2014). The draft budget for 2015 calls for $1.9 million in revenues and $2.6 million in expenditures. As per state statue, the fire district mill levy must be approved by the district board of directors and certified by county commissioners by Dec. 15. Founded in 1953, the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District covers 320 square miles in parts of Garfield, Pitkin and Gunnison counties. There are 19 paid staffers and 68 volunteers, according to the district website.
Next steps
• What: Public hearing for the Carbondale Fire District’s 2015 budget; • When: 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 12; • Where: the Carbondale fire station, 300 Meadowood Drive).
Jankovsky wins; Rankin beats Libertarian Sopris Sun Staff report Garfield County residents returned Republican Tom Jankovsky to the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners with almost 59 percent of the vote over Democratic challenger Michael Sullivan on Tuesday. Jankovsky will re-join fellow Republicans John Martin and Mike Samson on the three-member board. The race was for the District 1 seat, which covers from Carbondale to parts of Glenwood Springs. A precinct and town break down — which shows where the votes came from in local, state and federal races — will be compiled and released by the Garfield County Clerk & Recorder until later this month. In the District 57 Statehouse race, Rep. Bob Rankin of Carbondale defeated Libertarian Sacha Mero 77 to 23 percent and will return to Denver for a second term. According
to the Craig Daily Press, police arrested Mero at her home on June 12 and charged her with domestic violence after her husband, Travis, called and asked for assistance for her “medical” and “psychological” behavior. Travis, who was running for Congress as a Libertarian in the Third District, told the Craig Daily Press his wife should not have been arrested. In other local races, as of late Tuesday night, former Pitkin County Commissioner Patty Clapper was leading incumbent Rob Ittner 56 to 44 percent in the District 1 county commissioner race. Incumbent commissioner Rachel Richards ran unopposed. In Basalt, three ballot issues were approved: a 5 percent sales tax on recreational marijuana (942-363), a 2 percent lodging tax (732-542), and lowering the residency requirement in elections to 22 days.
Wheeler announces Aspen Laff Festival lineup Sopris Sun Staff Report The Wheeler Opera House has released the lineup for February’s Aspen Laff Festival and it includes the return of Hippieman plus Jim Breuer, Andrew Sleighter, Ophira Eisenberg, Robert Dubac and others, according to a press release. “Hippieman’s Plan For America” kicks off the festival with a free show on Feb. 19. “He is our go-to comedy guy since he won our first New Faces competition in 2011,” said Wheeler Director Gram Slaton. “For 2015 he’s polishing a show he put together for Boulder’s Dairy Center for the Arts. It’s a little political and a lot way out there.” Breuer was named one of Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time and is known for his impressions and family-friendly routines. His big break came in 1995 when he joined the cast of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” During his four years on SNL, Breuer became a fan-favorite for his original character “Goat Boy” and impressions of
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 6, 2014
actor Joe Pesci. After that came “Half-Baked” with Dave Chappelle. Sleighter is an up-and-coming comedian who has played festivals from “Bumbershoot to Laughing Skull,”has written for Norm MacDonald’s “Sports Show” and was featured on MTV’s “Money From Strangers” and NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” Eisenberg was the MC of last March’s taping of “The Moth” at the Wheeler. She’s also the host and raconteur of NPR’s “Ask Me Another.” Dubac’s one-man show “The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron” has played since 1998. His new stage piece is titled “The Book of Moron” and is winning rave reviews in Denver and elsewhere. The historic Wheeler Opera House has hosted major comedy events for most of the past 20 years. It served as a principal venue for the HBO/U.S. Comedy Arts Festival.
Not from a bird’s eye, but rather a remote-control helicopter at an altitude of 350 feet above ground level on a late afternoon in early October. Jon McNally was the pilot, with Jon Fredericks as cameraman. Photo by Altitude Filmworks
Non-profit highlight
ROTARY CORNER
ROTARY CLUB OF CARBONDALE November with Carbondale Rotary 2014-15 Rotary International Theme
“Light Up Rotary” RI President Gary C.K. Huang
“SERVICE ABOVE SELF”
Carbondale Rotary Practicing Service Above Self, at home and around the world …
Carbondale Rotary in October presented $5,000 to Habitat For Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley’s Keator Grove project, matching a gift challenge from Jim and Connie Calaway. In turn, the Calaways announced another $25,000 matching gift challenge to help Habitat achieve its goal. The Lavender House is complete except for landscaping, while the Snells and Davis homes are now under construction. Habitat expects to break ground on its fourth house at Keator Grove soon. Carbondale Rotarians have put in numerous volunteer hours on the project. Connie Calaway jumps for joy at the final $2,000 check for the Carbondale Roundabout sculpture and landscaping, presented by Carbondale Rotary Club PresidentElect Steve Skinner on Oct 11.
In addition, Rotary showed up with another surprise check for $2,000 to round out Connie Calaway’s $100,000 fundraising effort for the James Surls sculpture that is to be installed in the new Highway 133 and Main roundabout. 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 Nov. 12 – Amy Kimberly, CCAH, Carbondale Creative Arts District Nov. 19 – Angie Davlyn, JVA Consulting Nov. 26 – Anna Gaytan, Rotaract Dec. 3
– Chris Klug
For program suggestions, contact Rick Carlson, rccarlson@gmail.com
For membership and other Rotary Club information, visit www.rotarycarbondale.org
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 6, 2014 • 9
Community Calendar THURS.-SAT. Nov. 6-8 THEATRE • Colorado Rocky Mountain School presents “Little Shop of Horrorsâ€? at the Barn at 7:30 p.m. The legendary comedy revolves around a oral assistant who stumbles across a new breed of plant that turns out to be a foul-mouthed, R&B singing carnivore. Tickets are $15 for adults/$10 for kids 18 and under.
THURSDAY Nov. 6 ROTARY • The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita at noon every Thursday. LIBRARY BOARD • The GarďŹ eld County Libraries Board of Trustees holds its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. the Parachute Branch Library. Info: 625-4270.
FRIDAY Nov. 7 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “The Judgeâ€? (R) at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7-13 and “My Old Ladyâ€? (PG-13) at 5:15 p.m. Nov. 7-9. DROP IN • As part of First Friday, CCAH will be open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the new Launchpad on Fourth Street. This will be the last chance to view the SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) exhibit. Info: 963-1680 or carbondalearts.com. LIVE PAINTING • Marcel Kahhak will paint live from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in his Dinkel Building gallery and studio. The painting’s theme will be fall/Thanksgiving. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served. COAT DRIVE • Gently used coats can be dropped of at the Third Street Center and Peppino’s during First Friday as part of the
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.
Carbondale Chamber of Commerce’s Angel Tree coat drive. MAIN STREET GALLERY • The Main Street Gallery hosts an opening for long-time local Victoria Broyles and her current show “Field Explorationsâ€? from 5 to 8 p.m. The paintings explore the Roaring Fork and Crystal River valleys. “We have featured her paintings several times in the past, and encourage friends and collectors to come by to say hello to Vicky, and to view her new paintings,â€? said gallery owner Frank Norwood. LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents live music every Friday night. Info: 963-3304. TAYLOR & YOUNG • Korologos Gallery artists Andy Taylor and Dan Young are featured in and opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Colorado Mountain College Artshare gallery in Rie.
SAT.-SUN. Nov. 8-9 DROP THOSE LEAVES • Basalt’s weekend leaf drop continues from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Willits soccer ďŹ eld, and at Basalt Seed Garden on Nov. 15-16.
SATURDAY Nov. 8 LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents the Bay Area band American Nomad. This acoustic trio won Best Vocal Performance at the 2013 Old Time music competition in Berkeley and is touring to promote their current recording, which was produced by Grammy award winning bluegrass star Laurie Lewis. Info: 963-3304.
:<.(9 >0;/6<; .<03;&
0[Z 6\Y 4VU[OS` :WLJPHS ` W 7PUR :\NHY )VK` :JY\I )HJR 5LJR :OV\SKLY 4HZZHNL 7YP]H[L 4PULYHS )H[O HUK H +H` 7HZZ [V [OL /PZ[VYPJ =HWVY *H]LZ ¸0[Z H +H` H[ [OL :WHš $115 =PZP[PUN& 5LLK [V MYLZOLU \W& *VTWSL[L (=,+( Salon 6WLU +H`Z H >LLR
‹ `HTWHOZWH JVT -VY 0UMVYTH[PVU 9LZLY]H[PVUZ JHSS ‹ 4HQVY *YLKP[ *HYKZ ‹ .PM[ *LY[PÄJH[LZ (]HPSHISL :WH 6WLU +HPS`
Join us First Friday! at the new
ARTISAN’S BOUTIQUE at
SUSAN’S
FLOWERS ON MAIN ST.
for an
ORGANIC OLIVE OIL TASTING 963-5754
TASTY • The Basalt Education Foundation presents the 19th annual Taste of Basalt from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Roaring Fork Club. For the second year in a row, Alpine Bank is the title sponsor for pledging $10,000. Tickets are $85 each at Midland Shoe Company or tasteofbasalt.com.
453 Main Street, Carbondale susan4flowers@earthlink.net
10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 6, 2014
LIBRARY EVENT • Local coffee purveyors and bakers are hosting a sampling party at 3 p.m. at the Carbondale Branch Library. Purveyors include: BonďŹ re, Born to Bake; Silver Sky Coffee, Blue Bird Cafe; Rock Canyon Coffee, Coloradough, Deja Brew Coffee & Tea and True Nature Healing Arts. Cookies and lemonade for the kids. Info: 963-2889. DAVI NIKENT • Claire O’Leary offers a profound journaling workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Third Street Center. Info: 303-525-6893. TAI CHI • Martin Finkelstein concludes his two-part introduction to Tai Chi from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at True Nature Healing Arts.
SUNDAY Nov. 9 LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents Kris Delmhorst. The Boston Globe calls Delmhorst’s original music “bold and brilliant.â€? The opening act is the Milwaukeebased Hayward Williams. Info: 963-3304. CANCER WALK • A walk for ovarian cancer awarness, which is being held in conjunction with Run for Her in Los Angeles, takes place at 444 River Valley Ranch Road in River Valley Ranch at 8:45 a.m. Learn about the symptoms of overian cancer, have a snack and coffee/tea beforehand, and honor those who have lost their battle with this type of cancer. To register for the walk, go to runforher.com and join “Dorene’s Darlings. Info: 818-800-1092. 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. THEATRE • DeďŹ ance Community players gives a matinee performance of “Les MisĂŠrablesâ€? at Glenwood Springs High School at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and students at the door.
MONDAY Nov. 10 JAZZ JAM • The Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs continues Jazz Jam Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. All abilities are welcome. For more info contact Hunter Damm 319-7853. CALENDAR page 11
Community Calendar
continued from page 10
TUESDAY Nov. 11
WEDNESDAY Nov. 12
CMS BAND • The Carbondale Middle School band presents its annual Veteran’s Day celebration at the CMS auditorium at 12:40 p.m. The band will perform “The Star Spangled Banner,â€? “The Armed Forces Saluteâ€? and “Stars and Stripes Foreverâ€? among other selections. All veterans and the public are welcome. VETS TRIBUTE • The students and staff at Crystal River Elementary School present a tribute to veterans at 10 a.m. The school is located at 110 Snowmass Dr. and the public is invited. Info: 384-5635. LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents Cahalen Morrison and his band Country Hammer at 8:30 p.m. He is touring to promote his current CD, which was produced by Tim O’Brien. The lineup includes pedal steel, ďŹ ddle and guitars. Critics describe Morrison’s sound as “new roots music that walks the same line as John Hartford and John Prine.â€? Info: 963-3304. LIBRARY • The Carbondale Branch Library presents Paws to Read at 4 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.
LIVE MUSIC • Dan Rosenthal hosts open mic nights at Rivers restaurant from 8 to 10 p.m. Info: 928-8813. CULTURE CLUB • The Culture Club in the Third Street Center presents award-winning singer/song writers Jan Garrett and JD Martin at noon. Garrett and Martin will present a sneak preview of their new holiday CD titled “All These Gifts.â€? Coming up Nov. 19: singer/song writer Matt Haslett. Info: thirdstreetcenter.net. WRITE ON • NaNoWriMoe Write-Ins take place at the Carbondale Branch Library on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. through Nov. 19. The goal is for participants to write a 50,000 word novel. Info: 945-5958. FIRE DISTRICT MEETS • The Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors holds its monthly meeting the second Wednesday of the month. Info: CarbondaleďŹ re.org. ROTARY • The Rotary Club of Carbondale meets at the Carbondale Fire Station at 6:45 a.m. Info: riccarlson@gmail.com and steve@kdnk.org.
WYLY SHOW CONTINUES • “4 Architects,â€? which features Glenn Rappaport, Harry Teague, Larry Yaw and Will Young, continues at the Wyly Annex (174 Midland Ave. in Basalt) through Dec. 6.
its tasting room. “My vision for the tasting room ‌ was to create an unpretentious environment for local artists to showcase their works,â€? said tasting room manager Aly Sanguily. “I wanted to allow the tasting room to have a larger purpose than just a ‘beer drinking’ establishment. I wanted people to walk in and immediately have a conversation about the aesthetics and the artistic habitat they have just stepped into.â€?
Ongoing
SAW SHOW CONTINUES • Roaring Fork Beer Company (1941 Dolores Way) shows the work of SAW artists Chris Erickson and Stanley Bell at
Further Out
SATURDAY Nov. 15
LIBRARY EVENT • The Carbondale Branch Library presents “One Woman’s Journey in Songâ€? with Ellen Stapenhorst. Join this locally renowned performer at 3 p.m. as she discusses her life through stories and song. Info: 963-2889. CARE • Colorado Animal Rescue holds its annual Furry Friends photo shoot and bake sale at the Third Street Center. Santa will be there
for photos of your family and pets ($20 on a disk). The hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Info: 947-9173.
FRIDAY Nov. 21 HOOTENANNY • KDNK throws an oldfashioned hootenanny from 6-9 pm at the Carbondale Recreation Center. Dress your Western best and enjoy live music, square dancing, the Labor of Love Auction, food and drinks. Info: 963-0139 or kdnk.org/auction.
Save the Date SATURDAY Nov. 15
ELK/TURKEY DINNER • Saint Mary of the Crown’s 37th annual elk/turkey dinner and country store takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. A donation is asked: $12 for adults; $8 for kids 5 to 12 and seniors. The church is located on White Hill.
SATURDAY Dec. 13 WILD & SCENIC FESTIVAL • The Thompson Divide Coalition brings the Wild & Scenic Film Festival to the Crystal Theatre on Dec. 13. The festival features conservation and adven-
ture ďŹ lms that illustrate the earth’s beauty, the challenges that face the plant, and the work that communities around the world are doing to protect the areas they cherish, according to a press release. “Through these ďŹ lms, we hope to inspire you, our audience, to become more involved with one of the biggest conservation opportunities facing our own community: permanent protection for public lands in the Thompson Divide area,â€? said a Thompson Divide spokesman. Other sponsors include CLIF Bar, Sierra Nevada, Patagonia and local businesses. Info: 970-355-4223.
Hold the Presses ATTENTION ROCK SCHOLARS • Round Two of the Magical Mystery Tour with Professor of Progressive Rock (DJ Rico Torres) takes place at KDNK at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18. Bring your favorite beverage and come talk about great music with your friends and neighbors. FIRE DISTRICT BUDGET HEARING • The Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District holds a public hearing on its proposed 2015 budget at the Carbondale ďŹ re station (300 Meadowood Drive) at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 12.
$POHS BU VM BU J POT U P "OEZ 5 BZM PS BOE %BO : PVOH $.$ "S U T IBS F FYIJ CJ U J PO i $M PT F U P )PNF w
Garfield County Planning Commission openings
The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is currently seeking volunteers to fill seats on the Planning Commission.
"OEZ 5BZMPS
There are three seats open on the Garfield County Planning Commission beginning January 1, 2015. The Planning Commission is a citizen board appointed by the BOCC that primarily provides recommendations to the Garfield County Commissioners on land use matters. These positions are appointed for three-year terms. The Planning Commission meets on the second Wednesday, and occasionally on the fourth Wednesday of every month, at 6:30 p.m., in the Garfield County Administration Building, 108 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO. Candidates are encouraged to apply by Letters of sending letters describing their interest in interest must the position and relevant background to Tamra Allen, Planning Manager, 108 8th be received Street, Suite 401, Glenwood Springs, CO by Tuesday, 81601 or via email at November 18, tallen@garfield-county.com. at 5:00 pm. Please call 970-945-8212 with any questions.
www.garfield-county.com
%BO :PVOH
0QF OJ OH 3F D F QU J PO /PW F NCF S QN $PM PS B EP .PVOU B J O $PM M F HF J O 3J øF
.J EM B OE "W F OVF #B T B M U t t L PS PM PHPT HB M M F S Z D PN THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 6, 2014 • 11
EAT. SHOP. PLAY CONFLUENCE OF RIVERS, RECREATION & CULTURE
Taste of Basalt returns to raise funds for schools Sopris Sun Staff Report The Basalt Education Foundation (BEF) presents the 19th annual Taste of Basalt at the Roaring Fork Club on from 6 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 8. Considered the midvalley’s premier social event of the school year, the Taste of Basalt offers guests the chance to try foods from the area’s best restaurants, sample wine from area distributors and vodka from Woody Creek Distillers, dance to the tunes of DJ Dylan, bid on Erika Leavitt dozens of silent-auction items and enter Basalt Education to win rafe prizes. Foundation Board president The event’s title sponsor for the second year in a row is Alpine Bank, which has pledged $10,000 to support the Taste of Basalt and BEF’s mission to enhance education at all three Basalt public schools. “We are so grateful to Alpine Bank and all our event sponsors for kick-starting
“We are so grateful to Alpine Bank and all our event sponsors for kickstarting our fundraising efforts this year.�
our fundraising efforts this year,â€? said Erika Leavitt, Basalt Education Foundation Board president. Last year’s Taste of Basalt raised more than $80,000. Money distributed to all three schools included support for the following programs: • $10,000 for interactive science materials at BMS; • $5,000 for ACES environmental education at BES; • $4,000 for the BMS band; • $4,000 for the Model U.N. World Affairs competition at BHS; • $3,900 for continuing education for teachers at BHS; • $3,600 for graphing calculators at BHS; • $2,000 for Mr. G the “science guyâ€? at BES; • $1,700 for English Language Learner tablets at BES. Taste of Basalt tickets are $85 per person or $80 per person when purchasing two or more tickets at once. They are available at Midland Shoe in downtown Basalt or online at www.tasteofbasalt.com.
“BEAR AWARE� Bears are in your yards, on the trails, along the river and people can be a meal for them!
NOW ACCEPTING WINTER CONSIGNMENTS
t 1VU ZPVS HBSCBHF USBTI PVU JO UIF NPSOJOH PG QJDLVQ SBUIFS UIBO UIF OJHIU CFGPSF t *G ZPV IBWF GSVJU USFFT PO ZPVS QSPQFSUZ PS ZPV BSF JO UIF BSFB PG GSVJU USFFT CF BMFSU t ,FFQ B XBUDI PWFS ZPVS QFUT BOE TNBMM DIJMESFO t 5SZ UP XBML IJLF XJUI TPNFPOF SBUIFS UIBO BMPOF t %PO U MFBWF ZPVS QSFNJTFT XJUI EPPST PS XJOEPXT PQFO
On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, meet in an informal setting with Basalt Mayor Jacque Whitsitt for coffee and a chat.
Coffee with the
Mayor
• Ideas for downtown redevelopment? • Thoughts on marijuana laws? • Questions on the river project?
Clothing, housewares, furniture, etc! 970-927-4384 144 Midland Avenue, Basalt, Colorado 81621
927-6488 Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5 Down the Block from Big O Tires, Basalt Business Center
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, /PWFNCFS Saxy’s in downtown Basalt from 8:15 to to 9:15 AM. 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 6, 2014
+
Education om page 2 Bright spots We are already seeing bright spots that point to early gains and lessons from which we can learn. Last year the district employed improvement cycles in teaching reading in grades K-3. Our reading scores went up markedly and, for the ďŹ rst time, eclipsed the state’s. At the other end of the K-12 pipeline, our high schools put an increased emphasis on college readiness skills, and their ACT scores, an important proxy for college readiness, went up as well. Knowing that the development of character is a key to academic success, Basalt and Carbondale middle schools teach character as a means to success; those two schools far outperformed the state in academic growth. These bright spots point the way to developing character and raising achievement in all of our schools. It’s important to note that these beacons are intentional and not accidental, and that by adhering to a continuous improvement process and studying what works, we can manage to achieve systematically different results in all schools. We can also learn from bright spots outside of our district; whereas Roaring Fork schools are performing similarly to most schools around the state, there are schools where all of their students meet gradelevel expectations and 100 percent of their graduates go on to college. It takes discipline and humility for us to learn continuously, and we also have to be willing to challenge some of the theories and beliefs that provide coherence to a current system in Colorado where only one in four high school freshmen will be ready to succeed in college. I believe we can get the results our community wants for our children, if we are willing to be honest about the facts, keep the focus, and double down on what matters most for our kids.
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.
Rob Stein is the chief academic ofďŹ cer for the Roaring Fork School District.
Trouble in paradise Dear Editor: David Galey and I are the people who Veronica Whitney talked about in a town council meeting and recent letter to the editor. Dave’s elderly mother visited us during Mountain Fair. She was there for about two-and-a-half weeks (not four as Veronica said). She is allergic to my cat and wanted privacy, therefore RV accommodations made sense. We wanted her close by so the RV park wasn’t an option. My driveway crosses town right-of-way (ROW), therefore the 32-foot RV does indeed park partially on it, not completely as Veronica stated in her Oct. 30 letter to the editor in The Sopris Sun. Veronica’s statement “I ďŹ nd there is a double standard that is unfair to neighbors that play by the rulesâ€? (Oct. 30 Sopris Sun) is troubling on many levels. She and her family treat the ROW in front of their house as if it were theirs. She installed her pink bunny complete with upward facing lights. Our town manager informed me that she hadn’t received a permit to place her bunny in the ROW but that they were OK with it. The same “gray areaâ€? that allowed the temporary RV parking also allowed her permanent bunny placement. She
enjoys use of the ROW same as we do thanks to our awesome town ofďŹ cials who use their common sense in what issues to pursue. I question what gives Veronica the right to blast the RV when her personal sculpture is installed on the ROW? How is one better than the other? Visit the link for her comments at the Sept. 23 trustees meeting: https://sopris.wistia.com/medias/iavf2wsxly. Listen to her bizarre accusations and see how members reacted for yourself. She’s skewed their reactions as well as our police chief’s words. And since when does less than a majority mean “most?â€? Julia Farwell Carbondale
Loving the cone dodge Dear Editor: I love Carbondale’s new sport, “Orange Cone Dodge.â€? Seriously, a big thank you to the planners and workers making massive improvements to Highway133 in such a timely manner. No easy task juggling our daily trafďŹ c around huge machinery. It is starting to look really good and will be worth all the “dodgingâ€? when it is done. Gary Pax Carbondale
Honor veterans Nov. 11 Dear Editor: The 239th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps will be observed on Monday, 10 Nov. at 11 a.m. at the Aspen Grove Cemetery agpole. Marines and friends of the Corps are invited. A “no hostâ€? luncheon will follow at the Red Onion after the ceremony. Veterans Day ceremonies will be held on Tuesday, 11 Nov. at 11 a.m. at the Roaring Fork Veterans Memorial located on the east side of the Pitkin County Courthouse at 506 E. Main St. The public is cordially invited. Veterans are encouraged to wear items of military memorabilia. Aspen Elks Lodge #224 will host their annual Veterans Day Luncheon following the ceremony. GrassRoots Community TV Channel 12 will run interviews of local veterans participating in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project throughout the day. For more information contact Dan Glidden at 927-4183 or Dick Merritt at 927-5178. Lt. Col. Dick Merritt U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) Western Slope Veterans Coalition Basalt
CUSTOMERS ARE SPECIAL! Your loyalty has paid off
NEW INSPIRING INVENTORY OF GARDENERS’ FAVORITES!!!
RJ Paddywacks has secured a discount on the full line of Natural Balance
VA L DE LEY LIV -W ER IDE Y
$< <' (5 (9 + ‡ $6 5 *: 1 '2 $
SAVE 5% EVERYDAY
Next to City Market in El Jebel, 400 E Valley Rd. Ste I/J 963.1700 Open M-F 10-6:30pm | Sat/Sun 11-5pm
Open seven days a week
Trees, Shrubs, Landscape Design and Installation Paperwhites and Amaryllis Bulbs!
Join Us for Christmas!!! Pre-order your Trees and Greenery Now!
NEW FALL HOURS! Open Monday-Saturday 9:00-5:00, Closed Sundays! +Z\ &DUERQGDOH &2 ‡
Weekend Leaf Drop Supervised residential leaf drop will be at the following locations:
We have some fun activities for youth through adult.
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!
October 18 & 19 – Arbaney Park October 25 & 26 – Willits Soccer Field November 1 & 2 – Southside Soccer Field November 8 & 9 – Willits Soccer Field November 15 & 16 – Basalt Seed Garden 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Go to
www.basalt.net for more information
DO NOT drop off yard waste outside of these times. Please separate leaves from branches and twigs. Brush and stick trailer will be provided also.
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 6, 2014 • 13
Community Briefs
Please submit your community briefs to news@soprissun.com by noon on Monday. wood Springs at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 11. The group is open to anyone who has been touched by suicide, no matter how long ago. Please use the Bethel Chapel entrance to church, which is located at 824 Cooper St. For more information, call Pam Szédelyi at 945-1398 or e-mail pamsz@sopris.net.
Basketball parents’ meeting slated A meeting for parents of Roaring Fork High School basketball players will be held at the gym at 6 p.m. on Nov. 11. For more information, call Marty Nieslanik at 384-5753 or Larry Williams at 355-4554.
AVH hosts Senior Health Fair
Symphony seeks players
Aspen Valley Hospital’s Senior Health Fair, for those 60 and older, takes place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 7. Appointments are not offered. Free screenings include blood pressure, eye pressure, vision, hearing, oral health, skin checks and knee exams. Other services and tests are offered at fees ranging from $25 to $48. For details, call 544-1305.
Symphony in the Valley is looking for volunteer musicians for the orchestra. Practice is under way for the annual Christmas concert series. For details, call 984-8833 or go to sitv.org.
Basalt Realty accepting coats Basalt Realty is accepting coats and winter clothing through Dec. 31 to donate to the Salvation Army. Basalt Realty is located at 206 Cody Lane (just south of the RFTA park and ride lot). For details, call 927-9955.
Flu clinics slated
RSVP offers driving class The Retired Seniors Volunteer Program offers the AARP Smart Drive class at the CMC Blake Street Center in Glenwood Springs from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Topics include: • Compensating for changes in vision, hearing and reaction time; • How to handle problem situations such as left turns, right of way, freeway traffic, trucks and blind spots while driving; • What to do if confronted by an aggressive driver; • When to use a car phone; • How medications may affect driving; • How to properly use anti-lock brakes, air bags and safety belts; • How to assess one’s own and others’ driving abilities through a Personal Driving Capability Index. For details, call the CMC Senior Center at 384-8747.
Earlier in the school year, Carbondale Community School students harvested vegetables and potatoes from their garden for an all-school lunch. From left to right are: Aya Tesoro, Tanner Rubinstein, Leah Shafer, Sawyer Riley, Paul Munk and Adrianna Kuhn. On a related note, the school has been selected to participate in the Wellness Advisor Collaborative, one of only eight charter schools in the state so chosen. Each school participating in the Wellness Advisor Collaborative works with a wellness advisor to form a school health and wellness vision, develop an action plan, implement sustainable strategies and assist schools in connecting to resources. Courtesy photo
Suicide support group meets HEARTBEAT, a support group for survivors after suicide, meets at the First United Methodist Church in Glen-
The Garfield County Health Department holds flu vaccine clinics in Glenwood Springs and Rifle from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 8. The Glenwood Springs clinic takes place at 2014 Blake Ave. (next to Valley View Hospital); the Rifle clinic takes place at the Garfield County building at 195 W. 14th St. (across from City Market). Appointments are not necessary. Shots are $25 for adults and $15 for kids, and can be billed to insurance companies and Medicaid. For details, call 945-6614 or visit Garfield-county.com.
Fire district calls Here are the Carbondale Fire District emergency 911 calls for the week of Oct. 26-Nov. 1: • Medical emergencies (9); • Wild land responses (3); • Motor vehicle accidents (3). • Trauma emergencies (2); • Medical assist (1); • Fire alarm response (1); • Carbon monoxide alarm response (1).
www.soprissun.com
the Crown Catho f o lic ary Ch in M t ur n Carbondale i ch a S
37th Annual
ELK/turkey DINNER and Country Store Saturday, November 15, 2014 Elk/Turkey Dinner Served from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. Donation: Adults $12 5 to 12 and Seniors $8 395 White Hill Road, Carbondale, Colorado (970) 704-0820
Check out our website! Carbondale’s www.soprissun.com community supported, weekly newspaper Featuring: • The E-edition • Linkable, searchable news
Plus: • Fun polls • Easy calendar submission • A live Twitter feed • More photos ... and videos, too!
14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 6, 2014
Fun can be stressful when bikes are involved â€œâ€Ś there’s something special about the big bike trip that looked oh so promising and what mountain bikers do — at all costs — to squeeze in a ride ‌â€?
By Trina Ortega Sopris Sun Correspondent
about fun being stressful. I followed it with, “Just calm down, it’s not worth getting hurt “Fun is stressful,â€? we joked as we pedaled over‌ or breaking a bike on a car’s fender or down the mostly quiet streets of Carbondale. breaking a brain.â€? The after-work ride had started to feel like a When we got to the Prince Creek trailhead round of American Ninja Warrior and hit the dirt, a sense of relief swept with everyday life obstacles — from through me like that warm rush arranging kid care, to taking lastfrom a celebratory shot of tequila. minute work calls, to managing The real ride was on. Then it started jammed through cold mud puddles that and goose bumps taking over the bare skin group texts for a group ride, to raining. Make no mistake, those made skunk stripes down our backs, bailed of my legs and arms, I stopped worrying loaning out bikes and helmets and swapping clouds did look ominous from the conďŹ nes of out from the single-track, onto the wash about those bills I forgot to pay, the deadline pedals that wereate cinched too tightly. We were home. We had ignored the black skies, deter- boarded dirt road, and back home to dry out I hadn’t met, or that my house was a comDepartment all of you. Thank you. plete disaster. Sometimes those rides are the doing all it took to get out on that mountain mined to ride at all costs. The rain turned to a from the deluge. oject, and to Chris Chacos But there’s something special about the big most special – the ones that make you feel bike ride: Rushing through stop signs, turning downpour, and the downpour turned to marsformed that Project “Gunga Din!â€? in front of cars, full of pent-up nervous en- ble-sized hail. The ditch that paralleled the trail bike trip that looked oh so promising and alive and in the moment. And you can never Carbondale ergy after sitting in front of computers and ďŹ lled with more water and became swift. I what mountain bikers do — at all costs — to doubt that those bike rides are worth the efplanting volkindergartners all day. But we also had that could see how easily a ash ood could take squeeze in a ride ‌ or to get out on that after- fort it takes to get out there. nie Hays with Boogie’s thanks work ride even when the weather one-ups amped excitement to be heading out on a over. The trail became mush and unrideable. oss, and Zane Dear Editor: you. As I took shelter under a stand of Gam- Trina Ortega of Carbondale is the managmidsummer’s evening ride. So after all of the rushing around and This past Friday, over 1,000 people kicked de Coalition. bel oak, my cheeks getting pelted by icy hail ing editor of Mountain Flyer Magazine. We laughed when my riding buddy quipped near-misses on the paved roads in town, we rborist, Dave off their Fourth of July celebration with one many duties of Aspen’s most popular traditions: the anr pot in our nual Boogie’s Buddy Race to benefit the Buddy Program! This 5K race and 1-mile Submit to unclassifieds@soprissun.com by Monday 12 p.m. with planting family and canine walk provides funding to Rates: $15 for 30 words, $20 for up to 50 words. ots are: Mary support nearly 1,000 local youth and their ayment due before publication.* families through many critical services and Street Spirits), (Koru con- programs including individual mentoring, Carbondale’s leadership education, EMBROIDERY BY CORALIE. To raise money for girls erly (CCAH), group mentoring, 24 Hour Gym and Lemonade Day, activities, scholarships, education in Afganistan. She will donate all to a nontive (soon-toproďŹ t. Names/words $5, mountains, heart or other detherapeutic counseling. ary on Fourth 1117 Village Road SAT., NOV. 8TH ONLY sign $10 on a beige background. Personalize a David Houggy Carbondale, CO Susan’s Flow +Z\ ‡ &DUERQGDOH bookmark $15. Call 970-355-9982. Executive Director t participants 963-1984 The Buddy Program FOR SALE - 5 Acre Mining Claim, Sheep Mountain, 0RQ WR 6DW ‡ &ORVHG 6XQGD\V Marble, Colorado 18K, 970-704-0482. donations appreciated (pickup available) thejunglecarbondale@yahoo.com
Bike Bits
Service Directory
Unclassifieds
Bonedale Bear THRIFT STORE 40% OFF SALE
970-963-5627
Service Directory
mate Was i t h l $31.95
U Cleans Inside & Out
See Thundercat at
CARBONDALE ANIMAL HOSPITAL 234 Main Street
(970) 963-2826
Complete Interior and Exterior wash package. and
Dr. Benjamin Mackin
If it rains or snows bring the vehicle back within 48 hours and we will rewash it.
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Friday 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday 10:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.
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
Grab and Go Local Grass-fed Beef Burgers
Salads By the Locals For Ice the Cream Locals
NEW!
FATBELLY BURGERS
Locally raised beef and produce 220 Main St, Carbondale | 970-963-1569 fatbellyburgers.com | info@fatbellyburgers.com
Orchard Valley Farms & Black Bridge Winery
MOBETTAH MULFORD COMPOSTING CO.
2340 100 Road WE REACHED OUR GOAL! Carbondale Thank you for donating to the Orchard Valley Farms adopt a pumpkin program benefiting the Flight of the Eagle Project. For more information about this program, visit www.flightoftheeagleproject.com.
Thank You
Thank you to our CUSTOMERS for another fun and successful season! From the gang at Orchard Valley Farms and Black Bridge Winery
Now accepting clean, organic yard waste at no cost.
orchardvalleyfarms.com Think about it!! FREE!!! Near Catherine Store Bridge. 970-527-6838 • 15836 Black Bridge Rd., Paonia, CO Call 379-3307 for more details.
GET THE WORD OUT IN UNCLASSIFIEDS! Rates start at $15. Email unclassiďŹ eds@soprissun.com.
Find us on Facebook
Weather Insurance
Car Wash • Detailing Oil changes • Tires
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS for kids and teens to promote their businesses enterprises. Thirty word maximum. Please send to unclassiďŹ ed@soprissun.com.
SPECIALIZING IN PRODUCING & REPAIRING OUTDOOR Tuesday-Friday 2pm-5pm SEWN GOODS 1945 Dolores Way, Carbondale (upstairs above Roaring Fork Beer Co.) (970) 315-2605 Info@UpSki.com is now accepting
sewing repairs!
We also: Manufacture bikepacking & cargo -bike bags Repair sewing machines
s! e r i T l l e S We $PNF UP 4VOCVSTU GPS ZPVS 8JOUFS UJSF DIBOHF PWFS— 970 963 8800 745 Buggy Circle in Carbondale www.sunburstcarcare.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 618-9112 for more info.
NOW ACCEPTING WINTER CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
$5 OFF OF EACH $25 PURCHASE
303 Main St. • Carbondale • 963-3940 • OPEN 7 DAYS
WINDSHIELD REPAIR AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT CALL US NOW!
970-963-3891
A CRACKED WINDSHIELD is NOT SAFE for you and your family DAVID
ZAMANSKY Owner Operated
500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • NOVEMBER 6, 2014 • 15
Tired of Your Your Premiums Going Up? 1RW 6DWLVĂ€HG ZLWK <RXU &RYHUDJH" 1RW 6DWLVĂ€HG ZLWK <RXU &RYHUDJH"
:H &DQ +HOS &DOO 7RGD\
)OH[LEOH &XVWRPL]DEOH ,QVXUDQFH &RYHUDJH )O H[LEOH L &XVWWRPL]DEOHH ,QVXUDQQFH &RYYHHUDJH U +RXU &RYHUDJH 2Q 2II 7KH -RE +RXU U &RYYHHUDJJH 2Q 2II 7KH -RE al Coverages for: llness Insurance* s Medical Accident Insurance* erm Accident Disability e Insurance* fe Insurance* al Insurance* CContact ontact YYour our LLicensed icensed AAgent: gent:
an C u Yo ur w o o H Ask ck in Y up to Lo es for **
Rat
Tim Morales 720-298-4342 Fax 888-505-9022 ORALES@USHAdvisors.com Agent.com / TimothyMorales
V K W 0RQ
36
GA-AD-10x13-1014
IInsurance In nsurance uunderwritten nddeerwr wriitten by by Fr FFreedom reedom LLife ife In IInsurance nsurance C Company ompany ooff A America/National merica/National FFoundation oundation LLife ife IInsurance nsurance C Company. ompany. * Allll products A products nnot pro ot aavailable vailable iinn aallll sstates. tates. Ex E Exclusions xclusions aand nd lillimitations imitations ap aapply. pply. S See ee A Agent gent fo ffor or ddetails. etails. **** N Not ot available available iinn aallll sstates tates or or oonn aallll pro pr products. oducts. Ex E Exclusions xclusions aand nd lillimitation imitation ap aapply. pply.