Issuu

LOOK INSIDE:

MP ARING AG FOR E IN K SID

PAGE 2 River PAGE 7 Frames PAGE 20 Margaritaville

Carbondaleâ€™s community

supported, weekly newspaper

Volume 5, Number 40 | November 14, 2013

Veterans Day 2013 Carbondale Middle School students honored U.S. military veterans in words and song on Monday, Nov. 11, as seventh grader Solana Teitler (shown here) was one of the students who spoke during the program. Veterans Day dates to 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I fighting on that date the previous year. The day became a federal holiday in 1938 and in 1954 President Dwight Eisenhower signed a law changing the name to Veterans Day.

EARLY FRIDAY

SALE!

BLACK

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22 ONE DAY ONLY

3000** OFF EVERY HOT TUB 16 FLOOR MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM SO SHOP EARLY

SPECIAL STORE HOURS 9AM-9PM ** discount of MSRP & applies to in stock floor models only

1197 Main Street, Carbondale

963.2100

Photo by Jane Bachrach

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.

By Ken Neubecker

A few weeks ago Lynn Burton asked what my five favorite books about rivers were and to then write about them. Easy! I said without thinking. Well, it’s not so easy. Rivers run through many books and I have a lot of them. Breaking down the river themes by category seemed sensible, although even here the side channels intertwine making distinct boundaries impossible. Rivers flow into and out of history, mixing in the occasional quagmires of philosophy and science. These in turn pick up speed through the rocks and rapids of environmental policy. The writings about and with rivers are as complicated, varied and exciting as the rivers themselves. Some of the most popular books fall into the “Down the River” category. Jon Waterman’s “Running Dry” and his joint

work with photographer Pete McBride “The Colorado River, Flowing Through Conflict” are only the latest in a long line of writings that trace the Colorado. Ever since John Wesley Powell made the first trip down the Green and Colorado rivers others have followed, seeking both the wonder and excitement of the undammed river, and ways to exploit its commercial opportunity. Powell’s account, “The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons” is a good place to start. Fredrick Dellenbaugh, accompanying Powell’s second trip wrote an account with “A Canyon Voyage.” In 1911-12 Ellsworth and Emery Kolb were the first to travel nearly the full length of the river, documenting the trip with film and the book “Through the Grand Canyon from Wyoming to Mexico.” The first truly literary exploration of

Time to carb’ down By Patrick Hunter

The town council member is having an affair with the chief of police. A town staffer is taking kickbacks from a contractor. The Planning and Zoning Commission is getting shipments of marijuana from medical marijuana stores. Oh, that could be in Carbondale, Illinois, not here. My bad — you thought I meant our own little Carbondale — in Colorado?

The Illinois version of Carbondale might just have these scandalous goingson. Who knows? They were the 95th most dangerous town in America. On the other hand, some think they are one of the most boring towns ever. Don’t believe everything you read in a newspaper. Besides, I’m really just trying to see if anybody reads these columns. The motto of Carbondale, Illinois is “City of Trees and PhDs.” Their nickname

this iconic river was Frank Waters “The Colorado.” Waters delightfully traces the river through its geographic, human and cultural history. Waters gives us a glimpse of the people and the “untamed” river that was such an important part of their lives. Waters was there before, during and after the construction of Hoover (Boulder) Dam. He helped build the dam, calling it “A visual symphony written in steel and concrete … .” His account of taking the steamer from Yuma, Arizona through the Delta out to the fishing villages on the Gulf of California provides a well-woven picture of something we’ll probably never see again. It was only after the spasms of dam building that we began to reconsider what we’d done. In the 1960’s Philip Fradkin wrote about the Colorado from this perRIVER INSPIRATION page 17

is “Cultural Capital of Southern Illinois.” The explanation is that they are the home of Southern Illinois University. The name of Carbondale was given by a city father because of a large nearby coal deposit. And that gets me to the topic of this column: carbon, and — Carbon-dale; or, “Car-bon-du-lay”. (For those of you that speak French.) Now, the kind of “carbon” around here is not specifically the kind found in some of our fine local restaurants. Such CARB page 17

Letters

Dear Editor: The heartwarming video, “Valley Elders Remember,” was presented on Nov. 10 to a standing-room-only crowd at the library. Ditty Perry, Doug Farris, Rusty Burtard, Bill and Pat Fender, Margaret McCann and 102-year-old Guido Bagett were shown on

Weekly in print; daily online The Sopris Sun is working to bring you online coverage of breaking news, but we need your help. Keep us informed of traffic, natural disasters, photo opps and the like by texting or leaving a message at 970-510-0540. You can also email will@soprissun.com, send a message to our Facebook or Twitter pages, or use #bonedale.

Breaking news tips will be followed up online according to the best of our abilities. Major, longterm story ideas will be brought to the editor and board.

Check it all out at www.SoprisSun.com.

To inform, inspire and build community.

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.

Video thanks

Sponsored by

SOPRIS LIQUOR & WINE Be Responsible!

Cop Shop

The following events are drawn from incident reports of the C’dale Police Dept.

SATURDAY Nov. 2 At 7:33 p.m. a motel employee called to report a transient had been looking for cigarette butts in her ashtray, but left when asked. SATURDAY Nov. 2 At 2:03 a.m. officers contacted two males practicing “crack climbing” on a town building. Officer suggested they use the recreation center climbing boulder to practice their climbing techniques. SUNDAY Nov. 3 From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. police issued three citations for speeding on Highway 133. MONDAY Nov. 4 At 5:11 p.m. police received a call about an SUV that had followed a middle school student on her way home. When she ran into her residence, two men got out of the vehicle, approached her house and knocked. The student did not open the door. The males left a religious pamphlet and drove away. THURSDAY Nov. 7 At 11:59 a.m. a man called 911 from the RFTA parkand-ride lot and told dispatch that he was trying to get a hold of RFTA concerning a “ticket issue.”

Linda Halloran: A garden legacy at CRMS By Barbara Dills Sopris Sun Correspondent

The harvest may be over, but if you visited the Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) garden on one of these crisp November days, you’d find Linda Halloran as busy as ever, putting that rich ground to bed for the winter one last time. After 15 years at the helm of a school gardening program that has become a national model, she plans to hang up her keys to the CRMS greenhouse — and the skid-steer — for good on Dec. 31. Linda’s involvement in the garden started in the late 1990s when she was working part-time in the CRMS Development Office and someone asked her to water the small 20-by-30 foot garden plot that existed on campus at that time. She began to wonder if and how it could be expanded. At that time, the educational component for gardening was limited by the school calendar; students would plant in the spring and when they returned in the fall, most everything would be dead. Eventually, Linda was given the go-ahead to see what she could do. Outside sources (grants and symposiums) funded the initial program expansion in the late 1990s, and after a successful two-year pilot, the school officially took the garden on as a budgeted part of the overall CRMS program, with Linda filling what was then a part-time director’s role. Not to be overly cute, but the current CRMS garden program truly has grown organically since that time. A few years into Linda’s tenure, Kay Brunnier, then a CRMS parent, suggested that the school create a master plan for the garden. The plan helped guide such additions as the greenhouse and the construction of a small straw bale building — thanks to the help of CRMS parent volunteers, students and faculty — which now serves several roles: as the garden office, tool shed, and seedstarting nursery. “The decision to double the garden’s size in 2009 went beyond even that original master plan,” says Linda. Today, the garden is a year-round endeavor that involves students in every possible phase of the planting, growing and harvesting cycle while providing 35 percent of the total produce prepared and served by CRMS kitchen to students, faculty, staff and guests. In 2012, that amounted to 11,600 pounds of organic, super-locally grown food (the kitchen is a five minute walk from the garden). The total weight count for 2013 is not yet in as there are still carrots in the ground waiting to be dug. Linda’s official title is Director of the Garden Program, now a full-time faculty position. From early spring to late fall, a garden assistant joins her to help with the rigorous planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting schedule and to lend a hand with spring and fall student work crews. The past several summers, CRMS has also offered gardening internships to two college students, and they, in turn, have provided the extra hands needed to keep the bountiful CRMS garden going and growing during peak season. Over the course of the year, the garden, hoop house, and greenhouse collectively produce onions, beets, carrots, three to

Linda Halloran in the CRMS bean patch in August 2012. “It was a bumper crop that year,” she reports. In 2012, the total harvest weighed in at 11,600 pounds. Some of this year’s produce included: onions, beets, carrots, potatoes, raspberries, leeks, kale, Swiss chard, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, summer squashes, winter squashes, rhubarb, asparagus, basil, garlic, 15 culinary herbs, apples, apricots, tomatillos, turnips, rutabagas, tomatoes, green and yellow beans, eggplant, peppers and more. Photo by Barbara Dills

true pioneers they four varieties of were.” Later in our potatoes, raspberinterview, I ask her ries, leeks, kale, if she can comment Swiss chard, lettuce, on how the CRMS cabbage, broccoli, program has influcauliflower, Brusenced others in this sels sprouts, cucumJeff Leahy valley — the school bers, four summer CRMS head of school and community squashes, six winter gardens or those squashes, rhubarb, asparagus, basil, garlic, 15 culinary herbs, involved in the local food movement. In apples, apricots, tomatillos, turnips, ruta- her typically humble fashion, she replies, bagas, over 10 varieties of tomatoes, green “We were a little out in front, I suppose.” and yellow beans, eggplant, five varieties And then she once again credits the Holdof peppers, both sweet and hot, five vari- ens. “The original rational wasn’t about eties of cucumbers, watermelon and cantaloupe. (Two of Linda’s favorite plants in terms of visual beauty are pumpkins and cabbage.) Almost everything grown is raised from seed. On the rare occasions when the harvest is more than the school can use, the surplus is donated to Lift-Up. Linda admits she never could have envisioned all this when she started.

“Linda’s impact on the school goes well beyond the garden itself.”

local food per se. There was just always the intrinsic sense here that if you have this land, you should be making some sort of good, constructive use of it.” Head of School Jeff Leahy passes that credit right back to Linda. “Linda’s impact on the school goes well beyond the garden itself. While we are proud of what Linda and the students have been able to produce on less than one acre of land, we are equally impressed with her ability to establish a vision for how the garden fits within the school program and our overall community . . . Colorado Rocky Mountain School was founded on a ranch, and we have always viewed our land use as an essential part of our program. When alumni return to campus they often remark on how the garden that Linda has overseen is much more developed than anything they had during their time here. … Plenty of schools now have gardens, but few of these gardens are as productive and as integrated into the educational community as Linda’s.” The Holdens believed that meaningful work was as important as academic study to a well-rounded education and that philosophy remains a guiding principle at the school. The CRMS active program includes not only sports and other physical activities but required work crews; gardening is one of many options for students to choose from. Winter and spring garden work crews help out from January to June, planting seeds and transplanting seedlings inside until the temperatures warm up enough to prepare the beds for early crops outside. Spring work crew students also help with preparations for the plant sale on Mother’s Day weekend, a much anticipated community event that extends the garden’s reach to the public. On the day of the sale, they help tally and carry purchases for customers. The plant sale has become a valuable fundraiser for the garden program, but Linda says it originated in large part as a way to create meaningful winter and spring work for students, and that purpose remains central. In the fall, garden work crews focus on harvesting and cleaning up. This writer has enjoyed helping out with the fall potato harvest the past few years. It is a delight to watch students from all parts of the country — and as far away as Seoul, HALLORAN page 7

Meaningful work “At CRMS, and by extension in the garden, everything comes from the Holdens’ vision,” says Linda, referring to CRMS founders John and Anne Holden who incorporated ranching and farming into the educational program from the school’s The CRMS plant sale each spring helps lots of gardeners kick off their growing seasons. The beginning in 1953. “They had a full-time school’s gardening program is now a year-round endeavor that involves students in every organic gardener way back then, a man phase of the planting, growing and harvesting cycle while providing 35 percent of the total and his family. That just shows what produce prepared and served by CRMS kitchen to students. Photo by Barbara Dills The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • November 14, 2013 • 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@SoprisSun.com.

Where were you Nov. 22, 1963? The Sopris Sun has been asking readers where they were on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Here’s what Kris Gardner writes, “I was a junior at Roaring Fork High School. A friend who had gone home for lunch stopped us in front of the Mt. Sopris Motel on 4th Street (long gone) and told us what had happened and we thought it was a joke. My first class after lunch was office assistant so I had the task of taking a message to every teacher in a classroom that hour to read the news to the students. What a job for a 16 year old!” Gardner is executive vice-president for Alpine Bank in Glenwood Springs. If you have a recollection you’d like to share, please send it to news@soprissun.com.

There is some debate in local UFO circles whether this reported object was attempting to land north of Carbondale, or attempting to dock at the alien space-port on Mt. Sopris. In any case, the saucer was photographed through a screen door and later vanished without a trace. Photo by Jane Bachrach

RFHS/BHSers make Honor Band Roaring Fork High School students Zack Ritchie (percussion), Sasha Williams (clarinet) and Kevin Drudge (trumpet) were named to the Colorado Music Educators District 8 Northwest Honor Band, as was Bridges High School student A.J. Gray (trombone). Students were nominated by their directors and submitted an audition. They will work with guest director Steve Martin of D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School on Nov. 15-16, and give a concert at Harris Hall in Aspen at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16. The program will consist of “Instant Concert,” “Concord,” “Highlights from Brave,” Redemption,” and “Pursuit.” Admission is free.

Dig those commuters How do the Featherstone boys commute to Roaring Fork High School? It’s not via a car, SUV, pickup truck,

bike, motorcycle, skateboard, rickshaw, unicycle, horse and/or buggy, pogo stick or helicopter. How do they do it? Check out the RFHS Rampage in this week’s Sopris Sun and find out.

Wille wins $5K in bake-off El Jebeller Kim Doyle Wille won $5,000 in the Pillsbury Bake-Off at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Monday, according to her Facebook page. She won her prize for most innovative use of peanut butter in her Thai shrimp pizza. Her high point during the contest came when “Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi tasted her pizza and asked how she made it. As for the $1 million winner in the 46th annual competition, it went to Gloria Spriggs of Henderson, Nev. for her “whipped up loaded potato pinwheels.”

Up the Crystal The Sopris Sun’s roving reporter reports the Thanksgiving bonfire pile is already growing in the Redstone Inn parking lot … over the weekend there was snow on the ground along County Road 3 and a thin layer of ice on Beaver Lake in Marble. Folks taking a drive up that way might be reminded they can pull in KAJX at 91.5 until just about the Marble cemetery.

Dog of the week Dog of the Week honors at the Delaney dog park go to a playful, white boxer-looking dog named “Spliff.” On a related note, the tail-wagging, brindle-color dachshund/pitbull mentioned in this space two or three weeks ago is named “Hazel.”

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating their birthday this week include: Sue Rollyson and Morgan Williams (Nov. 14); Joyce Leeman (Nov. 15); Robin Tolan (Nov. 17); Larry Smith (Nov. 18); Heather Lafferty and Kelsey Clapper (Nov. 19); and Rosie Sweeney and Mike Metheny (Nov. 20).

Carbondale Recreation & Community Center Pre-school Programs

Motion Mondays + Wild & Wacky Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 am (every week) November’s Special Cranberry Salt Scrub Private Mineral Bath Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage plus a Day Pass to Our Historic Vapor Caves It’s a day at the Spa $115

For Information & Reservations call 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com Spa Open 9-9 Salon 9-7 • Major Credit Cards • Gift Certiﬁcates Available 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • November 14, 2013

Drop-in & Play! $5 for members $6 non-members Ages 1 to 6 (parent supervised program) www.carbondalerec.com 970-510-1290

Photo by Barbara Dills

Halloran

from page 5

Korea — discover for the first time where potatoes come from. In addition to digging and picking, harvesting also includes sorting, washing and weighing. (Oh, and spraying your friends with the hose, sharing stories of home over the sorting table, and a healthy dose of flirting, too.) When I ask Linda if she’s seen any change in the students’ relationship to gardening over the years, she quips, “They’re still teenagers! But it’s true that a lot of them are coming in now having had more exposure to eating and growing healthy food at home.” Says school gardens expert Illene Pevec, “One reason the CRMS garden has been so phenomenal under Linda’s direction is because it completely embraces and is embraced by the school philosophy. It represents CRMS. It represents the commitment to sustainability, community service, handson learning, and work —the necessity of work in everyone’s life. And the kids know that. And they love the work in the garden because they see the fruits of their labors.”

The kitchen Linda is quick to point out that a close partnership between the garden and the CRMS kitchen has been essential to the growth and success of the program. It’s vital, she feels, that the kids not only see the fruits of their labors, but that they also get to eat those fruits consistently, and in many different forms. “Two of the keys to successful school gardens are integrating with the school schedule and coordinating with the kitchen,” says Linda. Fiona Pax-

O’Donnell, the Director of Food Services at CRMS for the past six years, is a former restaurant chef who has been more than willing to do what it takes to incorporate the garden’s bounty into what she and her staff serve. What they can’t use fresh, they pickle, freeze or otherwise store for later use in root cellars and above-ground coolers. Linda and Fiona keep detailed records of what is harvested when and how it is utilized. They meet to discuss how much of each crop will be needed that year, and they check in regularly as the growing season unfolds. On the other end is the school’s composting operation. All food waste, kitchen scraps, and disposable paper goods from the cafeteria are recycled into garden compost, which students help tend and, when it is ready, work back into the garden. And so the cycle from farm to table to farm goes at CRMS. Thanks to Linda’s hard work and the school’s commitment, it will continue.

What’s next? CRMS has not yet announced Linda’s replacement, but the vision for what comes

next is clear. “The role of the person who follows Linda will be to build upon the great work that is already being done every day in the garden,” says Leahy. “The next garden manager will need to keep the students at the forefront of every decision that is made. Linda’s ‘Garden Learning Center’ is about teaching students through the act of growing food — the priorities will remain in that order.” And for Linda? She’s looking forward to not having a schedule come January. She’ll be freer to travel with her husband, local artist Andy Taylor, on his sketching and painting trips. She won’t be watching the NOAA weather forecasts with the same sense of panic or stumbling in the dark at CRMS to cover plants when a freak freeze is suddenly predicted. But that’s not the whole story. When I ask her what she’ll miss, at first she laughs and says, “Driving the skid-steer.” Then, after a thoughtful pause, she adds, “What I’ll really miss a lot is the opportunity to see kids change before my eyes, not because of the garden program, but because they have choices. That’s been one of the coolest things about working at CRMS.”

The Students Speak If I really pay attention to the plants, like the way the leaves grow out, Linda just taught me that when seeds first sprout, they get two leaves and all plants’ first two leaves look the same, and then they start sprouting their leaves that are really unique, so I’ve been paying attention to that too…. In the fall they have cherry tomatoes growing, so on my way to class I come by and get some cherry tomatoes and they’re so good, and I get them from the store as well but they’re not as tasty, they’re more watery and don’t taste as good. Knowing it came from the garden I think, makes a big difference, and it doesn’t matter if I picked it or somebody else did, I could have planted that, it’s just a cool experience. – Callie, age 16 I have worked in the garden for about three years, and I have seen people I have never really gotten along with and they haven’t gotten along with me, but in the garden all that sort of changes. There is something to be said about the conversation in a garden, any garden. It’s usually a lot deeper and more vibrant than conversations that I have anywhere else. – Chris Thanks to Illene Pevec for sharing these interview excerpts. She conducted interviews with CRMS students in the garden in 2007 and 2008 in conjunction with work she was doing for her PhD thesis.

FRAMING FOR

CHRISTMAS ? As the Holidays get closer we get busier and our suppliers run out of framing materials.

AVOID THE RUSH Friendly Personal Assistance 31 Years Experience Huge Moulding Selection

MAIN STREET GALLERY

817 GRAND, GLENWOOD SPRINGS, 945-4817

And

399 MAIN STREET, CARBONDALE, 963-3775

The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • November 14, 2013 • 7

Honoring Veterans

Carbondale Middle School students continued their annual tradition of honoring U.S. military veterans on Nov. 11. The musical program this year included “The Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” “My Country, Tis of Thee,” “Hymn for the Fallen” by John Williams and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Clockwise from upper left: one of several veterans who attended the program, Trevor Stroud, Emily Johnson and band director Mark Gray. Photos by Jane Bachrach

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • November 14, 2013

Carbondale students learn about importance of wilderness Sopris Sun Staff Report

Students from Roaring Fork High School and Carbondale Community School were among approximately 150 that attended EcoFlight’s “The Value of Wilderness” seminar at Aspen High School on Nov. 8. Presenters included Sloan Shoemaker of Carbondale-based Wilderness Workshop, and local author and founder of Huts for Vets, Paul Andersen. Shoemaker opened the seminar with a summary of the federal Wilderness Act and pointed out how fortunate those in the Roaring Fork Valley are to be literally ringed by spectacular wilderness, including Holy Cross, Collegiate Peaks, Maroon Bells, Ragged and West Elks wilderness. He went on to describe the importance and challenges of preserving places in nature that are more valuable in their natural state than what can be extracted from them, be it timber, minerals, energy or other resources. Andersen spoke to the audience about wilderness as an important therapeutic healing process for U.S. veterans and active-duty service members. Following Anderson’s presentation, Iraqi war veteran Adam McCabe of Purple Star Veterans and Families shared the statistic that a U.S. military veteran dies from suicide every 65 minutes. With the seminar taking place just before Veterans Day, McCabe stressed the importance of helping soldiers and their families navigate the trials of homecoming after their experience in war. Among the audience were students from the Outdoor Leadership Program at Roaring Fork High School. They said they were struck by the amount of wilderness in Colorado, especially compared with other states and felt privileged to have such an ease of access to the wilderness. “I value wilderness because I love taking pictures in the green forest, smelling the fresh non-polluted air and having somewhere to feel free,” said one 11th grade student. They were especially impacted by some of the statistics

Eight Roaring Fork High School students attended the recent “Value of Wilderness” seminar in Aspen. From left to right, front: Paul Roman, Will Kribs and Wes Engstrom; back, Brooke Tuveson (the Buddy Program), Evelyn Morales, Fernando Barraza, Ilse Gonzalez, Alyza Ceballos and Miriam Salvidrez; rear, Drew Adams (RFHS principal). Courtsey photo shared by McCabe. “I believe in preserving the wilderness and its benefits for relieving stress and for healing,” stated a second RFHS student, while another added, “I value the wilderness because it is the only way to get away from civilized places and just take the time to enjoy wildlife and nature.” The seminar was the culmination of EcoFlight’s annual week-long Flight Across America (FLAA) Student Program, which uses flight and ground-based education to involve and inform college-age students about current conservation issues from a broad range of perspectives. With the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act coming up in 2014, the focus of this year’s FLAA was the “alpha-

bet soup” of designations and protections of public wild lands and the threats facing wilderness-quality lands in the West. Participating in the program and presenting at the seminar were students from the Colorado Mountain College sustainability program and the Isaacson School of New Media, and Colorado Mesa University, Colorado University-Boulder and Arapahoe Community College. The eight students had just returned from studying protected and threatened areas in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, where they met with conservation groups, sportsmen, business and government officials, the media, schools and Navajo youth along the route.

Extending

Renowned

Hospitality “CMC’s Resort Management program

excellent

enjoys an reputation in our region, nationally and internationally.” Terry Hunter directs the Colorado Mountain College Resort Management Program. He and his team of instructors have built a solid reputation for hospitality education. This year he was honored by the American Hotel and Lodging Association with the prestigious Anthony G. Marshall Award as the country’s Outstanding Hospitality Educator.

www.ColoradoMtn.Edu/FirstChoice The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • November 14, 2013 • 9

Community Calendar THURSDAY Nov. 14

MARGARITAVILLE RETURNS • The Sopris Sun’s Margaritaville on Main Street fund-raiser returns to Mi Casita from 6 to 9 p.m. Guilty Pleasure will provide the tunes. Proceeds benefit Carbondale’s nonprofit community newspaper (that’s us). DECK THE WALLS • CCAH hosts an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. for its Deck the Walls holiday sale. Items and artisans include: Sweet Rubies chocolates (Rochelle Norwood), ornaments (David Powers and Jill Scher), mushroom-dyed scarves (Michelle Dockins), ceramic (Angus Graham and Diane Kenney), prayer malas (Alexa Webster), woodwork (Brad Reed Nelson’s Board by Design), soaps and lotions (Queen of the Meadow and Laine Fabijianic), handmade jewelry (Mary Cervantes, Susie Kaldis, Sondie Reiff and Terry Muldoon) and “much more.” Info: 963-1680 or carbondalearts.com. SHINE A LIGHT • Shine a Light on lung cancer holds a candlelight vigil at the Valley View Hospital’s Calaway • Young Cancer Center lobby at 5 p.m. Info: 3847707 or vvh.org.

M E

SPECIAL CONCERT • Germany’s award-winning a capella male quintet Vocaldente performs at Mountian View Church in Glenwood Springs at 7 p.m. Admission is by season membership in the Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association. Info: 945-5384.

Heart Rhythm

with Alexa Webster and David Starbear Avalos

NOV 15

7:30 – 9 PM By donation. Join us as we journey into the heart of movement with a fusion of live dance, drums and sound.

Sacred Sunday NOV 17 By donation. 5 — 6:15 PM Yoga with Leslie Woodward, accompanied by live kirtan music

6:30 — 8 PM

Kirtan with the Pushpams: heart opening call and response chanting. Children Welcome!

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.

ROTARY • The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita at noon every Thursday.

FRIDAY Nov. 15 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Captain Phillips” (PG-13) at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-21; “20 Feet from Stardom” (PG-13) at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 15; “Enough Said” (PG-13) at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16 and “Blue Jasmine” (PG13) at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 17.

THEATRE • Aspen Community Theatre presents “The Producers” at the Aspen School District Theatre through Nov. 17. Tickets are available at aspenshowtix.com. Info: aspencommunitytheatre.com. THEATRE • The Defiance Community Players presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” at Glenwood Springs High School Nov. 15-16 at 7 p.m., Nov. 17 at 2 p.m., Nov. 22-23 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students under 18; Sunday matinees are $12. Info: 379-6256. DAVI NIKENT • Davi Nikent and others present “An Evening with Wayne Dyer and Abraham (Esther Hicks) at the Third

Street Center at 7 p.m. This is a streamed event that look place on Nov. 13. Dyer will ask questions he has accumulated from his more than 40 years of teaching self-reliance and selfdiscovery. The suggested donation is $10 but nobody will be turned away. Info: 618-5879.

handmade gifts. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Carbondale Fire District.

LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents music every Friday night. Info: 963-3340.

TRE • Tension and Trauma Releasing (TRE) exercises are offered at the Third Street Center at 2 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 24. The cost is $10 per session but nobody will be turned away. Wear loose clothing, and bring a mat and water. Info: Betsy at 379-3486.

SHOW CLOSES • CCAH’s Día de Los Muertos show in the Round Room closes today. COMMUNITY MEDITATION • Gwen Garcelon holds a community meditation from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Third Street Center. Donations will be accepted.

SATURDAY Nov. 16

LIVE MUSIC • The Black Nugget on Main Street presents Thief River (alt country from Denver) at 9 p.m. No cover. CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE • The 37th annual Christmas Boutique takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Carbondale Fire Station. Local artisans are offering

truenatureheals.com

SCHOOLS THAT CHANGE COMMUNITIES MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOLKS

NOVEMBER 21 • 5:30-6:30 PM ST

@ THE CRYSTAL THEATER

TWO STEP • Two Step Tuesday continues through Nov. 28 at the Third Street Center at 7:45 p.m. Admission is $7. Info: 379-4956.

WEDNESDAY Nov. 20

ROTARY • The Rotary Club of Carbondale meets at the fire station at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays. Info: eagleriver@sopris.net. CULTURE CLUB • The Carbondale Culture Club at the Third Street Center continues its lunchtime presentations with “Explore Avatar” with licensed master Donna Fell. CALENDAR continued on page 11

Fun. Unique. Local. Carbondale’s women’s clothing boutique.

Holiday Party:

Thursday, November 21st from 5:00 to 8:00

Time to Shimmer & Shine Sip & shop with the girls. Fill out your wish list & get ready for the Holidays.

Afterwards stroll over to Carbondale Beer Works for some lively discussion and enjoy $1 off beer and snacks with your ticket stub.

Let’s dream big together for Carbondale schools. www.carbondaleconversation.org or Facebook: Our Children Our Schools

NON-PROFIT 501(c)(3) TEAROOM

TUESDAY Nov. 19

PRESENTS a FREE SHOWING of

— Ethan Lowenstein, Professor, Teacher Education, Eastern Michigan University

100 N 3RD S T • C ARBONDALE • 970.963.9900

SUNDAY Nov. 17

Our Children, Our Schools

“We have been searching for a very long time for a film like Schools that Change Communities—one that can help teachers, parents, and young people re-imagine what schools can and should be.” HEALING ARTS

SPECIAL DINNER • The 36th annual elk/turkey dinner is served up from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Crown Catholic Church. A donation of $10 is asked for adults and $6 for kids 5-12 and seniors. The church is located at the top of White Hill. Info: 704-0820.

PEACEGARDEN

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • November 14, 2013

mon to sat: 10 to 6 sunday: 10 to 3 320 main street #100 | carbondale p. 510.5141 www.lulubellecarbondale.com

Community Calendar Further Out

Ongoing

SATURDAY Nov. 16

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE • Local artisans present the 37th annual Christmas Boutique from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Carbondale Fire Station. A percentage of the proceeds benefit the fire district.

THURSDAY Nov. 21

SCHOOL FILM • Our Children, Our Schools presents a free showing of the documentary “Schools That Change Communities” from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Crystal Theatre. The film showcases five schools that get kids excited about learning by engaging them in solving real problems in their communities. A happy hour at Carbondale Beer Works will follow. Info: 379-0214. PECHA KUCHA • The last pecha kucha of the year takes place at Dos Gringos at 7 p.m. The topic is “water.” Presenters are still being accepted. Info: 963-1680.

FRIDAY Nov. 22

LABOR OF LOVE • KDNK holds its annual Labor of Love Auction at the Carbondale Recreation center starting at 4 p.m. There’ll be music from Walt Smith & Friends, libations from Sopris Liquor & Wine, food from the Goat and hundreds of spectacular auction items. Auction items are still being accepted. Info: 963-0139.

SUNDAY Nov. 24

continued from page 10

POETRY • The Aspen Poets’ Society holds its monthly poetry night at Victoria’s Espresso & Wine Bar starting at 6:30 p.m. Live music will be provided by Karl Gunselman and Peter Chapman. Info: 379-2136.

WYLY SHOW CONTINUES • The Wyly Community Art Center in Basalt continues “The Art of Winifred: A retrospective” through Dec. 19. Info: wylyarts.org. CCC SHOW CONTINUES • The Carbondale Clay Center’s Holiday International continues with more than 30 local and national potters through Dec. 23. TNHA CLASSES • True Nature Healing Arts offers classes in chakras, metta, tantra, meditation with a sweat lodge, and more. Info: 963-9900.

Facebook page or contact Zack Ritchie at 987-9277. LIVE MUSIC • Carbondale Beer Works hosts open mic nights with Patrick Fagan Mondays at 7:30 p.m. CARBONDALE LIBRARY • The following programs and events take place at the Carbondale Library at 320 Sopris Ave. For more info call 963-2889: – Bilingual Book Club • Held every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Info: Alejandra at 963-2889.

MUSIC TOGETHER • All Valley Music Together classes are under way. For details, go to allvalleymusic.com or call 963-1482.

– Storytime • The Carbondale Library at 320 Sopris Ave. holds a storytime for toddlers and infants Thursdays at 10 a.m.

PURPLE STAR BENEFITS • Kula Yoga on Main Street donates all contributions from its tension release class at 4:15 p.m. on Mondays to the Purple Star Veterans program. The class is usualy taught by Purple Heart recipient Adam Mccabe. Info: 963-0124.

– Bilingual Storytime • With Alejandra at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. It’s for kids 1-5.

MAYOR’S COFFEE HOUR • Chat with Carbondale Mayor Stacey Bernot on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Village Smithy.

– Musical Storytime • With Sue Schnitzer every Monday at 4 p.m. Kids must be accompanied by adults at all times.

LIVE MUSIC • The Hotel Colorado hosts a Monday night jazz jam in its lobby at 7 p.m. The sessions are open to jazz musicians of all levels, semi-formal attire encouraged. Spectators welcome. For more information visit the Monday Night Jazz

– Movie Day • For kids in grades K-5 at 4 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. There’ll be popcorn.

– Teen Zone • From 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Teens are invited to study, surf the Net, read, write, draw or hangout. Bring a laptop or borrow one from the library. DHARMA TALKS • Davi Nikent hosts Dharma talks with John (Chopel) Bruna,

founder of the Way of Compassion Foundation at the Third Street Center Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Bruna. The evening begins with a 25-minute meditation, followed by a dharma talk and Q&A session. On the last Wednesday of the month, locals will be joined by groups in Telluride, Gunnison, Grand Junction, Ridgway, Montrose, Lake City and Norman, Okla. via web conference. The topic on the last Wednesday of the month comes from the book “How to Practice, the Guide to a Meaningful Life,” by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. SINGING BOWLS • High Country Gems and Minerals in Glenwood Springs (311 Eighth St.) hosts Singing Bowls every Friday and Saturday. “Explore the healing power of the vibration,” said a Davi Nikent press release. Info: 945-8137. MIRACLES • Donna Lee/Soaring Eagle offers A Course in Miracles at the Third Street Center Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and at 812 Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Info: 274-1680. LIFT-UP • Dave Weimer, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Carbondale, is using his office as a drop-off location for LiftUp’s canned food drive. Residents and businesses can drop off items at 0326, Highway 133, Suite 110, during regular business hours through Dec. 15.

the Crown Catho f o lic ary Ch in M t ur n Carbondale i ch a S

36th Annual

ELK/turkey DINNER Country Store Saturday, November 16, 2013 Elk/Turkey Dinner Served from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. Donation: Adults $10 5 to 12 and Seniors $6 395 White Hill Road, Carbondale, Colorado (970) 704-0820

The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • November 14, 2013 • 11

Community Briefs

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

Toys collected for ﬂood victims

All proceeds from the auction will go toward buying materials for (Co)Studio’s next design project.

High Tone Auto Body in Basalt and Sopris Liquor & Wine in Carbondale are spearheading a local effort to help A Precious Child collect holiday toys for Front Range flooding victims through Nov. 22. New toys can be brought to either location. For details, call High Tone at 927-4351 or Sopris Liquor & Wine at 963-5880.

Line dance for ﬁve bucks Beginner line dance lessons are offered at Carbondale Community School from 7 to 9 p.m. on Mondays from Nov. 18 through Dec. 16. The cost is $5 and partners are not needed. Wear leather sole shoes. For details, call Stevie Bovee at 517420-4212 or e-mail linedancine4fun@ gmail.com.

Furry friends shot at TSC Colorado Animal Rescue and Santa himself have teamed up to take festive photos of your family and pets at the Furry Friends Photo Shoot and Bake Sale at the Third Street Center from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 16. The cost for a photo disk is $20. For details, call 947-9173 or go to coloradoanimalrescue.org.

CCAH seeks creative planners

Beyond bullying Beyond Bullying, a community forum and panel, takes place at the Third Street Center from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 17. The panel includes: Sonja Linman (Restorative Justice, Yampah Mountain High School), Kelley Donnelly (Basalt Middle School), Adam Nickamin (Gracie Jiu Jitzui) and Michael Zimmerman (school resource officer for Carbondale police). The program will be facilitated by Gwen Garcelon of HighLife Unlimited. It’s free.

Play cornhole for education Houses for Higher Education and (Co)

The Carbondale Board of Trustees recognized Students of the Month on Tuesday night. They are, front (left to right): Parker Wilson, Frida Rojo, Oliver Cisneros, Reece Van Devander, Sonia Martinez, George Soukup; back: Drake Timroth, Zack Ritchie, Chelsey Serano and Maria Villalobos; not shown: Sage Hursey. Photo by Lynn Burton Studio hosts a cornhole tournament at Glenwood Springs High School from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 16. Several boards are free and open the public. The singleelimination tournament entry fee for teams of two is $10. The first team to 21 wins. Teams must arrive before 4:30 p.m.

Need More

Windshield

Washer Fluid? of Carbondale

www.CarbondaleAce.com

(970) 963-6663

Carbondale Police Department is now accepting applications for the position of POLICE OFFICER We are looking for a highly motivated individual who will enjoy working in a TEAM/ Community Policing environment. Ability to work shift work, weekends and holidays a must. We offer an excellent benefit package. Must be Colorado POST certified. Spanish and college are a plus! Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have or ability to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license and no felony convictions. Applicants must complete background checks and participate in a ride-along program. Send resume and references to Carbondale Police Department, 511 Colorado Ave., #911, Carbondale, CO 81623 or to Sgt. Chris Wurtsmith, cwurtsmith@carbondaleco.net, or for an application and further information, go to www.carbondalegov.org. Deadline is November 15, 2013 at 5 p.m.

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • November 14, 2013

to be placed in the bracket. The last team standing takes whatever is in the entry fee pot. All boards have been designed and built by (Co)Studio students at Glenwood Springs and Roaring Fork high schools. Eighteen sets of boards and bags will be part of a silent auction during the event.

The Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities is looking for steering committee members for its creative plan project. The time commitment should be no more than 10 hours between now and the end of the year. A time-line for 2014 will be available on Nov. 18. For details, e-mail amy@ carbondalearts.com.

Operation Shoe Box continues Items for Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box can be dropped off at the Orchard on Snowmass Drive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 18, 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 20, 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 23, and noon to 3 p.m. on Nov. 24. For details, call 9638773 ext. 104.

Made in Carbondale: Chase Engel brewing Belgian ales By Nicolette Toussaint Sopris Sun Correspondent

“We will bring you finely crafted boutique style beers as well as easy-drinking, traditional style brews” and focus “on being creative with seasonal beers, akin to a seasonal food thing,” says Engel. Hoist one for Carbondale! The Roaring Fork Beer ComRFBC also plans to brew a line of homemade sodas that will pany (RFBC) will be opening a tasting room and brewery on be named “June Bug” in honor of Engel’s infant daughter, Harlow, Dolores Way next February. who was born last June. Engel is planning to create a root beer and Standing in an echoing, empty room that once housed an a vanilla-bean soda. Bonedalians will be welcome to come sample auto detailing company, Chase Engel gestures grandly, conjurthe sodas in the tasting room, which will be family friendly. ing up the vats and tubes that will be installed in December. Engel has beer in his blood. He managed beer production “from He says, “I love Carbondale. It’s got a vibrancy and funkiness grain to glass” for the Aspen Brewing Company. Before that, he — an energy that charges me up and makes me want to make worked as a cellar boy at Oskar Blues’ Brewery in Longmont. He cool beers. I think people here will want to try things — not initially learned the trade at the Ska Brewing Company in Duranjust English style ales.” go. Engel has won more than 40 medals in national beer competiBy year’s end, the 3,000-foot space will hold a 15-barrel, tions, including the Great American Beer Festival medal in 2012. handcrafted brewing system that will give the company the Engel grew up in Austin, Texas and was introduced to the art capacity to ferment more than 6,000 barrels annually. of brewing by his dad, a craft brewer. After moving to Colorado to Starting in late February, the Roaring Fork Beer Compaattend college, and then moving to Durango, Engel began making ny’s cozy, 900-square-foot tasting room will be open Monday his own beer. “It’s unavoidable to spend time in breweries in Duthrough Saturday. Engel’s wife, Aly Sanguily, who heads up rango,” he laughs. “It’s a huge beer town.” marketing and events, is lining up local musicians and artists Engel frequently found himself at the Ska Brewery, experimentto perform and display their work in the space. Furniture for ing in their tasting room — and brewing up an avocation that soon the room is being made by RFBC’s neighbor and artisan Brad turned into a lifelong vocation. Reed Nelson of Board by Design, who was also recently feaEngel is fascinated with yeast. Noting that a brewer can use the tured in The Sopris Sun. Chase Engel has won more than 40 medals in “Carbondale really supports local business, and geograph- national beer competitions, including one at same recipe repeatedly and get different results just by changing the ically it makes sense to locate here because our distribution is the 2012 Great American Beer Festival. With type of yeast he uses, Engel says, “That’s the key to Belgian beer,” locally targeted,” Engel explains. “That’s a big point. This is wife Aly Sanguily, he plans to open a tasting which uses wild yeast. “There are a ton of variations in yeast, and so for the Roaring Fork Valley — a good fresh beer that’s made room for their Roaring Fork Beer Company there are thousands of varieties of beer. Lots of breweries have their own strain of yeast. They will even have it cryogenically frozen.” right here. We have no dreams of distributing all over the U.S.” brewery in February. Courtesy photo Engel uses a controlled and “more scientific” process to work Engel plans to focus on one mainline beer that will be produced year-round and offered at local restaurants and liquor stores. Called “Freestone with his yeast, which comes from a lab in Colorado Springs. Currently, the malt that he Extra Pale Ale,” this beer will be a “perfectly blended, good, drinkable light beer, with uses comes from Wisconsin, but an all-Colorado beer may be in the brewery’s future. Engel will be focusing on Belgian-style beers, packaging most of them in kegs “because it’s enough bite to excite people who like hobby beers.” The beer’s name is a term used to describe undammed rivers. “The Roaring Fork is not a freestone,” Engel says, “But the the best form of package for preserving quality, freshness and the environment.” However, he plans to eventually produce a premium beer that will be packaged in champagne bottles. Crystal is and there’s not many left in the U.S.”

True Nature creating its own environment By Sue Gray Sopris Sun Correspondent

A lot of changes have been taking place at the bend in the road where Colorado Avenue leads into Third Street since Eaden and Deva Shantay bought the property that once housed an architectural and landscape design firm. Now the home of True Nature Healing Arts, a center for self-transformation, the building itself is undergoing a transformation both inside and out. Utilizing antique wooden doorways and millwork from faraway places like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Morocco and Kashmir, architect Dennis Powell of DK Architects and designer Michelle Pauline Lowe of Corky Woods are giving the place an exotic yet comfortable feel. “It’s layered with beauty,” Lowe said as she explained how the pieces have been taken apart and combined with other old and new woodwork to fit the space. These days the work centers mostly on the downstairs portion of the building, as the upstairs yoga studio renovation was completed earlier in the year. The Shantays are excited about the new developments which include a Petit Ayurvedic Spa, a Tea House, a commercial kitchen that will serve organic food and drinks, and a retail shop featuring “everything to accompany your practice” including mats, candles, statuary, crystals, incense, books and tea services. Outside, even more changes are taking place. The Shantays were able to purchase the adjacent property to the north of their building from the developers of the Colorado Place commercial/residential complex, which was originally slated for a second

form of a storefront on Main Street across from Peppino’s, which began offering yoga and meditation classes. Deva (pronounced DAY-va) joined Eaden in 2009 and they opened a second yoga studio at the Third Street Center. Deva’s personal journey brought her from Chicago in search of a new life out West, preferably within sight of the Pacific Ocean. On her way to the coast she stopped in Carbondale because several people back in Chicago told her she should check out this eclectic town. The first place she visited when driving into town was True Nature. She never made it any further west. Deva’s decade-long practice of yoga and her discovery that she has the ability to intuit realities beyond that which can be physically observed, gave her the desire to help people achieve a more complete understanding of themselves. Her goals and talents perfectly complemented those of Eaden and they became both business and life partners. Realizing their mutual need to create a center of spiritual enlightenment for the community required a new space that could accommodate a broader spectrum of holistic learning. After acquiring the property at 100 N. Third Street, they made extensive changes to the building exterior and renovated the upstairs. But soon a new picture began to form, as Eaden said, “to create a synergistic environment to experience the many facets and depth of yoga philosophy, including meditation, Ayurvedic spa treatments, organic Born in 2007 teas and healthful foods.” Deva added, “The intention of True NaTrue Nature was born in 2007, in the

structure identical to the first. Under the guidance of Laura Kirk of DHM Landscape Architects and Ginger and Rob Jansen of Basalt Gardens, the property is being turned into a Peace Garden for the enjoyment of both True Nature customers and the general public. The Shantays built a welcoming walkway adjoining the Rio Grande Trail and a small parking area. Other hardscape includes an enclosed patio for open-air massages, and four large cob couches surrounding a fire pit. The couches were built under the instruction of Laura Bartels of Greenweaver Inc. with straw, sand and clay using the ancient cob method, and finished with limestone plaster. The landscaped portion of the property will be divided into several areas. A medicinal plant garden will provide herbs for use in therapeutic concoctions. A “reflexology walk” with a pathway of small stones providing a natural massage for bare feet, and meditation alcoves encompassing the five elements of Ayurvedic tradition: earth, water, fire, air and ether. The area at the edge of the property on Second Street will contain a labyrinth for walking meditation. The indoor portion of the extensive remodel is due for completion before the end of this year. Rubin Construction built out the second floor Yoga Studio last year and Keith Brand from Terralink Structures is building out the first floor Tea House and Petit Spa. The outdoor space will be finished next spring.

The True Nature Buddha first looked out at Carbondale from Main Street across from Peppino’s pizza. Last year he was moved to the curve in the road at Third Street and Colorado Avenue, where he looks out on American Legion Post 100. Photo by Lynn Burton ture is to teach, to learn, and to inspire, so that everyone will get to experience more about themselves. We want this to be a sanctuary where people from all over the world come to delve into their healing and personal growth process.” Eaden agrees, “We want to nourish and support our students on their journey of awakening.” True Nature currently offers yoga classes seven days a week to individuals of all ages and ability levels. They also offer meditation, drumming, dancing, yoga teacher trainings and more. The full schedule is available on their website: http://www.truenatureheals.com. True Nature is located at 100 N. Third Street in Carbondale, phone: 963-9900.

The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • November 14, 2013 • 13

continued from page 2 together on the stage floor, doubled up in seats, standing in the back, in the lobby, and out on the walkway. Children on parent’s shoulders. How glorious. Then they all followed the parade down the walkway, Main Street and Third Street and on to the Round Room at the Third Street Center to eat, listen to music and see unique Day of the Dead altars. TRTC is proud to have started this free tradition in the valley. With our partner CCAH, we are assured of its continued growth. Thanks to all who participated in their own way. Lon Winston Director, Thunder River Theatre Company Carbondale

TRTC thanks

Dear Editor: As a resident of Carbondale, member of both the Wilderness Workshop and Thompson Divide Coalition and elected official on Carbondale’s town board of trustees, I’d want to thank Sen. Mark Udall for joining the effort to protect the Thompson Divide from energy development. The Thompson Divide area is extremely important to this region, as evidenced by the broad and unique coalition of people and organizations who have come together with their time, energy and money to preserve it. The area provides us with clean water, healthy grazing and fantastic recreational opportunities, supporting local employment in a variety of ways. And,

Dear Editor: Thunder River Theatre Company’s ninth annual Day of the Dead Celebration has come and gone. This year’s celebration was the best ever. Why? Because last year CCAH and TRTC joined forces in a partnership to make it bigger and better. That is exactly what happened this year. The celebration has grown and it turned into a profound cultural experience. CCAH’s letter to the editor thanked everyone who was involved in bringing this event to the community. So allow me to add thanks to the 250 plus people who packed into our theatre. Families sitting

Thanks to Udall

KEEP THE SOPRIS SUN SHINING Your financial support is a critical part of our community news effort DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Donate online at www.soprissun.com Send a check made out to the Sopris Sun LLC, P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, 81623 Take out an ad for your business by contacting: Bob Albright 970-927-2175 • bob@soprissun.com 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • November 14, 2013

equally important, it is an integral part of the wild and natural environment that makes this place so special. Sen. Udall, your support is vital to our effort to protect Thompson Divide. Thank you. Allyn Harvey Carbondale

Two Oktoberfest changes Dear Editor: I suggest two changes for Oktoberfest 2014: l. Move it to September! “Oktober” is only a name. The fest is held according to climate (elevation and latitude). In Munich, it begins in September; in Beaver Creek, Colorado, Oktoberfest began on Aug. 31, a good example for Carbondale, where it was much too cold for enjoyment. 2. Keep nail-pounders from using so much dance space. Carbondale people prefer dancing to pounding nails. That was evident at the Oktoberfest this year. The nailers took up much of the dancing space. They need to learn that dancing is simple and fun. Dance lessons are fine if one has the time; but otherwise, watch the children, they love to dance, and few have had lessons. Just listen to the music and dance! Julian Vogt Glenwood Springs

Remember the greats? Dear Editor: Remember the greats of TV Journalism: Edward R. Murrow (“Good night and good luck”); Huntley and Brinkley (“Good night, Chet. Good night, David …); Walter

©Disney

ers provide a huge part of our operating revenue (thank you!), but advertising alone is not enough to keep this community-supported paper going. If every person reading this week’s issue in print or at www.soprissun.com donated as little as $10 once or twice a year, it would help a lot. We’re making it especially easy — and fun — for you to do that this week. Join the party at Mi Casita on Thursday, Nov. 14, anytime from 6 to 9 p.m., toss your donation in the basket and enjoy $5 margaritas and a special all-you-can-east pozole and taco bar for just $15. The Sopris Sun is your paper ... help us keep it shining! Barbara Dills Sopris Sun board member Volunteer writer Carbondale

©Disney

Letters

Cronkite (“That’s the way it is …”). When they spoke — for 30 minutes in the evening — everybody who had a TV watched and listened. Their speech was polished, inflected, metered; and what they said was important. The Watergate Hearings of 1973-74 poisoned the well. Sam Ervin, Howard Baker and others were eloquent but the hearings were broadcast all day, ran 278 days and were hugely popular. TV news people didn’t miss the point: give the public real life drama and you’ll hold their attention not for 30 minutes but all day, meanwhile selling bushels of ads. CNN started the first 24-hour news station in 1980. Others followed. Then came the O.J. Simpson trial in 1995. Nobody was eloquent but the nation was riveted for 252 days. TV news journalism was badly trivialized. Now we have the final debasement. For weeks the house and senate fought within and between their chambers over the 2014 budget (shutting down the federal government) and the federal debt limit (threatening a mass destruction catastrophe per Warren Buffet). TV journalists highlight playground-appropriate threats by the president and members of Congress, and Armageddon predictions by everybody with a microphone. I know not what course others may take but as for me, give me Stewart and Colbert or give me Abbott and Costello. Eric Weidmann Carbondale

Front Range floods provide lessons for us locals Several weeks ago, Mother Nature wreaked havoc on the Front half. Our incident commander at morning briefing told us, “We are in a race against time and failure of our mission is not an option.” Range of Colorado, dumping the equivalent of a whole year’s worth of As soon as possible helicopter operations started back up and eventurain in only a few days. ally small agency helicopters as well as National Guard Lakotas, BlackIt didn’t matter then what any of us felt about climate change the hawks and Chinooks would total 17 flying at the height of the mission. fact is no one alive had witnessed such wide-spread flooding in Colorado in their lifetime. Along with similar airlifts in Boulder County, it would become the largest airlift rescue operation in the U.S. since Katrina. The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team I am a member One of the amazing things that happened was citizens and emergency of was mobilized by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and workers pulling together to figure out creative ways to open up access. Emergency Management to offer support to the Larimer County SherSome sections of road were converted into ATV routes. Old twoiff’s Office. tracks were opened that allowed people with four-wheel drive vehicles Our job was to do everything humanly possible to assist in the resto make it all the way into Fort Collins. cue and evacuation of residents of the county affected by the flood. In what could be called crisis creativity, the Wyoming Hot Shot fire Especially hard hit were those communities along the Big Thompson crew cut down trees and made a “corduroy” section of road where it River, the river that had flooded in 1976, taking 144 lives. had been washed out. Miraculously, this time one body was found with two missing and By Bill Kight Then the crew borrowed a dump truck from Colorado State Unipresumed dead. versity staff at Pingree Park and placed a load of rocks over the logs Once the rain stopped and the sky cleared enough for flying, aerial reconnaissance estimated Highway 34 to Estes Park was 85 percent destroyed. Large enabling vehicles to get back to civilization. It may well be over a year or more before many people will be able to return to sections of Highway 36 were also completely gone. At the time our team arrived, thousands of people were stranded without food, their homes and to any resemblance of what could be considered a normal life. What can we do to help? Go to helpcoloradonow. water or electricity with no way of escaping the devnet for more information. astation. Some had barely made it to safety as they The most important question to ask is “Am I prewatched their homes and all their possessions washed pared to help myself and my family in a disaster?” away by a raging torrent of water. Don’t be mistaken by the very human reaction of By Sept. 20 the number of homes destroyed was esthinking “it won’t happen to me.” timated at over 1,800. Make sure you and your family are prepared by The first tally of unaccounted for in Larimer Counvisiting readycolorado.com and becoming your own ty was close to 1,200 individuals. Whole communities rescuer. What better time than now. were cut off from the rest of the world. The only way in or out of Estes Park was Trail Ridge Road. Colorado National Guard helicopters and high clearance vehicles were deployed, Bill Kight, of Carbondale, is public affairs officer for the White River National Forest, public information officer for Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team A and a bringing people to evacuation centers established in Loveland and Fort Collins. Then more rain moved in, grounding air resources intermittently for a day and a poet. He shares his insights and stories with readers every month.

Common Ground

“We are in a race against time and failure of our mission is not an option.”

www.soprissun.com

The Last Man Jailed for Blasphemy with Stephan Papa Join us this Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, 10 a.m.

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU) @ Third Street Center

www.tworiversuu.org Inspirational, Contemporary Music by Jimmy Byrne

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist

Heather Rydell, Youth Program Minister Childcare Provided

now open until 6 p.M.

Check out our new website!

Please call or visit our website to request an appointment

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!

970-963-1616 • 889 Main Court, Carbondale

The Sopris Sun, LLC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit subsidiary of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation. Sopris Sun, LLC #26-4219405

www.carbondalefamilydental.com

The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • November 14, 2013 • 15

Shopping | Dining | Culture | Recreation

VISIT BASALT & EL JEBEL At the confluence of Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers

Sisterstakes with a over passion for paper team 15 up Family Science Night BMS on Nov. DISCRETIONARY By S. Michael Jundt

Sopris Sun Staff Report

tionery,” says Amy, “and are often

avoid the press. We even helped a

This event is part of a new grassroots effort to bring more after-school science and GRANT gentleman rent a tux so he couldinsurtold we write the best during thank you They are the for duomiddle force behind Ex- opportunities STEM to students the school year. While summertime the What began as a school bake saleFUND has blossomed into an opportunity

priseactivities his girlfriend with mountain notes. It seemed likea awealth perfectoffit! We and press Yourself, locatedeveon Midland Roaring Fork Valley boasts camps such as theaWednesday school students throughout the Roaring Fork Valley to indulge in a hands-on Grant application top proposal.” Avenue in downtown Basalt. Physics Ishave being a part oflectures so manyco-hosted For loved Kids barbecues and by the Aspen Science Center ning of science exploration at Basalt Middle School. Their business really two parts: life occasions for hundreds of people Sisters JonesCenter and Amy and Forsey On Nov. 15 from to 8year p.m. the from John the McConnell Math andErin Science the Aspen Center for Physics, similar opportunities dwindleisduring the school for6 the 2014 raised on thewill Front year. in in the Roaring Fork Valley and be- retail for stationery and gifts, and cusfrom Grand Junction takes over the Basalt Middle School were cafeteria. Families be Range Town Discretionary Fund are tomEagle papervalley goods’has design services. yond. Education We’ve had Team a tremendous fol-in the Evergreen andengineering, are now completing “The Gifted (GET) over heldand these kinds treated to science demonstrations and then dive in themselves to explore lowing and have watched many of “We have seen a huge increase in the their first decade as business owners available at Basalt Town Hall, 101 Midland of science nights for years. This year I hoped we could find a way to do the same,” building, physics and chemistry concepts. custom part our business,” says in the School,” Roaring Fork Valley. said Basaltour customers up,Allison from their Middle Schoolgrow parent Johnson, who led theofcharge to raise money “I am thrilled to host our CO first81621. science night at Basalt Middle said Basalt Avenue, Basalt, birth announcements to birthday Erin. “We even launched a custom “We bought the business in DeMiddle School Principal Jeremy Voss. “The concept of bringing families together for for the event. bagNight product for Aspen area to Basalt graduations andSchool’s first jobs.” cember 2003,” Amy. “Erin was hands-on STEM activities is such a great way of building community and says enhancing A bakeparties sale at Middle Back welcome to School raised over $900, Applications may be requested by non-profit events and weddings (theWithtojust store in destination looking for an opportunity towhich be her is helping our education program.” paythe notone only for front the Family Science Night but also for supplies HELLOtote.com) whichclass keeps exBasalt they are stillFork able Second to assistShift, cus- and own boss.” Access Roaring after-school science at us Basalt The John McConnell Math andcan Science Center was founded by physicist John for the new organizations. The Grant form be found tremely busy during wedding season.” The stationery business appealed tomers internationally. They work McConnell, who took the initiative to bring more math and science into schools by Middle School. on our website at: www.basalt.net. with brides all over the United Erin moved out (use of the area to Erin,presentations as did Basalt. that Prior to ownRegistration for Family Science NightStates is requiredWhile at signupgenius.com basaltdeveloping sophisticated hands-on experiments and interactive several years ago, she still operates ing the business she worked for nonand are beginning to map countries he took around to schools in the trunk of his car. When he outgrew his mobile middleschool@gmail.com to access the registration). Admission is $5 per student.allA deadlineMath is and Science Center profits they’ve shipped to:hand Canada, Aus- the back office details for the store. in both California and Denver. laboratory, the Grant John McConnell of Western Colorado was Spanish translator will be on as well. operations in tralia, New Zealand, England and Amy Amy joined the business right out of founded.5Today thousands of Colorado students pass through its doors to explore Another bake sale to raise funds for future eventsruns likeday-to-day this will also take place p.m., September 27, 2013. thesome store pocket and is the designer. France thus far. are encouraged to bring college in students 2003 andwill together rooms packed with exhibits and hands-on displays, some of which get they’ve that evening, so families change. Need-based “Together we have the perfect Theis girls haveupon somerequest. rather faseen their business grow by leaps and scholarship aid available to see at the Family Science Night. For additional information call 927-9851. combination of left-brain, right-brain mous customers of the Hollywood bounds. In fact, earlier this year they The evening kicks off with a half-hour presentation by the four 2013 STEM felfor a small, creative business,” says variety too. “It’s always fun to turn were able to double their floor space lows from the center who will be running the event. Afterwards, students will be in- For more information, contact Allison Johnson at basaltmiddleschool@gmail.com a move up street to a spot lo- around and see them browsing in the Amy. “And . . . we’re sisters.” or 309-5485. vited to spread out and explore various experiments set upwith throughout thethe cafeteria. For more information go to: store,” says Erin, “We’ve had secret cated on the river. “We have always loved sta- back office meetings with clients to www.expressyourselfbasalt.com.

OUR HIGH STANDARDS ARE YOUR SHOPPING ADVANTAGE! Raw

20% OFF Petcurean GO!

& NOW

with purchase of any Raw or Freeze-Dry Entree

ACCEPTING WINTER CONSIGNMENTS Open seven days a week 970-927-4384 • 144 Midland Avenue Next to City Market in El Jebel, 400 E Valley Rd. Ste I/J | 963.1700 Colorado 81621 OpenBasalt, M-F 10-6:30pm | Sat/Sun 11-5pm

but we are We hate2013 to sayBasalt the LEAF DROP taking Fall “ F Word”, NOW thru Sunday, NOVEMBER 17 Consignments. Location: Parking area at Ponderosa Park, Basalt Avenue at the Roundabout. Parking will be closed on Basalt Avenue during the Leaf Drop from the north loop of the Roaring Fork Mobile Home Park to the Emma Bridge. 970-927-4384 We have a free 15 yard dumpster from Pitkin County that will be used for containing 144 Avenue the leaves and theMidland contractor, Evergreen Events will have their trailer for grass clippings Basalt, Colorado 81621 and branches under 6 inches. CONSIGN DAILY 16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • November 14, 2013

RJ Paddywacks is Expanding.... Help us Move this ..it!

Your Ad Here

find out ALLToFOOD UPmore TO contact: 20% OFF! (excludes wild bird seed)

Albright TREATS, TOYS Bob & GENERAL MERCHANDISE 25% OFF Mention this ad for discounts 970-927-2175 Open seven days a week orto bob@soprissun.com Next City Market in El Jebel, 400 E Valley Rd. Ste I/J 963.1700 | Open M-F 10-6:30pm | Sat/Sun 11-5pm

Cultivating Community, Supporting Sustainability

Dr. Basalt 180180 SouthSouth Side Dr. Side in the Basalt Business970.927.6488 Center 970.927.6488 basaltthriftstore@live.com Non-Profit Supporting Local www.basaltthrift.org Sustainable Agriculture

Carbondale Commentary River inspiration

continued from page 2

spective in his book, “A River No More,” documenting the river as plumbing, and for the first time examining the conflicts between a culture of use and an emerging environmental concern for the river, wildlife and natural systems it supported. Then in the 1990’s, Collin Fletcher, who had ignited the whole sport of wilderness backpacking in 1968 with his book “The Complete Walker,” decided to try using a river rather than a trail. Fletcher’s well-written and entertaining book, “River,” updates Fradkin’s observations and gives us a bridge to the river we see now through the eyes of Waterman and McBride. Like his early books, “River” is a wonderful read. Fletcher was well into his 60s and had never rowed a raft in his life. He embarked on the Green River near its source in Wyoming and then traveled solo all the way to the disappearing delta. He hooked up with other rafters in Lodore, Cataract and Grand Canyons, but even there, through the biggest rapids, he rowed his small raft alone. Waterman and McBride’s recent work shows the stark reality of what a relatively small overworked river can become when the dominant paradigm of human utility and hubris presides above all else. They have sparked a new interest in trying to manage the Colo-

Carb

continued from page 2

as: pasta carbonara (a very, very tasty dish made of spaghetti, eggs, bacon, black pepper and grated cheese). It’s from the Italian word for charcoal burner. Some think it’s from the word “carbonari,” which means “charcoalmen,” who were a secret society involved in the Italian unification. It’s also been called “coal miner’s spaghetti,” which gets me back to the main kind of local carbon. If you happen to be a cross-county skier at Spring Gulch, you may have visited the coke ovens just above the upper trail. They cooked the coal from the mines in Marion and Aspen Gulch. The upper trail was a railway grade that ran from the Thompson Creek mines to Midland Avenue in Glenwood Springs. In fact, there is a coal seam that runs from Huntsman Ridge at McClure pass out to Burning Mountain by New Castle. A book has just been published titled “The Mines of Coal Basin” by John A. Reeves. Reeves helped to develop and ran Coal Basin’s mines for many years. Carbondale sits on the eastern edge of very substantial fossil fuel deposits. When it comes to carbon, we also have some of the gaseous variety — just to the west in the Thompson Divide. Fossil fuel development companies want to establish leases in the area. But tremendous local resistance has been raised to prevent it. We were once a little old coal-mining town, where the men in the community wore ”mascara,” that was actually coal dust stuck around their eyes. Now we are a burgeoning little ‘burb that burns carbon like there’s no tomorrow — so to speak. Highway improvements are underway to accept a doubling of gasoline burning vehicles in just a few years. This gasoline is made from oil piped from fracked wells, and even from tar sands in Alberta, Canada. And, fracked natural gas flows in pipelines that heat our homes and businesses. The bulk of our elec-

rado less as intricate plumbing and more as a river, from the headwaters to the delta. Sprinkled throughout this literary flow are numerous essays that travel along the Colorado. Wallace Stegner (Powell’s biographer), Edward Abby, John McPhee and Aldo Leopold are a few who have gone down the river and written about it. Leopold’s short essay on “The Green Lagoons” in “A Sand County Almanac” gives us another glimpse of the delta before dams, and more than a hint of foreboding for what he knew would soon be lost. We are fortunate to have this literary trail following the Colorado River through the years. Powell had no idea what lay ahead in 1869. Today we have “tide tables” to help us go with the regulated flows of a fully engineered system. The Colorado, as a full-bodied and self willed river is long gone. Leopold noted at the end of his essay, “Man always kills the things he loves, and so we the pioneers have killed our wilderness.” We have to console ourselves with a few remnants of river, and a trove of literary remembrances. Ken Neubecker lives in Carbondale, works for American Rivers and has been floating on the waters and words of the Colorado for more than 40 years. tricity is generated at power plants fed by coal. Long trains of coal filled cars rumble through Glenwood Springs daily. Biology and environmental science teach us that we are carbon life forms that have prospered and multiplied beyond imagination for one reason only: fossil fuel. This science also teaches us that too much of a good thing is bad for us. This burning of fossil fuel is so bad, in fact, that international groups of scientists are predicting our imminent demise. Taking on this dire prediction is the newly formed Roaring Fork Valley chapter of the Climate Change Lobby. The CCL is working hard to convince U.S. Congress people to back a bill that would institute a carbon tax and dividend. As I recently attended a CCL meeting, NPR was broadcasting a program called “Living on Earth.” It was an interview with British Columbia’s minister of the environment talking about its carbon tax and dividend. They have reduced carbon emissions 15 percent, their province GDP is higher than the average for Canada, and their administration has won two elections with climate upfront in their campaigns. British Columbia has just joined the Pacific Coast Action Plan, which includes California, Oregon and Washington. The governor of California, Jerry Brown, is pushing his state ahead on every issue. They are one of the largest economies in the world. He has made agreements with other governments as diverse as Quebec, Canada and provinces in China. They used to say about women: you can’t live with ’em, and you can’t live without ’em — present company excepted, of course. With carbon, we’ve got to learn to live with a lot less. Even in Carbondale; especially in “Carbon — dale.” Patrick Hunter is a student in the sustainable studies program at Colorado Mountain College and a member of Climate Change Lobby. You may contact him at hunter@sopris.net.

Don’t ride like a bonehead By Darryl Fuller

Reckless cycling, as if your actions affect no one but yourself, is riding like a bonehead (I mean this in the knucklehead way, not as a cute endorsement of our town). However, riding and interacting with all manner or roadway users provides opportunities for cyclists to have a positive impact. While Colorado state law mandates that all vehicles (including bicycles) follow roadway laws, doing so does not have to diminish enjoyment of riding a bicycle. It is quite amazing that each day hundreds or even thousands of local motorists travel on our roadways with relative speed and ease to get where they’re going. If you think about it some more you realize that what really makes this and any transit system work is a set of guidelines, call them best or preferred practices if you will (or laws if you must) that allow motorists to negotiate a complex system of roadways and traffic control devices safely and consistently to get where they are going. These preferred practices also pertain to cyclists. What follows is a brief breakdown of skills and practices that make up a Smart Riding manifesto for cyclists.

Follow roadway rules • Ride on the right with the ﬂow of traffic and follow the same roadway rules as motorists. • Stop/yield to other roadway users who are present, or arrive at stop signs ahead of you. While some motorists regularly wave cyclists through intersections regardless of who arrived first, beware of this generosity as it risks confusing what is a beautifully simple, clear, and effective practice: first come, first served. • Stoplights pertain to cyclists as well — riding through them against the light is irresponsible.

Be predictable • Ride in a straight and consistent manner along the right side of the roadway, or ride down the center of the lane when the roadway is too narrow to safely allow cars to pass. • Ride in a consistent manner so that motorists know where to expect cyclists to position themselves and how they will behave as they negotiate roadway features. Make eye contact and use hand signals to communicate with other roadway users — point where you are going. • Avoid riding on sidewalks, especially downtown where it is pro-

hibited by local ordinance. Not only does riding on sidewalks threaten pedestrians, but cars often do not see cyclists on sidewalks and many accidents occur where sidewalks cross driveways and business entrances.

Anticipate conﬂicts • Since the majority of cycling accidents occur at intersections it is crucial to remain extra vigilant when traveling through them. Position yourself in a visible and consistent manner. Approach intersections the same way you would in a car, or act like a pedestrian and cross within demarcated crosswalks. • Remain alert and aware of traffic around you. Doing so will help you negotiate traffic control devices and intersections more effectively. • When riding on multi-use paths such as the Rio Grande or Crystal River Valley trails always announce yourself before overtaking other pathway users. Also, be extra vigilant where the path crosses side roads or business entrances.

Be visible • Ride where drivers can see you! Cars and trucks are big and massive, comparatively cyclists are puny and vulnerable. Do all you can to ensure motorists see you and give you adequate space. • At night use a front white light and rear red reflector or blinking light. Riding at night without lights is stupid; enough said.

Consider a helmet • Most all of us wouldn’t go on a road ride or mountain bike ride without our helmet, but few of us wear them around town. Why is this? Cultural shift, misperception of the risks involved, or are we just concerned about messing up our hair? Increase your awareness about how your behavior on a bicycle affects more than just yourself. Not only do we want you to ride more, we want you to do so safely and responsibly. We aim to foster an inclusive and supportive environment so that when we band together to ask for improved cycling amenities and respect on our roadways we will have allies to make our town as Cycli-savvy as it can be. Next time you find yourself riding through town I challenge you to ride as if it mattered, for in so many ways it surely does. Darryl Fuller is a member of the Carbondale Bicycle, Pedestrians and Trails Commission.

The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • November 14, 2013 • 17

Cakewalking in Carbondale Photos and text by Lynn Burton Kids caught on pretty quick to the Carbondale Cakewalk at the Third Street Center carnival on Nov. 8. CCAH set up a circle of 20-30 numbered chairs in the middle of the Round Room. Callers announced the mode of selfpropulsion for cakewalkers to employ to circle the chairs, then hit the music. When the music stopped, cakers plopped into the nearest chair. The announcer then pulled a number out of the hat and whoever was sitting in that chair won a cupcake, an entire cake or similar kind of goodie. Elsewhere at the TSC, chili connoisseurs tasted and drained more than 10 pots as a duo played “Country Roads” and other such tunes in the Calaway Room. Out in the hall, a fake-bearded fortuneteller hovered over what appeared to be an authentic crystal ball. Dave Reindel of Evergreen Events was dressed like a mushroom and explained to folks the importance of composting. Throughout the former Carbondale Elementary School folks poked their heads into tenant spaces and were rewarded with nachos, face painting, games and more. Word has it about 500 people attended the first annual Third Street Center State Fair and Chili Cookoff, which was billed as a “friend raiser.” 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • November 14, 2013

Railroads opened Carbondale area to rest of the world (EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third of a series titled “Ranches, Mines and Railroads.” To read the previous two installments, please visit www.soprissun.com.) By Darrell Munsell Special to The Sopris Sun

Two events in particular sparked the building boom of 1887. Colorado Coal and Iron (CC&I) Company’s plan to build a coking plant and blast furnace near Carbondale was a major factor in the Denver and Rio Grande (D&RG) Railroad’s decision to by-pass Satank and place its station in the developing community. Town promoters, some from the East, formed the Carbondale Town and Land Company to survey and plat the townsite. The company filed papers for incorporation of the town on Aug, 13, 1887. Final approval was granted on April 26, 1888.

Carbondale was a thriving community by the late 1880s. The valleys were well settled and the arrival of the railroads and the opening of nearby coal mines elevated the town to a new level of prosperity. The New people transformation began as early as 1884 when Jerome B. Wheeler of Aspen constructed a toll road from Emma through Carbondale to the “coal The certainty of a railroad and the prospect of a coal and iron indusbanks” of Jerome Park, where hundreds of workers opened coal mines By Darrell Munsell try brought new people to Carbondale. William E. Johnson, president and built the coal camps of Sunshine, Marion and Spring Gulch. of the Town and Land Company, and other realtors sold town lots at a In 1886 railroad agents, survey crews, and construction workers spread out over the brisk pace. Len Shoemaker, author of “Roaring Fork Valley” and a contemporary of area, many making Carbondale their home base. With ready cash, these men spent their these events, described the rapid development of Carbondale: “Before the railroad armoney lavishly. William Dinkel noted that the men who acted as claim holders for the rived many men bought lots and several houses and store buildings were constructed. coal companies “lived high,” and Edna Sweet observed that when Marion and Spring Most of these buildings were at the east end of the present Main Street, where Mrs. Gulch were running “at full blast” the miners would came to Carbondale to “cash and Tanney’s eating-house and . . . post office was located . . . William M. Dinkel moved spend their money.” By 1887, Sweet added, there were 15 saloons in town that were his store from its former location and set it up near Mrs. Tanney’s place. E. R. Alhappy to relieve them of their wages. TOWN PROSPERITY page 20

Looking Back

Classifieds Submit classifieds to classifieds@soprissun.com by 12 p.m. on Monday. $15 for up to 30 words, $20 for 31-50 words. HELP WANTED: Town of Carbondale Police Department is now accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Refer to http://www.carbondalegov.org for more information and application. Deadline is November 15, 2013 by 5 p.m. THE SOPRIS SUN is looking to grow our ad sales team. Earn extra income while serving Carbondale’s community supported newspaper. Prior sales experience helpful but not required; training will be provided. This is a great opportunity for a friendly, outgoing person. Contact barbara.dills@gmail.com or 963-5782 for more info. or to apply. VOLUNTEER SPORTS WRITERS WANTED for any or all of Roaring Fork High

School’s winter sports. Experience not necessary but some familiarity with sports is a plus. E-mail Lynn Burton at news@soprissun.com or call 510-3003.

GET THE WORD OUT IN CLASSIFIEDS! Rates start at $15. Email classifieds@ soprissun.com.

Credit card payment information can be emailed to classifieds@soprissun.com, but please break the number into two emails for security reasons. Or call the number to 948-6563. Checks can be dropped off at our office in the Third Street Center or mailed to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623.

Service Directory Western Slope Business Solutions FALL / WINTER CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

$5 OFF OF EACH $25 PURCHASE

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

CARBONDALE’S NATURAL FOOD STORE

LOTS OF LOCAL PRODUCE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK M-F 9AM-7PM; Sat. 11AM-6PM; Sun. 12-6PM 559 Main Street • 970-963-1375 • www.carbondalecommunityfoodcoop.org

WINDSHIELD REPAIR AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT

970-963-3891

Headlight Restoration Auto Glass & Side Mirrors 500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO DAVID ZAMANSKY – Owner Operated

JOHN FROST MERRIOTT Certified Public Accountant

Office 970-704-1101 Fax 970-704-9101 Email frosty@sopris.net Web frostycpa.com

Welcome home from college Shiloh!

1101 Village Road Carbondale, Colorado

LLA2 81623

Support The Sopris Sun while The Sun supports your business!

Help for families in need.

Service directory ads start at just $40.

Carbondale: Third Street Center, 520 South 3rd Street, #35 Mon, Wed & Fri: 10am-12:30pm • 963-1778 Basalt: Basalt Community United Methodist Church 167 Holland Hills Rd. • Wed & Thur: 11am-1pm • 279-1492

Contact Bob Albright at 970-927-2175 or bob@soprissun.com

Now accepting bookkeeping clients in the Roaring Fork Valley Heather L Smith, CPA Certiﬁed QuickBooks ProAdvisor

970-274-1139 www.WesternSlopeBusinessSolutions.com

FATBELLY BURGERS

Grab and Go Local Grass-fed Beef Burgers

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

Food is available at LIFT-UP’s seven area food pantries, made possible by support from our caring community.

Mid-Valley Food Pantries

Learn more at www.liftup.org and join us on facebook!

The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • November 14, 2013 • 19

Town prosperity exander built and opened a grocery store across the street from them.” Shoemaker noted other businesses as well, including Tommy Graham’s hotel and restaurant, George Alcorn’s hotel, Mrs. Alcorn’s millinery, Tucker & Swigart’s livery stable and Jack Chaney’s saloon. Returning from school in Aspen at Christmas time, Edna Sweet found a complete transformation. “I was surprised to see a town as large as the present one,” she commented. The coal driven trains that brought growth and prosperity to the developing town also transformed the surrounding area. The combination of coal mines and railroads destroyed the isolation that had slowed the economic development and growth of the region. This was particularly true in the Crystal and Roaring Fork Valleys, where railroads ushered in a new era of agriculture connected to a national market. With this wider market, ranchers and farmers concentrated more on potatoes and cattle. Increased agricultural opportunities and prosperity attracted more people to the area, many of whom came by train. The population became more ethnically diverse, with many Swiss, Italian and German miners leaving Aspen after the collapse of silver in 1893 to take up farming or ranching downvalley or to work in the coal mines near Carbondale. Transportation, of course, was dramatically transformed. Gone were the freightbearing wagons over toll roads and stage lines carrying passengers between Aspen

continued from page 19

and Glenwood Springs. The trains were not impeded by roads made impassable by inclement weather or seasonal conditions as were wagons, sledges, and mule trains. Because railroads carried a much greater volume of freight the year around, rates fell dramatically, making the price of food, clothing, and building materials cheaper and more accessible to formerly isolated areas such as Carbondale. Steam and rails also compressed time and changed the way people perceived the world. What used to take days to travel from one place to another now took hours. For the people of the Roaring Fork and Crystal Valleys, the world became much smaller. Evidence of the transformational power of coal and rail abounded in Carbondale during the late years of the 19th century. The log and rough lumber buildings destroyed in the great fire of 1891 were replaced by structures of stone, brick and milled wood, products mostly brought in by the railroads. Private residences became larger and more luxurious with contents purchased from across the nation. Even Sears Roebuck kit houses shipped by rail began to dot the landscape, and coal camps sprung up overnight with imported buildings and material. Heavy farm machinery and, eventually, Model T Fords arrived by rail and were sold by the Dinkel Mercantile Company. Other businesses began and prospered during these booming years following the arrival of the railroads. Charles Scheue

opened a general store, Edward Tandy a drug store, and Oscar Ittleson and Moses Cohn a dry goods store. Several meat markets, livery stables, and feed stores served the growing population. There were doctors and lawyers, a post office, a school, and a newspaper (Carbondale Avalanche until 1891 and the Carbondale Item from 1898 until 1924). Thanks to the railroads, Carbondale had become a town in the truest sense of the word. But it was a two-way street. The railroads depended upon the area’s resources to survive. Agricultural products and minerals — coal, coke, ore, rock, and bullion — accounted for over half of the freight

carried by and profit for the railroads that traversed the Roaring Fork and Crystal Valleys. The valleys and surrounding areas had an abundance of these resources. However, of these resources, coal was the most important for the railroads. Without the coal banks in the lower Grand Hogback southwest of Carbondale, the trains might not have come at all. Darrell Munsell is the author of “From Redstone to Ludlow: John Cleveland Osgood’s Struggle Against the United Mine Workers of America.” He is a retired history professor who has resided in the Crystal River Valley since 1997.

The Sopris Sun invites you to

Margaritaville on Main Street • Thursday, November 14th from 6-9pm • Mi Casita in Carbondale • Join your friends and neighbors in supporting Carbondale’s independent community newspaper! • Enjoy live music by Guilty Pleasures • $5 margaritas for all Sopris Sun “Sunscribers” NEW THIS YEAR: All-You-Can-Eat Pozole and Taco Bar $15 (just $5 for kids under 12) 20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • November 14, 2013