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Volume 8, Number 46 | December 22, 2016
Spruce Up e Sun is year’s winner is … The Sopris Sun continued its Spruce Up The Sun cover competition this year, requesting original designs from contestants in pre-K through high school. This year's theme was “Sharing the holidays” and over 105 entries were submitted by students from local schools. As always, Carbondale Middle School art teacher Ami Maes, a former winner of the Valley Journal cover contest, presented The Sun with a large box of entries from her students. This year’s winner, Gelena Amaral from Carbondale Middle School, captured many elements that make Carbondale unique during the holidays, complete with gift-wrapped presents to share under the roundabout sculpture. The entries incorporated a variety of subjects sharing the holidays. They included everything from: holiday characters enjoying Christmas cheer, snowboarding bears, aliens and marine life decorating a tree, cheery nature scenes to Native American Indians, and fantastical creatures joining in the celebration. First-place winners in the categories are: Perrin Jones (first/second grade), Kenny Riley (third grade), Juniper Anderson (fourth grade), Anicka Ashcraft (fifth grade), Nayeli Torres (sixth grade), Aislinn Pinela (seventh grade) and Jessie Diehl (eighth grade). This is the second year the seventh and eighth grade winners have won their age categories. Judging such a competitive contest would not have been possible without the help of the discerning eyes of staff members at Carbondale Arts (CA) and The Sopris Sun. Carbondale Arts and The Sopris Sun would also like to thank all the contestants for sharing their creativity and talents. It made judging a truly difficult task. See pages 13-15 and visit our website (www.soprissun.com) for additional winners.
Cover contest winner: Gelena Amaral, an eighth grader at Carbondale Middle School. Please see pages 13-15 for more winners.
Thanks again to all who entered. Happy holidays!
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Carbondale Commentary The views and opinions expressed on the Commentary page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the editor or guest columns. For more information, e-mail editor Lynn Burton at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.
Letters
The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 400 words. Letters exceeding that length may be edited or returned for revisions. Include your name and residence (for publication) and a contact email and phone number. Submit letters via email to news@soprissun.com or via snail mail to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. The deadline to submit letters to the editor is noon on Monday.
Thanks for the “glow”
Remember nuclear winter?
Trump’s begged question
Dear Editor: We are writing to convey our appreciation for the Town of Carbondale and especially to Dave Coon, the town arborist, for giving our little community such a wonderful and delightful look (glow) along our Main Street this holiday season. To all involved, we’d like to “a job very well done, indeed!” for the installation of those lights. It’s the best we have seen in Carbondale in over 40 years! What you’ve created this year leaves no doubt about one reason why we’ve been given the designation as a creative district. Thank you to all involved. It really is a wonderful show, and appreciated by many we know. It’s the perfect glow for this special Christmas season. So thank you and enjoy, enjoy, and be happy! Our sincere appreciation for all your good work. Well done everybody. We’ve also just learned our that our local chamber of commerce helped with the extra lights on some trees and encouraged local businesses to decorate their windows. Kudos also to the town public works crew for the wreaths and garland installations throughout the town. Terry and Chris Chacos And family
Dear Editor: Re: President-elect Trump’s ongoing and aggressive provocation of China. Once he’s president Mr. Trump appears ready to get us into a war against the Chinese. On the bright side, nuclear winter is a viable antidote to global warming. And a quick one at that. Drill baby, drill. Allyn Harvey Carbondale
Dear Editor: Trump’s campaign begs the question, “What makes America great?” As an immigrant nation, primary to our greatness is our embrace of diversity and our understanding that we do not take one step forward that does not include us all. With Trump, I feel usurped of confidence in our ability to protect the great abundance of public land, virgin forests, clean rivers and deserts. Great are the multitude of citizens, working with federal and state agencies committed to maintaining the integrity of the land, air and water, while providing multiple use and maintaining public access to public assets. I am disappointed by Trump’s choice of appointees who would reduce our greatness for the profits of a few or inspire hate like the white gangs in New York attacking lone Muslim women. Maybe we WILL need to make America great again. John Hoffmann Carbondale
Crystal Meadows thanks Dear Editor: On behalf of the residents at Crystal Meadows, we would like to thank the Bank of Colorado for the very delicious turkeys they so generously donated to our Thanksgiving dinner. It was a huge success. Thanks again, Jerilyn Nieslanik Crystal Meadows Carbondale
Afoot in Carbondale Dear Editor: No kit to park and lock at the coffee shop. No worry that I will walk away and forget my bike. No concern about street or sidewalk traffic. My feet know my terrain. Rarely, if my destination is beyond my capacity, public transport does the job. I decline offers of a ride. Freed from extraneous surroundings my mind is free to dream, to imagine the fiction I write. In London in 1987, I quickly discovered vast dividends of walking, the British Museum, Oxford Street, the South Bank were all walk-able distances from my flat in North London. In County Tipperary I walked the curvy roads, boreens (small gravel and dirt lanes) and our six hectares of grazing land at night in the misty dark. My feet took me along the sidewalks of South County Dublin, a street from the Irish Sea. In Carbondale too I am outside 365. Sad to say it is unusual to meet other walkers on the sidewalks — an automobile town this. I don’t calculate my steps, my miles or times. Wishing that there were many people wanting to make the pleasure of walking a contribution to saving our planet I put my foot in the road. Bee Ring Carbondale
Barbara Dills took no chances and brought along some Carbondalecentric reading material, and a little Sunshine, while taking part in a threeweek writing residency at the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Courtesy photo
Buddy thanks Dear Editor: The Buddy Program would like to express our sincere gratitude to The Little Nell for hosting us for our fourth annual Gingerbread House workshop and fundraiser. This event has become our largest activity for Big and Little Buddies and thanks to the generosity of our community has become our second largest grossing fundraiser. The Little Nell staff goes above and beyond to ensure it is a fun and comfortable day for participants! Thank you to Casarae Clark, Alesh Seidl, Simon Chen and Pete Hayda, and all of the amazing Little Nell staff for your help. Lindsay Lofaro Executive Director Aspen
Sincerest thanks to our
Honorary Publishers for their generous, ongoing commitment of support. Jim Calaway, Chair Kay Brunnier Bob Ferguson – Jaywalker Lodge Scott Gilbert: Habitat for Humanity - RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert James Surls Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger
ank you to our SunScribers and community members for your support! It truly takes a village to keep e Sun shining.
To inform, inspire and build community. Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor: Lynn Burton • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Kathryn Camp • 970-379-7014 adsales@soprissun.com Reporter: John Colson Photographer: Jane Bachrach Graphic Designer: Terri Ritchie Delivery: Tom Sands CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS board@soprissun.com Barbara Dills, President Debbie Bruell, Secretary Colin Laird • Cliff Colia Diana Alcantara • Matt Adeletti • Olivia Pevec The Sopris Sun Board meets regularly on the third Monday evening of each month at the Third Street Center. Check the calendar for details and occasional date changes.
Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell Honorary Board Members Denise Barkhurst • Sue Gray David L. Johnson • Laura McCormick Jeannie Perry • Trina Ortega • Frank Zlogar
The Sopris Sun, Inc. • P.O. Box 399 520 S. Third Street #36 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016, 2016
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ird Street spruce tree coming down Poses a hazard By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer The Carbondale Board of Trustees has agreed that a large, mature spruce tree on South 3rd Street, immediately south of the Carbondale Branch Library, should come down because it presents a hazard to the library, neighboring homes and the adjacent Bridges High School building. The board came to that conclusion at a work session on Tuesday night, a meeting at which no decisions can be formally made or formal votes taken under the town’s charter, but where the trustees were able to give “direction” that concurs with the Tree Board’s decision to pull the tree down. The tree, which is believed to be about 80 years old, leans (some might even say, looms) over the street, and the precarious appearance of the leaning tree recently prompted a neighboring homeowner to call the town offices and ask that the matter be studied. Aspen Tree Service was hired to analyze the tree and report to town Arborist David Coon and the Carbondale Tree Board, which then brought the matter to the board of trustees — something that Town Manager Jay Harrington admitted on Tuesday was not a normal procedure. The Tree Board is made up of volunteers who advise the town’s public works department on matters relating to trees and the urban canopy. “We usually don’t bring tree removal issues to the town board,” Harrington said as he introduced Coon and Tree Board member Gabe Riley to the trustees. But, Coon told the trustees, “The tree has a pretty significant lean (and) the health of the tree is pretty bad,” which he said is clear from the fact that the canopy of the tree in question is thinner and less healthy looking than other trees lined up along that section of 3rd Street. Plus, Harrington noted, the possible loss of yet another relatively ancient spruce tree in that part of town — several similar trees were taken out in
2012 to make room for construction of the library — was deemed sufficiently important to get the trustees’ input. At the time of library construction, a sidewalk built along 3rd Street was curved around the tree in an effort to minimize any damage to the tree’s roots. But, Harrington added, there was some trenching done in the area of the tree as part of the construction work, and that might have caused problems for the tree’s continued health. “We did try to preserve this tree,” Harrington told the trustees. Trustee Frosty Merriott, who was a trustee in 2012 and publicly argued against the removal of trees to make room for the library, suggested the town check with local log-home builder John Ackerman about making some use of this tree once it is taken down. He also suggested that the town embark upon a “heritage tree program” to preserve big, old trees for as long as possible, and to begin a program of planting replacement trees for every one that comes down for whatever reason. Trustee Katrina Byars, after lauding Merriott’s suggestions and adding one of her own — to plant two trees for every one that comes down — said that she would like to see efforts made to save the tree in question if possible. “There’s all kinds of great reasons to keep it,” she said, ticking off such things as habitat for birds (she recalled that owls used to roost in the group of trees under discussion) and the tree’s role in reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. A native of Carbondale, Byars noted that “this tree has been leaning my entire life,” and urged the town to take all possible measures to save it, such as moving the sidewalk, which currently is within the tree’s “drip line” and thus is putting pressure on the roots, further away from the tree. But Tree Board member Dan Bullock pointed out that “there is rot at the bottom of the tree,” and it likely will fall down of its own accord at some point in the not too distant future. Riley, in a conversation following the meeting,
The leaning tree of 3rd Street poses a hazard to pedestrians and surrounding buildings, according to an independent tree service company, so it’s coming down in the near future. Town trustee Katrina Byars argued against removing the 80-year-old tree on Tuesday night. Photo by Lynn Burton pointed out that such trees generally live for 140 years or more. But Coon said that, as an urban tree that has undergone various stresses in its life, “It’s done really well.” Coon, Riley and Bullock all agreed that the Tree Board should look into the trustees’ suggestions and report back in the future. In the meantime, Coon said the spruce in question will be scheduled for removal, though he was not sure when that will happen.
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Community meals at Faith Lutheran Church (shown here) passed a milestone of sorts last Saturday. First of all, the meal (co-hosted by Carbondale Homeless Assistance) saw it’s best attendance to date, according to organizers. Second, CHA announced it will start serving a community meal at the church on the first Saturday of the month starting in January. For more on Faith Lutheran and CHA, check out The Sopris Sun after the first of the year. Photos by Lynn Burton THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016 • 3
Town Briefs
Cop Shop
Town having icy thoughts these days Sopris Sun Staff Report Carbondale’s two ice skating rinks — one at 4th and Main, the other at the Gus Darien riding arena on Catherine Store Road (100 Road) east of town — were both still off limits to skaters “due to warm weather last week,” according to a Dec. 16 memo from Town Manager Jay Harrington to the Board of Trustees, town employees and other recipients. Harrington noted that the Gus Darien Arena rink was flooded two weeks ago, and that the 4th Street Plaza rink was flooded on Dec. 12, and that both were only partially frozen as of Dec. 16. But a report from recreation center manager Eric Brendlinger on Monday indicated that the rinks had frozen over the weekend and would be open for skaters on Dec. 22, and reminded skaters that no stick-sports are allowed on the in-town rink. Harrington reported that ice rink programming for January includes hockey lessons for youths aged 6-14 years, and that registration for those lessons is now open on the recreation website (www.carbondalerec.com). In addition, Harrington reported that the Carbondale broomball league is expected to begin play in January, on Wednesday and Friday nights, and that registration for teams in the league has been extended to Friday, Dec. 30. To sign up for a team, Harrington wrote, call Jason at 510-1279 or e-mail him at jthraen@carbondaleco.net. In other town news, Harrington reported that the streets crew worked on a variety of tasks last week, from sweeping the streets to setting up a Christmas tree drop-off at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue; assisting with installation work at the two ice rinks; and digging footers at the Gus Darien rodeo grounds for construction of a new announcer’s booth, which was to begin last week.
From Dec. 9-15, Carbondale officers handled 236 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note:
In addition, Harrington wrote, the streets crew cut panels for sidewalk replacement and performed maintenance on street signs around town. The parks department, meanwhile, has been busy sharpening rental ice skates for use by the public, taking down tennis and pickleball nets at public courts, and discussing safety issues regarding slipping and sliding on icy sidewalks and streets. Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman last week sent out a Request For Proposals from contractors interested in doing the town’s crack-sealing work in the coming year, Harrington wrote. The Carbondale Parks and Recreation Department’s winter brochure (inserted in this week’s Sopris Sun) covers recreation programming from January through May 2017, and is available in a printed version as well as online at www.carbondalerec.com. The Carbondale Recreation and Community Center (CRCC) will be closed Dec. 24-25, and reopen for regular operating hours, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Dec. 26, according to the memo. The fall adult co-ed volleyball league finished up its 2016 season last week, in a tournament that was won by Las Chivas; registration is now open for a winter adult co-ed volleyball league and for the wintertime pickleball league and tournament, Harrington wrote. The CRCC also offers drop-in basketball games on Wednesday evenings, drop-in soccer on Friday evenings, and drop in pickleball games on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings, according to the memo. All schedules and details can be found at the recreation center website. The CRCC is continuing its recreation-center rental programming, including Ascendigo adult residential programs on the climbing wall on Thursdays for one hour; birthday party rentals of the gymnasium space (only half the gym is used for these events, leaving the other half available to the public).
WH
DECEMBER SPA SPECIAL
FRIDAY, Dec. 9: At 6:56 p.m. Carbondale police arrested local resident Craig Voigt, 47, at an address on South 2nd Street, on charges of selling methamphetamine to undercover operatives with the Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Administration about a year ago, according to reports in local media. Voigt is in jail awaiting trial on two felony counts and a misdemeanor count, in lieu of paying a $12,000 bail, according to the Garfield County Jail’s website. Voigt was arrested last January in Ohio, along with another local man, Kelly Harding, after state police stopped a car driven by the two on I-70 and reportedly discovered 123 pounds of marijuana in containers in the car. Voigt’s charges were dropped by Ohio prosecutors at the request of federal drug authorities, while Harding was convicted and is sitting in an Ohio state prison while trying to appeal his conviction. SUNDAY, Dec. 11: At 5:58 p.m. police stopped a vehicle for driving without tail lights, and after investigating arrested the 50-year-old male driver, of Carbondale, on charges of driving while his license was revoked (habitual traffic offender) and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016, 2016
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Scuttlebutt
Send your scuttlebutt to news@SoprisSun.com. sion of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Volunteer DJs are also equipped with hundreds of other holiday related tunes. Check them at 88.3 and other locations on your dial.
KDNK news
Spring Gulch news
At its regularly scheduled meeting on Dec. 19, the KDNK Board of Trustees elected Andrea Korber president, Annalise Appel vice president, Maria Wimmer treasurer and Amy Taylor secretary. Heather Dalton, Lee Ingram, Scott Levine and Stu Bryner also took their seats on the new board. The board still has one seat it can fill; for details call 963-0139. In related KDNK news, the community access radio station board decided to name a general manager hiring committee with three board members, two community members and two staff members, according to Korber in an e-mail to The Sopris Sun. The committee will soon be named. As part of the general manager hiring process, the whole staff, not just the hiring committee, will also interview the candidates. Applications are due Jan. 9 and the hiring committee will establish the interview dates. The board of directors recently dismissed the previous general manager of 11 years. The next KDNK board meeting is Jan. 23, rather than the traditional third Monday of the month as noted on the station’s website.
After a rough start in early December, the Spring Gulch Nordic trail system west of Carbondale is finally up and at ’em and the snow looks here to stay. “We rolled four to six inches of new snow Saturday morning (Dec. 17), said a Mt. Sopris Nordic Council e-mail. Classic track was set on most trails on Sunday afternoon. For details, go to the Nordic council’s Facebook page. On a related note, Colorado Mountain College is offering ski lessons at Spring Gulch on Dec. 31.
The Town of Carbondale is accepting applications for trustee. Applications may be picked up in the town clerk’s office, 511 Colorado Ave., or on the Town of Carbondale’s website carbondalegov.org. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15 at 5 p.m.
Friedman correction
Aeppel releases three films
Last week’s Sopris Sun reported that the Thomas Friedman lecture at Thunder River Theatre sold out in “less than 24 hours.” Actually, according to Roaring Fork Cultural Council folks, the Pulitzer Prize winner sold out in 23 minutes after tickets went on sale on the TRTC website. Friedman is slated to appear on Dec. 28. He was last seen on CNN last week talking about Syria.
The ladies at the Near New Store on Main Street report they will be closed on Dec. 27 through Jan. 2. They also wish everyone a “great holiday season.”
Three films by local photographer and filmmaker Catherine Aeppel have just been released as part of a national program to highlight the accessibility of wildlife refuges located near major metropolitan areas throughout the United States, according to a press release. The films are a collaboration between Tandem Stills + Motion and the National Wildlife Refuge Association, and focus on the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, the South Texas Refuge Complex, and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The three films can be viewed on YouTube and elsewhere. For more information, check out Aeppel’s website at catherineaeppel.com.
Holiday tunes
They say it’s your birthday
KDNK staffers report the nonprofit radio station has 38 versions of “Auld Lang Syne” on hand, 21 versions of “Ave Maria,” 19 versions of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and 13 versions of “Feliz Navidad” and probably one ver-
Folks celebrating their birthday this week include: Jerry Pluger, Carolyn Jackson and Jessica Hardin (Dec. 22); Bill Lamont (Dec. 23); Emma Danciger and Greg “DJ Phathead” Benson (Dec. 26) and Chip Bishop (Dec. 28).
Amanda Gessler update Football players aren’t the only ones whose injuries put them on the sidelines. Classical pianists can also suffer the same fate. That’s the upshot of what forced Aspen-based classical pianist Amanda Gessler to postpone her Dec. 17 recital at the Carbondale Branch Library. Gessler tells The Sopris Sun she tore the extensor tendon on her right pointer finger during a solo recital in Grand Junction on
Alpine Bank’s first quarter Pays for A’s recipients in Carbondale are (left to right): Beverly Patton (Roaring Fork High School), Jacob Barlow (Carbondale Middle School) and Maddox Stainton (Carbondale Middle School). Not pictured: Ruby Fuller (Roaring Fork High School) and Morgan Kaegebein (Carbondale Middle School). Also shown: Ian Bays (president). Courtesy photo
Near New closed Nov. 6. “The piano’s stiff action may be to blame,” Gessler says, “or perhaps I had weakened it through over-practicing right before the concert.” In any case, such an injury takes an average of 12 weeks to heal. “Although it feels great now, I’m still not using it as it may easily tear again if not fully healed.” Gessler reports she plans to perform her all-Beethoven recital at the Carbondale library on Jan. 21. In the meantime, “I’m getting a lot of good practice for my left hand alone.”
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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016, 2016
Around town
Lynn Burton photo
Jane Bachrach photo
Courtesy photo
As usual, lots was going on around town of late. Clockwise from upper left. Roaring Fork Leadership has chosen Smiling Goat Ranch for one of its six civic projects in 2017 (from left to right: Melissa Knight, Smiling Goat Executive Director Sheryl Barto, Jodi Surfas, Meghan Pearlman, Meghan Lutterman, Briston Peterson and Josh House; not shown: Jim Gohery and team coach Becky Moller). Stage of Life (SoL) Theatre packed the house at the Third Street Center for its third performance of “Elf” on Dec. 11. The Olathe High School/Middle School archery team visited Roaring Fork High School for a match earlier in the month. Fred Siroteck, a lab technician at the town's wastewater treatment plant, was recognized for 20 years of service to the town at the Dec. 14 Board of Trustees meeting. Two other employees, Planning Director Janet Buck and Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Jackel, both were recognized, at the same meeting, for 15 years of working for the town. Public Works Director Larry Ballenger, who worked for the town for 18 years, was recognized at a meeting earlier in 2016.
Courtesy photo
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016 • 7
Temperatures drop, Standing Rock support grows Regular caravans to North Dakota By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer As temperatures along the border between North and South Dakota have plummeted and winter has settled in ďŹ rmly in the region, the conduit carrying supplies, vehicles and people between Carbondale and the besieged Standing Rock Indian reservation has grown and deepened. According to Tim Brogdon of Carbondale, a lead organizer of caravans that have for months been headed for Standing Rock, “The weather is absolutely brutal.â€? But, he added, the level of support from the Roaring Fork Valley “is even more intense, it just keeps getting bigger.â€? He said that locals Russ Criswell and David Avalos, who returned to Carbondale from Standing Rock on Dec. 20, temperatures at the area where three camps house “water protectorsâ€? ďŹ ghting against an oil pipeline had fallen to 35 degrees below zero at the end of last week. The water protectors, as they call themselves, since last April have been protesting construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which has been routed through what the Standing Rock Sioux tribe say are sacred lands to the Sioux nation. In addition, the tribe believes the pipeline, if it ruptures or leaks, would pollute the Missouri River, which is the tribe’s only supply of water, not to mention water that serves millions of users downstream in other states.
Weather a hindrance Brogdon, who has made several trips to the Standing Rock area to deliver loads of supplies and help out in other ways, said the weather has moderated somewhat, with temperatures getting up around 20-degrees above zero in recent days. But forecasts predict another storm in the near future, which could dump as much as 18 inches of snow on the region and bring another round of deep-freeze, Brogdon said. He said there are as many as “somewhere just under 1,000� people camped out, building makeshift winter quarters and working to keep things organized at three camps that remain at the site. Among other efforts, he said, camp organizers are hoping to get their hands on Mongolian yurts — sturdy, tent-like structures made of yak hides — which are known to stand up
Standing Rock beneďŹ t concert in Los Angeles, sang a parody Christmas song, “Trump’s nuts roasting on an open ďŹ re,â€? sung to the tune of the Christmas standard, “Chestnuts Roasting on an open ďŹ re.â€? According to a story published by The HufďŹ ngton Post, the song brought down the house at the concert venue.
Legal issues
Temperatures in the Standing Rock area of North Dakota dropped to -35 degrees of late, but “water protectorsâ€? in camps such as Oceti Oyate camp remain dug in (the other camps are Sacred Stone and Rosebud). Carbondale residents Tim Brogdon, Russ Criswell, David Avalos, Moses Greengrass, Gabby Bedeian and others continue to make regular supply trips to the camps. Photo by Tim Brogdon well to severe winter conditions. Also recently returned to the Roaring Fork Valley, Brogdon said, was Aspen native Moses Greengrass, who reported that the connection between the valley and the reservation has taken on some surprisingly visible aspects, such as the fact that he saw a number of people wearing knit caps bearing the legend, AVSC, for the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club. Greengrass, according to Brogdon, plans to head back up to Standing Rock soon with yet another load of ďŹ rewood. “Six cords of wood will last a couple of days,â€? Brogdon remarked, after explaining that the donations of winter clothing, building materials and other goods have been welcomed warmly in the camps. Brogdon, who was supposed to hit the road again last week, was stopped by the onslaught of heavy snow and cold temperatures here in the valley. Which, he said, was OK, because “I can do a lot more good organizing things down here than I can up there. Still, he said, he plans to depart next Monday, with former KDNK station manager Steve Skinner, this time with a truck donated by Pete Voorhees of Aspen Property Management, and a snowmobile from Carbondale business owner Jacob Woods, which is earmarked for use by the medics in the camps.
Relief efforts broaden The number of people from this region
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signing on to the relief effort has been growing steadily, Brogdon noted, speciďŹ cally spotlighting work by political activist Sonja Linman, who has been collecting winter gear and helping to organize convoys. In particular, Brogdon noted the help offered by a newcomer to Carbondale, Gabby Bedeian, who moved here from Pennsylvania about three months ago and has dived into the Standing Rock support effort. “She’s become my absolute foundation, organization-wise,â€? Brogdon said, explaining that Bedeian has helped organize the collections of goods in the valley and has spent weeks at Standing Rock, where she reportedly became an indispensible organizer. “She really helped run that encampment, that compound,â€? he said, referring to the Oceti Oyate camp (the others are called Sacred Stone and Rosebud), adding that Standing Rock Sioux elders Phyllis and Amos Bald Eagle have declared her to be “the only one that does any real work.â€? The support for the Standing Rock effort has broadened around the country as well as in the Roaring Fork Valley. Numerous other pipeline projects through Native American tribal lands have become the focus of protests. In addition, the Standing Rock cause has, in some cases, become blended with others, such as the upsurge of disaffection and demonstrations against president-elect Donald Trump. Last weekend, singer Fiona Apple, at a
Among the recent developments related to the Standing Rock situation, have been indications that the Dakota Access Pipeline company (DAP) and Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), which is building the pipeline, both may be in legal hot water. According to an online article posted by Clark Williams-Derry, who works for a think-tank known as Sightline Institute — which watches over energy, economic and environmental issues in the Pacific Northwest — the two companies have been accused of lying about a supposed Jan. 1, 2017 deadline for completion of the pipeline. The article charges that the companies have been telling federal judges that the deadline represents possible ďŹ nancial ruin, as it is tied to delivery contracts for oil that is to ow from the Bakken oil ďŹ elds in North Dakota to a pipeline junction in Illinois. At the same time, according to the article, the two companies have been telling reporters that the deadline is not that big of a problem, and that the delivery contracts are tied to dates later in 2017. The pipeline itself is about 95 percent ďŹ nished, except for the short stretch that is to be routed underneath the Missouri River. Williams-Derry, in his article, argued that the companies have to be more honest in their pronouncements, or face a backlash from investors. On a different front, several hundred water protectors who have been arrested by state and county police are now headed for trial, and according to online accounts have not been able to obtain adequate legal representation for their defense. According to a report by Democracy Now!, the broadcast and online news organization run by veteran journalist Amy Goodman, a prosecutor in North Dakota is trying to convince a judge to exclude any testimony about the pipeline itself, as well as anything about the reasons behind Native American resistance to the project, many of which have to do with Native American sovereignty.
Christmas Service and Celebration
Come on down for some singin’ and wassailing as we celebrate the reason for the season: each other. Join us this Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016 - 10:00 a.m. in the Calaway Room
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU) @ Third Street Center, Calaway Room
www.tworiversuu.org
-VY 0UMVYTH[PVU 9LZLY]H[PVUZ JHSS -VY 0UMVYTH[PVU 9LZLY]H[PVUZ JHSS ‹ `HTWHOZWH JVT ‹ `HTWHOZWH JVT :WH 6WLU : WH 6WLU :HSVU 6WLU :HSVU 6WLU ‹ 6UL )SVJR ,HZ[ VM [OL /V[ :WYPUNZ 7VVS ‹ 6UL )SVJR ,HZ[ VM [OL /V[ :WYPUNZ 7VVS 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016, 2016
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist
Rev. Shawna Foster Inspirational, Contemporary Music by Jimmy Byrne Heather Rydell, Youth Program Minister Childcare Provided
Community Calendar THURSDAY Dec. 22 LIVE MUSIC • Carbondale Beer Works serves up a jazz group from 6 to 8 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of the month. ROTARY • The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita at noon every Thursday.
FRI.-SUN. Dec. 22-24 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Manchester by the Sea” (R) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23, 26-29 and 1 p.m. on Dec. 24; “A Man Called Ove” (PG-13, subtitled) at 5 p.m. Dec. 28 and “Moonlight” (PG-13) at 5 p.m. on Dec. 29. Closed Dec. 25. THEATRE • Thunder River Theatre continues its run of “The Last Romance” in on Dec. 22-24, and at the Snowmass Chapel on Jan. 20-21 and 27-28. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. except for a 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 24. The play is a romantic comedy by Joe DiPietro that revolves around a senior couple (Ralph and Carol) who fall in love during a series of humorous and heartwarming meetings in a New Jersey dog park. Some of the dogs in the play are adoptable dogs from Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.). Ticket info: thunderrivertheatre.com and 963-8200.
FRIDAY Dec. 23 SCROOGE • The Wheeler Opera house in Aspen presents a national touring company production of “A Christmas Carol” at 6:30 p.m. Ticket info: 920-5770. LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old
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.
part of the Dinkel Building presents music every Friday night. Info: 963-3340.
SAT.-MON. Dec. 24-26 LIBRARIES CLOSED • The Carbondale Branch Library, and the other six Garfield County libraries, will be closed for the Christmas holiday. Regular library hours will resume on Dec. 27. MOONLIT TREK • Anderson Ranch Art Center in Snowmass Village hosts a moonlit crosscountry trek and dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Info: 923-3181.
SUNDAY Dec. 25 LIVE MUSIC • The Wheeler Opera house presents Australia’s The Ten Tenors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 to $65 at 920-5770.
MONDAY Dec. 26 PLANT-BASED NUTRITION • Every Monday morning at the Third Street Center, Greg Feinsinger, M.D., gives free consultations about heart attack prevention, stroke/diabetes prevention, plant-based nutrition or other medical concerns. Dr. Feinsinger is a retired family physician. For an appointment, call 379-5718. PLANT-BASED POTLUCK • Davi Nikent hosts a plant-based potluck at the Third Street Center on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016, 2016
TUESDAY Dec. 27 DANCING • A free dance is held in the Third Street Center at 7:30 p.m. Dances include two-step, waltz, double-two, East and West Coast swing, cowboy, cha-cha, line dancing and more. Free classes are offered from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Info: 948-3006 or 366-6463. CUPCAKE WARS • Teens and kids are invited to the Carbondale Branch Library at 2 p.m. for cupcake wars. We’re talking friendly competition, fun in the kitchen and delicious cupcakes. Admission is free but registration is required at gcpld.org.
WEDNESDAY Dec. 28 FILM • The Basalt Regional Library’s foreign film this month is “Instructions Not Included.” Admission is free and the film starts at 5:15 p.m. YOGA • Himalayan Yogini Devika Gurung teaches yoga at the Launchpad every Wednesday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. LIVE MUSIC • Dan Rosenthal hosts an open mic night at Rivers restaurant in Glenwood Springs every Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m. ROTARY • The Carbondale Rotary Club meets at the Carbondale Fire Station at 6:45 a.m.
Further Out FRIDAY Dec. 30 BROOMBALL • The deadline for signing up for Carbondale’s broomball league is today at 5 p.m. The league plays on Wednesday and Friday nights in January. Sign up at jthraen@carbondaleco.net or go to carbondalegov.org.
SATURDAY Dec. 31 DANCING • The Tuesday night swing dancers shift to New Year’s Eve at the Third Street Center starting at 7:30 p.m. Dances include two-step, East and West Coast swing and more. Partners are not necessary. Admission is $10. Info: 948-3006 or 366-6463.
FRIDAY Jan. 6 CLAY EXHIBITION • The Carbondale Clay Center to presents “Food, Drink, Flower,” featuring new works by artists Fumiko Nagai and Frank McGuirk. The reception takes place from 6-8 p.m. on First Friday. The show will remain on display throughout the month. A special piece by world-renowned potter Nakashi Nakazato will be auctioned off, with proceeds to benefit the Carbondale Clay Center. Info: carbondaleclay.org, or 963-2529.
SUNDAY Jan. 8 MODEL AUDITIONS • The Launchpad hosts “Green is the New Black” fashion show auditions from 5 to 7 p.m. All models must be over 18. Rehearsals will begin on Jan. 25, and the actual show will take place March 1011. This year’s theme is “She,” although par-
CALENDAR page 11
Community Calendar ticipants are not required to be female. Info: amy@carbondalearts.com, or 963-9680.
SUNDAY Feb. 5 SCULPTURE DEADLINE • The Town of Carbondale and Carbondale Public Arts Commission are seeking 15 original sculptures for the annual Art aRound Town exhibition. Those chosen will be displayed around Carbondale; the artists will receive $750 upon installation. The exhibition opens on June 1 and $1,000 will be awarded for Best in Show. Submissions for entry are available at the CAFÉ (Call for Entry) website: callforentry.org. Info: carbondalegov.org.
THURSDAY Jan. 12 C’DALE TO CB TRAIL • The Crystal River Caucus, and Pitkin County Open Space, discuss the proposed Carbondale to Crested Butte trail at the Church at Redstone starting at 5 p.m. Other meetings include: Carbondale Town Hall at 5 p.m. on Jan. 18, and Crested Butte Town Hall at 5 p.m. on Feb. 6.
WEDNESDAY Jan. 25 CMC BOARD MEETING • The Colorado Mountain College Board of Directors meets at the Edwards campus. Info: The CMC website.
MONDAY May 1 CA GALLERY PROPOSALS • Carbondale Arts is accepting proposals for its 2018 Launchpad gallery lineup. Proposals may be for individuals or groups. Two and three-dimensional works will be accepted. Proposal forms are available at carbondalearts.com and at the Launchpad. The entry deadline is May 1. Info: brian@carbondalearts.com.
continued from page 10
Ongoing FILM • Aspen Film’s 25th annual Academy Screenings takes place at the Wheeler Opera House through Jan. 21. More than 20 films will be featured, including “Fences,” “The Founder,” “Jackie,” “Hidden Figures,” “La La Land,” “Lion,” “Loving,” “Manchester by the Sea,” “Moonlight” and more. Info: aspenshowtix.com or 920-5770. KOROLOGOS GALLERY • The Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt continues “Collectors Holiday” through Jan. 10. The show features Paula Schuette Kraemer, Leon Loughridge, Joel Ostlin and Sherri York. Info: Korologosgallery.com. SINGER CONTINUES • The Lisa Singer exhibition “The Storm & After” continues at the Aspen Jewish Community Center through Feb. 26. Info: LisaSingerart.com. ABA • The Art Base Annex in Basalt (174 Midland Ave.) continues the Isa Catto show “Taking Inventory: New Works.” DECK THE WALLS • Carbondale Arts’ Deck the Walls continues at the Launchpad Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 30. Come by from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne. Info: CarbondaleArts.com. C’DALE TRUSTEES • The Carbondale Board of Trustees holds regular meetings the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at town hall starting at 6 p.m. The trustees usu-
ally hold work session at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday. Info: 963-2733 or carbondalegov.org. EMPATHS MEET • The “RFV Empaths Unite” support group meets at the Third Street Center (Room #31) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Donations are accepted. Info: Kelli Welsh at 417-893-8578. GRIEF AND LOSS • Pathfinders offers a grief and loss support group every other Monday at 6 p.m., and a caregiver support group every other Wednesday noon. An RSVP is required to Robyn Hubbard at 319-6854. Pathfinders offers support groups from Aspen to Rifle and is located in Carbondale at 1101 Village Rd. Info: pathfindersforcancer.org. LUTHERANS MEET • Faith Lutheran Church on Highway 133 holds worship services at 9 a.m. (traditional service), educational hour (10 a.m.), and living praise worship (11:30 a.m.). Info. Faithcarbondale.com and 925-7725. IMMUNIZATION CLINICS • Garfield County offers immunization clinics at the Carbondale Family Resource Center (in the Bridges Center at 400 Sopris Ave.) the second and fourth Thursday of the month (Oct. 27 this month). To schedule an appointment, call 945-6614, ext. 2030. MEET THE MAYOR • Carbondale Mayor Dan Richardson holds his weekly “Office Hours” session at the Village Smithy from 7 to 8 a.m. on Tuesdays. Drop by and say hi.
COMMUNITY MEAL • Faith Lutheran Church (south of Main Street on Highway 133) hosts a free community meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month. Info: 510-5046 or faithcarbondale.com. LIONS MEET • The Carbondale Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of the month at the Gathering Center (the Orchard on Snowmass Road) starting at 6:30 p.m. Info: Chuck Logan at 963-7002 or Chris Chacos at 379-9096. SILENT MEDITATION • Free silent meditation sessions are held at the Launchpad from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The public is invited. BRAIN TRAIN • Senior Matters’ early memory loss program Brain Train continues Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program is operating at capacity but is accepting applications for the wait list. Info: Diane Darling at 970-987-3754. SENIOR MATTERS • Bring a partner to Senior Matters bridge at the Third Street Center at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Info: Diane Morgan at 963-0424. SENIOR MATTERS • The Senior Matters Board of Directors meets the third Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Third Street Center. SENIOR MATTERS • Diane Johnson talks about senior issues and services on KDNK at 4:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR
Paula S. Kraemer, Family Portrait Goat, 3/5, Mixed Media Print, 30” x 30”
WORKS ON PAPER | THROUGH JAN 10
PRINTS | PAINTINGS | PHOTOGRAPHY | SCULPTURE
211 MIDLAND AVE, BASALT CO|970.927.9668|KOROLOGOSGALLERY.COM|TUES-SAT, 10-6
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES
The Town of Carbondale is soliciting proposals and statements of qualifications from qualified civil engineering firms to provide municipal engineering services. The Town is interested in receiving proposals from local engineering firms. Local engineering firms are interpreted to be firms located between Aspen and Rifle, Colorado. A complete Proposal packet can be obtained at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado 81623, or downloaded from the town website at www.carbondalegov.org. Proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2017. Inquiries can be directed to Kevin Schorzman, Public Works Director, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado 81623. Phone 970-510-1217, email kschorzman@carbondaleco.net.
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016 • 11
On Seventh Street across from Sopris Park: A testament to sub-zero temperatures earlier in the week … and homage to a 1950s Chevy pickup truck that hasn’t rolled out from its comfy parking spot since at least October or so. Photo by Lynn Burton
Give thanks for all you’ve been blessed with and hold your loved ones tight. For you the know the Lord's been good to you on a snowy Christmas night.
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes hes to you and your loved ones, for a Happy New Year! Year!
Elvis Presley
On a Snowy Christmas Night www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNxO3Rrs7sw
JOHN FROST MERRIOTT Certified Public Accountant
f ro s t y c p a . c o m
Inviting you to join in celebration
Christmas Eve Service Saturday, December 24 4 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Candlelight services followed by a live nativity, cookies and hot cocoa.
110 Snowmass Drive Carbondale 970-379-8663 theorchardlife.com 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016, 2016
Sarah Murray Sar Broker Br o Associate 970.618.0109 sarah@masonmorse.com 618.0109 | sarah@mas
2016 CATEGORY WINNERS Seventh grade winner: Aislinn Pinela
Sixth grade winner: Nayeli Torres
Fifth grade winner: Anicka Ashcraft
Spruce Up e Sun Design Contest
Eighth grade winner: Jessie Diehl
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016 • 13
2016 CATEGORY WINNERS Spruce Up e Sun Design Contest
Fourth grade winner: Juniper Anderson
Third grade winner: Kenny Riley
First/Second grade winner: Perrin Jones
Eighth grade runner-up: Dayanna Gomez
14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016, 2016
2016 CATEGORY WINNERS Fifth grade runner-up: Foster Hayes
Sixth grade runner-up: Morgan Kaegebein
Third/Fourth grade runner-up:
First/Second grade runner-up:
Ruby Lough
Dylan Riley
Honorable Mention, Contemporary:
Honorable Mention, Creativity:
Schanae Dolore
Micah Bays
Spruce Up e Sun Design Contest
Seventh grade runner-up: Jacob Martin
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016 • 15
Making friends at the Hamilton Elector rally Trump isn’t even inaugurated By Jennifer H. Catto Special to The Sopris Sun “He hasn’t been inaugurated yet ... he hasn’t been inaugurated yet.” This had been my mantra for weeks. My way to keep the toxicity of today’s political climate from poisoning my heart and mind. My way to not shut down, to stay in the present moment. Before I go any further, I’d like to acknowledge any Trump supporters who may be reading this. I know you’re out there, even in Carbondale, our blue-leaning, liberal, “hippie” town. I know because I’ve seen some of your posts on Facebook — or because we’ve had a chat when I found out, sometimes to my surprise, where your allegiance lies. With the country in such deep political disarray, we can’t pretend the opposition doesn’t exist anymore. We can’t keep retreating like boxers to our own corners. So, hello. Right now, I’m talking about my perspective though. So I will tell you, that when I saw a photo of Ivanka Trump in a meeting with her father and the Prime Minister of Japan, I told myself, “He hasn’t been inaugurated yet.” When I heard of Trump’s plan to limit his presence in the White House and to spend as much time as he can in the gilded bubble that is Trump Tower, I told myself, “He hasn’t been inaugurated yet.” And when I found out that our intelligence services concluded that Russia’s intention in meddling with the election was indeed to help seat Trump as president, I told myself, “He hasn’t been inaugurated yet.”
of a foreign power. The recent Hamilton Elector campaign to deny Trump the presidency on the basis that he does not meet these criteria began in Colorado, spearheaded by Michael Baca, a 24-year-old Colorado elector, who wanted his fellow electors across the country to exercise their constitutional rights, vote their conscience, and pick a qualified and stable Republican as a unity candidate to be our next president, rather than Donald Trump. The Hamilton Elector initiative wasn’t as far fetched as it sounded. Only 37 Republican electors would have needed to change their vote to send the question to the House of Representatives. Of course, many democrats would have wanted the candidate selected by the Electoral College to be Hillary Clinton, but in such a republican dominated political reality, the Hamilton Elector leaders knew that idea just wouldn’t fly. To me, Michael Baca is just the kind of free thinker and visionary this country needs to help lead us back on track, and so I was happy to see him on the steps of the State Capitol building in Denver on Saturday morning, speaking to a crowd of almost 300 people, thanking everyone for coming. And I was grateful to be able to thank him later in the day for his service face-to-face. I was also at the State Capitol building the night before, wearing a purple scarf and waving a purple glow stick. (Purple is red and blue together, the color of unity. Many of the Hamilton Elector supporters were wearing it). I stood with about 40 others in the twilight on a frigid night, with my feet going through several painful freeze/thaw cycles, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, because I was there, and that meant to me that I hadn’t given up. I was feeling sad that my country seemed to be heading down a perilous road, sure, but I was also feeling some hope that that might change, and some tenderness and solidarity with the strangers holding signs around me who had also shown up to brave the cold. And occasionally, I’d feel a fleeting wave of joy in my heart when a zooming rush-hour driver honked a horn in support.
COMMENTARY
Hamilton Elector initiative I went to Denver last weekend in support of the Hamilton Elector initiative, which didn’t pan out how a lot of people had hoped. In case you don’t know, the purpose of the Hamilton Elector movement was to implement Alexander Hamilton’s intent for the Electoral College to act as a stop gap that would prevent a demagogue from becoming president. According to Hamilton, the electors have a constitutional duty to gauge whether or not a president-elect is qualified and temperamentally fit for the office. And in order pass scrutiny of the electors, the president elect should not have financial conflicts of interest and should be free of the influence
Saturday morning On Saturday morning the sun was shining, the skies were blue, and the large crowd of nearly 300 folks rallying in support of the Hamilton Elector initiative in front of the State Capitol building was feeling hopeful. Organizers and regular citizens — democrats and a few republicans — took turns with a
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Michael Baca (center with bullhorn) addresses the Hamilton Electors rally at the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver last Monday. Baca, 24, was a state elector but did not vote for Hilary Clinton, who received the most popular votes in Colorado in the Nov. 8 presidential election. Because of his vote against Clinton, the Colorado secretary of state replaced him in the Electoral College. Photo by Jennifer H. Catto megaphone, addressing the crowd from atop a mound of snow, a makeshift pedestal. Then, to our surprise, we were all invited inside the building to watch the vote first hand. So we put down our signs and filed through security into the domed government building. The vote was slated for noon, but there was a delay for legal reasons, and the electors stayed cloistered in a side room for nearly a half hour, keeping the crowd of us waiting in a fancy, open meeting space where the vote would take place amid marble columns and polished floors. A respectful hush was peppered by quiet conversation, and the sound of Colorado residents, old and young, introducing themselves to each other and chatting. And then, when it was past noon and the electors still hadn’t come out, we started to sing. “America the Beautiful” came first. Then “The Star Spangled Banner.” The empty table where the vote was to take place was in the center of the room and we stood in circle around it, singing. The way everyone was facing each other brought to my mind the final scene in “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” when all the Who’s in Whoville stand in a circle and sing holiday carols together despite the fact that the Grinch has just stolen all of their presents. So there we were, all of us, claiming the present moment and singing. “This Land is Your Land,” John Lennon’s “Imagine,” “If I had a Hammer.” And several more. It was a beautiful time, and I will never forget it.
at
When the electors came out, all the votes went to Hillary Clinton, the winner of the state’s popular vote, except for Michael Baca’s. Michael had voted for somebody else, presumably one of the Hamilton Elector choices (Most likely Mitt Romney, John Kasich or Colin Powell) but the secretary of state for Colorado told us that Michael’s vote could not be accepted. This was due to a court ruling just the day before, when lawyers for Donald Trump won a case against the Hamilton Electors in a Colorado court. When Wayne Williams, Colorado’s secretary of state, asked Michael Baca to step down as an elector and for a replacement elector to be nominated, some booing erupted from the crowd, and a couple men yelled out that the request was unconstitutional. But in the end, a replacement elector was nominated and all the votes went to Hillary Clinton. After some calls for Wayne Williams to resign, the crowd quieted down and people began chatting again as they left the building.
Not an option In such overwhelming and confusing political times it would be easy to shut down. But for me, shutting down doesn’t feel like an option. I feel the need to speak, to act, to feel. And I also feel the need to keep in touch with some of the new friends I just met in Denver. Who knows? I may be going back there sooner than I think. After all, he still hasn’t been inaugurated yet.
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THIS COMMUNITY AD SPACE DONATED BY COOL BRICK STUDIOS.
16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016, 2016
Thank You!
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On behalf of Angel Tree and The Orchard ½
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$100 Elves: Carbondale Family Dental
$200-400 Snowmen: Mi Casita Sopris Liquor & Wine
$500 Reindeer: Casey Concrete WSM Gould Construction All Valley Storage Umbrella Roofing Ridge Runner Construction Carl J Ciani- State Farm
$501+ Santas: Alpine Bank, Carbondale
“Special Helpers” Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Timbers Resorts The Orchard River Valley Ranch Aspen Glen City Market, Carbondale Be Original Signs
CARBONDALE
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016 • 17
Bonnie Cretti: Artisanal breads to your door Bonnie Cretti started baking bread for herself in college, continued baking when she taught for many years at Roaring Fork High School and while she operated a college counseling business, and recently turned pro with her new company — BlĂŠ Artisanal Breads. “I decided after my (counseling) career that I wanted to do something with my hands,â€? Cretti tells The Sopris Sun. “I also consider bread baking an art form, or at least an artistic activity.â€? Working out of her kitchen south of Carbondale up Prince Creek Road, the former Boulder resident is turning out holiday breads (which include coffee cakes, pumpkin breads during Thanksgiving and more), whole grain breads and sourdough breads by request and subscriptions. What is a bread subscription? “ ‌ It means you can order bread in advance to be delivered (in Carbondale) either every other week or every week. I usually make my deliveries on Mondays. You can buy a three-month or a six-month subscription ‌ or actually whatever you want. ‘By request’ means that you call me up and say ‘I’m having a dinner party and would love some home-made
bread.’ Or ‘I have guests coming in tonight at my VRBO and would love a loaf as a welcome gift’ ‌ Or many other reasons.â€? Cretti reports the ancient art and practice of bread parallels two other ancient and basic human foods: beer and wine. “Both require fermentation. All three have enjoyed a recent renaissance in terms of creating these products carefully, knowingly, with the best of ingredients, and returning to older traditional techniques.â€? She learned to bake bread through trial-and-error and “practice, practice, practice ‌ oh and read, read, read as well. ‌ And, of course, sample, sample, sample.â€? Before moving to the Roaring Fork Valley area in the winter of 1976-1977, Cretti lived in Madison, Wisconsin, the Boston area and Connecticut. In the 40 years since, she and her husband, Clark, have made many good friends. Those friends are a side beneďŹ t to starting BlĂŠ Artisanal Breads. “Thanks to old friends and new friends who buy my bread, delivering bread is a wonderful way to touch base with the old friends and get to know the new ones.â€? And if you’re wondering, “blĂŠâ€? [pro-
“ ‌ thanks to old friends and new friends who buy my bread, delivering bread is a wonderful way to touch base with the old friends and get to know the new ones.â€?
With a view like that, how does Bonnie Cretti manage to focus on making bread? Well, she does. If you’re wondering about her kitchen set up, “I just use a traditional double electric oven. I would love to have a separate bread oven ... someday ‌ And who wouldn’t want a traditional outdoor pizza/bread oven,â€? she tells The Sopris Sun. Photo by Jane Bachrach nounced “blayâ€?] is the French word for wheat. “I’m a Francophile.â€? BlĂŠ Artisanal Breads is located at 414 County Road 165, Carbondale, CO. Bonnie
Cretti can be reached at 309-1901 or bcretti@gmail.com. — Compiled by Lynn Burton
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Fire board OK’s budget By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer The Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District on Dec. 14 approved a budget that shows only a small increase in property-tax and other tax revenues over the previous year’s budget, but no increase in spending from the district’s general fund, which pays for the ďŹ re district’s day-to-day operations. According to the district’s budget, which can be found on the ďŹ re department’s website (www.carbondaleďŹ re.org) under the board of director’s page in the Dec. 14 meeting packet, the district expects to receive a total of $2.97 million in revenues next year, of which $2.71 million will come in the form of property taxes and other, much smaller tax assessments. That compares to estimated property-tax revenues of $2.69 million in 2016. On the expense side of the budget, the district expects to spend a total of $2.99 million in the general fund, and to have a remaining total fund balance at the end of 2017 of $1.7 million. The district’s reserves, which reached $1.8 million in 2016, will drop in 2017, to reect transfers to cover the difference between revenues and expenses in the general fund. Overall, the budget reects the fact that the lion’s share of spending — amounting to $2.27 million next year — will be on personnel costs, which cover the district’s 21 paid staff members (who are supported by a volunteer staff of 65 men and women). Three new paid ďŹ reďŹ ghters/EMTs were hired over the course of 2016, raising the number of paid staff from 18 to 21, according to Fire Chief Ron Leach. In 2016, the district’s personnel costs came to $2.19 million, according to the budget documents. There are no large equipment purchases planned in the 2017 budget, and no big capital projects. Instead, the budget indicates plans to spend $77,375 on equipment maintenance and repair,
$37,564 on communications, and $63,298 on training — all of which are either staying level with last year or seeing only relatively slight increases. In the buildings portion of the general fund, the district plans to spend $108,379, an increase over the $101,049 spent in 2016 due to increased costs in utilities, maintenance and repairs. The district maintains ďŹ ve ďŹ re stations and 26 “pieces of emergency apparatusâ€? (including ďŹ re trucks and other vehicles), according to the budget documents. The Administration section of the budget shows an increase for next year, from $214,077 in 2016 to $238,390 in 2017. The ďŹ re district continues to recover from funding shortfalls as a result of the Great Recession of 2008-09, and to beneďŹ t from a 2015 election in which voters approved a two-year tax hike that, along with increased property assessments throughout the 320-square-mile district has made up some of the ďŹ scal losses from the recession. But that tax hike expires next year, and although the district’s governing board of directors reportedly has not called for a new tax ballot question in 2017, the budget does contain an appropriation of $15,000 under the line item, “election.â€? That line item, along with increases in insurance costs, treasurer’s fees and legal expenses, helps to account for much of the increase in the Administration portion of the budget. The budget’s Capital Projects fund, which covers large-scale equipment and building expenses, is expected to see lower expenses for 2017 (dropping from around $319,000 in 2016 to approximately $259,000 in 2017), due to reduced projected expenses for equipment of various types. The reserve balance for the Capital Projects fund, which stood at $651,935 in 2015, dropped to $595,788 in 2016 and will decline further in 2017, to $576,875, according to the budget documents.
Byars tops Richardson by $75 By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer Carbondale Trustee Katrina Byars received no contributions to her mayoral campaign war chest in the ďŹ nal weeks of the recent municipal election, and her total spending for her bid to become mayor amounted to $1,125 — making her the top-spending candidate in the three-way race. The winner of the election, former acting mayor Dan Richardson, reportedly raised and spent a total of $1,050 in his bid to formalize his position, while former trustee and RFTA bus driver Ed Cortez spent $956.59 of his own money in an effort to get back on the town board of trustees, according to both men’s campaign ďŹ nance reports. Byars’ campaign spending in the ďŹ nal period of the election cycle was ďŹ led late and was not reported
in a Dec. 15 article on the subject in The Sopris Sun. According to Byars’ ďŹ nal campaign ďŹ nance report for the election, which was due on Dec. 8 but ďŹ led several days late, Byars had $581.48 on hand after the second ďŹ ling period deadline of Nov. 4 (the ďŹ rst ďŹ ling period closed out on Oct. 18). Of that amount, Byars wrote a check to The Sopris Sun on Nov. 8 for $525 to pay for campaign ads published in the paper. Byars’ closing campaign expenditure was a check for $56.48 to the Carbondale Arts nonproďŹ t, as a contribution to the organization’s work to renovate an old school bus that will be used as a rolling arts education classroom. Each of the three candidates indicated in their reports that they ended the election period with no money remaining in their campaign accounts.
Service Directory
Legal Notices PUBLIC NOTICE
Lafarge West, Inc c/o Lafarge North America Inc; 1687 Cole Blvd Suite 300, Golden, CO 80401, 303-985-1070, has filed an application for a Regular (112) Construction Materials Operation Reclamation Permit with the Colorado Mine Land Reclamation Board under provisions of the Colorado Land Reclamation Act for the Extraction of Construction Materials. The proposed mine is known as the Powers Pit, and is located at or near Section 26, Township 7, Range 88, 6th Prime Meridian. The proposed date of commencement is October 1, 2016, and the proposed date of completion is February 1, 2018. The proposed future use of the land is rangeland and commercial/industrial. Additional information and tentative decision date may be obtained from the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 866-3567, or at the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder's office; 109 8th Street, Suite 200, Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601, or the above-named applicant. Comments must be in writing and must be received by the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety by 4:00 p.m. on January 18, 2017.
Please note that under the provisions of C.R.S. 34-32.5-101 et seq. Comments related to noise, truck traffic, hours of operation, visual impacts, effects on property values and other social or economic concerns are issues not subject to this Office’s jurisdiction. These subjects, and similar ones, are typically addressed by your local governments, rather than the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety or the Mined Land Reclamation Board.
Published in The Sopris Sun on December 22, 2016. PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission to consider their recommendation for the adoption of the official “Zoning District Map of the Town of Carbondale (Zoning District Map).�
The Zoning District Map reflects the zone districts already established by the Town and currently in place. It does not rezone any properties. If the Zoning District Map is adopted, it is incorporated into the Unified Development Code (UDC) as the official “Zoning District Map of the Town of Carbondale.� Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on January 12, 2017.
Copies of the draft Zoning District Map are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The draft is also available on the Town’s website at www.carbondalegov.org.
Janet Buck Town Planner
Published in The Sopris Sun on December 22, 2016. PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering an amendment to the Unified Development Code (Title 17 of the Carbondale Municipal Code) to allow Drive-Through Banks and Pharmacies in commercial zone districts in the town. The amendments may also include use specific standards.
The applicant is the Town of Carbondale.
Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 6:00 p.m. on January 10, 2017.
Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be reviewed on the Town’s website at www.carbondalegov.org Janet Buck Planning Director
Published in The Sopris Sun on December 22, 2016.
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TOWN OF CARBONDALE ORDINANCE NO. 21 SERIES OF 2016
AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING SUMS OF MONEY TO THE VARIOUS FUNDS AND SPENDING AGENCIES IN THE AMOUNTS AND FOR THE PURPOSES AS SET FORTH BELOW, FOR THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, FOR THE 2017 BUDGET YEAR
This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on December 13, 2016.
This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours. THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE _________________________ By: s/s Dan Richardson, Mayor
__________________________ s/s Cathy Derby, Town Clerk
Published in The Sopris Sun on December 22, 2016. TOWN OF CARBONDALE ORDINANCE NO. 22 SERIES OF 2016
AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL SUMS OF MONEY TO DEFAY EXPENSES IN EXCESS OF AMOUNT BUDGETED FOR THE GENERAL FUND, LODGING TAX FUND, DISPOSABLE BAG FUND, 1% FOR THE ARTS FUND, RECREATION SALES AND USE TAX FUND, WASTE WATER FUND, SALES AND USE TAX FUND OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO
This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on December 13, 2016.
This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours. THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE _________________________ By: s/s Dan Richardson, Mayor
__________________________ s/s Cathy Derby, Town Clerk
Published in The Sopris Sun on December 22, 2016.
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THE SOPRIS SUN NEEDS a place to store six to eight newspaper stands for the winter, until it's warm enough for our awesome delivery person Tom Sands to work on painting them in his garage. If you have dry space in a barn, shed or garage to lend, please call Barbara at 970-963-5782.We will provide a tax receipt for the donation. *Credit card payment information should be emailed to unclassifieds@soprissun.com or call 948-6563. Checks may be dropped off at our office at the Third Street Center or mailed to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. Call 510-3003 for more info.
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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 22-28, 2016 • 19
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