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Volume 12, Number 37 | October 22 - 28, 2020
Participants in Alice the Magazine's latest Women's March offered a wide array of political messages, but these youngsters opted for a simple call to participate. The Sun has been doing its best to inform your vote (see pages 16-21), while advertiser's efforts to sway it made this just our third 28-page paper ever. We expect more of the same next week, but even if you're already made up your mind, it's probably time to think about dropping your ballot off instead of sticking it in the mail — and get us your letters by noon on Monday! Photo by Sue Rollyson
Carbondale/Cowen Center.
Brand new car wash !
5 *limited everyday * time offer !
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Thanks to our dear community OPINION
Sopris Sun Board by Gayle Wells
My husband and I chose to move to Carbondale over 18 years ago partly because of the town’s strong sense of community, which actively supports arts, culture, education, government and local enterprises. After the Valley Journal folded, we were so pleased to see The Sopris Sun emerge, now in its eleventh year. The paper is what every
town needs — an independent, nonprofit publication that focuses on local issues, stories, people and events written by local staff. People deserve a non-biased trusted source of local news and information. According to a Pew Research study from March, 2019, over 80 percent of Americans say that it is important for journalists to understand their community’s history and events. That is what The Sopris Sun prides itself on providing. Currently, The Sun is featuring interviews with candidates for local office so you, the reader, can make your own decisions. 2020 has been a difficult and challenging year. Do you realize The Sopris Sun did not miss one week of publication during this turmoil? This is a laudable achievement thanks to the talented and hardworking staff and the generosity of donors. COVID-19 brought changes in the way business is done and will be done in the foreseeable
future. Newspapers across the nation are struggling. A majority of Americans believe their local news outlets are doing well and do not realize the financial struggles they face. (Pew Research, 3/2019). Much of the Sun’s content is available online at soprissun. com and its audience is growing rapidly. However, online ads do not match the revenue of print papers. Our local businesses were forced to decrease their advertising budgets and thus a major source of Sun income, advertising revenue, is hard to come by. Todd Chamberlin, advertising manager, is offering new, different programs to help local businesses with their advertising expenses through this difficult recession. You may aid your favorite local nonprofit organization by underwriting the organizations advertising cost for them. (Inquire with Todd at adsales@ soprissun.com).
Now, it is more vital than ever for our Valley’s nonprofit, independent paper to continue its commitment to the community. Donations are the paper’s second income source and we need your support to continue. The pandemic prevented us from hosting a fundraising event, such as last years’ elegant evening at the Redstone Castle, but we know we can rely on our generous community to continue their support. Please know that whatever amount you give is greatly appreciated and tremendously helpful. If you are able, consider joining the Honorary Publishers who give a minimum of $1000 annually. Donations may be done online (soprissun.com); through the Colorado Gives web site (coloradogives.org) or by mail (PO Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623) Thank you for supporting your local, independent paper.
LETTERS Rude awakening Dear Editor: Nap interrupted Leaf blower roaring outside Swishing brooms better JM Jesse Glenwood Springs
More on homelessness Dear Editor: My response to Mr. Kirchenwitz. According to your Google Search, for which I thank you, you discovered about 13-19 agencies that help people in various forms of dire straits. And you feel “we are helping the poor and homeless pretty well.” Is there room for improvement to go on from pretty well to excellent? You also state that “generally homelessness results from choices made.” Does your opinion fundamentally underestimate the myriad causes for a person or a family to be without a home? Next, “people have to want help and want to change their lifestyle” and you give the example of yourself, of how you “tired of this lifestyle” and “worked harder” and made the conscious choice to change. If it really were that simple, why are there so many homeless people? By offering help “we are just enabling bad habits and bad choices that don’t help anyone.” Why thank “all those good people” who work at the facilities in Garfield County helping those who ask for it? Are those workers enablers? Stephanie Janiga Carbondale
Ram Classic thanks Dear Editor: The annual Ram Classic Golf Tournament was held on Oct. 3 at the River Valley Ranch (RVR) Golf Course. The Ram Classic committee would like to thank our sponsors, golfers, volunteers and all who donated to the event. Your participation made the outing a great success as a fundraising event for the
Sincerest thanks to our
Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+
Email marilyn@soprissun.com for more information.
Jim Calaway, Honorary Chair Kay Brunnier Scott Gilbert Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger Carolyn Nelson Jim Noyes True Nature Healing Arts Nicolette Toussaint Jill and Gary Knaus Megan Tackett Ken & Donna Riley Michelle & Ed Buchman CoVenture Lee Beck and John Stickney Deborah and Shane Evans Carly and Frosty Merriott
Legacy Givers
for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly
athletic programs at Roaring Fork High School. We cannot properly express our gratitude to RVR for allowing us to host our 22nd consecutive golf tournament at their course. Steve VanDyke and his staff are always so accommodating. Our Corporate Sponsors included: Alpine Bank, Divide Creek Builders and R&A Enterprises. Our Hole-in-One contest sponsor was Bighorn Toyota. Our Hole Sponsors included: ANB, Cheney Plumbing and Heating, Cornerstone Home Lending, Crystal Valley Plumbing and Heating, DM Neuman Construction, Glenwood Springs Ford, The Gallegos Corporation, JW Diesel, Lulubelle Boutique, The Metheny Family, Pinon Sage Landscaping, Quality Brands Distribution, Sopris Liquor and Wines, and Walters Company We are very grateful for the continued support of the tournament and our kids. We hope to see you next year, Larry “Shorty” Williams Ram Classic Golf Tournament Director
YouthZone thanks Dear Editor: YouthZone would like to thank our communities from Aspen to Parachute for supporting the Ascent Youth Film Fest. The year 2020 has not been easy, but the support that continues to resonate from within this community gives us hope, and strength. As a nonprofit, YouthZone relies on fundraisers and generosity to keep its doors open. This year’s annual fundraiser was presented virtually, and to be honest, we didn’t really know what to expect. The youth who made films featured during this year’s Ascent astounded us with their depth and aptitude. The talent that we were privileged to exhibit contributed to the success of the event. Business sponsors of the Ascent were a vital part of this year’s success. Alpine Bank, Chevron, Diamond H Enterprises, Glenwood Post Independent, Holy Cross, Mueller Construction, Columbine Ford, Compass Peak Imaging, Glenwood Springs Ford, Phil Long Honda, Umbrella Roofing, ANB Bank, Roaring
Fork Furniture, First Bank, Bank of Colorado, Colorado Poolscapes, Dalby, Wendland & Co., Glenwood Insurance, Timberline Bank, Divide Creek Builders, FCI Constructors, RodCo Concrete, Fairway Independent Mortgage, Heyl Construction, R&A Enterprises, Pine's Stone, First Western Trust. Development Director, Carol Wolff said, “Their financial support and trust in YouthZone’s management and programs is important to us. Both are received with deep gratitude.” The support that the community showed us during such a difficult time is nothing short humbling. We raised over $100,000 toward our $150,000 goal. We are so grateful to be a part of such a generous population. Together, we’ll continue to build a strong, connected community. Carol Wolff Development Director
Voting technique
and community members for your support.
It truly takes a village to keep The Sun shining.
Donate by mail or online. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com
Dear Editor: I was excited to run down my ballot sheet, marking for folks I’d been learning about these past months. All that came to a screeching halt when I hit the amendments. I didn’t recognize a single one without reading it several times. Harking back to school days, I got smart enough to find the blue book and white county sheet, under the perpetual mail pile. Now, with the info next to the ballot, I have a prayer at getting it right. Happy belated Indigenous People Day. John Hoffmann Carbondale
Advertising Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com
No on 114
The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Mondays at the Third Street Center. Contact board@soprissun.com to reach them.
Dear Editor: I can understand why some voters may be tempted to vote for Proposition 114, reintroducing wolves to western Colorado. Our world is a mess. Climate chaos has brought us late spring freezes, followed by excruciatingly hot windy summers combined with droughts Continued on page 23
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
And all our SunScribers
Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Crystal Tapp Proofreader: Lee Beck Current Board Members Raleigh Burleigh, President Marilyn Murphy, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer Kay Clarke • Carol Craven • Lee Beck Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie
Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young Colin Laird • Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell
The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.
RFSD eases into in-person learning
By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Stuff
Roaring Fork School District pre-K through third grade students returned to in-person learning on Oct. 19, with up to eighth graders slated for next Monday and high schoolers potentially returning the week after that. The phased approach gives the district a chance to practice protocols with the highestneed, lowest risk demographic, Public Information Officer Kelsy Been explained. “We’ve been slower to resume in-person learning and we’ve tried to take a really cautious approach,” she said. Now that it’s being implemented, the plan pretty closely mirrors those in other districts — and it seems to be working. “It looks like our schools were really ready to welcome kids back in,” Been said. “Students and teachers have been building relationships since the beginning of the school year, so it was fun for them all to get to meet each other.” They’ll still be masked on the bus and in class for the foreseeable future — though not during the free breakfast and lunch the district has pledged to provide through the end of the year. Free seven-day meal packs are also being offered for curbside pickup from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Carbondale and Basalt Middle Schools and Glenwood Springs High School. Physical distancing is enforced with no
visitors allowed, and the buildings themselves are being upgraded and sanitized to curb the spread of infection as much as possible. Families are obliged to assess their kids for any symptoms each morning and no sick kids should be sent to school. The school day is slightly shorter, and efforts are being made to keep students with the same group of people as much as possible by conducting specials remotely, among other efforts.That will likely prove more challenging for middle and especially high school. “If you’re able to limit each individual’s close contacts, then if someone’s exposed you have fewer students or staff to quarantine,” Been said. “As students get older, their schedules get more complicated and their cohorts get bigger.” And even in the grades currently headed back to school, around 130 students will remain entirely remote through a special online school headed by Carbondale trustee and educator Ben Bohmfalk. The arrangement also gives medically highrisk staff a way to stay distanced, as well. According to Been, the decision to return had supporters and detractors among both parents and teachers. “We were certainly hearing from all different parties who felt we were making the right decision or the wrong decision. It’s been nice to see us come together and engage even when we haven’t always agreed,” she said. “ It’s hard not to feel some anxiety because we’re in the middle of a pandemic, but we’ve really worked to make sure that people feel safe.”
Before the pandemic, this bus stop typically would be used by approximately 20 students grades K-12. On Tuesday morning four Crystal River Elementary School students bordered the school bus for the first time in seven months. Photo by Laurel Smith
The ratio of positive to negative or pending tests at Valley View and Grand River hospitals plummeted in August but has steadily risen throughout the fall. Roaring Fork School District hopes the precautions it has in place will allow in-person instruction to go on even if that trend continues.
CARBONDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL
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DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 26TH https://carbondalemiddleschoolcolorado.squarespace.com For more information call 970-384-5700. THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Thank the academy Remote or not, 5Point still provided the perfect opportunity to honor some of the best adventure films. Best of Festival went to “United States of Joe’s,” directed by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen. “Pedal Through,” directed by Aly Nicklas and Analise Cleopatra took Spirit of Adventure; Chris Burkard’s “Unnur” garnered Best Cinematography; Nick Martini won Best Director for “North Country”; Alex Massey’s “One Star Reviews: National Parks” earned Pure Joy and the Hayden Kennedy 5Point Award was presented to Dana Frankoff for “Voice Above Water.” Visit 5pointfilm.org for on-demand viewing through Nov. 1.
Living dead The Ghost Walk at Linwood Cemetery — One of Glenwood Springs’ signature events — is going virtual this year. Visit glenwoodhistory. com and donate at least $5 to stream the event at 7 p.m. Oct. 22.
Driven batty The Arts Campus at Willits and Crown Mountain Park are back with one last drive-in: a Halloween extravaganza for kids and families. Beginning at 5 p.m. Oct. 24, catch a socially-distanced pumpkin patch, prepackaged trick-or-treat bags, a scare squad and a dress-up-your-car costume contest with prizes. When the sun
sets, a screening of “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the WereRabbit” will cap off the spooky and fun-filled evening. Visit tacaw.org for tickets.
COVID closures The City of Aspen and Pitkin County Public Health are closing the Aspen Rec. Center (ARC) and Aspen Youth Center after a Pitkin County resident and ARC visitor tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 14. The first weekend of Fall Face-Off will be canceled while the facilities undergo a deep clean. Meanwhile, residents of the Garfield County Criminal Justice program in Rifle are in a 14day quarantine period following two residents and two staff members testing positive for COVID-19.
Pumpkin planting This year for Halloween, the folks at Engel & Völkers are giving back. Through Oct. 30, they’ll have pumpkins available for $5 each — via cash or Venmo — at their locations in Aspen, Basalt and Carbondale. Each dollar spent on pumpkins will plant one tree in the White River National Forest in an effort to restore the damage done by the Grizzly Creek Fire.
Pat on the back The new Parachute Area Transit System (PATS) is in full operation, connecting commuters from Parachute and Battlement
Mesa with the City of Rifle and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) Hogback bus service.Services operate from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and stops are located throughout Parachute, Battlement Mesa and Rifle.
So long The Carbondale Creamery had its last day of business on Oct. 18 after four years of operation. During the pandemic, it’s been hard to tell which operations are shuttered temporarily and which are gone for good, so please let us know if it’s time to say goodbye!
Immigrant voices English In Action’s signature storytelling experience provides a unique opportunity for six immigrant community members to raise their voices and share a part of their lives with an online audience. Tune in at englishinaction.org and Facebook Live at 7 p.m. Oct. 25.
A new challenge After four years at the helm of Challenge Aspen, one of the Roaring Fork Valley’s most recognized non-profits, Jeff Hauser is voluntarily stepping down as the organization’s CEO to focus on personal pursuits. Hauser will remain with the organization for several more months while the Board of Directors leads a national search for his replacement.
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
Emily Piper and her dog, Finnley, led the Oct. 17 PawAthon 5k walk along the Glenwood Springs bike path. This inaugural event raised money for Epic Experience, a cancer survivorship nonprofit that provides a sense of community and adventure for cancer survivors through adventure trips, virtual happy hour and a "Beyond Cancer" series — visit epicexperience.org for more information. Photo by Paula Mayer
Up and down As an avid trail runner and endurance enthusiast, Elissa Rodman has always been drawn to physical challenges and tests of mental grit. This year, in search of something bigger than just a personal sufferfest, she plans to continuously hike and run Red Hill from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 29 to raise funds for the Aspen Hope Center. She is hoping to raise $1,500. Visit tinyurl.com/12RedHill to donate.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Lisa Quint (Oct. 22); Heidi Hendricks (Oct. 21); Olivia Savard, Jeremy Cerise, Dave Kodama, Alicia Zeringue, Mary Kenyon and Ron Speaker (Oct. 24); Jocelyn Murray and Crystal Beltz (Oct. 25); John Runne (Oct. 26); Katrina Nelson, Ellen Stapenhorst, Chip Brotzman, Julie Lang and Kay Schaefer (Oct. 27) and Gina Murdoch (Oct. 28).
Vote For
Vota Por
Beatriz Soto Democrat for Garfield County Commissioner Demócrata Para Garfield el Comisionado de Condado On Tuesday November 3rd Martes 3 de Noviembre
As County Commissioner Beatriz will: • Expand our senior and child welfare programs • Create accessible medical and mental health costs in our county • Incentivize sustainable and regenerative practices for farmers and ranchers • Establish a 100% clean energy goal for Garfield County • Invest in new economic activity apart from the oil and gas industry • Establish a Climate Action Plan that puts working families first
Meet Beatriz Beatriz is a proud, longtime resident of Garfield County. She established her roots here 22 years ago, so she and her family could thrive alongside this community. As an architect, community organizer, mother, and loyal conservationist, Beatriz is a sought-after activist in Colorado. She is currently the Director of Defiende Nuestra Tierra for Wilderness Workshop whose mission is to protect and conserve the wilderness and natural landscapes of the Roaring Fork Watershed, the White River National Forest, and adjacent public lands. Beatriz believes that it is the obligation of the people in power to recognize and listen to the needs and concerns of all people in our community, not just a select few. Which
is why she works shoulder to shoulder with each and every resident in her efforts to build a more connected, organized and inclusive Garfield County. Beatriz is committed to serving working-class people over corporate interests and advocating for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. She is a Democrat with a vision for the future who is ready to help bring sustainable economic growth, stable and good jobs, and equitable representation to all communities in Garfield County. “My vision for the future is based on the world my son will inherit. I want him to have every opportunity to grow up in a livable climate, in a strong community where everyone is valued and has a voice in the decisions that impact our lives”
DONATE. VOLUNTEER. PLEDGE TO VOTE. Facebook @BeatrizforGarfield Instagram @BeatrizforGarfield Twitter @Beatriz4GarCo Paid for the Committee to elect Beatriz Soto Norman Kirk, Treasurer
WWW.BEATRIZFORGARFIELD.COM 970.309.9955 | info@beatrizforgarfield.com
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 5
CARBONDALE CLAY CENTER PRESENTS
Settings LIMITED EDITION 2020
an online auction October 23rd-November 1st COLLABORATING ARTISTS
Giana Grossman + Cate Tallmadge, Louise Deroualle + Claire Green, Lisa Ellena + Andrew Roberts-Gray, Jenn Weede + Ali O’Neal, Jenn Weede + Abby Mandel, Adam Ting + Leah Aegerter, Kaitlyn Getz + Staci Dickerson, Savanna LaBauve + Brian Colley, Savanna LaBauve + Agneta Wettegren, Matt Eames + Boo & Finni, Matt Eames + Cate Tallmadge, Steven Colby + Stanley Bell, Sam Harvey + Reina Katzenberger, Liz Heller + Dave Kodama
EVENT SPONSORS
Bill Spence & Sue Edelstein Dr. Bert & Dyana Furmansky
www.carbondaleclay.org/settings-limited-edition-2020 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
OUR TOWN
If you know of someone who should be featured in “Our Town,” email news@soprissun.com or call 510-3003.
A delicate dance between arts and science
part of a program called Supporting Women’s Action at Duke University through the Kenan Institute of Ethics. I had a couple of really fantastic women from Syria, and basically we just chatted, and had a conversation. I told them my story and they told me theirs. That was actually my first assignment with the Kenan Institute. My second assignment I was the director of a showcase at Duke called All of the Above and essentially what our showcase did was have women and nonbinary students submit stories about their Duke experience to us anonymously, and then we would task other women and nonbinary students to perform those stories. It would take the burden of storytelling off of those students.
By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent The Sopris Sun is conducting a series of interviews with folks you may not have seen in the paper before – a sort of introduction to your neighbors. This week we caught up with Leila Milanfar, a current ArtistYear fellow at Carbondale Middle School who is also currently offering tutoring services to students in the Roaring Fork Valley (email leilamilanfar@gmail.com for scheduling and more info.) Q: Where are you from? A: I am from Menlo Park, California. I went to Duke University, and just graduated this past May. I applied for the AmeriCorp job, and now I’m here in Colorado! Q: What AmeriCorp program are you volunteering for this year? A: The program I am doing is called ArtistYear. It is a nonprofit that focuses on giving citizen artists a chance to do meaningful service for the nation. So what we’re doing is bridging the arts education gap in schools that don’t have a ton of arts funding. I live in a house with four other AmeriCorp fellows and all of us are different types of artists. Right now I am in an English development class with Mrs. Grace De La Sala. Basically, what I do is make up art lessons that go along with the English that she is teaching the students. Q: Is this your first time teaching? A: This is my first time teaching in an official classroom space. While I was at Duke I did the same sort of art stuff with the refugee population there. I’ve done tutoring before many, many times in my life, so I’ve taught quite a bit, but this is my
Leila Milanfer. Courtesy photo. first time teaching in a middle school. Q: What has this experience been like for you? A: Grace has been so, so, so helpful to me. I think at the very beginning I was very freaked out. First of all it’s Corona! Second of all, what the heck?! I’m supposed to be teaching a whole section? But Grace has been so helpful, she lays everything out for me and explains why. She’s given me such an awesome framework, that I’ve been able to seamlessly come up with stuff. Q: You mentioned working with refugees, tell me about that experience. A: I am the daughter of a refugee. My dad is a refugee from Iran, and when he [and his family] came to this country he had to learn English. They all moved to Oakland, and they learned English at an after-work program run by UC Berkeley students, and it was more like mentoring than teaching. Basically, that's what I did at Duke as well; I was trying to give back what the UC Berkeley students gave to my family. I was a
I support The Sopris Sun!
Q: So you did really well on the MCAT! What’s next? A: My whole life has been the dance of art and science around each other. My mom is interested in art, English, and writing, and my dad is interested in science and math. When I went to Duke all of my classes were pre-medical and then all of my extracurriculars were in the arts. The point in the process I am at right now is interviewing. It’s been kind of crazy because I wasn’t expecting to get so many interview requests, but I’ve gotten 11 of the 25 schools I applied to. I am excited and really proud of myself because I worked really hard. I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was 4; I‘ve always wanted to be of service and always wanted to help. Q: What’s your favorite trail? A: The one trail that I love right now is Mushroom Rock just because it is so amazing! I can drive five, six minutes, hike all the way up and see the whole town! That’s amazing to me. Q: What’s on your reading list right now? A: Oh! Okay, this is such a hard question! The Eight Books by Sohrab Sepehri and Peluda by Melissa Lozada-Oliva. Q: A mindset that has been helping you make it through this time right now? A: The sun will rise tomorrow. I have a nice big window in my room, so I get to watch the sun rise, and it just keeps going; that's all it can do no matter what is happening down here. The sun is going to rise and we have time.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 7
Entrepreneurs get an online boost By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff
For six new business owners, the upcoming live streaming Mountain Pitch Summit, organized by Coventure in Carbondale, will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of their burgeoning ventures to prospective funders. Partner in both West Slope Angels (WSA) and Four Points Funding Shawn Bertini said the summit presenters provided pertinent financial and strategic planning information prior to being chosen. Any or all the presenters may receive requests to begin additional conversations with funders. Businesses pitching their enterprises include: Revel Bikes (CEO Adam Miller), Campground Booking (CEO Heath Padgett), QuikRStuff (CEO Bryan Wachs), Gina Cucina (Founder Gina D’orazio), Mountain Flow Eco Wax (CEO Peter Arlein) and Beyul Retreat Center (Founder Abby Stern). According to Coventure Executive Director Mike Lowe, in 2020 the organization “has helped more than 60 business people impacted by COVID-19 obtain over $1.5 million in federal and state funding which has helped companies pivot to strategies that are saving jobs.” He noted, “We are proud of the important work we’ve done over the last two years helping provide
essential programming and events to our entrepreneurial community while curating an investment group.” Lowe also said WSA helps administer funding averaging between $250,000 to $500,000 per applicant. Coventure has enlisted other organizations to put on the event including Greater Colorado Venture Fund, StartUp Colorado and WSA, managed by Four Points Funding. As stated on the WSA website, “We couldn't do all that we do without the support of our friends and partners around the state. Colorado continues to lead the way in organizing rural investment. Local, regional and state organizations are working hard to grow our startup ecosystem.” WSA has local chapters across the region including one in the Roaring Fork Valley. The website pointed to Carbondale as “a burgeoning tech and engineering hub and is home to several portfolio companies, including P4P Energy, FastG8, MountainFLOW, and Marble Distilling.” As to the requirements for funding: “We are looking for companies with some level of traction and real growth potential. We focus on typical venture deals investing in equity and convertible debt, but are open to other forms of investing.” Go to westslopeangels.com for more information. Presenter Amy Stern of Beyul Retreat talked about her business set on the 32-acre former Diamond J
Guest Ranch. She is now purchasing the property on the Frying Pan River in Meredith just past Ruedi Reservoir. Stern explained the summit gives her an opportunity to engage with possible funders. Beyul also offers yoga, other classes, backcountry skiing and is surrounded by the White River National Forest, home to fox, elk, black bear, hawks, eagles and trout. Spiritual in nature, she noted, “It’s a place to get back in touch with yourself privately or with a group and can accommodate up to 88 guests, The word ‘Beyul’ is Tibetan referring to a place of solitude.” Bryan Wachs is CEO of QuikRStuff, which operates a factory in Grand Junction that builds bike carrier products made in the U.S. Wachs partnered with J.T. Westcott to bring their dreams to life. As their website — quikrstuff.com — pledges, “You choose the route. We’ll help with the stuff. May the adventure never end.” Wachs explained, “As passionate outdoor enthusiasts, we felt a calling to provide high-quality recreation products that were 100 percent invented and manufactured in the U.S.” When asked about any skiing gear racks, he said, “Not yet.” To watch this free event online Wednesday, Oct. 28, noon, go to coventure.io to RSVP and receive the link to view the summit.
Got Drugs?
Beyul Retreat founder Abby Stern welcomes guests to her wilderness lodge which offers personal refuge and gathering spaces. Photo courtesy Beyul Retreat
QuikRStuff manufactures light weight bike carriers like this Mach2 Single Rack. Photo courtesy QuikRStuff
¿Tienes medicamentos?
Turn in your unused or expired household prescription and over-the-counter medication for safe disposal
Entregue sus medicamentos no usadas o vencidas y medicamentos de venta libre para eliminación segura
Saturday, October 24th - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sábado 24 de octubre - 10:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m.
The disposal location is: Carbondale Police Department
La ubicación de disposición es: Departamento de Policía de Carbondale
511 Colorado Avenue, Suite 911 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-963-2662
511 Colorado Avenue, Suite 911 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-963-2662
The following items WILL NOT be accepted:
Needles & Sharps • Mercury (thermometers) • Oxygen Containers • Chemotherapy/Radioactive Substances • Pressurized Canisters • Illicit Drugs
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
Los siguientes artículos NO serán aceptados:
Agujas y punzones • Mercurio (termómetros) • Recipientes de oxígeno • Quimioterapia / Sustancias radiactivas • Frascos Presurizados • Drogas Ilícitas
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Clay Center hosts limited-edition ‘Settings’ By Tom Mercer Sopris Sun Correspondent
You know you’re entering a creative zone the moment you enter the Carbondale Clay Center. There is an aura of creativity that emanates from the building. This visitor eagerly approached, hoping to learn more about the organization’s upcoming fund-raising auction. In years past, the Clay Center’s auctions have been open-house and well-attended. Savanna LaBauve, the organization’s Director of Marketing, Development and Programs, reported that over 350 people attended last year’s auction fund-raiser. This year, of course, the plan has been modified in the interest of public health, so the Carbondale Clay Center’s fund-raiser will take the form of an online auction. Everyone is invited to preview the listed items in one of two ways: The items can either be seen at carbondaleclay.org or in-person at the Clay Center during business hours. The Clay Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Regarding the auction, Clay Center members and event sponsors will be able to bid early, in person, a few days prior to the auction. Online bidding opportunities for everyone else will be available via a direct link on the above web page. The bidding link will appear on the same web page a few minutes prior to the start of the auction, which will begin promptly at 5 p.m. on Oct. 23 . If you are interested in owning a distinctive piece of Carbondale art, you still have ample time to make up your “wish-list.” Note that the online auction will
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This selection of work by Stanley Bell (collaborating artist who did the mural on Main Street), and Steven Colby (instructor and former resident artist at the Clay Center) will be up for auction as a group. Photo by Tom Mercer end at exactly 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 1. The name of the upcoming fall fundraiser is “Settings: Limited Edition 2020.” As the name implies, table settings for two to four people will be offered, and Executive Director Angela Bruno added that the auction will also include “sets of items like cups or plates, as well as à la carte items. With a wide range of collections, there is something for everyone’s dinner table!”
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the auction is that each clay artist has been teamed up with a partner that typically works in a medium other than ceramics. Bruno pointed out that “Many of the creations will be collaborative gems made by a local potter and adorned with flair by a local painter, woodworker, or textile artist.” In a preview of some of the finished
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works, I noted the collaborations did indeed feature unique designs and extraordinary creativity. One collaboration resulted in a beautiful ceramic table setting by LaBauve on a tablecloth made of Indian silk by Agneta Wettegren. Bruno confirmed that the 14 artistic partnerships were made up from a group of 28 individuals, and that the partnerships were assigned by Carbondale Clay Center. Apparently, good things can result from good planning. The Carbondale Clay Center hopes to raise $15,000 via auction proceeds. Sam Harvey, a ceramic artist and owner of The Harvey Preston Gallery in Aspen, found the collaborative experience of “Settings: Limited Edition 2020” to be beneficial. Harvey spoke very highly of his collaborative partner Reina Katzenberger, who owns The Project Shop at S.A.W. (Studio for Arts and Works) in Carbondale. Harvey, who offered ceramic workshops at The Anderson Ranch for nine years, had only positive comments on the Settings: Limited Edition 2020 experience, saying that “It was just wonderful working with Reina in her studio, and having her come to visit my studio.” When asked if it was easy to come up with an idea that they both liked, he said “Yes, it was pretty easy and flowed nicely.” He attributed their success to both artists being comfortable with good communication. So, whether you wish to simply view and appreciate the work of local artisans, or add some distinctive ceramics to your collection, Settings: Limited Edition 2020 merits your attention.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 9
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10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
Weigh in on Eighth Street plan By John Colson Sopris Sun correspondent The Town of Carbondale is looking for a little help from its residents to figure out how best to improve one of the major arterial streets leading traffic from Main Street toward Highway 133, and the time to get involved is now. For many years, Carbondale's Eighth Street corridor, between Main Street and Village Road (really, all the way north to Highway 133), has troubled city officials, planners and local senior-citizen advocacy groups. That's because that stretch of the street never has met the standards that some say are critical to the mobility of senior citizens and others with mobility challenges. Now, the Town government is determined to do something about Eighth Street, and it wants public help to ensure that whatever is done, it passes muster with a majority of residents. For several weeks, motorists and others traveling along Eighth Street may have noticed that the traffic lanes feel a little narrower, that parking has temporarily been prohibited on the east side of the street (the side toward Basalt, for directionally challenged readers) and that there are two pedestrian/
bicycling lanes marked off on either side of the street to make a traveling space for bicyclists, joggers, skateboarders and other users, leaving the sidewalks themselves for the use of plain old pedestrians. Known as the “Eighth Street Demonstration Project,” the arrangement grew out of work done by the town's Bike/Pedestrian/ Trails Commission (BPTC) and a local, independent organization known as the Carbondale Age Friendly Community Initiative (CAFCI) that is connected to similar organizations around Colorado and the U.S. The work also is due, in part, to a couple of attempted sexual assaults committed in 2016 on the north side of town, which drew public attention to the poor street lighting and the equally inadequate non motorized-travel amenities in that area. Subsequent town meetings and public agitation lead to the establishment of a map of “priority routes” around Carbondale, including Eighth Street and other streets that could use some upgrades and improvements to make them safer and more user-friendly. Niki Delson, a member of the BPTC and of CAFCI, pointed out this week that the talk of what to do with Eighth Street goes back
a long way. “I've been on the BPTC since 2016,” Delson said. “And I know that the issues of Eighth Street, if you go into Town records, are always talked about going back many years, well before I got on the commission. And it's something that's always gotten kicked down the road.” But that, she acknowledged happily, has changed over the past couple of years, as the commission and CAFCI, along with a consultant hired by the town (Alta Planning & Design, a national company), have put together the demonstration project and certain supporting efforts to go with it. Among other things, there is a web page dedicated to three suggested “options” for making changes to Eighth Street (visit carbondale.altaplanning.site to learn more). The page also has provision for citizen comments, and the town will be accepting those comments until around the end of October, according to Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman. “The reason we went with the demonstration project is to try to get the public engaged while we’re still doing the planning” on how to improve Eighth Street for all users, Schorzman said.
Anne Buchanan, navigates the marked off ped-bike lanes with her child and dog. Photo by John Colson In the coming weeks, comments from the planning web page and other sources, including from public meetings of the BPTC (a final BPTC public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 2), will be gathered together and analyzed to craft the next step in the process — a new set of options to be presented to the BPTC for further work. Schorzman estimated that the BPTC likely will take “maybe a
couple of meetings” to go through the data and come up with a recommendation to the town's Board of Trustees, which could receive that report in the first months of 2021. Then it will be up to the trustees to hold hearings, crunch data and come up with its own idea of what should be done to make Eighth Street more usable to bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers and anyone else.
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Smoke waves continue to threaten public health
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Wildfire-produced smoke waves that harmed air quality in the Roaring Fork Valley this summer may be associated with health risks for months after the fires end, while additional research shows that long stretches of smoky days are likely to become more frequent and more intense across the West as the climate warms. In mid-August, thick smoke pooled in the valley from the Grizzly Creek and Pine Gulch fires, and earlier this month, smoke moved in from large wildfires in Utah and California. Between the two smoke events, there were 14 days during which the 24-hour average air pollution level was elevated beyond “satisfactory” in Aspen and Snowmass Village — or above 50 on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) air quality index (AQI) — and there were seven days during which the local air quality was above 100 on the AQI, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. On three of those days, the AQI scale broke 150, which, according to the EPA, means the general public may experience health effects. Unhealthy air again settled into the Roaring Fork Valley on Thursday and Friday, with Aspen’s AQI peaking above 150 on Thursday afternoon, resulting “from a combination of the Middle Fork wildfire located approximately 10 miles north of Steamboat Springs, and out-ofstate wildfires,” according to a state of Colorado air quality advisory. A 2016 study predicts that smoke waves such as these will intensify as climate change continues. Researchers from Yale, Harvard, the University of Michigan and Colorado State University used fire-prediction models alongside climate models and found that much of the Western U.S. can expect to see thicker smoke more often, especially in the Northwest and the northern Rocky Mountains. The model shows that smoke waves are likely to last longer and be more intense in much of Colorado;
residents of Pitkin County could see a total of between 10 and 20 more days of smoke over a six-year period by 2046-51, compared with 2004-09. The hardest hit areas, in Idaho and Montana, could see as many as 45 additional days of smoke. This study mirrors findings indicating that wildfires have become increasingly larger and more frequent over the past 40 years. Persistent drought, early snowmelt and rising temperatures that are the result of climate change also contribute to longer, more-threatening wildfire seasons. Large fires are burning much longer than in the past, from an average of about 20 days in the 1980s to more than 50 days from 2003 through 2012, according to a 2016 study out of the Sierra Nevada Research Institute at the University of California. Pollution from wildfire smoke includes tiny particulate matter, called PM 2.5 because the particles are 2.5 microns or less in width. These pollutants slip through the body’s defenses — such as nose hair — and can lodge in the lungs, where they can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can make it harder to repair damage. “The clearest evidence we have of health impacts from wildfires is respiratory health impacts,” said Colleen Reid, assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, who has researched health impacts of exposure to air pollution from wildfires. “People who have respiratory disease are more likely to be affected.” Reid said people with asthma are likely to use more medication when exposed to wildfire smoke, and there’s evidence that people with lung and heart disease are more likely to seek emergency care and be hospitalized after exposure to wildfire smoke. Dr. Suresh M. Khilnani, a pulmonologist at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, said his office receives more calls from patients with coughs, phlegm and wheezing every time there’s a smoke event, whether from local fires or from smoke carried in from large fires elsewhere.
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12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
Smoke muddies the view of Aspen's ski mountains and hovers over the Aspen Golf Club on Labor Day. Wildfire-produced smoke waves carry a host of health concerns, and as wildfires burn hotter and longer, smoke events are expected to be more intense. Photo by Patrick Severy
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Receive a $25 Lowe’s gift card While the fire season winds down on the Western Slope, it's out of control on the other side of the divide, with the Cameron Peak Fire ( the first recorded in the state to top 200,000 acres, pictured) just one of several spreading smoke over the Front Range. Large swaths of forest are closed and visitors are urged to avoid Boulder and Larimer counties if possible. Photo courtesy of Prescott National Forest Many patients can avoid hospitalization, he said, by using stronger medication; closely following guidelines to stay indoors; using HEPA indoor air filters, which can trap small particulate matter; and wearing N-95 masks. Khilnani estimated that calls and visits to his office typically increase by about 20% during periods of poor air quality from wildfires, but smoke events so far in 2020 have not had as significant an impact as in other years. “Patients are more in tune with wearing a mask this year than ever before,” Khilnani said, noting that an N-95 mask is needed to protect people from the tiny particulate matter in wildfire smoke. Because people are not going out as much during the COVID-19 pandemic, many are avoiding exposure to poor air quality while commuting, dining out and socializing.
Increased risk of influenza tied to wildfire smoke Beyond the immediate impacts seen during smoke-wave events, recent research from the University of Montana indicates that the effects of wildfire smoke can be felt months later. Erin Landguth, an associate professor at the University of Montana’s Center for Population Health Research, analyzed 10 years of data on influenza in Montana, alongside wildfire-season PM 2.5 levels. After Montana’s worst wildfire seasons — 2012, 2015 and 2017 — there were three to five times more cases of influenza than in a typical year. “We showed that wildfire season’s PM 2.5 level is associated with influenza incidence months later. Cases of influenza go up after bad fire seasons,” Landguth said. “We did not expect to see this long of a time lag.” While there isn’t yet research on how wildfire smoke affects susceptibility to COVID-19, Khilnai said it is clear that patients with damage to their lungs are more prone to infection and suffer more severe symptoms. “It makes perfect sense that it’s much easier to get COVID-19” after exposure to wildfire smoke, Khilnani said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning that “wildfire smoke can irritate your lungs, cause inflammation, affect your immune system and make you more prone to lung infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.” Jannette Whitcomb, an environmental
health specialist who focuses on air quality for the city of Aspen, said that given the increased exposure to wildfire smoke and the pandemic, it’s especially important this year that the community take all precautions to ensure public health. “We now have this other reason to impress upon people to get that (flu) vaccine,” she said. Even if wildfires close to home are under control, heavy smoke can blow into the Aspen area from wildfires across the West. “You can’t put up a barrier (for smoke),” Whitcomb said. “We are in this together, globally, but especially regionally.” That’s also true of the climate crisis.
Unique public health challenges When wildfire smoke causes poor air quality, officials warn residents to stay inside with the windows closed. But smoke often coincides with heat, leaving those without air conditioning particularly vulnerable. One solution is to create public clean-air shelters, where people can gather in buildings that have advanced air conditioning and filtration systems. In anticipation of this wildfire season, Whitcomb said she had considered using the Aspen Recreation Center as such a shelter, but “now with COVID, everything is about staying home.” This year, summer temperatures have been above average in the Rocky Mountains, and much of Western Colorado moved from “severe” into “extreme” drought in August. The National Interagency Fire Center predicts an above-average fire potential in Colorado through this month, with a persistent warming and drying trend. As wildfires, smoke and heat continue to threaten people’s health in the Western U.S., Whitcomb says it’s important that the city of Aspen continue to eliminate air pollution from other sources, including emissions from vehicles and larger particulate matter kicked up by traffic on dirty roads. “This is the foreseeable future with climate change,” Whitcomb said. “We have to keep our airshed as clean as possible to keep us strong and healthy for when we have these smoke events that are out of our control. We need to keep it as clean as possible for as long possible so we have a respite when the smoke finally goes away.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 13
Fall leaves: Love 'em and leave 'em for healthy soil, lawns, gardens and planet
Re-tracing the Flat Tops Ute Trail by bike Story and photos by Trina Ortega Sopris Sun Correspondent
Fall leaves contain valuable nutrients that build soil and feed plants. Take a cue from Mother Nature and let your fall leaves enrich your soils. • Mulch mow your leaves into your lawn with a mulching blade • Shred leaves to mulch your gardens • Compost your leaves
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The wind blows in from the west, rustling the sand-colored grass of the Flat Top Mountains north of Glenwood Springs. The aspen leaves have turned, most already fallen and ready to return to the soil. The remaining leaves that still loiter in some of the aspen groves create a patchwork of yellow against the dark green fir and spruce and the muted browns of the dying grass. In the distance, Mt. Sopris, Capitol Peak and other high points of the Elk Mountains are recognizable, along with the Gore and Sawatch ranges. Geologic uplifting and volcanic activity of millions of years ago left the flat, erosionresistant basalt and limestone caps that give the Flat Tops their signature tabletop shape and provide wide-open views of Western Colorado. The hills are readying for slumber; soon the snow will fly. Colorado’s first people, the Utes, considered winter a time for rejuvenation. The White River Utes would migrate seasonally and spend spring, summer and fall hunting game in these higher elevations of the Flat Tops. At about this time of year, when the wind carries a hint of winter, they would start heading down to the Colorado, White, and Yampa river valleys to spend the winter in warmer climes. The Utes, or Nuche (“The People”) in their language, had lived in Colorado and the surrounding states since time immemorial. They were hunter-gatherers, traveling by foot, until the arrival of the Spaniards (who called them “Yutas”) in the 1500s. From the Spanish, the Utes acquired horses, which enabled them to travel further and faster and made their nomadic lifestyle much more efficient. It marked the beginning of a fruitful time for the Utes. They migrated along the same routes seasonally to establish wikiup and teepee villages in the Rocky Mountains, which they called “The Shining Mountains.” There are many well-known “Ute Trails” that crisscross the valleys and peaks, but the Flat Tops’ Ute Trail — including its off-shoots that connect the surrounding river valleys — is believed to be the highest, longest protected Ute migratory route in Colorado. With the help of Southern Ute Kenny Frost, the White River National Forest identified 57 pristine
which is miles wide in some sections and others only a narrow passageway through the forest. “The Ute Trail is a living being,” Frost said during the presentation “Historic Travel Ways of the Crystal Valley” in August 2017 in Carbondale. Frost, who lives in Ignacio and is the great-grandson of a sub-chief to Chief Ouray of the Tabaguache band, actively shares information about Ute traditions to teach younger generations and preserve Ute culture. “I have spent a good part of my life looking, walking the lands of my Ute ancestors of the sacred places, vision quest sites, Ute burials, Ute trails. I have walked, rode horseback, and traveled by vehicle to find and pray at such sites,” Frost posted Oct. 19, 2020, on Facebook. A series of trails, dirt roads and doubletrack in the Flat Tops runs nearby or are part of the ancestral Ute Trail from Dotsero to Meeker, and I traveled some of the trail by bike, riding into the Flat Tops from Dotsero, Sweetwater, New Castle and Meeker to experience the high mountain areas where the Utes “were closest to Creator,” according to Northern Ute Clifford Duncan, as quoted in “Memoirs of a River…Up the Crystal” by Marble writer Charlotte Graham. “Nature can take the place of a teacher in a regular school setting. It does not teach you, but opens your eyes to see,” Duncan told Graham. “For example, you sleep during the night. What makes you get up is the light that hits you in the face. Nobody is there to say get up. It’s all in a given time. You get up. You eat. You know you need shelter. Nature provides guidance.”
The Eastern end A short foot and bike route called the Dotsero-Ute trail starts off of Colorado River Road near I-70 on the eastern end of Glenwood Canyon. This trail gains 1,600 feet in three miles, but dead ends at private property above the canyon. Nearly seven miles further north is Sweetwater Road, which leads to Sweetwater Lake and the Sweetwater Indian Cave, where Utes painted images of deer, elk and horses. Near the lake is the Ute-Deep Trail (No. 2031), which takes hikers and horseback riders west to Heart Lake, one of the numerous glacially formed bodies of water that dot the rolling landscape
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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
Pictographs on the walls of the Sweetwater Indian Cave north of Dotsero show deer, elk, bison and horses painted by Utes. The cave is part of a 488-acre parcel of private land that Eagle Valley Land Trust aims to purchase and hand over to the US Forest Service to be protected from development. miles of this route nearly three decades ago,
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Paul Hassle of Glenwood Springs stops for a snack on Oct. 11 while pedaling a portion of the Ute Trail near where the Transfer Trail and Coffee Pot Road intersect. of the Flat Tops. In between these two trails, is Coffee Pot Road, which turns into FR600 and 35 miles later, ends at the Flat Tops Wilderness Boundary. This road intersects the Ute Trail and is open to bikes. I start here. Gaining elevation quickly from the Colorado River Valley floor into national forest, cottonwoods give way to Gambel oak, then to sagebrush, pinon and juniper before the terrain levels into the rolling grasslands at 9,300 feet elevation. Just off this road is an overlook for Deep Creek, a dramatic canyon 2,300 feet deep. Aged wooden interpretive signs note the Colorado River Valley to the east, the 1860 boundary of the Ute reservation. The Utes roamed the Rocky Mountains freely until white settlers began moving West, and once gold, silver and other minerals were discovered, the U.S. government began using treaties as a way to push the Utes into confined areas. Frederick Pitkin was elected governor shortly after Colorado became a state and openly viewed them as an impediment to Manifest Destiny, as noted in The Last War Trail: The Utes & the Settlement of Colorado. Pitkin described the mountains as having “great mineral wealth” and the Western Slope as being excellent for grazing and agriculture. “I believe that one able-bodied white settler would cultivate more land than the whole tribe of Utes.… If this reservation could be extinguished and the land thrown open to settlers, it will furnish homes to thousands of the people of the state,” Pitkin detailed in a report to the legislature. When Nathan Meeker was assigned as the Indian Agent for the White River Utes in 1878, he believed he could “civilize” the Utes and turn them to farming by offering small plots of land and permanent houses. But the Utes thought this way of life and the concept of land ownership were strange. In the Utes’ view, hunting was a sensible and sustainable way to live, compared to clearing the earth of its natural vegetation, turning up the soil, and diverting the river’s flow to grow nonnative crops.
Hunting grounds Pedaling away from Deep Creek, the wind strikes my cheeks head on, and I muse that I’d better have a tailwind on the return. A hawk with brown specs on its underside soars past. Dust devils spin erratically along FR601 leading to Heart Lake, my lunch spot and turn-around point. When my friend, Paul and I arrive at the lake, we look across the lake and scan the horizon for a 6-foot-tall cairn that is said to be an old Ute Trail marker. We can’t see anything so tuck
into a shallow ravine to get out of the wind and eat lunch. The Utes were masterful with Colorado’s plants, knowing which were edible and harvesting other plants for use as medicine and in ceremonies. The hunt for elk, deer and other game beginning in spring was critical to the Utes’ survival. Every spring, different Ute bands and other Indian tribes, such as the Hopi, would gather to hold the ceremonial Bear Dance to celebrate the arrival of spring and “awaken the spirit of the bear in the People.” On a different October morning, I pedal up the New Castle-Buford Road, past the West Elk Trailhead and some pioneer cabins at Triangle Park to Clark Ridge Road, a double-track near the UteMeadow Trail at 9,500 feet. I stop to take in the far-off views of the Elks, as well as the Mamm Peaks by Silt, the Bookcliffs, Grand Mesa and Colorado Plateau. On this outing, I saw one herd of elk and a large cow dart from a meadow into an evergreen forest. Centuries later, the Flat Tops are still excellent hunting grounds. Those of us in the Roaring Fork Valley are lucky to live in the Utes’ Shining Mountains. Although we cannot change history, we can learn from it. Perhaps lessons of understanding and empathy. Perhaps rules taught by Southern Ute elder Kenny Frost’s grandmother, who advised: “Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance.”
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The Ute Trail is not just one trail but a system of trails used seasonally by the Utes as they hunted and traveled throughout Colorado. According to some historians, the Flat Tops Ute Trail may be the highest, longest intact Ute route. Here, Lisa Moretti of New Castle rides Buford Road Pre-order at ting.com/roaringfork (FR245) to depart from the Ute Trail, which generally runs east-west from the Yampa River Valley to the White River Valley. THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 15
How to ‘cure’ an ailing ballot By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun Correspondent
Voter registrations have been ramping up in the final weeks leading up to the election. According to Garfield County Clerk and Recorder, Jean Alberico, as of Oct. 13 there were “35,938 active registered voters and 4,662 inactive voters [in Garfield County]. Voters are only put into inactive status if an official election mailing is returned to the office by the USPS as undeliverable.” As of Sep. 1, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s website, Garfield County had 33,964 active voters. When compared to that Oct. 13 number, there was an increase of almost 2,000 registrations in just a month and a half. For comparison, in the months between February and September, that number had grown by just over 1,000. Again, Alberico: “We had a big response when Facebook had their first big push to encourage people to register to vote and then when there was national voter registration day on Sep. 23, we had another big bunch of people who registered to vote online.” When it comes to voter turnout, not all elections are equal. “If it's a small coordinated election like we had last fall, I think we ended up with about 39 percent [voter turnout].”
Alberico looks just at active voters when determining voter turnout percentages: “In the last presidential election we had about 76 percent of our people who were eligible to vote actually vote in the presidential election. Colorado was in the top five in the country in regards to general elections and the percentage of people who turned out to vote.” According to Alberico, larger turnouts mean signature verifiers reject more ballots for either missing signatures or signature discrepancies. When that happens, “the voter is sent a letter that says, the judges agreed that your signature doesn't match what we have on file. We send them an affidavit they need to fill out that says yes, that's my signature, and yes, I returned that ballot. And we also ask for a copy of their ID. If they send that back to us, then we count their ballot. If they do not return that affidavit and a copy of their ID, then that ballot is not processed and it's not counted.” Signature verifiers are bipartisan teams of election judges. In Garfield County, just 1-2 percent of ballots are returned with signature problems and many of those voters resolve the discrepancy before election day. According to the Colorado Secretary of State website, Thursday, Nov. 12 is the last day for an elector to cure a signature discrepancy or
Dianne Nelson was one of more than a dozen reliable recruits kept busy on the first day of ballot counting at the Garfield County Courthouse. Photo by James Steindler missing signature, or to provide a of the larger counties that have been vote-by-mail for all states, with just .52 missing ID for mail or provisional using it for a couple years find is much percent of ballots in 2018. However, ballot to be counted in the 2020 easier for people to use. So you can fill the rejection rate for voters 18-19 General Election. out your affidavit, take pictures of the was 1.80 percent. “Typically younger “Right now you have the option to completed affidavit and your driver's voters have fewer signatures on file, sign the letter and make a copy of your license and then you can submit it and have signatures that are evolving. ID and drop it back by the office. You using TXT2Cure back to our office.” Through leveraging technology can fax it back to us, you can scan it According to a Colorado Secretary familiar to young people, TXT2Cure and email it back,” said Alberico, “and of State press release, Colorado has the will help make sure these younger now there's this mobile app that some lowest signature rejection rate of any voters have their ballots counted.”
COLIN WILHELM Lowering Health Care Costs Protecting Our Rivers Creating New Jobs
Please vote on these critical Ballot Measures!
FOR HD 57 colinwilhelmforcolorado@yahoo.com
970-930-1209 ColinCaresForColorado.com Paid for by the Campaign for Colin Wilhelm.
16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
Amendment B — YES Gallagher Amendment Repeal and Property Tax Assessment Rates Measure
Amendment 76 — NO Citizenship Requirement for Voting Initiative
Prop EE — YES
Tobacco and E-Cigarette Tax Increase for Health and Education Programs
Prop 113 — YES National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
Prop 115 — NO 22-Week Abortion Ban
Prop 116 — NO
Decrease Income Tax Rate from 4.63% to 4.55%
Prop 117 — NO
For more detailed information, visit:
GarCoDems.org Paid for by Debbie Bruell Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Require Voter Approval of Certain New Enterprises Exempt from TABOR
Prop 118 — YES
Paid Family and Medical Leave Program for Colorado
Ballot Issue 7A — YES Colorado River Water Conservation District
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Contact Todd Chamberlin today to ask how you partner with us and your favorite nonprofit! Todd Chamberlin | adsales@soprissun.com | 970-510-0246 THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 17
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF NOVEMBER GENERAL MAIL BALLOT ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 2020 Election Date:
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Election Type:
Mail Ballot with in-person voting options at Voter Service & Polling Centers
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Election Day
Ballots were mailed between October 9th and October 16th to active registered voters Voters who did not receive a ballot packet may request a replacement ballot by phone at 970-384-3700 option 2, fax at 970-947-1078 or email at elec:ons@garfield-county.com. The last day to request that a ballot be mailed is Monday October 26, 2020. After that date voters must appear in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center to request a replacement ballot, register to vote, or complete a change of address and receive a ballot. Any voter may surrender their mail ballot and cast their vote on an ADA accessible ballot marking device at an Early Voting Center (VSPC); located at the County FairgroundsSouth Hall in Rifle or Glenwood Springs Community Center beginning Monday October 19, 2020. Each VSPC open on Election Day will have at least one ADA accessible ballot marking device available for use from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Return voted ballots by mail with appropriate postage affixed ($0.55 stamp) or you may hand deliver your ballot to one of the designated drop-off sites listed below. Mail ballots by October 26, 2020 to make sure the ballot will arrive at the courthouse for processing on or before Election Day. Ballots must be received at a Voter Service and Polling Center or a designated drop-off site by 7:00 pm on Election Day to be counted. Postmarks do not count. Verify your voter registration information and track your ballot (sent and received) at www.govotecolorado.gov.
Ballot Drop-off sites – Beginning October 12, 2020 Garfield County Courthouse 108 8th St. Glenwood Springs, CO East Entrance M – F 7:30 am – 5:00 pm 24/7 Drop-Box on 8th St New Castle Town Hall 450 W Main Street 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
Carbondale Town Hall 511 Colorado Ave 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
Garfield County Administration Building 195 W 14th St Bldg. D, Rifle, CO 24/7 Drop-Box near building entrance Silt Town Hall 231 N 7th Street 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
Parachute Town Hall 222 Grand Valley Way 24/7 Drop-Box Near Front Entrance
Please note the Town Clerks will not be accepting ballots in their offices for this election.
Early Voting - Voter Service & Polling Centers Open October 19 to November 3 — Excluding Sunday
Garfield County Fairground — South Hall 1001 Railroad Ave Rifle, CO Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Saturday October 31, 2020 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Glenwood Springs Community Center — use West entrance 100 Wulfsohn Rd Glenwood Springs, CO
Election Day Tuesday November 3, 2020 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
One additional Voter Service and Polling Center available Election Day Only, November 3, 2020 Carbondale Town Hall -511 Colorado Ave open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
There will be no in-person Voting on November 3, 2020 at the New Castle, Silt, or Parachute Libraries or the Garfield County Clerk’s Office at the Courthouse in Glenwood Springs so plan ahead and take advantage of early voting at the Fairgrounds -South Hall in Rifle or the Glenwood Springs Community Center. Designated Election Official: Jean M. Alberico, Garfield County Clerk & Recorder 384-3700 x 1820
Sample Ballots available at www.garfield-county.com Questions: 970-384-3700 Option 2 for Garfield County Elections Department 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
A quick guide to the ballot questions
By John Frank The Colorado Sun
Colorado voters will decide 11 statewide policy questions on the November ballot — a list of farreaching measures that will help set the direction for the state’s future. The 2020 ballot asks voters whether Colorado should put limits on abortion and create a state program designed to provide paid time off to workers for medical and family leave. A handful of fiscal issues will decide how much residents and businesses pay in property and income taxes, as well as tobacco taxes and state fees. And two other measures are first-in-the-nation questions for voters that will determine how to award the state’s presidential electors and whether to reintroduce an endangered species. It’s a lot to consider. Be sure to watch debates on key ballot measures hosted by PBS12 and The Colorado Sun posted below. And you can learn more about the measures in the state’s official Blue Book ballot guide; it’s available in English and Spanish. Amendment B: An effort to repeal Gallagher Amendment governing property taxes What’s the question: Whether to repeal the Gallagher Amendment, which sets a fixed ratio for property tax assessments in Colorado at 45% for residential and 55% for commercial properties. What’s at stake: If the measure is approved, homeowners won’t get a projected 18% property tax break in 2021 but it will provide financial relief to local governments and school districts that are facing dire reductions in spending and reduced services, particularly in rural areas because of the inequities in how the amendment works. Amendment C: Expands ability of nonprofits to conduct bingo and raffles as fundraisers
What’s the question: The state constitution prohibits nonprofits from hiring outside firms to conduct bingo and raffles to raise money. The measure also makes nonprofits eligible for licenses after three years instead of the current five years. What’s at stake: The easing of rules regarding bingo and raffles held by nonprofits will open up new fundraising opportunities, but critics worry it represents a professionalization and expansion of charitable gaming.
Amendment 76: Citizenship question to vote cuts would-be 18-year-olds out of the process What’s the question: The constitutional amendment would specify that only U.S. citizens age 18 and older are eligible to participate in Colorado elections. What’s at stake: The question mostly reaffirms existing law in Colorado — with one notable exception. In 2019, Colorado lawmakers gave 17-year-olds the right to vote in primary elections as long as they turn 18 before the general election. That would no longer be possible if the measure is approved. Amendment 77: Allow gambling towns to increase or remove bet limits on casino games What’s the question: The constitutional provision allowing gambling in three casino towns — Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek — put limits on bets and restrictions on casino games. This would allow local casino town voters to lift or remove them entirely. What’s at stake: The question of whether to expand gambling is seen by some as a moral one, while the casinos and localities where they are located see it as an opportunity to boost revenue. About 80% of state-sanctioned casino taxes go to community colleges with the remainder for counties and cities where the casinos are located. Proposition EE: Increase tobacco
taxes and add new nicotine tax to ease state budget pain and pay for preschool What’s the question: The measure gradually increases taxes on cigarettes and tobacco and nicotine products over seven years to generate up to $276 million a year when fully implemented. What’s at stake: The tax revenue would first go toward education, housing and rural schools to relieve pressure on the state budget after $3 billion in cuts made earlier this year. Starting in 2023-24 most of the money would go toward providing preschool for 4-year-olds. A similar measure to increase tobacco taxes failed a year ago, but proponents have broader support this time and it would help achieve one of Gov. Jared Polis’ campaign promises for universal preschool. Proposition 113: Whether to join the national popular vote compact instead of current Electoral College system What’s the question: Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic lawmakers approved a law in 2019 adding Colorado to the national popular vote compact, but critics collected enough voter signatures to seek a repeal at the ballot box in 2020. What’s at stake: Under the national popular vote compact, Colorado would award its nine electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most votes nationwide rather than the candidate with the most votes in Colorado, which is the existing system under the Electoral College. However, it won’t take effect until states with a collective total of 270 electoral votes — the total needed to win a presidential election — join the compact. Proposition 114: Colorado voters will decide on reintroducing an endangered species, wolves What’s the question: The measures directs the Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency to reintroduce gray wolves in western Colorado starting in 2023.
What’s at stake: The state’s wildlife commission rejected a reintroduction proposal in 2016 citing threats to big game like elk and opposition from ranchers, who could lose livestock revenue. Wolves currently live in Wyoming and New Mexico, and the vote comes as federal officials recommended the removal of protections for gray wolves.
Proposition 115: Prohibit abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy unless life of woman is threatened What’s the question: Whether to ban abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy, unless a physician determines the woman’s life is threatened. It does not include exceptions for situations involving rape or incest. What’s at stake: Colorado is one of seven states with no prohibitions on abortion at any point during a pregnancy, an issue that is getting more attention with a shift in the Supreme Court that may limit the constitutional right to abortion under Roe v. Wade. If the measure is approved, it includes penalties for doctors who violate the law, including a misdemeanor criminal charge and loss of medical license for at least three years. There is no penalty for the woman. Proposition 116: An income tax cut for individuals and corporations, but less money for state What’s the question: The measure asks voters for approval to permanently reduce the state’s income tax on individuals and corporations to 4.55% from 4.63%. What’s at stake: The income tax cut — a 1.7% decrease — would save the average taxpayer in Colorado $37 starting in tax year 2020, which proponents argue is helpful amid an economic crunch. How much savings people see depends on income level: Taxable income of $50,000 a year leads to a $40 tax cut while taxable income at $250,000 would get a $200 break.
Fiscal analysts report the reduction in state tax revenue is $154 million in fiscal year 202122, which represents a 1.2% cut in revenue for annual discretionary spending from the general fund. The spending primarily goes toward health care, education and the prison system. Proposition 117: Put limits on fees created by the Colorado legislature for state enterprises What’s the question: Much as Colorado requires approval of tax increases at the ballot box under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, this measure would require voters to consent to fees to create a new state enterprise that collects $100 million in revenue in the first five fiscal years. What’s at stake: A state enterprise is effectively a government-run business, such as the lottery and parks, where fees are charged to cover the cost of the services. Since the passage of TABOR in 1992, government fees have increased significantly. The broader question is how much power voters should have over state government finances or whether it should remain delegated to elected lawmakers.
Proposition 118: Create a new state program and fees to provide paid family and medical leave to workers What’s the question: The measure would create a new $1.3 billion state-run paid family and medical leave program that, starting in 2024, would allow employees up to 12 weeks of leave and retention of their job. The program is funded by employees and employers who each pay 0.45% of a weekly paycheck into a statewide pool starting in 2023. What’s at stake: Most employers and employees will be required to participate and questions remain about the financing that could demand the increase of payments into the system. The most an employee could claim is $1,100 a week in wages.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 19
GOVERNMENT BRIEFS GarCo supports Salvation Army
Commissioners back AVLT grant
Garfield County has approved a $50,000 grant to the local Salvation Army to help with client assistance and operational costs in light of increased need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit assists clients in covering the costs of housing and basic utilities, such as water, heat and electricity. The grant includes $25,000 for emergency COVID assistance from federal CARES Act funds the county has received, and the other $25,000 toward operations is coming out of the Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) discretionary grant fund. Karen Lee, Roaring Fork Valley coordinator for the Salvation Army, told the commissioners that the nonprofit has assisted 287 clients with housing costs alone since last October. She noted that the effort is spearheaded by her team of two staff and two volunteers.
Garfield County has signed a letter of support to help the Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) attain a $220,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Connecting Communities in the Outdoors grant for local projects. If granted, the funding will be used for maintenance and operations at the newly renovated Red Hill area in Carbondale and for new trails and repairs at the Silt River Preserve. The Western Slope has seen increased visitation since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the U.S. earlier this year, and nearby natural areas are becoming increasingly popular, amid budget cuts that affect upkeep and potential expansion. The commissioners approved the letter of support unanimously, 3-0.
Comments sought on Glassier A draft management plan update for Glassier Open Space is open to public comment through Nov. 6. Since the original plan was adopted in 2015, separate bike/hike and equestrian/hike trails have been constructed along with an offsite trailhead parking area; agricultural lease areas were created; irrigation improvements were installed and an historic home on the property was stabilized. The 2020 update looks at irrigation efficiencies and habitat improvements as part of a holistic plan for the site, as well as setting forth a process to reactivate the farmstead area and facilitate productive agricultural operations on the property by evaluating options for on-site housing, including the potential rehabilitation of the house. Altering the winter closure period is also proposed. Visit pitkinOSTprojects.com for both the draft plan and an online survey.
CMC awarded $2.125 million Colorado Mountain College (CMC) has been awarded a $2.125 million, five-year grant through the U.S. Department of Education’s highly competitive Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP). SIP is intended to expand colleges’ capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability. CMC’s project will be used to strengthen the college’s police officer training programs, nursing labs and skilled trades programs.
Colorado goes to bat for hemp Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg have submitted additional comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the Interim Final Rule related to the establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program. The USDA solicited additional comments on 12 topics and
plans to release the Final Rule in early 2021. Colorado’s supplemental comments emphasize the importance of the USDA creating a flexible and workable regulatory structure to support Colorado’s hemp industry and create more opportunities for Colorado’s agricultural producers. The Polis administration submitted initial comments in January 2020.
Want to get involved? Contact your elected officials about the issues that matter to you Senator Michael Bennet 261 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5852
Remote notarization extended The Secretary of State’s remote notarization emergency rules have been extended and will remain in effect through Dec. 30. These rules continue to enable Coloradans to have access to notary services without in-person contact. Additionally, the Secretary of State issued a notice of permanent rulemaking to consider preliminary draft rules including proposed amended remote notarization rules necessary to implement Senate Bill 20-096. A public rulemaking hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 16 via webinar (tinyurl. com/COnotary) to receive testimony concerning the preliminary draft of permanent rules. The public is also invited to send feedback to SOS. Rulemaking@sos.state.co.us at any time prior to and during the hearing. All written comments will be added to the official rulemaking record with personal contact information redacted
Senator Cory Gardner 354 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5941
Congressman Scott Tipton 218 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-4761
CO Senator Bob Rankin 200 E Colfax, 346 Denver, CO 80203 (303)866-5292
More than a million ballots already in As of Oct. 21, the Colorado Secretary of State has received 1,102,021 ballots, including 446,853 from Democrats, 378,967 from unaffiliated voters and 264,804 from Republicans. That suggests that the dems are disproportionately voting early, as the overall electorate is 41 percent unaffiliated, 30 percent Democrat and 27 percent Republican. Visit colorado.ballottrax.net to track your ballot.
CO Rep Perry Will 200 E Colfax, 07 Denver, CO 80203 (303)866-2949
C • P erry Your Choice. ill W Your Voice. ELECT
For House
District 57
I am a true native Coloradan. I believe in personal responsibility, free enterprise, fiscal responsibility, smaller government with less regulations and red tape. I will continue to represent rural and Western Slope values, protect our heritage and way of life for our future and the future of our kids. Your choice. Your voice. I champion rural Colorado in an urban dominated Legislature! I bring a perspective that is much needed in the General Assembly. I promise you honest, strong determined principled leadership. It is a privilege and honor to serve the great people of House District 57. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 3rd. Paid Political Advertisement Paid for by Committee to Elect Perry Will
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20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
Evans, Jacober dispute what’s best for the Crystal Valley
By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent
Local candidates are picking up the pace on the old campaign trail. Pitkin County voters will decide on a new commissioner for District 5, which includes much of the Crystal Valley as well as parts of Basalt and the Fryingpan. The race is between two contenders with broad views on what’s best for the region.
"Stop worrying about
"We just don’t have enough
water. Evans recently told the Roaring Fork Conservancy that he believes, “Constituents do not want the Crystal to run dry, or see a dam on the river, but do want water to reliably flow from their plumbing,” and summed up, “I will support solutions which achieve those goals." First, he would, “start with the recommendations in the Crystal River Management Plan [April 2016], and follow developments in the new Crystal River Basin Augmentation Study.” Then, Evans believes that various methods could be explored to best conserve water in the Crystal River Valley and maintain an adequate runoff through the summer. He stated that people should, “Stop worrying about knee-jerk negative reactions and open up to wild-eyed suggestions,” which could include snowpack (or water) storage options and cloud seeding. “I have not been able to find anyone who knows how much public resistance there is to small water storage reservoirs on the tributaries,” he stated. When it comes to people gathering in large numbers in areas such as the Penny Hot Springs amid COVID-19, Evans said, “Grown-ups need to make their own decisions about the risks they take — so long as they aren't involving anyone other than those who made the same decision,” and further surmised that, “Outdoor transmission risks are very low, regardless.”
She would like to see developers give back to the community before their proposals are approved. This could include affordable housing measures for people who already live in the area, “Possibly with annexed child care,” she stated. On top of that she’d like to see new developments be sustainable and meet, “Specifications to reduce their carbon footprint.” Jacober, like Evans, recognizes the vulnerability of the water flow from the Crystal River although from a different vantage point. She is a new board member of the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Agency (CVEPA) which supports the natural preservation of the Crystal River and seeks to prevent diversion or damming of its waters. For that reason Jacober circled back stating, “We just don’t have enough water in the aquifer or river to support a whole lot more development.” “At this end of the Valley we don’t have an outside mask ordinance and I’m okay with that” Jacober said in regard to COVID-19, but “I definitely think it’s something we’re going to have to stay on top of until it ameliorates and we don’t have so many cases on a daily basis.”
water in the aquifer or river to support a whole lot more development"
knee-jerk negative reactions and open up to wild-eyed suggestions"
Jeffrey Evans (Unaffiliated) was born in, “The Mojave desert in California,” and his family, “Moved to the coast when I was twelve,” Evans stated. That changed however and he’s been, as he puts it, “In the mountains by my own initiative since 1970.” In 1995 Evans built a home in Swiss Village along Highway 133 and lived there until 2003. “I still miss my view of Elephant Mountain,” he said. Evans is concerned what a bad snow year could mean for Pitkin County as a whole. “The economic impact of the pandemic will seem like a block party compared to a low or no snow year,” he lamented, “We are going to have to make some really hard choices if things don't change soon.” As for the Crystal Valley in particular, Evans had a one word response for his top concern:
Francie Jacober (Democrat) was born in Boston, MA but grew up in Cincinnati, OH. “I came to the University of Colorado when I was 18, and I’ve been here ever since,” she stated. After college Jacober lived on a sheep ranch in southern Colorado where she began to raise a family. In the early 90s she and her family moved to the Carbondale area and Jacober has lived at the base of the Crystal Valley, “For a long time.” Jacober’s top priority “Is how to balance our incredibly beautiful rural nature with development.” She noted how COVID-19 has only increased the pressure. “We’re definitely seeing an influx of people which has accelerated development,” she stated and residents, “Are worried about how we are going to have any kind of control over growth.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 21
Will love or hate be victorious in TRTC’s ‘Annapurna’? Review by Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff
The power of live theatre takes center stage for the new Thunder River Theatre (TRTC) Company production of Sharr White's “Annapurna.” This riveting play will capture your attention and draw you in from the get go. So, take a deep breath and plunge on into this fascinating saga of a marriage gone terribly wrong. The pre-recorded play is being streamed online from Oct. 16 through 24 with tickets required. Go to thunderrivertheatre.com for details. Annapurna, located in Nepal, is a 26,246 foot mountain that ranks as one of the world’s most dangerous because of its unpredictable and often deadly climate. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth Observatory website, only 191 climbers have successfully summited the mountain since 2012. Annapurna has had a mortality rate of 32 percent; no other mountain is crueler. Therein lies the play’s complex anatomy. And it’s set just over McClure Pass in a run down trailer park in Paonia. Go figure, but does that make the local viewer feel more connected? Husband and wife actors from Glenwood Springs are the only two people on the stage throughout with stellar performances by Kristin Carlson as Emma, and John Carlson as Ulysses. Kristin has appeared on the TRTC stage in “Quilters,” “An Empty Plate at the Café du Grand Boeuf,” “The Cherry Orchard” and “Lysistrata.” The actor/playwright is currently at work on a new play about the interconnections between feminism, spiritualism and the birth of American psychology. Jeff has previously acted in more than
a dozen TRTC productions and has also performed with Colorado Mountain College’s Sopris Theatre Company. They play a divorced couple trapped in a rollercoaster type relationship of love and loss who take a perilous journey back and forth. The unseen party in this drama is Sammy, son of Emma and Ulysses. He’s out there somewhere, trying to find Ulysses at the same time his mother just shows up on Ulysses’ doorstep in the middle of the night. “What a mess,” Emma declares as she opens the door, duffel in tow, stuffed with her clothes, and, it turns out, $17,400 in cold hard cash which she stole from her current husband, Peter. Quite an understatement. The trailer looks like a bomb hit it, or that teenagers have taken over. Piles of dirty laundry, papers, books and trash are strewn everywhere, and Ulysses has no interest in cleaning up the place. One may wonder why Emma doesn't wear a hazmat suit. Ulysses comments, “One man’s trash is another man’s home.” As a formerly successful but now downtrodden cowboy poet, he hasn't published anything in years. Ulysses’ cupboard, as Emma discovers, is bare. Ants are moving in, but Ulysses claims the insects are just waiting for him to die so he can be their lunch. Emma is determined to bring a semblance of order to the grungy trailer, so she promptly begins cleaning and also food shopping. She immediately decides to organize the staples on the few available shelves. But, as the play progresses, the audience slowly learns a bit more about why Emma is on this mission of mercy. Ulysses keeps asking “Why are you here?” as he stands in the kitchen area, naked except for an apron covering his privates. Emma
Some may think suspension of disbelief is impossible with a streamed performance, but this powerful play makes you soon forget that you are not inside an actual bricks and mortar venue. The performances overcome the resolution illustrated by this screenshot to transport you to Paonia as silent observer. doesn’t respond. More of their history comes out. Emma left Ulysses 15 years ago with their son, then age five, in tow. Again, in the middle of the night. Ulysses recalls at the time, he was afraid they both had been kidnapped. But then Ulysses started sending letters twice a week. However, the letters had been kept hidden by Emma’s mother “And now, poof, she reappears,” Ulysses cracks, as do the letters. She resists telling Ulysses the reason she left her two husbands until the latter part of the production. But now, the threads of domestic violence and addiction begins to unravel, both from the past and mysteries of the present. The set is made up of many symbolic fragments of their relationship including stinking
rotten sausage in the mini fridge, old books filled with crumpled memories and one particularly telling item: The torn and dirty cowboy shirt, which Emma carefully helps him put on, reflects their tattered and torn relationship. And somewhere, most probably covered up, is the poop of his dog Jennifer. Ulysses readily notes she dumps inside at night. Throughout the production the audience will watch hate transition to caring with a touch of sexual tension. The love is still there, but will it survive? Emma was so desperate to find Ulysses she hired a private detective and uncovered disturbing information. The climax of the play near the end exposes dreadful truths but leads to a sliver of hope for the pair.
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22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October 28, 2020
LETTERS
Continued from page 2
not seen in the last 800 years. Our valley’s river, the Crystal River, is virtually dry. Fires roar over parched ground and their smoke makes being outside hazardous. Population growth has overwhelmed our highways, consumed much of our open space and made finding solitude increasingly difficult for humans and wildlife. On top of all this, a pandemic races around the globe, limiting social interactions and devastating our economy. Faced with all this turmoil, voters want to do anything, and wolf proponents claim wolves will magically restore the balance. Unfortunately, wolves may only make matters worse. Our deer and elk herds are in decline and are not having enough fawns or calves survive to keep their populations sustainable. Our iconic aspen forests are stressed from drought, not overgrazing by elk. Ranchers are suffering from the multinational meatpacking conglomerates keeping prices for their livestock below breakeven prices. They are going broke working around the clock to run 250 head where their grandfathers made money with a few dozen. Wolves will only make these situations worse. Wolves cannot restore a world dominated by humans. The ecosystem of Western Colorado is unrecognizable from what existed when wolves were last here. Wolves will not and cannot bring back the Colorado that existed in the 1900s. They can however decimate our declining wildlife and force ranchers to sell out. Much of our open space will be lost forever. Vote no on 114.
2020
Bill Fales Carbondale
Soto, Robinson, Wilhelm and Hanlon Dear Editor: I am voting for Beatriz Soto and Leslie Robinson for Garfield County Board of County Commissioners. I feel that the incumbents, John Martin and Mike Samson, no longer represent the needs of Garfield County and are out of touch with many of their constituents. This is illustrated by the fact that they spent $1.5 million to pay outside parties in their unsuccessful fight against oil and gas regulations set out in Proposition 181. They even footed the bill for the lawsuit on behalf of a coalition of nine counties. Imagine how these taxpayer dollars could have helped county residents, including children, with the economic crises of COVID. Beatriz and Leslie will bring muchneeded fresh thinking to the board. They will listen to constituents, be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and explore new ways to create jobs. I am also voting for Colin Wilhelm for HD57. His opponent, Perry Will, wants to open businesses up and push against Governor Polis’ COVID orders. He also wants to continue investment in the dying coal and natural gas industries. Colin wants to maintain pandemic social distancing and masking
mandates, which have proven so effective. Colin supports obtaining economic support for businesses from the state and looking for large capital projects to create new jobs. Karl Hanlon has my vote in the SD8 race against Bob Rankin. Karl will fight for our healthcare, water and public lands. Bob has done an okay job in the Colorado House and Senate, but Karl will better represent the citizens of our district. In a recent debate on KDNK, the question whom the candidates supported for CD3 was asked. Bob laughed and said he hopes Lauren Boebert will settle into the position in Congress. Really? Settle in? Boebert has made it clear that she is tired of compromise, so what makes you think she will “settle in”? Karl chose the highly qualified Diane Mitsch Bush. Please vote with me for the candidates that will best represent Garfield County residents; Beatriz Soto, Leslie Robinson, Colin Wilhelm and Karl Hanlon. Connie Overton Carbondale
GarCo commissioners Dear Editor: In Garfield County we are fortunate to have three dedicated, public servants as commissioners. Two, John Martin and Mike Samson, are up for re-election. They have made and kept our county among the most prosperous in Colorado. They support the oil and gas
industry that pays the majority of our bills. Their challengers will eviscerate our county's greatest economic engine. These opponents are disciples of the AOC new green scheme. They will raise our taxes and Californicate Colorado. Why change someone who has done so well for us for so long? I believe GarCo residents are smart enough to keep John and Mike working for us. Please vote for Marten and Samson. Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle
Child, Jacober, Poschman Dear Editor: Forty seven years ago, the citizens of Pitkin County chose a challenging and controversial path: assertive local government actions to achieve a healthy environment, a viable community, and a durable economy — with such policies as growth control, affordable housing, and protection of water resources. Over the decades, many attempted to undercut those efforts, sometimes overtly, sometimes quietly, and often litigiously. Staying the course toward sustainability ain’t easy. It takes commitment, guts, experience, and vigilance. This election, we find these qualities in three candidates for county commissioner: Steve Child, Francie Jacober, and Greg Poschman. Michael Kinsley Pitkin County Commissioner 1975-85 Old Snowmass
Vote for Karl Dear Editor: My name is Sheryl Barto, and I am the wife of Karl Hanlon, who is running for Senate District 8. I have had the pleasure of already meeting many on the campaign trail or out in the community. If we haven’t met yet, I look forward to meeting you soon! I am often asked on the campaign trail, “so what is Karl really like?” – so I want to tell you a few things about him that you won’t read in the newspaper or in campaign materials. Karl and I are both in our second marriage, entering our 10th year. We have a blended family with four children ages 16-26. Karl spent his career as a public servant protecting our rural communities, always understanding public life is his calling. He makes sure we have dinner together as a family on all of the nights he doesn’t have a night meeting. And on those nights, he without fail, asks if there’s anything he can pick up for us on his way home. When he is home, he likes to cook. He is a great father and role model to our kids. He’s incredibly patient, calm, thoughtful and humble – rare qualities in today’s world. He’s a gentleman. He fills my truck up before I use it. He meets me in the driveway to help me carry groceries in. It’s those small acts of kindness, for as busy as he is, that show he makes the family his priority as a devoted family man, kind in thought, word and deed. Continued on page 24
MOUNTAIN WASTE & RECYCLING TOWN OF CARBONDALE COLLECTION CALENDAR
Recycling Service Day Zone - A East of Highway 133
2021
Recycling Service Day Zone - B West of Highway 133
This calendar is current as of October 22, 2020. For more information: 970-510-5102
Yard Waste Collection Parking lot at 4th and Colorado 9am - noon
Holiday
Future schedule updates will be available at: https://www.mountainwaste.com/carbondale/#map
Please have your cans on the curb by 7a.m. with the lids completely closed. THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 23
LETTERS
Continued from page 23
I grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania – Karl grew up on a ranch in Jackson County, Colorado. We both share the love of rural life and believe deeply that Republican, Democrat or Unaffiliated – we all have more in common than not and that rural communities have great solutions to the big issues our district faces. Please cast your vote for Karl, who will make sure our rural voices are heard in Denver. Sheryl Barto Carbondale
A militia sympathizer Dear Editor: Wake up Pueblo and Western Colorado, we have an avowed militia sympathizer wanting to represent us in Congress! Her name is Lauren Boebert. In June she posed with the far right “III percent” militia and tweeted…”I am the militia”. Boebert is running on a “freedom” and “law and order” platform. Her “freedoms” include shunning face masks, letting her pitbull harass neighbors, interfering with police detaining teenagers for underage drinking, and business liens for not paying Colorado unemployment taxes. According to Garfield County records, she’s also had arrests, citations and warrants for not appearing in court, dangerous driving, and serving tainted food without a permit. She apparently complies only with laws and orders she likes. Boebert also has zero understanding for how government
works. In a Channel 9 News interview, she attacked our nice and dignified Congressman, Scott Tipton, for not “repealing Obamacare”, not “firing Nancy Pelosi”, and for serving on Congressional Committees with Democrats. Even Civics 101 students know that Democrats and Republicans always serve together on Congressional Committees! Anyone seeking election to Congress also ought to know that Democrats currently control the House of Representatives. Tipton is just one of 435 House members, and is in the minority party. Tipton cannot possibly “fire Nancy Pelosi, “end Obamacare” or balance the budget by himself. Boebert’s ignorance on this is stunning. Boebert’s allies are running TV commercials attacking her opponent, Diane Mitch Bush, of Steamboat Springs, for being a “professor” and “ski town liberal”. Mitch Bush served as a Routt County Commissioner and in the Colorado legislature. Heaven forbid we should have a representative who is educated, thinks before she opens her mouth, and comes from a ski town – an industry that contributes $5 billion annually to Colorado’s economy. The bottom line on Lauren Boebert is that she is uninformed and embarrassing. Her only apparent desire is to become a “celebrity” by getting elected to Congress. Once there, she will spew her dangerous ideology and contribute nothing to
GOING on NOW!
constructive law making or problem solving That is why respected Republicans like Russell George of Rifle, the former Speaker of the Colorado House, have endorsed Mitch Bush. We need moderates in Congress - not shouting, gun toting militia sympathizers who add to the rancor and division. Please vote for Diane Mitch Bush. Andy Wiessner Snowmass
An entertainer or a leader? Dear Editor: We in Western Colorado are facing a very important election – the 3rd Congressional District race. The feisty Boebert sure knows how to throw some attitude! Her - pistol packin,’ no compromises, I make my own rules, thank you - style makes for dynamic and entertaining campaign stops. I’ve been trying to imagine how Boebert’s approach might translate into effective leadership in Congress. Grandstanding on divisive hotbutton issues is an easy way to stir up a crowd. Reconciling our differences is a more fruitful way to get things done in politics. While Colorado and the USA face significant challenges, both are blessed with abundant resources to address those challenges. The path forward lies in shepherding those resources to address the problems at hand. In these polarized and divided times, we need someone with the
experience and maturity to reach out to all her constituents, and to forge solutions that benefit all of us. As a former Colorado State Representative and Routt County Commissioner, Mitsch Bush has a long history of public service, a proven record of collaboration, and a willingness to address the flaws in our political system. She doesn’t shy away from the hard work of understanding the issues and getting things sorted out. If we tire of Boebert’s entertainment, it won’t be easy to switch channels to the dedicated leadership we truly need now. In these uncertain times, let’s elect the proven public servant — Diane Mitsch Bush. Pat Kiernan Carbondale
Different leadership Dear Editor: Imagine how different our lives would be today if COVID-19 had hit five years ago. President Obama and Vice President Biden had faced both the H1N1 and Ebola virus situations, working together with scientists and the WHO. They knew it was important to establish a special office and have in place concrete plans to deal with a virus such as COVID-19. Our HHS and CDC were fully funded and staffed. Among Trump's first acts was to disband the Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense. He
went on to gut funding for the HHS and CDC (to pay for housing needed to detain immigrant children.) In July, 2019 he ignored dire reports from our HHS that the US was underprepared to fight an influenza-like pandemic. When COVID-19 hit, Trump repeatedly lied to us, even though he knew it to be dangerous and aggressive. For months he kept us in the dark, lying daily. He put his sonin-law, a real-estate executive with no public health experience, in charge of the response team, overseeing FEMA's distribution of medical supplies, a horrible failure that cost doctors and nurses their lives. As you read this, more than 220,000 Americans will have died of the COVID-19 virus. We have only 4.25 percent of the world's population, but more than 20 percent of the COVID-19 deaths. Our economy is in tatters, our lives are changed and upended. How has the daily lying, namecalling, and encouragement of divisiveness and violence by Donald Trump impacted your life? Is he setting an example for the future you wish for your children and grandchildren? We all need to carefully consider the impact of our votes. Are you better off now than you were four years ago? How is it possible to want four more years of Trump and those who have supported and enabled him? Annette Roberts-Gray Carbondale
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the ancient mesas. 16. Ski ____ light. 17. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, for example. 19. LBJ's wife (2 words). 21. Frying ___ River, renowned for Gold Medal fishing. 22. Tributary to the Crystal River. A steep path runs beside it. 23. The subject of ontology. 24 Site of the Catto Center. DOWN 1. ____ riding, a rodeo event. 2. Team sport played on
Down 1. BULL; 2. POLO; 3. HAT; 4. FISH; 5. MSHA; 7. GRIZZLYCREEK; 8. CAT; 9. TUBER; 10. POMMEL; 11. CHOU; 12. TENT; 14. ANGLERS; 16. SKI; 17. SHIPROCK; 18. FRENCH; 20. RAGGEDS; 22. PINTO
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horseback. A first-class arena is located near Carbondale. 3. Mountain near Beaver Lake. 4. Produced at the hatchery. 5. Mine Safety and Health Administration (abbr.). 7. Site of a recent fire (2 words). 8. Snow___, fully-tracked vehicle designed to move on snow. 9. Starchy plant, such as the potato. 10. Projecting part of a saddle, in front of the rider.
11. Mon petit ___. French term of endearment. 12. The Benedict Music _____, has the acoustics of a concert hall. 14. Fishermen. 16. Narrow strip of wood for gliding over snow. 17. 1700-foot-high volcanic plug in the Four Corners region. 18. Creek that flows into Glenwood Canyon. Contains a cave. 20. Behind Chair Mountain. 22. Freckled bean.
Across 1. BIKEPATHS; 6. GIG; 8. CLINTON; 10. PHARMACY; 12 . TWO; 13. BLAZE; 15. MAISE; 16. SUN, 17. SUFFRAGETTE; 19.LADYBIRD; 21. PAN; 22. PERHAM; 23. BEING ; 24 TOKLAT;
ACROSS 1. Noted attraction on Prince Creek (2 words). 6. Performance at Steve's Guitars. 8. President who golfed at River Valley Ranch. 10. Kenny's _____ , a popular establishment on Main Street in the sixties and seventies. 12 . ____ Rivers Park, at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers. 13. A mark made on a tree to indicate a trail. 15. Staple crop raised on
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 25
PAGES OF THE PAST From the archives of The Sopris Sun and Valley Journal
BUYING COSTS LESS THAN RENTING! If you are renting and think you cannot afford to by a home, think again!
J.W. Weaver. Valley Journal file. Photo by Patti Barry Levy
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Friday, Tuesday, watch online at alpinelegalservices.org October 25 October 29 This year’s Roaring Fork Senior Law Day will be a virtual experience! You will have the option to watch and re-watch a host of presentations on various topics at your leisure. Basalt Middle School Rifle CMC Auditorium
pmbe open for viewing starting Friday, – 4 pm 9 am – 4will 9 am Presentations November 13th. In addition to the presentations, you will also have the opportunity to sign up for and schedule 1:1 legal consultations with attorneys. Complimentary Lunch Served (RSVP Required) Presentations will be available for viewing at alpinelegalservices.org. Stay tuned for more information!
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Oct. 23, 1980 J.W. Weaver shared the secrets of his odd-job success. “Making a living around here takes a fairly creative mind,” he told a group of semi-avid listeners at a local bar. “If you’re lucky and a little bit smart, you can make it doing what you like to do and living the way you want to live. But you really have to want to live here ‘cause sometimes that’s not all as easy as it sounds. Lots of times you have to take your salary in scenery.” The 50-year-old entrepreneur moved to Carbondale in 1959 to work as a mechanic and driver for Mid-Continent Resources hauling contractor. He later took over the coal company’s mine cart servicing contract himself, and built that into a business hauling just about anything. He later added firewood cutting, stone gathering, fence-post installation and all manner of other services, then proceeded to branch into manufacturing with his “LiteA-Fire” device. In the process, he managed to employ an array of folks in need, who became known as “Weaver’s Beavers.”
Oct. 25, 1990 Incumbent Sheriff (and former Carbondale Police Chief ) Verne Soucie faced not one but two challengers. Bill Evans pointed to his efforts founding and developing a youth treatment center in Rifle and 15 years of work in prisons, community corrections and probation as proof that he could improve morale, stop turnover and improve the work release program.
LEGALS NOTICE OF BUDGET NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Town of Carbondale Board of Trustees for the ensuing year of 2021; that a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the Town Clerk at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, where same is open for public inspection; that such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to be held at Carbondale Town Hall on December 8, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Any interested elector within the Town of Carbondale may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget. Town of Carbondale Date: 10/14/2020 Jay Harrington, Town Manager
28, 2020 26 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 22 - October RoaringForkSeniorLawDay2019.eventbrite.com • 970-945-8858
NOTICE OF BUDGET (Pursuant to 29-1-106, C.R.S.) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District for the ensuing year of 2021; a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, where the same is open for public inspection; such proposed budget will be considered at the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors to be held at Carbondale Fire Headquarters, 301 Meadowood Drive, Carbondale, Colorado on November 11, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Any interested elector of Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.
Ron Sommerhause, meanwhile, had been fired from his role as undersheriff after announcing his write-in candidacy with a similar platform. Meanwhile, incumbent Garfield County commissioner Marian Smith was challenged by Carbondalian Art Ackerman, while Ron Leach was appointed fire chief. In other news… The Vail Daily strongly objected to Eagle County commissioner candidate Linda Johnson’s use of language from one of its articles in her promotional pamphlets — asserting that it “emasculated the editorial integrity and objectivity” of the paper by making it look like an endorsement.
Oct. 19, 2000 Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC) joined forces with Colorado Mountain College Theatre (CMCT — now Sopris Theatre Company) to tackle Chekov’s “The Seagull.” The combined efforts of TRTC’s Lon Winston and CMTC’s Tom Cochran made light work of the heavy piece, and the partnership also afforded the fledgling company with access to CMC’s performance space. “It is desirable that everyone feels like they are part of a single company for this show. That, we have done,” Winston said. “Tom Cochran and I believe that more theatre is better for everyone involved.” In other news… Blues musician Howard Berkman was one of the more notable Carbondalians to defect to the North Fork Valley — a move the paper admitted made a certain sense given Paonia’s old Bonedale vibe.
Oct. 21, 2010 A decade after it made the Colorado Big Trees registry, Marge Palmer’s silver maple was slated to appear in the 2011 “Notable Trees of Colorado” calendar. The tree may have been planted by Sarah Cooper back in the 1880s, back before Cooperton became Satank. At 84 feet tall, 104 feet across and with a trunk circumference of 219 inches, it was ranked as the third largest of the kind in the state. (We were unable to ascertain how its competition may have fared since.) In other news… The Roaring Fork volleyball girls were preparing to host the district tournament after finishing league play undefeated, while the soccer boys were third in the league and the football team topped Gunnison for its first league victory.
PARTING SHOTS
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970-963-8800 745 Buggy Circle in Carbondale w w w. s u n b u r s t c a r c a r e . c o m THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 22 - October 28, 2020 • 27
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SHOP NOW! Rustic Pine 9-Drawer Desk with Leather Inset Top
Two Panel Solid Wood Door 30" X 78"
Restoration Hardware Sleigh Bed (Queen)
$235.00
$200.00
$265.00
To shop, just hover your phone’s camera over QR code.
Our ReStore has become the go-to place to get everything you need for your home without leaving the valley. And now, you can browse and shop online any time of day or night for gently-used (and some new!) treasures— from living and dining room furniture, rugs and artwork to “scratch & dent” appliances and building materials like doors, windows and paint—all from the comfort of your own home. Best of all? When you shop at our ReStore, you help us build homes with local families and individuals in need of affordable housing. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
This week, we’re adding 17 truckloads of gently-used donated merchandise to our inventory. Visit us often online and in-store for the best selection!
Shop in person Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm (closed Sunday)
| HabitatRFV.org
Note: Items featured above are one-of-a-kind and may no longer be available at the time of ad publication. For your safety, and the safety of our team, we are following all state and local social distancing guidelines. To learn more, visit HabitatRFV.org
