Sopris Sun THE
VOLUME 1, NUMBER 16 • MAY 28, 2009
‘Trade Ya’ Concerns aired over proposed land swap By Jeremy Heiman
A
Main photo: the original Sutey homestead cabin. Inset photo: Looking south and east from the western parcel of Leslie Wexner's Two Shoes Ranch. The pointed hill on the middle of the green ridge is a point on the western boundary of the BLM parcel that Wexner would like to acquire. Photos by Jeremy Heiman
long Garfield County Road 112 north of Carbondale, the name “Sutey” is still visible on an old mailbox in spite of the peeling paint. It marks the driveway to a former potato farm and cattle ranch that is at the center of a proposed land trade involving the Bureau of Land Management and billionaire Leslie Wexner. Wexner owns the Sutey Ranch, located on the back side of Red Hill north of Carbondale. He also owns a working cattle ranch, the Two Shoes Ranch, on the north slope of Mt. Sopris, to the south of town. The Two Shoes spread consists of two parcels that are separated by a half-mile wide strip of BLM land. Wexner purchased the 513-acre Sutey Ranch for $6.5 million in the hope that the BLM would take it in trade for the 1,268-acre parcel that splits Two Shoes. Wexner, who amassed his fortune through ownership of numerous retail chains such as The Limited, has promised to place a conservation easement preventing development on the parcel that would consolidate his ranch, should it come into his possession. Andy Wiessner of Western Land Group, Inc., a consulting group that specializes in land exchanges and is representing Wexner, has said up to 300 houses could be constructed on the land if it became privately owned without the conservation easement. Wiessner also pointed out that public access to the BLM parcel is limited. It is bounded by private property on all sides except the narrow southern end, high on the slopes of Mt. Sopris, where it abuts the White River National Forest. There is, however, no indication that the BLM intends to sell the property if the swap doesn’t go through. The parcel is not on the agency’s “disposal list,” said BLM field manager Steve Bennett. The land swap was first proposed by Wexner’s representatives. Wexner’s ranch, with 700 head of cattle, currently holds grazing leases on much of the BLM land in question. Those leases predate the retail magPITKIN COUNTY page 3
Carbondale Commentary GUEST COMMENTARY
A terrible idea: Privatizing National Forest and BLM lands in the Roaring Fork Valley By Hawk Greenway Recently, Leslie Wexner, the billionaire founder of Limited Brands (owner of the companies Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and many others) proposed a land exchange in which he would get 1,268 acres of Bureau of Land Management land that divides his previous ranch purchases on the north flank of Mt. Sopris. The land exchange as proposed privatizes two parcels of BLM land on Mt. Sopris and one U.S. Forest Service parcel on Rapid Creek near Marble. In exchange for the public acres, Wexner proposes to trade a parcel he recently purchased for $6.5 million, the 513-acre Sutey Ranch, north of Mushroom Rock and south of Cattle Creek. The Red Hill/Mushroom Rock area is a very popular mid-valley recreation area, and the Sutey Ranch may deserve to become an addition to this public recreational area. My concern is with the precedent, timing, and fairness of the proposed trade. Wexner proposes to “fast track” this exchange through the U.S. Congress, avoiding all the usual checks and balances, such as compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the public input process usually involved in the disposal of public lands. I think that this exchange is a terrible idea for the following reasons: 1. We lose protected public open space under this proposal. Public open space is of great value in this valley, even if access to it is limited. Some of my favorite spots in this valley are just like these areas, hard to get to and full of wildlife. It is also possible that we could improve the public access to these parcels. We should at least explore the potential. 2. The timing of this exchange could not be worse. The U.S. government is taking on a tremendous debt burden with the various bailout programs. We do not want to set a precedent by liquidating our public lands heritage at this time. I know it is true that, as the old saying goes, “Water runs uphill towards money,” but since when did our land run that way, as well? 3. A hydropower proposal for the Rapid Creek parcel speaks to a current popular hot topic. Who could be against clean, sustainable energy development? But will we privatize the public lands beneath each proposed use? Imagine that this was a proposal for ANY other private business, and it would fail the public interest test easily. It is a bad precedent to set. I would rather see us adequately fund the federal land agencies to properly process permit applications for sustainable energy proposals that will come before them, not privatize the federal lands. 4. The proposed exchange is based upon “equal value” real estate appraisals. But the proposed values don’t feel right to me. Wexner paid $46 million for one of the two ranches he hopes to join together, and $18 million for the other (plus other undisclosed sums for adjacent parcels). These parcels are divided by a pesky 1,260-acre strip of our public lands Wexner now controls access, and will reap a windfall in the exchange. These appraisal rules would essentially reward his effort to block access with a fire sale price on the property. This is how he expects to value 2 square miles at $6.5 million. But why would the very heart of a $64 million ranch not actually be worth more? He claims it does not have public access, but in fact, it does. The parcel is adjacent to millions of acres of public access through the White River National Forest. For some of us, that is the right kind of access to have. The Marble part of the exchange is even more lopsided. Should we support the exchange of more than 100 acres of our national forest land for one-third acre of private land? Yes, there is a trailhead for Lily Lake on the private land, but have we fully explored the alternatives to this trade? There is an alternative to trading our public heritage away. Pitkin County founded an open space program, and I would urge the elected officials and the voters of Garfield County to establish a similar program so that they can participate more fully in these efforts. The Sutey Ranch may indeed be a great recreational amenity; if so, the public should step up to the plate and purchase it. To set the precedent of privatizing public lands for deep-pocket, large, adjacent landowners and blocking potential access routes to wilderness and thousands of acres of public lands, to limit the future potential of recreational trails in an area of increasing population is a major step in the wrong direction. This land exchange is a bad deal for the public and should not go through. Hawk Greenway is a recovering rancher who is the manager of the Alfred Braun Hut System above Ashcroft. He has a Master of Science from the College of Forestry, University of Washington, Seattle. He has lived in the Castle Creek Valley for the past 15 years and volunteers on the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board.
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • MAY 28, 2009
Letters The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 400 words. Letters exceeding that length may be edited or returned for revisions. Include your name and residence (for publication) and a contact email and phone number. Submit letters via email to letters@soprissun.com or via snail mail to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623.
Saving the Clay Center
Foote, Palmer for Holy Cross
Dear Editor: The Roaring Fork Valley is in danger of losing one of its most precious community resources! The Carbondale Clay Center may have to close its doors after almost 13 years in our community. Today, the CCC is in a critical position. A 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, we rely on donations from foundations, businesses and individuals to keep our doors open. Due to the bleak financial times of our country, donations and grants to the CCC are already down by half this year! Several major foundations that normally fund the CCC could not give this year. AT ALL. The CCC offers a full program of services for people of all ages and abilities. The CCC has actively engaged with many community groups, such as the Carbondale Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as both public and private schools from Glenwood Springs to Basalt. The CCC regularly offers outreach programs to seniors, special needs students, the Youth Recovery Center, Mountain Valley Development Center, Jaywalker Lodge and the Aspen Camp for the Deaf. The CCC hosts several fundraisers and open houses a year and participates in many events, which attract a variety of people from the community. The Children’s Program serves over 200 children a year. It is not simply recreational; kids of all ages learn the creative thinking process, making artwork with their own hands, glazing and firing, resulting in a finished piece of art. CCC is an innovator in the community, creating a unique program in 2005 called Project CLAY: Connecting Learning And Youth. In collaboration with the schools in the RE-1 school district, Project CLAY brought ceramics education into the classroom and combined this with traditional established curricula of social studies and history. You can help save the Carbondale Clay Center! Please consider purchasing a ticket to our fundraiser, La Dolce Vita, to be held on May 30. The grounds of 135 Main St. will transform for this community celebration. Adult ticket buyers receive a beautiful, handmade cup designed by local ceramic artists. Enjoy an Italian family-style feast catered by Chef Jimmy Nadell of Bravo Catering, a Kids Fair, games and activities for little ones, and a lively street dance with live music by Acoustic Mayhem. Additionally, there will be an amazing silent auction, featuring serving platters decorated by local artists, CCC students and friends. La Dolce Vita ticket prices are as follows, pre-sale/day-of: adults $50/$60; junior (ages 7-15) $15/25; children under 6 free. Call 963-2529 to purchase.
Dear Editor: My wife and I have started tossing the idea around of buying a new car. The problem is whatever we buy will likely be a hand-me-down to my oldest son and I can’t bear the thought of handing down a car to him that doesn’t get at least 50 mpg. We could buy the average car today, and my son in the year 2019 would be driving a car that is less efficient than the first Ford Model T built nearly 100 years earlier. The same applies to producing electricity. If we, as a society, are going to invest in electricity production, it makes no sense to make a 50-year investment in technology that is 50 years old — such as coal-fired power. Holy Cross Energy has made good progress in encouraging energy efficiency with its customers and the next step is investing in clean energy generation. Marshall Foote and Adam Palmer are running for the Holy Cross board and are both committed to investing in clean energy as an investment for future generations. If you’re a Holy Cross customer, you likely just received a ballot in the mail. Please vote for Marshall Foote and Adam Palmer for the Holy Cross Energy Board of Directors.
Board of Directors Carbondale Clay Center
Dan Richardson Carbondale
Sopris Sun THE
The Sopris Sun is an LLC organized under the 501c3 nonprofit structure of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation, P.O. Box 1582, Carbondale, CO 81623. The mission of the Sopris Sun, LLC is to inform and inspire community members of Carbondale, Colorado. Editor: Trina Ortega news@soprissun.com Reporter: Jeremy Heiman Jane of All Trades: Jane Bachrach Page Production: Terri Ritchie Ad production: Barbara New Ad Director: Jody Ensign 948-9715 Paper boys: Russ Criswell, Mark Burrows Sopris Sun, LLC Managing Board of Directors: Russ Criswell • Peggy DeVilbiss Allyn Harvey • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Rebecca Young Sopris Sun, LLC • P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 www.soprissun.com
Pitkin County concerned with terms of land swap continued from page 1 Marble land swap would allow micro-hydro, trail access
Ramshackle ranch buildings overlook pastures toward the western end of the Sutey Ranch. Photo by Jeremy Heiman nate's ownership and have been in effect for more than 50 years. A more plausible threat of development hangs over the Sutey Ranch, where Wexner or some future owner could build approximately 200 homes under Garfield County’s zoning rules, according to an analysis by the Aspen Valley Land Trust. Because the proposed trade would place U.S. government land in private hands, Congress must approve it. Wiessner’s Western Land Group has been working to get the recommendation of the governments of Garfield County and Pitkin County. Without the support of local governments, the Colorado Congressional delegation is less likely to take up the cause. Several organizations, nonprofits and local jurisdictions, including the town of Carbondale, have already endorsed the trade. In a March 24 presentation to the Carbondale trustees, Wiessner said the Sutey Ranch, which is adjacent to the extremely popular Red Hill BLM land, could be the site of mountain bike trails that would extend from the Red Hill area. The trustees agreed to sign a letter in support of the swap, with Mayor Pro Tem Stacey Bernot requesting follow-through from the parties involved to ensure that the lands involved would be preserved. As part of the discussion, Davis Farrar, president of the Red Hill Council, a nonprofit that works with the BLM to manage recreation on Red Hill, told the trustees Red Hill users would benefit from the addition of trails on Sutey Ranch. “We think to secure that huge block of
land on Red Hill is a huge asset to Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley,” Farrar said. “The council is on record as being a huge supporter of this.” But one BLM official is on the record saying there is no reason to believe that the same activities allowed on Red Hill would also be permitted on Sutey Ranch, should the land swap go through. “It’s not unusual to see certain blocks of land managed for certain uses,” BLM’s Bennett said. While the Sutey Ranch is a potential asset to recreation-oriented Carbondalians, it is a very real asset to wildlife. Dawn Barton, a wildlife biologist and consultant who is familiar with the property, said the ranch is heavily used by deer and elk during the winter months. The Colorado Division of Wildlife reports that turkeys are becoming more numerous there, as well. There is no guarantee the land would simply become an extension of the Red Hill recreation area with the same management rules, allowing hiking, mountain biking and defacto off-leash dog walking. A management plan for the Sutey Ranch, should it come under BLM jurisdiction, would have to be established through a public process, Bennett said. “Does the public want the same management?” he asked. John Groves, district manager for the DOW, said his agency would like to see the ranch managed primarily for wildlife, both winter and summer. Bennett said the BLM already has its
Western Land Group is also working on a second land swap near Marble that is unrelated to the Sutey Ranch proposal. The swap would place an estimated 102 acres of national forest land into private hands to allow construction of a relatively high-output micro-hydroelectric generation project. In exchange, the U.S. Forest Service would gain a public trailhead on a small parcel at the start of the trail to Lily Lake. The trailhead parcel, currently owned by the Darien family, is estimated to be between one-third acre and an acre in documents related to the proposal. It is located next to the Crystal River bridge on Gunnison County Road 314, the road to Marble. Larry Darien, owner of a home and pastureland at the confluence of Rapid Creek and the Crystal River, said his family has owned the property since the 1930s, when they purchased it from the estate of John Osgood, the Redstone mining magnate. Darien said Carbondale energy consultant Randy Udall approached him six or seven years ago with the idea of a hydroelectric project. Udall explained that a hydro project would be a run-of-the-river type, not requiring impoundment of water. Water
would be diverted into a penstock, or diversion pipe, from Rapid Creek at the site of an old irrigation diversion, and a minimum stream flow would always be maintained in the creek. Water would pass through a turbine located on the Darien property, and would return to the creek. Though summer runoff is perhaps 30 times as great as winter flow, Udall said, the turbine could be expected to produce as much as 1 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually. “It would be one of the bigger hydro projects we’ve been able to pull off around here,” Udall said. Engineers from Colorado School of Mines estimate that the cost of the project would be about $500,000. The Darien land swap will be packaged with the Two Shoes-Sutey deal to be presented to Congress. Andy Wiessner, of Western Land Group, explained that relatively small land deals involving the federal government are frequently combined into one legislative package to streamline Congressional processes. “...if we don’t combine them, they will,” Wiessner said. The package also includes a third deal in Eagle County.
hands full in another area it manages, The Crown, southeast of Carbondale. The area is rich with wildlife, and use by mountain bikers and motorized recreationists is getting heavier. “The mountain biking presents a management problem for us,” Bennett said. Some Pitkin County officials say they would like to be certain that the Sutey land would continue to be managed for the benefit of wildlife. “I’m uncomfortable saying, ‘Yes, we like the concept,’” said Pitkin County Commissioner Jack Hatfield. “The devil is in the details. The management plan is everything. I have to have some assurances that certain values are upheld here.” In addition to the concerns about management, there are undercurrents of debate on other aspects of the swap, such as unease over the idea that public lands in Pitkin County would be lost, while Garfield
County gains a recreational asset. Hawk Greenway, a member of Pitkin County’s Open Space and Trails Board of Directors, has written of concerns about the accuracy and fairness of appraisals, a precedent set by liquidating federal lands during a time of national deficits, the net loss of public lands, the “fasttrack” nature of the deal and the habitual unwillingness of Garfield County to support public open space. (See Greenway’s op-ed on page 2) Beyond all those uncertainties and disagreements, however, there’s another, important uncertainty: the fate of the Sutey Ranch if the swap doesn’t happen. The question remains: Will Wexner continue to hold the ranch if he’s not able to trade it for the property he wants? Located where it is, with its water rights, views and green, rolling hills, the ranch is made of the stuff that makes real estate developers drool.
“We wanted to do something without making up projects, so we’re trying to figure out what we can get done,” said Town Manager Tom Baker. Projects under consideration include sidewalks or bike paths, mast arms for traffic signals and work on Highway 133. Another project mentioned was the continuation of Industry Place to Eighth Street, estimated by Schmueser Gordon Meyer at $400,000 for a bare-bones two-lane street, not including property acquisition.
The Carbondale Board of Trustees on May 19 agreed to an integrated pest management approach for keeping the town’s pine trees alive through what is projected to be a fiveyear siege by the mountain pine beetle. The approach includes keeping trees healthy and well-watered, so that they are more likely to produce enough pitch to fight off the beetles boring through their bark. The synthetic pheromone Verbenone, which was used last year, will be applied in a packet attached to the trunks of most pines to be protected. It mimics a substance secreted by pine beetles that have infested a tree, giving a false signal the tree is occupied. The recommendations also include the removal and disposal of infested trees.
News/Council Briefs Town continues services In spite of tough economic times, Carbondale plans to hire a full-time patrol officer and a part-time parks and recreation maintenance employee. Town Manager Tom Baker told the town trustees that sales tax revenues are down a total of 10.54 percent over the last four months, while the town’s budget was based on a projection that revenues would be down only 5 percent. Summer brings increased activity in parks, and the police department is busier, too, convincing the trustees to fund the two positions. “For 2009, we’re going to keep up the same level of service,” Baker said. The salary of a new patrol officer would
be funded for the rest of 2009 partly with the remainder of the salary of an officer who resigned in March, and partly with court revenues, which are above projected levels. Nearly all the funding for the extra help at parks would come from the Conservation Trust Fund.
Stimulus tickles Carbondale Carbondale town staff is mulling over its wish list of projects to determine which might be eligible for money from the federal economic stimulus package and which should be completed first. Stimulus funds are being distributed by the state, but very little has reached the Western Slope so far.
Insecticide planned for pines Carbondale will use an insecticide, Onyx, to ensure the survival of a few specific highvalue trees in town rights of way.
THE SOPRIS SUN • MAY 28, 2009 • 3
The heart and soul of Greystone Drive Joe Popish
July 11, 1924 – May 10, 2009
By Terri Ritchie The dictionary says a neighbor is “one forming a community within a town or city.” In my neighborhood along Greystone Drive in Carbondale, there had been a central unifying force over the past 23 years. It was Joe Popish. On any given afternoon you could go for a stroll down the street and catch a glimpse of Joe working on one of his many projects in his garage. Usually it involved creating a miniature version of a western building in the form of a birdhouse. These masterpieces adorned his garage, from a bait shop complete with screen windows and doors, to a bordello with hitching post and lace curtains. Many others have found their own home among his countless friends and relatives. For many years Joe and his wife, Barbara, would spend the afternoon sitting on their front porch together or in their garage greeting the neighbors as they passed by, always eager to offer a splash of lemonade or coffee and some conversation. Joe often had a joke on his mind that he would share with a twinkle in his eye and that “naughty little boy” smile on his face, which, even last month belied his 84 years. Joe loved to share a story and he had many fascinating experiences to recreate for his audience. From his adventurous youth in Aspen working in the Smuggler and Midnight mines to his many travels including three years of service in the 4th Naval construction battalion in the Asiatic Pacific during World War II. He was interviewed a few years ago as the last remaining Midnight miner for the historic book about Aspen’s mining days, “Aspen’s Rugged Splendor.” He was also featured in “Aspen: The Quiet Years,” a wonderful book about the locals who lived in Aspen from 1893 to 1947. He enjoyed sharing his experiences: skiing home after a full day in the mine atop Aspen Mountain, building houses for his relatives on East Hyman Street, fish fry parties at his home for the whole town, playing basketball for Pitkin County High School in the base-
ment of the current courthouse, providing plumbing services for a long list of Aspen’s original elite clientele. He was also very proud of his family and always eager to share photos. Joe would often ask, “Do you want to see photos of my wife, the beauty queen?” He would then break out the photo album and show Barbara’s photo from the 1950s when she competed in the Strawberry Days beauty pageant. He would give the latest updates on his son, Father Eddy, as he traveled around the world in service to Congregation of the Sacred Hearts General House in Rome. His son, Tony, continued on in the tradition of building beautiful homes around Aspen and is currently working for Pitkin County Community Development. Joe was always there to offer advice on proper lawn care techniques or to lend the perfect tool for your latest home repair or craft project. His immaculately groomed yard led the neighborhood by example and no one’s home improvement project was ever too small to benefit from Above: Joe Joe’s wisdom and experience Popish with one in his craft. of his handAs son Eddy recounted at crafted birdhouses. Right: Joe as a young Joe’s memorial service, he had man working in the Midnight Mine in Aspen. a way of bringing people toTerri Ritchie and her family have had the privilege, along with gether wherever he went. Whether it be his home on East Hyman or here on Grey- many others who have resided on Greystone Drive, to call stone in Carbondale he always brought you in and made you Joe neighbor/friend. His family will be holding a yard sale this feel welcome. I am sure there is a porch swing somewhere Saturday, May 30 starting at 9 a.m. to find a home for Joe’s up there in heaven with Joe and Barbara sitting together many treasures. Stop by 1549 Greystone Drive and share welcoming all who come by. your own “Popish” moment and pick up a momento or two.
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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • MAY 28, 2009
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‘Spread your wings’ Bridges, Roaring Fork bid seniors farewell By Trina Ortega One graduate’s gown was adorned with embroidered horses reflecting her passion; another graduate prettied her feet with colorful beads mirroring her brightly dyed blonde dreadlocks; another wore fluorescent orange sunglasses.… The diversity in the group of 14 young men and women graduating from Bridges High School on May 22 was a reflection of the school itself. In her remarks to fellow students, Marie Huber — who had neatly stenciled her name and high school on the back of her gown — talked about how individuality is the key to success. “At Bridges, that’s what we pride ourselves on,” Huber said, prompting a round of sympathetic laughter from families and friends in attendance for the ceremony held at Sunlight Mountain Resort. Student speaker Anthia Munoz spoke of how it’s OK to not know all the answers in this adventure called life. “There are no rules. You can make the best of it or the worst of it, and I hope you make the best of it,” she said. “Live a life you’re proud of.”
The third student speaker was Hannah Planalp, who is the recipient of the competitive Daniels Fund Scholarship. She reflected on her transition to Bridges, where teacher-student relationships are strong. “Thanks for taking me in,” she told the Bridges family. In an enrapturing bluesy voice, senior Kashana Tonozzi conveyed the bittersweet aspect of growing up in the Gershwin brothers’ tune “Summertime”. “One of these mornings you’re gonna rise up singing. Then you’ll spread your wings and take to the sky. But till that morning, there’s nothing can harm you, with Daddy and Mammy standing by.…” Principal Lyn Bair awarded honors, and science teacher Beth Radefeld humored the crowd with warm reflections about each senior. Guest speaker Francisco Nevarez of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklorico, described the challenges he faced as the oldest son of a single mom in Mexico and of his journey to the United States. Nevarez encouraged the students to be part of their community, to never give up and to follow their passion. “The person who pushed you, told you not to give up. … Thanks to that
person, you are here,” he said. Bridges was the first Carbondale high school to recognize its 2009 graduating class. Colorado Rocky Mountain School holds graduation on June 6. Meanwhile, Roaring Fork High School held its commencement exercises on May 23 at the RFHS gymnasium. The school graduated 49 seniors, 60 percent of whom have finished on the honor roll. Additionally, Principal Cliff Colia said 85 percent of RFHS seniors are attending college or aiming for other post-secondary pursuits. The 2009 class valedictorian was Rianna Rollyson and class president was Diego Rubio. Also during the ceremony, Colia and educator Patrick Henry presented language arts teacher Lindsay Hentschel with the first Carbondale Teachers Appreciation Fund award. The new award recognizes an outstanding teacher with a monetary award. Hentschel received $3,500 from a group of anonymous community donors. She told the Sun she plans to put the money toward her husband (and fellow RFHS teacher) Hadley’s master’s degree this summer.
Clockwise from top right: Bridges High graduates Hannah Planalp and Marie Huber react as teacher Beth Radefeld reveals funny characteristics about each graduating senior. Bridges senior Joel Irigoyen poses with his mother, Catalina, while brother Marcos captures the moment. (Photos by Trina Ortega) Roaring Fork High Valedictorian Rianna Rollyson offers words of inspiration to her graduating schoolmates. Hanna Burleigh hugs former teacher Kate Giampapa. (Photos by Jim Ryan)
Three seniors: Leaps and bounds reflect athleticism and school support By Trina Ortega Three athletes who have earned their way into the records books at Roaring Fork High School credit more than athletic talent for their track and field accomplishments. Jon Araujo, Bryan Salinas and Tyler Thompson say their coaches, supportive family members, and an encouraging school community share a role in their success at the state track meet, held May 14-16 in Lakewood. Over the years, the athletes set new school records in their respective areas: Araujo in shotput and discus; Salinas in the 300 hurdles; and Thompson in the long and triple jumps. Thompson and Salinas also were part of the state qualifying relay team that included Zach and Taylor Browning.
Jon Araujo As a boy, Jon Araujo had seen shotput and discus in the Olympics but didn’t
know anything else about how to throw before he signed up to be on the CMS Wolverines team in eighth grade. “I had no idea what I was doing. I just went up there and threw it. I had no form,” he said. But he stuck with it, continued throwing in high school, under the coaching of Eddie Hendrichs, and progressed into the record-holder he is today. The more he threw, the more serious he got. With the additional support of his mom and two older sisters, Araujo ended up qualifying for state in shotput as a freshman and in his subsequent three years at RFHS. In his junior and senior years, he added discus to his list of state qualifying events. He says he didn’t do as well as he wanted this year. But when he recalls his discus throws from his freshman season, with distances in the “90s region,” he can’t help but acknowledge his gains. His season high throw was 151.1 feet,
and he took third at state this year. In shotput, his junior year was the best. He said switching technique this season put him at a disadvantage; he placed just outside the top 10 with a 40-foot 11 ½-inch throw at state. And in an event where most eyes are on the top prep discus thrower in the nation (whose distance is 210), it’s nerve-wracking. “I tend to get really nervous, even though I try not to,” he said. But he feels he can’t go wrong when he lives by his motto, which he adopted from a former basketball coach, Roger Walters. “When you do things right, good things happen,” he summed up.
Clockwise from top: Jon Araujo, Bryan Salinas and Tyler Thompson
Bryan Salinas Still on a high from graduation weekend, Bryan Salinas is thankful for teachers, parents, and others at the
TRACK page 12
THE SOPRIS SUN • MAY 28, 2009 • 5
Scuttlebutt Citizens painted green? If there are any little green Martians out there, don’t get too excited, because when we’re referring to “green citizens,” we’re not referring to one of you, OK? We’re referring to the environment and taking care of the environment. In this case, Alpine Christian Academy PE teacher Debbie Alcorta and her students recently received the Green Citizens of the Month Award from the Basalt Town Council. The service award was presented to Alcorta and team for their efforts in cleaning up trash in the downtown core and along the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers. Thanks to Debbie and her students for helping to keep our environment pristine.
Sopris Sun chick scoops NPR Nah, Nah, Nah Nah, Nah, we reported it before you did! Our cover story from last week, “Pickin’ Up Chicks,” about the trend in Carbondale and beyond, of regular folks having their own chickens, is obviously a hot topic. The day AFTER our story came out, a similar story was broadcast on NPR on the same subject. Coincidence? We think not. That’s a feather in our cap, for sure!
Party of the year The rain certainly didn’t put a damper on Cami Britt’s graduation party last Saturday night. Jeff and Cathy Britt threw their Roaring Fork High School grad a party that, between the setting, food, music and guests,
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • MAY 28, 2009
won’t be forgotten for a long time to come. Cami, Carbondale’s own dancing girl, danced the night away to the beat of her brother’s band that included former CRMS grads that flew in from New York to play for Cami and many, many, many of her friends, family and fellow graduates. The amazing feast was prepared by gourmet chef, Jeff Britt, which, along with, the gigantic chocolate cake covered with thick chocolate frosting and baked by the Subdudes private chef, Downtown Vicki Browne, turned the evening into a sweet memory that will always be remembered.
Rain dance In his weekly recap of live shows at Steve’s Guitars, venue owner and dad of Glenwood Springs HS graduate Shannon, Steve Standiford invited some former Carbondale students to play at her graduation party, on stage at his Fourth Street venue. Lucas Pulver and Chris Harris, who were in town after their first year of college in Seattle, learned how to play from Mark Gray at Carbondale Middle and Roaring Fork High. “They keep getting better,” Steve says. “Lucas is a talented singer/songwriter with some impressive original songs. The local boys brought a nice touch to the end of Shannon’s graduation party.” The kids danced in the streets in a rainstorm with reckless abandon and even got frosting on Steve’s speakers in the big cake fight. Steve adds: “There goes high school for
Veterans from the American Legion Post 100 in Carbondale, march from the Red Rock Diner to the bridge at Highways 133 and 82 to toss the ceremonial wreath into the Roaring Fork River. Photo by Jane Bachrach a bunch of our local kids. Off to college and travel. We hope they all keep coming back to Steve’s Guitars for more fun.”
Trading places? Trading spaces According to one of our most unreliable sources, Feeonsay, Carbondale’s Black Nugget and Suds and Spuds are trading places and trading spaces. At press time, Feeonsay didn’t have any details, but we plan to launch our own investigation. According to Feeonsay, the Black Nugget
will take over Spuds and Suds and move into their space on Fourth Street and Spuds & Suds will take over the Black Nugget and move into their spot on the corner of 4th and Main. According to Fee, they plan to put in a “cool community bar and restaurant that’s affordable.” The most important question we have is about the names. We don’t know if they’re going to change names but the possibilities are endless. We came up with a few in case either party needs help: Black Suds; Spuds McNugget; Nugget Spuds & Black Suds; Black Spuds and Nugget Suds.
The write stuff: When Harry met Lorenzo Story and photo by Jane Bachrach
It’s May 20, and the drama is about to unfold at Sopris Park as expressions of anticipation light up the faces of 17 fourth-graders from Crystal River Elementary School. Like a swarm of bees, they buzz around, hovering in close proximity to the picnic pavilion. As the hands of the clock move closer to 12:45 p.m., their excitement grows. The students are about to meet their pen pals with whom they’ve been communicating since last September. What will it feel like when they finally meet? What do their pen pals look like? Do they dress like we do? Are they tired from their trip here? Will they be able to communicate face to face like they have from a distance? “There’s the bus!” screams one of the girls. “They’re here!” another voice shouts as the swarm flies toward the yellow school bus that’s pulling up to the park near the stage. Their teacher, Nan Fields, calls out above the intermittent screeches. “Put your hands together and let’s make a bridge.” The kids quickly come together, face one another and grab hands forming a human hand bridge. The visitors spill out of the bus as they see the bridge forming on the grass before them. Most of them wear smiles on their faces, although one shows apprehension. Another woman’s voice pierces the air: “OK, let’s make one for them!” The two groups trade roles and, finally, the big moment has arrived: The fourth-graders from Crystal River Elementary School are about to meet, in person, their pen pals from Aspen Country Day School. The two teachers, Fields from CRES and Annie Garrett from Aspen Country Day, embrace one another as if they’ve been friends forever. And, as it turns out, they have. They met in kindergarten and went through the Aspen school system together. They continued to be really close friends all through high school, and still are. “This is the first time Nan and I have taught the same grade
at the same time,” Garrett continued. They formulated this plan last year. “We each had 17 kids and it just worked out,” Garrett said. Fields’ students sent the first round of letters that said “Dear pen pal.” “Some kids were very different from each other, but they all really bonded,” Garrett said. “My kids were really, really excited every time they got the letters in the mail from their pen pals. It was their happiest moment of that day.” Fields’ kids felt the same way. “My kids would ask at least once a day when the reply letter would be coming, and when we got the big envelope in the mail; they couldn’t wait to open it,” she said. Garrett said that even though Carbondale and Aspen aren’t that far apart, they’re bringing two different communities together. “That’s what’s so cool about fourth grade. Cultural differences aren’t an issue for any of those kids,” Garrett said. “They were so excited when they heard they were going to meet them, they were all energy from the get go,” Fields said. As a way to break the ice, Fields came up with a questionnaire for all the students would fill out and bring with them to the park to share their answers in person. Once they knew who their pen pal was, the students were asked to form groups of four, find a place in the park, questionnaires in hand, and read their answers to each other. Pen pals Lorenzo Andrade from CRES and Harry Kahn from Aspen, and Larry Candela from CRES and Christopher Gregory from Aspen, gave this reporter permission to sit in on their “getting to know you” answers to their questionnaires. We all sat down on the grass in the middle of the park. What’s your favorite subject in school? Math – unanimous. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Lorenzo – skateboard. Harry – snowboard. Larry – drive a car. Chris – to do a triple flip on a trampoline.
Pen pals Harry Kahn, left, and Lorenzo Andrade.
If you had 1million dollars what would you do with it? Lorenzo Harry and Chris – buy a house. Larry – buy a house with half and give the other half to charity. What kind of animal would you have? Lorenzo and Harry – dogs. Larry – a dog and a cheetah. Chris – a gorilla on a dragon. If you could wish for anything what would it be? Lorenzo – skiing. Harry – a mansion in Bahamas. Chris – playing hockey. Larry – going to Rifle. What have you gotten grounded for? Lorenzo – I pushed my little sister into the Glenwood Springs pool and she didn’t know how to swim. Harry – I tripped my little brother. Larry – fighting with my little brother. Chris – punching my sister. When they finished reading their answers, they all got up before I could ask them any more questions, and ran off to play with the other kids. This reporter yelled “thanks” and was left sitting there, alone, in the middle of Sopris Park, smiling.
THE SOPRIS SUN • MAY 28, 2009 • 7
Community Calendar To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Fridays. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted.
THURSDAY, May 28 TRAILS MEETING • The Trails Committee holds its regular monthly meeting at 8 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at Town Hall. RED HILL WORK DAYS • Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers will conduct regular trail work evenings at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays at Red Hill Trailhead, Highways 82 and 133. For more info, visit www.rfov.org or call 927-8241. DITCH TOUR • Join Carbondale Water Department staff at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall with your bicycle to tour Carbondale’s ditch system. Registration is required at 927-1290. FILM EXHIBITION • The Aspen Art Museum presents the group exhibition “No Sound” through July 19. STUDENT ART • Aspen Middle School fifth-graders exhibit their work “What a Healthy Community Means to Me” opening May 28 at the Pitkin County Health and Human Services Building. Refreshments at 11:15 a.m. LIBRARY MEETING • The Garfield County Public Library District is holding a public meeting to discuss construction of a new library in Carbondale. The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. May 28 at Bridges High School, 455 S. Third St. For more information, call 625-4270.
FRIDAY, May 29 HEALTH SCREENINGS • The next Mountain Family Health Center’s free health screening is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 29, at Rite Aid, Glenwood Springs. MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre. Showing “Earth” Fri- Thur, May 29-June 4 at 8 p.m. (G). Also Showing “Sunshine Cleaning” Sat only, May 30 at 6 p.m. (R) BOOK SIGNING • Carbondale artist and author Wewer Keohane will host a dream discussion and book signing to promote her new book, “Artful Dreaming: A Primer for Finding Inspiration from Your Dreams” at 5 p.m. May 29 at the Book Train in Glenwood Springs. For more information, visit www.wewerart.com. ARTIST RECEPTION • 2 Rivers Art
Project (2RAP) — Public Outdoor Art, will hold an Artist’s Reception at 6 p.m. May 29. Free, and open to the public. Call 9452414 for information. WALDORF SCHOOL • To get an idea of the Waldorf curriculum, join a “book walk” on Friday, May 29, at 11 a.m at WSRF to see the children’s main lesson books. For more information, contact WSRF at 9631960 or www.waldorfcarbondale.org.
SATURDAY, May 30 CRMS GEAR SALE • Colorado Rocky Mountain School will hold a Bike & Outdoor Gear Sale from 9 a.m. to noon May 30 on the CRMS tennis courts. Proceeds support the CRMS bike shop community bike building efforts. Contact Darryl Fuller at 963-2562 for details. MODERN DANCE CLASS • A modern dance class for adults and teens will be from 1:30-3 p.m. Saturdays and 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays through August. For more information, contact Fran Page at 927-0641 or aspendance@sopris.net. FREE LIFE COACHING • A free day of music and life coaching with singer songwriters Jan Garrett and JD Martin will be from 1-3:30 p.m. May 30; free singing workshop with Jan and JD from 4-5:30 p.m.; free life visioning workshop with Jeff Patterson and Lindsay Trowbridge at 7:30 p.m., free concert with Jan, JD, Bobby Mason, Seraina McCarty and more at Aspen Community Church. Email jan@jangarrett.com or call 927-1848 for further info. CANCER SUPPORT • Your Friends for Life — a nonprofit group that supports, nurtures and encourages cancer patients, their caregivers and family members from Aspen to Rifle — is starting its free monthly family activities for its cancer families on May 30. Contact Diane at 309-5293 for more information.
LIVE COMEDY • A Live Standup Comedy show will take place May 30 at Steve’s Guitars, 19 N. Fourth St. For more information, visit www.stevesguitars.com or call 963-3304.
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‘LITTLE MERMAID’ • Crystal River Ballet School presents its annual spring concert; “The Little Mermaid” at 7 p.m. May 30 and at 2 p.m. May 31 at Carbondale Middle School, 180 Snowmass Drive. Tickets on sale at the door only. $20 adults, $15 students. Seniors over age 65, ages 3 and under are free. For more information, contact the studio at 704-0114 or online at www.crystalriverballet.com.
SUNDAY, May 31 FREE CONCERT • “From Fear to Freedom” presented by Jeff Patterson with award-winning singer songwriters Jan Garrett and JD Martin from 9:30-10:30 a.m. May 31 at Aspen Community Church. Free. For details, email jeff@seedcoaching.com or call 928-7342. BLUEGRASS NIGHT • Dos Gringos Burritos holds Family Bluegrass Night with a jam session at 5 p.m.
TUESDAY, June 2 TEENS MEET • Teens, grades 7-12, are encouraged to join the Gordon Cooper Library staff at 4:30 p.m. June 2 in the conference room to assist with choosing movies, books, music, graphic novels, and programs. For more information, call 963-2889.
LIVE JAZZ • The Tuesday Night Live Jazz series continues at Steve’s Guitars. For more info, visit www.stevesguitars.net.
WEDNESDAY, June 3
STORYTIME • The Gordon Cooper Library hosts Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Lap sit for infants and parents is at 11 a.m. Fridays. The library is located at 76 S. Fourth St. Chone 963-2889 for further details. PIZZA TUNES • White House Pizza presents live music from 7-10 p.m. every Wednesday.
THURSDAY, June 4
THIRD STREET MEETING • The Third Street Center holds monthly Brown Bag Lunch the first Thursday of the month. Location is 520 S. Third St. For general inquiries, call Sara Plesset, Land + Shelter, 963-0201.
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Roaring Fork Valley Studio Tour June 5, 5 6 & 7, 2009
CLAY CENTER FUNDRAISER • La Dolce Vita (formerly Cajun Clay Night) will begin at 5 p.m. at the Carbondale Clay Center, 135 Main St. Tickets at 963-2529 or at the door.
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June 6 & 7 (11a (11am am – 5pm) Studios are open to the public. O Observe bser ve demo demonstrations, onstrations, see private collections a and nd purchase pieces. LLook ookk for the 2009 Studio TTour our o A Artist r tist D Directory irector y & M Map ap on sale throughout thro oughout the valley. valley. For Fo or more more information n call the Carbondale Community Comm munity School at 970.963.9647 or visit us at www.roaringforkstudiotour.org. www w.roaringfork . kstudiotourr.org . . Underwritten by Underwritten by ®
KATRINA
A few summer suggestions — out of the million — to enjoy fresh produce Fresh produce is best enjoyed in its particular season, at its peak of flavor and lowest cost. I saw a recipe for “Spring Garden Soup,” and one of the ingredients was canned corn! I hope you use canned or frozen corn only when good fresh corn is not available. There are a million ways to enjoy fresh produce. Here are a few simple things that I like to do that enhance and don’t cover up its natural wonderfulness. After buying firm, finger-sized asparagus, rinse the spears, hold the base end in one hand and the shaft in the other. Bend until the stalk snaps at the junction between the tender and tough part, and discard the tough ends. Steam in a covered skillet with about 3 tablespoons of water for about 1 minute, then remove the lid and let the remaining water evaporate. You don’t need any fancy asparagus steamer; there’s nothing magic here. Toss with a little butter, salt and pepper, and you have perfect asparagus. Or, if your oven is already hot (at least 450º), moisten the spears with a touch of olive oil and roast uncovered for 5 to 6 minutes. Or grill By Chef George Bohmfalk them, if the grill is going. Don’t overcook them; they are best when still firm and bright green. Fresh corn is about the only thing I cook in the microwave. I grew up watching my mom heat gallons of water to boil corn on the cob. That wastes both water and energy, and nutrients and flavor are lost into the cooking water. Microwave cooking is more efficient and keeps all
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the good stuff inside. The husks should completely envelop the kernels, as microwaving actually steams the corn with the moisture within each kernel. Trim off any loose husks and set the ears on a plate or the microwave turntable. Cook on highest power for 4 to 5 minutes. Now comes the tricky part; be careful, as the ears are boiling hot inside. Chop off the stem end and stick in whatever kind of corn holder you use. Holding it, carefully unwrap the husks, leaving most of the silks. When the husks are off, hold the base of the cob with a towel, grasp the silks at the other end and jiggle them— they usually come off in a neat, wet bundle, leaving only a few strays to pick off. Then chop off the tip, insert another holder, and slather on the butter, salt and pepper. Heaven. As with the asparagus, if your oven, smoker, or grill is already going, you can roast or smoke unshucked ears of corn. Some people wet or soak the ears before cooking; I’m not sure that’s necessary, but it won’t hurt. Let the outer husks get good and charred. Depending on the heat level, this may take 10 to 20 minutes. Then proceed as with the microwaved corn. Roasting, smoking, and grilling may impart more flavor, but plain old microwaved corn is mighty good. If you don’t want to wrestle with cobs, a quick off-thecob sauté is fabulous. Cut off the ends, shuck and desilk the ears. One trick to minimize kernels flying all over your kitchen is to hold an ear vertically on your cutting board and begin slicing the kernels halfway down. Slice off the kernels all the way around one end, then turn the ear over and do the other end. You spend a few more seconds cutting but save minutes cleaning up. Those specialized devices to cut off kernels are unnecessary, like asparagus steamers. After cutting off the kernels, scrape the cob with the back of your knife to get out the remaining kernel parts and lots of great juice. For four ears, finely chop up one medium clove of
Voices
fresh garlic. Get a skillet pretty hot, then add about a tablespoon each of oil and butter. If you put butter by itself in a hot pan, it will tend to burn; the oil buffers the heat a bit. Toss the corn, juice, chopped garlic, and some salt and pepper into the pan. If you like more color or spice, add some chopped bell pepper or jalapeño. I like to add a bit of cilantro. Stir that around for just a minute, really doing little more than heating the corn through and cooking the garlic. If the corn begins to stick to the bottom, stir in a tablespoon or so of any liquid to dissolve it. Using water, wine, milk, cream, or other liquids to dissolve the stuck bits in a pan is called “deglazing.” This is a great way to make a little sauce and take advantage of that stuck-on flavor, which would otherwise get washed down the drain. Making creamed corn is just this simple – the starch in the corn thickens any milk or cream you add. With tomatoes, a traditional Italian favorite is called “Caprese.” Many menus say “Tomato and mozzarella salad,” which, with a bit of fresh basil, is just what Caprese is. But they’re not talking about the mozzarella cheese that comes in bricks beside the cheddar and Monterey jack. For this preparation, use a ball of fresh mozzarella, which is usually available locally, in small tubs or plastic bags with some water. The genuine Caprese article, if you can find it in a specialty store, is mozzarella made from water buffalo milk, appropriately called buffalo mozzarella. Slice the cheese and tomatoes about 1/4” thick. On a plate, slightly overlap alternating slices of cheese and tomatoes. Sprinkle on some chopped fresh basil, salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. The bright red, white, and green of this salad recall the Italian flag, but it’s not just patriotism that draws Italians to Caprese. Mama mia! Buon apetito, e ciao!
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La Dolce Vita! From Louisiana to Italy A scrumptious reason to celebrate life
Frank Norwood designs one of the many handmade platters that will be used as serving dishes at La Dolce Vita. Photo courtesy of the Clay Center
Carbondale Clay Center Executive Director Lauren Kearns was watching the family-like interaction at the dinner table for a clay center benefit held at Six89, and it reminded her of an Italian dinner. So it seemed obvious to make a shift from Cajun Clay Night to the new Italian-themed La Dolce Vita! for the center’s annual spring fundraiser on May 30. The fundraising extravaganza will transform the grounds of the clay center into a community celebration with fine food served by Bravo Catering, and wine and beverages poured into cups hand-crafted by local ceramic artists. Attendees will enjoy an Italian feast, a Kids Fair, a street dance with the local band Acoustic Mayhem, and a silent
auction featuring serving platters decorated by local celebrities and clay center students. Proceeds from the evening support the center’s yearround ceramic arts programming. Adult ticket buyers receive one of the handmade cups. The event begins at 5 p.m. and the feast is at 7 p.m. The Carbondale Clay Center is located at 135 Main St. Discounted, pre-sale tickets are available by calling 963-2529. Send ticket requests with your phone number to Terril at info@carbondaleclay.org. Interested volunteers should contact Lauren at lauren@carbondaleclay.org.
Community Briefs
Library Construction Meeting on May 28
Rocky Mountain Student Film Festival Winners
The Garfield County Public Library District is holding a public meeting at Bridges High School in Carbondale at 6:30 p.m. May 28 to discuss construction of a new library in Carbondale. The Town of Carbondale has appointed a Site Selection Committee that has been working with the District over the past several months to select a site. Possible locations for a new library include the northeast corner of the Bridges High School campus (the former Carbondale Middle School), on Fourth Street across from Carbondale Town Hall and on the former Mountain Aire site across from the Gordon Cooper. One or more District Board members will be on hand to answer questions and listen to concerns. Bridges High School is located at 455 S. Third St. (three blocks south of Main Street). For more information, call the library district’s main office at 625-4270.
Best artisitic/experimental: “Cheap Velvet” by Brett Rogerson of GSHS Best action sports: “Yes, Please” by Max Kendrick of BHS Best drama: “The School” by Taylor Foreman Niko, Scotlyn Neal, Max Kendrick, Cody Kosinski, Jesse Allen, Marshall Cleveland of BHS
Renowned muralist to work with kids Denver artist Tony Ortega, known for his children’s book illustrations, pastel drawings, and community mural projects, will lead in the creation of a mural on the north side of the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center this summer. Ortega will work with children from the community on the project on the weekend of July 18-19. He is an assistant professor at Regis University and will be in the area to teach at Anderson Ranch Arts Center this summer.
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“… [A]rt belongs to everyone and the mural process encourages participants of different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds to collaborate, develop friendships, and learn from each other while developing their art skills,” Ortega said. The painting will be done in acrylic paints on 4x8-foot sheets of plywood. Children ages 8-16 are encouraged to be involved in the project. No fee will be charged to participate. The mural is a joint project of Anderson Ranch and the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities.
Carbondale Streetscape Project Update
The Main Street Streetscape project will resume the first part of June. Main Street will remain open during all construction. The first phase of the project will be located between Hwy 133 and 8th Street. Work will then proceed east to the 8th Street intersection and end at the 2nd Street intersection. For questions, please call Public Works at 963-1307.
CCAH seeks change and serves muffins in membership drive
By Allyn Harvey
Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities is looking for a few good wo(men). At 35, CCAH has finally decided to hold a membership drive. Until now, its membership has grown organically to include 450 people. CCAH Executive Director Ro Mead says the organization has sustained itself by quietly asking people to join, and by hosting the Carbondale Mountain Fair. She also credits the hard work over the years of dedicated supporters to convince friends, family and others to join. The goal of the drive is to increase membership to 700. “A lot of people have moved to town recently, and they don’t know what we do,� Mead said. CCAH organizes First Fridays, when everyone from town gets out to visit the galleries and studios of local artists and see their friends. It stages Carbondale Mountain Fair the last weekend of July, widely considered one of the best weekend events in the region. CCAH hosts the Summer of Music, the free shows with top talent on Main Street and in Sopris Park. And the Humanities Series that features lectures by renowned speakers and experts. It sponsors Arts in Schools, bringing after-school and curriculum-based programs into local schools, and the Music Appreciation Series, which schools young and old alike on the joys of classical and other types of music, culminating with a field trip to the Benedict Music Tent in Aspen for a summer concert. It hosts the Valley Visual Arts Show every year, allowing local artists to put their work on display. And this year, on July 18 and 19, artist Tony Ortega, known for his children’s book illustrations, pastel drawings, and his community mural projects, has agreed to facilitate a children’s mural project, working with children from Carbondale. CCAH is collaborating with Anderson Ranch Arts Center on the project. “Having an artist like Tony Ortega visit is a wonderful opportunity to connect Mexican and American ideas and culture through art. Tony is a widely recognized artist with a true appreciation for migrant culture,� Mead said. “CCAH started because a traveling music act came here and played in the park and there were a few vendors,� Mead said. “They decided to have it the next year and called it
Mountain Fair.� CCAH was subsequently formed to distribute the money raised by Mountain Fair to local artists and the organizations that support them. It has awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships over its 35-year history. Bob Schultz and Mark Taylor are sponsoring one of the many ways to become a member of CCAH, or to renew a membership. In a press release headlined “Local Men Change For Art,� Taylor and Schultz urged men around the valley to follow their lead and empty their change jars for CCAH. Said Taylor: “This is a painless way for me to support CCAH and the dozens of programs they offer the community. I hope others will join as change for art members.� Taylor’s jar yielded $236, while Schultz’s had $124. “Many guys have change jars and it is surprising how much the nickels and quarters can add up to,� Schultz, a CCAH board member, said. Joining CCAH is as easy as pie, er, make that muffins. If you’re feeling hungry for arts and breakfast Saturday morning, May 30, swing by the Village Smithy between 10 a.m. and noon and sign up on the waiting list for breakfast and the membership list for CCAH. Not only will you get a free mug and T-shirt, CCAH will treat you to a muffin. For more information on membership rates, contact CCAH at 963-1680 or www.carbondalearts.com.
Honor your father The Sopris Sun wants to shine on your dad Tell us in up to 100 words a favorite memory or simply why your world wouldn’t be the same without dear ol’ dad. Include both of your names and town of residence, along with a high-quality photo of your dad ‌ or both of you. Submissions may be sent, by June 5, to news@soprissun.com or P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. Please include a contact number. Memories and photos will be published in the June 11 issue of The Sopris Sun.
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Sixth-grader Wyatt Farris and his schoolmates from Carbondale Community School swim their laps in one of the final heats of the annual mini triathlon held Friday at the Carbondale pool and Sopris Park. Under the training and encouragement of teacher Robin Jacober, the fifth- through eighth-grade classes trained hard for the fun competition that ended with watermelon, popsicles and serious play time in the pool. Photo by Trina Ortega
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Sports
Track stars off to college continued from page 5 school who have helped him succeed. “The school’s sorta always been there for me, so I’m always grateful. It’s nice to give something back,” he said, noting that RFHS science teacher Laura French first inspired him to get involved with extracurricular activities, including track. But Salinas has been giving back in another way, too. He has helped freshman Adrienne Ackerman with the pre-competition jitters and is humble in stating: “She’s really talented. She’s going to be really good at the hurdles. She’s going to do better than me.” That carries some speed from a hurdler who joined the track team his junior year, made it to state that same year, and placed third in the 300 hurdles with a time of 40.5 at this year’s state meet. He played soccer since he was 5 and said he’s always been “sort of fast.” “But I’ve never been this fast, ever,” he said. Compared to when he first tried hurdles a little over a year ago and clocking “50-something seconds,” Salinas considers it a huge improvement. Making it to state that first year is one of his favorite memories. “When I first finished they told me I got fourth. I was bummed out; I was just one person away from going to state.” Then the actual results came in, showing he had placed second and he went on to place seventh at state.
Tyler Thompson State meets are somewhat old hat for Tyler Thompson. But the three-time long jump state champ has never taken it for granted that he would continue to top even his own records.
He jumped a whopping 22 feet 1 inch to defend his title in the long jump and marked 46 feet 9 ¼ inches in the triple jump to win at state. It was what he expected … “and more,” he said. “I did not expect to win both of them. I went in with a positive attitude but that was a pretty amazing feeling. I was pretty awe stricken,” Thompson said. He attributes his top rankings to effective coaching and hard work. Oh, and he’s always been a jumper, he said. He had tried football and golf and considered baseball but in the end went out for track. It was a good choice. Thompson competed in track at Carbondale Middle and continued as a freshman in high school, falling short of state in the long jump that first year by five inches. “I think that, right there, pushed me for the next year because I wanted to make it so bad,” Thompson said. As a sophomore he took first in the long jump and fourth in the triple jump. In his junior year, he defended his title in the long jump and took second in the triple. As a repeat state champ, he had a lot of fans rooting for him. The pressure from his peers was intense, but he said it actually pushed him to great lengths. “Having everybody gun for you pushes you even more ’cause you know you gotta do better,” he said. “I love performing under pressure. It just pushes me. That feeling — it’s pretty good.” Both Thompson and Salinas will try out for track at the University of Colorado at Boulder next fall. Araujo plans to “throw around a little bit for fun” this summer, but will move on to play football at Adams State College.
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