17 04 27

Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper

the

Sopris Carbondale’s weekly

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Sun

Volume 9, Number 12 | April 27, 2017

There was an obvious choice to break ground on the new Carbondale CMC building in the mid '90s – Ginny Lappala (front and center in the courtesy photo above), who donated the land for the center that would bear her family name (under construction in the Valley Journal file photo to the right).

Carbondale’s monumental commitment to CMC

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff Writer olorado Mountain College is celebrating 50 years of operation this year, and while Uncle Jimmy’s Pig Roast and Carnival at the Spring Valley Campus on April 28 is certainly a local celebration, there are plenty of stories even closer to home.

For Debra Burleigh, who worked for CMC in Carbondale for most of the ‘90s and served as the location director on several occasions, the defining moment was in

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January 1995, when Ginny Lappala paid her a visit. Ginny and her late husband Paul were familiar faces at the school, and Ginny recently read an article about how the school was struggling to secure space as its numerous leases began to expire. She had spoken with her heirs and had decided to offer CMC half a block of property across the alley from their old house downtown.

“I came out of the office and said, ‘You guys won’t believe what just happened,’” Burleigh recalled. “All of the sudden we needed a new building ASAP. CMC really

EVERYDAY SALE PRICES!

came together to let us bump ahead.”

Before that, the school didn’t really have a dedicated location in Carbondale to house its community focused programming — in contrast to the more formal degree programs taking place at the Spring Valley Campus.

“We were in the high school, middle school, elementary school and all over downtown” Burleigh said. “We’d be rolling chalkboards down the street.”

She recalls on one occasion in which an older man got stuck in an undersized school desk, and remembers when the com-

puter room was upstairs in the Dinkel Building, where it always smelled of burgers from the bar below.

When the Lappala Center opened in 1996, however, there were shower facilities for active classes, space that could be used during the day and a chance to show off student work.

“It was all of the sudden like a dream come true,” Burleigh said. “You could actually make a classroom feel like your own, and that was special.”

CMC page 12

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Carbondale Commentary The views and opinions expressed on the Commentary page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the editor or guest columns. For more information, email editor Will Grandbois at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.

New science for a new future of food

The following is adapted from Garcelon’s remarks at the Aspen Earth Day Science March, April 22, 2017:

continent. Bell’s Theorem has been demonstrated with dna taken from a donor and separated by miles from the donor. When the donor exWe are in the midst of a global food supply “predicament” due to periences a strong emotion the dna exhibits that emotion simultanethe impacts of a rapidly changing climate. Very conservative research ously, by its coil contracting or relaxing. shows yield declines of up to 19 percent by midcenSo quantum science describes our reality as inhertury and 63 percent by the end of the century in the ently connected – where change anywhere is change Midwest. And this doesn’t take into account the coleverywhere. This, and something Einstein said, are what lapse of yields in other areas of the world upon which can give us a way forward in the midst of the seemingly we are now dependent, because in Colorado we only impossible challenges we face. Einstein said, “Imaginasource a mere 1% of our food supply locally. tion is more important than knowledge. For knowledge This is all happening, and it’s based on very real is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire scientific data. world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”

But the tricky thing about science is that it is evolvIf our thoughts, emotions, and imagination can afing along with our ability to measure and describe our fect the material world, and can actually cause it to reality. We used to believe that using leeches to draw evolve, then we have an extraordinary superpower at blood from the sick would heal them. We used to beour disposal. At this time on the planet, human conlieve that the sun revolved around the Earth. And for sciousness is THE most powerful evolutionary force.

300 years, since Newton, we have believed in a paraWhat does this have to do with global food coldigm of cause and effect – and if we use that paradigm lapse and the need to localize our food supply? of science now, to try and figure out a way out of our We can use our superpower to very proactively

By Gwen Garcelon climate predicament, we might as well stop right now. begin to imagine a world that is honoring of the natLast year, Dr. Kevin Anderson, deputy director of the Tyndall Cen- ural world that birthed us, and that has sustained us and made our ter for Climate Change Research (the UK’s premier climate modeling very existence possible. We can imagine, and plan, and plant agriculinstitution), said that our future is essentially not possible. He says we turally centered communities, that have us reclaim our relationship are almost guaranteed to go to four degrees Celsius warming and per- to our food. We can grow what is natural to the ecosystem where we haps beyond that by 2050 (four degrees is “beyond the point at which reside - growing what honors that ecosystem – the water, air, and other agriculture, the ecosystem, and industrial civilization can survive”). life forms in it. Because as our quantum understanding of the world And there are many other scientists who are using that worldview, shows us, we are not separate beings. We are inherently collaborative and creating extremely well-researched models that show that human and cooperative members of One interconnected universal whole. By life on this planet will not be possible in 10 years. localizing our food supply, and reconnecting to the land and to each I have a hard time accepting that (as I’m sure you do) and I’ll tell other – which happens naturally through the collaboration necessary you why. It has to do with our still beginner’s understanding of Quan- for a local food system – we can live a new future into being. tum Physics and its whole new way of measuring and understanding our reality. We’ve come to understand, and even be able to measure, Gwen Garcelon is the director of the Roaring Fork Food Alliance, the incredible power of our minds to effect matter. For example, re- and writes about her unabashed passion for a thriving planet and searches have proven the effects of prayer between control groups of the adventure challenge of recreating the local food system (and people who don’t know each other and don’t even reside on the same other inspiring stuff of relevance).

OPINION

Slow is the New Fast

Letters

The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 400 words. Letters exceeding that length may be edited or returned for revisions.

Include your name and residence (for publication) and a contact email and phone number. Submit letters via email to news@soprissun.com or via snail mail to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. The deadline to submit letters to the editor is noon on Monday.

OSTP on the right track in CV Dear Editor: Many of us are excited about the upcoming plans to extend the Crystal Valley trail from the KOA campground to the top of McClure Pass. Impetus for this project has

come from Governor Hickenlooper’s inclusion of this project in his recent trails program “16 in 2016”, a $100,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), and very strong local support.

This trail extension is desirable because

Students from Ms. Wendy’s class at Ross Montessori showed their appreciation for The Sopris Sun during a field trip at ACES — one of several outdoor education outings the school has put together as the weather turns nice.

Courtesy photo 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017

(a.) getting bike/ped users off CO133 and onto a trail would allow their safe passage, (b.) use of this trail will increase the health of and provide beauty and enjoyment for our citizens, (c.) completion of the trail will lead to considerable economic benefits to Redstone and Carbondale, and (d.) many studies have shown that a residential property with reasonable access to a trail will have significant added value.

What trail alignment will lead to the best result for our citizens and be the most cost-effective? This trail extension will be coordinated by the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Program (OSTP), who very successfully achieved completion of the 5.3 miles of trail from Carbondale to the KOA campground.

That project involved good science, citizen meetings, and consideration of alternative routes to achieve the best final result. I understand that OSTP is now undertaking the wildlife and engineering studies needed to evaluate options for the long-awaited completion of the Crystal Valley Trail.

To obtain a trail that has the greatest appeal, I think that staying away from moving motorized traffic is highly desirable. I believe LETTERS page 19

Sincerest thanks to our

Honorary Publishers for their generous, ongoing commitment of support.

Jim Calaway, Chair Kay Brunnier Bob Ferguson – Jaywalker Lodge Scott Gilbert: Habitat for Humanity - RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger

ank you to our SunScribers and community members for your support!

It truly takes a village to keep e Sun shining.

To inform, inspire and build community.

Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor Will Grandbois 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Kathryn Camp • 970-379-7014 adsales@soprissun.com Reporters: Lynn Burton, John Colson Photographer: Jane Bachrach Graphic Designer: Terri Ritchie Delivery: Tom Sands CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS board@soprissun.com Barbara Dills, President Debbie Bruell, Secretary Cliff Colia • Diana Alcantara Matt Adeletti • Olivia Pevec Faith Magill • Stacey Bernot Raleigh Burleigh • Marilyn Murphy The Sopris Sun Board meets regularly on the second Monday evening of each month at the Third Street Center. Check the calendar for details and occasional date changes.

Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell

The Sopris Sun, Inc. P.O. Box 399 520 S. Third Street #32 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.

Dandelion Market financials look grim Manager laid off

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer The Dandelion Market in downtown Carbondale has been in financial trouble for some time, and following last week’s layoff of its general manager, Katrina Byars, may soon close or be transformed into a different kind of operation, representatives of the organization said this week.

But Byars and others remain determined to find ways to maintain some kind of outlet for locally generated produce, meats and processed foods that she said offers an alternative to the products sold at the Whole Foods Market in Willits.

“I still believe in it,” said Byars, who also serves on the Carbondale Board of Trustees.

“I love it. I’ll do everything I can to help it.”

Byars said she plans to sign up to volunteer as a way of helping to keep the Dandelion Market alive in some form, and invited others to do likewise.

Aside from the expected economic difficulties of running a health-food operation so close to a corporate natural-foods store such as Whole Foods, the Dandelion Market has lost all of its board members but two (Erica Sparhawk and Richard Votero), and all but three of its paid employees in recent weeks, as a result of mounting debt and low cash flow.

Plus, the board learned last year that the owner of the Market’s premises at 559 Main St., Bren Simon, was not going to renew the store’s lease, when expires on June 30.

Simon, widow of shopping mall developer Mel Simon, controls limited liability corporations that own numerous properties around Carbondale, but has shied away from publicity since coming to the area.

Rumors of development plans for the property at the corner of Main and North Sixth streets, which also houses Teresa’s Market and the ColoraDough donut outlet, have been circulating for months, and are believed to have resulted in the decision to not renew Dandelion Market’s lease.

Byars, whose last day was April 24, has been deeply involved in searching for a new location for the store, and she told The Sopris Sun on April 25 that finding a new space will be difficult.

“We’ve been getting a really amazing deal,” Byars said. She and Sparhawk each confirmed that the store has been paying $1,600 per month in rent to occupy about 1,400 square feet of space.

Store history The Dandelion Market started out as a buying club for members a little more than a decade ago, “in response to the need for healthy, affordable organic food in Carbondale,” according to the store’s profile on the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce website.

In 2007, the store began selling memberships to build up funds that enabled it to evolve into a more traditional natural foods store known as the Carbondale Community Food Co-op (that name was changed to Dandelion Market in 2016, in keeping with the fact that Carbondale’s town flower is the dandelion).

Byars, who was hired as general manager in June 2016, told The Sopris Sun in an interview, “It was in hot water when I got there,

Dandelion Market offers an array of organic produce and other products — including many from local sources — but it may not have a storefront after its lease runs out in June. Photo by Will Grandbois and I thought I could save it.” She said the store started that year in debt to the tune of about $34,000, a running total of indebtedness she said had plagued the operation for several years.

One problem was competition from Whole Foods, which opened in 2012 and cut into the Dandelion Market’s 2016 sales by about $100,000, at a time when Byars said the store had built up its annual sales to about $500,000.

An additional factor was that the store expanded twice to add shelf space for more goods, which added to the mounting debt.

Over roughly the span of time bracketing the Dandelion Market’s existence, Byars pointed out, a number of other health-food outlets — including Good Health in Glenwood Springs, Mountain Naturals in Aspen and The Annex in Carbondale — all closed their doors.

But, she continued, “You have to have a local food store” that can carry locally produced foods such as Nieslanik Beef, grown on ranches just outside of Carbondale, in order to truly meet the local demand for healthy, locally-grown food.

Big stores, such as Whole Foods and City Market, typically do not carry such small brands, she said.

“We had at least 40 different farms that we purchased from last summer,” she said proudly.

Conceding that buying local produce is a complicated management issue, she said that nevertheless she believes small grocery outlets such as the Dandelion Market can coexist with the big good conglomerates by catering to that small niche.

On top of that, she said, the Dandelion Market had recently begun serving lunch made primarily of produce from its own shelves, a service that Byars hoped would grow over time into a profit generator as well as a key component of what she called the store’s “community-building” mission.

The board’s dilemma Sparhawk acknowledged that the Market is in somewhat dire straits, “Because the coop is in a financial situation where we’re going to need to rely more on volunteers to

help lower our operating costs.”

She said two financial experts currently are going over the Market’s books to determine exactly how things went wrong and how it can be fixed, so she was unable to give a lot of details about the financial picture.

But once the analysts have finished, she said, the board expects a report on how best to proceed, perhaps as early as the end of April.

And one of those analysts, she said, is in line to become a member of the board.

Explaining that the “financials,” as she termed the monthly reports to the board, have been inaccurate for months, she said that the accountant in charge of the Markets financials has been let go.

Asked whether she felt Byars was somehow at fault, Sparhawk replied, “I think Katrina had the deck stacked against her” when she took on the manager’s job nearly a year ago.

At that time, income had not been entered into the store’s books, vendors had not been paid, and the picture was looking more and more grim.

The decision on whether or not to keep the doors open, Sparhawk said, “is what we are trying to figure out.”

Byars said she recently spoke to a woman who owns a ranch in the area who was willing to act as host to a buyers’ club, or whatever form the market takes from here, until the operation can get back on its feet.

“People really love shopping at the coop,” said Sparhawk, “they feel it’s an important part of the community,” and she remains hopeful that while the doors may have to close for a time, the market will survive in a modified form and at a different locale.

The board has considered a former restaurant space at 689 Main St., but found it too expensive, and the soon-to-be-vacant building at 234 Main St. that has housed the Carbondale Animal Hospital, but it had already been leased.

Plus, she said, two other spaces that have been considered lately — both on Highway 133 — would almost double the rent, which might not be within the Market’s financial wherewithal.

But, she added, “If any of the readers have ideas, we’d love to hear them.”

A letter from former manager Katrina Byars It has been a pleasure and an important responsibility to run Carbondale Community Food Coop (The Dandelion Market). I love this place and what it does for the community.

High-quality local food creates healthier more resilient communities. A community hub, where all local producers can deliver their products to market at fair prices, and consumers can go every day to buy the freshest local food, is an essential community need.

We have this place. But it’s struggling, and without epic participation, we won’t have it anymore.

Processing our local food was once integrated into rural culture with granges, but today public access commercial kitchens that allow people to process crops into goods are nonexistent. We can change this. As the economy fluctuates, regional food production gives us a sustainable advantage.

For the Carbondale Food Co-op, an alternative location for the store has yet to be determined. Our thin margins can not sustain higher expenses. What I believe is needed for the Food Co-op is a permanent location where we operate fully as a central community food hub, with a commercial kitchen, and local meat market. Where all local food and goods could be sold. A kind of thriving independent economic engine for our downtown where people could eat, and connect, and take home the best food our region can produce.

This is my dream, and the dream of others who could be a part of it. But like many dreams, we need a down payment. Of $300,000.00. Maybe the right person has enough flexible investment money to help this kind of place emerge in Carbondale. Monday was my last day as General Manager of the Dandelion Market. I’m being laid off, with several other hard working people. To survive the store must cut all possible expenses. The current model of the store can not sustain under the circumstances it faces. But a new model as a vibrant community hub, with freshly prepared hot food, local food basket delivery service, and a small, focused local food store could be sustainable. It is possible with the right partnerships.

I did my best to contribute to a strong future for this little store alongside many people from board members, to devoted staff, to volunteers.

Right now its future is uncertain.

There is a path for this valuable community asset to move forward, but the community has to be all in to save it.

As for me, I will continue to volunteer at the market and continue my commitment on Town Council. We face many important challenges as a community, food is just one key resource on the list.

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017 • 3

Town Briefs

Cop Shop From April 14 to 20, Carbondale Officers handled 235 Calls for Service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note:

P&Z considers Crystal Village PUD, KDNK rezoning A review of revised building elevations for a proposed development behind City Market, a shift from Residential/ High Density to Historic Commercial Core for the radio station property on Second Street and some amendments to the Unified Development Code are all on the agenda for the April 27 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, according to Town Manager Jay Harrington’s weekly memo to staff, trustees and others. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Carbondale Town Hall.

Meanwhile…

• A Carbondale officer will be at Carbondale Police Department collecting prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 29 in conjunction with Spring Cleaning and E-Waste at Fourth St. and Colorado Ave. • Volunteer registration is now open

Center will need repair, as will some of the irrigation near Gianinetti Park following the sidewalk project. Bathrooms at local parks are expected to open this week.

• The permitting for the Nettle Creek fire mitigation project is being routed through Pitkin County, and staff are scheduled to meet with them on the April 26 to go over the project. A letter of approval has been issued by the Forest Service and the contract is under revision due to the timing of permitting and warranty on the siding and roof.

• The town received the pump motors for the Crystal Well project, with only the pipe fittings and the baffle system remaining for delivery. The contract is under revision due to the timing of deliveries; the plant remains inoperable until the improvements are complete.

• The Town switched e-mail servers.

for Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Carbondale Boat Ramp Project which is scheduled for from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

May 6. Go to rfov.org to sign up.

• The streets crew worked on removal of the existing asphalt along Village Road near Gianinetti Park to accommodate the new sidewalk that is being installed in this area, while the contractor poured most of the new curb and gutter. Progress continued on Third Street, as well, with a recent focus on earthwork. Additionally, crews accomplished some street sweeping and sign repair at the roundabout.

• The parks department pumped and drained the pool and put the cover away for the season, arranged streets closures for the 5Point Film Festival, and conducted interviews for summer mow crew and park maintenance positions. A broken pump at the community garden by the Third Street

Harrington sticks with us Carbondale Town Manager Jay Harrington this week informed the Town of Vail that he was pulling himself out of the running to become the new town manager there.

Referring to a phone call to the recruitment firm acting on Vail’s behalf, Harrington told The Sopris Sun, “I told him that, even if offered the job, I would not be accepting it.”

He said that family considerations played the biggest

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SUNDAY, April 16 at 7:16 p.m. A 47-yearold man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana after he reportedly almost struck a moving patrol car while driving on the wrong side of the road.

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SUNDAY, April 16 at 2:08 a.m. A traffic stop for weaving and failure to obey a traffic control signal resulted in an arrest for driving under the influence, open alcoholic container, open marijuana container, and multiple citations for minor in possession. The vehicle was towed.

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SATURDAY, April 15 at 11:20 p.m. After stopping a car going 46 miles per hour in a 35mile-per-hour zone on Highway 133, they arrested the 31-year-old driver for driving under the influence.

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SATURDAY, April 15 at 2:14 a.m. When a 32-year-old man failed to dim his high beams, officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a restrained license.

role in his decision, and that “there comes a time when money is not the main consideration” in whether to switch jobs, a reference to the fact that the Vail job carries a considerably higher salary than his current position, and comes with housing.

The Vail Town Council was scheduled to meet on April 26, after The Sopris Sun’s deadline, to make a selection from three finalists angling to replace Vail’s former town manager, who left earlier this year.

Jay Harrington

LOOK

FRIDAY, April 14 at 7 p.m. A single vehicle accident in the roundabout at Highway 133 and Main Street produced no injuries or fluids, but the 56-year-old driver was issued a summons for careless driving and driving with a restrained license.

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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017

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Teacher housing motors ahead, City Market is still stalled

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer Carbondale is projected to soon be home to a new, 16-unit teacher housing project, a new drive-through banking institution and a new downtown bar, following decisions by the Board of Trustees at the April 25 meeting at Town Hall.

The construction of a First Bank branch at the Carbondale Marketplace/City Market site, however, is dependent on final plat approval for the grocery store, which on Tuesday was put off for the fifth time due to a requested extension by the store’s owners and is not due for another vote by the trustees until June 28.

“You’ve taken affordable housing and really translated it to high-quality living.”

– Trustee Katrina Byars

And the teacher housing project, planned for the recently vacated Roaring Fork School District bus barn lot next door to the Bridges High School on South Third Street, has been trimmed somewhat due to what the district’s land-use consultant, Bob Schultz, described as a lack of funding. As a result, the project will start out with 16 flats and townhomes, rather than all 20 units planned.

Teacher housing The school district has been working since last year to draw up plans for the housing complex, to be paid for with $5 million included in the $122 million school financing bond approved by voters in 2015.

Housing projects also are planned for Basalt and Glenwood Springs.

Schultz, at a recent Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in Carbondale, and again on Tuesday night, explained that the $5 million budget for the teacher housing project is not enough to build all 20 units.

The remaining four units of the original project plans, he said, will need to wait until more funding becomes available.

But both Schultz, of Carbondale, and the project architect, jv (sic) DeSousa of Boulder, described a development that is designed to fit in with the surrounding neighborhood and takes into account certain valley-specific needs, such as large storage spaces for the various recreational equipment and toys that local residents accumulate over time.

Schultz also said that the project is ideally located — close to school facilities, the town library and the Third Street Center’s (TSC) nonprofit tenants and programs, right next to the athletic playing field between Bridges and the TSC. “It’s just got everything that you would look for in a site,” Schultz remarked, adding

that as early as 2004, during a public planning process known as the Economic Roadmap, town residents and officials had earmarked the site as appropriate for highdensity residential development.

Schultz also emphasized that, while school district developments such as this one are technically exempt from local regulations, and instead are controlled by the state, the RFSD chose to submit to the town for review and to adhere to Carbondale’s Unified Development Code, a concession that has been welcomed and lauded by town officials.

The main access to the project will be from South Third Street, with internal parking as well as street parking, and an emergency access drive connected to Weant Boulevard.

DeSousa pointed out that the planning process for the housing project brought together district officials and employees, local architects and energy-efficiency experts and Carbondale representatives, who together planned buildings that are energy efficient, roomy and designed to accommodate solar-power panels at some point — all of which blend in well with Carbondale’s long-term interests.

In addition, he said, the project calls for saving the mature trees that surround the site, and for preserving the view of Mt. Sopris from the south-facing windows of the nearby Carbondale Branch Library, two provisions that drew warm appreciation from town officials.

Different trustees heaped praise on the designs displayed at Tuesday’s meeting.

“You’ve taken affordable housing and really translated it to high-quality living,” said Trustee Katrina Byars. “Thank you for bringing such a high-quality project to us.”

The trustees unanimously approved the school district’s application for rezoning (from Open Space/School PUD to Residential/High-Density), site-plan review and a conditional use permit for the multi-family aspect of the project, as is required for all multi-family developments of more than three units, according to Schultz.

y your our f friends. riends. y your our n neighbors. eighbors. y your our h healthcare. eal lthcare.

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First Bank/City Market The trustees on Tuesday also gave approval for a final subdivision plat, splitting one parcel into two parts for development of a First Bank branch along Highway 133, adjacent to the planned Carbondale Marketplace/City Market commercial complex, on site that sits across the highway from the Family Dollar store.

But some trustees expressed concern about ongoing delays in the City Market project, which have been requested by the Kroger / King Soopers / City Market corporation that hopes to replace Carbondale’s existing City Market with a larger, more modern store.

Due to murky internal and financial considerations, Kroger has now received five extensions for the filing of a final plat, the last of which came on Tuesday night, and some local observers have begun wondering whether the store every will be built.

Project engineer Yancy Nichol pointed out that First Bank, even after getting apTRUSTEES page 14

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017 • 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.

The new guy

Farm tour

Meet Ryan Mahoney, the selection for Basalt’s new town manager, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 28 at RMI (22830 Two Rivers Rd.). Mahoney was one of two ďŹ nalists chosen out of 58 applicants, the other of which withdrew. He is currently serving as the Development Services Director of the Town of Marana, Arizona. Among other local government experience, Mr. Mahoney served as the Town Manager for the towns of Dolores (2009-2013) and Buena Vista (2006-2008), Colorado.

Osage Gardens greenhouse (36730 River Frontage Rd., New Castle) is offering a chance to tour the property and learn how they grow their signature organic herbs and more on April 29, May 6 and May 13. Tours run every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; meet at the little red farm store. Visit www.osagegardens.com for more information.

Wild horses

A variety of free legal services will be available during the Ninth Judicial District’s Family Law on May 9. Preregister by May 2 for for court-ordered mediation, legal advice, and more from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a parenting through divorce class from 3 to 4 p.m. at the GarďŹ eld County Combined Courts (109 Eighth St., Glenwood Springs). For more information or to register, call 928-3078 or email 09selfhelp@judicial.state.co.us.

The Bureau of Land Management and Friends of the Mustangs are hosting a tour and barbeque May 6 to celebrate the wild horses of the Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area southwest of Meeker. Tours depart the Yellow Creek Corral at the intersection of Rio Blanco County Roads 20 and 122 at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., with a 5 p.m. barbeque potluck. Dinner will be followed by a discussion about managing the wild horses, including the possibility of incorporating volunteers. To RSVP for the barbecue or for more information about the celebration, call (970) 878-3800.

Show off

In loving memory

Carbondale Arts is seeking proposals for gallery exhibitions for 2018, with eight to ten slots available for three to ďŹ ve week shows. Proposals may be for an exhibition of your own work or a group show and two and three dimensional works as well as video installations will be considered. The deadline is May 1. For more information, visit carbondalearts.com.

There will be a memorial service for John W. Barbee at 10 a.m. on May 27 at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). The public is invited to come help celebrate his life.

Visit his tribute website at www.johnwbarbee.com for more details of his life and to share a memory.

Legalese translators

Avon calling If you get a call from someone claiming to be from the Colorado Department of Transportation, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. CDOT has issued a warning following reports of callers requesting personal information and threatening deportation to those who don’t cooperate.

Kam from the Carbondale Post OfďŹ ce was the subject of a bit of a joke shortly after getting a new windshield.

Courtesy photo.

Anyone who receives such a call is encouraged to ask for the individual’s name and phone number, then hang up and report the interaction to (303) 757-9011. For more information or to report another scam visit the Colorado Attorney General’s OfďŹ ce website, Stop Fraud Colorado www.stopfraudcolorado.gov.

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating their birthdays this week include: Sloan Shoemaker, Wewer Keohane, Rachel Gillespie and Donni Cochran (April 27); Julie DeVilbiss and Judy Welch (April 28); Diana Sirko (April 29); Alexandra Jerkunica (April 30); Jeff Leahy and Pixie Byrne (May 1); Sherry Caloia (May 2); Kathy Goudy and Maura Masters (May 3).

Town of Carbondale

colorado mountain college

WASTE DIVERSION & SPRING CLEAN UP DAY When: Sat. April 29, 8AM-4PM Where: 4th & Colorado, across from Town Hall Attention Carbondale Residents: For special pricing and free offers bring a photo ID + utility bill or vehicle registration.

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Funding for diversion efforts and giveaways come from revenues generated by the disposable bag fee charged at Carbondale’s City Market. Subsidizing these activities circulates that money back into our community.

Items for Diversion & Fees General Household Waste Fees • Electronic Waste – Up to 3 TV’s, CRT No liquid hazardous waste accepted. monitors and copiers plus unlimited smaller Refrigerators must be certified Freon free. items, cables, ink & toner cartridges • Regular pickup truck load – Carbondale FREE for Carbondale resiResidents $10/non-residents-$25. dents. Non-Residents and • Large pickup truck load – Businesses - $.30/lb. Free offer Carbondale Residents $20/ caps at 30,000 lbs. after which non-residents-$35. all will be charged $.30/lb. *Cash/check only for truck load, • Tires – Fees apply. tires and mattress fees.

First 100 tires up to 18� w/o rims FREE for Educational Booths Carbondale residents. & Giveaways • Mattress Recycling – Visit our educational $10/ residents, $25/nonbooths for information residents and businesses on how you can reduce • Yard Waste – Price included in and divert your waste pick up load. year-round and energy • Metal Items – Price included in efficiency information. pick up load.

Giveaways include reusable shopping bags, • Prescription & Over the Counter Medicine – LED bulbs, & finished compost (bring a FREE – Accepted at Town Hall Police container) while supplies last.

Station 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. only. • Textiles – FREE Clean clothing, bedding, shoes, backpacks, purses & belts. No pillows, rugs or carpet. • Batteries – FREE (single use, rechargeable, phone, auto, etc.) • Thermostats & Smoke Detectors – FREE • Light bulbs – FREE – CFL’s, linear fluorescents, halogens, incandescent, etc. **Bulb, battery, thermostat & smoke detector collection for residents only/no businesses.

Visit

6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017

www.carbondalegov.org for complete details & pricing

Rusty Burtard: Almost 90 and still going strong

By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer On Monday morning, when a visitor approached Rusty Burtard’s front door at Crystal Meadows senior housing, sounds of a New Orleans blues/boogie piano drifted through an open window.

“Probably Professor Longhair,” the visitor thought. “Maybe even ‘Tipitina.’”

Following the visitor’s light knock on the door, Burtard quickly opened it, smiled and said “come on in.”

The visitor was surprised that an 89-yearold Carbondale resident, who is known not to have been reared in New Orleans, would be drawn to the “The Prof’s” iconic musical stylings.

“Are you playing KDNK?” the visitor asked, knowing that Professor Longhair fits in on Carbondale’s eclectic, non-commercial radio station at just about any time during the day or night.

“No … it’s a CD I got,” she answered while taking the disk out of the player, which sits above her kitchen sink. “I like music … it’s why we’re so happy.”

And so began an hour-long interview with the long-time Carbondale resident whose children and grandchildren can be found from one end of the valley to the other – often at rodeo arenas, wrangling horses or on cattle drives. For years, town folks saw her coming and going all over the place on her three-wheeled bike. She’s had to put up the bike but still gets around with a cane and walker. Friends and others know Rusty for her quick wit, which seems to supply a quip for just about any occasion, including gardening at Crystal Meadows community garden.

One thing friends might not know about Burtard: she earned a degree from Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado, at the age of 52. “I was working with people with addictions and was a DUI counselor,” she explained. “It was an opportunity to learn new things.” Mid-Continent Resources even sent her to a program in Minnesota to learn about adults with chemical dependency and their affects on families. “It was a real interesting time … the kids (nine) were grown and on their own, and I wanted them to be on their own. Being a mom got tiring after

a while.”

Grandparents from Ireland Burtard was born outside St. Louis in a small town named Bonne Terre on Aug. 13, 1927. Her grandparents were Irish Catholic and immigrated to the United States. Her grandmother, Catherine Marlow, came to the U.S. when she was 12. “I didn’t know my grandfather.”

Burtard’s father (John Fenton) worked for the Missouri Pacific railroad and her mother stayed at home to raise seven kids. “She was a wonderful person … It wasn’t easy for moms back then. Nothing was automatic.

Now, we’re so fortunate.”

High school and beyond Burtard was just entering high school when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. “I remember the night (President Roosevelt) announced we were in a war on the radio. I can still see where I was standing in the kitchen when I heard him declare war.” She can also recite what she says Roosevelt said: “I hate war. Eleanor hates war.

But now we’re at war,” she related. “It was unforgettable … moms knew their sons were going to war.

Two of Burtard’s brothers went to war.

“One (brother) was shot down by the Japanese.” Another brother was on the USS Wasp aircraft carrier on Sept. 15, 1942 when a Japanese submarine sunk it. “He was picked up out of the ocean.”

After graduating high school, Burtard left Missouri with a friend who was moving to Nevada for a job in a hospital. She met her future husband, Joseph, at the hospital, where he was a patient. When asked about what first attracted her to her husband, Burtard leaned back in her easy chair, thought for a moment and replied, “I liked his simplicity. He was down to earth and our children are like that. He was a lover of the land.” Joseph and Rusty eventually moved to Denver, his hometown.

Carbondale After living in Denver, and with five little boys in tow, Joseph and Rusty decided to move to Carbondale in the early 1950s.

Joseph had heard of a ranching job up the

“Rusty” (Gertrude) Burtard in front of one of her favorite trees at Crystal Meadows senior housing. She got her nickname in high school for her red hair that reached to the middle of her back. Photo by Lynn Burton Crystal, came home from work one day and announced, “we’re moving.”

The Burtard family did drive over from Denver to check out the town, however. “We came from the city and were impressed with the friendliness. We felt so welcome … people said ‘hi’ to us and didn’t even know us.”

The family first lived on the Thomas Ranch but later bought a house in town near where the Crystal River Laundromat on Highway 133 is now located. That was well before the Colorado Highway Department pushed Highway 133 through town in its current allignment. “We loved it there. We had an

open view of Sopris. There wasn’t a highway, just open land.”

All of Carbondale’s roads were dirt back then, and coal trucks with uncovered loads drive east on Main Street to the load out facility on County Road 100. “I have to think we were eating coal dust,” she joked.

Grocery shopping options were limited in the Burtard family’s first 10 or 20 years in Carbondale, so they regularly drove to Glenwood Springs “to stock up.” If Rusty ran out of something, she’d go to Foley’s, next door to the present day Crystal TheRUSTY page 17

You Know How Good It Feels April’s Special Spring Salt Scrub

Private Mineral Bath, Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage, Day pass to Our Historic VVapor apor Caves.

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Five Laws of Fish:

A poetic response to the 2017 Five Point Film Festival

By Cameron Scott Special to the Sopris Sun

listen carefully, for time is a river, and once on the river you shall unfasten yourself from time. Where have you gone? What are you? If you drink of the Kool-Aid you might feel bigger or smaller, but trust what others see

First Law of Fish Fish in the river shall remain in the river unless acted upon by an outside force. Force of nature.

Failure of dam. Flood. Famine. Kingfishers.

Fortune favors the bold, but bold fish find hooks driven home. Talons in back, flopping through sky.

Cold fish, warm fish, cod fish, fried fish, god fish.

Fish, an object of affection and will remain so over time, in shapes and symbols which alter in sunlight and shade. To fish or not to fish is no longer a question, but a modifier.

as you are the same size as everyone else. I repeat, you are the same size as everyone else and so do not think your head will break through the ceiling or you must wrestle with each size 24 midge for your very life. Just smile pleasantly as you will be asked what you need, and given more than what you think you will need. There is no wanting when you cross the threshold, for you are entering a fly shop, and it should be as entering gates of pearl and whalebone. Before you, three questions. Beyond you, the heaven of moving water.

Yes, today. Yes, tomorrow. Forever, yes. Fish.

Third Law of Fish

Second Law of Fish When entering a fly shop, enter slowly with arms down and palms facing forward. Do not make any sudden movements or fire random questions at employees behind the counter.

Friend, you have three questions, choose them carefully and do not waste them jumping down the rabbit hole of fish you caught one time or where you have been or how full of prowess and stealth you are. When your lips move do not face forward like a Sphinx or Cheshire Cat. Though you may be like Alice in Wonderland at the sight of row upon row of rods and bin upon bin of flies, listen carefully to what is said and left unsaid. Even if you do not understand,

In heavy crowd, or empty street, in pitch and floe of each rotation of earth, of earth round sun, of sun in spiral and swirl of which be unafraid to show up to, and love which never dies a natural death, and the living which go on how and in the peculiar ways they want. To be wrapped up in the very essence of it — this thing in front of our noses so close we cannot see except for looking over vast distances; mountain tops, airplane windows, the edge of sea. Find what you love and let it kill you in minutes and hours and days and weeks and years.

If you are so lucky as to be unafraid of living, let love be the thing on which you spend your breaths, and money the thing you spend on love, and love be how you stay alive after you have caught your final fish, and folded in, and slipped away. Let love be how you stay alive when you are gone.

Fourth Law of Fish When the road before you is cast in darkness and sky is thick with clouds, wait for a break of car light or starlight or the soft rich glaze of moon.

And if the river that carries us carries us far past dusk but the river is comfortable as a wide gravel path carry on. If it is by feel and feel alone we cast out into the sound of rising fish. If it is by touch we must set the hook and be led by fish instead of leading. If it is by sound we navigate the depth and stroke of oars, then listen and row. In the end this life is more a surrendering to the things we love than a conquering. Fish are better shared than caught and eaten alone. Where each fish is a way of speaking without words. Where each river we choose to fish chose us instead, and words fall in tumbling liquid light.

Fifth Law of Fish A blind man and an armless man have planted a forest in China. Two men paralyzed from the armpits down and one man from the waist, set sail up the northwest coast in a race they know they won’t win. A woman FISH page 9

FREEChecking

1

Thinking of ways to save? Start here.

Arbor Day Celebration Saturday April 29, 2017 Meet at Miners’ Park at 9 AM

No Monthly Service Charge FREE VISAÂŽ Debit Card2 FREE Online Banking FREE Mobile Banking3 FREE eStatements Min. Opening Deposit $25!

Please join the Town of Carbondale and the Carbondale Tree Board in planting three memorial trees and a tree for National Autism Awareness Month. Bring friends and family to help in planting trees for Carbondale. Bring work gloves. Coffee, tea, juices and donuts will be served.

Celebrating 8 years of 6SHFLDO WKDQNV WR .D\ %UXQQLHU IRU KHU JHQHURXV ¿QDQFLDO FRQWULEXWLRQV IRU WKH SODQWLQJ of trees in the Town of Carbondale’s parks, open spaces and public right of way. The Kay Brunnier Tree Fund has made possible the planting of Eighty trees since 2010 through a matching fund program with individuals, groups and businesses.

2017 Arbor Day Tree Plantings will be taking place at the following locations: Miners’ Park Ƅ Bur Oak – Sponsored by Ascendigo – honoring National Autism Awareness Month Ƅ Ponderosa Pine – Sponsored by Kay Brunnier and Ryan’s family – In memory of Ryan Jennings

Sopris Park

409 Dolores Way, Carbondale

‹ (5)IHUR JVT 1 Some fees and restrictions may apply. 2 No Monthly or Annual Fee. 3 Online Banking and internet access required. Smart phone and carrier charges may apply. See representative for details.

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017

Ƅ Bur Oak – Sponsored by the Kuznier z extended family – In memory of Ryan Becvarik

Thompson House Ƅ Autumn Blaze Maple – Sponsored by friends and family of Mary Lilly – In memory of Mary Lilly

For more information, contact David Coon Town Arborist at 970-510-1331

Left: there was plenty to do besides watching films at 5point, and one of the most popular attractions for kids was the climbing rock outside of the Rec Center. This young girl from Carbondale was playing "queen of the hill" after she reached the top.

Photo by Jane Bachrach

Lower left: Mercedes Sprinters and Volkswagen Westfalias were the norm at 5Point’s Van Life Rally on April 27, so Casey O'Flannery and Laurie Lindberg’s 1969 Dodge stood out from the crowd.

O’Flannery got a lot of ideas from last year's rally, but didn't get the van — which had been serving time as an ice cream truck in Blanding, Utah — functional enough to display until this year. Photo by Will Grandbois

Fish om page 8 trapped on the side of a mountain in Kurdistan for ten days sits in a bivouac as armed men take shots from below. A woman from the slums of Bangladesh climbs the highest mountains of all seven continents.

And you, what have you done? Written another poem about fish.

Your lifestyle centered around fish is familiar as breathing.

Your job is fish. Whether you give someone a fish or teach them how to fish, your job remains the same. It is not to make value judgements about whether someone deserves a fish. It is not to criticize them for not knowing how to properly wade in a river or row a boat or cast a sad net over a pair of oceanic eyes. And it is certainly not to stand around puffed up like a bird debating the relative efficacy of fish charity vs. fish education while someone goes hungry.

For as much as some days you would deny it, you are part of a devastatingly human family. You fight with fists of emails and phone calls demanding progress or a stay against regress. You march. You pray. You protest. In southern Wyoming after heating a can of chili and frying sausages over coals you fall asleep in the back of your dusty car. One friend falls asleep in the bed of a pickup. Another in the cab. Someone under the boat trailer. You are a first stanza and a last stanza, boots and waders forever wet, fingers forever cracked, but your job is the middle stanza.

Your job is fish.

The Roaring Fork Chapter brings you:

Angel Vigil Storyteller

El Vaquero Presenting:

America's First Cowboy

The stories of El Vaquero explain the origins of the most powerful and endur­ ing American myth: the cowboy on his horse, riding tall in the saddle, his self­ reliant, independent spirit representing all that is good in the American character.

The stories of el vaquero are the stories of America. His story is the story of the American West.

This is an hour for the whole family.

Cameron Scott is a writer, teacher and fishing guide who does what he can to stay self-employed and outside. His work has appeared in publications including the Burnside Review, High Country News, The Drake, The Mountain Gazette, The Ski Journal, The Fly Fish Journal and various print and online literary journals.

If you have leftovers, he will eat them.

Saturday, May 6 5:30­6:30 p.m.

Calaway Room at Third Street Center Carbondale Tickets available at the door. $5 kids 12 and under; $10 adults

Thank you to our sponsors:

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017 • 9

Community Calendar

To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is noon on Monday.

Events take place in Carbondale unless noted.

THURSDAY April 27

SATURDAY April 29

WHITTAKER PRESENTATION • Ragged Mountain Sports (902 Highway 133), in partnership with Rock and Ice magazine, hosts a book signing and Q&A with author and mountaineer Lief Whittaker. The event starts at 6 p.m. and includes free beer.

CHILD ADVOCACY FUNDRAISER • River Bridge Regional Center’s 5th annual fundraiser runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at (The RVR Barn, 333 River Valley Ranch Dr.), with live music by the Leonard Curry Trio, restaurant sponsorship from Allegria, Colorado Ranch House and Smoke, a silent auction and more. Tickets at rbrcimagine5.eventbrite.com.

ENERGY WORKSHOP • The 2017 Energy Smart Contractor Workshop, featuring the latest in energy efficient technologies and strategies, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hotel Colorado (526 Pine St., Glenwood Springs).

FRIDAY April 28 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “The Zookeeper’s Wife” (PG-13) at 7:30 p.m.

Apr. 28-May 4 except Apr. 30 showtime is 6 p.m. and “A United Kingdom” (PG-13) at 5 p.m. Apr. 29.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT • S.A.W. (525 Buggy Cir.) hosts an art sale and auction from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to support the Aaron Roberts-Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund.

PIG ROAST • Colorado Mountain College celebrates its 50th anniversary with Uncle Jimmy’s Pig Roast and Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Spring Valley Campus (3000 CR 114).

ELEGANT GUITAR • Valle Musico plays jazz, classical, Latin and world beat music with no cover charge from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Rivers Restaurant (2525 S. Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs).

DRUG DISPOSAL • Turn in your unused or expired household prescription or over-thecounter medication for safe disposal from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carbondale Police Department (511 Colorado Ave.). Hazardous waste such as needles and other sharps, pressurized containers, radioactive substances or illicit drugs will not be accepted.

SPRING CLEAN UP • Divert your waste to Fourth and Colorado from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with recycling for electronic waste, tires, yard waste, metal, and more. Free for Carbondale residents; see ad on page 6 for details.

MARCH FOR CLIMATE • AlicetheMag hosts a sister march for the national People’s Climate Movement to stand up for the climate, EPA, and the health and wellbeing of women across the planet. Meet at Cowen Dr. and Hwy 133 at 10 a.m. to march to the Hwy

“I may not be a puppy, but I still love to play like one!

I’m Dusty, a loyal 7 y.o. mini-whippet with a big personality. I’m always eager to ride in the car, go fetch, and play with my small-dog friends.”

We have 15 dogs and 21 cats waiting for a forever home.

RJ Paddywacks offers a “C.A.R.E. Package” for new adoptive families, including a Paws for Points plan and a first-time 15% discount for your new pet.

RJ Paddywacks Pet Outfitter 400 E Valley Rd. # I/J Next to City Market in El Jebel 970-963-1700 rjpaddywacks.com

Working together for pets and their people

Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Road 114 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 970-947-9173 coloradoanimalrescue.org

Trinity Reformed Church Meeting Sunday mornings at Liberty Classical Academy Apple Tree, New Castle, Colorado Sunday School 9:15 am – Worship 10:15 am This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

– Psalm 118: 24

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017

133 to the roundabout on Main Street and back again. Contact alicethemag@yahoo.com for more information.

SWING INTO SUMMER • Meet new people, learn new moves and enjoy country music at the Glenwood Springs Masonic Lodge (901 Colorado Ave.). Beginner class from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., intermediates 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and then just dance.

SAT & SUN April 29-30 BACH TO ROCK • Discover the soundtrack of your life as Molly Lord leads a two day exploration of why music inspires and supports human flourishing. Preregistration required at davinikent.com; more info at mollylord.com.

SUNDAY April 30 STUDENT POETRY • The Aspen Poets’ Society hosts its 4th Annual Spotlight on Student Poets at 6:30 p.m. at Victoria’s Café (510 E. Durant Ave., Aspen) with live music by Dan Sheridan and special open mic for students and adults. All poets and listeners welcome; no fee.

MONDAY MAY 1 HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION • Free opportunities include…

• One-hour consultation about heart attack prevention, plant-based nutrition, other medical issues. Call retired family doctor Greg

Feinsinger, M.D. for appointment (379-5718).

• First Monday of every month catch a powerpoint presentation by Dr. Feinsinger about the science behind plant-based nutrition 7 to 8:30 p.m. board room Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

• Fourth Monday of every month, plantbased potluck 6:30 p.m. Calaway Room Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).

All events supported by Davi Nikent, Center for Human Flourishing. More information at www.davinikent.org.

Save the Date SATURDAY May 13

DANDELION DAY • After a group of concerned citizens successfully lobbied to end the spraying of herbicide on its parks and playgrounds, the Town of Carbondale elected to adopt the dandelion as its official Town Flower. Now, a festival of sustainability accompanies their springtime arrival. Info at www.dandelionday2017.org.

Further Out FRIDAY May 5

BLOCK PARTY • Celebrate Carbondale’s First Friday at the Fourth Street Plaza from 4 to 8 p.m. with kid activities and a bounce house, the Rosybelle maker bus, live music from The Dave Notor Band, a silent auction, cocktails from Roaring Fork Beer Co. & Marble Distilling Co., local eats from Slow Groovin’ BBQ, Elevated Elixirs and more. Plus, meet some of

CALENDAR page 11

REAL LIFE SKILLS FOR THE REAL WORLD

SEEKING COMMUNITY EXPERTS

on everything from building birdhouses to building rockets

Learn more about the Roaring Fork Schools Capstones Program for Graduating Seniors

Share your expertise, give back to the community, build a relationship with a student!

Learn more: 970-384-6009 www.roaringforkschools.com/ capstones

Community Calendar Colorado Animal Rescue’s sweetest adoptables; all proceeds beneďŹ t our local animal shelter, valley recreation and the Carbondale Creative District.

SATURDAY May 6 RIVER WORK • Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers partners with an array of other local organizations for a family-friendly volunteer day out on the Roaring Fork River. Help install raft tie-ups, trim vegetation to make the river more accessible, and create access trails for users from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Carbondale River Boat Ramp. Info at rfov.org.

STORYTELLING • Spellbinders hosts Angel Vigil at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). First, catch a workshop from 9 a.m. to noon ($10 for Spellbinders; $20 for nonmembers), then for a performance from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ($5 for children; $10 for others).

SUNDAY May 7 TURBULENT TIMES • Gwen Garcelon offers a workshop for anyone seeking empowerment and support amidst the uncertainty, unrest, and call for personal engagement that mark these times from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at True Nature Healing Arts. Register at truenaturehealingarts.com/events or contact gwen@highlifeunlimited.com for more info.

TUESDAY May 9 ART DEMO • Sandy Boyd will demonstrate ‘Painting on Fabric’ at 3:30 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (1630 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs) before the Glenwood Springs Art Guild meeting. Students are welcome; free to the public. For more info call Alice at 948-3204.

continued from page 10

Ongoing

BLUEGRASS JAM • Bring the instrument of your choice or just your voice for a weekly jam session ďŹ rst and last Sundays at 6:30 at Steve’s Guitars (19 N 4th St.) and all other Sundays at the Glenwood Springs Brew Garden (115 Sixth St.).

C’DALE TRUSTEES • The Carbondale Board of Trustees holds regular meetings the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Town Hall (511 Colorado Ave.) starting at 6 p.m. The trustees usually hold work session at 6 p.m. on the ďŹ rst and third Tuesdays. Info: 963-2733 or carbondalegov.org.

LIONS MEET • The Carbondale Lions Club meets the ďŹ rst Tuesday of the month at the Gathering Center at the Orchard (110 Snowmass Dr.) starting at 6:30 p.m. Info: Chuck Logan at 963-7002 or Chris Chacos at 379-9096.

IMMUNIZATION CLINICS • GarďŹ eld County offers immunization clinics at the Carbondale Family Resource Center (in the Bridges Center at 400 Sopris Ave.) the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. To schedule an appointment, call 945-6614, ext. 2030.

BRIDGE • The Carbondale Bridge Club hosts duplicate bridge (not sanctioned by ACBL) from 6:30 to 10 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). $6/per pair SENIOR MATTERS • The nonproďŹ t Senior Matters, based in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.), offers numerous programs for senior citizens, including: tai chi with John Norman at 8:30 a.m. on Monday and Wednes-

day; tai chi with Marty Finklestein at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; Alaprima Painters at 11 a.m. on Thursdays; the Senior Matters Book Club at 4 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month; and the Roaring Fork Brain Train. Info: seniormatters.org; Diane Johnson at 970-306-2587; and Senior Matters, Box 991, Carbondale CO, 81623.

LUNCH • Crystal Meadows (1250 Hendrick Dr.) senior housing hosts a lunch followed by Bingo every Wednesday.

OPEN MIC • Dan Rosenthal hosts an open mic night at Rivers Restaurant (2525 S. Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs) every Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m.

(76 S. Fourth St.) from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The public is invited.

GRIEF AND LOSS • Pathfinders offers a grief and loss support group every other Monday at 6 p.m., and a caregiver support group every other Wednesday noon. An RSVP is required to Robyn Hubbard at 319-6854. Pathfinders offers support groups from Aspen to Rifle and is located in Carbondale at 1101 Village Rd. Info: pathfindersforcancer.org.

MINDFULNESS • The Mindful Life Program in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) offers group sessions Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation and registration is not necessary. Info: mindfullifeprogram.org and 970-633-0163.

LINX • The Linx Business Network meets Tuesdays at 7:15 a.m. at the Sotheby’s International real estate ofďŹ ce (201 Midland Ave.) in Basalt. Linx is a networking organization whose members work together to grow and promote their businesses, according to a press release. All dues not used for administration are given to local non-proďŹ ts each December. Info: Keith at 970-390-8401 or kedquist@usa.net.

RUN AROUND • Independence Run & Hike hosts a run around town Saturdays at 8 a.m. Meet at the store 596 Highway 133 (in La Fontana Plaza) and run various distances, with different routes each week. Info: 704-0909.

TRIVIA NIGHT • Gather a team of up to six and head to Marble Bar (150 Main St.) on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. to compete for the chance at $50 off the team tab, plus show off the custom made marble Trivia Trophy for a while.

ROTARY • The Carbondale Rotary Club meets at the Carbondale Fire Station (300 Meadowood Dr.) at 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays.

The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita (580 Main St.) at noon every Thursday.

YAPPY HOUR • Colorado Animal Rescue’s Yappy Hour at the Marble Bar (150 Main St) takes place at 5:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Sip on handcrafted cocktails and meet a C.A.R.E. dog, with $1 from every drink donated to C.A.R.E. Bring your own dog along as well.

SILENT MEDITATION • Free silent meditation sessions are held at the Launchpad

Thunder River Theatre Company presents a special production for kids and families

Directed by Wendy Moore April 29 & 30 4 p.m.

May 13 & 14 1 p.m. and 4p.m.

Join Lilly and the cast for photos after the show

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017 • 11

CMC om page 1 It also meant the school could host events from other organizations at the facility as a way of giving back. To this day, it provides paid parking during Mountain Fair as a fundraiser for the Spring Gulch Ski Area.

“It was really embraced by so many people,” Burleigh said. “We’ve done everything from blacksmithing to beads to self empowerment.”

“I think lifelong learning just keeps opening your eyes,” she added. “It brings people together.”

Further back While the “new” building has been a major asset for the school, CMC Carbondale spent decades figuring out how to do a great deal without a lot of space. In the school’s early years, Spring Valley and Leadville had the only proper campuses, while community classes used a more distributed model – in the Aspen firehouse or basement of the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs.

When Shirley Bowen took over the fledgling Carbondale operation in 1976, she worked out of the basement of the dental office on Third and Main (soon to be Carbondale Animal Hospital).

“Our first view of students was their feet as they walked by,” through a window looking out at the sidewalk, she recalled.

Bowen had worked her way up in Leadville, before continuing education was subsumed by the main campus.

“I really admired the college and their mis-

sion to not just offer degrees, but serve the communities,” she said. “They were determined that there would be some presence in as many communities as possible.”

During her tenure, the offices moved to a doublewide trailer at Second and Main that had held the town hall (folks still sometimes dropped off utility checks there), then into a space on the west side of the Dinkel Building that had formerly hosted the library.

“Carbondale was very responsive, and we kept growing,” she said.

She tried to maintain a presence in Basalt, as well, and was always looking for courses to meet the needs of changing times. Some were practical — when Mid-Continent Coal and Coke required an EMT course for its employees, she made the trip up to the mine to perform the final test — while others were just hip.

“Oh my goodness, we couldn’t offer enough aerobics classes,” she laughed.

While there was a major focus on lifelong learning, Bowen also worked hard to help ease the transition into adulthood.

“A major part of what CMC did and continues to do is give students a second chance,” she said. “The community college is absolutely the best educational deal any parent will find.”

Over the years, the operation became progressively more robust, and at one point Bowen was asked to obtain a Master’s Degree — which, as a single parent, she did mostly over the course of one summer. She had already moved to the administrative of-

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right here; and you help your neighbor because most of Carbondale’s store and businesses are locally owned.

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017

CMC had many homes in Carbondale over the years, including a stint in the former Town Hall trailer on Second and Main. Valley Journal file photo, 1982

fice when the Lappala land was offered, but she remembered Ginny fondly as a perennial instructor on how to teach those with dyslexia and learning disabilities.

“I admired her so much,” she said. “Ginny was ahead of her time.”

While she has fond memories of the old days of using vacant K-12 classrooms and working out of basements, she’s glad the school has a Carbondale home in perpetuity.

“I’m just glad there’s a facility here,” she added. “It offers a permanence we never had.”

What’s happening

What: Uncle Jimmy’s Pig Roast & Carnival Where: CMC Spring Valley (3000 CR 114) When: Friday, April 28, 2017 Welcome Reception: 10-10:30 a.m.

50th Anniversary Program: 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Pig Roast & Carnival: 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

The event is free, but RSVP is required at cmcbecauseofyou.org/campus-celebrations/#rfc.

‘Purple Plastic Purse’ play promotes participation

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff Writer

Jennetta Howell plays Lilly, the main character in TRTC’s upcoming production of “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse�. It will make you and your kids giggle... a lot! Photo by Jane Bachrach

Get your kids hooked on theater early with “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse,� part of Thunder River Theatre Company’s ongoing effort to engage new audiences.

Based on the beloved children’s book series, directed by Wendy Moore and starring Jennetta Howell as the titular character, it runs April 29-30 at 4 p.m. and May 13-14 at both 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and is perfect for youngsters ages ďŹ ve to 10 and their families.

It’s a refreshing challenge for Moore to dabble in theatre for children — albeit with adult actors. “The principals are the same,� she noted. “I try to make children’s theater as real as adult theater.�

It’s designed to be a bit more active and interactive than usual, however, so parents shouldn’t worry that they’re kid will be expected to keep it down. “We’re going to invite the children to sit on the oor in front of the stage,â€? Moore said. “Throughout the piece, the actors are talking to the audience.â€?

The set and costuming certainly induces a sense of fun, with mouse ears, noses and a backdrop straight out of the book. “Yes, we have a purple plastic purse. It took forever to ďŹ nd one, but it’s adorable,â€? Moore added. “If a parent has read any of the books to a child, there’s going to be a great similarity. If they haven’t, they need to‌ I think that the story of Lilly coming to love her little brother is so universal.â€?

Tickets are available at $15 for kids and $25 for adults

at the recently repaired website, thunderrivertheatre.com, where you’ll also notice Consensual Improv on May 12 and the annual fundraiser gala on June 10.

Past improv nights, as well as the recent “Diva Cabaretâ€? event have sold out, and TRTC had to add extra tickets to the gala. That’s what TRTC Director Corey Simpson likes to see. “It’s a great indication that people are hungry for these experiences,â€? he said. “I think theater changes to meet the needs of the times‌ We’re always ďŹ nding new ways to engage audiences, and the momentum is building.â€?

It’s made possible by donors and volunteers, who keep the theater open and staffed and recently led to the acquisition of a baby grand piano, which made the cabaret series possible. “We have this fantastic local community of talented people who are also great singers,� he noted. “Once the Crystal Palace (in Aspen) went away, there’s been less opportunity to showcase that.�

Hopefully, in the process, some new faces come through the doors. “It’s surprising how many people are not aware that we’re here and what’s happening in this building,� Simpson observed.

As for “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse,� he hopes it will be a hit for all ages. “I think our community and society is hungry for ways of expressing ourselves and being heard,� he said. “When modern society gives us a sense of disconnect, I think live theater brings us back to sharing something together.�

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Town council om page 5 provals from the town, cannot start building until after the ďŹ nal plat for City Market is approved.

And Town Attorney Mark Hamilton said that the approval for the First Bank subdivision might be endangered if City Market’s ďŹ nal plat is not approved and recorded within the next six months.

In response to questions from the trustees, Town Manager Jay Harrington said he has had no indication that the grocery store project is in danger of being abandoned. “My conďŹ dence in this project, after extension after extension, is waning,â€? commented Trustee Katrina Byars.

And Trustee Marty Silverstein, prior to a vote to approve the extension, noted, “I’m not opposed to it, but I wish they’d get their act together.�

New New liquor license downtown In what appeared to be its most popular act of the evening, the trustees gave unanimous approval for a beer and wine tasting room at 358 Main St., to be operated by H&H Adventures, otherwise known as the Roaring Fork Beer Company.

The business will keep its main brewery and bar, in a commercial complex along Dolores Way, according to owner and manager Alyson Sanguily.

The hearing for the new establishment, which is to open in the former retail home of European Antiques, drew perhaps 40 supporters to crowed into the meeting room at Town Hall on Tuesday, including the owner of the space, Bernard Poncelet, who praised his new tenants as “good people, hard-working people� who will “improve the lifestyle of Carbondale� with their new enterprise.

Mayor Dan Richardson, after agreeing that the new businesses had generated considerable excitement and support, expressed gratitude over the decision of the business to invest in a downtown operation.

After the application for a liquor license was approved unanimously, the room erupted in loud cheering and clapping from supporters.

Alice the magazine saw another strong turnout with its March for Science — the latest in its ongoing series of marches accompanying national protests. Next up, the Alice March for Climate Change will depart at 10 a.m. on April 29 from Cowen Drive and Highway 133 to coincide with the People's Climate Movement.

Photo by Will Grandbois

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PrescripciĂłn sin receta mĂŠdica para unaeliminaciĂłn segura.

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511 Colorado Ave., Suite 911, Carbondale, CO 81623 970-963-2662 Los siguientes articulos no serĂĄn aceptados: Los siguientes articulos no serĂĄn aceptados: Agujas y objetos punzantes, mercurio (termĂłmetros),

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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017

Citizens seek access to their public officials

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) would have gotten an earful on April 21 in Glenwood Springs, had he stopped to chat with protesters outside the Hotel Colorado demanding that he hold Town Hall meetings with constituents rather than restricting himself to private fundraising gatherings with supporters.

The senator was in town as a guest at a Garfield County Republican Party dinner, meant to raise money for local party candidates.

Gardner, who was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2015, has not held a Town Hall meeting for constituents during the most recent Congressional recess, which ran from April 10-21, or apparently during previous 2017 recess sessions, according to his critics and his website.

What he has held, according to his website, have been “tours” on the Western Slope, where he has met with party officials, local government officers, school representatives and, in one case, students at Colorado Mountain College in Rifle.

Attempts to contact Gardner’s offices in Colorado and Washington, D.C., to determine if any Town Hall meetings are scheduled for the future, were not successful as telephone calls and emails were not returned.

According to a woman helping to set up the Devereaux Room inside the Hotel Colorado for the Gardner event, reporters were not permitted. Tickets to attend the event started at around $50 apiece, according to reports.

Other elected officials, however, including members of the Colorado Congressional delegation at the Colorado State Capitol, have been holding Town Hall meetings with some regularity.

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.)

Bennet, who last year won his first-ever election bid, by a margin of 49-45 percent, held five Town Hall meetings with constituents in March, according to his staff and information on his website (www.bennet.senate.gov).

Those Town Halls were held in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Alamosa, Durango and Grand Junction.

In addition, according to Bennet’s website, the senator’s staff managed a series of some two dozen “listening sessions” concerning the anticipated 2018 Farm Bill. The current Farm Bill was passed in 2014 and will expire in the fall of 2018.

“The farm bill is a fairly comprehensive, multiyear piece of legislation that governs a substantial array of federal farm, food, fiber, forestry, and rural policies and programs under the joint jurisdiction of the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry,” according to a statement in the National Sustain-

Between 75 and 100 people took part in a demonstration on April 21 in Glenwood Springs, outside the Hotel Colorado where U.S. Sen Cory Gardner appeared at a private fundraising dinner for the Garfield County Republican Party.

Photo by John Colson. able Agriculture Coalition.

Bennet was appointed to his first term in 2009 when his predecessor, Ken Salazar, was picked by President Barack Obama to be Secretary of the Interior Department. In 2014, he and his staff held a similar series of ‘listening sessions” to gather public input about provisions people wanted included in the bill.

U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton (R-3rd District) Tipton (https://tipton.house.gov) has represented the 3rd District, which covers most of the Western Slope, since 2010.

According to his staff, he has held three Town Hall meetings this year, in Montrose, Alamosa and at the Pueblo West High School in Pueblo, the largest city in the district.

He is expected to hold more such meetings, though they have not yet been scheduled, according to his office in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner As noted above, Gardner’s offices did not respond to requests for information about possible future Town Hall meetings in Colorado.

A press release on his website (www.gardner.senate.gov), however, referred on April 13 to his having recently “concluded a tour of the Western Slope,” though the text of the release referred strictly to meetings between Gardner and various government officials, agricultural organizations and health care agencies.

No mention was made in the release of publicly open Town Hall meetings, beyond occasional “telephone town halls” that do not involve face-to-face meetings with the general public.

Gardner was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives

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in 2010, and moved over to the Senate in 2014 when he defeated incumbent Sen. Mark Udall, a Democrat.

Colorado Rep. Bob Rankin Rankin (bob.rankin.house@state.co.us), who represents House Dist. 57 (Garfield, Rio Blanco and Moffat counties), typically holds Town Hall-style meetings during the summer months when the state legislature is not in session, according to Joyce Rankin, Bob’s wife, who works as an aide in his office in addition to her service as a member of the State Board of Education.

But, she said, this is the first time the office has received phone calls from constituents seeking information about the dates of future Town Hall meetings.

“This year is really heavy on that,” Joyce Rankin said, although she felt the callers were more interested in making a political point than in the meeting schedule.

“Some of them weren’t even in his district,” she said, adding, “They want a place to protest.”

Rankin, who explained that Bob had been unable to call The Sopris Sun due to the legislative schedule, said his constituent meetings often revolve around individual issues such as health care or education, and predicted that he is likely to hold some in the coming months.

State Sen. Randy Baumgardner Baumgardner (randy.baumgardner.senate@state.co.us), who represents Dist. 8 (Garfield, Rio Blanco, Moffat, Routt, Grand, Jackson and Summit counties), did not respond to a request for information about his policy concerning Town Hall meetings.

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017 • 15

A lotta irons in the fire Photos and text by Jane Bachrach

Pictured above left are five hands (50 fingers) holding the calves. Clockwise beginning far left with Jon Atkins (black hat) are Kellen Whitworth Skyler Mcallister in the far back Jeff Montabone, Seth Williams and Chad Minor.

Different hands, including Marty, Parker, Johnny and Cara Nieslanik are giving shots and branding. Also pictured are calves in waiting, Larry Strangeland cleaning the branding irons, Sunny (168) after being branded and John Nieslanik… supervising.

W

hile the cows and their calves cried endlessly against a background of smoke and the stench of seared hair, Sunny (#168) and 237 other calves were temporarily separated from their moms and branded for life on April 22.

Ranchers from around the area pitch in to help each other stamp their identifying mark to keep track of their cattle, as well as inoculate the calves and begin the process of castrating the males.

Besides having someone to keep the branding irons clean and hot, three calves are “done” at the same time and it takes two people to hold each calf while somebody else injects and another brands.

With patriarch John Nieslanik supervising the annual gathering, however, it went off like clockwork.

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017

Soakers discuss Penny Hot Springs’ future

Rusty om page 7

From the archives of the Roaring Fork Valley Journal April 28, 1977 An ad hoc group called the Redstone Hot Springs Foundation scheduled a meeting at the Crystal Theatre to determine what, “if anything,” should be done with the Penny Hot Springs between Carbondale and Redstone. Locals, including Crystal River Valley resident Roy Rickus, created the foundation after an upstream property owner “buried” the mineral hot springs, located alongside Highway 133.

April 30, 1987 The Valley Journal reported that baseball player Chris Hanks, a freshman at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, was tearing up the league. In 27 games, the Roaring Fork High School alum had smacked 16 home runs and drove in 52 runs. Hanks, who stared in baseball and football at Roaring Fork High School, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox out of high school but opted for attending the twoyear College of Southern Idaho instead.

May 1, 1997 Human skeletal remains, most likely those of a Native American Indian, were

discovered at a residential construction site in Crystal Village. Workers first came across what turned out to be a skull fragment a few inches below the ground. The state brought in a pair of archaeologists to investigate. They dug down about 18 inches to find a “burial pit” lined with stones and also scattered bones. The archaeologists said the remains were mostly like more than 100 years old. They were taken to Colorado’s “virtually secret cemetery” for reburial for unidentified bones such as these.

April 26, 2007 The Carbondale Board of Trustees was slated to discuss the Crystal River Marketplace development proposal at its May 1 meeting. The most recent iteration of the proposal for a 24-acre site on the west side of Highway 133 called for two options: one with a “flex zone” that could include a mix of commercial and residential development, the other for a big-box anchor store such as Home Depot.

– Compiled by Lynn Burton

atre on Main Street.

The Burtard family loved Potato Days.

“The boys competed in the rodeo … .” At one time, the barbecue lunch was free, with men like Gus Darien operating the pit. “One year, dessert was a donut,” Rusty laughed.

Rusty eventually became friends with the late Mary Ferguson, a school teacher who was born at Marion (west of Carbondale) and taught at local schools (including Missouri Heights) for decades.

“She told me at one time, you could have bought all of Main Street for $700, but nobody had $700.”

She made other good friends as well, including Joanne Kaufman. “There were a lot of outstanding people here … we made friends so easily.”

Carbondale’s population increased from about 450 when the Burtards first moved to town in the early 1950s. In 1960 the town grew a bit to 612, and to 726 in 1970s. Fueled in part by the Mid-Continent coal mines west of Redstone, and Aspen jobs, the population swelled to 2,084 in 1980, an increase of 187 percent, according to U.S. Census figures. By 1990 the population was 3,000 and the estimated population as of 2015 is 6,600.

When asked when she noticed Carbondale was really changing, Burtard thought for a moment and answered, “ … when the mines closed (in the late 1980s). It was so dramatic.” A lot of Mid-Continent’s miners had moved to Carbondale and surrounding areas from somewhere else. Joseph Bur-

tard himself worked for Mid-Continent before his death at 47 years old. Like other Carbondale teenagers, some of the Burtard boys went straight from high school to the mines after graduation. “Kids graduated from high school and they needed a job …

It was the thing to do to work (in the coal mines) and buy a pickup.”

Today Rusty moved into Crystal Meadows when it first opened 20 years ago. “I was a young chick … still drivin’.” She loves Crystal Meadows. “People are so happy here.” She jokes about a poem she wrote for one of the male residents who teases her about the number of other men she talks to in the garden and elsewhere. The poem ends, “ … when I smell a compost pile I always think of you.”

Rusty likes to read large print books she gets from a library in Denver. “I like to stay abreast of things … It’s better than feeling sorry for myself.”

When asked if there’s a secret to staying upbeat and happy, she replied, “I have great family support from great, loving people.” Some of the secret, though, is what Rusty tells herself. “Happiness comes from within … I’ve made up my mind to be happy.” She makes a distinction between being “happy” and being “content.”

“I’m happy but not contented. When you’re contented you don’t have to keep trying.

When you’re happy you keep striving.

You never give up.”

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017 • 17

A linear society in a circular universe The days of mediocrity are over. There are new critic(s) in town and they’re here to add their two cents ($2.75 with Roaring Fork Valley ination) to anything and everything. They will be critiquing the very fabric of our lives, from the clothes on our backs to the bricks of our buildings, the third swing from the left to the day old bin at the bakery.

Best of all, they are going covert. It could be your neighbor, your janitor, the person driving your bus, or the one sitting in the seat across from you. The critic may be your best friend. It may even be you.

The Covert Critique is here to bring greater awareness of our world, our community, and ourselves — to empower each and every one of us bring our greatest self to the world each and everyday. Let us raise the bar of humanity, take pride in what we do, and have some fun along the way.

Round and round and round we go. Are we spiraling up or are we spiraling down?

Like everything the answer comes in perspective. It is time to bring some perspective to the centerpiece of Carbondale, the roundabout, or rotary as our friends from across the pond call it. In our typically linear society what better way for The Covert Critic to start their ďŹ rst column then to circle back around to the circuitous trafďŹ c interchange that’s got us spinning counter-clockwise (also perspective dependent).

The roundabout has now had over two years of life in our booming little town and

The Covert Critique to some extent is the metaphor of our growth, “spiraling out of control?“ Well not exactly, unless you are talking about affordable housing, which began with a golf ball spiraling down hole one of River Valley Ranch well before the roundabout planning stages.

Let’s get back on track and tighten this circle like the belt on our work pants. The roundabout ofďŹ cially opened for business with one lane and one direction (thank goodness) on September 29, 2014. The roundabout claimed its ďŹ rst snowplow February 21, 2015 when the snowplow driver — unaware of the change — hit the center and rolled onto its side, spilling copious amounts of sand and injuring no one.

TrafďŹ c has been stopped when full moon bike cruises have utilized their legal right of way to occupy the trafďŹ c lane in the roundabout and ride in circles until the bike with music appropriately signaled with its right hand extend out before exiting onto East Main Street. A rogue beautiďŹ cation project was spotted the morning of Mountain Fair Friday 2016, when 10 strands of prayer ags caught the sunrise light. All it took was 43 minutes for the town, police, or a citizen who missed morning meditation to tear down this tasteful — dare we say peaceful and respectful — “vandalism.â€?

Shortly after the inauguration of president number 45, it was proven that roundabouts are more rally friendly than the perpendicular intersections of old. The circular conďŹ guration allowed many people holding signs to walk down Highway 133, go in a circle, see how many people were present, then proceed back, proving that this is a great space for public gathering no matter your political afďŹ liation. For if the aisle is in a circle and you try to reach across you quickly realize that you are chasing your own tail and on the same circle of life as the person you thought was “across the aisle.â€?

Upon inquiring town management and local police about how many accidents, injuries, and incidents have occurred in the roundabout, no statistics were available as the town does not have a detailed record keeping system for speciďŹ c incidences, which is a shame because the next critique may be on dog poop and we were hoping to ďŹ nd some

statistics on which dog friendly park had the least poo per capita.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), roundabouts reduce injury crashes by 75 percent at intersections where stop signs or signals were previously used for trafďŹ c control. This makes sense since instead of blindsiding someone, or going at them head on, we are mostly traveling in the same direction, so that’s a plus.

Unless, of course, you are from England and decide to abandon the E.U. and drive clockwise at a United States rotary.

Maybe this roundabout is a perfect metaphor for life and represents where we are going as a community, nation, and species.

Roundabouts are popular throughout much of the world so maybe teenage America is starting to grow up and get with the ow.

After all life is a ow, just like water (Mni Wiconi). The key is to go with it, don’t ďŹ ght it, and don’t rush it. You can paddle harder but you will get there at the same time. The river will make it to the ocean on its own time, unless we poison all the water and inject deep into the earth in exchange for fossil fuels so we can go drive circles.

Regardless, the view of the Mother Mountain is better and more open. The world keeps spinning and so does our community. Now if we could only put down the cell phone when we drive. I will as soon as I am done typing this article.

Feel free to critique The Covert Critic at covertcritic3000@gmail.com.

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18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017

Letters continued om page 2 that a route along the east side of the Crystal River, at times along the old rail bed, would create the most aesthetic route and also be the most cost effective. Alternatively, if the trail were in the right-of-way for CO 133 there are several narrow locations where the trail would be extremely expensive to build, would crowd aquatic habitat, and generally would place foot or bicycle travelers uncomfortably close to the highway due to noise, exhaust fumes and physical nearness to trafďŹ c.

Would an east side trail greatly disturb species that are sensitive to human activity?

A seven-year wildlife monitoring of wild birds and mammals along the Rio Grande Trail, using visual sightings and camera traps, suggests well-researched answers to this question. A particularly sensitive area of the Rio Grande trail is at Rock Bottom Ranch. The conclusions of the Rio Grande Trail study are “For the most part, it appears that current management strategies are exceeding expectations on minimizing the effects of recreation on the monitored wildlife communityâ€? and because winter scarcity of food stresses animal populations “The winter trail closure is the most signiďŹ cant management and effective measure in balancing the recreational and wildlife protection goals for the Rio Grande Trailâ€? (see www.rfta.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2013_rgt_wildlife_monitoring_report.pdf).

This important, regional study suggests that careful placement of the Crystal Valley trail mostly on the east side of the Crystal River will allow persons exceptional walking and bicycling through a largely natural setting and not greatly disturb sensitive birds and mammals there. Particular care would be needed at the Crystal River section from Avalanche Creek into Filoha Meadows. The impacts of a simple bike trail would be very small compared to the impacts delivered by the approximately 100 homes and driveways already on the east side of the Crystal (Seven Oaks, Crystal River Country Estates, and a group of houses north of Redstone). Moreover, a simple bike trail would have a minor effect on animal welfare compared to that of trafďŹ c on highway CO133, which leads to the

Unclassifieds

deaths of many animals per year, and also compared to additional animal deaths resulting from hunting. No reasonable person would propose removing homes, CO 133, or hunting in order to improve environments for animals. On the other hand, reasonable persons will give a go ahead signal to extension of the Crystal River Trail along the best possible route. The welfare of feathered and furry friends as well as of humans should be considered together.

The policy of the OSTP is to rely on the best available science, including thorough census data on birds and mammals, to look at site speciďŹ c wildlife impacts and their mitigation, and to plan ďŹ ne engineering for a new trail. The OSTP has an exemplary track record, as shown by Pitkin County voters who, by a 70-30 margin, recently reauthorized open space property tax for another 20 years. Let’s throw our support behind the quality approach that OSTP will give us to ďŹ nd the best continuation of the Crystal Valley trail, one that will be a credit to our valley and be of great beneďŹ t for the health and welfare of our citizenry.

Bill Spence Carbondale

Trail impacts on wildlife Dear Editor: A recent survey indicated a consensus that the present Highway 133 shoulders are not a safe path for bicycle riders or walkers. Nevertheless, there is strong opposition to possible attractive off-highway routes for a trail. I ďŹ nd hunting, roadkill and human habitation of the rural/wild interface as major impacts on wildlife.

Data indicate that the impact of nonlethal recreation is likely to be insigniďŹ cant compared to other factors.

Thus, Colorado Parks & Wildlife documents that nearly 500,000 animals were killed by hunters in 2015 (http://cpw.state.co.us/ thingstodo/Pages/hunt.aspx). Big numbers, similar to the prior ďŹ ve years: 44,852 Elk, 34,005 Deer, 16,390 Pronghorn Antelope, 153 Mountain & Desert Bighorn Sheep, 1,880 Moose, Bears, Goats and Lions,

130,800 Small Game (including Cottontail Rabbit, Coyote, Dusky Grouse & Pheasant), and ~ 269,000 Birds of all sorts.

None of the likely trail routes are in roadless areas.

Annual roadkill on Highway 133 reported to CDOT from 2007 to 2015 averaged 12 animals/year from Highway 82 to the top of McClure pass and 70 animals/year over the 68 mile highway. Animals who are hit and die off the highway are not included. It is a national problem.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that more than 1.5 million deervehicle collisions occur each year in the U.S. with ~150 vehicle occupant deaths and tens of thousands of injuries (Deer in the Headlights, EnCompass (AAA magazine), Nov-Dec 2016, p. 24.).

A 2014 Pitkin County buildout analysis indicated that the present number of dwellings in our valley is likely to nearly double in coming years: 435 ~800 dwellings in the the 14 percent of county land which is private and developable. Clearly, more people, pets and trafďŹ c will have a signiďŹ cant impact on wildlife.

A recent scientiďŹ c review indicated that the global impact of non-lethal recreation on wildlife and biodiversity is about 10 percent of the impact of overexploitation. The

hazard posed by climate change is a bit ahead of recreation.

More generally the authors summarize: “Of all the plant, amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal species that have gone extinct since AD 1500, 75% were harmed by overexploitation or agricultural activity or both . . .�

(The ravages of guns nets and bulldozers.

Nature: 11 August 2016, pp 143-145).

Finally, Colorado winters are tough on nutritionally stressed animals who typically lose 15-25 percent of their body weight. This weight loss is associated with a mortality of up to 24 percent in deer. Nevertheless, to support our diets we graze cattle and sheep in upland areas in our national forests during summertime. The latter conicts with the need of wild ungulates to restore weight loss and energy deďŹ cits resulting from scarce winter food supplies In addition, a serious infectious disease was transmitted from domestic sheep to wild bighorns, resulting in a 74% decline in the bighorn sheep in our area. (~250 to ~65 bighorn sheep according to our USFS Wildlife Biologist.)

These are important discussions. I do ďŹ nd the opposition of Colorado Park & Wildlife personnel to off-highway routes particularly ambiguous even if deeply felt.

Mark Hilberman Redstone

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Heather Craven prepares to move in the yoga pose “downward dog� as Aretha the cat calmly strolls by during the recent “Yoga with Cats� fundraiser in Colorado Animal Rescue cat room. Under the tutelage of yoga instructor Faith Lipori, the classes consisted of around a dozen humans each and five free roaming cats (Aretha is an older cat up for adoption and she’s free; she also commands a lot of RESPECT when she meows.) Photo by Jane Bachrach

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017 • 19

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