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VOLUME 2, NUMBER 20 • JULY 8, 2010

Forced out RV park closure sends residents scrambling

Photo by Jane Bachrach

By Terray Sylvester The Sopris Sun

Stylin’ in the Sun: From left, Corey Johnson, Katelyn Krehbiel and Emily Henley dressed to the nines for the Fourth of July bash at Sopris Park on Sunday. Their costumes were a homemade mix of hand-painted clay, old tiedye T-shirts and –– that’s right –– back issues of The Sopris Sun. Short of reading it, we can’t think of a much better use for the Sun. ~The Staff

A pending land purchase by the Town of Carbondale promises to eventually create a new park with access to the Roaring Fork River, but right now it is displacing residents from the Sopris RV Park.

Some current residents say they are scrambling to leave in a matter of just a few weeks, after having lived for as long as a decade in the RV park, located just downvalley from the intersection of Highways 82 and 133.

The deal is set to close in mid-October, and the town is requiring that the RV park be closed and emptied before then. The deadline to move out was set for the end of this month by the current owners, not the town.

The town is purchasing the land to be the future home of Gateway Park and new trails, a pedestrian bridge, an enhanced boat ramp and other amenities at the north entrance of Carbondale.

“Almost everybody is mad because it’s just one month that they give us,” said Veronica Amaya, who has lived in the park for a year. “Nowadays it’s really hard to find a place [to live].”

Amaya lives with her parents, who have been in the park for three years. Now they are planning to pay someone to tow their trailer to a mobile home park in Silt at a cost of $100.

While they will pay less in rent, Amaya says she and her father will face longer commutes. He works in Aspen and she works in Carbondale.

Other residents of the RV park are frustrated as well, but Carbondale town staff say the evictions aren’t the town’s problem –– according to county zoning, the RV park should never have been used for long-term housing in the first place.

Carbondale Recreation Director Jeff Jackel explained that under the terms of a Garfield County planned unit development, the 7.5-acre property is designated as a recreational campground, where people can stay for a maximum of 14 days. “[The landowners] have been in violation of the zoning for years,” he continued. “The town has been aware.

You can’t not know that there’s people living there yearround.”

Residents of the Roaring Fork RV park can often be seen walking across the bridge that takes Highway 133 across the Roaring Fork River.

Under the terms of the purchase, the current owners will ensure that all private residences are removed from the property. Jackel said that any zoning violation will have to be sorted out by the county, the property owner and potentially the residents of the RV park.

“It doesn’t really affect the town’s plans,” he stated, adding that he thought only about half of the RVs on the RESIDENTS EVICTED page 3

Trustees ticked off over taxes

Saving lives with a suitcase

The Fourth in photos

Page 3

Page 7

Page 8

Carbondale Commentary

Taking sides on the spill The following evolved from a dinner conversation about BP’s oil spill and our tendency to blame everyone within a 500-mile radius instead of just concentrating on fixing the problem. Presented here for your enjoyment, a father-in-law and daughter-in-law sound off.

The rush to judgment

Kevin Costner to the rescue

By G. Michael

By Jeannie Perry

Wow, who would’ve thought that one day Kevin Costner would come to the rescue, sellDo you believe everything you hear and revere everything you read? If so, then you have a basis upon which to rush to judgment. When someone has a strong opinion about ing his sea-cleaning centrifuges to BP in the nick of time? Not me, certainly not when I was someone else’s relationship, do you ever wonder if they live under the bed? If they do not watching him crawl around on the ground in “Dances with Wolves.” Are we getting closer to proof of a higher authority with a sense of humor? live under the bed, perhaps they shouldn’t have an opinion.

Part of the reason it’s so hard for me to believe in a higher power is beDo you believe any company in the U.S. can possibly be in comcause of people like the CEO of BP (and seven-eighths of Congress). How pliance with every one of the thousands of rules and regulations could a god create such clueless hubris and why? Just to watch the rest of us imposed by our government, of which many conflict? Where comtake care of them? Does it give him a warm fuzzy to watch entitled idiots tolpanies are in violation of some rule or regulation are they violated erated by their working brethren over and over again? intentionally or are the violations even significant? Good questions.

BP’s massive oil leak is a metaphor for the way our country operates nowaAre newspaper reporters in a position to judge? Rushing to judgdays: The guys in charge are as far from the actual worksite as possible, the ment with strong opinions and headlines sells newspapers. bottom line is their only concern, and instead of focusing on a plan B ahead Do you suppose British Petroleum intentionally blew up their Jeannie Perry By of time we’re always left with a plan S to try and deal with the clean up. rig and killed 11 highly paid and experienced people? In a crowded What I want to know is when did it happen? When did we switch from world, where people feel personally disenfranchised, and without a voice, it is comforting to blame the “they” whether it is the government, politicians or big a nation of do-it-yourselfers to a bunch of pass-the-buck-baters? Looking back, the ’50s were business. Inflamed by the media, we rush to judgment even though we don’t know all the detrimental in more ways than one. Not only did they spray the food with serious chemicals, but they convincingly portrayed a false image of Selfish Abundance Equals Happiness. That facts because it takes time and critical analysis to understand them.

Even if we could afford it, which we cannot, and even if it were possible, which it is decade is still seen as a golden era of bleached shirts, heavy cream desserts and big shiny cars.

JUDGMENT page 14 COSTNER page 14

Point, Counterpoint Ps & Qs

Letters

The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 400 words. Letters exceeding that length may be edited or returned for revisions. Include your name and residence (for publication) and a contact email and phone number. Submit letters via email to letters@soprissun.com or via snail mail to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623.

tality and overall success in Carbondale.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your support, it has been truly wonderful being a part of such a loving and friendly business community!

Wenonah Recio New Castle

Business owner bids goodbye

A note to a vandal

Dear Editor: To all of the loyal customers of The Floral Boutique, I am writing to sadly say that after a long and thought-out process I will no longer be co-owner of The Floral Boutique. This decision has come after several big life changes –– as many of you know, the difficult passing of my father in April and a new arrival on the way due in August –– I feel that my life is better served taking care of my growing family. My business partner, Lori Haroutunian is 100 percent dedicated to keeping the shop going with assistance from

the shop’s floral designer Georgeann in continuing to provide fresh floral arrangements for all occasions as well as the wide array of gifts that the shop has always offered. As I move on to the next chapter, I hope that you will all continue to support all the local businesses in Carbondale so that we are not to see anyone close their doors, let’s keep our little mountain town thriving. As for me, you will surely see me around town soon to be toting along three girls! I know Lori will put her all into keeping a longtime business going despite the economic hardships, and I will continue to support the Floral Boutique's vi-

Dear Editor: I recently donated three flower pots on the corner of Fourth and Main because I, like many others, wanted to help the town I love look bright and beautiful for the summer. I was asked by Chris Chacos to dedicate them to someone special, and chose to honor my friend Matthew Hefti with two of the three pots I planted. Unfortunately, the dedication sign in the flower pot outside The Black Nugget (I know the name has changed, but it will forever be “The Nugget”) has been vandalized twice (i.e. removed). For whatever reason, someone finds it entertaining to dishonor Matthew and his Air Force Unit. I would like to take this opportunity to address the vandal.

Matthew dropped out of college to join the Air Force Special Services immediately after 9/11. He has served for 10 years as a soldier who disposes of improvised explosive devices. In other words, he’s the guy in “The Hurt Locker” who dismantles roadside bombs in order to protect fellow soldiers and civilians in Irag and Afghanistan. Two weeks ago he was deployed for his fourth tour in the Middle East. He has been to over 20 countries and has, among other things, worked with the Secret Service to protect the

Clarification

Going Solar: Participants in SEI’s Renewable Energy for Educators Class at the Third Street Center take a break to read the Sopris Sun. Photo by Colin Laird 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010

In our July 1 edition, we stated that the new CEO of the Colorado Mountain College Foundation, Matt Spencer, will be overseeing the college's accreditation process. In fact, he will be one of many administrators and faculty members working to get CMC's bachelor's degrees off the ground.

president. At the age of 28 he is married with two daughters, ages 2 and 4. While serving his country he managed to complete his bachelor’s degree in English and is currently pursuing a Masters in Fine Arts for Creative Writing. He writes beautifully poignant stories about the effects of war and his overwhelming desire to lay down his gun. He is perhaps one of the most talented writers I have ever read.

It is obvious that whoever insists on reLETTERS page 14

The Sopris Sun is an LLC organized under the 501c3 nonprofit structure of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation.

Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 618-9112 Editor: Terray Sylvester • 618-9112 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Anne Goldberg • 379-5050 anne@soprissun.com Reporter: Chris Van Leuven Photographer/Writer: Jane Bachrach Copy Editor/Writer: Lynn Burton Copy Editor: Jack Sebesta Ad/Page Production: Terri Ritchie Paper Boy: Cameron Wiggin Webmaster: Will Grandbois Student Correspondent: Kayla Henley Sopris Sun, LLC Managing Board of Directors: Mark Burrows • Peggy DeVilbiss Allyn Harvey • Colin Laird Laura McCormick • Jean Perry Elizabeth Phillips • Frank Zlogar

Sopris Sun, LLC • P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623

618-9112 www.soprissun.com Visit us on facebook.com Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com

Residents of Sopris RV Park evicted to make way for town park continued om page 1 A conceptual drawing of how Carbondale’s Gateway Park might look when it’s complete.

A recreational campground with a 14-day limit is planned for the site of the Sopris RV Park.

Courtesy image

CURRENT SITE OF SOPRIS RV PARK HWY 133

property were occupied. “The owners of the property … were expected to have those people vacate prior to the town taking possession of the property.”

Valerie Koziel, who manages the RV park and owns the property with her husband, denied that anyone has been staying for more than a few months at a time. When told that some of the residents had said they’ve lived in the park for years, Koziel said “there’s no way” that was the case.

She said she opened the park in 1991, but that the recession has made it harder to collect rent and find tenants.

She explained that she owns a number of the RVs on the property and rents them out, but that lately, many of them have stood empty.

When asked why she was closing the park, she said, “I can’t run it anymore. I’m getting old.” She added that her children don’t want to take it over.

Fred Jarman, director of building and planning for Garfield County, did not immediately return calls before The Sopris Sun’s deadline on Wednesday.

The town entered into a contract in mid June to buy the property for $2.52 million, following nearly three years of on-and-off discussion with the Koziels, said Town Attorney Mark Hamilton.

Jackel said the town coffers will be tapped for approximately $470,000 of that total. The rest will be paid through grants, including $950,000 from the state Division of Wildlife and $1 million from the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) program, which disburses state lottery funds. Garfield County is also chipping in $100,000 for the purchase.

The deal is scheduled to close on Oct. 15, but Valerie Koziel says she has asked residents to move out before the end of July. That’s when the lights will go out because she hasn’t paid the electric bill beyond that date.

A tumultuous transition Early this week, residents had already begun to move out, though about half of the spots in the 20-space park still appeared to be occupied.

The Sopris Sun talked to a half dozen of the residents. Some had found places to move, others were still looking. Some were relieved to be leaving, others were upset.

But for all of them, the sudden move was causing turmoil.

Sandra Cano is getting ready to leave after having lived in the park for nine years with her husband. They have two young sons.

Cano said she and her family are actually hurrying to leave by Friday, July 16.

They’ve found an apartment in Carbondale and they don’t want to pay July rent at the

RV park on top of the expenses for the new place. She said her husband wasn’t working in May and June and they already owe the Koziels about $1,000 in overdue rent.

Lately her husband has been able to find off-and-on jobs, but she doesn’t know how they will pay the back rent.

And she has other things to worry about as well. Cano is very pregnant. She expects her third child before the end of July, but so far she has been able to prepare very little for the birth. She said she can’t afford pre-natal care, and so she has little choice but to wait until the contractions begin before she can seek medical help.

Moving is the last thing she wants to think about. “It’s really bad timing,” Cano said in Spanish. “It definitely affects me.”

The Canos don’t know what they will

do with their trailer. Sandra Cano said they would like to keep it, but they can’t afford to put it in storage.

Other residents are hurrying to move before the 30-day deadline as well in order to avoid paying rent for July.

On Tuesday, Estella Chavez said she and her husband and their three children were planning to be out of the RV park by Saturday. She has lived in the RV park for two years and her husband has lived there for 11, but now they will be moving to a two-bedroom apartment in New Castle.

Chavez is glad to be leaving –– in the apartment, the winters won’t be so cold and she won’t have to deal with frozen pipes as often –– but she didn’t yet know what they would do with their trailer. They EVICTIONS page 9

Anger and frustration build while trustees tackle $88K tax backlog

By Conrad Wilson KDNK News Tempers flared on Tuesday night at town hall as the Carbondale trustees prodded town staff for information on how $88,500 dollars in building taxes dating back to 2006 remain uncollected.

Typically the trustees don’t meet on the first Tuesday of the month, but they scheduled the work session this week in part to address the outstanding taxes.

“There’s a lot of money on the table here,” said Trustee Elizabeth Murphy.“That’s a lot of money on the table, for the town, as well as to go back to these people and tell them, ‘Hey, you have a $30,000 bill.’ That’s challenging stuff. And I think frankly embarrassing.”

Mayor Stacey Bernot pointed out that the uncollected taxes look especially bad in light of the fact that the town cut salaries and benefits and laid off five town employees in the fall of 2009 to balance its budget in the face of declining sales tax revenue during the recession.

“This is bad,” she said. “We laid off real people with real families and this is real

money and this is very serious.”

She unloaded a slew of questions as Town Manager Tom Baker methodically took notes. She questioned whether the town should pay for a third-party audit to examine the unpaid taxes, and she asked about the town’s legal ability to collect the outstanding taxes. She also questioned the software the town has been using to keep track of the progress made on building projects around town.

The unpaid taxes first came to light in an annual financial audit compiled by an independent firm and presented to the trustees on June 15. A follow-up investigation by town staff revealed that the town is owed roughly $88,500 in unpaid use taxes on projects that received building permits as long ago as 2006.

Use tax (also called “sales and use tax”) is levied on construction materials used in town but purchased outside of town limits.

A memo from town staff reported that the 3.5 percent tax has not yet been paid on 10 residential and commercial projects belonging to eight different parties. Three of those parties owe more than $10,000, and

one owes nearly $30,000.

At the meeting Tuesday night, the trustees asked how the taxes went unpaid. Community Development Director Doug Dotson said in some cases it’s possible the contractors did not tell the owners of a project the use tax needed to be paid.

Dotson explained that when a building permit is issued, town staffers typically present the applicant with a list of all the fees involved in a project.

But in some cases, Dotson said, contractors took out the building permit and might not have told the owners of the building that the use tax needed to be paid.

“In that list of fees is the use tax,” Dotson said. “So whoever takes out the permit knows that upfront there’s a use tax. … We went back and took a look that there were a number of situations where contractors took out the building permit.”

But Dotson said that at least some of the owners of the projects should have known they owed the taxes.

“In a couple cases, there were the building owners that took out the permits for themselves,” he said. “So that information would

have been there upfront when they took out the permit. They sign on the bottom line.”

The trustees did not come out of Tuesday night’s meeting with a clear course of action.

They discussed sending building owners certified letters noting the amount owed. They also considered asking town staff to look for unpaid use taxes on building permits issued before 2006, and frustrated trustees even floated the idea of some town employees losing their jobs over the error.

But before making any decisions the trustees are looking for more information.

They directed staff to bring them more information for their July 13 meeting.

Next steps:

The Carbondale Trustees are scheduled to discuss the town’s outstanding taxes again during their meeting at 6:30 p.m. on July 13 at Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave. For more information, meeting agendas and background material, visit carbondalegov.org.

THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010 • 3

Brief blaze near Cattle Creek scorches three acres Cop Shop

By Terray Sylvester The Sopris Sun

Seventy-foot flames: That’s what resulted when hot weather, a steep brushcovered slope and a bottle rocket converged near Cattle Creek Road over the weekend.

At about 4:30 p.m. on July 3, a blaze ignited near the Cotton Hollow subdivision about five miles from Highway 82. The fire was quickly extinguished after two helicopters, about 15 fire engines and roughly 60 personnel rushed to the scene.

But Marc Bassett, a captain with the Carbondale Fire Protection District who lives in the subdivision and coordinated the response, thought things could have turned out much worse. He said the fire, which burned three acres, might have scorched thousands if the helicopters hadn’t been readily available in Rifle. The flames also threatened eight structures, Bassett said, but none of them were damaged.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has summonsed Anthony Antonacci, 55, of County Road 113, for allegedly firing the

bottle rocket. He has been charged with fourth degree arson for accidentally starting a fire, said sheriff’s spokesman Phil Strouse.

Antonacci is scheduled to appear in court to be advised of the charges against him on Aug. 30.

The Carbondale fire department also responded to a small grass fire near Industry Place at 10 p.m. on July 4. It was caused by fireworks as well, said fire chief Ron Leach.

Both incidents were a reminder that fire season is back and people should mind their sparks. Leach said that fire danger is currently high but not abnormally so. He urged anyone planning an open burn to call the fire department at 963-2491.

Federal land management agencies have also ramped up their fire-prevention measures. On July 2, the Bureau of Land Management implemented fire restrictions on terrain administered by the Grand Junction and Colorado River Valley field offices, which includes portions of Eagle, Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin counties.

A press release stated that hot dry

weather has resulted in high fire danger at elevations below 8,000 feet. As a result, campfires are allowed only within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds, and no fires of any type are allowed outside of developed areas. Explosives are prohibited and smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings, at developed recreation sites or in barren areas free of vegetation. Fireworks also aren’t allowed on federal land and it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arresting device.

So far, the White River and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests have not enacted fire restrictions because the forest are generally at higher elevations where more moisture is present. But the Forest Service is still reminding visitors to be careful with fire, smoking, chainsaws and vehicle exhausts and converters, all of which can cause fires.

For more information about fire restrictions on local federal land, call the BLM Grand Junction Field Office at 244-3000 or the Colorado River Valley Field Office at 876-9000.

The following events are drawn from the incident reports of the Carbondale Police Department.

SATURDAY June 26 At 7:41 p.m.

Carbondale police found a man who appeared to be intoxicated at the intersection of Fourth and Main streets. The man called his housemate and asked for help getting home.

SUNDAY June 27 At 12:14 p.m. officers responded to a fire alarm at the senior housing on Hendrick Drive. A woman admitted she had burned some bacon.

MONDAY June 28 At 8:36 p.m. a trespasser was discovered playing golf on the 11th hole of the River Valley Ranch golf course. The man, who didn’t live in RVR and hadn’t paid to play, was asked to leave.

MONDAY June 28 At 12:37 p.m. a resident of North Eighth Street reported that someone had shot a BB gun at her dog, which was in the backyard. Her neighbors told the police they don’t own BB guns.

TUESDAY June 29 At 2:16 a.m. a scared woman reported strange noises directly outside her window on Clearwater Road. Thinking it was an intruder she called a friend, who then called the police. Police failed to find anything suspicious.

TUESDAY June 29 Police records stated that at 3:52 a.m., officers “responded to a masked intruder” in a home in the Crystal Village neighborhood.

A raccoon had opened a window screen and entered the residence.“We were able to push and prod the raccoon to an open window two stories up where it leaped to freedom,” reported a responding officer. Police speculate that the critter may have put in an appearance on Clearwater Road earlier in the morning.

A helicopter dumped water on a three-acre fire near Cattle Creek on Saturday. The helicopter was one of two that helped prevent the blaze from growing larger. Photo by Cici Fox

WEDNESDAY June 30 At 6:12 p.m. officers assisted the Carbondale fire department with a gas leak on Highway 133 and evacuated nearby homes.

The Sopris Sun, Carbondale’s non-profit weekly newspaper is looking for a new

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Submit resume and references • Excel & email skills required. to Allyn Harvey at • Quark or other graphic design aharvey@soprissun.com. software skills helpful.

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Two new public tree grants take root in Carbondale

By Terray Sylvester The Sopris Sun

Above: Jim Noyes hangs a photo of Harry on one of the crab apple trees he sponsored near the Hendrick Drive dog park with help from the Kay Brunnier Tree Fund. Harry is a stray dog whom Noyes wanted to honor.

Above, right; Some of the folks behind the tree funds: Jim Noyes, Kay Brunnier, Frosty Merriott and Bill Lukes.

Photos by Terray Sylvester

Money may not grow on trees, but members of the town tree board think they’ve found a way to make a $10,000 donation grow as many trees as possible, and if all goes as planned, those trees will end up just where the community most wants them.

Last year, Carbondale resident Kay Brunnier donated $5,000 to sponsor new trees in town, and $5,000 to support the town’s fruit-tree heritage.

The first sum is the basis of the Kay Brunnier Tree Fund, which disburses matching grants to anyone who wants to plant a tree in Carbondale, whether to shade a favorite bench, beautify a barren stretch of bike path or honor a loved one.

Bill Lukes, chair of the tree board, said the fund allows the board to“get the most mileage out of [Brunnier’s] money, and also get the community’s input on where they want trees.”

The other $5,000 will be put toward a fruit orchard at Roaring Fork High School, which will be used in the school’s

sustainable agriculture curriculum. Some of that money may also be used to prune fruit trees around Carbondale, potentially on both public and private land. Brunnier said she is looking for a way to support sustainable, local sources of food and to revitalize fruit trees in the area, where cherry, apple and other fruit trees were once a more common sight.

When it comes to the town’s budget for things arboreal, Brunnier’s donations add up to a sizable sum. The volunteer tree board currently receives $500 in annual funding from the town, Lukes said, and the public works department currently has a $5,000 annual budget for tree maintenance.

Town Trustee Frosty Merriott, the trustees’ liaison to the tree board, said that with town revenues down during the recession, Brunnier’s contributions mean that Carbondalians will see new trees planted when they otherwise wouldn’t.

“With the budget constraints the town is not going to be able to plant trees,” Merriott said.

The matching grant program is taking root. So far, it has footed half the bill for 14 new trees in town. Among other contributions, Carbondalian Jim Noyes sponsored six spring snow crab apple trees near the Hendrick Drive dog park to honor a beloved canine named Harry; Staci Dickerson, former owner of Sounds Easy movie rentals, sponsored five crab apple trees at the Third Street Center, and the tree board sponsored a bur oak in Sopris Park to honor longtime tree board chairman Dan Bullock.

And more matching funds are available. Lukes urged people to get in touch if they want to sponsor a tree.

Sew a seed:

For more information or to sponsor a tree through the Kay Brunnier Tree Fund, call Tony Coia at the Carbondale public works department, 963-2733, or Bill Lukes, 963-8025. The tree board is also seeking donations to help support its programs.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010 • 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to Scuttlebutt@SoprisSun.com. officer and spent nine years on the SWAT team. In other words, it might be a bad idea to give him any guff for being the new guy next time you’re causing a ruckus on Main Street.

But work aside, Rooks seems to be enjoying his time in Carbondale so far. “Everybody is a little bit more personal,” he said when Scuttlebutt caught up with him on his first day on the job. “I came to this area to work for this excellent department with beautiful surroundings.”

This is no bull Word on the street is that Dave Frey, the intrepid local reporter and columnist, is going to run with the bulls this week in Pamplona, Spain. Dave is following the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, the American author and adventurer who is the subject of a book Dave is working on. Dave was recently at a Hemingway gathering in Switzerland where he spoke as a visiting scholar. But the stage is now set in Spain: Hemingway ran with the bulls, or from them as the case may be, and now so is Frey. Since 1923, 15 people have lost their lives and thousands have been mauled or gored in this annual festival of Spanish bravado and insanity, the most recent in 2009. So everyone keep your fingers crossed that the sun also rises for Dave the morning after his brush with machismo.

Happy birthday to …

Art Ackerman, Rebecca Self and John Tolan!

Folks were looking curious –– and queasy –– at the hot dog eating contest at Fatbelly Burgers over the weekend. Courtesy photo

A first rate secondhand store The Sopris Sun (and Scuttlebutt) would like to say a special “thank you” to the Backdoor Consignment Store. Monk and Marie, the kind proprietors of the store, donated 10 percent of their sales to the Sun during their recent anniversary weekend bash. With refreshments and live music –– not to mention a celebration for Monk’s birthday –– Monk said the store had one of its strongest weekends yet. We’re awfully grateful that Monk, Marie and their staff decided to share the bounty.

Rooks is no rookie The finest folks in Carbondale just got a little bit better. That’s right, the police department just hired a new officer. Drake Rooks started work on Tuesday. He’s originally from Pinedale, Wyo., but he spent the last 20 years living in Grand Junction, where he worked as a police

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Brought to you by ACES & CORE www.aspennature.org www.aspencore.org 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010

Lisa Atkinson was one of six finalists selected from the first round of the Mountain Fair singer/ songwriter competition at Steve’s Guitars on Saturday. Jacob Russo, Lee Martin, Jeremy Gardener and Sue Krehbiel were also selected.

Photo by Jane Bachrach

Local woman teaches how to save lives with solar power in a suitcase

By Chris Van Leuven The Sopris Sun Soozie Lindbloom is helping save lives 40 watts at a time.

Lindbloom, a Solar Energy International (SEI) project coordinator, teaches solar suitcase production in Carbondale to teachers from the Roaring Fork and beyond. Lindbloom taught the course for the first time this year but will offer it again in the future.

Solar suitcases are self-contained, portable energy plants that are used as emergency power supplies, particularly during childbirth in Third World countries. Lindbloom said that globally, 500,000 infants die in childbirth and 99 percent of the deaths occur in developing countries. Many of those deaths result from a lack of electricity; inadequate lighting and communication are considered major sources of danger for caregivers and for women giving birth.

The suitcases cost about $1,000 to produce, and contain photovoltaic (PV) panels, a 40-watt circuit breaker, wiring, battery, battery charger, and charge controller which power lamps, headlamps and radios or cell phones. They are often checked as luggage. “Your shampoo won’t make it through customs but the suitcase will,” Lindbloom said.

The latest solar suitcase workshop, held in late June at the Third Street Center by SEI and WE CARE Solar (“WE CARE” stands for Women’s Emergency Communication And Reliable Electricity) attracted 15 students, some from as far away as California and New York.

Each suitcase takes about four hours to put together, and the students built six solar suitcases over the three-day course.

Some of the cases built in Lindbloom’s course will be sent to Haiti to help earthquake victims.

The idea of the solar suitcase was conceived by Dr. Laura Stachel, an OBGYN and founder of WE CARE in Berkeley, Calif., and her husband Hal Aronson, an experienced green builder who holds a Ph.D. in environmental sociology.

Stachel observed life-threatening power shortages in Nige-

Solar Energy International instructor Soozie Linbloom shows off a “solar suitcase.” Photo by Chris Van Leuven ria, where one in 13 women dies in childbirth, according to wecaresolar.org. Stachel saw women giving birth and receiving cesarean sections under candlelight or kerosene lantern.

The lack of light alone was a source of serious complications and subsequent infection.

The lack of power also meant patients who experienced complications during childbirth at home –– where most children in rural areas of Nigeria are born –– were unable to contact their doctors.

Stachel knew she had to find a solution. She called her husband to talk about the stress that a lack of electricity had on women and newborns.

Aronson came up with the idea of standalone, solar-powered generators that could provide reliable lighting and power communication devices. Aronson used his extensive experience with PV technology to construct the first solar suitcase.

After the first suitcases were built, they were flown back

to Stachel and employed successfully in the Nigerian villages.

The demand quickly grew, especially in countries in Africa and the Indian subcontinent where infant mortality rates are high and access to electricity limited. Stachel began speaking around the U.S. about benefits of solar suitcases, including here in Carbondale.

Lindbloom says that she listened to Stachel speak and a light went on for her.

“I’ve been teaching youth renewable energy and efficiency for seven years but something was missing,” Lindbloom said.

Soon after attending Stachel’s speech Lindbloom began teaching suitcase production. “It’s not a cookie-cutter course,” she explained. Teachers learn basic PV techniques, including components and sizing, and then how to custom build every solar suitcase.

“This partnership allows me to focus on the compassionate side of renewable energy that was too often being overlooked,” Lindbloom said.

Solar suitcase construction courses are geared toward teachers but are open to the public. Courses cost $375. The course costs are offset by contributions from Excel Energy, which has been donating to SEI and the program for the past four years. Meanwhile, the non-profit group CLEER (Clean Energy Economy for the Region) has provided scholarships for Garfield County teachers, which are awarded to 70 percent of Lindbloom’s students.

Go Solar:

The next solar suitcase course will take place Aug. 2-6. For more information or to sign up, call Solar Energy International at 963-8855, visit solarenergy.org, or stop by SEI’s office at 76 S. Second Street and pick up a catalog.

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Fourth of July

jubilation

Photo by Jane Bachrach

Photo by Jim Ryan

From Redstone to Carbondale, the Fourth of July was filled with fun. Clockwise from above: Brodie Leo mans a fire hose in front of John David Gill, Asher Mobius and another friend in Redstone; John Hilton Beadles rides in style in C’dale; Katelyn Krehbiel sports a homemade mask; and costumes near the Crystal River.

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010

Photo by Jim Ryan

Photo by Jane Bachrach

Evictions continued om page 3 bought it for $5,500 and would like to put it in storage, but Chavez said she didn’t know how they would pay the expense.

Legal limbo If some of the RV park residents have been living in the trailer park for as long as they say, they may have been given less time to move out than what would be allowed under Colorado law.

According to Colorado statute, owners of mobile home parks are required to give tenants written notice 180 days before closing.

Jonathan Shamis, director of Alpine Legal Services in Glenwood Springs, said he would have to look at the residents’ lease documents, but he thought there was a good chance that the residents would be able to sue the landowner for the cost of relocating, or successfully argue for more time before they have to move.

He thought the state mobile home statute could apply even though the Sopris RV Park isn’t actually zoned for stays longer than 14 days.

“Certainly the homeowners would be able to request damages in terms of whatever harm they suffered by the fact that [the landowners] terminated without proper notice,” Shamis said.

Shamis also suggested that the town might help ease the transition for the residents, either by intervening with the Koziels to require them to better accommodate the RV park’s residents, allowing the residents to stay, or helping them relocate.

The town might look into extending the purchase contract if the residents of the RV park aren’t off the property by mid October, said Hamilton, the town attorney.

But such an extension could conflict with the grants being used to purchase the property. The GOCO grant expires at the end of 2010, Jackel said, and the DOW

With the town under contract to purchase their land, the owners of the Sopris RV Park have given their tenants 30 days to move out. Residents have been throwing out what they can’t take with them. Photo by Terray Sylvester grants expire in early 2011. DOW and GOCO would probably be reluctant to contribute the funds if any private residencies are still on the property.

If the deal falls through, the town will lose a $60,000 deposit it has already paid on the purchase, Jackel said.

The town has also spent about $60,000 to purchase a

half-acre piece of property east of the Highway 133 bridge that will become part of the Gateway Park.

Jen Quevedo contributed interpretation services for this story.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010 • 9

Community Calendar THURS. – SAT. July 8-10 ART FAIR • The eighth annual Aspen Antiques and Fine Arts Fair runs daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Aspen Ice Garden. Art, antiques, jewelry, silver, rugs, porcelain, collectibles. Free. More info: aspenartfairs.com.

THEATRE • The historic Cardiff School in Glenwood Springs hosts “Red, White and Tuna: A Fourth of July Reunionâ€? at 7:30 p.m. $15. More info: 366-9397.

THURSDAY July 8 LIVE MUSIC • Elise Helmke, classical harpist, plays live from 6 to 9 p.m. at Russets at 225 Main St. More info: 963-3036.

SNOWMASS CONCERT • Beausoleil plays Cajun music at 6:15 p.m. on Fanny Hill in Snowmass. More info: snowmasstourism.com, 1-800-766-9627.

STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth St. presents live music by The Iveys. More info: 963-3304, stevesguitars.net.

FRIDAY July 9 WELLNESS CLASS • Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs offers a lecture on adult weight management from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. “Small Step to Successâ€? offers tips on avoiding weight gain, including advice on setting smart goals. Free for Cardiac Wellness members, $7 for others.

Registration: 384-7159.

CLIMATE ACTION • Bill McKibben, author, activist and founder of 350.org, hosts a climate action party at the Aspen Center

To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday.

Events take place in Carbondale unless noted.

for Environmental Studies at Hallam Lake at 3:30 p.m. Learn about climate legislation. Refreshments. Free. More info: aspennature.org, 925-5756.

BIKE MOVIE • “Ride the Divide,â€? a movie about a 2,745-mile mountain bike race in the Rocky Mountains will be screened at 7:30 p.m. at Dos Gringos. Food, drinks, Q&A with the filmmakers. $10. More info: dbbikeadventures.com, 319-0538.

STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth St. presents live music with Lindsay Wideman. More info: 963-3304, stevesguitars.net.

SAW • SAW (Studio for Art + Works) at 978 Euclid Ave., holds an opening reception from 5 to 9 p.m. for the exhibit, Forward, featuring work by Anderson Ranch studio coordinators Emily Fannon, Elizabeth Ferrill, Ralph Scala, Jason Schneider and Jason Speich. Artist talk at 7 p.m. More info: harverymeadows.com.

MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “The Secret in their Eyesâ€? (R) at 8 p.m. July 9-15 and “City Islandâ€? (PG-13) at 5:45 p.m.

July 9.

LIVE MUSIC • The Tippetts play acoustic folk, rock and blues at 9 p.m. at Rivers Restaurant. 2525 S. Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs. No cover. More info: 928-8813.

SATURDAY July 10 CAST ‘N’ BLAST • The Colorado Division of Wildlife hosts a women-only flyfishing, shotgun and archery clinic at 8:30 a.m. on the Grand Mesa near Grand Junc-

SUNDAY July 11

tion. No experience or equipment necessary. $20. More info: 255-6144.

DANCE CLASS • The Aspen Dance Connection offers a workshop from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at 403 AABC, Aspen. $15. More info: 404-0305, 927-0641.

ART CLASS • The Wyly Community Art Center presents a Toddler Art Party with Tanya Black from 10 a.m. to noon. Drop your toddler off for a morning of creative art projects. $25. Registration and tuition help: WylyArts.org.

SUMMER MUSIC • The Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities presents rocking Celtic vibes from the Clumsy Lovers from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Sopris Park. More info: 963-1680, clumsylovers.com.

AFRICAN DANCE • The Aspen Dance Connection presents a drumming and dance class with Abdoulaye Camara, master drum and dance teacher from Guinea, Africa, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Carbondale Community School in Satank. $15. More info: 404-0305, 9270641.

PINK TIE PARTY • Komen Aspen hosts a 20th anniversary soiree at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen. Comedians, live music, food and drink. Reservations: komenaspen.org.

STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth St. present live music by Eliza Gilkyson. More info: 963-3304, stevesguitars.net.

STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth St. presents live music by the Bearfoot Bluegrass Band. More info: 963-3304, stevesguitars.net.

MON.-WED. July 12-14 ART CLASS • The Wyly Community Art Center presents Create a Robot with Lois Alvarez for ages 8 to 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. $95. Registration and tuition help: WylyArts.org.

MONDAY July 12 STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth St. presents live music by Shannon McNally. More info: 963-3304, stevesguitars.net.

TUES.-THURS. July 13-15 ART WORKSHOP • The Wyly CommuCALENDAR page 11

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Colorful Clay and Tile Making/ Slab Constructed Pots Workshop: Exploring Surface Decoration Techniques with Jan Edwards and Michael Stranahan Ages 8-Adult (8-10 must be accompanied by an adult) Tuesday, July 13th - Friday, July 16th • 9am - 3pm • $180 For more information and to register, call 970.963.2529 www.carbondaleclay.org 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010

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Community Calendar

continued from page 10

nity Art Center presents Create Like the Greats, focusing on Monet, Matisse and Calder, for ages 6 through 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $50. Registration and tuition help: WylyArts.org.

3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 29 at Fourth and Main streets. Fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, bread, prepared food, live music and more. More info: carbondalefarmersmarket.org.

WEDNESDAY July 14

MAIN STREET BAZAAR • The Main Street Market and Artist Bazaar runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays on Main Street. Vintage retro-wares, books, music, veggies, preserves,

FARMERS’ MARKET • The Carbondale Farmers Market takes place from 10 a.m. to

E-THURSDAY • The Pitkin County Library offers a workshop on the new Apple iPad from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the library, 520 E. Cooper Ave, Aspen. More info: 429-1900.

PINK RODEO • The Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo benefit for Komen Aspen starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Carbondale rodeo at the Gus Darien Arena. More info: komenaspen.org.

SNOWMASS CONCERT • Papa Grows Funk plays at 6:15 p.m. on Fanny Hill in Snowmass.More info: snowmasstourism.com, 1-800-766-9627.

STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth St. hosts live music by Shannon Whitworth. More info: 963-3304, stevesguitars.net.

July 16-17 MUSICAL • Basalt Middle School Theatre and Jayne Gottlieb present “Let the Sun

BASALT MUSIC • Eclipse plays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lions Park in Basalt. Business booths. More info: basaltchamber.com.

ARTS DINNER • The Anderson Ranch Arts Center host its 14th annual recognition dinner at the Viceroy in Snowmass. This

year’s honorees include Betty and George Woodman, Garth Clark and Mark Del Vecchio. Dancing, silent auction. Tickets: 9233181, andersonranch.org.

PIZZA TUNES • From 7 to 10 p.m. Rich Huttenhower and Eric Gross play live at White House Pizza, 801 Main Court. No cover. Drink specials. More info: 704-9400, whitehousepizza.com.

Ongoing

Further Out

July 15

clothing, live music and more. More info and to reserve a booth location: 804-4190.

Shine in Hair” at the middle school. Doors open at 7 p.m. More info: jgptheatre.com.

July 16 PITCO REPUBLICANS • The Pitkin County Republicans host Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, chair of the Republican Governors Association, from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Location to be announced. RSVP: fkwallison@aol.com.

STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth St. presents live music by Walter Parks. More info: 963-3304, stevesguitars.net.

July 17-30 PERMACULTURE • Sustainable Settings at 6107 Highway 133 offers a two-week permaculture design certification class ending July 30, taught by Scott Pittman of the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Insititute and Larry Santoyo. More info: 9636107 or rose@sustainablesettings.org.

AFRICAN DANCE • African and Caribbean dance classes with live drummers take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays through Aug. 30 at the Carbondale Community School. All levels welcome. More info: 379-8422.

NIA JULY JAM • Seven Nia dance instructors from the valley and beyond bring movement and magic to studio SOL at 3627 County Road 100, near Catherine Store, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Drop ins: $20. More info: 963-1408, (303) 333-3311.

RODEO • The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo happens Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. through Aug. 19 at the rodeo grounds on Catherine Store Road west of town. $8 per person, or $25 per carload of up to six people. More info: carbondalerodeo.com.

YOGA • Transformation Yoga and Fitness at 104 Midland Ave. in Basalt offers a variety of yoga and fitness classes

weekly. Tae Bo, community yoga classes, vinyasa and vino and more. More info: 309-6911, yogafitcolorado.com.

GLENWOOD FARMERS MARKET • The Glenwood Downtown Market runs from 4 p.m. to dusk in Centennial Park in Glenwood on Tuesdays through Sept. 28.

Canned goods, fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, preserves and more. More info: 618-3650.

PILATES • Coredination Pilates in the Third Street Center offers mat classes Monday evenings, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Wednesday mornings.

More info: 379-2187.

VETERANS SUPPORT GROUP • The Roaring Fork Combat Veterans Support Group, to help combat veterans of all conflicts find relief and camaraderie, meets at 8:30 p.m. Mondays at the Circle Club, 123 Main St. More info: (303) 6136191, bigmac309@gmail.com.

Comprehensive Plan Update REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Town of Carbondale, CO The Town of Carbondale is seeking competitive proposals from qualified individuals or firms, interested in carrying out a Comprehensive Plan Update for the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, and a separate proposal for updating the zoning code when the new Plan is adopted. The deadline to submit a proposal is 5:00 PM August 6, 2010.

The complete RFP is on the Town Website: www.carbondalegov.org.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010 • 11

The Green Thumb Guide

Thoughts from a public gardener I just came from “my garden” downtown. I’m flowin’ and glowing at the moment and have to share it –– and somehow writing allows me to do that.

I showed up at the garden today and everything seemed perfect: All the plants, new and old, were plump and healthy; this spring’s replacements and additions are taking off! Hardly any new weeds; the two trillion dandelion seeds have finally blown away; and no one had left their spent 40-ouncer or sammy wrapper tucked in the creeping pine again. I also had a friendly conversation with yet another warm passerby I would’ve never met otherwise.

This splash of grass and flowers lies diagonally across from the recreation center, in front of those historic old log cabins.

In honor of innocence and those slower times, we named it “Genny’s Garden,” a name I went by until I was 15 years old.

Who can handle “Genevieve” when they’re seven?

“Genny” also refers to the slow pace and simplicity of that era to me. The garden is unpretentious in its ambitions; it wants only to be absorbed by the crumbling, charming log cabins behind it. A sandy path welcomes your bare feet and

Getting Grounded

By Geneviève Joëlle Villamizar curious dogs. None of the plants I chose are the latest or greatest, just stalwart and resilient. A simple railroad tie “window,” a sculpture of sorts, hopes only that you will take a moment to just see and enjoy what is freely shared.

I visit Genny’s Garden a few times a week, making a ridiculous number of detours just to pass by. I like to take it in anew from different angles, in different moods of the day and in changing light.

Does anything need attention? Maybe a

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branch blew down from the elm or someone left their dog dookies again. Perhaps that bare spot I’m drawing a blank on will finally tell me what wants to grow there. …

I hesitated to commit to a public garden at first, because you open yourself up to people’s opinions, ongoing financial commitment and things you can’t control like cattle drives or weather. Majid, over on Main Street with his artwork and studio, seems pretty dang brave in my eyes. It’s your heart and creativity you share, not just a collection of plants or paint and a canvas.

Genny’s Garden is a joy. It’s been pure pleasure to see it grow and evolve on a scale significantly more manageable than my own property. Today I found primrose seedlings that have sprouted on their own after only two seasons, just a few feet from their parents, magnifying the flower power. Of course I had yanked one out before I’d realized what it was: “Oh please, please, please!” I begged, tucking it into the soil, “I’m sorry! There you go.

Keep growing for us!”

When I’m bent over tugging at those weeds or talking to myself, I sometimes wonder if you guys think I’m crazy — like the neighborhood Cat Lady or something.

Everyone’s so kind though. The other day,

driving by and honking, a woman bellowed out at me “This is my favorite spot!”

Fabulous! Your continuous feedback and enthusiasm make the labor, black fingernails and frazzled hair worth it.

We’ve had such a positive experience with Genny’s Garden that next spring we’ll add another public garden to Carbondale. It’ll be an altogether different challenge –– no dreamy Old Town context or friendly neighbors on cruisers headed to dinner. I’ll design it for cars and traffic at 20 to 30 miles an hour –– harried folks coming off the highway, looking for food, gas or lodging. No cutesy little flowers or garden gimmicks; it’ll have to buffer littering, vandalism and the most brutal of street conditions.

But it will also welcome tourists to our town, showing that we love and honor where we live. Hopefully as guests here, they’ll do the same.

Taking care of this new garden won’t be as fun as taking care of Genny’s either, but the pay off should be worth it. When the Cowen Drive median off of Highway 133 gets a facelift next spring, I hope it gives each of you at least a tiny subconscious lift as well –– each and every time you dash by.

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Advertise in the Sun's

Green Thumb Guide

printed the second Thursday of each month To reserve ad space or for more information, contact Anne Goldberg, Advertising Representative 970-379-5050 or anne@soprissun.com

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010

Geneviève Joëlle Villamizar www.evolvinglandscape.com 963.7055

The Green Thumb Guide

The Green Thumb Guide will be printed the second Thursday of each month. If you've got a farm photo or tip to share, let us know at news@soprissun.com.

What’s fresh at the farm?

Quick tips for slow food

Summertime and the livin’ is just start- Asian greens, broccoli and chard, but we ing to feel a little easier for the gardeners slowed them down with garlic spray. at Thompson Creek Gardens CSA. Aside Take some garlic, mash it up and stick it from one solid weekend of gentle rain, in a quart jar of water. Let it get stinky in things have been hot, sunny and dry. You a shady spot, dilute it and spray it on should either thank yourself for that time anything the little pinhead-sized shiny hoppers are munching. and money you spent on a Healthy plants will grow big good irrigation system or My to-do list has and strong enough to pat yourself on the back if you have been hand watersimplified to the weather the storm. under the apple ing and you have a healthy, mantra, “Weed, treeSitting this month, I find that green garden growing.

We got our corn, squash cultivate, harvest my to-do list has simplified to the mantra, “Weed, cultiand tomatoes in the ground ‌ weed, cultivate, vate, harvest ‌ weed, cultiearly in response to the harvest ...â€? and vate, harvest ‌,â€? and I heat. We are counting a couldn’t be happier about it. handful of small, green I couldn’t be After all the planning and tomatoes and for the first year we have “knee high by happier about it. calculating of late winter and spring, it is nice to have the the Fourth of Julyâ€? corn growing. Our bush beans are finally pick- garden tell me what to do. ing up steam and the snap peas started producing last week. Our garlic is form- Jon Ray Gardner is a gardener and a stuing curly flower buds called scapes. They dent of all things green and growing. He will be pinched off and used for sauces owns and manages Thompson Creek Garand sautĂŠs, encouraging the plant to form dens, a one-acre CSA garden, and a landa big bulb rather than a bunch of seeds. scaping business dedicated to sustainable Most of the radishes are gone, but we left practices called Elemental Gardens. Cona few flowering for seeds, bees and beauty. tact him at jonray@elementalgardens.net The flea beetles got their share of the or 319-3128.

Harvesting homegrown is so darn sat- water, which causes slime sooner.

Crops with which you cook daily isfying! Greens and herbs are a fun harvest because you can “cut and come (cilantro, basil, mint) can be treated like again� throughout the summer. Harvest- fresh flowers. Remove the lower leaves ing just part of an herb’s stalk, but not the and rinse them, then cut the stems at an whole thing, encourages more growth up angle and place the leaves in water on a countertop out of direct sun. around the bend.

But all that cutting back can mean a lot more of your herbs to harvest.

How do you store or preserve all that excess? • Harvest regularly so things don’t set flower or bolt, going bitter. • For longer shelf life, harvest after you’ve irrigated in the morning, when the crop has high water content. • Rinse your greens or Gol’darn! What in tarnation is that? herbs with cold water to As it turns out, this is a horse-drawn hay rake from back remove things like molds, in the day, and in front of it is a primeval mowing mainsects or dog pee. chine. These agricultural implements were called to our • Try soaking them in attention by Dick & Jane, the duo who will be hitting the clean, cold water to get airwaves soon in AgroCulture with Dick & Jane. them to plump up before If you’re curious about any old equipment, Dick, Jane and you store them.

The Sopris Sun will tell you what in tarnation it is. Email • A salad spinner is pricea photo to news@soprissun.com. Photo by Jane Bachrach less for removing excess

By Jon Ray Gardner

By GeneviĂŠve JoĂŤlle Villamizar

Eco-friendly construction

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THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010 • 13

Letters continued om page 2 moving the sign that honors Matthew Hefti and his Bomb Disposal Unit lacks the honor, courage, patriotism, intelligence, drive and talent that is innate in Matthew. It is obvious that the vandal, is in fact, not much of a man at all.

So Mr. Vandal(s), you can continue to remove the sign and I will continue to replace it. Whether the sign dedicating the flowers to Matthew remains has no bearing on the man he is and my hopes for my his safe return.

Denise Moss Carbondale

Support for Gems in PitCo Dear Editor: This Tuesday I attended the Pitkin County Commissioners work session on the Hidden Gems. There was literally a standing-room-

only crowd and the vast majority of people were there to support the Hidden Gems. It was heartening to see so many wilderness advocates take the time to express just how important wilderness designation is to this community. Sloan Shoemaker of the Wilderness Workshop gave an excellent presentation on the Hidden Gems and all the work that has gone into ensuring that the proposal reflects the wishes and concerns of all members of our community. I was reminded again, during the presentation, just how special these Hidden Gems are. From the towering sandstone fins of Assignation Ridge, to the stunning alpine basin of Ruby Lakes, to the ecologically rare peat bogs of Hunter Creek these landscapes truly are hidden gems that deserve our highest and best protection.

Judgment continued om page 2

more public comment I found that the majority of comments given by the commissioners were overwhelmingly positive. All were impressed with the report given by Sloan and the work done by the Hidden Gems Campaign to reach out to all facets of our community. Several commissioners pointed out how extensive the accommodations process has been and how responsive the campaign has been to so many different user groups. I am sure the Hidden Gems Campaign will continue with its extensive and thorough outreach. I strongly urge all commissioners to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity for land conservation and endorse the Hidden Gems.

Beth Cashdan Aspen

Costner continued om page 2

not, we cannot live in a risk free world nor should we try. To some extent, we all pay for our common vices. For example, we subsidize oil through our taxes and we subsidize many terrorist’s organizations by buying their countries’ oil.

Perhaps we should be mad at the overly zealous environmentalists who block nuclear energy? Perhaps we should be mad at ourselves for being so dependent upon oil?

Perhaps we should be mad at our government for subsidizing oil? Perhaps we should be mad at those who manipulate the media to support their own agenda?

Should we have opinions? Of course we should. We know what we see. We rightfully have opinions regarding BP’s public relations. We have opinions about our government’s leadership and organizational abilities in the face of an accident.

Perhaps we can have a more positive dialogue and accomplish more if we don’t rush to judgment without firsthand knowledge. If we first focus on solving the problem, then we can address the root causes of the problem as all of the facts are revealed.

14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010

This wilderness proposal would finally safeguard the biologically rich mid- and lowelevation lands so crucial to keeping our wildlife populations healthy and our drinking water clean. As one of the commissioners noted during the meeting, the Division of Wildlife’s number one concern for our big game herds is the high levels of stress put on theses animals by recreation. The Hidden Gems would make a tremendous difference in improving the health of our deer and elk populations. I urge other wilderness advocates to continue writing their county commissioners in support of the Hidden Gems.

I was also slightly surprised by the media coverage the following day. While the papers emphasized the commissioners few comments indicating that the proposal needed

Advertise in the

And I don’t think they did anyone any long term favors by convincing an entire nation of its birth-given superiority.

Nowadays we’ve had to spin around 180 degrees and pedal furiously in the other direction, just trying to outrun all the effects of Big Brother’s illegitimate half-brother: Big Ignorance. Cancer, autism, Alzheimer’s –– they’re all on the rise because of the toxicity of our We Do What We Want mentality. The problem is we don’t even know what we want.

Americans are not nearly as autonomous as we once were, as witnessed across the country every Saturday when we flood Walmarts in search of satisfaction, looking to satiate a craving we can’t even define. We’ve become the antithesis of that golden sunlight shining on the plains poster we still have tacked up in our minds.

Some say I’m too negative, that I blame the previous generations for our current predicaments. To which it’s hard to argue. I mean, they grew up in the land of milk and honey and we’re left with soy milk and corn syrup. Thanks don’t really seem to be necessary. At least they gave us Kevin Frickin’ Costner.

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Community Briefs Time to sign up for Locals’ Booth The deadline is approaching for artists interested in selling their wares at the Locals’ Booth at the Carbondale Mountain Fair on July 23-25 in Sopris Park. The booth will be enhanced with a boutique area where designer clothing and jewelry will be displayed. Art also will be shown during August in the new Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities (CCAH) gallery at the Third Street Center.

The entry is $50, with a 15 percent commission going to CCAH. The application is available at carbondalearts.com. Call 963-1680 for more information.

Stoakes returns as Methodist pastor The Carbondale Community United Methodist Church has announced Richmond B. Stoakes as its new part-time pastor. As of July 1, Stoakes replaces Wally Finley, who served as the part-time pastor since 2007.

Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering a special use permit under Section 18.55.015 of the Town of Carbondale Municipal Code for the purposes of allowing a specific use including “outdoor storage of rental vehicles and trailers” on a vacant lot located east of Alpine Bank and north of Village Road. The special use is subject to a concurrent review and approval of a text amendment to the Municipal Code that would allow “outdoor storage of rental vehicles and trailers” for up to two years as a temporary special use in the CRW Zone District of the

Stoakes joins the Rev. Richard Lyon, who continues to serve the Carbondale church on a quarter-time basis.

Stoakes served the Carbondale church in the late 1980s through the 1990s. Since 2003, he served as the full-time minister of the United Methodist-Presbyterian Church in Rifle. Stoakes earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1989 from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1987. He has acted as a pastor at churches in Colorado Springs and Lakewood as well.

Volunteers needed for trail work Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) is seeking participants this month to help with trail projects in Aspen and Basalt.

Weekly maintenance on the Ajax Mountain Trail –– 1.5 miles of trail along the base of Aspen Mountain –– starts at 5:30 p.m. today, July 8, and continues on

Roaring Fork Village P.U.D. The applicant is Sunburst Holdings, LLC. The property is owned by Sunburst Holdings, LLC. The property is a vacant lot located east of Alpine Bank and north of Village Road, also described as: Tract A-2, Lot Line Vacation Plat of Tracts A-2A and A-2B, Alpine Bank Lot Line Adjustment according to the Plat recorded September 26, 2008 as Reception No. 756419. County of Garfield, State of Colorado

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado at 7:00 p.m. on July 29, 2010.

Thursdays throughout July. The meeting location is Koch Park (the “volleyball park”) at First Street and Cooper Avenue in Aspen.

Volunteers are needed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on July 10 for Basalt Mountain trail work. Volunteers will focus on a 1.5mile section of the trail that is rutted and overgrown.

Crews at both trail locations will work on stabilizing and improving trail drainage and trimming back the trees and shrubs to open up the trail corridor.

RFOV and its project partners will provide the tools, materials, leadership, and a dinner at the end of the day.

Now in its 15th season of public projects, RFOV has helped land managers and other organizations create and maintain dozens of trails and natural areas from Aspen to Rifle.

To volunteer, visit rfov.org, email rfov@sopris.net, or call 927-8241.

Copies of the proposed application are on file in The Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Doug Dotson Community Development Director PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering

Kids’ music composition classes Children and teens will have a chance to unlock their inner composer through the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities (CCAH) and Mountain Laurel Music Preparatory music composition workshops in July. Students will work with Lisa Dancing-Light, Steve Skinner, Jacob Russo, Ashton Taufer and Laurel Karlik Sheehan. The first course, for kids 8-11, meets daily July 12-15. The second course, for kids 12-16, meets July 19-22. Both workshops are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CCAH’s Carol Rothrock classroom in the Third Street Center.

The Camps will culminate in a performance of students’ compositions at the 39th annual Carbondale Mountain Fair on July 23-25.

The cost for CCAH members is $175 per student and $200 for non-members.

Scholarships are available, and space is limited. To sign up, call Laurel Karlik Sheehan at 963-7411.

a zone text amendment to the Commercial / Retail / Wholesale (CRW) Zone District within the Roaring Fork Village Planned Unit Development (P.U.D.).

The purpose of the amendment is to allow “outdoor storage of rental vehicles and trailers” as a Special Use under certain circumstances within the CRW Zone District in the Roaring Fork Village P.U.D. The applicant is Sunburst Holdings, LLC. The property is owned by Sunburst Holdings, LLC. The property is a vacant lot located east of Alpine Bank and north of Village Road, also described as:

Tract A-2, Lot Line Vacation Plat of Tracts A-2A and A-2B, Alpine Bank Lot Line Adjustment according to the Plat recorded September 26, 2008 as Reception

No. 756419. County of Garfield, State of Colorado

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado at 7:00 p.m. on July 29, 2010.

Copies of the proposed application are on file in The Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Doug Dotson Community Development Director

Please join us for an

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Lunch will be served.

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Mr. Battipaglia is featured frequently in national media, including CNBC, Kudlow & Company, and Fox News.

Additionally, he speaks regularly with reporters from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and other publications where his market views are often quoted.

To make reservations, please call (970) 945-5275 by July 7, 2010 Member SIPC and NYSE 302 Eighth Street, Suite 325 | Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601

THE SOPRIS SUN • JULY 8, 2010 • 15

Unclassifieds Submit Unclassifieds to unclassifieds@soprissun.com by 12 p.m. on Monday. $15 for up to 30 words, $20 for 31-50 words.

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16 â&#x20AC;˘ THE SOPRIS SUN â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 8, 2010