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Volume 6, Number 32 | September 18, 2014
Plug in to the Electric Vehicle Rally of e Rockies Denise Barkhurst Sopris Sun Correspondent On Oct. 3, prepare yourself to spot electric vehicles (EV’s for short) cruising the I-70 corridor. The cars will be marked with placards noting the Electric Vehicle Rally of The Rockies and the drivers are encouraged to wear costumes, expanding on the fun factor for the affair. The event — hosted by Garfield Clean Energy, CLEER, Colorado Mountain College, CORE and the city of Aspen — is drawing attention to the availability of EV charging stations from Grand Junction to Vail. The idea is to promote EV tourism in the central Colorado Rockies. The lead organizer of this event is CLEER’s Matt Shmigelsky. Assisted by Heather McGregor and joined by a variety of folks enthused to show off the power of clean energy cars, they have mapped out a plan for a three-legged rally. Cars will start in Vail, Aspen and Grand Junction. Each leg will host media events as drivers stop to charge in towns along the way, eventually meeting up in Carbondale in time for First Friday celebrations where the cars will be available for viewing. Folks will also be encouraged to enjoy refreshments and view demonstrations and get information about the various models on display. All electric vehicles have an approximate range of 100 miles and are therefore generally used as commuter vehicles. However, with charging stations in the towns of Grand Junction, Parachute, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt, Aspen and Vail, it is easily viable for the I-70 corridor to gain tourism dollars from folks in EV’s wishing to explore our rural beauty. State grants have also provided charging stations at Colorado Mountain College’s Central Services office in downtown Glenwood Springs, as well as the Steamboat Springs, Breckinridge, Leadville, Carbondale and Rifle campuses. In 2013, the federal Department of Energy Clean Cities Program funded a paid internship that was hosted by CLEER. The task was to ELECTRIC VEHICLE page 9
Dogs & cats & sheep, oh my! Last week, CarBONEdale lived up to its name and then some. Between the 2014 National Sheepdog Finals at Strang Ranch and CARE’s annual Dressed to the K9s fashion show, four-legged creatures seemed to take over. Shown here at the fashion show is Anakeesta Ironwood and a kitten named Koa who is still up for adoption. For more on the sheepdog finals and fashion show, please turn to pages 8 and 13. Photo by Jane Bachrach
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Carbondale Commentary The views and opinions expressed on the Commentary page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the editor or guest columns. For more information, e-mail editor Lynn Burton at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.
CMC reaching for new heights By Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser
goers, transfer students, working adults, concurrently enrolled high During my first nine months with Colorado Mountain College, I schoolers and recent immigrants. You’d meet individuals starting new have traveled and spent considerable time at all 11 of our campuses careers or businesses, improving their computing or language skills, and learning locations spread across 12,000 square finishing the bachelor’s degree they started 20-plus miles of our picturesque state. I have spent countless years ago, and learning for pure joy in retirement. hours with CMC students and employees, elected Our college serves all of these students and is preparand government officials, business and community ing to take on the next big change in our region and leaders, educators, thoughtful citizens and taxpayers. our economy. All of these groups exemplify the very best of ColUnlike generations past, today’s students will enter orado’s past and future, from the bold determination an economy in which 75 percent of all jobs will reand imagination of the college’s early pioneers to the quire some form of post-secondary education. This generosity of our philanthropic donors, local busi“degree demand” is unlike anything the nation or our nesses, property owners and public sector partners. region has ever experienced. Additionally, our popuWithout exception, I am convinced of their deep lation has changed and continues to change. Hispanic commitment to our state’s Western Slope and to the Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser students now comprise 37 percent of K-12 school eneducation of its people. rollments in CMC’s nine-county service area. (In For nearly 50 years, the mission of Colorado Mountain College many of our school districts, this percentage climbs to between 50 has been clear — to provide access to an affordable and high-quality and 70 percent). More than 50 percent of students, many lower incollege education, right here in the beautiful central Rockies, to any- come or the first in their families to attend college, enter CMC needone who enters our doors. Colorado Mountain College has fulfilled ing remedial coursework. this mission with distinction for generations, and will continue to do Meeting the workforce needs of our state and local economies so, though the ways it will be accomplished will evolve to meet the means providing college access to the historically underserved popuchanging needs of our communities. lations currently enrolled in our K-12 pipeline and building systems (and our expectations) for their success. Today’s student How will we meet these demands? For Colorado Mountain ColThe typical college student today is anything but “typical” ac- lege, it means working closely and boldly with our K-12 partners to cording to historical definitions. If you were to walk into a CMC ensure that all high schools have access to concurrent enrollment class this semester you’d see a blend of 18-year-old first time college CMC page 7
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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.
Pickleballers say thanks Dear Editor: On Sept. 6-7, thirty-six players from the Western Slope participated in the first annual Pickleball tournament hosted by the town of Carbondale. Our thanks to Eric, Becky and Jessi at the recreation center for organizing this event. Peppino’s and Bonfire provided players with delicious lunches each day and Alpine Bank supported us monetarily. There were also spectators that enjoyed watching this nationally growing sport. If you’re interested in learning to play pickleball, our Carbondale group plays at the Darien Tennis & Pickleball courts on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. New players are always welcome. Thank you to the town of Carbondale, Alpine Bank, Peppino’s and Bonfire for your support! Pat Nicholson, President Roaring Fork Pickleball Association Carbondale
Attention candidates Dear Editor: I would like to invite all candidates running for any public office to have a night of heart-felt conversation with each other at the old Cardiff School House in Glenwood
Springs. I will be the discussion leader. You set the date with your opponent. I would like to know how you feel about the issues and why you feel that way. I have grown tired of all the talking points and prepared statements coming at me all the time. I choose to stay positive and need to see how you stay positive, too. It would be a night of seeing you on a human level. Politics does not have to be mean. For five years we have had many events in the one-room school house (magic lives in the walls) without a moment of rancor or name calling. This night would be an extension of that. Please contact me and we will book a night for you. A chance to talk to us and tell us who you are. We will serve hot tea and cookies. Let’s make politics real. Jack Green Glenwood Springs
Children’s RMS thanks Dear Editor: We are delighted and honored to announce that once again, the Children’s Rocky Mountain School, in Carbondale, has been awarded a grant by The Thrift Shop of Aspen. What a gem the Thrift Shop is. It gives so much to the community. We hope everyone supports the store by bringing do-
nations and shopping there. The Children’s Rocky Mountain School has provided a quality early childhood program for more than 25 years in the Roaring Fork Valley. Funds from this grant contribute to the school by improving the quality of its program and our community. If you are interested in hearing more about the program at the Children’s Rocky Mountain School, please call 963-2524. Thank you, Aspen Thrift! Debbie Condello, Executive Director Children’s Rocky Mountain School Carbondale
Dem discredits Gardner Dear Editor: The head honcho of the Democratic Party in Aspen published a letter in an Aspen paper and you have to wonder about it. Apparently a lot of people that have been phone called regarding who they might be voting for must be voting for Cory Gardner. This Democratic Party head honcho Blanca O’Leary is apparently trying to discredit Cory Gardner, who is running against Udall. Funny when a Democrat decides they are losing they start trying to place the blame for the way this LETTERS page 15
Correction A press release about Suzanne Giesemann in the Sept. 4 Sopris Sun incorrectly stated the name of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that Giesemann worked for at one time. The correct name is Gen. Henry H. Shelton. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
To inform, inspire and build community. Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor/Reporter: Lynn Burton • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Bob Albright • 970-927-2175 bob@soprissun.com Photographer: Jane Bachrach Ad/Page Production: Terri Ritchie CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS board@soprissun.com Debbie Bruell, President Barbara Dills, Vice President Colin Laird, Treasurer • Frank Zlogar Sue Gray • Denise Barkhurst Honorary Board Members David L. Johnson • Jeannie Perry Trina Ortega • Laura McCormick Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell
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Manaus Foundation’s mentor program a growing success By Debbie Bruell Sopris Sun Correspondent For Alejandra Magana, participating in the Manaus Foundation’s Parent Mentor Program was “un paso SUPERgrande” (a HUGE step) in her life. During her first year living in Carbondale she spent most of her days at home alone, with little to do, while her children were at school. Her limited English skills kept her afraid to venture out into the community: “I was scared someone would speak to me in English and I wouldn’t know what to say!” she told The Sopris Sun. The following year she gathered up her courage and decided to participate in the Manaus Fund’s Parent Mentor Program. Each parent mentor is assigned to a specific elementary school classroom in which the mentor works as the teacher’s assistant at least two hours per day, Tuesday through Friday, throughout the school year. Every Monday the mentors attend a two-hour training, in addition to an extensive four-day training at the start of the year. Magana said that being in the program has taken her life to “a whole new level.” “Now I walk around the school with confidence,” Magana said. “I know the principal and the teachers. Everyone recognizes me now! I feel like part of the school family.” The Parent Mentor Program is now beginning its third year of operation. The increasing numbers of teachers requesting mentors and adults applying to be mentors is a clear indication of its success. There were 12 mentors the first year, 41 mentors last year and 70 mentors this year (60 new mentors and 10 returning ones). This year 85 teachers submitted requests to have mentors work in their classrooms. Mentors work in six elementary schools throughout the valley: Crystal River Elementary School, Carbondale Community School, Ross Montessori School, Basalt Elementary School, Sopris Elementary School and Glenwood Springs Elementary School. The Manaus Fund has received requests from parents and teachers to serve the middle schools as well. According to Morgan Jacober, project director of the Valley Settlement Project (which includes the Parent Mentor Program), Manaus has considered expanding to the middle schools,
Pictured here is the Manaus Foundation’s first round of graduates from its Parent Mentor Program, along with some staff members. A total of 70 people applied to be parent mentors this year, requiring the Manaus Foundation to organize two training sessions. Photo by George Stranahan but they want to make sure they are filling the need at the elementary level first. Mentors are not required to have any specific level of education, work experience or English language skills. “One way or another you’ll be able to communicate in the classroom,” Magana said. Magana is starting her second year as a mentor in the classroom of CRES teacher Lisa Dameron. “Having a mentor in your classroom magnifies the reach that you can have as a teacher,” Dameron said. Last year Magana primarily worked with students who were “newcomers” to the United States. “I showed her what to do, and she basically taught them how to read,” Dameron said. Having another trusted adult in the classroom also ex-
pands the opportunities for one-on-one conversations with each child. According to Dameron, two children in her class were experiencing some family-related difficulties last year that Dameron may never have learned about if the children hadn’t shared their troubles with Magana. Dameron also noted that Magana has played a critical role in terms of helping to involve other Spanish-speaking families in the classroom. Becoming so active in their children’s school is a cultural leap for many of these parents. “Schools are more closed off in Mexico,” Magana said. “You bring your children to school and leave their education to the experts. They don’t ask you to be involved or volunteer.” MANAUS VOLUNTEERS page 9
Students fuel drive for RFHS solar array; school board gives OK By Fiona Laird and Tavia Teitler Special to The Sopris Sun There is something incredible about watching a dream one has had for years finally come true. For us and all members of the Roaring Fork High School Energy Club, that is what is happening now. After years of trying, we have cleared the final hurdle and are now on the way to getting solar panels at our school. On Sept. 10, a proposal for installing solar panels at Roaring Fork High School was passed unanimously by the school board. Within a year, the solar array, which will provide 100 percent of the school’s electrical energy, will be outside our library windows. The 379 kW solar array will also be installed with no upfront cost to the Roaring Fork School District. The array is being built through a power purchase agreement, in which a funder will install and pay for the panels and the school district will purchase the energy provided by the array. The use of these solar panels will save the District $398,000 over the course of 20 years and prevent 9,226 tons of carbon dioxide from going into the atmosphere. With some members of our club having been involved in energy since fifth and sixth grade at Carbondale Middle School, the process of pursuing solar energy has been a
long one. As middle schoolers, we worked to improve the energy efficiency at our school, and began to think of ways to take that effort a step further. The idea that we could install solar panels at our school and power our school renewably was one that greatly appealed to all of us. As we investigated further, however, we faced many obstacles: the panels were expensive, the middle school roof was not sturdy enough, and we had little place elsewhere to put them. Solar on our school became more of a far-fetched dream than a practical goal. When we entered high school and the RFHS Energy Club, we discovered that all students involved had a common vision of having solar panels at our school one day. A partnership was created between our club, the school administration, the school district, Sunsense Solar, and Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), and for the last couple of years, we have experimented with many different possibilities to get solar energy at the school. One option was putting panels on the roof, another creating a carport, but due to structural problems with the roof and extensive expenses, neither option worked out. In the meantime, our club worked on improving the efficiency of Roaring Fork High School, in part so that
if we did eventually install a solar array, it wouldn’t have to be as large. Last school year, we realized that the idea of solar on a carport was not feasible, but discovered the possibility of a solar array behind the school working out. This June, our power-purchase agreement was accepted by Xcel Energy. With the help of all the entities involved in the initial partnership, we approached the final steps of the process. All members of the RFHS Energy Club were absolutely thrilled and amazed that the project had progressed so far, and were eager to participate in seeing the project through to the end. In August, we went to the Carbondale Board of Trustees to present the idea and ask for their support. They unanimously passed a resolution of support, which was extremely exciting for us because it was yet another step closer to getting a solar array installed. On Sept. 8, we held a community meeting at Roaring Fork High School to get community input on the project and learn about any concerns community members had. Overall, the level of support was fantastic and most people were very enthusiastic about seeing this project come through. A prominent theme was the mutual benefits of this project — for the students of RFHS, the
community and the world. It has been incredible for all members of the Energy Club to see the number of people who share the same passion for making solar energy at Roaring Fork High School a reality, and it has been so inspiring to us to receive their support. Going into the community meeting, we were all extremely nervous, but we left with big smiles on our faces, feeling much more confident and hopeful about the outcome of the solar array project. When members of the Energy Club learned that the solar proposal was passed by the school board, there was quite a bit of happy-dancing and high-fiving. We could not be more grateful for the incredible community support we’ve received for this project. The entire process of getting solar at RFHS has been a huge collaborative effort between so many people and organizations, and we would like to thank Sunsense Solar, CLEER, the Roaring Fork School District and everyone who has helped make solar a reality instead of a dream. We are also infinitely appreciative for Energy Club leader Wendy Boland and principal Drew Adams. The Roaring Fork High School Energy Club, and everyone at our school, looks forward to the day when we can look out our library windows and see the solar panels that are powering our school.
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 • 3
Town’s budget projections for 2015 looking up
John Colson Sopris Sun Correspondent
With sales tax revenues up considerably over previous years, Carbondale’s budget projections for the coming year may not be rosy but they are looking up, according to town staff. A memo to the town’s trustees, delivered at a work session on Sept. 16, reported that sales tax revenues have been nearly nine percent higher so far this year than they were in 2013, according to calculations from Finance Director Renae Gustine and Town Manager Jay Harrington. That is well above the projected twopercent increase for this year that was predicted during budget deliberations at the end of 2013. Sales tax receipts generally make up about 70 percent of Carbondale’s general fund budget each year. Property tax receipts, according to the memo, are expected to continue to fall due to declining property valuations. The town staff are projecting that property tax income probably will decline by about one-half of one-percent this year over revenues in 2013.
Another “positive” development for the town’s economy, Harrington said on Wednesday, are the energy-impact funds funneled to the towns through the federal government, the state of Colorado and Garfield County. Proceeds from mineral lease fees and severance taxes, paid by energy companies doing business in the county, in 2013 dropped by 47 percent and 15 percent, respectively, over the year before, according to a chart provided by the town staff. This year’s lease-fee and severance-tax revenues, which were expected to decline, came to a total of $588,486 for 2014, compared to just over $294,300 in 2013. The staff has been working on the 2015 budget for the past few months and will continue to refine departmental requests and revenue projections over the coming weeks, in preparation for final adoption of the draft budget in December. In other discussions at Tuesday’s work session, the trustees directed Harrington to prepare a “symbolic resolution” expressing the town’s support for the idea that individuals of the same sex should be able to be married, with all the benefits that marriage bestows.
The idea was broached at a trustees meeting on Sept. 9 by Trustee Katrina Byars, who told her fellow trustees she felt the town should acknowledge the marriage rights of same-sex couples, in recognition of a national trend in that direction. Currently, civil unions between individuals of either the same sex or opposite sexes are allowed, but the state outlawed same-sex marriages by constitutional amendment in 2006. That provision has since been overturned as unconstitutional by a federal judge, and the case apparently is headed for final review by the U.S. Supreme Court. “In our community, I think it’s really important, that we just take a look at things as they are,” Byars said at the Sept. 9 trustees meeting. But according to the town’s attorney, Alison Eastley, the most the town can do is adopt a symbolic resolution backing the idea of same-sex marriages, since marriage licenses are issued by counties and not by towns. The trustees, agreeing with Eastley’s assessment, directed their attorney to draw up a draft resolution and present it to the trustees at a future meeting.
Carbondale joins the ompson Divide chorus
John Colson Sopris Sun Correspondent
Carbondale has joined a chorus of local governments and organizations protesting federal extensions of gas drilling leases in the Thompson Divide region northwest of town,
where energy companies are facing off against a broad coalition of local activists over the industry’s plans to drill in that area. Following a decision by the town board of trustees on Sept. 9, Boulder-based attorney Mike Chiropolos recently filed appeals
with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) over the BLM’s recent announcement “suspending” 25 leases held by two energy companies — SG Interests in Texas and Ursa Resources of Colorado. The leases, issued in 2003, cover roughly THOMPSON DIVIDE page 11
T H E
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Cop Shop The following events are drawn from incident reports of the C’dale Police Dept. FRIDAY Sept. 5 At 10:50 p.m. in the Third Street vicinity, a citizen called police to complain about loud music. A police officer told the caller the band would quit in “about 10 minutes.” On that note, “The caller hung up.” SATURDAY Sept. 6 At 2:14 a.m. police gave three intoxicated individuals a ride from downtown to the 100 block of Highway 133. SUNDAY Sept. 7 At 2:27 a.m. an intoxicated male called 911 to report he was lost. A Carbondale officer responded and helped him find his way home. TUESDAY Sept. 9 At 7:43 a.m. police responded to two calls that bears had gotten into trash cans in River Valley Ranch. One resident said she did not have a garage and leaves her trash can next to her house with a bungee cord to secure the lid but “a bear continues to disturb the can” the police report said. The woman said she would look into alternative ideas and also call her trash company in regard to a bear proof container.
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or contact Melanie Doskocil at 970-925-7175 x106 4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
Carbondale’s creative district process continues CCAH organizing the eort
By Nicolette Toussaint Sopris Sun Correspondent In June, the Carbondale historic downtown core was accepted as one of seven new candidates for Colorado’s Creative District program. The program, which is sponsored by Colorado Creative Industries (a division of the Colorado OfďŹ ce of Economic Development and International Trade), brought two years of grant money with it. Carbondale’s Creative District program will receive $10,000 in planning and development money this year and again next year. In year three, Carbondale’s creative district aims to achieve certiďŹ cation, receiving an additional $15,000. In addition to the grant, which comes from Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) and the Boettcher Foundation, the beneďŹ ts of becoming a state-certiďŹ ed creative district include state and local government recognition, free professional assistance, a special highway sign from the Colorado Department of Transportation, access to the Creative District Community Loan Fund and the chance to network and learn from other Creative Districts.
Community input On Sept. 15, approximately 50 people gathered at Dos Gringos for a brieďŹ ng on Carbondale’s progress in the creative district program and to put in their two cents worth on a cowgirl image that has been designed for creative district signage. Most comments
were supportive, though a handful of participants were concerned that the cowgirl did not speciďŹ cally indicate that it was about the creative arts. “I couldn’t think of anything better so I gave it a thumbs up,â€? said Carbondale librarian Mollie Honan. “Carbondale is bike friendly and rich in ranching history, and it does show that.â€? Laura Stover, who does design and marketing for the Carbondale Council for Arts and Humanities (CCAH), was more effusive. “I see the cowgirl as a persona who can connect places in town. For people new to Carbondale, she’s like a guide to all the arts here. She could pop up on a sign in an alley and tell you where to ďŹ nd a hidden gallery.â€? Stover noted that Denver’s River North creative district, or “RiNo,â€? which received its full certiďŹ cation this year, is using a distinctive rhinoceros on its signs and yers. In January, a group of 24 participants mapped Carbondale’s creative businesses, assembling a creative inventory on a town plat. Participants at Monday’s brieďŹ ng added to that creative inventory in addition to commenting on the cowgirl icon. A stakeholder group of 19 volunteers representing business, town government and the arts have been steering the creative district process; Mayor Stacy Patch-Bernot and the town’s senior planner, Janet Buck, are in that
The creative district steering committee is considering Olivia Pevec’s “cowpoke on a bikeâ€? theme for icons to place around town. CCAH calls the icons “wayďŹ nding/connective imageryâ€? that will help serve as “guidesâ€? to help visitors explore Carbondale, connect different parts of town and possibly draw attention to historic sites. The two images shown here might also be used in conjunction with each other. Input on the artwork is being accepted at the CCAH ofďŹ ce in the Third Street Center. group. CCAH Executive Director Amy Kimberly said that because the town “did not want the process to be political,â€? it asked CCAH to lead the planning process. Town Manager Jay Harrington told The Sopris Sun that the town contributed $3,100 in 2013 to support the creative district inventory and its follow up, and then pitched in another $1,800 this year to provide matching funds for facilitators and consultants. “We’re partners with CCAH on this, with them taking the lead,â€? he explained. “With all the other things that the town is working on, a successful creative district should be a community-driven effort.“
“The more people involved who get their voices in there, the better,â€? said Kimberly. She stressed the beneďŹ ts of participation, either in public meetings or via comments left on the website https://vulume.com/CCAH/954-carbondale-creative-plan. “We want to get you into the awareness of the state of Colorado if you’re making something like Up Ski or Board by Design,â€? she said. The program’s next steps will be to engage a consultant to write a strategic plan that will deďŹ ne priorities and goals and deďŹ ne how the creative district will be maintained. To date, the state of Colorado has certiďŹ ed 11 creative districts, including Denver’s art district on Santa Fe Drive, plus those in Ridgeway, Salida and Telluride. The Creative District program aims to attract artists and creative entrepreneurs, create hubs of economic activity, promote the “unique identityâ€? of communities and make them “appealing places to live, conduct businesses and attract visitors.â€? Kimberly noted that as creative districts attract tourists and business, housing costs can go up — and that is already a problem for Carbondale. “The state is trying to bring in money for live/work spaces,â€? she said. “They are already talking to builders about that — and the hope is that money will go to the state-certiďŹ ed creative districts. We need money for housing, and that’s one of the reasons we need to be working on this.â€? The other candidate districts selected this year along with Carbondale are Mancos, Manitou Springs, Crestone, Crested Butte, downtown Fort Collins and Evergreen.
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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 • 5
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Potato Day is Sept. 27 and the theme is “Spudtacular Views: Celebrating Colorado’s Fourteeners.� Groups are rounding up volunteers as we speak, including Senior Matters, which needs helpers for its snow cone concession booth from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Senior Matters is also looking for baked goods to sell. For details, call 306-2587. In other notes, Potato Day parade applications are available at town hall. And if that’s not enough Mark your calendars: Celtic Fest and Oktoberfest are Oct. 3 and Oct. 4, respectively.
Lisa King is the new tap dance teacher (teens and adults) at Coredination and Bonedale Ballet. Other new teachers are Meagan Shapiro (modern master class) and Kenzie Cole (children’s ballet teacher assistant). On a related note, Coredination and Bonedale Ballet is preparing for its anniversary dance performance on Oct. 25-26. For details, call 379-2187.
Oh deer Here ya go. New State Farm data says the odds that Colorado drivers will collide with a deer are declining. In fact, Colorado drivers are nearly seven percent less likely to collide with a deer in the next 12 months than they were last year, according to a press release. No word on whether State Farm expects the number of crashes at the intersection of Highway 133 and Main Street to skyrocket after the new roundabout goes in. Back to the deer: West Virginia tops the deer collision list, where the odds of hitting a deer are 1 in 39.
A star retires The Crystal Theatre reports that Nancy Smith will be stepping down from her “starring role as a cast memberâ€? behind the concession stand counter as of Sept. 25. Smith, whose primary gig is that of an architect, tells The Sopris Sun she has been serving up popcorn, Skittles, soft drinks, herbal tea and other snacks at the Crystal since late 1990 or early 1991, and has been a KDNK DJ since 1988 “when I was too nervous to talk into the mic, and Sue Horn had to come in and pretend to be me during mic breaksâ€? while subbing for Susie Strode. Smith and her husband, John B. Stewart (a Roaring Fork Valley native since 1954), are moving from Satank to Gateway (near Grand Junction). She jokes that Stewart has put up with “all us newcomers ‌ but not being able to make a left turn onto Highway 133 out of our scenic neighborhood was the last straw that sent him looking for another scenic state highway that he can make a left turn onto.â€? Although Sept. 25 is her last day at the Crystal, Smith reports she’ll be around for a while after that.
Car correction The Sopris Sun’s roving observer erroneously implied that Mark Gray was spotted driving around in a “new� BMW convertible last week. Turns out, Gray’s silver 330Cic
The Carbondale Fire Department responded with seven ďŹ reďŹ ghters and two engines to a vehicle blaze on Vito’s Way at 3:23 a.m. on Sept. 13. They found a Volkswagen Jetta “fully on ďŹ re,â€? according to a press release. The ďŹ re had spread to two adjacent vehicles, a tree and a fence. Both rear shock absorbers ruptured during the intense ďŹ re, causing fuel tank damage and fuel leakage onto the ďŹ re. FireďŹ ghters extinguished the blaze within a few minutes and no injuries were reported. The Carbondale Police Department is investigating the ďŹ re. Photo by Julie Albrecht dates to 2003 so it is hardly “new,â€? although it was “newsâ€? to the Sun’s now-on-probation roving observer that the wellknown teacher/musician owns an actual BMW. Anyway, keep an eye out in the upcoming Potato Day parade and determine for yourself if Gray’s spiffy ride looks new enough to be called new.
This just in The new book “Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Reality Shock!� includes many Colorado blurbs, such as: Ray Johnson of Campo is believed to be the most tattooed mayor in the U.S., and the Giant Canyon Swing at the Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs swings riders at speeds of 50 miles per hour out over a 1,300-foot sheer drop to the Colorado River below.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating their birthday this week include: Frosty Merriott and Nancy Payne (Sept. 18); Kenny Hopper (Sept. 19); Josh Smith, Ralph Young and Marty GarďŹ nkel (Sept. 20); Bianca Ortega (Sept. 21); Cheryl Cain, Nancy Helser and Betsy Browning (Sept. 22); Kent Jones (Sept. 23); and Karen Leavitt (Sept. 24).
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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
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New Family Doc Joins Roaring Fork Family Practice
The North Face Bike Park officially opened to good reviews on Sept. 13. The $95,000 park was spearheaded by the town’s Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission, and was made possible by a $45,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (lottery) grant, $25,000 Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District grant, $10,000 in town funding, $10,000 from Alpine Bank and $5,000 in community donations. Photo by Lynn Burton
CMC
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classes, that all students who graduate from high school in our region can seamlessly transition to college and that those same graduates are prepared to enter and succeed in college-level coursework. You read this right. Our goal is to ensure that no student who graduates from a high school in our service area will need remediation. This is an ambitious objective, but one that CMC is uniquely positioned and preparing to fulfill.
The plan We must also create academic programs that meet the needs of local employers and which are delivered in ways that are accessible to the region’s citizens. From customized business programs, to bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields such as nursing and teacher education, to online certificates and degrees in traditional and technical programs, to lifelong learning courses, CMC is committed to doing whatever it takes to strengthen and enhance our communities. The team at Colorado Mountain College is hard at work to make these goals a reality. This past spring, the CMC Board of Trustees adopted a new strategic plan entitled, “Reaching New Heights.” While many strategic plans sit on shelves collecting dust, ours is a calling and will guide our work for the next four years. It is so important to us that we are taking it on the road. Throughout September, my colleagues and I are engaging with key community leaders and college faculty and staff in a series of town hall meetings in Aspen, Breckenridge, Edwards, Glenwood Springs, Leadville, Rifle and Steamboat Springs. Our goals are to share information about the college’s strategic plan, discuss specifics regarding our directions and initiatives, listen to and gather feedback from stakeholders, and focus the college’s priorities for the coming year. Since its humble and visionary beginnings in 1967, over 500,000 students from throughout the Rocky Mountains, the nation and the world have attended Colorado Mountain College. As the college prepares for its next 50 years, the challenges facing it will be unlike those of the past. Colorado Mountain College will be ready to face these changes with the grit and generosity exemplified by the people who call our region home, the primary “shareholders” of the college. Our aspiration is to become “… the most inclusive and innovative student-centered college in the nation, elevating the economic, social, cultural and environmental vitality of our beautiful Rocky Mountain communities.” I have every expectation that CMC will achieve this vision and so much more. Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser is president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College. Reach her at cbhauser@coloradomtn.edu or follow her on Twitter at @CMCPresident.
Dr. Lauren Sontag is the new family physician at Roaring Fork Family Practice in Carbondale. She grew up in northern Arizona, attended the University of Arizona for undergraduate then Mayo Clinic School of Medicine for medical school and University of Minnesota for a master’s in public health. She comes to us most recently from Grand Junction where she completed her family medicine residency at St. Mary’s.
me. It’s such a privilege to be let into a patient’s life as their doctor. To do that every day is the best job in the world.
Q: Where are you originally from? When I was seven, my family moved from Philadelphia, PA to Flagstaff, Ariz. Growing up in northern Arizona was wonderful – lots of hiking and skiing. I raised rabbits through 4-H and we had up to 40 at one time!
Q: What are your patient’s most common questions? Are you old enough to be a doctor? Yes, I promise. Where are you from? I still have a bit of an accent from medical school in Minnesota.
Q: What does patient-centered care mean to you? I went to Mayo Clinic for medical school where the motto is: “The needs of the patient come first.” I try to uphold that still. Care should be tailored to the needs and goals of each individual.
It’s such a privilege to be let into a patient’s life as their doctor. To do that every day is the best job in the world.
Q: Why did you decide to become a family doctor? My mom was a nurse for one of Flagstaff’s well-loved family doctors while I was growing up. That vision of Dr. Taylor was always in the back of my mind when deciding what to do in medicine. I love primary care – developing relationships with patients, participating in happy moments as well as challenging or sad ones, and being the provider whose job it is to care for the whole person.
Q: What is your philosophy around afterhours care? We always have a physician available by phone. I like that our patients have someone a phone call away, but I’m happy to share that responsibility so that I can sleep soundly on nights I’m not on call. After just finishing residency, I appreciate sleep!
Q: What do patients say about you? They say that I’m kind and thorough and that I try to really listen to them. Q: If you could sing a karaoke song, what would it be? The Proclaimers’ “500 Miles.”
Q: Why did you choose to come here and practice at Roaring Fork Family Q: Rumor has it you are passionate Practice? about thrift shopping. My husband is a long-time ski inYes, I love to find a good deal or structor, and while I was in family medsomething fun! Ask to see my mountain icine residency in Grand Junction he lion hat. worked as a ski instructor at Aspen Highlands. He loves working there and Q: What is your favorite local dish? we were interested in staying close Espresso semifredo at the Pullman enough after graduation for him to con- – please bring it back to the menu! tinue. I did a rotation with Roaring Fork And, spinach eggs benedict at the VilFamily Practice during residency and fell lage Smithy. in love with it. The staff is great, the doctors work together well, and I liked the way they practiced family medicine in a way that focuses on the Dr. Lauren Sontag - Family Physician patient. That mix is not found everywhere! I feel blessed to be here.
Welcome
Q: What do you do for fun? I love to run, downhill and telemark ski, and spend time with our sweet black lab, Jake. Q: Where is the joy in medicine? There is joy in every patient interaction for
970.963.3350 978 Euclid Avenue, Carbondale, CO 81623
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 • 7
National Sheepdog Finals The sheep started landing at Strang Ranch for the 2014 National Sheepdog Finals on Sept. 8 but by the last day on Sept. 14 it was dogs that were flying around to pen them. Besides the main attraction, weekend events included agility and tri-ball demonstrations (bottom photos). Approximately 225 dog/handler teams from across the U.S. competed in the finals. Alaisdare MacRae and dog Gail won the Open Division; Suzie Applegate and Gus won the Nursery Division. Photos by Jane Bachrach
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
Manaus volunteers Selene Jimenez is beginning her second year as a parent mentor — last year at CRES and this year at Ross Montessori School, where two of her children attend school. She speaks passionately about the impact she has had on students’ lives. She tells of working with one girl who was struggling so much with learning that the teacher was considering holding her back a year. Working closely with this girl on a one-on-one basis, Jimenez discovered that the basis of the girls’ struggle was that she had poor vision. The girl now has glasses and has made signiďŹ cant progress in her learning. Maria Eloisa Duarte began as a parent mentor in the program’s ďŹ rst year, and now works for the Manaus Foundation as General Coordinator of the Parent Mentor Program. According to Duarte, one reason the program is so successful is because it has “a multiplying effect.â€? It impacts the individ-
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ual mentor, the mentor’s family and the whole classroom of children. Magana and Jimenez both noted that their experience as mentors has changed how they think of their futures. Magana is now hoping to be employed at the school as a teacher’s aide some day and Jimenez would like to become a psychologist, working with children and families. As Magana’s husband witnessed how her participation in the PMP was transforming her life, he decided to rearrange his work schedule so that he could work at the school as a parent mentor as well. Magana and Selene also noted that their English skills have improved dramatically since they started working as mentors in the classroom. As a result, they are also better equipped to help their own children with homework. The students themselves also recognize the importance of the work being done by
“Working as parent mentors they begin to feel the power of their service. ‌ .â€? Maria Eloisa Duarte General Coordinator Parent Mentor Program all the mentors — the adults in green Parent Mentor Program jerseys who they see throughout their school every day. Duarte said that children are constantly running up to her at the schools saying, “Please, Miss, I want my mom to be a teacher too!â€? According to Jacober, the mentors earn a small stipend for their work, but it doesn’t come close to compensating them for the hours they put in — often much more than
Electric Cars om page 1 develop an EV charging infrastructure on the Western Slope. Last fall, CMC sustainability graduate Rob Morrison was awarded the internship. CMC sustainability student Zack Sutherland then followed him in the role. According to Adrian Fielder, site administrator of CMC’s Lappala Center, a panel
PT/FT Direct Support Professional
was formed “to promote an open-minded science and ethics-based dialogue.� Mike Ogburn, an energy engineer with CLEER, joined Sutherland, Fielder and electric car owner Craig Farnum in the presentation at last April’s CMC Sustainability Conference. The presentation successfully secured CMC’s participation in the infrastructure
plan and the enthusiasm for this community partnership. The rally will also include hybrid vehicles, such as the Ford CMax Energi, that use a combination of electricity and gas. These vehicles generally run 25 miles on pure electricity before needing to use the gasoline/electricity combination.
the two hours per day that are required. “We’d like to be able to increase the stipend,â€? Morgan told The Sun, “but people don’t do it for the money. They become mentors because they want to work and they want to contribute.â€? There are so many Latinos, Duarte explained, who live here physically, but their hearts are back in their home country — “el cuerpo estĂĄ aquĂ, pero el corazĂłn allĂĄâ€?. Many are living in the community feeling isolated and depressed, she said. “We help them become part of this community, to love this community in addition to the one they left behind,â€? Duarte said. For over two years now Duarte has witnessed the ways in which being a mentor helps people gain conďŹ dence in their abilities and recognize their value as community members: “Working as parent mentors they begin to feel the power of their service. ‌ They become invested in this community, and before long they see how much this community values them.â€?
Next steps:
Next week The Sopris Sun will provide a map and details of the rally, including drivers and vehicle models, as well as locations of charging stations on the Western Slope. So stay tuned and plug in!
Colorado’s 2012 “Outstanding Regional Theatre”
Lon Winston Executive Artistic Director
D. L. CoburnÂ’s Positions open in GWS, Rifle, and Carbondale. Assist adults with disabilities in their homes or Day Program. Direct care, meal prep, cleaning, & community activities. Multi-tasking a must. Morning, evening, overnight & weekend shifts available in group homes.
HS Diploma or GED required. CNA certification or 1 yr. experience preferred. Computer proficiency, communication and strong customer service skills required. Salary DOE. Great benefits package. Interested applicants e-mail Sarah Simms at sarahsimms@mtnvalley.org. See mtnvalley.org for more info.
STARRING JULIA WHITCOMBE & BOB MOORE
DIRECTED BY BRAD MOORE Thunder River Theatre
67 Promenade, Downtown Carbondale (On the Red Brick Walkway)
Sept. 26, 27, Oct. 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 2014 (Preview Sept. 25) Evenings, 7:30 p.m., Oct 5 Matinee, 2 p.m. Adults $25, Students $13, 20/30 Somethings $17.50 Tickets & Further Information: www.thunderrivertheatre.com
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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 • 9
Community Calendar THURSDAY Sept. 18 LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents the Southern Belles. This Virginia-based band is a prog-rock group that is described as playing “an original Frank Zappa-esque amalgamation of country, jazz, rock and funk.” All four band members sing and play electric guitars, keyboards and drums. They have shared the stage with Anders Osbourne and many others while touring from Vermont to Georgia, and out to Colorado. Info: 963-3304. APPRECIATING RUNNERS • Independence Run & Hike on Highway 133 holds its Runners Appreciation Night at 6 p.m. Running coach Elinor Fish will speak about the secrets to staying motivated, followed by a drawing and group run at 6:30 p.m. Info: 704-0909. CLIMATE DOCUMENTARY SHOWN • The Roaring Fork Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby presents the documentary “Disruption” at the Third Street Center at 7 p.m. Info: ccl.rfv@gmail.com. RFHS SPORTS • The Roaring Fork boys soccer squad travels to Basalt for a 4 p.m. game. MEET TERRY MCMILLAN • Aspen Writers’ Foundation Writer-In-Residence Terry McMillan speaks at the Woody Creek Community Center from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. She will give a free reading and talk. The AWF will also give out free copies of her newest novel, “Who Asked You?” INTERNET BASICS IN SPANISH • The Carbondale Branch Library offers a free
To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is noon on Monday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted. For up-to-the-minute valley-wide event listings, check out the Community Calendar online at soprissun.com. View events online at soprissun.com/calendar.
class in Internet basics in Spanish at 6 p.m. Class size is limited to five students. Info: 963-2889. BUSINESS EXPO • The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Conference & Expo takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at the Orchard. More than 30 vendors are expected. Info: cailen@carbondale.com. ROTARY • The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita at noon every Thursday.
FRIDAY Sept. 19 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Get On Up” (PG-13) at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19-25 and “The Hundred-Foot Journey” (PG) at 5 p.m. Sept. 19-21 (Sunday show is captioned). Aspen Filmfest is coming Sept. 26-28. CHAMBER GOLF • The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce holds its annual golf tournament and ball drop at Aspen Glen, with registration starting at noon and shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. The ball drop’s grand prize is $1,500. Info: cailen@carbondale.com. POP UP PIN DOWN • CCAH and SAW open “The Pop Up Pin Down” at SAW (Studio For Arts & Works) in Roaring Fork Village from 7 to 9 p.m., and the same hours on Sept. 26. “The pop up show is just as much a performance as it is an exhibition, and features two and three dimensional art,” said a CCAH spokeswoman. During the event, work by SAW artist Chris Erickson will be moved, altered and explored by collaborating dance artists Chloe Burton, Rochelle Norwood, Elizabeth Riecks, Aja McAdams, A.J. Hobbs and Deborah Colley. Doors open at 7 p.m. with performances beginning at 7:30
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“BEAR AWARE” Community Meetings. September 18 and 24 at Basalt Town Hall 6:00 p.m. The meetings will be attended by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials and members of the Basalt Police Department. The goal is to educate Basalt residents in ways that will reduce human/bear interactions. We will discuss Town Ordinances, approved trash containers, fruit tree management, and ways to secure your residence and vehicles. 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
p.m. Info: carbondalearts.com or 963-1680. LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents singer/songwriter/guitarist Natalia Zukerman at 8:30 p.m. The Boston-based Zukerman plays an original mix of rootsy styles, from blues to country swing. The New Yorker magazine said about Zukerman, “ … (her) voice could send an orchid into bloom while her guitar playing can open a beer bottle with its teeth.” She last played Steve’s while touring with Willy Porter. Info: 963-3304. TNHA • True Nature Healing Arts at the north end of Third Street presents “Heart Rhythm: A Dance Liberation Project” with Alejandra Rico, Alexa Webster, Aja McAdams and Starbear Avalos from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Experience is not required to participate. ART OPENING • Ann Korologos Gallery in downtown Basalt hosts an opening for a show that includes western landscape artists Andy Taylor and Dan Young from 5 to 7 p.m. Info: 927-9668. LIVE MUSIC • Rivers restaurant in Glenwood Springs presents Samwise Soloman (folk/new grass) from 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover. Info: 928-8813. RFHS SPORTS • Roaring Fork footballers travel to Gunnison for a 7 p.m. game.
SATURDAY Sept. 20 ELLISON SPEAKS • Susy Ellison will discuss her three weeks aboard the NOAA ship Rainier on the coast of southwest Alaska as a Teacher-At-Sea participant at 3
p.m. at the Carbondale Branch Library. She’ll explain the importance of mapping coastlines. Info: 963-2889. LEGION GOES GOLFING • American Legion Post 100 holds is annual golf tournament at the Ranch at Roaring Fork starting at 8:30 a.m. Four person teams pay $40 per person. There’ll be lunch and prizes at the American Legion following the tournament. Proceeds go to scholarships. Info: 963-2381. MAGIC AND COMEDY • The Basalt High School Student Council presents Jason Alan Magic and Comedy at Basalt Middle School at 6:30 p.m. This is a family friendly show; tickets are $10 at the door. Info: jasonalanmagic.com or kaylinwilliams@rfschools.com. RFHS SPORTS • The Roaring Fork High School volleyball team stays at home to face Olathe at noon and Gunnison at 4 p.m. “FED UP” • LiveWell Garfield County and other groups present the dietary documentary “Fed Up” at the Ute Theatre in Rifle (132 E. Fourth St.) at 6:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion. Tickets are free at eventbrite.com.
SUNDAY Sept. 21 WYLY HONORS CARTER • The Wyly Art Center in Basalt honors Dick Carter with its inaugural Creative Force award from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Roaring Fork Club. Tickets are $150 at wylyarts.org or 927-4123. LUTHERANS MEET • Faith Lutheran CALENDAR page 11
Oppose Amendment 67 Protect Freedom of Choice
Join likeminded community members to hear how you can actively oppose Amendment 67. Passage of Amendment 67 would alter our state constitution, make any abortion a crime in Colorado, and restrict access to common forms of birth control. Session Leader: Rev. Stephan Papa, TRUU minister & board member, Colorado Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
SUNDAY, SEPT. 21
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. THIRD STREET CENTER Calaway Room 520 S. 3rd St. Carbondale
Community Calendar ASC • A Spritual Center in the Third Street Center presents Kat (Diamond) Bjornson and Danny Shuford (vibra-drum healing) at 10 a.m. On Sept. 28, it’s Tony Tucker (future children of the earth).
TUESDAY Sept. 23 RFHS SPORTS • The Roaring Fork High School volleyball team travels to Basalt for a 6:30 p.m. match; the girls soccer squad stays at home to face Moffat County at 4 p.m. TWO STEPPIN’ • Two Step Tuesdays takes place at the Third Street Center every Tuesday night at 7:45 p.m. Admission is $7 singles/$12 per couple. Partners are not necessary. Wear hard soled shoes and bring water. Info: meetup.com/RFVDance.
WEDNESDAY Sept. 24 SENIOR MATTERS • The Senior Matters Book Club meets at the Carbondale Branch Library at 4 p.m. to discuss “Dreams of Joy” by Lisa See. LIBRARY • Carbondale Branch Library concludes its Middle School Makerspace series from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Teens are invited
Save the Date
to use the library’s tools and supplies in its mobile makerspace to design, create, tinker and play with art and technology. Projects include stop-action animation films. Snacks are provided Info: 963-2889. FARMER’S MARKET CONTINUES • The Carbondale Farmer’s Market takes place at the Fourth Street Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday through Oct. 1. There’s live music, fresh produce, local meat/cheese/bread/crafts and more. SEMINAR SERIES • As part of the CMC “Gift of Learning” seminar series, Linda Singer Fronig explains how to find sustainable solutions to some of the problems facing the planet from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Lappala Center on Colorado Avenue. It’s free. Info: 963-2172. LIVE MUSIC • Rivers restaurant holds an open mic night hosted by Dan Rosenthal from 8 to 10 p.m. Info: 928-8813. CULTURE CLUB • The noon-time Culture Club at the Third Street Center presents Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Penny Nichols and her presentation “How You Remember the Music You Hear.” Info: Thirdstreetcenter.net. ROTARY • The Rotary Club of Carbondale meets at the Carbondale fire station Wednesdays at 6:45 a.m. Info or to suggest speakers: riccarlson@gmail.com and steve@kdnk.org.
SATURDAY Sept. 27
POTATO DAY • This year’s Potato Day is Sept. 27: parade, BBQ and music in the park, farmer’s market etc.
Further Out
FRI.-WEDS. Sept. 26-Oct. 1
FRIDAY Sept. 26
ASPEN FILM • The Aspen Filmfest presents films at the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale, and Wheeler Opera House and Isis Theatre in Aspen. Crystal Theatre tickets are on sale at Boomerang Coffee. Info: 920-5770 and aspenshowtix.com.
THEATRE • Thunder River Theatre Company in downtown Carbondale opens its 20th season with the Pulitzer Prize winner “The Gin Game” at 7:30 p.m. The play continues through Oct. 11. Info: thunderrivertheatre.com and 963-8200.
ompson Divide om page 4 40,000 acres in the Thompson Divide area, stretching from lands near Sunlight Mountain southward to Coal Basin, and westward toward the Divide Creek area, mostly in Garfield and Pitkin counties. Overall, Thompson Divide is a relatively undeveloped expanse of land, amounting to some 220,000 acres that stretches even further southward into other neighboring counties. The suspension of the leases essentially stops the clock on the 10-year period of the leases, which otherwise were to expire in 2013. The suspensions were granted in order to give the federal agency more time to review demands by some local governments and environmental organizations, who want the leases to be canceled and withdrawn from future leasing and drilling proposals. In addition to Carbondale, the lease suspensions are being opposed by the governments of Pitkin County and Glenwood Springs, as well as by the Wilderness Workshop nonprofit environmental organization in Carbondale, and attorneys with the Earth-
justice law firm. “The oil and gas companies bought these leases for a 10-year term and they made a business decision not to use them,” said Earthjustice attorney Michael Freeman in a release issued by Wilderness Workshop. “The lessees should be held to the terms of the contract they made with the federal government. By extending the leases, BLM failed to follow its own rules.” The appellants maintain that the original leases were issued without the required environmental review, and therefore were illegitimate to begin with. Industry representatives, on the other hand, maintain that the BLM acted properly in issuing the leases as well as in its decision to put them in suspension while they are reviewed to determine if the opponents’ arguments are correct. The appeals, if they move forward, would go before an independent appellate body known as the Interior Board of Land Appeals, or IBLA.
ANDY TAYLOR
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Church holds a worship service at the Carbondale Middle School auditorium: traditional service (9 a.m.), educational hour (10 a.m.), living praise worship (11:30 a.m.). Info. Faithcarbondale.com and 925-7725.
continued from page 10
Open seven days a week
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 • 11
Community Briefs
Please submit your community briefs to news@soprissun.com by noon on Monday.
Spring Gulch work day coming
present a “Think and Act� conference at the Orchard from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 27. The conference helps families, individuals, service providers and community members incorporate people with disabilities into community life. The cost is $35. For details, go to bit.ly/ThinkAct or call 800-284-0251, ext. 117.
The Mount Sopris Nordic Council’s annual Spring Gulch trails work day takes place at 1 p.m. on Sept. 21. “We will be doing the usual pruning and clearing, so if you have heavy duty pruners, tree saws, wheelbarrows, rakes or shovels, please bring them,� said a notice sent to MSNC members. “Don’t forget to bring some water.� There’ll be a potluck picnic at Sopris Park at about 5:30 p.m. Bring a side dish; the MSNC board will grill the burgers. For more on the Mount Sopris Nordic Council, go to springgulch.org.
AARP drivers safety classes The High Country Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is offering an AARP driver safety class at 10 a.m. on Sept. 20 at the Battlement Mesa Recreation Center. The fee is $20. For details, call 384-8747 or e-mail dspgws@rof.net.
Impaired ability hunt slated Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers a hunting opportunity for ability-impaired hunters at Ridgway State Park, Oct. 18-26. The application deadline is Sept. 19. For details, email Andrew.dean@state.co.us.
GCE/CLEER teaches managers GarďŹ eld Clean Energy and CLEER are inviting facility managers for government and commercial buildings to attend a free round table meeting focused on building controls, lighting and other current topics. The meeting will take place at the CMC Central Services Building (802 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs) from 1 to 3 p.m. on Oc. 1. Admission is free. Register at 2014-facilitymanager-roundtable.eventbrite.com.
Mountain bikers Shaka it Aloha Mountain Cyclery kicks off its Shaka Cross series at North Face Park, with
Main Street detour
Roaring Fork gave a much larger Olathe squad a pretty good ďŹ ght before going down 346 on Sept. 12. In volleyball, the Rams have had a hot hand, with a 3-1 victory over Aspen on Sept. 11, a 3-0 win over Moffat County on Sept. 13 and 3-2 win over Rie on Sept. 16. On the boy’s soccer front, Roaring Fork defeated Vail Mountain 4-1 on Sept. 16; Christian Alvarado scored two goals, with Lalo Clemente and Ben Carpenter also scoring goals. For upcoming games, please turn to The Sopris Sun Calendar section. Photo by Sue Rollyson races on Sept. 21 starting at 10:30 a.m. for kids nine and under, and continuing through 1:10 p.m. (beginner through advanced). Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. with a $20 entry fee plus a non-perishable food item. Kids under 10 race for free. Subsequent races will be held at North Face Park on Oct. 19, and Roaring Fork High School on Nov. 16 and Nov. 27. For details, call 963-2500. Sponsors
FALL BULBS HAVE ARRIVED! Exotic New Orchids, Specially Selected House Plants, Trees, Shrubs, Landscape Design and Installation )XZ $BSCPOEBMF $0 t )PVST %BJMZ 4VOEBZ
12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
include: the town of Carbondale, DT Swiss, Ace Hardware, Sram, Moots, Honey Stinger, All City, Kona, Velocity Wheels, Jamis Bikes, QBP, J&B Importers, Sweet Coloradough, Slow Grovin’ BBQ, Scavenger Industries and Artisan Elite.
“Think and Act� presented The PEAK Parent Center and co-sponsors
There will be a detour at the east end of Main Street from Sept. 25 to Oct. 15 as the town replaces a water line between Snowmass Drive and Second Street. The detour route from the east is: Snowmass Drive to Sopris Avenue to Third Street and back to Main Street. For details, call 963-3140.
Fire district responds Here are the Carbondale Fire District’s 911 calls from Sept. 7-13: • Medical emergencies: 9; • Traumatic injuries: 4; • Smoke alarms: 3; • Natural gas leaks: 2; • Vehicle ďŹ re: 1; • Hazardous material spill: 1; • Vehicle accident: 1; • Carbon monoxide: 1.
Augie McAntosh
Red
Lacy Calaway
A real dog & kitty show Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) held its biggest fundraiser of the year last Saturday at the Orchard. The 14th annual Dressed to the K9s fashion show was the main event but the real dog and kitty show took place during the cocktail/ appetizer hour beforehand and during the dessert hour afterwards when volunteers and fashionistas strolled around with their adoptables in tow or in their arms. The hard-to-resist dogs and cats were well behaved, as were their handlers. On the night, the fashion show raised $60,000. A total of 225 guest attended the event and 60 volunteers helped to make it happen. All of the animals shown here are either up for adoption or were adopted from CARE. Photos by Jane Bachrach
Colorado Animal Rescue co-founder Jim Calaway (left) and CARE Director Leslie Rockey (right). THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 • 13
EAT. SHOP. PLAY CONFLUENCE OF RIVERS, RECREATION & CULTURE
Four art venues team up for Locals Night Sopris Sun Staff Report Sept. 19 is Locals Night in Basalt, with four venues hosting receptions for Roaring Fork Valley artists. The Wyly – “Trudi Peet: Memorial Exhibition” opens from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wyly Art Center in downtown Basalt. Exhibition organizers Nina Pederson, Olivia Pederson and Sandy Smith said, “We wanted to do this exhibition as it was very important to Trudi that people gather to enjoy what was the ultimate passion of her life – her art. Through her art, you will see all of her many passions … her dogs, horses, birds, ducks, rabbits, wildlife and her travels.” Peet’s work is included in the collections of Alfred Vanderbilt and family, the Meisel family, Peter Beard, the Museum of the Horse in Saratoga, and the collection of Robert Walker. A retrospective catalog of the show is being made available at cost. The show continues through Oct. 30. For details, call 927-4123
or e-mail art@wylyarts.org. The Wyly Annex – “Subject to Change: unnatural selection” by Jody Guralnick continues at 174 Midland Ave., with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. The show continues through Oct. 11. For details, call 927-4123 or e-mail art@wylyarts.org. Toklat Gallery – “Dave Struempler & Ben Kelly” features two of the Roaring Fork Valley’s best known furniture makers from 5 to 7 p.m. The Toklat is located at 255 Gold Rivers Ct. For details, call 9271437 or e-mail info@toklatgallery.com. Ann Korologos Gallery – “Out of the West: Landscapes” continues with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Artists include Dan Young, Andy Taylor, Leon Loughridge Michael Kessler. For details, call 927-9668 or e-mail art@korologosgallery.com.
Wyly honors Carter The Wyly Art Center honors artist Dick Carter with its Creative Force award
We have some fun activities for youth through adult.
Basalt Recreation 2015 Fall/Winter ACTIVITIES GUIDE IS NOW AVAILABLE.
Check it out online, pick your copy up at Basalt Town Hall, or we would be happy to drop one in the mail for you. Just call us at 970-927-8214 x400, or you can visit our website and register online at www.basalt-
at the Roaring Fork Club from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 21. “Dick Carter is a visionary and prankster, living at the intersection of art and com-
seum, is an active supporter of the Santa Monica Art Museum, and continues to enjoy a successful career as a Hollywood production designer while living and working in the Roaring Fork Valley. Tickets to the event start at $150 and can be purchased at wylyarts.org, 9274123 or holly@wylyarts.org.
“Dick Carter is a visionary and prankster, living at the intersection of art and community.” munity,” said Wyly Executive Director Kelly Alford. “He has an extraordinary ability to dwell in the present and act for the future.” Carter, who moved to Aspen in 1971, was the co-founder of the Aspen Art Mu-
Proceeds will help support The Wyly’s growing number of art and outreach educational programs that serve all ages and abilities throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. Some of the programs include serving at-risk and under-served teens and adults. bringing art to the schools and free community events. Some of this year’s silent and live auction items include original artwork by Carter, Bayard Hollins and Ingrid Magidson.
On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, meet in an informal setting with Basalt Mayor Jacque Whitsitt for coffee and a chat.
Coffee with the
Mayor
• Ideas for downtown redevelopment? • Thoughts on marijuana laws? • Questions on the river project? This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts, make comments and catch up on what’s happening in Basalt. All issues and topics welcome.
expressrec.org.
The next Coffee with the Mayor is:
Start planning your fall & winter activities today!
Wednesday, September 24 Saxy’s in downtown Basalt from 8:15 to to 9:15 AM.
NOW ACCEPTING FALL CONSIGNMENTS Clothing, housewares, furniture, etc!
Scoops
Ice Cream
Open daily Basalt s Only Ice Cream Shop
970-927-4384 144 Midland Avenue, Basalt, Colorado 81621 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
Town oers $8K grants for commercial eďŹƒciency projects Free home assessments, too Sopris Sun Staff Report Existing businesses and new commercial buildings going up this year in Carbondale can apply for grants of up to $8,000 to help pay for measures that improve energy efďŹ ciency, according to a press release. The town of Carbondale is offering a total of $40,000 to fund at least ďŹ ve grants. Projects must be completed in 2014. Already, two businesses are taking advantage of the program, which is aimed at helping the entire town meet its energy efďŹ ciency and renewable energy goals by 2020.
Letters continued om page 2
The program is being managed by CLEER: Clean Energy Economy for the Region, and CORE, the Community OfďŹ ce for Resource EfďŹ ciency. “For the commercial building efďŹ ciency grants, we’re looking for energy retroďŹ ts that will reduce overall use of natural gas and electric by at least 20 percent,â€? said CLEER Energy Coach Maisa Metcalf. “If business owners already have an innovative energy efďŹ ciency project in mind, now is the time to move forward. This grant offer is a great deal. Combined with utility rebates, it can cover up to 70 percent of the projects cost,â€? Metcalf added.
  Blanca is saying that all of Gardner’s ads are false. I would presume Blanca you have never lost a job? Never had to pinch pennies? Living in Aspen tells us that you’re part of the elite  crowd and you’re not the every day Joe that the rest of us are. You are saying that nobody lost their insurance from the ďŹ asco Obama Care roll out, well I think they did. You fail to
country, this state is on everybody. Well, the Democratic Party has been in charge of the Senate for sometime. Udall has been in that ofďŹ ce since 1999, so far the last two or three years, he has become the poster child — no pun intended since he isn’t a youngster — for Obama and company.
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Weather Insurance If it rains or snows bring the vehicle back within 48 hours and we will rewash it.
Car Wash • Detailing Oil changes • Tires
970-963-8800 745 Buggy Circle in Carbondale www.sunburstcarcare.com
Open Mon.-Sat. 8am-6pm and on Sundays from 9am-4pm for washes only
At Orchard Valley Farms‌ Peaches & More!
U Pick Peaches, Apples & Veggies
Now accepting clean, organic yard waste at no cost. Think about it!! FREE!!! Near Catherine Store Bridge.
Call 379-3307 for more details.
donations appreciated (pickup available)
orchardvalleyfarms.com
BENEFITING: MERCY & SHARING Caring for HaitiÂ’s most vulnerable children
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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. Duties include: appointment coordination; event and meeting planning; making travel arrangements; recording, monitoring expenses and raising monthly invoices. Send your resume and salary expectations to: josod14@gmail.com. FREE CLASSIFIED ADS for kids and teens to promote their businesses enterprises. Thirty word maximum. Please send to unclassiďŹ ed@soprissun.com. GET THE WORD OUT IN UNCLASSIFIEDS! Rates E start at $15. Email unclassiďŹ eds@soprissun.com. *Credit card payment information should be emailed to unclassifieds@soprissun.com or call 948-6563. Checks may be dropped off at our office at the Third Street Center or mailed to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. Call 618-9112 for more info.
FATBELLY BURGERS
Grab and Go Local Grass-fed Beef Burgers
Salads By the Locals For Ice the Cream Locals
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Bonedale Bear THRIFT STORE
Also featuring: Roasted Chili Peppers and Pumpkins (pumpkin proceeds benefit Flight of the Eagle Project), canning peaches while they last, and already picked peaches & pears by the box.
A scenic drive over beautiful McClure Pass on Hwy 133.
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mention that if you haven’t signed up by the deadline that you could be ďŹ ned thousands of dollars by the IRS. You failed to mention that the Udall bills he has put forth never got passed. Udall voted for everything Obama has stood for the last three years. He has not created “shovel ready jobs.â€? He has voted with Obama to raise the debt ceiling, so Obama Care could be paid for. He has voted for every tax increase. He has voted against the Keystone Pipeline. So as usual another Democrat may bite the dust for not listening to all us peons. Jane Spaulding Carbondale
Submit to unclassifieds@soprissun.com by Monday 12 p.m. Rates: $15 for 30 words, $20 for up to 50 words. Payment due before publication.*
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NOW ACCEPTING FALL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
For new construction, the grant can be applied in any of three ways. Funding can be used for energy modeling to meet the town’s new commercial green building code, for projects that go beyond the code in energy savings, or for commissioning completed projects. To learn more about the Carbondale Commercial Green Grant and the home energy assessment for home buyers, visit www.cleanenergy2020.com, or call CLEER at 704-9200. The town is also offering a total of 12 free home-energy assessments, valued at $400 each, for homes purchased in Carbondale this year.  Â
Next to The Party Store 963-1984
Timely, relevant construction information for visitors, businesses and the community. Brought to you by the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 • 15
16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • SEPTEMBER 18, 2014