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Volume 6, Number 36 | October 9, 2014
Launchpad: mission accomplished, creativity soars By Nicolette Toussaint Sopris Sun Correspondent
“I
’m completely giddy!” raved Jeni Ptacek, director of the Crystal River Ballet School. “This space is perfect. It’s beautiful and the floors are amazing. It’s more than I could have ever wished for!” With the opening of the Launchpad in the old Gordon Cooper Library building on Fourth Street, the dreams of
Carbondale dancers and performing artists are coming true. For years, local dancers have despaired over a lack of rehearsal space. Ptacek, who has been teaching ballet and contemporary dance in Carbondale since 1989, said, “I have moved studio spaces at least eight times that I can remember.” Most local structures are built over concrete floors that can injure dancers. The ceilings are too
low; the prices too high. “Rents escalated repeatedly, even during the recession,” Ptacek noted. The new Launchpad offers two reasonably-priced, professional-grade studios for movement-based artists and musicians: the Open Studio and Studio C, a 680-square-foot, sound-proofed space outfitted with mirrors and barres. The studios rent from $16 LAUNCHPAD page 3
Left to right: Dancers Brianne Jones, Laura Stover, Deb Colley and Jacqui Edgerly got off on the right foot and were careful not to dance under Bill Laemmel’s ladder during dance rehearsals earlier this week. Laemmel was setting up the lighting rail for art in the Launchpad Promenade. The former Gordon Cooper Library building reopens as the Launchpad with a reception for the SWAN art exhibit on Oct. 9. Photo by Jane Bachrach
CARBONDALE’S FAVORITE GAS, CAR WASH & CONVENIENCE STORE! What you need, when you need it.
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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.
Where to pitch the “greatest nation” trash By Patrick Hunter We are the world’s “throw away” nation. We call ourselves the “greatest” nation on earth; when it comes to trash, it’s no contest. We are 4.4 percent of the world’s population but we consume approximately 20 percent of the world’s resources and “create half of the globe’s solid waste.” (Scientific American magazine, Sept. 14, 2012). That’s not something to be proud of. What happens to that solid waste? For a long time, Americans just pitched it. We tossed it in the woods, into the rivers and into the oceans. It turns out that wasn’t very healthy and created a heck of a mess. As the cities grew so did the health hazards of waste. We had to get it away from us. “Every year, the United States generates approximately 230 million tons of ‘trash’ —about 4.6 pounds per person per day. Less than onequarter of it is recycled; the rest is incinerated or buried in landfills.” (Annenberg Learner) With this kind of volume, landfills are filling up and trash must be hauled even longer distances. Older landfills, especially, are leaking toxic materials. All landfills are methane producers. Methane is greenhouse gas that is orders-of-magnitude-worse than carbon dioxide. The whole process of collecting trash and getting it underground is a huge energy user; that means more greenhouse gas and resource depletion. Recycling is a fairly recent and positive trend. Public entities are pushing recycling hard because the costs of dealing with waste are escalating rapidly, both financially and environmentally. Unfortunately, our economic system has a long way to go to facilitate the “reduction, reuse and recycling” of the materials needed to create the vast amount of manufactured products we consume. “A long way to go” also describes the path that recycled materials take on their way back to marketplace. Much material is returned to
China; cardboard and paper may be taken to the Pacific Northwest pulp mills; plastics go to processors in the east who send it on to carpet mills in Georgia. The transportation and processing impacts are extensive but it still beats the alternative of using only raw materials. Unfortunately, the problem for collectors of recycling material is getting processors to take it. The material piles up, the value goes down and the costs of recycling aren’t being covered. That increases the cost of general trash collection, or of straight taxation. Incineration has been around forever. One problem with burning today’s waste is the quantity of toxic waste that is produced in the burning. Still, burning waste, as in “waste to energy,” is popular around the world. The problem becomes, once a plant is built, getting ENOUGH waste to keep the plant running and keep it profitable. In Oslo, Norway, they are importing waste from locations such as Leeds, England, and Naples, Italy. They would love to take on garbage from the United States. They say that sea transport is cheap. Oddly, Sweden is still building new plants and is taking garbage from Norway to burn. In Europe this is also a strategy to reduce the use of fossil fuels. There are other technologies now coming to the fore for waste conversion such as anaerobic digestion, gasification and thermal hydrolysis. Anaerobic digestion is treating garbage as we do sewer waste. These can be stand-alone systems or combined with existing waste water facilities. Or, they are now used in some large food processing facilities such as university cafeterias. The waste is converted on the site to either fertilizer or burned to produce heat and or electricity. Gasification means converting the biodegradable materials into methane, or natural gas, to be put into gas pipelines, used as vehicle fuel, and/or burned immediately for heat or electricity.
OPINION
Thermal hydrolysis involves boiling of waste material under pressure and then decompressing it to produce gas. Again, Oslo, Norway, installed such a system for food waste and produces “biogas” for buses and agricultural fertilizer. One of the advantages of these systems is that they recover the energy to power their own process. These are technological advances to deal with waste, but take us now closer to our better goal of “zero waste.” Zero waste would be the elimination of waste as we know it by taking a page from nature. Everything outside the sphere of human beings is waste free — in the sense that everything is used. The death and decay of one thing sustains another species. Everything is interwoven. The industrial society interrupts this process. We take things from the natural cycle and convert them to things that are often harmful to the nonhuman environment as well as to ourselves. Sustainability will only exist when we can re-boot our current operating system into a process which will function in concert with natural laws. As it is now, Nature can’t live with us, but Nature CAN live without us.
The Sopris Sun keeps you informed all week long with special content on the web; including breaking news, photo galleries, calendar events and much more.
Patrick Hunter is a Colorado Mountain College sustainability studies student and member of the Citizens Climate Lobby. He lives outside Carbondale.
970-309-2053 or claird@soprissun.com.
References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/american-consumpt ion-habits/ http://www.learner.org/interactives/garbag e/solidwaste.html http://nyc.sierraclub.org/2012/08/newyork-city-trash-where-does-it-all-go/ http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/30/worl d/europe/oslo-copes-with-shortage-ofgarbage-it-turns-into-energy.html http://www.grrn.org/page/what-zero-waste
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.
RE: Jankovsky’s “glowing review” Dear Editor: Dylan Lewis’s glowing Sept. 22 Glenwood Post Independent letter to the editor needs to be examined in the light of day. He brought up a few points that deserve discussion in an open public forum. The first point that should make us all nervous is the way Tom and the commissioners did business. The closed-door meeting with gas representatives in Utah is not a healthy, transparent way to govern. Dylan mentioned Four Mile Road. According to Dylan, Tom stood up to oil and gas when they wanted to make that a haul route. Isn’t Four Mile the road to Sunlight Ski Resort? While checking records it seems road improvements made to Four Mile carried on late into the construction season. Why was there a late season construction push? We need more transparency on this.
Dylan says we shouldn’t take a chance on a “part time planning and zoning member” such as Michael Sullivan. He overlooks the fact that ALL of the permanent county P&Z members are part time. Michael Sullivan has served as a P&Z commissioner for more than six years yet has never been promoted to a full seat. That in itself should be examined by the county voters. His experience is invaluable and will serve Garfield County well. Many concerns are expressed to us while campaigning. Issues with oil and gas development, protection of water rights, preserving the environment and collaboration. Michael will more than represent what constituents have told us they want in a county commissioner. Recently the Sullivan campaign asked the Jankovsky folks for a town hall meeting in Carbondale. They declined stating they were too busy. Isn’t Carbondale part of Tom’s dis-
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • OCTOBER 9, 2014
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trict? It will certainly be part of Michael Sullivan’s district! Tom, help us ALL see the light of day! Bob Shivley, Chairman Garfield County Democrats
Ram booster thanks Dear Editor: On behalf of the tournament committee, the coaches and athletes at Roaring Fork High School we would like to express our sincere gratitude to those businesses and individuals who made this year’s fund-raising golf tournament a huge success. A very special thanks goes out to Serrano’s Marble and Granite for being this year’s Title Sponsor. River Valley Ranch golf course and Alden Richards continue to be great hosts, and this year Finbarr’s provided a tremendous box lunch. Thanks to everyone who LETTERS page 16
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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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Launchpad
om page 1
to $20 per hour. Spring-loaded Harlequin dance floors — the same type of resilient floor used by the San Francisco Ballet and New York’s Martha Graham dance company — underlay both spaces. The Open Studio, situated in an area formerly occupied by the children’s section, is a 1,150-square-foot, sun-washed space that invites runs and spins. Overhead, a soaring ceiling punctuated by skylights overarches running leaps and will hold multi-story dangling silks for use by aerial performers and circus classes. Oh yes, you can come watch! True to its name, the Open Studio will be open to the public, both during dance rehearsals and also for large-scale painting and sculpture exhibitions. The Launchpad, a collaboration between the Dance Initiative and the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities (CCAH), is designed to draw in visitors perusing Carbondale’s main creative district on Main Street. In addition to the dance studios, the Launchpad will hold CCAH’s art galleries and offices, and a boutique gift store called Artique. Next year, an outdoor sculpture garden will be added. “In the last 40 years, CCAH has been known for bringing music, dance and theatre to town,” said CCAH Executive Director Amy Kimberly. “We had a beautiful gallery at the Third Street Center, but we didn’t have enough foot traffic. This puts us where we can put our arms around all the arts.” “We need a space that is set up for dance and theatre,” said Dance Initiative founder Peter Gilbert. After backers of a James Surls art center cancelled their plans for the former library, Kimberly approached Gilbert about a partnership. “We brainstormed. We talked to an architect and a structural engineer,” said Gilbert. “And we learned that it was possible to remove the interior columns and put up that beam.” He gestured toward a massive, golden glulam header that spans the Open Studio. “I was intrigued by the plans — but I had no idea that it would be this beautiful!” Dana Ganssle Ellis, the Rowland and Broughton architect who redesigned the space, understood the need to open up the large gallery. She’s a dancer, an aficionado of modern and African dance, and also serves
on the Dance Initiative’s board. Gilbert says that starting the Dance Initiative in 2009 was the realization of a long-deferred adolescent dream of his, and he wants the Launchpad to serve as a creative incubator for young dancers. He has already arranged for nationally renowned choreographer Melissa Fenley to dance and teach here next year. “With CCAH going along with this, we are not charging a premium rate. We are subsidizing the performing arts so that dancers, teachers, musicians and artists can use the space for classes and rehearsals,” Gilbert explained. “My dream is not just that Carbondale becomes known as a creative district, but also as a place where people come to create. I want artists to be able to choreograph work here and perform in it New York. Then it gets put in galleries and theatres across the whole country.” The Crystal River Ballet, DanceLAB/CoMotion, Integrated Yoga and African Drum & Dancing already have plans for the new studios, and reservations are being taken at http://www.launchpadcarbondale.com. Both Dance Initiative and CCAH have
slated gala opening events. The opening reception for CCAH’s SWAN show (Support Women Artists Now) will be Oct. 9. Dance Initiative will be offering workshops all day Saturday; dance classes begin on Monday. The Dance Initiative’s third annual Spectrum
Dance Festival is slated for Oct. 18-20, and will feature workshops and performances by nationally known dance artists Patrick Mueller of Control Group Productions and King Charles, who has been featured on “America’s Got Talent” and “America’s Best Dance Crew.”
Jeni Ptacek and Peter Gilbert (above left) practice some dance moves before the Launcpad officially opened this week. Ptacek’s Crystal River Ballet, plus DanceLAB/CoMotion, Integrated Yoga and African Drum & Dancing have already signed up to use the dance spaces. And speaking of space, check out the top window (above). Don’t the windows look like a rocket ready for launch? Photos by Jane Bachrach
Dance fest touches down at Launchpad, under River eatre Sopris Sun Staff Report The Spectrum Dance Festival, produced by Dance Initiative, brings performance, workshops and dance competitions to Carbondale on Oct. 17-19. Performances by contemporary dance companies Wild Heart and Sirens will take place on Oct. 17 at 5:30 and 8 p.m. at Thunder River Theatre. Workshops in contemporary jazz, modern and contact improvisation will take place Oct. 18-19 at The Launchpad, with a workshop in Chicago Footwork by international sensation King Charles, who will perform during the Battle To The Drums breakdance competition on Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Thunder River Theatre. The focus of the Spectrum Dance Festival is to celebrate the art of dance in all its forms and to entertain, educate and develop appreciation for dance, according to a press release. Dance Initiative also hopes to inspire and
support local dancers in their professional and artistic development. Now in its third year, the festival brings emerging dance companies from Colorado’s Front Range and beyond. King Charles, who recently performed his Chicago Footwork at the Vail International Dance Festival this past summer, is best known for the incredible speed of his footwork -- 170 movements per minute. Wild Heart, a contemporary jazz company from Boulder, is a powerhouse of strong women whose choreographic work is described as both “fierce and personal.” Wild Heart is in its second season and will perform excerpts from founder and choreographer Kat Gurley’s critically acclaimed work “My Mother’s Demon and My Father’s Burden.” Sirens Dance, based in Denver and founded by Jennifer Kuhn, will debut in Carbondale and perform her original choreography. The contemporary ballet ensemble
consists of four dancers who have worked together in some of the Front Range’s premiere ballet companies including David Taylor Dance Theatre, the Dawson/Wallace Dance Project and Zikr. “Aside from the traditional performances and educational workshops, the festival offers something altogether unique, not just to Carbondale, but the Colorado region: The Battle To The Drums,” said a festival spokeswoman. The bboy/bgirl battle draws Colorado’s top breakdance crews, judged by Asia One, The Diss and Bboy Text. Crews will battle for a cash prize of $1,000; music will be provided for the early rounds by DJ Ya Chi and MC Focus. During the final rounds, crews have the added challenge of translating their bboy skills to the tribal rhythms of Carbondale’s own African Drummers, headed by Eric Baumheier. King Charles will also be demonstrating Chicago Footwork during the battle.
Workshops taking place over the course of the festival offer exposure for dancers of all levels. Gurley will be teaching contemporary jazz; King Charles will offer a workshop in footwork. The Spectrum Dance Festival also brings back Patrick Mueller of Control Group Productions to teach a workshop in modern phrase work and contact improvisation. Mueller, from Denver, has taught some of the festival’s most popular workshops and teaches modern and improvisation technique for all levels. To register for workshops or to purchase tickets visit danceinitiative.org, call 963-8681 or email danceinitiative@gmail.com. Dance Initiative is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, based in Carbondale, dedicated to promoting the art of dance of all different styles and serving the needs of experienced students of dance, choreographers and teachers of dance.
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • OCTOBER 9, 2014 • 3
Taking “de tour” of Carbondale can be a zigzap excursion these days, with numerous alternate routes thwarting straightthrough driving and biking. A quick run down according to town and CDOT officials: the east end of Main Street (shown here) will remain closed for at least two more weeks as the town runs an eight-inch water line to the Marble Distillery and performs related work; Village Road and Colorado Avenue at Highway 133 will probably remain closed through the end of next week, although right turns onto Highway 133 from Colorado are expected to return on Oct. 13; access to Highway 133 from Sopris Shopping Center will return on Oct. 13; follow flaggers’ directions and expect rolling closures on Highway 133 north of Main Street next week as paving continues. Photo by Lynn Burton
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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • OCTOBER 9, 2014
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EV Rally drivers say “Now is the time” Sopris Sun Staff Report A finish line celebration held on Oct. 3 in Carbondale wrapped up the Electric Vehicle Rally of the Rockies, proving that electric vehicles are a viable way to travel in western Colorado. Eight drivers traveled from Grand Junction, Vail, Aspen and Snowmass Village to a finish line party in Carbondale. They stopped along the way to use free public charging facilities in Parachute, Glenwood Springs and Basalt, and arrived on Main Street in Carbondale in a horn-honking convoy. As the rally assembled at the Colorado Mountain College Lappala Center, more than a dozen electric vehicles lined up in the parking lot, including the Chevy Volt, Ford Focus, Ford C-Max and Nissan Leaf. Drivers immediately plugged in to the Lappala Center’s dual-plug public EV charge station. “Just to see all these cars is outstanding,” said Carbondale Trustee Allyn Harvey Allyn Harvey, one of a half-dozen Carbondale Trustee speakers celebrating the rally. Harvey also chairs the board of Garfield Clean Energy, which hosted this first-ever EV Rally on the Western Slope along with CLEER: Clean Energy Economy for the Region. The event was sponsored by Colorado Mountain College, Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Vail and Grand Junction, as well as Fuoco Motor Co. of Grand Junction, Mountain Chevrolet of Glenwood Springs, and Alpine Bank. Harvey noted that with the widespread public charging stations, “You can buy one of these cars, and in the Roaring Fork Valley you’d never need to buy gas.” Driver Mike Ogburn, an energy engineer with CLEER, noted that the area had just a few public-access EV charge stations a couple of years ago. “Now we’re looking at 60 to 65 plugs available,” he said. While most EV drivers recharge their vehicles at home, the growing network of public charging stations make longer-distance travel possible, Ogburn added. Driver Adrian Fielder of Carbondale, a Colorado Mountain College faculty member who piloted his family’s Nissan Leaf to Vail and back for the rally, noted that CMC is in the process of installing public charging stations at all its campuses. “We’re getting these strategically out across the region so people can
“You can buy one of these cars, and in the Roaring Fork Valley you’d never need to buy gas.”
do eco-tourism,” he said. Greg Rucks, transportation program manager for Rocky Mountain Institute, rode along on the Aspen-Basalt-Carbondale leg of the rally. He noted that vehicles are responsible for about 30 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. “We can transform that by dramatically up scaling the use of alternative fuel vehicles,” Rucks said. “Electric vehicles offer a viable option,” Rucks continued, and they offer a high quality drive experience that will be attractive to people looking for a less-polluting means of transportation. Ogburn said a wide variety of plug-in vehicles now on the market are also eligible for state and federal tax credits, which can offset the purchase price by $4,000 to $13,000. “Colorado has some of the best incentives in the nation. Now is the time to buy,” he said.
Here’s the idea fueling the drive for EV stations. Photo by Jane Bachrach
Sarah Johnson’s champagne was real but her pouring was symbolic, as rally participants circled their thumb and index finger to create imaginary glasses. Photo by Jane Bachrach
From left to right above: drivers Matt Shmigelsky, Craig Farnum, Laurie-Guevera-Stone and Greg Rucks. Far left, Adrian Fielder chats with New Castle resident Antoinette Jaworsky, who hopped a ride in one of the cars in Aspen. Photo by Jane Bachrach THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • OCTOBER 9, 2014 • 5
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Save the date
Let’s do it again
The Carbondale Fire District holds an open house at the main fire station on Meadowood Drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 18. There’ll be fire truck and station tours, refreshments, ambulance demonstrations, blood pressure checks, fire safety information and more.
Organizers have labeled last Sunday’s kids clothing swap outside the Carbondale Branch Library a success. About 30 parents attended and “kids had a blast running around,” according to an e-mail. Remainders were to be donated to Defiance Thrift. Look for more swaps next spring and fall.
It’s CMS hoops time again
Let ‘er rip
Seventh and eight grade boys basketball starts at Carbondale Middle School at 3:30 pm. on Oct. 16. All players must have had a physical. For details, call Jason Kreiling at 384-5734 or Joe Markham at 963-1109.
Riffle Effect at 580 Main St. holds an open house from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 10. The athlete training center opened in September and ski mountaineer Sari Anderson reports, “Ripple Effect has elevated my motivation to gain strength and power in a way I didn’t think was possible.” On a related note, Ripple Effect client Rob Klimek just completed a 44 mile rim-to-rim (and back) run at the Grand Canyon.
Art project to blossom Someone (The Sopris Sun has no idea who it might be) is encouraging folks to sprinkle hollyhock seeds along the elk fence on Highway 82 between Carbondale and El Jebel. “In four or five years we will have a solid corridor of color,” says a note posted at the post office. But, “Be careful out there,” the note warns. “It is a dangerous Hwy to stop on. Sunflowers and morning glory might work too. Spread the love.”
Speaking of postings The headline on a bulletin board posting at City Market reads “Punk Bassist With A Blues Influence Needed!” The note goes on to say that Track C “is in need of somebody that wants to play rowdy punk shows regularly.” Could this be the band for you? Read on. “The sound is 80s skate punk, thrashcore, OI!, with some bluesy rock n roll parts so blues experience is preferred.” Warning: “We also ask that you please show up sober before your first drink at practice, no tolerance. Hit us up if you are interested.” This gig may not be for everyone, however. “No Hippies! … Come Rock!” The phone number listed on the note is 970-331-9446.
Rhumba on over The 2014-2015 Art aRound Town “Best in Show” award goes to James Burnes for his steel and wood sculpture “Ernesto,” who has been staked out across the street from the swimming pool for several months now. The award brings with it $1,000. Burnes was born in Boston and currently works out of Santa Fe. Art aRound Town is organized by the Carbondale Public Arts Commission. Courtesy photo
Get one of those jobs Outside magazine has included Bluetent Marketing, Backbone Media, Charles Cunniffe Architects and the Aspen Skiing Co. on its “Best Place to Work” list. Among the reasons the magazine listed the Carbondale-based Backbone Media: free espresso and access to the “kegerator” that keeps Roaring Fork Brewing Company beer on tap.
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • OCTOBER 9, 2014
Rhumba Girl Liquors (at the intersection of Highway 133 and Sopris Avenue) celebrates “37 years plus 1” Oct. 10-12. The store will honor customers and employees who first supported the Little Brown Jug and then Crystal River Liquor Mart for 37 years, and now Rhumba Girls Liquors. There’ll be a barbecue, drawings, giveaways, contests, games and special deals. Some proceeds will benefit the Carbondale United U-11 Soccer Club. Board members of the Carbondale Clay Center will step up as “celebrity guest cashiers” from 3 to 11 p.m. on Saturday. CARE folks will be celebrity guest cashiers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating their birthday this week include: Charlotte Vanderhurst (Oct. 10); Rick Borkovec (Oct. 12); Carrie Close (Oct. 14); and Darren Broome (Oct. 15).
Candidates talk budget, development, Home Rule One GarCo commission seat up for grabs EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second installment of the Sopris Sun’s coverage of the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners, Dist. 1 election campaign for 2014. The first installment can be found in the Oct. 2 edition of the paper, either online at the website (www.soprissun.com) or by picking up a print copy at the Sopris Sun office in the Third Street Center in Carbondale). In the contest to become the next Garfield County commissioner for District 1, incumbent Tom Jankovsky and his challenger, Michael Sullivan, both are essentially running on Jankovsky’s record. The difference is that Jankovsky feels his record has been exemplary and justifies keeping him in office, while Sullivan feels Jankovsky has not represented his constituents in District 1 and should be kicked out of office. District 1 encompasses the Garfield County portion of the Roaring Fork River Valley, including the Town of Carbondale and most of Glenwood Springs. Jankovsky, 65, is a Republican, and is running for his second term in office, having ousted the two-term former incumbent, Democrat Trési Houpt, four years ago. He moved here from Stirling, Colo., 29 years ago to take the job as general manager and part owner of the Sunlight Mountain Ski Area, a position he held until being elected to the county board. He is married and has five grown children. Sullivan, 60, is a Democrat. He moved to the valley 25 years ago and has worked in various media-related positions and other jobs, including a stint as director of marketing and public relations at Sunlight Mountain Resort. He has served on the county’s planning and zoning commission for six years. Each of the candidates sat down with The Sopris Sun this week to discuss their positions on a variety of issues.
The budget One area of growth that the candidates differ over is the county’s budget, which
last year was projected at revenues of more than $100 million and expenses of more than $125 million. Some 80 percent of the county’s property tax revenues, which make up more than half the county’s overall income, comes from property taxes paid by oil and gas companies. Jankovsky noted that the county has consistently balanced its budget over the years, and that recently, when oil and gas revenues dropped, the county cut its expenditures by seven percent to match a seven-percent revenue decline. And in 2010, he said, the county axed about 40 employees due to revenue instability, staffing cuts that he reported have been maintained. Tom Jankovsky Sullivan, on the other hand, maintained the county is stuck in a rut of overspending, thanks to the high revenues from oil and gas activities, and that the county is not as transparent as it should be in how it spends the money. He maintained that the county relies too heavily on “supplemental appropriations,” in which the commissioners approve unexpected or unpredicted expenditures in one or another county department late in the year. Sullivan estimated that there were perhaps 10 such supplemental budget requests in the past year, for significant amounts of money, although he was unsure exactly what the total amount was. “We spend a lot of money, and for Tom (Jankovsky) to say he’s a fiscal conservative, I have serious questions about how fiscally conservative he really is,” Sullivan said. Sullivan claimed he would be more fiscally conservative than Jankovsky has been, and would watch the county’s budgets more closely and with a more critical eye. Jankovsky and Sullivan agreed that the county would do well to diversify its economic base, to “break from that boom and bust cycle” that comes from over-dependence on one big business, such as the oil
and gas industry, in Sullivan’s words. But, Jankovsky asserted, “We’ve been blessed during this recession to have oil and gas revenues coming to the county.” Still, Jankovsky conceded, “Is it (big oil and gas revenue) going to be there forever? No.” And when the oil and gas industry goes into decline locally, Jankovsky further admitted, it will have a drastic effect on not just the county’s annual income, but that of a myriad of “special districts” including everything from school districts to fire departments. “But that’s still 40 to 100 years away,” he maintained, a development that can only Michael Sullivan be dealt with when it occurs. And, he said, the county is not the agency that should be driving economic development alternatives, it should be left to the towns and the business community. Photos by John Colson
John Colson Sopris Sun Correspondent
Economic development Sullivan stressed the need to get away from the boom and bust cycle as quickly as possible. “We need long-term and sustainable economics in Garfield County,” he stated. And District 1, which includes the lower stretch of the Roaring Fork Valley, already is poised to focus on economic diversification. He cited the valley’s primary economic drivers as tourism and recreation, which together can attract businesses looking to expand or relocate. “We seriously need an economic development director” on the county payroll, Sullivan said, adding, “I’m going to be a one-man cheerleader for tourism, for recreation, for trails and for changes and improvements especially in the technological infrastructure” that he feels might encourage new businesses to come to the county. For example, he said, he would like to push for the creation of regional businesses that would cultivate, harvest and
process hemp, the variant of marijuana that does not make you high but that has a wide range of industrial applications. Hemp, as an industrial product, recently was legalized in Colorado by a statewide vote and is rapidly gaining greater acceptance nationwide. “Hemp would be a great boom to our economy and our agricultural sector,” he said, also mentioning solar power, organic farming and other non-traditional businesses as possibilities for diversification. Jankovsky noted that while the county commissioners talked about hiring an ED director recently, they concluded it was not the best use of county resources, and that such matters were best left to the private sector and the towns. Anyway, he said, a state demographer recently told the commissioners that “our economy is fairly diverse” as it stands, with several different types of commercial and economic activity that each represent up to 10 percent of the regional economy, including tourism and agriculture.
Home Rule The two men were diametrically opposed when it came to the idea of making changes to the political structure of Garfield County. Sullivan believes the county should embrace Home Rule and expand the board of county commissioners to five, from its current complement of three, and he believes the commissioners should each be elected strictly by the voters in his or her particular district, rather than the “atlarge” election system now in place. Jankovsky rejects both ideas as unnecessary and, probably, not supported by the county’s electorate. He said that in the mid-1990s he served on a committee that investigated both ideas and decided against pursuing them. The reason for the decision, he said, was due to the need to hold two different elections (one to set up a Home-Rule commission, the other to seek voter approval for the changes), and the cost of those elections. “We did not have the money,” he said of that committee’s conclusions. And now? “I have no comment on that one,” he said.
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • OCTOBER 9, 2014 • 7
CMS football: Numbers low but spirits high By Coley Campbell Special to The Sopris Sun It’s been a struggle this year for Carbondale Middle School football. With 11 players on the seventh grade team and 12 on the eighth, there hasn’t been much room for substitution or error. I’m not sure where the lack of players comes from. I know coach Levy from Basalt is feeling the same low numbers with his seventh grade team. We have also had a decline in parent volunteers on our coaching staff. Having parent volunteers on the coaching staff is a crucial part of the program. No matter what their experience level they are a useful part of the organization. Our record does not show the amount of work these young men have put into their season, playing the entire game on both sides of the ball with fatigue and the basic will to win. Although we have had low numbers each week, our players come out with their heads high and ready to practice with a can’t lose attitude. For what they’ve been through this season I commend each one of them for keeping their spirits high with a “stand tall, can’t fall” attitude. “Stand tall, can’t fall” was a phrase I created at the beginning of the year. With the intent of us being a family-orientated team, we should always be there for each other no matter how good or bad times get. Hold your heads high, play to the best of your ability with all your heart, and no one can ever take away the effort you put into the game — win or lose. That’s exactly what these guys have done. This attitude not only has shown on the field but off the field as well. Each player this year committed himself to doing at least one community-service project, mostly revolving around football. They either spent time trying to get donations for needed equipment, helped collect tickets at Friday night games, or worked in the concession stand. They also had to attend an afterschool study hall on Early Release Wednesdays to help keep their grades where they should be, not to just be eligible for football. School should always come before sports. Being a molder of these young men, coaches
Carbondale Middle School seventh and eighth graders play both sides of the ball, sometimes for entire games without substitutions. That’s because the two teams consist of 11 and 12 players respectively. Despite a tough season, players kept coming out not only for practice, they also performed community service during the week. The coaches hope CMS football will start turning around next year, as they have joined USA FOOTBALL and a summer camp is also in the offing. Photos by Gregg Adams Photography
Steve Kuhl, Jason Kreiling and I held these kids to a high standard scholastically, in their community and as athletes.
and become part of its Heads-Up football program, the organization has given us many ideas and is willing to support our efforts. Community support is a big part of sports The future and for some reason it seems like Carbondale Our plan for the future is to have a football has gone flat when it comes to sports. We need camp for all ages here in Carbondale this sum- parents and other members of the community mer, hopefully assisted by a Denver Bronco to step up and support us by attending games player. Since we’ve joined USA FOOTBALL on all levels. I’m calling you out Carbondale to come show your support for these kids no matter what sport your child plays. And if they don’t play a sport, get them and yourself involved. I’m sure I will get some negative feed back for this next comment, but I would like to see a flag-football league take the place of third and fourth grade football. In my opinion, The emphasis should be on teaching kids the game before they get into hitting. To me, third and fourth grade seems too young for them to be out there in full pads, banging against each other and risking head and neck injuries. In order for our high This year’s motto for CMS football was “Stand tall, can’t fall.” The seventh and eighth grade teams’ final school teams to thrive, games of the season are on their home turf against Glenwood Springs starting at 6 p.m. on Oct. 15. Photos there needs to be a good by Gregg Adams Photography foundation. Roaring Fork 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • OCTOBER 9, 2014
High School hasn’t seen a state title in a long time. I believe that our peewee program is the cornerstone to making that happen. Hopefully, in the next few years we will have a strong program throughout all levels of play. Reducing major player injuries has been one of our top priorities on the field and player safety has been our main concern. Proper tackling techniques and a “heads-up” awareness has made us fortunate this year that we have not suffered any head or neck injuries. I would like to encourage parents at all levels not to be afraid to go to the coach and express your concerns and pull your child from the game and get them checked out if at any time you feel your child has suffered a dangerous hit. With that being said, we hope that we can get a whole lot of community support on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at Carbondale Middle School for the kid’s final game of the season under the lights against Glenwood. And let’s not forget this Friday’s Roaring Fork High School varsity game against Basalt. In the future, if you are interested in helping out at any level — mountain west peewee, middle school or high school — you can contact me through e-mail at Carbondalecoach@gmail.com. Coley Campbell is the Carbondale Middle School head football coach.
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Here are a few of the folks who helped American Legion Post 100 celebrate its 50th anniversary inside and outside at its headquarters in the old Carbondale train depot on Oct. 4. There was a pig roast, music by Rick Rock and the Roosters, dancing, a funny looking balloon that folks knocked around before it got knocked into a tree then put back into play with a jab from a shovel, plus plenty of other laughs. Photo by Lynn Burton
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All trees, shrubs and perennials are 50% OFF NEW INVENTORY ARRIVING DAILY! The BIGGEST, THE BEST PUMPKINS IN THE VALLEY!!!!! Trees, Shrubs, Landscape Design and Installation NEW FALL HOURS! Open Monday-Saturday 9:00-5:00, Closed Sundays! )XZ $BSCPOEBMF $0 t THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • OCTOBER 9, 2014 • 9
Community Calendar THURSDAY Oct. 9 SWAN OPENS • The Carbondale Council on Arts & Humanities opens its 2014 Swan show from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Launchpad (76 Fourth St.). The evening will include tours, random acts of performance, hors d’oeuvres, libations, and the work of more than 30 local women artists working in an array of mediums. Info: carbondalearts.com or 963-1680. MOONSTRUCK RETURNS • Basalt gets Moonstruck once again with discounts at stores, fire pits and more. It goes from 6 to 9 p.m. with upcoming Moonstruck evenings on Nov. 6 and Dec. 6. ROTARY • The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita at noon every Thursday.
THUR.-SAT. Oct. 9-11 THEATRE • Thunder River Theatre Company in downtown Carbondale concludes its run of the Pulitzer Prize winning play “The Gin Game” at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 adults; $17.50 for 20-30-somethings; $13 for students at thunderrivertheatre.com and 963-8200.
FRIDAY Oct. 10 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “The Skeleton Twins” (R) at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10-16; “Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago” (Not Rated) at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 10-11, 13 and “The Hundred-Foot Journey”(PG) at 5 p.m. on Oct. 12. LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old
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.
part of the Dinkel Building presents live music every Friday night. Info: 963-3304. LIVE MUSIC • Rivers restaurant in Glenwood Springs presents Russell Wild with the opening act Nanogram from 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover. Info: 928-8813. CREATIVE SPACES • There’ll be an opening night reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 227 Midland Ave., Unit 14A. ARAC SHOWS DENVER’S PICS • Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village hosts an opening reception for “Sweet, Sweet Life: The Photographic Works of John Denver” from 5 to 7 p.m. The show features never-before-seen photographs taken by the late singer-songwriter and will be on view from 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 11 and Oct. 14, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 17. Info: johndenver.com.
SATURDAY Oct. 11 TAMALE FEST • English in Action holds its annual Fiesta de Tamales fund-raiser from 5 to 8 p.m. at Basalt Middle School. Tickets are $15 adults/$5 kids in advance; $20 adults/$8 kids at the door. The evening includes music, dance and a drawing with more than 25 prizes. Info: 963-9200. DENVER TRIBUTE • Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon present a tribute to John Denver at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 at 9205770 or wheeleroperahouse.com. VET TECH TOUR • Colorado Mountain College holds an open house at its Spring
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at Willits
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TOWN OF CARBONDALE
Street Maintenance I, is accepting applications for CDL preferred.
Visit the Town of Carbondale website for more details, or pick-up an application at Town Hall. Deadline to apply is October 17, 2014, 3:00 pm. 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • OCTOBER 9, 2014
Valley veterinary facility from 10 a.m. to noon. Please leave your pets at home. Info: 947-8244.
will present “Pastel Talk.”. The monthly meeting will follow at 8 p.m. Info: 4041208.
SUNDAY Oct. 12
WEDNESDAY Oct. 15
LUTHERANS MEET • Faith Lutheran Church holds worship services 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.
LIVE MUSIC • Dan Rosenthal hosts open mic nights at Rivers restaurant from 8 to 10 p.m. Info: 928-8813.
ASC • A Spiritual Center in the Third Street Center presents Lynn Hughes (“Inspiration & Entertainment by Jim Carrey & Others”) at 10 a.m. Coming up on Oct. 19: Gwen Garcelon (“Evolving the World Through Radical Self Love”); Oct. 26: Sean Jeung. Info: 963-5516.
MONDAY Oct. 13 JAZZ JAM • The Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs hosta a jazz jam Mondays from 7 to 10 p.m. All abilities are welcome.
TUESDAY Oct. 14 ELECTION FORUM • The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association hosts the 29th annual Issues and Answers forum at town hall, starting at 4:30 p.m. Participants include Garfield County Commission candidates Tom Jankovsky and Michael Sullivan. ART DEMO • The Glenwood Springs Art Guild’s October demonstration will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (1630 Grand Ave.) at 7 p.m. Marcie Reed
CULTURE CLUB • The Culture Club in the Third Street Center “Dr. Dave” Teitler (medicinal mushrooms and your immune system). On Oct. 222 it’s Dr. Greg Feinsinger (preventing heart attack, stroke and diabetes through nutrition); on Oct. 29 it’s the Josefina Mendez. Info: thirdstreetcenter.net. GROUND BREAKING • Ground will be broken for the RMI Innovation Center in Basalt at 4:30 p.m. A panel discussion will follow at the Basalt Regional Library at 5:30 p.m. COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR • Have a cup of coffee on the Basalt mayor a Saxy’s from 8 to 9 a.m. ROTARY • The Rotary Club of Carbondale presents retired Marine Lt. Col. Richard Merritt at the Carbondale fire station at 6:45 a.m. Merritt will talk about the Western Slope Veterans Coalition. Upcoming speaker is Josh Wolman of the Aspen Country Day School on Oct. 22. Info or to suggest speakers: riccarlson@gmail.com and steve@kdnk.org. CALENDAR page 11
Community Calendar
continued from page 10
Further Out
THURSDAY Oct. 16
MARILYN VAN DERBUR • River Bridge Regional Center presents child-sexual abuse expert Marilyn Van Derbur at the Wheeler Opera House at 6 p.m. Info: 945-5195.
FRI.-SUN. Oct. 17-19 DANCE • Dance Initiative’s Spectrum Dance Festival takes place at Thunder River Theatre and the Launchpad. There’ll be performances, workshops and “Battle to the Drumsâ€? competition. The workshops will focus on contemporary jazz, choreography, modern technique, hip hop, and contact improvisation at various times at the Launchpad (aka the old Gordon Cooper Library) on Oct. 18-19. Front Range-based teachers Kat Gurley, Patrick Mueller and Kristine Whittle will bring their expertise to the Roaring Fork Valley with a Chicago Footwork workshop that will be taught by international dance sensation King Charles. Workshops are
$15 each or $40 for three. Tickets, festival passes and more information at danceinitiative.org.
FRIDAY Oct. 17 ONE BOOK, ONE TOWN • The Carbondale Branch Library hosts the 11th annual One Book One Town event, featuring young-adult-author Franny Billingsly, at 5 p.m. Billingsly’s book “Chimeâ€? is a National Book award ďŹ nalist and is available at the library. Info: 963-2889. HOLIDAY SHOW • Today is the deadline to enter CCAH’s juried Holiday Show. CCAH is looking for artisanal gift items such as jewelry, soaps, lotions, scarves, hats, as well as handmade holiday items like ornaments and gift cards. Items must be handmade and priced under $200. The show runs Nov. 21 through Dec. 24. Info: 963-1680 or carbondalearts.com. ROCK ’N ROAST • Rock ’N Roast takes over the Orchard’s Gathering Center from 6 to 10
p.m. There’ll be a wine wall, music, silent auction, food and drawings. You must be at least 21 to atttend. Proceeds beneďŹ t the Children’s Rocky Mountain School, Growing Years and Mt. Sopris Montessori School. Info: 963-3506, ext. 1.
continues its Shaka Cross Series at North Face Park, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. and pre-riding at 10 a.m. Races will also be staged at Roaring Fork High School on Nov. 16 and Nov. 27. Info: 963-2500.
TNHA • True Nature Healing Arts on north Third Street hosts “Heart Rhythm: A Dance Liberation Projectâ€? from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
MONDAY Oct. 20
SATURDAY Oct. 18 HARVEST PARTY • ACES’s 13th annual Harvest Party at Rock Bottom Ranch takes place from noon to 5 p.m. There’ll be ranch tours and activities, food, music and more. Tickets are $20 for adults; and $10 for kids 3-10. Free shuttles from the Basalt park and ride lot or Crown Mountain every 15 minutes. Info: 925-5756.
MARIMBA LESSONS • Eric Baumheier starts an eight-week series of youth and adult group marimba classes at the Launchpad (aka the former Gordon Cooper Library building) on Mondays and Thursdays. For details, call 303-717-1310 or e-mail ebaumheier@gmail.com.
SAT.. Oct. 25-26
BIKE RACING • Aloha Mountain Cyclery
DANCE • Coredination & Bonedale Ballet presents their 10th anniversary Dance Performance at 2 p.m. Info: 379-2187 or bonedaleballet.com.
idents.� Info: 963-2529.
days from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Village Smithy.
FIGURE DRAWING • The Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities offers ďŹ gure drawing sessions on Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m. Info: 970-456-2865 or honewilliams@gmail.com.
MEET THE MAYOR • Basalt Mayor Jacque Whitsitt meets the public over coffee on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month
SUNDAY Oct. 19
Ongoing 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. LANDSCAPES • Ann Korologos Gallery in downtown Basalt continues “Out of the West: Landscapesâ€? through Oct. 31. Info: 927-9668 and korologosgallery.com. “FLOCKâ€? KEEPS FLYING • The Aspen Chapel Gallery continues the show “Flock:
Works Inspired by Birdsâ€? featuring Mary Ballou, Staci Dickerson, Linda Drake, Wewer Keohane, Tammie Lane, Jan Panico, Patty Ringer, Jill Scher, Jennifer Sellers and Lisa Singer. The show continues through Oct. 12. WYLY ANNEX • The Jody Guralnick show “Subject to Changeâ€? continues at the Wyly Annex (174 Midland Ave.) through Oct. 11. Info: wylyarts.org. CCC • The Carbondale Clay Center at the east end of Main Street continues its show “Our Community: Students + Teachers + Res-
AUTISTIC STORYTIME • The Carbondale Branch Library offers a sensory storytime for autistic children and their parent/caregiver Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. MAYOR’S COFFEE HOUR • Chat with Carbondale Mayor Stacey Bernot on Tues-
LINX • The Linx Networking group meets each Tuesdays at 7 a.m. in the Aspen-Sotheby’s real estate ofďŹ ce on Midland Avenue in Basalt. Info: Keith Edquist at 928-8428. WEEKLY RUNS • Independence Run & Hike holds runs on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Info: 704-0909.
Colorado’s 2012 “Outstanding Regional Theatre”
Lon Winston Executive Artistic Director
D. L. CoburnÂ’s
PURINA BLOWOUT!
STARRING JULIA WHITCOMBE & BOB MOORE
ALL PURINA FEEDS
DIRECTED BY BRAD MOORE Thunder River Theatre
while supplies last
67 Promenade, Downtown Carbondale (On the Red Brick Walkway)
5
is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., New York.
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Adults $25, Students $13, 20/30 Somethings $17.50 Tickets & Further Information: www.thunderrivertheatre.com
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.
$500 PER BAG OFF!
Next to City Market in El Jebel, 400 E Valley Rd. Ste I/J 963.1700 Open M-F 10-6:30pm Sat/Sun 11-5pm
Open seven days a week
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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • OCTOBER 9, 2014 • 11
Community Briefs
Please submit your community briefs to news@soprissun.com by noon on Monday.
Attention ditch users
Erasmo Tapia rides Salvador from Skyline Ranch then past White Hill Cemetery on a recent afternoon. Tapia works at Skyline, ropes throughout the state of Colorado and has won lots of buckles and saddles. On a related note, Salvador is one of more than 100 horses that Aspen Valley Horse Rescue brought in from other states four years ago. Photo by Lynn Burton
Once again, the town will cut off irrigation ditches for the season on Oct. 15, according to a press release. Look for them to start flowing again on April 15, 2015. For details, call 963-3140.
UDC meeting is Oct. 16 The planning & zoning commission holds a public meeting to discuss the “Procedures and Process” section of the draft Unified Development Code (UDC) at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16. The “Procedures and Process” section of the UDC is the first of three sections; the others are “Districts and Uses” and “development standards,” according to a press release. The entire UDC process is expected to last into mid-2015. The town is using the 2013 Compressive Plan as the UDC’s guiding document. It hired Clarion Associates of Denver to facilitate the process. The town’s zoning code was thoroughly revised in 1993. To sign up for UDC updates, go to carbondaleudc.com.
It’s greenhouse time at CRMPI The Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute in Basalt hosts a workshop on designing and building year-round greenhouses on Oct. 11. For details, go to crmpi.org or call 927-4158. On a related note, Oct. 12 is the deadline to contribute to CRMPI’s Heritage Fruit Tree Kickstarter campaign.
Going to the candidates debate Garfield County commissioner candidates Tom Jankovsky and Michael Sullivan are featured at the Issues and Answers forum at Glenwood Springs Town Hall starting at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 14. It’s presented by the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association and others and will be broadcast live on Cable Channel 10.
AARP offers drivers course AARP offers its Smart Drivers Course at the CMC Lappala Center from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 16. It’s a refresher course designed for drivers over 50. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. For details, call 945-7149 or e-mail odjo39@rof.net.
TRTC holds auditions Thunder River Theatre Company holds auditions for “Red Herring” for actors who play parts 35 years old or younger on Oct. 25, and on Oct. 27 for actors who play parts 35 or older. Rehearsals are slated for May through June; the play will run Jun 19 through July 4.
AUDUBON WILD BIRD SEED SALE IS ON! PRE-ORDERS ONLY CALL RJ PADDYWACKS AT 963-1700 BY OCT 19TH.
Next to City Market in El Jebel, 400 E Valley Rd. Ste I/J 963.1700 Open M-F 10-6:30pm, Sat/Sun 11-5pm
Open seven days a week
C’mon Down!!
Carbondale Fire Open House Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 11 am - 3 pm 301 Meadowood Drive, Carbondale Fire Truck & Station Tours Fire Safety Information Blood Pressure Checks Free Refreshments Ambulance Demonstration
Stop by and visit your local fire department for a day filled with fun and learning
12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • OCTOBER 9, 2014
For details, contact Wendy Moore at 948-5121 or wmphq7@gmail.com.
CPW extends office hours Colorado Parks and Wildlife will extend office hours for hunting licenses and information during big game season (Oct. 11 through Nov. 16). The nearest CPW office is in Grand Junction. For details, call 970-255-6100.
Students get free ride CMC offers a free shuttle for its students and employees that runs from Glenwood Springs to the Spring Valley campus and Carbondale. It operates Monday through Thursday. For details, call 947-8200.
Four applicants so far for school board seats By Debbie Bruell Sopris Sun Correspondent
Below are the candidates’ responses to a few questions from The Sun:
Four individuals have informed The Sopris Sun of their intent to apply for one of the two vacant seats on the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education. The seats were declared open on Sept. 10 after two board members moved out of their district boundaries: Terry Lott-Richardson previously held the seat for District C and Richard Stettner previously held the seat for District A. Applications for both seats are due on Oct. 10. The school board has 60 days to decide whom to appoint for these seats. Interviews will be conducted on Oct. 16. A decision may be made as early as Oct. 16 as well. Newly appointed board members will serve until the next school board election in November 2015. At that point, a District A candidate will be elected for a two-year term and a District C candidate will be elected for a four-year term. Maps of the district seats can be found on the school district’s website: www.rfsd.k12.co.us. District A includes the area east of Eighth Street and east of Highway 133 in Carbondale, south of Highway 82, extending into Basalt. District C includes the area north and east of Highway 82 (with a small section west of Highway 82), extending to I-70 on its northern border and part way between Carbondale and Basalt on its eastern border. Mary Elizabeth Geiger (a resident of Glenwood) and Troy Lange (Spring Valley) are applying for the District C seat. Karl Hanlon (Carbondale) and Eden Steele (Blue Creek Ranch) are applying for the District A seat. Candidates must live in the district of the seat for which they are running. However, all school board members are elected to represent the school district as a whole.
1. Do you have any children in the RFSD schools? 2. What is your line of work and/or background? 3. Why do you want to be on the school board and what are your main interests regarding the schools?
Mary Elizabeth Geiger: 1. I have a first grader and a fourth grader at Sopris Elementary School. 2. I’ve worked as an attorney for 13 years in the valley. I’ve worked part time for nine years since my son was born. I do mostly real estate and water matters and litigation associated therewith, municipal and special district law. 3. My children still have a lot of time remaining in the district. I’ve been excited about the changes in the past few years and would like to see continued improvement — in the physical facilities of the schools, the opportunities for students, professional development for teachers and continued community outreach and involvement from families. I want to be part of the implementation of the Strategic Plan and the education of the “whole child.”
Karl Hanlon: 1. I have a daughter at Roaring Fork High School and a son at Carbondale Community School. I also have two stepsons who graduated from Basalt High School. 2. I have practiced law in the valley since the fall of 1996. Much of my time is spent representing local municipalities and special districts on a wide variety of issues ranging from zoning, education and employment policies, property taxes, elections, open meetings, open records and TABOR issues. 3. My brother and sister and I as well as our cousins were all first generation college students. Our success was found in both committed and involved parents as well as a great, well-funded public education system in Wyoming. As I watch the slide of funding nationwide and statewide for education, the financial struggle many families face, the impact of standardized testing and the soaring cost of a college education it drives me to look at the future, get involved and try and make a difference.
Eden Steele:
1. I have a daughter at Basalt Middle School and a son at Basalt Elementary School. Troy Lange: 2. I am an attorney who specializes in business litiga1. I have a daughter at Sopris Elementary School and my tion. I recently decided to take time away from the law to wife, Becky Lange, teaches at Glenwood Springs High School. pursue some writing dreams. 3. I’m interested in the school board because of my fun2. I am the executive director of Mountain BOCES — a collaboration of school districts that leverage services for students. damental belief in a strong public education system for all 3. My primary reason for running is to give back to the com- kids in the Roaring Fork Valley. I’d like to see the best, most munity through service. Education is one of our greatest assets innovative curricula in our schools so that we are giving and resources. Our kids are going to be working jobs that don’t all children in our district the very best chance for success exist today, and we need to prepare them for those opportunities. during school and after graduation.
Town forester alerts board to possible tree problems John Colson Sopris Sun Correspondent Is Carbondale’s “urban forest” in danger of a precipitous decline? David Coon, the town’s urban forester (among numerous other duties) believes it might be, and has cautioned other town officials that something needs to be done about it. Coon, who took over the position last May, recently issued a round of blast e-mails to members of Carbondale’s Tree Board, warning of a looming infestation of something called the emerald ash borer, which he said could quickly mow down nearly a tenth of the town’s “urban canopy” of trees. The Tree Board is made up of volunteers who advise the town’s public works department on matters relating to trees and the urban canopy. Town Manager Jay Harrington and Public Works Director Larry Ballinger, in turn, advise the board of trustees on any issues they believe warrant official attention. The Tree Board’s current makeup, according to the town’s website, includes chair Kim Bock, Ken Belinski, Dan Bullock, Connor Coleman, Dieter Martini and Shaun Rourke, with Trustee Katrina Byars serving as the trustee liaison. According to Coon, officials from the U.S. Forest Service conducted a survey of Carbondale’s urban forest in 2010, and counted “about 1,900” trees of various types on town property. In an e-mail on Sept. 29, Coon noted that he believes that roughly 20 trees were “removed” (cut down) in the past year, which amounts to “a rate of loss of about 1 percent per year” if that level of removal carries
through from year to year. “That doesn’t sound like a lot, but if we go for 10 years without replacing trees that are removed, we will end up with a loss of 10 percent of our urban forest if the removed trees are not replaced,” he wrote. He added that the species that mainly are being cut down are ash, aspens and Siberian elm, which he said “are three of the top-four most numerous trees in Carbondale’s inventory, and they are also the most in decline.” The Siberian elm, he told the Sopris Sun, comprises nearly 17 percent of the town’s tree population, which he said is higher than the accepted diversity standard of 10 percent per species. At an average age of about 50-70 years, he said of the Siberian elm, they are “reaching the end of their lifespan” and already are beginning to lose branches and show signs of inadequate pruning over the years. “They’re manageable,” he said of the Siberian elms, “it’s just mainly unsightly,” and the town is debating whether to begin thinning the trees and replacing them with other species. But, he wrote in one of the e-mails, “We also are going to see a complete decimation of our ash trees when the Emerald Ash Borer (sic) arrives, which almost instantaneously decreases our urban forest by about 8 percent.” Coon told The Sopris Sun that the borer has reached the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies, but has yet to be detected west of the Continental Divide. But, he pointed out, that could change at any time if, say, some campers from Boulder or Denver travel to the Western Slope carrying ash logs for firewood. “All they have to do is lay the wood on the ground, and for the ash borer to
The town planted ash trees in Fourth Street plaza more than 10 years ago. Since then, the emerald ash borer arrived in Colorado but has yet to travel west of the Continental Divide. Photo by Lynn Burton emerge,” he said. In a second e-mail to the Tree Board, dated Oct. 6, Coon more cheerfully reported on tree planting that is taking place this fall. Along Eighth Street and the Rio Grande Bike Path, and in Hendrick Park, he reported, the town is planning to plant a mixture of honeylocust, Amur chokecherry, hackberry, Greenspire linden and swamp white oak. In addition, he wrote, the town will plant some “semi-dwarf apple trees at the (Carbondale) Nature Park,” which will be supported by a new irrigation system he said is now being installed. The new trees, he reported, are to be from
the Haralred apple family, which are “supposed to be very cold hardy and very resistant to fire blight.” All in all, Coon told The Sopris Sun on Oct. 7, the town’s urban forest is “in pretty good shape, as far as what we have. In an urban forest, it’s really important to have diversity,” so that if one tree species gets in trouble, the town does not suddenly find itself bereft of shade and bird habitat. “We’re doing a good job of keeping up with the management of the trees,” he concluded, adding that while his e-mails were intended to serve as cautionary notes, “there’s not a note of alarm.”
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • OCTOBER 9, 2014 • 13
EAT. SHOP. PLAY CONFLUENCE OF RIVERS, RECREATION & CULTURE
Creative Spaces project takes off on Friday By S. Michael Jundt A collaboration spearheaded by Basalt Chamber of Commerce President Robin Waters unites artists, galleries and property owners with the local business community and turns empty spaces into temporary art displays. “Every town has occasional storefronts for lease or sale,” says Robin, “and part of our new initiative to revitalize historic downtown is to utilize these spaces and showcase the talents of artists.” Three “empty” spaces are being set up with an eclectic array of art that will remain on display until the property is leased or sold. Friday’s opening event has been coordinated by Lynne Mace of Toklat Gallery and features paintings by Dave Durrance, furniture and marquetry art by Dave Struempler, and reproductions of plains Indians’ weaponry by Basalt Town Councilman Rick Stevens. “This is an organic process,” says Robin, “we are starting with downtown as it is the heart of the community and it’s his-
toric relevance and charm make it the perfect venue for this project. A great part of the thrill is how entirely ephemeral this is going to be. The element of surprise will be exciting, think moveable art. One night you might be strolling through downtown and see performance art in a store window. This is going to be fun.” Waters credits the efforts of the town of Basalt and business owners. “It’s important to coordinate thoughtfully with everyone involved,” says Robin, “owners, artists, the wonderful Wyly and the local volunteers who help bring light, color and life to these temporary settings.” If you’re an owner of unoccupied commercial space or an artist interested in displaying your work, contact Robin at the chamber. “We also welcome volunteers who enjoy organizing and filling space creatively to help this program spread around the town.” The event launches on Oct. 10 at 227 Midland Ave., #14A. Appetizers and refreshments will be served.
Taste of Basalt returns Sopris Sun Staff Report
The Basalt Education Foundation (BEF) presents the 19th annual Taste of Basalt at the Roaring Fork Club on from 6 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 8.
Considered the midvalley’s premier social event of the school year, the Taste of Basalt offers guests the chance to try foods from the area’s best restaurants, sample wine from area distributors and vodka from Woody Creek Distillers, dance to the tunes of DJ Dylan, bid on dozens of silent-auction items and enter to win raffle prizes.
The event’s title sponsor for the second year in a row is Alpine Bank, which has pledged $10,000 to support the Taste of Basalt and BEF’s mission to enhance education at all three Basalt public schools.
“We are so grateful to Alpine Bank and all our event sponsors for kick-starting our fundraising efforts this year,” said Erika Leavitt, Basalt Education Foundation Board president.
Last year’s Taste of Basalt raised more than $80,000. Money distributed to all three schools included support for the following programs: • $10,000 for interactive science materials at BMS;
• $5,000 for ACES environmental education at BES; • $4,000 for the BMS band;
• $4,000 for the Model U.N. World Affairs competition at BHS;
• $3,900 for continuing education for teachers at BHS;
• $3,600 for graphing calculators at BHS; • $2,000 for Mr. G the “science guy” at BES;
• $1,700 for English Language Learner tablets at BES.
Taste of Basalt tickets are $85 per person or $80 per person when purchasing two or more tickets at once. They are available at Midland Shoe in downtown Basalt or online at www.tasteofbasalt.com.
We have some fun activities for youth through adult.
NOW ACCEPTING FALL & WINTER 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
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.
The next Coffee with the Mayor is: Wednesday, 0DUPCFS Saxy’s in downtown Basalt from 8:15 to to 9:15 AM. 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • OCTOBER 9, 2014
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-
expressrec.org. Start planning your fall & winter activities today!
Carbondale native Dylan Henderson seemed pretty conďŹ dent his next toss was going in at last Saturday’s Oktoberfest cornhole tournament on Fourth Street plaza. Corn bags were ying like crazy outside the Oktoberfest tent as 26 two-person teams competed for the top prize of a pair of cornhole boards designed by Bill Kirkland and festooned with the state of Colorado’s ag design. Ralph Smalley and Wilber Marquez survived the high-stakes pressure and walked away with the boards. Photo by Lynn Burton
Weekend Leaf Drop Supervised residential leaf drop will be at the following locations: October 18 & 19 – Arbaney Park October 25 & 26 – Willits Soccer Field November 1 & 2 – Southside Soccer Field November 8 & 9 – Willits Soccer Field November 15 & 16 – Basalt Seed Garden 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Go to
www.basalt.net for more information
4-6 pm KIDS’ PUMPKIN CRAFT
5-8 pm KIDS’ TRICK-OR-TREATING LIVE MUSIC FIRE PIT WITH S’MORES
thurs
OCT
DO NOT drop off yard waste outside of these times.
9
Please separate leaves from branches and twigs. Brush and stick trailer will be provided also.
A Fundraiser for
years of
NGLISH E IN
ACTION
BUILDING COMMUNITY FOR 20 YEARS
An authentic intercultural event for local families featuring... Homemade Tamale & Pupusa Dinner DJ, Music & Mexican Folk Singers Aspen Santa Fe Ballet FolklĂłrico e 5-8 pm at th Prize Drawings & PiĂąatas Basalt Middle School Spellbinders Storyteller
Saturday October 11
Advance Tickets: $15 Adult/$5 Child For tickets and donations go to fiestadetamales14.eventbrite.com Tickets Day of: $20 Adult/$8 Child or call 970.963.9200 or visit www.englishinaction.org
“BEAR AWARE� Bears are in your yards, on the trails, along the river and people can be a meal for them! t 1VU ZPVS HBSCBHF USBTI PVU JO UIF NPSOJOH PG QJDLVQ SBUIFS UIBO UIF OJHIU CFGPSF t *G ZPV IBWF GSVJU USFFT PO ZPVS QSPQFSUZ PS ZPV BSF JO UIF BSFB PG GSVJU USFFT CF BMFSU t ,FFQ B XBUDI PWFS ZPVS QFUT BOE TNBMM DIJMESFO t 5SZ UP XBML IJLF XJUI TPNFPOF SBUIFS UIBO BMPOF t %PO U MFBWF ZPVS QSFNJTFT XJUI EPPST PS XJOEPXT PQFO
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • OCTOBER 9, 2014 • 15
Letters continued om page 2
Unclassifieds
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golfed and donated, and thanks to The Sopris Sun, The Post Independent and KMTS for helping us promote the event. Corporate sponsors were Alpine Bank, R&A Enterprises, Silver Mountain Properties, Ferguson Enterprises and Dahl Plumbing. The Hole–In–One sponsor was Berthod Motors. Hole sponsors were: River Stone real estate, Western Slope Materials, RFSD District OfďŹ ce. Larry Williams Carbondale
American Legion thanks Dear Editor: E The American Legion Post 100 Auxiliary would like to thank everyone for their support and contributions to our 14th annual Scholarship
Course, The Redstone Inn, RFTA, Richie’s Lift & Haul, Roaring Fork Realty, Senor Taco, Sons of the American Legion, Steven Burdick and Amy Skinner, Sopris Liquor, Spectrum Development, Strange Imports, The Black Nugget, Two Rivers Bar & Restaurant, Town. restaurant, The Village Smithy, White House Pizza, and Woody Creek Distillery. It was a fun day with exceptional Colorado weather. Thanks again and we hope to see you next year. For more information about the American Legion Post 100 or any of our activities call 96-2381 or visit us on Facebook. Amy Skinner President American Legion Post 100 Auxiliary Carbondale
Golf Tournament that was held on Sept. 20 at the Ranch at Roaring Fork. With the help of the community we will be able to give out education scholarships again this year. We would like to recognize the following business and individuals: Ace Hardware, Ann Evans, Arikiki’s Beauty Salon, Aspen Golf Club, Aspen Skiing Co., Aspen Survey Engineers, Boomerang coffee shop, Carbondale Rotary, City Market, Crystal Fly Shop, CS Associates of Carbondale, D&C Automotive and Upholstery, Downhill Board Shop, Electric Mountain Lodge, El Horizonte, El Pollo Rico, Heidi’s Deli, Holy Cross Energy, IRMW of Colorado, It’s My Party, Joe and Gerry Zamora, Main Street Liquor, Marty and Kathy Silverstein, Mi Casita, Ray Bradford and TJ, Ranch at Roaring Fork Golf
Service Directory FATBELLY BURGERS
Grab and Go Local Grass-fed Beef Burgers
NEW!
Salads By the Locals For Ice the Cream Locals
Sullivan - yes to local control for oil and gas. Jankovsky - “It just adds time and money” GSPI 7/24/14
Locally raised beef and produce
Bonedale Bear THRIFT STORE donations appreciated (pickup available)
NOW ACCEPTING FALL AND WINTER CLOTHING
963-1984
mate W lti $31.95 ash
EMBROIDERY BY CORALIE. To Raise money for girls education in Afganistan. She will donate all to a non-proďŹ t. Names/words $5, mountains, heart or other design $10 on a beige background. Personalize a bookmark $15. FREE CLASSIFIED ADS for kids and teens to promote their businesses enterprises. Thirty word maximum. Please send to unclassiďŹ ed@soprissun.com. NEW CARBONDALE DISPENSARY opening soon, now hiring Budtenders and Managers. We are seeking individuals who are hard-working, mature and passionate. Applicants must complete and submit a ‘Key Employee License’ application. Please email acmehealingcenter@gmail.com to submit your resume and request a license application. TOWN OF CARBONDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT is now accepting applications for the position of Police OfďŹ cer. Refer to www.carbondalegov.org for more information and application. Deadline is October 17, 2014 by 5:00 p.m.
Your choice...
Paid for by Sullivan 2014
220 Main St, Carbondale | 970-963-1569 fatbellyburgers.com | info@fatbellyburgers.com
Submit to unclassifieds@soprissun.com by Monday 12 p.m. Rates: $15 for 30 words, $20 for up to 50 words. ayment due before publication.*
GET THE WORD OUT IN UNCLASSIFIEDS! Rates 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.
WINDSHIELD REPAIR AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT CALL US NOW!
970-963-3891
A CRACKED WINDSHIELD is NOT SAFE for you and your family DAVID
ZAMANSKY Owner Operated
500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO
NOW ACCEPTING FALL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
$5 OFF OF EACH $25 PURCHASE
303 Main St. • Carbondale • 963-3940 • OPEN 7 DAYS
MOBETTAH MULFORD COMPOSTING CO.
MOUNTAIN AIR BOOKKEEPING
2340 100 Road Carbondale
U Cleans Inside & Out
Resumes and references available
Complete Interior and Exterior wash package. and
Car Wash • Detailing Oil changes • Tires
Betsey Safford
Weather Insurance If it rains or snows bring the vehicle back within 48 hours and we will rewash it.
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
QuickBooks/Excel Expert & Miscellaneous Office Support
Now accepting clean, organic yard waste at no cost. Think about it!! FREE!!! Near Catherine Store Bridge.
970-274-1076 betseygsafford@gmail.com
Call 379-3307 for more details.
PUMPKIN PATCH & HAY RIDE PUMPKIN PATCH daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Halloween (donations for pumpkins benefit Flight of the Eagle Project) HAY RIDES Saturdays in October, 11a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost: $5 per child. Price includes hay ride and petting zoo.
orchardvalleyfarms.com 970-527-6838 • 15836 Black Bridge Rd., Paonia, CO
16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • OCTOBER 9, 2014
SPECIALIZING IN PRODUCING & REPAIRING OUTDOOR Tuesday-Friday 2pm-5pm SEWN GOODS 1945 Dolores Way, Carbondale (upstairs above Roaring Fork Beer Co.) (970) 315-2605 Info@UpSki.com is now accepting
sewing repairs!
We also: Manufacture bikepacking & cargo -bike bags Repair sewing machines