November 24, 2011

LOOK INSIDE:

PAGE 3

School board starts review

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Meet Guy Fawkes

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Hating Hamlet

the

Sopris Carbondale’s

weekly, non-profit newspaper

Sun

Volume 3, Number 41 | November 24, 2011

Girls just

want to have

fun

And fun they had at the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities’ youth version of the “Green is the new Black Fashion Show” on Nov. 19. For more on the event, please turn to page 5. Photos by Jane Bachrach

Carbondale Commentary

Shop small on Nov. 26 Local chambers of commerce are promoting the nationwide Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26. The Sopris Sun endorses this program.

Small Business Saturday is a day for folks to dedicate a portion of their holiday shopping to local, independently owned small businesses.

Small business advocate groups, public and private organizations, elected officials and others started Small Business Saturday in 2010. Chambers of commerce in Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Aspen and Rifle recognize the importance of small businesses in the area for the jobs they create and the culture they instill in local communities. Small businesses have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years and employ just over half of all private sector employees, according to the Small Business Administration.

While we’re talking about shopping local, the Sopris Sun reminds folks to keep gift certificates in mind. As stated in a letter to the editor from Lynn Dwyer last week,“Most businesses are delighted to provide gift certificates for goods and services.” She pointed out that movie theatre tickets and dinner out are just two activities that make for great gifts.

One final thought: shopping local during Christmas also gives an economic boost to businesses that helps them stay afloat so they can serve customers year round. Shopping on the Internet or in Grand Junction doesn’t do that.

– The Sopris Sun

Letters

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

vCR isn’t a fix Dear Editor: There is a saying that the definition of crazy is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

Building a bigger City Market on the vacant commercially zoned land on Highway 133 will not change or solve Carbondale’s money problems.

What will benefit us financially and create needed jobs (myself included) in our depressed economy are businesses we don’t already have. Ones we don’t have to drive 20 miles round trip to — such as in Glenwood — especially in light of gas prices hovering under $4 a gallon. Let’s not forget how the folks in Redstone and Marble have to do a day trip for necessities and a reasonably priced toolbox and can of paint.

Being a former resident of the Chicago area I have witnessed the types of businesses that continue to open because there is still a demand for them. That said, I’m voicing my suggestions that would create a more progressive side of town and still leave Main Street the quaint, historic corridor it deserves to be and that resident want.

These stores include a Home Depot or Menard’s (a homier version of a big box building supply store); a Hastings music/movies/ and books where you still can get personalized service — they even do buybacks (think recycle); a Dollar Tree that sells everything for a buck from reading glasses and holiday decorations to cleaning products and toiletries. Anything else you need that’s more specialized can be found at Family Dollar. Of course we all need to grab a quick burger or chicken nuggets sometime coming into town and that’s where the guy with the crown comes in — Burger King. Flame broiled, just the way I like it.

If you’ve read this far and are wondering what the employees at Ace would do if Home Depot or Menard’s opens? Well with their experience and very helpful atti-

tude they might be snatched up first by them. That leads to my final recommendation for a pet shop in the old Ace Hardware space, complete with aquatics and a parakeet or two.

So there it is, a snapshot of a bit of future prosperity in Carbondale, Colorado and we don’t have to tear down a single mountain to do it. Problem solved.

Katherine Buettner Carbondale

Halloween Happening thanks Dear Editor: The Halloween Happening has come and gone and The Roaring Fork Family Resource Centers are happy to report another huge success. In its third year, families and their young children had fun showing off their costumes, playing games and listening to seasonal stories. Everyone enjoyed the not-so-scary haunted locker room that Ronnda Kuhr with the Bridges High School students created and Roaring Fork High School students operated. Once again, Thunder River Gymnastics provided the obstacle course for active amusement.

The Roaring Fork Family Resource Centers would like to thank all of the volunteers and supporters of the Halloween Happening. This was a true community event with high school students, middle school students and local retirees assisting.

Gary and Jo Ann Brown brought their remarkable Halloween expertise to the planning process along with painting the Halloween backdrop and managing the food booth. Students for a Better World — Emily Bruell, Tavia Teitler and Fiona Laird — created the games adding the Goblin Gobble this year. Jen Brewer, Aileen Martin, Pat Henry, Nancy Ball, Camy Britt, Beth Mulry, Lilly Small, the Willis Family, the Bruell family, Ellen Haas, David Warner, Ivone Munoz and her students from RFHS, and Youth Entity Young Chefs program, all worked together with the

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • NOvEmbER 24, 2011

RFFRC staff to make this a happening! We could not hold this event without you!

Big thanks go to our sponsors and partners: Pediatric Partners, American National Bank, Thunder River Gymnastics, McDonald’s, Moms for Moms Communities, and Alpine Bank.

More thanks to our Silent Auction donors: Ace Hardware, All Kids Dental, Aria, Aspen Glen Club, Aspen Meadows Resort, Aspen Skiing Company, Avalon Salon, Betsy’s Barefoot Books, Big O Tires, Bonfire Coffee, Bristlecone Sports, Carbondale Recreation Center, Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities, Chili’s, Chomps Deli, City Market, Dancing Colours, Dos Gringos, El Pollo Rico, Factory Surplus, Floral Boutique, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Grana Bread, Goat Deli, Healing Hands Massage, Heidi’s, Hestia, Hotel Jerome, Hotel Monaco Denver, Juicy Luicy’s, K. Ehlers Salon, Main Street Gallery, Marriott Hotel Oakland, Moe’s, Paul Black Window Washing, Peppino’s, RFTA, RFVkids.com, River Valley Ranch, Roaring Fork Anglers, Roaring Fork Club, Russets, Salon Sublime, Skin to Soul Holistic Massage, Sunburst Car Care, Sundance Drug, Two Leaves and a Bud, Valley View Hospital, The Village Smithy, Treadz, and White House Pizza.

Muchas gracias to our storytellers: Merrilee Hindman and Nancy Ball.

All the proceeds from this event will go toward supporting the Roaring Fork Family Resource Centers in our mission of connecting families, schools and communities to improve student health, well-being and academic achievement. Thanks to all of you who braved the cold to show off your costumes and to help us support the children and families of the Roaring Fork School District!

Katie Marshall Roaring Fork Family Resource Centers Carbondale

Thanks to the library Dear Editor: We wish to thank the Basalt Regional Library for its recent sponsorship of the Intercultural Community Builders Facilitator Certification Workshop. Based in Fort Collins, ICB is a non-profit organization committed to building communities where people from all cultural backgrounds feel welcomed and included and encouraged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

There will be another facilitator certification workshop in Basalt on March 3031, 2012. We encourage anyone interested to visit www.interculturalcommunitybuilders.com.

Kaitlyn Archambault Kitty Bearden

What to do when you’re in Peru? After touring the Saqsaywaman (pronounced “sexy woman”) Inca ruins above Cusco, whip out a Sopris Sun and read it.

Shown here are (top row) Jen Johnson, (middle row left to right) Amy Krakow and Kelly Kleisner, (bottom row left to right) Eileen Gielow and Amy Moran.

Courtesy photo

To inform, inspire and build community Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor: Lynn Burton • 510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Dina Drinkhouse • 970-456-7573 dina@soprissun.com Bob Albright • 970-927-2175 bob@soprissun.com Photographer/Writer: Jane Bachrach Ad/Page Production: Terri Ritchie Paper Boy: Cameron Wiggin Webmaster: Will Grandbois Sopris Sun, LLC Managing Board of Directors: Peggy DeVilbiss • David Johnson Allyn Harvey • Colin Laird Laura McCormick • Trina Ortega Jean Perry • Elizabeth Phillips Frank Zlogar

Sopris Sun, LLC • P.O. Box 399 520 S. Third Street #35 Carbondale, CO 81623

970-510-3003

Correction Due to an editor’s error, a RE-1 school board member’s name was incorrectly spelled last week. The correct spelling is Daniel Biggs.

www.soprissun.com Visit us on facebook.com Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com The Sopris Sun is an LLC organized under the 501c3 non-profit structure of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation.

School board finalizes superintendent evaluation process

By Debbie Bruell Sopris Sun Correspondent The RE-1 school board’s recent statement outlining three mechanisms for soliciting input on district leadership “was made with the full support of the whole board,” board president Matt Hamilton told the Sun early this week.

Since the statement’s release, the board worked quickly to hammer out the details of the plan.

The first mechanism for input is a “360degree review” of Superintendent Judy Haptonstall. The term “360 degree review” refers to the 360 degrees of circle. In contrast to a traditional performance review in which a supervisor provides all the feedback for a person’s review (in the case of the school district, the school board acts as Haptonstall’s supervisor), feedback in a 360-degree review is provided by people who work around that person – subordinates, peers and supervisors.

The idea of a 360-degree review of Haptonstall dates back to last spring when a group of parents proposed that her contract be renewed for one year, rather than two, and that her continued employment be contingent upon a 360-degree review. In a 3-1 vote, the board rejected the proposal, approving Haptonstall’s two-year contract without a 360degree review. However, in Haptonstall’s subsequent evaluation the previous school board listed development of a 360-review process for the district as a future goal.

According to school board vice-president Richard Stettner, he and newly elected board member Daniel Biggs have been working closely together, “driving the whole process” of researching and selecting a firm to conduct the 360-degree review. The rest of the board agreed with Stettner and Biggs’ final recommendation to use DecisionWise, a manage-

The RE-1 School Board elected newcomer Matt Hamilton as its president during its first meeting in early November. One of the board’s first actions is to conduct a 360-degree review of Superintendent Judy Haptonstall. Photo by Jane Bachrach ment consulting firm in Utah to conduct the review through a comprehensive and anonymous survey of all teachers, non-certified staff, administrators and board members – about 700 people in total.

The board reviewed sample surveys from DecisionWise and unanimously agreed upon one to use for the district’s 360-degree review of Haptonstall. According to Stettner, the board agreed not to make any changes to the questions recommended by DecisionWise because “they (DecisionWise) are the experts” and the board wanted to avoid any concerns about questions being biased one way or the other.

The survey will include about 65 questions in which respondents will be asked to rate the superintendent’s leadership capabilities, ranging from “very poor” to “outstanding,” and three open-ended questions. The board has not decided whether the questions themselves will be available to the public.

Hamilton explained the survey will not ask questions relating to the district’s academic initiatives or strategies; it will be “solely focused on leadership skills of our chief executive and perceptions of leadership by our staff.”

The board planned to release a statement to district staff early this week outlining the process and timeline for completing the survey. The survey will be sent to staff on Nov. 29 and must be completed by Dec. 9. It will be conducted from start to finish by DecisionWise in order to guarantee its complete confidentiality. As Hamilton described the process, “We give DecisionWise a list of names and email addresses, and DecisionWise takes it from there.”

The cost of DecisionWise’s services – including providing the survey questions, conducting the survey, analyzing the results and consulting with the board as it discusses the results – will be $2,750. The board has not made a decision about whether any of the results of the survey will be released to the public.

Other mechanisms The second feedback mechanism related to Haptonstall noted in the school board’s recent statement is the board’s willingness to hear from all stakeholders through e-mails and office hours. Each board member’s e-mail address, as well as the time and location of his or her office hours, will be listed on the district’s Web site. (The only office hours

listed so far are Hamilton’s and Stettner’s).

The third review mechanism listed in the board’s statement is the opportunity for people to share their thoughts publicly at any of the three upcoming board meetings: Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the district office in Glenwood Springs; Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. at the district office; and Dec. 16 at 8 a.m. at the Third Street Center in Carbondale.

Between the anonymous surveys given to about 700 staff members, board members’ availability through e-mail and office hours, and public forum sessions in three board meetings, Stettner said that the board will be receiving “an immense amount of data to digest and review.” According to the board’s statement on Nov. 14, board members “hope to make decisions about future direction at (the) retreat on Dec. 16.”

When asked if all five members of the school board support the specifics for the staff survey and the evaluation process as a whole, Stettner responded, “Absolutely.

Everyone is in agreement.”

Next steps:

The RE-1 School Board will take input at upcoming meetings on Nov. 29, Dec. 14 and Dec. 16.

Office hours for the two Carbondale/ Basalt area school board members are as follows: Matt Hamilton, Nov. 23 and 28, and Dec. 5 and 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Third Street Center (starting in January his office hours will be the second Tuesday of the month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.); Richard Stettner's office hours are Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 7 and March 6 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Basalt Elementary School.

DOE recognizes Clean Energy Collective for solar projects Sopris Sun Staff Report The Department of Energy announced it has selected Carbondale-based Clean Energy Collective to receive its “Innovative Green Power Program of the Year” award as part of the DOE’s Green Power Leadership Awards.

“We are honored and very appreciative to receive such an outstanding accolade in our industry,” said Clean Energy Collective founder and president Paul Spencer. “Our model is proving to be a game changer for renewable energy adoption, and significantly expands what’s possible for our new energy economy.”

Clean Energy Collective (CEC) develops affordable, community-owned renewable energy facilities, according to a press release.

The company partnered with Holy Cross Energy, a rural electric cooperative in western Colorado, to offer the nation’s first customer-owned community solar program, with nearly 1 megawatt of solar capacity already installed and 2.5 MW approved for development. CEC is actively building 1.5 MW of additional community solar with other utilities and working on more than 33 MW of community solar opportunities throughout the nation.

Clean Energy Collective created an innovative business and tax structure that en-

ables any utility customer to purchase solar panels in a community solar farm and receive credits for the power the panels produce directly on their monthly utility bill.

“This makes solar ownership accessible and cost-effective to literally anyone with a utility bill,” Spencer said.

CEC’s program broadens the access to solar ownership to nearly seven times as many utility customers as are able to access traditional on-site solar today. “Compared to the few existing community solar programs, CEC customers actually own their solar panels as opposed to lease them from the utility, which provides the maximum benefit for the customer,” Spencer continued.

A DOE representative said “the Clean Energy Collective model has the potential to vastly expand the marketplace for clean energy ownership and production by providing utilities and customers with a low risk, financially advantageous way to procure local renewable energy.”

Perhaps the most visible CEC solar array is located on the north side of Highway 82 near Blue Lake.

The Green Power Leadership awards are made annually to recognize organizations that distinguish themselves among U.S. green power market participants. The Innovative Green Power Program of the

This is Clean Energy Collective’s 858kW community array in Rifle. It was constructed earlier this year. One of the company’s other solar arrays is located on Highway 82 in El Jebel. Courtesy photo Year award recognizes the top organization that is advancing green power markets through innovative approaches to delivering green power to the marketplace.

The Clean Energy Collective has pioneered the model of delivering clean powergeneration through large-scale facilities that are collectively owned by participating util-

ity customers. CEC’s proprietary RemoteMeter® system automatically calculates monthly credits and integrates with existing utility billing systems, enabling utility customers to easily have clean, renewable power credited directly on their monthly utility bills, without modifying their home or office.

THE SOPRIS SUN • NOvEmbER 24, 2011 • 3

News Briefs The Weekly News Brief The Sopris Sun and the KDNK news departments team up to discuss recent news from the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Catch the Brief Fridays on KDNK.

Comp plan process continues The next Carbondale Comprehensive Plan Working Group meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 at town hall. The topic will be downtown neighborhoods.

According to the town’s Web site, the Working Group schedule for 2012 shows eight meetings from January through April. The topics include: the Highway 133 corridor, downtown, stable neighborhoods, multi-modal transportation and future land use alternatives.

The town launched a rewrite of its comprehensive plan earlier this year with a series of public input sessions, then appointed the Working Group to come up with a draft plan.

The Working Group is comprised of: Mark Beckler, Ben Bohmfalk, Patti Brendlinger, Gavin Brooke, Trevor Cannon, Andrea Chacos, Larry Green, Matt Hamilton, Bill Lamont, Jeff Leahy, Tom Penzel, Andy Taylor, Jason White, Dale Will, Brad Zeigel and Oni Butterfly.

Trustees consider budget Nov. 29 The Carbondale Board of Trustees will consider adopting the 2012 town budget at its meeting on Nov. 29. The proposed budget is available for inspection at town hall. Any interested elector within the town may file an objection to the budget prior to the final adoption, according to a legal noticed place in The Sopris Sun on Oct. 27.

Christmas tree permits available Permits to cut Christmas trees on BLM land are available at the agency’s Silt office.

The cost is $10. The Silt office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located at 2300 River Frontage Road.

River Edge gets initial OK The Garfield County commissioners gave preliminary approval to the 366-unit River Edge subdivision between Carbondale and Glenwood on Monday. River Edge is proposed for 160 acres on the south side of Highway 82 at Cattle Creek. Also included in the planned unit development is 30,000 square feet of commercial space. The development application was submitted by Carbondale Investments LLC.

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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • NOvEmbER 24, 2011

Leelah Ahumada, a seventh grader at Carbondale Community School, flips a page during a discussion group reviewing peers’ science fiction stories as part of the school’s Science Fiction Festival last week. Parents and other community members were invited to read and discuss the stories with students. Photo by Lynn Burton

CCAH youth fashion show packs the PAC3 The “Green is the new Black Fashion Show” (youth version) played to a full house at PAC3 on Nov. 19. More than 50 girls and boys took part in the show, which featured outfits created by local designers. Shown here are (clockwise from upper left): Saffire Black, Sawyer Riley, Sayer Elliott, Rocio Contreras and Emily Henley.

Photos by Jane Bachrach

THE SOPRIS SUN • NOvEmbER 24, 2011 • 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@SoprisSun.com.

Post your pic The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce is looking for a picture to post on its Facebook page for the month of December. The photo must be winter related and must be rated G, but other than that the content is up to you. The winner will be on Dec. 1. For details, call 9631890 or e-mail tourism@carbondale.com.

Overheard Overheard at Lisa’s Third Street Café in the Third Street Center “ … we’ll take the high road and see where it leads us … .”

Call the cops Some person, or persons, wrote “Sexy Republican inside” in white letters on the rear window of an old Toyota that’s been parked in the Third Street Center for about a month. The owner of the car says he doesn’t necessarily mind being called “sexy” but he isn’t a Republican, Democrat or member of any other political party. He also has a short suspect list. “The suspects aren’t short, but the list is,” he told the Sopris Sun. As for the car itself, it’s suffering from a blown head gasket and will probably be removed sometime this year.

Drop in Labels, a unique resale boutique, is now open on Highway 133 at Red Rock Plaza just south of Roaring Fork Valley Co-Op. Brand names include Tommy B., Victoria, Calvin, Jones and more. The hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Give them a call at 510-5030.

Students are winners A pair of Carbondale Middle School students fared well in the Roaring Fork Valley Lion’s Club Peace Poster

contest. Eighth grade Emily Mata took first place and sixth grader Megan Nieslanik won third. Emily’s design will continue to the next level of competition. “It is an AMAZING design in color,” said CMS art teacher Ami Maes. The contest theme was “Children know peace.”

Way to go, Emily and Megan.

Glenwood store donates profits Roaring Fork Liquors owner Ken Robinson says he will donate all gross profits from sales on Nov. 25 to Lift Up, according to a press release. “I know that many of our neighbors are in some dire economic circumstances,” said Robinson. Roaring Fork Liquors is located in the Roaring Fork Marketplace near Wal-Mart.

Tune in The World Cup ski races in Aspen will be televised on NBC at 11 a.m. on Nov. 27.

Joining the practice Dr. Scott Tesoro and his staff at Sopris Chiropractic are happy to announce the addition of Dr. Ashley Dolan, chiropractor, to the staff of Sopris Chiropractic. Dr. Dolan graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in June and is trained in kinesiotaping for sports injuries and specializes in safe, effective, drug-free treatments for sinus issues. For details, call 927-9204.

They say it’s your birthday Birthday greetings to out to Casey Weaver (Nov. 24), Steve Puzick (Nov. 25), Terra Salamida and Dan Richardson (Nov. 26) Ruth “Ditty” Perry, Richard Fuller and Paul Hassel (Nov. 28), Naomi Pulver (Nov. 29) and Chuck Dorn (Nov. 30).

· · ·· · · · ·· · IS NOW OPEN ·· · · ·· · · · ·

A UNIQUE RESALE BOUTIQUE AT RED ROCK PLAZA 774 HWY 133 CARBONDALE (Next to the Co-Op) 970-510-5030

BRAND NEW MERCHANDISE AT DISCOUNT PRICES! Open 11AM TO 7PM Tue. Thru Sat.

Some of your favorite friends are coming to town…

Tommy B. • Victoria • Calvin • Tommy H. • Ann • Kate Dooney • Jones • Hollister • AND MANY MANY MORE! 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • NOvEmbER 24, 2011

The Sopris Sun published a photo of this poster last week and asked our readership if anyone out there knows anything about it. Sure enough. Jackson Hardin, a freshman at Roaring Fork High School, knows about it. He reports, “This is the visage of none other than Guy Fawkes, an Englishman who became part of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. He was guarding a store of gunpowder underneath the House of Lords, which had been intended for the building’s destruction. He was caught and eventually executed. Fawkes became synonymous with the Gunpowder Plot, the failure of which has been commemorated in England yearly since Nov. 5, 1605, a holiday that is known as ‘Guy Fawkes Day’ … the face in the (Sopris Sun) paper is that of a mask of his likeness, made popular by Alan Moore’s Graphic Novel ‘V for Vendetta.’ A major theme being revolution and anarchy.” Last week, the Sopris Sun speculated the mask might be associated with the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Hardin said, “The significance of this mask and the Occupy Wall Street movement is simply that some protesters have donned a Guy Fawkes mask, as perhaps a sort of statement. I believe the reason for the images posting around town was because of this past Nov. 5, and not so much to do with Occupy Wall Street. I noticed another on a fence near the high school on Nov. 6.”

Giving thanks for the Garfield County library system

By Emily Hisel Special to The Sopris Sun There are a great many things we all think about as we join with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. And while turkey and football will be high on my list, I will also be thinking about how grateful I am to be a member of the Garfield County Libraries. And, just for a second, I’d like to thank those who make this such a wonderful place to be.

In 2006 the voters of Garfield County generously approved the formation of the Garfield County Public Library District, and also granted a 1-mil property tax to build or remodel all six libraries. These very important decisions have given the libraries greater financial strength by keeping the quarter cent sales tax, which is used to run the libraries, and adding the property tax, which will sunset in 2027.

The district has helped us weather this economic storm while other libraries across the nation have not been so lucky. It has also helped us build for the future. We completed the remodel of the Parachute Branch Library and the new Rifle Branch Library in 2010.

We are currently in the construction phase for the New Castle Branch Library and the remodeled building is scheduled to open in early 2012. The design process for the li-

braries in Silt, Glenwood Springs, and Carbondale are all now under way. It’s truly an exciting time to be part of the libraries!

Another piece I am thankful for is the involvement of the communities in library activities. Through September of this year over 30,000 people have attended library events.

We’ve had everything from concerts to video gaming to medical lectures, and each time it’s well worth the effort when community members come to enjoy or learn.

At the conclusion of the Summer Reading Program, the libraries put out a survey to see how we were doing and, overwhelmingly, children, teens, and adults enjoyed their experiences. We also got back survey responses including, “Great job wonderful programming that meets the interests of a diverse population. Thanks!” and “My kids love books, and a large part is because of the library.”

For these kind words I must thank you – first for taking the time to fill out a survey form, and secondly for saying such nice things. It is fantastic to hear of these instances in which we are accomplishing our goals.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who is supporting the libraries by simply utilizing and enjoying them. Through September of this year over 394,000 people have visited

the six libraries, which is up almost 15 percent from last year. Additionally, there have been over 460,000 items (books, movies, magazines, CDs) checked out in the same period, which is up 20 percent from 2010!

Your support of, involvement in, and en-

joyment of the libraries is why I enjoy my time with the libraries. Thank you for making it all possible. Best wishes for your Thanksgiving.

Emily Hisel is a library administrator.

The Carbondale Recreation & Community Center launched “Friday Night Live” for middle schoolers with games, pizza, drinks and music on Nov. 18. More than 40 kids turned out. Shown here (left to right) are Serena Blake, Megan Cassidy, Julia Moore and Camden Brendlinger after a soccer game against the boys. Photo by Eric Brendlinger

Through September of this year over 30,000 people have attended library events.

Open

10am-6pm

7 days a week

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Community Calendar THURSDAY Nov. 24 ROTARY • The Mt. Sopris Rotary Club meets at Mi Casita every Thursday at noon – except today.

FRIDAY Nov. 25 mOvIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “The Ides of March” (R) at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25-Dec. 1 and “Moneyball” (PG-13) at 4:45 p.m. Nov. 25-27.Closed Thanksgiving, Nov 24. Thank you for your support!

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE • Dancing Colours at 968 Main St. hosts an open house with bonfire, gourmet hot chocolate, free children’s Fairy Orb making workshop and more from 4 to 8 p.m. Info: 963-2965.

PAULA POUNDSTONE • PAC3 presents comedian Paula Poundstone. Info: www.pac3.com.

LIvE mUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents live music every Friday. Info: 963-3304.

To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday. 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 and submit events online at soprissun.com/calendar.

Dinkel Building presents Rick Rock & the Roosters at 10 p.m.

LIvE mUSIC • Rivers restaurant in Glenwood presents Mary Fagan and special guest Moose Bednarski (jazz, blues, folks and rock) from 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover. Info: 928-8813.

SATURDAY Nov. 26 LIvE mUSIC • Carbondale Beer Works presents Electric Lemon.“This is tight blues,” said CBW spokesman Mr. Drinkmore. “Repeat. Blues music.” Located on Main Street in the old post office building.

LIvE mUSIC • Carnahan’s Tavern in the Dinkel Buidling presents Ka-Tet at 10 p.m.

LIbRARIES REOPEN • Garfield County libraries reopen at 10 a.m. after being closed two days for Thanksgiving Day.

MONDAY Nov. 28

LIvE mUSIC • Carnahan’s Tavern in the

KDNK AUCTION • The KDNK Labor of Love Auction commences on-air tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. and continues through

Save the date

Further Out FRIDAY Dec. 2

FRIDAY Dec. 16

SUNDAY Dec. 18

CUP AUCTION • The 14th annual Carbondale Clay Center Cup Auction takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Work from more than 250 ceramists is offered. The clay center is located at the east end of Main Street. Info: 963-2529.

PAC3 • Big Bad Voodoo Daddy plays PAC3 in the Third Street Center. Info: www.pac3.com.

KDNK ART AUCTION • The KDNK Labor of Love Silent Auction takes place at the Village Smithy. The auction showcases local orig-

PAC3 • Roadhouse rocker Marcia Ball plays PAC3 in the Third Street Center. Info: www.pac3.com.

Dec. 1 with a wrap up session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 3. Information and a complete catalog is available at kdnk.org. There are hundreds of items and services from all over the valley in the Labor of Love Auction.

Register by calling the KDNK office at 963-0139. Only registered bidders can participate. All proceeds benefit KDNK Community Radio.

WEDNESDAY Nov. 30 ROTARY • The Carbondale Rotary meets at the firehouse Wednesdays at 7 a.m.

LIvE mUSIC • Carbondale Beer Works presents Dave Taylor (groovy acoustic experiments) on Main Street, located not far

inal artwork, gifts, and merchandise from the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. A complete list of silent auction items are in the Labor of Love Auction catalog, available for download at kdnk.org.

WHImSICAL WOmEN • Whimsical Women of the West’s annual Holiday Show takes place at the Third Street Center Dec. 2 from 4 to 9 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 9 p.m. to 4 p.m. Items in-

from restaurant Six89.

LIvE mUSIC • White House pizza presents Rich Huttenhower and Eric Gross (acoustic guitar and keyboard).

OPEN mIC • Dan Rosenthal hosts open mic nights at Rivers restaurant in Glenwood Springs every Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m.

THURSDAY Dec. 1 STOCKING STUFFERS • Valley View Hospital’s Stocking Stuffer Sale in the second floor lobby is presented by the Valley View Hospital Auxiliary. There are great bargains on Christmas gifts and unique items. A drawing for a quilt takes place at noon. Proceeds benefit local health occupation scholarships and the Connie Delaney Medical Library.

clude: fiber art, holiday décor, jewelry, baskets, clothing, vintage collectibles, fine art photography, folk art, pottery and food from by 20 local artisans. Info: 945-4004.

LIvE mUSIC • Hell Roaring String Band plays Carbondale Beer Works, which is located on Main Street in the old offices of CCAH. CHAmbER SYmPOSIUm • The Carbondale

FURTHER OUT page 9

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Further Out continued from page 8 Chamber of Commerce “State of Carbondale and Beyond� business symposium takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at the Orchard on Snowmass Drive. Keynote speaker is economist R. Dan Brumbaugh Jr. Brumbaugh has appeared on numerous TV news shows, including “NBC Today,�“The McNeil/Lehrer News Hour� and on National Public Radio. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Info: 963-1890.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR • Valley View Hospital’s Holiday Craft Fair takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the second oor lobby. The items are created by Valley View employees and include wreaths, jewelry, paintings and other art, stained glass, candle and more.

FRI.-SAT. Dec.2-3

SIv • Symphony in the Valley presents “American Composers,â€? featuring George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blueâ€? as performed by Andrea Aresa Elias at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Glenwood Springs High School Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Also on the program are four episodes from Aaron Copland’s “Rodeo,� and the Kokopelli Hand Bell Choir from Grand Junction. Tickets for the Wheeler performance are $15 at the door or 920-5770. Tickets for the Glenwood Springs performance are available at the door at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for kids and teens, and $30 for families. Info: www.sitv.orgwww.sitv.org.

FRI.-SUN Dec.2-4

ART mART • The Wyly Holiday Art Mart takes place December 2-4 at the Wyly Community Art Center (the old library) in Basalt.

The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Info: 9274123 or art@wylyarts.org.

SATURDAY Dec. 3

LIVE MUSIC • Big Daddy Lee and the King CA

Bees play Carbondale Beer Works, which is located across the street from one of Carbondale’s Art in Public Places sculptures.

CHRISTmAS bAZAAR • The Crystal Meadows (Carbondale senior housing) annual Christmas Bazaar takes place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Rominger Room. There will be handcrafted jewelry, yummy baked and canned goods, amazing paintings, great knitted items and fun odds-and-ends to complete any shopping list.

CONTRA DANCE • A community contra dance breaks out at Glenwood Springs Elementary School from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The music is “livelyâ€? and “old timeâ€? according to a press release. This month’s caller is Carol Fey. She’ll teach square, contra, and folk dances, as well as the polka and waltzes. “It’s fun, nonalcoholic, aerobic and no is partner necessary,â€? said a contra spokesperson. Beginners should arrive by 7:30 p.m. for a 30-minute dance walk-through. The school is located at 915 School Street in Glenwood Springs, two blocks west of the post ofďŹ ce. Admission is $8.

TUESDAY Dec. 6

TRIvIA NIGHT • KDNK presents “Trivia Nightâ€? at Carbondale Beer Works. CBW is located on Main Street, in a building that was probably not designed by a noted architect.

THURSDAY Dec. 8

THEATRE • Thunder River Theatre Company opens “Always ‌ Patsy Clineâ€? at 7:30 p.m. and continues the musical on Dec. 9-11 and 15-18. Info: 963-8200.

DEAD ALERT • Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead will perform with his new band at Belly Up in Aspen. Hart is donating 100 percent of the fees from tickets sold on MickeyHart.net to music therapy. ts

R

se n 20 BONDA po E pre 11 LE CHAMBER OF COMMERC d Ex n a Ann e ual Business Conferenc

S.A.W. • Ceramist Anne Goldberg and painter Staci L. Dickerson introduce new work at their “Simple Rhythmsâ€? show at the Studio for Art + Works (S.A.W.), 978 Euclid Avenue. The show is about action, adaptation, and acceptance and will be up through Dec. 6. S.A.W. hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Info: 379-5050 or 379-9419.

CLAY CENTER • The Carbondale Clay Center continues its 2011 Holiday Invitational through Dec. 30. Featured ceramists include: H.P. Bloomer, Tony Wise, John Cohorst, Nathan Bray, Lyla Goldstein, Avi Arenfeld, Tyler McGinn, Casey Coffman, CJ Jilek, Elizabeth Farson, K Rhynus Cesark, Shawn O’Connor, Lusterbunny, Diane Kenney, Sarah Moore, Donie Hubbard, Charlie Childress, Mary Ballou, Sue Tirrell, Katie Kitchen, Lisa

Maher, Tom Jaszczak, Ronan Peterson, Tammie Lane and Gail Burtik. The Carbondale Clay Center is located at the east end of Main Street. Info: 963-2529.

WINTER FEST • The Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts’ Winterfest show features Joy Commons, Dan Glidden, Betsy Blackard, Ewa Lachur- Omeljaniuk, Chad Zanca, Mary Blichmann, Dara Barth, Nancy Helser, Phyllis Hackett, Anne Ramsay, Tara Vetter, Anne Moll, Sinda Wood, Barbara Jean Swan, Sara Ward, Kellie Philburn, Jennifer Miller, Randi Garcia, Sandy Richards, Jamie Spry, Marcia Fuscaro, Jessica Kidd, Terry Muldoon, Noemi Kosmowski, Kristoff Kosmowski and Kari Doerr.

The show continues through Jan 3. The Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts is located east of the Hot Springs Pool. Info: 945-2414.

Hold the presses HUFFIN’ FOR STUFFIN’ • HufďŹ n’ for StufďŹ n’ – a fun run for bikes, scooters, runners, walkers, waddlers and trotters, takes place at the intersection of Hendrick and Holland (near the dog park) at 9 a.m. on Nov. 24. Proceeds beneďŹ t the Carbondale Soccer Club. The entry fee is $10 for individuals and $30 for families. Entry forms are available at BonďŹ re Coffee in the Dinkel Building.

TOWN REmOvING bIKE RACKS • The town of Carbondale will be removing the bike racks on Main Street for the winter season on Nov. 28. They will be put back in place in the spring after the snow removal season, according to a press release. For details, call the public works department at 963-1307.

FREE PORTRAITS FOR THE NEEDY • The photography program at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs-Spring will provide free portraits to area families in need at the First Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs (824 Cooper Ave.) from 3 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 2. The photo session is part of the worldwide Help-Portrait program that was started in 2009. For details, call 948-8228 or 618-5584. “TREESâ€? bENEFITS HOSPICE • Hospice of the Valley hosts its annual Tree of Lights and Loving Tree events at six locations in the Roaring Fork and Eagle River valleys. The Aspen event takes place at the The Little Nell at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 29; the Glenwood Springs event takes place at Valley View Hospital at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 30. For details, go to www.hchotv.org.

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Community Briefs Let’s go drumming

H O L I DAY E N C O R E P E R F O R M A N C E

Laurie Loeb’s Rhythms of the Heart offers an African-inspired drumming workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Carbondale Community School (1505 Satank Road). Appropriate for both beginners and intermediates, the workshop will focus on playing multi-part rhythmic patterns in ensemble, developing rhythmic sensibility, and basic djembe/ashiko technique. Participants will also have the opportunity to play Africanstyle bass drums, cowbell, and shekere, as well as create their own improvisational rhythms for community drum circles. “Group hand drumming provides relaxation, increased energy, and a sense of well-being, and has been proven to enhance coordination, mind-body connection, attention, and listening skills,� Loeb said. Studies have also shown a direct positive correlation to improved immune system functions, enhanced mental acuity, and heightened spiritual awareness. “So come get a healthy dose of rhythm medicine,� she continued.

Participants are welcome to bring a recording device in order to take home workshop content in audio, visual (handouts of notated rhythms) and kinethetic forms.

Early registration with payment received by Nov. 29 will be $30, and $40 thereafter.

Drum rental is $10, and advance reservation is imperative. Send your registration, check and rental drum reservation to Laurie Loeb at PO Box 363, Carbondale, CO 81623. For more information, call 963-2798.

Whimsical Women return The Whimsical Women of the West’s annual Holiday Show takes place at the Third Street Center from 4 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 2, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 3. Items include ďŹ ber art, holiday dĂŠcor, jewelry, baskets, clothing, vintage collectibles, ďŹ ne art, photography, folk art, pottery and food from 20 local artisans. A percentage of sales will beneďŹ t the new Carbondale Community Garden at the Third Street Center.

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Screwball comedy showcases community actors “I Hate Hamlet” opens Dec. 2 at Spring Valley

By Kristin Carlson Special to The Sopris Sun Paul Rudnick’s “I Hate Hamlet,” a comedy of word play and swordplay, opens at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs-Spring Valley on Dec. 2.

“We wanted a comedy with strong, clever writing that would really highlight the talent of the actors,” said Sue Lavin, director of the piece and Colorado Mountain College adjunct instructor.“This play is a showcase for a strong cast. Every character is a rich nut.”

“We have a kind of national ambivalence toward Shakespeare,” Lavin said. “The play brings that rejection center stage and, at the same time, puts a focus on the beauty of Shakespeare’s language.”

Gary Ketzenbarger, director of the theater program at Colorado Mountain College, said, “So many kids have Shakespeare forced on them in school and just hate it; all the issues about Shakespeare’s inaccessibility get addressed in this play, but the grandeur of his writing is passed along despite the complaints.”

The play tells the story of Andrew Rally, a young TV actor, who moves into an apartment once owned by, and still haunted by, John Barrymore. The ghost of the iconic star of stage and screen is determined to help Andrew grow into a classical, Shakespearean actor — complete with dueling skills.

There’s just one problem: Andrew Rally hates “Hamlet.”

Nick Garay, who last spring became CMC’s first-ever student to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in theater, plays the floundering thespian,Andrew.“He’s a lousy actor, but he has potential,”said Garay about his character. “He’s just starting to realize that, as an actor in the theater, you have to study the text; you don’t get a second take.”

Cassidy Willey, current theater student at CMC and graduate of Glenwood Springs High School and CU-Boulder, plays Andrew’s girlfriend, Deirdre, a wide-eyed enthusiast for all things theatrical. Willey, who has been acting since childhood, has a similar devotion. “Theater is my passion,” she said. “What better way to learn more about the art, the technique and the history but to pursue a degree and explore every aspect of the craft?”

Gary Ketzenbarger portrays the ghost of John Barrymore. “He’s a womanizer and an alcoholic,” explained Ketzenbarger, “but he’s also a serious actor, and an over-the-top, larger-than-life star.”

Kelly Ketzenbarger plays the giddy real estate agent, Felicia. Like many in the cast, she’s at home in the theater. Her father, Jim Symons, was chair of the theater department at CU-Boulder, and she met her husband, Gary, playing Juliet to his Romeo in an acting class.

Rounding out the cast are local favorites Gerald DeLisser and Janice Estey. DeLisser portrays Andy’s smarmy but

Trying to evoke the ghost of John Barrymore (left to right) are: Cassidy Willey, Kelly Ketzenbarger and Nick Garay in the CMC Theatre production of "I Hate Hamlet." The comedy will be performed Dec. 2-11 at the New Space Theatre at Colorado Mountain College in Spring Valley, between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale. Photo by Scot Gerdes charming agent, while Estey brings poignant humor to the role of Barrymore’s former lover.

“I Hate Hamlet” will be performed Dec. 2 and 3 and Dec. 8, 9, and 10 at 7 p.m., with matinees Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m., in the New Space Theatre at Spring Valley

south of Glenwood Springs.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors, staff and faculty, and can be reserved via svticketsales@coloradomtn.edu or 947-8177. They can be purchased with cash or check at the door.

Aspen Film Academy Screenings tickets on sale soon Sopris Sun Staff Report Tickets for the 10-day Aspen Film Academy Screenings go on sale Dec. 9 at the Wheeler Opera House and www.aspenshowtix.com. The festival takes place at Harris Concert Hall in Aspen’s West End. The festival, produced by Aspen Film, typically shows films that are expected to garner nominations and awards at the Academy awards.

This year’s program highlights include Steven Spielberg’s sweeping new epic “War Horse;” Tomas Alfredson’s gripping “Tinker, Tailor Soldier, Spy;” Simon Curtis’s insightful “My Week with Marilyn;” Oren Moverman’s searing crime drama “Rampart;” Stephen Daldry’s adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close;” Lars von Trier’s achingly beautiful “Melancholia;” Michel Hazanavicius’s visually enthralling “The Artist;” Rodrigo Garcia’s elegant “Albert Nobbs;” Alexander Payne’s perceptive “The Descendants;” Steve McQueen’s provocative “Shame;” Jason Reitman’s “Young Adult;” and Phyllida Lloyd’s biopic “The Iron Lady.”

Other films include those by Philippe Falardeau, Dee Rees, Drake Doremus, Ralph Fiennes, Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, Aki Kaurismaki, and Luc and Jean-Pierre Darden.

Aspen Film Academy Screenings 2011 is sponsored by the city of Aspen, Stella Artois, Aspen Public Radio, the Hotel Jerome, and the Sky Hotel.

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the Gilmore Collection THE SOPRIS SUN • NOvEmbER 24, 2011 • 11

Will mountain bikers keep their word on Smuggler?

A couple of weeks ago I promised someone that I would do a certain thing they requested by a certain time. Even put it in my little black book to jog my often failing memory.

Time rolled by, circumstances intervened and before I knew it the deadline passed and the deed was still undone.

Excuses started to ood my mind until the realization struck me that I had broken my word and there was only one remedy available. Apologize and ask for forgiveness.

Why is it so hard for human beings to ask for forgiveness?

The truth is when we give our word then break it, trust is violated and once that happens it’s very hard to gain back.

It’s really simple. When we break our word we tell a lie.

No one likes being lied to.

By Bill Kight The importance of what we say was demonstrated to me the other day at a meeting.

Someone mentioned they held the members present in high regard because they were impeccable with their word.

That got my attention making me think how important it is to keep our word. Wars have been waged over failure to do so.

There are always consequences to not being true to what we say.

Let me give you a real-life example.

The Forest Service has had great difďŹ culty managing a popular area close to Aspen called Smuggler Mountain/Hunter Creek Valley. It is heavily used by the public.

Oftentimes we don’t think about how our activities impact the land and wildlife and some of the actions of humans in this area are illegal.

It seems that some people think it’s their right to use public land anyway they want without regard to the fact that they are treading on other’s rights and thereby contributing to the tragedy of the commons.

In a very simpliďŹ ed way here’s how things are supposed

Common Ground

to work.

An action is proposed on land administered by the Forest Service. Under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) an analysis must occur to look at the possible impacts any action may have before it can legally take place.

As part of that process public input is obtained and all comments are considered before proceeding with a project.

This can be a costly and lengthy process.

Before any NEPA was done a few people decided they wanted to ride their mountain bikes where no trail existed so they built illegal (i.e. “bandit�) trails on Smuggler Mountain without regard to the possible consequences of their actions on bear dens, other wildlife or the land.

The Forest Service didn’t have money or staff to do NEPA analysis until the partner group For The Forest stepped up to the plate and offered help.

The decision was made to go one step further than required by NEPA and ask the city, county, partner groups and the public for their ideas. Meetings were held and a vision for Smuggler Mountain started to develop.

A thorny issue arose. “Why should we approve Balcony Trail (one of the bandit trails mentioned above)? If we do, people will think they can build illegal trials expecting the Forest Service to approve them.�

Someone suggested we make a formal agreement with the mountain biking community in which they publicly pledge to not build any more bandit trails but will instead work with the community using the NEPA process.

The bottom line is whether members of the mountain bike community can be trusted to sign an agreement and keep their word.

If not, the consequences of adverse impacts on wildlife and other resources could be signiďŹ cant.

Then and only then can another tragedy of the commons be averted.

Bill Kight is an outdoorsman who has spent over 30 years helping manage America’s public lands. He is currently community liaison for the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District and member of Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team A.

Legal Notices ORDINANCE NO. 16

SERIES OF 2011

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO APPROVING THE VILLAGE AT CRYSTAL RIVER PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (INCLUDING A COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND VESTED RIGHTS) NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on November 1, 2011.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE _________________________ By: s/s Stacey Bernot, Mayor

NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on November 15, 2011.

ATTEST: __________________________ s/s Cathy Derby, Town Clerk

Published in The Sopris Sun on November 24, 2011 .

ORDINANCE NO. 18 SERIES OF 2011

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO SUBMITTING TO THE VOTERS ON JANUARY 31, 2012, AT A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL MAIL BALLOT ELECTION, THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE TOWN SHALL APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 16, SERIES OF 2011

Service Directory

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE _________________________ By: s/s Stacey Bernot, Mayor

ATTEST: __________________________ s/s Cathy Derby, Town Clerk

Published in The Sopris Sun on November 24, 2011.

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It pays to be walkable

By Ed Quillen One of the things I like best about living in Salida, Colo., is that this town of 5,500 offers a good pedestrian environment with narrow streets and wide sidewalks though much of town, Although it's not quite so easy as it used to be, we can still manage most of life's routine commerce on foot. Supermarket, pharmacy, clinic, library, post ofďŹ ce, liquor store, barber shop, bookstore, ofďŹ ce-supply store, coffee house, brewpub, schools – along with many other shops and services, they're all within walking distance.

My wife and I once tried to see how long we could go without driving. We managed about 10 days before we needed something too big and heavy to carry home on foot.

My caregiver at the local clinic extols the healthenhancing aspects of walking, and walking your errands is obviously better for the environment and your bank account than driving. And by and large, pedestrian-friendly places offer higher wages and maintain higher property values, among other virtues, according to Richard Florida, an American urban studies theorist and a senior editor of the Atlantic magazine.

How walkable is your town? An outďŹ t called Walk Score has rated America's 2,500 largest cities (Salida was too small to get rated) on a scale from 0 (driving is required for just about everything) to 100 (you never need to drive). As you might have expected, New York (85.3) and San Francisco (84.9) scored well, while places like Fort Worth (36.1) and Laredo (32.7) scored poorly.

The national average was 43, and the averages for most Western states were within a point or two of that. One notable exception was Arizona with a score of only 29. On the other end were California at 50, Oregon at 51 and Montana at 52.

Ed Quillen is a freelance writer in Salida, Colo. This essay was provided by High Country News.

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

CAR WANTED Toyota Corolla or Camry, one or two owners, any color but red, $5,000 to $10,000. 963-1549.

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.

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