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Sopris Carbondale’s weekly

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Sun

Volume 8, Number 42 | November 24, 2016

Gobble Gobble Gobble up your holiday gi�s in Carbondale

From one side of Carbondale to the other there are many great ďŹ nds for your holiday wish list. Shown above is a display at The Launchpad. Among the other establishments featuring holiday items are the Roaring Fork Valley Coop, True Nature Healing Arts, Harmony Scott Jewelry Design, Carbondale Clay Center, KDNK Labor of Love Auction, 20/20 Eyecare, Eagle Crest, Yampah Spa, Carbondale Chamber members and many more. Happy Thanksgiving! Photo by Jane Bachrach, illustration by Terri Ritchie

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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.

Tipton confident bipartisan work will be done First order of business: Thank you all for allowing me to serve ucation policies. I’ll write more about each in future columns as we you for another term. Either for your vote or for not running know more. No use speculating too much now. The news media is doing enough of that. against me (I ran unopposed).

The budget work will be no picnic this year since we find ourSo we return to your state legislature with things the same but not so much. When the election results came in early on Nov. 8, selves in need of $500 million more dollars than are forecast for next year’s spending.

Republicans held the majority in the Senate by the From my Budget Committee platform, while we same one vote margin as the last session but my house confront the monster of budget planning, I can conRepublican caucus lost three seats and is now down tinue to work on my big three related issues: the cost 28 to 37. With a divided legislature we will probably of health insurance, severance tax declines, and K-12 kill each other’s “statement” bills but I’m confident school finance. Maybe we can wait to see what hapthat we’ll get some good bipartisan work done. pens with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reform on There are a lot of new faces around the Capitol the health insurance debacle. The Associated Governand they promised their voters a lot of action, so we’ll ments of Northwest Colorado, under the outstanding have some fun times getting to know each other. leadership of Bonnie Peterson, recently held a work With our loss of seats on the Republican side of session in Rifle. Department heads from state governthe state house, the factions within our number shifted ment gave up a holiday and drove out from Denver to and with it our elected leadership changed rather drainform a large group of Western Slope elected officials matically. I expected to lose my assignment on the the and citizens about the impact of a massive decline in Joint Budget Committee (JBC). In the end, the caucus severance tax revenues from previous years. I’ll consurprised me. We had decided to vote on the JBC asBy Bob Rankin tinue to work with a bipartisan group of legislators on signment and make it part of the core leadership team and I was elected to maintain my position on the JBC. It’s signifi- funding and a vision for K12 education.

As I start a third term, I will renew my commitment to engage cant that we have a Western Slope appointment to the JBC to protect our sometimes unique interests. It’s a good bit more work but and inform my constituents as the session develops. Help me by letting me know your interests and concerns. I post regularly on I do enjoy it. Thanks to my fellow legislators.

Facebook and I answer e-mails at Bob.rankin.house@state.co.us.

OPINION

Under Dome

Assessing Trump

We’re starting to assess the impacts of a Trump presidency on Colorado issues. There are at least four possible significant areas to watch: Medicaid block grants and energy, immigration and ed-

Representative Bob Rankin, House District 57, lives in the Carbondale area and represents Garfield, Rio Blanco and Moffat counties.

Sincerest thanks to our

Honorary Publishers for their generous, ongoing commitment of support.

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

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

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

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.

Thanks from Gail Schwartz Dear Editor: I would like to express my deep appreciation for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful individuals and entities during my campaign for United States Congress. Over the past seven months, it was a privilege to travel throughout the 50,000 square miles of the 3rd Congressional District, talking to voters and listening to their specific concerns about the things that mattered most to them.

I kept my promise to campaign on the issues and to show up throughout the District, consistent with my motto as a state senator and public servant: “No one will ever work harder to represent you.”

Along the way, we did our best to inspire confidence and hope, and I was humbled to earn the endorsements of nine out of the 10 newspapers in the District that chose to endorse in this race. The newspaper endorsements were consistent: people felt the need for stronger representation to deliver results and diversify economic opportunity in our region.

My thanks goes out to all those who supported me and also to those who were willing to listen. It was an honor to run to represent the residents of the 3rd Congressional District and I won’t forget the experiences and stories we shared. I pledge to continue my ongoing work to make western and southern Colorado the best possi-

ble place to live, work and raise a family.

Upon the conclusion of this historic, and often times divisive, election cycle, I maintain my faith in a promising future. I believe in the strength of the communities in this district and our ability to move beyond partisanship, because I appreciate how deeply we all feel about the issues facing our state and our nation.

Gail Schwartz Crested Butte

Buddy Program thanks Dear Editor: The Buddy Program is proud to announce that this year’s Pitkin County Cares Volunteer Service Award will be given to two of our mentors: Big Buddy, Anne Blackwell for her dedication to her Little Buddy Samantha for the past five years, and former Aspen High School student and Peer-to-Peer Big Buddy, Elizabeth de Wetter.

Anne, along with her husband Clarence, were matched with Samantha when she was eight years old and since that day, they have actively participated in numerous activities and events. They enjoy arts and crafts, cooking, and going to art shows but Anne and Clarence have always taken their mentor relationship to a higher level by supporting Samantha’s academics as well: they have spent many hours helping her with homework, attending school func-

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016

tions, etc. When Anne was asked about her involvement in the Buddy Program last year, she said: “I do a lot of other volunteer work in our community, but I love the individual time Samantha and I spend together, it’s very meaningful. I’ve had a blessed life- I need to pass it on”.

Elizabeth volunteered in the Buddy Program’s Peer-to-Peer mentoring program, where high school students mentor an elementary or middle school student once a week during the school year, for all three of her eligible years. She displayed a genuine desire to volunteer and expressed that it was the highlight of her week. She was aware of the positive effect on both her Little Buddy and herself, displaying great maturity and insight. She took the responsibility to heart and was always both humble in demeanor and extremely reliable. Elizabeth expressed to the Buddy Program what an honor this is to her, and that her parents will be accepting her award, as she is a freshman in college in Boulder.

The staff of the Buddy Program is therefore extremely proud of Anne Blackwell and Elizabeth de Wetter’s well-deserved Pitkin County Cares Awards for their volunteer service in support of youth in Pitkin County.

Soledad Lowe Community Program Director The Buddy Program

To inform, inspire and build community.

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

Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell Honorary Board Members Denise Barkhurst • Sue Gray David L. Johnson • Laura McCormick Jeannie Perry • Trina Ortega • Frank Zlogar

The Sopris Sun, Inc. • P.O. Box 399 520 S. Third Street #36 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.

E-Board survey shows climate plan support Final response deadline Dec. 1

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer Organizers of a recent survey of Carbondale-area residents about the town’s “climate action plan” say the survey results clearly show a majority opinion in favor of the town’s actions over the past decade or so.

The survey, conducted with the combined efforts of the Carbondale Environmental Board (known as the E-Board) and a team of consultants, collected a total of 409 responses to surveys either sent out in the mail or offered online through Survey Monkey.

According to Brad Davis of the Community Office of Resource Efficiency (CORE), which worked on the survey effort, the responses included 181 filled out online at Carbondale’s town website (www.carbondalegov.org), and 228 on paper.

E-Board member Patrick Hunter, who also worked on the survey effort, said the paper questionnaires were sent out with water bills sent to 1,800 of the town’s water customers.

The results, according to data provided to The Sopris Sun, show that respondents overwhelmingly support the idea that local government can and should be an active participant in work to reduce Carbondale’s

“carbon footprint” by encouraging the use of alternative-energy technology (such as solar panels to generate electricity or heat domestic water, composting organic material to help landfills last longer, and others).

Due to an oversight by the survey creators, one question, about how the town’s energy programs should be paid for, did not initially offer respondents a “none of the above” option in their responses. Respondents also had to answer to all of the survey questions, or Survey Monkey would not accept any of their responses.

That oversight was soon corrected in the online version, after the issue was pointed out by a Sopris Sun news story, by adding the optional response, “I don’t know,” to the question about funding. Those responses were then added into the total results.

As an incentive to prospective respondents, the survey promised cash prizes to those who filled them out, and since responses are still coming in, the results detailed in this story are preliminary.

But, said Hunter, “I believe it is unlikely that additional responses would change the results we have now. There is very clear support for community action to take positive steps on climate change.”

The responses According to the results sent to The Sopris Sun, more than 93 percent of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the Earth is warming rapidly, and that

human activities are accelerating that warming trend.

And while 350 respondents indicated that a car is a main mode of transportation for getting them around town, a larger number indicated they either bike (284) or walk (272) around town as much as they drive.

On a different topic, 71 percent of respondents (291) indicated support for a town-wide ban on the use of plastic shopping bags at retail outlets in Carbondale, rather than the ban on bags at the City Market grocery store that now exists; and 59 percent (242) would support a townwide ban on single-use plastic water bottles “sold in all stores, according to the results.

A total of 96 respondents, or 24 percent, answered that they would not support either proposal.

Regarding mass transit, about 62 percent (252) liked the idea of Carbondale partnering with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority to expand the reach of the intown circulator bus, which currently stops primarily on Main Street and at the RFTA park and ride lot on Highway 133. The idea, discussed for several years, is to expand the service to include the outlying parts of town to the south and west, including the Crystal Meadows senior housing complex.

As for paying for all this energy-conserving and alternative-energy activity, when asked how the town’s energy-related programming should be funded, the top

three choices were: • with a gasoline tax (35 percent, or 142 responses); • using severance taxes or mineral lease fees paid by the energy industry both locally and statewide (32 percent, or 131 responses); • and with a dedicated tax of some sort (27 percent, or 109 responses).

Carbondale’s voters, tellingly, rejected a proposed tax on utility usage last spring, which would have called for the tax proceeds to be used for the town’s energy-conservation programs.

Other questions in the survey touched upon a variety of issues, including but not limited to: • local residents’ willingness or interest in composting their organic food waste; • whether residents feel the town is doing enough, too much, or not enough to reduce the community’s carbon footprint, or the amount of greenhouse gases generated by consumption among residents, businesses and the local government; • and whether respondents would support a car-share program in Carbondale.

According to CORE and the E-Board, the survey results should be posted on the town’s website (www.carbondalegov.org) by some time in December.

Residents who did not get a chance to fill out the survey are encouraged to do so between now and Dec. 1, by going to the link, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Eboard2016.

Two ways to chill in the Penny Hot Spring on Highway 133 between Carbondale and Redstone.

These days, Crystal River rocks clearly define at least three or four soaking areas, which run north to south for about 20 yards.

Look for a possible influx of folks there through the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Photo by Lynn Burton

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016 • 3

Town Briefs

Staff “charettes” RE-1 housing plans Sopris Sun Staff Report On Nov. 15, town planning staff attended a day-long design “charette” with officials from the Roaring Fork School District, about plans for teacher housing to be located along 3rd Street, on the athletic field between Bridges High School and the Third Street Center, according to a memo sent out weekly from Town Manager Jay Harrington’s office to the board of trustees, town employees and other recipients.

The planning staff was on hand, according to the memo, to “provide information on the process, zoning and development standards in the Unified Development Code,” according to the memo.

In anticipation of the winter that is certain to arrive in Carbondale at some point, the local parks crew last week laid out the plastic sheeting and boards for ice-skating rinks at the 4th Street Plaza at the corner of 4th and Main streets, as well as at the Gus Darian Riding Arena on Catherine Store Road (County Road 100) east of town.

In addition, the parks crew helped move a soccer goal from Triangle Park to the North Face Park, and took part in a “safety committee walk-though” of facilities that have been closed for the winter, including the Gateway RV Park at the intersection of Highways 133 and 82, the John M. Fleet Swimming Pool on Main Street and the riding arena.

Town employees also worked to fill in low spots in the town owned cemetery along 8th Street; attended a meeting about snow plowing in the coming winter months; provided irrigation locating assistance for a utility installation project along Highway 133; and did the same for a Holy Cross Electric conduit project at Miners Park.

Members of the parks crew removed insulators that

were failing and installed new ones on an electric fence at the Carbondale Nature Park, removed orange barrier fencing at the north end of the Nature Park, and installed a wire fence to protect the public from the potential of falling branches from dead trees in that zone. Parks workers also removed soccer-goal nets and chained the goals together to prevent damage to the turf and sun damage to the nets over the winter.

Utilities staff last week continued working on a four-inch main from Cooper Place to 7th Street, reestablishing water service to the area at 7:15 p.m. Other work on the mains in the area will continue, according to the memo.

The planning and zoning commission (P&Z) on Nov. 17 to discussed short-term rentals and possible revisions to a “request for proposals” concerning a housing study.

At the Roaring Fork water treatment plant, a software problem was uncovered and fixed in the plant’s control system, according to the memo, which reported “a plant site visit still needs to occur to address some problems with other aspects of the control system.”

The public works staff began preparations for a waterservice outage on Nov. 22, to repair a damaged water cutoff valve underneath South 2nd Street, which will affect water customers from Maroon Drive to Snowmass Drive.

An annual sewer cleaning operation has been completed, according to the memo, and town staff will be video-monitoring the lines to look for problems identified during the cleaning.

The street crew finished a sidewalk repair project along Main Street in front of Peppino’s Pizza, and continued to sweep the streets thanks to the warm, dry weather, which lasted until Thursday and then was to resume.

Cop Shop From Nov. 10 - 17, Carbondale officers handled 232 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note:

THURSDAY, Nov. 10: At 6:14 p.m. a vehicle was stopped on Highway 133 for failing to yield the right of way. After investigating, police ticketed the 22-yearold driver for driving while his license was under restraint for a previous offense.

SATURDAY, Nov. 12: At 7:31 a.m. police got a report of a vehicle/deer collision near Highway 133 and River Valley Ranch Drive. The deer was mortally injured, had to be put down, and the carcass was “given to some RVR employees,” according to a police report.

SUNDAY, Nov. 13: At 2:11 a.m. police stopped a car on Highway 133 for weaving. After investigating, officers arrested the 24-year-old male driver on charges of drunk driving and weaving.

SUNDAY, Nov. 13: At 3:26 p.m. police took a report of a hit and run accident at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center. No arrests were made, according to a report.

MONDAY, Nov. 14: At 10:36 a.m. police were dispatched to help a motorist locked out of her vehicle.

Upon contact, police ran a check on the 52-year-old female driver, learned she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest, and took her to the Garfield County Jail.

MONDAY, Nov. 14: At 1:02 p.m. police were sent to the Little Blue Preschool on Merrill Avenue regarding a blue truck “doing donuts” in the parking lot. No further details were provided in the report.

(Editor’s note: Police also reported they are looking into reports of a sexual-assault case involving a child, although Lt. Chris Wurtsmith told The Sopris Sun that, given the sensitive nature of the case, the department was not releasing any information concerning when and where the assault is believed to have taken place).

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016 • 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@SoprisSun.com.

Don’t wash your turkey

Get your Inauguration tickets now!

This just in

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is telling citizens and non-citizens not to wash their holiday turkey before cooking it. “Unsafe handling and undercooking of food can lead to serious foodborne illness,” said Al Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Turkeys may contain salmonella and campylobacter, harmful pathogens that are only destroyed by properly preparing and cooking the turkey. According to the most recent federal FDA Food Safety Survey, 68 percent of the public washes whole turkey before cooking it. USDA does not recommend washing raw meat and poultry before cooking. Washing raw meat and poultry can cause bacteria to spread up to three feet away. Cooking (baking, broiling, boiling, frying or grilling) meat and poultry to the right temperature kills any bacteria that may be present, so washing meat and poultry is not necessary. Also, leftovers are good in the refrigerator for up to four days, but you should cut the turkey off the bone and refrigerate it as soon as you can, within two hours of the turkey coming out of the oven.

After that, put the turkey in the freezer. For more turkey safety tips, call the USDA’s hotline at 1-888-MPhotline to talk to a food safety expert. You can also talk live with a food safety expert at AskKaren.gov in English and Spanish, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Friday. On Thanksgiving Day, the hotline is open from 6 a.m. to noon.

U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R) announced that a limited number of tickets to the 58th Presidential Inauguration are available to Coloradans through his office upon request. For details, e-mail tickets_gardner@gardner.senate.gov and include: your full name, address, phone number and number of tickets requested. The submittal deadline is Dec. 1.

Crystal River Environmental Protection Association members recently re-elected Dee Malone, Tom Bleskan and Phil Youngman to its board of directors, and elected new members Michael Askew and Jason Sewell.

Medicare open enrollment Medicare open enrollment takes places through Dec. 7, according to a press release.

During open enrollment, you can: join a Medicare prescription drug plan, switch from one Medicare prescription drug plan to another, change from one plan to another, and more. Every senior who has a Medicare D prescription drug plan should have their current plan assessed because costs and coverage may have changed. For more information, call High Country RSVP at 384-8744

Libraries closed Nov. 24-Nov. 25 All six branches of the Garfield County Libraries will be closing early on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. remain closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 in celebration of Thanksgiving. The libraries will reopen at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26.

You can still browse and request books, movies, and more on our website, www.gcpld.org, during the closure. Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful holiday!

Oysters climb wall in Glenwood The Colorado Rocky Mountain School Oysters was one of 13 Western Slope teams to compete in a High School Climbing League competition in Glenwood on Nov. 19. The overall winner was Colin Daniels of CRMS; with CRMS’s Elliot Vaughn taking second. Lauren Murphy of CRMS took second in the girl’s division. The CRMS team as a whole finished second behind Battle Mountain; the girl’s team finished second

6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016

Wanna run the CA art bus?

The Carbondale Board of Trustees recognized Gael Meraz Mancinas (left) and Oliver Goddard (right) as Students of the Month. Not shown: Jenny Vasquez and Bella Frisbie. Courtesy photo

behind Battle Mountain; the boy’s team placed first. The next competition is Dec. 10 at CRMS. The CRMS boy’s and girl’s teams are the league’s defending champions.

Carbondale Arts is accepting applications for the Rosybell art bus coordinator. The bus is slated to hit the road in February. For details, go to carbondalearts.com, call 9631680, or e-mail amy@carbondalearts.com.

The application deadline is Dec. 8.

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating their birthday this week include: Casey Weaver (Nov. 24); Steve Puzick (Nov. 25); Terra Salamida and Dan Richardson (Nov. 26); Richard Fuller and Paul Hassel (Nov. 28); Naomi Pulver (Nov. 29); and Chuck Dorn (Nov. 30).

Trae Moxley update Colorado State University became bowl eligible with a 49-31 win over the University of New Mexico on Saturday, thanks in part to the play of Roaring Fork High School alum Trae Moxley (listed at 6’6â€? and 325 pounds). The junior offensive lineman has played in all 10 CSU games this season, starting three, according to the CSU sports information department. Standing at 6-4 on the season, the CSU offensive line has put up some good numbers, including: • The Rams have allowed only 1.3 sacks per game against their foes, ranking 19th in the country; • The offensive line has not allowed a sack since the third quarter against Boise State on Oct. 15; • Quarterback Collin Hill ranked second among true freshmen in passer efďŹ ciency and 28th in passing yards per attempt before a season-ending injury; • The CSU offense ranks 15th in the country in Red Zone offense with a 91.7 percent success rate.

The Rams play in the NCAA Division-1 Mountain West Conference, which is composed of: Boise State, Wyoming, New Mexico, Air Force, Utah State, San

Diego State, Hawai’i, the University of Nevada/Las Vegas, Nevada, San Jose State, Fresno State and CSU. San Diego State is leading the West Division with a 9-2 record, while Boise State leads the Mountain Division with a 10-1 record. Colorado State closes out its season on the road at Qualcomm Stadium against the San Diego State Aztecs on Nov. 26. The Rams will learn

which bowl game they’ll play in after the Dec. 3 Mountain West championship game. The CSU bowl game will no doubt be televised, so look for #60. Moxley has lettered twice and is a communication studies major. His parents are Wade Moxley, Kacy DiMarco and Bill Rice. – Compiled by Lynn Burton – Photo by Tommy Joe Waido/CSU Athletics

DESIGN THE HOLIDAY COVER

Break out the paints, sharpen your pencils, it’s time for the

DECEMBER SPEAKERS: 12/7/2016

“Spruce Up The Sun�

12/4/2016

ANNUAL HOLIDAY COVER DESIGN CONTEST The contest is open to grades pre-K through high school.

Artwork must be on 8 ½� x 11� paper, vertical orientation.

LOOK INSIDE: PAGE 4

Skiers

PAGE 6

Shop

PAGE 11

Mindfully

Sopris the

Carbondale’s weekly

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

Sun

community connector

Volume 7, Number 45

| December 17, 2015

Spruce Up The Sun

• You may use a variety of media, such as watercolor, pen and ink, crayon, chalk, markers, etc. • Bright and bold colors are encouraged. • No glitter please. • Please keep designs 2-dimensional in order for us to scan the artwork for publication.

We’re seeking volunteers to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at City Market.

Please contact Ed Queenan at (401) 465-4276 or queenan.edward@gmail.com and sign up today!

This year’s winner is ‌

The Sopris Sun continued its Spruce Up The Sun cover competiti on this year, requesting original designs from contestants pre-K through high school.

Let your imagination run wild and get those creative juices flowing.

Spruce Up the Sun contest winners receive the honor of having their artwork in the Dec. 22 issue which is distributed throughout the Roaring Fork Valley as well as being posted on the Sun’s website.

No meetings will be held December 21 and December 28 due to the holidays.

“SERVICE ABOVE SELF�

This year’s theme is “Sharing the Holidays.�

– Wes Boyd Colorado Animal Rescue C.A.R.E. – Brad Stevenson Valley Marijuana Council

Cover contest winner:

Kylie Orf, an eighth

-AIN 3T s #ARBONDAL -AIN 3T s #ARBONDALEE #/

#/ ss

grader at Carbond

ale Middle School.

Please see pages 13-15

for more winners.

The theme this year was “Magical Moments� and over 160 entries were submitted including a box full , from Carbondale Middle School art teacher Ami Maes.

This year’s winner truly expressed the magic of a Carbonda le Christmas, complete with a fairy and holly-insp ired dandelion created by Carbond ale Middle School eighth grader Kylie Orf. The entries included many different expressions of the theme, scenes of “Star Wars,� including: winter beach-going Santas, marine wildlife, forest animals and dinosaurs as well as the traditiona , l snowman, Santa and winter sports scenes.

There were even some reminiscent of jewelry romantic moments commercials seen on television. Some humorou s entries made the judges laugh, such as the Jackson Five performing for dancing marshmallows.

First-place winners in the various categories are: Laia Ogilby (kindergarten through first grade), Lily Stewart (second grade), Campbell Morgan (third grade), Henry Figueroa Candela (fourth rera (fifth grade), Aislinn grade), Fatima HerPinela (sixth grade), Jessie Diehl (seventh grade) and Soren Blachly (eighth grade).

Judging such a competiti ve contest would not have been possible without the help of the discerning eyes of staff members at the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanit ies (CCAH), and The Sopris Sun. CCAH and The Sopris Sun would also like to thank all the contestants for sharing their creativity and talents. It made judging a truly difficult task.

See pages 13-15 and visit our website (www.soprissun.com ) for additional winners.

Thanks again to all who entered.

Happy holidays!

Unique holiday gif Un ts For For o the Home and

The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.

Drop them off at The Sopris Sun office in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St., #36 – at the end of the “long hall�) or send them to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623, postmarked by Dec. 5.

Please include your name, grade, age, and phone number ON THE BACK of your entry.

For more information, call The Sopris Sun at 510-3003 or email terrir@soprissun.com.

the Heart

Count your blessings count them one by one count your blessings see what God has done!

JOHN FROST MERRIOTT Certified Public Accountant

Office 970-704-1101 Fax 970-704-9101 Email frosty@frostycpa.com Web frostycpa.com

1101 Village Road

LLA2

Carbondale, Colorado 81623

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016 • 7

H O O P S

Text and photos by Jane Bachrach

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016

These athletes are honing their skills during RFHS basketball practice.

Boys and girls practice separately – on different days. Boys coach Larry Williams and girls coach Jade Bath run the teams through different drills for up to two hours at a time. The RFHS boy’s and girl’s seasons start with the Brenda Patch tournament in Carbondale from 1 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 3.

An unidentified naked skateboarder, one of several locals featured in a calendar being sold to raise money for lights at the North Face Skate Park, catches some air at the edge of a bowl under the watchful gaze of an unexplained figure and a man standing on his head. Submitted photo

New group raising funds for skateboard park lights

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer A group of local skateboarders, with the blessing of the Carbondale Recreation Department, has embarked on an ambitious plan to raise several thousand dollars for the installation of lights at the North Face Skateboard Park.

According to Eric Brendlinger of the recreation department, the concept is included in the department’s ultimate plans for the park, though the town cannot afford to do it right now.

“That is part of a recommendation in our 10-year master plan, that we did in 2015,” Brendlinger told The Sopris Sun on Tuesday, explaining that a consultant from Design Workshop, which was in charge of the master planning effort, predicted that lighting would be needed.

But, Brendlinger said, the consultant also advised the department that outside funding would be needed given Carbondale’s current budget constraints.

So, in their zeal to expand the parks usage into the nighttime hours, skateboarder Casey Siers and a cohort of fellow riders has gone to work to raise the estimated $5,000 to $6,000 that will bring on the lights.

So far, the group’s main effort has been the production of a calendar featuring naked skateboarders riding around town.

“We’re not showing anything,” emphasized Siers, who is 27. “Basically we’re all skateboarding naked, and we’re selling it.”

Siers said there was no intention to replicate the wildly successful effort of the socalled Calendar Girls, a group of British women who bared all in 1999 for a calendar sold to raise money for cancer research.

In fact, he said, he was unaware of the earlier effort to link nudity with fund-raising for a worthy cause, as well as of the 2003 movie about the very successful calendar production (they raised two million pounds) starring Helen Mirren.

The first planned fund-raising event was a calendar-selling party, at $15 per calendar, on Nov. 19 at the Beer Works on Main Street,

where Siers said the group raised “about $350, which is not bad.” In addition, he said, the calendar is on sale at the Skate Ship skateboard shop located in the building on Main Street that also houses the Mi Casita restaurant on the ground floor, and the Doctor’s Garden cannabis shop on the third floor.

Other moves have been the establishment of a special account at Alpine Bank (interested parties can donate at any branch bank) under the name, “Light Up The Skate Park Fund,” and a fund-raising page on the GoFundMe.cop “crowdfunding” web site, under the same monicker.

Additional fund-raising events will be announced as they are arranged.

Besides the plan to put up lights for nighttime skateboarding, Siers said, the group is hoping to fund “minor upgrades” to the facility, and ultimately to raise money to expand the skate park.

But an expansion project, he said, will require more intensive fund-raising efforts.

He said the group already knows of some donors interested in contributing significant amounts of money, and there has been discussion of setting up a “sponsorship” program for big donors.

But for now, Siers said, the plan is to get the lights up and on, and to make the Carbondale skate park “the best on the Western Slope.”

He said that, as far as he knows, there are no other lighted parks on the Western Slope, which would make Carbondale’s the first.

Both Siers and Brendlinger said there are formal hoops to be jumped through before the lights can be installed, including the hiring of a lighting consultant to determine what kind of lights would work best.

Noting that the group has been considering the use of LED lights that could minimize the glare for adjacent homeowners, Siers said, “We don’t want any light pollution affecting the neighbors.”

He said there is bound to be a formal application process for getting town approval for the lights and the installation, but that must wait until the needed funds have been raised.

First Friday

December the 2nd 689 Main Street Carbondale CO

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016 • 9

Community Calendar THURSDAY Nov. 24 LIVE MUSIC • Carbondale Beer Works serves up a jazz group on its patio from 6 to 8 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

ROTARY • The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita at noon every Thursday except on Thanksgiving Day.

FRIDAY Nov. 25 LIBRARY CLOSED • The Carbondale Branch Library, and the other GarďŹ eld County libraries, will continue to be closed for Thanksgiving, but will reopen at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Queen of Katweâ€? (R) at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2526 and Nov. 28-Dec. 1 except Nov. 27 which will show at 6 p.m. (captioned); “The Beatles Eight Days a Weekâ€? (NR) at 4:45 p.m. Nov. 25 and “The Dressmakerâ€? (NR) at 5 p.m. on Nov. 26.

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.

day at the same time. Bring a mat if you can. Info: 963-2054.

SATURDAY Nov. 26 LIBRARY RE-OPENS • The Carbondale Branch Library re-opens at 10 a.m. following its two-day Thanksgiving Day break.

SUNDAY Nov. 27 POETRY NIGHT • Aspen Poets’ Society and Victoria’s CafÊ will host a live poetry night in Aspen beginning at 6:30 p.m. Live music with John Hatanaka, an open mic for poets, and special guest Jennifer Hancock will be featured. The event is free and open to all. A selection of books and APS mugs will be available for purchase.

CCC • The Carbondale Clay Center hosts a Black Friday studio sale from 4 to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Info: 963-2529.

ASC • A Spiritual Center in the Third Street Center presents Carmen Iacino (“Have Ease in the Chaosâ€?) at 10 a.m. Info: 963-5516.

LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents music every Friday night. Info: 963-3340.

WEDNESDAY Nov. 30

LIVE MUSIC • Salem plays the Black Nugget. The band has played the Winter X Games and other major venues.

LIVE MUSIC • Dan Rosenthal hosts an open mic night at Rivers restaurant in Glenwood Springs every Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m.

YOGA • Yoga classes with Himalayan Yogini Devika Gurung take place at the Launchpad from 9 to 10:30 a.m., and will continue every Sunday, Wednesday and Fri-

ROTARY • The Carbondale Rotary Club holds a club meeting at the Carbondale Fire Station at 6:45 a.m.

Further Out FRIDAY Dec. 2

CUP AUCTION • The Carbondale Clay Center holds is annual Cup Auction from 6 to 9 p.m. at 689 Main Street (the former Six89 restaurant). Bidding ends promptly at 8:30 p.m. Info: carbondaleclay.org.

LABOR OF LOVE • KDNK holds its annual Labor of Love auction from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Village Smithy.

There’ll be a big selection of gifts for auction and sale, plus snacks and libations. Register for the auction in advance at kdnk.org and receive a free drink. Info and preview at KDNK.org. The Labor of Love auction’s sponsors include Alpine Bank, ANB Bank, the Roaring Fork Beer Company and Peppino’s Pizza. Items include four tickets in the fourth row for a Colorado Avalanche game against the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 23. Info: KDNK.org

SATURDAY Dec. 3 “EYES ON THE PRIZEâ€? • The Mt. Sopris Historical Society and Carbondale Branch Library present “Ain’t Scared of Your Jailsâ€? and

“No Easy Walk� as part of its PBS “Eyes on the Prizes� series from 4 to 6 p.m. The next presentation will be “Mississippi: Is this America?� and “Bridge to Freedom� on Jan. 14.

Admission is free. Info: 963-2889.

FRIDAY Dec. 9 THEATRE • Thunder River Theatre and CARE (Colorado Animal Rescue) collaborate on “The Last Romance,â€? which opens on Dec. 9. The piece, a romantic comedy, is the story of a senior couple that falls in love during a series of humorous and heart-warming meetings in a New Jersey dog park. Local philanthropist and CARE supporter Jim Calaway says, “I’m so very proud to see two of my favorite organizations working together on ‘The Last Romance.’ All shelter dogs deserve their moment in the spotlight and Thunder River Theatre Company is the perfect place for them to shine.â€? The play will be performed at two different locations: Thunder River Theatre on Dec. 9-10, 16-18, 22-24, and the Snowmass Chapel in Snowmass Village on Jan. 20-21 and 27-28. All performances are at 7:30 p.m., except for 2 p.m. matinees on Dec. 18 and 24. Tickets are available at thunderrivertheatre.com and 963-8200.

DESIGN CONTEST • The Sopris Sun is hosting its “Annual Holiday Cover Designâ€? contest. This year’s theme: “Sharing the Holidays.â€? Open to pre-K through high school, all works must be 8 1/2â€? x 11,â€? vertically oriented, and 2-D only. The winners’ artwork will be featured in the Dec. 22 issue of The Sun. The entry deadline is 5 p.m. at The Sopris Sun ofďŹ ce in the Third Street Center, or P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. Please

CALENDAR page 11

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W N 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016

First Frid day y,, December 2, 2016 4th & Main, Downtown Carbondale 6:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome In the wake of the 2016 US presidential election, there will be a community-wide group hug to re-energize ourselves to work for justice, kindness and open-mindedness in our country. All are welcome.

Community Calendar Hold the Presses MSNC PARTY • The Mountain Sopris Nordic Council holds its second annual Nordic social from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Pour House. Current members receive a complimentary beverage.

WRNF • The White River National Forest starts winter sports vehicle season on Nov. 23.

During the winter season, all wheeled vehicles (including bikes) are limited to plowed routes or routes opened through special order. Winter Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) identify routes and areas designated for “over the snow” motor vehicle travel. MVUM’s are free and available at all Ranger Districts.

LOCAL FOOD • The Roaring Fork Food Alliance presents “Local Food for our Future” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the El Jebel Community Center (across from Wendy’s off Highway 82). Michael Brownlee, author of “The Local Food Revolution,” will attend.

Info: info@roaringforkfood.org and 963-9182.

CLOSED • Garfield County offices will be closed Nov. 24-25.

GROUP HUG • Feeling freaked out, concerned, anxious and even panicked over The Donald’s presidential election victory? Well, there’ll be a community group hug at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 (First Friday) at Second and Main streets.

The group hug “is to re-energize ourselves to work for justice, kindness and open-mindedness in our country,” said a spokeswoman. Everyone is welcome.

Ongoing KOROLOGOS GALLERY • The Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt continues “Collectors Holiday” through Jan. 10. The show features Kraemer, Loughridge, Ostlin and York. Info: Korologosgallery.com.

EMPATHS MEET • The “RFV Empaths Unite” support group meets at the Third Street Center (Room #31) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Donations are accepted. Info: Kelli Welsh at 417893-8578.

GRIEF AND LOSS • Pathfinders offers a grief and loss support group every other Monday (starting Oct. 3) at 6 p.m., and a caregiver support group every other Wednesday (starting on Oct. 5) at noon. An RSVP is required to Robyn Hubbard at 319-6854. Pathfinders offers support groups from Aspen to Rifle and is located in Carbondale at 1101 Village Rd. Info: pathfindersforcancer.org.

MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS • Dr. Greg Feinsinger gives free medical consultations Monday mornings at the Third Street Center.

To make a reservation, call 379-5718.

LUTHERANS MEET • Faith Lutheran Church on Highway 133 holds worship services at 9 a.m. (traditional service), educational hour (10 a.m.), and living praise worship (11:30 a.m.).

Info. Faithcarbondale.com and 925-7725.

C’DALE TRUSTEES • The Carbondale Board of Trustees holds regular meetings the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at town hall starting at 6 p.m. (Oct. 11 this month); the trustees usually hold work session at 6 p.m. on

the first and third Wednesday. Info: 963-2733 or carbondalegov.org IMMUNIZATION CLINICS • Garfield County offers immunization clinics at the Carbondale Family Resource Center (in the Bridges Center at 400 Sopris Ave.) the second and fourth Thursday of the month (Oct. 27 this month). To schedule an appointment, call 9456614, ext. 2030.

MEET THE MAYOR • Carbondale Mayor Dan Richardson holds his weekly “Office Hours” session at the Village Smithy from 7 to 8 a.m. on Tuesdays. Drop by and say hi.

COMMUNITY MEAL • Faith Lutheran Church (south of Main Street on Highway 133) hosts a free community meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month.

Info: 510-5046 or faithcarbondale.com.

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

SILENT MEDITATION • Free silent meditation sessions are held at the Launchpad from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The public is invited.

BRAIN TRAIN • Senior Matters’ early memory loss program Brain Train continues Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The program is operating at capacity but is accepting applications for the wait list. Info: Diane Darling at 970-987-3754.

SENIOR MATTERS • Bring a partner to Senior Matters bridge at the Third Street Center at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Info: Diane Morgan at 963-0424.

SENIOR MATTERS • The Senior Matters Board of Directors meets the third Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Third Street Center.

SENIOR MATTERS • Diane Johnson talks about senior issues and services on KDNK at 4:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.

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

RUN AROUND • Independence Run & Hike hosts a run around town Saturdays at 8 a.m.

Meet at the store in La Fontana Plaza and run various distances, with different routes each week. Info: 704-0909.

MINDFULNESS • Mindful Life Program holds a group meditiation followed by an offering of mindful practices at the Third Street Center at 7:30 p.m. on Mondays. Admission is by donation and everyone is welcome. Info: mindfullifeprogram.org, laura@mindfullife.org or 970-633-0163.

LUNCH • Crystal Meadows senior housing hosts a lunch followed by Bingo every Wednesday.

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016 • 11

EAT. SHOP. PLAY. CONFLUENCE OF RIVERS, RECREATION & CULTURE

Remember the AB: Colorado Gives Day is Dec. 6 Submitted by the Basalt Art Base The Art Base is proud to be a participant along with nearly 50 other valley-wide nonproďŹ ts.

An annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado, Community First Foundation and FirstBank each contributed $500,000 to create a $1 million incentive fund for Colorado Gives Day this year. Join the Art Base and schedule your online giving today.

proud supporter of the Art Base and enthusiastically sponsors this exhibition. The exhibition runs through Jan. 7, 2017.

At the Art Base Annex, “Conuxâ€? showcases nationally exhibited artists Stanley Bell and KAMP Collective artists Andy Storey and Jeff Stevens. With the artists having roots in both Basalt and Carbondale, “Conuxâ€? juxtaposes the urban and rural landscapes with a high-energy street-art vibe. Check out this collaboration combining numerous medias from painting, wheat pasting, digital, photography, spray paint, stencils, screen prints, oil, acrylic and anything in between.

The exhibition is on view through Dec. 3, 2016.

Wyly Gallery and Art Base Annex The Art Base’s Charles J. Wyly Gallery continues its newly opened exhibition, “BTW/Collages, Assemblages and Printâ€? featuring Denver-based graphic designer and printer Rick GrifďŹ th. Using collage cut outs from magazines and graphic interventions in the style of Constructivism, the composition of Rick’s diagrammatic (sic) collages, sourced from a garage sale collection of 1970’s Ebony magazines, speak to the rise of the — so called — African American middle-class. The diagrams and images form the basis of a conversation about privilege, about class equality and being middle-class, with humor and parody. Harry Teague Architects is a

Second Fridays: Dec. 9 The Art Base Annex present “Taking Inventory,� highlighting nationally exhibited artist Isa Catto. The opening reception is Dec. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibition runs through Jan. Increasingly looking for intersection in her private and public lives — as a mother, woman, artist, writer, gardener, and a citizen in her local community and at large — “Taking Inventory� examines where these identities overlap. Her creative process is inspired by the

rhythm, chaos, considerations of life, and by poetry, literature and especially the natural world.

Art-Full Conversations Please join the Basalt Art Base as they welcome Anderson Ranch Art Center’s fall Artists-in-Residence for an evening of engaging presentations of residents’ artwork. The event features Jessica Burnam, Melanie Sherman, Jeong Yoon Lee, Caroline Robinson, Asiya Alsharal, Laura Kishimoto and Cathy Lu at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 8.

Local artist and art educator Isa Catto will discuss searching for an intersection through an ongoing visual inventory of the world around her in this members-only event at the Art Base Annex at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 14.

Adult and Youth education The Art Base offers a variety of adult programs and youth workshops. For a full list of the offerings please visit https://theartbase.org/education/. Registeration for all classes is available at 927-4123, theartbase.org, or walk-in at the Art Base, 99 Midland Spur, Basalt. The Art Base Annex is located at 174 Midland Avenue in downtown Basalt.

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We have 22 dogs and 33 ca ts waiting for homes this week.

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

Working together for pets and their people

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

DONATE to LIFT .org UP

Sopris Sun Staff Report The Aspen-Sopris Ranger District will host another informational meeting about the proposed Upper Fryingpan Vegetation Management project on Nov. 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Basalt Town Hall.

The public is invited to attend the meeting for information on the project and to ask questions and submit written comments. Comments may be submitted at the meeting, electronically or via the mail within the comment time period. Comments will help the Forest Service complete an environmental assessment. The assessment will be used to determine whether to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) or a ďŹ nding of no signiďŹ cant impact. Public scoping for this project began on Oct. 6, and ends on Dec. 5. For more information, go to “fs.usda.gov/â€? and then to “/project/?project=50171.

Saturday and Sunday November 26 & 27

Krispy is my name and Kris Kringle is my game. I love everything about Christmas, you can wrap me with a bow, and I’ll cuddle with you under the mistletoe. Home for the holidays is where I wish to be.

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î‚Šompson Divide leases cancelled but issues still remain SG ďŹ les application

By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer Area environmentalists and land conservation advocates were buoyed last week when federal and state ofďŹ cials announced that 25 Thompson Divide natural gas leases had been formally cancelled and taken off the table.

The Thompson Divide comprises more than 225,000 acres of land at the edge of the gas-rich Piceance Basin, which underlies much of western GarďŹ eld County, from Sunlight Mountain to McClure Pass, and has been the target of considerable oil and gas development interests for decades.

For the past eight years or so, a loose coalition of environmentalists, ranchers, business people and local governments known as the Thompson Divide Coalition, which won support from the City of Glenwood Springs, the Town of Carbondale and Pitkin County, among others, has lead the ďŹ ght against efforts to drill for natural gas in the Divide, a ďŹ ght that culminated in the BLM’s cancellation decision.

But energy industry ofďŹ cials, who view the lease-cancellation as a “takingâ€? of their private property rights, have expressed an interest in going to court to overturn the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s decision.

Because of the way the leases were cancelled, there is no possibility of an administrative appeal to the BLM, according to agency spokesman David Boyd.

Still, one company, SG Interests of Texas, has ďŹ led a formal “application for permit to drillâ€? or APD, on a different section of Thompson Divide, known as the Wolf Creek Storage Unit, which is operated by Black Hills Energy out of South Dakota.

SG, which owns 18 of the cancelled leases, also owns lease rights in the 9,200-acre Wolf Creek unit. The Wolf Creek area, TD LEASES page 14

Scott Fitzwilliams (upper left), supervisor for the White River National Forest, addresses a group of 38 local residents in the Thompson Divide on Sept. 1, 2015. The gathering was organized by Wilderness Workshop and the Thompson Divide Coalition to express concerns about proposed drilling by SG Interests in the area and included an over night camp out the night before. Sopris Sun ďŹ le photo by Barbara Dills

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Thank you Carbondale

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone working hard to build a strong community.

Our non-profits, and small businesses, our seniors, workers and families all support each other here.

There is no other place on earth like Carbondale.

May we continue to take care of one another and this beautiful place we live.

Giving thanks that we are all here together Warmly, Katrina Byars

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016 • 13

TD leases om page 13 Boyd conďŹ rmed, contains wells drilled and pumped out in the 1960s by a different energy company, which then capped the dry wells and ultimately converted them into storage use for gas that had been taken out, piped elsewhere and processed, and then brought back to the valley. “It’s that gas that gets used in the Roaring Fork Valley,â€? Boyd said to describe the need for the storage wells, which he stressed is not the gas that was taken out in the 1960s.

Boyd said his ofďŹ ce, located in Silt, received the APD from SG Interests on Nov. 17, the same day that the BLM announced it had cancelled the 25 leases — SG’s 18 wells and seven owned by Ursa Resources, which bought out the former Antero Resources drilling company several years ago.

The two companies are being reimbursed about $1 million by federal authorities, primarily for the amount originally paid for the leases back in the 1990s. But, in the case of SG Interests, the company reportedly feels the reimbursement to be inadequate to cover development costs over and above the purchase costs.

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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2016

The 25 leases, according to statements from the BLM, covered a time period from 1995 through 2012, and were subject to a lawsuit by area opponents of gas drilling showing that the leases in question had not been put through the required environmental analysis.

After a retroactive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) review, the agency concluded that the 25 leases had been issued incorrectly and should be cancelled. But the BLM declined to extend that cancellation to another 40 leases to the west of the Divide, which were issued over the same time period and either have producing wells on them or are tied to other producing wells through a process known as “unitization,â€? according to federal and industry ofďŹ cials. “Today’s decision is a testament to the ability of individuals, businesses, governments and organizations in Colorado to work together to ďŹ nd solutions that make good sense for the local community, economy and environment,â€? said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell on Nov. 17 at a ceremony about the announcement in Denver.

Boyd said the BLM had 10 days from the receipt of the APD to review the documents to determine if the application is complete. After that, he said, the U.S. Forest Service (speciďŹ cally the ofďŹ ces of the White River National Forest) will conduct an Environmental Assessment (or EA, which is similar to and EIS but less rigorous) to determine if the leases should be issued.

The main responsibility to conduct the EA falls to the forest service, Boyd said, because the APD calls for construction of a well pad to house the equipment needed to drill the single well that is proposed, and such a pad is considered a “surface disturbance,� which is the purview of the USFS. The BLM is responsible for oversight of the sub-surface aspects of the leasing process, although the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) is the agency that issues the actual permits to drill and oversees the drilling process itself.

Boyd explained that SG believes it can drill new wells in the same general area without boring into the older wells, thereby tapping into reserves that already had been drilled and used. “They’re looking at a deeper formation (known as the Mancos Shale), and it’s something that technically can be done,� he said.

The site of the new well, he said, is “in the storage area� but “not right next to one of the storage wells.�

Working together He said the federal agencies (BLM and USFS working together) will examine the layout to be sure the new wells are not boring into the storage wells.

Also included in the environmental assessment, he said, will be the proposed access route to the well site. The governments of GarďŹ eld County and The City of Glenwood Springs have both opposed the idea of drilling trafďŹ c using the Four Mile Road for access, in part because that route would dump industrial trafďŹ c onto the streets of Glenwood Springs, which already experience heavy commuter trafďŹ c.

Boyd said he had not heard whether SG Interests, or Ursa, have ďŹ led legal action yet to overturn the BLM’s lease-cancellation decision.

SG ofďŹ cial Robbie Guinn reportedly told a Western Slope newspaper that the company is planning to use data it gets from the Wolf Creek unit, regarding how much gas might be available for development at that site, to bolster its claim that the BLM’s decision is a “takingsâ€? of the company’s private property rights.

Another wild card in the ongoing dispute over the Thompson Divide leases is whether the opponents of drilling, too, will go to court over their perception that the BLM’s cancellation of the 25 leases did not go far enough.

The Wilderness Workshop, based in Carbondale, and the Earth Justice environmental legal ďŹ rm’s ofďŹ ce in Denver have indicated they feel the BLM improperly left some areas out of its cancellation protocol — speciďŹ cally, portions of areas known as Mamm Creek, Battlement Mesa and the Grand Mesa.

According to these critics of the BLM decision, the agency had earlier indicated it would protect up to 27 leases (out of 40 existing leases) in those areas, essentially in agreement with an early U.S. Forest Service management plan that called for added protections from drilling and other activities for those leases.

By leaving these out of the lease-cancellation decision, or at least imposing additional restrictions on drilling for the 27 leases in question, the agency is improperly abandoning its earlier pledge to protect wildlife, water and other resources in the region, in the eyes of critics.

Wilderness Workshop attorney Peter Hart said last week that the organization had not yet decided whether to pursue its objections through the courts.

Rotary Youth Exchange student experiences Poland

By Maggie McGuire Special to The Sopris Sun

Last year for my entire junior year, I lived in Poland and attended Polish high school.

This opportunity was presented to me as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program.

The program as a whole was the most incredible and eye-opening experience I have had thus far in my life. Through Rotary Youth Exchange, I formed friendships with other exchange students from four different continents and 11 different countries, traveled through Poland and Europe, and gained insights to my own life and self. I lived with Polish host families, developed friendships with my Polish classmates, and participated in my day-to-day life as a Pole. Through the never ending potatoes and sauerkraut at meals, various holiday markets, Christmas with my extended Polish family, regular attendance at Catholic mass (including midnight mass on Christmas), and traveling to various Polish cities by train, I was able to experience each aspect of Polish culture in great depth. With visits to museums after school and stories from my host families, I learned things about Polish history that no textbook mentions. Through this knowledge, I gained a better understanding of the people and places around me.

Differences

The differences I faced were far beyond food, dress and traditions. I had anticipated variations in these aspects of culture, but the differences I found in mindsets and mentalities were completely unexpected. These were all made abundantly clear in Polish high school.

I was placed in the second year (in Poland there are only three years of high school) with students who were only a year older than me.

Within the Polish schooling system, you travel to each class with the same group of students whether you are in elementary school or high school. I was glad about this because there were only 40 students to get to know rather than 100. The down side to this was that my class had already been together for a year, so they all knew each other quite well, and were comfortable around one another.

My class was 2I. The letter “I� in Polish is pronounced like the letter “E� in English which

led to several mishaps; for example, ending up in the wrong classroom at times, ordering a sweatshirt for the wrong class, and deeply confusing the secretary with my questions.

First day of school On my ďŹ rst day of school, I was told to choose three advanced classes in addition to regular math, history, religion, physical education, English and Spanish. These advanced classes are to help students focus on what they are interested in, or in most cases, what their dream career is based on. All of my class-

Students and teachers The relationship between students and teachers in Poland is much more formal than it is in the United States. In Poland, students do not know their teachers at all, whereas at my high school in Aspen, teachers share a lot about their personal lives with their students.

Aspen High School senior Maggie McGuire spent the 2016 school year in Poland as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Courtesy photo

All my lessons were taught in Polish, a language I didn’t know a word of upon arrival in Poland. mates knew what they wanted to pursue, and only a few varied from a doctor or lawyer. I selected geography, chemistry and history, based solely on the fact that those were the ones my friends were in. It was probably not the wisest choice, as I can insure you I have never been more confused than I was sitting in advanced chemistry taught in Polish.

All my lessons were taught in Polish, a language I didn’t know a word of upon arrival in Poland. During the ďŹ rst several weeks, I did not understand when I was supposed to say present, let alone what we were learning. I spent much of class time reading, doing Sudoku puzzles and updating and studying my Polish dictionary. By month three I began to comprehend a lot of what I was hearing conversationally, but most of the vocabulary that I knew was not used in lessons discussing the equivalent of Polish Shakespeare. I followed as much as I could understand, but my savior was my personal lessons with a few of my teachers.

The teachers’ desire for their students to succeed is much more present here than it was in Poland. These one-on-one lessons that I received in English allowed my teachers to know me as more than just “that girl from America.�

I had one-on-one lessons in geography, math and the Polish language. These lessons gave me the opportunity to feel like I was a part of something and to feel connected to the class and what we were learning. I feel so thankful, especially for my geography teacher, because she showed an interest in me, and I know that she was rooting for my success and happiness not only in Polish, but in Poland.

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Maggie McGuire is a senior at Aspen High School.

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Each day Each day I had a different school schedule and order of my lessons. During those ďŹ rst few months, I accidently sat through many classes that I was not actually a part of. The varying start and end times gave me a lot of free time to explore my city and my interests, and this I

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did. There was no lunchroom or designated lunch time, which was strange for me, because I have always found the lunch period as a time to catch up and connect with friends.

There were a mere two sporting events during the entire school year, whereas in the United States we have at least three games a week. The most popular sports in Poland are handball, men’s volleyball, and of course futbol (soccer). The lack of sports teams made it more challenging for me to get involved with the school. I have made most of my friends in the U.S. through sports, and this was not a possibility in Poland. Because of the lack of sports and extracurricular activities, most of my peers sole focus or interest was their school work.

Most of my peers went home right after school and did homework until the early morning because the workload was so intense. I attended the third most prestigious high school in Poland. It is a public school, but students must apply and submit their test scores.

Although my friends spent a lot of time studying, I was able to form wonderful friendships with several of my classmates. These relationships are probably the highlight of my time in Polish high school. I would deďŹ nitely say I learned more outside the classroom than I did inside it. I am so grateful for the unexpected experiences and friendships Poland gave me and the beautiful places and people it allowed me to discover. From watching the sunrise over the Baltic Sea, picnicking in the garden of Wawel Castle, and wandering through the streets of old town Warsaw, happiness was found in the most unexpected moments. I would highly encourage anyone interested in being an exchange student to apply through their local Rotary Club.

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Published in The Sopris Sun on November 24, 2016.

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