2009 12 10

Sopris Sun THE

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 44 • DECEMBER 10, 2009

Focused T on forgiveness

hey arrived from Alaska, Mexico, the Lakota, Guatemala, Cheyenne, Nuche (Ute), Arapaho, and Navajo Nations, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia.

Leaders of indigenous cultures from across the Americas gathered in Carbondale last week to talk about healing and forgiveness — of themselves, all of humanity and the earth.

Panel discussions with the elders, discussions about ecology, Aztec dancers, Ecuadorian singers, Lakota drumming, a benefit musical concert with local musicians, ceremonies, storytelling, and healing workshops held Dec. 4-8 in Carbondale made the XI Native Gathering of the Americas a true multicultural event.

“The only way in order to move forward and upward in the spiral … is through healing the wounds we’ve been carrying for hundreds of years. There’s only one way to heal those wounds – and this is forgiveness,” said event host Ramon Nenadich of Puerto Rico in his opening remarks Saturday.

Based on the annual gatherings, Nenadich aims to establish a commission on forgiveness and an international foundation for the advancement of indigenous people.

Nature, and the Europeans’ separation from it, was a common theme throughout that morning. Nenadich and other opening speakers explicitly urged participants to forgive and come together for the benefit of the earth and its people.

But delegates spoke to age-old – but still present – ills as well. Phillip Whiteman Jr., of the Northern Cheyenne, opened his speech with the song that Sitting Bull and other chiefs sang before the Battle of Little Big Horn.

“Today we’re still confronted with the same battle that took place in 1876. The industrial culture, what it has done to the air and the land and Mother Earth; the industrial culture that we live in today and how we have adapted its lifestyle: We contribute to the destruction of Mother Earth and all living things,” Whiteman Jr. said.

Ute elder Clifford Duncan described the history of relations between indigenous Americans and Europeans dating back to the 1400s, and reminded those assembled that Native Americans “are made to believe we are sovereign people, and that’s not true.”

Nenadich, of the Taino people indigenous to the Caribbean, described colonization as the “greatest holocaust humanity has ever suffered” and said that a form of apartheid continues to be very present in North America. But through the

By Trina Ortega and Terray Sylvester The Sopris Sun

Kuau Fragoso, 6-year-old Aztec dancer. Photo by Jane Bachrach

Focused page 8

e price of affordable housing?

$31,000 inbound to local schools

Clay center still cookin’

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Carbondale Commentary It’s time to turn cows into carp Before my daughter bought me this computer my source of information was the guy at the bar. Now, my granddaughter sends me all kinds of stuff about things I don’t want to hear about. But since I think she’s about the best pet I’ll ever know, I try to pay attention.

I used to think Copenhagen was a kind of chewing tobacco. Now there’s going to be a big meeting there. They invited 191 leaders! How many are there? Who didn’t get invited?

They’re going to talk about climate change, maybe sign a treaty – tell people how much CO2 they can piss into the air.

My friends in Idaho don’t believe in climate change, they think the science has got more holes than a “deer crossing” sign. Scientists were asked: what kind of sudden change in the climate might change people’s minds?

The best they could come up with was the collapse of some ice shelf in Antarctica. Raise the ocean three feet.

Big deal. Those people wanted to be close to the ocean; they’re going to get what they asked for. We got about 6,500 feet to go.

To me, science is science. You guess how something is going to work, figure out some experiments that prove your guess. You send it around to anybody else who knows about that stuff and see what they think. If it’s accepted you take that answer and move on. It’s called the “scientific method.” Why would you trust this method to bring you life saving medicines, but not to tell you that you’re polluting the planet?

By Birdbrain I remember studying in the seventh grade that in 1965 President Johnson told Congress, “This generation has altered the composition of the atmosphere on a global scale through a steady increase in carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels.”

Old LBJ is probably rolling over under that Texas sod yelling, “I told you so!”

So these countries are trying to limit CO2. If you find yourself in a hole the first thing to do is stop digging.

There are two ways of calculating the costs. One is called “cap and trade,” which I call “Three Smokestack Monte.” The other is a flat carbon tax. Cap and trade has got all kinds of loopholes and exemptions: It’s cheaper to buy credits than to fix the problem. Congress gets to decide what the caps are. A flat percentage tax I can understand. Cap and trade? I need a lawyer. Either way, stuff is going to cost more. It’s time to pay for crapping in our nest.

One debate in Copenhagen will have to do with something I read about at the dentist’s.

Some other guy had the “Field and Stream,” so I picked up this magazine with some cows on the cover. Seems this new study says that 51 percent of our CO2 emissions come from livestock. Study says to lower the CO2 it makes more sense to replace livestock than it does cars. Part of that is from cows – from the feed, farts, and pies. It seems that cows aren’t very efficient. They eat a lot of grain to make a big, juicy steak.

This article says because of CO2, cow protein is going to get expensive. That steak is going to cost you in carbon taxes. The article had a solution for this problem: We’ve got to produce protein more efficiently with grain. Guess what is one of the best ways to convert grain to protein? Feed it to carp. Those clever Chinese have developed a carp that is real good at converting grain to protein. I propose a new stimulus program, Cows for Carp: A fishpond in every yard.

Some of my friends call it treason that we would sign a treaty and give up our sovereign rights. I tell them, “Don’t worry. No way they’re going to reach any kind of agreement in Copenhagen.”You’re never going to get 191 nations to agree on anything. Every country has its own agenda. No country is going to make too many concessions to the others. Any cuts they do agree to will be small. Since it takes years to negotiate the fine print and years more to ratify a treaty, we’re all going to be the boiled frog before Congress gets its act together.

They can’t even pass a climate bill for the U.S. If we’re going to save cows from becoming carp, it’s going to come from the people and it’s going to be for the grandchildren.

Cantankerous caterwaulings

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.

Why wait to save the Thompson House?

Dear Editor: editor’s note: This letter was also sent to the carbondale Board of Town Trustees I am addressing these observations and opinions to those trustees who are voting “no” on the Thompson Park annexation application on Dec. 15. I have been a lifelong,

67-year resident of this community. I come from a pioneering family that was here well before Carbondale existed. I have seen this area go from an agricultural and miningbased economy to one driven by recreation and development. Keeping this in mind I pose the following questions: One of the more recurring demands of the developer is to go “above and beyond”

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009

Brigetta Heller (left) and Pat daily soaked up some of The sopris sun in cancun, Mexico, in early october. daily reported that the pair returned to the colder climes of colorado just before a hurricane tore into town. Photo courtesy of Pat daily

the requirements set forth to annex. My involvement began upon request of the P&Z to provide the connection from the Weant Boulevard intersection of the county island going across Highway 133. This was not an easy request for Frieda Wallison since the needed property belonged to the Thompson family. She did purchase the property with the request from myself and my sister Le Ann to make every attempt to preserve the Thompson House, which she has gone “above and beyond” to do. The other many requests were negotiated with the town staff and were deemed “above and beyond” at which time they recommended to accept this project. After this long and extensive review my first question is: Where is the problem with this request?

Even though you have shown agreement to the importance of the Thompson house I have yet to see and real commitment to the preservation of this one-of-a-kind community asset. One of the most important things the people of this community want to preserve is the “sense of community.” My second question is: How do you preserve this “sense of community” without preserving this community’s history?

I have attended all 18 of the meetings for this application beginning in 2006. Over this lengthy period of time I have not come across anyone that has spoken negatively of this project. Of course, there have been some concerns, which the developer has attempted to address to the best of her ability. What I have heard from this community is to get this project done. I believe all the criteria have been met by this application. It is a good project that goes “above and beyond.” I urge you to vote “yes” and answer both my questions with that single act.

Lew Ron Thompson Carbondale

Thompson House: find a way Dear Editor: editor’s note: This letter was also addressed to the carbondale Board of Town Trustees Surely there are many local people who have never had the pleasure of visiting the Thompson ranch, though it is very close to our own historical museum. To visit the

ranch house is to see what the century old home was like – both a treat to see with all its old furnishings intact and a valuable educational experience for younger people and children.

I know finances are very tight for citizens and towns alike, and old buildings require expensive upkeep, but please, for the sake of all current and future residents, provide a way to preserve this one-of-a-kind treasure by working out a viable plan with the developer.

Pat and Bill Fender Carbondale

What we have now

Dear Editor: “All we want is what we have now,” shouted a protester of the Hidden Gems Wilderness campaign.

LeTTeRs page 18

Sopris Sun THE

The Sopris Sun is an LLC organized under the 501c3 nonprofit structure of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation, Editor: Terray Sylvester • 618-9112 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Anne Goldberg • 379-5050 anne@soprissun.com Reporters: Trina Ortega • Jeremy Heiman Photographer/Writer: Jane Bachrach Copy Editor: Lynn Burton Ad/Page Production: Terri Ritchie Paper Boy: Cameron Wiggin The Sopris Sun is published partly with the support of the Rotary Club of Carbondale

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Carbondale, CO 81623 www.soprissun.com Visit us on facebook.com

Chasing our tails?

How mandated affordable housing might raise Carbondale’s cost of living

By Jeremy Heiman The sopris sun The stated intent of the town of Carbondale’s Community Housing program is to maintain a supply of housing that is attainable by working households, in order to keep a diversified population that can live and work in the same area.

The housing program has definitely created a lot of opportunities for low- and middle-income Carbondale residents, but it may have an unfortunate unintended consequence: Mandated affordable housing could be driving the cost of housing and the cost of living higher, according to some.

The way Carbondale’s Community Housing program is now structured, the deed-restricted affordable units required by the housing guidelines are subsidized by the units sold at market rate. Developers say that raises the cost of new market-rate housing.

“You have to think about [affordable] units as money-losing, or break-even units at the very best,” said architect Ken Williams, who, with partner David Mork, has developed the Mountain Sage Townhomes on Main street. “Whatever you paid for the property, 20 percent of the housing isn’t bearing that burden.”

Williams is a member of Carbondale’s volunteer Housing Advisory Group, formed to come up with solutions for the town’s affordable housing quandary.

The full cost of the deed-restricted housing has to be paid somehow and, depending on market conditions, is likely to add to the price of the free-market housing.

“It’s difficult to put a number on it,” Williams said. “But if you’re breaking even or less on 20 percent of your units, that has to be passed on. It’s going to definitely put upward pressure on free-market units.”

This is supported by the results of a study done at the request of the Carbondale Board of Trustees by local architect Gavin Brooke in September. Brooke created a scenario involving a 10-unit devel-

opment, complying with Carbondale’s regulations. His calculations showed that the cost of affordable housing drove up the price of the free-market units by nearly $100,000 each.

A tough sell If market conditions are poor, as they have been during the current recession, every added expense makes a project less viable, and affordable housing is a big expense, said John Foulkrod, managing partner of the Overlook Neighborhood, a development proposed north of Town Hall.

“In order to subsidize affordable housing with residential, you have to have a good market,” Foulkrod said. “One way you can look at it is the affordable housing is part of the cost of doing business. If it costs too much, you can’t do it.”

Foulkrod said he doesn’t yet know the cost that affordable housing will add to his project because it has yet to be built. He said he has run scenarios to estimate the cost, but without knowing what engineering and some other services will cost, “all you can do is estimate.”

Adding to the uncertainty is the unstable economy. The Overlook was withdrawn temporarily from the Town’s approval process in November for economic reasons.

“You don’t know what your end price will be,” Foulkrod said. “These incremental costs are going on and on, and the market prices have gone to hell in a hand basket.”

Carbondale’s current code requires that if a developer builds five or more residential units together in one project, 20 percent of the dwellings must be price- and appreciation-capped under the Town’s Community Housing Guidelines. These affordable units are divided into four categories by the income of buyers capable of affording them, based on percentages of area median income, or AMI, as determined by the federal Department of HouscHAsING page 9

There’s still time to advertise in The Sopris Sun this HOLIDAY SEASON FOR DEC. 17 ISSUE Ad reservations due by Friday, Dec. 11

FOR DEC. 24 ISSUE Ad reservations due by Friday, Dec. 18

FOR DEC. 31 ISSUE Ad reservations due by Tuesday, Dec. 22

Snow at last: Karla stukey shovels the white stuff near her home on euclid Avenue.

Photo by Jane Bachrach

Public schools to receive $31,000 in technology grants

By Terray sylvester The sopris sun Technology grants worth about $31,000 are on the way toward eight Re-1 schools.

Early last week, the directors of the Roaring Fork Public Education Foundation decided how much money they will distribute to eight of the 12 schools in the Roaring Fork Re-1 School District.

The Foundation has set aside a total pool of $50,000 for the grants. The remaining funds will likely be distributed to the four other Re-1 schools in the near future.

Carol Carnish, president of the foundation, said that the public education foundation is attempting to “fill in the gaps” in funds currently allocated toward technology from the school district budget and other funding sources.

“So often the money that is funded for technology throughout the school district replaces old equipment, and it doesn't allow for new innovative things that are coming on the market,” Carnish said. “We really wanted to fund new and innovative ideas in technology.”

Carnish emphasized that the grants will tie into existing, multi-year technology plans at each of the schools, and said that the foundation received a wide variety of grant requests. “Which was nice to see,” she added. “They weren't just focused in one area.”

Funds were distributed to each school based on enrollment numbers and the applications submitted to the foundation.

In the Carbondale area, Bridges High School will receive $1,395 to be put to-

ward new digital video cameras and a new flat screen monitor.

The Carbondale Community School will be given $1,757 for a new Dell desktop, which will be used for a variety of purposes including work on the school year book.

Roaring Fork High School will be awarded $4,755 for new video cameras and video production software. The new equipment will be used to enhance school and class Web sites.

Carbondale Middle School will receive $3,481 for “media kits” consisting of video and audio recording equipment and video editing software.

Elsewhere in the district, Sopris Elementary School received $5,455 for media production equipment that will be used by the “Sopris Production Company.”

According to Mike Bucchin, board member of the education foundation, Sopris Elementary proposes to train students to produce newscasts about the “exceptional things that go on” inside their school and in the greater community.

Glenwood Middle School will be awarded $4,778 to purchase Kindle wireless reading gadgets. Glenwood Springs High School will receive $6,845 to purchase a mobile “Net Book” computer lab.

Basalt Middle School was allocated $4,084 for 20 new iPod Touch devices and new computer software.

The foundations asked four schools to rework portions of their grant applications. Glenwood Elementary, Basalt Elementary, Basalt High School and Crystal River Elementary must resubmit their applications by Dec. 18, Carnish said.

THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009 • 3

News Briefs The Bonedale News Brief The sopris sun and the KdNK news department team up each week to discuss recent news from the Roaring Fork Valley. catch the Brief on KdNK at 7:50 a.m. and at 5:50 p.m. on Thursdays, or find it online at KdNK.org.

Bark beetle symposium bound for Aspen On Dec. 17, Aspen will be abuzz with pine beetles.

The local nonprofit, For the Forest, will host a free, public symposium titled “Placebased strategies: Pine Beetles and Forest Health” at the Hotel Jerome. The event will include an update on the Smuggler Mountain pine beetle mitigation project near Aspen; discussion with representatives from communities in the western U.S. and Canada that are dealing with pine beetle outbreaks; and perspectives on managing beetle outbreaks on both backyard and national scales. Speakers will include Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, White River Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams and Harris Sherman, U.S. Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and the Environment, as well as others.

“This is an important gathering on a topic that has gained increased attention around the West, as cities and counties grapple with the impacts of the mountain pine beetle epidemic on public safety, community water supplies, and local jobs that depend on forestrelated recreational economies,” said John Bennett, executive director of For The Forest.

The event begins at 1 p.m. with an introduction from Forest Service Regional Forester Rick Cables. At 5:15 p.m. Gov. Ritter will speak, followed by an update on the 250-acre Smuggler Mountain project. Sherman is scheduled to offer a national perspective on the bark beetle outbreaks at 6 p.m., followed by a presentation by For the Forest’s John Bennett focusing on local forest stewardship plans for the coming year.

For more information visit www.FortheForest.org.

Swine flu shots available to the general public The Garfield County public health department has announced that H1N1 (or swine flu vaccine is now available to the general public.

Public health will host walk in flu-vaccination clinics in Rifle and Glenwood Springs today, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Community Center and at the Rifle Public Health Office across from City Market. The H1N1 vaccine is free when received from the health department. Children 9 years old and younger require two doses,

Liberal Religion for the Roaring Fork Valley

Christmas!!??

Made Up Cultural Holiday?

Or More Meaningful?

Please Gather With The

Mid-Valley Unitarian Universalists This Sunday, December 13

according to a press release from the county.

A round of seasonal flu clinics will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ace Hardware in Carbondale and at Fred’s Hardware in Rifle. Seasonal flu shots cost $10 for children, $20 for adults.

Cop Shop SATURDAY, Nov. 28 A man reported that his house on Roaring Fork Avenue had been egged in the night.

SATURDAY, Nov. 28 At 9:02 p.m., the staff of The Pour House called the police asking for help with a man who was causing a disturbance and refusing to leave.

At 12:21 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30, police received another call about the same man. This time, the man’s landlord was having trouble evicting him from his house on Garfield Avenue.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the saga continued.

At 12:05 p.m. Police responded to another incident involving the man, who had apparently wanted to use some of his neighbor’s firewood, and become angry when his neighbor refused.

Later, at 6:20 p.m., police caught sight of someone driving without taillights near the intersection of Highway 133 and Cowen Drive. The same man was behind the wheel, and couldn’t produce proof of insurance. His driver’s license had also been canceled due to an outstanding warrant. The officer issued the man a summons for various traffic offenses and gave him a ride home.

That night, at 10:37 p.m., the man called the police to report that his stepson was threatening him with a knife. When officers arrived on the scene, both men looked like they’d been in a scuffle. The stepson was charged with felony criminal mischief and taken to jail. His stepfather was issued a summons for assault.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 1 In the evening, someone living on Indigo Way called the police to report that her chicken had gone missing. It was white with black spots.

Planning your 2010 advertising budget?

Talk to us.

The Sopris Sun offers affordable rates, great ad design and placement, and a targeted market.

We’ll put a plan together that works for you.

Contact Anne at 970-379-5050 or anne@soprissun.com The Sopris Sun, our community non-profit newspaper

HOW ODD OF GOD! (Reflections On Grace) Our nationally-known speaker and writer, UU Minister ROBERT LATHAM, describes himself as a “Baptist-born, Humanistic, Spiritual, Mystical Liberal.”

Rev. Latham will conduct services on January 10, February 14, and the Second Sundays of March, April, and May.

Lisa Dancing-Light, Musician 10:00 a.m., WIN Health Institute, Basalt Behind Mid-Valley Medical Center at Hwy 82 and Original Rd. Child Care Provided +++ Casual or Sports Dress Welcome

For More Information Call Bill or Sue, 963-2163

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009

Clay Center recasts leadership, keeps the kilns cookin’

By Trina ortega The sopris sun In September, when financial concerns forced the Carbondale Clay Center board of directors to make a tough call and lay off the center’s executive director, two board members stepped up, took over the administrative duties and kept the center running.

Now those two — K Cesark and Sarah Moore — have been named interim co-directors charged with leading the center into a new decade.

The board of directors stated: “After conducting a thorough and deliberate search for an individual to handle the administrative responsibilities of the Clay Center, Sarah and K emerged as the most qualified candidates at this juncture.”

Both are ceramic artists and are described as passionate supporters of the Clay Center.

And for each, it seemed a natural step to take.

So they stepped down from the board in order to put their names, as a team, into the hat.

“We realized how much we loved being at the center. We found that we are more passionate than we thought,” Cesark said. “It was kind of a no-brainer; I thought to myself, ‘Wow, I can’t imagine not doing this.’”

Although Moore said she did not know of many other nonprofits that have co-directorships, she said the Clay Center was founded and run similarly by Diane Kenney and Dan Trautman in the early years.

Rather than having to grapple with executive decisions on her own, Moore said it’s nice to have a “sounding board” when talking through ideas.

“It’s also a good way to do it because you don’t burn out as easily. We can both step back and know there’s another person who will be there,” she said.

Cesark noted that they share the same vision for the center, which is rare. “I think we

Here's to the clay center: sarah Moore (left) and K cesark (right) are the carbondale clay center's new interim co-directors. Photo by Jane Bachrach

Get your hands dirty:

The Holiday Show, featuring 17 local artists is ongoing at the Carbondale Clay Center at 135 Main Street. For more information about shows, classes and upcoming events call 963-CLAY or visit www.CarbondaleClay.org. complement each other really well. We’re both very detail-oriented, visual people, and we’re both very outspoken.

“I feel like I really couldn’t do the job without her. She and I complete the whole,” said Cesark, who also teaches ceramics at Colorado Mountain College and encaustic painting at Anderson Ranch Arts Center.

Cesark has a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics and an extensive background as an artist, curator and educator. Her role is artist director, and she is responsible for the ceram-

ics courses and visiting artist workshops, as well as curatorial duties for the CCC gallery and artist exhibitions at the center.

Moore — who most recently has been spending her days (and nights) as a full-time mom — brings a business background and will become the administrative director responsible for the financial and operational aspects of the center.

As a way to work on her art while meeting new people after a huge move from Aspen to Basalt, Moore sought out the Clay Center

more than a decade ago. She has been involved ever since and also served a short term as board president last spring prior to applying for the co-directorship.

“It’s the sense of community that you get from being in here and having a common interest,” Moore said of why she loves the center.

The two already have made some physical changes to the gallery and class/studio area, transforming the center into a more functional and “healthy” place, according to Moore.

As they look to the new year, the two talk about the ongoing Holiday Show, and the upcoming January show that will benefit CARE. In the long run, their goals are to be “more creative” in seeking grant and foundation support; to build up community outreach, with such ideas as a work-study program for artists who can “pay” for tuition by working; keep up the center’s national reputation; create a center that is self-sustaining; and make classes and drop-in fees affordable.

“Building things out of clay is an important physical experience for kids and adults,” Cesark said, noting the new Monday Madness that has been popular even without advertising. Kids and a parent are allowed to come in after 4 p.m. Mondays and create or paint a clay piece.

In fact, Moore said, getting young people involved with clay will make the center more sustainable. That includes her children, too.

For instance, her 7-year-old comes over after school and spends time at the center, working in clay or talking with the artists.

“This is good for them, to have relationships with artists,” Moore said. “When I watch that, that’s when I know it’s a great place and we have a really good thing in the community and that we need to continue and increase that.”

Knocked about by the recession, Novel Tea is still turning pages

By Terray sylvester The sopris sun It’s no secret that the recession has come to carbondale; heck, local business owners have even organized a stimulus campaign to stave off its worst effects. so, in upcoming issues, The sopris sun will be checking with businesses around town to learn what effects they have felt, and how they are coping.

Lori Hutchens owns Novel Tea Books, Carbondale’s only independent bookstore, and is used to being adaptable with her career decisions. When she arrived in the Roaring Fork Valley several decades ago, she was part owner of a hand-blown glass company named Fairly Snotty Glass.

“I named it that because we were in Aspen all the time,” Hutchens jokes.

But about 10 years ago that business closed, and Hutchens took up a career in education. For years, she taught at both Colorado Mountain College and the now-departed Carbondale Elementary School.

Then, a few years ago she was forced to change careers again, and in 2006 she worked up the money to purchase the bookshop on Main Street.

The Sopris Sun caught up with Hutchens early this month.

Sopris Sun: So, why did you buy Novel Tea? Hutchens: How do I say this? I’ve always thought outside of the box and there are really not too many jobs that you can stay in when you think outside of the box. Now I can put up whatever I want that says whatever I want politically or otherwise.And I can order books that I think contain wisdom that needs to be imparted to the community.

Sopris Sun: Your children’s book section is the largest in the store. Why? Hutchens: That was the first thing I did.

That was the smallest section in here and I made it the biggest section. I think it’s so very important that children read. That’s their catalyst to critical thinking skills down the line in their future. That’s where it starts, right?

Right here when we’re little.

Sopris Sun: Who are your customers?

Hutchens: You know who supports this store? I call them the “town elders,” because they’re the ones who don’t want to see the written word go away. They’re not into Kindles. They’re not into any of that up-andcoming B.S. They don’t go to Target and Wal-Mart [for their books]. They come in here specifically to support this store; so that

they have a bookstore to come into and look around, and not a stuffy one or a sterile one – one with some personality.

Sopris Sun: Have you seen a change in sales with the recession?

Hutchens: Oh yeah, I spent all of 2009 paying off just what I ordered last Christmas because I didn’t know [the drop in sales] was coming. I mean, it just hit me. It hit all of us.

Sopris Sun: If any small town will support an independent bookshop, Carbondale seems like the one. What’s your take on that?

Hutchens: I would expect Carbondale to support the store more. I think the day that this store closes and I'm gone will be the day that they [town residents] will go, “what?”

And all along they bought their books elsewhere. But you had folks ask that question when [Sherpa Moonbeam, beside Novel Tea] went out of business. It’s like, what do you mean,“why?”You should stay here and shop

in this town, locally.

Sopris Sun: Will you pull through?

Hutchens: It’s pretty dire. I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of the summer. I’m going to go through Christmas and if I see that people have supported this store and they want this store then I’ll stay. I’ll play hardball and stay another year. But if it’s going to be an online ordering year then I don’t know what's going to happen. I love Carbondale. I love my customers; but I can’t be secondary to all those stores: Amazon,Target and Wal-Mart. I have to be first.

Sopris Sun: Anything else I should have asked?

Hutchens: Am I happy?

Sopris Sun: Are you happy?

Hutchens: Yeah, I’m happy. I’m still enjoying it. You always have your ups and downs in life, you know. I’m not a quitter. You can’t be a quitter. You've got to keep trying.

Upcoming events:

Novel Tea Books at 449 Main Street will host a book signing with Amy Krakow, author of “The Mutt and the Monster,” from 4 to 6 p.m., this Saturday, Dec. 12.

On Dec. 16, Anita Witt will roll into the store to sign her book, “Lady Godiva’s Book of Horsemanship,” starting at 6 p.m.

THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009 • 5

announcing

Scuttlebutt send your scuttlebutt to scuttlebutt@soprissun.com.

PLACE-BASED STRATEGIES PINE BEETLES & FOREST HEALTH ——— A BEST PRACTICES SYMPOSIUM ———

THURSDAY, DEC. 17TH

1:00-6:30PM | HOTEL JEROME BALLROOM LEARN ABOUT MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE AND FOREST HEALTH STRATEGIES USED ACROSS THE WEST

— 5:00 PM —

GOVERNOR BILL RITTER COMPLIMENTARY WINE & HORS D’OEUVRES AT 4:30

PRESENTERS INCLUDE RICK CABLES

USFS ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL FORESTER

HARRIS SHERMAN

UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE (TENTATIVE)

NANCY GILLETTE, PHD

PRELIMINARY STUDY RESULTS: THE SMUGGLER MOUNTAIN OPEN SPACE PROJECT

EXPERTS FROM

MERRITT, BRITISH COLUMBIA GRAND PRAIRIE, ALBERTA SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO WOODLAND PARK ESTES PARK BOULDER COUNTY BIOMASS ASPEN/ROARING FORK VALLEY

Lori Hutchens (center) has begun to host book signings, such as this two-author event with locals charlotte Graham (left) and Wewer Keohane on dec. 4. Novel Tea hasn’t been immune to the economic downturn, but Hutchens says that the turnout at last week’s event was inspiring. “If carbondale shopped here, I would be rocking. I just found this out today with the book signing.” Photo by Jane Bachrach

The RRR (Ron Robertson Report) We are quite pleased to announce that Ron is continuing to improve, and that he is now able to talk! He’s had plenty of friends visiting and he loves that, according to the RR update we receive at least four times a week. His door is filled with cards so keep ‘em comin’. Although he tires pretty easily, he continues to improve. Peggy DeVilbiss is headed to Denver to visit Ron this weekend so please drop any cards or gifts off with Lynn Kirchner at Amoré and she’ll get them to Peggy.

SUCCESSFUL PINE BEETLE & WILDFIRE MITIGATION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONT LINES IN ALBERTA PINE BEETLE STRATEGIES AT THE FOREST-WIDE LANDSCAPE LEVEL THE ESTES PARK “BEETLE BUSTERS”

WATERSHEDS, WILDFIRE & FOREST HEALTH FUNDING: THE SANTA FE PARADIGM

Terril scott and Mustang Molly. Photo by Jane Bachrach

SO WHAT CAN A LANDOWNER DO?

We’re happy for her, but we’re sad as well – because we’ll be losing one of our favorite people in the entire town. She is, and has been, an active, creative force in this town for a long time. Now she is going to take that creativity with her to the Michigan Womyn’s Festival, which has offered her a position she couldn’t turn down. She’ll be leaving Carbondale in mid-January and will spend nine months out of the year in Oakland, Calif.

She’ll spend her summers in Michigan.

Further details later, but, congratulations.

We’re really gonna miss you, Terril Scott.

BIOMASS: GREEN FORESTS - GREEN ENERGY

WWW.FORTHEFOREST.ORG REGISTER FOR FREE AT

For The Forest

BE A VOICE FOR THE FOREST.

We’re happy, but sad

Who were those people?

Please forgive our editor for not knowing who the Chad Mitchell Trio is; he’s kinda

6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009

More Sagittarius birthdays – some sooner, some later On Dec. 22, we’ll be into Capricorns. But as long as we are still celebrating Sagittarius, and since there are so many in Carbondale, here are some traits that we found on the web that Sagittarians supposedly possess: Optimistic and freedom-loving; jovial and goodhumored; honest and straightforward; intellectual and philosophical; blindly optimistic and careless; irresponsible and superficial; tactless and restless. So, happy birthday to you irresponsible, superficial and tactless Carbondalians: Kathy Ezra, Bob Johnson (all of them), Bill Laemmel, Lynn (Jake) Burton, Mark Bruell, Judy Whitmore, Ann Broadhurst, and Steve Keohane and Leslie Johnson.

TOPICS INCLUDE

THE WOODLAND PARK HEALTHY FOREST INITIATIVE

young. In last week’s Sopris Sun, those guys reading our paper in the photo on page 2 were members of the Chad Mitchell Trio, the folk singing group from the sixties. They recently celebrated their 50th reunion with performances on a Mediterranean cruise, and during their celebration they took the time to read our local newspaper. So thanks guys, and come visit us in Carbondale so you can teach our editor a little something about music!

Congratulations!

According to reports from Beaver Creek, local skier Jake Zamansky was all grins after racing in the Birds of Prey World Cup giant slalom held there on Dec. 6.

Zamansky just barely qualified for a second run, and ended up finishing 25th overall.

With that run, he scored points for the fourth time in his career. But that wasn’t the only reason the 28-year-old was smiling. Sunday was the first time he’d done so in his own country, with his family at the finish line.We’re sure his parents are happy, too. So if you see them at their shop, Novus Auto Glass, be sure to give them a high five.

Way to go, Jake!

Condolences Our condolences go out to the Strang family in Missouri Heights. Mike Strang’s brother, Bart, passed away on Dec. 2.

Steeped in tradition Native American traditions were in full bloom at last Saturday evening’s gathering at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center. Tribes from Ecuador, Mexico and elsewhere in the Americas gathered to share some of their cus-

Photos by Jane Bachrach

toms, rituals and ceremonies with the people of Carbondale.

From the dances to the music to the spectacular intricacies of their ceremonial costumes, the visitors filled the evening with a wealth of native culture.

clockwise from top left: Anibal Puga from ecuador; an Aztec drummer; Loya Arum, Northern ute from utah; another Northern ute dancer; and Aztec dancer Victor Fragoso

THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009 • 7

Back Door The

Focused continued om page 1

A CONSIGNMENT STORE Carbondale’s Second Hand Department Store

EXTENDED EVENING HOURS!

Mon - Wed 10am - 6pm Thurs - Sun 10am - 8pm Persian Rugs Clothing Electronics Jewelry Furniture Gifts Galore

Ramon Nenadich (left) was instrumental in organizing the Gathering of the Americas.

Here, he participates in a chilly sunrise ceremony on dec. 6. Photo by Jane Bachrach gatherings, Nenadich hopes to unite indigenous people to begin the healing process.

“It’s time for humanity to move out of that darkness in which they’ve been living for many centuries. And the only people who can help – and I say this with all humbleness – humanity get out of that darkness are we indigenous peoples,” he said.

Whiteman Jr. also expressed hope that humanity can heal from these wounds. Although he said he is burdened with a great responsibility, he prays for a “ripple effect” to heal from the “sickness.”

“We are all one; we are all brothers and sisters of Mother Earth, and Mother Earth and the creator owns us,” Whiteman said.

Unity in diversity

SALE ON CHRISTMAS ITEMS: 20% off Dec. 6-12 40% off Dec. 12-18 60% off Dec. 19 -24 50 North 4th Street • Carbondale, CO 81623

(970) 963-3380

backdoorconsignment@gmail.com

As a matter of fact, Carbondale is the center of the universe!

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009

Delegates to the gathering spoke from a wide variety of concerns. A delegate from the Mapuche tribe of Chile described struggles for sovereignty, and efforts to prevent his people’s lands from being inundated by a hydroelectric project. Representatives from the Ute Tribe lamented the ills of energy extraction and excessive water use in Utah, Colorado and the Southwest in general. Delegates from Puerto Rico spoke out about their nation’s lack of a voice in U.S. politics as a commonwealth of the United States. Other attendees commented on the difficulty of engaging official tribal councils to speak for the people and honor traditions. Hoksila Pipeboy of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe in South Dakota spoke on that topic, remarking that the gathering had attracted no members of his tribal council.

But Pipeboy also stated that the gathering was a rare chance for Native Americans to come together, and an example of cooperation between white Americans and their indigenous counterparts.

Those were sentiments that Alex Castro, of the Huichol Tribe of present-day Mexico voiced as well.

“It’s a good experience to come here and ... connect with tribes that are different from your own,” said Castro, who was born in California and lives in Monterey. “I think that a lot of natives are lacking that connection. We're so isolated from each other that we don't really get to experience each other's cultures and understand each other a little bit more. I'm kind of up to date on issues with natives in South America, Central America, Mexico, North America. I kind of know what everybody is dealing with, but I never see it first hand … It's a different experience when you get to talk to someone who is actually having to deal with those issues, and who is concerned and wants to make a difference.”

“It's good to see white people come together and actually help indigenous people,” Castro said. “I think that's another issue we need to deal with, too; having some kind of unity or just respect and understanding of each other so that we can come together and resolve issues together.”

Chasing our tails ing and Urban Development, or HUD. Of the remaining units, 20 percent must be in a separate category described as resident owner occupied, or R.O. These units are not limited in price or appreciation, and the income and assets of buyers is not limited. But the owners must occupy the dwellings as their primary residence for at least six months per year.

The housing guidelines also specify the order in which developers are to build affordable dwellings. If one unit is needed, it is to be priced so it is affordable to a family earning 100 percent of AMI. If two are required, they are to be at 100 percent and 80 percent. The sequence continues with 120 percent and 150 percent of AMI.

Small developments struggle Someone building five units would have to build one unit affordable to a family earning about 100 percent of the median income in Garfield County, which is officially $86,400 for a family with two dependents. A development of 15 units would be required to include three AMI units, one each for incomes of 100 percent, 80 percent and 120 percent of AMI. Williams said he thinks this requirement is overly expensive to the developer of a small project. To build their 26-unit Mountain Sage Townhomes development, Williams and his partner were required to build one unit of each size.

(The requirement was 15 percent affordable when their application was approved.) Because each of these units was one-of-a-kind, economy of scale doesn’t come into play, and the developer must bear the added cost for the design, engineering and construction of these one-of-a-kind units.

The extra cost of these individualized units had to be absorbed by the free market sales, and sales of Mountain Sage condos have pretty much dried up since the onset of the recession over a year ago.

continued om page 3 The maximum price for these affordable units, commonly called AMI units, is determined by the town’s housing guidelines. Williams said the 150 percent unit doesn’t

You have to think about [affordable] units as money-losing, or break-even units at the very best.

Whatever you paid for the property, 20 percent of the housing isn’t bearing that burden. It’s difficult to put a number on it, but if you’re breaking even or less on 20 percent of your units, that has to be passed on. It’s going to definitely put upward pressure on free-market units.

Ken Williams, developer of the Mountain Sage Townhomes on Main Street

really work, because the maximum price, $451,378, is out of range of most working families. And since the recession has set in, that probably goes for 120 percent, too.

“Now, the 150 and 120 are just fantasyland, really,” Williams said.

Smaller homes: a free-market solution?

Williams said the lower-priced deed-restricted housing does help out a segment of the market in Carbondale, but the free market starts to serve buyers at about the $375,000 price level – existing lower-end properties are available at that price that may be more desirable than deed-restricted units. The free-market units are generally of lesser quality than AMI dwellings in the same price range, he said, but buyers will often lean towards them because, unlike the deed-restricted units, they may become more valuable as they appreciate.

And some worry that if a homeowner isn’t accumulating equity through appreciation, he or she may struggle to move from deed-restricted to open-market housing.

Williams suggested that developers could make freemarket dwellings more affordable by creating smaller, more efficiently designed spaces. The Overlook developers have offered “really affordable” smaller and less expensive units, in place of the price mix required by the housing guidelines.

They argue that if a family really needs affordable housing, a $450,000 dwelling priced at 150 percent of area median income isn’t going to do it.

Williams suggested a different category of free-market housing that he calls “price-cap housing,” to help families transition to free-market housing. The price cap might be $375,000 in the current market, he said.

“I’m talking about creating another rung on that ladder,” Williams said. “If someone moves out of an AMI unit [and into a price-cap dwelling], and someone else moves in, you’ve solved a problem for two families,” he said. “If you build an AMI unit, you’ve only solved a problem for one family.”

Williams emphasized that such units would probably be small, to minimize cost and maximize efficiency.

“I absolutely believe we need to create entry-level opportunities,” he said.

THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009 • 9

Community Calendar

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

Friday. events take place in carbondale unless noted.

THURSDAY Dec. 10

FRI. – SUN. Dec. 11-13

SUNDAY Dec. 13

P&Z MEETING • The Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. at Town Hall and is slated to discuss the Village at Crystal River development.

THEATRE • Thunder River Theatre Company presents “Visiting Mr. Green,â€? a comedy by Jeff Baron. Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m., all other performances start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and more info: thunderrivertheatre.com or 963-8200.

SPIRITUAL SERVICE • A Spiritual Center at 0695 Buggy Circle, suite 205, hosts a service with Michael Abdo at 10 a.m. More info: 963-5516.

GIFT WORKSHOP • Dancing Colours at 968 Main Street offers a LuminArte Ornaments workshop from 6:30-9 p.m. Create luminescent color combinations on clear glass balls. More info: 963-2965.

ECO-GODDESS TUNES • Eco-Goddess at 335 Main Street hosts live music with T. Ray Becker, well known singer, songwriter and storyteller from 7-9 p.m. No cover. More info: 963-7316.

STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 North Fourth Street presents singer, songwriter and guitarist Peter Mulvey. More info: 963-3304 or www.stevesguitars.net.

JEWELRY EXHIBITION • Valley Fine Art in Aspen hosts an opening reception for its Old Pawn Jewelry Exhibition, from 5-9 p.m. Proceeds from sales during the reception beneďŹ t the American Indian College Fund. More info: www.valleyďŹ neart.com or (970) 920-9193.

FRI. – SAT. Dec. 11-12 HANDEL’S MESSIAH • The Aspen/Glenwood Community Chorus presents Handel’s Messiah in Aspen at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 533 East Main Street. Tickets are $10.

MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre shows“Pirate Radioâ€? (R) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-17, “A Serious Manâ€?(R) at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 12 and“Coco Before Chanelâ€?(PG-13) at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 13.

TUESDAY Dec. 15 THOMPSON HOUSE VIGIL • The Mt. Sopris Historical Society is organizing a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. in front of Town Hall on Colorado Avenue to save the historic Thompson House. Town trustees are slated to discuss the house, and the Thompson Park development proposal of which it is a part, at their meeting the same evening.

FRIDAY Dec. 11 ENERGY STAR FOR REALTORS • The GarďŹ eld New Energy Communities Intitiative hosts“Selling Energy Star, Selling ConďŹ dence,â€? a free training for Realtors, appraisers and others interested in green building and Energy Star homes. 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 108 Eight Street in Glenwood Springs.

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS • Mountain Family Health Centers conducts free public health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, heart disease risk and more from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Mountain Family Health Center, 1905 Blake Ave., Suite 101, Glenwood Springs. More info: Sharla Gallegos 618-3159 or sharla@mountainfamily.org.

PLAYSHOP • Kimberlie Chenoweth presents an evening of exploration to help you say “yes!â€? to your hopes and dreams and clarify next steps on your path from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge, 415 Sixth Street, Glenwood Springs. $45. More info and pre-registration: 945-8598 or tilicho@sopris.net.

STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 North Fourth Street presents Sweet Sunny

South playing acoustic Old Tymey. More info: 963-3304 or www.stevesguitars.net.

ART BENEFIT • Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt hosts “A Midwinter’s Evening of Artâ€?

5:30 - 8 p.m. Work by over 35 artists, wine, hors d’oeuvres. $20 donation required. Proceeds beneďŹ t Roaring Fork Conservancy.

More info: 927-1290.

SATURDAY Dec. 12

TRUSTEES MEET • The Carbondale Board of Town Trustees will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

WEDNESDAY Dec. 16 ROTARY SPEAKER • The Rotary Club of Carbondale presents Herschel Ross, presenting a Seychelles sailing trip.The weekly meeting starts at 6:45 a.m. at the ďŹ re station building at 645 Meadowood Drive. More info: Jay Leavitt, (970) 379-1436.

FOOD DRIVE • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Triangle Park in Willits. Bring a bag of nonperishable groceries, for donation to LIFT-UP. Receive a decorated holiday wreath, hot apple cider and cookies. Sponsored by Sopris Chiropractic and Alpine Bank. More info: 927-9204.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS • The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly meet and greet for Chamber members and their guests from 5:30 – 7 p.m at Craniofacial Associates of Colorado at 580 Main Street. Prize drawings at 6:30 p.m.

More info: 963-1890.

STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 North Fourth Street presents the acoustic Hell Roaring String Band. More info: 9633304 or www.stevesguitars.net.

GIFT WORKSHOP • Dancing Colours at 968 Main Street offers a workshop in making glass dome paperweights from 6:30-9 p.m. $35. More info: 963-2965.

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10 â&#x20AC;˘ THE SOPRIS SUN â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 10, 2009

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Further Out Dec. 17-19

THEATRE • Thunder River Theatre Company presents “Visiting Mr. Green,” a comedy by Jeff Baron. Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m., all other performances start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and more info: thunderrivertheatre.com or 963-8200.

Dec. 17 BARK BEETLE SYMPOSIUM • PlaceBased Strategies: Pine Beetles & Forest Health will be held from 1-6:30 p.m. at the Hotel Jerome Ballroom in Aspen. Representatives from western communities will discuss best practices for mitigation efforts.

Free and open to the public. More info: fortheforest.org.

Dec. 19 STIMULUS RAFFLE • The Go Green-Get Green economic rejuvenation campaign hosts a raffle from 1-4 p.m. at The Pour

House, 351 Main Street. Prizes include a home energy audit and retrofit, cash and other items. More info: 963-1890 or www.Carbondale.com.

will respond with art projects. Sessions last from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 100 Puppy Smith Street. Space is limited. Register at aspennature.org, or call 925-5756.

Dec. 20

Dec. 21

SPIRITUAL SERVICE • A Spiritual Center at 0695 Buggy Circle, suite 205, hosts a service with Jeff Paterson at 10 a.m. More info: 963-5516.

BASKETBALL SIGNUPS • This is the deadline for registration for the men’s basketball league at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center. Play begins Jan. 3. Full payment is required to reserve a spot in the league. More info: 704-4115.

LIVE POETRY • The Hotel Lenado in Aspen hosts a holiday celebration featuring poet John Surls from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Live music, open mic for poets, drink specials.

More info: (970) 379-2136.

Dec. 21-23 WILDLIFE CLASSES • The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and the Aspen Art Museum present “Where do Animals Go When it Snows?”, a three-day exploration of winter animal habits. Students

WINTER CAMP • Snowmass Recreation Center will offer Winter Camp from 8 a.m.

– 5 p.m., Dec. 21 through Jan. 4, for kids 6 to 14 years. Gym games, sports, rock climbing, Wii and swimming in the saline pools.

Space is limited. More info and to register: (970) 922-2240.

Dec. 24 LIBRARIES CLOSE • All Garfield County

libraries will close at 2 p.m. and will remain closed through Christmas. Normal hours will resume Dec. 26.

CHRISTMAS STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 North Fourth Street presents special Christmas music. More info: 963-3304 or www.stevesguitars.net.

Dec. 26 STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 North Fourth Street presents local students home for the holidays. More info: 9633304 or www.stevesguitars.net.

Dec. 27 SPIRITUAL SERVICE • A Spiritual Center at 0695 Buggy Circle, suite 205, hosts a service with Golden Sha at 10 a.m. More info: 963-5516.

Ongoing JUNIOR NORDIC SKI CLASS • Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club offers junior cross-country ski programs this winter at Spring Gulch for grades K-12. One- and two-day-per-week beginner and intermediate programs. For more info and to register: www.teamavsc.org/Nordic or John Callahan, (970) 205-5140.

HOLIDAY ART EXHIBIT • S.A.W. (Studio for Art + Works) at 978 Euclid Avenue presents the Holiday Group Show through Dec. 31. Ceramics, jewelry and paintings

by seven SAW artists. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and by appointment.

More info: 963-0201 or sawcarbondale.wordpress.com.

HOLIDAY ART MART • The Wyly Community Art Center in Basalt features 15 local artists in all media through Dec. 19. Located at 255 Gold Rivers Court, suite 130. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. More info: 927-4123 or www.wylyarts.org.

CASTLE TOURS • The historic Redstone Castle is open for guided tours Saturday and

Voices

Sunday throughout the winter. One tour each day at 1:30 p.m. Tickets available at Tiffany of Redstone and the Redstone General Store. More info: 963-9656 or www.redstonecastle.us.

WEIGHT-LOSS CLASS • Principles of Effective Weight Loss meets at 5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, at the Carbondale Recreation Center. Minimal fees. More info: Valerie Gilliam, (970) 948-5877, or githens@sopris.net.

SUICIDE SUPPORT • A support group for

those who have lost a loved one to suicide, meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs at 824 Cooper Street. More info: Pam Szedelyi, 945-1398, or pamsz@sopris.net.

REFORMERS UNANIMOUS • Reformers Unanimous, a faith-based program for those who are struggling with addiction, meets at 7 p.m., Fridays, at Crystal River Baptist Church, 2632 Highway 133. More info: 963-3694.

of

Why I Give “When my wife and daughter had a car accident and were rushed to the ER, it was a very tragic time for us. We saw the teamwork, comfort and care that takes place in this hospital, and it was just awesome.

Knowing we want to live in the valley forever, we believe Valley View is a great place to donate and invest.”

Jeff and Kim Kelley CARBONDALE

Share your story. Share your gifts.

COME TAKE A TOUR OF THE HOSPITAL AND SEE FOR YOURSELF — 970.384.6620 THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009 • 11

Community Briefs Compact fluorescents for Christmas The Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative is still hard at work with its “Waste Not, Watt Not” light bulb handout program. Free sets of two energy efficient bulbs are available throughout Garfield County at town halls from Carbondale to Parachute while supplies last.

So far, G-NECI has handed out 7,960 bulbs. The bulbs are provided by the city of Glenwood Springs, Garfield County, Holy Cross Energy and Xcel Energy. They use 75 percent less electricity than an incandescent bulb and last 10 times longer. For more information, visit www.GarfieldCleanEnergy.org.

Dine with Santa Little ones can share a really exciting day with Santa Claus. Preschoolers are invited to a catered lunch with Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Recreation and Community Center. Santa will read Christmas stories and listen to the wee ones’ Christmas wishes. Children ages 1-6 years welcome. Fee is $5. Pre-registration is required.

Call 704-4190 for more information.

Decorate some ginger bread Join a classic holiday ritual, express your creativity, and decorate a gingerbread house this Saturday. Alpine Christian Academy will host its fourth annual holiday Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 12. A $20 donation is required for one house, $30 for two. Price includes decorating supplies and refreshments. All proceeds benefit the academy scholarship fund. Call 927-9106 to reserve a space. Walk-in participants are welcome. Alpine Christian Academy is located at 20449 Highway 82 across from the Willits subdivision.

Snowmass Cross-Country Center opens The recent snowstorms have topped off the trails, and the Snowmass Cross-Country Center will open for the winter this Saturday, Dec. 12. The Center is located in the golf pro shop of the Snowmass Club Golf Course off Brush Creek Road in Snowmass Village. The Center will be open daily and offering services from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Aspen/Snowmass cross country trail system offers 60 kilometers of free cross-country skiing, compliments of the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council, the city of Aspen, the Town of Snowmass Village and Pitkin County. The trails, including those that connect Snowmass to Aspen, are groomed regularly.

For more information, call 923-5700 or visit www.utemountaineer.com/snowmassxc.aspx.

Sven the Ranch Elf Visits Rock Bottom Ranch

Thursday, Dec. 17th, 3:30-5pm Sven, a Swedish elf who visits RBR every year just as the snow starts dusting the farmyard, invites children of all ages to feed and care for all the ranch animals as the winter sets in.

Last Thursday, dec. 3, the Third street center hosted a groundbreaking and open house. About two dozen future tenants, center organizers and members of the public turned out to tour the future nonprofit hub. construction is expected to be complete in May. Photo Andrea Korber, Land and shelter

General Manager Christopher Stambaugh asks you to join him in welcoming well-known Roaring Fork Valley wine aficionado

Johnny Ivansco as Sopris Liquor & Wine’s new Wine Manager.

Join in this fun-filled holiday event for the whole family!

970.927.6760 s aspennature.org

Johnny will use his knowledge and experience of wines and wineries to help you make your perfect selection! Please join Johnny at this special event.

COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING David Phillips, Owner/President of

MICHAEL DAVID Winery Thursday, Dec 10th, 5:30pm - 7pm 7 Deadly Zins, Petite Petit, 6th Sense Syrah, Seven Heavenly Chards

SOPRIS LIQUOR & WINE 1026 Highway 133, Carbondale SE Corner of Main St & Hwy 133 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009

Obituary Stephen Bartow Strang, Jr. June 7, 1928 – Dec. 3, 2009 Stephen Bartow “Bart” Strang was born on June 7, 1928, in New Hope, Pa., to Stephen B. Strang and Ellen (Lathrop) Strang. Bart spent his early years in Bucks County, Pa., and at the age of eight moved with his family to Ralston Creek Ranch near Golden, Colo. The remote location of the ranch necessitated home schooling for Bart and his brother Mike.

Bart finished his secondary education with his senior year at Taft School, Watertown, Conn.

Bart spent a year at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo., before enlisting in the service on Sept. 27, 1950. After returning from Germany where he fulfilled the terms of his enlistment, he extended his tour of duty and volunteered for service in the Korean conflict. In Korea he served as infantry Master Sergeant in a reconnaissance platoon of Headquarters Company, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, United States Army. Bart was highly decorated while in Korea, including two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He was wounded on Heartbreak Ridge on March 12, 1953, and discharged from the Army on June 27, 1953.

Bart entered Princeton University on the G.I. Bill in September, 1953, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history in 1957. He was captain of Princeton’s Heavyweight Crew. Many of his lifelong friends go back to Princeton years.

Bart and Mary Crocker, of Groton, Mass., were united in marriage on Sept. 13, 1958, in Groton. Four girls, Mary, Ellen, Lisa and Sarah were born to them. The first years of marriage were spent on the family ranch at Ralston Creek, and in 1960 the family moved to Carbondale. They bought their first Hereford cattle in 1962 while ranching in Carbondale with Bart’s brother, Mike, and friend Tom Turnbull. In 1968 they moved to their own place on West Sopris Creek in Basalt. In 1973 the family moved to Meeker where they continued their purebred cattle business. In addition to their registered and

commercial cattle business they had a summer program for teenagers where they served as surrogate parents to 40 teens for eight weeks. Each summer, the Strang family of six grew to 60 as everyone shared life on the ranch in the Colorado high country.

An avid historian and advocate for education, youth and community, Bart often volunteered his time in the classroom and shared experiences in the Korean War and his knowledge of history. Bart served his community and industry through a multitude of boards: two terms each on the Roaring Fork School District and Meeker School District; the Colorado Hereford Association; American Hereford Association; Rio Blanco County Co-op, and Yellow Jacket Conservation District to name a few. He believed in helping his fellow man, never passed up the opportunity to support kids and was a man of integrity, service and family.

Bart spent the last three years of his life as a resident of the Walbridge Wing in Meeker. The compassion and empathy of the nursing home staff made his life whole and enriched in the face of an otherwise adverse situation. His vocation as a rancher and Hereford breeder combined his passions of animal husbandry, conservation and stewardship, which served as a perfect venue to raise his family. Bart will long be remembered as a gentle, compassionate man that loved his children and grandchildren, teaching by example and humor. Bart never missed an opportunity to share his dry wit and humor, which often included a large library of limericks. An eternal optimist, Bart lived life to the fullest, fully devoted to Mary, his wife and friend of 51 years. Physical limitations stemming from his military service remained his biggest trial – one he met with quiet determination and grace.

Bart was preceded in death by his parents Stephen Bartow Strang and Ellen (Lathrop) Strang, as well as his nephew Michael Lathrop Strang, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and his four daughters, Mary (Greg) Cunningham, Ellen (Joe) Nieslanik, Lisa (Tom) Walsh, and Sarah (Clint) Hjelm. Bart

stephen Bartow “Bart” strang. Photo courtesy of ellen Nieslanik leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Ben, Charlie and Hannah Cunningham; Meg, Jake and Sam Nieslanik; Nate, Anna and Stephen Walsh; and Wyatt and Hannah Hjelm. Bart also leaves behind his brother, Mike (Kit) Strang, and their three adult children, Laurie, Scott and Bridget and their families.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made through Cochran Memorial Chapel for a future educational endowment fund. A celebration of life for Stephen Bartow (Bart) Strang was held at St. James Episcopal Church in Meeker on Dec. 7. Internment followed at Highland Cemetery.

BOOK SIGNING Novel-Tea BOOKS

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THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009 • 13

Art Briefs Anderson Ranch goes digital On Dec. 8, Anderson Ranch Arts Center opened its new, juried exhibition, “Digital to Physical,” featuring 17 artists’ 2D, 3D and single-channel time-based works created with digital technology. The exhibition will be on view through Jan. 29 in the Patton-Malott and Gideon Gartner Galleries.

The artists in the exhibition have made use of a diverse range of techniques, ranging from a piece that is an audio and video translation of real-time data from the Arctic, to a piece that actively tracks information being sought on the Internet.

Juror Kirsten Gerden Stoltz said, “Today, digital manipulation of the photographic image seems antiquated. … Artists now interpret digital data, invent computer code, manipulate sound and remix imagery to the point of virtual clarity. Experimentation is key to successful art making. This exhibition highlights artists who are deeply committed to furthering digital media.”

The exhibition includes works by the following artists: Jacques Abelman, Christo Allegra, Alyssa Rae Barber, Denise Bookwalter, Bobby Campbell, Robert David, Amber Frid-Jimenez, Jacob Galle, Antonio Martinez, Portia Munson, A. Jason Nein, Andrea Polli, Nigel Poor, Tim Schwartz, Michael Shaw, Rick Silva, Millee Tibbs and Anne E. Wilson.

For more information visit www.AndersonRanch.org.

Kathy Hansel shows a customer her jewelry collection at ccAH's craft 2 Wear exhibition during the dec. 4 First Friday festivities. Photo by Jane Bachrach

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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009

TRTC stages human, humorous “Visiting Mr. Green”

By Terray sylvester The sopris sun For the second production of its season, the Thunder River Theatre has chosen a compact, elegant little piece named “Visiting Mr. Green.” It’s a straight-ahead play that holiday audiences will find satisfying. In two acts, through two likable characters, the playwright, Jeff Baron, digs into religious fundamentalism, homophobia, and the rifts between people that such hardened gray matter inevitably creates.

But what satisfies in the play isn’t Baron’s insight into prejudice and narrow-mindedness. Instead, it’s the way he dissolves those barriers to place his characters on common ground. The plot is simple: a father, a child and a reconciliation between the two. The twist is that the father and the child aren’t related, and that the bond they share is a proxy for the affection they’ve squelched, or can’t find, in their own families.

“Visiting Mr. Green” opens with – you guessed it – a visit to Mr. Green. The scene is his cluttered New York City apartment, and the visitor is Ross Gardiner, an up-andcoming American Express employee who has recently almost run over Mr. Green with his car. A judge has ordered Gardiner to check in on the gruff codger once a week. But Mr. Green wants none of it. He’s an aging widower whose adherence to Jewish doctrine is almost as staunch as his initial annoyance at being bothered by the buoyant younger man.

From there, the play progresses through about two months of visits. And in each one,

Richard Lyon (left) and Gerald deLisser star as Mr. Green and Ross Gardiner in the Thunder River Theatre company's production of "Visiting Mr. Green." Photo by John stroud/Glenwood springs Post Independent

Show Times:

The Thunder River Theatre Company presents “Visiting Mr. Green,” by Jeff Baron, on Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 17-19 at the playhouse at 67 Promenade. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. All other showings start at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit www.ThunderRiverTheatre.com or call 963-8200. like rays of light falling through the slats of an old Venetian blind, we glimpse the prejudices and fears that have shoved both men into their respective, lonely corners.

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Dr. Albrecht, and his wife, Laura, have raised 3 wonderful children, and now as “empty nesters”, decided to sell everything, and go west.

They traveled all the mountainous areas of Colorado during September, settling on the “wonderful people,” beauty, and unlimited outdoor recreation offered in Carbondale.

If the subject matter of “Mr. Green” is weighty, there’s little that’s ponderous about the play. Baron and the Thunder River Company leaven the production with plenty of

humor and good feeling.

“I really wanted to stay authentic to the humanity of this piece,” said director Brad Moore. “While it’s written as a comedy and there are certainly some wonderful moments in there, my hope is that the laughter comes out of the honesty of the characters and the honesty of their portrayal, and not because we’ve staged some shtick that the audience is going to relate to.”

Gerald DeLisser (Ross Gardiner) and Richard Lyon (Mr. Green) appear to have a fine time sparring on stage.

DeLisser presents a cheery young man who’s good spirit helps the audience believe that yes, this fellow would go so far out of his way to help a complete stranger. Tougher for DeLisser to portray are Gardiner’s underlying motivations: his loneliness and his eagerness to challenge the biases he has struggled against throughout his adult life.

But in his most heated exchanges with Lyon, DeLisser performs convincingly.

And when the young man is at his most aggressive, Lyon responds well. His body language – his pursed, protruding lips and the set of his shoulders – occasionally make it clear that Mr. Green has been put on the defensive and is scrambling. The rest of the time, Lyon’s character seems suitably shellbound – prickly in a tough exterior. And Lyon in particular appeared to relish his part in the production, filling Mr. Green with an appealing vitality and sense of repressed optimism that otherwise might be missing from the play.

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www.CarbondaleDC.com THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009 • 15

If you think Kea Hause’s life and journeys would make a good book or film, you’re not alone. Photographer and filmmaker copi Vojta is working with Hause on a book and film project focusing on Hause, fishing, and the changing face of carbondale and its rivers. The film’s working title is “Bonedale.” Photo by copi Vojta/cbvphotographics.com

COME IN TO KITCHEN COLLAGE TO EXPERIENCE THIS QUINTESSENTIAL HOLIDAY FRAGRANCE With the aromatic snap of crisp Siberian fir needles, heartening cedarwood and relaxing sandalwood, Frasier Fir is mountain fresh yet cozy and comforting. Bringing forth the feeling of warmth and joy to share with all those who touch our lives.

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www.kitchencollage.com 16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009

Still duffle bags and boxes aer all these years Life, art, adventure – and Carbondalian Kea C. Hause By chris Van Leuven special to The sopris sun Forty-eight years ago, Kea C. Hause was born in Hawaii and was surrounded by ocean. After only one year of tropical life, he was transplanted to the landlocked mountains of Carbondale. This move meant that instead of learning how to swim in the warm ocean, Hause learned behind the Colorado Rocky Mountain School campus, at the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers, in snowmelt waters. Hause’s dad was an artist who worked in a variety of medias, who likely contributed to Hause’s early interest in constant doodling.

The concoction of exploring wild rivers, art, and traveling to beachside climates would become integral to Hause’s life over the coming decades and is still a necessity today.

Early in life, Hause explored the real and fantasy worlds alike. Hause’s parents, then instructors at CRMS, camped and traveled the summer months, taking Hause and his three siblings on extended escapades throughout Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, California and beyond.

“When we were kids, the school couldn't pay the teachers during summer. So we camped out every summer. We lived out of a big army outfitter tent. We backpacked and fished throughout the Midwest,” Hause said.

During one standout summer spent in Washington’s Cascade Mountains – during his fifth-grade years – Hause listened closely as his parents read him J.R.R. Tolkien’s entire “Lord of The Rings Trilogy” across a camp fire.

By age 12, Hause had experienced the sea, mountains

and the flatlands. These vagabond adventures fed his creative and adventurous mind, and he decided to be an illustrator and cartoonist.

In 1972, Hause and a friend shared a studio and produced a few comics. They financed their business by washing dishes at the Pink Flamingo Café, then located on Main Street in Carbondale. He had begun collecting Grateful Dead album art, drawn by Rick Griffin, R. Crumb and Peter Max, to name a few. He’d collect Zap Comix, Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, Fritz the Cat and others. And he was especially attracted to album cover artwork. In the following years Hause would move onto designing a comic strip for The Valley Journal called “Boneheads” and illustrate bootleg Grateful Dead shirts under the label “Playdead Sports Wear,” which he produced out of a Carbondale shirt shop.

T-shirt design was turning out to be a worthy trade until Bill Graham shut him down for copyright infringement in 1987, causing Hause to go flat broke.

Reaching financial rock bottom was a pivotal moment for Hause and he decided to go to school at Colorado Mountain College to study commercial art, including copyright infringement. During that time, Hause said, “I had a lot of free time and was really into fishing. I would take people out fishing all the time. The guys at Roaring Fork Anglers in Glenwood suggested that I become a guide. When I got out of CMC, I was guiding full time.”

These days, Hause’s primary occupation is still guiding fly fishing trips on the waters of his childhood. “There's always something here that is fishable. Without exception

the Roaring Fork valley is the best place to fish in the U.S.,” he says.

Hause currently lives near CRMS, within 100 yards of where he grew up, in an efficiency apartment attached to his mom’s house. “I will live and die in this valley,” he said. Additionally, he ekes out a living through myriad skills including art restoration, which he describes as “dealing with old hand-painted portraits restoring them and sealing them up, making them ‘bomber’.” Plus, he runs a Christmas decorating business and designs “Dead Drift” T-shirts with a theme that is a mix of Grateful Dead art and Carbondale river culture.

“We have a play on a Rick Griffin style, a skeleton nose riding on a surfboard in the river,” Hause said.

And there is some other randomness thrown in there, too. Once, in Aspen, he built a mailbox with a working fountain inspired by the Roald Dahl classic, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Hause also pens the Bonedale Report for a quarterly named The Flyfish Journal www.theflyfishjournal.com, something he’s been doing for the past eight months. And he generally spends about four months annually “simply” vacationing and traveling.

“If I do it right I get to travel, backcountry ski, etc,” Hause said. “I surf southern Mexico [at a secret location].

It's a left that is unbelievable. You're in the wave for two minutes. I’m nuts about it.”

“I’ve been all over Mexico and done a few trips to the South Pacific, Bahamas – mostly fishing,” Hause said, adding, “I'm always living out of cardboard boxes and duffle bags.”

SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND GROWERS

CarbondaleÕs Natural Food Store EVERYONE WELCOME EVERY DAY! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK M - F 9 AM - 7 PM SAT. 11 AM - 7 PM SUN. NOON - 6 PM

559 Main Street 970-963-1375 www.carbondalecommunityfoodcoop.org

THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009 • 17

Letters continued om page 2 Any wilderness supporter would totally agree – but in the future there will be more roads, more logging, more mineral extraction. It just won’t be happening in the lands protected by the Hidden Gems. In those areas, there will be more trails and more people, undoubtedly, but it will be as close as we can get to “what we have now” – and future generations will thank us profoundly for it.

Peter Westcott Carbondale

SKI-ZRS rate White House Dear Editor: The SKI-ZRS rolling, Friday, happy-hour review gang (16 this week) enjoyed the White House, pizza that is, and were treated to an excellent performance by said establishment. The White House got high ratings in all categories, especially for prices and appetizers.

On the 1-5 scale – with 1 being “needs a lot of work,” to 5 being “as good as it gets” – White House pizza scored as follows: Service: 3.8, Drinks: 3.9, Apps.: 4.6, Attitude: 4.2, Price: 4.6, Ambiance 4.4; for an overall rating of 4.25. Comments ranged as follows: “good deal, nice feel,”“good prices, great ambiance, very accommodating,” and “staff seemed short-handed for as busy as it was.” Excellent job, White House. We hope to be back. Hard to beat downvalley for “bang for the Buck.” So many places, so few Friday’s.

SKI-ZRS

carbondale Middle school students in Adam carballeira’s and Kerry schaefer’s fifth and sixth grade Language Arts classes were recently given a writing assignment: pen the most persuasive letter you can. some of those letters ended up at The sopris sun:

Bring scooter games to C’dale Dear Editor: This is a letter because I think kids don’t have a lot to do in the summer. All we do is play video games and watch T.V. We have a pool but that gets boring after a while. We have some skateboard contests, but not any scooter contests. What about all the kids that scooter? I know a lot of guys that scooter, and those guys are very good.

What I want to do is start a scooter games in the summer. The contest will be for two days. Anybody can do it. There will be the quarter finals on Saturday and the finals on Sunday. The first place winner will get $20, second place will get $15, third $10, and fourth will get $5. Carbondale always has a skateboard competition. I hope you will let me do something like this fun for Carbondale.

Colin O’Gorman

That old town mountain feeling Dear Editor: I desperately need your help. I think people think that we don’t care what this town looks like. Yes, we do. Did you know that if you keep on making many buildings, this town will turn into a new Aspen? I do not want to lose the old town mountain feeling.

Special Opportunities

I do not like the city that much.

You are wasting so much money on the buildings that you are not paying any attention to more important things like schools.

People will be proud of you that you are not wasting so much money; you can use the money that you saved on houses and school supplies and for people without homes. I will be glad to live in this town if you save money and use it for good things and not make this small town into big city.

Alanna Martinez

For little kids and the climate Dear Editor: I want to change something that I think is important, but first I will convince people. I think we should not use too many cars, especially around or in schools. After and before school there are a lot of children. Some people don’t even watch out for those little kids. This article is not just talking about children in schools, but also about global warming. If we use too many cars we are going to get our atmosphere very, very hot. All the states or the whole world is going to get hot.

Cars make too much smoke and take up too much room. You need gasoline and also you have to pay each month for your car.

My solution is: instead we can ride bikes, scooters, skateboards or just walk. You don’t really need a car. If there is snow outside you can go walking carefully or just catch a bus from a nearby bus stop. At Carbondale Middle School they made a white line for kids to

walk when they are coming to school and leaving from school. It makes it more safe for everyone who walks there.

Now I bet I convinced you.

Suleima Ledezma

Props from North Carolina Dear Editor: We just want to say “thank you” for the nice article about Darren Broome and Nick DeGross at Ute City Cycles (11/26/2009). It was called “Gears, cogs, and culture: Local mechanics blend bikes, civic spirit.”

Darren is our son and we live in North Carolina, so we try to read as much Carbondale news as possible. We found the above article by accident last week when we Googled The Valley Journal and found that you had started another paper called The Sopris Sun. You all are doing a wonderful job with the paper and we will certainly bookmark your website so that we can read more about your wonderful town. We have visited Carbondale several times and it is such a great place. We loved the Village Smithy, White House Pizza (Darren’s wife, Beth, works there part-time), and the Pour House.

We hope that Darren and Nick will be in your paper again when they raffle off their “Extrabike” in January and would love to see a photo of them and the bike.

Good luck with your paper and keep up the good work! Have a wonderful Christmas.

Sara & Stan Broome Mount Holly, N.C.

The People of the Carbondale Community United Methodist Church Invite you to a

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18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009

711 Main Street, Carbondale, CO 970.963.5155 www.amorerealty.com

Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.

385 South Second Street in Carbondale 963-4461 or 379-5686 Open Hearts - Open Minds - Open Doors It’s What We Do

You say “Christmas,” I say “cookies” To gain insight into what patients are really thinking, psychiatrists sometimes use instant word associations, a device that has become somewhat of a parlor game. The doctor says something, and the patient immediately blurts out the first word that pops into his or her mind. For many of us, “Christmas” produces “cookies.”

In my case, and no doubt in many of yours, that association is due to grandmothers. My siblings and I weren’t always physically together with our grandmothers at Christmas, but at the very least, we had their cookies.

The mid-December arrival of those delights was anticipated nearly as much as Santa’s several days later.

It’s interesting how specific those associations became. Despite the thousands of different cookies in the world, we forever identified our grandmothers with the

By Chef George Bohmfalk particular one or two types each reliably made every year.

Now that they’ve passed on, several of us grandkids annually bake these delightful reminders. When we get together and devour them, we ask for them as “Gramma Honey Cookies,” “Mommo Candy Cookies,” or “Gagi Kisses” – always a love-filled eponym.

I hope you already have a loving bond with your family’s heirloom cookies. But if you don’t, or if you’d like a little variety in your own Christmas cookie tradition, perhaps you’ll enjoy some of these.

I would give you the recipe for Gramma Honey Cookies, but my advisers counsel me not to. Although they’re my favorite, they are very hard, both to make and eat. We

The Fork

that Roared

Unclassifieds

don’t want any trouble with carpal tunnel syndrome from strenuous stirring or broken teeth from careless crunching.

These that follow are kinder and gentler, as a proper Christmas cookie should be.

Gagi’s Dutch Cookies With no baking powder to leaven them, these cookies remain flat, but they are very rich and buttery. Mom cut them into rectangles about 1 1/2 by 3 inches in size and arranged the nuts so that they adorned the center of each cookie.

Cream two sticks of softened butter with one cup of sugar. Separate one egg and reserve the white. Beat the yolk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the buttercream, then stir in 2 cups flour. Spread the stiff dough very thin, about 1/8-inch thick, on a greased and floured 12 by 18-inch pan.

To give the cookies a holiday sheen, beat the egg white with a tablespoon of water until well blended and brush over the surface. Dot with slivered almonds or pecan halves.

Bake at 350 degrees until golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Cut into rectangles while still hot, then remove with a spatula to absorbent cooling sheets. They should be crisp after cooling; if they’re not, bake a few minutes longer.

Gagi Kisses These aren’t really cookies, but we never went through a holiday season without my mom’s meringue kisses.

Christmas is a good time for kisses of all sorts. If you omit the coconut, these are fat- and nearly guilt-free.

Beat two egg whites until fairly stiff, then beat in 3/4 cup of sugar. Gently fold in 1/2 cup coconut flakes, 2 cups corn flakes, 1/2 teaspoon each vanilla and almond extracts.

Drop by teaspoons onto a greased baking sheet and bake about 20 minutes at 325 degrees.

Dad’s Pecan Wafers I found this recipe in a magazine many years ago, and

Chef Notes:

Ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla, nuts, corn flakes.

Optional ingredients: coconut flakes.

Gift ideas: A few of Chef George’s favorite things: Kitchen tongs, spring-action, various lengths: $5-$6, and everyone needs at least a couple.

The knife I use 99 percent of the time: LamsonSharp 6-inch Chef’s knife, #L749, from www.knifemerchant.com, $80.

Knife sharpener, electric: Chef’s Choice, various models, widely available, $50-130.

Immersion hand blender: Mine is Braun, for about $20.

Books: “The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen,” the delightful autobiography of Jacques Pepin, my favorite chef. “Kitchen Confidential,” by Anthony Bourdain, restaurant secrets from the hilariously irreverent New York chef and TV host. these cookies have become a staple in my nuclear family.

They are quick and easy to make and are very delicate, if rich.

Cream together one stick softened butter or margarine with 2/3 cup sugar. Beat in two eggs, one at a time, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in 1/2-cup flour and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Drop dough onto a greased cookie sheet by heaping teaspoons about 3 inches apart, as the dough will spread as it cooks. Flatten and spread the blobs of dough out a bit and they’ll cook more evenly. Bake at 325 degrees for eight to 10 minutes, until the edges are nicely browned and the centers still yellow. Immediately remove the soft cookies with a spatula to cool on openedup large brown paper grocery bags or other absorbent sheets. They’ll become very crisp as they cool. If they become soggy in humid weather, crisp them up in a 200-degree oven for 5 to 6 minutes.

Santa would appreciate finding any of these with a glass of milk beside the fireplace!

submit unclassifieds to unclassifieds@soprissun.com by 5 p.m. on Friday.

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GET THE WORD OUT IN UNCLASSIFIEDS! Rates start at $15. Contact Anne at anne@soprissun.com or 3795050.

NICE HOME IN CARBONDALE. Two bedrooms, loft, two baths, garage, fenced yard, hardwood floors, granite

WANTED: Plastic newspaper bags If you receive newspaper deliveries, and you’re looking for a way to recycle the bags papers come in, e Sun will gladly help you.

Please drop off intact, un-punctured bags at the side door at Amore Realty, 711 Main Street. e side door faces Seventh Street.

counter tops, open plan, spacious. Available January 1, 2010. $2,200 per month. $1,000 deposit. 319-9684.

ON VACATION? NEED AN OFFICE? SHORT TERM? LONG TERM? If you need professional office space while visiting the area, stop in and use one of our offices. Phones, fax, scanner, secured high speed internet, private offices.

Daily, weekly and monthly rates available. Long term also available 379-4766.

PACKING SUPPLIES YOU WANT TO RECYCLE? I need

bubblewrap; peanuts; sturdy, medium to large boxes and other wrapping material to ship ceramics. Will pick up locally. Anne pottery@annegoldberg.com 379-5050.

PROFESSIONAL WRITER AVAILABLE for press releases, annual reports, letters and special projects. Call Lynn Burton at 963-1549.

SPORTS REPORTER. The Sopris Sun seeks a volunteer to cover RFHS sports. Call 618-9112.

HAPPY HUMP DAY

Bring this ad in on Wednesday for

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THE SOPRIS SUN • DECEMBER 10, 2009 • 19

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