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Volume 5, Number 44 | December 12, 2013

Clay Center moves closer to fund-raising goal By Sue Gray Sopris Sun Correspondent

C

arbondale’s last First Friday of 2013 was one of the coldest in memory, topping out at about 17 degrees. That didn’t deter the steadfast community spirit that permeates all First Friday events however, as the streets were ďŹ lled with crowds of bundled up revelers. After the lighting ceremony, caroling kids, Santa visit and marshmallow roasting at Fourth Street Plaza, restaurants and bars ďŹ lled up with shivering souls looking to get warm. But a good majority set their sights on another target at the east end of town: the annual BeneďŹ t Cup Auction at the Carbondale Clay Center. From 5:30 p.m. on, people trickled in to the garage-like cinderblock building with its concrete oors and track lighting, to view an assortment of handmade ceramic cups displayed on simple shelving. Donated by ceramic artists all over the country, the cups come in a wide range of sizes, colors and design complexity; each one unique. By 7 p.m. the place was packed with community members of all ages and backgrounds, from high school students to retired doctors to local dignitaries; former Carbondale mayor Michael Hassig was seen hobnobbing with Clay Center founding director Diane Kenney. Though she’s no longer directly involved with the everyday events at the CCC, Kenney says she attends the fund-raisers and special events and loves to see the enthusiasm the community has for the center’s wares. The annual cup auction fund-raiser always draws a large crowd, many of them repeat customers. Some buy the pieces to give as holiday gifts, others for themselves. Dick Wells said he and his wife Gayle have quite a collection of cups from past auctions. Susan Casebeer comes every year to bid on and sometimes win a piece of ceramic art. “I think it’s just a great way for people to get interested in the arts on an affordable level, and it’s good to see all of these young people here,â€? said Casebeer as she gestured toward the beanie-clad and bearded 20-somethings clustered together around the room. The average retail price of the cups is between CLAY CENTER page 3

JUST DRIVE.

Santa’s elves, including Meghan Gillespie (left) and Rebecca Shank (right), seem to be everywhere at this time of the year, including last week’s First Friday celebration at the Third Street Center. Santa himself is also busy and will be accepting visitors at numerous events up and down the Roaring Fork Valley for the next week or so. For more First Friday photos, please turn to page 15. Photo by Jane Bachrach

From communicating with your insurance company to repairing your vehicle. We do all the work. All you have to do is Drive!

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.

On the passing of Ray Adams

By Pat Noel Many of us who migrate from here and there to someplace else arrive as righteous pilgrims aspiring to liberations of one sort or another. Just such a pilgrim I once met a long. long time ago in a galaxy far, far away in Nexus 81623. The pilgrim’s name was Ray Adams. Although The Sopris Sun carried the notice of Ray’s passing, the bulk of the obituary dealt with his achievements during his 30plus years as a composer and musical director in the Aspen community. However, I’d argue Mr. Adams made his musical bones not in Aspen but rather in Carbondale during an era of profound change in this community. An era in which Ray was a beloved participant, albeit all to briefly. Let me, if you will. set the stage: Carbondale. 1970-something. (Sorry I can’t be more specific about the date but my memory has suffered some collateral damage along the way. So zeroing in on the nearest decade is as good as it gets). Anyway, where was I? Oh. Yeah. Ray Adams. Carbondale. Some 35 years ago. lt was a seemingly decrepit place with a face only a mother could love and that had only recently awoken from a multigenerational, albeit not entirely unpleasant, coma. For travelers of the day zipping along on Highway 82 it was easily bypassed under the mistaken assumption that there was “no there, there.” As former Aspen Times editor Mary Esbaugh Hayes noted in her book about her first days in the Roaring Fork Valley in the early I 970’s, Carbondale had the feel of a town lost in the 1950’s. Well, as my father used to say when mom bitched him out for getting “hopelessly lost” on his everlasting quest for a shortcut from any Point A to any Point B: “Dammit, Anita. We may be lost, but we’re makin’ good time.” And so it was in Carbondale.

Stuff happening There was plenty of stuff happening beneath the surface and just beyond the glance of the casual observer. Heck, there were more artists: potters, jewelers, musicians, singers, actors, dancers, educators, designers, writers, painters, photographers, wood masters and so on than seemed possible for a town its size. Although most had to take day jobs pounding nails, pouring concrete, cleaning condos or waiting tables, they’d found the place to connect with

their particular muse and had a good time doing it. And out of this bunch there carne many of the mothers and fathers who helped create many of what are now considered Carbondale institutions. One such perky parent was Laurie Loeb, known back then as an effective “community activist” or, variously, as a “pain in the ass trouble maker,” depending on who you talked to. Well-lauded over the years as both the Mother of the Mountain Fair and its then-parent organization the Carbondale Arts Council, she had her busy little fingers in many other social, political and cultural pies, which eventually embedded themselves in the warp and woof of the Carbondale fabric. (Lest Ms. Loeb be prematurely canonized, it should also be known she once harbored in her yard a particularly evil monkey named “Monkus” who would bite innocent little kids when they stopped to pet him. Several children reportedly died from their wounds). For me, however. Laurie’s most endearing contribution to Carbondale came the year she returned to town following a trip back East with a new husband in tow: Ray Adams. (Once again, memory fails me regarding what year that was, exactly. But I’m pretty sure it was sometime after serial killer Ted Bundy escaped from local law enforcement custody — twice —- in 1977 but sometime before the Dutch Creek mine disaster of 1981). Anyway, a number of Laurie’s friends developed a bad case of raised eyebrows when the new hubby showed up: some dubious of the age disparity between the couple (“a May-December thing” some said. “No, more like June-September ... or maybe October,” said kinder others); still others were concerned that Laurie’s former lover, Charles “Crazy Charlie” Davis, whose righteousanger meter could go from 0 to 100 in less than one terrifying Old Testament nano-second, would pound Adams into booger butter the first time they ran into each other on Main Street; and a few more who doubted Ray would be able to make it on his own, apart from his iconic wife (this group was composed mostly of ruffians from the American Tree & Cement crowd who called him “Ray Loeb” behind his back).

Ray establishes himself Despite the doubters, Ray soon began the business of establishing himself in his own right as he pursued his vocation as music therapist, working mainly with autistic kids and introducing into their peculiarly-chambered worlds the expressive and joyous emotion of music. It was during this time I first got to know him as he visited with Cully Crumpacker, the younger daughter of Maryann Crumpacker and Bob “Justy” Justman, who then lived across the street from Ray and Laurie on Garfield Avenue. Ray did marvelous work with Cully — “Music Man” stuff, in the best sense. But it was quiet work — earnest achievement on a small scale to no general acclaim. What my new friend required, I thought at the time, was a grander, gaudier stage on

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEmbER 12, 2013

More from the Sun Weekly in print; daily online

Ray Adams at a Carbondale Talent show in the 1970s singing Freddy Fender’s “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights.”

which he could strut his musical stuff before the community at large. Yessireebob. what this guy really needed was ..... THE 1st ANNUAL CARBONDALE SPRING TALENT SHOW! An utterly tawdry affair, it would nevertheless prove to be the proverbial springboard that launched Ray’s performance career in the Roaring Fork Valley. Here’s what happened: It was just about this time of year when a pair of rookie impresarios, myself and John Palmer, found our spirits at low ebb following a long, long winter of personal storms and drangs. What better way to cure cabin fever. we said to ourselves, than put on a live variety show: a talent show. Lacking any talent ourselves, we quickly enlisted people who did, including Ray Adams as the show’s musical director and band leader. Ray, in tum, put together a hot house band that he nicknamed Ramone and the Moanettes. Next we needed a place to have the show, so we talked to Wally deBeque, who owned the Dinkel Building, which housed, then as now, the Crystal Theater. In those days before it was renovated by the movie people, it was rarely used, and had fallen somewhat into disrepair. In fact, Wally told us, only four seats would hold weight, the toilets didn’t work, the power was iffy and some government guy had posted a “condemned” notice on the door. “No problema,” Palmer said and Wally gave us the key. Several cases of duct tape fixed the mechanical problems: March winds blew the notice away and a week later, we were in business. Come the night of the event, it was, in show biz lingo: SRO ... Literally. Using the local newspaper as a shill to attract acts and sell tickets in advance, we’d overbooked a teensie weentsie bit and 200 people showed up to fill the 50 functional seats. RAY ADAMS page 14

The Sopris Sun is working to bring you online coverage of breaking news, but we need your help. Keep us informed of traffic, natural disasters, photo opps and the like by texting or leaving a message at 970-510-0540. You can also email will@soprissun.com, send a message to our Facebook or Twitter pages, or use #bonedale. Breaking news tips will be followed up online according to the best of our abilities. Major, long-term story ideas will be brought to the editor and board.

Check it all out at www.SoprisSun.com.

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(Editor’s note: It has come to the Sopris Sun’s attention that this remembrance about Ray V. Adams last March never made it into the paper. So, here it is. The Sopris Sun regrets the mistake. Adams was, among other things, the Aspen Choral Society’s composer-in-residence and conducted Handel’s “Messiah” for many years).

To inform, inspire and build community. Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor/Reporter: Lynn Burton • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Bob Albright • 970-927-2175 bob@soprissun.com Paula Valenti • 818-640-6482 paula@soprissun.com Photographer: Jane Bachrach Ad/Page Production: Terri Ritchie Webmaster: Will Grandbois Sopris Sun, LLC Managing Board of Directors: board@soprissun.com Debbie Bruell • Barbara Dills • Will Grandbois Sue Gray • Colin Laird • Frank Zlogar Honorary board members: Peggy DeVilbiss • Elizabeth Phillips David L. Johnson • Laura McCormick

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Clay Center

continued om page 1

$20 and $40, but bids can go to $60 or above. Casebeer pointed out that this year is special because any revenue collected above the retail price goes toward a current fund-raising project involving a potential matching grant. Carbondale Clay Center Executive Director Jill Oberman explained that they have until the end of 2013 to raise $45,000 in order to receive a matching amount from an anonymous donor. That money will be used to pay off a long-standing debt that has plagued the CCC for several years. But not all of the money from the cup auction will go toward the matching grant. The auction was originally conceived to raise funds for the Clay Center’s operating costs, a function it still serves. But this year, only the retail amount of the cup will go to the annual budget, the rest will go to the matching fund. So a cup that retailed for $20 but sold for $35 would give $15 to the fund. Oberman said they’ve had an enormous outpouring of support since the matching grant campaign began only a little over a month ago. The whirlwind fund-raising effort has resulted in $33,000 toward the goal Buying a cup, bowl or piece of ceramic art at the Carbondale Clay Center Cup Auction has become a holiday tradition for many Roarof $45,000, according to the Clay Center’s ing Fork Valley residents. They fill the center on the night of the auction, sip some wine and maybe catch up with friends they haven’t newsletter on Dec. 10. “If we don’t make it seen for a while. Photo by Sue Gray by Dec. 31,” said Oberman, “we’re not least being the potential to teach kids to be creative probgoing to close our doors, but we can’t really go forward has been playing catch-up with the budget ever since. Oberman has worked in ceramic arts studios and centers lem solvers, which leads to being better adults, parents and with new programs and improvements until we reduce that all over the country since graduating from the Rochester business people. “Clay isn’t easy,” she said, “it’s technical.” debt.” Institute of Technology School for American Crafts. She was The Carbondale Clay Center offers classes for all ages, Formed in 1997, the non-profit Carbondale Clay Center the studio manager of the ceramics program at Anderson kids clay camps, gallery exhibitions, outreach programfunctioned well on grants, memberships and donations, but Ranch in Snowmass from 1999 to 2005, and then worked ming, special events, and community parties. In addition began experiencing hard times along with the rest of the country in the recession of 2008. In the last few years, pro- at a clay center in Missoula, Montana before returning to there is an artist’s residency program. “I sometimes consider the residency program as a ceeds from CCC’s three annual fund-raising events: Pair- the Roaring Fork Valley in 2012. Oberman says there is a close-knit bond and a lot of suphalfway house for artists fresh out of art school, giving them ings (March), Cajun Clay Night (July), and the Benefit Cup port between ceramic artists. “I’m here half because I love access to an active studio and a lively local community as Auction (December) dwindled to almost half of that raised to make stuff and the other half because the people in the they begin their careers,” wrote Clay Center founder Kenin previous years. ceramic arts community are so interesting.” ney in a letter to the editor. “Many former resident artists go The economic downturn resulted in several changeovers The Clay Center’s contribution to the community at on to grad school and/or teach in universities, community in the leadership of the Carbondale Clay Center. Oberman came on board as executive director in September 2012 and large is important in many ways, Oberman believes, not the colleges, clay centers, work in professional studios, and win fellowships and national awards.” Clay Center residency program alumnus Alix Knipe stayed in Carbondale after her residency ended and now has a studio at SAW. “Many famous potters and ceramic artists around the United States have a CCC residency on their resume,” said Knipe. “In 2006 I was one of those residents, so I am intimately aware of how the Clay Center can have an impact on an artist’s life. Also, as one of the many former CCC residents that decided to make Carbondale their home, I see how the Clay Center has touched many hearts in our small town and has been instrumental in building a strong arts community in Carbondale.” The Clay Center’s current resident artists — Matthew Eames, Staci DeBolt, Kendra Sparks and Mike Stumbras — share studio time for their personal artistic endeavors as well as responsibilities related to running the center’s various programs. They helped set up and decorate for the Cup Auction and then stayed to serve wine, beer and non-alcoA Carbondale Clay Center supporter (left) holic beverages (for a suggested $2 donation). All of the places his silent auction bid on Dec. 6. food and drinks were donated by Carbondale businesses, Proceeds from the auction in excess of Clay Center members and other supporters. the item’s retail price went to the center’s “The two values I have always wanted most for the Clay $45,000 fund-raising campaign, which Center,” wrote Kenney in another letter to the editor, “(is) stood at $33,000 early last week. that it would be a grassroots organization dedicated to Photo by Jane Bachrach building community and promoting excellence in the arts.” As throngs of guests continued to fill the room and the auction forms filled with bids, it was clear that the Carbondale Clay Center embodies this town’s strong community support of local non-profits and its artsy style. To become a member and/or make a tax-deductible donation go to the website: www.carbondaleclay.org or stop in at 135 Main Street. THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • DECEmbER 12, 2013 • 3

Town Briefs

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Ice rinks readied to roll; tax collections up Sopris Sun Staff Report The town plans to start making ice for its rinks at the Gus Darien roping arena and Fourth Street Plaza park and have them open the week of Dec. 16-20, according to town manager Jay Harrington’s weekly report. On other paraphrased news from Harrington’s report: • The Main Street Closure Committee was scheduled to meet on Dec. 9 and will bring its recommendations to the trustees in January. • The Special Event Task Force Committee was scheduled to meet on Dec. 11 and will bring its recommendations to the trustees in February. • Public works crews have been busy removing ice and snow, and the town has received some positive feedback on its efforts. • Russell Sissom accepted the position of parks foreman. He started working for the parks department in 2010. The town is now advertising for a new parks maintenance person. • The town received a complaint about vehicles parking on the green belt between Village Road and Gianinetti Park. “This is the last section of green belt left on Village Road that has not been converted to vehicle parking,” Harrington’s report states. “The neighbors feel the green belt is an extension of Gianinetti Park and should not be converted to vehicle parking.” • Staff met with RFTA this week to discuss the next steps involved with moving forward with an extension to Industry Place across the railroad corridor. The town will now consult with an engineer that specializes in railroad planning and design. • Town staffers met with members of the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Commission to develop language for a request for proposals (RFP) on a design/build contract for a new bike park at

North Face Park. Construction is expected to start in April. • Susan Wang has started with the finance department. • Sales tax collections were up 4.5 percent for November compared to last year. Year-to-date sales tax collections are up 2.4 percent. • Police officers contacted three male juveniles who trespassed onto the RFTA storage lot and were in one of the buses smoking marijuana. • The ordinance officer will be concentrating on contacting “snow on sidewalk violators” and handing out information brochures and warnings. Currently, a violation of the snow-shoveling ordinance is a summons into court. Early next year, police chief Gene Schilling may propose the trustees change this to a penalty assessment ticket instead of a summons. • Aspen police contacted Carbondale police about arresting two female suspects on felony fraud check warrants. The Carbondale officers contacted the suspects at City Market where they were attempting to use fraudulent checks. They were arrested and transported to jail. • The contract with Gould Construction for work on the biosolids project is progressing. Cores have been made in the digester building and the conduit and pipe have been installed about half the distance to the tie into the biosolids building. The biosolids building is down to earthen floor, and all tankage has been removed. • The GIS mapping is moving along. (Sec) is receiving updates and reference maps from the town’s utilities department. • The Historic Preservation Commission met on Dec. to interview a new member. A recommendation for appointment will be sent to the trustees.

SOPRIS LIQUOR & WINE Be Responsible!

Cop Shop The following events are drawn from incident reports of the C’dale Police Dept. mONDAY Dec. 1 at 12:21 p.m. a resident called to report that several cows were loose near Main Street and Indica Way. Police contacted the owner, who returned them to their pasture. mONDAY Dec. 2 at 6:26 a.m. a vehicle struck a deer near the intersection of Main Street and Highway 133 then left the scene. TUESDAY Dec. 3 At 5:11 p.m. a bicyclist without lights attempted to cut across traffic on Highway 133 when his bike malfunctioned and he was forced to stop. The driver behind him was able to stop before hitting him, but the bicyclist damaged the bug cover and license plate cover trying to prevent a fall. No injuries were reported, and no charges were filed for the vehicle damage. THURSDAY Dec. 5 At 5:45 p.m. police responded to a hold-up alarm, but it turned out to have been accidentally set off by a child.

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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEmbER 12, 2013

At Carbondale Middle School 180 Snowmass Drive Carbondale CO GLENWOOD DANCE CRYSTAL RIVER ACADEMY BALLET SCHOOL 970-945-2717 970-704-0114 www.glenwood www.crystalriverballet.com danceacademy.com 455 S Third St. 100 Midland Avenue, Ste. 230 Carbondale, CO 81623 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Trustees ask RFTA to sideline circulator until 2014 Rider’s complaints prompt action By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer Prompted by complaints from a bus rider, the town trustees voted 4-3 on Tuesday night to ask RFTA to delay its Carbondale circulator bus until 2014. Joanne Teeple told the trustees Tuesday night she was “disgruntled” and “disgusted” over the new circulator route, which RFTA will implement on Dec. 14, and that other riders are “fairly apoplectic.” Her complaints include: what she said was a lack of outreach on RFTA’s part to explain the new route to riders; no specific schedule for the circulator bus to the Highway 133 park-and-ride lot; that riders will literally be left standing in the cold; that the circulator should have been introduced in the fall so that RFTA could work out the bugs,

rather than in the coldest/busiest month of the year; and a broader complain that RFTA riders themselves are not being represented on the board. Immediately after the 4-3 vote, mayor Stacey Bernot e-mailed RFTA CEO Dan Blankenship to explain what the trustees did and ask to meet with him on Dec. 11. Within minutes, Blankenship replied to Bernot: “There is a lot involved in delaying the launch of the circulator. I can explain when we speak tomorrow, but it isn’t realistic to do so by Saturday. The entire valley schedules, driver shifts and public information will need to be redone and that isn’t feasible at this late date. It’d be a big project.” Trustee Allyn Harvey made the motion to ask RFTA to delay the circulator launch until 2014 and to leave the current service in place

in order to educate the public (in Spanish and English) on how it works. Voting with Harvey were Bernot, Hoffmann and Pam Zentmyer. Voting against were Frosty Merriott, John Foulkrod and Elizabeth Murphy. On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Bernot e-mailed trustees to report she’d met with Blankenship to discuss Carbondale’s concerns and he will attend next Tuesday night’s work session to discuss the circulator bus and related RFTA issues. Responding to a Sopris Sun e-mail on Dec. 11 asking why RFTA wants to start a circulator bus, RFTA spokeswoman Dawn Mullally Chase said, “Because of BRT we have so many more choices for people. The problem is that in order for the VelociRFTA bus to be fast it must stay on a main route with less stops. Carbondale is the only town that … deviates from Highway 82 at all. This is an attempt to give Carbondale residents

full access to these possibilities. The service is going to be free and very frequent. All other circulator services in our valley are paid for by the community – Ride Glenwood, City of Aspen circulators, Town of Snowmass Village, etc. They also typically don’t have this frequency. This is RFTA’s way of trying to ensure that the residents of Carbondale can easily avail themselves to the full spectrum of services we offer.” Getting back to Teeple, as she left Tuesday night’s meeting she said she was “thrilled” to get the response from the trustees that she did, then joked, “I (just) came in to carp.” In other news from Tuesday night’s meeting: • Trustees approved a $16.2 million budget for 2014; • Approved a lease to a pending non-profit to allow the James Surls Center for Visual Arts to operate in the former Gordon Cooper Library building on Fourth Street.

Embrey, Drinker premier film at ird Street Center Sopris Sun Staff Report Filmmakers Gayle Embrey and Sue Drinker will premiere their new film “Art As A Way of Being: Squirrels, Sex, and Big Ass Grinders” on Friday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Calaway Room at the Third Street Center. This documentary film highlights the lives and work of seven women artists of the Roaring Fork Valley. Embrey and Drinker are two founders of Carbondale’s annual Support Women

Artists Now. Embrey is an artist who turned her creative efforts to documentary film in 2006, according to a press release. Her documentary film “Beyond the Walls,” about murals and mural making in conflict and post-conflict areas around the world, will premiere in 2014. Drinker is a professional photographer and filmmaker, and is co-owner of Drinker Durrance Graphics. Many of her portraits of cancer survivors are on display in The Cal-

CARBONDALE CIRCULATOR Introducing the NEW Carbondale Circulator, this bus will replace all LOCAL buses in Carbondale from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm.The Carbondale Circulator will run locally through Downtown Carbondale to the Carbondale Park & Ride on Hwy 133 & Village Road (BRT/VelociRFTA

STARTING DECEMBER 14th, 2013, FREE EVERY 15 MINUTES!

Ride for FREE to the Park and Ride from any local Carbondale stop and catch your Valley and BRT bus!

Carbondale Circulator Route Available Parking for RFTA riders New Rec Center Bus Stop 6th Street

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The film documents these women in their element, capturing their reflections on their creative processes, challenges, and motivations. The evening of the premiere will include a reception, a screening of the film and a Q&A session with the seven featured artists and the filmmakers.

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away-Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. The full title of the film “Art As A Way of Being: Squirrels, Sex and Big Ass Grinders” is racier than the actual content, according to Embrey. “Rather than being risqué, the film sheds light on the artistic philosophies and emotional landscapes of women artists who each work in vastly different artistic mediums.” Featured artists include: author Francie Ja-

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PLEASE NOTE: Local Valley buses will no longer go downtown.They will only stop at the Carbondale Park and Ride.You must get on the FREE Carbondale Circulator to get downtown from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm, stating December 14th, 2013. The Carbondale Circulator was designed as a local Carbondale shuttle . This service is completely FREE and operates every 15 minutes. FREE CARBONDALE STOPS:Carbondale Park & Ride/Main Street & HW 133 -Park & Pool-Rec Center

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For Questions about this matter, please call 970.925.8484, para Español llame 970.384.4871. THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • DECEmbER 12, 2013 • 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@SoprisSun.com.

Click and Clack material?

ACF awards $18K to YE

Overheard in downtown Carbondale a few days back. Two guys were walking down the street and one asked the other “How can you tell if your car is burning oil?� The other guy replied, “When you start buying it by the case.�

The Aspen Community Foundation has awarded YouthEntity $18,000 to expand its ďŹ nancial literacy programs in the RE-1 school district and also offer them in the RE-2 school district. YouthEntity’s mission “is to help prepare youth for future success by providing real-world learning experiences that develop ďŹ nancial knowledge, cultivate business experience and build technological skills.â€?

bicyclist of the Week Bicyclist of the Week honors go to a bundled-up woman who was pedaling west in front of the old 689 restaurant building in sub-zero temperatures last week. An elderly woman pushing a stroller and tugging at a toddler was attempting to cross the street to head north. Not only did a motorist stop and give the woman plenty of room to cross, but the bicyclist did as well. If you have a Bicyclist of the Week nomination, please send it to news@soprissun.com.

Calling all fashion designers The submission deadline for CCAH’s Green is the New Black fashion show is 5 p.m. on Dec. 16. This year’s theme is “Down the Rabbit Hole.� For details, call 963-1680 or go to carbondalearts.com.

book inks C’dale oven The book “Uprisings: A Hands-On Guide to the Community Grain Revolution� by Sarah Simpson and Heather McLeod features the Carbondale Community Oven in the chapter titled “Thinking Outside the Pizza Box.�

Cool Carbondale children’s book author Lauri Rubinstein has been nominated for a Camellia award for her book “My Friendly Giant.� The award is presented in Alabama and managed by Alabama State Department of Education. The winners are chosen by school students.

Pinnacol recognizes C’dale company

Carbondale trustees honored December’s Students of the Month on Tuesday night. They are, front row left to right: Lucia Penzel, Bodhi Scholl, Isabella Tellez and Isabella Lee; back row, left to right: Sage Uhl, Areli Tapia and Dillon Leasure. Photo by Lynn Burton

This just in KDNK members elected Susie Darrow, Bob Schultz and Stacy Stein to the station’s board of directors on Dec. 5. They also approved a bylaws change.

On a semi-related note KAJX’s recent programming changes will not affect Pastor Mustard, nor will his affectations and rambling observations be hindered or messed with by the so-called “powers that be.â€? The pastor in the Church of the Nifty Blue Chrysler plays “the bluegrassâ€? music Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon but sometimes swerves the congregation into the on-coming path of such musical genres as blues, country, gypsy, Celtic and even off-beat and hard-to-ďŹ nd novelty songs.

Sopris Sun Holiday Deadlines FOR DEC. 26 HOlIDAY ISSUE Ad reservations due by noon Fri., Dec. 20.

FOR JAN. 2 ISSUE Ad reservations due by noon Fri., Dec. 27. Contact bob Albright • 970-927-2175 bob@soprissun.com or Paula Valenti • 818-640-6482 paula@soprissun.com

Pinnacol Assurance recently gave The Landscape Workshop, Inc. its Circle of Safety award. Only 60 of the ďŹ rm’s workmen’s compensation policy holders state-wide were given the award, which recognizes exemplary performance in safety, loss control, and ďŹ nancial and claims management.

New Sun survey This week’s Sopris Sun on-line survey has to do with recent demonstrations around the U.S., calling for a federal minimum wage of $15. All full-time town-of-Carbondale employees make at least $15 per hour, but some seasonal or part-time workers make less. Question: Should all town of Carbondale employees be paid a minimum of $15 per hour?� To vote, please go to www.soprissun.com. The previous survey asked whether an increase in U.S. crude oil production is a good or bad thing. Good won out over bad by a margin of 19-1.

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating their birthday this week include: Beth Mohsenin (Dec. 12), Amy Broadhurst and Jon Araujo (Dec. 13); Steve Keohane (Dec. 14); Ciarra Bristol and Lynn “Jake� Burton (Dec. 15); Janet Gordon (Dec. 17); and Daisy Tena and Kathy Ezra (Dec. 18).

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Town on alert for emerald ash borers By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Correspondent Local arborists are on high alert after the emerald ash borer, an invasive species native to Asia, was discovered in Boulder in September. The beetle has spread to 22 states since it was first detected in the United States 11 years ago, decimating ash tree populations, which lack resistance to the nonnative insect. According to the Denver Post, a quarantine on ash wood is now in effect for the Boulder area, but while the spread of the borer within the state might be somewhat mitigated by their relative scarcity as a wild plant, the Western Slope is still at risk. “This is a reality,â€? said Dan Bullock of the Carbondale Tree Board. “There is every reason to believe it will get across the divide.â€? Bullock cited ďŹ rewood brought over by tourists and hunters as a possible means of introduction, as well as in other wood products and nursery trees. Some scientists believe the species may have hitched its original ride across the PaciďŹ c in packing materials for shipped goods. If the emerald ash borer does make it to Carbondale, it could be a devastating to the tree board’s mission to “develop a healthy urban forest and park system.â€? A newsletter sent out by Prima Plant Services estimated that there are 466 ash trees in Carbondale, of which about Image courtesy the 300 are in River Pennsylvania DepartValley Ranch, ment of Conservation where they make and Natural Resources up about 10 percent of the canopy. They are also a major component of the landscaping along Main Street and the Fourth Street plaza. According to Bullock, there has been some success in treating infected trees with insecticides, but the town of Carbondale has a policy that prohibits spraying. Even if the restriction were lifted, there’s no guarantee insecticides Dan Bullock would work in the long run. Studies on similar Carbondale Tree Board parasites have demonstrated resistance after a couple of years of treatment. The best approach in the short term seems to be prevention. Carbondale residents can help by avoiding purchasing or bringing ďŹ rewood from the Front Range, as well as reporting unhealthy ash trees to the town or a professional arborist. In particular, look for unusual attention to ash trees from woodpeckers, “Dâ€? shaped holes in the bark, and insect grooves in the wood itself. Also, keep an eye out for more updates as the tree board discusses the problem and the situation in Boulder becomes clearer.

“This is a reality ‌ There is every reason to believe it will get across the divide.â€?

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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • DECEmbER 12, 2013 • 7

Obituary William O. Fender (bill) 1926-2013 William O. Fender (Bill) died early Thanksgiving morning at his home in Carbondale, Colorado. Born August 25, 1926 on the family ranch south of Carbondale, Bill and his brother Ray grew up raising sheep on Missouri Heights and up the Crystal River with his parents and aunt and uncle. He was a lifetime Roaring Fork Valley rancher with the memory of an elephant who made an impact wherever he went, whether it was with his stories, his lively, sarcastic wit or his ability with a rope. He and his long-time friend Bob Perry team-roped together for years and were founding members of the Carbondale Roping Club. Bill’s knowledge and experience with cattle and horses were well known and respected up and down the valley. Bill quit high school in Glenwood Springs to join the Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. A blind date to the Garfield County Fair (set up by Bob and Ditty Perry) led to a courtship that ended in the July 1954 marriage of Bill to Patricia O’Neil, the new school teacher in town. They were married for 59 years and raised two children, Susan and Willie. Bill and Pat took many wonderful trips together, including places on the Western Slope and in the Yampa River Lois Abel Harlament photo Valley, to many national parks, and to Canada, vorites were buckskins. In December, 2005, Bill and Pat reWales, New Zealand and Australia. In 1960, Bill and Pat moved to Emma and started the So- tired from ranching and moved to Carbondale. Bill was preceded in death by both parents (Earl and pris Creek Hereford Ranch. They raised registered Hereford bulls and beef cattle. Bill also raised quarter horses; his fa- Viola); his brother Ray; sister Mae Louise; assorted other

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEmbER 12, 2013

family members and many good friends. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Pat); daughter Susan Fender Handwerk (Jeff) of Salt Lake City, Utah; and his son William O’Neil Fender (Francesca) of Basalt. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Derek Ross Handwerk and Lauren Vagneur Burtard (Ty). Other surviving family members include two sisters-inlaw, Barbara O. Ross and Anne O. Dauer, both of California; nieces Willa Fender Holgate (Jim), Kathy Fender, both of Texas, and Lesley Dauer of California; nephews Marlan Fender, D.V.M. (Paula) of Arizona and Christopher Dauer (Stephanie) and family, also of California. Bill donated his body to ScienceCare of Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Bill should be made to the Mt. Sopris Historical Society, P.O. Box 2, Carbondale, CO 81623 or the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association, c/o Carol Dodo, 7719 County Road 245, New Castle, CO 81647. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014 at 2 p.m. at The Orchard/Gathering Center, 110 Snowmass Drive, Carbondale. If you wish, bring a small plate of cookies to share over hot drinks after the service. Other gatherings to celebrate Bill’s life may follow in the coming months. Watch papers for details. We will all greatly miss our tender-hearted cowboy with the gruff exterior!

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.

RFTA explains circulator Dear Editor: Beginning Saturday, Dec. 14, RFTA will begin the operation of a new Carbondale Circulator bus. This will be a FREE service and will loop from the Carbondale Park and Ride, to the Subway stop, to the Carbondale Pool stop, to our new stop at the end of the Carbondale Recreation Center (Colorado and Sixth), and then back to the Park and Ride. The bus should come every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. through 9:30 p.m. Please know that more parking is available downtown in the lot across from town hall, on Fourth Street and Colorado. The great thing about this service is that it is free and that it will help connect the businesses in La Fontana Plaza and the downtown community. So if you have had a little too much holiday cheer in one area, be safe and ride the bus instead of driving. This service will cause one change for commuters. The valley bus will NO LONGER go downtown from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. when the circulator is running. You will need to hop on to the Carbondale Circulator and transfer to a Local Valley bus or BRT bus at the Carbondale Park and Ride (or vice versa). Please note that during our winter season buses will be leaving the Carbondale Park and Ride every 10-15 minutes, so while you are switching buses you shouldn’t have to wait very long. When the Carbondale Commuter bus is not running, the Local Valley bus will come downtown. For questions, please call 925-8484 or en Espanol 384-4871, or for live (GPS based) bus times to check out your connecting bus, please go to www.myrfta.com. We are really hopeful that this will assist our locals and visitors in enjoying the wonderful town that is Carbondale! Dawn Mullally Chase RFTA marketing/communication manager Aspen

Thanks to the Thrift Shop Dear Editor: The Sopris Sun is pleased to announce the recent award of a generous $1,000 grant from The Thrift Shop of Aspen to support our youth outreach activities. We plan to use the funds to create two paid summer internships for local high school students who are interested in gaining experience in journalism and digital media. The internship application process will open in the spring and will be announced ... you guessed it ... right here in The Sopris Sun. In notifying The Sun of the award, Katherine Sand, the Grants Committee Chair, wrote “I would ask you, when appropriate, to let your readers know that you have been helped by the Aspen Thrift Shop – a large proportion of our granting takes place well beyond Aspen itself, but many people do not realize this. The more people shop and donate with us, the more

we are able to help area non-profits.” So, next time you are in Aspen, stop by the shop at 422 East Hopkins Ave. and return the love in one form or another. Over 120 women volunteers make the magic happen there in the store and for dozens of nonprofits throughout the valley. The Sopris Sun says “thank you!” Barbara Dills Board member Sopris Sun Carbondale

Fenske family appreciation Dear Editor: The family of Joni Fenske wishes to express our deep appreciation and sincere thanks to those who have offered such kindness, support and messages of sympathy and comfort in our time of sorrow. We especially wish to thank Dr. Gary Knaus, Dena at hospice, Doug Self, The Orchard church, Jennifer Hunt and all the women that helped make the memorial so very beautiful. All monetary donations were given to the ALS Foundation. Scott and Dylan Fenske The Hull family Glenwood Springs

Read with dismay Dear Editor: I just read with dismay a letter regarding the fact that the Fire Department’s tax bill didn’t pass from Thomas Flynn. You have it all wrong. I know for a fact that the Fire Department will be responding as fast as possible. I do think that the paper in putting out the pro’s and con’s for this added expense was incorrect. The way it was presented in the paper: If we don’t pass the added tax, they will not be responding to your call for help, fire, EMT, as fast as possible. This is not true. It didn’t pass because we are all taxed beyond reason. Not from the Fire Department in particular, but just from all sides of the federal government and the state government. A lot of those taxes we have not had a say in. This fire tax was to purchase new equipment and/or upgrade equipment. This was an open-ended tax that meant it could last for several years. If the fire department had presented it as a tax for a couple of years, it probably would have passed. As an opened ended tax, going on for possibly several years and we just passed a tax two years ago for the Fire Department, taxpayers were just a little bit uneasy. Not because we thought the Fire Department didn’t deserve it, but no jobs, people barely making enough for food on the table, etc., a little bit scary right now for a tax increase. Too many people still losing their homes and unable to pay property taxes. However if you wish to donate money to the Fire Department, go ahead with all of our blessing, however, you don’t need to be putting a guilt trip on those that voted it down. Jane Spaulding Carbondale

Break out DESIGN THE the paints, HOLIDAY sharpen your COVER pencils it’s time for the

“Spruce Up The Sun” ANNUAL HOLIDAY COVER CONTEST The theme is “winter-holiday” and the contest is open to grades Pre-K through adult. Artwork must be 8 1/2 inches wide by 11 inches high. You may use a variety of media, such as watercolor, pen and ink, crayon, chalk, markers, etc. Brighter colors are encouraged. Please keep designs 2-dimensional in order for us to scan the artwork for publication.

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. 19 issue which is distributed throughout the Roaring Fork Valley as well as being posted on the Sun’s Web site.

The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. Drop them off at The Sopris Sun office in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St., #35 – at the end of the “long hall”). Please include your name, grade level, and a phone number with your entry. For more information, call The Sopris Sun at 510-3003.

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • DECEmbER 12, 2013 • 9

Community Calendar THURS.-SAT. Dec. 12-14 THEATRE • CMC Theatre at the Spring Valley Campus continues its production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Changeâ€? at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students at svtickets@coloradomtn.edu or 947-8177.

THURSDAY Dec. 12 THEATRE • Thunder River Theatre Company opens the Tony Award-winning Comedy “The Fourposterâ€? at 7:30 p.m. This funny and poignant two-character play spans 35 years of marriage, from the couple’s wedding night to becoming empty nesters. “The play takes place in their bedroom, dominated by their fourposter bed,â€? said TRTC Executive Director Lon Winston. Nikki B. Montany and Mike Monroney play the lead roles. “The Fourposter continues at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-22, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 19. Tickets are $22 for adults and $12 for students. The theatre is located on the red brick walkway in downtown Carbondale west of the Dinkel Building. Ticket info: 963-8200 or thunderrivertheatre.com. lIVE mUSIC • Carbondale Beer Works presents the duo You Knew Me When at 8:30 p.m. Their second album is titled “You, Me, and the Rest of the World.â€? lIVE mUSIC • The Black Nugget in the Dinkel Building presents Barnyard Stompers at 9:30 p.m. No cover. lIVE mUSIC • PAC3 in the Third Street Center presents Jerry Joseph & the Jackmor-

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.

mons at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10/$15. Info: pac3carbondale.com.

Dec. 14 -15. JAIl HOUSE ROCK • The Mt. Sopris Historical Society holds the second annual Jail House Rock from 6 to 8 p.m. at its complex at Weant Boulevard and Highway 133. There’ll be a tree lighting, hot apple cider and cookies, caroling and log cabin tours. Horse-drawn carriage rides will depart from the Pour House every half hour beginning at 6 p.m. Info: 9637041.

SVEN PAYS A VISIT • Sven the elk visits Rock Bottom Ranch in El Jebel from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Kids get to feed the ranch animals and make holiday crafts. Info: 9255756. ROTARY • The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita at noon every Thursday.

FRI.-SAT. Dec. 13-14

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

“THE NUTCRACKERâ€? • Crystal River Ballet and the Glenwood Dance Academy present “The Nutcrackerâ€? at Carbondale Middle School at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults/$10 for kids 3-12 and seniors. Info: 704-0114.

lIVE mUSIC • PAC3 in the Third Street Center presents Band of Heathens at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17/$22. Info: pac3carbondale.com. lIVE mUSIC • The Basalt Regional Library presents classical guitarist Brad Richter at 5:30 p.m. A reception follows. It’s free.

FRI.-SAT. Dec. 13-15 THEATRE • SoL Theatre Company presents “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeerâ€? at the Orchard at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13-14, and 2 p.m. on Dec. 15. Tickets are $15 for adults/$10 for kids 12 and under. Info: soltheatrecompany.com.

FRIDAY Dec. 13 mOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Gravityâ€? (PG-13) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13-19; “Enough Saidâ€? (PG-13) at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and “All Is Lost â€? (PG-13) at 5:15 p.m.

COmEDY • Steve’s Guitars in the Dinkel Building hosts its sixth annual Comedy for Coats show at 8 p.m. The lineup includes Beth Brandon, Don Chaney, Gail Mason, Todd Hartley and maybe some surprise guests. Everyone that brings a coat will get a rafe ticket to win some “coolâ€? prizes. Over the last ďŹ ve years, Steve’s has collected close to 400 coats that were distributed to those in need. Tickets are $12. Info: 963-3340.

Sacred Sunday DECEMBER 15 By donation.

5 — 6:15 PM

Yoga with Jennifer Lane, accompanied by live kirtan music

6:30 — 8 PM Kirtan with Scott and Shanti: heart opening call and response chanting. Children Welcome! Join us every third Sunday of the month when we gather as a community to practice, sing and connect.

PLEASE JOIN US for an EXCITING LEARNING OPPORTUNITY in the ROARING FORK VALLEY DATES and TIMES +BOVBSZ t 'FCSVBSZ .BSDI t .BZ "MM 'SJEBZ TFTTJPOT BSF Q N "MM 4BUVSEBZ 4FTTJPOT BSF B N Q N

A STEPPING STONE to a BETTER LIFE

0O "QSJM XF XJMM HP UP %FOWFS UP XBUDI UIF Legislative Process in action and meet with the Colorado Developmental Council. This is a no cost opportunity for adults with disabilities and family members of children with disabilities to learn about government systems and advocacy as it applies to people of all disabilities. The sessions will take place at the Glenwood Courtyard Marriott and include overnight lodging and meals. Child care stipends available as well as a Spanish-speaking translator for each session.

5P SFRVFTU BEEJUJPOBM JOGPSNBUJPO PS UP BQQMZ DPOUBDU (BSZ #FOEFS $PNNVOJUZ 0SHBOJ[FS BOE 1SPKFDU $PPSEJOBUPS PS WBMMFZMJGFGPSBMM!HNBJM DPN HEALING ARTS

truenatureheals.com 100 N 3RD S T • C ARBONDALE • 970.963.9900

This leadership class made possible by a grant from the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council.

NON-PROFIT 501(c)(3)

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEmbER 12, 2013

FIlm PREmIERE • CCAH presents Sue Drinker and Gayle Embrey’s ďŹ lm “Art as a Way of Being: Squirrels, Sex and Big Ass Grindersâ€? at the Third Street Center’s Calaway Room at 5:30 p.m. The ďŹ lm proďŹ es the lives and artistic work of Francie Jacober, Alexandra Jerkunica, Sue Krehbiel, Nancy Lovendahl, Andrea Wallace, Betty Weiss and Ellen Woods. The evening includes a reception and artist premiere. Info: 963-1680. FIlm • Tickets for Aspen Film’s 22nd annual Academy Screenings go on sale today. Info: aspenďŹ lm.org. mEDITATION • Gwen Garcelon of HighLife Unlimited holds a community meditation session in the Third Street Center at 6 p.m. Info: 963-9182. ICE SHOW • Basalt native Jeremy Abbott headlines an ice show at the Aspen Recreation Center at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $35; VIP tickets $100. A free preview will be presented at Silver Circle Ice Rink on Durant at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY Dec. 14 CHAmPAGNE SHOPPING • Shoppers at CCAH’s Deck the Walls show and sale at the Third Street Center receive a free glass of champagne from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: carbondalearts.com or 963-1680. SANTA HITS mARblE • Santa visits the Marble Fire Station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There’ll be hot chocolate and candy canes. SANTA HITS GlENWOOD • The GlenCALENDAR page 11

Community Calendar wood Springs Downtown Partnership brings Santa to town and offers caroling, games, treats and horse-drawn hay rides at Centennial Park starting at 3 p.m.

SUNDAY Dec. 15 ASC • A Spiritual Center in the Third Street Center presents KarriAnn with “Coming Home for the Holidays.” On Dec. 22 its Rev. Alexander and “Living as your True Self,” and on Dec. 28 Richard Lyon with “God’s Love is Everything.” DAVI NIKENT • Jacy Sundlie explains tension and trauma releaseing exercises at the Third Street Center from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 15, 22 and 29. A $10 donation per

Further Out

continued from page 10

session is asked. Info: 948-5154.

WEDNESDAY Dec. 18 ROTARY • The Rotary Club of Carbondale meets at the fire station at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays. Amanda Boxtel will demonstrate and discuss her Exoskeleton. Info: eagleriver@sopris.net. CUlTURE ClUb • The Carbondale Culture Club at the Third Street Center continues its lunchtime presentations with Allison Daily of Pathfinders for Cancer. African drummer Eric Baumheier and singer/dancer Aja McAdams will perform mbira music from Zimbabwe and South Africa. Info: 963-3330 or 963-3221.

FRIDAY Dec. 20

SATURDAY Dec. 21

lIVE mUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents the Parker Millsap Trio. Among other credits, this group was opening act for the Old Crow Medicine Show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Info: 963-3340.

lIVE mUSIC • Singer/songwriter Burt Bacharach plays the Wheeler Opera House. The performance will be a reprise of his soldout 2007 show, with a full band and new vocal talent. Tickets are $125/$100/$75. Info: 920-5770.

Hold the Presses WIllITS TREE lIT • The Basalt Chamber of Commerce holds its Willits Christmas tree lighting from 3 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14. Santa will make an appearance. There will also be caroling, hot chocolate and more.

PROFESSOR b. PlAYS THE lIbRARY • Professor B. (aka Clay Boland) plays old-time piano favorites from 1910-1930 at the Carbondale Branch Library at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19. There’ll also be singing around the piano, plus guest artists. The program will include such tunes as “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Limehouse Blues,” “Swanee” and more.

Ongoing KOROlOGOS • The Ann Korologos Gallery in downtown Basalt continues its show “The Exceptional Gift,” featuring the gallery’s regional and contemporary Western artists working in painting, prints, ceramics and sculpture. Info: 927-9668. lINX • The Linx Networking group meets each Tuesdays at 7 a.m. in the Aspen-Sotheby’s real estate office on Midland Avenue in Basalt. Info: Keith Edquist at 928-8428. CANCER CONSUlTATIONS • Valley View Hospital offers free lung cancer evaluations on Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Info: 384-7707. mAYOR’S COFFEE HOUR • Chat with Carbondale Mayor Stacey Bernot on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Village Smithy. DHARmA TAlK • John “Chophel” Bruna facilitates a meditation and dharma talk at the Third Street Center on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Info: wayofcompassion.org. DECK THE WAllS • CCAH continues its Deck the Walls holiday sale. Items and artisans include: Sweet Rubies chocolates (Rochelle Norwood), ornaments (David Powers and Jill Scher), mushroom-dyed scarves (Michelle Dockins), ceramic (Angus Graham and Diane Kenney), prayer malas (Alexa Webster), woodwork (Brad Reed Nelson’s Board by Design), soaps and lotions (Queen of the Meadow and Laine Fabijianic), handmade jewelry (Mary Cervantes, Susie Kaldis, Sondie Reiff and Terry Muldoon) and “much more.” Info: 963-1680 or carbondalearts.com. WYlY SHOW CONTINUES • The Wyly Community Art Center in Basalt continues

“The Art of Winifred: A retrospective” through Dec. 19. Info: wylyarts.org. CCC SHOW CONTINUES • The Carbondale Clay Center’s Holiday International continues with more than 30 local and national potters through Dec. 23. NElSON SHOW CONTINUES • Janet Nelson’s mixed-media show continues at the CMC ArtShart Gallery in downtown Glenwood Springs through early January. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Info: 947-8367 or cmcartshare.com. TNHA ClASSES • True Nature Healing Arts offers classes in chakras, metta, tantra, meditation with a sweat lodge, and more. Info: 963-9900. PURPlE STAR bENEFITS • Kula Yoga on Main Street donates all contributions from its tension release class at 4:15 p.m. on Mondays to the Purple Star Veterans program. The class is usualy taught by Purple Heart recipient Adam Mccabe. Info: 963-0124. mUSIC TOGETHER • All Valley Music Together classes are under way. For details, go to allvalleymusic.com or call 963-1482. lIVE mUSIC • The Hotel Colorado hosts a Monday night jazz jam in its lobby at 7 p.m. The sessions are open to jazz musicians of all levels, semi-formal attire encouraged. Spectators welcome. For more information visit the Monday Night Jazz Facebook page or contact Zack Ritchie at 987-9277. bIlINGUAl bOOK ClUb • Held every Wednesday at the Carbondale Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Info: Alejandra at 963-2889.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for your continued patronage! From the staff at the Red Rock Diner Closing Dec. 24 at 3 pm Closed Christmas Day Open Dec. 26 at 7 am

New Year’s Day Open at 7 am

0155 Highway 133 • Carbondale • 970.963.4111

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • DECEmbER 12, 2013 • 11

Community Briefs

Please submit your community briefs to news@soprissun.com by noon on Monday.

Go count some birds

Ben Meckley had the happy task of processing some of the 2,000 new books and other materials at the Carbondale Branch Library on Dec. 6. Funds for the new materials came from the Opening Day Collection budget, which was part of the overall budget for the new building. Photo by Lynn Burton

The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies at Hallam Lake invites the public to the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 15. Birders of all experience levels are welcome and encouraged to participate in a census that has helped assess the health of bird populations since 1900. RSVP at aspennature.org or 925-5756.

Whopping cough’s going around At least it is in Garfield County according to a Pitkin County press release. Local public health officials are urging people who have contact with children, especially under the age of 12 months, to make sure their immunizations against the disease are up-to-date. Vaccines are $20 at Community Health Services in Aspen. Call 920-5420 for an appointment.

Fund-raiser slated for Craig Denney There’ll be a spaghetti dinner fund-raiser and auction for Glenwood Springs High School Athletic Director Craig Denney at the school starting at 5 p.m. on Dec. 13. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids and $35 per family. Denney is battling Burkitt lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy. For details, call 309-8858.

Piano recital scheduled CCAH’s hosts a recital by Sonia Roldan’s Latino students at the Third Street Center at 6 p.m. on Dec. 12. The students are part of CCAH’s bilingual piano program. For details, call 963-1680.

Arm” and “When My Uncle Died” from 2:55 to 3 p.m. on Mondays from Dec. 16 through Feb. 10. Also, at 2:35 p.m. on Dec. 16 the broadcast includes interviews with students in Kellie Land’s physics class.

bonedale ballet holds auditions Bonedale Ballet holds auditions for its “Carnival of the Animals” production from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 11. For details, call Anthony Jerkunica at 379-8108.

Zanca program airs special shows

P&Z talks UDC

The Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment program on KDNK broadcasts Crystal River Elementary School students’ narratives, with such titles as “When I Broke My

The Planning & Zoning Commission continues discussing the town’s uniform development code (UDC) at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12, Jan. 16 and Jan. 19. The P&Z will draft

Serving

Fine Careers. learn

“Our students their art in four-diamond rated, world-class resort restaurants.”

Professor Kevin Clarke is a leader in Culinary Arts education. His CMC culinary teams have represented Colorado in regional competitions nine times. He chairs the apprenticeship committee for the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation. But Kevin’s greatest success is turning students into future chefs. His graduates now create fine cuisine in kitchens from Colorado to Norway.

www.ColoradoMtn.Edu/FirstChoice

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEmbER 12, 2013

the code and present it to the town trustees next year.

Create your own Christmas ornaments Wyly Community Art Center invites folks to create their own Christmas ornaments with Nicole Gogolak from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 14. The cost is $5 per ornament. Aimee White Beazley will also read from her book “Snowmastodon.” For details, call 927-4123.

Aspen recycles holiday lighting Pitkin County and Aspen are accepting broken strands of Christmas lights for recycling at the Rio Grande recycling center in Aspen, the Basalt recycling center on Midland Avenue and the Pitkin County solid waste center (off Highway 82 at mile marker 32).

Colorado Mountain College photography student Anthony Williams won Gold in the Illustration category (shown here) in the recent College Photographer of the Year competition at the University of Missouri. Other CMC students fared well: Michael Sandoval was awarded excellence in illustration, and Andrew Braun in portrait photography. Three CMC students advanced to the semifinals: Adam Hughes for illustration, Lucas Hammett for a sports feature photo and Cody Bainbridge for a feature photograph. This is the third year in a row CMC students won awards at the COPY competition. Braun’s photo of a Kenyan schoolboy was also published in the November edition of National Geographic magazine. Although now a graduate of CMC, a Seth Andersen photo of Mount Sopris appeared in the September issue of Outside magazine. “It was just one of those mornings. I always keep my camera in my car. I was driving, and the light on Sopris was incredible, so I literally pulled off at that little kiosk right off of Highway 82 outside of Carbondale,” Andersen said. The CMC professional photography program is part of the college’s Isaacson School for New Media. For more information, visit coloradomtn.edu. To view these photos and others from CMC students or alumni, visit The Sopris Sun website at www.soprissun.com.

60-year collection of drums

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Ray Adams continued om page 2 It was just as crowded backstage as a hundred or more would-be entertainers packed the tiny dressing room, eventually spilling out into the alley where they joined the complete membership of the Carbondale Volunteer Fire Department, who were also in the show, and had stationed their pumper truck at the stage door just in case the place started to catch ďŹ re before they went on — 50/50 proposition.

No ugliness Normally, under such crushing conditions, you’d expect the crowd to get ugly but, this being Carbondale and all, the entire congregation had had the foresight to bring their large picnic coolers that doubled as seats and were stuffed with bottles of alcohol and assorted packets of recreational drugs. Come 7:30 p.m., Ray struck up the band; Palmer and I stepped out on the stage to introduce the ďŹ rst act; and so began the spirited competition for the $100 cash prize and an obscenely large bowling trophy I’d purchased the day before at the Glenwood pawn shop and which read “Talent Show Champion.â€? Sad to say, I don’t remember much about the show itself, having popped the top on my own personal picnic cooler about an hour before curtain time and which stayed popped for several hours thereafter. But here’s what I do remember: About 3 in the morning I was rudely awakened as I was sleeping in the cab of the ďŹ re truck still parked out in the alley by Bob Aragon, a well known jazz bassist who was sitting in with the “Moanettes.â€? He told me

that my co-host, John Palmer, had disappeared about an hour ago with one of the show’s chorus girls (an ad hoc group of very, very hot waitresses who worked at the Village Smithy and, in the evenings, at the Sopris restaurant). Bob was worried that, because no one was actually in charge anymore, that the show was getting ragged and he thought the

“I don’t have the words to describe this performance other than to note that, with his long hair swaying, pelvis thrusting, voice pleading ... this 20-something version of Ray Adams saved the show. “ audience might be losing their enthusiasm. “You mean the show’s still going on?â€? “Yeah ..... it won’t stop.â€? Sure enough, he was right. When I got to the stage wings, thanks to a quick pick-me-up composed of Mogen David 20-20, tonic water and AlkaSeltzer Plus cold and u tablets (kids: don’t try this at home), I immediately saw the problems: the ďŹ rst was a 19-year-old CMC student who had been performing for almost 45 minutes an experimental piece she called “The House of the

that a bunch of choral people from up and down the Roaring Fork Valley were getting together to give him a musical sendoff at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. So we drove to Junction to be there for this thing. Since it was not all that long ago, I exactly remember ... this: It is a Sunday afternoon in March of 2013; partly cloudy; temperatures in the mid40s. Beaucoup singers are congregated in the lobby of a hospital. They have spent the best part of an hour rehearsing a performance of choice morsels from their repertoire for their ailing director, Ray Adams. Rehearsal complete, Mr. Adams is wheeled in from intensive care by his mother, brother, and good friend John Colson, who positions him just in front of the choir. He’s very ill and weak and there will be no spontaneous eruption of “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,â€? which Ray would perform over the years on the imsiest of excuses. Ray is not the performer now but the audience. An audience of one and this concert is for him alone. Joyful noise ensues. “Hallelujah!â€? Like that Talent Show crowd of many years ago, he now is unable to stand. But he’s obviously moved and knows that he has seen and heard a ight of angels singing him to his rest. He tells them: “Spot on,â€? and exits stage right.

Rising Sun Meets the Volga Boatman,â€? and, the second, an audience that had passed out, at-lined apparently, by an hysterical en masse shutdown of their autonomic nervous systems. All 200 of them, still there, but catatonically glued to their seats and/or picnic coolers, several bleeding from the ear. First, I took away the college chick’s autoharp, gave her the bowling trophy and the hundred bucks and told her to go away. Next, I asked Ray if he could do something, anything, to take us out on a high note. And he did. He jumped up on stage in his skin-tight trousers, frilly pimp shirt and lounge-lizard sports coat and launched into an incredibly obscene version of “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights.â€? I don’t have the words to describe this performance other than to note that, with his long hair swaying, pelvis thrusting, voice pleading ... this 20-something version of Ray Adams saved the show. He was exquisite and the crowd saw it. Incapable of either standing or ovating. the audience did their next best thing: sat up straight in reverential appreciation, rolled their empty beer bottles down the aisle and went home to detox. On that occasion was truly begun Ray Adams’ career in the Roaring Fork Valley and it was, as Ray was fond of saying: “Spot on.â€?

A call from Karen A couple of weeks ago, we got a call from the pianist Karen Tafejian, a friend of ours and an old Talent Show pal of Ray’s. Karen told us that Mr. Adams was ..... dying. And

(Pat Noel is a former Carbondale resident and co-founder of the Valley Journal newspaper).

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14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEmbER 12, 2013

Earnest OF BEING

DECEMBER 19, 20 & 21 - 7:00PM DECEMBER 22 - 2:00PM ASPEN DISTRICT THEATRE A

Trivial COMEDY FOR SERIOUS PEOPLE

Tickets $20 Adults/$12 Students

Directed by Graham Northrup

For information about Theatre Aspen School’s high-quality theatre education programs, please visit theatreaspen.org/education

Starring: Ben Belinski Julia Foran Lyon Hamill Jaclyn Harris TJ Kaiser

Call the Wheeler Box Office at 970.920.5770 or order online at aspenshowtix.com

Emery Major Luis Martinez Tatum Shane Raam Weinfeld

Theatre Aspen School’s scholarship program and production costs are generously supported by ANB Bank, Juliet Shield-Taylor & the Robins Foundation and Jackie & Jerry Kehle.

Whooo’s been naughty and who’s been nice?

Snowballs flew (top left), marshmallows roasted (top right), a hoot owl eyed Main Street while shoppers shopped inside (above) and Santa held his own (right) at First Friday on Dec. 6. Photos by Jane Bachrach

THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • DECEmbER 12, 2013 • 15

Hoops return Roaring Fork High School opened its 2013-2014 basketball season on its home court in the six-team Brenda Patch round robin over the weekend. The boys and girls teams take on Coal Ridge, Grand Valley and Olathe at home on Dec. 13, 20 and 21 respectively before Christmas break, then return to action with away games at Gunnison on Jan. 10. The regular season concludes at Cedaredge on Feb. 21. Photos by Sue Rollyson

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • DECEmbER 12, 2013

think. shop. play.

Basalt (december 14) willits tree lighting

Santa, Wagon Rides, Hot Cocoa,Cookie Contest & Caroling Wine Tastings, Food & Drink Specials, Open Houses & Smores!

3pm to 5pm

confluence of rivers, recreation and culture

basaltchamber.com

Shopping | Dining | Culture | Recreation

VISIT BASALT & EL JEBEL At the confluence of Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers

Four Dogs Wine & Spirits hosts JAS tastings on Dec. 13 Sopris Sun Staff Report

current average annual budget for public middle and high school music programs in Jazz Aspen Snowmass and Four Dogs Fine Wine & Spirits are teaming up for a the Roaring Fork Valley is only $1,400 per year. JAS’ annual contribution to these night of music, wine and holiday cheer on Friday, Dec. 13. programs is more than $100,000. The additional support from JAS helps to ensure The event, taking place at the Four Dogs store in Willits, will include wine tastings these programs to continue to strive. from Fat Louis wines, hors d’oeuvres, JAS ticket give“Our student numbers in Glenwood Springs have aways and a live performance featuring JAS student gone from around 110 in 2010 to 275 in 2013. A huge musicians from the Roaring Fork High School Jazz part of that success and enthusiasm comes from the supBand, according to a press release. port JAS has given to our students,” says Tami Suby, Sponsored by KSPN the event will kick-off the JAS Glenwood Springs Middle and High School band direcGive the Gift of Music campaign, raising funds for tor. “Many of my students cannot afford the private lesmusic education in our Roaring Fork Valley schools. sons, instruments, or other opportunities that JAS offers. Free and open to the public, the tastings and music Music programs around the country are being cut but will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. because of the support that JAS gives, our local programs All funds raised through the JAS Give the Gift of are stronger than they have been in decades.” Music campaign are designated for JAS in-schools Give the Gift of Music donations can be made at the programs including instrument donations, teacher asFour Dogs event, at the JAS Café Downstairs at the Litsistance funding, summer camps, private lesson funds, tle Nell during shows taking place over the holidays Tami Suby scholarships and more. These tax deductible dona(Dec. 20-21 and Dec. 28-30), online at www.jazzaGlenwood Springs band director tions can be earmarked for specific needs within the spensnowmass.org or by contacting the JAS office at schools and can be given in the name of an individual, 920-4996. corporation, or as a gift in another person’s name for the holiday season. For more information on Jazz Aspen Snowmass music education programming and The support that JAS provides to music education in local schools is critical in the the Dec. 13 event, contact the JAS office at 920-4996 or visit www.jazzaspensnowcontinuation of these programs that have suffered greatly due to funding cuts. The mass.org.

“Music programs around the country are being cut but because of the support that JAS gives, our local programs are stronger than they have been in decades.”

Willits Tree Lighting

OUR HIGH STANDARDS ARE YOUR SHOPPING ADVANTAGE!

Join us this Saturday, December 14 for the Willits Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll! Our annual Cookie Contest hosted by the Kitchen Collage will be held on Saturday. Nonprofessional bakers may drop off a dozen of their best holiday cookies at the Kitchen Collage before 4pm. Judging will begin at 4pm sharp!

ACCEPTING WINTER CONSIGNMENTS 970-927-4384 • 144 Midland Avenue Basalt, Colorado 81621

Santa, Wagon Rides, Bonfires, Smores, Wine Tastings, Live Holiday Music by Dwight Ferren and Open Houses begin at 3 p.m. The big tree will be lit at 5 p.m. in Triangle Park (in front of Smoke Modern BBQ).

… I SAID A TOY, A TREAT,

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PADDYWACKS! Open seven days a week

Next to City Market in El Jebel, 400 E Valley Rd. Ste I/J 963.1700 | Open M-F 10-6:30pm | Sat/Sun 11-5pm THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • DECEmbER 12, 2013 • 17

Ages 4–6 Texture Tricks

Color Connection

Monday Friday December 23 27 9am 3pm *No class on Wednesday, December 25

Monday Friday December 30 January 3 9am 3pm *No class on Wednesday, January 1

Sign Up Now For Kids Winter Workshops! Daily or weekly enrollment opportunities available!

Ages 7–10 Trapping Tigers in the Aspen Highlands Monday Friday December 23 27 9am 3pm *No class on Wednesday, December 25

Material Magic Monday Friday December 30 January 3 9am 3pm *No class on Wednesday, January 1

To Register: Call 970.925.8050, email education@aspenartmuseum.org or visit aspenartmuseum.org/kids-and-families/kids-workshops/

The AAM s education programs are made possible by the Questrom Education Fund. Education workshop support is provided by Mary and Patrick Scanlan. Scholarships for AAM Winter Workshops are funded by Cari and Michael J. Sacks.

Admission to the AAM is free courtesy of Amy and John Phelan.

î‚Še party’s over: “e piper’s bill is coming dueâ€? By Patrick Hunter “Turn out the lights, the party’s overâ€? is the ďŹ rst line of a song by the great Willie Nelson. Perhaps equally famous, it was often the ending point of a broadcast of Monday Night Football, always sung by the irreverent ex-Dallas quarterback “Dandyâ€? Don Meredith. “They say that, ‘all good things must end,’ let’s call it a night, the party’s over.â€? The song is about a guy who had a loving wife, but partied too hard. He “broke her heart too many timesâ€? and then one night she let him go. We are kind of like that with old Mother Nature — we broke her heart too many times and she’s telling us “Sweetheart, the party’s over.â€? The margarine commercial used to say, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.â€? It should have said, “Don’t fool WITH Mother Nature.â€? Over the years, a lot of people have told us it was time to shape up. People like Henry David Thoreau, Leo Tolstoy, Edward Abbey and the authors of the landmark 1972 book “Limits to Growth.â€? Even President Jimmy Carter in 1977 in his famous ďŹ reside “sweater speech.â€? He said we were the only major country without a national energy policy. Funny, the only U.S. energy policy I’ve ever heard of was Dick Cheney’s, and he got the Supreme Court keep it a secret. We people didn’t appreciate being scolded by Jimmy so we brought in Ronald Reagan; who took the solar collectors off the White House roof. Party on, dude! Hanging around parties has risks. One of them is addiction, in this case to fossil fuels. To cite another president, even George W. Bush warned us: “And here we have a serious prob-

lem, America is addicted to oil.â€? And this comes from a guy that knew a lot about addictions — and how to party. He cleaned up his act, but he didn’t clean up our act. That party is still going on. And who is the world’s biggest partier? It’s the good ol’ U.S.A., who consumes some 25 percent of the earth’s production of resources annually. This party looks so good the rest of the world wants to join in. Countries like China, India and Brazil are cranking it up. What we’re not hearing enough is “it’s time to pay the piper.â€? That means all this playing around has its price. The piper’s bill is coming due. For example, our massive fossil fuel burning is changing our atmosphere in ways that are making it darn hard to live here. Our earth is just not keeping up with the pace of human race. The planet is getting hotter and that makes the planet a lot drier in some places, and a lot wetter in other places. More moisture in the air over water can produce much bigger and more devastating storms, like the Philippine typhoon, Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast and the ooding around Boulder. The high consumption of resources creates two problems. First, these resources are getting used up. Second, the waste resulting from massive consumption is getting harder to deal with. Take ďŹ shing. Many kinds of once plentiful ďŹ sh are basically gone, and at the same time, we’ve damaged their habitat with sediments, poisons, oxygen deprivation (dead zones), higher acidity and incredible amounts of plastic trash. The United Nations just held their COP 19 (Conference of Parties, 19th meeting) in War-

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saw, Poland. Nothing of substance was accomplished. A very large block of people walked out in frustration. Essentially, the large, wealthy countries, especially ours, will not take responsibility for our actions. Thanks to the Industrial Revolution, the developed countries have burned up somewhere around half of all oil and have loaded the planet with CO2 and much more. The U.S., in particular, wants to keep doing exactly what we’ve been doing. Imagine getting the Republicans in Congress to even discuss cutting back on growth and consumption; the Democrats are not any better. That’s why one group in particular is pushing the concept of carbon taxing and dividend paybacks to the citizens. Citizens Climate Lobby has a very short bill that is being taken around to all politicians that will grant a minute to talk about it. This is not a brand new idea. It is actually in practice and working in some areas. Sound crazy? Maybe not. Form the New York Times: “More than two dozen of the nation’s biggest corporations, including the ďŹ ve major oil companies, are planning their future growth on the expectation that the government will force them to pay a price for carbon pollution as a way to control global warming.â€? There’s hope. The party may be over, but there’s plenty of work to be done. Let’s get right with Mother Nature. So much to do, so little time. Patrick Hunter is a Colorado Mountain College sustainability studies student and member of the Citizens Climate Lobby. He lives outside Carbondale.

Grab and Go Local Grass-fed Beef Burgers

By the Locals For the Locals Locally raised beef and produce 220 Main St, Carbondale | 970-963-1569 fatbellyburgers.com | info@fatbellyburgers.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the Thrift Shop Volunteers 120 Grants Awarded in 2013 to Valley non-profits

Join us: donate, shop or volunteer

OPEN MONDAY – SATURDAY 10AM – 3PM 422 E. Hopkins Ave., Aspen 970-925-3121 aspenthriftshop.org

Classifieds Submit to classifieds@soprissun.com by Monday 12 p.m. Rates: $15 for 30 words, $20 for up to 50 words. Payment due before publication.*

HELP WANTED. KDNK is hiring for an underwriting sales position. Details at KDNK.org. HELP WANTED. The Town of Carbondale is interviewing for a Parks Maintenance employee. Please visit the Town website or call 510-1325 for more information and an application. Deadline to apply is December 13, 2013 at 5 p.m. VOLUNTEER SPORTS WRITERS WANTED for any or all of Roaring Fork High School’s winter sports. Experience not necessary but some familiarity with sports is a plus. Email Lynn Burton at news@soprissun.com or call 510-3003. GET THE WORD OUT IN CLASSIFIEDS! Rates start at $15. Email classiďŹ eds@soprissun.com. *Credit card payment information should be emailed to classifieds@soprissun.com or call 948-6563. Checks may be dropped off at our office at the Third Street Center or mailed to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623. Call 6189112 for more info.

Help for families in need. Food is available at LIFT-UP’s seven area food pantries, made possible by support from our caring community.

Mid-Valley Food Pantries Carbondale: Third Street Center, 520 South 3rd Street, #35 Mon, Wed & Fri: 10am-12:30pm • 963-1778 Basalt: Basalt Community United Methodist Church 167 Holland Hills Rd. • Wed & Thur: 11am-1pm • 279-1492

Learn more at www.liftup.org and join us on facebook!

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XXX 8FTUFSO4MPQF#VTJOFTT4PMVUJPOT DPN THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s community supported newspaper • DECEmbER 12, 2013 • 19