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August 4, 2011

The Sopris Sun Volume 3, Number 25 | August 4, 2011

On stage in Bonedale

Dancers from Ballet Folklorico swirled, spun and strutted on the Carbondale Mountain Fair main stage on Sunday. Dancers of the less organized variety moved, twitched and stomped to their own beat throughout the weekend. For more on the Roaring Fork Valley’s best party, turn to pages 2, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 16. Photo by Jane Bachrach

Carbondale Commentary

A greenhorn goes to Mountain Fair

By Nicolette Toussaint
Special to The Sopris Sun
This year marked the 40th anniversary of the Mountain Fair, but it was all news to me. Having moved to Carbondale from San Francisco in March, it was clear I was showing up fashionably late for what was going to be the event of the year.
“You won’t believe Mountain Fair.”
“It’s gonna blow your socks off.”
“Can’t wait for Mountain Fair … .”
But what, exactly, was this Mountain Fair? While its moniker might have applied to a geologists’ convention, it was clearly far more lively. My new Bonedale friends were long on anticipation, but short on explanation. Then the Sopris Sun gave me a plum assignment: Write about my first visit to the fair.
When I stepped into Sopris Park, trailing a henna-painted maiden with feathers braided into her hair, my first thought was “Berkeley!” Specifically, Telegraph Avenue, the main drag leading to UC Berkeley’s Sather Gate, site of the birth of the Free Speech Movement. It’s still ground zero for political debate and a critical mass of tie-dye stands. This thought persisted a bit farther as the scents of tikka masala mingled with Ethiopian pancakes, tacos and beer.
On a bit farther, I was reminded of Chicago’s Ravinia Festival, a famous summer fair that draws artists from all over the United States. My friend Sue had told me that Mountain Fair is tightly juried, so the quality of arts and crafts is high. But I was unprepared for the variety of things I saw.
As I strolled along, jotting down what I saw, my notes began to rhyme. With apologies to Shel Silverstein, here’s my riff on the artsy-craftsy part of the fair:

Mosaic mirrors, pottery and jungle drums
Jam and jellies and silly clocks
Flutes and candles, handcrafted brooms
Butterflies pinned in a shadowbox
Doorknobs cast of dichroic glass
Feathered earrings for your favorite lass
Timothy Terrence Tanner Taft,
Won’t you come and buy some crafts?

Dancing puppets of dayglo fleece
Bright batiks and bonsai trees
Batik jackets and tie-dye shirts
Henna paintings for sexy knees
Inlaid jackknives, beaded belts
Slippers made from sheepskin pelts
Sarah Susan Cindy Smart
Won’t you come and buy some art?
•••
I bought a couple of hats, a tie-dye shirt and a hula-hoop. No sooner had I tried that out than a few members of my church came by and gave me a round of applause.
But when it comes to feats of agility and strength, I’m minor league. Hats off to the lithe maidens who bent themselves double to the beat of drums and palms in the limbo contest.
To the woodsmen young and old – including those two bare-chested brothers improbably garbed, one in turquoise jeans and the other wearing a tutu over a pair of Speedos – who split logs to the accompaniment of ear-splitting applause. And to the elfin child with a painted face and pipe-cleaner-thin legs whose amazing ability to spin the hoop around her arms, knees, neck or waist, even while running backwards, netted her a prize. I yelled myself silly.
But it wasn’t just the tie-dye that gave Mountain Fair its latter-day hippie vibe; it was the joyousness, the homespun edges, the communal spirit of the thing. No one was taking tickets at the door, and no one was worried about their bag or their kid being snatched. Although I grew up in Colorado, and remember this vibe from growing up, and from time spent in the Roaring Fork Valley way back when, I thought that this gentleness was something long gone from the world.
•••
Then there was the music. I wandered in alone and soon found myself sitting with friends, chair-dancing to bluegrass. By Sunday, I had worked my way into the gyrating tribe in front of the gazebo. Mountain Fair had blown my socks off – literally. I was dancing barefoot in the grass. Zivanai Masango and Pachedu wanted us not only to dance, but also to sing. They were halfway around the world from Zimbabwe, and we echoed back to them, “Take me home, I want to go home.”
It meant something different to me.
The clouds came over and then up the valley, over Aspen, we saw a rainbow.
By the time the Carbondale Renegade Marching band came jiving by in their rainbow rags on stilts and Segways, I was jazzed. I marched along and sang “Funkytown” with the crowd.

Gotta make a move to a
Town that’s right for me
Town to keep me movin’
Keep me groovin’ with some energy…
Won’t you take me to…Funkytown?

Yes, Carbondale is a funky town, and Mountain Fair is an artsy, crafty, happy, homey expression of what it’s all about. It’s a great place to come home to.

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.

Remembering Randy Parsons

Dear Editor:
The White River Forest Alliance was sad to learn of the unexpected passing of one its founding members last week, Randy Parsons. Randy was the WRFA president during the late 1990s and early 2000s when a new travel plan was being first proposed for the White River National Forest. During that time he testified before a Washington, D.C., House committee on the need to keep public lands public and accessible by motorized conveyances. He attended countless meetings with forest officials, opposing groups, presiding over public meetings, and setting a tone of commitment to keeping trails open for motorized travel.
Randy worked on mapping old, established trails and proposing new looping trails. In the last few years, he was instrumental in helping to re-establish the WRFA in an effort to help provide a voice for those who had concerns about things such as travel management or wilderness proposals such as Hidden Gems.
Randy was also active with or at least a member of the following organizations: MTRA (Motorcycle Trail Riding Association), CBTRA (Colorado Backcountry Trail Riders Association), COHVCO (Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Organization), CSA (Colorado Snowmobile Association), Thunder Mountain Wheelers ATV Club, Blue Ribbon Coalition and Mt. Sopris Rec Riders of which he was president of for many years.
Randy was a true pioneer and a leader in the battle to help keep public lands open to all. Without him and all he did, we would not have recreational opportunities that we have today. We all owe him a debt of gratitude.
He will truly be missed.
Tony Fisher
Board president, WRFA
Carbondale

Clay Center thanks

Dear Editor:
Mid June marked a fantastic event, “Pairings at Carbondale Clay Night,” at The Carbondale Clay Center. Those who attended experienced great energy, enjoyment, more than 800 artist made cups, fabulous artwork and wonderful beverage and food tastings so generously donated by our sponsors.
The Carbondale Clay Center would like to thank all those who made the night such a success. A big thanks goes to our volunteers who made the event run smoothly, we could not have had such a wonderful event without them!
Many thanks to Molly Irwin and Liz Stigler for co-chairing the event and to our resident artists whose tireless efforts are greatly appreciated.
Our appreciation goes out to our sponsors as well. This includes: Donie Hubbard, Will Ferry, Sheila Draper, Mary Griffith, Alpine Bank, Katie Kitchen and Paul Kovach, Sandra and Joe McMullen, Sue Knable, Sopris Liquors, and McBride Family Grass Fed Beef.
Everyone enjoyed delicious tastings generously donated by: Woody Creek Cellars, Maison La Belle Vie, Guy Drew, Jack Rabbit Hill, Talon Wine Brands, Aspen Brewing, Glenwood Springs Brew Co., Breckenridge Distillery, Altitude Spirits, 303Vodka, Peak Spirits, Montanya Rum, Two Leaves and a Bud, Konnyaku, Zheng, Rico Torres, and Peppinos Pizza.
We extend a special thanks to Tracy Mishel for her fabulous chili.
Our sincere thanks goes to the over 80 wonderful cup artists who shared their work with us and the many silent auction item artists who were so willing to donate to us. Thank you for such a successful, art-filled event.
The Carbondale Clay Center is very grateful for the support we also receive throughout the year that helps us remain a vital part of our community. We would expressly like to honor The Thrift Shop of Aspen, Sara Ransford and Colorado Creative Industries for recognizing our important place within our community and the people we serve.
With deepest gratitude to these people and businesses and especially our community for their continued support.
Sarah Moore
K Rhynus Cesark
Co-directors
The Carbondale Clay Center

Bob and Michele Willey checked out the Sopris Sun, plus the Cite in Carcasonne, during a recent trip to France. Courtesy photo

Workshop aims to boost Carbondale’s dance profile

By Nicolette Toussaint
Special to the Sopris Sun
During the first weekend in August, Carbondale will host a festival that will bring together dancers of all stripes, types and ages. Called “Move and Groove: A Dance, Movement and Wellness Workshop,” the event will feature 17 classes and an even greater number of instructors.
The event is sponsored by Coredination, A Movement Studio that opened in the Third Street Center in June 2010.
The first dance camp in the Roaring Fork Valley since the Aspen Dance festival began over a decade ago, “Move and Groove” will include the following classes:
• Achieving Balance through Self-Care;
• Creative Contemporary Dance;
• Beginning and Intermediate Ballet;
• Pilates Matwork (for all levels);
• Yoga: Patience and Passion;
• Jivamukti Yoga-Inspired class;
• Fundamentals of Contact Improvisation;
• African Dance Workshop;
• Common Injuries and Prevention;
• Fosse-Influenced Jazz for Adults/Teens & Hip-Hop Jazz for Kids.
Anthony and Alexandra, the founders of Coredination, say that the dance weekend grew from a creative spark that was lit when dancers convened with “Dance for Us” at the Thunder River Theatre.
“We had dancers coming from as far away as Rifle and Aspen,” explains Anthony. “There was tango, jazz, ballet, clogging, African and modern dance. With many great, talented dancers together, we got the idea of adding dance as an important component of the Carbondale arts scene. That led to the idea of this festival.”
Anthony moved to Carbondale in 1998 after retiring from the Ballet Pacifica troupe in Southern California, where he met his wife Alexandra. Anthony also danced professionally in New York and Colorado. Alex danced professionally for 20 years and is a certified Pilates instructor. The two were married in 2000, and started Coredination in 2004.
The Jerkunicas want both their studio and the “Move and Groove” workshop to build community. Anthony explains, “When we danced professionally, our company was like a family, and all were accepted into it. We hope to continue the theme of everyone being welcome, and find a place for where dance originates inside. That’s a very important thing about dance.”
“It’s our passion to teach dance and movement,” says Alexandra. “We want to channel that passion by unifying local teachers and matching them with motivated students. This opportunity is for people who might have danced professionally at one time, and for new movers and groovers. It’s about connecting with community; Carbondale is all about that.”
Those interested in the participating in the Aug. 5-7 workshops may register at Coredination in the Third Street Center or by phone at 379-8108 or 379-2187. Coredination also holds a barefoot boogie dance on Aug. 5. For details, go to corepilatesballetyoga.com.
The teachers at the dance camp include: Akaljeet Khalsa, Deborah Colley, Alexandra and Anthony Jerkunica, Elena Zubulake, Victor Warring, Rochelle Norwood, Emily Van Gorp, Anna Komula and Feyhan.

Anthony and Alexandra Jerkunica danced professionally before opening Coredination in the Third Street Center. They performed at the Green is the New Black fashion show last spring (shown here). Photo by Jane Bachrach

News Briefs

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

Bag ordinances under discussion

Several Roaring Fork municipalities are considering ordinances pertaining to plastic bags. First readings of draft legislation are anticipated at the Aug. 22 Aspen City Council meeting and the Aug. 23 Basalt Town Council meeting. Carbondale is tentatively scheduled to discuss the issue on Sept. 13.
Local governments have been communicating with each other to ensure their bag ordinances, if they are passed, are similar enough so that one municipality doesn’t gain a competitive advantage over the other in regard to fees charged and in related issues.
Towns are considering whether to assess a fee on plastic bags in order to reduce their use. The ordinances are being promoted by the Aspen-based Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE).

Childhelp gets new director

Childhelp River Bridge will be experiencing a transition of leadership this August, as long-time director Susan Ackerman steps down and will be replaced by Blythe Chapman, according to a press release.
“Ackerman is leaving the program she helped put on firm ground by attaining accreditation from the National Children's Alliance (The national accrediting body for child advocacy centers),” said a Childhelp spokesman. “She also helped the center win a federal Department of Justice grant to expand the program into Pitkin, Eagle and Rio Blanco counties”
Chapman will be taking over a program that assists local law enforcement and child protection agencies in coordination of investigations, case management and treatment after a child has made a disclosure of physical or sexual abuse. Chapman brings 12 years of direct experience working with children and families as a therapist, child welfare supervisor, and regional training specialist for the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Ackerman’s last day as director will be Aug. 19 with Chapman taking over on Aug. 22.

Cop Shop

The following events are drawn from incident reports of the Carbondale Police Department.
MONDAY Aug. 1 At 7:39 a.m. police responded to a suspicious person report on Cowen Drive. The man was taken into protective custody and later turned over to a mental health agency.
SUNDAY July 31 At 4:25 a.m. police responded to a call of an unknown male in a bedroom of the reporting party on Graceland. The man fled before police arrived but they have a lead as to his ID.

Harvey has hot hand at Mt. Fair

Sopris Sun Staff Report
Judy Harvey had a hot hand in the Carbondale Mountain Fair baking contests, taking first in the fruit pie category, third in exotic pies and second in cake torte.
In fly-casting, Jesse Avery of Aspen put his bug 3/4 of an inch from the fish’s lips to take first place.
Contest results from Carbondale Mountain Fair, held at Sopris Park July 29-31, are as follows:
Pie (cream)
1 - Carolyn Fisher
2 - Molly Exlee
3 - Billy Sue Hayes

Pie (fruit)
1 - Judy Harvey
2 - Chris Trzcinski
3 - Denise Giavetti

Pie (exotic)
1 - Billy Sue Hayes
2 - Maura Masters
3 - Judy Harvey

Cake
1 - Baking Betty (Summertime Carrot Cake)
2 - Ollie Bode (Peach w/Coconut Cream)
3 - Sharon Mahoney (Chocolate Cherry Rum)

Cake (torte)
1 - Camie Thomas (Coconut Passion Fruit)
2 - Judy Harvey (12 Layer Torte)
3 - Mackenzie Cole (Blue Passion)

Cake (vegan)
1 - Lisa McKenzie (Apricot Almond Torte)
2 - Laurie Guevara Stone (Chocolate Mousse)
3 - Michael Hurst (Hawaiian)

Adult limbo
1 - Stacy Evans
2 - Allison Austin and Shanthy Coleman (tie)

Fly-casting
1 - Jesse Avery (Aspen)
2 - Paul Adolf (Glenwood)
3 - Molly Eyler (Carbondale)

Singer-songwriter
Patrick Fagan
(People’s Choice, adult)
Riley Skinner (Adult)
Lisa Atkinson (Youth)

Horseshoes (singles)
1 - Jeff Craig
2 - AJ Desjardins
3 - Willy Do-Tujio

Horseshoes (doubles)
1 - Willie Joe/Bix Trujillo
2 - Frank/Janica Anderson
3 - Mike Premich/Ben Fedishen

Mt. Sopris Runoff (men)
1 - Zeke Tiernan (1:31.07)
2 - Drew Henry (1:37.41)
3 - Steve Marciali (1:41.34)

Mt. Sopris Runoff (women)
1 - Megan Lund Lizotte (1:31.24)
2 - Carrie Vickers (1:42.04)
3 - Mary Kote (1:45.20)

Mt. Sopris Runoff (under 19)
1 - Henry Maxwell

4-Mile Fair Run
1 - Dustin Roth (20:52)
2 - Lincoln Larson (22:02)
3 - Adam Aldridge (22:04)

Men’s Wood splitting
1 - Mark Ross (19:18)
2 - Carson Weller (19:21)
3 - Greg Masse (20:06) and Mike Yellico (20:07)

Women’s Wood splitting
Results not available

T-shirt scavenger hunt
1 - Betty Pfeiffer

Big barn discussion draws a crowd

By Lynn Burton
Sopris Sun Staff Writer
The Garfield County commissioners asked for input and they got some on Tuesday, after neighbors complained of a new 68,000-square-foot barn on Missouri Heights that required only a building permit to put up last year.
Crystal Springs Ranch owner Kathy Weiss suggested the county consider adopting floor area ratios (FARs) “like Pitkin County” to prevent such large buildings in the future.
Iron Rose Ranch owner Tom Bailey countered, “You (the commissioners) want to keep Garfield County like it is … not Pitkin County … every restrictive rule has an effect.”
The barn, located on County Road 100 about a half-mile west of the Missouri Heights school house, has sparked concern from several area residents who were shocked that such a large building required little if any review on the county level, and also worry the structure will be used for commercial purposes.
Larry Green, the attorney for Old Red Barn owners Melissa and Russell Wight, told the commissioners, “It’s (the barn) a non-commercial facility.”
He also said the facility meets the county’s definition of a riding arena, and “it’s going to stay.”
Before public discussion, county staffers Andy Schwaller and Gale Carmoney briefed the commissioners on land use definitions for equestrian centers, riding stables and other uses. Schwaller said there are at least 14 equestrian centers or riding stables from Missouri Heights to Parachute, with a “high probability of others.”
In summing up his comments, Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky said “Something has been left out of the (Old Red Barn) process … the neighbors couldn’t participate.”
Commissioner John Martin concluded the session by saying the commissioners will review their notes from the meeting, discuss the issues with staff and hold a public hearing if there are any proposed changes to the county’s land use code.
Others attending Tuesday’s meeting included Kit Strang, Martha Collison, Dick Stephenson, Andrea Traul and Bill Blakeslee.

The town of Carbondale is using a letter of credit from a development company to install curb and gutter, and seven street lights, on Sixth Street and Colorado Avenue after the developer gave the property back to its lender several months ago, having never completed the improvements. Photo by Lynn Burton

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@SoprisSun.com.

Flock Talk debuts

Maybe you’ve spotted them around town as they systematically search for the rest of their flock. We’re talking Agnes and Baa, who hopefully will be part of a rather large flock of sheep employed in the upcoming National Sheepdog Finals at Strang Ranch Sept. 13-18.
Somehow during transport to Carbondale from their 4,000-acre ranch near Idaho, Agnes and Baa became separated from the rest of their flock. Rumor has it the pair was forced to start playing catch up when they snuck out of their livestock trailer to snag some Snickers candy bars at the Gay Johnson truck stop east of Grand Junction. A flock spokesman counters that Agnes and Baa were not, in fact, part of the traveling team due to their unpredictable nature, and they vowed to hitchhike to Carbondale or do “whatever it takes” to reunite with their flock.
In any case, you’ll be seeing Agnes and Baa around town and in the Sopris Sun in the next few weeks as the sheepdog finals approach. Recently, a photographer for “Sheep World Daily” snapped this picture of Agnes after she talked a Satank resident into pulling through the Alpine Bank drive-through window. Agnes reasoned the flock might be attracted to the bank even though it hands out to treats to dogs – not sheep.
In the past few days, Agnes and Baa were also spotted at Roaring Fork Valley Co-op talking to Kirk Carlson about panels, stock tanks, fencing and dog-unfriendly parks where they might nibble some grass.
On a related note, the two-leggeds at the sheepdog finals say they’d like to thank the following Carbondale-based sponsors of dog/handler teams: Paradise Farm, Dr. Herb Feinzig, Down Valley Tavern, Roaring Fork Hounds, Bauhin Custom Builders, Turnbull Land & Livestock, River Valley Ranch, and the Mt. Sopris Eye Center

Just in

Carbondale’s own Soozie Lindbloom and Stacy Stein are studying up on Shakespeare as they are both in a puppet and mask production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The shows are the first and second weekends in August on the Fanny Hill stage in Snowmass. Tickets are $10 and the play starts at 7 p.m. each night. To reserve tickets email to midsummertix@gmail.com.

Where’s Collage Creative Collection?

Some folks have been asking where Collage Creative Collection Local Arts Gallery is located. Here you go: 1154 Highway 133 (next to Phillips 66), on Facebook and at 963-9488.

The winner is

Larry Ballenger is the winner of last week’s Mystery Photo contest. Larry correctly answered that the Texaco sign is not only located on Main Street at a log home called “The Compound” but it belongs to Rick Rock (aka Rick Castaldo). Runner up was former KDNK Roaring Fork High School football announcer Manny Goldberg, who e-mailed in his guess from out-of-town.

They say it’s your birthday

Birthday greetings go out to: Jay Leavitt (Aug. 4), Rosie McSwain and Priscilla Dickinson (Aug. 5), Ed Engelki (Aug. 7), Amber Sparkles (Aug. 8), Dru Handy (Aug. 9), Louise Holgate (Aug. 10) and Tripp Adams (Aug. 11).

Agnes searched for her flock at Alpine Bank not too long ago. She hopes to hook up with the other sheep in time to take part in the National Sheepdog Finals at Strang Ranch in September. For details, see “Flock Talk” on this page. Courtesy photo

Illness forces Gates cancellation

Sopris Sun Staff Report
A medical problem has forced the last minute cancellation of Henry Louis Gates’s Aug. 4 presentation at Thunder River Theatre.
“We were informed this morning (Wednesday) that what was supposed to be some minor outpatient surgery has had complications that have rendered Professor Gates unable to travel for the time being and he will be heavily medicated for a few days,” said Craig Rathbun, spokesman for the Roaring Fork Cultural Council, which was bringing Gates to town as part of its on-going speaker series.
Rathbun said Roaring Fork Cultural Council founder Jim Calaway is working to reschedule Gates for the fall or after the first of the year.
Ticket holders are being given the option to:
• Receive an immediate refund;
• Apply the cost of their ticket to the next event on Oct. 21, which will be former US Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher Hill;
• Apply the cost of their ticket to the Professor Henry Gates presentation, when he is re-scheduled.
For more information, call the Roaring Fork Cultural Council at 963-8200 or go to roaringforkculturalcouncil.com
The topic of Gate’s talk was to be about the latest in genealogy and genetics used to explore family histories.
Gates is a professor at Harvard who has written several books and contributed to the New York Times, Sports Illustrated and other publications.

Marble Fest features 30 bands

Sopris Sun Staff Report
The third annual Marble Fest at Marble Mill Site Park takes place Aug. 5-7 and features over two dozen bands – 30 to be exact.
Each band will perform for about an hour, according to a press release, starting at 3 p.m. on Friday with the final act taking the stage at 8 p.m.
Local bands include: A Vision Quest, All the Pretty Horses, The Mile Markers, Steve Skinner Band, Trunk, C-Dale Starletts and Fire in the Asylum.
Other bands include: Hotgun Ho Down, Bourbon Toothpaste, Funkdafari and Sticky Mulligan.
This year’s Marble Fest will include 3D projection mapping and lighting from the Denver-based Ludlow Designs and Ghost Pixel Visuals.
For more information go to www.marblefest.org.
Event sponsors include: Crystal River Jeep Tours and the Marble Crystal River Chamber.
Organizers ask that dogs and glass not be brought to the park.

Community Calendar

To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted. For up-to-the-minute valley-wide event listings, check out the Community Calendar online at soprissun.com.

THURSDAY Aug. 4

RFCC • The Roaring Fork Cultural Council presents Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. at the Thunder River Theatre at 7 p.m. Gates will discuss the latest tools of genealogy and genetics for exploring family histories. Tickets are $15 and a sellout is expected. Info: 963-8200.
ROTARY • Energy consultant Dan Richardson speaks at the Carbondale Rotary luncheon, held at Mi Casita, at noon.
LIVE MUSIC • PAC3 in the Third Street Center presents folk singer Patty Larkin. Tickets are $18 in advance and $23 at the door. Info: pac3carbondale.com or 925-1663.
HPC MEETS • The Historic Preservation Commission meets at town hall the first Thursday of the month starting at 6:30 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC • Carnahan’s Tavern in the Dinkel Building presents SXREX at 10 p.m.
CMC SHOWS GRANT • Native Colorado artist Lanny Grant will exhibit many of his studio paintings of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Canadian mountain scenes at the Colorado Mountain College Gallery in Glenwood Springs in August and September. A signature member of Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters, Grant often works in remote areas, where he makes numerous sketches and oil color studies to help him create the larger studio paintings. An opening reception is set for Friday, Aug. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. The gallery is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the college’s ArtShare program at 947-8367.

FRI.-SUN. Aug. 5-7

MARBLE FEST • Marble Fest, with more than a dozen bands, takes place in Marble’s Mill Site park. Info: reverbnationa.com.

FRIDAY Aug. 5

MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Buck” (PG) at 8 p.m. Aug. 5-11 and “Midnight in Paris” (PG-13) at 6 p.m. Aug. 5-7.
FIRST FRIDAY • First Friday features street performers, a gallery tour, free shuttle service and more. Most of the action’s on Main Street, the Third Street Center and on Highway 133. It kicks off after work and continues into the evening.
JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE • Friends and former band mates of singer/songwriter John Denver will perform country, folk, bluegrass, blues and rock at the Gathering Place at 7 p.m., with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Lift-Up so bring a non-perishable food item. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 adult the day of show; $10 for kids; free for kids under 5. Tickets are available at starsongfoundation.showclix.com.
LIVE MUSIC • Carnahan’s Tavern in the Dinkel Building presents Rick Rock & the Roosters at 10 p.m.

FRI.-MON. Aug. 5-8

CIRCUS • American Crown Aerial Circus sets up at North Face Park near the fire station. For details, see the ad in this week’s Sopris Sun.

SAT.-MON. Aug.6-8

ART FOR KIDS • The Wyly Community Art Center in Basalt presents “Festivals from Around the World” with Tanya Black. It’s for ages 5-7. Students will hear a story and then make a project corresponding with a summertime festival from another culture. The cost is $70. Info: WylyArts.org.

SATURDAY Aug. 6

LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars in the old part of the Dinkel Building presents the Jake Schepps Expedition.
VISION QUEST SAYS FARWELL • A Vision Quest plays its farewell show at the historic Cardiff Schoolhouse in South Glenwood Springs at 7:30 p.m. The band consists of: Harris Jackson (guitar/vocals), Joshua Darling (keyboards), David Ackerman (alto saxophone/flute), Sam “Wonderbread” Robison (bass), Paul Struempler (soprano saxophone) and John Carter Colia (drums). Tickets are $10 at the door.
KOMEN RIDE • Carol Dopkin and the Roaring Fork Horse Council coordinates a Susan G. Komen horseback Ride for the Cure at High Aspen Ranch followed by a picnic lunch. The cost is $120 per rider/$50 for picnic only. RSVP by Aug. 1 at 920-0250 or 920-1186.

SUNDAY Aug. 7

LIVE MUSIC • Flashlights, a rising group in the Denver indie pop scene, will play a show with Aotearoa at the historic Cardiff school house in south Glenwood Springs at 7:30 p.m.

MONDAY Aug. 8

BALLET • Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and the Aspen Music Festival collaborate on a performance at the Benedict Music Tent at 8 p.m. The night will feature excerpts from “Romeo and Juliet” with music from Prokofiev, and Nicolo Fonte’s “Where We Left Off” with music from Phillip Glass. Ticket info: 925-9042.

TUESDAY Aug. 9

BAG FILM SHOWN • Valley View Hospital’s Green Team and the Roaring Fork Sierra Club Group will present a full-day screening of Bag It! This 45-minute film detailing the effects of plastic on the planet and on human health will show every hour on the hour, beginning at 10 a.m., with the last showing at 7 p.m., in the Third Floor conference room at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. Light drinks and popcorn will be served.

Save the date

SATURDAY Aug. 20

BLUES MUSIC • KDNK’s Blues & Barbecue takes place in downtown Carbondale. For details, go to www.kdnk.org.

First Fridays continues with 42 businesses showing their stuff

Sopris Sun Staff Report
First Fridays — a monthly celebration of all things Carbondale — continues Aug. 5 with street performers, free rickshaws, at least two art demonstrations and more.
The “and more” includes a total of 42 galleries, stores, restaurants and other venues all around town.
The Main Street Gallery features painter Dean Bowlby. “He’s been one of our favorite artists for many years,” said gallery owner Frank Norwood.
Bowlby will be demonstrating his painting style from 5 to 8 p.m.
Norwood said that although many of Bowlby’s paintings border on impressionism, the underlying foundation of careful drawing and rendering is always prevalent. “His work may range from European vistas and busy street and cafe scenes to intimate interiors where people gather to listen to music, consume spirits and share stories,” Norwood said. “A bowl of lemons, a pot of flowers, or a swirling flamenco dancer equally attract Dean’s attention and concentration and his ability to capture the essence of any subject leave his viewers in awe of his insight and ability.”
Elsewhere around town, the Carbondale Clay Center will have an opening reception for its new exhibit of Mark Burleson’s work from 6 to 8 p.m. The show continues through Aug. 29.
At Kahhak Fine Arts & School, Majid Kahhak will be painting live from 6 to 8 p.m. The painting will be in inspired by the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Farther west on Main Street, Dancing Colours will be open until 8 p.m.
Fig and Lilly at the east end of Main Street is having its grand opening.
Roadside Gallery and Printing, featuring fine art and photographic prints, will be open until 9 p.m.
On Highway 133, Casual Culture will be open until 7 p.m., Collage Creative Collections will be open until 9 p.m.
At the Third Street Center, the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities presents the work of Lisa Singer, Dave Durrance, Melinda Prall and Karen Trulove. The show “Through a Child’s Eye” continues through August.
The First Fridays After Hours action takes place at Konnyaku (live jazz), Phat Thai (DJ, dancing), Carbondale Beer Works (Mile Markers), Steve’s Guitars (the Farwell Drifters) and Third Street Café (poetry with Cam Scott plus open mic and other possible acts).
First Fridays maps with all the participating businesses are available at various locations around town.
Upcoming First Fridays take place Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2.

Dean Bowlby’s work borders on impressionism and his paintings often depict street scenes in Europe and the United States.

PAC3 presents Patty Larkin

Sopris Sun Staff Report
Patty Larkin is part of the urban-folk/pop music phenomenon that spun off the singer/songwriter explosion of the 1970s, reinterpreting traditional folk melodies, rock, pop and bossa nova, and drawing on anything from Bob Dylan to Dylan Thomas, according to a PAC3 press release.
Larkin plays PAC3 in the Third Street Center Aug. 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at pac3carbondale.com.
In 2010 Patty Larkin released a collection of 25 love songs in celebration of 25 years in the recording industry. Illustrated in the album, Larkin reworked 25 of her favorite songs in an acoustic, “unplugged” release, joined by friends along the way.
Larkin grew up in a musical and artistic family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Descended from a long line of Irish American singers and taletellers, her mother was a painter, her sisters both musicians. She began classical piano studies at age 7, and became swept up in the sounds of pop and folk in the 1960s, teaching herself the guitar and experimenting with songwriting.
An English major, Larkin sang throughout her high school and college career, starting out in coffeehouses in Oregon and San Francisco. Upon graduation, she moved to Boston and devoted herself to music, busking on the streets of Cambridge and studying jazz guitar at Berklee College of Music and with Boston area jazz guitarists.

Carbondale Mountain Fair

40 years of fun

Carbondale Mountain Fair celebrated its 40th birthday last weekend at Sopris Park and the party raged. A special surprise was the Carbondale Renegade Marching Band, which made its Mountain Fair debut with a horn section, stilt walkers, cheerleaders and crazy outfits. Other standards such as wood splitting (left) returned, as did sassy young women dressed up for the
occasion (that’s Ananda Banc on the left and Zoe Kimberly on the right, center). Folks at the drum circle (bottom) proved you didn’t need an actual percussion instrument to join in.

Break dancers showed kids at the Oasis how it’s done (top). Lola (left) and Nina (right) Villafranco kept an eye on the action in front of the Main Stage.

Clockwise from top left: the Gospel Ambassadors got hands to clapping on Sunday morning. Elephant Revival got folks dancing Friday night. The Carbondale Renegade Marching Band had folks cheering as the fair wound down. Olivia Pevec’s stage showcased all the bands all weekend long. And drum circle founder Laurie Loeb (right) officially handed the event over to Kip Hubbard (left) on Friday afternoon.

Clockwise from left: Mitzi Brasier grew up in Carbondale and has attended a fair or two in her time; now she’s showing her daughters Toni (left) and Josephine (right) the ropes. Dancers were blessed with several good drummers throughout the weekend, including Tobyn Britt of The Moon Shines. The Carbondale Starlettes returned to the Main Stage after their debut on the Fourth of July. Rhonda Roberts returned to MC the men’s and women’s wood splitting; former fair director Thomas Lawley also returned for the first time in a while. Matte Curry (left) and fair director Amy Kimberly (right) take a break
behind the Information Booth. And in the center …that’s Kenia Reyna groovin’ to the Sunday morning gospel.

Faces in the crowd were found backstage, on stage, in front of the stage, at the beer tent, the oaisis and all grassy spaces in between. Photos by Jane Bachrach

Memoirs of a River…Up the Crystal

By Charlotte Graham
Sponsored by the Mt. Sopris Historical Society

Marble City State Bank building now the Hub

This “Memoirs” column first began with a tag line that said, “Honoring people and places in the Crystal River Valley.” A dear octogenarian friend said, “Charlotte, if that’s your goal, you’ll never run out of stories about this valley.” Truer words never spoken, Shirley Thomson.

Time DOES fly somewhere

Certainly up the Crystal! Fast forward five years. My first 20 “Memoirs” columns seeded chapters for Volume 1 and are on a few bookshelves here and there. Another 20 or so columns have been printed in The Sopris Sun and insist on their own soft-back book debut — Volume 2 in 2012.
Covering more of the belly or bottom lands down the Crystal River into Carbondale, the second volume’s cover jacket has been already been decided. Chapters are all are lined up under an Internet dot com “out there,” telling me to get some binding glue because some folks still like to read books in-hand; just like this newspaper you are holding. And due to a recent Marble community center project called The Marble Hub located in the Marble City State Bank building, even more fascinating as-yet unheard stories surface nearly every day.
It’s amazing how many generational connections there are between Crystal to Marble, Redstone to Carbondale and to the infinite beyond. Someone smarter than I could probably figure out the comparative square miles of the above and it’s population of “relateds.” Kinda reminds me of what Ute elder Clifford Duncan always says when he comes back to visit his mother’s homeland — “We’re all related.”
The Marble Hub’s National Historic locale and coffee popularity draws in folks from literally all over the world its first couple months so far! Area descendants drop in when visiting where they’re likely to meet other descendents who just stopped in as well. And the stories I hear! Stay tuned. The Hub is rolling along, “Memoirs” Volume 3 is right behind.
Therefore, it’s only appropriate that I sorta-officially start Volume 3 with the story background about this 101-year-old building, now the community’s new city center hub of activity and socialization spurred by the revitalization of The Marble City State Bank building.

This bank keeps giving

Oscar McCollum’s book, “Marble, A Town Built on Dreams, Volume 1” shows a couple of newspaper ads that appeared in “The Marble Booster” in 1913 and 1917 that gives a good idea of the times. The first thing that popped out at me were the names of the bank board president and one of the directors. It’s a historical fact that Carbondale’s William Dinkel and Oscar Holland were astute businessmen back in the day. They also were the president and vice president respectively of the First National Bank in Carbondale, which later consolidated with the First National Bank of Glenwood Springs.
One bank message — “Money in the bank insures you a welcome”— made sense. To give a perspective of the times, Wikipedia gives the short version: “Thanks to an outburst of entrepreneurship in the North and the arrival of millions of immigrant workers from Europe, the U.S. became the leading industrialized power by 1900.” Jobs, jobs everywhere, especially in the Crystal Valley what with marble in Marble and coal operations booming in Redstone.
Four years later, a different bank message: “How you can help your Country.” Again, per Wikipedia; “Disgust with corruption, waste, and traditional politics stimulated the Progressive movement, 1890s-1920s, which pushed for reform in industry and politics and put into the Constitution women’s suffraget. Uh-oh. I don’t know how this quite set with those gentlemen but who said history doesn’t repeat itself?

Easy come, Easy Go

Such was the Marble City State Bank business. Its doors closed in 1918, after the United States declared war on Germany and Italy. That put a crimp in the marble quarry business. It shut down soon after. Most of Marble’s Italian immigrants went back home to fight against the guys they had probably been working with in Marble, who were probably NOT buying Liberty bonds with their very hard-earned “surplus.”
The bank building’s history doesn’t speak much for itself over the decades. It survived the floods of the 1940s that took out most of the rest of Marble’s commercial core. Eventually, the building was absorbed by Gunnison County in a tax sale in 1925 and used as a road maintenance shop.
Based on photos hanging in the bank, its dilapidated condition was apparently more conducive to changing motor oil instead of making change for cash. Marlene Crosby, Director of Public Works in Gunnison, tells of a photo in the county building that shows flattened oil cans used for roof repairs.

A ghost story, too

John Darien became Gunnison County’s road maintenance driver. I’ve always heard stories about how John would conscientiously — and solely— clear massive snow loads during hard winters between Marble and Crystal and down to Highway 133 when there would be but only one or a few residents crazy enough to brave the elements in the remote ghost town Marble had become.
His expertise and job well done was lauded as much as his hermit’s temperament. John kept to himself and died in the bank building in 1989. There is still evidence of his solitary life in his tiny upstairs apartment above the bank vault. A cook stove, wooden ironing board and a chair or two are all that is left of John’s life. Well, except for county employees who still tell of hearing sounds of footsteps and slamming of doors when they’ve stayed over night. I’m not going to find out for myself.
Today, John is honored with a photo next to what is now the original refurbished wood stove behind the counter of The Marble Hub.
Viva la Marble Bank, once again the center of Marble.

For more on this story, go to marbledweller.com.

This Marble City State Bank advertisement is printed in Oscar McCollumn’s book “Marble: A Town Built on Dreams, Volume 1.”

John Darien lived upstairs in the old Marble City State Bank building until his death in 1989. Today, the bank’s vault (which you can see to John’s left) is the centerpiece of The Marble Hub. Courtesy photo

Community Briefs

Youth football camp

A youth football camp presented by Roaring Fork High School coaches takes place at Carbondale Middle School from 4 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 8-10. It’s for grades three through eight. A signup for peewee football will also be held. For details, call 948-8208.

Softball registration under way

Registration is under way for the Carbondale Recreation Department’s fall adult softball league. There will be both coed and men’s leagues. A rule change for coed allows teams of four women and six men. The season will begin on August 15 for coed play and Aug. 16 for men’s. Games begin at 6 p.m. The fee is $400 for coed and $450 for men’s. For more information, call the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center at 704-4190, or visit carbondalerec.com.

Golf tourney slated

The Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion in Carbondale hosts its 11th annual scholarship fund golf tournament at the Ranch at Roaring Fork on Sept. 10 (with an 8 a.m. shotgun start).
Each team will have four players, and each player can bring bring one club to share with team members. The cost is $40 per player and there’ll be first, second and third place awards. A barbecue and awards to follow at the American Legion Post 100. For details, call 963-2381. There will also be a raffle with the grand prize a day’s skiing for two.

Make your Slow Food reservation

You’d better make your Slow Food reservation fast because this one’s likely to sell out. It’s the eighth annual Summer Harvest Social at Six89 on Aug. 29. Some of Colorado’s best chefs will be preparing dinner using locally produced food. Proceeds benefit Slow Food Roaring Fork. A cash bar and auction opens the evening at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $96.89 for Slow Food members and $126.89 for non-members. For reservations, call 963-6890. For info: 963-0205 or passavant@aol.com.

Erhard memorial held Aug. 6

A memorial service for Conny Erhard will be held at the Carbondale fire station at 2 p.m. on Aug. 6. Erhard spent much of her spare time at her cabin in Crystal and was an active member of the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association. She died on May 23. She was 82.

SEI seeks volunteers

On Aug. 13, Solar Energy International is celebrating 20 years of providing renewable energy education for a sustainable future with a community barbecue at the Third Street Center in Carbondale. The event runs from 1-4 p.m. and SEI is seeking volunteers to work 1.5-hour shifts to welcome guests, set up and clean up, serve food and drinks, paint faces, set up games and more. For details, e-mail april@solarenergy.org or call 963-8855, ext. 113. Volunteers receive a SEI 20th anniversary apron, mason mug, and flyer disc.

Obituary

Josephine Schultz

Josephine Schultz passed away at her home on Missouri Heights on July 28, 2011. She was 87 years old.
Josie was born and raised in the coal town of Kipling, Ohio. She left for the big city of Chicago at 17, as America entered World War II. She met and married Phillip Schultz and they had Gloria and Phillip. The family later moved to Columbus, Ohio and had two additional children: Charles and Robert.
Josie worked for most of her adult life, beginning as a grocery store clerk and ending as an executive with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. She experienced first-hand the power of people working together for justice. Josie lived her life in accord with the Golden Rule and as a result enjoyed the support of both workers and management.
In 2004, Josie moved from Columbus to Carbondale and felt very much at home. She loved the many events, activities and people of Carbondale and she was a faithful member of the Eagle County Senior program. She enjoyed her friends there and their many fun times.
Josie is survived by Gloria Urban, Phillip Schultz, Robert Schultz, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceeded in death by her parents Carl and Mary, husband Phillip, son Charles, sister Helen, and brothers Jimmy and Carl.
There will be a gathering of friends in late August. For more information, contact Bob Schultz at 963-3670 or 354 Fawn Dr. Carbondale, CO 81623.

Sopris Park was pretty full as the sun set but there was still room for dancing if you knew where to position yourself on Saturday night. This photo was taken during the band Sambadende’s Brazilian flavored performance. Photo by Lynn Burton