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Letters – August 2008
Sap solution
Dear Editor,
In response to July’s “Single Woman’s Guide
to Surviving in Crestone” article there is a very easy
way to get tree sap off hair and skin. Rub in vegetable oil
and then wash with soap and water. I hope that Ms. H finds
this out.
—Rachel Slack
Thanks for the support
To the Baca EMTs & a supporting community,
In early June, my fiance, Duke, and I were in a bad motorcycle
wreck. Since then, this community of Crestone/Baca/Moffat
has been truly amazing. I’d like to thank all of you
who have donated hugs, prayers, time, money, rides and so
much more.
The night of June 11th was undoubtedly one of, if not the,
worst night of my life. If the Baca EMTs had not answered
my 911 call in 13 minutes, Duke might not have made it. So,
to Treat Suomi, Trevor Hawkins, Hunter Goodnight, Ben Brack
and Nathan Good, I am and will be eternally grateful for your
quick response, proper training and sheer humanity. Also,
many thanks to the anonymous stranger who stopped and covered
Duke with blankets and helped me to stay calm.
Although Duke has a long way to go in his recovery, the community
outreach we have received has been invaluable to us both.
Because of all the wonderful folks (you know who you are)
who have gone above and beyond, I was able to move to Denver
within days of the accident.
As well, I owe much gratitude to every one who is donating
goods or services to the September fund raiser for Duke. Also,
I owe a big thank you to all the businesses that have donated
gift certificates for the fund raiser, and or put up collection
jars.
I wouldn’t have been able to do this without all of
you and your support.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth Hill
Where’s the beef?
Dear Eagle,
Excuse me if I sound rude but I’m compelled to write
you after reading my letter to the editor printed in the July
edition of your newspaper that you took the liberty of editing
the hide, tallow and most of the meat out of. Instead of yaks,
now I feel like it is more about yuk. It makes me sound like
one of those low-rent opinionated hippies who know little
to nothing about reality that people who don’t live
in Crestone think live here. The letter in its eviscerated
form comes off as me being wholesale against fences when in
the original it is much clearer that my impetus for writing
was my concern for the buffalo. I’d just as soon compose
a senseless diatribe against money, old age homes, combustion
engines or any number of other social evils that, even if
sadly, are necessary, as spout one against fences, so bluntly
and insipidly. Actually, in some ways, I’m quite fond
of fences.
Everything is syntax and flow with writing. I cannot call
a baseball game complete in which only the 1st, 4th, 7th and
9th innings were played. We should take your title of Editor
more seriously.
With friendly regards,
Jonathan Dobson
(Editor’s note: Sorry you didn’t like our
edit. We asked you to shorten your long letter. You declined,
so we did it. In the future, we just won’t run any of
your pieces that are too long—thereby saving syntax,
space & grace. —kz)
Thank you from CVFD
Dear Editor,
The Crestone Volunteer Fire Department wants to thank all
who attended the benefit at the Silver Crest Palace in July
and to thank our hosts Allen and Melanie.
—Nathan Good, Chief, and the members of CVFD
Thank you, Kimberly & Happy Fifth Anniversary!
Dear Kimberly,
Congratulations on your fifth anniversary as the BGVFD Fire
Department Administrator. Over the years all of us have known
your kindness and many of us have worked closely with you.
We know you have put your heart and soul into your work and
there is no one who could do a better job for us. Thank you,
Kimberly!
There are so many qualities you bring to protecting our community,
families and beautiful wildlands. Your conscientiousness and
competence, patience and professionalism, groundedness, responsiveness
and humor are greatly valued. May you continue for many years,
knowing how deeply you are appreciated by the community.
Although everyone has benefited from your dedication and
expertise, here are just a few of the many who send thanks
and love your way:
Ann Silver, Amy Priest, Atalanta, Amulya Ananda, Anna Louise
Stewart, Allen LeMasters, Adam Kane, Bon Dellegar, Barb Susens,
Ms. Belle, Bo Wiberg, Brady Hogan, Baca Grande Stables and
Buddy Frank, Ceal Smith, Crestone Charter School, Crestone
Mountain Zen Center, Chinle Beaver, Chris Canaly, Cal Cali
and CAVA, Carmin Teeple, Christian and Sophia Dillo, Curt
and Bernadette Ward, Deb Easley, David Chubirka, David Hillman,
Dennis Neuhaus, Deana and Josh Wilfong, Dean Philleo, Elizabeth
Hill, Elizabeth Czhubirka, Edie A. Lee, Eli and Joanna Dokson,
EileenWilfong, Esteban and Tressa Hollander, Sue Bishop, Isadora
Storey, Janet Woodman, Jeanie Krogh, Jaime Rogers and Amir
Hess, Joann and John Reeves, Jillian Klarl, Jim and Safiya
from the Black Bear, Judie Rose, Julie Addante, Kathryn Van
Note, Kerri Crossett, Katie Getchell, Kathleen Willow, KTTG,
Ken and Lynda Kucin, Kai Beetch, Kizzen Laki, Lonny Roth,
Lynn and Nick Drake, Mark and Karen Potter, Malina Feder,
Matie Belle Lakish, Matthew Crowley, Mary Lowers, Marv Mattis,
Melanie Snider, Mangala Shri Bhuti, Martin Macaulay, Mary
and Vince Palermo, Noah Abrams, Nancy Onizuka, Nada Carmelite
Hermitage, Noona O’Riley, Neil Hogan, Nicholas Carter,
Naomi Mattis, Parvin and Patricia Johnson, Paki and Hobe Wright,
Pam Gripp, Paul Kloppenburg, Ralph Abrams, Robert Philleo,
Royallynn Allen, Ruby Marie Fitzgerald, Shawn Hollmer, Sandra
and Patrick Hammond, Sasha Lovelace, Rachel Slack, Rebecca
Eastlake, Renee and David Hill, Steve Haines, Sue Vaughan,
Signe Ramstrom, Sylvia Hazlerig, Stephanie Gaines, Shumei
International Institute, Sam Pace, Shawn Quick, Tshering and
Ling Dorje, Tilopa, Vicki Matthews, Victress Hitchcock, Winter
Ross, William and Barbara Howell, Yeshe Khorlo, Firefighters
Peter May, Mark Jacobi, Chris Botz, Steve Anderson, Tamar
Ellentuck, Nathan Good, Hunter Goodnight, Joy Hill, Mario
Paes Barreto, Warren Stephen, Cynthia Pearson, and the rest
of the Baca Grande Volunteer Fire Department, the whole CERT
team, Crestone Fire Department, Crestone End of Life Project
and Crestone Spiritual Alliance.
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Controversial creek culvert
Dear community and POA members,
During the first week of June, an environmental tragedy occurred
on Grants Lot 535. Lower Cottonwood Creek runs through this
lot. There is now a substandard, used, rusty, tar-splotched,
18-foot long tank laying lengthwise in the creek. Its thick
plastic liner is breaking up and going downstream piece by
piece. Three plus days of dredging up the bottom of Cottonwood
Creek with a backhoe, operated by Bernardo Quintana, has produced
a road that is in, through, and over the creek. This road
is 75+feet long, 18+feet wide and 6-9 feet deep. Think of
the weight equivalent of a Subaru x 100. Some material has
washed downstream. This road consists of creek bottom that
was dug up and piled on top of the tank.
Make no mistake, this destruction of a unspoiled and previously
sacrosanct creek is extensive, unprecedented and has serious
implications and ramifications for the POA, its Board, and
our membership. The permitting process has failed to protect
our environment or our property.
Article 1, the very first covenant in the Governing Documents
of the POA, has been violated. The original Covenants were
established “ … to preserve the natural environment
and to encourage the protection of environmentally sensitive
areas such as wetlands, wildlife corridors and stream beds.”
What we now have is a road through the creek, built in order
to access what is probably an unbuildable lot.
Where are the required variances regarding setbacks? The
northern border of my Lot 548, which was once beautiful, now
consists mostly of excavation on the property line and even
into my property. There is now zero or less setback in some
places. Apparently there is an equestrian easement involved
as well. Adjacent property owners were not notified as required
regarding such variances. The Environmental & Architectural
Committee, and Land Use Administrator are in an untenable
position regarding POA, County, State, Federal and even international
laws and codes pertaining to wetlands, creeks, wildlife corridors
and streams. No such intrusions into our creeks or wetlands
are acceptable. None ever has been acceptable in the past.
This travesty can not stand! No future intrusion should ever
be allowed to happen! That this occurred at all is outrageous.
Disdain for our pristine environment and fellow property owners
is obvious and requires a certain arrogance and false sense
of entitlement in assuming the POA membership would accept
this action. Total transparency from our public servants is
required. Even politicians are judged by their actions, just
like everyone else. These are not the actions of a good neighbor.
The owners of Grants Lot 535 are Chuck and Esther Grant. On
the POA building application form submitted by them dated
11/05/07, they are listed as owners of the lot. On the same
application form under builder, is listed Architectural Design,
contact Bernardo Quintana. Saguache County records list them
as owners. This is a matter of public record. Denial of ownership
does not remove involvement or responsibility for the destruction
that has taken place on Cottonwood Creek.
Numerous people, myself included, spoke with and questioned
Mr. Quintana on several occasions, once in town at the coffee
shop, and on subsequent occasions at Lot 535. We repeatedly
voiced our concerns about his intended use of this obviously
substandard tank. Its appearance and the installation process
going on at the time seemed very unlikely to meet regulations
existing within the permitting process that apply to creeks
and wetlands. These concerns were directed to Mr. Quintana
before much of the backhoe digging began. Now the damage is
done. Had adjacent landowners been notified beforehand, much
better solutions could have been found. We expect our property
to be protected by those who supposedly represent us. The
exact opposite has occurred. We demand representation that
always follows the laws and the spirit of our Governing Covenants.
This is our right and our ethical duty as citizens of this
uniquely beautiful place.
I would like to quote Edward Abbey: “The most common
form of terrorism in the U.S.A. is that carried on by bulldozers
and chainsaws. It is not enough to understand the natural
world; the point is to defend and preserve it. Sentiment without
action is the ruin of the soul.”
—Terrell Tucker
Controversial culvert response
Dear Kizzen,
You mentioned that an article will cover the “controversial
culvert” and a letter will be printed in August issue
of the Crestone Eagle. At mass today I prayed and
felt that my supporters deserve to hear my side of the controversy.
The culvert located on lot 535 was installed by and is the
property of Bernard Quintana. He has cut the two ends from
a water tank to allow for crossing the creek to access his
property. There are no POA guidelines specifying what constitutes
a culvert. Webster’s dictionary describes a culvert
as, “a drain as under a road or sidewalk for the passage
of water; a sewer; conduit.” According to Bernard there
is no creosote.
Mr. Quintana has contacted several governmental agencies
regarding this matter and has been told that they do not have
jurisdiction. Mr. Quintana has no intent to violate any laws
or regulations. However, he has not been allowed due process
by the EAC committee.
Frankly, I believe this is being used as a personal political
attack against my effort to seek the office of county commissioner.
I assure Saguache citizens it is my intent to support strong,
effective environmental regulations. There is no truth to
the allegations that I am involved in creating unsafe conditions
for man or beast. Please call if you have any questions. 256-5490
Sincerely,
Charles M. Grant
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Cremation choice
Dear Editor,
My father, Dr. Casimir Bielecki, was recently cremated at
the Crestone End-of-Life Project’s open-air site. I
was so profoundly moved, I’m already working on the
documents that will enable me to choose this kind of cremation
for myself.
This experience was no abstract philosophizing about death,
but a deep existential experience of it: a burning away of
the flesh and soaring of the spirit in roaring flames and
sparks spinning into the sky. Gathering the ashes and bits
of bone 24 hours later continued our family’s deep meditation
on passing from this world into the next.
CEOLP supports simple, natural, and humanizing end of life
choices. Everything about the cremation was personal, intimate,
and meaningful. We brought Dad’s body home from the
hospital in our own car and took care of him ourselves. He
wasn’t whisked away from us and taken to some gloomy
funeral “parlor” and filled with polluting chemicals.
We cut the ever green boughs we laid on the pyre from our
own land. We created our own altar to express the uniqueness
of Dad’s life and included his doctor’s black
bag and stethoscope, his wedding portrait, and the last photo
taken of him the month before with the nephews (and the lobsters!)
he loved. We chose his shroud, one I’d brought for him
myself from the ancient city of Jerusalem.
From beginning to end the whole experience was a gift for
our family, our friends, for the earth, which is left undisturbed,
and for Dad himself, who knew we were going to do this and
liked the idea. We are blessed to have open-air cremation
here in Crestone. Many thanks to all the people of the Crestone
End-of-Life Project for helping to make death so natural,
human, reverent, and above all, sacred.
—Tessa Bielecki
Vote for Chuck
Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter in support of Chuck Grant for District
1 County Commissioner. He is the best candidate for the position
because he will represent the entire county. I have known
Chuck since he ran for County Commissioner and won in 1984.
Chuck is knowledgeable, kind, and patient in how he deals
with the public. Chuck always returned my phone calls when
we had county concerns. His opponent only comes by when he
wants a vote.
I hope all Democrats and Unaffiliated voters support Chuck
Grant on August 12. Your vote will help all of us. We NEED
him in office to represent ALL of us.
Sincerely,
Joe Abeyta
Lifetime Saguache resident and businessman.
You can depend on Pace
Dear Editor,
Even before he became a County Commissioner, Sam was on the
street, working on all kinds of projects for the community
as a “civilian,” earning his spurs. After his
election, his fellow commissioners spotted him as a leader
and elected him the Chairman of the Board. You always know
what you get with Commissioner Pace. He’s available
to listen, lead, and represent. A neighbor talking to neighbors.
He’s out there with his hand on the pulse of our community;
particularly, he can be depended upon to vote the community’s
interest on the Lexam threat. Why in the world would we want
to replace so excellent a commissioner? I’m not saying
he’s perfect; someone said the other day that he likes
brussel sprouts. Imagine! But he’s a good man and a
damn good commissioner; he deserves to be re-elected on August
12.
—Marv Mattis
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Politics & propulsion
Dear Editor,
The best reason to vote for Sam Pace? He’s spent decades
living the simple life—and helping many others to do
likewise. An early proponent of solar power, a builder of
basic back-country dwellings, a recycler, a wood-cutter and
manual laborer, and a fun-loving road-show restaurateur. Talk
is cheap, but Sam’s got a lifetime of deeds.
Regarding the gas-saving tips which recently appeared in
these pages: optimum speed for fuel economy for many vehicles
is 40 to 50 mph, however there may be a risk of impeding the
flow of traffic at these speeds. Drive at low rpm’s
in your highest gear without lugging the engine or losing
momentum—when you shift into lower gear you lose some
efficiency. If you drive an automatic you may still get a
feel for when your transmission shifts in and out of high
gear by listening to the engine change pitch or by feeling
the change in forward thrust.
I drive my old wagon between 50 and 60 so it won’t
have to shift down out of overdrive for every little hill.
I’m aware that many drivers are slowing down even on
the main roads.
—Slim Wolfe
Commissioner supports Sam Pace
Dear Editor,
I have had the privilege of serving with Saguache County
Commissioner Sam Pace on several different state-level steering
committees. Commissioner Pace consistently brings a thoughtful,
intelligent and professional perspective to our discussions,
whether they relate to oil and gas development, public land
issues, economic development, land-use or general state and
federal permitting issues. Any county with the good fortune
to have such high caliber representation should be working
hard to keep such commissioners in office. When county commissioners
choose to represent their constituents at the state and national
level, their county’s voice becomes larger, thus creating
greater benefits.
I am hopeful that you will support Commissioner Pace in this
year’s election so that your county and counties across
Colorado can continue to benefit from his thoughtful leadership.
—Trési B. Houpt, Garfield County Commissioner,
Colorado County Inc. Board of Director
Another Commissioner supports Sam Pace
Dear Editor,
As an active member of the steering committees of Colorado
Counties, Inc., the state association of counties, and as
this year’s president, I am encouraged by the willingness
of so many of our members to become involved on the state
and national levels to promote the issues of most concern
to counties and our local needs. Sam Pace is your voice for
causes and issues and needs of counties. He is willing to
do the research, to speak out for his county, and to pursue
the goals of his communities. Your support of Sam Pace in
this election is critical to the well being of all of us across
Colorado. Please vote for Sam Pace, and continue your active
participation in this important arena of leadership.
—Dorothea Farris
Pitkin County Commissioner, CCI President, NACo representative.
Political football
From emails of public record sent to The Crestone Eagle:
Attn: Melinda Myers, Saguache Co Clerk and Recorder
I am appointing Bill McClure as the Democratic Party Canvass
Board member. I have already asked Bill and he is willing
and able to serve. If for some reason Bill McClure cannot
serve, I will serve in his place.
I do not feel it would be a conflict for me to serve. Since
the Secretary of State Coffman is running for Congress, is
he going to resign as Secretary of State? The little influence
I would have is insignificant compared to Mr. Coffman.
I know Bill McClure is very informed on elections issues
and he will be an excellent canvass board member.
Thank you.
M. Esther Grant,
Chair, Saguache Co Dems
Sam Pace responds
I, Sam Pace protest the selection of Bill McClure as Democratic
Party Canvass Board Member. Bill was a candidate himself in
February and has publicly supported my opponent, Chuck Grant.
He is also involved in a lawsuit about an election which he
oversaw as Town Clerk in Center Co.. I also protest the selection
of Esther Grant for the same position as she is the wife of
my opponent in this election and is also the person doing
the appointing. I hope you will reconsider as it would probably
be best for your husband’s candidacy not to appear so
biased in this selection. I understand that the vice-chair
who has three years of canvassing experience has offered to
do this. He has been publicly neutral throughout the primary.
Sincerely,
Sam Pace
Anybody listening?
Based on last night’s POA Board meeting the POA has
a new problem: that what they tell Mr. Hite to do doesn’t
always get done. They haven’t noticed yet that he doesn’t
answer half the questions put to him. His charisma will not
save him from his ignorance of the human element. The mutual
lack of respect between the board and the Fire Department
was obvious. Kimberly’s desperation to give the board
information was also obvious. Since they haven’t talked
to her in six months, issues are piling up with no resolution
in sight. The board refused the Fire Department’s last
ditch effort to communicate with them on policy, financial
and liability issues by requesting mediation. They have been
asking for policy and orientation meetings with the board
for a year now, and in two meetings with Fire Chief Peter
May recently, promised to discuss these issues, but these
discussions never materialize. The final blow to everyone’s
sensibilities was that the evaluation of this sleazy contractor
was delayed by the board until November. You are not fooling
the community Mr Hite, even if you continue to fool the board.
—David Sofia
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