20240509

Happy Mother’s Day

Photos by Klaus Kocher

More moms and babies on the back cover 2024

Bianca Godina and Eduardo Prieto

Dania Marin and Andre

Frida Villalobos and Samuel

Channy Moreno and Brando

Elvira Suarez and Elias

Hattie Johnson and Linden River Snodgrass

Chelsea Kobielusz and Taytum

Fabiola Suarez and Delilah Tovar

Angelina Kocher and Sebastian

Motherhood

Motherhood has been, and continues to be, a journey that started for me well before Finn arrived — with a shift in my expectations when coming to terms with my new reality. After Finn’s birth, I was thrown into new growth, transformation, shifting priorities, fresh new perspectives and delving into my own identity.

I always envisioned one of those easy, breezy pregnancies — I could picture myself, walking through wildflowers with a pregnant belly and that goddess glow, laughing, joyful, and generally in a state of bliss. That was not my experience, although a few of those moments did exist.

The first lessons of caring for another human came in those months of pregnancy. I battled with sickness, extreme hunger, food aversion… to list a few. The lessons of non-attachment and that each moment is temporary were present everyday. It was during those months that I also realized, accepted, and leaned into the fact that I am mothering this growing being and part of that is putting their wellbeing first. So I ate, even when every morsel of food was truly disgusting to me, I slept even though there was so much “to do,” and I let go of who I thought I was and how I thought I was supposed to be.

OPINION

VOICES

RADIO HOUR

By Lindsay Gurley

Finn’s birth was a story in itself, one for another day, and it was the best and hands-down hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It was the toughest summit I have ever climbed — mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually — and it continues to take me higher in life. It showed me that no matter what comes at me, I’ve got this, especially with my people (shoutout to my husband) by my side.

Motherhood is not just an adventure. It surely is that, highs, lows and all the in-betweens. It has also been a reemergence, like I have peeled away all the bullshit, or most of it, and am emerging as a person with way more clarity on what really matters.

Every giggle, every little look, every new experience or action — I am truly in awe. In awe, in wonder, and in delight to see him exploring life and to re-experience all the newness through him and with him.

There are so many little moments that come to mind when I think of my experience of motherhood. So, I’ll share some of my truth, because it’s not all rainbows and butterflies! The doubting myself was real — the amount of times where I had NO idea what I was doing as he wailed, questioning every action I took, it drove me a little bonkers. And then I would remember, or be reminded, that I innately know more than I give myself credit for. Overpowering fear and worry swept over my body once when he rolled off the couch (I cried for 10 minutes, he cried for one and was totally fine). Or how I literally feel like my heart is going to explode when I come home from work and he screams out of joy, giggles and reaches for me, as if I am truly the best thing that exists. Or the gift of nursing him and having his chubby little fingers wrap around my thumb, and his smile when I smile at him. Or the anxiety that took me over postpartum because I love him so, so much. The list goes on.

Motherhood is super selfless and it also has made me more selfish, in a good way. It has cleared out the unnecessary, defined what’s important, helped me remember to be truly present. Most of all, it has shown me that life is magical and to not take it too seriously.

I am still me. I am not just Finn’s mom. Motherhood has shown me that being me, remembering who I am and what I love, and actually making time for those things (even if it’s less time than before) is non-negotiable. I always want my son to know that taking care of himself, his needs, his values and his loves is what will make him a whole and happy person, which in turn will support him to be there for others in a deeper and richer way. So I want to model that, even when it’s hard.

To me, to be a mama is to love greater than ever before and to grow more than ever imagined.

Catch “VOICES Radio Hour” on KDNK this Friday, May 10, from 6 to 7pm. This month’s theme: “New + Expectant Motherhood.” You can listen to past episodes at voicesrfv.org/voices-radio-hour

LETTERS

CORRECTION: Former Carbondale mayor Stacey Bernot’s term dates were incorrect in a photo caption last week. The correct dates are: 2010-2016.

Conducting research

The Carbondale Nature Park (aka the Delaney dog park) is a 31-acre piece of bottom land located about a quarter-mile north of Town Hall, where the water treatment plant currently sits.

I’m researching the dog park’s history and now we are getting somewhere. The Town bought the property from Mesa Verde Associates, LLC in 1999, according to documents at Town Hall. Robert Delaney was the Mesa Verde manager and signed at least one letter to the Town in regard to the pending purchase. Town trustees had knowledge of this letter and thus knew that Mr. Delaney signed it. As time passed, some users began calling the Carbondale Nature Park “the Delaney dog park.” Some still know it as that, while most just refer to it as “the dog park,” which is actually the larger of two dog parks, the other being located near senior housing over by the Wells Fargo bank.

Anyway, I’m looking for any scrap of info I can get about the park’s history and related matters. For example, does the ditch that runs through the property have a name? Does anyone remember when the dog park’s orchid was in the news and whether it’s still alive? I think I remember a boy scout was instrumental in upgrading the parking lot. Speaking of which, when was the portable toilet brought in? You get the picture.

Info, leads, rumors, anecdotes and observations are gratefully being accepted at lynnburton679@gmail.com

Thank you in advance, Lynn “Jake” Burton Glenwood Springs

Just dandy

With dandelions now in magnificent full bloom, it’s come to my attention that some otherwise virtuous Carbondalians are hard at work digging up and poisoning the Bonedale city flower.

The reasons are hard to fathom. I suppose we humans tend to despise the ordinary and the common. But a golden stand of flowering dandelions is not only stunning to behold, but a delight to every boy and girl with a beating heart and eyes to see. What is it that children appreciate that so many grownups completely miss?

Yet it’s more than aesthetics alone. Dandelion nectar and pollen are critical food sources for a myriad of pollinators. Honeybees deplete their food stores over the winter, and dandelions can literally spell the difference between starvation and a nutritious start to a summer of honey making.

If you’re incorrigible, or simply anal, nothing I say will dissuade you from your mission of order and control over nature. I get that. I can’t make you stop killing dandelions any more than I could change your politics.

You should still celebrate Dandelion Day on Saturday. It’s a Carbondale tradition. Mingle with your neighbors. Have fun. And most importantly, take a day off from weed control.

Ed Colby

New Castle

Beaver Lake

Let us count the ways we love this Crystal River Valley. Even if it means “unto death.”

At stake now is the future of Beaver Lake State Wildlife Area (SWA), situated between Gunnison County and the Town of Marble. The state maintains more than 300 lakes in Colorado, some designated for water-based recreational activities, others as more quiet wildlife viewing/ hunting areas.

Beaver Lake has been a SWA for more than 60 years, when it was turned over by the Loudermilk family. From 2019 on, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) repeatedly denied a local commercial business permit for rentals and use of their water sport product on Beaver Lake.

CPW granted the owners permits to operate at other recreational lakes where allowed. That wasn’t good enough. Time for a “work-around.” They launched a rental business just off-lake. When hordes of visitors descended upon

continued on page 26

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003

news@soprissun.com

Contributing & Digital Editor

James Steindler

Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soprissun.com

Lead Editorial Designer Terri Ritchie

Advertising Designer Emily Blong

Delivery Frederic Kischbaum

Hank van Berlo Bartlett

Proofreaders

Tracy Kallassy

Ken Pletcher

Hank van Berlo

Executive Director

Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246

adsales@soprissun.com

Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com

Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke

Lee Beck • Donna Dayton

Eric Smith • Roger Berliner

Elizabeth Phillips • Jessi Rochel

Andrew Travers • Anna Huntington

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:00 p.m. on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.

The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible.

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+

Lee Beck & John Stickney

Kay Brunnier

Frances Dudley

Michelle & Ed Buchman

Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence

Deborah & Shane Evans

Greg & Kathy Feinsinger

Gary & Jill Knaus

Eric Smith

Peter and Mike Gilbert

Patti & George Stranahan

Elizabeth Wysong

Alpine Bank

Emily & George Bohmfalk

Kathy & Carter Barger

Sandy & Paul Chamberlin

Karen & Roger Berliner

Donna & Ken Riley

Gayle & Dick Wells

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly

Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399

Carbondale, CO 81623

520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003 soprissun.com/Donate

The Sopris Sun, Inc.

is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District

OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!

RJ Paddywacks

Cool Bricks Studio

White River Books

Alpine Animal Hospital

Aspen Valley Hospital

Mid-Valley Storage

Colorado Mountain College

Hillary Porterfield

Jaime Maybon

All Creatures Veterinary Care

Carbondale Rotary

SCUTTLEBUTT

Sopris 100 Who Care

Do you remember the Sopris 100 Who Care? Friendship, refreshments, a $100 donation and a deserving individual, cause or nonprofit walking away with $10,000 — who could forget? It will all happen again in a quick and joyful hour at the River Valley Ranch barn on Wednesday, June 5 at 5:30pm. Six organizations were funded in 2018-2020 before COVID interrupted everything. This philanthropic group now looks forward to finding its seventh cause to support. If you’re interested in attending and did not receive the evite, contact sopris100whocare@gmail.com or bcretti@gmail.com

Sweetwater Lake

On Monday, May 6, the White River National Forest initiated a 90-day public scoping period for the Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project Environmental Impact Statement. The proposed action would authorize a 20-year special use permit to Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement and maintain improvements on 832 acres of National Forest lands surrounding Sweetwater Lake, including 488 acres acquired in 2021 through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Comments must be received by Aug. 5; find details at www.bit.ly/SweetwaterInput

Highway 82 delays

A resurfacing project in Snowmass Canyon will begin on May 13. Motorists should plan for a 24/7 single-lane closure on seven miles of Highway 82 with 40 minute delays for bridge work from May 28 to June 28. After the bridge repairs are completed, motorists can anticipate a single-lane closure and 15-minute delays during construction hours, Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm. Traffic

Pettigrew won 3.5 women’s doubles and Johnson got first in men’s singles, 3.0. According to pickleball aficionados, this is quite an accomplishment with over 1,000 players from across the country in the tournament. Winning gold set them up as state champions and qualified all three for free entry into the United Pickleball Championships in Dallas this November.

Taking on the world

A group of local BMX racers qualified to compete in the prestigious Union Cycliste Internationale BMX World Championships, May 12-18. Three cheers for Cole Baxter, Campbell Maybon, Ian Westerman, Max Gunning, Grafton Merriam, and Vivan Merriam. Learn more about Roaring Fork Cycling and its programs for youth at www. roaringforkcycling.org

Jade Morey, Henry Sanders, Coban Sewell and Burton Smith. Congratulations!

Missed connection

“To the stunningly handsome, tall guy from Baltimore that was in the canned foods aisle of City Market around 3pm on Monday, May 6 — I heard you talking to another shopper and I was too shy to chime in, but I’m curious what you were planning to cook and if you’re single,” wrote Girl in the Red Fleece. Missed connections and responses can be emailed to news@soprissun.com

Celebrating student-athletes

Ross Montessori School would like recognize the following students for placing individually or with their team in any sport that has gone to a state or national final competition: Brody Beauchamp, Finn Buckley, Allison Contreras Burgos, Emmy Everett, Hugo Faughn, Ayla Klein, Elijah Martinez, Ben Meuzelaar, Kaytra Moodie,

We are excited to announce, starting in June, we will be offering much more than mobile services! In addition to house calls you can expect in-clinic care, dentistry, surgery, urgent and

They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Cheyenne Booher, Jillian Livingston and Karen CrownhartNieslanik (May 9); Kay Bell, Chris Perry and Damian Sequichie (May 10); Mark Chain (May 11); Dylan Rose Emmer (May 12); Camy Britt, Jimmy Byrne, Megan Cook, Bill Jochems, Pat Noel, Renee Prince and David Taylor (May 13); Debbi Fadli, Paige Gibbons, Doc Phillip and Steve Standiford (May 14); Jenny Cutright, Lindsay Dudycha, Kellie Land, Jonelle Luther, Greg Masse, Feénagh O’Donnell, Morgan Williams and Ana Vega Terrazas (May 15).

Roaring Fork High School’s annual art show is open to the public May 15 from 8am to 8pm and May 16-17 from 8am to 6pm. A large variety of art spanning many mediums will be on display in the school library. AP art students: Lucy Silcox, Audry Lopez, Kyra Reeds, Joleas Haroutunian, Aniyah Johnson, Tabby Galicia and Micah Bays. Photo by Sue Rollyson

New library trustee announcement prompts backlash against the process

AMY HADDEN MARSH

Sopris Sun Correspondent

It wasn’t the “who” of the Garfield County library board appointment, it was the “how” that prompted several people to air their grievances against the Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) on Monday, May 6. Library board president Adrian Rippy-Sheehy spoke up after the BOCC announced Myrna Fletchall as the new library trustee. Rippy-Sheehy said her remarks had nothing to do with the candidate selection.

“I just want to make a public statement that when I was asked to sit [on the interview panel], the only reason I sat up there was because the library had no voice,” she said. “We do not agree with you taking over the appointment of the library trustees.”

She also referred to last October when only one trustee candidate was put forward by the library board but was denied by the BOCC. “If [the library board]

did not approve of this particular candidate, we would never have presented that for your support,” she explained. She added that an apparent lack of trust for the library board was a slap to the current trustees. Commission

Chair John Martin replied that appointments are made by the BOCC, not by the library board.

“That’s the way it is,” he said.

“Well, it hasn’t been that way for 18 years, and I would just question why it’s changed,” said Rippy-Sheehy. “I believe it is political.” Commissioner Mike Samson countered that the decision of the BOCC to make the trustee appointments was not political and that Rippy-Sheehy’s comments are confusing “the electorate.”

“We, the three commissioners, have the authority to appoint. Now did we change the way that was done? Yes, but I think the electorate thinks, why did they just take over and now they’re appointing?” he said. “That’s not

“How do you feel about groupthink?”

the case. The case is we appoint them, correct?”

“No,” replied Rippy-Sheehy. “It’s ambiguous and our attorneys have been speaking with each other, so hopefully we can come to an intergovernmental agreement.”

Carolyn Howard of Carbondale said the ambiguity lies in the library district’s bylaws. “[They say] that the library board does appoint [board] members and presents them to the commissioners for approval,” she said. But, Martin maintained that nothing has changed in terms of who appoints the library board.

“It is a recommendation for approval and [the BOCC] still makes that approval,” he said. “It has always been that way. It has never changed since the district was formed.”

Howard pointed out that the BOCC appointed current trustees.

“You’ve trusted the management of the library, so I don’t know what changed in a very short time,” she said.

Jankovsky jumped in. “Oh, there was a petition of 1,200 people in this county,” he said. He added that the library board is in “groupthink” which drew the ire of Susan Use, library board secretary.

“There’s diversity in the library board. But I don’t think you understand who the library board is made up of, individually,” she said. “It was really Orwellian for you to say ‘groupthink.’ That is a bad, bad word to use.”

“There are 1,200 citizens of Garfield County who put up a petition,” Jankovsky exclaimed.

“Those individuals are not heard and they need to have a voice.”

Pat Bingham of Carbondale clarified, among other things, that the

1,200 petition signatures represent less than 1% of the county’s population. “So if you call it a groundswell, it might be a groundswell of very passionate people from a certain part of the county,” she said. “But I don’t think it represents the entirety of Garfield County.”

Debbie Bruell, also of Carbondale, was not convinced that the BOCC’s stance was solely influenced by the 1,200 petition signatures. “You talked about being responsive to your community,” she said to Samson. “So, are you waiting for a petition? Like, if we get more than 1,200 people on our petition, would that sway your views? If we get 300 people calling you and saying, ‘please go back to how the library trustees were selected before,’ would that influence you?”

continued on page 24

RFSD embarks on journey toward equity and diversity

JEANNE SOULDERN Sopris Sun Correspondent

The quest for equity and diversity has taken center stage in a pivotal moment for the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD). With a student body of 60% Latino students, the district confronts significant challenges in fostering an inclusive educational landscape.

A resolution passed at the April 10 Board of Education meeting marks the beginning of a comprehensive effort to address disparities and cultivate a more equitable system.

One of the key initiatives set in motion by the board is undertaking an equity audit. Traditionally conducted every five years before crafting a new strategic plan, the audit has been fast-tracked due to the impending completion of the 2024-29 strategic plan.

Recently, The Sopris Sun asked questions of Dr. Anna Cole, RFSD superintendent-selectee, and Alex Sánchez, the founder and executive director of Voces Unidas de las Montañas, about the disparities experienced by Latino students, staff and families, along with potential solutions.

Cole outlined a multifaceted approach within the district’s strategic plan that, according to the plan, will “improve staff recruitment, retention and development systems to promote adult well-being, positive culture and staff capable to meet the needs of students.”

Central to this endeavor is the engagement of a third-party partner for an organizational equity audit. “This evaluation aims to scrutinize existing hiring and

staff development practices and offer recommendations for their enhancement, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive workforce,” Cole shared.

Sánchez’s perspective amplifies the situation’s urgency, advocating for a robust response beyond what may appear to be perfunctory adjustments. “If their strategic plan is not bold enough to meet what we’re demanding of the school district, then that’s on them,” he said.

He emphasizes the need for concrete, multi-year plans to eliminate the white/Latino student achievement gap. “We want to see that plan spelled out in detail in terms of the strategies, programs, interventions and resources that are needed. Why? Because it’s taken us a long time to get where we are, and it will take us a while to eliminate it,” Sánchez shared.

an inclusive framework that empowers all parents to participate actively in shaping educational policies and practices.

hoping that we can get them [the district] to say we need a language justice office,” he shared.

Eventually, through our advocacy, we’re hoping that we can get them [the district] to say we need a language justice office.

-Alex Sánchez, Voces Unidas de las Montañas

Cole cited that family partnerships take precedence within the 2024-29 strategic plan to strengthen relationships among schools, families and community partners. “Our Family Resource Center team, in partnership with the district Family Advisory Council (FAC), will develop a toolkit next year of family partnering strategies and best practices,” she stated. Cole noted that the FAC is composed of diverse community members, stressing that solutions to engage Spanish-speaking parents must originate from them.

With Latino staff comprising a mere 12% of the Roaring Fork Schools educators, the district recognizes a critical gap that must be addressed through strategic recruitment and leadership development efforts.

Sánchez urges the district to reimagine its recruitment and retention strategies. “That’s a big challenge that every school district across the country faces,” Sánchez admitted.

Emphasizing the importance of diversity among educational leaders, Sánchez calls for concerted efforts to attract, recruit and support individuals who reflect the student demographics served by RFSD. He said this entails a departure from traditional recruitment practices, necessitating national searches and community-driven initiatives to foster a culture of inclusivity.

Another aspect of this endeavor is fostering greater involvement of Spanishspeaking parents in decision-making processes at the school and district levels. Recognizing the importance of cultural transformation, Sánchez stresses the need for a shift away from “using a deficit model of Latino parents needing services, [that] we need to save them.” Instead, he calls for

Language access emerges as another pivotal issue, with Dr. Cole outlining measures to ensure equitable communication channels for Spanish-speaking families. She explained that the district’s Bilingual Communications Toolkit provides best practices and guidelines for ensuring language access and equity in all district communications. Cole shared that this would be coupled with anti-bias and equity training for staff.

However, Sánchez advocates for even more comprehensive language services. “Eventually, through our advocacy, we’re

Voces Unidas’ advocacy spans legal action, community organizing and electoral engagement. The Voces Unidas Action Fund is registered with the Colorado Secretary of State as a licensed petition entity for the current RE-2 school district recall campaign, demonstrating their commitment to holding elected leadership accountable.

As RFSD embarks on this journey towards equity and diversity, marginalized stakeholders’ voices will be essential in guiding decisions and ensuring alignment with inclusive and just principles.

For the latest updates to the 2024-29 strategic plan, visit: www.bit.ly/RFSD5yearplan

FACTS ABOUT CMC

4COLLEGE DISTRICT COVERS 7,500 SQUARE MILES including most of Colorado’s mountain resort communities.

4EDUCATES AND TRAINS most of the region’s nurses, teachers, firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical professionals.

4OFFERS EIGHT BACHELOR’S DEGREES, 52 ASSOCIATE DEGREES, 70 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES plus a wide range of non-credit programs including English as a Second Language and high school equivalency classes.

4CMC’S TUITION IS ONE OF THE LOWEST in the country.

4FEDERALLY DESIGNATED HISPANICSERVING INSTITUTION - Nearly 30% of students identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Accepting applications now for summer & fall 2024. Financial aid available.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024!

ON MAY 3-4, 55 STUDENTS FROM

CARBONDALE

joined Aspen, Spring Valley, and Glenwood Springs students as they graduated from CMC at the Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs campus. Collegewide, 1,554 students graduated from CMC’s 11 locations during the 2023-24 academic year, a 23.5% increase from the 2022-23 graduating class.

Roaring Fork High sports fields and courts are her stage

Colorado Class 3A AD of the Year honors bestowed on Rams’ Crista Barlow

JOHN STROUD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

There’s a lot that goes into each and every sporting event that Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) student-athletes take part in, week in and week out, during the school year.

Behind it all, to make sure things run smoothly on the home front, or that the participants get to where the game schedule takes them, to everything in-between, is the school’s athletic director.

For the past three years, that person has been Crista Barlow, a longtime youth coach, former teacher and parent of two RFHS student-athletes: Ross (2022) and Jacob (2024).

Barlow was recognized last week as the Colorado Athletic Directors Association (CADA) 3A Athletic Director of the Year. The award was presented at a banquet at Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge on April 29.

Barlow said she was at one of Jacob’s hockey games in Denver earlier this year when she heard of her nomination for the award.

“It makes me happy that my peers thought that highly of me. That always makes it that much more special,” she said.

CADA Awards Chairperson Matt Heckel wrote in a letter to Barlow informing her of the award, “This prestigious recognition is a testament to your outstanding

contributions and unwavering dedication to high school athletics. I want to express our deepest appreciation for your exceptional leadership and significant impact on athletics in your community.”

Barlow arrived in Carbondale 25 years ago after several years of teaching environmental education in New York State. Looking for a change, she considered a move to either Key West, Florida, or out to Colorado where a high school friend of hers had relocated.

“I picked here because of the seasons, and it was just beautiful,” Barlow said.

She met her husband, J. Ray, while exploring the White Rim Trail outside of Moab, Utah, in 1999, and began coaching youth soccer when Ross was 3. She coached and directed the U6-U8 program during Ross and Jacob’s club-level years.

She took the RFHS athletic director job when Ross was a senior and Jake a sophomore on the Rams soccer team that won the 3A state championship in 2021.

“That was definitely an all-star moment for me, both as athletic director and having coached a lot of those same boys when they were little,” Barlow said. “I got to be on the field with them and celebrate all the fun, and just that whole ride was pretty amazing.”

She recalls several of the players commenting after the game that what made it so special was the fact that they

had all played soccer together since they were kids.

“That was pretty cool to hear,” she said.

The athletic director position was a natural fit for her, she said, because she likes being around teenagers. “They’re my jam,” Barlow said.

So what exactly is the job of an athletic director?

For starters, it’s everything from making sure all of the coaching positions get filled for the nine Colorado High School Activities Association-sanctioned sports, paying them, lining up and paying certified officials for home contests, arranging for buses and drivers for away games and

making sure all of the participating athletes have their required physicals and pay their fees on time to support the program.

Fundraising is a big part of it.

“We have to pay for everything pretty much ourselves as an athletic department,” Barlow said, giving credit to the RFHS Booster Club for leading part of that effort. “It’s just a lot of minutia,” she said. Barlow is often the stadium voice at the Rams Field home games, announcing the starting lineups and giving the play-by-play. “I wear a lot of hats,” she said. “Sometimes I’m custodial, sometimes announcing, sometimes I run the clock.” She added, “I take the opportunity to remind people that we’re here for the kids, and to just enjoy the game and cheer them on.”

Creating a safe environment for the students to participate in sports, and keeping all of the necessary equipment up to par is also a big part of it, she said.

From student participation fees, to gate fees, to fundraising on the side with the Booster Club concession stand and special events, it all adds up to support RFHS sports, Barlow emphasized.

RFHS boys basketball head coach Jason Kreiling said Barlow’s efforts don’t go unnoticed at the school level. “I think she brings in some good understanding of sports, because she’s played sports and her kids have been involved, and she really enjoys it,” Kreiling said. “She has the kids’ best interest in what we’re doing at Roaring Fork High School and is willing to do what needs to happen to get kids out and playing sports.”

EVENTS COMING SOON

BRLD Strategic Planning Focus Group May 9, 13 & 15, 6:30-8PM

Are you interested in helping to shape the future of the Library? Attend an upcoming focus group to help us learn what matters to you about your library. Light dinner will be served. Each session will have a raffle for a $50 gift card! Check our calendar of events for more info and a schedule of all upcoming focus groups.

Find Your Best Future College Workshop Wed, May 15, 5:30-7PM Learn how to research and find best-fit colleges and understand a student’s place within the applicant pool. Offered bilingually.

Representing You with 16 Years of Experience

Crista Barlow, 3A Athletic Director of the Year.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Summer Classes

ACRYLIC PAINTING FOR BEGINNERS

Basic exercises to introduce this medium, and create finished pieces from the first class.

Tuesdays, 1:30-4:30pm, 5/21-6/18

OPEN PAINTING STUDIO

Bring ongoing work, or start something new while enjoying the inspiration of other artists. and teacher guidence if needed. Tuesdays, 5:30-8:30pm, 5/21-6/8

BALANCE AND MOBILITY

Consciously activate balance with strength, reflex, flexibility, sensory awareness, and concentration exercises.

Thurs, 1:30-2:20pm, 5/30-8/15

ZUMBA WITH MIMI

Burn lots of calories in this fun cardio fitness dance program with Latin music and rhythms.

Thurs, 6:30-7:30pm, 5/30-8/8

RELATIONSHIP READY

Explore the nature of thought, the purpose of emotions, and your ‘state of being’ to improve relationships to self and others. Mondays, 6-7:30pm, 6/3-7/8

BIPARTISAN PROBLEM SOLVING

Join Bo Persiko to discuss CMC Common Reader “The Bill of Obligations” by Richard Haas. Tuesdays, 6-8pm, 6/4-6/25

MICROSOFT EXCEL

Spreadsheet basics - formatting, printing, formulas and functions, charting, tables Excel tricks. Tues, 8:30am-12:30pm, 6/4-6/11

THE ART OF VISIBLE HAND MENDING

Learn to repair the clothes you love to create a unique piece of wearable artwork. Fridays, 11am-1pm, 6/7-7/19

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER . . .

Carbondale Lappala Center 690 Colorado Ave 970.963.2172

Thinking of a Career in Conservation?

High School, Middle School, and Beyond:

Start now by learning about the animals and plants where you live. Roaring Fork Audubon has FREE guided walks posted on the website RoaringForkAudubon.org and others will become available.

Email us at info@roaringforkaudubon.org for more information.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

CODING CLUB

The Aspen Science Center teaches coding for teens at the Carbondale Library at 3:45pm.

BANNED BOOK CLUB

Basalt Library’s Banned Book Club discusses “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli at 4pm.

FLORAL FANTASY

The Cocoa Club hosts a Mother’s Day flower arranging class from 6 to 9pm. Tickets at www.pollinatorchocolate. com/pages/calendar-of-events

FROG AND TOAD

SoL Theatre presents “A Year with Frog and Toad” at the Thunder River Theatre at 6pm tonight, tomorrow and Saturday. There will be 2pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday. For tickets, visit www.soltheatrecompany.org

JEFF PLANKENHORN

Steve’s Guitars presents Jeff Plankenhorn at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

FRIDAY, MAY 10

EQUITY SYMPOSIUM

The Equity Action Project and MANAUS present a daylong bilingual symposium focusing on topics like anti-racism, intersectionality and language justice from 9am to 3:30pm. To register, visit www.bit.ly/ EquityMay10

ART RECEPTION

The Art Base welcomes artist Jahn Carlos Neri for the “HYPERMNESIA: VR-ART” closing reception at 5pm.

VINYASA + VINO

Kula Yoga on Main offers a flow yoga class followed by wine and conversation from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Drop-in proceeds benefit FocusedKids.

SPRING GALA

YouthZone hosts a fundraiser with food, entertainment and an auction at TACAW at 6pm. Tickets at www.youthzone.com/spring-gala

SYMPHONY SWING Symphony in the Valley performs a “Roaring ‘20s Gala Fundraiser” at the Hotel Colorado at 6:30pm. The event will repeat on May 11 at the Ute Theater in Rifle. For tickets, visit www.sitv.org

CRYSTAL THEATRE

The Crystal Theatre shows “The Fall Guy” at 7:30pm tonight, tomorrow and May 15-16. Sunday’s show is at 5pm.

RUBYJOYFUL

RubyJoyful, a band featuring Andy Thorn, Drew Emmitt and Rob Ickes, performs at Steve’s Guitars with Luke Callen opening at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SATURDAY, MAY 11

HEALING ART

The Art Base offers “Art, Healing, Hope” at 9:30am and 1pm — both sessions will last one hour.

SILT RIVER PRESERVE

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers leads a restoration project at the Silt River Preserve from 9am to 3pm with structured activities for children. Sign up at www.rfov.org

DANDELION DAY

The Parade of Species departs from 2nd and Main at 10am, arriving in Sopris Park where activities are planned from 10am to 5pm. There will be many vendor booths with environmentally-conscious products and live music at the gazebo, as well as a seed swap, education tent, slow bike race and more. Find details on Facebook by searching for “Carbondale Dandelion Day.”

THE LONGEST DAY

Sopris Lodge will partner with the Alzheimer’s Association for a fundraiser from 11am to 2pm with food, activities and music by Rodrigo Arreguin. To RSVP, call 970-356-8764 or visit www.soprislodge.com/events

BRUCE COCKBURN

Bruce Cockburn, “one of Canada’s finest artists,” performs at TACAW at 7pm. This show is sold out!

SUNDAY, MAY 12

SUNDAY SESSIONS

Enjoy a curated playlist by a KDNK DJ Ape on the Dink at El Dorado from 4 to 7pm.

TITO PUENTE JR.

The Wheeler Opera House proudly presents Tito Puente Jr. at 5pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

Monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery in India pour sand from a mandala to bless the Roaring Fork River and the land through which it flows. The monks return to Carbondale May 13-19. Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

MONDAY, MAY 13

BONEDALE BIKE WEEK

Stop by Chacos Park with your bicycle between 7 and 9am all week for free coffee, tea and donuts!

KLR BABY

The Basalt Library hosts a group for pregnant women and mothers with infants from 10:30 to 11:30am. Questions? Contact Kaja at 847-894-6546.

IN STITCHES

A knitting and crocheting club meets at the Carbondale Library at 1:30pm.

BIKE RODEO

The Carbondale Rec Center hosts a bike rodeo for kids from 4 to 6pm. All participants must wear a helmet and have a waiver signed! The Bike Pedestrian and Trail Commission will give away up to 10 bikes to kids as part of Bonedale Bike week.

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE

The Basalt Library hosts a community conversation on challenging topics “to help you practice speaking from your heart and listening deeply” at 5pm. This week’s topic is “My Way or the Highway.”

AIKIDO

Adults and teens are invited to practice aikido, at 13 Moons Ranch from 5:15 to 6:15pm. The same class is offered on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30am. For more info visit www. CrystalRiverAikikai.com

GADEN SHARTSE

The Way of Compassion Dharma Center welcomes monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery in India for a week of events beginning with an opening ceremony at the Third Street Center tonight, initiating the creation of a sand mandala at 6:30pm.

GROUP MEDITATION

Roaring Fork Insight begins a meditation group at 13 Moons Ranch on Mondays from 7 to 8:30pm, including a 30-40 minute meditation, a short break with tea and cookies and a dharma talk.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT

Sopris Lodge facilitates a support group for families, partners and other caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia from 3 to 4pm. To RSVP, call 970-678-0057.

GIRLS WHO CODE

Basalt Library offers a coding class for students of all genders at 3:45pm.

SCAVENGER HUNT

The Bonedale Bike Week scavenger hunt begins at Aloha Mountain Cyclery at 6pm. Registration begins at 5:45pm.

TEA CEREMONY

Gaden Shartse monks lead a tea ceremony at the Third Street Center at 6:30pm.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH

HeadQuarters offers “Financial Strength and Wellness” from 6 to 7:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

ART SHOW

Roaring Fork High School’s annual art show opens today from 8am to 8pm and continues in the school library May 16 and 17 from 8am to 6pm.

STORYTIME

Basalt Library hosts early-literacy storytime from 10:30 to 11am.

STEM

The Aspen Science Center dives into a STEM topic with hands-on activities for kids ages 5-11 and their families from 2:30 to 3:30pm at the Basalt Library.

PUMP TRACK

Carbondale Parks and Rec hosts kids’ pump track time trials at North Face Bike Park with prizes for first, second and third place in each age category. The free event is from 4 to 6pm in association with Bonedale Bike Week.

COLLEGE SEARCH

Basalt Library invites high school students to receive help researching colleges from 5:30 to 7pm.

BIKE WASH

Treat your ride to a MountainFLOW wash with live music and more at Mountain Heart Brewery.

PARADISE PARADOX

The Carbondale Library screens “The Paradise Paradox” at 6pm.

DHARMA TEACHING

Gaden Shartse monks teach about the six perfections of generosity, ethical discipline, patience, enthusiastic effort, concentration and wisdom at the Third Street Center at 6:30pm.

OPTIMAL HEALTH

Dr. Greg Feinsinger teaches about the “best diet for optimal health for you and the planet” at the Third Street Center at 7pm.

SCIENCE CAFE

Aspen Science Center’s Hometown Science Cafe Series returns to Carbondale with El Dorado hosting from 7 to 8pm on Wednesdays. This week’s topic is “Our Unfolding Energy Revolution” with Matt Shmigelsky, owner and founder of Arcos Energy.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

BOOK CLUB

The Carbondale Library’s Third Thursday Book Club takes place at 2pm. This month’s book is “Fresh Water for Flowers” by Valerie Perrin.

MINECRAFT

Basalt Library invites Minecraft players to unite and explore at 3:30pm.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The second Bonedale Bike Week scavenger hunt is for middle school students and departs from outside Carbondale Middle School at 4pm. Registration is at 3:45pm.

RFOV

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers lend a hand at Nancy’s Path, a public trail open to horses and hikers near Basalt, from 4 to 8pm. Sign up at www.rfov.org

BAROQUE MUSIC

Local musicians Sarah Graf, gamba, Camille Backman and Delaney Meyers, violins, and Charlotte McClain, harpsichord, perform an evening of French baroque tunes at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

PIZZA PICNIC

The Carbondale Community Oven will be fired up for a personal pizza potluck picnic from 5:30 to 7pm. All are welcome, though people should bring their own plate, utensils, drink and perhaps toppings to share.

LOUNGE

HeadQuarters offers a free drop-in lounge session from 6 to 7:30pm with journaling and literature. This month’s book is “Scars to Stars: Stories of Vulnerability, Resilience and Overcoming Adversity.”

ANNUAL PLANT SALE

Get your garden growing with our extensive selection of:

Tomatoes • Herbs • Veggies • Annual Flowers

Perennials • Seed Potatoes • Native Trees and Shrubs

Onion Plants and More!

All garden starts are organically grown and are well suited to the Roaring Fork Valley Climate. To see a full list of plants available visit: www.crms.org/plantsale

saturday, MAY 18 + sunday, MAY 19 9 AM - 3 PM

CRMS Organic Garden Learning Center 500 Holden Way, Carbondale

Bring your own box to carry home all of your goodies.

Dr. Scott Tesoro is back in Carbondale and is accepting a limited number of new patients.

WE OFFER:

Chiropractic Care for Sports and Wellness

Dry Needle Therapy

Massage therapy ($120/60 min. $160/90min.)

Physical Therapy and Injury Rehabilitation

Mental Health Support and Coaching

WE ACCEPT SOME INSURANCE PLANS.

While our new o ce in La Fontana Plaza is under construction, we are at a temporary location 1378 Main Street just West of ACE Hardware.

(970) 927-9204 • www.soprischiropractic.com

Gearing up for Bonedale Bike Week

WILL BUZZERD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

It’s time to dust off your spokes!

The 15th annual Bonedale Bike Week kicks off May 13, rolling through to May 18 with free daily events for anyone who loves getting around on two wheels. Festivities range from a costumed scavenger hunt to a bike-in movie and more as Bike Week and its many sponsors bring back both classic events and forgotten favorites for what promises to be another lively week in Carbondale.

“Biking is the force that’s bringing people together,” said Tracy Wilson, one of Bonedale Bike Week’s founders and now its primary organizer.

Wilson, Jess Downing and Dave Downing founded Bonedale Bike Week in 2008 purely “for the love of bikes” and Bike Week has since expanded into a beloved and anticipated part of Carbondale’s spring season. For the past half a year, Wilson has been planning this year’s schedule with the assistance of many others including artist Brian Colley, who created this year’s poster inspired by playing cards. Wilson was quick to say that Bike Week owes

its momentum to local support.

“The events are for the community,” she said. “[And it’s] the community that helps Bike Week thrive.”

While the main events are mostly scheduled for the afternoon and change day by day, cyclists can enjoy free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks every morning of the week at Chacos Park. Bonfire Coffee will provide provisions to anyone biking by the corner of 4th and Main from 7 to 9am.

Additionally, participants will receive a punch card at the first event they attend, and for every subsequent event they’ll have a hole punched out. A raffle will be hosted at the end of the week, and for every hole punched, you’ll be eligible for a prize. Prizes range from biking gear to custom MountainFLOW water bottles made from plants.

The Kids’ Bike Rodeo, sponsored by the Town of Carbondale, starts the week off, Monday, May 13 from 4 to 6pm at the Rec Center. To ensure the little ones start their biking careers on good footing, the Rec Center will host an obstacle course designed to help teach the rules of the road as well

as basic safety while a local expert teaches bike maintenance. The Carbondale Bike Project will be giving away 10 kids’ bikes to those who don’t yet have one to call their own. All participants must wear a helmet and have a waiver signed by a parent.

Just after the rodeo, Ragged Mountain Sports opens its parking lot for a Bike Decoration Mixer at 6pm. Participants can enjoy snacks, drinks and music while tricking out their rides with DIY decorations (think handlebar tassels made of cut-up t-shirts) to bike in style through the rest of the week.

Star events include the Townwide scavenger hunt on Tuesday,

May 14, starting at Aloha Mountain Cyclery at 5:45pm. Phones and helmets are necessary, and costumes are strongly encouraged as groups of two to six riders cruise around to capture photos based on clues. There will be a smaller family division on the Rio Grande Trail for safety, and while this scavenger hunt is for all ages, there will also be a middle school scavenger hunt on Thursday, May 16 at 3:45pm in front of Carbondale Middle School. Kids from all Valley middle schools are highly encouraged to get in on the fun with their best costumes.

Longtime Bike Week attendees might also remember the Spoke’N Word poetry competition. After

PRIMARY REGION’S LARGEST NETWORK OF

CARE.

a few years’ hiatus, the night of cycling-themed limericks is making its return. El Dorado will host the throwback event on Thursday at 7pm and fun prizes are in store for the most eloquent poets.

Dozens of community members and businesses make Bike Week possible, and local volunteers can donate their time to keep everything running smoothly. Early risers are especially welcome to run the daily free coffee table.

Information for how to volunteer and details for every afternoon’s event can be found at www. bonedalebikeweek.org

Shawn Gerum and Mira Winograd search for clues during the 2023 Bonedale Bike Week scavenger hut.

Photo by Will Sardinsky

May 13-18, 2024

all events are free thanks to our amazing sponsors!

MON - FRI, 7-9AM: Free co ee, tea, hot chocolate, and breakfast snacks for all cyclists on the corner of 4th & Main Streets (Chacos Park).

MONDAY, MAY 13TH

- 4-6pm: Kids Bike Rodeo @ the Carbondale Rec. Center

- 6pm: Bike Decoration Mixer @ Ragged Mountain Sports

TUESDAY, MAY 14TH

- 6pm: Scavenger Hunt @ Aloha Mountain Cyclery (register 5:45pm)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15TH

- 4-5:30pm: Kid's pump track Time Trails @ North Face Bike Park

- 5pm: Bike to Beer event with MountainFLOW and Mountain Heart @ Mountain Heart Brewing

THURSDAY, MAY 16TH

- 4pm: Middle School Scavenger Hunt (register by 3:45pm) @ Carbondale Middle School

- 7pm: Spoke'n Word bike poetry event @ El Dorado (save a seat by 6:30pm)

FRIDAY, MAY 17TH

- National Bike to Work Day! Let’s go!

- 4-8pm: Revel Boneyard Bash Community Bike Festival @ Revel Cycles

SATURDAY, MAY 18TH

- 7:30pm "In the Dirt" bike-in movie @ The Painted Pig

A bene t for Carbondale Bike Project

follow us on Instagram @ Bonedalebikeweek

¡Hola a todos!

Me llamo Bianca Lizbeth

Godina Duran y es un placer presentarme como la nueva editora de El Sol del Valle. Permítanme compartir un poco sobre mí: Nací en Glenwood Springs y crecí principalmente entre Basalt y Silt. Además, pasé parte de mi vida en Temósachic, Chihuahua, México. Mis padres siempre enfatizaron la importancia de dominar el español al cien por ciento, tanto en hablarlo, escribirlo como leerlo, y la vida me regaló el don de ser bilingüe. En mis ratos libres, disfruto escribir poesía y explorar mi creatividad.

Me encanta compartir tiempo al aire libre con mi esposo e hijo, pescando y conectando con la hermosa naturaleza de las montañas que me vieron crecer. Ser nativa de este valle es un orgullo profundo, y formar mi propia familia aquí es un honor aún mayor.

Un dato curioso sobre mí es que comparto mi cumpleaños con las mamás de México, Guatemala y El Salvador ya que nací un 10 de mayo, El Dia de las Madres. Este año celebro mi primer cumpleaños y el día de las madres junto a mi primer hijo, lo cual hace aún más especial la ocasión.

Ahora que nos conocemos un poco mejor, les doy la bienvenida a El Sol del Valle y quiero presentarles los nuevos proyectos que hemos iniciado desde nuestra edición número 119. De ahora en adelante, la mayoría del tiempo encontrarán en nuestra portada historias llenas de coloridas fotos que reflejan la vida en nuestra comunidad. En la página 3, les invito a participar en nuestra nueva sección “¿Qué pasó la semana pasada?”, donde podrán enviar fotos de eventos, accidentes o incluso osos paseando por las calles de Glenwood. En la página 4, encontrarán una columna adicional de columnistas invitados, como la que les acompaña hoy. La página 5 da la bienvenida a “Cartas a los Lectores”, donde podrán enviar sus mensajes por WhatsApp (970) 510-0234), correo electrónico (info@soldelvalle.org) o correo físico (P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623), compartiendo experiencias y agradecimientos que otros lectores podrán disfrutar. Por último, en las páginas 8 y 9 encontrarán las secciones más

coloridas de nuestro periódico. Iniciamos con una sección de juegos donde podrán interactuar con juegos como Sudoku y crucigramas en español. A un lado de esta sección, presentamos un nuevo cómic cada semana con un inicio y un final. A la derecha, justo al centro, está el “Rincón de la Creatividad”. Les invito a formar parte de este proyecto compartiendo su arte, la historia de su negocio, dichos y refranes, recetas favoritas, leyendas de su

pueblo natal y mucho más. El Sol del Valle les invita a ayudarnos a que nuestro único periodico local en español sea de la comunidad para la comunidad y de esa manera llegar hasta todos sus hogares como una herramienta y como un compañero, semana tras semana.

Si tiene alguna sugerencia, siempre invitó a los lectores a contactarme a mi correo electrónico bianca@soldelvalle.org o a nuestro WhatsApp (970) 510-0234.

Hello everyone!

My name is Bianca Lizbeth Godina Duran, and it’s a pleasure to introduce myself as the new editor of El Sol del Valle. Allow me to share a little bit about myself: I was born in Glenwood Springs and grew up mainly between Basalt and Silt. Additionally, I spent part of my life in Temósachic, Chihuahua, Mexico.

My parents always emphasized the importance of mastering Spanish 100%, speaking it, writing it and reading it, and life has gifted me the ability to be bilingual. In my free time, I enjoy writing poetry and exploring my creativity. I also love spending time outdoors with my husband and son, fishing and connecting with the beautiful nature of the mountains that saw me grow up. Being a native of this valley gives me deep pride, and starting my own family here is an even greater honor.

A fun fact about me is that I share my birthday with the mothers of Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador since I was born on May 10, Mother’s Day. This year, I celebrate my birthday and Mother’s Day alongside my first baby, which makes the occasion even more special.

Now that we know each other a little better, I welcome you to El Sol del Valle and want to introduce you to the new projects we have started since our 119th edition. From now on, most of the time you will find for the standalone version printed by Aspen Daily News that our cover stories are full of colorful photos that reflect life in our community.

On page 3 of the standalone, I invite you to participate in our new section “¿Qué pasó la semana pasada?” or “What happened last week?” where you can send photos of events, accidents, or even bears wandering around Glenwood Springs. On page 4, you will find an additional column from guest writers. Page 5 welcomes “Letters to the Readers” where you can send your messages via WhatsApp (970510-0234), email (info@soldelvalle.org) or physical mail (P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623), sharing experiences and gratitude that other readers can enjoy and relate to.

Finally, on pages 8 and 9, you will find the most colorful sections of our newspaper. We start with a games section where you can find Sudoku and crosswords in Spanish. Next to this section, we present a new comic strip every week with a beginning and an end. On the right, right in the center, is “El Rincón de la Creatividad” or “Creativity Corner.” I invite you to be part of this project by sharing your art, the story of your business, sayings and proverbs, favorite recipes, legends from your hometown and more.

El Sol del Valle invites you to help us make our only local Spanish newspaper be from the community for the community in order to reach every home as a tool and as a companion, week after week.

If you have any suggestions, I always invite readers to contact me at my email bianca@ soldelvalle.org or through our WhatsApp, 970-510-0234.

Bianca Godina, foto de cortesía

Los superpoderes de ser mamá

Hace 10 meses me convertí en mamá. Ha sido el regalo más grande de toda mi vida. Al convertirme en mamá me he reflejado en mis padres. Yo fui el regalo de quinceañera para mi mamá. Me pregunto ¿cómo unos niños pudieron criar a una niña?

Mis padres, a una edad tan temprana, pudieron tomar decisiones que cambiaron su mundo por el bien de su familia. Me inculcaron la importancia de la educación para seguir adelante. El día de mi graduación de kínder fue un logro para ellos, el día de mi graduación de la prepa fue un logro para ellos, el día que me mude a la universidad también fue un logro para ellos.

Claramente me acuerdo el día que me gradué de la universidad. Al recibir mi diploma, no solo fue una celebración por ser la primera en mi familia en graduarse de la universidad, sino que fue una celebración del esfuerzo de mis padres. Mis papás hicieron todo lo posible para darme una buena vida y cumplir todos mis sueños.

Soy orgullosamente una madre latina, con cultura y tradiciones muy arraigadas, pero con la libertad de enseñarle a mi hija más allá de las normas y tradiciones. Quiero que ella escoja y sea lo que desee en la vida. Mis padres dejaron todo lo que conocían para darme una mejor vida. Ahora yo le quiero dar todos mis logros a mi hija.

OPINION

Quiero que se sienta segura al tomar decisiones en la vida, no importa que tan grandes o pequeñas puedan parecer esas decisiones. He conocido los superpoderes de ser mamá; es poder navegar el hogar, el trabajo, la familia y el bienestar de los hijos. He aprendido a vivir día a día, a celebrar el ayer y confiar en el mañana. Hay días difíciles, pero tengo una gran red de apoyo. Mi esposo es un gran padre y mis padres unos abuelos excepcionales. Tengo mucha suerte de trabajar en un lugar como CMC que me brinda la flexibilidad que necesito como madre.

ELEVANDO EL FUTURO

Se que es complicado combinar la maternidad con el trabajo porque como madre quisiéramos darle el 100% del tiempo a nuestros hijos, pero mis padres me han demostrado que con gran esfuerzo se puede. Quiero enseñarle a mi hija que puede cumplir sus sueños con amor y esfuerzo.

Por Cinthia Nevarez Ruiz

Soy la directora de los programas TRIO Upward Bound de CMC. TRIO Upward Bound apoya a estudiantes de la preparatoria de primera generación e ingresos limitados para prepararse para ir a la universidad. Espero que mi hija al verme como profesional y ayudar a estudiantes y familias a cumplir sus metas, ella elija un camino similar.

NOVEDADES

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Búsqueda de universidad

La biblioteca de Basalt invita a los estudiantes de High School a recibir ayuda para buscar universidades de 5:30 a 7 p.m. miércoles 15 de mayo. Se ofrecerá traducción en vivo gracias a Convey Language Solutions.

Exposición de arte RFHS

La exposición de arte anual de Roaring Fork High School está abierta al público el 15 de mayo de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m. y el 16-17 de mayo de 8 a.m. a 6 p.m. una gran variedad de artes de varios medios estará en exhibición en la biblioteca de la escuela. Fotografía por Sue Rollyson

Retrasos en la carretera 82

Un proyecto de construcción en Snowmass Canyon comenzará el 13 de mayo. Los motoristas deben planificar para un cierre de un solo carril de 21/7 por alrededor de siete millas en la carretera 82 con retrasos de 40 minutos debido a la construcción de puente del 28 de mayo hasta el 28 de junio. Después de que las reparaciones del puente hayan sido completadas, los motoristas pueden anticipar un cierre de un solo carril con retrasos de 15 minutos durante horas de construcción de lunes a

Colorado Mountain College es un gran apoyo para sus estudiantes. CMC tiene todos los recursos necesarios para seguir estudiando con familia. Yo trabajo con familias multigeneracionales que asisten a CMC. Tengo estudiantes en la prepa que sus papás están tomando cursos de inglés o que se quieren matricular. Hay una razón fuera de nosotros por lo cual debemos estudiar, aplicar al trabajo que siempre hemos querido y alcanzar nuestras propias metas. En el camino de mi vida quiero dar pasos fuertes y firmes porque como papás tenemos unos ojitos siempre mirándonos. El nacimiento de mi hija ha sido la mayor expresión de amor que yo he conocido a pesar de todo el amor que me han dado mis padres. Y mi misión como madre es darle a conocer todo el amor que siento por ella. Quiero enseñarle también que hay normas que le ayudarán a ser un buen ser humano. No quiero ser una super mamá o una mamá perfecta, pero quiero ser la mamá que ella necesita. Se que lo lograre a pesar de los tropiezos que pueda tener en la vida porque tengo un gran hombre a mi lado y unos grandes maestros, mis padres.

Quiero decirles a todos los padres que pueden lograr sus sueños. Las noches largas y desveladas no van a durar para siempre. Un día los hijos van a crear sus propias vidas y como papás tenemos que seguir con las nuestras. Colorado Mountain College está para elevar su futuro y el futuro de su familia.

¡Feliz Dia de las Madres, de parte de Colorado Mountain College!

viernes de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m. Los impactos del tráfico se mantendrán mínimos para los carriles hacia el este de 6 a.m. a 9 a.m. y carriles hacia el oeste de 3 p.m. a 6 p.m. Se anticipa que el proyecto concluya en octubre.

Los osos están de regreso

Para el 1 de mayo, los Parques y Vida Silvestre de Colorado recibió más de 100 reportes de actividades de osos en 21 condados. Los oficiales de vida silvestre le piden a los residentes de Colorado asegurar todos los atrayentes de osos, incluyendo los recipientes de basura, alimentadores para pájaros y otras fuentes de alimentos proporcionados por los humanos. “Cada vez que un oso se alimenta – por un alimentador de pájaros, alimentador de colibríes o basura – le enseña a los osos que las personas significan comida”, dijo el administrador de vida silvestre de Area 8, Matt Yamashita. Es importante que los osos que salen de la hibernación alimenten a sus sistemas digestivos con comidas gentiles y naturales como césped, bayas, frutas y nueces.

Celebrando a los estudiantes atléticos

A Ross Montessori School le gustaría reconocer a los siguientes estudiantes por sus calificaciones individuales o de equipo en cualquier deporte que haya llegado a competencias estatales o nacionales: Brody Beauchamp, Finn Buckley, Allison Contreras Burgos, Emmy Everett, Hugo Faughn, Ayla Klein, Elijah Martinez, Ben Meuzelaar, Kaytra Moodie, Jade Morey, Henry Sanders, Coban Sewell y Burton Smith. ¡Felicitaciones!

Embarazo y maternidad nueva

Mi nombre es Marlin González. Soy de la República Dominicana, en la zona norte en un pueblo llamado Cabarete famoso por sus deportes acuáticos. Me puse como meta aprender porque no veía a muchas dominicanas practicándolos.

Mi esposo Martin y yo nos conocimos en la República Dominicana, RD, mientras yo dirigía un programa para jóvenes en la comunidad y él era maestro en una escuela internacional en la RD. Nosotros hicimos muchas aventuras juntos; kitesurf, andar en moto, descubrir playas, viajamos casi por todo el país. Nuestra idea era que ambos enseñáriamos internacionalmente para seguir trabajando y viajando.

Martin y yo nos casamos en la RD. Tuvimos una hermosa boda en la playa, con la familia y amigos.

En abril de 2020 nos mudamos a Carbondale durante la pandemia.

La idea de ser madre fue un proceso de años y de solo sentirme cómoda con la idea de ser madre y los cambios que esto traería a nuestras vida.

Yo nunca soñé con ser mamá, me aterraba la idea. Esto estaba lejos de mis planes. Para mi esposo también. Después que pasaron los años, tal vez estábamos indecisos si en realidad queríamos ser padres. Creo que fue como una semilla que fue germinando hasta que creció hasta que se fue desarrollando mientras más compartimos nuestras vidas.

Después de 5 años de estar casados, nos sentimos fuertes en la decisión y ahora estamos esperando a nuestro primer hijo.

Martin, mi esposo no podía aguantar la noticia y decidimos darle la noticia a nuestros padres y familia inmediata.

OPINION

Los tres primeros meses se sintieron muy solos, llenos de incertidumbre. Estaba tan agotada, mi estómago se sentía vacío todo el tiempo, pero no tenía hambre o quería nada. Solo quería probar, pero todo era desagradable, todo olía mal. Las comidas que solía disfrutar me parecían repugnantes. Ya no sabía que quería comer. Yo nunca como comida chatarra como chips o gomitas.

VOICES

RADIO HOUR

Por Marlin Gonzalez

La gente se sorprendía cuando le dábamos la noticia porque nunca expresamos interés en este asunto o al menos parecía ser broma de parte de nosotros.

Quedé embarazada el diciembre pasado. ¡Qué paso tan gigante hemos dado! La verdad que estaba muy emocionada por la noticia, pero a la misma vez asustada, confundida e indecisa. Me preguntaba, si lo planeamos porque tengo estos sentimientos contradictorios.

Pronto al saber esto, me volví loca leyendo y viendo videos en YouTube, pero esto me daba más ansiedad, sin tener a quien comentarle porque aún era muy temprano para compartirlo. (Aun no entiendo el sentimiento de no querer decir que estás embarazada pero tambien sientes vergüenza o miedo a que lo sepan).

Esto era una preocupación porque ahora tengo un bebe que está creciendo dentro de mí. Me gusta cocinar mi propia comida, comer sano, pero últimamente estaba comiendo porquerías. Me costaba ir al gimnasio o levantarme de la cama.

Estos tres primeros meses fueron muchos cambios hormonales, mentales, físicos y psicológicos. Estaba fuera de mi cuerpo, por eso busqué un profesional para hablar de esto y hablar con otras personas sobre cómo me sentía.

Cada día el embarazo se volvía más real, ya que además de los malestares no sientes al bebe hasta que lo ves en el ultrasonido. ¡Que emoción ir al primer ultrasonido y escuchar los latidos del corazón de este bebe que nadie puede notar! Se sintió más real.

Cada visita se convierte más y más real; desde escuchar los latidos del corazón y ver como se mueve en tu útero, no tiene precio.

Martin y yo decidimos no saber el sexo del bebe. La enfermera nos dijo que estos resultado estarían en los exámenes de ADN en el portal, pero yo accidentalmente abrí el correo equivocado y encontré que el feto es femenino. ¡Fue un poco decepcionante, pero, de hecho, se sintió más emocionante saber el sexo! Conoceremos a Camila el 20 de Septiembre. Poco a poco mi energía está regresando, estoy cocinando y comiendo como solía y volví a mis actividades y rutinas.

El programa VOICES Radio Hour: Embarazo + Maternidad Nueva se transmitirá por KDNK el viernes 10 de mayo, de 6 a 7pm. Puedes escuchar episodios anteriores de VOICES Radio Hour en voicesrfv.org/voices-radio-hour

Se anuncian dos estudiantes locales más otorgados la beca de la Fundación Boettcher

JACKIE RAMIREZ

Sol del Valle

El 1 de mayo de 2024, la Fundación Boettcher anunció la lista completa de este año de los becarios seleccionados en base a su rendimiento académico, liderazgo y carácter. A los estudiantes se les otorgó una beca anual de $20,000 por cuatro años y siguen siendo elegibles para recibir ayuda institucional, basada en el mérito o en la necesidad, de sus universidades. La Beca Boettcher no solo espera servir como asistencia financiera mientras los estudiantes avanzan en la universidad, sino también como un sistema de apoyo para garantizar que los estudiantes experimenten su expansión dentro del mundo académico al máximo.

“La solicitud fue tediosa”, dijo Eli Cohen, estudiante de Roaring Fork High School, quien ganó el premio junto con su compañero, Ricardo Zavala, quienes serán el Salutatorian y el Valedictorian en su graduación de la escuela secundaria. “Alrededor de 1,900 solicitantes, aproximadamente 300 de ellos son semifinalistas. Luego envías dos recomendaciones de profesores y se reduce a 100 finalistas. Después de la entrevista en persona a principios de marzo, solo se otorgaron 50 becas”. Cohen pasó por el meticuloso proceso de solicitud resaltando su lado aventurero al escribir detalles sobre su experiencia escalando al aire libre. Cohen hizo esto como una forma de mostrar su amor y aprecio por el estado de Colorado para completar la pregunta del ensayo de la solicitud.

Además de disfrutar de la escena al aire libre que Colorado tiene para ofrecer, Cohen se esfuerza por integrarse en la comunidad.

“Este año me ofrecí como voluntario en English in Action. Mi mamá fue voluntaria allí durante un tiempo”, dijo Cohen. “Al crecer, vi la tutoría entre ella y uno de sus estudiantes y vi cómo floreció en una hermosa amistad. Intento integrarme en la comunidad”.

Cohen se inspira en su familia que ha asistido a la universidad, como su madre que asistió a una escuela en Nueva York y su padre que asistió a CU Boulder, lo que llevó a su familia a Colorado.

“Los padres de mi papá siempre han estado a favor de asistir a la universidad”, dijo Cohen. “Mi bisabuela fue una de las primeras mujeres en ir a la universidad. Mi mamá dijo que esa fue su única oportunidad”.

Sarah Blazier, de Basalt High School, quien también recibió la Beca Boettcher, se inspira en su comunidad de amigos y familiares, similar a Cohen. Para Blazier, ser otorgada la beca fue un sueño hecho realidad.

“Estoy súper agradecida porque recuerdo haberle dicho a mis amigos que obtener una beca completa era un sueño”, dijo Blazier. Blazier, quien ha sido parte del consejo estudiantil desde que era estudiante de primer año y actualmente es la líder estudiantil y parte del cuadro de honor, busca en su madre la inspiración hacia su determinación.

“Mi mamá, Gloria Rodríguez, de El Salvador, tomó su persistencia”, dijo Blazier. “Mi papá murió cuando yo tenía seis años. Ella tuvo que cuidar de tres hijos sola. Aprendí de su valentía y persistencia. Ser determinada es lo que voy a tomar y usarlo durante toda mi vida”.

Para el proceso altamente selectivo de la Beca Boettcher, Blazier se preparó para las preguntas del ensayo y los procesos de entrevista al tener confianza en sus habilidades de escritura y al reflexionar sobre múltiples entrevistas que ha tenido en el pasado, lo que, según ella, la preparó para el proceso de solicitud de la beca.

“Me cuesta reconocer mis logros”, dijo Blazier cuando explicó lo que escribió para una de las preguntas del ensayo de la solicitud. “Escribí sobre el síndrome del impostor y lo difícil que es lograrlo y no reconocer completamente el trabajo duro”. Sera la primera en su familia en asistir a la universidad.

Blazier y Cohen planean dar sus próximos pasos en el mundo académico en CU Boulder, donde Blazier estudiará ciencias políticas, historia o inglés junto con una ruta pre-legal. Cohen estudiará ingeniería biomédica dentro del programa de honores. Mientras se preparan para avanzar, ambos aconsejan a aquellos que buscan solicitar la beca el próximo año que aprovechen las oportunidades que se les presenten.

“Expande tus horizontes y encuentra lo mejor en tu comunidad”, dijo Cohen.

“Aprovecha cualquier oportunidad que obtengas. Hice muchas cosas que no imag-

inaba que podría haber hecho aceptando ayuda de otros como Pre-Collegiate, mis profesores, mi familia”, dijo Blazier.

“Acepta la ayuda y date cuenta de que no tienes que hacerlo solo”.

“Explora y encuentra lo mejor en tu comunidad”, concuerdo Cohen.

Have Something Available for Rent?

Help House Our AVH Employees

Our new Employee Housing Portal offers you the possibility to list your property or space available for rent to our Aspen Valley Hospital employees and traveler nurses in need of housing.

• Only properties or spaces with a rental rate of $5000 or less will be considered.

• A site visit is required before listing the property or space.

If you or someone you know has a property you would like to list, please contact the Hospital at 970.404.1678 or email us at EmployeeHousingDepartment@aspenhospital.org and provide full name, phone number and email address.

Sarah Blazier, una de tres estudiantes locales que recibieron la Beca Boettcher este año. Foto de cortesía

Two more local students announced as Boettcher Foundation scholarship recipients

JACKIE RAMIREZ

Sol del Valle Contributor

On May 1, The Boettcher Foundation announced this year’s full list of scholarship recipients selected based on academics, leadership and character. These students each were awarded an annual scholarship of $20,000 for four years and remain eligible to receive institutional, merit or need-based aid from their universities. The Boettcher Scholarship not only hopes to serve as financial assistance as students make their way through university, but also a support system to ensure students experience their expansion within the academic world to its fullest potential.

“The application was tedious,” said Eli Cohen, a student from Roaring Fork High School who won the award alongside his peer, Ricardo Zavala. They will be the Salutatorian and Valedictorian at their high school graduation, respectively. Of about 1,900 applicants, 300 are chosen as semifinalists, Cohen explained. “Then you send two teacher recommendations and then it goes down to 100 finalists. After the in-person interview in early March, only 50 are awarded.”

Cohen is the head student for his student council, he is in LINK Leaders, National Honor Society and is co-captain of his soccer team this year. He went through the meticulous application process by highlighting his adventurous side, writing details about climbing outdoors. Cohen did this as a way to show his love and appreciation for the state of Colorado in order to complete the essay prompt.

Aside from enjoying the outdoor scene that Colorado has to offer, Cohen makes an effort to integrate himself into the community. “I volunteered in English in Action this year. My mom was a volunteer for them for a while,” Cohen said. “Growing up, I saw the tutorship between her and one of her students and I saw it blossom into a beautiful friendship. I try to ingrain myself in the community.”

Cohen draws inspiration from his family. “My dad’s parents have always been college forward,” Cohen said. “My great-grandma was one of the first women to go to college. My mom said that was her only opportunity.”

Sarah Blazier, a student at Basalt High School, is also a Boettcher Scholarship recipient.

She draws inspiration from her community of friends and family, similar to Cohen. For Blazier, being awarded the scholarship was a dream come true.

“I am super grateful because I remember telling my friends that getting a full ride scholarship was a dream,” Blazier said.

Blazier has been part of student council since she was a freshman and is currently the head student. She also participates in Key Club and National Honor Society and looks to her mother for inspiration.

“My mom, Gloria Rodriguez, from El Salvador — I take her drive,” Blazier said. “My dad died when I was 6 years old. She had to take care of three children on her own. I learned from her courage and persistence.”

For the highly selective process of the Boettcher Scholarship, Blazier prepared for essay questions and interview processes by being confident in her writing skills and by reflecting on multiple interviews she had in the past.

“I have a hard time recognizing my accomplishments,” Blazier said when she explained what she wrote for one of the essay prompts of the application. “I wrote about imposter

syndrome.” She will be the first in her family to attend college.

Blazier and Cohen both plan to take their next steps in the academic world at CU Boulder, where Blazier will study either political science, history or English along a pre-law route. Cohen will study biomedical engineering within the honors program. As they prepare to make tracks, both advise those who look to apply for the

scholarship next year to take a chance and pursue the opportunities presented to them.

“Take any opportunity you get. I did many things I didn’t imagine I could have done by accepting help from others like PreCollegiate, my teachers, my family,” Blazier said. “Accept help and realize you don’t have to do it alone.”

“Branch out and find the best in your community,” Cohen agreed.

Roaring Fork ladies lacrosse opens 4A playoffs with home win over Rampart

JOHN STROUD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

It’s on to the second round of the 4A state playoffs for the Roaring Fork High School girls lacrosse team, after a convincing 15-6 win in the opener over Rampart Tuesday at Rams Field in Carbondale.

The Rams improved to 10-5 overall on the heels of a pair of hard-fought wins on the road to finish the regular season, 16-13 at Telluride on Friday and 12-9 Saturday at Durango.

Next up is a road trip to Denver on Thursday, where the 11th-seeded Rams will take on sixth-seeded Northfield. The winner advances to the quarterfinals of the 24-team tournament.

“We just need to focus and settle in and play our game, and do what we do,” head coach Drew Kitchell said after the firstround win. “Tonight, we were super crisp and were able to start subbing people in the first quarter, so that feels pretty good in a playoff game to give some of the kids a break.”

Roaring Fork built an early lead on Rampart, holding a 6-2 advantage at the end of the first quarter and leading 11-2 by halftime.

Junior Josie McKinley-Kitchell scored all four of her goals in the first half, with four goals also coming from junior Hailey

Wolfe. Seniors Grace Garcia and Paige Pulliam, sophomores Jordyn Miller and Juliana Pitz and freshmen Marin Weaver and Aurora Cherney also scored.

The Rams grinded it out to score two comeback wins on the overnight road trip to Telluride and Durango, falling behind in both matches before finding their offensive game, Kitchell said.

“We started the Durango game down 0-4 and managed to tie it at the end of the first quarter,” he said. “It was a lot of energy and emotion to beat two tough teams on the road, back to back, on super short rest.”

Continuing to not play in panic mode will be key for the Rams in Thursday’s second round, Kitchell said.

Girls soccer hosts 3A opener

Meanwhile, the Roaring Fork girls soccer team enters the 32-team 3A state playoffs as the 10th seed, taking on No. 23 Longmont at Rams Field Thursday evening, 5pm.

The Rams concluded the regular season on Thursday, May 2 with a 3-1 win at Aspen. Junior

Emma Charters had two goals, and sophomore Maya Lindbloom had one.

Roaring Fork finished the regular season at 8-4-3 overall and 5-1-1, taking second to Delta in the 3A Western Slope League.

Baseball

Roaring Fork baseball also winds up the regular season this week, with an eye on a possible 3A regional berth.

The Rams lost 12-0 Wednesday, May 1 at home to Rifle, then won 17-8 at Moffat County on Saturday. A Tuesday game that was to be played at Coal Ridge was postponed due to the weather.

At 9-11 overall and 4-2 in league play, the Rams held the 32nd spot in the 3A state rankings this week, with 32 teams earning a trip to regionals.

The Rams are scheduled to play Cedaredge at home Thursday, 3pm, and take on North Fork at 11am Saturday, also at home.

Track and Field

The Friday-Saturday 3A Western Slope League Track and Field Championships in Grand Junction saw several Roaring Fork athletes score team points and improve their season – and personal-best times and marks in their respective events.

continued on page 26

Eli Cohen is one of three local students to receive the Boettcher Scholarship this year. Courtesy photo

Western Slope League 3A basketball honors: Erica Crownhart (Honorable Mention), Riley Bevington (All League), Nikki Tardif (All League), Noel Richardson (All Conference, All State Honorable Mention), Lelaney Gardensani (Honorable Mention), Jake Barlow (All State Honorable Mention and 4A Mountain League All Conference hockey), Carley Crownhart (All League, All State Honorable Mention), Mike Vidakovich (girls basketball Coach of the Year). Not pictured: Ethan Wilson (All Conference), Kiko Pena (All Conference), Lucas Carballeira (Honorable Mention). Photo by Sue Rollyson

Say ‘hello’ to 3 B’s Bakery

MYKI JONES Sopris Sun Correspondent

On May 3, Carbondale’s First Friday Block Party welcomed a new family-owned small business to Main Street that will surely excite those with a sweet tooth. 3 B’s Bakery, run by Lauren Poleski McCourt and her husband, Peter, opened its doors to the public after four years of preparation: securing a spot, working out a plan, finalizing staff and deciding on menu staples. One factor that delayed the opening, Lauren shared, was the arrival of their daughter, Mable.

Some menu staples include classics like chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, brownies, blondies, cheesecake bars, assorted cupcakes, muffins and specialty cakes and sweets for any occasion upon request.

The business name was inspired by the family’s cats, Beauchevious, Braylie and Barnaby, depicted in a cartoon portrait on a shop shelf. Lauren has been baking since her early 20s, when she started participating in charity bake sales with her sister and friend back in Texas, her home state. After getting involved in these charity events that raise tens of thousands of dollars, the idea of having her own bakery was planted.

When asked what the secret to her skill is, Lauren mentioned her satisfaction whenever a recipe comes together.

“I’m a firm believer that if you can read, you can bake. There is really no secret to it. I have always been a math person; I like to have a thing that I need to do and do it correctly. It’s just so meditative to me because once I’ve completed something, I get this feeling of ‘oh, I did it,’” Lauren stated.

The family has lived in the Valley for about seven years, having moved here in 2017. Lauren comes

from the Dallas/Fort Worth area and Peter is from northern New Jersey. The two met on Lauren’s first day at the Carbondale Rodeo and they subsequently fell in love. After welcoming their daughter into the world and after Peter left his other job to pursue this adventure with his wife, they are excited to see their labor of love come to fruition.

“Moving out here saved my life in a lot of ways,” Lauren stated, “and I’m excited to give back to [the community] … to make my little footprint on Carbondale.”

The building process for the bakery took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after that dissipated, Lauren was deeply involved with the collaboration between her husband and contractors to finalize plans. Meanwhile, being a stay-at-home parent for the first year of her daughter’s life was conducive to her creative process.

“I’ve been able to play with recipes for four years, work out kinks and learn to be creative,” she said. “Sometimes in baking, the creativity gets lost in the perfection, but being able to meld those together and give myself the space to do so has been rewarding,” she stated.

Part of her challenge involved learning to perfect her recipes at a high altitude and changing things to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities and intolerances.

“For the last couple of years, I’ve been able to make each and every one of my recipes glutenfree if I want to. My sister-in-law and a friend of mine are both gluten-free, and I had never baked gluten-free before diving into this, so it was fun to have them there suggesting what I could make,” Lauren said.

Compassion Week with the Tibetan Monks

3 B’s Bakery is now open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm at 234 Main Street. For more information, call 970-340-9340 or visit www.3bsbakery.com

Peter and Lauren McCourt with their daughter, Mable, at 3 B’s Bakery. Courtesy photo

Age-Friendly Carbondale determined to improve 133 safety

RALEIGH BURLEIGH

Sopris Sun Editor

After a year of gathering and analyzing data, Age-Friendly Carbondale presented findings before the Bike Pedestrian and Trails Commission on Monday, May 6. Their “Highway 133 Dangerous as Designed” survey yielded more than 500 responses and 61% of those said it’s not convenient to cross 133 when not in a car; 55% reported feeling unsafe crossing 133 and 98% said they worry about children crossing.

There are stretches of the highway, including one with Ross Montessori School at its center, where a person must travel a quarter mile or more to legally cross. More commonly, people jaywalk instead.

The report goes into detail regarding the following areas, ordered by priority: the roundabout, Hendrick Drive and Sopris Avenue, City Market, the Ross Montessori School area, Dolores Way, River Valley Ranch, Village Road. Suggestions include upgraded crosswalks, traffic calming features and lowered speed limits.

“We are asking you to be bold, to make the changes the community wants to see happen,” Niki Delson told the commission, which makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees. She called Highway 133 a “stroad” — neither a road nor a street — and compared it to a futon, “both a couch and bed, not good as either one.”

Delson cited a 2013 Access Control Plan (ACP) by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) that acknowledges the lack of locations to safely cross 133, with large distances between signaled intersections. The ACP noted, “One possible solution could be the addition of safe crossings at midblock locations throughout the corridor.

The design and placement of these crossings is not within the scope of an ACP. The project team worked with the Town, however, to ensure that the final recommendations of the ACP would not limit the possibility that the Town and CDOT could work together in the future to implement marked pedestrian/bicyclist crossings along the corridor.”

“[Highway 133] favors cars over people and is inconsistent with our stated aspirations and articulated vision for the town,” Delson stated. “Fix Highway 133. Death and serious injury are unacceptable. Safety has to be proactive.” Sue Zislis pointed out that in previously-contracted safety studies no reference was made regarding accessibility for people with disabilities.

In response to the presentation, Larry Ballinger, a former Carbondale public works director, offered some history. First, he said, “I cross Highway 133 quite a bit. I have no problems at all.” In 2001, he explained, Carbondale was selected for state funding to rebuild Highway 133. According to Ballinger, CDOT wanted to build a four-lane highway with

limited access to businesses and residential areas. He said the Town fought hard for the highway we got and implied it could be worse.

The Town recently undertook its own Mobility and Access Plan (MAP) survey and that report is nearly completed. The Bike Pedestrian and Trails Commission will meet again this month to review the draft MAP document. Asked if Age-Friendly Carbondale’s plan could be embedded into the MAP, Delson replied, “We were concerned about that in the very beginning.” She said that volunteers put “heart, soul and commitment” into their report, and she wouldn’t want to see it just sit on a shelf. “I’m not going to be an appendix. I don’t even have an appendix,” she said.

You can view the presentation on the Town’s YouTube channel (www.bit.ly/133-presentation) or attend the May 23 Planning and Zoning meeting where the presentation will be repeated. Age-Friendly Carbondale plans to address the Board of Trustees in June. Their report is available for public review at www.bit.ly/133-Report

Happy Mothers Day

UNBEATABLE VALUE PER SQ. FT.

NEW CASTLE Wanting space to spread out and get the best price per sq foot deal that the area has to offer? This exceptional 4,658 sq. ft. home, boasting a complete mother-in-law suite, backs up to BLM land, offering unparalleled privacy and access to nature.

$1,072,000 | 6 BED, 4.5 BATH | MLS# 183541

NEW BUILD WITH SOPRIS VIEWS

GLENWOOD SPRINGS Breathtaking views of Mount Sopris greet you from every room in this brand-new, elegant ranch-style home. Enjoy the serenity of unmatched privacy from one of the largest lots in the subdivision (4.69 Acres).

$2,265,000 | 3 BED, 3 BATH | MLS# 183329

Having sold over 100 homes in the Roaring Fork Valley. Experience and knowledge do matter.

PROTECTED VIEWS OF SOPRIS

CARBONDALE Protected views of Sopris and at the end of a cul-de-sac near the back gate to Aspen Glen so no need to get onto Hwy 82. Enjoy the amenities of Aspen Glen. Survey and Soil test included.

$305,000 | 0.34 ACRES | MLS# 179274

“Traffic calming features” by Larry Day

screens ‘The Paradise

it back and show it again,” Hollingsworth stated. “People love living here, and they work hard to live here. The idea with this screening is that it can be a conversation starter which can help get people thinking about their mental health, how the community can help or how they can find resources for help.”

Tracy Kallassy, the branch’s manager, explained that the decision to show the documentary came after conducting community interviews last fall. During these interviews, they learned that mental health is a challenge in the community. Kallassy stated, “We learned that mental health is one of facing here are shared by many other mountain communities.” She continued, “‘The Paradise Paradox’ explores the mental health crises towns like ours are experiencing and highlights some innovative solutions that have been developed in Eagle [County]. It’s such an important topic, and we all need to be involved in the solution.”

“The Paradise Paradox” film screening

Courtesy graphic

AVLT hosts pay-what-you-can Springfest

RALEIGH BURLEIGH

Sopris Sun Editor

Springfest is returning on Sunday, May 19. This Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) event began in 2019 and was skipped over in 2020 and 2021. For its fourth iteration, the team at AVLT has decided to drop the ticketed model and instead allow families and individuals to pay what they can to attend. Registration is requested at www.avlt.org/springfest

“We believe to fulfill our conservation mission we need to make it possible for the whole community to connect with the land, and to connect with each other on the land,” stated Jeff Davlyn, AVLT philanthropy director. AVLT has committed to pursuing accessibility and inclusion within its mission “to protect the open land and special places of the Roaring Fork and middle Colorado River valleys for wildlife, agriculture and community, forever.”

With Spanish interpretation assured, the bilingual event will bring people of all ages together for a fun day at Strang Ranch with lunch by Taquería El Yaqui, ranching demonstrations, activities for the kids and live music by Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets. A complimentary shuttle service will take attendees from downtown Carbondale directly to the ranch, picking folks up at the dirt lot at 4th and Colorado across from Town Hall.

Based on the cost to AVLT for putting on the event, adults are encouraged to donate $25 each and $10 for kids under 12. “If you are able, please consider sharing the cost

of this event by making a gift,” the website states. Dogs are to be left at home, given the nature of a working ranch. Coolers, chairs and blankets, however, are all welcome. Roaring Fork Hounds Pony Club, Smiling Goat Ranch, Carbondale Arts and Farm Collaborative will each bring their expertise to the party.

Strang Ranch is the ideal place to host it, protected in partnership with AVLT since 2003. The Strang family has owned the Missouri Heights property since 1965. It serves as an occasional hub for community events including the National Sheepdog Finals and boasts a panoramic view of the Elk Range. Some people may remember a “land dance” fundraiser AVLT previously hosted at this same location.

“I would say, for my mom — who’s 90 — her pleasure in life is to share that property with other people, and have other people come and enjoy it and get a taste of

IN A NUTSHELL:

When: May 19, 11am to 2pm

Where: Strang Ranch, 393 Cty. Rd. 102

Why: In celebration of local agriculture

Cost: Recommended donation of $25 for adults, $10 for kids under 12

Tickets: www.avlt.org/springfest.html

that kind of real ranching existence,” said Scott Strang. “It’s always been important to us as a family.”

Scott is proud to be transitioning a sod farm on the ranch to more of a regenerative model this year. “I’ve always hated the sod farm, just from the standpoint of ecology,” he told The Sopris Sun. “Sod farming is not really farming. It’s more like strip mining. You’re selling your topsoil, which any self-respecting farmer would never do.”

After 47 years of growing bluegrass, over 40 acres will be carefully coaxed back to health. “To me, ‘regenerative ag’ is kind of a buzzword,” Scott said. He understands it to mean responsible grazing management and the use of permaculture principles, and he will rely on local experts for help. Regarding the conservation easement, he said that between his siblings and mother, “we were extremely invested in the idea that the place would never become a subdivision.” It wasn’t an easy process, but AVLT helped the Strangs acquire sellable tax credits which convinced his father to get onboard with the plan. Scott has strong feelings about keeping the ranch in agriculture and “raising kids in that way of life” which he described as an intimacy with the landscape, seasons and livestock. This “produces a kind of person that society needs,” he said.

In his view, conservation easements are “a way for farmers to keep farming without having to look at ‘the final option.’” He offered a cynical joke, “The last crop a farm ever produces is a subdivision.”

In 2022, AVLT set the goal of helping to conserve more than 40,000 acres in 10 years. In 2023 alone, the nonprofit was able to count 1,100 acres toward that aim. “We think the world of AVLT,” said Scott. “Their work is so important.”

As Carly Bolliger, AVLT communication and engagement director, summarized, “It’s a feel-good, lovely event to kick off the summer.” For special accommodations or questions, Bolliger can be reached at carly@avlt.org or 970-963-8440.

Carly Bolliger, AVLT communication and engagement director, scopes out Strang Ranch ahead of Springfest. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Running wild

The 11th annual Rams Run fundraiser for Crystal River Elementary School sports equipment and specials programs was all smiles on Friday, May 3. This year, 18 sponsors stepped up, with Premier Party Rental as the title sponsor. Proceeds will help kids enjoy ice skating, cross country skiing, gymnastics and more!

Photos by Sue

Rollyson

We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests

HOSTED AT SPRING CREEKS RANCH

Culinary Delights by Renowned local Chef Mark Fischer PLATES made by Celebrated ceramicists alleghany meadows & sam harvey PERFORMANCEs FROM THUNDER RIVER THEATER AND Mt Cirque Entertainment

Online aspenhospital.org/health-fair, or by phone 1.800.217.5866

Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm

June 7 & 8

ASPEN

Aspen Valley Hospital Campus Hosted at Aspen Ambulance 0403 Castle Creek Road

June 9

EL JEBEL Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Drive

Lab Tests Offered

• HealthScreen w/CBC – $79

Includes CBC, CMP, Ferritin, Iron Panel, Lipid Panel, TSH and Uric Acid (Fasting Required)

• hsCardio CRP – $42

– $32 By appointment only 8-11:30 am

• Hemoglobin A1C & EAG – $44

Keeping the party safe this summer

In honor of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, May 7, I’d like to call attention to growing concerns around overdose and the impact illegal fentanyl has in rural Colorado. Over the past few years, we’ve continued to lose friends, loved ones and neighbors to fentanyl overdoses in our community, often through unknown contamination in other drugs. Fentanyl continues to take the lives of more and more Coloradans every year, with younger and younger individuals being affected. Fentanyl overdoses have occurred in restaurants, schools and other public places across the Western Slope. Carrying naloxone, also known as Narcan, is the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and our fellow community members.

across the state, particularly those who attend concerts and/or work in the resort and service industries. These fields have been saturated with substance use for decades and they continue to be at high risk for fentanyl exposure and overdose.

GUEST OPINION

There has been a lot of confusion over where and how many of these fentanyl overdoses happen. Fentanyl is being illicitly manufactured in the form of a white powder that can easily contaminate other drugs in a powder, crystal or pill form. We’ve had many reports over the past year of drugs like cocaine, MDMA and meth being contaminated in Western Colorado, as well as many recent Narcan uses at concerts and other events. Cannabis and vapes do not burn hot enough for fentanyl contamination to be possible, but it’s still better to be proactive and have preventative tools like Narcan on hand in case of an emergency.

We want everyone to be aware of the risks associated with using drugs like cocaine or any pills bought on the street or online. We encourage folks to obtain free fentanyl test strips for drug checking and free Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses. We never know exactly what someone took, and Narcan has no effect if a person is not experiencing an opioid overdose. You can get free supplies, education and support from High Rockies Harm Reduction (see our service schedule at www.highrockiesharmreduction.com). Narcan is also available for free at many public health departments and covered by most insurances as an over-the-counter medication at major pharmacies!

HIGH ROCKIES HARM REDUCTION

By Maggie Seldeen

High Rockies Harm Reduction works in collaboration with public health and safety departments across the state and Western Slope to promote prevention resources and get people the tools they need to stay safe when recreating or medicating with pills or powder drugs. In collaboration with other campaigns, like Keep the Party Safe (keepthepartysafe.org), we work to provide Narcan and fentanyl test strips, as well as relevant education and training, to people

Fentanyl is much stronger than other opioids and we have less time to respond with Narcan than in traditional overdoses from drugs like heroin or morphine. That’s part of why it’s so important for as many people as possible to carry Narcan, especially at big events where it can be difficult for first responders to move through a crowd. It’s also important to remember that all first responders carry Narcan and there are laws in Colorado that protect you if you use Narcan and call 911 to report an overdose. We hope that folks take the steps to protect themselves and each other so we can all have a fun and safe spring and summer!

Maggie Seldeen is the founder and director of High Rockies Harm Reduction. She was raised and currently lives in Carbondale.

Samson dug in his heels. “I’m not going to change my mind that I really think it’s important to remove such materials from easy access to minors,” he said.

In other news

The BOCC heard updates and funding requests from local organizations. Andrew Browning of the Western States and Tribal Nations Natural Gas Initiative, a coalition promoting natural gas in the western U.S. and Canada, talked about the natural gas market. The BOCC approved the $5,000 annual membership fee on the spot. Commissioners honored a request from Sheriff Lou Vallario for two full-time mental health and substance abuse treatment positions at the jail paid for by a state grant. They approved the consent agenda, a liquor license for the 2024 Carbondale Wild West Rodeo and the final plat and land use change permit for the Cooper Minor Subdivision behind the Glenwood Springs Mall. They appointed Ken Brenner of Steamboat Springs to represent Garfield County on the White River, Yampa River and Green River Basin Roundtable. Commissioners also authorized a resolution to join litigation against the State of Colorado initiated by Douglas and El Paso counties last month. At issue are two state laws. HB 19-1124, signed into law five years ago, prohibits law enforcement officers from honoring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, it also prohibits probation employees from providing personal information about individuals to federal immigration authorities. HB 23-1100, which became law last summer, bans local governments, including county sheriffs, from contracting with the federal government to detain immigrants. The lawsuit claims the laws are unconstitutional. GARCO from page 4

Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com

Spring Rain

By Megan Flood

I woke up late today, saturated with sleep. the expanse of the day is wide and open, just me and the rain. ok, there is laundry, and dishes, and homework waiting in the corner. but outside in our backyard spring keeps drenching the ground. rain and rain and rain gray skies, chilly breeze. and the apricot tree beginning to blossom.

Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com

Bon Voyage, Mom

By Jeanne Souldern

In the spring of 2001, I drove with my 9-year-old daughter, Abby, to Red Wing, Minnesota, my mom’s hometown nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River.

My mom and her three sisters grew up in a Lutheran children’s home in Red Wing in the 1930s. Noting that this was during the Great Depression, my mom said they were well-cared for, with three meals a day, warm beds, a present at Christmas and a cake for your birthday.

On this trip, I carried my mom’s ashes in a plain wooden box, intending to scatter them in Red Wing on her birthday. As we reached the town park by the Mississippi River, sightseers crowded the area. Moving to a quieter spot, Abby watched as I released the ashes into the water, bidding my mom farewell with a hopeful “Bon voyage, Mom.”

My mom had dreamed of exotic travels to places like New York City and Paris, but our family vacations were modest accommodations at a cabin in the northern Minnesota pines.

I knew the Mississippi River’s dependable depths would be the appropriate vessel for her nautical journey. From there, her ashes would flow to the Gulf of Mexico, be swept into the Gulf Stream, and then hug the coast of Caribbean islands before making a final push into the Atlantic Ocean to visit places she had only seen in Life magazine and the black-and-white romance films of the 1950s.

Years later, reading Joan Didion’s “The Year of Magical Thinking,” I came to understand magical thinking — those blurred boundaries between reality and imagination that serve as a refuge from grief.

Over two decades have passed since my mom’s ashes began their voyage, and I imagine her traveling light, embracing new experiences along the way. For me, my mom is being carried by currents of memory and love, forever exploring our big old world.

And so she goes ...

And so she goes on ...

And the winner is... WindWalkers! Spring Creeks Ranch in Carbondale was the perfect backdrop for the Kentucky Derby Party on May 4, the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser. The event was packed with men, women and some children, all wearing a diverse assortment of hats. Photo by Jane Bachrach

A cloud of hail drifts over Basalt Mountain in early May.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Beaver Lake in 2019-2020 and since, there were complaints to CPW for not providing enough toilets or sufficient parking, demanding more trash receptacles.

Locals noted that last Fourth of July reportedly had more than 200 people on

In 2023, CPW announced a moratorium at Beaver Lake from Aug. 2, 2023 to Aug. 2, 2024, returning to strict SWA guidelines “until under better control.”

At a Town of Marble meeting in September 2023, CPW representatives stated, “The state is under audit to bring all SWAs into compliance. Currently, Beaver Lake is at 95% non-compliance.”

Of concern today, an announcement on a public Crystal Valley Facebook page penned by one aggrieved business owner speaking as the Marble Chamber encouraged everyone to contact CPW during the moratorium about their

Inevitably, there were remarks/jokes alluding to going out and doing more of the same illegal activities. To reach 100% noncompliance? Force the hand? If the jokers prevail, we may all learn the hard way why we can’t have nice

To those who knew and love Beaver Lake as the quiet family-fishing lake of old, you too can express your opinions about the future of this fragile Crystal

But please don’t wait. Call or email today CPW Area 8 representative Matt Yamashita: 970-947-2927,

Charlotte Graham (formerly of Marble)

The recently released Colorado Commission Report on Property Tax contained a number of ideas for reducing future property tax increases including: #1 adjusting the assessment rate downward if property values increase too much; #2 spreading out monthly payments over a 12-month cycle; #3 making all residential properties eligible for a homestead value reduction; #4 implementation of a property tax increase control mechanism such as Consumer Price Index plus population growth; and #5 citizen approval for property tax increases that exceed a specific

All well and good, but my question, to quote the legendary Clara Peller of Wendy’s hamburger fame, is — “Where’s

SPORTS from page 17

the beef?” Where is the relief for the 25% unvoted-upon 2024 property tax increase that was recently levied on Colorado property tax-payers? Where is the money that should rightfully be refunded? To quote the car dealer’s famous line from “Breaking Away” — “Refund? What refund?” There is no mention of a refund anywhere in the Commission Report, and yet it should be a fairly simple matter to calculate the size of the refund. Calculate the difference between the 2024 Social Security taxpayer income increase of 3% and the 25% property tax increase and refund the difference to the property taxpayers. The county treasurers would send out a bill to the various taxing authorities for the return of the excess taxes (approximately 88% of the tax increase sent to the taxing authorities) and then return the money back to the taxpayers in the form of a check or credit against ‘25 taxes.

Property taxpayers in Colorado will be looking closely to see if the Colorado Property Tax Commission can find the “beef” they left out of their report.

Mike Meehan, CFA, MBA Avon

Sending thanks

On behalf of the English in Action staff, immigrant community and the board of directors, I want to thank the Aspen Thrift Shop for their generosity in granting funds to English in Action for the vital programming offered throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. In addition, I would like to thank the hundreds of generous community members and businesses who have donated $4.3 million toward our goal of $5 million for the creation of our new home. On May 1 we celebrated our groundbreaking and need your help in realizing our dream. Only $700,000 to go! With immense gratitude, Helene Gude English in Action board of directors

LETTERS POLICY: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

Senior Kyra Reeds took first place and ran a personal record (PR) time of sub-17 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles on Saturday. She also took fourth in the 300 hurdles (50.3) and ran on the fifth-place 4x200 relay with junior Isabella Moon, senior Evi Keating and sophomore Nikki Tardif (1:56.85).

Other top performances among the Lady Rams came from Tardif, third in the 400 meters (1:03.78) and fifth in the 200 meters (28.55); Moon, fifth 1600 meters (5:50.99) and sixth 400 meters (1:08.16, with a PR 1:05.58 in prelims); sophomore Caroline Cole, eighth in the 1600 meters (PR 5:56.46) and a PR 2:37.78 in the 800 meters; freshman Sadie Silcox, PR 2:51.33 in the 800.

Among the Rams boys, the 4x100 relay team of seniors Angel Quinteros and Mateo Ledezma, junior Eli Norris and freshman Gianluca Liuzzi placed sixth with a time of 1:41.19.

And PRs came in the long jump for Norris (18 feet, 2 inches) and senior Angel Quinteros (18 feet, 0.5 inches), and for junior Magnus Knable in the 1600 meters (5:19.93) and 800 meters (2:18.29), and freshman Erik Palomera in the 3200 meters (12:31.99).

Photo by Tommy Sands

Photo by Klaus Kocher

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Happy Mother’s Day

Mallory Kaufman and Carter Montemurro

Olivia Castaneda and Angel Matias

Taylor Erickson and Grey

Mariah Gosnell and Talon

Katie Hyman and Ansel and Francis White

Robin Colt and Alexander Aboussie

Willa Bonzi and Enzo

Meghan Detering and Brinlee Baldwin

Roz Brokaw and Sofia Rosati

Kerry Van der Voort and Vander Stokely

Photos by Klaus Kocher

Karina Lara and Viktor